Blind Spot

Spring is on the way!

Every year I look forward to the first signs of spring with great anticipation and this year is no exception. It is perhaps my least and most favourite time of the year, it can be cold, rainy and overcast, but it hold the promise of clean, warm, sunny days on the way. The rains wash away all the dirty snow and muck from the streets and sidewalks, it refreshes the earth and brings out all sorts of urban wildlife.

This year is no different is those respects, but perhaps my perceptions and expectations may have changed. I am still looking forward to the clean warm and sunny days, and I am also anticipating many changes. I already see the signs, just like the early signs of spring, I see the changes to life as I have come to know it. There will be some messy situations, but overall, being surrounded by my amazing Zfriends and their willingness and determination to move forward, making those hard decisions together and working in unity to bring about the change we want to be in the world, it is rewarding.

The five year plan is coming along very well, and I might have to revisit that and perhaps add a few more items. Like the RV camper and Vespa that I want to get. The coming collapse is going to make it so that we will have to be mobile and versatile. Growing our own food, being able to survive creatively and collectively. Preparations must be made and there is no time left. But I don't want to be a chicken little, so I just keep things like that to myself. Well, not totally of course, because my Zfriends and I are working towards this goal of sustainability and independance from the system we are currently trapped in.

That's the way it can often be, no matter how lousy a situation or environment, we (people) are often like the "frog in the pot" annalogy that Al Gore used. We are becoming aware that the temperature around us is getting warmer, but it's not that uncomfortable yet, so we sit in the ever increasing temperature pot of water, and before we can make a break for it, it's too late, we're boiled.

Well, I guess there is no way to save anyone but myself, and so focus must be maintained. Spring is going to bring many changes.

Lies destroy all good things.

There are countless reasons, justifications, rationalizations, explanations and excuses but lies are the quickest and surest way to create mistrust and distrust between two people. Once that trust has been undermined, it is ever more difficult for the liar to stop and for the lied to - to trust again.

It is indeed kinder to slap someone than lie to them. The sting of the slap will only last minutes, the pain of the deceit will last a lifetime and undermine the listener's sense of security in the relationship. There is truly nothing good that can come from lying.

How to enjoy your next colonoscopy

Extreme

It's a girl thing.

Someone asked me the other day why I write and repost so much on the topic of m/f relationships and all the various ways that men mess up relationships and not so much on f/f and ways that women go wrong.

Well, fair enough, I guess I can expand my horizons and look at the dynamic of female relationships. Perhaps not the world's leading expert, to be certain, I have only been in one female/female relationship and from what I have seen, the stereotypical dymanic of m/f plays out all too often. What I mean by that is, whether it's physically or temperment or just the roles that people often slip into, is typical of male/female relationship roles. Often one will look more femme and the other more masculine, or one will be more submissive or domesticated. Now I don't know what to attribute this to, is it conditioning, is it nature? Hhhhmmm, uncertain on that, but it has been my observation that this is how it often plays out.

So my inquisitive nature aside, what advice would I give women in lesbian relationships? Well, regardless of gender, my one piece of advice for ANY type of relationship that you want any hope of longevity and sanity in, is COMMUNICATION. And that doesn't only mean one side, talking OR listening, but BOTH. Really doing your best to be honest and sincere and timely.

That's the one thing about women, because we often take time to process our feelings and thoughts, we may seem like we're coming to the party late. Men often find this confusing as do most women - funny enough. So I highly recommend frequent "girl talks" or "heart to heart" or whatever you want to call it. Don't let things brew or fester, it isn't our best quality. Keep things current and please girls, let's not bring up everything the person has done over the last number of years, be timely and current in your discussion.

For the time being, we'll leave it at that. I will hunt up interesting topics and share them or if you have a topic you'd like to discuss, feel free to share.

It's OK to use the word "bisexual".

Lately a favourite pet peeve of mine has resurfaced and I thought it high time that I posted my query online, perhaps in the off chance I might get an answer that makes a lick of sense to me.

Here it is: Why is there such hesitation and distaste for the utterance of the word "bisexual" to describe some one's sexual leanings? Especially in non-mainstream television and movies? The gay and lesbian community in particular and the attitudes often expressed makes me cynical to their supposed "open mindedness". The extent of biphobia I have encountered from the "Queer" community has been staggering, surprising and excluding. If I want to pretend to be Les, that's fine and I am welcomed with open arms into the stereotypical male bashing, u-haul trekking "sisterhood". But try and stand outside of that misapplied label, and the looks, oye!!

So, what is it? What scares those that are obviously scared of the word, bisexual? What projected fear is at the core of this scorn? The again stereotypical comments and remarks are also ones for serious eye rolling. It's not a phase, anymore than being gay or straight is. It's not an experiment and it's not an inability to commit or decide.

Bisexual people are simply evolved beyond the need to discriminate in their sexual partners based on their genitalia. It's about what between people's ears that is the base attraction for most of us. Yes, I said "us", as I include myself in the bisexual category (for those that haven't been reading my blogs, everyone is well clued in by now).

Sure, who doesn't appreciate a nice set of tits, or a tight little ass or whatever, but bisexual people tend to need something beyond that. And it's not a threat to anyone. Anymore than a straight person is to the opposite gender, it's about the person.

Is it because perhaps we blend it too well, and you'd like us to be more "visible"? Well, again, we don't often fit into molds and stereotypes.

If you have an answer or perhaps even a theory that you think "holds water", please feel free to post it.

Why Men Don't Listen to Women

**REPOSTED**

In a recent posting I identified a list of the wrong things to say to someone who is upset. Interestingly, this led to a lot of comments on The Huffington Post, which got me thinking. The first thought I had was, "Why do men find it so hard to validate women?"

Before I get into this, I'd like you to think about the research by psychologist John Gottman. Gottman has been able to predict with 91 percent accuracy which couples will end up getting divorced. He calls these "The Four Horsemen of Apocalypse" -- along with other problematic styles of communication. The Four Horsemen are Criticism ("You are always whining"), Contempt ("You're a basket case"), Defensiveness ("I'm not the problem, you are!") and Stonewalling (withdrawing or becoming silent). Other problematic styles include starting the conversation in a hostile or intense style, giving off body-language that is defensive or cold, flooding your partner with negativity, and bringing up past memories, complaints and injuries. When you can predict divorce with 91 percent accuracy you know you are on to something.

Now I don't want to claim that men are always the problem -- or that they are even more likely to be the problem than women are. No group is innocent, no group is perfect. But I can see that a lot of times men have a great deal of difficulty validating and emotionally supporting the women in their lives. Here are some reasons.


The Seven Reasons Men Don't Listen

It's a Power Struggle. Some men view intimate relationships as a win-lose game. If the woman is venting her feelings, then she is winning and the man is losing. As a result these men may try to dominate and control the woman, telling her that she is illogical, out of control or just a pain to deal with. One man says, "You want us to be doormats."

Sarcasm

Many men describe their interactions in terms of "sarcastic" comments -- put-downs, contempt, criticism and condescension. For example, some men respond with, "It must be that time of the month" or "Get me a beer" or other problematic and self-defeating comments. They think that sarcasm will get the woman to either shut up or help her see that she is being ridiculous. She gets the message that he not only doesn't care -- but that he is the last person to ask for support. He thinks he's clever and funny -- and she thinks he just doesn't get it.


Macho Thinking

A number of men comment that to validate or to use emotional language to support the woman is unmanly. "You are trying to make us into wusses," a number of men say. They believe that the role of the man is to be strong, above it, domineering. Validating and allowing emotional ventilation is for feminized men, men who have lost their dignity as "real men." The women may think that some of the macho confidence is appealing, until it leads them to feel that the only emotion they can get from him is his anger.


Emotional Dysregulation

Some men find it so upsetting, so emotionally arousing to listen to their partners that they feel they have to ventilate their anger or withdraw. In fact, this is supported by the research that shows that their pulse-rates escalate during conflict and they find this unbearable. As a result of their own escalating emotion -- which they can't tolerate -- they either try to get her to shut up -- or they leave the room. She feels controlled, marginalized and abandoned.


Not Wanting to Reinforce Whining

This is another reason that men give for not supporting or encouraging expression. They believe that validating and making time and space for their partner's expression will reinforce complaining which, in turn, will go on indefinitely. So they want to stop it immediately by using sarcasm, control or stonewalling. She feels that he won't let her talk, that he is cold, aloof, hostile. So she goes somewhere else to get that support -- another woman friend -- or another man.


Demand for Rationality

Some men believe that their partner should always be rational and that irrationality cannot be tolerated. Their response to their partner's apparent irrationality is to point out every error in her thinking, dismiss her, become sarcastic or withdraw. This demand for rationality or "the facts" might sound "mature" but I have yet to hear someone say that they have a great sex life because they have the facts on their side. Communication is often more about soothing, grooming, connecting -- less about simply giving you the information and being logical.


Problems Have to Be Solved

These men think that the main reason for communication is to share facts that then can be used for problem-solving. They think that venting and sharing feelings gets you nowhere and that if their partner is not willing to initiate problem-solving then she is being self-indulgent and wasting everyone's time and energy. When he jumps in with problem-solving, she either escalates the emotion which she believes is not heard, or she withdraws.

Well, ask yourself, "Have these responses really worked?" Why is this kind of behavior and thinking so predictive of divorce? If it's not working -- and you and your partner both know it's not -- then maybe it's time to think about making a change. You can change your partner -- break up, get divorced. Or, perhaps it would be easier to change your response to your partner. In a previous posting I listed some possible responses.

Let me go back to a fundamental part of intimate relationships. We want to feel that our partner cares about and respects our feelings. We want to believe that they have time to listen. We want to feel supported, soothed and that we are not a burden. The seven beliefs and styles above -- which many men use -- only alienate the women that they claim they love. If it's not working, why would you continue to act this way?

The answer may be that some men view relationships in terms of power and control. They believe that being real men means never giving up your power. They think that women need to be kept in their place, not "indulged," taught how to think rationally and solve real problems. Of course, rationality and problem-solving are important, but if your partner wants to be heard and respected you better find out first before you jump in and take control. Real men share power, real men are partners, real men know that real women need real respect.

Zeitgeist III - Moving Forward

The Canadian Dream

Life is a journey, not a destination

When I first started the latest five-year plan, I wasn't sure about all that I would have to remove from my life in order to make room for the new adventures and opportunities, but I knew that certain people simply did not fit into my life any longer, and as much as I wanted to pretend or hope otherwise, the truth could not be denied or negated. While it took some doing and it wasn't easy to do, the end result has been a remarkably positive transformation in my personal life. More time to think about matters that are important to me, not being distracted by other people's needs or even being concerned about anyone else's schedule or feelings. Living alone is once again just that, alone, rather than lonely.

I am also rediscovering that I may be a bit of "a lone wolf" by nature and somewhat by nurture, but that was primarily because I simply do not related to the "normal" or "typical" or "average". As a matter of fact, I don't WANT to relate to "average". I find it boring and pointless to dumb myself down for the benefit of others. If they can't be bothered to elevate their thinking or attitudes, it's their perogative and I respect it, but there is no reason why I must tolerate it or enable it. So, I adopt the "polite" facade where/when the company of the "average" can't be avoided, and where/when it can, I avoid it at all costs.

The journey that I am on now is one of freedom, honesty, learning, growing and nurturing. Having done the "polite" and "typical" and "normal" I am more convinced then ever that I simply don't have the patience or inclination to put up with "average". I enjoy the challenge that my friends bring me, they make me a better person by making me look at my thoughts and actions and dispose of anything that does not benefit me in the short or long term.

Life is a big bold daring adventure, or it is nothing at all. That quote reminds often me that life is a journey, not a destination and I am so enjoying this particular leg of my life's journey. No more being lonely and taken for granted. I have also promised myself that I will not distrust my gut again or at least, not at the expense of my emotional/mental/spiritual health. If the person/people in my life find it impossible to comply with some basic ideals and share a common peace loving philosophy, there is no reason for us to associate. Especially in a personal relationship, because there is nothing I can do regarding the people that come into TZM-Toronto, it's an open and free-for-all movement.

I have people to be affectionate with, friends that are true and show their feelings, we enjoy each other's company, learn together, grow together, hug, cuddle, and generally be loving to each other. I also have my special gal pal, where the intimacy is very fulliling because it's not merely physical, but truly intimate it all senses. I have meaningful employment - not many people can say that in our money hungry world. How lucky can one person get?

Zeitgeist III - Moving Forward

Back by popular demand - Encore presentation of

Zeitgeist III - Moving Forward

Saturday January 22, 2011 - 8:30pm - The Underground Cinema - 186 Spadina Road

Toronto Premiere - January 15, 2011

Bathurst Cinema - 9:30pm

Pay What You Can

Ask and you shall receive

That is what I have come to understand about life. Ask and you shall receive. Along with that though, one should also keep in mind another saying "Careful what you wish for, because you might just get it."
So, this time, I am going to be very specific in what I am seeking in an "Imzadi" and will not settle for anything less than.

The term is from Star Trek TNG - but I was reminded by a former roommate of its existence and meaning. According to Wikipedia - the meaning of Imzadi, "...is the Betazoid word for one's first true love, although not necessarily first sexual partner."

Therefore, the person most suitable for me, as a life partner, someone to take the journey of life with, will be someone with deep empathy, someone who is not a hypocrite ("Oh you're so perfect, I would die for you...") only to turn around and break the land speed record in a matter of days clearing out. Someone with some balls and guts to face life head on and the guts to stick it out when things get tough. Someone both intellectually and emotionally developed and spiritually awake. Not religious, have no use for that pathology, but someone in touch with their spirit/soul.

Someone who's life is not just a series of self-indulgent preoccupations, but someone that is actually concerned with life, the world and wants to lead a meaningful existence.

Someone that understands how precious time is and wastes not a second of it on fruitless, hedonistic pleasures, but rather derives pleasure from helping others.

Someone articulate, socially graceful and well rounded. Someone that is more than a warm body in social situations.

A person who is capable of a range of emotions and isn't afraid to express them. Someone that is able to grow and learn from their mistakes, as well as learn from the mistakes of others.

Someone that has a balanced (see non-codependent) relationship with their parents, in other words, they don't live in their parent's basement (literally or psychologically).

A person that is credible and actually does what they say. Lives by the creedo "Say what you mean and mean what you say".

You may have noticed how I didn't specify any demographics, age, race, gender, etc. because those are not criteria that matter. I have met people from all walks of life and my Imzadi is not defined by such criteria, but rather the depth of their character. Someone that is tried and tested and has come through hardships in life with a positive attitude and isn't psychologically fractured into compliance. Someone with balls and guts to stand up to the coming tyranny and not fold like a shirt at the first challenge.

Until that person materializes, I am more than happy with Sarah and my other friends (Zcrew!! love you) and won't be bothering with people that just don't get me, or try to tell me that I have "episodes" when they are thoughtless and lie and try to make me think that I am somehow the one "reading too much into things".

No, I deserve a real Imzadi, not someone who "will try".

As the Chinese saying goes, "There is only "do", there is no "try".

The Road Ahead

What comes next? What could possibly be around the bend? There really is no way to know, especially if it's a road one's never travelled on before. I guess that is where "faith" comes into play.

So it is with this faith that I move forward and I have to say, the ride is a rather good one. It happened almost the second I started cleaning out the dead weight from my life. The psychic constipation that I seemed to have been suffering from. Joy, Grant, Frankie, Tommi, James, flushed out and cleared the way for my tribe and Sarah and whomever might be a good fit and a keeper going forward. Speaking of keepers, those are the only ones that are permitted in my sphere of influence. People with integrity that know who they are and what meaningful contribution they are willing to make in this life.

Those that are strictly here to take and consume and are primarily interested in their own hedonistic, self-indulgence, they are not suitable for the life boat that we are constructing, and will have to be left behind.

See, because I have this feeling, that what 2012 will mean in practical terms is a mass awakening and it will take a great deal of courage to face the reality of our current broken down and ineffective system of living. It is not an easy realization to arrive at, even when you arrive at it on your own good time, but in the case of those hardwired into the matrix that we call "modern monetary driven life", they will either have a meltdown or grow up and face facts, but either way, it will come to that.

Not because I say so, or because I know I am right, but because life is a constantly evolving entity and nothing stands still. Either you keep up, or get left behind (a nice way of saying "extinct).

Nothing personal, just fact.

So, I am not willing to sit back and let those that are fast asleep lull me into another nap. I was right in 1990 and glad I didn't buy into the housing market when everyone else was losing their minds, only to later lose their hard earned money.

I am glad I stuck to my values and didn't get sucked into the "boiler room" scams of the mid 90's while working with "entrepreneurs".

So it is this time around, I know what I know and the facts are irrefutable. We are fast approaching the collapse of our oil driven life as we have come to be born into and know, and the facts don't lie. Between the contamination of our planet, the hunger, disease, poverty and overall imbalance that we have created, we are coming to the point of no return. Either we change our faulty ways, or this living organism we call "Earth" is going to go into survival mode and shake us off like a dog does with fleas when they become too overwhelming.

Yet rather than focus on what is wrong, my tribe and I prefer and find it more productive to focus on what we know how to do right. That is, create a sustainable life model for ourselves, even within this flawed system. "Be the change" we want to see in the world.

So, the road is taking me (us) to a place of our creation and it's going to be so much fun. Hard work, no doubt as nothing worthwhile is without sacrifice and sweat, but what better way to spend one's time?

So, we're unplugging from the matrix one step at a time. Starting with Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Food, water, shelter. Nothing overly complicated at this point. Just learning the basics about going back to the basics. The kind of life that I saw my grandmother live. Small patch of dirt and a simple home on it, with her garden, her chickens, and the communal oven down the lane.

It doesn't sound glamorous, I realize, but compared to the alternative, it's highly appealing to me.

The conclusion of this chapter.

"What a long strange trip it's been" or so the Grateful Dead sang. Indeed, life is full of wonderful twists and turns, opportunities to consider and lessons to be learned.
As this week brings the conclusion of a long and often times challenging journey, I can't help but reflect that I have no regrets, overall. Sure, there is pain I could have done without, but life is love and love includes pain, so, we must accept the whole package. I am so grateful to be able to look back and see the personal progress I made from a dark, angry, bitter place to one filled with joy, peace and love. The love of my son, the love of great friends and the potential for peace in the future, both for myself and humanity.

I will not kid myself that there isn't some inherit trepidation, even occasional anxiety about what might lay ahead. Like most people, I find it really easy to get into a routine, even a bad one. But there is no stopping progress, no putting the Genie back in the bottle.

I am so full of gratitude and humbled by the support and love that my friends have shown me. It is not everyday that I find my faith in humanity restored.

Thank you to Grant for helping bring me here, to this wonderful, loving place full of friends that truly "get me" and share my hopes, dreams and wishes for the future. Where we can work together, side by side, learn and grow and "Be the change we want to see in the world".

Munay

*** PS ***

4 words but a big illusion

simple yet emotional confusion

its a animatic intrusion

above all a never ending disillusion.

love knows the art of breaking you apart

making reality depart

tearing you a part

when love dies

it conjures liesbreaking all ties

as a broken heart cries..

love gives you too much pain

drives you insane promises in vain

never trust love again..

Free Organic Vegetable Give-away

Nas - I Know I Can

It's up to us. The time is now.

Early results are very promising

For the whole of my life I have been highly empathic and more often than not, it has been at the cost of my emotional well being. Therefore, after many decades of repeating this experience I finally reached the conclusion that it is not a sensible long-term state of existence and decided to switch it off. (Minor adjustments are not possible as it is an on/off switch).

What does that mean in practical terms? It's the attitude I see around me most often. The "I don't get involved" shrug. The only perspective that matters is "me, mine, I".

For example, in past (as well as the current) relationships, I always put the relationship first, ahead of me and my needs. If my mate needed something, I would be there, even if it meant losing sleep, or money or time or whatever. Always there to listen and support and help sort things out, etc.

Over the last month or more however, I have adopted this new approach to life and have put my needs/wants/desires first. If something needs doing, I don't just jump in as I use to, but rather consider things differently. "Is this my mess?" or "do I feel like it?" or "what's in it for me?" and so on. This has been applied across the board, from employment, volunteer work, friendships, etc. and even though it is counter-intuitive and sometimes I still have the compulsion to be "helpful" am I learning that its best if I mind my own business.

The end result has been: greatly reduced stress, an increase in time available to pursue my interests and hobbies, and overall people seem to be more interested in my opinions and generally spending time with me the more I am "unavailable".

I have also adopted the "polite facade" and seldom if ever tell people the honest truth. I don't lie, no, that's going too far. But I have learned the benefits of "keeping my mouth shut" and never expressing a real or honest opinion or point of view. Just about everything is met with "that's great" response, no matter how stupid or inane I feel it is. Seems people are happier living with bullshit and insincerity. Why should I bother trying to wake them up to facts and reality?

Let's be clear though, there are still a few people that I consider "real friends" and we do discuss things openly and honestly, even if when we disagree with each other. Nivie, Adam, Pip and Tiff come readily to mind. Real people with real opinions and feelings. Very worthwhile. But for the most part, everyone else seems satisfied with the "polite" facade, so why spoil things? If they choose to believe that I agree with them or concur with their advice, so be it.

I am also learning that it's better to not offer an opinion or even tell someone they are heading off a cliff, but permit them to learn from falling on their face. Finally accepted that it's not my responsibility or job to prevent other people from stepping in a big stinking pile of shit. As a matter of fact, there are a couple of folks that in past have argued and refused to listen to reason, and these people are especially gratifying to see struggle and fail. Think it sounds petty and small? Well, perhaps, but like I said, you can't argue with results.

Take work for example. For the last decade I have been taken for granted and my work stolen and credit given to lackeys and so on. So, now, I let them struggle with the smallest things and if no one asks for my assistance, I don't offer it. Why should I bother?
Prelim results indicate that this is the best approach as I was nominated for an award from our department. You can't argue with results.

Another example would be my "boyfriend" and I say that with quotes because in reality he is merely a roommate with occasional "benefits". I started off as is typical of me in intimate relationships, offering up my best freely and hoping that I might get some of it back. But as it turns out, that is not the case. So, now that I am no longer "bat shit crazy in love with him" and he sees the difference, he is suddenly interested in what I am doing, how I am feeling, and wants to be with me. That's fine, his company is not offensive, but I no longer have the same emotional vestment. It is freeing actually. Tons of time has become available to me again by not bothering to cook for him, or wait for him or look after him the way I did before. I no longer invite him along, and suddenly he is eager to be in my company. You can't argue with results.

Then there is the volunteer work I do. I use to be so dedicated that I was committed to something 4 nights a week just within one organization. At the cost of my health - both physical and mental - and what was the end result? Did anyone appreciate my efforts, my dedication? No. So, when it came time again to commit to the next year, I opted out. When asked to participate in a lesser capacity, I thought about it "what's in it for me?" and decided nothing. The role would not be very satisfying for me. So, politely I made some excuse about having other obligations and left it at that. Now, all of a sudden, it's "oh we miss you". What a crock of insincere horse shit! But again, can't argue with results.

People who call themselves my "friend" but are only available when they have needs, I make polite excuses and don't bother following up with them. When I was all thoughtful and considerate and offered this assistance or whatever, again, taken for granted and put on a shelf until the next time they needed something. The endless excuses I would make for people's poor behaviour and thoughtlessness now make me wonder just why I tolerated it for so long. Well, I guess you could say I am stubborn and really did think that being honest, sincere and a true friend mattered for something in life. I am a great many things, but too stupid to learn from my own mistakes, I am not.

So, I will continue on this path and keep you posted on the journey.

Moving forward, the only direction to go.

There really is only one direction life can move, and that is forward. We take lessons from the past, we deal with the here and now, but ultimately, it is the future we are always heading towards.

Our collective future, if all things remain the same, is not looking so bright that I need wear shades. It's actually rather frightening when you understand how the noose is being tightened while the people sleep. You may be familiar with my other blog, The Dreamworx Project, where I share the information about our collective reality that I hope will wake people up. However much I would like for everyone to wake up and take part in shaping their own life and therefore their future, I also have come to accept that many will perish of their own free will. They simply refuse to accept what is so clearly in front of them. As Michael Ruppert says "When the Titanic is sinking, there are three kinds of people on board. Those that are sitting at the bar having another martini (the ones that like to deny facts and accuse the messenger of being a "conspiracy nut"). There are those that are running around the decks yelling "someone do something". Finally, there are those, that have accessed their situation and are looking around for others that are searching for lifeboats."

Guess which one I would rather be in that scenario? That's right, experience has taught me that you seldom have enough time to do a "course correction" even if you are aware of the iceberg you are heading towards.

Did some "gut math". There are no hard numbers being calculated, but rather accessing the "gut feelings" I get from the information I find. It can be called intuition, whatever, just NOT psychic. I make no such claims. But I do trust my intuition and it's telling me that best case scenario, I have 5 years to set myself up for long term survival in something that barely resembles "comfort and security". If you're thinking that I am speaking of some kind of "American-style, militia-type of compound" and such, you're way off base, and clearly unfamiliar with me. Peace is the only future I want to be a part of. And a cache of whatever kind of armaments is the furthest from the future I want to help create.

No, what I speak of are the basics of life. Something familiar to Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

So, you can see why I say, even in a "best case" scenario-type calculation, I figure 5 years is being optimistic. Just getting myself set-up in a self-sustainable, clean and friendly "home" is something that I realistically can't accomplish alone. Just the basics of life like water, food and shelter, in a world without affordable or clean energy, perhaps the collapse of the monetary system, where purchasing power is left only to the elite and the rest are turned into slaves in one way or another.

We are so dependant on oil for our daily comforts, and those of us in the west that are pampered and spoiled are going to feel it the hardest. We're too fat and lazy and our thinking has been diminished by the endless mindless drivel that is used for propaganda to keep people asleep and obedient, that passes for entertainment.

I personally see two generations of kids that suffer from "failure to launch" syndrome. There is the physical ones - the ones that won't move out of or have moved back into, their parent's basement. And the emotionally stunted ones that might have a bit of Independence in them, but in reality it is merely an illusion. Mentally they are still children, in their pursuits, in their interests, in their hobbies, in their unwillingness to deal with any kind of reality or criticism. Always sheltered and coddled, these poor babes are growing up insecure and scared of their own shadow. So, there goes my retirement, these kids are underemployed, under motivated and over pampered.

There are however, enough people out there that are also aware of what is going on and are "doing" something to prepare for it. Some yes, are gun totting nuts, but they don't really need an excuse, they just like the lifestyle and the closed mindedness that goes with it.

The ones I speak of, are the sane and rational ones that are "building a lifeboat". Learning how to be less reliant on the grid. How to acquire the basics of life like water, food and shelter. When we were young we called it Scouts and Guides, and those organizations built confident and self aware individuals that grew up to excel in their life's pursuits. Now it's time to take those skills to the next level and as adults not only re-learn them for our own self-preservation, but teach them to the younger ones. Along with the teaching of the practical matters of life, we need to teach them how to grow up and take care of themselves. Like the mammals in the wild, the young may "play fight" while the adults sit lounging nearby, but in actuality, the cubs/pups, etc are growing and learning how to hunt, etc. But when it comes time to go out and really hunt down supper, the young ones better keep up or they'll starve. That might sound a bit drastic or over dramatic, but the lack of common sense and deductive reasoning and just down right stupidity that I see daily, makes me shake my head in wonder at the prospect of the survival of our species. People need to stop sleep walking, or perhaps wear a sign so those of us awake and aware of our surroundings don't trip over them.

But enough bitching, again, need to move forward and keep focused and not distracted. I have 5 years to hopefully get to the third level of the chart, and from there I could work on the top two levels.

It's going to take some growing pains, I can see that already. Really will have to learn to deal with a team, and I will have no or little say in who makes up this team. Luckily, most of the people already working with me towards this "lifeboat" are people I wouldn't object to being stuck in a lifeboat with. There are a couple that I could really do without, but it is my hope that when the time comes, they will have moved onto another boat or generally moved on. I have faith that all things work out for the best in the end.