R.E.M. and I Feel Fine
January 9, 2017
G.D.O’Bradovich III
introduction
We refer the Gentle Reader to an informative article by Tracy R. Twyman suggesting certain R.E.M. lyrics and videos, “Man on the Moon”, “Stand”, and “Losing My Religion”, are subtle references to flat earth beliefs. Twyman wondered what, if any connections Andy Kaufman, January 17; Jim Carrey, January 17; and Michael Stipes, January 4; have in common. There is no significance to the fact that these three individuals are Capricorns. It is only a coincidence that they are the same “earth” sign and our topic is the flat earth model.
We enjoyed the extensive and insightful commentary, so we will only offer a few additional observations.
Firstly, the lyric, “There’s a new planet in the solar system”, from the song “The Great Beyond” demands commentary. Seven heavenly bodies wander the sky. The heliocentric model proposes that the earth is mobile and also wanders the solar system. The encounter with the flat earth theory that began my questioning, and later criticism, of the spherical earth was a simple and completely reasonable statement: the earth is not a planet because Jupiter is a planet. The acceptance of the supposition that the earth is a planet can only be accomplished by a leap or questionable reasoning. From this supposition, we can confidently conclude the polar diameter, the sun is 93 million miles from the earth, outer space is infinite, and a host of other derived facts.
Secondly, four personalities are listed in “It’s the End of the World” whose given name derives from Leonard, or “strong lion”. The lion is the emblem of Saint Mark, who is the patron saint of prisoners. In the context of the flat earth, “prisoners” has no need of further explanation. If the intended significance of the names is the abbreviation “L.B.”, then we have no explanation.
Regretfully, we were unable to provide an exhaustive exegesis of these videos.
We enjoyed the extensive and insightful commentary, so we will only offer a few additional observations.
Firstly, the lyric, “There’s a new planet in the solar system”, from the song “The Great Beyond” demands commentary. Seven heavenly bodies wander the sky. The heliocentric model proposes that the earth is mobile and also wanders the solar system. The encounter with the flat earth theory that began my questioning, and later criticism, of the spherical earth was a simple and completely reasonable statement: the earth is not a planet because Jupiter is a planet. The acceptance of the supposition that the earth is a planet can only be accomplished by a leap or questionable reasoning. From this supposition, we can confidently conclude the polar diameter, the sun is 93 million miles from the earth, outer space is infinite, and a host of other derived facts.
Secondly, four personalities are listed in “It’s the End of the World” whose given name derives from Leonard, or “strong lion”. The lion is the emblem of Saint Mark, who is the patron saint of prisoners. In the context of the flat earth, “prisoners” has no need of further explanation. If the intended significance of the names is the abbreviation “L.B.”, then we have no explanation.
Regretfully, we were unable to provide an exhaustive exegesis of these videos.
stand
“Think about the place where you live [the world], wonder why you haven't [thought about the world] before.”
Before watching the video, I understood “compass” as alluding to a magnetic compass, not a circumscribing compass. “Your feet are on the ground” alludes to the opening scene of the video depicting a rotating earth, where, although objects are attached to the earth, they, nevertheless, “fly off” the globe.
“Your head is there to move you around” means that one is to mentally, not physically, change positions and orientations.
No comment is necessary for the lyric “Listen to reason”.
Cows and renditions of cows may allude to the mythological belief that the four corners of the world support the heavens.
Towards the end of the video, the four dancers walk clockwise on the magnetic compass depiction on the floor. Their movements are identical to the path of the sun as proposed by the flat earth theory.
Before watching the video, I understood “compass” as alluding to a magnetic compass, not a circumscribing compass. “Your feet are on the ground” alludes to the opening scene of the video depicting a rotating earth, where, although objects are attached to the earth, they, nevertheless, “fly off” the globe.
“Your head is there to move you around” means that one is to mentally, not physically, change positions and orientations.
No comment is necessary for the lyric “Listen to reason”.
Cows and renditions of cows may allude to the mythological belief that the four corners of the world support the heavens.
Towards the end of the video, the four dancers walk clockwise on the magnetic compass depiction on the floor. Their movements are identical to the path of the sun as proposed by the flat earth theory.
end of the world
Although the fourth wall is broken at the end of the video, the skateboarder remains inside, playing. We understand this as meaning that so long as individuals are content with amusements, they chose to remain in the artificial construct, the house made with hands, than venture outside. We are uncertain if this explanation only applies to shirtless male teenagers, or is applicable to everyone. However, we are certain that one perk of producing is the power to cast the performer one prefers.
man on the moon
Games are amusements and not real. “Life” is mentioned, is the implication that life is not real? We suggest that Moses, Newton, Egypt and Darwin allude to revealed religion, gravitational theory, false chronology and the supposition of evolution.
Never believe, a ghost for an offering, no Saint Peter’s and Andy Kaufman wrestling are the references in the reprise. Andy Kaufman wrestling is an act, or a hoax. It could be understood as a deception in a hoax. We presume the previous seven references, from Moses to Saint Peter, are also to be understood as various hoaxes or deceptions. The clue provided in the last example forces the questioning reader, or listener, to revisit the material.
Never believe, a ghost for an offering, no Saint Peter’s and Andy Kaufman wrestling are the references in the reprise. Andy Kaufman wrestling is an act, or a hoax. It could be understood as a deception in a hoax. We presume the previous seven references, from Moses to Saint Peter, are also to be understood as various hoaxes or deceptions. The clue provided in the last example forces the questioning reader, or listener, to revisit the material.
losing my religion
Spilt milk is depicted at the beginning and end of the video. One shouldn't cry over spilt milk; it is unimportant. We are uncertain as to what is considered unimportant. “I'm in the spotlight” is the flat earth understanding of the sun. It seems that Daedalus could not succeed because the materials of his invention were inferior. Further attempts to reach the heavens will use metals and the knowledge of metallurgy. The video ends without depicting whether this attempt will be successful or not. Although the typical viewer may have no doubts regarding more distance ventures into space, the flat earth adherent is reasonably certain these ventures will fail.
discussion
Unfortunately, we did not have adequate time to properly analyze the complete lyrics and videos of R.E.M. for additional evidence of flat earth clues. However, we have every expectation that the Gentle Reader will not be disappointed with the results of his efforts.
The name of the group is R.E.M., not REM, and this subtilty may be lost on the Gentle Reader. REM, without full stops, is “rapid eye movement”. R.E.M., with full stops, perhaps stands for “Round Earth Madness”. If true, then this would suggest that the band has been promoting the flat earth theory since the group’s inception. Only by further extensive research into the band’s lyrics and videos would substantiate this suggestion.
We wish to impress upon the Gentle Researcher that no amount of consensus determines facts. Truth, if we may use that word, is not a number’s game or a popularity contest, it exists independently of beliefs. The flat earth proposal is not more true if certain bands hint at it in their videos and lyrics, or vice versa. The evidence for the flat earth comes from observation, followed by proper reasoning, and the rational elimination of contradictions.
The attraction to the flat earth theory for Yours Truly is that it is accessible to everyone. Conspiracies concerning the Masons, the New World Order, and other organizations require a specialized knowledge and a significant amount of time to research an adequate amount of the available material. On the other hand, the validity of the flat earth idea can be demonstrated with only a few examples of the available evidence. One does not need to be well versed on all topics that can demonstrate issues with the round earth: eclipses, tides, gravity, precession, sea level,aphelion and perihelion, the moon, or the seasons. We may be so bold as to suggest that the flat earth theory is the most Occult: as it is accessible to all people, only they give it no though: hidden in plain sight. In conclusion to this part, we may say that all Occult symbols, terminology and ideas are derived from the flat earth. It is the secret doctrine.
When I stumbled upon the flat earth theory, I was certain and confident that it could be easily dismissed, shown to be inadequate, as I presumed their statements would be juvenile. I was confronted by reasoned statements and was immediately intrigued that I could not, without some effort, demolish this outdated proposition. With some effort, I understood certain positions, and assumed that I could refute it. I could not refute what I clearly understood, and I continued researching aspects that were more challenging. I do not consider myself an expert on all things relating to the flat earth theory. However, what I do know, I know very well, hence, I consider myself an apologist for the flat earth theory.
The most difficult aspect of researching the historical personalities of the flat earth theory was the mind numbing number of references to lighthouses and seafaring ships. I was certain these near endless examples were a form of esoteric writing: tedium will deter the less determined [TDD]. Once again, I was wrong; they were only being thorough with the evidence that was available. It seems that flat earthers use all available examples so that some people may come to the truth, as each understands the flat earth in his own way.
While is may seem that the flat earth is dependent on the inerrant protestant Bible, it is not necessary to refer to written accounts that can be observed and confirmed by anyone during any age. Of course, a domed world must be accounted for by the Gentle Researcher. The manner that the individual speculates regarding the nature of the universe is not, properly speaking, an integral aspect of the flat earth model.
It would be pointless to speculate about the purpose of this world. If creation were a computer simulation, then we would reasonably expect that there would be no limits to outer space, and the world could be a sphere. If creation were a giant terrarium, then the construction is beyond anything we could replicate, at least for the foreseeable future. Since we are speculating, it is possible that this creation is the result of a Master Architect or a Loving Father above the stars; reason cannot assist us in determining the nature of the Creator. We note that the appellation of the Great Architect of the Universe is the only title that is derived from observation and reason, as any moral qualities are merely suppositions.
We can only know that “theme and variation” is found throughout Creation. We are, of course, referring to Phi. From this fact alone, we cannot make any determinations. If pressed for a conclusion, we can speculate that if Phi ain't broke, don't fix it; or the Creator has less imagination that a second rate science fiction writer- Who wouldn't want to live in a world with three headed dogs, dragons and chimeras? We may conclude that since we are not being entertained, the world serves a purpose other than amusement.
If at times the world seems like a form of punishment, then it may be suggested that we are in Tartarus of Greek mythology or Purgatory of the Roman Church. At least with Purgatory, we are assured of release...eventually.
The subtitle of my Curriculum Vitae web page is “Research without Fear”, as an homage to an autobiography entitled “Magick without Tears”. Knowing what I know now, perhaps I wouldn't have been cavalier with the subtitle.
If all Occult systems and efforts lead to astrology, and astrology ultimately leads to the flat earth, and there is no discernable purpose for our world, then we are the most miserable of men.
Miserable because we are confronted daily by this theatre of the absurd. Miserable because, unlike our contemporaries, we have reason and no recourse to either fantasy or imaginings. Miserable since there is no discernable purpose for our situation.
Although both the reader and the Gentle Reader will reach his own informed conclusions regarding the lyrics and videos of R.E.M. as touching upon the flat earth theory, the Gentle Researcher, as always, knows the truth.
The name of the group is R.E.M., not REM, and this subtilty may be lost on the Gentle Reader. REM, without full stops, is “rapid eye movement”. R.E.M., with full stops, perhaps stands for “Round Earth Madness”. If true, then this would suggest that the band has been promoting the flat earth theory since the group’s inception. Only by further extensive research into the band’s lyrics and videos would substantiate this suggestion.
We wish to impress upon the Gentle Researcher that no amount of consensus determines facts. Truth, if we may use that word, is not a number’s game or a popularity contest, it exists independently of beliefs. The flat earth proposal is not more true if certain bands hint at it in their videos and lyrics, or vice versa. The evidence for the flat earth comes from observation, followed by proper reasoning, and the rational elimination of contradictions.
The attraction to the flat earth theory for Yours Truly is that it is accessible to everyone. Conspiracies concerning the Masons, the New World Order, and other organizations require a specialized knowledge and a significant amount of time to research an adequate amount of the available material. On the other hand, the validity of the flat earth idea can be demonstrated with only a few examples of the available evidence. One does not need to be well versed on all topics that can demonstrate issues with the round earth: eclipses, tides, gravity, precession, sea level,aphelion and perihelion, the moon, or the seasons. We may be so bold as to suggest that the flat earth theory is the most Occult: as it is accessible to all people, only they give it no though: hidden in plain sight. In conclusion to this part, we may say that all Occult symbols, terminology and ideas are derived from the flat earth. It is the secret doctrine.
When I stumbled upon the flat earth theory, I was certain and confident that it could be easily dismissed, shown to be inadequate, as I presumed their statements would be juvenile. I was confronted by reasoned statements and was immediately intrigued that I could not, without some effort, demolish this outdated proposition. With some effort, I understood certain positions, and assumed that I could refute it. I could not refute what I clearly understood, and I continued researching aspects that were more challenging. I do not consider myself an expert on all things relating to the flat earth theory. However, what I do know, I know very well, hence, I consider myself an apologist for the flat earth theory.
The most difficult aspect of researching the historical personalities of the flat earth theory was the mind numbing number of references to lighthouses and seafaring ships. I was certain these near endless examples were a form of esoteric writing: tedium will deter the less determined [TDD]. Once again, I was wrong; they were only being thorough with the evidence that was available. It seems that flat earthers use all available examples so that some people may come to the truth, as each understands the flat earth in his own way.
While is may seem that the flat earth is dependent on the inerrant protestant Bible, it is not necessary to refer to written accounts that can be observed and confirmed by anyone during any age. Of course, a domed world must be accounted for by the Gentle Researcher. The manner that the individual speculates regarding the nature of the universe is not, properly speaking, an integral aspect of the flat earth model.
It would be pointless to speculate about the purpose of this world. If creation were a computer simulation, then we would reasonably expect that there would be no limits to outer space, and the world could be a sphere. If creation were a giant terrarium, then the construction is beyond anything we could replicate, at least for the foreseeable future. Since we are speculating, it is possible that this creation is the result of a Master Architect or a Loving Father above the stars; reason cannot assist us in determining the nature of the Creator. We note that the appellation of the Great Architect of the Universe is the only title that is derived from observation and reason, as any moral qualities are merely suppositions.
We can only know that “theme and variation” is found throughout Creation. We are, of course, referring to Phi. From this fact alone, we cannot make any determinations. If pressed for a conclusion, we can speculate that if Phi ain't broke, don't fix it; or the Creator has less imagination that a second rate science fiction writer- Who wouldn't want to live in a world with three headed dogs, dragons and chimeras? We may conclude that since we are not being entertained, the world serves a purpose other than amusement.
If at times the world seems like a form of punishment, then it may be suggested that we are in Tartarus of Greek mythology or Purgatory of the Roman Church. At least with Purgatory, we are assured of release...eventually.
The subtitle of my Curriculum Vitae web page is “Research without Fear”, as an homage to an autobiography entitled “Magick without Tears”. Knowing what I know now, perhaps I wouldn't have been cavalier with the subtitle.
If all Occult systems and efforts lead to astrology, and astrology ultimately leads to the flat earth, and there is no discernable purpose for our world, then we are the most miserable of men.
Miserable because we are confronted daily by this theatre of the absurd. Miserable because, unlike our contemporaries, we have reason and no recourse to either fantasy or imaginings. Miserable since there is no discernable purpose for our situation.
Although both the reader and the Gentle Reader will reach his own informed conclusions regarding the lyrics and videos of R.E.M. as touching upon the flat earth theory, the Gentle Researcher, as always, knows the truth.