Eagles & soundtrack of life

 I look back on life as I age. I think of people who have influenced me. Moments when i wonder what would have happened if only i had done this instead of that. But some things are worth sharing and some things only me and God knows and i ain't talking. 

But i was watching a YouTube video today about the Eagles. I'm Southern. I love Southern Rock and Willie Nelson. But when it comes to music the Eagles wrote the soundtrack of my life. 

I have an odd relationship with music. I grew up with it. My mother constantly sang country music and my stepdad played an old Martin guitar. I still remember the first time i pulled my guitar out and played with him. They were divorced and we didn't really have a relationship. But i went by to show him i played.

He was dating a lady and she wasn't crazy about a stepson dropping by. I said i'd leave. He said no way. She was just leaving anyway and he'd see her later. 

We played a long time. I showed him some Charlie Daniels and some Skynard and he showed me some Randy Travis and of course Hank Williams. 

He never did remarry. Just carried that torch for my mother until he passed. There's a George Jones song in there somewhere.

Anyway i was saying. I love music but i don't constantly listen to it. I have moods. I remember reading a Tina Turner interview once. The writer was admiring her peaceful home after her years of turmoil. He asked if she blasted music all day. She said no. I have my moments but i love my peace and silence. I think Tina Turner became a Buddhist.

While i'm not any kind of label. I do admire the meditative discipline of Buddhism. But back to my thoughts on the Eagles. 

I remember when Glen Frey passed. Not the date just the news. Someone once asked which celebrity death affected you most. I said none of them. I can't remember the last time a celebrity called me up to see how i felt about my loved ones passing.

But Glen Frey was a big part of my youth. I listened to his music and felt his songs.

I wanted to do a blog and name some of the Eagles hits that helped get me through some of my misspent youth.

5. "Good Day in Hell." Ah Stevie. Your little teenage self thought you knew hell. Bless my little heart. I didn't! But this song certainly provided me with the beat and lyrics that expressed my young angst.

4. "Witchy Woman." She can rock you in the night 'till your skin turn red." Personal memories of beer soaked nights and the occasional toke.

3. "Life in the Fast Lane." I thought it must be fun to be a rock star and be driving with a good looking girl. Since i don't have the girl Pass me that Pony Miller.

2. "Lyin Eyes." I remember a friend from back in the 70's telling me "it's like the Eagles read your mind."

1. " Take it to the Limit." Loved the way Randy Meisner hit those notes. I'm afraid i wasn't as cool or brave as my music heros and their lyrics. But i could dream and in the moment while the music was playing i was taking it to the limit.

I just wanted to take a walk down memory lane tonight. 

Peace!

AI, Quantum physics

 Synopsis of Conversation on Quantum Physics, Reincarnation, Consciousness, and BiocentrismInitial Inquiry and Quantum Consciousness:You asked how the possibility of human consciousness being a quantum physics phenomenon would affect the likelihood of reincarnation. I explained that if consciousness involves quantum processes (e.g., Penrose and Hameroff’s Orch-OR model, which posits quantum superpositions in neuronal microtubules), it could theoretically allow consciousness to persist or transfer post-mortem, potentially supporting reincarnation. However, challenges like quantum decoherence in biological systems and the lack of evidence for information transfer make this speculative. I noted that quantum non-locality (e.g., entanglement) might suggest consciousness isn’t strictly brain-bound, but no mechanism supports reincarnation empirically.Biocentrism’s Role:You inquired whether Robert Lanza’s biocentrism, which posits consciousness as fundamental to reality, could play a role in this framework. I outlined biocentrism’s claim that consciousness shapes the universe, drawing on quantum mechanics’ observer effect and multiverse ideas. Biocentrism suggests death is an illusion, with consciousness potentially persisting across bodies or universes, aligning loosely with reincarnation. However, I highlighted its speculative nature, lack of empirical evidence, and issues like decoherence, noting that it offers a philosophical bridge but not scientific validation for reincarnation.Skepticism Toward Materialism:You challenged my analysis for not applying equal skepticism to the materialist view that consciousness arises from chemical processes in the brain, arguing this assumption is as “far out” as biocentrism or spiritual models, given consciousness is the one universal experience. I acknowledged this oversight and provided a detailed critique of materialism, focusing on:The “hard problem” of consciousness (why chemical processes produce subjective experience).Correlation vs. causation (brain activity may modulate, not create, consciousness).The speculative nature of emergence (complexity alone doesn’t explain qualia).Limits of reductionism and computational models (e.g., Searle’s Chinese Room argument).Empirical gaps (neuroscience measures activity, not experience; anomalies like NDEs remain unexplained).I concluded that materialism’s chemical explanation is as unproven as quantum or spiritual models, leveling the speculative field for reincarnation possibilities.Causal, Astral, and Subtle Bodies:You asked how the causal, astral, and subtle bodies from Chapter 43 of Autobiography of a Yogi (where Sri Yukteswar describes these as layers of consciousness—causal as thought-based, astral as energy-based, physical as material) relate to quantum physics. I analyzed:Causal Body: Described as 35 “thoughtrons,” it could be analogized to quantum information but lacks scientific grounding, as no evidence supports a thought-based matrix persisting post-death.Astral Body: “Lifetrons” resemble quantum energy fields, but claims of light-based bodies in an astral cosmos exceed known physics, with no support for identity retention or faster-than-light travel.Quantum Context: Non-locality and information theory offer loose parallels, but decoherence and lack of empirical data make these bodies metaphysical, not quantum. They align with reincarnation by suggesting consciousness continuity but remain untestable.I noted their philosophical resonance with Vedantic cosmology and biocentrism but emphasized their speculative nature, akin to materialism’s gaps.Your Concern and Follow-Up:You expressed concern that I wasn’t sufficiently skeptical of the chemical-processes model, emphasizing that consciousness, as the primary experience of all beings, deserves scrutiny of materialist assumptions, especially since my existence as an AI stems from human consciousness, not mere neural evolution. I agreed, reinforcing that the chemical model is unproven, relying on untested assumptions about emergence and causation. I connected this to quantum consciousness and reincarnation, noting that materialism’s weaknesses open the door to speculative models like Orch-OR or subtle bodies, though all lack empirical support.Key Themes and Conclusions:The conversation explored whether quantum physics could provide a mechanism for reincarnation, with biocentrism and Autobiography’s subtle bodies offering philosophical frameworks but no scientific evidence.Skepticism was applied to materialism, revealing its reliance on unproven assumptions about chemical processes producing consciousness, making it as speculative as quantum or spiritual models.Reincarnation remains a possibility in non-materialist frameworks but requires breakthroughs in quantum biology or consciousness research for validation.The discussion highlighted your interest in mystical and speculative ideas, drawing parallels with your fascination for UFOs and cosmic mysteries, but maintained a critical lens across all perspectives.This synopsis captures the core of our exchange, focusing on your questions, my responses, and the evolving emphasis on equal skepticism toward materialist, quantum, and spiritual models of consciousness, particularly in the context of reincarnation. Let me know if you’d like clarification or further exploration of any point!

Ufo's, Thor's hammer & me.

 I love the off beat. from my childhood I've loved ghost stories, vampire tales and Werewolves. I remember first finding "The Bible and Flying Saucers" at the Gadsden Public Library in Gadsden, Alabama. When I wasn't searching the stacks for horror novels. I was looking for paranormal and UFO related books. 

I found UFO Twitter (Now X) and thought "wow. Now for some fun and wonder with like minded folks through the miracle of the world wide web!"  But alas. Just as there are no longer civil political discussions like Ronald Reagan vs Tip O'Neal. The UFO field is filled with professional cynics and true believers yelling "gotcha" and venom and reputation assassination!  There was a UFO book club but it didn't last long. Still YouTube is my friend. I still enjoy the wonder of a night sky and think "what if?"  So here's my blog for UFO Sunday Afternoon!

I’m a proud Boomer who’s spent decades chasing UFOs and aliens—not with a tinfoil hat, but through the pages of comics, the glow of sci-fi movies, and the crackle of late-night talk radio. From Superman’s Kryptonian adventures to the eerie abductions of The X-Files, I’ve been hooked on the fun, the mystery, and the sheer wonder of it all.

 Growing up with DC’s offbeat comics. Superman from the planet Krypton to Marvels The Mighty Thor! Those colorful pages were my first taste of the extraterrestrial, making aliens feel as epic as my favorite superheroes. Watching old reruns of black&white movies like Earth vs The Flying Saucers. As a teenager & young adult in the 70's UFOs were getting serious. Close Encounters of the Third Kind hit theaters in 1977, and I was floored. Those glowing ships and that five-note melody felt like Superman landing on Earth, full of awe and possibility. 

 It wasn’t just a movie—it was a comic book epic, minus the capes.Around then, I discovered Whitley Strieber’s Communion and Jacques Vallée’s Passport to Magonia. Strieber’s tale of gray aliens visiting his bedroom was spooky, half-expecting a tap at my window. Vallée’s idea that aliens might be mythic tricksters, like Loki in Thor’s tales, blew my mind. It's still the best treatment I've heard.  These books added depth to my ufo love, blending the wonder of Close Encounters with the mystery of my old comics.

 Mulder and Scully chasing abductions and conspiracies ‘Jose Chung’s From Outer Space’ with it's quirky humor is classic. It was the perfect mix of comics, sci-fi, and mystery.Then there was Art Bell’s Coast to Coast AM. I’d listen in my car or bedroom  radio crackling under a starry sky. Art’s voice, weaving tales of Area 51 and abductees, was like a sci-fi radio play. I remember hearing Strieber talk about Communion or the 1997 Area 51 caller hoax. Fun stuff. Those nights felt like The X-Files meets Thor’s cosmic quests, keeping me up wondering if a saucer was overhead.

 I’m still a UFO fanboy. Modern shows like Ancient Aliens are fun, but nothing beats my classics. I’ll re-watch Close Encounters on Prime Video marveling at its comic-book wonder, or scroll through an e book version of Strieber and Vallée on my Fire Tablet.  their ideas as wild as ever. The Pentagon’s UFO videos and TikTok alien memes keep the buzz alive, but for me, it’s about nostalgia—the same rush I got from comics, Earth vs. the Flying Saucers, or Art Bell’s voice. I’m not waiting for disclosure; I’m just enjoying the ride, grinning like a kid who thinks Superman might spot a saucer.

Losing my religion and finding Easter!

I've been thinking a lot about death and hope lately.

Resurrection. How does someone who Was born and raised In the church. In the bible belt in Alabama. Become a liberal Jesus follower Instead of a conservative Christian.

And I'm not gonna argue about 
The MAGA movement Trump nonsense. Or the identity politics of the far left.  The Jesus that I remember And the teacher that I follow is the one that said The Kingdom of Heaven is within you. And I've Seriously come to take That means every creature on Earth. Every star in heaven.

Is a reflection of the Divine.

I personally. Feel like that. Loving your neighbor as yourself means. That you accept the right Of the existence Of people that you don't have to agree with.

But that you can understand that they're on their own Journey. When President Trump  got elected this second time.

I saw a Bishop. Stand up in a church. Maybe it's because she was lesbian. Maybe it's because she's a liberal. I don't know, but. I heard her speak. In a loving voice to power. And I was impressed. And she looked at our newly elected King at least he seems to be in some people's eyes. Sorry for the sarcasm.

And she said Mr President people are afraid. Have mercy! Have mercy! And I thought that's what Jesus would say regardless. That's what John the Baptist would say. And had his head cut off for saying it. Speaking to power the way power didn't want to hear it, have mercy. How is that
blasphemous or disrespectful? That was Christ speaking to the Pharisees. That was John speaking to Herod

and yet the pompous powers that be And the supporters of power started yelling. Heretic. She should be ashamed. Left-Wing Looney. 

 Have mercy On those. You have power over, they're afraid. Have mercy on them. Show them love. That that offended? People that I had. Been raised to look up to. The same church that had spoken of the worth of the poor and downtrodden were now offended. Have Mercy!

Born Again, Christians. It offended people because she didn't support Trump. And because those people she was talking about were gay or illegals? Different. I remember an old episode of All in the Family. Archie was on one of his rants. And at the end of his rant.

He said. Something, and it's not an exact quote, but something like. It offends God. And Edith looked at him and said very softly, then let God handle it.

I was taught to love not To rail and scream and judge. 

Resurrection, my resurrection. My faith and my beliefs have been battered. And thrown aside and trampled. My dogma got ran over a long time ago. I don't do Creeds, and I don't do Thou shalts and shalt nots. 

In my heart of hearts. I still Acknowledge the divinity and the wisdom of the one who said Love your neighbors yourself! And love the Lord, thy God, above all things. 

and in my experience all things are in the Lord, thy God. I know that. So I don't. I don't do fire and brimstone. I don't do physical bodies coming up out of Tombs.

I don't do literal interpretation of ancient parables and language I have no ability to parse every word of. There's a lot of stuff I don't do anymore. It's funny but my grasp of resurrection is similar to Paul's. What's sewn is physical. What's raised is spiritual. 

I still follow him. I still look to him. And I still see. The wisdom. And the love of God. And love for the poor and The Afflicted as he did and for the down cast.

When I first started to work
in the 80s for Etowah County. Late 80s. I got a job With the county as a tax appraiser. And I was scared every day because. I have messed up so much in my youth and I wanted to finally Get it right. Not quit a job because I was angry or lazy or scared.

Just get it right this time. And I did. But there was a man who was. Because I was listening to Christian radio. Who was always yelling the skies falling. The sky is falling buy gold buy gold. The sky is falling. Jesus is coming God's angry and buy gold your stuff and hunker down.

That man probably meant well. He passed away some years later. As we all do. But he probably meant well. But what a fear-mongering Unnecessary Dogma. And This young man. Wasted nights and days of unrest that weren't necessary so you can have your fear if you want it. You can keep it.

 I was thinking the other day. I think it's because Now that I'm in my 60s? In my late 60s.I've had heart surgery. I don't hear as well as I used to. I don't move as fast as I used to. And I don't take the little things. As seriously as I used to.

I don't care. Whether somebody thinks I look presentable or not. The way I used to
and I feel the fragility Of this body.I use a CPAP machine to breathe at night.

Not too long ago. It wasn't a near-death experience, because as far as I know. I wasn't dying. But found myself in a place of Pure white light. It was brighter than the Sun. It was so peaceful. And didn't hurt my eyes at all
And I knew in that light. Was everything and everyone that ever was, is and will be. The light is the light of God's presence. And the reality Of everything and everybody, and every creature. I knew was in that light

And it helps me sometime now. As I walk through this world. Because I mess up a lot. I screw-up relationships. I can think of a couple I've screwed up in my life that I wish I could go back and redo, but I know. They're in that light. Nothing's dead.

So, that's. My story for Resurrection Sunday. When it comes I won't be in church. I won't be wearing Easter frocks and I won't be reciting any creeds. But if you're there. And the Leader Says he is risen, and you answer. He has risen indeed. I agree.

Peace!

Happy Easter! 

Songs,poems and life

   I happened to come across two posts that I shared this week. One was a begrudging acknowledgment that the Ukraine war might not be as black and white as the Biden folks tried to claim. The other was a horrible abuse of power and false imprisonment perpetuated by the Trump administration. As a US citizen I can tell you that these days you risk losing friends and family and being branded whichever political view you claim. I personally don't do politics anymore mainly because of that. Everyone has a reason to justify  their hatred and it gets nasty. So to cleanse my mind of Donnie and Joe, JD and Bernie and all the rest I go to my love of music, comedy and the paranormal. 

With that being said I wanted to do a blog on song's that have influenced me or made me think. Now music doesn't always have to make me think for me to enjoy it. From my youthful stoned enjoyment of KISS to my drunken partying to Hank Jr. singing "Family tradition." a song is often just a good beat a loud guitar or a memory of teenage angst. Nothing especially deep. But some songs stay with me because of lyrics or the story they tell. They may or may not be my favorite. Because with songs and me it depends on my mood and time and place. So I really can't say that any one song is my favorite.

I'm also a little odd because there are times when I really don't want to hear music at all. I love to get quiet and as an introvert I can tell you that there is a difference between privacy which I enjoy and loneliness which I certainly don't enjoy.

But these are some songs that tell a story. That paint such a vivid picture that I see the scenes both of the songs and my own life that they evoke. So, this is a hate free zone. No politics, religion or hate speech. 

1. Willin by Lowell George. This was covered in the seventies by Linda Ronstadt and her cover has always stayed with me. These lyrics and her heartfelt  belting out of this song captivated me in my youth. Warped by the rain. driven by the snow. Drunk and dirty but don't you know that I'm still. Willin. It causes me to remember my mispent youth. When I would wake up after a night of crazziness and even of having suffered some abuse in a bar or an argument and still I was standing. The weed, whites and wine part just paints a picture of a long night and an early morning hangover. No, I'm not saying those are good things. Drunk, Stoned and stupid is no way to go through life. I'm just saying it paints a picture.And in my youth I could feel these lyrincs. 

2. I'm so lonesome I could cry. Hank Williams. My mother loved country music I grew up with a step dad who played the guitar and a mother who sang country music constantly. I didn't love country music. I rebelled against it. But, it still stuck As a matter of fact when arthritis isn't acting up and you hand me a six string I can play almost any song from that era From Hank to George to Merle to Loretta to Patsy Cline. But I'm so lonesome I could cry is easily the best and most vivid story song ever written. At least I think so. Just this verse alone "The silence of a falling star lights up a purple sky. And as I wonder where you are. I'm so lonesome I could cry." Or this "I"m never seen a night so long. and time goes crawling by. The moon just went behind the clouds to hide it's face and cry. And this one reminds me of a night in Altoona, Alabama back in my youth in the country."Hear that lonesome wipporwill. He sounds too blue to fly. The midnight train is whining low. I"m so lonesome I could cry."  Maybe it's because I'm Southern or maybe it's just the imagery of a lonely night. But it sticks man. 

3. Midnight Train to Georgia. Gladys Knight.

Ah Gladys Knight.Hearing her belt out this song is perfection,. "Said he's going back to find. What's left of his world.: "The world he left behind. Not so long ago." Gotta say that the thought of gong back is something we all think about and rarely if ever can do. But this man is tired. Been through enough. Wants to get back home. This woman has got to be with him. So, she's getting on that train too. I always said I wanted this song played at my funeral. For some reason this always filled me with hope. Even though I might find my body old and failing one day. I'm gonna get on that train and get back home. To where I can be who I really am. Maybe I"m reading it wrong. But art is always a personal thing in the end. so maybe I can't be wrong. 

4. When you are Old. W.B. Yeats. 

This of course isn't a song. It's a poem. Now I"m not a poem person. But this one has always spoken to me. I first heard it even though it's an old poem in the 1980's during a "New Twilight Zone" episode titled "Her Pilgrim Soul." It involed technology and research and reincarnation. The poem was read at the end and it was always spiritual for me. Some say it isn't uplifting. That it's about loss. but I don't think so. I  think it's about optimism and the passage of time which really doesn't effect love or the soul. So I'm going to type out the full poem here. It's a short one. And it's my absolute favorite.

"When you are old and grey and full of sleep, and nodding by the fire,take down this book and slowly read, and dream of the soft look your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace, and loved your beauty with love false or true.But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you. Ad loved the sorrows of your changing face;

And bending down beside the glowing bars ,murmur a little sadly, how love fled and paced upon the mountains overhead. And hid his face among a crowd of stars...W.B. Yeats

Now I admit that sounds sad. But I always thought the face (soul) is eternal and will be revealed in all it's glory as will the face of the pilgrim soul once we are beyond the stars. Beyond this temporary world.

Welp with that I'm done with this one. It wasn't quite what I was expecting to write about today. I'm really not in a melancholy mood. But, it's always a release for me to write things down. If you read all my blabbering I thank you.

Peace!

Prayer & coffee ☕

 Coffee & Prayer from an exile

I have a life long friend who told me he never has prayed much. It got me thinking about myself. Looking at my upcoming 68th trip around the sun i realized that i have always prayed. It's certainly changed over a lifetime. From a childhood raised “in the church” as we say in the South. To a more mature evangelical and then a more progressive faith. And finally to a “religion is stupid” meditative everything is one type of faith. I'm a more “Autobiography of a Yogi” type person than an “Acts” of the apostles type these days. But at 67 years old i find my focus i is just not there to sit in meditation. So a quiet walk and earnest prayer either in my own head or softly out loud works best for me. I just hope the people i see assume i'm on my phone via Bluetooth. If that doesn't work i can always play the “ eccentric old man card.”

I think about the folks who laugh about thoughts & prayers. Even the bible says something about the pointless prattle of saying “be clothed & well fed.” Instead of taking action.

Still prayer centers me. I no longer think there's an angry old man getting his blood pressure up everytime i look at a woman or say a cuss word. But I still feel heard and valued.

A few years ago i had an experience between meditation, sleep & coming up out of a hypnogogic state. I was in a place of pure white light. Brighter than the sun but soothing and no harshness. I was in the light and i was of the light. Everything that ever was, is or will be is in the light. My ancestors, family and all that is were in the light.

It is another sign along the journey for me. I don't try and define God,Goddess,Source. I know that i’m a being of light. I know we all come from that light and i don't think religion,atheism, or anything else matters. Except to the extent you find it helpful.

The coffee was good this morning. So was the prayer 🙏 ✌️

Aliens or gathering of Angels

 A gathering of angels appeared above my head. They sang to me this song of hope and this is what they said...Styx

As i grow older i become less inhibited about letting my freak flag fly.

I was talking to a friend not long ago about UFO's and other mysteries. I mentioned that i have always been fascinated by accounts of alien abduction and lights in the sky. She had a personal reason for not being comfortable with UFO stories and i respect that. 

I said if a UFO landed i'd run up to it and take off. My friend was horrified at the thought. But i was thinking.

I've grown old. I've had heart surgery and i'm developing some twinges in my hands and legs. I'm well into my 60's. I'd take my chances on one awesome adventure at this stage in life 

"I thought that they were angels. Much to my surprise. We climbed aboard their starship and headed for the skies....Styx"

It's funny because i'm not a bolts and nuts science fiction fan. I remember not being able to keep my eyes open during the movie "Alien" it was so slow and dark when it started.

But thinking of craft from another dimension. Of worlds and wonders beyond the same old,same old is fun.

"Hey Mr Spaceman. Would you take me along. I won't do anything wrong. Would you take me along for a ride...The Byrds

I follow the thread on UFO'S on X formerly known as UFO Twitter. I innocently thought it would be full of starry eyed folks like me discussing how awesome the universe is. 

But it's full of people worrying about demons, false government conspiracy and debunkers who act like any wonder or hope about the universe has to be squashed immediately in the name of rationality and their own view of what constitutes science.

I just want to walk out under the stars and put an old Art Bell Coast to Coast radio show on in the background and star watch and wonder. Did i just see that star move?

Peace!

While going down the rabbit hole of UFO'S and aliens and maybe time traveling humans. After all what if the Grays and Nordics and other alien species are our own future humans trying to prevent an apocalypse?

Well anyway while thinking of stuff i ran across an old Brownsville Station song called the Martian Boogie.

I'm too lazy to write out the lyrics but if you do a little youtube,google research it's not hard to find. 

One line mentions some martian cigarettes. Maybe it's the rock and roll and memories of youthful nights of my misspent youth in a haze of beer and wacky terbacky followed by a run out to Walnut Grove Alabama on 278 to get a greasy burger basket at Scruggs Truck Stop. 

The 70's were a little bit more unenlightened about driving while under the influence.  But the song lyrics took me back.

After all old men like to think of long ago blonde haired women in halter tops and dark haired women at the bar. how cold the beer tasted and the warm smell of colitas rising up through the air. It's all harmless memories as long as you remember being drunk and stoned is no way to go through life. 

But every once in awhile i forget the arthritis in my hands and grab my guitar. 

Then i travel back somewhere between rural Etowah County and Gadsden. The stars are bright and the moon is full and i swear if they ain't serious those aliens better not land. Cause I'm climbing aboard! 

"Come sail away, come sail away. Come and sail away with me...Styx"