Surfing the Tao » Science

Zombies, Food Security and Little Shifts

Angela — Tue, 19 May 2009 06:39:08 +0000

“Control oil and you control nations; control food and you control the people.” – Henry Kissinger

‘Food security’ is a phrase one hears more often these days. When mainstream news or government sources discuss the topic, it’s generally in terms of subsidies for big ag, testing GMOs in Africa, tighter ‘safety’ controls on food production – clearly it is within the Oligarchy’s intent to control the world’s food, and they do it in the name of ‘saving’ us but in reality…well, if you’re here reading this, you know what’s really going on.

How simple to provide everyone their daily bread, in the form of federally regulated, poisonous, addictive, mass-produced, cheap and accessible goodies. We have already forgotten our grandparent’s knowledge of the land. We are too busy with chips and sodas, iPods and Idols to care about such fuddy-duddy things. We figure we won out, no longer isolated on a dirty, back-breaking farm, but free to roam the brightly-colored plastic prisons of our future. The entire scheme was brilliant, really, and took only about 50 years. Amazing how quickly – and happily – we forget.

Slowly, though, the pendulum is beginning to swing back, whether due to a rediscovered consciousness and respect for the land, or a lingering vision of a post-apocalyptic nightmare complete with marauding bands of cannibal zombies. Food security is something families and communities are beginning to rethink, at the local level. Down here in the trenches, is is dawning on many more people how unbalanced our present high-industrial, corporate system has become. It is fragile, because if for whatever reason any link in that mega-chain fails, millions of people will find their only source of food – grocery stores – empty. It is also toxic on multiple levels, from the chemical-laden, land-scorching, seed-stealing, slaughterhouse-nightmare production practices, to the preservative-laden, neurotransmitter-deadening, nutrition-parched, Frankenstein-food products themselves. Not to mention the millions of individual packaging materials that end up in landfills and floating in the middle of the ocean, or the loss of an important spiritual connection to our planet.

If evil aliens from outer space had planned the whole thing to lure us into their waiting arms, I certainly would not be surprised. It’s patently insane.

How could we have allowed this to happen; participate in it, even? In truth, we are already zombies. A la Hansel and Gretel, we have allowed ourselves to wander without thought towards the promise of cakes, candy and the ‘easy life’. And we wonder why cancer and obesity rates have spiked. It would be easy to remain lulled in this hypnotic trance with Cheetos and snack-paks. But it is time to wake up. There’s nothing ‘easy’ about discovering you cannot make your own food or find your own water.

Some are making the radical transition ‘back to nature’ in its fullest sense, but even the Amish use the occasional tractor. Ultimately, if there really were a massive frequency shift into a higher level of consciousness, we probably wouldn’t need to think about alternative fuel sources or recycling plastic. But until then, it just feels right to make little shifts, however we can, to hitch a ride on that giant pendulum. No one really knows yet what will happen. What we do know is that we absolutely cannot sustain the way of life that has evolved since our grandparents’ generation.

The good news us, these past 50 years did not go to waste – not by a long shot. Many incredible technologies and solutions have come of age which will make our transition back to a sustainable lifestyle less back-breaking than our grandparents could have imagined. We have the benefit of a massive revolution of industry and science behind us now, and I believe it’s possible to return to our roots, without losing some wonderful resources. We just need to get our priorities straight, make some compromises, and – well, do a little initial work.

I originally began this post by describing many of the sustainable efforts we are putting into practice around here in detail. But if you are keeping up with the subject, it’s clear that the p-t-b are apparently still not gung-ho about such endeavors, Obama or no Obama, and irrespective of any organic White House garden (though I must snicker at the Daily Show’s recent skewering of the big ag response to that.) So I deleted it. But since our efforts have been taking all of my extra time, which has left this blog sorely neglected, I decided my readers deserved more. I’m also reading Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and I am decidedly jealous. My vision far exceeds our tiny space, at least for now.

So I will say, we are sprouting all sorts of interesting heirloom vegetables and exotic fruits, have met some really helpful and knowledgeable local folk who have shared information on organic gardening in Hawaii, and even received various seeds and plants we are incorporating. Mind you, we live in a suburban neighborhood on a ¼ acre plot with two houses. But you’d be surprised what you can fit in. We also got a late start; it is Hawaii so our growing season is all year long, however we do have mini-seasons, and one does have to pay attention to what varieties grow better in any particular microclimate. We are definitely in the experimental stages, and I find encouragement from all the wonderful gardening resources both locally and online.

There are also some new additions of the common poultry variety to our blossoming backyard endeavor. We’re hoping the neighbors won’t mind. We won’t keep any roosters, but at least in Hawaii we can rest assured that with a goat over one fence and a beekeeper across the street – not to mention the rooster crowing up the street – we’re not likely to be too off the charts.

I am beginning to think about local networks of trade, it would be cool to trade some eggs or tomatoes for some ahi or honey for example, like a modern ahupua’a. Likely the old-fashioned coconut wireless and local farmer’s markets will be our best bet out here, but I was surprised at the lack of online resources in that regard. The Internet would be a great way to establish some new relationships, now that so many more people are getting involved (at least until the power fails ). I did find some which trade vegetables, but it would be nice to include other items as well, which they do not allow. Here is an interesting site on bartering all kinds of things. I will definitely be investigating further.

Our location makes true off-the-grid living only a dream, though the previous owners installed solar water heaters, we’ve switched to low-energy light bulbs, unplug our appliances when not in use and try to recycle every scrap we can. Hawaii has a redemption policy so we usually even make a few bucks. There are no curbside pickups here on the Big Island; we must cart it all to the local dump/recycling center, but it’s not far away and I simply can’t stand the thought of contributing to a landfill on such a limited patch of land in the middle of the ocean, apocalypse or no apocalypse.

The nuisance has got me thinking quite a bit about packaging. Walking into a Walmart, all I can see are the inevitable piles of rubbish, with all those ridiculous individual, throw-away boxes and bottles. Consider the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, one of the many truly tragic results of this way of life. Here is a short list of facts about plastic pollution that might surprise you, even if you think you already know how bad it is. Some communities are stepping up programs to eliminate the plastic shopping bag. Recycle This has some good suggestions.

Certainly it would be sensible to either 1) use 100% biodegradable plastic or 2) provide a way to refill the container, rather than buying an entirely new bottle. Soaps, shampoos, cleaning supplies, you name it; there should be refill centers in our local stores where we can make use of our containers and pay by weight. Or something. In the long run it would make a huge difference. I wonder why the “geniuses” who started this whole thing didn’t implement something sensible to begin with. (Oh, right, they didn’t care about sustainability; only profit, as well as the world government they would foist upon us to ‘clean it up’ and have us believe it’s all our fault. Sorry, I forgot.)

There is an eye-opening short called The Story of Stuff that is worth watching.

Some ingenious inventors are thinking outside the box. Free energy technologies continue to lurk in the background. One will know the government is truly ‘transparent’ when such knowledge is finally released to the public, instead of being either continuously blackballed or tightly controlled in secret. (Likely why UFOs are also still an enigma.) The wisdom of the ancients, if understood and used correctly for peace and harmony in the world, could be our saving grace. Some people close to me are quick to point out, however, that perhaps humanity is not yet ready for such power if it includes the power of destruction. Some are; many are likely not, if our world’s wars and conflicts are any evidence.

In the meantime, there are many, many other alternative technologies to look for. Solar ovens are a great idea, as are rocket stoves, and would be good additions to the emergency kit. How about a generator that runs on used vegetable oil? A student developed a solar fridge that is already helping people in developing countries. Researchers are making car parts out of coconut husks. Shipping containers are getting makeovers into affordable housing. Wind generators are becoming more affordable. How about a green cell phone, or at the least, a solar cell phone charger? Frankly, that last one should be de rigueur. And this is only the tip of the iceberg.

There are options out there, though they are typically not found at the local convenience store yet, and can be more expensive. One can find recyclable toothbrushes, for example. Put your used plastic bottles to work with the Solarbulb lamp attachment. Invest in a good reusable water bottle.

We must also think about the unthinkable. How about reusable toilet wipes? Here in Hawaii one can grow a Melocia tree or ‘toilet paper tree’, with large, soft leaves. Many Moons Alternatives can even suggest some ideas regarding women’s personal care. Important considerations not only for the environment, but for survival situations as well. Toronto’s “Green Bin” program is recycling not only the usual plastic and glass, but also kitty litter, animal waste and even dirty diapers. Kitty litter is actually a really big problem, as the clay mined for it strips the land, it’s toxic when inhaled and disposed of, and not typically recyclable.

Precycling, or simply not purchasing or using items in the first place, is a great thought. Little shifts, dontcha know. I would love to have the time to also make our own soap, toothpaste, cloth and much more…but alas, I, like many others, am still a slave to the society I was born into, though I am working on it. Perhaps we can merge into a balance at the center, supporting smaller companies who use local, nontoxic ingredients, a much smaller carbon footprint and eventually, little or no fossil fuels.

Initially this shift will take some expense, forethought and compromise. The journey of a thousand miles began with the first step, and if we make it that far, our grandchildren will thank us. Do zombies even have grandchildren? I don’t think so. Find local sources of fresh unadulterated vegetables, even meat and fish if you go there, and buy what you can when it’s in season. Refuse to buy packaged junk food and unnecessary trinkets, recycle and buy recycled goods if you must, get off the couch and water a tomato plant. That alone could move mountains, save you a few pennies, and even knock off a few pounds.

This series of small shifts could lead to a greater shift. It would be the start of a larger transition towards balance between city and farm, between humanity and the planet. We would have more time, and resources, to explore space – both inner and outer.

It has always been my vision that it is possible to reconnect with our land and our community in a profound and sustainable way, without losing access to some great innovations. First, we must seriously consider a return to local food sources, however we can manage. But if we were smart about it, we wouldn’t have to hitch our covered wagons on the way back to isolation at the homestead; we could just press the ignition on a small, solar-powered flying car, and continue to trade gardening tips with our friends in the Far East.

2012: A Perfect Storm?

Angela — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:32:55 +0000

“Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.” – Pablo Picasso

Much is being written about 2012 and what changes that year will bring. The Mayan calendar and various other religious and spiritual prophecies have seeped into popular culture to the extent that much of the world will be holding their breath on December 21, 2012 at 11:11 PM Universal Time, like Y2K to the umpteenth degree.

I have often been asked what I believe will happen on that day, if anything. The way I see it, it is already happening; we are already knee-deep in the preamble web of events, from which the tendrils of our future will be created. Whether as a result of ancient prophecies coming to pass, our having to finally take responsibility for the excesses of the past century, or simply the full-blown noospheric power of the expectations of millions of psyches, 2012 promises to be a banner year.

Whatever the cause, I must admit to a sense of further quickening. Terence McKenna is likely smiling knowingly from Somewhere, as the lines on the graph of his Timewave Zero theory march their way towards the 2012 zenith. I believe we are now witnessing the rapid spiraling of current crises and scenarios into some terrific opportunities for nefarious solutions by our world’s elite, not to mention the documented potential for spectacular destruction within our solar system. Whether these events will happen, much less converge exactly on that 12/21/12 date, or even within that year, I could not say for sure, but the timing is notable.

Frankly it’s coming so fast and furiously right now that I can barely keep up with it, as the same quickening seems to be happening in my own life, on smaller scale, in some kind of ironic, synchronistic testimony to the scalable unified field. I simply don’t have time to write about it as I would like, because I’m so busy living it. Perhaps we all are, in our own ways, navigating the Eschaton, whether we believe in it or not.

We are certainly being inundated with a constant banter, which perhaps attempts to instill fear, though ought to only keep us focused and alert. Economic crisis, world currency, new world order, world war, civil liberties, socialism, artificial intelligence, nonlethal weapons technology, seed banks, UFO disclosure, 2012 solar cycle, prophecies, earthquakes, volcanoes, sustainability, self-sufficiency, gardening, alternative energy, free energy, consciousness shift, revolution, evolution…truth does seem to be stranger than fiction these days.

Another resonant topic which continues to haunt me is Planet X or a binary star/sister sun theory, though I cannot provide substantial third-dimensional proof, enigmatic Vatican probes and Antarctic telescopes notwithstanding. The only shred of mainstream scientific evidence could be that our ‘global warming’ phenomenon seems to actually be happening across our solar system, not just on Earth. Polar ice continues to melt, but Jupiter’s great red storm is shrinking too. Still others say we are headed for another ice age. How about this radical take at Rense: Evidence of Solar Manipulation and Solar Changes?

What doesn’t seem to be up for debate is the fact that our Sun’s behavior can be worrisome. Many of the ancient prophecies seem to include mention of the Sun, and/or other planetary movements, such as the Mayan belief that the 2012 date indicated the end of the time of the Fourth Sun, and the beginning of the world of the Fifth Sun. In Revelation 6:12, the sun turned black after a great earthquake. Other ancient prophecies, including the Koran, the Norse Ragnarok, the Egyptian Ipuwer Papyrus, the Kolbrin Bible, North American Indian prophecy and many, many other books in the Bible warn of a future time of destruction during which the earth will burn and shake violently. I enumerated many of these in my book in the chapter, Destruction by Fire. I noted the strange recurrence of these similar warnings across time and culture. Here’s a good overview of the Mayan calendar and the solar cycles.

Strange ancient hieroglyphics, now discovered in widely diverse locations around the globe from Colorado to Yemen, Australia and South America, all seem to be referring to “some event, possibly related to the Sun, which was prophesied to change human civilization.”

Currently our Sun is in a period of extreme quiet, with the lowest sunspot activity in nearly a century of recording, the great calm before what is now expected to be a great solar storm in 2012, when the sun reaches the apex of its 11-year cycle. Due to the weakening magnetic fields around both Earth and the Sun, it is expected to be more ferocious than usual. A recent report on severe space weather and its potential economic and societal effects has been making its way into the mainstream media. One can now find various releasing hair-raising alerts in this regard, one after the other.

From the Telegraph: Scientists are expecting a more intense solar cycle this time around. Jimmy Raeder, a physicist with the University of New Hampshire, explained it is “because the Earth’s and the sun’s magnetic fields will be in sync at the cycle’s peak, expected in 2012, that will cause an influx of solar particles”.

From NASA: A Giant Breach in Earth’s Magnetic Field, “NASA’s five THEMIS spacecraft have discovered a breach in Earth’s magnetic field ten times larger than anything previously thought to exist.” At first scientists couldn’t even believe it. Themis is working to determine the severity of the expected upcoming solar storm,and the magnitude of effects it will have on our electronic grids and satellite systems.

In December of last year, from Fox News: Powerful Solar Storm Could Shut Down U.S. for Months. Another recent Fox News report with physicist Michio Kaku is frighteningly clear. WATCH IT. I am familiar with Dr. Kaku and his calm intelligence, and this seems almost outrageous coming from him. He claims he and his fellow scientists made a mistake, and that the 2012 solar cycle will be far more disastrous than previously imagined. Wow.

Here’s a real doozy of a doomsday scenario recently outlined by New Scientist: Space storm alert: 90 seconds from catastrophe. Or how about this from the Daily Mail, Solar storm could cause planetary disaster at any time, warn scientists. A Danish study has even concluded that the earth’s magnetic field is impacting our climate. All this, and CNN is still debunking 2012 as a meaningless popular culture meme? Well, which one is it??

Australia is adding a new magnetic field observatory to study the weakening field and hopefully gain warning of an imminent polar reversal. Meanwhile check Spaceweather.com for news and updates. NOAA provides current solar data, and here’s their solar activity monitor. Here is their space weather prediction center. And the seed banks continue to be made ready by 2011.

Here’s a YouTube video of Jay Weidner at the recent 2012 conference talking about the sun’s reduced heliosphere and an inundation of radiation from the center of the galaxy by 2012. The warnings, he explains, are important, but he also separates himself from the ‘gloom and doomers’ by expressing that this change could be seen as an opportunity, even if it was forced upon us.

I find myself agreeing with that. Using a pending Apocalypse as an opportunity is the essence of Surfing the Tao. Whether anything will happen in 2012 or not, current world events are forcing us to take a hard look at how we are choosing to live on this planet. There are of course many people who are too conditioned to the trees to even notice the forest, much less discern any correlations and make adequate preparations within themselves. But more people are growing vegetable gardens this year than ever, and companies are even running out of seeds. Murmurs of alternative energy solutions are louder than ever. Communities are turning inwards for solutions, as well we all should. Networks espousing such thoughtfulness, teamwork and sustainability are springing up everywhere. Whether it’s to prepare for the End of the World, or just the end of an unsustainable world of bad habits, it’s all good.

Many believe there will be a shift, whether wholly on this day or as a beginning on this date (or perhaps now already started, to be completed then) from the third to the fourth density; in other words some kind of shift in consciousness, or dimensions. Of this possibility I have also received a kind of inner confirmation, though it remains nebulous as to what, how, where, and when. People seem to have their own theories on that, to be sure. Love is key; true unselfish compassion is essential, and perhaps if we can cultivate that, the rest will come. Personally, I suggest the teachings of Jesus remain the best wisdom to follow in that department, whatever your religious or spiritual beliefs, if any.

Indeed we are very much affected by magnetic fields; would a significant change in the field give us just what we would need to reach Beyond what we think of as reality? A “perfect storm” indeed perhaps? Creation from destruction? I might like to posit one additional intuition here as well. I have always felt that this ‘shift’ might also either require, or gain a significant boost, from some sort of technology, yet to be pinpointed. I’m not sure why I think that, or what it is, just the idea of some kind of portal, stargate or even shield has continued to nag at me. Call me crazy, but I think there are a lot of puzzle pieces still out there. Just take a look at the megaliths around the world. Seems a bit too contrived to be random. Anyway just a thought.

Whether events converge to create the perfect storm in 2012, or simply give us the perfect opportunity for a positive evolution, the best advice I can give is pay attention. Be prepared, but not fearful. Keep your ear to the ground, and use your inner discernment to find the thread of truth.

And love your neighbor. You might need him one of these days.

Prevent trouble before it arises.

Put things in order before they exist.

-Tao Te Ching #64

Notes from the Surf XXXV

Angela — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 02:54:47 +0000

We are in the midst of planning a vegetable garden here in Hawaii. Here’s a video of Richard Ha speaking about food security on the Big Island.

Still quite a bit of scurfuffle about HR 875′s Food Safety Modernization Act mentioned in my last entry. To be fair, here is a debunking of the Monsanto/Big Brother fears from FactCheck.org. At Reality Sandwich’s article Organic Outlaws a commenter also attempts to allay the panic, citing a couple of interesting links to a blog about the recent Congressional hearings on topic. However, another commenter asks not to ‘sell out our children’s health’ and links to eye-opening instructions on how to register one’s farm with the FDA, and who is exempt: unless ALL your homegrown food is consumed ON PROPERTY you’re supposed to ‘register’. Huh. Does that include sharing your tomatoes with your neighbors??

Monsanto GM-corn harvest fails massively in South Africa

Do GM Crops Increase Yield? The Answer is No

First GMOs, now nano-bots in our food? Standards under scrutiny as food giants explore nanotechnology

Codex Alimentarius lecture by Ian R. Crane (YouTube, Part 1 of 9) – “never heard of it? That’s exactly what they want!”
HR 1388 “GIVE” Act Could Force Mandatory Service Requirement on All Young Americans

From Rolling Stone, a surprisingly blatant article: The Big Takeover: The global economic crisis isn’t about money – it’s about power. How Wall Street insiders are using the bailout to stage a revolution

David Icke is on target here: Please Don’t Riot…it’s Just What ‘They’ Want

Think or Be Eaten: The Coup Will Not Be Televised

Hmm: John Whitehead: Speak Truth to Power

UK: Spy database to monitor your every move on Facebook and MySpace

Electronic Mind Control
Obama Opens Secret Laboratories to Germany
New wisdom from Neil Kramer at The Cleaver: Becoming the Primal

Fascinating discovery coming to light in Turkey: Do these mysterious stones mark the site of the Garden of Eden? And here’s a great video on that…could these discoveries change what archaeologists think they know about the history of human civilization on our planet?

Interesting ancient technology? The Wands of Horus

All kinds of interesting stuff from Reality Sandwich:

Chaos, Collapse and Synchronicity

Christ & the Maya Calendar: 2012 & the Coming of the Antichrist

What Now, America?

A Brief Confession

Double hmm: UFO-alien abduction sleuth spots Christian ‘smoking gun’, and Part II

Another intriguing chapter from Soundlessdawn over at Labyrinth of the Psychonaut, who incidentally is starting up his own podcast called Balmy Weather, perhaps a nod to recently-retired Stormy Weather: Steganography, Musical Biofeedback, and The Psychology of Occult Holophonic Cues
Whoa! Yellowstone, the 44, the 111 & the Gen-X Vanguard

Notes from the Surf XXXIV

Angela — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 07:41:08 +0000

Vaccines as Biological Weapons? Live Avian Flu Virus Placed in Baxter Vaccine Materials Sent to 18 Countries
ANOTHER AUTISM CASE WINS IN VACCINE COURT – from Robert F. Kennedy et al
A Vaccine Offers Instant Immunity: A new approach primes antibodies to instantly attack cancers, HIV, and other diseases. (Reminiscent of a Laetrile cancer ‘smart-bomb‘?)

IR, Chemtrails and UFOs from Lesley at Grey Matters, here is the video she refers to at YouTube

Hollywood does chemtrails – starring Anne Heche

What the heck is this: The Origins of the Military Coup of 2012 – here is more

Synchromystics, some assistance here: Blackwater changes its name to “Xe”
It’s coming: BBC News: Cashless society

or, Would a Single Global Currency Have Helped Cool the Meltdown?

The Spy Factory: The New Thought Police

HITECH laws and the implantable chip…Implantable chips coming via U.S. healthcare?…

…much like NAIS Info Central: Mandatory chipping of all animals ‘to prevent disease’?
The Great “Global Crisis of Maturity” and the New World Order

Will science have to reconsider the timeline for human origins? Archeology news: Why 50,000 bp is a “Crazy Date” for Topper

New weaponry: sticky foam and ball lightning

As you watch TV, is Big Brother watching you back?

Sacred Visions of an Apache Elder – 1991 article by Tom Brown
Quantum superheroes: The science of Watchmen

Our Contaminated World: The Pharmaceutical Darkside

Angela — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 06:39:03 +0000

This is the final of three articles.

Last but certainly not least in this series is the long list of questionable practices undertaken by our pharmaceutical industry, and supported by our government. Now don’t get me wrong – certainly many medicines have been proven to be life-saving, and invaluable for people with serious conditions that become treatable with these medical innovations. I’m not here to argue that modern medicine is a complete flop by any means.

However many argue that doctors are often too quick to prescribe a drug before investigating other safer, alternative therapies such as nutrition and natural supplements. For example, behavioral problems and grades improved in schools that changed their menus to healthy foods. But these days, so many people, including children, are being prescribed drugs which later have been proven harmful to many people. Particularly of note here is the increasing rate at which doctors recommend pharmaceuticals for such symptoms as obesity, ADHD, ED, depression and fatigue. More studies certainly need to be done on the multitude of interactions between all the various toxins we face in our environment (see Part II of this series). Likely as not, they, as well as the quality of the foods we eat, could be affecting these types of conditions in the first place. In many cases, a pill is given to treat a symptom instead of truly rooting out the cause of the dis-ease. However, as also indicated by the previous article in this series, big pharma seems to be winning out over natural solutions.

When sanity and reason seem to have vanished, it begins to smell like…money. A friend told me recently about someone who was prescribed an antidepressant by a doctor and ended up sicker than before – and addicted. Later it became evident that the doctor had received compensation from the drug manufacturer to do so. After some investigation my friend learned that pharmaceutical companies regularly bribe doctors to prescribe their drugs. The more often doctors tout these often still-experimental wares to their unwitting patients, the more they get paid in kickbacks and what are called “spiffs”. The entire scenario is outrageous and criminal. The New York Times published an editorial about it in 2007 entitled, “Is Your Doctor Tied to Drug Makers?” And there is plenty more where that came from. Natural News has a page of articles on such bribery. It’s quite a rabbit hole.

Another subject to mention here is the entire vaccination controversy, which has reached a furor the past few years due to claims that vaccines which contain thimerosol, a mercury-based preservative, are causing autism and even death in a percentage of children. The war is still raging, and official studies so far claim there is no link, even though thousands of parents disagree.

I am aware that many people with autism, while perhaps different in various ways, carry their own brand of wisdom, ability, and genius, often with the capacity to contribute a lot to the world. I must also admit that the basic science behind vaccines changed the face of modern medicine and has saved untold millions of lives. However if a drug that is supposed to prevent future damage to an individual could be changing the personalities they were born with and causing an increase in medical costs and challenges for the families at home, then I begin to wonder. With all the knowledge and technology available today, I might imagine that someone could find a preservative that didn’t raise so many concerns. It arouses suspicion.

The vaccine controversy gets darker when one begins hearing of mandatory requirements, and no way to really know of any added “preservative”. In New Jersey, new laws requiring flu shots for children in day care have been met with protests from parents. Is this just the beginning? On that note, I found a startling article, Drugging America to death, about the true dark side of the pharmaceutical industry, including controls mandated during GW’s time which has made forced vaccinations and drugs a matter of national security,

“In combination with state laws titled Model Emergency Health Powers Act (MEHPA), the government is authorized to quarantine, isolate, imprison or fine anyone who refuses to take these untested drugs and vaccines.⁶ Detailed plans have already been drawn up by the Pentagon and Department of Defense to use the military to enforce these compulsory injections and medical treatments,⁷ and state public health departments have used portions of their bioterrorism budget to identity large sites such as stadiums, malls and cinemas to hold mass vaccinations.”⁸ ^[^{see article for references}^]

Eli Lilly, one of the oldest and largest of the big pharma, is the company that developed thimerosol as well as Prozac and other powerful and controversial drugs. Its prominent board members have included George H.W. Bush, and one can find quite of bit of information online claiming links between Eli Lilly, eugenics, the Bush family and even the Nazis. Eli Lilly is known to have participated in MKULTRA, the CIA’s mind control and chemical interrogation research program, conducted in the 1950s and 1960s, for which Clinton publicly apologized while President.

Wrapped up in this is the subject of the military’s mandatory bioterrorism vaccines, testing drugs on our veterans and other groups of citizens over the years, often circumventing safety measures in the name of fighting bioterrorism. It’s a very deep and dark rabbit hole of unauthorized manipulation, experimentation and mind control. Enter at your own risk.

One area where most of us have no choice is our water supply, which in many, many communities is now known to contain antibiotics and traces of various pharmaceuticals. Bottled water is not necessarily any better, believe it or not. Those are all mainstream news links. Fluoridated water remains more of a controversial issue. FluorideAlert.org reports studies that claim it’s linked to lower IQs. Fluoride.info claims it’s beneficial. The typical dividing line here, as in many of these issues, is that big pharma and government claim it is safe, while smaller independent, natural and homeopathic sources claim it is not. Just as I was finalizing this article, it was announced that communities in the UK were going to begin fluoridating their water, even though many people objected. It’s possible that it might help strengthen teeth, but have a series of negative long-term side effects as well.

The air around us, while perhaps still free, is also not free from harm. Along with pollution from various chemicals and particulates, electromagnetic radiation from power lines, appliances, cell phones – and potentially HAARP – is also on the increase. People in communities with wi-fi are beginning to complain of symptoms. And there’s always the issues of chemtrails – the famously controversial topic relegated to the land of the conspiranoids, regardless of the evidence. See The Chemtrail Smoking Gun: Proof of global atmospheric geoengineering.

After taking a hard look at this various evidence, it becomes clear that the agenda of the powers-that-be may be considered to be motivated by greed rather than pure humanitarian concern. It has been acknowledged that many medical innovations were important milestones in our growth as a society. However one must regard with suspicion the mega-corporations which are consolidating their power with the support of the government, causing sickness and death in millions, while independent alternatives are routinely squelched. I recommend the reader do their own research, as there is much more to be uncovered and made aware of.

These topics, from GMOs, to illegal vitamins and natural cures, to drugs in our children and drinking water, are simply food for thought. They are not meant to create fear, but awareness. To take the next step in our walk on this planet, and beyond, we must not allow a corrupt system to contaminate our minds, or bodies or our spirits. Take the knowledge and find ways to grow beyond it. Be aware of the injustices; fight against them with small steps, each person finding their own Way.

Ultimately it is the revelation of the true nature of our spiritual selves which so many people struggle with. These various contaminants are blocking this work. While I was writing this, a new study revealed that Antidepressants may also suppress love and romance. This article shook me to my shoes, for its synchronistic timing and relevance to this series. Love is the key to survival on a level many people cannot yet begin to fathom. Without the capacity to love, many people may be left behind. If this is indeed the case, it is tragic beyond measure.

While many use globalism as a means to “protect” or even geoengineer the environment and take our world past the current crisis, Aristotle continues to remind us, absolute power corrupts absolutely. The irony is that the work of saving our planet, and thus ourselves, begins in our own back yards. I am not one to advocate violent rebellion. The revolution is one of free will, and it takes place within us. With information as ammunition, we can change how we think, act and react. We can, and will, change the world for the better.

In harmony with the Tao,

the sky is clear and spacious,

the earth is solid and full,

all creatures flourish together,

content with the way they are,

endlessly repeating themselves,

endlessly renewed.

When man interferes with the Tao,

the sky becomes filthy,

the earth becomes depleted,

the equilibrium crumbles,

creatures become extinct.

The Master views the parts with compassion,

because he understands the whole.

His constant practice is humility.

He doesn’t glitter like a jewel

but lets himself he shaped by the Tao,

as rugged and common as a stone.

-Tao Te Ching, #39

Our Contaminated World: Genetically Modified Madness

Angela — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:28:33 +0000

This is the first of three articles.

Among the variety of issues one should be aware of in today’s crazy, mixed up world is the increased manipulation and contamination of our air, food and water supply, as well as the continued pushing of often unnecessary and potentially dangerous prescription drugs on an unwitting population. This subject matter is intense, and though it has grown into a series of articles, they remain only a brief overview.

Why this is being done is a question that could take an entire book to answer, and even then, perhaps not to everyone’s satisfaction. I touched on why in my own book, to a certain extent. Why, is a question for the powers-that-be; the Oligarchy, which continues to allow such things to happen, regardless of any ‘change’ in administration. (At least so far as we can tell, to date.) Whether it’s being done on purpose, can be left up for discussion. Corporate greed run amok? Maybe. Satanic plot? Who knows. Subjects like “mind control” and “eugenics” make many people uncomfortable, though there has been plenty of evidence for both through the years.

GMOs, genetically modified organisms, are very controversial when it comes to food. Many claim they are for the benefit and betterment of humankind, because crops can be engineered to be resistant to weed killers or with more nutrients, and help improve and increase the food supply. On the whole, these are valid points. However one must reconsider when it becomes known that one company, Monsanto, controls nearly all of this technology to the point of engineering seeds to produce sterile crops which force farmers to purchase more seeds each season. The repercussions run deep; one tragic consequence is the thousands of farmers around the world who are committing suicide after having been forced to use Monsanto’s ‘Terminator’ seeds and seeing their farms fail. Suicide seeds indeed.

Additionally, there hasn’t been enough research to know for sure whether GM food poses any long-term health risks to humans. Rushing to allow them in our food supply – good luck finding a bag of corn chips at the grocery store without them nowadays – is questionable. The FDA does not require manufacturers to label their packaging with GMO warnings – only if a product does NOT contain any, one might see a non-GMO label, but they’re hard to find and you usually pay quite a bit more for them.

Estimates are that up to 70% of our manufactured food products contain GMOs, while in many other places around the world, including Europe, Japan, China and Australia, labeling is mandatory, and their foods therefore contain far less, though the controversy remains. In the news lately, British scientists condemn using children in GM food trials as unacceptable. As well, the European Union recently ruled that the public has a right to know where GM crops are located.

The state of Hawaii sees more than its fair share of modified crops. Last year, Scientific American published an article entitled, Genetically Modified Hawaii. Here on the Big Island, there has been quite a debate about whether to allow genetically modified coffee and taro, two treasured heirloom crops.

So far the ban has held, and a major reason for that leads to another problem with GM crops, which is the inevitable cross-fertilization. Eventually this presents legal challenges to neighboring farmers. It sounds nuts, but these non-participating farmers are being prosecuted for unknowingly yet illegally ‘cultivating’ patented seeds. Further, the controversial issue of GMOs invading wild crops has now been verified in Mexico: ‘Alien’ genes escape into wild corn‘. If it turned out GMOs in our food were killing us slowly, it would already be too late to turn back in many places around the world.

I’m not even going into the dangers of the chemicals which farmers have to use on Monsanto crops. There is enough information out there about GMOs and their potential dangers and injustices to write a series of books. But meanwhile check out the documentary film The World According to Monsanto (trailer). For a good overview and review go here.

GM proponents like to claim that crops can be engineered to survive during global warming. However, the following article, “Organic Farming Beats Genetically Engineered Corn as Response to Rising Global Temperatures,” discusses a new study published by Science. So it could be we’re not hearing the whole truth in terms of whose agenda GM foods are really serving. It would be easy to imagine the kind of power that will be wielded if the world’s food supply were controlled by one company (Monsanto, by the way, is also rumored to be funding the massive effort to store the world’s seeds in deep underground warehouses, “safe from global calamities”. See African Seed Bank Deposits Arrive in Norway, particularly the comments below.)

Part II – Our Contaminated World: Making Nature Illegal coming soon

Notes from the Surf XXXIII

Angela — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:58:48 +0000

Been Tweeting some of my notes lately. You don’t have to be in the mix to see my recent notes at Twitter.

Building on the hype surrounding the misrepresented Institute for Human Continuity and the upcoming movie 2012 (see my recent post), I found a site called This Is The End.com, which contains somewhat humorous yet suspiciously indoctrinating apocalyptic viral material with Woody Harrelson as your host. Have fun. The producers sure are.

Quite a bit of political philosophy being debated around the house lately. Found this interesting story about Obama having been groomed for communism since the ’90s…would have been more powerful if it was made public years ago, so not vouching for its veracity, but knowing what I know…wouldn’t be surprised either.

As if to attest to the growing call to take down the destructive elite element, check out this article America’s Ruling Class. One can see their point as well. Robber barons indeed. But just a reminder: problem, reaction, solution. It’s a good Plan.

On that note, check out the communitarian aspect at Living Outside the Dialectic: The New-Yeltsin Administration? The Obama Letdown by Michael Hudson

YouTube video: Obama’s Unconstitutional Agenda – Plan for a New World Order
From Marketwatch: How realistic is a North American currency? – Commentary: Uniting U.S., Canada, Mexico money could result from crisis
Barack Obama, North American Union, and You

From the Economist: Waiting for the Messiah

From the Telegraph: Muammar Gaddafi vows to create ‘United States of Africa’

From the Guardian: Life After the Apocalypse
New World Order coin?

From 2012 Changes Are Now: “We already have the means to travel among the stars, but these technologies are locked up in black projects and it would take an act of God to ever get them out to benefit humanity….. anything you can imagine we already know how to do.” – Ben Rich, former Head of the Lockheed Skunk Works

In case you missed the synchromystic commercials during the Superbowl, The Secret Sun will update you.

The Age of Uncertainty: Daniel Pinchbeck doesn’t know

Google Latitude: Big Brother is keeping tabs on us all, better and better

Starstream Research: Spacetime Threat Assessment Reports

See who’s linked in your website’s net: TouchGraph Navigator

The Oligarchy and Globalization: A Wolf Changes Clothes

Angela — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:23:07 +0000

From Wikipedia: “Oligarchy (Greek Ὀλιγαρχία, Oligarkhía) is a form of government where political power effectively rests with a small elite segment of society distinguished by royalty, wealth, family, military powers or occult spiritual hegemony. The word oligarchy is from the Greek words for “few” (ὀλίγος olígos) and “rule” (ἀρχή arkhē). Such states are often controlled by politically powerful families whose children are heavily conditioned and mentored to be heirs of the power of the oligarchy. This type of power by its very nature may not be exercised openly; the oligarchs preferring to remain “the power behind the throne“, exerting control through economic means. Oligarchies have been tyrannical throughout history, being completely reliant on public servitude to exist. Although Aristotle pioneered the use of the term as a synonym for rule by the rich, for which the exact term is plutocracy, oligarchy is not always a rule by wealth, as oligarchs can simply be a privileged group. Some city-states from Ancient Greece were oligarchies.”

There has been an enormous upsurge in the mainstream media of mention of a “New World Order”, which specific terminology has heretofore been the primary domain of conspiracy theorists. Just about every major world leader, past and present, and many of the corporate elite have spoken those words by now, including Time Magazine in a recent brazen title article. Their echoes resonate around the world, entraining ears not attuned to the double entendre.

I went to college in the ’80s and studied languages and international relations at a top university. I was not aware of any conspiranoid theories at the time and never questioned the intelligence of globalization. I was all for it.

I still am. There is no doubt that today’s technology gives the planet the opportunity to create a new order of cultural understanding and economic prosperity. However, now that I am aware of the ancient plots and potential misuses of this philosophy, I tread this ground more carefully. This new age also gives rise to global corporations that rape not just their home town, but rain forests and oceans across the planet. Globalization sounds good in theory, but in practice, it has been abused and led to the destruction of our environment as well as the growth of a bloated elite who care nothing for the common man or their local communities. I watch with trepidation for the totalitarian one world government waiting in the wings, for a natural catastrophe, Planet X, or UFO landing, to gather us into its scaly claws. It may even only take this current economic crisis.

Globalization, in its real and truest sense, must come from within. It must be the joining together of a multitude of small, successful and peaceful communities – it must be grassroots, not trickle-down. While a new world order might claim to be the answer to religious wars and economic disparity, it also still saves a place for the Oligarchy. They still make the rules – they make the products – they grow the food and say what fuel source powers our cars and homes. They say what form of ID we must show, they go to war, they make the weapons, they sell them to terrorists and teach them how to use them. We, the “public servitude”, still only just work for Them.

The military is still advancing new, even scarier technologies, the small organic farmer is facing more and more difficulty, and people are still warped by all kinds of toxins in the air, food, water, prescription drugs, and who knows what all else. I’d like to see free energy devices freed from black projects. I’d like to hear the new administration talk about subsidizing organic community gardens, not look the other way when Monsanto takes a small farmer to court because some evil suicide seeds got blown into the neighboring garden patch. I’d like to hear about HAARP’s destructive potential, and see it turned off. I’d like to see communities developing their own currencies, their own methods of feeding themselves, of producing energy and bartering.

We don’t have to lose our global community – we can keep the Internet, keep trading with each other, keep our arts and culture, keep in touch and continue to develop our global friendships. But we need to be locally self-sufficient. The bail-out needs to start at home, in our own backyards, literally. What crafts, products and specialties that are traded internationally, should not be basic necessities. Otherwise, if and when the system breaks down, it will indeed be global revolution and massive starvation. (Of course, some believe this is exactly what the Oligarchy has in mind, as they wait patiently in their underground bunkers for the masses of surface flesh to disintegrate.)

When I hear the new administration talking in these terms, I will drop my spoon and wipe the drool from my gaping jaw. As good as the new guy might sound right now, unless this very real and basic tenet of local sustainability is implemented, nothing will really change. A recent article by Chris Hedges at Truthdig quotes political philosopher Sheldon S. Wolin regarding our current situation, “The basic systems are going to stay in place; they are too powerful to be challenged.” Mr. Hedges’ article is entitled, It’s Not Going to Be OK, if that’s any indication.

Propping up the old paradigm will not work. Refueling the previous modus operandi will just result in another eventual crash. The entire system must be reconsidered.

The new administration is busy getting fitted with its shining armor, and to many, it’s sounding promising. Many appreciate seeing the elite get taken down a notch, myself included. Taking away the CEO’s outrageous benefit packages is news, to be sure. Witnessing the destruction of a large portion of the overblown wealthy lifestyle is somewhat entertaining. It is now quickly becoming shameful to have multiple houses, cars, boats, luxury vacations, etc., during the crisis. It’s reminiscent of a historical revolution against a decadent monarchy. Cut off their heads! It is being done, metaphorically and symbolically, for the benefit of the masses, who still have no cake to eat.

Having grown up and been brainwashed that capitalism and its associate “free democratic” government is the best way, along with the accompanying understanding that the alternative, communism, is anti-American, I watch all of this in wonder.

The average Joe may think it is more equitable that the wealth be more evenly distributed – where indeed is all that money going in these huge government bail-outs? Is this how true capitalism is supposed to work? If it’s not given the name “communism”, or its opposite, the equally despotic “fascism”, most people won’t realize what is really being done. Is the term “socialism” even acceptable to Americans? I can’t say for sure. But even in Europe, where socialism is often the standard, allowing governments to bail out bloated industry is being questioned.

In a simpler time, this crisis might have led to the creation of entirely new industries and modes of production and survival in a natural way, perhaps aligned with Mr. Smith’s notions of free market capitalism. If new energy sources and new ideas were allowed to flourish and not squelched by the domineering corporate tycoons, for example, there would be a new world order quite naturally and harmoniously, no oligarchy required.

But at this point, it can be argued that too many people would starve waiting for the revival to occur as a result of a healthy free market (which doesn’t really exist, anyway). As well, the oligarchy is not really going anywhere. This group is vague, unspecific, mostly unnamed, difficult to trace and avoids any official label. They will remain behind the scenes, perhaps with a smaller wealth (though probably not by much, compared to the rest of us), and forced to now be less ostentatious, at least for now. They will simply morph and adjust as need be. They know what is happening. They’ve likely been preparing and planning for it for awhile now. The new world order that is appearing is just the wolf changing costumes.

I yearn for abundance and prosperity for those who are suffering now. I’m not personally able to offer any alternative, here and now, in this fleshly incarnation, in this present time. You might be able to learn how to ascend this dimension. But until then, what to do about the misery so many people are experiencing? One can preach balance, and love and harmony, but before we get there, we all have to eat. And many of us are not.

Which brings to mind the term “useless eaters” so often quoted by the powers-that-be. In fact, on the heels of this economic “reorganization” is the increasing call to reduce the world’s population. So, again, average Joe thinks, yeah, this is a good idea. I agree to a certain extent – having 14 kids is irresponsible if you’re not living in the dark ages when most children died before age one, and people had to farm their own land to survive. In today’s developed world, it’s downright ridiculous.

I would like to see us all have the inner wisdom to come to these conclusions ourselves, so that we could self-regulate the hardship we are placing on our environment. But admittedly this will not happen overnight, if ever, at this point, at least in the present era, due to traditional mindsets and religious brainwashing. On the other hand, making it a matter of law reeks of totalitarianism. But barring any other alternative, it seems like the Oligarchy’s long-term love of eugenics is also becoming acceptable mainstream discussion.

We are coming near the end of a road. The old world order has been toppled, quite extravagantly and symbolically, since the taking down of the World Trade Center in 2001. Since then, we’ve experienced a very finely-crafted destruction of the remaining structures, culminating in the election of a leader who promises to guide us into a new age.

Like many others, I wait to see whether apocalyptic prophecies are about to be fulfilled, or whether a real, positive change is occurring, that will usher in a new prosperity in harmony with the planet, and with each other.

What do you think?

“If you want to be a great leader, you must learn to follow the Tao. Stop trying to control. Let go of fixed plans and concepts, and the world will govern itself.”

- Tao Te Ching #57

Notes from the Surf XXXII

Angela — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:28:14 +0000

The first of this year’s two solar eclipses is tomorrow, January 26. Collaborate with Fate on incoming Comet Lulin, Flight 1549, and the eclipse.

Chicago Tribune: “Barack Obama’s ‘Citizen’s Briefing Book’: Americans want the truth about UFOs, Stephen Colbert added to the federal payroll” How about looking into the FDA raiding small alternative nutrition companies, and small food co-ops; or Monsanto’s ‘rural cleansing’? How about admitting to and banning chemtrails?
Well, anyway, here is the Obameter: Tracking Obama’s Campaign Promises
UFO Initiative Grounded – because many people believe Obama may already be moving towards disclosure. Many believe Hillary Clinton, as well as the co-chairman of Obama’s transition team John Podesta, are up for it too. We shall see.
Did you see the “UFO” on CNN just before the inauguration? What do you think?

New article by Henry Kissinger: “The world must forge a new order or retreat to chaos” – Here’s some reasons why that makes some people squirm: HG Wells and the New World Order
New article by Mikhail Gorbachev: “A new international agenda”

Did you know the Army had a ‘Mad Scientist Conference‘ last year? No kidding, and seems like they were busy…
…Army developing ‘synthetic telepathy‘ – oh, you mean mind control? (…check out the Artificial Telepathy blog: A thoughtful exploration of mind control technologies, with particular emphasis on psychotronics and V2K (voice-to-skull) weaponry)

Teleportation Milestone Achieved

Breakthrough in invisibility cloak

U.S. scientists learn how to levitate tiny objects

Video: A Machine to Die For: The Quest for Free Energy

Criminals may be the first to get implanted RFID chips

Why was Glastonbury, a rural place long thought to lie on an important energetic ley line, the first place in the UK to get free wi-fi? Some residents claim the EMF radiation is to blame for a spate of health problems there.

Is the Ark of the Covenant in Yemen? Maybe they’ll find some clue to such mysteries during the renovations at Rosslyn Chapel…I always thought there would be some kind of archaeological discovery (or release of information) around this time that would REALLY change things…

Twitter Tales

Angela — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:37:43 +0000

I have some friends here in Hawaii who, like many others on this remote and abundant island, choose to live unfettered by technology for the most part. They choose to live close to the earth, and close to each other, rather than close to a wireless signal. When you go to their house, they inevitably offer their overflow of goodies like starfruit, breadfruit or if you’re lucky that day, miracle fruit, which is one of the strangest and most unique experiences I have ever had with food. They work lovingly and diligently on their beautiful green corner of the world, and are always a joy to visit with.

They don’t have cell phones, a cordless telephone for their landline, or cable television, though they do own a set with a DVD player to watch the occasional rental. Before, when we’d get into conversations at their house, they would reach for one of an assortment of reference books and encyclopedias to find a certain fact. I remember trying to explain to them what kind of information they could find online if they got a computer, but I would just get a kind smile; no need, they explained gently. And indeed, they were already very well-informed and thoughtful people, even without a computer. Amazing.

Last year, though, they broke down and took in a hand-me-down laptop from a family member because they recognized that their small business would likely benefit from advertising online. It was a big step for them. Another family member on the mainland built a site for them, and I helped out by downloading some pictures to the webmaster, setting up emails, and finding sites to post their link. I also tutored them on the basics of using a computer. I spent many hours the last couple of years teaching myself WordPress.org as well as the myriad ways to connect and gather information online, but I’m not a total geek. I still need help myself sometimes. However I knew enough to get them started – and I mean really get started. Like where the on button is, how to double click a mouse, and what a Google was.

The first few months I would get phone calls about various pop-ups or gurgles from their desktop, and I would explain which ones to ignore, and which ones to be concerned about, as far as I knew. It was interesting to watch this pair of newborn PC users find their way around. They have asked the most interesting and surprising questions, and were understandably concerned when their computer showed its own brand of intelligence, remembering settings and things about them like where they had gone online. Seeing it through their eyes has been quite enlightening, and not a little frightening when I stopped to think about it. I still hope they will start their own blog some day, because I for one would love to see them spread their knowledge about gardening and sustainable living. But, that is a BIG step for them; they still keep their time online pretty brief, not to mention they are private people, which I can appreciate.

Yin Yang Breadfruit

The most recent question came as unexpected as the rest. What is Twitter?, they asked, curious about the suddenly popular social application. Well, I had to admit, I didn’t really know much about aside from that it was an online chat type of place, that people could use from their cell phones too. I try to sign up for all the places people go online these days, but I hadn’t gotten to that one yet. (I’m still trying to figure out Facebook. I still really don’t get all the hoopla around that one, particularly when it’s common knowledge that the CIA uses it to recruit…and likely for other snorting around as well.) But I was curious too; everyone seems to be Twittering these days, including Barack Obama. In fact the first news of Flight 1549 on the Hudson came from a twitter-er.

So, I signed up, mostly out of curiosity. Add me if you like. I work a full time job too, so I probably won’t be around there much. I’m also not much of a texter, so I probably won’t use my cell phone with it either. But it’s clear that blogging isn’t enough anymore; now there’s microblogging, where people can exchange thoughts in a more rapid-fire and real-time way. On the one hand, I can see that Twitter seems to represent the next stop along the endless quickening of the Internet, this pre-cursor to the noosphere. However, it’s also a bit disconcerting. It’s like Big Brother demanding to know what we’re doing or thinking about every second of the day. Creepy.

Being that it is merely hours before his inauguration, it seemed fun to find Obama on Twitter and add him. His team is known for being very savvy online, and anyway you couldn’t miss the news that his inauguration would be live on Facebook and Twitter, among other sites. Knowing that didn’t ease the strangeness, though, of getting an email today saying he was now following me on Twitter as well. It makes me feel a little self-conscious, even though of course he isn’t personally doing any texting these days, much as he might like too. Recently I noticed a bit of a hubbub about him not wanting to give up his Blackberry when he becomes President, though he will be forced to stop IMing for security reasons. Bummer, dude.

For my computer neophyte friends here in Hawaii, this online, new-tech, real-time social networking is simply unnecessary. For them, communicating with nature, and each other, still takes precedence. I appreciate the fact that when I email them pictures or a link, they don’t always just return the email – they actually CALL me – on the phone! What a concept. They continue to remind me, and us all, of the actual person-to-person relationships we value.

Virtual, relatively anonymous chatter, is a fun side benefit of our new technologies, and I look forward to using them to find more ways to communicate some important concepts to a wider audience. (And occasionally, we do find some real keepers that start out virtual, and become actual, which is always a joy, for there are some really great folks out here. You know who you are. ) But in the end, our real support and survival in the world will come not from virtual sources, but from the actual 3D people in our neighborhoods. It will come from digging in the garden and sharing the bounty, not posting comments online across the globe. Let’s just all make sure we have a nice balance of both.

That said, I think I’ll post a brief note on my Twitter. And then, I’ll give my friends a call, and maybe go by to check out the garden and see if the starfruit is ripe. They’re my favorite.