Bøger af Tom Garrison

This guide is about hiking and generally exploring desert areas, specifically southwest Utah and adjacent areas (southern Nevada and northern Arizona). There is no better way to experience the ruggedness, the history of settlement by Native Americans and later pioneers, and the solitude than by simply hiking and exploring. My purpose in writing this book is to enhance the enjoyment of all who wish to sample the richness of southwest Utah and adjacent areas.My wife, Deb Looker, accompanied me on every hike. This book is a testament to her love of the outdoors as much as mine. Through trial and error from scores of hikes, reading many hiking books, and much Internet research, we have become experienced desert hikers.More than 30 years ago we began seriously exploring the American southwest. During the first several years we concentrated on areas fairly close to our then home in Santa Barbara, California-the Mojave Desert around Barstow and Baker and Death Valley. We later branched out to Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in south central California.In the early 2000s Arizona became a favorite destination. Finally, we began exploring southern Utah in 2006. In the fall of 2009 we left California and settled in St. George, Utah. St. George is a great base camp for adventures in southwest Utah, southern Nevada, and northern Arizona.While we much enjoy the grandeur of big name desert national parks-Death Valley, Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and others-our preference is hard to find, out of the bustle of humanity, slot canyons. Fortunately, the area we choose to live is full of slot canyons.I wrote these stories to describe the natural beauty on our hikes, and as importantly to inspire people to get out and enjoy nature. Go outdoors and relax, leave the pressures of daily life behind for a few hours. These hikes are not hard-core three day backpacking treks through the wilderness. That is a great thing, but not for the vast majority of people, even those who enjoy the outdoors. There are many good hiking books with long, tough hikes-this is not one of them.These are more of "get off the couch or out of your daily rut" and see what nature, plate tectonics, and erosion have given you. These stories and hikes are for the average person/family that understands the value of nature, but never quite gets out to enjoy it.

The Baby Boomer generation (estimated at around 75 million) became politically active in the 1960s and 1970s, leaving its' mark on society. The sheer size of this human tsunami rolled through American society and fueled the continuing Civil Rights, Gay Rights, and Women's Movements and agitation against war. It also coincided with (caused?) loosening social mores, the sexual revolution, widespread recreational drug use, political correctness, identity politics, diminishment of personal responsibility, and excesses in many areas. The 1960s mantra of "Challenge Authority" was the basis of my political activism. What exactly does "challenge authority" mean? Certainly more than disobeying your parents as a kid. Or calling the police "pigs." Those are juvenile acts of rebellion. Challenging authority is not an attention getting ploy to display your courage or smarts or just for the sake of a good fight. A key component is resisting the temptation to act impulsively. In short, it's okay to break certain rules. But know why the rule exists, and have a good reason for breaking it. In a serious political context, challenging authority does not have to be negative, especially when done with a clear purpose. Challenging authority is a form of nonviolent direct action. You must know what you want to accomplish-hence the need for focus, confidence, and hard facts. A legal/moral/ethical foundation is a prerequisite for such disciplined non-conformity. The title Challenge Authority: Memoir of a Baby Boomer tells it all. Each of the five chapters contains at least a couple of challenge authority stories. In most cases I still believes my challenge, or at least questioning authority, was justified and the correct path. Politics and humor play a prominent role these stories. Some of the 44 stories include my challenging the Selective Service System (The Draft) for 2 1/2 years during the Vietnam War era; learning a Zen-like concern for quality while leaf raking as a work-study student during my undergraduate years; being a war tax resister for many years; hosting an "Untying the Knot" party with my first wife while getting divorced; doing jail time (along with 1,959 others) for civil disobedience in trying to stop the opening of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in California; twice running for Santa Barbara City Council in the mid-1980s as a socialist and being the only candidate to openly support gay and lesbian rights; leaving the Left and becoming a libertarian in the mid-1990s; and bungee jumping out of a hot air balloon on my 40th birthday. Every Baby Boomer, and anyone interested in recent history from the ground level can share the experience of this book on both a rational and deeply emotional level. If you were not there (there being that state of "in the zone" focus on your activity), this is a chance to vicariously experience the intensity, and if you were there you can reminisce about the "old days." Address all inquiries to Tom Garrison at: challengeauthority78@yahoo.com. Consider visiting the Challenge Authority Facebook page. Your comments are welcome.

This 2023 updated guide (originally published in 2016) is about hiking and generally exploring desert areas, specifically southwest Utah and adjacent areas (southern Nevada and northern Arizona). There is no better way to experience the ruggedness, the history of settlement by Native Americans and later pioneers, and the solitude than by simply hiking and exploring. My purpose in writing this book is to enhancement the enjoyment of all who wish to sample the richness of southwest Utah and adjacent areas. My wife, Deb Looker, accompanied me on every hike. This book is a testament to her love of the outdoors as much as mine. Through trial and error from scores of hikes, reading many hiking books, and much Internet research, we have become experienced desert hikers. More than 35 years ago we began seriously exploring the American southwest. During the first several years we concentrated on areas fairly close to our then home in Santa Barbara, California-the Mojave Desert around Barstow and Baker and Death Valley. We later branched out to Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in south central California. In the early 2000s Arizona became a favorite destination. Finally, we began exploring southern Utah in 2006. In the fall of 2009 we left California and settled in St. George, Utah. St. George is a great base camp for adventures in southwest Utah, southern Nevada, and northern Arizona. While we much enjoy the grandeur of big name desert national parks-Death Valley, Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and others-our preference is hard to find, out of the bustle of humanity, slot canyons. Fortunately, the area we choose to live is full of slot canyons. I wrote these stories to describe the natural beauty on our hikes, and as importantly to inspire people to get out and enjoy nature. Go outdoors and relax, leave the pressures of daily life behind for a few hours. These hikes are not hard-core three day backpacking treks through the wilderness. That is a great thing, but not for the vast majority of people, even those who enjoy the outdoors. There are many good hiking books with long, tough hikes-this is not one of them.These are more of "get off the couch or out of your daily rut" and see what nature, plate tectonics, and erosion have given you. These stories and hikes are for the average person/family that understands the value of nature, but never quite gets out to enjoy it.

Ha! Ha! Very Funny is available in paperback and ebook format. The book contains more than 500 (507 to be exact) jokes, riddles, and puns divided into 18 subject categories.We all share a similar experience: standing in a slow-moving line at the Department of Motor Vehicles, or Walmart, or at a popular restaurant. Most people find it the very definition of boring and a waste of time. However, with a bit of effort, you can turn this negative happening into an endorphin festival. How?For decades, when stuck in a snail-paced line, I have taken direct action to transform a dreary time into a fun time. Speak to the person in proximity and tell them a simple joke.What surpasses getting a perfect stranger to laugh at a corny joke? You brighten their day, even if for just a few seconds. I love doing that.Or, be the life of a dull party by spinning a few jokes/tales. Is there a better sound in the universe than human beings sharing a laugh?The book's introduction discusses the mental and physical benefits of joke telling and laughter. Then an examination of what a joke is and why they, hopefully, are funny. Next is an analysis of different forms of jokes-stories, one-liners, puns, and riddles. The chapter also covers why this book does not contain "naughty" (overtly sexual or mean spirited) jokes.Also included is a chapter on "The Art of Joke/Story Telling." Like many skills, joke telling is an art with some rules. Take drawing, for example. Anyone can draw stick figures and they may suffice for most uses. However, drawing with precision, flair, and creativity is much more than stick figures. The same with telling a joke/story. It can be bare bones and maybe work, or a Picasso of storytelling. Joke/story telling is simply effective communication.Joke telling guidelines include: knowing the material (and knowing when and when not to change parts of a joke); knowing your audience; engaging the audience; body language; and being creative.Memorize one joke (of the 500+ in this book) a day, and you are set for about 1 1/2 years. That should keep you amused, and amusing your friends, for a while. Have fun! Did you hear the one about ...?

Geographers define a desert as a region receiving less than 10 inches average annual precipitation-an area of irregular and minimal rainfall. Meager rainfall means sparse vegetation and results in exposed geological features. One can think of the raw features as the earth without the makeup of vegetation. Deserts can be stark, creating a drama of space, color, relief, and sheer ruggedness. Despite the sparse vegetation, deserts in the southwest United States are full of life-hundreds of plant species, scores of bird species, and many other animals. The best way to observe the flora and fauna is on foot, far from urban areas. This guide is about hiking and generally exploring desert areas, specifically southern Nevada. There is no better way to experience the ruggedness, the history of settlement by Native Americans and later pioneers, and the solitude than by simply hiking and exploring. My purpose in writing this book is to enhancement the enjoyment of all who wish to sample the richness of southern Nevada. My wife, Deb Looker, accompanied me on every hike. This book is a testament to her love of the outdoors as much as mine. Through trial and error from scores of hikes, reading many hiking books, and much Internet research, we have become experienced desert hikers. More than 25 years ago we began seriously exploring the American Southwest. During the first several years we concentrated on areas fairly close to our then home in Santa Barbara, California-the Mojave Desert around Barstow and Baker and Death Valley. We later branched out to Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in south central California. In the early 2000s Arizona became a favorite destination. Finally, we began exploring southern Utah in 2006. In the fall of 2009 we left California and settled in St. George, Utah. St. George is a great base camp for adventures in southwest Utah, southern Nevada, and northern Arizona. While we much enjoy the grandeur of big name desert national parks-Death Valley, Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and others-our preference is hard to find, out of the bustle of humanity, slot canyons. Fortunately, the area we choose to live is full of slot canyons. I wrote the the 25 stories in this book to describe the natural beauty where we hiked, and to inspire people to get out and enjoy nature. Go outdoors and relax, leave the pressures of daily life behind for a few hours. These hikes are not hard-core three day backpacking treks through the wilderness. That is a great thing, but not for most people, even those who enjoy the outdoors. There are many good hiking books with long, tough hikes-this is not one of them. These are more of "get off the couch or out of your daily rut" and see what nature, plate tectonics, and erosion have given you. These stories and hikes are for the average person/family that understands the value of nature, but never quite gets out to enjoy it. My approach to writing is less formal than found in other hiking books. I'm not above making a joke out of slogging through loose sand or commenting on how rocks in a wash kept grabbing at my feet and that is the reason for my stumbles. Humor and not taking myself too seriously are important parts of my life, and these stories reflect that. At the same time, detailed directions for finding sometimes obscure trailheads, the hike itself, and where to look for interesting features are provided.

One political question intrigues almost everyone who studies, participates, or is interested in politics: "Why do people identify with a certain ideology and/or political party?" Numerous scholarly and popular books examine political ideology/party identification and why certain ideologies attract certain individuals. This book examines that question in two separate, yet joined phases. Why do people initially identify with the Left/liberalism and why do these same individuals abandon that ideology to evolve into libertarians? This inquiry is unique in its focus on former liberals/leftists who become libertarians. Included are 23 stories from Americans and one Irishman, baring at least part of their souls to answer these questions. All contributors at one point identified with the Left/liberalism. Each explains what originally drew them to the left part of the political spectrum. Virtually all mention some version of the popular stereotype of liberals/leftists "caring for the average person." And all came to see that as a wispy apparition, based more on intention than fact. A common theme for why the liberals/leftists abandoned their ideology is the ugly discovery of the inherent elitism of leftists/liberals. Over and over in these stories, the contributors give examples of their liberal/leftist "comrades" explaining how they (liberals/leftists) are needed to steer the people in the proper direction, for their own good of course. The true believing leftists/liberals cling to this illusion. Through many different paths, the contributors to this volume come to see the anti-democratic, elitist nature of this belief. An equally common denominator is the lack of respect for, or even acknowledgement of, personal responsibility in ones behavior. A core value of the Left/liberalism is victimhood. Everyone-women, gays and lesbians, people of color, public employee union members, the working class, and so on-is an actual or potential victim. As such, any dysfunctional behavior can always be excused as the result of societal oppression, racism and sexism, rich people and capitalists, corporations, "the man", and on and on. Of course, negative external forces do exist, but they are not always (or even most of the time) the cause of crappy behavior or failure. Many of the stories in this book note that this refusal to acknowledge personal responsibility strongly influenced the contributor to turn away from the Left/liberalism. Of course, disillusionment with the notion that government action is needed for every problem-real or imagined-is inherent in turning from leftism/liberalism to libertarianism. Many contributors expound upon this theme. Many contributors also cite the power of classical liberal economic theory-truly free markets-as a factor in their leaving the Left. Real world examples of the failure of socialist/welfare state economic policy became too difficult to ignore. Finally, a minor, yet telling, theme is the lack of humor or playfulness in liberals and the Left. Several contributors note the feeling of liberation once they rejected the dour self-importance of the Left/liberalism. One popular conception of libertarians is that they are, for the most part, disgruntled old white guys. While that group is represented, more than 25 percent of the stories are from women and more than two-thirds are by people younger than 50. This gender and generational diversity extends to occupations-contributors include college students, law students, an attorney, a professional artist, public school teachers, a chemist, writers, a filmmaker, a law professor, a stay-at-home mom, a firefighter, the CEO of a $40 million company, a TV reporter, an editor, the CEO of a free market environmental think tank, and a research engineer. It is my fervent hope that this collection of stories will hasten the day when libertarianism is widely recognized for what it is-the political movement for adults.