Philip the Bard's Harappan Blog: This Week: the SID

Greetings intrepid readers. This week we’ll start a discussion of the Science and Industry Division (SID). They have been a central part of recent history but not everyone knows their origins.

We’ll discuss how they grew out of the Greenies and Leadership Council’s (LC) needs for some industrial base. We’ll learn how they became more of a political group during the years after the “Arrival” on Harappa and what happened to them when the Mother became involved in Intergalactic Politics.

Tomorrow we’ll begin by discussing the SID’s creation on Earth during the LC’s ascension.

For today I’ll end with a quote from the Founder:

“Those who can hold their tongue find it easy to hold their friends.”

Never mix red wine with Oodo.   

Philip Normer

Kushan Year 87

Earth Year 2479

Final thoughts on hedonism.

The past week and a half me and Philip and his wife Ina have been discussing hedonism. I have always been a proud hedonist. I don’t think most people understand the philosophy and consider hedonists with disdain. Those of us who take on hedonism as a philosophical choice are not simple lushes and reprobates.

For me, life is about the experience. Look around the Universe and most of what we see is either frigid cold and barren or hotter than hot and barren. We have yet to find anything anywhere near as nice as our homeworld.

When I first went into the Air Force in 1970 I was handed a pocket New Testament by a very pretty young woman. That started my spiritual journey. I first dismissed Christianity during my reading of their text. There was nothing there to honor the sacred feminine. I found nothing in the Bible that spoke to my soul. I searched Eastern philosophy for several years after that and while I learned much in that journey I came to the conclusion that Buddhism did not meet my needs as a spiritual guide. I just can’t hang with the notion that, “Life is suffering”.

So, I’ve come up with my own spirituality which is a mix of paganism, hedonism and atheism. 

I don’t believe in a sky god whom I will have to answer to in some after life. Actually I don’t believe in an afterlife. If there is one I’ll deal with that when the time comes. Until then I try to live my life by my moral code.

Being that I claim hedonism as my guide don’t assume I have a lax moral code. I would venture it is more strict than most, if not all Christians I know.

I believe all things are sacred. I try to treat all things thus. Our world is a small, fragile speck in space. We, as humans need to protect every single piece of it as if it is unreplaceable (which it is). 

I am a strong believer in fidelity and honesty. I love hard work and feel a responsibility to my community(s) to contribute.

As far as the meaning of life, simple: perpetuation of the species.

I am doing my part by not reproducing. I see the biggest problem facing our world now is the human population. We need to dramatically shrink our numbers to a sustainable number. In that way we may last long enough to find a second home for humanity.

Finally I believe in experiencing what life has to offer. I occasionally get angry and depressed but I have a hard time understanding depression on a long term basis (unless it is a medical issue). I’ve known many people who just saw so little joy in life that they wore their depression like a crown. I don’t get it. Look at the amazing diversity and beauty found on this world. How can you be depressed when you are surrounded by such beauty?

I’m not saying we don’t have work to do but be cheerful while helping our community move forward. Then when you need rest open a nice bottle of wine, light up a pipe and reflect with friends and family.

Have a great weekend. I and Philip will be back on Monday.

Earth Year 2013

Never mix red wine with Oodo.

Philip the Bard's Harappan Blog: Ina's view on Harappan Hedonism

Philip the Bard’s Harappan Blog

Ina’s View

My husband has been discussing Harappan’s proclivity for hedonism. Yes, we do drink and smoke and yes, he did mention we also work hard and contribute to society.

But, I think he has focused on only one part of our hedonistic philosophy. I asked Philip to let me write today’s blog so that I could complete the picture.

The Harappan lifestyle is about more than just partying. It is more about experiencing what the Universe has to offer.

We believe in eating the best foods. Not only good tasting but healthy as well. We are very committed to producing healthy foods not tainted by chemicals. I would never consider putting SID produce on my dinner table.

I suppose the SID has its place, but producing food . . . nope. I’ve not been to Earth or Lava. I have not seen SID farms. I am told that their Lavan farms are mostly human operated but their Earth farms are completely automated. Machines till, plant, fertilize, spray pesticides, harvest and process. Humans don’t touch the food till it arrives in someone’s kitchen. 

It is not just the lack to human interaction that concerns me it is the SID’s dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. I don’t think the SID agriculturalists have ever heard of composting.

Healthy food comes from natural processes. Humans were not created in a chemistry lab. Our food should not come from one either.

Harappan hedonism is not just food, drink and smoke. It is also music, art, literature and companionship. I’ll let Philip talk about the entertainments we enjoy but I’ll mention our family ties.

I am Mandan. On Harappa we were a clannish tribe. Family ties were most important. When we moved to Kusha we became less nomadic but we still keep our family ties. I married outside of the clan, which is rare for my people but I still maintain my connection with my Mandan clan. Philip has his friends from the White Mountain Clan and we both spend time with my family who now live in a town called Mandan, near Harappa City.

I don’t know any Harappans who don’t regularly hang out with their family.

Never serve red wine with tellon berries.   

Ina Normer

Kushan Year 87

Earth Year 2479

Harappans and the "Lovely Fog"

Harappans and the “Lovely Fog”

Greetings beauteous readers. We were discussing hedonism, something most Harappans and Kushans embrace. Even if we don’t accept it as a philosophy for ourselves we understand the concept and support it in our friends and family.

Earthers often ask me if we have to deal with a lot of abuse. I answer “Not really.”

Before “The Arrival” we only had a few simple intoxicants. We drank several types of alcohol, wine and Oodo mostly and some beer and whiskey. And, we smoked the weeds.

We did not have some of the chemical intoxicants like Pax, meth, crack and such. Still don’t have them in our society. If I can grow it in my garden and prepare it myself I can probably handle it. If I need a chemistry set to make the stuff then I stay away.

I know there is some Pax on Kusha. Some of the SID folks use it. I don’t know any Harappans who do. It makes people mean.

Is the Mother a hedonist? Not really. I’ve seen her drink wine occasionally and maybe a few beers but I’ve never seen her smoke anything. I think she always has too much on her mind.

My friend Dorian Thain is definitely a hedonist. He smokes more than I do and maybe drinks a little less. He would want you to know that he is a thoughtful hedonist. He doesn’t just drink to get stupid. For him imbibing is an intellectual exercise. When his day is done he separates himself from his leadership persona and looks at things differently. He says he doesn’t work on drugs but I know some of his best ideas came from the “lovely fog”.

Never mix red wine with Oodo.   

Philip Normer

Kushan Year 87

Earth Year 2479

Football Hangover

OK OK so we didn't beat the Doncos on Monday Night Football. Our QB looked good till he was knocked out of the game with a concussion. We'll get 'em next time. (or the time after that)

Since I'm dealing with some health issues I am restricting my diet. So . . . I don't have a hangover but after the game I don't feel as chipper as I might.

Fear not, my football depression doesn't last long. Philip the Bard will return tomorrow.

The Church of Monday Night Football

Welcome wonderful readers. Those of you who know me know that I have my own religious beliefs. I strongly believe that every individual needs to develop their own spirituality. Yahweh doesn’t work for me. The Buddha taught me much but I don't agree with everything he taught.

The one church that I have enjoyed over time is the Church of Monday Night Football.

Tonight especially. Those of you who know me even slightly know that I am a long time Oakland Raiders fan. I have an Al Davis tattoo, almost all of my dogs have had a Raider game (Marcus, Howie, etc.) Some of my cars have had Raider names. My closet is stuffed with silver and black.

Tonight is special in that My Guys are playing my most hated team the Dogassdenverbroncos, or Doncos for short. Denver has been playing especially well lately and the Raiders have by most (not mine) accounts one of the worst rosters in the league. Still there is hope, there is always hope.

I will spend some time today getting my “game face” on. Yes, I have painted my face for a game but I don’t usually don face paint for a TV game. I save that for trips to the stadium.

So, why am I a Raider fan? Tomorrow I’ll discuss why I believe football is the superior sport. Football is my game.

Growing up in the Bay Area my family were all 49er fans. Me, I’m just ornery enough that I became a Raider fan. I like the niners OK but the Raiders are my team. 

I loved Al Davis’ rebel image. He did things his own way. The Raiders were one of the last teams to have a publicity department. Al’s thought was winning was all the publicity they needed. They did their own scouting when everyone else in the league besides the Cowboys did it throught a combine.

I loved that the Raiders constantly brought in misfits and castoffs and gave them a second chance, many of them grasping the opportunity and making second careers for themselves.

. . . and yes I love the laundry. Silver and Black is a cool color combination. I’ve had friends debate my football obsession by claiming my devotion to the Raiders is nothing more that following the laundry of the team. The players change, the coaches change. The only thing that remains is the uniform. So yes I like the colors. I wear silver and black most of the time.

Football fans might like to point out that the Raiders have not been very good for a long time. Yes it’s true. Yes it’s true that some of that is the fault of al Davis. His desperation for one last Superbowl drove the team into the ditch. But, I am a fan and being a fan is all about hope.

Sure we’re big underdogs tonight. No on is picking my guys to win, but I’ll watch and I’ll begin the game with the premise that the Raiders will find a way. Facts do not matter. Stats do not matter. Pundits dissing my team does not matter. 

GO RAIDERS!

Tomorrow: my notes on the game and thoughts on why I believe football is the best sport to follow.

Earth Year 2013

Never mix red wine with Oodo.

End of the week.

Hello fine readers. I have company coming into town from BC. Friends I recently visited up there are coming down here. They should be in town soon and I have so much to do to get ready.

Coming next week: Monday I will discuss my opinion on which is the "best" sport.

After that I will return to my and Philip the Bard's discussion of hedonism.

In the meantime have a great weekend . . . see you Monday.

BTW . . . GO RAIDERS!

Philip the Bard's Harappan Blog: Phil's defense of Harappan Hedonism

Greetings intrepid readers. My last post mentioned the notion that Harappans and Earthers don’t always get along. Hmmm. Did I ruffle some feathers?

Yes, there has always been friction between the two peoples. This started even before Harvest Day, when the Earther’s wrecked our homeworld.

When they first arrived on Harappa almost ninety years ago (has it been that long?) their first impression of us was not good. You have to remember that the Pax Veridis was still going on and the Greenies controlled most of Earth. The Greenies were never very fond of intoxicants of any kind. On the other hand we Harappans loved to party. Most of us still do. So from the very beginning the two worlds were at odds.

The Founder, Marcus Johnson, was a drinker himself. He didn’t smoke that we know of but he tolerated smokers, that we do know.

Harappan philosophy has always been about the miraculous nature of life in the Universe. We exist in a mostly cold and lifeless space. A Harappan knows and understands the fleeting nature of life. We feel it is our responsibility to experience as much of life as we can. If intoxicants help with that, then so be it.

The dictionary definition of hedonism:

hedonism |ˈhēdnˌizəm|

noun

the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.

• the ethical theory that pleasure (in the sense of the satisfaction of desires) is the highest good and proper aim of human life.

Harappans have come to embrace hedonism. I don’t know if it is something that came from the Founder or if it evolved from the myths he passed on to us.

I understand that Earthers use the term “hedonist” as a pejorative. Even now that the Greenie’s prohibitions are waning, Earthers have not embraced Harappan Hedonism. They see it as wasteful.

We Harappans see it as our obligation. At one point Earthers argued that we would be further evolved if we concentrated on more productive issues. That presupposes that the physical takes value over the intellectual, emotional or spiritual.

Does humanity really need another starship or factory? Sure we could increase production by spending less time socializing and partying, but then would we know less about ourselves, our friends, our family, human nature?

I am not saying Harappans aren’t hard workers. We strongly believe the individual has an obligation to contribute to society. Some contribute by building houses, some contribute by making art or music, some contribute by sittin’ and thinkin’, and some contribute by spreading joy, happiness and fun.

Never mix red wine with Oodo.   

Philip Normer

Kushan Year 87

Earth Year 2479

How our memories work . . . or don't.

How our memories work . . . or don’t.

Several years ago while returning from a backpacking trip with friends, we stopped at a state park on the way home for a short rest and a good view of the mountain we’d just climbed (Mt. Shasta)

As we pulled into the parking lot there was already another car parked there. Parked there, with a bear butt hanging out the back window.

We honked our horn and drove up next to the other car and chased the bear away. Evidence left behind included fast food wrappers.

We drove immediately to the Ranger’s office to report the incident. The four of us backpackers, all experienced in the woods, gave our descriptions of the bear.

Four completely different descriptions. Brown, black, red, big, little, medium, shaggy, smooth . . .

It had only been minutes since we’d all seen the same bear. For none of us, was it our first bear. Yet we could not agree on a single thing about this creature. 

Naturally I had the correct description of the animal . . . or did I?

Since then it has always been an interesting thing for me how people remember things. I have tried to explore this issue in my writing. In my (unpublished) novel “The Best in Each Other” I have the same story told more than once by different people and it comes out a bit different in each telling.

I play with this some in my sci fi writing. There is a scene in “Kusha” where Dorian Thain and his nemesis Mrs. Carmini discuss memories that are quite dissimilar.

Have there been times in your life where you questioned your memory? Maybe you should.

Earth Year 2013

Never mix red wine with Oodo.

Notes from the Author: Why I write.

Why I Write

Many writing friends tell me that for them writing is like breathing. They have to do it every day or their life is not right for them. 

Me? I am not that kind of writer. I write because I have a very specific story I want to tell. When the story is done I may not write again. Fear not if you enjoy reading me this story is very very long.

What I am publishing now, the sci fi series, is just the conclusion of a story that will eventually take us back to Eighteenth Century France.

When I publish “The Mother of the Galaxy” the final book in the sci fi series (this summer) I will begin work on the French Historical Romance. 

What ties these two stories together? 

They as a complete collection will be a family saga. Marcus Johnson is the last in a line that begins when two French Huguenots come to America before the Revolution.

My, as yet unpublished, novel “The Best in Each Other” is part of this saga and introduces us to the first “Johnson” in the line.

The initial story is based on a family myth, that recent evidence suggests may or may not be true.

Tomorrow I will discuss one of my favorite themes to explore: How Our Memories Trick Us.

Earth Year 2013

Never mix red wine with Oodo.

Philip the Bard's Harappan Blog: What it means to be Harappan

Greetings charming readers. We’ve been discussing ancestry. We’ve mention the ancestry of the Thains. Marcus Johnson and the Mother herself. When humans scattered themselves over four worlds family lines became blurred and confused.

I have no clue as to my Earthly family connections. My family came to Harappa with the Founder and they all agreed by his provision that they not discuss their Earthly roots with succeeding generations.

In that way my family is very typically Harappan. I know absolutely no one in my family who came from Earth. I don’t know if I am related to any famous Earthers.

I know my family line back to Wallace and Nora Normer, who had four kids. Wallace and Nora were born on Earth but beyond that we know nothing about their Earthly history.

They made the choice to cut ties with their ancestry. Their Earthly family lines ended with them. I don’t know if there are any Normers on Earth. I presume that there are but I have made no overtures to contact them. Why would I? They are of Earth and I am of Harappa and now Kusha.

Earth has come through their religious wars and has become something it was not for all its history but I still have no desire to go there or establish any real connection. I have everything I need here on Kusha.

Never mix red wine with Oodo.   

Philip Normer

Kushan Year 87

Earth Year 2479

Philip the Bard's Harappan Blog: Ancestry of the Mother

Greetings fetching readers. We’ve been discussing ancestry. Some time ago we discussed Max Gavaskar’s connection to Debendra Gavaskar the discoverer of the Gavaskar Field. Actually, we mentioned that there is no known connection between the two famous people.

So, what do we know about the Mother’s ancestry. Not much. We can trace her family line back to the “Firsters”. Firsters were the first generation of settlers who came with Marcus Johnson to Harappa.

The Firsters made a conscious choice to cut ties with Old Earth. They famously did not tell their children the truth about how people came to Harappa. The first Harappan Gavaskars did this and so we can not trace the Mother’s lineage beyond her Harappan roots.

Max Gavaskar is therefore truly Harappan. She claims no Earthly connection.

Never mix red wine with Oodo.   

Philip Normer

Kushan Year 87

Earth Year 2479

Thain family ancestry.

Greetings Handsome readers.

My last post discussed the lineage of Marcus Johnson. A lot of energy has gone into discovering his ancestry and much is known of his genetic history. From the single mom in the early twenty-first century back to ancient France we know that story.

But, what do we know of the ancestry of some of the other historical notables? Not a lot, it seems.

We know that the Thain family was only included because of a large cash investment in Marcus Johnson’s holdings prior to the launch of the “Arc of the Millenium”. Transcripts from meetings with Johnson and his advisors (Gupta and Cooper) that Johnson himself declared the Thain line inappropriate for the mission. Apparently the Thain family, upon hearing this, made a substantial investment. It was this money that influenced the Founder to include one more family.

How would Harappan history have been different had the Thains not been there? They were the driving force that caused the clans to move away from Harappan society. The Thains founded and built the Hall of the White Mountain Clan.

. . . and of course it was my friend Dorian Thain that stirred the pot on Earth starting the Earth Revolution as well as securing the rights for Kusha for homeless Harappans.

Tomorrow: What do we know about the Mother’s ancestry?

Never mix red wine with Oodo.   

Philip Normer

Kushan Year 87

Earth Year 2479

Writing Swear Words

Writing swear words.

Yesterday I discussed my reticence to use swear words too often. I do use them but try to do so sparingly.

I use them in my writing. One of the main themes I try to work into all my books is that the hero is not always clean and sober. Sometimes the hero is an average person thrust into the position of being counted upon. I happen to think very highly of the “average person”. They may drink too much, smoke things they shouldn’t, weigh more than is healthy and they may use bad words.

The editor I was working on with my last book “The Gavaskar Field” balked at some swear words I’d used. HIs thinking was that I might cut myself off from younger readers. I target my writing to adults but I do not want to be seen as promoting bad language.

However some characters do swear. I chose to leave some standard four letter words on the lips of some of my characters but for some I changed their language. 

Max Gavaskar the heroin of my book is a sweet and naive young woman. I gave her some cute swear words. “kakka poon” is an Estonian phrase. My wife made up another word “owangadangle”. I’ve given that to Max as well.

I chose several Hindi swear words since my story claims India and China have a stronger influence on society than they do now. I gave those words to smart people. While the less educated use more standard swearing.

In this way I have a set of swear words for each character. Much like in real life. Only in writing the words make up the person where in real life it is the opposite.

The (not so) manly art of swearing.

The (not so) manly art of swearing.

In yesterday’s post I mentioned that I come from the “throwing tools and swearing” school of mechanics. Yes I do swear while working on my cars, but don’t get the idea that I am a fan of swearing in our regular speech.

I hardly think I am a prude but swearing is one thing I think should be kept to a minimum. Primarily for three reasons the least of which is that I’d like civil discourse become more popular for all of us.

Many years ago I worked on a logging crew, setting chokers. It is a hard, dangerous and thankless job. I enjoyed the company of my co-workers but they all had the habit of swearing constantly. I cheerily joined it and cuss words became part of my lexicon.

Then one day I heard myself talking to my girlfriend of the time. I sounded like an ignorant, low life jerk. I couldn’t make a complete sentence without using some offensive four letter word. I like to think I am a smart person. No one else would have thought so listening to my speech patterns back then. I decided at that moment to remove certain words from my vocabulary. There is almost always better word to use than sh!t or f@#k.

That being said my final reason to refrain from using swear words is that if you use them too often, when you really need one they no longer have the power they otherwise might. 

If you’ve seen SIcko by Michael Moore you’ve seen a part of my life. I was featured in that movie for a hand accident I suffered several years ago. I zipped off a couple of finger tips with a table saw. Yes, I swore then.

“F@#k, f@#k, f@#k-itty, f@#k.” Is exactly what I said when I saw what had happened to my fingers. I say “saw” because the pain had not yet reached my brain. 

If I used the “F” word all the time it would not have been as forceful as I needed at that moment. 

Save your cuss word for when you really need them. The world will be a better place and you will have a stronger set of cuss words.

Tomorrow how this relates to my writing.