After asking Can I make Myself a Better Person? I have decided on a better statement "I can be good to myself."
All that is required here, is that I pay careful attention to my body. If other people don't like me (for whatever reason) that might be important - or it might not.
When I don't buy something I want, if tell myself its ok, and it is ok - I feel fine.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Can I Make Myself a Better Person?
Can anyone do this?
Can any society do this?
The answer, for most people, seems to be "Not really. Superficial changes are certainly possible (we make them all the time) but fundamental changes, that change who we are, are not likely or desirable."
This last attitude, that change is not desirable. is fundamental in itself. And will determine what we are, and will become.
But let's look at this more carefully. In America, in the Fifties, we were convinced that anything was possible - the sky was the limit. The result was a booming economy. and people who could easily go to college.
This did not last, however. We lost faith in ourselves and concentrated on our things instead. Making better things was easy - making better people was hard,
We went for the easy stuff.
Can any society do this?
The answer, for most people, seems to be "Not really. Superficial changes are certainly possible (we make them all the time) but fundamental changes, that change who we are, are not likely or desirable."
This last attitude, that change is not desirable. is fundamental in itself. And will determine what we are, and will become.
But let's look at this more carefully. In America, in the Fifties, we were convinced that anything was possible - the sky was the limit. The result was a booming economy. and people who could easily go to college.
This did not last, however. We lost faith in ourselves and concentrated on our things instead. Making better things was easy - making better people was hard,
We went for the easy stuff.
Data and Messages
Back in the Eighties, I worked for a company that designed printed circuit boards. These were a big improvement on the old type, with wires making all the connections.
But the idea was the same - there were many connections, with the printed circuits making all the connections. The result was a multi-layer circuit board, with many connections between the layers.
Our company had a resident genius, who designed a program that would specify how to build these circuit boards. But using his program was not easy.
Our company was formed to make this easier. Using our own computer, a huge thing, in its own air-conditioned room.
It failed because a better way of doing this was found. That I will describe now.
All these many, many connections were replaced by a data bus for the data - and a message bus, carrying messages between all the components. There was a master clock that kept everything synchronized.
The hardware was now much simpler (only a one layer circuit board) and software improvements (in the Operating Systems, such as Microsoft's Windows) made this possible.
The components were also improving rapidly, with many of the external connections now made internally.
We were off to the races! And the boom of the Nineties.
But the idea was the same - there were many connections, with the printed circuits making all the connections. The result was a multi-layer circuit board, with many connections between the layers.
Our company had a resident genius, who designed a program that would specify how to build these circuit boards. But using his program was not easy.
Our company was formed to make this easier. Using our own computer, a huge thing, in its own air-conditioned room.
It failed because a better way of doing this was found. That I will describe now.
All these many, many connections were replaced by a data bus for the data - and a message bus, carrying messages between all the components. There was a master clock that kept everything synchronized.
The hardware was now much simpler (only a one layer circuit board) and software improvements (in the Operating Systems, such as Microsoft's Windows) made this possible.
The components were also improving rapidly, with many of the external connections now made internally.
We were off to the races! And the boom of the Nineties.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Working and Growing
These are two different activities.
I greatly admire all the people who are working away, making all the useful things in my life. They have saved my life more than once. They are at their best in emergency situations.
But do not do so well in ordinary situations, where they can concentrate on improving themselves, instead.
I wonder if they feel there is something basically wrong with them, they cannot fix. So they fix other things, instead.
I greatly admire all the people who are working away, making all the useful things in my life. They have saved my life more than once. They are at their best in emergency situations.
But do not do so well in ordinary situations, where they can concentrate on improving themselves, instead.
I wonder if they feel there is something basically wrong with them, they cannot fix. So they fix other things, instead.
Finding Myself
This is my purpose in life, and I can subordinate everything else in my life to this.
Most people, however. have the opposite purpose in life - they do not want to discover who they are. and do not want to learn anything. Strange!
I am reading Finding Dorothy now, about one woman's process of finding Dorothy in her husband's book The Wizard of Oz.
I am also learning Software Development, and finding the same thing going on there. Some software companies want to help me find myself, and some do not!
Most people, however. have the opposite purpose in life - they do not want to discover who they are. and do not want to learn anything. Strange!
I am reading Finding Dorothy now, about one woman's process of finding Dorothy in her husband's book The Wizard of Oz.
I am also learning Software Development, and finding the same thing going on there. Some software companies want to help me find myself, and some do not!
Diderot and the Art of Thinking Freely
The great Enlightenment impresario Denis Diderot was once a pornographer, pamphleteer, and prisoner.
This is a long online article from the New Yorker Magazine, but one that kept my attention.
We are All Crazy
I wish I could start this posting on a more positive note. But now I have given it some thought, perhaps it is not so pessimistic after all.
The most important thing in our lives is other people. And we all have the same advantages and disadvantages. We are all crazy, but crazy in different ways. Am I coming through?
Let me shift the focus slightly, and focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Here it is clear that we are crazy, but this craziness is giving us huge benefits.
All we have to do now is figure out what those benefits are. Does that sound crazy?
The most important thing in our lives is other people. And we all have the same advantages and disadvantages. We are all crazy, but crazy in different ways. Am I coming through?
Let me shift the focus slightly, and focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Here it is clear that we are crazy, but this craziness is giving us huge benefits.
All we have to do now is figure out what those benefits are. Does that sound crazy?
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
The Taliban is many Organizations
I probably should not be blogging about something I know so little about.
But something has been known about warfare forever - know the enemy!
Now that we are trying to get out of Afghanistan, this is the right time to understand what we are trying to get out of.
I am assuming we want to leave Afghanistan, and give it back to the people who live there - that we refer to as the Taliban. And I am assuming (correctly, I am sure) that these people are composed of many different groups. fighting among themselves for power over their many tiny territories.
We do not know (or need to know) who these groups are - we just want to get out as easily as possible.
We are not going to get out for free - we will have to give them enough weapons to keep them fighting each other indefinitely. And to keep the Russians (their next-door neighbors) from taking over again,
This means keeping some people there, who can keep the situation stabilized, This is easy to say, but impossible to perform.
But something has been known about warfare forever - know the enemy!
Now that we are trying to get out of Afghanistan, this is the right time to understand what we are trying to get out of.
I am assuming we want to leave Afghanistan, and give it back to the people who live there - that we refer to as the Taliban. And I am assuming (correctly, I am sure) that these people are composed of many different groups. fighting among themselves for power over their many tiny territories.
We do not know (or need to know) who these groups are - we just want to get out as easily as possible.
We are not going to get out for free - we will have to give them enough weapons to keep them fighting each other indefinitely. And to keep the Russians (their next-door neighbors) from taking over again,
This means keeping some people there, who can keep the situation stabilized, This is easy to say, but impossible to perform.
Mobile Phone Generations
Wikipedia
Everyone has a Phone and everyone wants the best, even if they don't know what that amounts to!
This Wiki article will explain this situation, to those brave enough to read it.
Everyone has a Phone and everyone wants the best, even if they don't know what that amounts to!
This Wiki article will explain this situation, to those brave enough to read it.
What do we Think of Ourselves?
This should be a question on everyone's mind, But it is not.
We are thinking about nearly everything all the time, but not this.
Because we do not want to know what we have become.
What have we become?
It takes someone with steady nerves to ask this question, and for most of us, our nerves are not too steady.
We live in times that are not too steady, and we do not want to know how unsteady they are,
Right now, as I write this, I feel the need for something to make me stronger so I can cope with this situation. Perhaps another cup of coffee.
It takes will power to force me to answer this question honestly. And say that we live in times we should not be forced to live through.
We are only human, but we are asked to be superhuman.
When we try to do this, we end up being ridiculous instead.
We are thinking about nearly everything all the time, but not this.
Because we do not want to know what we have become.
What have we become?
It takes someone with steady nerves to ask this question, and for most of us, our nerves are not too steady.
We live in times that are not too steady, and we do not want to know how unsteady they are,
Right now, as I write this, I feel the need for something to make me stronger so I can cope with this situation. Perhaps another cup of coffee.
It takes will power to force me to answer this question honestly. And say that we live in times we should not be forced to live through.
We are only human, but we are asked to be superhuman.
When we try to do this, we end up being ridiculous instead.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Mania May Be a Mental Illness in its Own Right
Scientific American
I agree. I experience eposides where I am dramatically more creative (especially in my writing) but I do not suffer from depression very much.
This is a long online article, it will take you at least 30 minutes to read it.
s
I agree. I experience eposides where I am dramatically more creative (especially in my writing) but I do not suffer from depression very much.
This is a long online article, it will take you at least 30 minutes to read it.
s
Scaling AI Startups
Matt Turck
The Computer and its networks, the Internet and the Cellular have created a Virtual Reality that we do not know how to navigate yet.
This is not for lack of people who know what is going on (such as this guy) but a lack of people who will listen to them.
Most people are determined to be stupid. And elect people who are stupid, like them.
The Computer and its networks, the Internet and the Cellular have created a Virtual Reality that we do not know how to navigate yet.
This is not for lack of people who know what is going on (such as this guy) but a lack of people who will listen to them.
Most people are determined to be stupid. And elect people who are stupid, like them.
Being a Good Sales Person
Being good at Sales means not being good ethically. You have to be good at deceiving the buyer - legally.
Your company will encourage you to make more sales and will promise to back you up if you end up in court. This may, or may not happen - but play it safe, instead.
Promises are cheap, lawyers cost money.
Your company will encourage you to make more sales and will promise to back you up if you end up in court. This may, or may not happen - but play it safe, instead.
Promises are cheap, lawyers cost money.
Pete Seeger and the music of Resistance
Washinton Post
When I attended the U of Illinois, in the Engineering School, in the late Fifties, Pete Seeger was scheduled to perform at a concert there. But he could not sing at the University. and had to sing at
the YMCA instead - to a much small audience.
Illinois was still conservative, even in the Engineering School, that did not accept the Digital computer, but taught a course on the Analog computer instead. The only place you will find Analog computers now is a Science museum.
That made no difference to me. I became an expert on Vacuum tubes, specializing in exotic Radars that protected us from Societ nuclear bombers, that never existed.
When I attended the U of Illinois, in the Engineering School, in the late Fifties, Pete Seeger was scheduled to perform at a concert there. But he could not sing at the University. and had to sing at
the YMCA instead - to a much small audience.
Illinois was still conservative, even in the Engineering School, that did not accept the Digital computer, but taught a course on the Analog computer instead. The only place you will find Analog computers now is a Science museum.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
“Black Panther” and the Invention of “Africa”
New Yorker Magazine
The Maison des Esclaves stands on the rocky shore of Gorée Island, off the coast of Senegal, like a great red tomb. During the years of its operation, the building served as a rendezvous point for slavers trafficking in a seemingly inexhaustible resource: Africans, whose very bodies became the wealth of white men. A portal known as the “Door of No Return,” leading to the slave ships, offered the forlorn captives a last glimpse of home, before they were sown to the wind and sold in the West. For nearly four centuries, this traffic continued, seeding the populations of the Caribbean, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Central and North America, and draining societies of their prime populations while fomenting civil conflict among them in order to more effectively cull their people. On the high seas, the vessels jettisoned bodies in such terrible numbers that the poet Amiri Baraka once wrote, “At the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean there’s a railroad made of human bones.”
The Maison des Esclaves stands on the rocky shore of Gorée Island, off the coast of Senegal, like a great red tomb. During the years of its operation, the building served as a rendezvous point for slavers trafficking in a seemingly inexhaustible resource: Africans, whose very bodies became the wealth of white men. A portal known as the “Door of No Return,” leading to the slave ships, offered the forlorn captives a last glimpse of home, before they were sown to the wind and sold in the West. For nearly four centuries, this traffic continued, seeding the populations of the Caribbean, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Central and North America, and draining societies of their prime populations while fomenting civil conflict among them in order to more effectively cull their people. On the high seas, the vessels jettisoned bodies in such terrible numbers that the poet Amiri Baraka once wrote, “At the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean there’s a railroad made of human bones.”
Sentiment Analysis
Tutorial: Use ML.NET in a sentiment analysis binary classification scenario
This sample tutorial illustrates using ML.NET to create a sentiment classifier via a .NET Core console application using C# in Visual Studio 2017.
I also purchased the Kindle version of Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments, written in 1759 - before he wrote The Wealth of Nations, in 1776. He considered his first book his finest.
To love, to Hate, to Think
These are what it means to be Human - in fact, to be.
The most disturbing development of the last 500 years, has been our decision to not be. To destroy ourselves. And to not be aware of this, at all.
Being in this situation, I have panicked. Instead of calmly noticing that not everyone is this way.
The most disturbing development of the last 500 years, has been our decision to not be. To destroy ourselves. And to not be aware of this, at all.
Being in this situation, I have panicked. Instead of calmly noticing that not everyone is this way.
What is the Meaning of Work?
TED
TED is a miracle, that most people are ignoring with all their might. They are saying, as loudly as they can "It is not there!"
Most people are saying this, but fortunately, they are not all people.
TED is a miracle, that most people are ignoring with all their might. They are saying, as loudly as they can "It is not there!"
Most people are saying this, but fortunately, they are not all people.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
The Rise of the WeWorking Class
NY Times Magazine
This op-ed is extremely well-written.
When you are reading it, you know it is saying something important - but after you read it - you cannot remember what that was.
Roll up your pant legs before you wade into it.
This op-ed is extremely well-written.
When you are reading it, you know it is saying something important - but after you read it - you cannot remember what that was.
Roll up your pant legs before you wade into it.
Living with the Existentially Handicapped
This is a long label for a common situation, that most people have, without their being aware of it. They have no social awareness (or social existence) and don't want any.
They let other forces run their lives, and are content with that.
Living with them is difficult, in fact, impossible. But I keep forgetting that and think if I try hard enough, all will be well!
They let other forces run their lives, and are content with that.
Living with them is difficult, in fact, impossible. But I keep forgetting that and think if I try hard enough, all will be well!
Friday, February 22, 2019
Addicted to the Military
The Brave Ones
This guy says it all, upfront - being a member of the American Military is not for those completely in their senses, but it is the only life for some.
Or for those who want to write about it later. If you like to read, this book will be hard to put down.
But he overlooks one thing - the military (any military) is built to destroy. Any member of any military is a criminal. And he (or she) knows it.
I knew one of these unfortunates when I was working in Silicon Valley in the Nineties. He had been in Vietnam, leading his platoon through the jungles, and witnessed plenty of atrocities on both sides.
He was suffering from PTSD, but no one in our therapy group knew what that was. We just knew he had some serious problems, that our therapist could not solve.
This guy says it all, upfront - being a member of the American Military is not for those completely in their senses, but it is the only life for some.
Or for those who want to write about it later. If you like to read, this book will be hard to put down.
But he overlooks one thing - the military (any military) is built to destroy. Any member of any military is a criminal. And he (or she) knows it.
I knew one of these unfortunates when I was working in Silicon Valley in the Nineties. He had been in Vietnam, leading his platoon through the jungles, and witnessed plenty of atrocities on both sides.
He was suffering from PTSD, but no one in our therapy group knew what that was. We just knew he had some serious problems, that our therapist could not solve.
Very Smart, and Very Stupid, at the Same Time
I am taking a course, on Deep Learning (deeplearning.ai) taught by andrew ng, who fits this description perfectly.
He has made this course so simple, I can barely keep my eyes open while watching it.
What kind of person is he? It scares me to find out. He knows a lot about very little.
He has made this course so simple, I can barely keep my eyes open while watching it.
What kind of person is he? It scares me to find out. He knows a lot about very little.
.NET Framework
Wikipedia
There are many ways to skin a cat, as my father would have said. And there are many ways to get things done in Software.
When I laid my eyes on this diagram for the .NET Framework, I knew I was onto something big. that had grabbed me by the balls, and was not letting go
All of this is documented abundantly, all I have to do now is find the time to read it.
There are many ways to skin a cat, as my father would have said. And there are many ways to get things done in Software.
When I laid my eyes on this diagram for the .NET Framework, I knew I was onto something big. that had grabbed me by the balls, and was not letting go
All of this is documented abundantly, all I have to do now is find the time to read it.
You Gotta Have a Job
I learned this in High School, and I learned it good! If you didn't have a job, you were nobody.
A job was how you made money - but more importantly, it made you like everyone else. Everyone else that mattered.
There was a long history behind this attitude, the history of Capitalism. That divided people into two types - the people that had money, and used it to make more money - and the workers they employed their factories.
In America however, Most people were farmers, and lived in the country. And stayed away from the cities, where immigrants worked in the factories and the railroads.
This division of labor broke down under the impact of a series of wars - the American Civil War, WWI, and WWII. And one more thing - the Depression, that was not a war, but in many ways, was worse than one.
WWII resulted in an affluent middle class, where everyone had a job - and it was easy to go to college, and get an even better job.
I was one of those people, with a degree in Electronic Engineering (U of Illinois,1959).
Something else appeared - the Office, a strange institution that employed a lot of people, who didn't do much, but enforced conformity rigorously!
This produced another kind of person, hard to describe, who did not really exist, but did have a job.
A job was how you made money - but more importantly, it made you like everyone else. Everyone else that mattered.
There was a long history behind this attitude, the history of Capitalism. That divided people into two types - the people that had money, and used it to make more money - and the workers they employed their factories.
In America however, Most people were farmers, and lived in the country. And stayed away from the cities, where immigrants worked in the factories and the railroads.
This division of labor broke down under the impact of a series of wars - the American Civil War, WWI, and WWII. And one more thing - the Depression, that was not a war, but in many ways, was worse than one.
WWII resulted in an affluent middle class, where everyone had a job - and it was easy to go to college, and get an even better job.
I was one of those people, with a degree in Electronic Engineering (U of Illinois,1959).
Something else appeared - the Office, a strange institution that employed a lot of people, who didn't do much, but enforced conformity rigorously!
This produced another kind of person, hard to describe, who did not really exist, but did have a job.
Most People do not Read
I am reading The Future of Capitalism. A fine book that shows how Capitalism can save itself, quite easily.
But as you know, this is not happening. Why? Because no one is reading it.
But as you know, this is not happening. Why? Because no one is reading it.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
What Bella Taught Me
Amazon
Bella is my new Espresso machine.
It is full of complicated parts, carefully put together, and sells for $40! I cannot imagine how any company can do this, but there it is, sitting on my kitchen counter.
Most people would simply use it, and give no thought to what it represents. But for me, it represents the accomplishments of the Industrial Era, that gave us so much - including a fine cup of Cappuccino coffee!
Bella is my new Espresso machine.
It is full of complicated parts, carefully put together, and sells for $40! I cannot imagine how any company can do this, but there it is, sitting on my kitchen counter.
Most people would simply use it, and give no thought to what it represents. But for me, it represents the accomplishments of the Industrial Era, that gave us so much - including a fine cup of Cappuccino coffee!
Nice People do not Ask the Wrong Questions
Nice People know intuitively what the wrong questions are - and never ask them.
When I was working in Silicon Valley in the Nineties, I was surrounded by these people, who demanded that I be like them.
I was not smart enough, to realize this is what they wanted, and I could have resisted their demands easily enough. But instead, I went crazy and moved to Costa Rica, where I have remained. Gradually recovering from Life in America.
And also learning about Artificial Intuition, also known as Deep Learning. Using my Latop computer, with the instructions provided by Coursera.
When I was working in Silicon Valley in the Nineties, I was surrounded by these people, who demanded that I be like them.
I was not smart enough, to realize this is what they wanted, and I could have resisted their demands easily enough. But instead, I went crazy and moved to Costa Rica, where I have remained. Gradually recovering from Life in America.
And also learning about Artificial Intuition, also known as Deep Learning. Using my Latop computer, with the instructions provided by Coursera.
We must Understand our Economy Better
The first step in doing this, it seems to me, is finding out what is going on there. Who has the money. and what are they doing with it?
This would involve a more elaborate census. Where the census-takers would record the value of all property, whether it belongs to individuals or organizations. And the income of the same.
Al Capone, let me remind you, was caught not paying his income tax. And every company, large and small. works hard at paying the minimum of taxes.
This is all about money - where is it, and how is it moving around? We should be able to say where it is, who owns it, and what they are doing with it.
This not being done now. Most money operates in the dark, with few knowing anything about it. And these few, the rich and the powerful, want to keep it that way.
We have to define more carefully, just what money is. This would give us a better feel for what is going on, and how to control our world.
This would involve a more elaborate census. Where the census-takers would record the value of all property, whether it belongs to individuals or organizations. And the income of the same.
Al Capone, let me remind you, was caught not paying his income tax. And every company, large and small. works hard at paying the minimum of taxes.
This is all about money - where is it, and how is it moving around? We should be able to say where it is, who owns it, and what they are doing with it.
This not being done now. Most money operates in the dark, with few knowing anything about it. And these few, the rich and the powerful, want to keep it that way.
We have to define more carefully, just what money is. This would give us a better feel for what is going on, and how to control our world.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Kirtland Safety Society
Wikipedia
This online article is about a disputed period in Mormon History and involved a bank formed by the Mormon church.
Much later, Joseph Smith's widow, Emma, gave her second husband some Kirtland Bank Notes, he sold them, and they were never seen again.
This article contains a reproduction of a 3 dollar note, with this explanation:
Bank note issued by the Kirtland Safety Society in early 1837, after its reorganization.
This online article is about a disputed period in Mormon History and involved a bank formed by the Mormon church.
Much later, Joseph Smith's widow, Emma, gave her second husband some Kirtland Bank Notes, he sold them, and they were never seen again.
This article contains a reproduction of a 3 dollar note, with this explanation:
Bank note issued by the Kirtland Safety Society in early 1837, after its reorganization.
Why The Future Doesn't Need Us
Wikipedia
Our most powerful 21st-century technologies—robotics, genetic engineering, and nanotech—are threatening to make humans an endangered species.
Our most powerful 21st-century technologies—robotics, genetic engineering, and nanotech—are threatening to make humans an endangered species.
Cappuccino with my Espresso Machine
I have finally got this working the way I want it to.
I use the Rey Selecto coffee (Rey is the brand name and Selecto the name of the blend). This inexpensive and widely available.
My machine has an attachment that produces the steam for frothing the milk in a metal cup. When this is added to the espresso coffee (also produced by steam) the result is Cappuccino coffee.
Not bad at all!
I use the Rey Selecto coffee (Rey is the brand name and Selecto the name of the blend). This inexpensive and widely available.
My machine has an attachment that produces the steam for frothing the milk in a metal cup. When this is added to the espresso coffee (also produced by steam) the result is Cappuccino coffee.
Not bad at all!
Microsoft says it has found another Russian operation targeting prominent think tanks
Washington Post
For the second time in six months, Microsoft has identified a Russian government-affiliated operation targeting prominent think tanks that have been critical of Russia, the company said in a blog post Tuesday evening.
For the second time in six months, Microsoft has identified a Russian government-affiliated operation targeting prominent think tanks that have been critical of Russia, the company said in a blog post Tuesday evening.
Several things should be noted here. This is Microsoft, the Software company - and it is solving political problems that the American government cannot.
The American people, that Abraham Lincoln bragged about, is nowhere to be seen.
The Devastating Allure of Medical Miracles
WIRED
This article is another miracle of the Computer and the Internet. That floods us with information of all kinds.
We are learning more about modern medicine (and about ourselves) but some of what we are learning is confusing. We seem to be composed of many selves - that can conflict with each other.
This article is another miracle of the Computer and the Internet. That floods us with information of all kinds.
We are learning more about modern medicine (and about ourselves) but some of what we are learning is confusing. We seem to be composed of many selves - that can conflict with each other.
Subtle Differences in Spoken Spanish
I am taking the One Month Spanish course, and it is forcing me to listen carefully to the sounds of spoken Spanish.
Both English and Spanish use the same word no - that has the same meaning in both languages. But the pronunciation is different. In Spanish, it is more emphatic, and shorter.
The pronunciation of the r sound (as contrasted with the rr sound) is also notable.
Both English and Spanish use the same word no - that has the same meaning in both languages. But the pronunciation is different. In Spanish, it is more emphatic, and shorter.
The pronunciation of the r sound (as contrasted with the rr sound) is also notable.
The Liberal-Conservative Spectrum
It's important to consider this a spectrum - range of values that can vary from one extreme to the other. But as a simplification, we can say liberals like people and conservatives do not.
And it's important to emphasize that the conservative values here are American, not British. These are two similar, but different cultures.
In America, conservatives do not want to analyze themselves, to determine just what they are. This is one of their important attitudes. They are not socially aware (of themselves, or anyone else) and are determined to stay that way.
The American social complex (to give it a fancy name) includes attitudes acquired from Industrialization, a complex process that created both wealth and poverty. And which we (conservatives and liberals) have never understood very well. And do not want to understand very well.
Also, to make one more point, in America conservatives usually belong to the Republican party.
And it's important to emphasize that the conservative values here are American, not British. These are two similar, but different cultures.
In America, conservatives do not want to analyze themselves, to determine just what they are. This is one of their important attitudes. They are not socially aware (of themselves, or anyone else) and are determined to stay that way.
The American social complex (to give it a fancy name) includes attitudes acquired from Industrialization, a complex process that created both wealth and poverty. And which we (conservatives and liberals) have never understood very well. And do not want to understand very well.
Also, to make one more point, in America conservatives usually belong to the Republican party.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
A_ and the Learning of Spanish
I want to preserve the secrecy of the people I write about in the blog, so I am referring to him as A_.
He is an American living in Orosi I met yesterday when I went to buy a chicken burger of their own making. It's delicious! I know enough Spanish and they know enough English, so making this purchase was easy.
A_ watched this going on, but it made him uneasy. He kept repeating the same instructions in English. He seems to feel, if he keeps using his English - everyone down here will start learning English also!
He is an American living in Orosi I met yesterday when I went to buy a chicken burger of their own making. It's delicious! I know enough Spanish and they know enough English, so making this purchase was easy.
A_ watched this going on, but it made him uneasy. He kept repeating the same instructions in English. He seems to feel, if he keeps using his English - everyone down here will start learning English also!
Some People
I have mentioned these so frequently in my postings, it's about time they got a posting of their own.
Some people are a recent invention, made possible by the social media, that was made possible by the Internet, that was made possible by the Computer. Nuf said?
It occurred to these people that they had a new identity, which indeed they had. And this new identity had power. As this new identity, they could influence other people in ways never thought of before.
Some of these ways were beneficial - they made Wikipedia possible.
But they also made fake news possible, and the rise of Authoritarian leaders much easier,
Because everyone was watching the same TV programs. I hate to bring up Television here when I was discussing the Computer - but for some people, the Computer was an interactive Television. That delivered the data their world depended on.
Some people are a recent invention, made possible by the social media, that was made possible by the Internet, that was made possible by the Computer. Nuf said?
It occurred to these people that they had a new identity, which indeed they had. And this new identity had power. As this new identity, they could influence other people in ways never thought of before.
Some of these ways were beneficial - they made Wikipedia possible.
But they also made fake news possible, and the rise of Authoritarian leaders much easier,
Because everyone was watching the same TV programs. I hate to bring up Television here when I was discussing the Computer - but for some people, the Computer was an interactive Television. That delivered the data their world depended on.
Even Without Amazon, Tech Could Keep Gaining Ground in New York
Real User Monitoring
Site24x7
If companies can't use computers, to ask their users, if they are satisfied with their services, what can they do?
They can buy a service such as this - that will ask their users for them. And keep everyone happy.
If companies can't use computers, to ask their users, if they are satisfied with their services, what can they do?
They can buy a service such as this - that will ask their users for them. And keep everyone happy.
The Democrats haven't Got a Chance
Americans are Republicans and have been for some time. The Democrats may chalk up some local wins - but nothing big.
It makes no difference who they nominate for President he (or she) will be running a race they cannot win.
It makes no difference who they nominate for President he (or she) will be running a race they cannot win.
People don't like Talking to a Computer
I find this puzzling because I talk to mine constantly. From the moment I turn it on in the morning until I turn it off at night.
It tries to take control of my life, by showing more things than I have time for - but I can easily ignore these.
This lifestyle feels natural to me, but not to most people - who seem to have an allergic reaction to the thing, as a foreign object that intrudes on their lives.
I know how to control it, and make it serve me - but most people do not - and do not want to learn how to do this.
Most are oriented towards the past. The Industrial, Capitalistic, Market-oriented past that served them so well. And they see no reason it should not continue to do so.
They cannot realize times have changed - and they will have to change with them.
It tries to take control of my life, by showing more things than I have time for - but I can easily ignore these.
This lifestyle feels natural to me, but not to most people - who seem to have an allergic reaction to the thing, as a foreign object that intrudes on their lives.
I know how to control it, and make it serve me - but most people do not - and do not want to learn how to do this.
Most are oriented towards the past. The Industrial, Capitalistic, Market-oriented past that served them so well. And they see no reason it should not continue to do so.
They cannot realize times have changed - and they will have to change with them.
Monday, February 18, 2019
Salesmen will Always have a Job
Robots will take over many jobs, but not this one.
Companies will always need Salesmen (or Saleswomen) and will always make sure they are adequately compensated.
Without sales, they go out of business!
Companies will always need Salesmen (or Saleswomen) and will always make sure they are adequately compensated.
Without sales, they go out of business!
How Polite Latinos Are!
I am taking the One Month Spanish course, and the first lesson is about the elaborate greetings used in ordinary Spanish.
There must be several reasons for this, the most obvious being that Latin America imported its Spanish directly from Spain, in the 16th Century, and did not try to improve on it.
Even in English, people still write "Dear Sir," when this formality no longer exists in the spoken language.
And Spanish is more verbose, it uses more characters to say the same thing. English is more efficient and is preferred for business purposes. Spanish is preferred if emotions are being expressed freely.
There must be several reasons for this, the most obvious being that Latin America imported its Spanish directly from Spain, in the 16th Century, and did not try to improve on it.
Even in English, people still write "Dear Sir," when this formality no longer exists in the spoken language.
And Spanish is more verbose, it uses more characters to say the same thing. English is more efficient and is preferred for business purposes. Spanish is preferred if emotions are being expressed freely.
Defective Web Sites
Online companies (and who isn't online, nowaday's?) should be obsessed with making sure their sites worked.
But I have to tell you, this is not always the case. I have just spent too much time trying to make the New Yorker site work. This cannot be done.
I have just found another one - Foreign Affairs. it's broken and cannot be fixed.
The Grammarly site, by contrast, has gone from not working to working - overnight! Without my telling them anything!
But I have to tell you, this is not always the case. I have just spent too much time trying to make the New Yorker site work. This cannot be done.
I have just found another one - Foreign Affairs. it's broken and cannot be fixed.
The Grammarly site, by contrast, has gone from not working to working - overnight! Without my telling them anything!
Sunday, February 17, 2019
What Happens When Techno-Utopians Actually Run a Country
Wired
This is a long article - more of an online book. But it is interesting - because it covers so much ground and so many problems. But I have to ask myself - how much of this is restricted to Italy, and how much applies to the US?
It defines Techno-Utopians by citing plenty of examples.
This is a long article - more of an online book. But it is interesting - because it covers so much ground and so many problems. But I have to ask myself - how much of this is restricted to Italy, and how much applies to the US?
It defines Techno-Utopians by citing plenty of examples.
I was Not part of My Mother
And this was considered normal, for the time and place - the Midwest in the Thirties.
My Father did his best to cover up this deficiency, by producing many photographs showing what a happy family we were.
But as a matter of fact, I knew before I was born, that I was rejected by my Mother. The last time I visited her when she was dying of cancer, she made that abundantly clear.
My Father did his best to cover up this deficiency, by producing many photographs showing what a happy family we were.
But as a matter of fact, I knew before I was born, that I was rejected by my Mother. The last time I visited her when she was dying of cancer, she made that abundantly clear.
Finding Dorothy
Amazon
This book speaks to me personally. I read The Wizard of Oz. in the children's section of our local library - with its small furniture, made for young readers.
Back then, children were encouraged to become addicted to reading. And I formed an addiction that has lasted all my life.
This book speaks to me personally. I read The Wizard of Oz. in the children's section of our local library - with its small furniture, made for young readers.
Back then, children were encouraged to become addicted to reading. And I formed an addiction that has lasted all my life.
Insanity was the Normal Human Condition
Notice that I used the past tense here, insanity was the normal human condition.
We now live in another world, with its own rules - a Software world where it is possible to say, with complete assurance - this is the way it is. Insanity in this world is no longer possible.
But most people are not aware of this difference.
I could, and probably should write a book about this - or many books. Explaining this new world - and how it is different from the old world. That we had occupied for centuries.
This should be done - but will not be done. By me, or anyone else.
What will happen, sometime in the future? The people with Computer skills will have jobs - and no one else.
And I will be dead.
We now live in another world, with its own rules - a Software world where it is possible to say, with complete assurance - this is the way it is. Insanity in this world is no longer possible.
But most people are not aware of this difference.
I could, and probably should write a book about this - or many books. Explaining this new world - and how it is different from the old world. That we had occupied for centuries.
This should be done - but will not be done. By me, or anyone else.
What will happen, sometime in the future? The people with Computer skills will have jobs - and no one else.
And I will be dead.
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Joseph Smith was Crazy
His followers loved him and would follow him anywhere. But he also had many enemies and eventually, they killed him.
Some crazy people have their redeeming qualities (St. Francis of Assisi) comes to mind.
But Joseph Smith had few of those.
The man who succeeded him in the church, Brigham Young. Made the church a success.
Some crazy people have their redeeming qualities (St. Francis of Assisi) comes to mind.
But Joseph Smith had few of those.
The man who succeeded him in the church, Brigham Young. Made the church a success.
The End of the World
We have been expecting this for some time, even looking forward to it, since things had gotten so bad.
But now it has happened, we are not quite sure what to make of it.
What we should be doing, first off, is recognize that it is happening, and get adjusted to it. But this is not happening.
Instead of saying "The world as it was, has ended, thank Heavens!" We are welcoming charlatans, who promise to fix our problems if we give them control of our lives.
A new world (the Computer world) has appeared, out of nowhere, but we don't know what to make of it.
But now it has happened, we are not quite sure what to make of it.
What we should be doing, first off, is recognize that it is happening, and get adjusted to it. But this is not happening.
Instead of saying "The world as it was, has ended, thank Heavens!" We are welcoming charlatans, who promise to fix our problems if we give them control of our lives.
A new world (the Computer world) has appeared, out of nowhere, but we don't know what to make of it.
Friday, February 15, 2019
The Ft. Madison Ice Company
We have been learning about all the ice taken from the Missippi River, and shipped via the Railroads to the Big Cities.
Nothing had been said about the pollution that was also becoming common. And the fruit from California, that was being produced cheaply in large quantities.
Ft. Madison was ideally located to take advantage of this. It had an ice plant that produced pure ice, that could be loaded directly into the refrigerated fruit cars from California. These could then proceed directly to NYC, DC, and Boston.
I knew an Italian family in NYC that got a barrel of grapes every year, from which they made wine for their large family.
Grapes and wine were also produced in New York State, but could not compete with the California products!
Nothing had been said about the pollution that was also becoming common. And the fruit from California, that was being produced cheaply in large quantities.
Ft. Madison was ideally located to take advantage of this. It had an ice plant that produced pure ice, that could be loaded directly into the refrigerated fruit cars from California. These could then proceed directly to NYC, DC, and Boston.
I knew an Italian family in NYC that got a barrel of grapes every year, from which they made wine for their large family.
Grapes and wine were also produced in New York State, but could not compete with the California products!
If Everyone Else is Doing It
If everyone else is doing it, they will be doing it also.
If everyone else is not doing it, they will not be doing it either.
If everyone else is not doing it, they will not be doing it either.
NetFlix
I have been trying this out. I have decided for $10 a month, I can keep it.
You might want to try it yourself.
You might want to try it yourself.
I do not Tweet
I also do a little programming, and I have noticed that programmers often blog, but never twit. It doesn't go with the territory.
American culture went through several phases in the last part of the last Century. And since I was an American, I went through them too.
First, I was an Electronic Engineer (U of Illinois, 1959) and made gobs of money in the Cold War, working for the American Military. This career ended when Solid State made the Vacuum Tube obsolete, shortly before the USSR became obsolete also.
Instead of rejoicing, that we had barely missed turning ourselves into radioactive waste, I had a bigger problem - I had no job!
The solution was looking me right in the face - the Computer Revolution. You probably did not hear about this, but it was making lots of jobs. Just when it was destroying the Industrial Economy. I had to switch from one economy to another - or starve!
From 1980 to 2010, hundreds of companies (and thousands of their employees) were reduced to Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft - and their employees. No one kept track of overall results, but this was a huge change.
I wish I could say America got better, as a result. But all I can say was that I got out - and moved to Costa Rica.
American culture went through several phases in the last part of the last Century. And since I was an American, I went through them too.
First, I was an Electronic Engineer (U of Illinois, 1959) and made gobs of money in the Cold War, working for the American Military. This career ended when Solid State made the Vacuum Tube obsolete, shortly before the USSR became obsolete also.
Instead of rejoicing, that we had barely missed turning ourselves into radioactive waste, I had a bigger problem - I had no job!
The solution was looking me right in the face - the Computer Revolution. You probably did not hear about this, but it was making lots of jobs. Just when it was destroying the Industrial Economy. I had to switch from one economy to another - or starve!
From 1980 to 2010, hundreds of companies (and thousands of their employees) were reduced to Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft - and their employees. No one kept track of overall results, but this was a huge change.
I wish I could say America got better, as a result. But all I can say was that I got out - and moved to Costa Rica.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Successful Software
Is software that works easily with other software. And the more software it works easily with, the better.
Successful software gets developed in groups. And the larger those groups are, the better off each member of that group is.
The advertising for Microsoft's Cloud, Azure - makes this point over and over. And it is getting more and more successful.
Successful software gets developed in groups. And the larger those groups are, the better off each member of that group is.
The advertising for Microsoft's Cloud, Azure - makes this point over and over. And it is getting more and more successful.
Life Keeps Telling me the Same Thing, Over and Over
I cannot be understood.
People will keep trying to understand me, that is part of being human. But they will always be frustrated. That is also part of being human.
Except sometimes it does not work that way. I am trying to learn Deep Learning, and I have suffered through lesson after lesson - learning nothing. All of a sudden Andrew Ng, the instructor, starts talking about Gradient Descent and everything makes sense.
I have the unmistakable feeling I have learned something important. Am I wrong?
People will keep trying to understand me, that is part of being human. But they will always be frustrated. That is also part of being human.
Except sometimes it does not work that way. I am trying to learn Deep Learning, and I have suffered through lesson after lesson - learning nothing. All of a sudden Andrew Ng, the instructor, starts talking about Gradient Descent and everything makes sense.
I have the unmistakable feeling I have learned something important. Am I wrong?
The U.S. is in a crisis of love
Washington Post
I have noticed many people (especially young people) are more interested in their Phones than the opposite sex.
This article goes into this in more detail. And emphasizes the importance of fear in today's world.
I have noticed many people (especially young people) are more interested in their Phones than the opposite sex.
This article goes into this in more detail. And emphasizes the importance of fear in today's world.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
My New Espresso Machine
Amazon
Every espresso machine uses steam to make its coffee. The result is a more concentrated cup of coffee, that is served in smaller cups.
Every ordinary machine uses boiling hot water and is served in ordinary coffee cups.
Many coffee shops in the US, make all their coffee in espresso machines, but add hot water, to make an Americano coffee.
Steamed milk is often added to make a Cappuccino or a Latte coffee.
When I am drinking coffee (any kind of coffee) I like to drink a Smirnoff beer with it. The alcohol in the beer blends nicely with the Caffeine from the coffee.
Every espresso machine uses steam to make its coffee. The result is a more concentrated cup of coffee, that is served in smaller cups.
Every ordinary machine uses boiling hot water and is served in ordinary coffee cups.
Many coffee shops in the US, make all their coffee in espresso machines, but add hot water, to make an Americano coffee.
Steamed milk is often added to make a Cappuccino or a Latte coffee.
When I am drinking coffee (any kind of coffee) I like to drink a Smirnoff beer with it. The alcohol in the beer blends nicely with the Caffeine from the coffee.
Logistic Regression cost function
Coursera
I am taking a MOOC on Neural Networks and Deep Learning - and I am way over my depth.
But I am not giving up - maybe this difficulty is only temporary, and caused by the instructor trying to cram too much into my feeble mind.
He is very intelligent, but not the proper instructor for me.
I am taking a MOOC on Neural Networks and Deep Learning - and I am way over my depth.
But I am not giving up - maybe this difficulty is only temporary, and caused by the instructor trying to cram too much into my feeble mind.
He is very intelligent, but not the proper instructor for me.
Better Together: Humanity + Machine Learning
Frank Chen
There is so much hype about Artifical Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) - that much of the good stuff gets buried in the noise.
This is good stuff, and I want to help it out, by putting it in my blog - where a few more people will read it.
This is a video so you won't have to read anything - just relax and let this information go straight into your brain.
There is so much hype about Artifical Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) - that much of the good stuff gets buried in the noise.
This is good stuff, and I want to help it out, by putting it in my blog - where a few more people will read it.
This is a video so you won't have to read anything - just relax and let this information go straight into your brain.
People Don't Want to be Smart
People want whatever makes them feel good. And sometimes they can feel good. by being stupid.
I do not understand the process that produces these results. But I can see these results easily.
People delight in showing others how stupid they can be. President Trump does this frequently, and most Americans approve of his behavior.
Most People comprise approximately 80 percent of the population. And are in control of any democracy.
That is why every successful government has kept the urge for democracy under control.
The French Revolution did not do this, while the American Revolution (especially after the Constitutional Convention) did.
The American government, at the present time, is paralyzed - and cannot get much done.
Because it is stupid.
I do not understand the process that produces these results. But I can see these results easily.
People delight in showing others how stupid they can be. President Trump does this frequently, and most Americans approve of his behavior.
Most People comprise approximately 80 percent of the population. And are in control of any democracy.
That is why every successful government has kept the urge for democracy under control.
The French Revolution did not do this, while the American Revolution (especially after the Constitutional Convention) did.
The American government, at the present time, is paralyzed - and cannot get much done.
Because it is stupid.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Scared of Computers
If you aren't scared of these things, you should be. They have changed the world, and not necessarily for the better.
When I first started learning to programme, I could see it was the perfect writing tool, and
I took it up naturally. In fact. instead of becoming a programmer, I became a technical writer,
This seemed like a good idea, but I soon learned computer companies wanted writing that made them look good - not writing that explained their products. And their products were usually of low quality.
This was the first thirty years they were around - 1980-2010. The hundreds of computer companies, in the beginning, were soon reduced to Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft.
The quality of their hardware and their software improved enormously. Computer networks appeared - the Internet and the Cellular. And the Phone, that could do almost everything a Laptop could - in a size you could stick in your hip pocket.
This was good, no question about it. But too much of a good thing, as we soon found out. Instead of being our servant, it became our master.
People lost their ability to think for themselves and let their computers do their thinking for them. Dictators found this new arrangement much to their liking - and they flourished,
When I first started learning to programme, I could see it was the perfect writing tool, and
I took it up naturally. In fact. instead of becoming a programmer, I became a technical writer,
This seemed like a good idea, but I soon learned computer companies wanted writing that made them look good - not writing that explained their products. And their products were usually of low quality.
This was the first thirty years they were around - 1980-2010. The hundreds of computer companies, in the beginning, were soon reduced to Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft.
The quality of their hardware and their software improved enormously. Computer networks appeared - the Internet and the Cellular. And the Phone, that could do almost everything a Laptop could - in a size you could stick in your hip pocket.
This was good, no question about it. But too much of a good thing, as we soon found out. Instead of being our servant, it became our master.
People lost their ability to think for themselves and let their computers do their thinking for them. Dictators found this new arrangement much to their liking - and they flourished,
Monday, February 11, 2019
Buying the American Presidency Was the Best Investment Russia Ever Made
Eudaimonia
How did this get into my inbox, and from there into my blog? I don't remember, but that doesn't matter - it got here, and that is all that matters.
Hidden forces are pushing all this online stuff around, and we have no idea why, or how it is doing it.
All we can do is hope for the better. in the same way, as we used to trust God.
So far, this hasn't worked too badly.
How did this get into my inbox, and from there into my blog? I don't remember, but that doesn't matter - it got here, and that is all that matters.
Hidden forces are pushing all this online stuff around, and we have no idea why, or how it is doing it.
All we can do is hope for the better. in the same way, as we used to trust God.
So far, this hasn't worked too badly.
The Chopper
I have been seeing his strange little bicycle around, but never took a photo of it. Yesterday, it was parked right next door, and I did get a photo.
The owner wears a t-shirt, showing he is a proud owner of the thing.
Julian of Norwich
Open Democracy
Read the bio for Veronica Mary Rolf, that is attached to this online article.
She works in New York City - that has been giving Amazon a hard time, in its decision to locate there. NYC has plenty of money already and does not want more.
You read that correctly - NYC has too much money, and doesn't want more!
Amazon will have to satisfy itself with being near the Pentagon, and Washington, DC. Which also have too much money - but want more.
Read the bio for Veronica Mary Rolf, that is attached to this online article.
She works in New York City - that has been giving Amazon a hard time, in its decision to locate there. NYC has plenty of money already and does not want more.
You read that correctly - NYC has too much money, and doesn't want more!
Amazon will have to satisfy itself with being near the Pentagon, and Washington, DC. Which also have too much money - but want more.
Insanity is Defective Thinking
People are the only beings that can become insane. And indeed, often are insane.
And are the only beings that have language, and can think, using language - in combination with their emotions.
And the only beings who became civilized - an event that included many things, including writing.
And thousands of years later - decided to give it all up, and become nothing.
This last decision was made by most people, but a few people decided to embody themselves in the Computer instead. And the Global Economy is supporting them.
We live in interesting times - when most people are unaware of this.
And are the only beings that have language, and can think, using language - in combination with their emotions.
And the only beings who became civilized - an event that included many things, including writing.
And thousands of years later - decided to give it all up, and become nothing.
This last decision was made by most people, but a few people decided to embody themselves in the Computer instead. And the Global Economy is supporting them.
We live in interesting times - when most people are unaware of this.
Sunday, February 10, 2019
The Meaning in Life
The Body Keeps the Score
I am listening to this again (I have turned on the Text to Voice feature).
He makes it clear, that we are dominated by our hormones - and trauma turns on many of them.
Any battlefield requires our troops to kill other people, without thinking about it - which is totally against human nature. Our veterans return home emotionally scarred. But receive no therapy for this;
Many of us (probably 80 percent of the population) had traumatic childhoods, and a common result of this - is that they cannot find the meaning in their life, or anyone else's life.
Computers get Smart, People get Stupid
Are these interrelated?
Yes, they are.
And more needs to be added - all computers get smarter, but only some people get stupid - people who are not involved with making computers smarter,
People who make computers smart, get smart themselves. People who do not, get their smarts taken from them, and added to those of computers.
There is a limited amount of intelligence in the world - and the world is careful where it puts it.
Yes, they are.
And more needs to be added - all computers get smarter, but only some people get stupid - people who are not involved with making computers smarter,
People who make computers smart, get smart themselves. People who do not, get their smarts taken from them, and added to those of computers.
There is a limited amount of intelligence in the world - and the world is careful where it puts it.
Charles Chu
To this, I would add - there are some problems that have no answers.
Paved Roads
I have to rely on my memory here, which is not too good. Partly because the roads in Ft. Madison, Iowa, in the Forties, were in the process of being paved.
I was born in 1936 in an inexpensive house built for Railroad workers, that has since been torn down. My parents couldn't really afford me, because of the Depression, but they had me anyway.
WWII ended the Depression, my father bought a car, and we moved one block west, to a new house, on a paved street (paved with bricks). But we still visited the older parts of town (where my father's family still lived) that were not paved - but were deeply rutted mud.
In 1947, when I was 11, we moved across the Mississippi River to my mother's home town, of Nauvoo, Illinois. All the roads there were paved, with Limestone gravel (that was cheap). There were graders, that kept the road surface flat, so cars could travel them rapidly.
Nauvoo was a fruit growing city (of 1000 people) that specialized in growing table grapes, that were shipped, on the Railroads, to the large cities of Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Grapes were also used to make Wine, and the town had some active taverns, and alcoholics (including Mayor Horton, who was a recovered alcoholic himself).
The Red Front tavern was owned by a RLDS family that employed my mother's father in a Monument (Graver Marker) business in the same building.
I was born in 1936 in an inexpensive house built for Railroad workers, that has since been torn down. My parents couldn't really afford me, because of the Depression, but they had me anyway.
WWII ended the Depression, my father bought a car, and we moved one block west, to a new house, on a paved street (paved with bricks). But we still visited the older parts of town (where my father's family still lived) that were not paved - but were deeply rutted mud.
In 1947, when I was 11, we moved across the Mississippi River to my mother's home town, of Nauvoo, Illinois. All the roads there were paved, with Limestone gravel (that was cheap). There were graders, that kept the road surface flat, so cars could travel them rapidly.
Nauvoo was a fruit growing city (of 1000 people) that specialized in growing table grapes, that were shipped, on the Railroads, to the large cities of Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Grapes were also used to make Wine, and the town had some active taverns, and alcoholics (including Mayor Horton, who was a recovered alcoholic himself).
The Red Front tavern was owned by a RLDS family that employed my mother's father in a Monument (Graver Marker) business in the same building.
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Americans Like Republicans
That's why they vote for them.
After we take note of that, we want to ask why do they vote for them? Bad question.
Because Americans are ashamed of themselves, and why they have to vote for them. But will not admit this.
After we take note of that, we want to ask why do they vote for them? Bad question.
Because Americans are ashamed of themselves, and why they have to vote for them. But will not admit this.
My Seizure
As you know, I was taken to the Regional hospital recently, because I had collapsed on a sidewalk. I could not walk or talk, but I was able to answer their questions, in English, by the time I got to the hospital. This took awhile.
First, Ray got me into his car, took me to the local clinic, put me in a wheelchair, and they went through their usual process of filling out the forms in my folder. But then the Ambulance arrived (finally!) they made me sit on a seat in the middle of the vehicle. Off we went, to the hospital in Cartago.
Ray showed up at the hospital, soon afterward, and had some long talks with the hospital staff, in Spanish. They decided I had a Seizure, and that analysis seemed to make them feel better.
When I got home, and thought things over - I realized they had no idea what caused this Seizure, or how to prevent another one in the future.
I did notice I was prone to Vertigo, and had to walk carefully. But I thought if I was careful, and didn't overdo it - I would be alright. And so far, I have been.
First, Ray got me into his car, took me to the local clinic, put me in a wheelchair, and they went through their usual process of filling out the forms in my folder. But then the Ambulance arrived (finally!) they made me sit on a seat in the middle of the vehicle. Off we went, to the hospital in Cartago.
Ray showed up at the hospital, soon afterward, and had some long talks with the hospital staff, in Spanish. They decided I had a Seizure, and that analysis seemed to make them feel better.
When I got home, and thought things over - I realized they had no idea what caused this Seizure, or how to prevent another one in the future.
I did notice I was prone to Vertigo, and had to walk carefully. But I thought if I was careful, and didn't overdo it - I would be alright. And so far, I have been.
The Human Mind is Defective
But the American Mind is so defective, I wonder if it even exists, or if Americans want one.
The contrast between their Political minds and their Computer minds could not be more extreme. And the rest of the world seems to be following their lead.
What the hell is going on?
It seems to me, they have observed, correctly, that life has become difficult - but instead of becoming smarter, to cope with this - they have become stupider, and in fact, have ceased to exist!
And there is no way I can tell them "You have become stupid!" Because this part of their minds (the thinking mind) no longer exists.
They have minds, but their minds cannot think.
This sounds strange, I know. But I do not know a better way of explaining it.
The best way is simply observing them in action - and forming your own explanation.
The contrast between their Political minds and their Computer minds could not be more extreme. And the rest of the world seems to be following their lead.
What the hell is going on?
It seems to me, they have observed, correctly, that life has become difficult - but instead of becoming smarter, to cope with this - they have become stupider, and in fact, have ceased to exist!
And there is no way I can tell them "You have become stupid!" Because this part of their minds (the thinking mind) no longer exists.
They have minds, but their minds cannot think.
This sounds strange, I know. But I do not know a better way of explaining it.
The best way is simply observing them in action - and forming your own explanation.
Friday, February 8, 2019
PhotoPad
I did a search for a free photo editor - and downloaded this.
I took a photo I made with my digital camera, of a distant volcano - and increased the contrast, to make the volcano stand out.
I can recommend it.
I took a photo I made with my digital camera, of a distant volcano - and increased the contrast, to make the volcano stand out.
I can recommend it.
Joyce Maynard’s Second Chances
New Yorker
This was a long article, but I read all of it. And I think you will too.
Good writing grabs you. and will not let you go.
This was a long article, but I read all of it. And I think you will too.
Good writing grabs you. and will not let you go.
The singularity is coming -- are you ready
YouTube
The Singularity. Some people are so exited about this, they are practically peeing in the pants over it. And this guy is one of those.
I am not so excited about it myself - but when so many smart people are excited about it. The rest of us, who are not so smart, have to pay attention to it also.
We now live in the Attention Economy, where we are forced to pay attention to what other people are paying attention to. Whether we want to or not.
The first thing you will see is an advertisement, and you will have to click to get rid of that.
The Singularity. Some people are so exited about this, they are practically peeing in the pants over it. And this guy is one of those.
I am not so excited about it myself - but when so many smart people are excited about it. The rest of us, who are not so smart, have to pay attention to it also.
We now live in the Attention Economy, where we are forced to pay attention to what other people are paying attention to. Whether we want to or not.
The first thing you will see is an advertisement, and you will have to click to get rid of that.
Computers are Not Alive
We have been bamboozled by our Computers into thinking they are alive. And they can do anything we can do, and do it better. Really!
Actually, our Computers have not done this - but our clever Software Developers (or Programmers) who have made them seem to be supernatural.
But I have to go back in time, to when the Industrial Revolution hit us - and made us stupid. You do not have to be intelligent to work in an Assembly Line. Stupid people were a better fit here, and it was not long before they became most of the population.
They became stupid, but unaware of this. And very sensitive about this - if anyone says anything about it, they get very upset.
This became the dominant motivation behind the formation of the Office. Where stupid people made their fellow-workers stupid also. Things did not look good.
But then the Computer appeared! And changed everything.
There were many software companies, in the Nineties - none of them very bright. The next twenty years, most of them went out of business - because they could not compete with the smart software companies (Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook) that appeared. These became very profitable.
An entire industry had become intelligent! And people assumed intelligence could be engineered into the tool that made this possible - the Computer.
This seemed possible with Artificial Intelligence (and its many offspring) that appeared to make the Computer intelligent. But only seemed to make it intelligent.
Most of the population had been left far behind (somewhere in the Fifties) and had no idea what was going on. A huge gap appeared between those who knew, and those that did not know.
And this gap could not be bridged.
Actually, our Computers have not done this - but our clever Software Developers (or Programmers) who have made them seem to be supernatural.
But I have to go back in time, to when the Industrial Revolution hit us - and made us stupid. You do not have to be intelligent to work in an Assembly Line. Stupid people were a better fit here, and it was not long before they became most of the population.
They became stupid, but unaware of this. And very sensitive about this - if anyone says anything about it, they get very upset.
This became the dominant motivation behind the formation of the Office. Where stupid people made their fellow-workers stupid also. Things did not look good.
But then the Computer appeared! And changed everything.
There were many software companies, in the Nineties - none of them very bright. The next twenty years, most of them went out of business - because they could not compete with the smart software companies (Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook) that appeared. These became very profitable.
An entire industry had become intelligent! And people assumed intelligence could be engineered into the tool that made this possible - the Computer.
This seemed possible with Artificial Intelligence (and its many offspring) that appeared to make the Computer intelligent. But only seemed to make it intelligent.
Most of the population had been left far behind (somewhere in the Fifties) and had no idea what was going on. A huge gap appeared between those who knew, and those that did not know.
And this gap could not be bridged.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Course in Deep Learning, taught by Andrew Ng
First watch the introductory video
He is a strange guy - over-educated, with a resume that must set some kind of record.
The $50 a month that I will be spending on this - will be money well spent.
He is a strange guy - over-educated, with a resume that must set some kind of record.
The $50 a month that I will be spending on this - will be money well spent.
We were Traumatized, as Children
I am reading The Body Keeps the Score, and I highly recommend it.
You can get the Kindle version, or the Audible book - or use the text to speech feature, that is so good, you think a person is reading it.
When I was working in Silicon Valley, in the Nineties, we had plenty of therapists. The Valley was full of them, of every kind imaginable - and new kinds were being invented every month.
We were there because we had been traumatized, and we knew it. The less fortunate didn't know this, but they were affected anyway.
Trauma effects our brain, and its hormones - and our behavior. Those close to us, are usually aware of this - but the victim is usually not.
You can get the Kindle version, or the Audible book - or use the text to speech feature, that is so good, you think a person is reading it.
When I was working in Silicon Valley, in the Nineties, we had plenty of therapists. The Valley was full of them, of every kind imaginable - and new kinds were being invented every month.
We were there because we had been traumatized, and we knew it. The less fortunate didn't know this, but they were affected anyway.
Trauma effects our brain, and its hormones - and our behavior. Those close to us, are usually aware of this - but the victim is usually not.
Know Nothing, and Proud of It
Know Nothings have been part of American history, as a search of Wikipedia will reveal.
And they are still active in today's political scene - in the US and the UK. Although they are not so explicit about their ignorance.
You have to deduce their reasoning from their behavior - that is clearly anti-intellectual.
This has been a gradual change, during the last 50 years. Back in the Fifties, it was easy to go to college, and most young people got a college degree, and a professional career. And were proud of these accomplishments.
Today, most people do not have a college degree, do not want one - and consider themselves superior to those who do have one, and to the academics who grant such degrees.
And the Rich and Powerful, do not want them to understand the world either - which is one of the benefits of being educated.
Everyone in today's world - those at the top, and those at the bottom - want people who know nothing.
And they are still active in today's political scene - in the US and the UK. Although they are not so explicit about their ignorance.
You have to deduce their reasoning from their behavior - that is clearly anti-intellectual.
This has been a gradual change, during the last 50 years. Back in the Fifties, it was easy to go to college, and most young people got a college degree, and a professional career. And were proud of these accomplishments.
Today, most people do not have a college degree, do not want one - and consider themselves superior to those who do have one, and to the academics who grant such degrees.
And the Rich and Powerful, do not want them to understand the world either - which is one of the benefits of being educated.
Everyone in today's world - those at the top, and those at the bottom - want people who know nothing.
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Complex Adaptive Reality
I am watching Russian Doll on Netflix, and I need some help understanding it. Quite a lot of help, actually, because a lot of things are going on, and they are interrelated.
To explain it, some thing like UML (Uniform Modeling Language) would have to be used, although this would not be adequate, Something that could model networks, and their many interconnections would have to be used.
Each scene in the movie contains many persons, doing different things - and somehow these are interrelated - but it is not clear to me how they are interrelated.
It might be enough to describe each important person, and the major interconnections between them.
For example she is fucking this man (with her on top). Her Phone rights, and she has to answer it.
She leaves to search for her cat (who is shown in a number of episodes) She enters a weird grocery store, where another man tries to warn her about the man she is with. She tells him to fuck off.
It takes longer to explain this, than it does to watch it.
But this is reality. It takes so long to explain our complex lives, we no longer try to explain them.
To explain it, some thing like UML (Uniform Modeling Language) would have to be used, although this would not be adequate, Something that could model networks, and their many interconnections would have to be used.
Each scene in the movie contains many persons, doing different things - and somehow these are interrelated - but it is not clear to me how they are interrelated.
It might be enough to describe each important person, and the major interconnections between them.
For example she is fucking this man (with her on top). Her Phone rights, and she has to answer it.
She leaves to search for her cat (who is shown in a number of episodes) She enters a weird grocery store, where another man tries to warn her about the man she is with. She tells him to fuck off.
It takes longer to explain this, than it does to watch it.
But this is reality. It takes so long to explain our complex lives, we no longer try to explain them.
There is No Solution to Some Problems
This simple fact is hard for many people to accept. It was certainly hard for me, and accepting it formed a major crisis in my life.
I graduated as an Electronic Engineer, from the U of Illinois, in 1959. The details here do not matter, but we were trained to solve problems, and everyone thought we could solve them - no matter what they were.
This was ridiculous, and we knew it - but they were paying us plenty of money, and who were we to turn down all that money?
We took the money, and didn't notice how badly it was affecting us, and everyone else,
This was during the Cold War, when the US and the USSR competed to see how much money they could waste on military projects. The US won, but at a terrible cost.
Because it had ignored so much - it continued to ignore its problems. Of which, there were plenty.
Americans kept telling each other "Everything is fine!" When things were not fine at all.
Instead of solving their problems, they made them impossible to solve.
I graduated as an Electronic Engineer, from the U of Illinois, in 1959. The details here do not matter, but we were trained to solve problems, and everyone thought we could solve them - no matter what they were.
This was ridiculous, and we knew it - but they were paying us plenty of money, and who were we to turn down all that money?
We took the money, and didn't notice how badly it was affecting us, and everyone else,
This was during the Cold War, when the US and the USSR competed to see how much money they could waste on military projects. The US won, but at a terrible cost.
Because it had ignored so much - it continued to ignore its problems. Of which, there were plenty.
Americans kept telling each other "Everything is fine!" When things were not fine at all.
Instead of solving their problems, they made them impossible to solve.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
A New Americanism
Foreign Affairs
This was written by Foreign Affairs, and was not put behind a paywall, so it would be more widely read.
I read it, but it took a lot of thinking. Something most Americans (and indeed, most people) are no longer capable of attempting.
This was written by Foreign Affairs, and was not put behind a paywall, so it would be more widely read.
I read it, but it took a lot of thinking. Something most Americans (and indeed, most people) are no longer capable of attempting.
Something Bad is Happening To Me
And I don't know what it is.
It is affecting my sense of balance, I have feelings of vertigo, that are most unpleasant. And even more strangely, it is affecting my bank account. I don't have as much money there, as I would like.
Today I got this article from Scientific American Why the Secrets You Keep Are Hurting You. I am sharing this secret with you, but I doubt if that will help much.
I just went to the barber shop and got a beard trim. This barber did a thorough job. even cutting the hairs inside my noise, and around the edges of my ears.
It is affecting my sense of balance, I have feelings of vertigo, that are most unpleasant. And even more strangely, it is affecting my bank account. I don't have as much money there, as I would like.
Today I got this article from Scientific American Why the Secrets You Keep Are Hurting You. I am sharing this secret with you, but I doubt if that will help much.
I just went to the barber shop and got a beard trim. This barber did a thorough job. even cutting the hairs inside my noise, and around the edges of my ears.
A Suspense Novelist’s Trail of Deceptions
New Yorker
This is a must read, that your mother would not recommend.
I had to lookup Chelsea, Manhattan in the Wiki. The area has a large LGBTQ population.
This is a must read, that your mother would not recommend.
I had to lookup Chelsea, Manhattan in the Wiki. The area has a large LGBTQ population.
Bad Feels Good
We are dealing with a reversal of values here.
A complete title would be "For Americans, being bad feels good."
They tried being good, with Obama, and didn't like it.
Once before, with LBJ, they had the Great Society and the War on Poverty. But went with Vietnam instead.
My analysis of today's situation had been "Self Destruction" and I see nothing wrong with that. But that is a process, and takes time. An identity is instantaneous, and direct. And the American identity is now "Being Bad".
But only certain kinds of badness need apply. Today's bad guys have to be computer aware. This awareness may be minimal - someone with a Phone is an acting member. Because the Computer Industry, has made a huge effort to make these people feel they are part of them. Which they are not, at all.
Who are the new Computer Elite?
Thousands of people (who are smart and well-connected) are asking themselves just that. And going to conferences frequently, in an attempt to sort the hype from the real. And buying expensive hardware and software to help them find the answers themselves.
There are no secrets here - everyone is telling everyone else, what the latest scoop (or poop) is.
I am part of this act myself. and am looking at Github. that was recently acquired by Microsoft. Many fine apps are there, begging you to use them.
This is a new world, where everything wants to be free! That people used to the old world cannot comprehend.
A complete title would be "For Americans, being bad feels good."
They tried being good, with Obama, and didn't like it.
Once before, with LBJ, they had the Great Society and the War on Poverty. But went with Vietnam instead.
My analysis of today's situation had been "Self Destruction" and I see nothing wrong with that. But that is a process, and takes time. An identity is instantaneous, and direct. And the American identity is now "Being Bad".
But only certain kinds of badness need apply. Today's bad guys have to be computer aware. This awareness may be minimal - someone with a Phone is an acting member. Because the Computer Industry, has made a huge effort to make these people feel they are part of them. Which they are not, at all.
Who are the new Computer Elite?
Thousands of people (who are smart and well-connected) are asking themselves just that. And going to conferences frequently, in an attempt to sort the hype from the real. And buying expensive hardware and software to help them find the answers themselves.
There are no secrets here - everyone is telling everyone else, what the latest scoop (or poop) is.
I am part of this act myself. and am looking at Github. that was recently acquired by Microsoft. Many fine apps are there, begging you to use them.
This is a new world, where everything wants to be free! That people used to the old world cannot comprehend.
Monday, February 4, 2019
Taking Netflix Seriously
I am watching Russian Doll on Netflix, on my Laptop. I read a review of it, and decided it was so surreal (like me) I had to get it.
Now I am watching the first episode again, looking for all the things I missed the first time.
And keeping in mind the overall philosophy of the show "Life is not easy, and sometimes you have to do it over (many times) to get it right."
The Buddha would have approved.
Now I am watching the first episode again, looking for all the things I missed the first time.
And keeping in mind the overall philosophy of the show "Life is not easy, and sometimes you have to do it over (many times) to get it right."
The Buddha would have approved.
Why Trump Won
Open Democracy
Consider that only about one-third of Americans have a four-year degree, and while progressives outnumber conservatives more than 10:1 in fields like the humanities and social sciences, in the broader society Americans are (and basically always have been) more likely to identify as conservative than liberal. When one adds in the moderates, the picture is clear: the American public is decisively to the right of most university faculty and students.
To the extent that experts and the institutions which produce them like universities seem to have a political agenda that is out of step with the will and interests of the general public, populists like Trump will be able to seize and maintain power by exploiting a growing mistrust of elites. Meanwhile, social research will increasingly be devalued and defunded.
Consider that only about one-third of Americans have a four-year degree, and while progressives outnumber conservatives more than 10:1 in fields like the humanities and social sciences, in the broader society Americans are (and basically always have been) more likely to identify as conservative than liberal. When one adds in the moderates, the picture is clear: the American public is decisively to the right of most university faculty and students.
This explanation does not explain everything, about the American situation - but it explains a lot.
Sexy but Crazy
I first started to write this article using the title Beth was Sexy - Beth being my wife of five tumultuous years. At the time, I felt this was the best part of my life, and the worst.
We were an attractive couple, and we did some interesting things together. In bed, and out of it.
She was a great backpacker, and we had a little donkey to help us with that.
But practical she was not. She destroyed everything she got her hands on. Including eventually, herself.
We were an attractive couple, and we did some interesting things together. In bed, and out of it.
She was a great backpacker, and we had a little donkey to help us with that.
But practical she was not. She destroyed everything she got her hands on. Including eventually, herself.
Evil is Real, but Not Something I have to Fight
The first part of this statement is important - Evil is Real. Most people do not believe this.
The reason for this is simple - they have decided to not notice bad things. Perhaps thinking if they don't notice them, they will go away. Or they will not exist in the first place.
Or they may use displacement - blaming bad things on others.
These two strategies can be used at the same time, and often are. Without anyone noticing how incompatible they are.
The strategy I have adopted - that evil is real, but I don't have to fight it. seems to be mine alone.
Before leaving this subject, I want to say one thing more. People who do not notice evil, are evil themselves!
Good and Evil are part of the same spectrum of human values, and people can flip from one extreme to the other, easily.
The reason for this is simple - they have decided to not notice bad things. Perhaps thinking if they don't notice them, they will go away. Or they will not exist in the first place.
Or they may use displacement - blaming bad things on others.
These two strategies can be used at the same time, and often are. Without anyone noticing how incompatible they are.
The strategy I have adopted - that evil is real, but I don't have to fight it. seems to be mine alone.
Before leaving this subject, I want to say one thing more. People who do not notice evil, are evil themselves!
Good and Evil are part of the same spectrum of human values, and people can flip from one extreme to the other, easily.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Red Bananas
Red bananas are a common ornamental plant. People do not like them because they are not sweet, and are full of seeds. But birds like them, fly off after eating them and deposit the seeds in their droppings.
This photo shoes some unripe fruits, with their red skin. And what is left, after they are eaten.
Bananas only grow in the tropics, where it never freezes.
They only do what People Like Them do
And they are incredibly sensitive in determining who these people are.
This is what people have always been like - they identify with people like them, who speak the same language, and have the same mores. Who have the same culture.
The Industrial Revolution, followed by the Computer Revolution - changed everything completely,
But people still have no difficulty determining what people are in which groups - and if they are part of them.
This is part of their Entertainment - going to Movies where Social Roles are complicated - and watching people cope with this confusion.
This is what people have always been like - they identify with people like them, who speak the same language, and have the same mores. Who have the same culture.
The Industrial Revolution, followed by the Computer Revolution - changed everything completely,
But people still have no difficulty determining what people are in which groups - and if they are part of them.
This is part of their Entertainment - going to Movies where Social Roles are complicated - and watching people cope with this confusion.
She can feel, but she cannot think
I just finished listening to Never Stop Walking
This young woman has had quite a life, and she has written about it in this book. You cannot help but feel as she did, as you listen to it.
But I cannot help but wonder, why she did not set up her family in Brazil with a bank account, and then make periodic deposits to it, from Sweden, where she now lives. This would have been a miracle for them, and provided for her mother's medical care.
She made money writing this book, and she should have given part of that to her Brazilian family.
But she did not even think of doing this, and no one suggested it to her.
This young woman has had quite a life, and she has written about it in this book. You cannot help but feel as she did, as you listen to it.
But I cannot help but wonder, why she did not set up her family in Brazil with a bank account, and then make periodic deposits to it, from Sweden, where she now lives. This would have been a miracle for them, and provided for her mother's medical care.
She made money writing this book, and she should have given part of that to her Brazilian family.
But she did not even think of doing this, and no one suggested it to her.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
More and More
This started with the discovery of Oil in Pennsylvania. Before, Oil had been taken from Whales, and the number of Wales was rapidly being depleted.
Then Oil was discovered in the ground, when they were drilling for Water. Amazing!
But this amazement did not last long. More wells were drilled, and they discovered this Oil Field was huge, reaching all the way into Vermont!
,
Ways of Refining Oil were soon found, and Gasoline was soon being made, and a lot of it!
The price of Gasoline became very low, but a new market for it was soon found - the Automobile!
Henry Ford discovered a way of making a cheap Automobile, the Model Ford!
And he paid high wages, because he wanted his workers, to buy his cars!
But most roads not suited for rapid driving in these new cars. New ways of building roads were soon developed and America became a nation devoted to its cars. Lovers soon discovered the pleasures of the back seat of a car (and the passenger seat also)!
Then Oil was discovered in the ground, when they were drilling for Water. Amazing!
But this amazement did not last long. More wells were drilled, and they discovered this Oil Field was huge, reaching all the way into Vermont!
,
Ways of Refining Oil were soon found, and Gasoline was soon being made, and a lot of it!
The price of Gasoline became very low, but a new market for it was soon found - the Automobile!
Henry Ford discovered a way of making a cheap Automobile, the Model Ford!
And he paid high wages, because he wanted his workers, to buy his cars!
But most roads not suited for rapid driving in these new cars. New ways of building roads were soon developed and America became a nation devoted to its cars. Lovers soon discovered the pleasures of the back seat of a car (and the passenger seat also)!
Russian Doll
Collider
This assumes you have Netflix, which I don't have now, but probably should have.
So much to watch! So little time!
This link takes you to bottom of the review, you will have to scroll to the top, and start reading there.
This assumes you have Netflix, which I don't have now, but probably should have.
So much to watch! So little time!
This link takes you to bottom of the review, you will have to scroll to the top, and start reading there.
Accepting People who are Nothing
The Writing is on the Wall
I have a hard time doing this, a crucial social skill in our times. Where most people are nothing, and are not aware of this. The writing is on their walls, but they cannot read it.
In our time, God would have to use Facebook, or Twitter. And would have to write in English.
I have a hard time doing this, a crucial social skill in our times. Where most people are nothing, and are not aware of this. The writing is on their walls, but they cannot read it.
In our time, God would have to use Facebook, or Twitter. And would have to write in English.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Accentuate the Positive
NY Review
This is a fine review of some important books.
But there is a problem - not many people will read it, because they do not read (or read very little). And they are not aware of this.
This is a fine review of some important books.
But there is a problem - not many people will read it, because they do not read (or read very little). And they are not aware of this.
Feeling what Other People are Like
I am deficient in this basic social skill, and I might as well admit it.
But I am certain other people (many other people) lack this skill. And don't want to admit it.
This puts both of us at a serious disadvantage. A disadvantage, that we don't seem able to overcome.
We are able to relate, but only superficially. In the Market, for example, we can function well - as buyers and sellers of our products. That might include us.
The Market made us richer, materially - but poorer, socially.
The Market was only invented a few hundred years ago, but has made a huge difference. It created rich people, and poor people. And rich countries and poor countries.
But most importantly, the inability to stabilize this income differential to a reasonable level.
.
Global Poverty has not decreased, and we cannot change this stubborn fact.
The economic situation has become part of our religious lives - which has made it even worse. My family, for example, cannot realize that Mormonism was created by economic forces. They insist it was divinely appointed, and contains eternal truths.
But I am certain other people (many other people) lack this skill. And don't want to admit it.
This puts both of us at a serious disadvantage. A disadvantage, that we don't seem able to overcome.
We are able to relate, but only superficially. In the Market, for example, we can function well - as buyers and sellers of our products. That might include us.
The Market made us richer, materially - but poorer, socially.
The Market was only invented a few hundred years ago, but has made a huge difference. It created rich people, and poor people. And rich countries and poor countries.
But most importantly, the inability to stabilize this income differential to a reasonable level.
.
Global Poverty has not decreased, and we cannot change this stubborn fact.
The economic situation has become part of our religious lives - which has made it even worse. My family, for example, cannot realize that Mormonism was created by economic forces. They insist it was divinely appointed, and contains eternal truths.
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