NOOZOON - New Life

This is where I -- artist, novelist and curmudgeon, William James Johnson -- hang out. Drop in to find out how much mischief an old guy like me can get into.

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Location: London, Ontario, Canada

I walk five miles every day in the beautiful park across the road. I have regular friends who in our discussions are trying to solve the world's problems. So far we haven't found any answers. But the journey keeps going on.

Monday, May 31, 2004

The New Old Me

Let me introduce myself. You can see what an aging young guy looks like by referring to the edited photo in my profile. I'm William James Johnson when I'm pretending to be more important than normal. I like using the name, because it sounds like I'm a writer, when in fact, I am a professional portrait painter and I sign my work with simply "Johnson". Look me up in the national gallery's "Dictionary of Canadian Artists". It says that I'm known for outstanding portrait painting. Not exactly faint praise.
Now that we know each other a little more, you can call me "Noozoon" a coined word which means "New Life." I'll tell you more about that in another post. Or if you want to be really friendly, just call me "Bill". One of my best friends has taken to calling me "Wild Bill." Makes me feel I should be doing something about it.
If you're interested I can tell you about the excitement I had as a war artist for the Department of National Defence on three missions to Cyprus to document the work of our "Peace Keeper Troops." In another life fifty years ago, I spent nine weeks living with Eskimos in Canada's Arctic.
Have you ever seen the glory of the northern lights in the midst of a Norwegian winter. I had the urgent call of my bladder screaming for relief, when at 3AM I stood in long underwear and boots in knee deep snow and was overwhelmed by the magic of dancing green and yellow reams of colour pouring over the snow. You realize of course I am referring to the dancing waves of the aurora borealis. That is what I meant.

If you view www.noozoon.com you will see several of my paintings and my detailed pictorial biography.

Saturday, May 29, 2004

Billionaire Crazy Remembering Ross Perot

He wasn't what I had expected. He seemed shorter than he had appeared during the debates. His handshake could make blood collect in the ends of your fingers. Proudly he pointed out several American western art pieces, obviously favoring those which depicted the loner against all odds. His private office at the end of a series of corridors, had two walls completely covered with the latest in electronics, including the current time in remote countries of the world.
"Ain't it wunnerful. Satellites bring the world instantly into my office. This is where I get a lot of my ideas. You want to keep on top of what's happening."
"You understand how all these different machines work?"
"Hell no. I pay big money for the best in the business, and they keep me ahead of the game."
"But I was told you were an electronics wizard."
"Don't you believe it. On some of this stuff, I'm lucky if I know where the on-off switch is."
"Then how did you make your great wealth?"
"It's amazing. Sales. It was a time anybody could make a pile. That's when computers were just coming out. I gave IBM the best I could, and when it got to the point where my commissions were so high, my bosses paid me in stock options. Eventually, my bosses were working for me."
"But there are thousands of salesmen who are not millionaires."
"Billionaires. I just want you to get your facts straight. I'm a firm believer in facts."
"You realize of course people are saying you're crazy."
"Crazy like a fox. I say let them think whatever they want, as long as I get what I'm after."
"And what is that?"
"Don't you know? Geez I've spent sixty million dollars and you still don't get it."
"Of your own money."
"Look. Sixty million dollars is ten days interest on my investments. And besides if I didn't spend it, the IRS would have its grubby hands on it, and more."
"But what did you get for your sixty million dollars?"
"I'm now inside the heads of at least twenty million folks who voted for me, and millions more who wanted me but lacked the guts to make the right decision."
"So where is this all leading?"
"Hold your horses. You're starting to act like a quarter horse who has been running all night, and put away wet."
"So I'm waiting Mr. Perot."
"Ross. Call me Ross."
"Okay Ross."
"You're going to think I'm crazy like all those other folks...I want Jay Leno's job."
"What!"
"Me and Margo miss Johnny and this guy Leno is not bad, but he's no Johnny."
"You mean all of this spending was about becoming a standup comic?"
"You can't get the money out of your head can you? Then look at what I bought. Sixty million dollars bought me twenty million fans. Now that's not chicken feathers. Cost me only three bucks a head. I'd say that's damn good return on my money."
"But a comic. You want to be a comic?"
"Look. Be honest. Do I have the body to make a career as a male stripper at Chippendales? Hell no. My ears stick out and my ten dollar haircut, and this Texas twang are a natural for the Tonight Show."
I was in shock. A voice inside was saying,"Heeere's Ross". I had to get out of there. The world was waiting for another episode in the life of the crazy billionaire. As we shook hands, he focused his wonky right eye on me.
"You wouldn't happen to be interested in meeting my unmarried daughter would you?"
"Is she crazy too?"
"Like a fox."
Be sure to take a look at my fine art at www.noozoon.com

Thursday, May 27, 2004

Haiku by William James Johnson

Spring runoff recedes,
showing polished stones of grey,
pieces of time past.

Hardy crocus blooms,
early proof spring is now here.
All dark soil makes way.

The air is warmer.
Spring puddles are soon dried up.
New, all new is now.

A brief storm moves out.
The sun paints a hopeful sky.
Magic time returns.

Sprinkled rays of sun,
cascading through shadowy limbs,
join heaven and earth.

Searching for a mate
Mallards are always faithful.
Nature is the truth.

Valley shadows move
up the sunlit slopes above.
Evening is nigh.

www.noozoon.com
animals as I see them,
recombined, renamed.

Enjoy...by William James Johnson (alias Noozoon) www.noozoon.com

Tuesday, May 25, 2004

Crisis at the Ranch

Lazy rivulets traced crazy patterns on the off-white tile surrounding the hot tub, where buried to the neck in foamy bubbles, George W was soaking the stinging scratches he had when he fell from his bike,(make that mountain bike) At least the press gave him front page coverage, knocking off the prison story. The time was running out for the handover of Iraq to their new leader, and he still had not decided on who would be picked.

A rush of cold air suddenly wafted over him as Laura entered the room.
"Close the door for gawd's sake. You want me to catch a death of cold."
"You better get out of there George. We have a crisis on our hands."
"Crisis!" he exclaimed, sitting bolt up right in all the foam.
"An international crisis."
"Yahoo! My prayers have been answered. Now maybe those newshounds and CNN will give me a break for a change. Don't keep me waiting."
"It's the Marines George."
"I can't believe it...the Marines. What have they done now?'
"Canada is involved George."
"Canada! I thought when they got rid of that french guy, things would be better. What has happened now?"
"It's their flag George."
"I don't get it. Some radical terrorists burn their flag because they refused to fight with us. I don't trust those smug northeners anymore. Remember how great it was when Mulroney and Ronnie sang "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." Those were the good old days. Weren't they Laura...the good old days."
"No one burned their flag. The Marine colour party carried their flag upside down at the Korean memorial."
"Why would they do such a stupid thing?"
"It was a mistake George. No one told them. Maybe the Marines thought that maple leaves are upside down. They do fall at this time of year."
"Why didn't someone tell me? Geez am I always the last to know?"
"You told us not to bother you with things you might have to deny later. Its been your policy George."
"But if Canada really gets ticked off, it could screw up the free trade agreement. And maybe Mexico might even pull out. That's all I need."
"Get back into the tub George and relax. Maybe you'll think of something."
"How about we invite Paul Martin and some of his staff to come to the ranch for a weekend barbecue?"
"I don't like to butt in, but wouldn't that be better, if we wait a month or so and see if he gets back in as Prime Minister?"

View the original art and biography of William James Johnson at www.noozoon.com

Monday, May 24, 2004

Arcana written before ever seeing Admiral Byrd's Secret Journal

I am convinced all knowledge is always present. The creative person is more likely to make important discoveries than the bright person who through habit relies on logic and trained patterns of problem solving to progress to solutions. The free thinker asks "what if" and is willing to take chances with lateral thinking instead of being limited by vertical development, proceeding from easy to difficult methods.
So what has this to do with Admiral Byrd's report in my last post?
Twenty years ago I began a novel about what would happen, if there are UFOs and they come out of openings in the Arctic from an interior world, manned by creatures known as monads who serve IAM, Maker of all things. They first started revealing themselves in 1949, in formations of flying machines picked up in various regions of the civilized world on radar scans, targets which have never been explained.
And why did they come at that time? I must assume if these are the sentinels of changing conditions in the world, they must have detected an increase in the radio active atmosphere after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and they were mobilized to travel worldwide to measure and report on these changes.
My novel,"Arcana" has been published and is available at www.wordclix.com.

The Secret Journal of Admiral Richard Byrd

The following account has a copyright by Sal Bonavita.

1135 HOURS- Our radio crackles and a voice comes through in English with what perhaps is a slight Nordic or Germanic accent! The message is: "Welcome, Admiral, to our domain. We shall land you in exactly seven minutes! Relax, Admiral, you are in good hands." I note the engines of our plane have stopped running! The aircraft is under some strange control and is now turning itself. The controls are useless.

1140 HOURS- Another radio message received. We begin the landing process now, and in moments the plane shudders slightly, and begins a descent as though caught in some great unseen elevator! The downward motion is negligible, and we touch down with only a slight jolt!

1145 HOURS- I am making a hasty last entry in the flight log. Several men are approaching on foot toward our aircraft. They are tall with blond hair. In the distance is a large shimmering city pulsating with rainbow hues of color. I do not know what is going to happen now, but I see no signs of weapons on those approaching. I hear now a voice ordering me by name to open the cargo door. I comply. END LOG

From this point I write all the following events here from memory. It defies the imagination and would seem all but madness if it had not happened.

The radioman and I are taken from the aircraft and we are received in a most cordial manner. We were then boarded on a small platform-like conveyance with no wheels! It moves us toward the glowing city with great swiftness. As we approach, the city seems to be made of a crystal material. Soon we arrive at a large building that is a type I have never seen before. It appears to be right out of the design board of Frank Lloyd Wright, or perhaps more correctly, out of a Buck Rogers setting!! We are given some type of warm beverage which tasted like nothing I have ever savored before. It is delicious.

After about ten minutes, two of our wondrous appearing hosts come to our quarters and announce that I am to accompany them. I have no choice but to comply. I leave my radioman behind and we walk a short distance and enter into what seems to be an elevator. We descend downward for some moments, the machine stops, and the door lifts silently upward! We then proceed down a long hallway that is lit by a rose-colored light that seems to be emanating from the very walls themselves! One of the beings motions for us to stop before a great door. Over the door is an inscription that I cannot read. The great door slides noiselessly open and I am beckoned to enter. One of my hosts speaks. "Have no fear, Admiral, you are to have an audience with the Master..."

I step inside and my eyes adjust to the beautiful coloration that seems to be filling the room completely. Then I begin to see my surroundings. What greeted my eyes is the most beautiful sight of my entire existence. It is in fact too beautiful and wondrous to describe. It is exquisite and delicate. I do not think there exists a human term that can describe it in any detail with justice!

My thoughts are interrupted in a cordial manner by a warm rich voice of melodious quality, "I bid you welcome to our domain, Admiral." I see a man with delicate features and with the etching of years upon his face. He is seated at a long table. He motions me to sit down in one of the chairs. After I am seated, he places his fingertips together and smiles. He speaks softly again, and conveys the following:

"We have let you enter here because you are of noble character and well-known on the Surface World, Admiral." Surface World, I half-gasp under my breath! "Yes," the Master replies with a smile, `you are in the domain of the Arianni, the Inner World of the Earth. We shall not long delay your mission, and you will be safely escorted back to the surface and for a distance beyond. But now, Admiral, I shall tell you why you have been summoned here. Our interest rightly begins just after your race exploded the first atomic bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. It was at that alarming time we sent our flying machines, the `Flugelrads,' to your surface world to investigate what your race had done. That is, of course, past history now, my dear Admiral, but I must continue on.

"You see, we have never interfered before in your race's wars, and barbarity, but now we must, for you have learned to tamper with a certain power that is not for man, namely, that of atomic energy. Our emissaries have already delivered messages to the powers of your world, and yet they do not heed. Now you have been chosen to be witness here that our world does exist. You see, our Culture and Science is many thousands of years beyond your race, Admiral."

I interrupted, "But what does this have to do with me, Sir?"

The Master's eyes seemed to penetrate deeply into my mind, and after studying me for a few moments he replied,

"Your race has now reached the point of no return, for there are those among you who would destroy your very world rather than relinquish their power as they know it..."

I nodded, and the Master continued,

"In 1945 and afterward, we tried to contact your race, but our efforts were met with hostility, our Flugelrads were fired upon. Yes, even pursued with malice and animosity by your fighter planes. So, now, I say to you, my son, there is a great storm gathering in your world, a black fury that will not spend itself for many years. There will be no answer in your arms, there will be no safety in your science. It may rage on until every flower of your culture is trampled, and all human things are leveled in vast chaos. Your recent war was only a prelude of what is yet to come for your race. We here see it more clearly with each hour..do you say I am mistaken?"

"No," I answer, "it happened once before, the dark ages came and they lasted for more than five hundred years."

"Yes, my son," replied the Master, "the dark ages that will come now for your race will cover the Earth like a pall, but I believe that some of your race will live through the storm, beyond that, I cannot say. We see at a great distance a new world stirring from the ruins of your race, seeking its lost and legendary treasures, and they will be here, my son, safe in our keeping. When that time arrives, we shall come forward again to help revive your culture and your race. Perhaps, by then, you will have learned the futility of war and its strife...and after that time, certain of your culture and science will be returned for your race to begin anew. You, my son, are to return to the Surface World with this message....."

With these closing words, our meeting seemed at an end. I stood for a moment as in a dream....but, yet, I knew this was reality, and for some strange reason I bowed slightly, either out of respect or humility, I do not know which.

Suddenly, I was again aware that the two beautiful hosts who had brought me here were again at my side. "This way, Admiral," motioned one. I turned once more before leaving and looked back toward the Master. A gentle smile was etched on his delicate and ancient face. "Farewell, my son," he spoke, then he gestured with a lovely, slender hand a motion of peace and our meeting was truly ended.

Quickly, we walked back through the great door of the Master's chamber and once again entered into the elevator. The door slid silently downward and we were at once going upward. One of my hosts spoke again, "We must now make haste, Admiral, as the Master desires to delay you no longer on your scheduled timetable and you must return with his message to your race."

I said nothing. All of this was almost beyond belief, and once again my thoughts were interrupted as we stopped. I entered the room and was again with my radioman. He had an anxious expression on his face. As I approached, I said, "It is all right, Howie, it is all right." The two beings motioned us toward the awaiting conveyance, we boarded, and soon arrived back at the aircraft. The engines were idling and we boarded immediately. The whole atmosphere seemed charged now with a certain air of urgency. After the cargo door was closed the aircraft was immediately lifted by that unseen force until we reached an altitude of 2700 feet.

Two of the aircraft were alongside for some distance guiding us on our return way. I must state here, the airspeed indicator registered no reading, yet we were moving along at a very rapid rate.


ENTRY IN FLIGHT LOG CONTINUES:

220 HOURS- We are again over vast areas of ice and snow, and approximately 27 minutes from base camp. We radio them, they respond. We report all conditions normal....normal. Base camp expresses relief at our re-established contact.

300 HOURS- We land smoothly at base camp. I have a mission.....

END LOG ENTRIES.

MARCH 11, 1947. I have just attended a staff meeting at the Pentagon. I have stated fully my discovery and the message from the Master. All is duly recorded. The President has been advised. I am now detained for several hours (six hours, thirty-nine minutes, to be exact.) I am interviewed intently by Top Security Forces and a medical team. It was an ordeal! I am placed under strict control via the national security provisions of this United States of America. I am ORDERED TO MAINTAIN THE SECRECY OF MY DISCOVERY.

Sunday, May 23, 2004

Haiku

Haiku is a Japanese verse form that relies on brevity and simplicity to convey its message, usually in the form of three lines of five, seven and five syllables. I try to compose an original Haiku everyday. I would like to share these with you.


Ice cold mountain lake,
mirrors rising cliffs below.
Ancient guardians.

A bucket of gold,
beyond the brush and dead trees,
just an ancient wish.

Remember last fall,
bands of trees in gold and reds.
Spring is shades of green.

Mountain snow in spring,
lasting throughout the summer,
freshens the valley.

Mid morning black sky.
Suddenly a spring gale strikes,
strong winds, pelting ice.

Earth directs their roots,
entwined like mating serpents,
revealing great force.


View my art at www.noozoon.com

Saturday, May 22, 2004

Energy Challenge

On a visit to southern Spain a few years ago, I saw a strange phenomenon. Stretching skyward out of what appeared to be large mounds of earth, were acres of television antennae. Closer examination revealed ornate entrances to numerous caves which led to underearth housing for nomad families, dozens of them. Our guide explained that such accommodation was all these people could afford. Apparently when a couple decides to live together, their families find a suitable mound, and friends help hollow out the interior, making it a comfortable residence. The decorated entrances are a challenge for each cave couple to compete in creativity, making their doorway a welcoming sight for visitors.
So what has this to do with energy? I was amazed to learn that the year round temperature of the inside of this domain, is 67.F. We are talking about the desert heat of the summer in this part of Spain,and the bitter winter winds on the plains.
This unique conservation of energy discovered by wanderers suddenly made me realize a very important fact all human creatures possess. Our normal body temperature is 98.4 and the most livable temperature is about 72. Wouldn't it be great if some genius could design a fabric which would be used as a universal body stocking which would maintain a mean body temperature of 72, by dispersing through its pores the differential of about 26 degrees. The ambient temperature of the work place need only be about 40 degrees, sufficient to prevent freezing of liquids. The fabric would also eliminate the use of air conditoning. Can you see what a tremendous boon such an invention would be for the conservation of energy.
Such creative thinking is going to have to be developed for our future. Imagine what clothing designers could do with this miracle fabric. There is a real energy challenge waiting to be addressed. Living in caves in Spain is not for everyone. But having your own temperature garb is worth pursuing.

Let me know if you think I'm ready for the rubber room...Noozoon.

Aging

I'm still wearing that Egyptian ruler's outfit I wore a few years ago when trick or treating with the kids. It has a distinct power in the hat which helps me relate to my past. If I had any musical talent I think this would make a neat illustration on the cover of a CD for my group, "Faro and the Pyramids."
Aging, which is happening as we speak, is inevitable. There would be no present without a past. I have chosen ancient Egypt as a point in my past I would like to relive, so that I could work on the building of one of the world's greatest monuments. Seeing the Great Pyramid from an aircraft, dwarfing all other structures, is a fantasy. Wouldn't it be tremendous if our future would contain a chemical which would permit memory to become a neural time machine, and we could concentrate on an era we wish to visit in our imagination,and despite our present age, we could flash back like they do in films, and we would be in this virtual reality.
It seems I've drifted from my subject. I guess that's part of aging. Seniors often say aging is just a number. I used to think that way when I was fifty. Now at almost 77, I can hardly remember as far back as fifty. Don't tell anyone, but the other day I found myself sitting on the toilet waiting for something to happen, and I actually forgot why I was there.
Please indulge me for a moment longer, and I will review a little of my past. The first born of eight children during the depression, deprived me of the thrill of being a child. Even then I acted old for my age because someone had to take the responsibility for the younger kids. Let's say it was not always easy to be in charge, but there was no choice.
Despite lean beginnings, I had an exciting career as an electronic's officer in the RCAF, until I was injured and medically released after 16 years. Still a young man, I became a teacher. During this training I discovered a latent talent for art, and in my early forties resigned to pursue my new career as a professional artist. My art is included in many major galleries, and my reputation as a portrait painter has taken me throughout the world.
Not satisfied with having only one career, I returned to my first love as a novelist and have four of my science fiction novels available on the internet. This seems like a rich life, and indeed it has been. My wife and I have worked together for 54 years. I always say it is great if you get it right the first time.
Do you know what. This is about aging, and it still is just a number. Find something that makes you want to get up and get at it. Don't wait for it to come to you. Make it happen. You can you know. There are still paintings I want to do, and books I want to write. Did I mention that I was aging as we spoke. Funny, I don't have that feeling anymore.

View my web site at www.noozoon.com