Remember how I said our country is going to hell?

See, I did say that. But what I want to show you is this, and I hope you´ll join me in boycotting this property ownership.

Check out this article on a banned piece of clothing and then join me in a boycot of Simon Property Group Inc.

So now it´s inciting a riot to speak for peace. This has been the way our own (!!!) Government has kept the people from speaking for years. Peace equals violence. Well I´m not taking it anymore. Peace means peace and you had better expect I´ll be doing more peacful protesting when I get back.

I hope you´ll join me.

Windmills...

What´s the purpose of technology? Is it to make our lives better, easire, more complex? Answer for yourself, that´s the purpose. It´s many things good and bad. So consider this article about some big new wind farms ready to go in (lot´s of projects, and kw and dollars) and a military study about windmills effect on radar. It´s sort of blankent ban the energy speculators claim and some say politically motivated. Makes sense in a way, we´re fighting a war over oil now, so it doesn´t really make much sense to subert the price and competition for oil.

But let´s forget about all the politics for a moment and consider the effect on the landscape. Imagine open prarie or rolling hills, rivers, forests. Covered in windmills. Can we still consider this open space? How will the presence of such devices affect our perception of nature?

Wind energy is one of the most abundant and clean energy sources we know of. The materials needed to construct a windmill are not exceptional. The resource they are drawing from is (seemingly) immense and even infinte, well wind speeds are picking up!

How will windmills effect habitit if expanded to a great range? Perhaps this is our best solution, the landscape peppered with giant peacful giants, and energy aplenty, but I don´t think any solution that takes on the present demand is efficient or sustainably, and reducing demand is always the best solution.

And I think i´d rather have a windmill in my backyard than a nuclear plant over the hill.

Old Idea, New Life

One of my favorite people and I were having a discussion a while ago about the state of the world and we both decided it could be better. One of the main ideas we tossed about was the idea of new governments. Governmentes based in space, in new forms (without land or property?), or without extant populations. I really like this idea and think it works on many levels.

Why be part of a government that you don't believe in? Why not form your own or sign up for one that guarentees you the rights you want? Pay taxes to them, get defense and rights from them. Be part of a collective, or a mutual.

The easiest way to see this happening is if there is an orbiting platform that houses the governemnt and acts as the "land" for the country. The other easiest option is Lunar establishment, with the oportunity for colonization.

Ken Macleod writes about these ideas in his Fall Revolution series, the first being The Star Fraction wherein there are areas on Earth governed by Space, and when entering one of these areas you literally enter space territory.

So why can't we have these now? Why can't we have a government that is totally new, of totally new ideas, and open to anyone who wants to be a part of it? If the USA and other countries are already using mercenary forces for protection and offense, then this government can too. So you tell me why or why not.

Viva Freedom!

Now i'm scared

So, if you're not scared by this, they you should join the army. World War 3 and if you still think Bush is a good president (or even person) you should definitely join the army. Right now.

So I've been thinking... a lot

So many thoughts and so much to think about.

Some were generated while sailing aboard Northern Light with my aunt and uncle Deborah and Rolf. I read many good books, learned how to sail (somewhat) saw some amazing things, and had a great amount of time to just be and relax. When I got back to La Paz through some serious events, traumatic and beautiful, I took more time to recognize what was going on within. Then I read Cosmic Trigger and my mind was opened to some other possibilities.

But let's talk green for a second.

La Paz is a city of extremes. Up and down, poor and (moderately) wealthy, but like any city or civilization considered modern, La Paz has a pyramid shaped demographic. So many of the people here are on the low end of an economic slope that is traditionally unclimbable, that survival needs have dictated a sustainable lifestyle, and it's only those few on top who are riding the western wave of SUV's and waste.

Now that's not to say that there aren't sustainability problems that saturate life for all in La Paz, but it's just less likely that someone making less than a dollar a day will waste anything. One big problem here is plastic and other non bio-degradable waste and litter. The city has novel approaches to this problem, but recycling and reusing of typical disposables is needed here in a big way. There is some recycling but nothing universal or consistent throughout the city.

So what would it take to make a city like La Paz, where so much is already reused, recycled, and run down? Clean energy, and a local and less polluting fuel source for vehicles. Elimination of the ubiquitous plastic bag (that is a certain part of the economy here), and education. It sounds like a lot to do but it's nothing! Really! Compared to what we must overcome in countries with the horrendous and despicable consumption problems like the good ole' USA, Bolivia could be the first, and best country in sustainability with much greater ease.

What does this mean? Globally, and here, where I sit, in La Paz, Bolivia. Perspective shift. Change of vision. New Vision, and no programs. The people of Bolivia are some of the most mobile minded people in the world. They have had 30 changes of power in 25 years, and for the first time they have a president who is loved by the people, respected by his peers, and unafraid of pressure from outside.

I say it now, Evo Morales, you have a chance to be the leader of the world in National Sustainability. How would that feel? For one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere to lead the world with vision?

Amazing. Great. Proud, and above all, hopeful.

Blogging will be slow here... but not....

Hi you faithful blogger type happy people!

I'm back on the internet but i've got to tell you that i won't be posting here much... well, that could change but for now check out my other blog Bolivia Bound as it is where i am (bolivia) and is what i'm writing aboutl. Hope you enjoy it and i hope you are living and feeling as green as possilbe!

Best,

Eli

America; Growing less and less free

I am forced to ask myself "What is Freedom (to me)?" due to recent events, and to the current state of affairs in our country. This article says it all. South Dakota has passed a bill that will cause a legal chain of events that can lead to the Supreme Court and an overturning of Row vs. Wade. It is happening right now. Are you angry? I am. I think it's time to show it.

Organize. Speak with your friends. Get angry and get active. If you believe in this country as I do then you must believe in speaking up for your self. For your rights. No Man will make this change as powerfully as a woman can. That is a simple fact. It is woman's bodies that are being violated just as much as their rights. The right to make a choice about YOUR OWN life is what is at stake here. The life of a being growing inside you is up to you. That's that. Just as I would eliminate an unwanted parasite in my intestines, I have the right to choose to choose about what grows and what doesn't grow inside my own body.

I know this view is unpopular with many people who thing god has given them the right to decide what is right for others and that does not alter my view nor my choice to write about it.

God help us, for America is fading before my eyes, and she is my country, and I love her. It is time for us to save her. And God is my ally.

STEELERS!!! YES!

Well, it's been a long time since I wore Terry Bradshaw pajamas and not quite as long since I watchd O'Donnel suck in super bowl XXX, but it's finally here! The Steelers WON THE SUPER BOWL!

I think this picture says it best.

Congratulations Steelers.

Politics, politicians, deadlock.

Political deadlock, we've lost our path. What's the point in continuing debate on American political issues if the vision guiding them is flawed? And I'm not talking about the vision of the founding fathers. Or the progressive leaders from our countries past. I'm talking about now. It's not longer about leading. Winning elections is not about leading this country any more. It's about making people rich. It's about power. Power corrupts.

And here's how our politicians are handling diplomacy, with tit for tat actions that they themselves say they are against! Check out this article about Venezuelan and American relations.

I'm sick of it, and I'm sick of this illegal and ulawful administration. Someone PLEASE HELP US! Helping America Vote Act. What a load of rubbish. We haven't had a fair and open election for the last two presidential votes. Someone please help.

Power. Maybe that's the problem. And this president wants nothing more than more more more.

My president is Al Gore. The guy who WON the election.

Well, goshdarnit let the revolution begin!

So. It's time already. Hasn't the guy who wrote this article read The Moon is a Harsh Mistress? Well, it's on. I'll be there waiting for him with plans, people, and a vision. Viva Luna!

ch E li

The Afterlife: A serious threat

So this is something I have been thinking about for a very long time,
and is something I have discussed at length with friends, colleagues,
and people with different views. I have a feeling that many people
will disagree with my views, but I believe that it is their divergent
perspective that is incorrect, and not my view.

The after-life is a very serious threat to our environment and to our
culture. I do not believe in an after-life in any way in which any
semblance of our bodies, or even our personalities are preserved.
There is a fundamental energy to life that cannot be created or
destroyed. That much is clear and incontrovertible. The Christian
myth of pearly gates, cloudy destinations, and people walking around
having a good (clean) time is nothing more to me than a myth, and not
a very interesting one at that (unless you examine the social
fallout, and that is what this is all about).

The cause of this belief is complex, but I believe it rests in the
church, the establishment of the church, and not in the preaching or
stories of Jesus, or Moses for that matter. It is an idea (a meme if
you follow) that was put forward to create within believers a
reaction. That reaction has the following results;

1. A belief that this is only a temporary and in-between life/world
that we live in
2. What we are doing here and now is only a test for this later
existence that is superior to the existence on Earth
3. What we do to this world and the environment doesn't really matter
because this world doesn't really matter, it's only what comes next
that matters.

This is the life that matters. We create Heaven and Hell RIGHT HERE.

To each man is given the key to heaven. the same key opens the gates
of hell.

My Face.jpg

My Face.jpg
Originally uploaded by eliahusevenseven.

This is how I look when i close my eyes. I'm staring myself in the face as I prepare to depart for Bloivia. I'm ready. Are you?

Republicans Vs. Democrats

In this article I found on Raw Story Congressman Harry Reid (D-NV) says 

"Democrats must stay on the offensive against scandal-ridden, Republican-run Washington," Reid added. "Together, we must clearly and effectively communicate to the American people that it is the culture of corruption created by Republicans in Washington that is standing in the way of action on their priorities."

Democrats on the offensive against Republicans.  Do you know what this gets you?  Politics.  Not Government.  I do believe that the majority of Republicans are corrupt, and that they are in general more corrupt than Democrats, but when they fight each other, it does not solve anything.  What we need are for Democrats to continue to do what Harry Reid has done and CHANGE the way Washington (doesn't) work[s].  Leadership and vision, change and renewal.  Not Offense and Defense.  Not Accuse and Protest.  Leadership by example.  That is the only way.

Please,  all members of our Government, follow in the examples of those before you who put aside personal ambition and led this great country honorably, and help us all find hope.

The Fundamentals of Anti-Game

This disclaimer comes with a disclaimer: I am not a player and I have never pretended to be, or been labeled as one. In fact I'm a super dork and that is why this works, and honestly, it all comes down to one thing; honesty.

ANTI GAME

To understand anti game you must first think about what game is. A good friend once described game in this way: "Game is whenever you do something because of how you think the other person will react." very true and very simple. The repercussions of this statement are immense. This means that every time you put on your clothes and wonder "Will this make me look hot?" or "Do I look like a dork?" you are playing the game. Every time you say something that you think someone else will find interesting but you don't you are playing the game. Every time you raise your hand in class without a question you don't already know the answer to, game. Every question a lawyer asks a question she'd better damn well be playing the game (but that's a whole different thing). You get the idea. Doing anything because of how you THINK someone else might react is game. And game is BULL.

So Anti-Game is NOT the absence of game, it is the opposite and actively opposite of game. It exists because of game (and is therefore inherently flawed - we'll get to that later). Anti game is best described in examples and there is a range of examples...

Example 1 courtesy of Br. Alexander B.; "I insult a girl so much that if I EVER say anything nice to her she feels special." this is a classic case of taking it to far and being downright rude. There are girls that will go for this and they tend to be very self destructive. I do not condone this at all.

Example 2; Say crazy things that you really believe. "I like your sleeves." from Napoleon Dynamite is a great example. He is totally anti game (and borders on the next level... later! later!)

Example 3; Don't care. Really, don't care about stuff.. Don't take things personally. It's part of being a strong person. Believe in your self and don't care what other people say or think. This is hard to over emphasize. This can be close to ignoring something you might want, or actually just telling someone there is something you want (maybe them?). The trick is to never be false. If you aren't ready to ask for something you want because you are afraid of not getting it, don't ask. Ignore it and let it come to you and spend the time you would have spent obsessing over it doing something productive for yourself.

Example 4; Talk yourself down and others up. This is akin to being modes about yourself, and flattering others (always with honesty, never say something you don't believe and never write anything down you wouldn't want your mother to read).

AND NOW the next level... Beyond the reaching of Anti-Game sits Unwantable.

Unwantable is the pinnacle of being honest. It is where you are so honest with yourself that you don't care about hiding any of it. Show it off. Show the world who you are because it doesn't matter one whit what they think. One of my favorite examples of this comes from my own experience.
I love the smell of lavender. It is my favorite smell. Many people in our culture and others think that smelling like lavender is feminine and ridiculous for a man. Well I don't care. I was given a bottle of lavender essential oil. Sometimes I put it on like cologne and go out. Women smell it on me, and it's like nails to a magnet. A really really strong magnate that shocks the nails out of their comfort zone and into a brand new bigger and better comfort zone.

Most men are not comfortable enough with their masculinity to do this. That's ok. I am. And when people realize this it is profound. Go ahead. Be yourself. Be Unwantable, and the world will be yours.

PS Please use this information for good only. If you do not you will die and be unhappy.

Anti Semites are bad

So I was out last night celebrating my purchase of a ticket to south America with my friends. We ended up at the Boiler room, one of my usual karoke spots. It was open mic night for comedians. We came from the Low Brow where we satisfied our need for an American specialty known as the white trash special (a miller and a shot of old crow). Needless to say we were well juiced and ready for more action. Jojo and I arrived at the Boiler Room and sat down with our buddies who will remain nameless to protect the innocent. We enjoyed a comic. Very self deprecating, and very funny. Then the next guy came one. His first joke was outright Anti Semitic. The boiler room. So, naturally Jojo stands up and TAKES THE MIC from the guy. It was awesome. He had no idea what to do. She started asking why he was making such jokes and he had no answer. It was awesome. Then he called her a c*nt and a b*tch. So I got up. I grabbed the mic he had taken back from Jojo and started talking into it. It took the DJ to put on music and cut off my mic before I let go of it. By that time Jojo had gotten into talking with the joker and his buddies. I went over and joined them. They were some of the most spineless dweebs I have ever talked to. It was almost no fun showing them and the rest of the bar how stupid they were, partly because it was so easy, and partly because they sucked so much to be around. Eventually someone got slapped and everything got crazy, but bottom line, we ended up safe and sound and a bit grittier for one reason: standing up for what you believe in is gritty business. But someone's gotta do it.

The Two Nows

One is the NOW that is happening simultaneously everywhere all at once. As in right here, right now where you are reading this, and simultaneously right now across the world, across the solar system, across the entire universe, the same now. The second NOW is the now of limits of information. The NOW that looks like fresh sunlight to you streaming from the sun to your eyeballs. In reality that light is minutes old. It is the NOW that is perception to you. If someone sent a message from the moon that the sun has set on the moon and you are hearing it, the sun actually set seconds before you received that message, but to you and the universe the limits of information transfer are for now the speed of light and nothing else. Since that is a set speed limit there is an appreciated NOW that is what we perceive, and not what is really happening. I ask you, which is more important to you, and which do you use?

I thought so.

Why does time always seem to get faster?

Time is a subjective experience. It is always in flux only because we are always in flux. Time ticks on, and the moment is as constant as this passage. In fact there are two nows, but I'll go into that next. So why does time seem to always be speeding up in our lives? Each year is shorter or faster than the last, each day, a smaller interval unto the next. Here's why:

When we are born we are zero (at least in our culture). As soon as a single day has passed that day has been 100% of our life. By the time we are two days old, a day has dropped in proportional value to 50% (wow! That's worse than buying a new car!). By the time we are three days old a day has again devalued to 33% of our life. There is a mathematical equation here, and you can substitute any quantitative value for "day" that you like. Q for quantity or number of time units being used to measure our life, q for the unit itself (one quanta), and N for number of units that have passed. So;

q * n = Q

q/Q = devalued percentage of q

q = the weighted value of a year

Now take this on a comparative basis, if you are the modest age of 28 years old (as I purport) the equation looks like this

1 year * 28 years old = 28 years old

1 year/28 years old = 3.5% q

when I am 29 q = 1/29 = 3.4%

A better mathematics student could turn this into an elegant equation, I cannot. However what this does show is that each unit of measurement is further devalued as you age, so there fore each day year, month, whatever you are older, is shorter and a smaller percentage of your life. Time does not get faster, your appreciation of it perceptually dwindles.

The Two Nows deserves it's own post. Coming soon.

Yea, so i'm kinda upset... but also joyous!!!

First the good.

Evo Morales has just been elected to the Presidency of Bolivia, the very same Bolivia that I am going to in February. He's the first Native American to become president of any American country since some guy in Mexico in the 1800's. He's a coca grower and a socialist (I think).

I cannot wait to get there and see the democracy in action. The people! Power to the People!!!!

The Bad.

Our government continues to piss me off. Like all the time. Bush is bad dude. He is a profit seeking corrupt capitalist and I cannot stand the fact that OUR COUNTRY, the country that is supposed to have cherished freedom more than any other, is being led to the slaughter one brilliant soul after another in a land of peoples that have done nothing to us. Now, terrorism, that is an evil thing and something to be ended but not by killing people in Iraq. Have we even tried diplomacy? Do we even know who to talk to? Have we even tried? It's almost Christmas. All those beautiful sons and daughters killing each other and all they want to do is be home with their families celebrating and loving. And all they get is another clip.

Peace love and happiness, the world over.

Scary American tactics to sow discord

So i'm reading the news and I came acrosst this bit:

Canada shrugs at US warnings not to bash

to sumarize this text is copied from the linked article

"In a hard-hitting speech in Ottawa, U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins lamented what he called relentless and incessant criticism of his country, which he speculated might begin to sow doubt about the strength of the binational relationship."

Other countries are not allowed to speak their opinions any more? We can not critize? They can not critize without "sow[ing] doubt about the strength of the .. relationship?" That is crazy and it is against the ideas of free speech that our country holds most sacred! Who is this ambassador and why hasn't he been fired yet! Insulting our neighbors in such a childish and paltry way offends me. We should praise them for speaking their minds and for being HONEST!!!!

DAMN! I CAN'T believe what has happend to our country and this administration is at the roof of all of it.

DOWN WITH THE EMPEROR! UP WITH FREEDOM!

We're just a bunch of animals

Isn't it odd, but it's the moments of our greatest humility that make
us feel most human. LIke when completing an act of base animality
(urination, fight or flight, lust, hunger, physical weakness) I
recognize my basic nature as a hairy mammal. Yet we spend so much
time in our heads, in constructs of thought, of emotion. Detailed
vanguards of inner dialogue and debate. Ideas spun in virtual
syntax, we separate our lives from the very acts of living that we
don every moment. I feel it's important to remember how truly animal
we are. It is our nature, and it is our future, no matter how hooked
in or digitized we become.... until the AIs arrive at least ;)