The study of neighbors through their lawn ornaments....
Figure 27. West Highland: Gearbox guard dog
The majority of the city's residents are romantics who refuse to even learn how their cars work. They wistfully imagine that their cars are magic sleighs that are powered by gas to generate good times. As problems occur, they become frustrated and defensive when forced to rely on professional mechanics. At these times, technology is the chief evil in dehumanizing the global quality of life. In contrast, car mechanics are the Zen philosophers of Denver. They are able to diagnose and repair automobiles through the use of rational problem-solving skills. Working with technology isn't tedious drudgery to them. Instead, they recognize the beauty in the way mechanical work helps humanity achieve an inner peace of mind.
The greatest evidence of the car mechanic's pursuit of pure truth can best be seen in the yard art of neighborhood auto-repair shops. The gearbox guard dog pictured in figure 26 aims towards a perception of the world that embraces both the rational and romantic. The use of transmission parts to create man's best friend suggests both creativity and intuition. The use of coil springs for eyes encourages an approach to viewing life that is more varied and inclusive. The use of crankshafts for dog legs demonstrates that technology and Zen-like "being in the moment" can harmoniously co-exist and propel a person to a higher quality of life. The red paint daubs on the gear teeth are a humorous hint at the price to be paid by people who refuse to learn about the details, the inner-workings and the mechanics of the world.
