Two days ago, Rachael and I helped move her parent's independent bookstore. Fifty or so patrons, including two with disabilities, arrived early Saturday morning to help. [Let's see you do that Borders.] To put the experience simply, many hands make light work. Many hands, consequently, bring many minds. Two volunteers expressed differing opinions over the placement of a book section that is telling.

Originally, the religion section had been placed next to mystery. The manager of the store had no problem with this. In my mind, the underlying theme of end revelation united the two sections. Many religious icons have stated the idea of “I don't know.” My parents and teachers told me that no matter how hard I try I could never imagine what god looks like. One Buddhist saying is, "If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him."

This view demands relentless questioning of the world. A view that leaves a person unable to pass judgment, live in wonder and constantly look for an answer they know they will never have. For this reason, the mystery and religion sections worked well together in my mind. One volunteer though, believed mystery was an ill fit neighbor for religion. I stood still afterwards to muse over the neighborhood she desired. Her choice to move a few books held the weight of a house.

Business. The new neighborhood she wanted religion to reside in is business. SNAP! Business makes perfect sense to me in a day where religion is used as currency to buy politicians highly regarded positions. Within this context, religion IS a business that makes a load of cash. This is a market that does so well because the masses want to believe there is an answer. This is a perfect example of the two Christianities [and other religions] that exists today: the religion of faith and the religion of “I know.”

Coincidentally on this same day, the Vatican released details of many letters written by Mother Teresa expressing her doubts of a god. The book containing these letters comes out September. 4. There is one more interesting fact before I go.

The second reason this volunteer wanted religion next to business is because “all nonfiction should be together.”

8.07.07

Although I have a huge respect for techno I can't get deeply into it. I like the early Berlin & Detroit sound like what is presented in the Tresor series. Then there is DnB, IDM, IDB |--> where this art really shines. Take away all the glitter and gold and you get the concrete structure of the genre. Rhythm and programming.

Recently I found Plastikman. He is from the U.K. and is considered minimal techno. Plastikman produces, by far, an extraordinary sound. He has also founded m-nus records wher he distributes roughly the same sound that other artists have. If you like electronic and tend to steer clear of techno the links are worth a try.