Hi Mike, I’m an American for better or worse, and sadly one of the things that makes me say “wow” on a regular basis is the seeming idiocy of some of my fellow Americans. I much prefer to be amazed by clouds, to be honest, but the stupid here is really overwhelming right now. People are threatening meteorologists because they think the meteorologists are causing the hurricanes. No really, it’s true. We have shocking levels of stupid.
Anyways, I wanted to say thank you for giving me some better things to be amazed at. Thank you so much. I wish I could do another subscription right now. If you add a PayPal link, you might get some people who can donate occasionally who aren’t able to subscribe.
Yeah, the anti-weather-science stuff is so crazy. I can't quite get my head round how bizarre it's become. And yes, it's so stupid - but...
Have you heard of Hanlon's Razor? It's a philosophical maxim, and it says, in essence, "never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.” I find that pretty hopeful, because it suggests that most of those people aren't being maliciously evil (with a small "e" or even a big one) with no hope of retrieving their humanity - they're just being thoughtlessly daft, in a more exaggerated form of the daftness that temporarily afflicts us all, and they're doing it probably because they have all sorts of other things going on in their lives that are severely unbalancing their ability to think things through. There's a little hope to be found there, I think. There's conversations to be had, and bridges to be rebuilt. (Related: Monica Guzman's TED talk: https://everythingisamazing.substack.com/p/three-ways-that-kindness-can-save)
As for PayPal - yes, thank you! I was thinking of doing something like that, maybe a tip-jar button sort of thing. I can't officially offer subscriptions via PayPal because that breaches Substack's rules, but for one-off donations, it would work. Thanks for the encouragement here. :)
this newsletter was one of my first substacks and is so inspiring and thought provoking always. I love and adore your curiosity about the world Mike and am so pleased that you're feeling better and looking forward to more
Hey Mike, I’m your health is on an upward curve. As regards paid subscriptions, my god it’s tough! Mine is up and down like a yo-yo, but I’m plodding on. I think with so much going on in the world, people have tightened their belts. Your posts never fail to give me something to be amazed at.
Thanks, JP. :) You are always so kind and encouraging and it is no mystery why you're doing well on here.
Oh boy, the paid-subscriber journey is brutal at times. I'm going to chat to Alex "Sowden's Mortal Enemy" Dobrenko about this sometime soon, but - when you're a freelancer, you can 'hide behind' the act of sending an invoice, that formalised document where everyone understands what's being transacted because it's all laid out so neatly (and boringly). But when we're managing paid subscriptions and doing offers and so on, it's all like juggling sand.
Any time you want to have a chat about this stuff in person (I mean virtually but in person, on Zoom or whatever) and just chuck around ideas, give me a yell! I am always trying to cook up new things to experiment with and I'm always happy to share what shown signs of working for me...
It's hard to keep something going in a world where everything just keeps getting more expensive. Billionaires have truly screwed everything in their race to gobble up all the world's resources.
That said, you're a true force for good in my life, and I wouldn't unsubscribe for anything.
Just arrived in Tinos yesterday, same vibe... only local tavernas open, which I love... hearty home cooking and local wine. Last night we had dinner and there was nobody else there but the village cats
Totally wonderful atmosphere and weather perfect (no high winds). Unfortunately we had to leave after three nights for a family matter, but will be back
So pleased that your health is on an upward curve. That’s the sort of metric we love. Onwards.
And your curiosity is ‘next level’. Love it.
Your note struck a chord. We have a 7 year old (non-Substack) newsletter (Field Notes for Curious Minds) which is a response to a world gone mad. It is a curation of positive, upbeat, non-topical pieces, a sprinkling of our life in the country in France and dash of beauty and inspiration. I say this only to reinforce your thinking … there are plenty of places to go where the information we digest about the global shit show sits heavily - creating and sharing alternatives is super important. I’m sorry not to be in a position to pay regularly but I’ll be sharing and celebrating your curiosity for sure.
Thank you so much! :) And I really love what you're doing - I've dipped in and out a few times, but it's time I signed up for a proper read, so I've just done that.
As Mermcoelho suggests, a way to make the occasional one off donation would work for me better than committing to a subscription as I don’t have a fixed income. I realise that makes budgeting harder for you though.
Speaking of the sky I just learned yesterday that science can't really explain lightning! That according to our current understanding, it isn't really possible to happen up there in those clouds. I was gobsmacked to hear this!
I'm not surprised! I'll look into that (do you have a link to what you read?).
This is one of the joys of science - the constant filling-in of all these gaps in knowledge regarding the most basic things in the world. Water is a good example - it's absolutely bizarre that it's solid crystals (ice) when frozen or a liquid with a maximum density at 4°C (water). Here's a good overview of its enduring weirdnesses, with some explanations that are still being nailed down - https://archive.is/pVQPr - and this is the substance that forms an average of 60% of our own bodies. We are mostly made of mystery!
You know, I don't think scientists are entirely sure how Cheetos get made either, so fresh air being a mystery doesn't surprise me! Glad there's still plenty to learn and be enchanted by. Looking forward to this next chapter for you.
LIES, RENEE, LIES. YOU'RE CLEARLY IN THE POCKET OF BIG CHEESE-UNIVERSE.
I do love learning about the very-specifically-designed machines powering everyday things. That in itself would be a Substack newsletter I'd read obsessively.
Thanks, Christiana. Alas, I didn't! Or rather, I did but only temporarily - just an Airbnb monthly rental for a few months to let my brain settle after a rough year. It was enough to really fall in love with Corfu and I want to get myself back there soon - especially as my partner hasn't been there yet - but I haven't been back since 2018. As for where I moved from: I'd just sold my family home in northern England, and was officially No Fixed Abode from the middle of 2018 onwards, with a rough plan to spend a few years moving around Europe (aas much as post-Brexit rules would allow) and making it up as I went along. Now I'm a bit more settled, renting here in Scotland, but I'm still partly nomadic.
Thanks for the detailed answer, Mike! I know these things take time. Yes, my ears perked up because I want to do some nomad-ing when my dear old golden retriever kicks off (no rush). So, I'm paying attention to what others are doing, what's working for them... I had my sights set on Mexico City for a while, but am hearing that it's just flooded with Americans and Europeans, gentrification is through the roof, and the long-time residents are beyond annoyed. I don't want to be part of the problem... (Are we a scourge?) Anyway, just gonna live my humble life as best I can. I am in possession of an EU passport. And based on who is elected... I don't think I can endure another four years of he-who-will-not-be-named.
And - while there are no easy answers to being part of the problem of global overtourism, I really do believe in the power of individual choices to push the needle the other way, so being a good and responsible traveller, the right kind of presence, putting money where it's needed into local businesses and solo operators instead of filling the pockets of already wealthy travel company shareholders, has to matter with these things? I really hope so, anyway - and I suspect that not travelling at all is the worst of answers for everyone involved...
So I'd say: go see what that EU passport can do for you! (I dearly wish I had one! But alas - Brexit. Ghagh.)
Phew, you certainly raised a lot of questions here Mike. But first I’d like to say how pleased I am that your health has improved.
This post seems a bit frantic, as if you couldn’t quite decide where it was going. It is still very interesting and exciting because it’s got so much energy.
So, the question I ask myself is, should you calm down and just be, like me and other Zen practitioners, or should you give free rein to your frenetic curiosity?
My answer, for what it’s worth, you should be you.
Thank you David! Definitely good to go with my health, I'm relieved to say.
And it's absolutely true - I have no clear idea where I'm going, just interesting directions to go in and distant landmarks to pursue. The energy of enthusiastic discovery is the fuel in the engine of this thing! (Also coffee and biscuits. It's an explosive mixture.)
I really admire you your calm! Thankfully I live in a very calming corner of Scotland, with islands nearby to go hiking around, and it never gets too busy, apart from the odd golf tournament every few years, so that helps balance my new-found chaotic zest for life. And balance is everything!
(But I also love sitting by the window on a rainy day reading a good book. Nothing settles my brain like doing that.)
My calm, Mike, has been hard won. Thankfully we now live on a farm with 40 horses, lots of dogs and a rescue pigmy goat called Daisy. But it has been sitting on a little black cushion for twenty minutes every morning and emptying my mind that’s made the real difference.
It took me about six attempts to get going with Zen because my knees kept hurting and I kept getting pissed off with holier-than-thow (is that the right spelling?) teachers preaching at me. But then I discovered how to make it fun and how to sit comfortably.
Then I started to write my Substack and got all serious myself. It was only when I went to a wonderfully joyful memorial service that I suddenly realised what I was doing. So starting this Thursday my blog will be about the fun way to practice Zen.
Hi Mike, I’m an American for better or worse, and sadly one of the things that makes me say “wow” on a regular basis is the seeming idiocy of some of my fellow Americans. I much prefer to be amazed by clouds, to be honest, but the stupid here is really overwhelming right now. People are threatening meteorologists because they think the meteorologists are causing the hurricanes. No really, it’s true. We have shocking levels of stupid.
Anyways, I wanted to say thank you for giving me some better things to be amazed at. Thank you so much. I wish I could do another subscription right now. If you add a PayPal link, you might get some people who can donate occasionally who aren’t able to subscribe.
That's so kind of you to say, Mer. Thank you. :)
Yeah, the anti-weather-science stuff is so crazy. I can't quite get my head round how bizarre it's become. And yes, it's so stupid - but...
Have you heard of Hanlon's Razor? It's a philosophical maxim, and it says, in essence, "never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.” I find that pretty hopeful, because it suggests that most of those people aren't being maliciously evil (with a small "e" or even a big one) with no hope of retrieving their humanity - they're just being thoughtlessly daft, in a more exaggerated form of the daftness that temporarily afflicts us all, and they're doing it probably because they have all sorts of other things going on in their lives that are severely unbalancing their ability to think things through. There's a little hope to be found there, I think. There's conversations to be had, and bridges to be rebuilt. (Related: Monica Guzman's TED talk: https://everythingisamazing.substack.com/p/three-ways-that-kindness-can-save)
Andrew Smith has a good newsletter on Halon's Razor here, if you want to learn more: https://goatfury.substack.com/p/hanlons-razor
As for PayPal - yes, thank you! I was thinking of doing something like that, maybe a tip-jar button sort of thing. I can't officially offer subscriptions via PayPal because that breaches Substack's rules, but for one-off donations, it would work. Thanks for the encouragement here. :)
this newsletter was one of my first substacks and is so inspiring and thought provoking always. I love and adore your curiosity about the world Mike and am so pleased that you're feeling better and looking forward to more
Oh, thank you, Eliza - that's lovely of you to say. I'm so glad you're enjoying it so far, and I hope what I have planned is even better!
This is one of the few Substack publications that I actually look forward to reading. Thanks Mike!
That really means a lot. ❤️ Thank you so much!
Hey Mike, I’m your health is on an upward curve. As regards paid subscriptions, my god it’s tough! Mine is up and down like a yo-yo, but I’m plodding on. I think with so much going on in the world, people have tightened their belts. Your posts never fail to give me something to be amazed at.
Thanks, JP. :) You are always so kind and encouraging and it is no mystery why you're doing well on here.
Oh boy, the paid-subscriber journey is brutal at times. I'm going to chat to Alex "Sowden's Mortal Enemy" Dobrenko about this sometime soon, but - when you're a freelancer, you can 'hide behind' the act of sending an invoice, that formalised document where everyone understands what's being transacted because it's all laid out so neatly (and boringly). But when we're managing paid subscriptions and doing offers and so on, it's all like juggling sand.
Any time you want to have a chat about this stuff in person (I mean virtually but in person, on Zoom or whatever) and just chuck around ideas, give me a yell! I am always trying to cook up new things to experiment with and I'm always happy to share what shown signs of working for me...
Really looking forward to learning new things along with you, Mike.
The more I read and learn, the more I realize I really don't know much either. But hopefully, we can all stick together in our unknowingness together!
You may also appreciate this weather SNAFU. https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/outreach/awareness-months/watch-a-meteorologists-worst-nightmare-weather-map-malfunction/520-6cd2364d-1aec-4b94-b9e4-9cf467948af5
Thank you so much, Jacob! And yes - team effort, all round.
Argh, that link's not working for me - was it this one? https://www.goodthingsguy.com/fun/hilarious-weather-forecast-map-malfunction/
(“I think steel boils at about this temperature, so, Cave Creek, there’s probably nothing left up there right now.” 😂😂😂)
Bummer, sorry for the busted link! But yes, that’s it! The ability to stay professional and just deliver what he saw was brilliant😂
It's hard to keep something going in a world where everything just keeps getting more expensive. Billionaires have truly screwed everything in their race to gobble up all the world's resources.
That said, you're a true force for good in my life, and I wouldn't unsubscribe for anything.
That is the nicest thing I've read all week. THANK YOU, Justin. :)
And if I become a billionaire - which is the plan, of course, every writer is a megalomaniac deep down, or even just under the surface, or even shallower than that - then I promise to try to be this kind of billionaire: https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2024-09-13/mackenzie-scotts-millions-boost-native-american-nonprofits It's about bloody time some more of them were.
Just arrived in Tinos yesterday, same vibe... only local tavernas open, which I love... hearty home cooking and local wine. Last night we had dinner and there was nobody else there but the village cats
Oh wow. I guess you're firmly into the great wind-down period, then. How long are you staying for? Hope the weather is staying good?
Totally wonderful atmosphere and weather perfect (no high winds). Unfortunately we had to leave after three nights for a family matter, but will be back
So pleased that your health is on an upward curve. That’s the sort of metric we love. Onwards.
And your curiosity is ‘next level’. Love it.
Your note struck a chord. We have a 7 year old (non-Substack) newsletter (Field Notes for Curious Minds) which is a response to a world gone mad. It is a curation of positive, upbeat, non-topical pieces, a sprinkling of our life in the country in France and dash of beauty and inspiration. I say this only to reinforce your thinking … there are plenty of places to go where the information we digest about the global shit show sits heavily - creating and sharing alternatives is super important. I’m sorry not to be in a position to pay regularly but I’ll be sharing and celebrating your curiosity for sure.
Thank you so much! :) And I really love what you're doing - I've dipped in and out a few times, but it's time I signed up for a proper read, so I've just done that.
That’s very kind, Mike. Thanks so much.
As Mermcoelho suggests, a way to make the occasional one off donation would work for me better than committing to a subscription as I don’t have a fixed income. I realise that makes budgeting harder for you though.
Thank you, Rai. If anyone wants to support this project in any way whatsoever, I'd be immensely grateful - so I'll get something sorted out soon.
Speaking of the sky I just learned yesterday that science can't really explain lightning! That according to our current understanding, it isn't really possible to happen up there in those clouds. I was gobsmacked to hear this!
I'm not surprised! I'll look into that (do you have a link to what you read?).
This is one of the joys of science - the constant filling-in of all these gaps in knowledge regarding the most basic things in the world. Water is a good example - it's absolutely bizarre that it's solid crystals (ice) when frozen or a liquid with a maximum density at 4°C (water). Here's a good overview of its enduring weirdnesses, with some explanations that are still being nailed down - https://archive.is/pVQPr - and this is the substance that forms an average of 60% of our own bodies. We are mostly made of mystery!
You know, I don't think scientists are entirely sure how Cheetos get made either, so fresh air being a mystery doesn't surprise me! Glad there's still plenty to learn and be enchanted by. Looking forward to this next chapter for you.
I had to google-search, and - YOU'RE RIGHT:
"The Cheeto extruder is so top secret, we're not allowed to show it to you." - https://www.tiktok.com/@foodnetwork/video/7367403754343337262
WHAT ARE THEY HIDING, RENEE
IS IT A WORMHOLE FROM A UNIVERSE MADE OF CHEESE.
(Glad you're enjoying the madness so far! And I hope things are going well with you?)
Haha oh geez, it's not THAT secret... This is not the exact one we use, but the principles are the same.
http://www.americanextrusion.com/850F_extruder
LIES, RENEE, LIES. YOU'RE CLEARLY IN THE POCKET OF BIG CHEESE-UNIVERSE.
I do love learning about the very-specifically-designed machines powering everyday things. That in itself would be a Substack newsletter I'd read obsessively.
I’m going to look for your writing on why you moved to Corfu, where you moved from, how it’s going…
Thanks, Christiana. Alas, I didn't! Or rather, I did but only temporarily - just an Airbnb monthly rental for a few months to let my brain settle after a rough year. It was enough to really fall in love with Corfu and I want to get myself back there soon - especially as my partner hasn't been there yet - but I haven't been back since 2018. As for where I moved from: I'd just sold my family home in northern England, and was officially No Fixed Abode from the middle of 2018 onwards, with a rough plan to spend a few years moving around Europe (aas much as post-Brexit rules would allow) and making it up as I went along. Now I'm a bit more settled, renting here in Scotland, but I'm still partly nomadic.
Thanks for the detailed answer, Mike! I know these things take time. Yes, my ears perked up because I want to do some nomad-ing when my dear old golden retriever kicks off (no rush). So, I'm paying attention to what others are doing, what's working for them... I had my sights set on Mexico City for a while, but am hearing that it's just flooded with Americans and Europeans, gentrification is through the roof, and the long-time residents are beyond annoyed. I don't want to be part of the problem... (Are we a scourge?) Anyway, just gonna live my humble life as best I can. I am in possession of an EU passport. And based on who is elected... I don't think I can endure another four years of he-who-will-not-be-named.
Yeah, I know a few people feeling exactly the same way in the event of the election going that way. Experienced American nomads Michael and Brent have a good overview of their own thinking here: https://www.brentandmichaelaregoingplaces.com/p/if-trump-wins-how-easy-is-it-to-leave
And - while there are no easy answers to being part of the problem of global overtourism, I really do believe in the power of individual choices to push the needle the other way, so being a good and responsible traveller, the right kind of presence, putting money where it's needed into local businesses and solo operators instead of filling the pockets of already wealthy travel company shareholders, has to matter with these things? I really hope so, anyway - and I suspect that not travelling at all is the worst of answers for everyone involved...
So I'd say: go see what that EU passport can do for you! (I dearly wish I had one! But alas - Brexit. Ghagh.)
Phew, you certainly raised a lot of questions here Mike. But first I’d like to say how pleased I am that your health has improved.
This post seems a bit frantic, as if you couldn’t quite decide where it was going. It is still very interesting and exciting because it’s got so much energy.
So, the question I ask myself is, should you calm down and just be, like me and other Zen practitioners, or should you give free rein to your frenetic curiosity?
My answer, for what it’s worth, you should be you.
Thank you David! Definitely good to go with my health, I'm relieved to say.
And it's absolutely true - I have no clear idea where I'm going, just interesting directions to go in and distant landmarks to pursue. The energy of enthusiastic discovery is the fuel in the engine of this thing! (Also coffee and biscuits. It's an explosive mixture.)
I really admire you your calm! Thankfully I live in a very calming corner of Scotland, with islands nearby to go hiking around, and it never gets too busy, apart from the odd golf tournament every few years, so that helps balance my new-found chaotic zest for life. And balance is everything!
(But I also love sitting by the window on a rainy day reading a good book. Nothing settles my brain like doing that.)
My calm, Mike, has been hard won. Thankfully we now live on a farm with 40 horses, lots of dogs and a rescue pigmy goat called Daisy. But it has been sitting on a little black cushion for twenty minutes every morning and emptying my mind that’s made the real difference.
It took me about six attempts to get going with Zen because my knees kept hurting and I kept getting pissed off with holier-than-thow (is that the right spelling?) teachers preaching at me. But then I discovered how to make it fun and how to sit comfortably.
Then I started to write my Substack and got all serious myself. It was only when I went to a wonderfully joyful memorial service that I suddenly realised what I was doing. So starting this Thursday my blog will be about the fun way to practice Zen.
Looking forward to what you're going to discover about my work environment!
So glad you are here to demonstrate just how much awe there in the world! Thank you