The Green Man's Grove

No Long Term Lung Damage From Occasional Marijuana Use.

2012-01-11T11:03:00.004-07:00

By Agence France-Presse, as seen on Raw Story

WASHINGTON — People who occasionally smoke marijuana do not suffer long-term lung damage the way cigarette smokers do, and may actually experience a slight improvement, said a 20-year US study published TuesdayThose who smoked cigarettes tended to have much higher lifetime exposure to smoking than marijuana users, but when researchers adjusted the data for current and lifetime exposure, they found smokers’ lung function got worse over time while pot smokers’ lung function actually improved slightly.

PHOTO CREDIT: Cannabis plants (marijuana) by M_Bartosch for Free Digital Photos

~The Green Man Has Spoken~

Of Christians and Pagans: Yule Tide, Not Christmas.

2011-12-22T17:49:00.001-07:00

After breaking the Christan shackles of my youth, I gorged myself on the spiritual feast that was forbidden in my brainwashed youth. They took advantage of a naive and sensitive child to program with their narrow-minded views. When someone wakes up from that kind of delusional reality, it tends to cause some anger and resentment. It's baggage that I'm still sorting out.

So, I strongly protest making children adopt a spiritual belief system that they are too young yet to understand. I feel that way with any belief system -- including Buddhism and Paganism, which are my two shared belief systems. But, I've rudely drawn us off course from the core of what I wished to share with you good people.

So, it's Yule!! Otherwise known as Winter Solstice, but I call it Yule being of Scandinavian heritage. Like so much of Pagan spirituality, it was forcibly assimilated into the Christian celebrations of Christmas. Typical of Christianity, they stole a lot from the Pagans (the tree and Santa Claus to name a few of the big ones). Yeah, you heard that right. Did you honestly buy that story that Santa Claus was a Christian "Saint?" Uh, no.

Again, typical of Christians, they replaced the Pagan Odin with one of the their Saints, Saint Nicholas or Sinterklaas. The character and mythology of Sinterklaass was a major influence for the development of Saint Nicholas. Santa is an old man with a long, white, beard? Odin, was an old man with a long, white, beard. Santa Claus wears a cloak? Odin wore a cloak, too. Santa Claus flies through the sky with his 8 reindeer. Oden, flies through the sky on a horse with 8 legs. Santa delivers gifts through the chimney to the children. Children in the some Pagan regions would leave their boots (Christmas stockings) by the chimney filled with sugar or carrots to feed Odin's horse. Then came the "Christmas" tradition of hanging the stocking by the chimney hoping for gifts from Santa. Along with the "Christmas" tradition of leaving cookies for Santa and his reindeer. Santa Claus is said to mysteriously know whether you're been bad or good. Odin, the supreme god of Norse Pagan mythology had this same magical ability.

As for the tree, in Pagan times, evergreen trees and plants were brought into homes during Winter Solstice (Yule). They helped remind them that some life (evergreens) continues to live, even in the dark of winter, and that spring's life will soon arrive!! Yule was unceremoniously changed to Christmas and some bullshit about the star being the star the shepherds saw when Jesus was born. Yeah, well, that may be their story but originally it represented the stars in the universe, along with the candles attached to the tree. The star on top of the tree was originally a pentagram representing the five seasons with spirit being the fifth element. I wanted to write this all out so you know where I am coming from when I saw I made a star for our tree!! The star I made is the star in this post's picture at the top!!

I collected the twigs from one of my favorite nature areas here in the Colorado mountains. As I chose them carefully, I thanked Mother Earth for her bounty. When I came home, I glued the pentagram together and wrapped it in raffia twine. Thus, our Yule Tree is complete!! To combine it with my Buddhist tradition of celebrating Buddha's enlightenment under the Pipal tree on December 8th, a Buddha statue sits under the tree, at the base. May you all have a very find holiday season whether that be Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah or Bodhi Day!!

~The Green Man Has Spoken~

The Ancient Cypress Trees of Louisiana.

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Floating your way through a Louisiana cypress swamp is an eerie but a deeply spiritual experience. Silently drifting across the water, one gets the feeling of entering a lost world. It's as though you have tumbled into the past to wander the humid swamps the dinosaurs called home. The cypress trees are the ancient guardians of the swamplands. It is they who hold the secrets of our ancestors and you can feel that energy radiating throughout your core. It is an energy that gives much but it must be respected because the swamps are no place to forget that Mother Nature is in control of our destinies.

I have wandered down to Louisiana numerous times and I can always feel an older, stronger energy to the land. It is a realm that is saturated with history and marinating in archaic mysteries. It's not just Voodoo that senses the powers at work in the swamp lands. Anyone sensitive to metaphysical energy can feel it hang in the air like the warm humidity of the environment. Each time that I visit, there is an energy to the place that reminds me of the heart of Africa. It is like recognizing an old friend from my days living in West Africa. It is a place that transfixes me, which is what keeps me coming back year after year. It you want to experience some powerful energy while taking in some of the oldest and most spectacular nature and history in America, you must visit Louisiana.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Traditional Marriage According to the Bible.

2011-12-16T15:45:00.002-07:00

The Revelation of the Pyramids.

2011-12-15T16:31:00.007-07:00

What do the pyramids in Egypt, Easter Island, Machu Picho and countless other sacred sites around the globe all have in common? More than you might expect. Watch the following video clips to learn the mysteries:

Happy Thanksgiving from The Grove!!

2011-11-23T16:45:00.019-07:00

It's a holiday weekend here in the grove, so I've decided to leave the pixies in charge and have a little fun!! I just hope glitter isn't everywhere when I get back. Last time they were in charge of the grove, there was so much glitter around that I was farting sparkles for days!! Hehe...

Anyway, as you probably can tell by now, I don't have much use for labels but every now and then I think it's good to have a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor to keep us humble. So, even though I am bi-sexual and not gay, I still enjoyed the light-hearted roast of the gay subgenres by Gawker editor, Brian Moylan. The article is titled, "A Handy Guide to All Gay Men" by Brian Moylan.

The gay world is often represented as some sort of monolithic whole that has the same culture. That is a lie. It is actually broken down into a handful of substrata to which each gay belongs. Here they are.

Just like the world at large may stereotype gays as mincing wrist flippers with great taste bent on giving everyone they meet a make over. A queer will tell you that we are all individuals and that those stereotypes are false and horrible.

That said, when the gays see a fellow homosexual in the public sphere, we try to plug them into the convenient taxonomy the community has made for itself. That's right, we have our own stereotypes for each other.

Green Man: As for where I would place myself in these genres? Well, I gotta admit that I'd mostly be the, "Art Fag" (I even have the glasses and artsy facial hair). But, with the following exceptions: I don't feel I am cooler than anyone else. I'm not emaciated and I shave my head. Also, Lady Gaga is my favorite Diva, not Peaches. And, finally, It isn't cheap coke I'm into, but organic cannabis!! Otherwise, I'm more or less an "Art Fag." I know he's not gay or bi-sexual, but Johnny Depp's fashion and persona represent the eccentric artist that I am:The Art Fag:
Body Type: Emaciated, tattooed, usually with some sort of ironic facial hair and an enormous coif. Description: The art fag is cooler than you. He's also cooler than all your friends, and he is not afraid to show it. He is usually an artist (duh), photographer, fashion designer, band member, or something that requires a degree from RISD, FIT, or some other art school that is an acronym. He dresses either in the most current prissy fashions or like a homo version of Terry Richardson, in big glasses, flannels, and jeans that looks so thrown together that it took him hours to put together. You're more likely to find them at a gallery opening or model party, but every so often they'll be at a gay bar to rub elbows, and other parts, with the other homos.

Subcategories: Alternaqueers, gipsters

New York City Hang Out: The Cock

Diva of Choice: ~~Peaches~~ Lady Gaga

Preoccuptions: The hottest club, looking down on things, cheap coke, being bohemian, the outer boroughs

~~Top or Bottom:~~ Both, but prefer top.

Celebrity Example: Marc Jacobs

Throw in a small bit of sport jock and account for my preoccupation being art instead of "the hottest clubs" and you've got me!! Though, in my 20's I truly was all about the clubs. It's just now, I'm settling down and doing the domestic diva thing. Anyway, I hope that all my American readers have a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday!! And, to everyone else reading, I love you too!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Lawrence O'Donnell: Marijuana is Safer Than Alcohol.

2011-11-19T14:37:00.004-07:00

A clear and well-reasoned argument on the hypocrisy of alcohol users condemning marijuana users when alcohol is much more dangerous and addictive. Those who call marijuana the "gateway drug" conveniently forget that most marijuana users drank alcohol well before trying the less harmful marijuana. And what about caffeine? There are a lot of people who have caffeine withdrawals.

The Shaman Will See You Now.

2011-11-10T21:43:00.005-07:00

PHOTO CREDIT: "Lush Rain Forest" by porbital

Being a novice Shaman, tonight, I am enjoying a show about Amazonian healing methods. I was called to serve by the spirit energy that comes with surviving a severe medical condition. It is said that shamans are called by one of two ways: by your grandparent or parent, or from surviving a severe illness, which gave you access to the vision-realm. I have been both blessed and cursed to carry, "the fire" within myself. Modern medicine would call it "schizoaffective disorder," but in most earth traditions, being able to straddle that mental netherworld is an asset to the Shaman.

It is through my visions or "hallucinations" that I am able to transcend the confines of the mind and intuit deeper understanding. I walk through this world with one foot in "Earth-realm" and another foot in the "Greater Consciousness." When I am most in-tune between those dimensions, I literally see what's happening in my earthy present moment from one eye, and a world of pure transcendence from the other. The vision realm sends me family relatives who have died and now reside in another dimension of consciousness to guide me through lucid dream travels.

The other night, I spoke with my recently deceased uncle in a dream following a week of mental strain. This often happens before a vision, I'll get bad headaches and successive nights before the vision, a purge of bad dreams. It's as though the Shaman is cleansing themselves of all the heavy energy before making contact, so that the connection is strong to allow the best transfer of information. In that dream, my uncle told me that my great-great-grandfather also had the "fire" (schizoaffective) and his energy wanted to tell me that he understands the hardship of the bad effects that come with the "fire" but that it is so worth having. And, to keep courage not to fully cross over into the vision realm before it's time (death).

My grandmother who died has visited me twice in lucid dream travels. Once, directly following her passing. She was (and always will be) my hero in many ways and we were very alike in our energies. So, I was not the least bit shocked when I awoke early one morning around 6a.m. and knew that someone in the family had died. Then, as if on cue, the phone rang. "Hello?" It was my mom, "Grandma just died." I replied, "I know, I just was woken up by her energy as it fluttered off." After about a week following the funeral, I had a lucid dream vision where I spoke with her. It was in a classy, F. Scott Fitzgerald, roaring '20s style hotel, which was a great selection on her part since she was a flapper. I remember being aware I was "dreaming" while floating in the elevator heading up to her apartment.

I realized that I could go up or down with the elevator simply by thinking the direction!! So, "whoosh" I sped up to her floor, high atop this building. I knew it was very high in altitude because I could see clouds passing by the window at the end of the hallway. I continued to float down the hallway toward her room and instinctively knew which door opened to her apartment. I motioned my hand at the door and it glided open, and naturally, I floated smoothly into this suite that looked as though it was forever floating in the dimension of '20s America. I first saw the back of her head in the bob style of her younger pictures, and a cloud of cigarette smoke billowing forth. She smoked for 60 years but died of old age at 94!! As I rounded the couch and gazed upon her face, she looked happier than I'd ever seen her. She was glowing and told me not to worry about her dying but that she'd always be in my visions. I have relied upon her spirit many times to endure the side effects of "mental illness."

I had another dream of her later at the shore of a lake where she was wearing a red cloak and we discussed the importance of love and we shared the beauty of the water around us. How do I know that these dreams are different than any other? Firstly, when I normally dream I don't know that I am dreaming. I'm buried in the context of the dream, which usually is a big murky and sometimes random. But when I have my "visions" I am aware that I am "dreaming." And the lighting is always different in them. It's brighter but not painfully so, and there is always this rainbow sparkling aura or crown of light around nearly every little pixel. The essence of them are crisper and clearer in intensity. In those dreams, I always remark to myself, how different the feeling is from my other dreams.

I know and acknowledge a completely different sensation and understanding when I'm having a "hallucination" versus a "vision." I have them both and they are very distinguishable. When I hallucinate, there isn't a purpose behind them except to flash random sounds or visuals in my vision. However, with a vision, there is always a specific message to be heard. Usually the visions erupt out of a dream in progress. I have a regular dream and then it's from that regular dream where I feel like I open a door out of the dream, while asleep, and enter a whole other dimension where time is occurring just as equally as it is in earth time!!

Anyway, I'll wrap this one up. While watching this shamanic show, the Amazonian priest told of how the plants teach them what powers they have to heal. He uses a machete to make a small cut to a certain tree, and tastes the milk inside it's roots. He says that is how the plants give them insight into their healing properties for the Shaman must try all these medicines before giving them out to others. That is why a Shaman will not leave you alone during a hallucinogenic experience. They walk through the vision with you, every step of the way. That is when their experience with the vision realm comes into value -- to guide you in a realm that can often be disorienting if one isn't use to navigating in a non-earth realm.

The Magic of Quantum Levitation.

2011-10-19T14:45:00.008-06:00

"Peace" by Salvatore Vuono for Free Digital Photos

Green Man: As an aspiring wizard, I find science, such as the kind seen in the video below, to be stunning magic. The scientist is truly a magician. I need a quantum levitation set-up like this so that I can float around the grove and through town. However, if I levitated around town, they just might try and lock me up; there are still a lot of people who are intimidated and frightened of magic and science. Sad, but true.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Poll: Marijuana Legalization Support Reaches New High.

2011-10-18T12:29:00.002-06:00

PHOTO CREDIT: "Cannabis" by M. Bartosch for Free Digital Photos

In a new poll from Gallup, a majority of Americans now support legalization of marijuana. Fifty percent now favor the end to prohibition, whereas 46% oppose it. Just last year, that support for ending prohibition was at 46%. Americans are finally seeing through the propaganda that has incorrectly labeled marijuana as a dangerous drug.

Not one person has ever over-dosed from marijuana; compare that to alcohol, and yet alcohol is as available as Starbucks coffee. Marijuana isn't physically addictive like tobacco and yet tobacco can be easily purchased at convenience stores!! Anyone who says marijuana is physically addictive is misinformed and has obviously never tried the herb. I have used marijuana throughout various times in my life and it has never been hard to stop when I wanted to.

Then there is the fact that marijuana pacifies people and therefore you just don't see the violence associated with it that you do with alcohol. Think about all the violence on the border with Mexico over drugs; sixty percent of that drug trade is in marijuana!! If we legalized it then that crime would drop drastically. Some people say that drug cartels would still have other drugs to sell but who in their right mind would oppose putting a 60% dent in their business?!!!

And, the cost to tax payers of enforcing a failed 70 year prohibition in police resources has been atrocious. That is time that the police could be chasing violent criminals and solving cold cases. In addition, we already clogging up our already crowded prisons with non-violent marijuana users and growers while pedophiles and rapists get light sentences!! The warehousing of those marijuana "offenders" also costs the tax payer ridiculous amounts of money. The money is flowing the wrong way--out of our pockets; legalization and regulation similar to alcohol could be bringing in millions (if not billions) to state and federal coffers to balance budgets and fund schools.

The last time I checked, America was a country where we have a right to personal freedom and unreasonable searches and seizures. Tax paying, law-abiding citizens should have the freedom to enjoy small amounts of marijuana in the privacy of their own homes. Whatever happened to the pursuit of happiness?!! For these, and many other reasons, marijuana should be legalized and it appears that America is ready to do it. The tipping point is upon us and now it just looks like it is being opposed by "do-gooders" who oppose it purely on religious, moral grounds. However, a religion shouldn't have the right to deny others personal freedoms; this is a country after all that allows for the practice of no religion, too. Even amongst the religious there are many who agree with legalization, so the time is now.

---The Green Man has Spoken---

New Mexico: Land of Enchantments.

2011-09-25T14:01:00.000-06:00

Following the trail of time, we arrived for a week's stay in the enchanted lands known as, "New Mexico" (also known as Nuevo Mexico). Our wander lust eventually led us to the ancient city of Taos Pueblo. There, we met the past; a timeless culture that defies the laws of mortals and dances near the threshold of immortality. The Taos Pueblo people have been continuously inhabiting this land since the year 1,000 CE. The energy of all those ages envelopes you upon falling under the shadow of the buildings. And, if your senses are alert, you can hear the walls speak to you of wisdom that was nearly sacrificed upon the altar of "progress."

As I curiously explored the wandering alleyways, a sense of belonging and peace washed over me; almost as if I had returned to visit family after being lost in time. There was indeed an energy that felt reassuringly familiar in that isolated but vibrant mud-walled village. Vibrant visions, dreams and shamanic interaction have often reveled to me previous lives lived as a Native American.

The sacred nature of Taos Publo was so impressively all-encompassing that I removed my hat upon entering any of the dwellings; just as I would in any religious temple or shrine. It was spiritually refreshing to have the privilege of exploring a sacred refuge built with the purity and fertility of Mother Earth's own fertile ground. Their respect for Mother Nature is such that every building in their town is a monument to her. It is a simple but powerful tradition of living in accordance with Mother Nature, rather than against her. This kind of humility toward nature is even more precious today since modern humanity has foolishly squandered and exploited our Mother's gifts.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Cops Admit Drug War Failure. Advocate Legalization with Tight Regulations.

2011-09-16T13:47:00.003-06:00

No matter what statistic it is that's examined, be it the kidnapping ranking of Phoenix, shootings in El Paso, marijuana arrests in Brownsville or the number of new gang members in San Diego, the reality of today's America is that drug violence has become a pervasive and pressing threat to most citizens. "We have got to fix this problem, or else it's going to get a lot worse for us here at home," explained Terry Nelson. But what does this mean for American citizens? In short: the drug cartels have won, but it doesn't have to be this way.

Nelson, a life-long Republican, said that he believes many conservative lawmakers are beginning to come around to their view of drug policy as counter-productive to the overall goals of the drug war. "They're just waiting for when it becomes politically viable to take action," he said. "I hope that happens. It needs to."

Green Man: As usual, politicians know what that legalization would reduce crime, violence and adolescent drug use but they are too cowardly to lead because they care more about their jobs than Americans. We can look to Portugal for guidance. They decriminalized all drugs 11 years ago in response a failed drug war--not unlike the failed drug war in America. Decriminalization means it's still technically illegal but instead of going to prison, which won't solve the drug addiction, users are sent to treatment facilities.

Upon decriminalization, the crime dried up, violence was reduced and adolescent use has decreased. HIV/AIDS infections related to dirty syringe use dropped by a staggering 75% and the number of drug users held steady. American cities are slowly but surely increasing drug treatment programs instead of prison time where drugs are just as accessible as on the streets. The drug courts are showing promising signs of hope. "Between 4 and 29 percent of drug court participants in the United States will get caught using drugs again, compared with 48 percent of those who go through traditional courts" (link).

The other problem with sending drug addicts to prison is that they mingle with violent offenders and other criminals where they learn to be real criminals. Plus, it increases the prison population, which costs the tax payer more than if they were treated in the drug programs since the recidivism rates from drugs courts are so much lower than with straight imprisonment. I do think, however, that marijuana should be treated as a separate case from the hard drugs like crack, meth and heroin. Marijuana should legalized, taxed and regulated since it isn't physically addictive, doesn't cause overdoses and causes less societal problems than alcohol.

The bottom line is that the war on drugs isn't just failing, it's doing so exponentially and now the violence that we've seen in Mexico is coming here to America. We'll never stop those who want to use drugs but we can take away the criminal element by decriminalization of the hard drugs and legalization of marijuana. We can also ameliorate the health issues surrounding drug use. Plus, we can drastically reduce adolescent rates because they would have to provide identification to buy marijuana. Whereas, right now, they can go to a shady drug dealer who won't ask for identification. A growing number of Americans on the left and right understand the path ahead, but unfortunately America doesn't have "leaders" courageous enough to lead!!!

Stand up and be counted--email your leaders and tell them you want a more progressive drug policy because this current "war on drugs" has been a failure. If the politicians won't lead, then we the people must take charge.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Coming Out LGBT--You are Not Alone.

2011-09-07T10:33:00.006-06:00

Green Man: Wow. I am SO PROUD of this hero, role-model and kind man. I feel less depressed knowing there are still great people like him in the world. I got chills of joy for him and am thankful for his example; because, it is unacceptable that LGBT brothers and sisters are so harassed that they feel suicide is their only option for peace from their torment!! But, there was one thing missing from this video--I wanted to be able to give him a big bear hug at the end!! Doesn't he look like he gives good hugs?!! My heart is radiating with love and acceptance to not only him, but to all those who feel unwanted, abused, misunderstood and rejected--whether because of sexual orientation or for other reasons. The Green Man's grove is a hate-free zone and we will do anything in our power to help those in need. Welcome to our refuge.

On a side note, I honestly thought this little mini-documentary was better than anything coming out of Hollywood or tv these days. It touched me deeply on an emotional level that a video hasn't done in awhile. It was just so refreshing to watch a positive message from society for a change. There is too much hate, selfishness and fear infecting humanity right now and we need good people such as this man more than ever. Please, shared this beautiful video to all that you think would benefit from it. And, if you are an LGBT person who feels isolated, please know that you are never alone.

In your darkest thoughts and moments, picture this man's warm smile (and the big teddy bear hugs his surely gives) wrapping you in the energy of warm acceptance. Hold onto that pure energy because it's the light that will guide you from the darkness. You deserve to be respected, loved and understood--don't let anyone tell your otherwise. So, don't listen to the haters and hold messages like these in your heart because they are the truth--not that fear peddled by those who would belittle you. They don't deserve your fear of them--they tell lies because they fear strong, independent, free thinkers like you.

Let me tell you a secret, they are privately jealous of your courage and individuality. So they seek to insult you in a pitiful attempt to feel better about their miserable lives. They are the sick ones--not you. Don't let them infect you with their toxic words. They will not win--there is an entire army of those who stand with you in the world, and we will stand in the way to protect those who can't protect themselves. Even if you don't know an ally personally, just know that we are out here and one day you will find us. Look upon the moon and know that we are looking at the same moon and reflect in it's proud, bright light to you, our love and acceptance. Never give up, never surrender, because it will get better. Don't stop reaching out and you will find true friends who accept you for all your beautifully diverse life. The internet is a great tool for reaching out. You can find me at: jaymur@gmail.com

~The Green Man Has Spoken~

Toxic Tar Sands Could be "Game Over" for Earth.

2011-08-29T14:37:00.001-06:00

Even as a child, I felt a calling to Mother Nature. It all started with a book by illustrator, and children's author, Bill Peet. He was known for being able to convey deep topics to children while maintaining a creative and imaginative story to keep the kid's attention. I was an advanced reader with a serious-mind, so I often eschewed the usual fare of children's books that seemed to convey nothing but silly, fluffy rhymes about nonsensical story lines. Eventually, I found Bill Peet's book, "The Wump World" in a dusty corner of the library where I'd hide out during recess to avoid being bullied.

In this book lived these creatures called, wumps. They are a simple but noble community of beings whose planet was taken over by rampantly consuming and polluting humanoids known as the "Pollutians." After they trash the planet and use up all the natural resources they jet-off into space to find another planet to exploit. But, not all is lost when the wumps emerge from hiding and discover one small plant survived. It stirred me deeply and I mourned the actions of the Pollutians but it also stirred a passion for protecting nature that would develop in adulthood into a full-blown activism for Mother Earth. Yet, the Pollutians of planet Earth are still amongst us and about to rape the Earth so ruthlessly that such actions could be the breaking point for our environment.

The Pollutians of Earth are pushing to install a scarring, oil sludge pipeline (known as "Keystone XL") from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It would cut across the heart of the American prairies that grow food for America and the world. But, this shit isn't just any oil--"It's not just regular oil, but highly corrosive and particularly carbon intensive. The process of extracting the oil from the sands is more energy intensive than drilling for crude. It entails destruction of Canada's Boreal forest, which serve as a carbon sink, making this particular resource extraction a global warming double whammy."

If these tar sands are tapped, the federal government’s premier climate scientist James Hansen says it would be “essentially game over for the climate.” "It would cross under 11 major rivers between Canada and southern Nebraska, according to TransCanada officials, and also would pass beneath several hundred smaller streams draining into major rivers. TransCanada has a dismal record of pipeline spills. Its Keystone 1 pipeline, which began operating in June 2010, transports tar sands crude from Canada to Illinois refineries and Oklahoma tank farms. TransCanada reported an astonishing 12 leaks the first year" [...] Beyond polluting major rivers and countless streams, toxic crude oil leaks could poison a major aquifer. The Ogallala Aquifer lies underneath parts of eight states, and most of the residents in those states depend on it for their drinking and irrigation water.

So, I am putting out the call to the grove that our Mother Nature needs us. She shelters, feeds and entertains us with the patience that only a mother can display. However, she can't help us if we continue to poison her mystical source of life. We have dishonored our mother by abusing her with pollution. We have exploited her gifts for our own greedy desires, which has often left Mother Nature powerless to protect our fragile animal cousins. But, all is not lost--she has given birth to a vast and diverse family of children; luckily, some of them have not strayed from her heart very far and are standing up to push back against the forces of destruction.

If you want to help protect our benevolent Mother then please join me in donating to stop the Canada Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. Two organizations on the front lines that I'd suggest are: "Greenpeace Canada" (click here to visit their page). Then, visit "Tar Sands Action" (click here for their site) to sign a petition to stop this rape of our dear Mother. Whether you are in the United States, or Canada, I ask one last thing from you; please, email or call your political leaders and beg them to stop this risk to not only our climate but our health (and that of our children). President Obama's administration is leaning toward going ahead with the American side of the pipeline, so we have to act now.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

John Muir: Attached to the Rest of the World.

2011-08-22T15:20:00.000-06:00

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." -naturalist, John Muir

John Muir was a tireless defender of Mother Nature, Mystic of the Woods, and Advocate for the preservation of our Sacred Temples of Earth. As with a shaman, Muir survived a brush with bodily harm, which beckoned him to a higher calling of the spirit. After a sawmill accident nearly left him blind, John received a revelation, "he saw the world—and his purpose—in a new light," wrote author, Amy Marquis in her book, "A Mountain Calling."

John Muir recalled, "This affliction has driven me to the sweet fields. God has to nearly kill us sometimes, to teach us lessons." According to biographer Donald Worster's book, "Passion of Nature," he saw that purpose to be, "saving the American soul from total surrender to materialism." Thus, disillusioned by the addiction to materialism that belched forth during the Industrial Revolution, Muir disappeared into the woods to be embrace Mother Nature's spirituality. To many in that era, the idea that nature was spiritually on par with "God" was heresy. At the time, unlike past eras, much of Christianity saw nature as something to be tamed and exploited. It was a careless attitude that stemmed in large part from a ego-distorted view of the Biblical verse granting humanity dominion over the Earth.

As he wandered the land, John Muir stood at the feet of the cathedrals of nature and proclaimed that no temple made by the hand of man could compare to those within the environment. As he explored further, Mother Nature opened up and revealed a realm of such complexity, grandeur and interaction that Muir was understandably humbled. It was dramatically clear to him that humanity was but one spoke in a giant wheel of environmental interdependence and not its master. Mother Nature spoke to him through the whispering pines and the singing rivers that these natural sanctuaries could heal the wounds of the world. It was a world that was poisoning itself with urban pollution, dehumanized by rampant greed and spiritually lost.

Yet, the magic of these natural worlds were quickly disappearing within the so-called jaws of "industrial progress" and John Muir understood what was to be done. He hoisted the banner of Mother Nature and beckoned a war-weary country to be healed by her powers; and the people came. He extolled the virtues of the land and guests to those temples left converted protectors of those rediscovered treasures of Earth. I guess you could say that John Muir was the Savior of the American Wilderness. May we honor the gift he has given us by passing on his wisdom to future generations.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Sacred Chamber of Ruby Falls.

2011-08-07T11:43:00.006-06:00

Deep in the bowels of Lookout Mountain, in Tennessee, hides an ancient cave system named, Ruby Falls caverns. The dank, and musty air within its serpentine passages whisper secrets of eons gone by that remind you that you are a guest in this otherworldly realm. You are at the mercy of nature, sitting deep below a mountain such as this one. The low ceilings require you to humbly bow your head, in respect, for the spirit of the cave. Upon showing this submission, the seeker may enter the inner sanctum of the cave; a vaulted chamber carved out of solid rock by the spirit of the cave--the goddess waterfall.

The roaring of the falls humble you with the overwhelming power of her archaic magic, while the delicate and lacy dance of the water rejuvenates you with her sensual femininity. As I stood at her feet, I raised my arms and head into the spray of her aquatic magic, to honor her energy and be cleansed by it. I left that cave deeply grateful to exist on a planet with natural temples such as the one safe-guarded 1,120 feet below, Lookout mountain.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

I'm Mad as Hell, and I'm Not Gonna Take It Anymore.

2011-07-30T11:06:00.003-06:00

Green Man: The American political system and government is rotten to the core. Both parties (Democrats and Republicans) are offshoots from the same diseased tree of corruption. The corporations run Washington D.C., so the average citizen has about as much influence on our politicians as a dead man. Our government has long since stopped helping people in turn for exploiting us for their financial gain.

This is done through giving themselves obscene pay raises and tax cuts that they extend to corrupt business bosses who help prop up their incestuous circle of corruption. To ensure their graft continues, they raid our pensions, social security and investments through shady business practices; and when it all comes crashing down, guess who gets to pay the biggest and most painful price--we, the American people. We don't have offshore bank accounts busting with ill-gotten gains. Nor do we have the power that they wield to affect change. Before his untimely death, the Howard Beale of today, George Carlin, saw this con-job coming well before most people:Therefore, I am officially embracing the Green Party as my only refuge in this crumbling cesspool that we call "America the beautiful." I know that the Green Party can't and probably won't be able to change anything because of the rigged political system, which chokes off any opposition to the two-party, stranglehold on power. But, it's as much a protest action as anything else. I am tired of selling-out my integrity for a morsel of hope that one of the two diseased parties will change their vile behavior. Therefore, I'm taking refuge within a party that at least has integrity. I'd rather support a political party that doesn't win, yet has integrity, than choose one that makes me feel like I need to take a shower after seeing the way they govern upon voting for them.

In the meantime, I'm gearing up for the chaos that is unfolding in America. I have a feeling that it's about to completely come apart at the seems to explode into a new revolution and/or civil war. My hope is that I can band together with a small group of like-minded people and right out the turmoil in the wilderness. And, if the turmoil never ends, at least I'll die out in nature, than inside the cold, toxic, places of our cancerous, cities.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Misty Redwood Forest.

2011-07-17T16:53:00.003-06:00

This is my new homepage picture. A lovely, enchanted, redwood forest!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Federal Government Claims Marijuana Has No Medicinal Benefit.

2011-07-10T10:56:00.007-06:00

The corrupt, federal government has ruled that marijuana has no medicinal benefit; but, they didn't stop there and went on to claim it should remain in the same class as heroin!! Heroin??? They know very well that the two are about as similar as beer, and heroin. These regulatory bodies are all too often corrupted by the very industries they are supposed to police. In this case, it seems the big drug companies are heavily influencing them to stick to this absurd opinion out of avoiding competition.

Growing numbers of people know that the old line, which says marijuana is similar to heroin has been debunked. The fact that they keep sticking to this insult to our intelligence reminds me of, "The Wizard of Oz." In particular, the scene where the "wizard" is finally found out to be nothing but an old man spewing propaganda behind the curtain (to see clip, click on this sentence). Even after being discovered, he still tries to keep up the charade until it's hopeless. As annoying and illogical as this "finding" is from the feds, I think it's the last gasps of a failed drug policy toward marijuana.

This ruling is a huge, collective slap in the face to highly esteemed and credited doctors throughout America, and the world, who see the benefits of marijuana in their patients. When it comes to medical issues, I'll trust the opinions and findings of doctors over politicians, any day. The drug companies don't want competition from a natural herb that people can grow in their own homes; and the DEA and law enforcement (in part) want to keep it illegal to keep them in jobs!! This is less about medicine from their end and more about political power and corruption. This ruling is also spitting in the face of the millions of citizens who've democratically voted to legalize medicinal marijuana in 16 states, and the District of Columbia.

This won't stop the advocates of marijuana who see the real medical benefits from this wonder drug. We'll push on until all 50 states legalize it and the federal government will be forced to finally accept reality. Perhaps, even, the goal should be full legalization to avoid any wiggle room for a corrupt federal agency to keep up the lies and distortions. I'm a hard-core liberal but even I accept that the federal government has over-stepped it's authority and decency in regards to sick patients who find merciful relief from their very real ailments through this non-addictive, all natural, substance.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Grove Celebrates Marriage Equality Being Legal in New York State.

2011-06-29T13:13:00.002-06:00

The grove is alive with jubilation with the news that New York state has legalized marriage equality. This won't just benefit New York citizens; as New York will marry those from out of state. In addition, the example of New York will have strong influence on other states due to its size and political influence. My Neo-Pagan beliefs allow and call for acceptance of all sexual preferences. I like the Pagan influence of seeing sexuality, in general, as a gift of this life to be shared and lauded in all it's forms (except, obviously, things like pedophilia).America has for too long been a "sex negative" culture. In that, a lot of Americans see the celebration of sexuality as immoral. I couldn't disagree more; sexuality is at the core of humanity, which is the "sex positive" view. It feels wonderful for a reason!! It's time that Americans wake up to the gift of sexual pleasure; rather than seeing it as a "sin" to be avoided except for pro-creation purposes. Of course, marriage equality isn't just about sexual pleasure, however, here in the secret grove, that's often how we celebrate!!

The nymphs and fairies (of all sexual preferences) giggle with glee and erotically frolic with the half-naked satyrs throughout the woods. The grove isn't a place for prudish beliefs about nudity. I almost always wear next to nothing in the grove; often, just my mask and crown of leaves, a gentle smile and a proud erection.

I'm not ashamed of it--why should I be? Having a healthy erection is a very natural celebration of life!! A strong erection is as apart of being a man as growing a beard--I welcome them and honor every one as a gift from Mother Nature and the Horned God, Cernunnos (pictured, right).

I know some might not like how I'm including sex in a discussion about marriage equality, but marriage and sex go hand in hand!! America is about freedom; and not being able to love freely or have sex freely with consenting adults of the same-sex isn't in keeping with that tradition. I'm glad our society is broadening it's view of marriage and sexuality.

I feel, we need a sex liberation movement as much as a gay marriage movement. We got the ball rolling in the 1960s and then the trend of "traditional values" took over; despite the reality that there is no such thing as "traditional values" or "traditional marriage." Ancient Greeks were very accepting of homosexuality and sexual freedom. In the Bible, having multiple wives was considered, "traditional!!"

So, Sitting upon my throne of supple, green, saplings, I savor the moment and take pride in my bisexuality. The grove will always be a sanctuary for those with different sexual identities, gender identities and sexual preferences. We are a jovial and accepting clan who focus on unconditional love; over who you love or how you love. We are so proud and happy for our friends in New York.

In the meantime, the grove will continue to welcome refugees with open arms from the sexual orientation wars; provided you aren't uncomfortable with seeing the natural, naked, human form from time to time. If you accept those conditions, come on in, grab some wine and celebrate with us by watching the artful, natural beauty and talent of honorary grove member, Steve Retchless!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Utah Attorney General Shurtleff Approves of Medical Marijuana.

2011-06-15T14:46:00.001-06:00

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said he would support the legalization of medical marijuana after experiencing months of intensive cancer treatment. "Until you've experienced chemo, you can't describe exactly how it feels," he said Thursday on KSL Newsradio's Doug Wright Show. "It's kind of like having the flu because you ache all over. But it's worse than that... Everything feels awful." "They give you pills to help you with the nausea, but if you can't keep those down, then what do you do?" he said. "You just suffer. That's one of the reasons I understand why people who are going through chemo are prescribed medicinal marijuana in states where it is legal."

Green Man: Wow, if Utah's attorney general backs medical marijuana then the marijuana debate is truly making progress. Utah is one of the most conservative states, which is also home to one of the most conservative religions--Mormonism. And, Shurtleff isn't someone to ignore that easily, considering he's the top law enforcement official in the state of Utah. I must say though, as a proud Coloradan, he needs to back-off criticizing Colorado for their very progressive medical marijuana industry. He's supposed to represent the state of Utah--let Colorado decide it's own way of doing things. I doubt he'd appreciate our attorney general telling him how to run his state.

Speaking of Colorado, we will have a proposal on the ballot next year on whether to legalize marijuana in the state. I think it has a real chance of succeeding, so if you want to see marijuana legalized and believe in the personal freedom to use it then please consider donating 5, 10, 20 dollars to the campaign. SAFER is a well known, established and respected cannabis organization here in Colorado; they successfully got small amounts of marijuana legalized in Denver city limits.

You might say, "Well, why should I help Colorado legalize it when I don't live there?" Understandable question. But, consider this--if Colorado legalizes it then it will create an example and momentum for others states to follow suit. Especially, if California also legalizes next year; as they have a ballot measure that will be on the '12 ballot, as well. Marijuana was given to us by Mother Earth and has medicinal and spiritual properties for a reason--it's meant to be used. Mother Nature has given us everything we need in nature.

It's amazing to me that we're fine with prescribing highly-addictive opium based pills for people for everything from a back ache to blue balls but marijuana is more dangerous? Despite it's known benefits and lack of side effects??? Bullshit. It's less addictive than alcohol, and yet, people see it as worse than the opium based pills they hand out like candy!! True story. I was raised in a very naive, conservative, Mormon household and wasn't allowed to sexually explore myself (or anyone else for that matter). So, I would get blue balls, but I didn't know what they were, so suspecting a serious problem "down there" I went to the emergency room!! Yep, and the doctor just told me about blue balls and gave me VICODIN!!!

Good god!! Handing out Vicodin to a 20 year old kid??? Why don't you just give me a heroin needle and a gun!! "Here kid, get hooked on a heroin derivative, but stay away from that natural herb over there, it's the "devil's weed!!" No one dies from marijuana use, whereas car crashes, hepatitis, firearms, Tylenol (acetaminophen) over-dose, alcohol over-dose and homocide deaths are numerous!! Those are based on 2007 numbers. Unlike most drugs, if you ingest a high amount of marijuana, you just get tired and sleep, but no over-dose. It's virtually impossible to over-dose. You'd have to eat a couple hay-bails worth of the stuff to get anywhere close to dying--and who the hell is going to do that?!! You'd vomit well before finishing all that weed. Suicide killed 34,598 people in 2007--marijuana? Zero!! The hysteria and lack of education on the true nature of marijuana is astounding--even still. We have to keep pushing for our freedom to use this substance responsibly, and educate the masses.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

If Jesus Loves Me, Why Does he Want to Send Me to Hell?

2011-05-22T17:38:00.000-06:00

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Rapture.

2011-05-21T18:42:00.003-06:00

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - With no sign his forecast of Judgment Day arriving on Saturday has come true, the 89-year-old California evangelical broadcaster and former civil engineer behind the pronouncement seemed to have gone silent.

You know, I once saw a website that recorded countless predictions from "prophets" that never came true; mostly failed predictions of the end of the world. Prophet?? Yeah, maybe if you spelled it "profit." He's the only one "profiting" off of this situation!! He apparently has millions of dollars from donations by poor suckers. So, isn't it interesting that he didn't give away his money given that you can't take it with you, after all?!! The only "end" that has happened out of all of this, is the end of this guys sanity!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Remembering Bob Marley, Who Died 30 Years Ago, This Week.

2011-05-15T12:25:00.005-06:00

Thirty years ago, Bob Marley died. It was a life cut far too short. He was so much more than a musician and icon of the popular musical style, reggae. He was a visionary, a healer and an inspiration to the down-trodden, listless American kids drowning in the chaos of modernity and especially to those of African heritage who have been oppressed. He was a rebel but one who eschewed violence in favor of radical love. I say radical, because it's easy to respond with violence to the problems Bob described in his songs. But, his answer was to trust in a higher power--love, which unites all beings.

Marley, woke up a sleepy, middle-class America to the injustices of the black man but his lyrics spoke to anyone facing a struggle against the corrupt powers of man poisoned by greed, hatred and delusion. Unfortunately he wasn't with us that long but the sheer weight of what he has inspired in countless people spanning many generations shows that it doesn't take a lifetime to positively change lives forever. I thought it fitting to add this quote from then Jamaican Prime Minister, Edward Seaga about Bob Marley, said at his funeral:

"His voice was an omnipresent cry in our electronic world. Bob Marley was never 'seen.' He was an 'experience,' which left an indelible imprint with every encounter. Such a man cannot be erased from the mind."

He certainly changed my life forever when I began my life-long love of his music at the age of 13. If you're a fan, let's take a moment to listen to his music and rededicate ourselves to his vision. May his legend live long and strong!! One people, One heart, One love. The video below is of musicians from around the world singing Bob's classic song, "One Love." For lyrics in English, click here. Enjoy!!
~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Mighty Nyiragongo Volcano.

2011-04-12T14:44:00.006-06:00

Green Man: This is the mighty Nyiragongo volcano's lava lake in Congo, Central Africa. It has one of the largest lava lakes in the world that roars and hisses night and day, as if a great dragon lives within its depths. I am mesmerized and lured toward volcanoes like a bug being pulled toward a bright light. There is even a voice deep within my primal brain that sees the glow of a volcano's lava lake, and says, "Jump!!" To that end, if I had a terminal illness with only one week left to live, I would end that week by leaping into the heart of the lava pool at Nyiragongo. What a spectacular, quick and fitting way to return to the heart of Mother Earth upon death!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Truth is a Pathless Land.

2011-04-07T23:59:00.000-06:00

"I maintain that Truth is a pathless Land, and you cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect. That is my point of view and I adhere to that absolutely and unconditionally.

Truth being limitless, unconditioned, unapproachable by any path whatsoever, cannot be organized; nor should any organization be formed to lead or to coerce people along any particular path.

The moment you follow someone, you cease to follow Truth. I have only one purpose: To make man free, to urge him towards freedom; to help him break away from all limitations, for that alone will give him eternal happiness, will give him the unconditioned realization of the self."

— J. Krishnamurti (1929)

Bald Eagle Decapitated in Louisiana.

2011-04-06T14:15:00.037-06:00

By Mark Morgenstein, CNN

(CNN) -- A brutal, fatal case of suspected cruelty to animals is under investigation in Louisiana, the state's wildlife department said in a press release Tuesday. Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries found a beheaded bald eagle Sunday in a drainage ditch in Franklin Parish, in the northeastern part of the state, according to the release.

Green Man: Every time an animal dies in such a senseless and cruel manner, my heart literally aches. But, to see our national animal and the symbol of freedom, so disrespected is nearly more than I can bear. Especially since raptors are some of my favorite animals. The Red-Tail Hawk is my main animal guide and I'm lucky to see them quite frequently here in Colorado. I often find I see them when I need a message of hope or strength.

They also have been known to visit me in times of trouble. Once, my wife, some friends and I were going to Las Vegas to party and otherwise debauch ourselves when the plane we were about to leave on was delayed. It turns out that a Red Tail hawk had been sucked into one of the plane engines on the plane's previous flight. I had a sinking feeling that was a bad sign for things to come. As it turns out, I ended up taking way to much ecstasy in Vegas and nearly blacked-out. When I came to, the next day, I found myself in the midst of a mental breakdown.

The over-dose of drugs flared up my mental illness and I literally said less than a dozen words for the next three days as I followed my wife and friends around Vegas like a lost puppy dog. I was so out of it that at one point I asked my wife if I had lost my sanity. I was terrified because I couldn't hold a train of thought for longer than about 2 minutes before forgetting. I couldn't activate my brain to analyze my emotions or the situation I was in to return to a sense of normalcy. The flight home was surreal where I thought everyone on-board was talking about me and every time I'd hear people laugh I assumed they were laughing at me. I didn't get things back under control until I got back to the house and could take my medications.

Upon contemplating at home about the trip, I saw the death of that hawk as a warning to me of things to come if I kept on that course. I saw it too as a sign to stop the heavy drug use, which I did. Now, I just stick to the natural stuff--marijuana, which actually helps my mental illness. That was also a time when I wasn't fully diagnosed yet and wasn't taking adequate amounts of medication in the first place. I was finally and accurately diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder not long after the Vegas incident, and have since improved though I am unable to work because of the disorder. Mental illness runs in my family; well, it practically gallops in the family, so I knew I was probably going to have some issues at some point.

Ecstasy is a drug that unlocks a lot of spirituality and understanding of the deeper realities of life. However, it should be used sparingly, and not multiple times through-out the night with alcohol, as I did. I believe that most people (adults) should try it at least once but from an attitude of spiritual awakening, respect and with a guide to help you stay safe. It's good to have someone to remind you to drink water through-out the high because it's easy to get dehydrated and over-heated, which was my other problem. The alcohol didn't help that aspect either. But, don't drink too much water either because that can be problematic, as well. I found the sweet spot to be a tall glass about every hour. I'd have someone set their watch to go off every hour to keep everyone aware.

But, I digress. Animals can be such amazing blessings to our lives if we let them be but all too often we see them as objects to use any way we see fit. So, to see an animal not only senselessly killed but tortured on top of that just makes me want to vomit. It makes me very disappointed in my fellow humans.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Nuclear Energy: Is it Worth the Risks to the Environment?

2011-04-05T14:43:00.016-06:00

The on-going nuclear crisis at Fukashima nuclear plant in Japan has raised concerns about nuclear energy, yet again. Humans have a consumption problem and have become a parasitic species. We are greedy to the point of risking the death of countless people, and even more injuries, just for cheap power, so that we can continue our life of unchecked desire. And, yet, we take a risk with nuclear energy on something we still don't fully understand or know how to contain upon meltdown because we don't want to have to live a life with less luxury and greed. Well, I don't like saying this, but this is what happens when we gamble with Mother Nature.

The time is now to commit, as a world, to putting the nuclear genie, back into the bottle, as much as possible. We owe it not just to our children, and their children, but the billions of innocent sentient beings, who are living within their means, in balance and harmony with nature's limits and abilities. We must learn the lessons of interdependence, because if we human's mess up and ruin Earth, making it uninhabitable, then we have the karmic weight of the death of all those beings to bear into the next life. I know that I don't want that on my conscience, so let's work together to make this world a little safer and peaceful.

And, yet, if we totally ban nuclear energy then we're even more reliant upon dirty coal and oil. It's a difficult spot to be in as a modern civilization. One alternative that some say is the best alternative is thorium energy. Here is the cheat sheet on Thorium, which is a radioactive element but much safer, less radioactive and cleaner than the old nuclear sources, Uranium and Plutonium:

After it has been used as fuel for power plants, the element leaves behind minuscule amounts of waste. And that waste needs to be stored for only a few hundred years, not a few hundred thousand like other nuclear byproducts. Because it’s so plentiful in nature, it’s virtually inexhaustible. It’s also one of only a few substances that acts as a thermal breeder, in theory creating enough new fuel as it breaks down to sustain a high-temperature chain reaction indefinitely. And it would be virtually impossible for the byproducts of a thorium reactor to be used by terrorists or anyone else to make nuclear weapons. Named for the Norse god of thunder, thorium is a lustrous silvery-white metal. It’s only slightly radioactive; you could carry a lump of it in your pocket without harm.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Goddess Pele Erupts with Anger on Kilauea.

2011-03-10T13:08:00.013-07:00

The Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes, Pele is angry; no doubt furious over how humans are treating our mutual mother, Mother Nature. Just days ago, she erupted from within the bowels of her volcanic underworld with vengeance on her mind. Her long, scalding strands of orange hair are flowing from within the volcano Kilauea; unfurling down the mountain-side to choke off anything in their path. In parts, she is spraying her scorching, red blood through a new crack in the surface called a fissure. Just look at this recent footage:

She is all consuming and when her destructive strands of flowing hair reach her sister, and rival goddess, Namaka, they clash in an explosion of steam; fire and water re-igniting their eternal rivalry. So, it is best to stand back and let her vent her frustrations. Yet, her anger isn't saved just for Namaka.

(Above: Steam from lava reaching the ocean from USGS Hawaii Volcano Observatory).

Her human siblings need to be reminded now and then of the power of her magic, or face her wrath, because she will consume even the strongest buildings, if built too close to her domain. She will not be disrespected, and those who are foolish enough to do so, don't often live long enough to tell about it. That is because she builds the island how she will, and you walking across her new land, before it's ready, is a sign of disrespect. It will usually be punished by a swift fall through the thin layers of her cooling creations where your burning corpse will eventually be incorporated into new land.

(Above: Green fern growing in lava field near Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii by Kevin McCarthy. There are some rights reserved for this picture).

Yet, she is so much more than her violent outbursts show. As her black creations age, they become some of the most fertile ground to grow upon. In fact, her energy, if respected and accessed with respect, can power our energy needs. The island of Iceland is mostly powered by her geothermal emissions. They have learned to live in balance with her power and she has blessed them for it. So, for those who honor and venerate her magic she is happy to give them the best fireworks show on Earth. No rock concert can compare to her rattling rumbles, hissing steam and roaring explosions. She is the original inventor of the pyrotechnic show and truly knows how to make rocks roll!!

(Above: Pu'u 'O'o on a flank of Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano)

I will always stand mesmerized by the primeval and other-worldly forms that she takes on. It is easy to be humbled by her raw energy, as one should be. She makes us feel small but not in an insignificant way. She makes us feel small, so we don't have to try and control everything. We are apart of a bigger picture and knowing that we are just along for the ride takes some pressure off of life. Thank-you, Pele, for your magic. The Earth, and we humans are better for it.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Speaking the Language of Plants and Trees.

2011-02-19T16:38:00.009-07:00

The swaying trees, rustle a language that can not help but be palpable to my consciousness. For as long as I remember, I have felt a deep relationship and connection with everything green; and have been able to tap into a low, but perceptible energy field emanating out like a cloud of mist from my emerald friends. I have always regarded plants and trees to be wise and honored friends.

My childhood was quite lonely, being the last kid in the family; and after being labeled a "weird loner" from other kids at school--up until my last year of high school. Being the last in line at home meant there just wasn't enough time often for my parents to be able to give me the one-on-one time that a child needs. So, there was often little supervision or guidance left-over for me.

So, I was alone a lot, and learned to grow up fast. One way that I adapted to that solitary life was through falling in love with nature. So, plants (and trees, especially) are like old friends and trusted confidants to me. I use to crawl up high in the tall cottonwood trees in my childhood backyard; and escape the fighting going on between my parents into the strong, stable limbs of the trees. There, (I'm not ashamed to admit) I would often talk to them, confide in them and share with them my biggest fears and dreams. So, I try to bring their energy to life through this blog and share their energy with others.

I feel their presence as one would a kitty sitting off on the periphery, taking you in your energy. My senses often pick up on a subtle but steady sound of hushed mumbling, whispering or humming from certain plants when I'm in a particularly balanced palace after a deep meditation. And, I have been known to play music for them. So, I have a deep and very real bond with all living green vegetation, and it gives me much strength and inspiration in my life. It is my hope that humans can rediscover our natural roots and embrace Mother Nature's healing, green energy. Let us heal her, so she can heal us all again. We need to protect our environment--it's the only one we have.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Magic of Marijuana.

2011-02-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

The sweetly scented, vapors of marijuana are billowing through the beaming sun, pouring through the cracks between the blinds. I stand in awe of its ethereal waves, drifting along with animation, as if it exploded from the tip of a shaman's wand; eventually sinking to saturate the mind and body with its magical spell. Blessed by its sweet elixir of mystical insight into the Divine Oneness, Pure Love and Higher Consciousness, I smile. Through meditation, I exude that energy out to all life or pure existence with the wish that it will be beneficial to those plugged into that wave length. Namaste.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Colorado Politician: "A lot" of Lawmakers Want Drug Law Reforms.

2011-02-10T12:46:00.006-07:00

Support for legalizing marijuana at the federal level is steadily increasing in Congress, according to a Democratic representative from Colorado. "I find that a lot of members of Congress privately agree that we need to change our drug policy, they’re just still too timid or scared to come public with it," Rep. Jared Polis said in an interview with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). "We really have a growing group that support decriminalization at the federal level and changing the schedule of marijuana," he added. "It’s not a majority yet, but it’s growing rather than shrinking."

Green Man: The people are always ahead of the government. It's sadly ironic that politicians are scared to go public with their support for reforming drug laws because it is they who are elected to make those very decisions!! A politician's constitutional duty is to make the big decisions that are beyond the power of average citizens, so to see them cower from that role is disappointing. However, it is nice that people like Rep. Polis are out there carrying the banner in Washington D.C. and to hear that support is growing rather than shrinking--the momentum is on our side. And, I am particularly proud that Rep. Polis is a fellow Coloradan.

Still, these politicians know the truth about marijuana and they are manipulating the issue to enable re-election from the people who are still in the dark about the true nature of marijuana. They are taking advantage of people who've been lied to for years about a fairly harmless plant. These are the older folks who were shown pure propaganda films claiming smoking marijuana will make you rape and murder people!! Seriously, rent the old movie, "Reefer Madness." It's a black and white movie made years ago to scare people into seeing marijuana as bad and corrupting.

It's time that the truth set us free. Shamans have benefited and lauded marijuana's properties for eons and we're foolish to ignore their expertise in regards to this miracle plant of healing and spiritual enlightenment. Demand freedom to partake in an herb that isn't just a "drug" but very much a spiritual key and giver of knowledge. Perhaps, that is the real reason that some politicians oppose marijuana reform--they are afraid of an educated populace that will challenge their authority and corrupt policies. This is the prohibition fight of our generation and we will prevail!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Secret Societies: An Obsession.

2011-02-01T16:54:00.017-07:00

Green man is obsessed and fascinated with secret societies, brotherhoods, hidden meanings, codes, rituals and any other occult learning. Yet, I do not believe in the conspiracy theories that swirl around them. on how they are planning to take over the world. A plan that nefarious and global in reach would have been leaked by some disgruntled member by now. It seems they are more interested in improving themselves through hidden knowledge and sacred rituals, and the betterment of mankind than world domination. I am interested in the knowledge, mysticism, pageantry, ritual and mystique of it all. That said, of course I would be interested in learning any occult theories for bringing about an increased, socially liberal societal structure that is modernist and open-minded in its vision.

Being an historian by education, I have great appreciation for the traditions of these organizations. I am a scholar who wants to understand the importance of these traditions. I am a man of learning who is a great admirer of the celebrated thinkers of the enlightenment, and feel that humanity should always be in a constant state of improvement through pursuing enlightened ideas in society. We should constantly be challenging ourselves to make sure that we are pursuing the light of wisdom; as well as the freedom of men and women everywhere to live as they may and do what thou wilt as Mr. Crowley said, so wisely a century ago.

I have been studying these brotherhoods and societies for years upon years and am familiar with many of them. I was raised Mormon and am thus aware of some Masonic rituals, as Joseph Smith once was a Mason. However, I found Mormonism to be toxic to my mind, so I my opinion of Freemasonry is a bit tainted. It seems too "Christian" for where my spiritual and mystical motivations lie. I am less interested in the Judeo-Christian schools of mysticism and prefer ones aligned with pagan or a non-traditional ethos; such as organizations that celebrate sexuality and free minded approaches to the world. So long as I get to wear a hooded robe and/or other regalia of a secret school of learning--Ha!! I enjoy discussing little understand, and talked about ideas--ideas that might seem radical or strange to those with a conservative minded view of the world. In short, I am interested in pursuing illumination of the mind and body.

I dig through countless documents, discussion boards, blogs and books about these secret societies and have to laugh over the some of the conspiracies thrown around about these groups. For example, the fear some conspiracy theorists have over a one world government. I am not against a "New World Order" in the sense that I think a global community where knowledge and honoring our animal instincts while always being tempered by the honed mind is welcome. The idea of one giant country sounds pretty cool, actually. The same is true with the one world currency that conspiracy theorists dread. Perhaps it would help stabilize this world that has gotten, so far from the light of intelligence and reason. I am for anything that ushers in a less primitive way of thinking about others and man's potential in this world.

So, to any secret orders out there--I'm interested in speaking with you. Contact me: jaymur@gmail.com To the rest who fear the unknown? Try opening up your mind for once, you'd be amazed at the wonderfully interesting world it will present for you. That's all for now...(Green man makes the sign of the pyramid with his two hands and then bows before publishing this post).

PHOTO: A UV ink tattoo of the "All-Seeing Eye" on the pyramid, which is a common symbol of occultists and secret orders. These type of tattoos can only be seen when placed under UV light or black light, so they'd be great for secret societies--and I'm sure some use them. However, there are some drawbacks with them; such as too much sun exposure causing them to appear visible over time.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Horny God Cernnunos; Sex in Nature.

2011-01-27T09:53:00.004-07:00

(The Horned God Cernunnos)

I'm not normally the nudist type but when we go backpacking, some 30 miles away from humanity in all directions, I immensely enjoy walking around the woods skyclad. It is a thrilling experience to feel leaves upon the skin (making sure to avoid the poisonous ones) of my naked body; to feel the natural breeze off a lake (the breath of the goddess) caress my naked bits is breath-taking and something very humanizing. It's like a long-lost memory of the kind of freedom that my species hasn't known since early man and womankind. Allowing ourselves to be naked in our natural habitat is natural--our natural state; worth celebrating and honoring in ceremonies.

Once, while I was all alone in a forest, a few years back, during a backpacking trip I masturbated amidst a grove of pine trees after a rainfall. The earthly smell of wet dirt and pine filled the air. That musty scent really brought out my primal, sensual animal. It was highly arousing to be naked in the forest like my ancestors--Cernnunos, the horned one. I think the sensuality came as I brought the sounds, smells and sights of nature into my sexual experience.

Including walking through leafy, forest paths with an erection to find my sacred spot. My hardness parted the soft leaves like a royal scepter, which was thrilling and sacred for me. The sacredness is taking back the noble erection from the shame men have had to endure from society; telling them the penis is something to hide--and laugh at from discomfort with the imposing protrusion of it's proud, natural form. The double-standard we've had to endure of movies celebrating boobs and the naked female form but hiding the man in the background; as well as not showing his penis. Why is the penis something to hide?!! Are we ashamed of it?!! That is so sad.

The scents of the flowers, emitting the intoxicating sensuality of the goddess aroused inside me a celebration of all things feminine in my head. In that moment, I wanted to make sacred love with all of Earth's blessed women. I was at love, with both the natural world in that moment and the female energy; not just the beautiful form but from the nurturing, caring and warmness of our Queens. As I lay back upon the reclining, smooth logs, I was at the height of sexual, sensual and spiritual arousal; the orgasm that ensued was basking in the power of those three givers of love. It was an experience that blew my mind, warmed my heart and rejuvenating my self-esteem; as well as rejuvenating my relationship with nature.

I want to do this again sometime but with a ceremony planned around self-pleasure communing. In it I plan to take on the form of the Horned God Cernunnos, who is the Celtic god of nature and male fertility (thus, the name of my post calling him the, "horny god" instead of horned god). I want to bathe in a near-by creak to cleanse myself, before laying a blanket down in a secluded forest clearing and performing a sage cleansing. Inhaling lavender flowers brought with me for the ceremony to relax and connect my sexual energy with Mother Nature's sensuality.

I will dig a small hole in the Earth to symbolize the womb of nature. Next, comes laying red rose petals throughout the hole to symbolism the feminine, the goddess and female fertility. Upon completion I would settle into a meditative trance of self-stimulation. Upon the climax of the ceremony I would spread my male seed into the symbolic womb (Earthen hole) as an offering. After draining my seed, I would sprinkle some distilled (distilled for purity) water over the mixture; as a symbolic gesture of watering the seed to unlock it's rejuvenating energy. Finally, I'd fill the hole (Earthen womb) with the dirt that use to fill it, to seal the offering to the goddess.

Afterward, I will kneel before the Earthen womb and say a few words of hope to the winds of the high mountains, whipping down from above; that nature might be rejuvenated through humanity's re-awakening to the importance of Mother Nature. Celebration and honor be forever to our blessed Mother Earth. I plan, as well, to have a sexual ceremony in this setting with my wife. In addition to an offering of my seed to the male sexual energy; being that I'm bisexual.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sandra San Tara

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Sacred Sexuality.

2011-01-20T14:55:00.003-07:00

Perhaps one of the biggest crimes in human history has been the imprisonment, control and demonization of sexuality by the world religions. As children of our great Mother Earth, we have been blessed with beautiful sexual organs but rather than celebrate and treasure them we have for too long shackled them from performing their magical powers. It's very tragic and sad that modern religions have strayed from seeing sexuality as a gift to be used to transcend consciousness and merge with the great ecstasy of the divine consciousness.

There are those who call it, "sex magick" because it has such a powerful ability to change states of mind. In times of depression, sexuality can lift one's spirit and consciousness to a healthier state of confidence and empowerment. In times of anxiety and stress it can be a spell that transforms that toxic energy into sexual energy, which is a healthier form of pent-up energy that can be released in powerful, torrents of orgasmic, sexual release. It leaves one's body relaxed, light, emotionally calm and full of loving joy. How could that not be a good thing, and something to celebrate from the rooftops of civilization!! Well, since not everyone is as enlightened about sexuality, I'll keep the celebrating to the blog.

Masturbation, for example, is a great way to feel better about yourself in a environment controlled by you that is a safe and fun way to get to explore your sexuality. It is tragic that we brainwash our children through religious fear to avoid touching their bodies and to see their sex organs as tools of the devil unless used properly. I was one of those kids. I was raised in a very strict, conservative household where masturbation was a sin and a sign of a bad child. So, I am on a mission to liberate masturbation from the closest of forbidden lusts; because one of the reasons masturbation is so beneficial to teens and adults is that it improves self-esteem.

One of the ways that masturbation can be transcendental is through orgasm control. In guys, (I'm focusing on guys simply because that's who I know best) this if often referred to as, "edging" which means building the sexual energy and enjoyment of your phallus to the "edge of orgasm" without cuming. It intensifies with each stroke of the hand as your ride just along the edge of sexual release; but just as important is backing off before you release your sacred seed too soon. This can be hard when you are in the moment but be patient and practice because once you can build your orgasm for an hour or so the explosion of pleasure is beyond this world. It'll be the hardest, longest and most ample orgasmic emission that you'll ever experience. The closest I have experienced this kind of transcendental pleasure outside sexuality is the drug ecstasy, which I think everyone who is of sound mind and body should try once in their lifetime--(just make sure you drink plenty of water if you do. But not too much--a tall glass of water every hour should do).

Anyway, for guys, be careful you don't edge to the point of blue balls because then you have over-shot the peak of spiritually orgasmic union with the ultimate Consciousness. Thus, the power you feel will be decreased. This is the Cosmic Consciousness referred to by all the great occultists. The Cosmic Consciousness is the idea that universe exists as a interconnected network of consciousness that permeates all things: us, animals, rocks, water, air, earth, fire, etc. This is best described I think from the Indra's net example. Indra's net is a cosmic metaphorical net that permeates the fabric of space and time; each node where the net connects together being a different consciousness/sentient being (us) or any other type of spacial, elemental and material form.

Therefore, if we can tap into the network more fully and experience the collective Cosmic Consciousness then we will get a glimpse of what it feels like to experience total transcendence of suffering. This is what I think is going on at the moment of orgasm. It is tapping into that vast network where a pleasure in one's mind-body is multiplied by accessing the collective energy of the net or grid. So, if we can engage in sexuality that is combined with a type of meditative centering and letting go of boundaries we can experience a near out of body orgasm that allows us to see the greater potential of the spirit--of the Cosmic consciousness. A spiritual orgasm, if you will.

Tapping into this grid through sexuality is, so powerful and explosive that it's like crossing a power-line with a metal rod--it sends electric pulses of power rushing through your body until near physical collapse. But, just like any spiritual tool, sex mustn't be viewed as the goal but rather a tool to access the ultimate goal of merging one's consciousness with the Cosmic Consciousness, so we are always at one and at peace with all things. This is a glimpse of one aspect to the "Great Work" that occultists like Aleister Crowley and those in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn taught/teach and spoke/speak of. It is our inheritance to be liberated through sexuality, so cherish it and practice, practice, practice!!

P.S. - I don't hear any masturbatory groans and moans, yet--so, get to it!! Ha!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Tribal Seeds.

2011-01-17T19:00:00.002-07:00

Musical waves of magic have long soothed and charmed my mind into a higher state of being. I remember early on as a child being enthralled with the sound of music. I let the sounds infect me and carry my body off on the rhythms and beats as I bopped my body into a trance. Well, my world changed forever when I was baptized into the waters of reggae by Bob Marley. The vibes from his songs gave me so much happiness and positivity that I wore the cassette tapes out in no time. Bob Marley is in my mind so much more than a legendary musician; he is a mystic and prophet of humanity who challenges us to always live up to each others' expectations.

So, reggae isn't just "good vibes" and marijuana--it is a potent magic for challenging political structures that should have long ago crumbled. It's the conscience of the masses, the downtrodden, the poor, the oppressed and the enslaved. It reminds us to be vigilant of those who would spread oppression through racism, religious fundamentalism and economic tyranny. Bob Marley is such a cherished potion in my musical drug cabinet that he's not just my favorite musician--he's doesn't even make my "Top 10" list. He is in a class of his own that will always trump the top 10 list of musicians/bands.

So, needless to say, I am pretty picky about my reggae and I don't recommend just any artists because there are a lot of pretenders out there. However, one band, "Tribal Seeds" has so far blown me away that I'm actually willing to discuss them in a same sentence as His Majesty Bob Marley. They aren't as good as Bob and the Wailers but they are the best new reggae band I've heard in years. So, perhaps in time they will join Bob in the Holiest of Holies of reggae legends. They are worth a listen. Check out their song, "Dawn of Time" "Vampire" and "The Garden" to get a good feel for them. If you like those tunes then you might be interested in a mix list I put together of what I think are their best jams:

(1) Dawn of Time (2) The Garden (3) Mad Man (4) Beautiful Mysterious (5) Lost Paradise (6) Come Around featuring Whiteboy John (7) Vampire (8) Love Psalm (9) Creator (10) Rasta Refuse It (11) 144,000

**By the way, "The Garden" has great lyrics for Marijuana Patriots who support a reasonable, legal access to a natural drug with less side effects than most drugs sold on t.v.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Rep. Polis of Colorado Pushes Decriminalization of Marijuana at the Federal Level.

2011-01-04T17:47:00.001-07:00

If Colorado was allowed to treat marijuana like alcohol — or any other medicine, for that matter — pot dispensaries could freely set up business bank accounts without fear of federal prosecution and marijuana could, like corn and wheat, be grown openly in national forests.

This is according to U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, a Boulder Democrat, who said he plans to push a law in the new Congress that would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level so that states with medicinal laws on the books, like Colorado, could treat it as they wish. Under Polis' structure, marijuana laws would be extremely local — similar to states that have so-called dry, alcohol- free counties.

"It's not in the federal government's realm," Polis said. "I'm proud of Colorado being a pioneer in this regard and setting up a regulatory structure. We've benefited in tax revenues and I think it's dealt a big blow to criminalize it."

Green Man: I'm proud of Colorado too. Our pioneer spirit has bred a very strong desire of independence, which often is most evident in personal independence. In other words, "If I'm not hurting anyone, leave me alone." We favor personal liberties over authoritarian power structures that often over-reach their authority.

Marijuana use has never directly killed ANYONE--EVER; It's virtually impossible to over-dose on. It isn't nearly as addictive (if at all) as alcohol or cigarettes and the sales taxes from it have helped Colorado weather the Great Recession!! I have heard from several news outlets that many, many politicians actually support legalizing marijuana but are too afraid to stand up for it.

So, as usual, we the people will have to do most of the work in pushing the politicians to do the right thing. Thankfully, people like Representative Polis are stepping up and it is important that we acknowledge such an action. Please, call his office (202) 225-2161) or send an email. if you have a few minutes and tell him you are glad he is taking this issue on. And, if you can--donate to his campaign.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Pat Robertson Advocates Reforming Marijuana Laws. Plus, Other Pot News.

2010-12-23T11:43:00.005-07:00

"We're locking up people that have taken a couple puffs of marijuana and next thing you know they've got 10 years with mandatory sentences," Robertson continued. "These judges just say, they throw up their hands and say nothing we can do with these mandatory sentences. We've got to take a look at what we're considering crimes and that's one of 'em.

"I'm ... I'm not exactly for the use of drugs, don't get me wrong, but I just believe that criminalizing marijuana, criminalizing the possession of a few ounces of pot, that kinda thing it's just, it's costing us a fortune and it's ruining young people. Young people go into prisons, they go in as youths and come out as hardened criminals. That's not a good thing."

Green Man: Long time Christian Conservative Robertson may not be advocating legalization but he certainly understands that current marijuana laws are ridiculous. Clearly marijuana isn't a drug in the sense of the hard ones: cocaine, crack, heroin and meth. So, to have any penalty for use other than something akin to a fine or traffic ticket is counter-productive and a huge waste of tax-payer dollars. Conservatives support marijuana reform more than might be realized by the vast public because they aren't as open and vocal as Liberals and Libertarians on the matter.

I recently read an article in Time magazine about all the conservatives who support legalization or decriminalization. They are concerned about the costs of prosecuting the war on marijuana; both in tax dollars and in police resources. They believe that we should free up police forces to be going after real crimes like child molestation and being on guard for terrorist activities. In addition, it appeals to their demand for freedom from necessary government intrusion their lives.

In other marijuana related news, potential jurors in Montana refused to convict a citizen arrested for possession of a small amount of pot. So, much so that the judge stated it would be impossible to seat a jury in the case!! That just goes to show how little the public thinks of marijuana laws; and just how far education and understanding have developed on marijuana use.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

How Solar Energy is Working for America.

2010-12-21T10:51:00.004-07:00

You don't have to be a greenie, environmentalist, neo-hippie to support green energy. It is a good idea, if only for ending dependence upon foreign oil and for cleaning up the air to improve our health. In addition, it can help us save on our heating/cooling bills. It's an investment that will pay for itself many times over and keep money in your pockets and wallet. What's not to love about solar energy--and all the green energy forms?!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" Trailer.

2010-12-16T16:02:00.005-07:00

These are strange times we be livin' in; nay, mad times!! Life has rejected us outcasts as "weirdos" on fringes of society that should be shunned and shooed. We are to be seen and not heard; scratch that. We are to be ignored, nor heard!! So, with such scallywags surrounding us at every turn -- what are rejects like us to do? Why, join Captain Jack Sparrow's crew for the search of the Fountain of Youth, of course!! I, for one, am joining the crew of the damned in hopes that the fountain can heal psychiatric disorders. So, if you be with me then I have been commanded to have fellow pariahs foolish enough to go upon this endeavor to hear this warning from the infamous, Captain Jack!! If your dare, click here but then click back here to read the rest or I'll have ye thrown down into the depths of Davy Jones locker for insubordination.

Ah, I see a few of you are still interested in the trek. Smashing!! I must state, however, that my contract with the good Captain says that I get to man one of the cannons. I told him that I like blowing shit up and upon hearing this, he insisted I take the position!! But, I digress. On to the briefing that will give you a good idea of what we'll be up against me hardy wenches and bloated bilge rats!! This is your last chance to leave, turn around and ne'er come back!! No? Foolhardy, like me self? Then ye best watch this; but don't say I didn't warn ye!!~The Green Man has Spoken~

Green Man on the Couch.

2010-12-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Being a near ward of the state due to mental psychosis, I am quite familiar with abstract thought. So, I was poking around the profiles of some of the readers that wander into the grove and ran across Wendy's creative description of herself. She uses metaphors and symbols to guide one toward a better understanding of her personality and essence. So, I decided that I'd give this method a go.

If I was an animal, I'd be a stray cat wandering the paths less traveled; observing the chaos of Earthly life from a hidden perch, high above the fray. If I was a location, I'd be a remote and dense, primeval forest; reclusive yet full of life. If I was a country, I'd be India for it's deep spirituality, and vibrant openness. If I was a type of music, I'd be the blues for the manic depression that stalks me relentlessly like an ancient curse.

If I was a movie, I'd be a Harry Potter film for the magical, other-worldly energy that radiates from within my heart. If I were a period in history, I'd be America during the 1920s-1940s because of the flair, rebellion and style of the period. If I were a famous person, I'd be John Muir for his sacred, respect, stewardship and love-affair for nature. If I were an element, I'd be fire; passionate, warm and independent. If I were an idea, I'd be liberalism. If I were a tree, I'd be a pine tree; hardy, robust, timeless and protective. If I were a fictional character, I'd be Albus Dumbledore for his intelligence, knowledge of the mysterious and level of maturity.

If I were a feature of nature, I'd be a meandering, mountain stream; fluid, easy-going and adaptable. If I were a language, I'd be French; romantic, stylish and classy. And, last but not least, if I was a plant I'd be marijuana; profoundly spiritual, yet humorous and versatile with a touch of psychological oddity. So, there you have an inside understanding of what it means to be "The Green Man."

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Sarah Palin: The Caribou Predator.

2010-12-12T17:08:00.002-07:00

Caribou Barbie (otherwise known as Sarah Palin) was seen again recently traipsing through the mighty, Alaskan wild. Critters, campers and remote, cabin dwellers, beware because she's always packing a thunder stick!! News reports out of the Alaskan frontier seem grim to be sure. As it turns out, Palin gunned down a caribou for her "realty t.v." show. It has been asserted that it was hunted using, "fair chase" rules that are supposed to be an ethical way to hunt. One of the criteria is that you do not bring dishonor to the prey, which is great, but Palin did no such thing.

She killed an innocent animal in the name of: entertainment, financial benefit and political pandering. According to this environmentalist, that's not bringing honor to the animal. She callously and needlessly snuffed out the energy of that noble, sacred being. How can it not be dishonorable to kill a child of Mother Nature, which is the foundation for native, Inuit culture; in the name of entertainment? That would be like a Christian killing an angel. It is said that, "Every caribou has a bit of the human heart in him; and every human has a bit of caribou heart." So, how honorable is it to destroy a bit of the human heart? It's deplorable. With the exception of the bear, none are given higher recognition than the caribou within the native peoples of northeast Alaska and northwest Canada.

She also dishonored that caribou when one realizes that the caribou was traditionally hunted for survival. I am not against hunting (except for sport) but It's hard to say that the ridiculously wealthy, Palin family would have starved had she not murdered that animal. She said a very short, "thank-you" in a vain attempt at the bare minimum toward honoring the spirit of the animal. Sarah Palin is no friend of the environment, which she claims to cherish and love so much. She is a usurping, manipulator of nature, and a woman who could churn up nature faster than a tornado churns up a shit storm. If my animal friends up in Alaska around Sarah Palin's hunting range could hear me, I'd be screaming, run!!

PHOTO CREDIT: George River Caribou by Robert Bateman

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Fallacy of Using the Bible to Oppose Homosexuality.

2010-12-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

I laughed my ass off when I read this. I especially liked this part, "I believe in morality, which is doing right regardless of what I am told...not in religion, which is doing what I am told regardless of what is right." The Bible is one of the most inconsistent and incoherent pieces of religious fiction that I have ever read. And I've read it several times. Believe it or not, I was a Christian missionary at one point; and a good one. So, I've heard it all and read it all. It describes a god that is a petty, vindictive sociopath who is consumed by jealousy. No true god of humility would be such a megalomaniac. The god of the Bible is infested with intolerance and prone to murderous bouts of rage. This deity is the biggest hypocrite known to humanity. So, given all of this; why would anyone worship such a nasty being?

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Awesome a Capella Version of "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga.

2010-12-02T11:40:00.002-07:00

Ian McKellen is Gay. Get Over it.

2010-11-28T18:33:00.003-07:00

I adore Ian McKellen. Besides his AMAZING performance in LOTR, I was so privileged to see him perform Richard III in Denver. He's an icon and a hero for many (gay and straight). He and Kenneth Branaugh are the best Shakespearean actors on the planet, if you want this former theatre major's opinion. I'd so dig hanging out with Sir Ian for coffee or just some chit-chat. Keep the flag flying Gaydalf!! Shakespeare

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Green: My Favorite Color.

2010-11-25T14:34:00.003-07:00

Jon Stewart Criticizes the McCains Over Gays in the Military.

2010-11-16T09:32:00.006-07:00

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

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Green Man: I can't believe that "battle readiness" is one of the criteria to see if gays can serve openly in the military. What do they think is going to happen? That the gay soldiers would try to show up in pink camouflage, thus, endangering the location of the other troops? Or, that the gay soldier down in a fox hole with a straight soldier would try to make-out with him while bullets are flying around them? Come on, get real John McCain. Do straight soldiers pause in the middle of a fire fight to take the time and talk about the girls they are going to bang when they get home? Why would any sexual preference matter when people are shooting at you. The only thing a non-gay soldier would care about in a situation like that would be that the gay soldier can shoot straight; not whether or not he's straight in his sex life!!

John McCain is a fossil and a fraud. He doesn't understand the views of the younger generations any more than he understands how to not be a douche bag. The fact of the matter is that for the younger generations, (18-40) gay rights are long over-due. And here's a news flash for John McCain; it's those very same young people who dominate the military of today. A recent poll found nearly 3/4 of them saying they wouldn't have a problem with gays serving in the military.

A good portion of our allies in Europe and elsewhere have allowed gays to serve for decades now. The world didn't end and their armies are still strong and effective. The idea that gays don't know how to be soldiers is bigoted and just plain false. The fact of the matter is that brave gay men and women have been serving and excelling in the military since the very first military. It is believed that one of the greatest generals ever was bisexual. His name? Alexander the Great.

And, some of the great samurai warriors of fuedal Japan are believed to have been homosexual or bisexual. Greece was well-known for allowing homosexuality in society and, so surely many gays served in their military. Besides, a gay soldier can shoot a gun, throw a grenade or fly a plane just as well as a straight soldier. A person's sexual orientation obviously has nothing to do with whether they can fight on a battlefield.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Mystical Waterfall.

2010-10-30T17:06:00.010-06:00

The mystical magic of the waterfall has long been revered in nature. The dominating size, mesmerizing beauty and roaring growls of it's crashing power below demand some well-earned respect. Water will not be denied it's own way, and will carve up the hardest rock that tries to block it's path. It is understood by those close to nature that water is to be respected or surely peril awaits.

One of the reasons I am transfixed by waterfalls is because is because they are so stunning in appearance and seem, (to this artist) to be something of art in motion, which is interactive. This makes it one of nature's greatest expressions and well-deserving of the awe they inspire. It is easy to fall under their magical charm when gazing upon it with dedication and time because it transports you into a deep meditative world of bliss and peace. A reality when all time seems to slow down and the world outside the sacred bowl of the waterfall seems so distant and almost hidden by the fog of the magic that has overtaken your spirit.Yet Mother Nature has other secrets to conceal from the unworthy--the inner sanctums. These are the otherworldly cave sanctuaries that often lie hidden behind the veil of pounding water. I have always been lured by the secret chambers that lie just beyond the wall of water. They seem like special hide-outs that hermits and outcasts like me are led toward. Ancient man must have seen them as doorways to a spiritual realm unlike any found above Earth. A dream of mine is to find a cave behind a waterfall way off in some far away land--perhaps on Borneo where I can build a little hide-away. Every time I gaze upon a new waterfall I am over-whelmed by its energy and always feel recharged and invigorated after sitting a spell within it's cleansing mist.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Frolicking in the Woods.

2010-10-28T17:36:00.011-06:00

I do sincerely apologize for neglecting the grove of late. Green man has been frolicking in the woods, high in the Rocky Mountains for the waning days of Autumn. We have some friends who live up there in a secluded cabin on a chunk of land that is hidden and guarded by a phalanx of strong, noble, pine trees.

They are a couple of good ole hippies who we have somewhat adopted (my wife and I) as part of their family. It's very meaningful to us because our own families are conservative, Mormons who we just can't relate too very well (my parents are awesome -- it's my siblings where the tension rises).

They are conservative, and we are liberals (Social Democrats of the European style, actually). They are Mormons and we are Zen Buddhist Pagan free spirits. They wouldn't touch coffee let alone pot and we're neo-hippies who praise the heavens when we are blessed with sacred marijuana. So, to have an adopted family where we can be ourselves is worth, so much to these two, young, recovering, ex-Mormon outcasts. They let us come up to their land all the time and camp out to wash the "conservative crazy" off our skin from living in such a conservative town down in the valley. There's nothing like the whisper magic of the pines to cleanse you of that chaos.

So, we were honored to watch their cabin for them while they went down to Arizona to visit family. It's a cozy, warm, inviting cabin that feels like a mountain cottage. Green man enjoyed getting back to his pagan roots by unleashing the fire breather within. You see, I am mesmerized by fire being a fire sign (Sagittarius). I must admit (a bit sheepishly) that when there's a forest fire here, my first concern is for everyone's safety but another part of me stands in awe at the awesome show of power from the twisting, roaring flames. It's a beautiful show from Mother Nature, and while I mourn the charred trees, I must say that I find the beauty in the process of destruction. And, it is also a process of rebirth because the soil left behind by forest fires is very rich and fertile ground for new life to grow and thrive.

I believe that when we are fully, awakened (in the enlightened sense) that we learn to see the beauty in everything--even shit. Yes, shit. My Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh sees the beauty in shit because without it he wouldn't be blessed with his lovely rose bushes. The first time I heard that, it changed my whole view on things. However, I digress.

Our friend's cabin is totally "off-the-grid" meaning they haven't paid a utility bill is years. They get their energy from two wind turbines on the property and a stand of next-generation solar panels from Abound. So, they look at wind a whole different way; when everyone grumbles about the anxious wind--they celebrate all the free energy they're saving away in their battery banks. So, it was cool to know that the internet we were surfing up there was wind and sun powered. Thank-you Mother Nature!! See, how nice life would be if we lived with Mother Nature instead of against her like a naughty neighbor? No, that will never do!! Bad form to treat a lady of her experience and sophistication in such a manner.

So, we cozied up in that hippie haven for four days and even got to enjoy a mystical rain shower that saw the etheral, ghost-like clouds sink over the mountains and hang around like the smoke trailing off a wizard's wand. It was so nice to stoke up the wood burning furnace, throw on a blanket and read away the day. After we went to bed we woke up around 2a.m. to the sound of a mournful coyote crying at the full moon, and he/she wasn't very far away. I've grown up around wild animals from living in the Rockies my entire life, but it's always a gift to hear their calls. A few minutes later the coyote cried out again and this time it was much closer. I was sure it was on the property itself. We just curled down deeper under the blankets and dozed off again knowing we were safe and cozy inside that toasty cabin.

It was a very spiritual experience, and being a Pagan nature worshiper I saw that coyote as one of nature's shamans coming to us and announcing his presence. It was a reminder that we are just along for the ride when entering the sanctuary of nature. Despite living around wilderness for decades it never ceases to give me a sense of awe and spiritual reverence upon entering its sacred spaces. I often feel much deeper spiritual energy in nature's temples than in one's made by man. I am so blessed and honored to live so close to the spirituality of the wilds.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Groups Offers $10k to Dispprove Claim that Marijuana is Safer than Alcohol.

2010-10-28T13:52:00.003-06:00

The Safer Texas Campaign is offering $10,000 to anyone in Texas who can prove that three statements claiming marijuana is safer than alcohol are incorrect. The three statements are:

1. Alcohol is significantly more toxic than marijuana, making death by overdose far more likely with alcohol.

2. The health effects from long-term alcohol consumption cause tens of thousands of more deaths in the U.S. annually than the health effects from the long-term consumption of marijuana.

3. Violent crime committed by individuals intoxicated by alcohol is far more prevalent in the U.S. than violent crime committed by individuals intoxicated by marijuana only.

"We are confident that this $10,000 will not be claimed," said Safer Texas Campaign manager Craig Johnson, when he posed the challenge.

Green Man: It's basically impossible to overdose on marijuana. You'd have to ingest it by the ton in order for an overdose to occur--and it simply isn't realistic to believe someone would do such a thing. As for number two, there aren't the numbers of people dying from marijuana related effects like alcohol. I know many old hippies who've been using marijuana since the 60s and are in perfect health. Lastly, marijuana isn't a drug that makes one aggressive. It makes people relax, laugh and calm. I can't tell you how many times I've seen fights break out from people drinking alcohol but in all the people I've seen ingest marijuana--nothing. Committing a crime is the last thing on someone's mind after using pot.

They are too relaxed to get off the couch let alone to commit a crime. People on marijuana are peaceful and often get into deep discussions on how to make the world a better place. I've never heard of a domestic violence crime break out from marijuana consumption, whereas with alcohol it's all too common. Alcohol is a drug that often makes people aggressive, unruly and rude. People who use marijuana are super polite because it makes you feel chill and mellow.

So, if we're going to allow alcohol then marijuana should be allowed as well. It's so frustrating, yet somewhat hilarious that the same politicians who cowardly stand in the way of legalization of marijuana due to fear of not being re-elected are also the same people who guzzle gallons of liquor in their off time. No one thinks anything of it and the same should be true of marijuana.

It simply isn't the drug that it's been demonized to be during the past 70 years. All that "Just say no" crap and "Reefer Madness" videos from the 50s are pure propaganda. Pot doesn't make you go insane like those ridiculous old black and white films they showed in health classes in school. I doesn't belong in the class of hard drugs with cocaine, crack, meth and heroin. It belongs in the same class as alcohol despite it being less of a problem for society than booze.

In other news, a recent poll in my home state of Colorado shows that a majority supports legalizing marijuana.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Vile Teacher Wants Gay Students Dead.

2010-10-27T17:14:00.004-06:00

Arkansas school board member Clint McCance believes "queers" and "fags" should kill themselves — that is, if they don't get AIDS and die first. While schools across the country are taking action against bullying and suicide, a board member of an Arkansas school district is using his Facebook page to encourage "queers" and "fags" to kill themselves:

Seriously they want me to wear purple because five queers killed themselves. The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed thereselves because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE

Green Man: And he didn't stop there (that's him in the picture). When someone disagreed with his rant in the comments and sarcastically said, "Because hatred is always right" this psycho replied:

No because being a fag doesn't give you the right to ruin the rest of our lives [...] I like that fags cant procreate. I also enjoy the fact that they often give each other aids and die. If you arent against it, you might as well be for it.

This jackass has sway in guiding our young people as a school board member. I don't think he read the same New Testament that I've read because the Jesus I know didn't advocate violence, hatred or intolerance. He didn't encourage people to wish harm upon others and certainly didn't ostracize people for being different. In fact, he was criticized for talking to adulterous women and lepers. It never ceases to amaze me how different many Christians behave when compared to what they are taught. This man is vile and not only needs to be removed from office but also enrolled in anger management classes. This schizoaffective would also recommend someone get him on anti-psychotics ASAP.

It sickens me that he thinks people wearing purple to raise awareness for bullying gays (or anyone) is "ruining the rest of our lives." How is his life "ruined" because people are advocating non-violence?!! CRAZY!! Jesus preached non-violence too, so by his definition he should hate Jesus and state that he is ruining peoples' lives. Perhaps some Christians are right and Jesus would disagree with homosexuality but I doubt he'd be happy if they were treated this way. Nor do I think he'd be happy that gays are committing suicide. How does this clown rationalize suicide being just as frowned upon in Christianity as homosexuality?

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Former Surgeon General: Legalize Marijuana.

2010-10-18T12:42:00.000-06:00

Former US Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders told CNN's Don Lemon Sunday that she supports the legalization of marijuana. "Marijuana is not addictive -- not physically addictive anyway," Elders added. "Nobody says that marijuana causes violence. As we know alcohol can cause much more aggressiveness.

You aren't as likely to hurt someone from using marijuana as you are from using alcohol." "I think we consume far more dangerous drugs that are legal: cigarette smoking, nicotine and alcohol," Elders told the New York Times on Friday. "I feel they cause much more devastating effects physically. We need to lift the prohibition on marijuana."

Green Man: If Surgeon Generals (along with numerous doctors who prescribe it medicinally) bolster the claims that marijuana is a relatively benign drug then why are we letting politicians and police officers decided the fate of marijuana? I much more value the opinions of doctors when it comes to things that one ingests into the body. I don't trust a politician to give me a straight answer any more than a criminal. Anyone who has tried marijuana knows that it's not a substance that's going to drive you insane, cause you to die from an overdose or make you want to go on a drug using spree to try every other drug out there. That's the "gateway drug" propaganda--that once you use marijuana you wanna try heroin and the other hard drugs.

There are a couple of ways to answer this distortion: 1). Have you seen how kids react to sugar? If we're going to label something a gateway drug then it would have to be sugar. It's a chemical that gives you a "buzz" and yet we don't outlaw it. The same goes for caffeine, which can cause headaches, irritability and drowsiness due to caffeine withdrawal. If you drink enough of it you might as well be doing cocaine!! It has that same "speedy buzz" effect. And why don't we say tobacco is the gateway drug? It's ridiculously addictive and bad for your health. Then there's everyone's favorite drug--alcohol.

Funny how no one says drinking a few beers after work leads to wanting to try harder stuff like heroin or crack. Why? Because the "gateway effect" is something that applies to people who already have an "addictive personality." This means that they are already predisposed to addiction whether it's an classical "drug" or shopping, sex, porn, eating, exercise, work, etc.

Another aspect to the marijuana legalization debate that gets me frustrated is when people who have never used it claim to know all about it. And looking it up on WebMD isn't the same because a lot of doctors simply don't have experience with it. Also, WebMD is a company (like a lot of companies) that seems too cautious to list anything positive about the drug--Just like politicians. A lot of corporations take the non-controversial route of towing the prohibition line because they cowardly don't want to get criticism for "rocking the boat" of the status quo. Other doctors fear that their support of marijuana would jeopardize their practice as a trusted doctor.

It's time to stop listening to politicians about medical and bodily issues--not the least reason being that they have special interests to promote such as the alcohol and tobacco lobbies that don't want to compete with marijuana. It's interesting how everyone is for personal freedom and the free market until it comes to something they personally disagree with. I'm tired of listening to hypocrites, the self-righteous, and personally appointed "morality police" about what we should and shouldn't do with our lives. What ever happened to America: land of the free???

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Cannabis Rx: Cutting Through the Misinformation by Dr. Andrew Weil.

2010-10-17T10:33:00.011-06:00

Dr. Andrew Weil is a famous, well-respected physician who is the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integral medicine. He is best known for establishing and popularizing "integrated medicine." It is a style of treating ailments and diseases through both conventional medicines and practices along with natural treatments that ancient civilizations have successfully used for millennia. China has been so successful at using natural supplements that their formulas are increasingly being adapted to western medical treatments. Herbs like cannabis (marijuana) don't survive for thousands of years as medicines without there being something to it:

If an American doctor of the late 19th century stepped into a time warp and emerged in 2010, he would be shocked by the multitude of pharmaceuticals that today's physicians use. But as he pondered this array (and wondered, as I do, whether most are really necessary), he would soon notice an equally surprising omission, and exclaim, "Where's my Cannabis indica?" In his day, labor pains, asthma, nervous disorders and even colicky babies were treated with a fluid extract of Cannabis indica, also known as "Indian hemp." (Cannabis is generally seen as having three species -- sativa, indica and ruderalis -- but crossbreeding is common, especially between sativa and indica.) At least 100 scientific papers published in the 19th century backed up such uses.

Green Man: They knew then what we're finally remembering now about marijuana; it's somewhat of a miracle drug that helps with everything from: Chronic pain, to appetite loss from cancer and HIV/AIDS, to glaucoma and menstrual cramps. It is also being used to treat depression for those with mental health struggles. I have a form of bipolar and I have prevented several emergency suicidal depression crises by administering a little cannabis into my system. It brings me up out of that dangerous place quicker than any other prescription drug I've been given--and I've taken them all. Plus, the effect from marijuana lasts even after it has worn off. Nothing works like marijuana to treat emergency depression and with little to no side effects compared to the drugs my psychiatrist gives me. So, how is it that I can use marijuana for medical reasons and I don't have to worry about over-dosing but the pills that society deems "safe" and "legal" could kill me instantly if taken in the wrong dose? But what else is cannabis good for when it comes to medicine?:

Meanwhile, as a medical doctor and botanist, my aim has always been to filter out the cultural noise surrounding the genus Cannabis and see it dispassionately: as a plant with bioactivity in human beings that may have therapeutic value. From this perspective, what can it offer us? As it turns out, a great deal. Research into possible medical uses of Cannabis is enjoying a renaissance. In recent years, studies have shown potential for treating nausea, vomiting, premenstrual syndrome, insomnia, migraines, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, alcohol abuse, collagen-induced arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, bipolar disorder, depression, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, sickle-cell disease, sleep apnea, Alzheimer's disease and anorexia nervosa.

But perhaps most exciting, cannabinoids (chemical constituents of Cannabis, the best known being tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) may have a primary role in cancer treatment and prevention. A number of studies have shown that these compounds can inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animal models. In part, this is achieved by inhibiting angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need in order to grow. What's more, cannabinoids seem to kill tumor cells without affecting surrounding normal cells. If these findings hold true as research progresses, cannabinoids would demonstrate a huge advantage over conventional chemotherapy agents, which too often destroy normal cells as well as cancer cells.

As long ago as 1975, researchers reported that cannabinoids inhibited the growth of a certain type of lung cancer cell in test tubes and in mice. Since then, laboratory studies have shown that cannabinoids have effects against tumor cells from glioblastoma (a deadly type of brain cancer) as well as those from thyroid cancer¸ leukemia/lymphoma, and skin, uterus, breast, stomach, colorectal, pancreatic and prostate cancers.

Green Man: The bottom line is that the war on marijuana has been costing us billions of dollars for decades upon decades with nothing to show for it except an increasing number of people who are tolerant of the drug. That's because people know the truth--that marijuana is at the very least no worse than alcohol but it is increasingly seen as being less of a problem to society than alcohol. It doesn't make you aggressive like alcohol. Also, unlike alcohol, it isn't physiologically addictive. So, the word got out that the government wasn't just embellishing the dangers of marijuana but outright lying and pushing blatantly false propaganda about it. Not many in the know have trusted what they have said about pot every since. The cynical side of me says that the authorities maintain the status quo on marijuana's legality because it keeps the DEA, local police and politicians with a job.

Well, the people have had it with the violence that prohibition of marijuana has brought to our southern border region with Mexico; and we're tired of hemorrhaging money to fight a weed during a time of economic crisis when every last dollar counts. We shouldn't be wasting money on a substance that is nearly as tolerated at all levels of social strata as alcohol was during prohibition. During that time even the president of the United States was drinking illegal booze!! Along with politicians up and down the line. The prohibition of marijuana has taken the same predictable and wasteful course as the prohibition of alcohol in the 20s and 30s. It has only increased its popularity, increased the crime associated with it's illegal status and a rise in violence between drug traffickers. Regardless of your morals it just doesn't make sense to keep fighting this losing war on a drug that is no worse than alcohol and with health benefits that bring real comfort and relief to many people suffering from ailments and diseases. The time is now.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Bisexuality: My Story.

2010-10-08T15:27:00.006-06:00

I told you that I was going to do some posts about sexuality on here now and then. As a married man who is still coming to terms with his bisexuality. So, I've wanted to write a post addressing the matter for awhile.

Anyway, I have always been attracted to men as well as women. It's just that growing up in a very traditional, conservative, Christian household I wasn't allowed much freedom to explore my sexuality. Shit, even masturbation was taboo; an act that would barrel you straight down to hell in my family. So I learned at an early age to suppress sexual desires of all kinds--let alone thoughts about another guy. Still, it's hard to keep a young, horny, teen-age boy away from his constant, demanding and intimidating erection!! So, I allowed myself to masturbate but not without some serious guilt behind it. Those sessions of young, pent up, raging, hormones were always tainted (partially ruined as well) by my parents voice in my head reminding myself that "God was watching." Upon thinking about "God" watching me I remember feeling a bit uncomfortable with such a concept because it was drilled into my mind to not let adults see your private parts.

I ended up straying from the morals of my parents in junior high and high school. I often found myself up late at night at sleep overs with a guy friend watching soft-core porn on cable t.v. I vividly remember trying to find a way to masturbate with my buddy to the movie. We'd talk about how sexy the women looked in the movies but never whipped it out and went for it (SIDE NOTE: Not all guys who masturbate together are gay or bisexual but many are).

He seemed conflicted in his eyes but not for long because he just said he was tired and that was that. I fell asleep dreaming about mutual masturbation with him. I finally got near to masturbating with another kid while watching dirty movies in my basement but my parents broke it up by yelling downstairs to us that it was dinner time; and that meant "Eddy" had to leave. Up until this point my brother and I had been masturbating in secret with each other while watching porn movies that I borrowed from friends. It wasn't something I considered incest because we were nearly the same age. We were just two horny boys trying to figure out their sexuality. For my brother I think it was simply a way to "cum" without getting in trouble with the parents by having actual sex--and with a girl. For me though it was very arousing because they fulfilled my fantasies of masturbating with another guy. We went as far as oral sex on each other but our fun ended when my young, guilt-ridden conscience went to my parents and confessed. I still feel bad for that because my older brother got in trouble for it. Sorry bro, I was a confused kid at the time.

By then I was in high school and started focusing on girls again. I dated a few girls and had some pretty amazing and wild sexual experiences with them but I still would have thoughts of guys. However, I'd always "delete" them from my mind when they arose because I was worried if I encouraged them that I'd be sent to "hell." Now, I'd be sent to "hell" in that Christian tradition for having sex with girls out of wedlock too but I was always taught that gay sex was worse. So, you can understand then why I still to this day have guilt over enjoying sexual experiences with men and it's something I think I'll be working with for awhile. That church really fucked up my chances at a normal, healthy, sex life but I'm gaining it back step by step. That's what happens when you preach repressive bullshit to innocent, susceptible kids--you ruin any chance of them making decisions based on their own wishes, desires and thoughts. In the end, I went on a two year mission for that church where I was around nobody but guys--Ha!! Believe me the homosexual desires didn't go away in that environment!!

Fast forward to marrying my wife. One of the mains reasons that I married my wife was because we talked about sexuality in-depth before taking the plunge. We had a very open and honest dating life and talked extensively about what we liked and disliked, sexually speaking. It wasn't long before we both professed bisexual tendencies--we were both relieved to find that we shared a common "secret." I only say "secret" because at the time the community we lived in was still very much in the cloth of that rigid church.

We both accepted each other for who we were and knew that our love for each other was strong enough to allow for split, sexual desires--and as of today, we've been happily married for 10+ years. Anyway, we had our time doing the swinging lifestyle, which was one of the reasons I married her. I didn't want to marry someone who was sexually too "vanilla." I wasn't going to marry (I had told myself at a young age) if I couldn't enjoy both sides of the sexual shopping aisle. We have tappered off the swinging over the last few years simply because neither of us feels our bodies are attractive enough to warrant anyone being interested in us right now. Ha!!

Some people don't understand how you can be bisexual and in a marriage. Let's forget the swinging aspect of our relationship for this part of the discussion because right now we're not swinging anyway. But this brings up an important point that bisexuals have to explain over and over. It's the concept of the "Alternating Bisexual" which by the sounds of it should be easy to understand but unfortunately for a lot of people--it's not. Anyway, I don't have space to describe the whole concept, so I'll leave you with a link to a blog that addresses it perfectly. LINK.

Anyway, that's all I have time for now but I'll be addressing my sexuality further in the days to come as I haven't really told my story on here yet. It's much more in-depth than this quick write-up but this will have to suffice for now. Anyway, (kicks the closet door open) I'm "The Green Man" and I'm a bisexual--and proud of it.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Voters Support Legalizing Marijuana in California by 9 Points!!

2010-09-23T17:21:00.006-06:00

Listen up marijuana advocates and put down the bong (just for minute) and get some good vibes from this monumental news. A recent PPP poll that shows the proposition in California to legalize marijuana and tax it is ahead by 9 points!! And amongst those who are 45 and younger it is ahead by 20 points!! I think that's monumental news. There is a green tide of smoke wafting across America and it smells like freedom but don't get smoked up on election day ya' heard?

Don't say you're going to vote and then get too blazed the night before and wake up late. Or the ghost of Mary Jane will haunt ya!! Find out the election day, write it down on your calender, or in your smart phone, or tattoo it on your hand because you don't want to be the ass who forgot to vote!! Make it apart of a party--get your buddies together, go vote, come back home and celebrate with dem healing herbs. Or better yet, figure out how to vote early and do it that way so you won't have to remember to vote on election day.

Seriously, this is the time to show the naysayers that law-abiding adults can enjoy the medical, spiritual and recreational benefits of marijuana responsibly; and help fund health and school programs with the tax dollars gained from the sales. This is America and we should have the freedom to ingest this ancient, healing, plant without the threat of jail. There are countless police officers who support this too because they know the truth--they see it on the front lines. Marijuana is not a problem drug--meth is and that's where the biggest problem lies if you ask any honest police officer, judge or district attorney. And don't forget to donate to the cause--chip in $10, $20, $50 dollars to the campaign to legalize by donating to "Yes on 19." Don't be greedy and spend all your money on buddz!! We all need to help out even if we don't live in Cali because a movement always has to start somewhere!! Peace, Love and Respect.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Alcohol Lobbyists Fighting Marijuana Freedom in California. Don't Let Them Decide for You!!

2010-09-19T10:46:00.001-06:00

Typical corporate lobbying bullshit to prevent competition. These people talk a good game about the free market but when it comes to straight up competing on a level playing field they do everything in their power to stack the deck in their favor. It's no longer capitalism based on democracy. It's corporatism based on the power and money being in the hands of just a few "Robber Baron" type tycoons.

According to a recently filed campaign finance report, the campaign to defeat a marijuana legalization initiative in California is receiving substantial funding from the alcohol industry. Now marijuana advocates are fighting back, calling on the opposition campaign to explain why it is working with Big Alcohol to keep marijuana illegal. But why does the No on Prop. 19 campaign share? Big Alcohol's goal of an alcohol-only society? It seems odd that a group that purports to be committed to enhancing public safety wants to ensure Californians can only drink and cannot use marijuana as a safer recreational alternative.

After all, every objective study on marijuana has concluded that it is far safer than alcohol to the user and society. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol use alone contributes to more than 35,000 deaths each year -- including several hundred from overdoses -- whereas marijuana use does not contribute to any deaths and has never resulted in a fatal overdose in history.

Green Man: If you live in California and support marijuana freedom then don't sit this election out thinking there will be more than enough supporters that will vote. We need everyone, single, vote we can get out on election day. It's time to take the power of medicine back into the hands of the common man and return to the days when marijuana was seen as a sacrament and a great, healing, divine, herb.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Catching Up with Johnny: Asked to Do a Porno!!

2010-09-08T17:45:00.013-06:00

Well, it's been wayyyyy too long since I've caught up with my favorite figure skater, and dandy--Johnny Weir. We know how our sexually confident our body is with his alluring fashion and photo shoots but it turns out that perhaps he's a bit more prudish than my dirty mind imagined!!

"I was offered to do a porno movie. It was a masturbation movie. I looked at it and said no. It’s dirty."

Green Man: Despite Johnny's wise career choice, I must say my masturbation-loving self melts in arousing sweat at the thought of Johnny doing some solosexual scenes. I mean, seriously, just look at the man!! <----

I'd be happy to just be able to try on some of his wardrobe and have a fashion show at his pad for the day. I'm not saying what I'd do with the images from that day later on in the privacy of my own home, but I think you get the idea. I know the song says, "Johnny be good" but in this instance my mind is rooting for his bad side to come out and play.

I know, a little raunchy for a fairly spiritual blog but I warned you that I'd be saying some risque things now and then in my profile. This is one of the few places that i can safely express and explore my bisexuality, so deal with it. Besides, whoever says that sexuality isn't spiritual is denying a major aspect of what it means to be alive and human.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Mormon Misdirection Seems like Cultish Propaganda.

2010-08-23T11:31:00.020-06:00

Holly Welker: The corner of the internet concerned with Mormon issues has been aflutter recently over a new ad campaign created by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, featuring profiles of church members, showcasing their achievements, their individuality, their likability. I just wish the church hadn't spent the last three decades encouraging, if not demanding, homogeneity and blandness -- or, to use the official LDS term for the virtue of uniformity, correlation [...] Originated in the early twentieth century but not emphasized until the 1970s, correlation was a program that consolidated central control and enforced consistency and sameness as much as possible throughout the church.

Green Man: There are many who say that Mormonism is a cult with charismatic (just look at Joseph Smith's larger than life persona and lifestyle) authoritarian leaders emphasizing absolute loyalty, conformity, and total control of members. The absolute loyalty shows itself in the "all or nothing" "contract" you are under with the leaders of this church. And nowhere is this more the case in Mormonism than in the office of prophet (leader of the church pyramid of hierarchy). Since he (and it's always a man--woman aren't allowed to hold church power) is considered a prophet that means he "gets messages from 'God.'" This fits with Professor Eileen Baker's cult checklist, "Leaders who claim divine authority for their deeds and for their orders to their followers." Therefore, if you don't agree and follow the exact words of the prophet you are seen as disagreeing with "God." If you can not show loyalty to this man then you are ostracized in your local church, often by family members, and will be prevented from entering the most sacred sites to Mormons; their temples.

In order to gain access to their temples you must go through an interview (these are the questions used while I was a member) to be deemed, "worthy" which is usually an uncomfortable and often humiliating affair of questioning that feels more like an interrogation than spiritual "guidance" as they like to refer to it as. In any event, the questioning goes something like the following: "Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator; and do you recognize him as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?"

All priesthood keys means the power and authority of "God" on Earth. Then there is the question, "Do you affiliate with any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or do you sympathize with the precepts of any such group or individual?" So, forget having political beliefs that run contrary to the goals of the Mormon church. The leadership will tell you publicly that you can vote for whomever you want but that isn't exactly the case, former Prophet Ezra Taft Benson said, "he could not see how a person could be both a liberal and a good Mormon, and he called the civil-rights movement "a communist program for revolution in America." And this was coming from a "prophet" who Mormons see as infallible, so which is it? In addition, almost ALL members are conservatives; the unspoken, (sometimes spoken) expectation of peer pressure is that a good Mormon can only be Republican/conservative.

That's the way it was during my entire 22 years as a Mormon; I never expected to be anything other than a conservative Republican because everyone else was too. Another demonstration of loyalty is demanded in another question asking if you will obey ALL leaders ordained by "God?" This of course includes the leaders all the down from the prophet including the local one you're talking to--that's some serious intimidation. And these local leaders are regular, fallible men, just as messed up as the rest of us who were supposedly "called by 'God'" to lead the rest in your local church. In other words, the local "leader" or "Bishop" is there to make sure the underlings obey the entire chain of command from the base of the pyramid to the top.

If you fail to live-up to these tests of loyalty you will also be prevented from taking the Holy Sacrament (similar to the communion) which is the most important part of Sunday worship. Everyone spies on everyone else in that church, or at least has been mine and others' experiences too. So, quite often people are always on the look-out for the "sinners" who don't take communion and you quickly are shamed, shunned and bumped to the top of the gossip headline news. It's humiliating and seems a bit designed to get the other "cult members" to do the dirty work of shaming you into thinking you're a terrible person. That's common; Mormons leaders love using guilt as a tool to manipulate. Additionally, low self-esteem combined with a deep vat of guilt are common amongst survivors of Mormonism. And, in many cases a lack of total loyalty to the prophet and his, "henchmen" (as I sometimes refer to them; they call themselves "apostles"-- no authoritarian power or "god complex" goes with that job title!! Catching the sarcasm there?) can in and of itself find you judged by a panel of "priesthood holder" men, which is often degrading and leads to expulsion/excommunication from the church.

Another sign that Mormonism may be a cult is that it fits the criteria for a religious group that separates itself from society, either geographically or socially. BINGO!! Mormons don't often associate with non-Mormons; their relationships are rather incestuous in that they all hang out with each other and nearly no one else. They even have something of a "uniform" that all "worthy" members wear under their clothing--a form of underwear that they believe protects them from evil. And as usual, those who are "worthy" for them are often shunned. The conformity is added in that these undergarments only come in white (unless you're in the military and need camo ones). The clothing conformity continues with men being required to wear a white shirt and tie; preferably with a black suit. Women are expected to wear long dresses to church (no pants) and haircuts are to be conservative. Same with jewelry. Men are "encouraged" not to wear beards or have hair longer than the ears and no jewelry besides wedding rings. Tattooes are a big no-no. Teen-agers are quite often kept from dating non-Mormon girls and the church (seemingly innocently) makes all adult members have a "duty" or "job" in the church. These include: Sunday school teacher, boy scout leader, priesthood leader/teacher, choir director, etc. The result for the leadership at the top is that you get members doing all the work (volunteer based of course) while collecting their money in the form of tithing!!

The added bonus is that according to the prophet and his apostles the bishops of the local churches are granted authority to receive "revelations" but only for their local church members. So, they craft the "jobs" as "callings" because they supposedly came from a revelation your bishop received from "God" saying he needs you to do job "x" or job "y." The other benefit for the hierarchy is that it keeps the members busy and away from non-Mormons. And, well, before you know it, the only friends you have are Mormons and if you do have some socializing time the church has crafted their "callings" to keep you actively doing church things with other members throughout the week--at the church building itself!!

O.k., next item on the cult check-list: Important decisions in lives of adherents are made by others; again, bingo. Each young person at a certain age goes to get their Patriarchal Blessing, which is seen as a kind of foretelling the future as to what you're life will, and should unfold as. The person giving you this "revelation/vision" is called the church "Patriarch" who is of course a man. There isn't a direct command to follow it and make it happen but it is worded in a way as to suggest that this guidance is coming directly through "The Patriarch" from "God"--just for you. So, that pretty much puts the screws on and guilts you into doing what "'God' told me to do." This dove-tails into the next one on the list, "Adherents who become increasingly dependent on the movement for their view on reality." Everything in most Mormons lives is determined and checked against what their church leaders say. There is pretty much no area of their life where they don't look to the church and other members on how to deal with whatever reality is throwing at them. It influences: their politics, who they associate with, jobs they'll do, colleges they'll attend, sexual problems in their lives, money issues, marriage issues, and on and on.

The other aspect of this one is brainwashing, which includes: social pressure (which we've discussed and will further), guilt, (again, already touched upon) and sensory deprivation. In Mormons this takes the form of long church sessions that last half the day, which tire members out and being tired increases supportability to control. This sensory deprivation also includes days of fasting that make one more susceptible to thought-insertion and control as well. Ironically, these days are the same days where "testamonials" are undertaken by the members led by the Bishop who is the first to give his testimony. It basically consists of people restating (in front of other members) how sure they are of the exclusive truth to Mormonism. The peer pressure is strong as people stew in their seats wondering if they should get up front to bear their soul to the other members and say how much they believe in the church. "Sharing your testimony" is what they call it but it's nothing more to me than making people hungry and thus vulnerable to thought suggestions to those who might be wavering in their beliefs.

Next criteria: "Making sharp distinctions between us and them, divine and Satanic, good and evil, etc. that are not open for discussion." Mormons are often arrogant, elitists who think only they hold the real, true and only religious truth on Earth. A lot of them see all other belief systems as inferior; if not "Satanic" and contrary to the goals of their truth!! This often leads to talk about members versus non-members and how evil, bad influences non-Mormons are to them and their youth. In the Mormon stronghold of Utah, non-Mormons neighbors are often shunned and looked down upon. To even ask questions about the verasity of Mormon beliefs and read "non-Mormon literature" is considered playing with "The Devil." Mormons are taught that not only are these other beliefs wrong; they are to be eradicated by converting the adherents to Mormonism. Thus, the reasoning behind their army of drone missionaries, and why they are so pushy and often rude when trying to get you to let them into your house to teach you about the "True gospel of Jesus Christ."

The final one is, "Leaders and movements who are unequivocally focused on achieving a certain goal." For Mormons that certain goal is preparing the world for the "End Times" and the supposed return of Jesus Christ. This preparation demands all Mormons seek to convert non-Mormons (for their own good of course). Thus, young boys are groomed from a young age to go on a two year mission at the prime of their young adulthood (19-21) when their peers are attending college. This often sets these young men back educationally for years. Women and non-missionary members are expected to strike up conversations about Mormonism with those outside the church at your workplace, with the neighbors and anyone else you might run into. As a means for forwarding their goal of converting the world. They almost always push and guilt people into doing this and even give them free copies of the Book of Mormon to hand out to their non-member victims.

So, are Mormons in a cult? You decide.

PHOTO: Mormon temple in the background with a figure in front that I think symbolizes the zombie-like, robotic behavior of members.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Burn Charcoal to Help Reverse Climate Change?

2010-08-19T15:03:00.005-06:00

Burning something organic is usually seen to be dirty--not, porn "dirty" but pollution dirty. However, science is finding that a form of charcoal might actually help reduce greenhouse gases:

As much as 12 percent of the world's human-caused greenhouse gas emissions could be sustainably offset by producing biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from plants and other organic materials. That's more than what could be offset if the same plants and materials were burned to generate energy, concludes a study published August 10 in the journal Nature Communications. "Biochar offers one of the few ways we can create power while decreasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. And it improves food production in the world's poorest regions by increasing soil fertility. It's an amazing tool."

Biochar is made by decomposing biomass like plants, wood and other organic materials at high temperature in a process called slow pyrolysis. Normally, biomass breaks down and releases its carbon into the atmosphere within a decade or two. But biochar is more stable and can hold onto its carbon for hundreds or even thousands of years, keeping greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide out of the air longer. Other biochar benefits include: improving soils by increasing their ability to retain water and nutrients; decreasing nitrous oxide and methane emissions from the soil into which it is tilled; and, during the slow pyrolysis process, producing some bio-based gas and oil that can offset emissions from fossil fuels.

Green man: It's going to take a patchwork of ideas and revolutionary science to tackle the vast scale of the problem. There is no "magic elixir" to change this trend and threat to not just our environment but our very lives. It's simply a reality that not every place gets enough sun for solar energy, not enough wind for wind energy and hydrogen is still expensive and volatile. Another idea that I like is using algae to power our cars. The problem isn't the ability to solve this problem but rather the lack of political willpower to see the dire need for these technologies. No where is this more evident than in the United States where a large chunk of the problem stems from with emissions. We Americans unfortunately know a lot about war and coming up with a multi-tiered plan is essential and something of a strong suit for us. We need to convince other Americans that this climate issue is a major national security issue--it's a war and thus demands an immediate and diverse battle plan. And it needs to be set into motion, frankly, immediately.

The irony of using biochar is that the environmental benefits of it have long been known to ancient man but modern man's arrogance took over and the assumption was that nearly everything the ancients knew was to no longer beneficial. "Amazonian Indians mixed a combination of charcoal and organic matter into the soil to improve soil fertility, a fact that got the scientists interested in studying biochar's modern potential." The renaissance brought about many wonderful benefits to civilization; not the least of which being science itself!! The very science that is now rediscovering the benefits of charcoal. Rediscoveries like this always make me sober in one respect because of all the genocide modern man is committing by cutting down the rain forests. How many cures for various cancers could be destroyed? Or cures for HIV/AIDS?

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Cheshire Cat Walks Beside Me.

2010-08-14T14:26:00.006-06:00

Like a ghost shepherding a lost soul the feline has oft appeared and walked within my shadow throughout my tumultuous and bizarre life. Often from afar they peer deep into the recesses of my well traveled mind and communicate with the cat woven into my essense. The left-over energy from a past life lived as a mysterious yet intelligent feline. It's the delicate way in which I walk and tread lightly around squeaky spots in the floor, or the heightened-sensitivity to noise; still yet, perhaps it's how at night I come alive. Of course my intuition is also quite cat-like; a gift that I will always admire my mother for passing onto me. Anyway, the list of traits I share with the cat are uncanny and reassuring. Regardless, who wouldn't want to be watched over by one of the most mysterious, ancient and intelligent creatures ever to walk the skin of Earth?

Ironically I have had a rather aloof experience with the feline community over the years. That said, if you know anything about cats then you are aware that cats are often independent, solitary creatures, so it isn't uncommon for cats to avoid one another. In my case, I would frame my relationship with other feline energies to one of mutual respect and tolerance. You might be saying, "Green man, aren't cat lovers supposed to smother their cats?" Actually, from my experience cats prefer limited interaction and that is why having a feline friend would be good for me. Both the cat and I like our space and independence yet like to have a friend around for rainy days. But I digress a bit from the original thesis of this essay. I was speaking about cats walking along side my path like old, trusted allies letting me know that I'm still in the secret society from my past life living amongst their silent kind.

Every place we've moved (my wife and I), cats have always found us. Around the marking of the millennium, my wife and I were newly weds living in Boulder, Colorado. I was following my high-school theatre dream of getting my university degree in acting but as the schizoaffective disorder mercilessly took over my mind I was failing a lot of other class like math and science. I was on a bad streak of downward slips into the deep bowels of depression when one day I came home from classes and saw a beautiful tiger stripe house cat sitting on the deck fence. I stood still and remained quiet because like me, cats have a tendency to spook. I also didn't look at her directly in the eyes but she didn't leave.

So I softly walked over to the stairs just to her right and below and sat on one of the steps; squishing my body against the hand railing to give her plenty of room to feel comfortable. Then, we just sat there in perfect, rejuvenating silence. Her soft presence and quiet, limited movements were like guidance from a Zen master on how to slow down and concentrate upon the immediate moment. Together we enjoyed that moment, which included a nice warm gentle breeze blowing through the pines trees just in front of the deck. One of the best smells to help me relax is the fresh scent of pine in the air. It's a fresh scent that does have this seemingly inexplicable power of giving you a feeling of being cleansed of heavy, stagnant energy.

My feline friend watched over me for about 15 minutes before taking one last look at me and slipping off into the bushes. My heart was in bliss from that intimate, one-on-one bonding with that cat as she helped me stop and just enjoy the moment. It was a wonderful gift and that is how most of my cat encounters go--intimate but respectful of the others space. Cats and I seem to have this unspoken understanding and ability to communicate with the mind. It must be the shared intuition because I don't feel that with any other animal. Then there are the stray cats that always seem to know to come to our house for some food, shelter and help. We've lived in our current place for about 10 years and in those 10 years we've had at least 4 strays end up at our house. It's like they can sense the familiar energy and know this is a safe place for them to come. Besides me, my wife is also a big animal person so between us we send out the right signal I guess.

We're vegetarian in part because we love animals so much but the funny thing is that we keep some cans of tuna fish around for our feline family to eat when they show up on our doorstep tired, scared and hungry. I share with you one last story about my connection to cats because I see I'm going on long with this post. My wife use to work with this woman who had tons of dogs but only one cat, so he was often overlooked. One late afternoon my wife and I were visiting their house. The people who live there were being their usual clueless, unaware selves and after a short while I began to feel that someone was watching me, and it was increasing with intensity the longer I didn't look. It felt like the side of my face was slowly but surely warming up. So I turn my gaze over and notice their cool, laid-back cat staring right at me. I felt immediately that he wanted something, so I asked in my head, "What do you need friend?" And I know this sounds kooky but after I said that in my mind the cat looked up at this empty food dish on the counter and then back at me again!! Immediately I asked the woman who lived there that I thought the cat was hungry. So she went to grabbed the kitty food and this cat was already on the counter waiting for his meal.

I have a strong feeling that I was a priest in a past life too in ancient Egypt where I had a lot of connection with cats because of vivid dreams and visions I've had, which is also partly why I have been attracted to Crowley for some time, but from afar. Anyway, this was before I had an amazing vision while on LSD of this black cat wandering through a dimly lit pyramid or underground temple. A lot of native peoples in Latin and South America use hallucinogenic drugs to uncover their power animal or totem animal. I took my visit from this black cat in ancient Egypt to have been one of those mystical moments of bonding because he appeared into my vision throughout that LSD trip whenever I felt anxious or edgy. His face would just appear in front of me and fracture into a honeycomb of many reflections of his face, which was accompanied by waves of peace emanating from his eyes. I know, a lot of this sounds kooky and that's fine if you feel that way but while I don't believe that all of this kind of stuff is real and meaningful; there is a part of these experiences, which seen the right way can be great guides as you navigate through life. So, the next time you see a stray cat--it might just be me. ;)

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Californians for Common Sense: 51% Support Marijuana Legalization.

2010-08-12T12:44:00.003-06:00

A Sacramento Bee/Field Poll survey released over the weekend found support for legalizing marijuana in California at 51%. Between those who want to legalize it and those who want to decriminalize it, the poll suggests nearly two-thirds of California voters favor relaxing the state's marijuana laws. Only about one-third support the status quo or hardening the state's approach to marijuana.

Green Man: If you live in California and believe in personal freedoms then I hope you would support this initiative. Marijuana is not like the hard drugs that are illegal. In a lot of ways it is less of a problem for society than alcohol. It was only made illegal because of ignorance and a vicious propaganda campaign to demonize African-Americans and migrate workers from Mexico at the turn of the century. It remained illegal under Nixon as a way to whip up political support from those who were fearful of the baby boomers' counter culture. Then of course came Reagan who swept up the relatively benign drug into his "Just Say No" campaign that was instigated by the crack epidemic in the 80's. It didn't matter that marijuana wasn't addictive, deadly or harmful like crack cocaine; a drug was a drug to the fearful, ignorant, moralists of the Reagan era. Yet all the while these drug hypocrites swigged down gallon upon gallon of whiskey, beer and wine.

Another way that you can support the campaign to free marijuana from propaganda and irrational prohibitionists is through donating money. Two reputable and secure places to donate to the fight are "Yes on 19" which is run by the founder of Oaksterdam University in Oakland. It is a medical marijuana organization that teaches people how to grow their own medicine. This group is also sponsered by the long-time marijuana advocate organization "NORML." The other organiztion that I trust on this matter is Firedog Lake's campaign, "Just Say Now." Firedog Lake is a well-established, reputable political advocacy group. Even $10 helps. The time is now to legalize marijuana, which could help us find tax dollars to improve our schools, health care or job market. Besides, America has always been the place where personal freedoms are sacred as long as an action doesn't harm others. Of course supporters of legalization are against driving while intoxicated.

---End of Transmission---

Last Decade Was Warmest on Record

2010-08-02T17:53:00.010-06:00

Deke Arndt, chief of the Climate Monitoring Branch at the National Climatic Data Center, noted that the 1980s was the warmest decade up to that point, but each year in the 1990s was warmer than the '80s average. That makes the '90s the warmest decade, he said. But each year in the 2000s has been warmer than the '90s average, so the first 10 years of the 2000s is now the warmest decade on record.

Green Man: The trend is clear and the problem obvious but as usual in America we don't fix problems until the it's too late. The problem is that with nature you can't just ignore it for decades and then be able to turn it around to a healthy balance in one day or one election cycle. I don't even know why protecting the environment is a political issue at all -- It's a human issue that all political sides should be able to support.

Who can be against protecting the air we breath?!! Because without it, ironically, there would be no humans to deny the importance of protecting the air we breath!! Being against protecting the very environment that keeps you alive is like being against the medical field that keeps us alive. It scares me that this is a subject that's even being debated!! Our Earth is in a crisis and humans have come to naively believe that they've mastered nature to the point where they think we don't have to worry about its balance. Oh, foolish, little, man!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Green Man's Curse Part III--The Conclusion.

2010-07-29T10:21:00.000-06:00

(Animist fetish market in Togo, West Africa)

Our lungs were still burning with rage from running like two gazelle sprinting for their lives when the power in our house briefly flickered it's last breaths before giving into a dark death. We stumbled outside onto the balcony like kids fleeing a shadow in the middle of the night. Upon reaching the landing we saw the street lamp barely glowing while in the distance this high pitched whine began to approach. It sounded like the village was about to be invaded by a swarm of militant bees. Then out of the night engulfed street, coming from the direction of the cemetery a group of about 10 men on mopeds exploded into our field of vision headed toward the intersection just off the far right corner of our balcony. Immediately they drove around the intersection in a circle of mechanical choreography, kicking up the silence of the night with each crank of their hand shifters.

One of them was carrying a clay pot on his lap and smashed it in the middle of the abandoned intersection, and with that they sped off as fast as they appeared. We all stood in shock trying to make sense of the earthquake of events that had shaken up our night. The silence built into an awkward, uncomfortable tension when one of the missionaries that was already home before we arrived out of the breath stated, "Witchcraft." Chills washed over me and then a split second flashed by and the lights jumped back to life as if by command from the utterance of the word, "witchcraft." The pots were nothing new to our lives as missionaries because people left them all over villages as they were often used as vessels to "pour out sickness" into to cure ill or "cursed" people. They are usually filled with twigs, herbs, sometimes animal blood and often the urine of the person cursed or ill with a disease. This was symbolic of flushing the malady out of your body.

Broken pots in a lot of African Animism also symbolize death as a complete one is literally the holder of life as it often contains sustaining water. They also symbolize someone attempting to break down a social relationship, as a full pot constitutes harmony and welcoming. When one welcomes another to a village they are often brought a new clay pot full of food. A broken pot is also a symbol of banishment and social separation from society. A broken pot in other words is a bad sign. And here were these men smashing one full of a dark liquid and all kinds of plant material right in front of our house. Clearly some of the hatred toward us stemmed from being Christian missionaries in a village (Yamoussoukro) which is very proud of it's animist beliefs and saw us a threat. Now that I'm long past being a missionary and a Christian in general I can't say that I blame them. Christians have brought a lot of misery to Africa.

So, given that status (and being a white Christian on top of it) there were plenty of people who could have had the reason to curse my fortunes and future. I don't know if I believe in curses but after I came home from my two years in Africa my life fell apart, and I haven't been the same since. I have also had the worst luck where before Africa I had great luck. I don't have the time or room to describe all the incidents but suffice to say that if it could go wrong with me it has or will. It's not just me--my wife knows about the "dark, gray, cloud" that follow me and rains down upon me horrible luck. So, do my friends and family who can't believe how many things go wrong in my life--both in little and big ways. The biggest examples being having to drop out of the Master's degree program in African history, (ironically) and being diagnosed with the severe mental illness of Schizoaffective disorder.

Is it a coincidence then that I faced many smashed pots near the many places I lived at in Africa, and that ever since I've been home I've felt alienated from the society around me? In every way nearly I'm an outcast from my society since returning home. I have a mental illness, which causes people to shun me. I am a Buddhist with Pagan beliefs, which is frowned upon by my Christian dominated society. I am bisexual, which again is frowned upon by my society. Politically I am a liberal, which isn't a majority view in my society. All of this isn't by choice it's just labels that apply to how my personality expresses itself and yet they are all minority views it seems. I don't like interacting with people anymore because I somehow always get unwanted attention, or there's always a complication with whatever business I'm trying to accomplish. I get manic, anxious and irritable around too much noise and yet it seems like noise flocks around me as if by spell. Just now as I'm trying to explain why I feel cursed after my time in Africa the lawn mowing company showed up to crank on their loud machines to conveniently block my concentration. They usually don't come on this day or this late.

So, I ask you is all this a curse or coincidence? And if it is a curse, what dear Pagans do you suggest I do to lift it or at least cleanse my energy. I just want the chaos to ease up. There's only so many problems a person can face in a ten year span--and it shows no sign of slowing down!! I feel stalked by everyone as if I'm being watched and whenever I try to do something beneficial for me I am intercepted by someone who thwarts by plans. Maybe not even knowingly but it's happened so many times that I'm really starting to wonder about this curse stuff. And I'm really starting to wonder if somehow the curse could be using others as the vehicle to thwart my plants. Another thing to consider is that I was given a small statue of a traditional Ivorian hunter before I left--is it possible that's where the bad energy is coming from? It's hard to believe though since it was given to me by a "friend?"

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Green Man's Curse Part II.

2010-07-28T11:11:00.000-06:00

[If you missed part one of this three part series then just click on this sentence to start from page one]That opened my eyes to the world of the occult for the first time but it wouldn't be the last time during my two years in that surreal region of the world. It also began to fill in the picture as to why this place had a palpable energy to it that saturated everything as if it were brought in by the heavy, moisture drunk morning haze. I knew that I had to play by Mother Africa's rules or I might never be the same again but my stubborn teen-age faith in my "God" was too indoctrinated to admit that I was already forever changed. I was aware that Africa was certainly going to be one of the pillars of the temple that is my unfolding life as it continues to be built with each searing disappointment and every drug rush of success. However, unbeknown to me it at the time it was also changing me in ways that stalk the darkest, coldest, corners of my consciousness to this day.

It wasn't long after my encounter with the priest that I began to unravel mentally as I was assaulted with one barely surmountable wave of stress after another but time has a way of pouring away from one's consciousness while one is consumed with missionary zeal. So, within what seemed like days I was informed that I was to be transferred to a new village further north into the interior of the Ivorian jungle. I road upon a bus crammed with people and a small farm of chickens and goats. Our driver did some Indianopolis 500 style driving to avoid killing us all in the chaotic streets of the capital city, Abidjan but finally we were out on a thin concrete vein of a road funneling us deeper and deeper into the green heart of the Ivory Coast. We drove past countless long-haul truckers heading to Burkina Faso or Mali with dangerously overloaded cargo, which often toppled a truck over. Reaching the medium sized village of Yamoussoukro was a bit like going back in time to discover a land frozen in time.

Yamoussoukro is the home village of the first president of the Ivory Coast after their French Colonial masters couldn't steal, enslave, extract or develop anymore resources from the country. Only then did they "graciously grant" the Ivorians independence. At the time when the country was little more than a French outpost, the village of Yamoussoukro was a small, cocoa producing collection of huts and colonial buildings. Once the first president took power though things drastically changed. He spent obscene amounts of money trying to turn it into the new capital city as the recently independent country stretched its long shackled arms. He bulldozed good farm land to make way for 4 and 6 lane highways that he expected the new growing capital would need but like with many African countries the money became scarce. So, despite a few parliament buildings and a very out of place, modern European-style hotel the development came to a stop. Those main traffic arteries built went no further and newly build modern style neighborhoods were cut off from the rest of the village. It was strange to walk a deserted major highway and follow it until it just ends at a wall of jungle.

So, there I was in this odd, part traditional, African village that was also a part semi-modernized city with roads that go nowhere, and parliament buildings that stand unused (except for a few days a year when the leaders convey up there). The rest of the time they keep those fancy buildings pumping out the air conditioning for the "tourists" that show up--all 3 of them a day. All of these buildings are massive in scale; think the Lincoln monument or the Jefferson memorial in America. Yet just behind them lie shacks with dirt floors where average Ivorians scratch out a meager existence. At this time we were living in an old second floor building at the corner where two of these roads to oblivion intersected but no cars ever drove it. In fact, it was so quiet that when we did see or hear a car coming our direction we knew they were coming to our place.

So, one night I'm out late with my companion missionary (we went in twos) and we rise up to the crest of this hill to rest and replenish our lungs. Well, as I'm standing there I can see the local graveyard that has been there probably since man first walked the Earth, and it's partially exposed by an old lamp post. I blink my eyes a bit to focus and here comes this parade of people (four or so) carrying this dead cow upside down by it's four hooves. They are led by a lady dressed all in white with her face and arms painted with white paint. She's ringing bells and singing while clearly in a state of a possessive trance as she jerked her body and head around in a dizzying tornado of limbs and white cloth. I lock eyes with my Congolese friend and then look back at the cemetery where the entourage has now stopped.

The lady in white pulled out a long knife and began to behead this poor animal. They knelt down at this point in what looked like prayer before getting up and walking off with the headless carcass. The lady in white had just stepped into the shadow outside the range of the circle of light poured down by the lamp pole but the cow and two others visible in the pool of light. Suddenly before I could breath they disappeared. As in they vanished from my vision. They where half way through this spot light caring the sacrificed animal and then gone like a dream after waking up. I was paralyzed with fear but somehow I gurgled in French, "Did you see them disappear too?" My friends' eyes were as big as the white eyes of the Easter Island statues and all he could muster was a rapid barrage of nods. That's it, I said and we took off as fast as we could to get back to our upstairs haven, which we assumed was "protected by God." As it turns out, that assumption was more of a delusion (to be continued...)

The Green Man's Curse.

2010-07-27T17:00:00.001-06:00

When I was a young man (19-21) I was sent to steamy West Africa on a mission for my then church--The Mormons. I had been raised and groomed from an early age to travel to the far ends of the Earth to fervently and passionately spread the "truth" that The Mormons were the only church ordained by God on High himself. It is said that each missionary is sent to a locale determined upon what The Prophet has been instructed from Elohim (God) during his prayers.

Being the good Mormon boy that I was at the time I dutifully waited for "the letter" at a Mormon run college in nowhere Idaho. I have always been a very spiritual person and I was serious about my commitment to the "Armies of Helamen," which were allegedly an ancient army of young men warrior Mormons in the Americas as written in the Book of Mormon. Today the term is also used to refer the the Mormon churches' army of some 50,000+ missionaries spreading the faith.

Being somewhat psychic I had a feeling that I would be sent of Africa. I set off studying everything I could find on Africa, and before long the continent began calling to me. So it was to my delight that I was "called" to serve in a new mission in Cote D'Ivoire, (Ivory Coast) West Africa. This is a French speaking, developing country on the west coast of Africa just neighboring Ghana. The predominate religion practiced in the tropical country is animism followed by Islam and bringing up the tail-end is Christianity. It is a minority religion, which as an American I had never experienced. Then take into account the history of Christianity in the region and you'll realize how deeply Christians wounded Africans during the colonial slave trade era. Let's just say in conclusion that I wasn't the most popular guy off the boat!! Yet I was too intoxicated with the rhythm, beauty, style, flavor and smell of Mother Africa to be too worried about much--especially at 19 years old!!

In between savoring strange, new foods I set out to "save the Ivorians" from the "evils of witchcraft." I was an eager, model missionary who was quietly being groomed for leadership. Despite my willingness to fully marinate myself in this otherworldly culture I was a vulnerable young boy who, really, was in over his head. Yet nothing seemed amiss as I was too consumed with memorized verses from the Book of Mormon and visions of a tropical paradise assaulted my brain. Then one sweltering day I remember shopping for our daily meals amongst the bright chaos of one of the open air markets in our village.

At one point while looking for the fish lady, I passed this strange stall filled with bones, jars full of nasty, dark liquids, animal skins, trinkets and other "junk." As I passed I noticed an old, short, gray bearded guy wearing rags of what looked like burlap bags held together with twine, trinkets, amulets and shards of metal and glass. Time slowed distinctly as I made eye contact with him and he seemed to be furious by my presence. I could feel his crocodile like narrowed eyes intruding into my eye sockets, and never did he take his eyes off of mine. Then faintly I heard him mutter something in my direction, and it clearly wasn't French. I had to assume it was a tribal language. His body language was confrontational at this point as he flashed his hands in my direction as if he were flinging something at me. After breaking visual contact I felt time continue on it's merry way and I came to my senses to realize that I had probably just been "cursed." My suspicions were confirmed when I was told later by a local that he was an animist priest. I must admit that for all my youthful invincibility I felt fear creep and for the first time I knew that I was pilgrim in a strange land (to be continued....)

Climategate Investigation VINDICATES Scientists.

2010-07-07T17:28:00.007-06:00

LONDON — An independent report into the leak of hundreds of e-mails from one of the world's leading climate research centers on Wednesday largely vindicated the scientists involved, saying they acted honestly and that their research was reliable.
Green Man: In summing up the politics of this issue I couldn't improve upon the comments of commenter "Pimentoloaf" on The Huffington Post" article.

Most of the comments that argue against action to mitigate climate change are for economic reasons. Let's entertain that thought for a second. Consider the dramatic decline of America's steel industry, the huge reduction of our manufacturing workforce, and the designers, engineers and technicians that have been furloughed in the automotive and aeronautic segments. These people can be put back to work. A typical wind turbine has 8,000 parts and is made of 250 tons of steel.

Somebody has to make that steel, fabricate those parts, assemble them, deliver the assembled turbine to a wind farm, erect the turbine and manage the wind farm. Those are American jobs! And they are jobs in sectors hardest hit by the global economy - the sectors that need jobs the most. What kills me is that the people arguing against green technology are people who could benefit most, directly or indirectly, from a technology shift of this sort. Arguing against a movement toward green tech is either a stunning lack of vision, or a political hatred so unreasonable that it has clouded all sense of good judgement and reason.

Green Man: And the same goes for solar, wave turbine energy, biomass (including some cool research and advances into algae energy) and countless other green energy technologies. My wife works for a solar company here in Colorado, which was recently granted billions of dollars from the Obama administration to increase viability, employment and continued advancements in the technology. The company is Abound Solar. Abound Solar produces next-generation, thin–film photovoltaic modules intended to deliver the lowest levelized cost of electricity. Our proprietary manufacturing process produces solar modules that help customers achieve grid parity today and replace traditional forms of electricity generation.

We need to increase our investments in these kinds of companies to take our economy back and clean our planet. So we don't have to rely upon the delusions of religious fanatics who think someone is going to come and save us just in time before our world burns up. These anti-climate change folks often tend to be conservative politically, yet one of their favorite points to bring up is our grandkids--usually when discussing money issues. Sorry guys but you're kids won't inherit your gobs of money if they can't breath or if it's so hot no one can leave the house, let alone work.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Rainbow of Death.

2010-07-01T14:47:00.001-06:00

I know it's hard to watch but PLEASE watch this video. Don't push this disaster into the back of your mind. We need to face what we are doing to our Earth--NOW. If you are Christian and naively believe we can do anything to Earth and God will save us--think again. What do you think your God would think of what we've done to his green garden of Eden? Do you think he'd like coming back and seeing all the garbage we've dumped into his creation? He might come back--who knows, but I doubt he'd be happy about our actions toward the home he supposed created for us.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The Sacred Pines.

2010-06-27T00:02:00.015-06:00

Having been raised in the alpine region of Colorado, USA and spending countless hours camping or backpacking within the vast pine forests here, I have grown very fond of those trees. In European nature based spirituality, the pine trees are symbols of immortality. This makes sense given they survive year round. They never experience the mass loss of leaves like deciduous tree leaves that shrivel up and blow away, which is otherwise quite the visual portrayal of death.

Years of backpacking have taught me how to live as close to nature as possible living my the principle of "Leave the land how you found it." The sacred pine tree offers the initiate an infinite number of useful tools in the wilderness. The most essential thing to accomplish when first backpacking in the deep wilderness is to get your shelter up. You might be hungry but the weather can turn from 78 degrees to 45 degrees really quick at high altitude. Or you can easily be enjoying the blissful rays of the sun god before minutes later the rain gods empty the sky as though someone tore a gash in the sky. Besides, most tent shelters these days come with a small vestibule to cook under with a backpacking stove when Mother Nature decides to storm about in unpredictable turmoil. The last thing you want up in the alpine is to caught out in a chilling storm without shelter.

In preparing my shelter I often sweep the ground area to be used with a pine branch--the bunches of needles splitting off from the branch are great for using as a broom. Then I discover in my researching of old, dusty, websites online that pine was often used to sanctify outdoor ritual areas by sweeping the ground clean. Interesting. Yeah, I always had a feeling when I swept the ground clear for a camp site that I was making a grounding, spiritual gesture with the Earth. Especially with the strong, fresh, cold, cleansing smell it emits, like an incense offering wafting through a contemplative spiritual gathering. I'm going to remember this the next time I go backpacking. It will mean even more after learning additional information about the sacred connections.Whole, dense, forest of pine trees sway in patterns at times like waves. An ocean of eternal green. At other times the vast stands of trees seem like a city of green skyscrapers. Yet always, a stoic and often silent army of the animal and plant communities of the labyrinth style forest floor. Haunted by the grey ghost that is the mysterious and elusive lynx--my favorite species of cat with whom I feel a strong connection to. If I could morph into cat form it would be the lynx. The pine forest is a netherworld of secrets, wisdom and mystery--and the lynx is the recluse of that world.May the scared pines remain dense and strong, so that they will reveal their secrets of life to the next generation, and further still down the rabbit hole of the future. Hail the great pines!! Respect.

Whale Shit: Eco-Gold.

2010-06-19T11:01:00.006-06:00

When the International Whaling Commission meets in Morocco next week to discuss lifting the moratorium on commercial whaling, delegates might pause to consider an unexpected fact: the faeces of sperm whales is helping to save the planet. Australian researchers have found that the iron-rich faeces of sperm whales living in the Southern Ocean boosts the growth of phytoplankton, marine plants which suck in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

They estimate that the whales are responsible for removing 400,000 tonnes of carbon each year, twice as much as they contribute through respiration. According to the scientists, based at Adelaide's Flinders University, they would be disposing of 10 times as much carbon were it not for commercial whaling. "If we hadn't decreased sperm whale populations from their historical levels, we'd have an extra about two million tonnes of carbon being pulled out of our atmosphere every year."

Green Man: Whale SHIT!! I find it fascinating and remarkable that nature is so balanced that it has even factored in how whale shit can best benefit the overall eco-system. Everything was in harmony until man decided to go into a parasitic binge with the start of the industrial revolution. Nature has all these built in filters for carbon dioxide and built in oxygen tanks yet man thought we could mess with the environment all we wanted and it wouldn't affect us in the least. Nature was something that we arrogantly assumed either got in the way or was independent from us. We were so arrogant in fact that we figured since plant matter wasn't "intelligent" that it must be expendable.

Well, the destruction of nature might not have shown much danger for centuries but now we're learning a very painful lesson on just how much delicate and important nature is for our survival. We have no one to blame but ourselves and seeing how we are being humbled into the reality that we are just another cog in the wheel of nature, just like anything thing else, and that if nature goes down in flames--so will we. How we could observe the co-operation within the natural world and not assume we were apart of it, and interdependent upon it for survival is pretty amazing.

It's that damn monotheism that claims we are special creations from some old bearded white man in the sky who are meant to dominate the Earth and given the go-ahead to do whatever we wanted upon it. That was a big bet that the monotheists made for us but I don't take any joy in saying, "I told you so" regarding how that attitude led to the toxic environment we inherited today because I'm not sure how or whether if we can fix it. I do find it deliciously fitting, however, that whale shit is doing its part, so in that regard I hope whales shit all over the place!!

ADDENDUM: Obama wants whaling to go ahead again. So much for his claim to being a friend to environmentalism with his announcement of offshore drilling right before the BP explosion. As well as this whaling decision. And here I thought the guy was supposed to be a Liberal!! I keep being disappointed with him but where else am I going to turn? Conservative? That'll be the day when you know to haul me off to the mental hospital--for good!! I don't think it's in my DNA to be right-wing.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

God Allows Jesus to be Stuck by Lightening.

2010-06-15T12:04:00.007-06:00

Monroe, Ohio

A six-story-tall statue of Jesus Christ with his arms raised along a highway was struck by lightning in a thunderstorm Monday night and burned to the ground, police said.

Green Man: Where was "God" on this one?!! The method of destruction is deliciously ironic. Especially for those of us who have to put up with fundamentalist, loud-mouth Christians given that being struck by lightening is often seen amongst many fundamentalist Christians as "God" punishing you for saying something blasphemous, or other "sin." I get annoyed with Christians who claim everything is a sign from "God" but when their church gets flooded or this statue burns to the ground it was just a natural accident. Well, that's convenient isn't it? Maybe "God" and Jesus got into a bit of an argument up within the boardroom of Heaven Inc., and "God" took out the statue to remind the kid who was still in charge.

Maybe the churchgoers weren't praying enough, so "God" nuked the Jesus statue, which brings up another Christian conundrum that I often stump people on. I stole this from the late, great, favorite comedian of mine, George Carlin. When loved ones die despite their relatives praying fervently to save them they often say, "Well, it was 'God's' will that they died. He must have needed them up in heaven." To, which I say, "Well, if 'God' is going to do whatever he wants anyway then why pray in the first place?" It seems pointless, illogical and disrespectful to that very "God" toward whom Christians usually say, "Thy will be done." In praying are you questioning his authority to decide what is best for everyone. These are obvious questions to me and I can't understand why Christians can't see the paradoxes within their own religion such as these. Especially coming from the many well-educated ones.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Thanks, but I'm Just Passing Through.

2010-06-05T23:55:00.008-06:00

Though I walk amongst them I am a visitor to this world of the humans--at least that's how I often feel. I can't relate much to the people around me because they're not on my level and it's frustrating to have to live amongst beings who seem to do everything in their power to destroy this world. I feel like I'm a visitor from a further evolved world that is stuck having to live with peoples' ideologies that were long-ago abandoned by the evolved civilizations in the vast, mysterious Universe. It often feels like I was kidnapped in another dimension, brainwashed, cursed and shipped off to be stuck on this world of backwater humans. Forced to spend the rest of this existence as an adult living amongst kindergarten or primary school level beings. I don't mean to sound condescending, it's just that I feel so completely different than where most of humanity is on the the deeper things in life.

I didn't plan it this way but in nearly every aspect of my life I don't fit in with the greater society. I live in America, which is a country that is traditionally conservative--I'm as liberal as they come. I live in a country that is predominately Christian--I'm not. I live in a part of the world that rejects the arts, which is where my talents lie. I honor nature and understand the importance of protecting it, yet I live amongst environmental cannibals. They are like parasites that shed anything green, swallow it into the belly of materialism and shit out black, acrid smoke. I have a rare, severe mental illness called schizoaffective disorder in a society that shuns, hides and ignores people like myself. I'm a sensitive male who isn't afraid of expressing emotions and celebrating my feminine side in a society that finds that kind of male behavior to be defective and something to be mocked.

I feel like a stranger in my own species, and people wonder why I like being alone and spending so much time amongst nature. Nature isn't difficult to understand--nature doesn't reject anyone. Nature doesn't ask questions nor condemn you. As long as you can live in harmony with her, she will care for you. And while nature can through you some real difficulties at least she does so without making it personal. I can't think of a more natural death then having it occur out in the wild. Let the animals live off my carcass--It would be my last gift to the cycle of life.

PHOTO: Painting from one of my favorite artists, surrealist Salvador Dali. Titled, "Geopolitical Child Watching the Birth of the new man, 1943.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Pictures of Oil Choked Animals that BP Doesn't Want You to See.

2010-06-04T10:30:00.009-06:00

Above: In some cases the birds are so soaked and coated with oil that volunteers can't tell what type of bird it is.If it was up to me the CEO and other executives of BP would be the ones cleaning off these birds one by one. I would also not just charge them for every gallon that is leaked but charged for every bird and animals found saturated in their oil.I never understand the people who think it's no big deal when animals die. People who think animals are just "collateral damage." As if the loss of animals doesn't impact humans. Well, these people are dangerously ignorant because what happens to animals are warning lights to our future. The "canary in the coal mine" if you will. They are people who forgot about the whole eco-system and interdependent food chain.Oil soaked eggs in the wetlands of Louisiana. Can you imagine how fast we'd get off oil if millions upon millions of gallons of it washed over our houses, us, and/or our children like the babies of these birds? We need to start seeing the reality that we're all interconnected and what happens to one species could affect even we humans who have gotten so arrogant that we no longer think we're apart of the chain. Stupid humans. Meanwhile, the latest projections show this oil spreading not just past and around Florida. As well as up the Eastern seaboard but up into the UK perhaps, which would be fitting since BP is a British company.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

The BP Nightmare that They Don't Want You to See.

2010-05-26T11:25:00.002-06:00

~The Green Man has Spoken~

EPA Demands BP use a Less Toxic Oil Dispersant. Also, BP Bullying Reporters.

2010-05-20T12:28:00.006-06:00

The Environmental Protection Agency told British Petroleum to find another chemical dispersant to break up the Gulf oil spill. The EPA has given BP until midnight tonight to find an alternative to Corexit and 72 hours to stop using it, CNN reports. The chemical has been rated less effective and more toxic than many others on the list of 18 EPA-approved dispersants, the story says. Read more about Corexit in a prior Green House post. Of course BP course the most toxic one--probably because yet again they were cutting corners and using the cheapest one.

Green Man: So, this is good news, bad news. The good news, of course is that we're going to use less toxic dispersant to help clean up the oil mess. The bad news is what many of us worried about--that the dispersants used for the last month were indeed toxic. Great. We have been fighting toxic oil with other toxic chemicals. Yet even the good news is rather bad because breaking up the oil into smaller bits still doesn't remove the oil from the ocean. It just makes it smaller and more likely to get into fish gills, etc.

In the meantime heavy crude is now soaking the Louisiana wetlands, which are like giant sponges that absorb and retain a lot of water until it seeps down into the soil. So, obviously it is going to soak up this oil, which will kill off the grasses that help buffer against hurricanes and other large storms. As well as provide habitats for countless species from insects to birds to amphibians to small mammals. In related news, BP is trying to intimidate citizens and journalists from investigating the damage of this leak to the beaches of Louisiana:

Watch CBS News Videos OnlineThis video is appalling. What is the Coast Guard doing backing up BP wanting to keep reporters away from showing how bad the oil disaster is affecting beaches and wetlands?

PHOTO CREDIT: REUTERS/Daniel Beltra

~The Green Man has Spoken~

BP-Halliburton-Transocean Oil Gusher Video.

2010-05-13T15:33:00.007-06:00

No wonder they can't cap this pipe!! This thing looks like one of those natural "smokers" down at the bottom of the ocean. Emphasis (of course) on natural:

Now the REAL "Black Smokers" (below):

~The Green Man has Spoken~

BP Oil Disaster Solution: Plug Hole with Golf Balls, Old Tires and other Junk.

2010-05-11T17:11:00.004-06:00

JENNIFER LEBOVICH,
DONNA MELTON and PATRICIA MAZZEI,
McClatchy Newspapers

BILOXI, Mississippi -- If you can't turn it off, try clogging it: Golf balls and shredded tires may be the latest solution to stop a leak spewing crude into the Gulf, a top Coast Guard official said Sunday morning. "The next tactic is going to be something they call a junk shot," U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen said on Face the Nation.

Green Man: However, "experts" are saying that there could be problems with this method. REALLY??? What could possibly go wrong from with the tried and true, "Wing-It method" which sounds like it was hatched while a bunch of redneck guys sat around, drank beer and got drunk? What's next? Duct tape? These "scientists" and "engineers" at BP must have received their degrees from the University of Cutting Corners."

From what I've heard, these oil company executives clearly have no clue what to do at those depths. Thanks to years of packing the courts with ringers, these companies haven't had to deal with regulations requiring they be able to get out of those depths as safely and easily as they get into them.

And wouldn't this, "plug" (if it even works) cause pressure to build up until at some later date it blows again??? It sure sounds like it, and I have no faith whatsoever that BP knows what to do to fix this nightmare.

Then you've got Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal who famously trashed government spending/intervention after the Great Bush Recession. This is the same guy who now wants that very same government intervention to pay to clean this all up. Of course the government should help but you can't say the government can't do anything right, and then expect them to come in and fix everything when there's a mess you can't deal with. This just underlines what the adults in the political room have known for awhile--there are some problems that are just too big for one company, state or region to recover from, and that is where government comes into play.

Expecting to live without government intervention is like thinking you don't need the guard dog to protect you while you sleep in the jungle. Therefore, I expect Jindal, and all the other right-wing critics of government to thank the government after this is all over, but I'm not holding my breath in anticipation.

---End of Transmission---