How real are the following beliefs; psychic powers, UFO's, astrology? Beliefs in metaphysics and the paranormal are not the "fringe" exceptions any more - they are now mainstream. In other words, if you believe in aliens being dissected in Arizona or planet waves profoundly affecting a person's character, then you think like the masses. People are constantly striving for deeper meaning in life; answers to the "big questions". The "Metaphysical and Hocus Pocus" paperback book shows that the "answers" do not have to be veiled in a hocus pocus format. In other words, much of what's "real" is refreshingly accessible via science and nature. Popular media and self-made gurus/preachers will have us believe that "profound truth" needs to be cloaked in nebulous myths. Ever noticed how believers in metaphysics and paranormal are often depressed? The text also explores alternatives and solutions that can contribute to a person developing a better sense of well-being. "The end of the world is nigh!" may be the rallying call for many a preacher and fortune-teller, but some of us would rather embrace a more realistic (and uplifting) outlook.
Ken is a western moving man. He started out in Denmark in 1952, then moved west to Washington DC. Just out of HS, he moved westward to northern California, and now he's further west, residing in northern Thailand (12 years and counting). Granted, Ken's travels have included as many zigs as zags, and have coursed through 13 different schools in 15 years in 5 different countries. Some of the schools kicked him out, some wanted him back (but he didn't concur). His disdain for compulsory classroom attendance is on par with his distaste for orthodox religions. If a newfangled Mohammad or Jesus or Buddha were to walk around in any of today's societies, he'd be hauled off to jail faster than you can say hypocritical.
Each one of Ken's ten books is markedly different from the others. There's a book about Thai language, a book about farmsteading, another about a megalomaniacal politician, and yet another which teases out a tale revolving around a Burmese seductress. As if that weren't enough, he's also written a book about nuclear power plants (why we should forgo them), and another about a Tibetan Buddhist saint. He's also nutzoid about writing letters to magazines and major newspapers, having had an average of three per week published for the past twenty years.
When not writing, Ken is often enmeshed in outdoor projects which relate to rural properties he's secured in northernmost Thailand. The projects entail unusual construction methods for innovative structures, finding and developing rock climbing crags, building 3-rope bridges connecting trees and cliffs, and the occasional 200 meter zip line through the forest. To know Ken is to realize; if he wound up leaving nothing more of a legacy than some outdoor contraptions which would make some children happy, then that would be a recipe for a fulfilled life.
