French Bellini Cupcakes Recipe

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28 Drunken Cupcakes

Found these alcohol cupcake recipes by accident and they look awesome:

Chris Boardman Hour Record Video

First Try Using TrainerRoad With My Computrainer

With Computrainer (Racermate) software being dated and my trying unsuccessfully to use ctANT+ software, I decided to take a recommendation from  Gear Fisher, Co-Founder of TrainingPeaks, and I signed up for, download and tried TrainerRoad.com.  The software didn't crash my computer, like ctANT+ often did.  Actually, TrainerRoad worked incredible well.  The software works seamlessly with my Computrainer, Garmin Ant+ USB Stick, and I can play a movie on my computer while the software is running.  I don't need that 2nd laptop laying around anymore.


There's snow on the ground and cold temperatures here in Denver this week, but I needed to get my work in, especially with a training goal to significantly increase my FTP by mid-March 2013.  I started with what TrainerRoad.com calls the Smith workout.  I only did 5 of the 6 10minute z4 intervals, but it went well over all.  Here is a link to my result. 

Here are some of TrainerRoad features (per the review on JohnStoneFitness.com)

• Live graphs while you train, with instant feedback and wattage-based targets.
• Accurate power readings without an expensive power meter.
• Focused, goal-based workouts that are automatically adjusted to your fitness level.
• Structured training plans designed by a USA Cycling certified level II coach.
• A huge library of workouts, including race simulations and more (300+ workouts and growing).
• Workouts are automatically synced to the cloud and include comprehensive post-ride analytics.
• A “Career” page that tracks all your progress and stats.
• Social media integration.
• Compatible with the entire line of SufferFest videos: drop a video in the player and it syncs to the TrainerRoad workout, giving you wattage-based targets.
• Much more! Check out the full tour here.

You can read a review of TrainerRoad.com here.  It's not my review, but it's good one.

Hiking the Colorado Trail Segments 10 and 11: Day 4

Day 4
Waking to reasonable temps was a welcome treat.  It was chilly, but nothing like the night before. The sunrise was a welcome sight and warmed us up as we ate our breakfast.  In the morning light, we saw a lot of the old beer/soda can pull tabs in the camp sight.  Neither Karl nor I have seen a pull tab in like 30 years.  You can read about the history of the beverage can here. 
 
My feet weren’t happy.  I had blisters on my little toes since day 2, but we only had one more day hiking.  Next time I’m going to take John Vanhof’s advice and taped my toes before I start hiking on day 1.

Our overnight was little further east than we originally thought, so that added about 1.5 miles to our plan for the day.  No a big deal overall.  We had more than enough food and water.  About 4 miles into the day, the route got unclear and we pulled out the GPS unit for the first time and figured we just need to stay our course.  We were right and saw one of the trusty CT placards within about a ¼ mile.

We finally saw wild life – a couple elk, but they ran off pretty quickly.  The day went pretty quickly overall.  I think we were both a little anxious to get back to the car, drop our packs and eat.  The views coming over the final climb of the day and descending toward Clear Creek were spectacular and seemed to get better with each switchback.

With temps in the lower 60’s and the sun beating down on us the descent was quite warm and Karl and I got pretty sunburned over the last 2 days.  We both thought we wouldn’t need our wide-brimmed hiking hats. 

Seeing the car in the distance and seeing it get closer was a welcome sight.  It meant clean clothes, comfortable shoes and dinner would come soon.  As soon as we got in the car, I made the mistake of turning on my phone.  It buzzed and beeped for a while, but finally went silent.  After driving north to our start point, we headed back to Denver, but of course stopped for dinner at Beau Jo’s Pizza.

Hiking the Colorado Trail Segments 10 and 11: Day 3

Day 3
Surviving the night, we reluctantly got out of our bags and started doing our morning prep.  Guessing, but it was probably 24 degrees.  Our Camelbak mouth pieces and hoses were frozen despite our efforts.  I went down to the creek and filled our water filter bag and it took about 2 minutes before the hose froze and ice started to form inside the bag.  Karl boiled some water and we added it to the quickly freezing water in the filter bag and that did the trick.  After a couple of minutes it was flowing and we had clean water with which to cook.

Planning for Day 3 to be our highest mileage, we got cooking, eating and cleaning as fast as we could.  I stuffed the day’s snacks inside my shirt to defrost and we got on the trail by about 9:30 AM …  Camelbaks still frozen.  It didn’t take long for the hoses to thaw as the temps rose and we got exposed to more and more sunlight. 
Being a Sunday, we saw a couple groups of about 6 hikers on the trail.  They were all in good spirits and one group had been on the trail since the previous Tuesday, with several more days to go.  We also ran into a guy hiking solo who had started on around September 9 in Durango and was planning to hike the rest of the trail to Denver.

Before dropping down to Twin Lakes, we came across a HUGE grove of Aspen trees near Beaver Ponds.  The views were amazing.  Kinda wish we had been there about 2 weeks prior to experience the Aspens in full fall color, but ya get what ya get.
After a few more miles, we hit the NW corner of Twin Lakes.  We could still see plenty of snow on the N side of the mountains towering above us.  As we hiked into the sun light, it not only got a lot warmer, but the views from the lake toward the mountains were spectacular.

It took a while, but we hiked around the East side of the lakes, across the dam and found a great camp site for the night.  It was protected from the sun and the winds that might come across the lakes, but it was getting chilly.  So, we ate a late lunch and chilled on log in the sun, happy to be off our feet.

We really hadn’t been comfortable having one at the earlier camps, but being the last night I started a small fire.  It’s been years since I started a fire.  We had plenty of water on hand to keep it controlled and the drift wood was REALLY dry and went up like straw.  It was nice switch and we used the fire to boil water for dinner and keep us toasty until a whopping 8 PM.  Tired from the day’s activities we retired.

Hiking the Colorado Trail Segments 10 and 11: Day 2

Day 2

Camp Stove

The first night for me is always a little weird.  I hear every little sound and my dreams are filled with being chased and eaten by large animals.  Having gone to bed so early we were up at the crack of dawn.  The bags kept us both really toasty despite the cold overnight temps.  Getting up, dressed and fed on wicked cold mornings, knowing you have to dip your hands into a wicked cold creek to get water, always takes a little extra internal motivation.  But we did it and we were on the trail by about 9 AM.

Breakfast

Most of the trail was tree covered and feeling good we hiked until almost 1PM before stopping on the trail for a warm lunch.  Somewhere along the way we passed by the path to Mt Massive and saw about 8 backpacks in a pile behind a boulder.  Guess they were summiting the 14er.  That wasn’t in our game plan. 

Camp Night 2

By about 3PM we’d found our camping spot for the night near Mill Creek (see map).  While exploring the area around our site, we found a really big site just up the hill from us.  Karl, always with a cell phone, turned it on and PRESTO … 4bars and 4G via Verizon.  We did a quick check of the weather and determined night 2 would be the coldest, with a low (for the town about 1500 feet below us) of 22 deg.  That was a little intimidating, but we had plenty of gear to keep us warm.

Map

After an early dinner, we could feel the temp start to drop and we were decided to hunker down in the tent and playing cards. We both did what we could to insulate the water in our CamelBak and we were climbed in to our bags at like 6:30PM. 

Keeping warm playing cards

Keeping warm playing cards

Hiking the Colorado Trail Segments 10 and 11: Day 1

October 5 - 8, 2012: Segments 10 and 11

Day 1

Our schedules are always packed so we set our trip date for the first weekend in October months in advance.  Being the first weekend of October and Colorado, the weather can be a bit unpredictable.  The forecast was showing overnight temps in the low 20’s in the Leadville, CO and TwinLakes, CO area. With the weather not looking to promising and since our sleeping bags are both old and not built to handle such low temps, I went to REI (after doing a little research online) and bought us the Sierra Designs Zissou DriDown Sleeping Bag.

We got all of our packing done the night of the 4^th and chilled out the morning of the 5^th before starting the drive to Buena Vista, CO.  US285 South is (so far) my favorite road in Colorado.  Of course when we got to Buena Vista we stopped for a quick stretch and a double moka at Bongo Billy’s Café before heading 17 miles north to what will be our hike finish, the Clear Creek Reservoir.  The plan was to drop a car at the end of Segment 11 and then drive North to the start of Segment 10.

We got to the Segment 10 start West of Leadville, CO, on the West side of Turquoise Lake, around 12:30pm and hit the trail.  The trail is well marked with these little placards.  And it’s surprisingly reassuring to see them when you are in doubt.

Our first campsite was about 6 miles in (see map) amongst a bunch of large boulders and near a small stream.  After checking out the area, getting water, and chilling a bit, we made dinner.  With the light fading, the temp started to drop, so up went the bear bag and we headed indoor to play cards for a while.  Feeling like old men, we were asleep by 8:30 P.M. 

Interbike 2012 Part 1 - Stuff I Should Know

Interbike was this past weekend in Vegas.  It's the largest industry specific bike tradeshow in the US, and I have to say that I HATE Vegas.

More about Vegas itself later, but before I forget I listened to Stuff You Should Know Podcasts pretty much the whole drive out and back  (Denver - Vegas - Denver) and here are the ones I listened to this trip.

How cremation works.
Does acupuncture work?
How Blood Pattern Analysis works.
How Crime Scene Photography works
How a Nuclear Meltdown works.
How Molecular Gastronomy works.
A Podcast to Remember
What is Parallel evolution?
How Military Snipers work.
How Schrunken Heads Work.
Human Cannonballs
How to Land on a Government Watch List .
How Schizophrenia works
Cryonics: Hi, Frozen Body!
How Lie Detectors Work
How Family Crests Work
A Podcast on Zoot Suits? Yes.
The Wind Cries Thyphoid Mary
The Nile is Just a River in Egypt.
Do you lose the right to privacy when you die?
How Gene Patents Work.

What happens to abandon mines?
How the Electoral College Works.
Can you test a nuclear weapon without a fallout?

Road to 2012 Masters Road Nationals: Day 6-11

Day 6: Sept. 6, 2012 - Masters Mens 35-39 110K Road Race
The start went well.  The weather was good and we rolled off in a neutral start.  I sat in the middle/back just watching and waiting.  A couple guys tried to go off the front early, and that was no big deal.  When we hit the first small climb the pace was fine for a while and then there was an attach I (and a few others) couldn't counter.  I figured I'd catch back on the decents and flats, but about a minute after the "neutral support" car moto passed I got a flat.  No spare.  No support.  I had to withdraw.

I rode back to the start with the Sweep did this post race ride
Dinner was a really good burrito from Super Burrito in downtown  Bend

Day 7: Sept. 7, 2012 - Bend, OR
Casual recovery ride with a couple openers.  Got some work done and some school work done and went to see Bourne in the evening.


Day 8:  Sept. 8, 2012 - Masters Mens 35-39 50K Criterium
Long story short ... the race started with about 60 and ended with about 25.  I got dropped about 5K in on after a large gap formed at the top of the shicane.  I had enough time to change and go to the finish and time laps.  They were holding about 1:16 - 1:19 per 1K lap.

Day 9:  Sept. 9, 2012 - Bend, OR to Sacramento, CA
Morning interval ride in Bend and then in the car for 8hrs to get to Sacramento.

Day 10:  Sept. 10, 2012 - Sacramento, CA to Park City, UT

I spent the morning at the REI in Sacramento doing a quick demo of the HeadsUp System at their morning huddle / staff meeting.  It went really well.

Rack-n-Road is only a few blocks away and a store that could definitely become a strong ally for HeadsUp.  It's also good to put a face with a name, so I visited with Tom at Rack N Road in Sacramento.  Great store.






Day 11:  Sept. 11, 2012 - Park City, UT to HOME
I got an early start and met my friend Maria in downtown Park City for a morning coffee at ATTICUS Coffee, Books and Teahouse.  It's been since 2007 since we saw each other and it was GREAT to catch up.  Before hitting the road I got a nice light ride in and then it was 9 hours home to Denver.

Road to 2012 Masters Road Nationals - Days 1-5

Day 1:  September, 1, 2012 - Denver to Park City, UT
Not much to report, just a lot of driving.  I listened to several podcasts, namely the Kevin and Bean on KROQ from LA.  And got off I80 Park City to see what looked like a cool  road, but when I got back on I didn't realize I got back onto I84 instead of I80.  Only went about 20miles out of my way.  I lucked out staying at the Holiday Inn Express in Park City b/c all they had left was a King room with a steam shower.  Poor me.  Dinner was courtesy of Whole Foods, which is basically right behind the hotel.

Day 2:  Sept. 2, 2012 - Park City, UT to Ontario, OR

I got up and did a little ride around Park City and took a really cool pic as I got above the morning fog. 

After breakfast I drove all around Salt Lake City looking for Competitive Cyclist.  Google Maps was way off, but I finally found it.  Being it was Sunday and Salt Lake City the roads and shops were all deserted.  Onward I drove and there was little interesting until I was well bast Boise and spotted a guy walking on I84 on with his goat, which of course had a backpack on it.
I finally got to Ontario, OR and had a "B" dinner at Mackey's Steak House and Pub

Day 3: Sept. 3, 2012 - Ontario, OR to Bend, OR

Morning recovery ride in Ontario, OR and then started driving to Bend, OR
For my time in Bend, I stayed at the The Writer's Retreat.  It worked well, walking distance to downtown, semi private, and parking.

Day 4: Sept. 4, 2012 - Bend, OR
Drove out to Prineville, OR to preride the TT course

Day 5: Sept. 5, 2012 - Masters Mens 35-39 30K Time trial

I got a decent warm up and checked in for my start.  The bike weighed in at 8.9K.  She's a beast.  My goal was to break 42min for the 30K.  I completed the course in 42:39, but I averaged about 166 BPM and there really wasn't anything else in the tank.  The race file (including warmup).

I raced as hard as I could maintain, but I only got 15th and didn't break the 27mph avg barrier. I was hoping for better, but looking back at my training data I got what I trained for.
After the race I drove out to Mt Bachelor to scope out the start for tomorrow's road race.

Star Wars and Taoism

I was the ripe old age of four in 1977 when the “original” Star Wars, now known as Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, was released.  I’m not sure what drew me to the movie as I don’t remember seeing it in the theater.  It may have been my oldest brother, but I remember my birthday and Christmas list consisting primarily of Star Wars toys.  The stuff surrounding the movie was, to use a term of the time, cool - the light sabers, the space ships, the epic battle scenes, the droids and I guess the story.  My first memory of seeing the movie wasn’t until several years after its release, when it came to cable.  I was fascinated by the story then and I’m still fascinated today.  

The Star Wars movie franchise is comprised of more than just Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.  There are [currently] six movies in the series.  The Original Trilogy made its theatrical mark in the summer of 1977 and is comprised of Star Wars Episode: IV: A New Hope; V: The Empire Strikes Back; and IV: Return of the Jedi.  The Star Wars franchise was reinvigorated in 1999 with the release of the first of the Prequel Trilogy, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.  Two moves followed Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith in 2002 and 2005 respectively.

Mentioned in all the movies, is The Force: “The Force is a binding, metaphysical, and ubiquitous power.” ("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) The Force is comprised of “the light side” and “the dark side.”  The light side is governed and protected by the Jedi Order, who only use the Force for peaceful purposes.  While “the dark side,” is governed and protected by the Sith, who use the Force to seize power.

In the original Star Wars film, the Force is first described in a conversation between Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and Apprentice Luke Skywalker.  “Obi-Wan Kenobi tells Luke … ‘The Force is what gives the Jedi his power.  It’s an energy field created by all living things.  It surrounds us and penetrates us.  It binds the galaxy together.” (Porter)

The Force and the Tao are similar.  The Force and the Tao surround us.  In Chapter 34 of Stephen Mitchell’s translation of the Tao Te Ching it states, “The great Tao flows everywhere.  All things are born from it … It is merged with all things and hidden in their hearts.”  The Tao: “is nameless; that is, it is not any individual thing that has a name … it has no form … it is the origin of nature, but it is not a god … it is the rhythm of nature.” (Molloy, p219-221)

Plot & Character Development:

“The prequel trilogy follows the life of a young slave named Anakin Skywalker, who is discovered by the Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn on the desert planet Tatooine. Qui-Gon comes to believe that Anakin is the ‘Chosen One’ foretold by Jedi prophecy to bring balance to the Force, and he helps liberate the boy from slavery. The Jedi Council, led by Yoda, sense that Anakin's future is clouded by fear, but reluctantly allow Qui-Gon's apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi to train Anakin after Qui-Gon is killed by the Sith Lord Darth Maul. At the same time, the planet Naboo is under attack, and its ruler, Queen Padmé Amidala, seeks the assistance of the Jedi to repel the attack. The Sith Lord Darth Sidious secretly planned the attack to give his alter ego, Senator Palpatine, a pretense to overthrow the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic and take his place.”("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia)

“The remainder of the prequel trilogy chronicles Anakin's gradual fall to the dark side of the Force as he fights in the Clone Wars.  Anakin and Padmé fall in love and secretly wed, and Padmé becomes pregnant.” ("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) In a scene indicative of Anakin’s eventual progression toward the dark side, he senses his birth mother is in great danger.  Anakin secretly tracks down the tribe of Sandpeople who have captured, enslaved, and killed his mother, goes against all his Jedi training and slaughters the entire tribe in revenge.  

Anakin has a dream of Padmé dying in childbirth and fears he will lose Padmé, like he did his mother.  Seeking the guidance of Palpatine, Palpatine “convinces him that the dark side holds the power to save her life; desperate, Anakin submits to the dark side and takes the Sith name Darth Vader.” ("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) In support of his new master, Palpatene, “Vader participates in the extermination of the Jedi Order, culminating in a lightsaber battle between himself and Obi-Wan on the volcanic planet Mustafar.” ("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia)

“Obi-Wan ultimately defeats his former apprentice and friend [Anakin], severing his limbs and leaving him for dead beside a lava flow. However, Palpatine arrives shortly afterward and saves Vader, putting him into a black, mechanical suit of armor that keeps him alive. At the same time, Padmé dies while giving birth to twins Luke and Leia.”  ("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) Fearing the combined presence of the twins would lead Darth Vader to seek them out and attempt to bring them to the dark side, they are separated, moved to opposite ends of the galaxy and their existence is hidden from their father.  Anakin (Darth Vader) is lead to believe, by Palpatine that he has killed Padmé.  Luke goes to live with his Aunt and Uncle on Tatooine.  Leia is adopted by Bail Organa, the head of the Alderaan royal family.  Leia, becomes known as Princess Leia.  

The original trilogy begins nineteen years later.  During that time a small rebellion against the Empire has formed.  The Empire has created a super weapon called the Death Star, capable of destroying entire rebel planets.  Princess Leia is a key member and leader in the rebellion.  She has stolen the Death Star plans, in the hopes the rebel forces can find and exploit a weakness in its design.  

Luke, still on Tatooine dreams of joining the rebellion and training to become a Jedi Knight, like his father.  Triggered by a message Luke accidently uncovers while cleaning a droid, R2-D2, he has acquired for his uncle, Luke seeks out Ben Kenobi, Obi-Wan.  It becomes evident to Luke that Obi-Wan is a Jedi and “When Luke asks about his father, Obi-Wan tells him that Anakin was a great Jedi who was betrayed and murdered by Vader.” ("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia)

What is the main theme of the film? Superficially, the Star Wars franchise is about good, the Jedi, versus evil, the Sith, but there is great deal more to be discovered.  As vital as any of the central human or human-like characters is the role of the the Force.  Its power, as stated by Yoda during Luke’s Jedi training “a powerful alley it is.  Life creates it makes it grow.  Its energy surrounds us and binds us.  Luminous being are we  … not this crude manner.  You must feel the Force around you.  Here, between you … me … the tree … the rock … everywhere!  Yes, even between the land and the ship.” (Porter)

The Force is neutral.  Everyone is born with a clean slate and it is one’s choices that determine their destiny.  In the Prequel Trilogy Anakin is continually challenged.  Anakin’s potential in utilizing the Force is strong, but it is his choices that determine his ultimate destiny.  It is Anakin’s lack of control and patience and desire for revenge that lead him to slaughter the Sandpeople who killed his mother.  Anakin believes he is due a seat on the Jedi council as a ‘Master’, but he is rebuffed by other Jedi masters. This makes him angry and suspicious of his fellow Jedi. And it is Anakin’s attachment to Padmé and misplaced loyalty to Palpatine that dilute him to believing Palpatine has the power of immortality, thus leading Anakin to pledge his allegiance to Palpatine and become Darth Vader.  Yoda sums it up well, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” (Porter)

In the Original Trilogy, Luke is the one who has choices to make, as his destiny is yet to be determined.  Luke is eager to learn, but lacks the patience necessary.  His mind is clouded with doubt.  At a pivotal point in The Empire Strikes Back Luke abandons his Jedi training with Yoda to assist Han and Leia and Yoda tries to sway his decision by saying “Decide you must how to serve them best.  If you leave now, help them you could.  But you would destroy all for which they have fought and suffered.” (Porter)  It is through his training, a lot of which is not seen in the Original Trilogy, Luke gains the strength, confidence and humility to challenge Darth Vader and Palpatine.  And even then Luke is conflicted in how to proceed, as his hate for Palpatine comes to a head and Palpatine senses it stating, “Your hate has made you powerful. Now, fulfill your destiny and take your father's place at my side!” (Porter)

There are multiple subplots throughout the Star Wars franchise, like obsession with personal power, or finding the good in everyone, or choosing one’s life path, but the one I find most prevalent and relevant to the entire series is the notion of fate or destiny.  Luke’s and Anakin’s fates are determined by their choices.  “Fate is simply the consequences of our actions.  A constantly fluid set of limitations created by the intentions of our decisions and our opportunities.  We are personally responsible for the vast majority of our fate.”  (Porter) Regret in our choice of action can lead to paralysis of our decision making ability.  “When you walk a path, you should not regret another path not taken.” (Porter)

It was believed and stated by Qui-Gon that “Anakin is the ‘Chosen One’ foretold by Jedi prophecy to bring balance to the Force.” (Porter) Though clouded throughout his journey by the influence of Palpatine, in the end, Anakin does find the good that remains within himself and brings balance to the Force when he destroys Palpatine.

Theoretical and Theological Analysis

The Star Wars franchise bears great resemblance to the Taoism philosophy.  “Taoism is a philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao.  The term Tao means way, path or principle … Tao denotes something that is both the source and the driving force behind everything that exists.”  ("Taoism," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) In my opening, I stated the Force and the Tao are similar.  Both the Force and the Tao surround us.  In Chapter 34 of Stephen Mitchell translation Tao Te Ching it states, “The great Tao flows everywhere.  All things are born from it … It is merged with all things and hidden in their hearts.”   Much like a Jedi’s power comes from being one with the Force.  “Your strength comes from being in harmony with the Tao.” (Porter)

“The basic Taoist viewpoint is that the individual should seek the truth my means of patient, accepting focus on natural patterns and influences.” (Porter)  In John Porter’s book Tao Star Wars: A Quiet Path to Wellness, some of the basic tenants of Taoism to include: Yin and Yang, Emptiness, Acceptance, Patience, Simplicity, P’U, Wu Wei, and Humility.

The Yin and the Yang are complimentary pairs, both light and dark “the ideal is dynamic balance between the forces.” (Molloy, p217)  There is more than a complimentary nature in the Yin and the Yang.  There is a duality.  One cannot exist without the other.  We all possess the ability to follow the light or the dark.  In Star Wars, Luke, though he knows all the suffering and pain his father, Darth Vader, has caused, he tells his father “I feel the good in you … the conflict.” (Porter)  And in the final battle scene between Palpatine and Luke, Darth Vader, seeing his son being murdered by Palpatine, finds the good within himself and defeats Palpatine.

Synonymous with naturalness is p’u.  P’u is often represented as uncut wood or uncarved block, representing our original nature.  “It is the concept of the simple, uncluttered natural man.” (Porter)  It is the goal of the Taoist to again regain his pure natural state, for it is in this state the Tao can flow.  In Star Wars the Jedi Council prefers to begin Jedi training at a young age, before the candidate is tainted by the world.  It is this clear natural state of being that is a clean slate from which they can develop an excellent Jedi warrior or master.  Once a Jedi becomes an adult they continually work to embody the natural state.  As in Taoism, “this involves freeing oneself from selfishness and desire, and appreciating simplicity.” ("Taoism," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) While training with Yoda, Luke appears preoccupied, frustrated and distracted.  It is clear to the audience Yoda wants Luke to clear his mind when he says, “No, no, there is no why.  Nothing more will I teach you today.  Clear your mind of questions.” (Porter)  This desire of Yoda for Luke to empty his mind is the Taoist Wu.  “When you are aware of the Tao and feel it, you can flow with it, and the right action appears for itself, spontaneously.” (Porter)  It is through the mental and spiritual emptiness and stillness that is Wu and the action of being mentally clear and aware, Wei, one is able to see their path.  This notion of effortless action, Wu Wei, is exemplified in my favorite Yoda quote of the franchise “Try not.  Do.  Or do not.  There is no try.” (Porter)

When we are introduced to Yoda, it’s not obvious he is the legendary Jedi Master.  He’s small, green, extremely old, seemingly frail and lives in a swamp.    Luke is preoccupied with searching for someone who fits his preconceived notion of a Jedi Master.  Yoda is the epitome of simplicity, patience and humility.  Water is considered in Taoism humble, simple and patient.  Yoda is like water.  He is simple and humble in his lifestyle and dwelling.  He does not announce himself as the Jedi Master Luke seeks.  He is content to dwell in low places, places other would avoid, like the swamp.  Yoda is patient.  One drop of water alone cannot move a mountain.  It sits, waiting for other droplets.  Together they can move mountains.  Yoda  has sat ready to encounter and teach Luke should Luke choose that path and together they can bring about balance to the Force.  “Life is to be kept simple – conserve energy, maintain your center, be content with what you have, and be content with who you are.” (Porter)

“The cannon of Daoist literature include(s) recommendations for many types of arm and body movements, breathing regulation, diet, and massage.” (Molloy, p226) Most prevalently practiced today is Tai Chi (taiji), “a series of slow arm and leg motions thought to aid balance and circulation.” (Molloy, p226).  Though little rudimentary Jedi training is shown in the Star Wars movies, it quickly becomes evident the Jedi incorporate “control; mixing meditative techniques and martial arts” ("Force Warrior," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) into their warrior training.  This technique is exemplified in Star Wars, Episode II: Attack of the Clones in the battle between Yoda and his former padawan, Count Dooku.  Though there was no “winner,” it was clear Yoda’s centuries of training were superior to that of Dooku.

Conclusion

The Star Wars franchise has been compared to every major religion.  It’s clear there are spiritual threads throughout the movie.  I think it’s a manner of perspective which religion or philosophy one may choose to compare the movies.  On the topic, George Lucas stated: “I read a lot of books about mythology and theories behind mythology … I basically worked out a general theory for the Force … I wanted to take all religions … and come up with something they might have in common … So the real essence was to try to deal with the Force but not be too specific about it.” (Porter)  I think his success is evident since the Force has since been compared to all the major religions.  But I do see the irony of Lucas (and others) comparing the Force, threaded through all the movies, to Taoism.  If the Jedi are to exist with a monk-like state of simplicity, humility, and lacking of possessions, how does Lucas justify the commercialism of the movies?

In my research I even found a new religious movement, Jeddism “based on the philosophical and spiritual ideas of the Jedi as depicted in Star Wars media … Practitioners identify themselves with the Jedi Knights in Star Wars, believe in the existence of the Force and that interaction with the Force is possible. Believers align themselves with the moral code demonstrated by the fictional Jedi. Many Jedi churches described the religion as syncretistic, incorporating beliefs from various religious philosophies including Christianity, Stoicism, Buddhism, Taoism and Shintoism … A common belief among Jedi is the Jedi Code, sometimes referred to as the Orthodox Jedi Code.” ("Jediism," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia)

The concept of the Force being related to many religions makes it inclusive.  Every person, whether religions or not can in some way relate to the characters and their journey, because at its core Star Wars is about the human journey and the individual’s pursuit of their destiny.   Personally, I relate best to the comparison I’ve outlined in this paper, Taoism and the Force.  I appreciate both not having a central god, their limited use of ritual, their focus on state of mine, their existential explanation of the relationship between all living things and their overall complex simplicity.  

May the Force be with you.

Road Trip Day 2: Durango to ... June 2012

The plan ... Get up early.  Ride.  Drive to Mission Viejo, CA.  Two out of three isn't all that bad right?  I Woke up early and despite the sinus infection I got a few z4 hill intervals done.  Along the ride route I found this cool covered wagon on the route. It's smaller than it might appear in the picture.  It's about 1/2 the size of a sedan.

Ride done.  I found and chowed down breakfast, got in the car and headed W on US160 toward Cortez.  There was talk of closing US160 because of a wildfire but that didn't happen.

I stopped at a Subway and got a sandwich for lunch later and somehow I knocked my phone off the bathroom counter and it lands glass down on the slate tile.  The glass it broken, but the phone still works.  It's just really hard to read.  No biggie.

I got to Flagstaff, AZ with no problem and stopped in the National Forest for a little lunch.  The trip was really uneventful until I got to the AZ/CA boarder on I40.  The folks in CA waved me through and as I accelerated away the car made a horrible wooshing sound and simultaneously the check engine light came on and the cruise light started to flash and I lost all acceleration. I'm not about 5miles out of Needles, CA and it's 109 degrees out.  Assuming I blew the radiator I pop the hood and see some steam, but it wasn't gushing out.  I tried turning the engine over and it just sat there.

Being I was outside Needles, CA cell coverage was weak and I of course earlier in the day broke my phone.  Not a big deal, except I couldn't use the r or t keys ... which makes searching for car repair or auto repair or towing services difficult.  But, I finally got it to accept the search and called for a tow.  It's now past 6pm and no service stations are open in Needles, CA.  The tow driver helped me find a hotel, which was conveniently across from the repair shop.

 

Road Trip Day 1: Denver to Durango June 2012

It's been a while since I've taken a leisurely solo road trip.  So I decided to combine a work trip with a fun trip and drive out to Southern CA.  The plan ... visit shops, visit with Insulindependence at their U of IN as UCSD, and visit friends in Orange County and in LA.

Day 1:  Drive from Denver to Durango.

bikes on top of HeadsUp Subaru

I was happy to escape the 100+ temps in Denver.  I got a later start than I originally planned but with the bikes (road and track) on the roof, a car full of gear and a plan what could go wrong.  Day 1 went well.  I got to Durango later than I planned and it was just at hot there as it was in Denver, but I went over my favorite passes and into the town of Silverton, CO.  I was hoping I'd have time to ride the pass, but it was to hot to ride when I arrived and I was getting over a wicked sinus infection so I waited until morning.  I was still quite sick in the AM, but got a couple hours on the bike in the much cooler early morning before hitting the road again.