The person we refer to as “Alexander the Great” was actually a vicious bastard who crucified people who defied him and sold women and children into slavery, against convention. History is often ugly and tries to teach us lessons we steadfastly refuse to learn so we repeat those mistakes.

A portion of the title of this week’s “Econoclast” podcast episode is: “..is a crypto crisis looming?” No crypto assets no crisis. I’ve had people tell me how great crypto is if I just read this or that biased article. Our investments are fine Because we have no crypto. Never have, never will.

We flew to Sayulita today for Dios de Muertos, our annual trip to the casita we rent from a friend. We also come down here for the Christmas holidays. We flew Alaska Airlines and they’re great. These handsome gentleman were our pilots. We fly here often and we love Alaska. They treat us very well.

The view from our balcony. It’s going to be a beautiful day on the San Francisco Peninsula. I hope your day will be as beautiful.

So-called “smart” glasses. First you’re anti-social & emotionally damaged & I’m going to tell you to fuck off. Then I’m going to rat you out to everyone in the vicinity. Second you’re a data whore for big tech. Third you’re contributing to the surveillance state. So how cool do you think you are?

A friend shared this: “Imagine you’re bit by a snake. Instead of healing yourself from the poison you look for the snake to ask it why it bit you and then explain why you didn’t deserve to get bit.” Now why do I identify? Why do I want to go looking for the snake?

@chrisgillard.bsky.social I really enjoyed your interview with Paris on TWSU.

There’s an amusement park in Hershey, PA called Hershey Park. It’s dedicated to the famous chocolate company. (I know this because my husband is from PA.) So my question is this: Is the main thoroughfare through the park called “The Hershey Highway?”

Gilmour has a new album out & it’s excellent. Listening to it I hear elements of post-Waters Pink Floyd, classic PF, and early Gilmour solo work. The music sounds intimate like you’re in the same room and he’s playing it for your benefit. I like the title track but it’s truly great start to finish.

I didn’t know that Chile has the largest Lithium deposits in the world. This is an interesting conversation about renewables vs. fossil fuels. TMK is one of my favorite podcasts.

I’m an AA member. I was also an ACT-UP member and a medical marijuana activist. Cannabis is the ONLY medication for nerve pain. My AA sponsor knows I use it for Peripheral Neuropathy, (PN.) My doctor knows my AA status and my cannabis treatment. My recovery is not from pot. Alcohol is my problem.

Batteries are toxic waste, not trash. You need to dispose of them properly. Pass it on.

Think a Burmese Python in Florida can’t eat a deer?

I don’t think, unless you have something like an Apple Watch, you realize how much walking you do in a day. Yesterday I did my normal routine then went to The Who concert. At the end of the night I’d walked over 12 miles. My average is 7-8 miles a day. I’m an active person so maybe I’m not the mean.

My throat hurts and my legs and feet are aching from singing, dancing and cheering at The Who concert last night at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View. Roger sounded great at 80 and Pete.. well Pete is a god. They didn’t have to do this tour. It was a gift to their fans.

1/2 I’m seeing The Who tonight for the third & final time. Roger is 80 & Pete is 81, and the name of the tour is, “This Song Is Over,” after a famous Pete song. Townsend is one of my rock demigods. This is concert #4 this year and the one I’m most excited about. (Don’t tell Steven Wilson.) (Cont!)

The Ankh is the Egyptian symbol for Life. The ancient Egyptians would say; “I hope you’re healthy and alive.” That’s an affirmative expression, I guess.

My husband did something I didn’t expect. He asked me if I was watching anything on Disney+. I said no. We’re canceling our subscription because of their blatant censorship and capitulation to a wannabe autocrat. I’m usually the political one. (He’s the cute one on the right.)

This is deeply troubling. And as David Serota says it’s about more than the firing of a late-night comedian. It’s an assault on our first amendment rights.

You might ask what keeps me healthy. Believe me I see a lot of 60 year old guys who are in shit shape. I don’t drink (any more) but that’s not it. I walk at least five miles a day. (FYI - This photo was taken on the island of Mykonos in April 2025.)

I heard someone ask another person who’s the best team in baseball. I now have an answer. The Mariners. I don’t want to see Raleigh break Willy’s record but records are made of be broken.

I heard this song watching “The Blacklist” and it has to be the 7th or 8th musician that show has introduced me to. Radical Face’s “Family Tree” folk rock opera, and Keane. I love Keane. Frankie Miler is well respected in the music world and this song I want played at my funeral. Far from now.

This arrived in the mail today, my 6th or 7th Keane album. These guys could do no wrong. I’ve collected everything they released. I just got a 7-CD compilation of Frankie Miller and he was incredible. “Storm Corrosion” arrives later today. So much music, so little time.

I was potentially exposed to COVID. I can’t test until Sunday morning. I’m isolating to keep my partner and others safe. It was a brief encounter and I’m probably clear. Fortunately we own the 1-bedroom unit next to our condo so it’s almost like being at home. A hotel would have sucked.

I have my obligatory concert t-shirt and I’m ready. I bought my ticket for Steven Wilson months ago so I’m psyched. Row nine on the floor at the Masonic in San Francisco. Beautiful venue. 15 minutes until show time!

Six hours before Steven Wilson comes onstage at the Masonic in San Francisco. I’ve been looking forward to this show for months, ever since I bought my ticket. Nobody in my personal life shares my passion for Porcupine Tree and SW solo work but that’s okay. My enthusiasm cannot be dampened.

Another self-portrait taken in 2023 at TeamLab Planet in Tokyo. I’m actually closer to the mirror than it looks. We walked through those strands of lights like a curtain gently moving, brushing them. I lost visual perspective. If not for being guided by the lights I could have wandered around lost.

This self-portrait was taken in 2023 at TeamLabs Planet in Tokyo. It’s a difficult place to describe. I’d say it’s an interactive experience that plays on the senses. Japan has some incredible traditional shrines etc and some very cool new places. Plus, the food is amazing. Go. Visit. Experience!

This coming Tuesday! I’m seeing SW live in San Francisco at the Masonic. I bought my ticket months ago and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the show. What’s extra cool is that Adam Holzmann is on keyboards. Adam and Steven were band mates in Porcupine Tree, the British progressive rock band that I love.

He’s so stupid he thinks euthanasia is a Chinese student movement group.

The first Keane CD arrived today. It’s excellent. I have three more of their albums coming in addition to a compilation album. Their music reminds me of a mix between early Coldplay and Maroon 5 although they have a unique sound. “Reminds me of” statements can be a trap.

Crypto boosters like to say that oppressed human rights groups can use crypto to bypass their oppressors. What they fail to mention is that sanctioned dictators and criminals are already using it for things like drug trafficking and human trafficking. This is not hypothetical.

Hypocritical Question: If there were a female pope and she got pregnant, and if the pregnancy were to destroy her life or cause a power vacuum and/or spark a major crisis or conflict, would she get an abortion?

When we were in New Zealand we hiked on a tropical glacier. On the way to the ice a guy passed us wearing flip-flops. Our guide (and us) told him that was a bad idea. He didn’t listen and guess what happened. His dumb ass had to be rescued by one of the guides. A future Darwin Award winner.

There’s a “Dominos” pizza. Shouldn’t there be a “Subinos” pizza?

A Jewish neighbor who is a gynecologist invited us over for a little get together. She served bagels and a pap schmear.

Occasionally, rarely really, do I feel like I’m that guy.

We just had our master bathroom remodeled and it has inspired me. I think I’m going to start a bathroom remodeling company and I already have a name picked out: “Golden Showers”

This bell is on the grounds of a local church where my Tuesday AA meeting is held. I’ve heard it ring. I tried to make it ring today. I didn’t work too hard on the project so it didn’t ring today. It’s really heavy.

When I saw Peter Gabriel two years ago there was a couple in front of me. I didn’t give them any thought until the end of the show when I heard them comment to each other about how they thought the new album was good. I thought; “You didn’t listen to the new album before the show?” Who does that?

I don’t want to disturb anyone, but I think it might be possible that German is not a Romance language. I know!

It’s time for part three to drop, Dan. We’ve been waiting for six months. (Sometimes it’s longer.) I know you have the best and oldest history podcast. I know each episode is four to five hours long. I know I have other history podcasts and books waiting. I’m looking at my watch..

18,600 Steps today. None of it was from exercise, just walking around taking care of business, oh and walking the dog.

Top 10 Clothes: 1. Tommy John underwear. 2. Bombas socks. 3. Adidas shorts. 4. Crazy Shorts cotton pants. 5. Shoes: Hoka, Vans, Ecco. 6. Sayulita Shirt Company button down shirts. 7. Kangol hats. 8. Tommy Hilfigger polo shirts. 9. Ororo heated jackets. 10. Arc’teryx raincoats/windbreakers. (More)

1/2 I was reminded today of this book. It’s really good. It details the ineptitude and the fucked up stuff the CIA has done. It’s also a compelling read, not dry or monotonous at all. Tim Weiner is a very good writer and adept at crafting a narrative that makes you want to keep reading. (Cont)

Organizational Tip of the Day: Purging. (Not the eating disorder:) My partner and I have lived in the same condo for over 27 years. On a regular basis we go through our stuff and purge things we’re not using anymore. We give items in good condition to our cleaning lady and she takes them to Mexico.

In the military there’s a term; “general offensive.” Personally, I like to be specifically offensive and in addition intentionally offensive. In fact I wish to be every flavor of offensive with the exception of generally.