I don't usually go in for all that outer space, alien jive. I just have too many earthbound issues I must resolve before I even begin to consider the possibilities of interplanetary invasion. I have no problem believing that somewhere in the vast expanses of time and space there exist other life forms leading parallel lives. I simply wonder why we are forced to believe that they are so superior to human kind as we know it - not only superior but aggressive, imperialistic, and ultimately deadly (okay, so maybe those are things we have in common). It also seems odd to me, given the limitless reaches of outer space, that these hyper-intellectual and highly-malevolent beings would bother with such a dopey planet like Earth. Then again, I've never tried to sell a sci-fi screenplay. Or maybe I'm just frustrated that for all of my provocative behavior, I hardly ever get abducted and never, ever probed...
Although seemingly unrelated, New Mexico, with its numerous military installations and storied history of nuclear testing, has garnered quite a reputation for extraterrestrial encounters. I suppose it's only fair that Nevada's Area 51 share some of the glory with its Southwestern neighbors. Not quite as prevalent (outside of Roswell) as the imagery of New Mexico's indigenous peoples, UFO symbolism can still be found everywhere from gas stations, to souvenir stands, to entire buildings!
Looking like an abandoned set piece from Plan 9 from Outer Space, the lure of this temporarily-grounded flying saucer was irresistible; we were as powerless to its wacky tacky tractor beam as we were to that of its second-cousin, the Arizona Space Orb. And me without my tinfoil hat.
Although, I have to wonder, if one has both the means and motivation to build a novelty structure yet is somehow plagued by unmitigated misanthropy, why on earth would one construct that thematic building along a major automotive artery, the only real road in-and-out of Carlsbad, NM? You have to know that folks are going to want to stop and take pictures. If you were any kind of business man, you'd have a stand to sell pop, keychains, and ray guns.
If indeed there are alien life forms interested in exploring our people and planet, then I choose to believe they are a kindly race of beings like E.T., Mork, or ALF. After all, spaying and neutering your pets is all well and good but we obviously need a more powerful resource in helping to control the burgeoning population of unwanted cats!
Cheers & Nanu Nanu!
Mr. Tiny
Although seemingly unrelated, New Mexico, with its numerous military installations and storied history of nuclear testing, has garnered quite a reputation for extraterrestrial encounters. I suppose it's only fair that Nevada's Area 51 share some of the glory with its Southwestern neighbors. Not quite as prevalent (outside of Roswell) as the imagery of New Mexico's indigenous peoples, UFO symbolism can still be found everywhere from gas stations, to souvenir stands, to entire buildings!
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| Like this roadside UFO with which we were so thrilled to have a "close encounter" on our way to the Carlsbad Caverns. |
Looking like an abandoned set piece from Plan 9 from Outer Space, the lure of this temporarily-grounded flying saucer was irresistible; we were as powerless to its wacky tacky tractor beam as we were to that of its second-cousin, the Arizona Space Orb. And me without my tinfoil hat.
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| Sure, there are "Private Property: Keep Out" signs dotting the perimeter but we're always very respectful in our tresspassery... and "keeping out" never got the photo-op. |
Although, I have to wonder, if one has both the means and motivation to build a novelty structure yet is somehow plagued by unmitigated misanthropy, why on earth would one construct that thematic building along a major automotive artery, the only real road in-and-out of Carlsbad, NM? You have to know that folks are going to want to stop and take pictures. If you were any kind of business man, you'd have a stand to sell pop, keychains, and ray guns.
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| Speaking of thematic buildings, the gorgeous shade structure at the onsite, employees-only picnic grounds looks like it belongs with the Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport. |
If indeed there are alien life forms interested in exploring our people and planet, then I choose to believe they are a kindly race of beings like E.T., Mork, or ALF. After all, spaying and neutering your pets is all well and good but we obviously need a more powerful resource in helping to control the burgeoning population of unwanted cats!
"ALF Theme" (1986)
('cause ALF eats cats...)
('cause ALF eats cats...)
Cheers & Nanu Nanu!
Mr. Tiny
