tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17196503084940630952024-03-20T08:12:04.445-07:00JimPintoBlogCollected writings and commentary on philosophical, business, technology and futures-related topicsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-28123471556203588002016-08-25T14:45:00.000-07:002016-08-25T14:45:07.031-07:00Blog Update<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">You’ll have noticed that I haven't published any blogs for about </span>two months. There are two reasons for this lapse:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa7LAIFOfLE/V79lSHk4B6I/AAAAAAAAB2k/-BB__331wzYShFseQF8mlg-qb3ItqPXYwCLcB/s1600/canrockiesmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa7LAIFOfLE/V79lSHk4B6I/AAAAAAAAB2k/-BB__331wzYShFseQF8mlg-qb3ItqPXYwCLcB/s200/canrockiesmap.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pgI45Y3mfz0/V79fdinhARI/AAAAAAAAB14/ji6xUfeYm3A6_kTnNrsxtaXWuaw80RdxQCLcB/s1600/canrockies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pgI45Y3mfz0/V79fdinhARI/AAAAAAAAB14/ji6xUfeYm3A6_kTnNrsxtaXWuaw80RdxQCLcB/s200/canrockies.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="s1"></span></div>
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<span class="s1">First, I was on summer vacation.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">We went on the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer, starting from Vancouver on </span>a round trip to Whistler, Quesnel, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, Kamloops and return to Vancouver. We enjoyed spectacular scenery and breath-taking views from a two level, glass domed coach with full-length windows and gourmet meals in the dining room below.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-46AgG4pLVzA/V79gv2RH_EI/AAAAAAAAB2A/qPPRkcr_aVw2Aol2LrE9gGgo9n5nYoRJACLcB/s1600/nationalparks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-46AgG4pLVzA/V79gv2RH_EI/AAAAAAAAB2A/qPPRkcr_aVw2Aol2LrE9gGgo9n5nYoRJACLcB/s200/nationalparks.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B5FI2kpYhbo/V79gaOP2fOI/AAAAAAAAB18/O1Asto4FWBE-2SRJsrEyvUqyCFpGNda9ACLcB/s1600/rushmore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B5FI2kpYhbo/V79gaOP2fOI/AAAAAAAAB18/O1Asto4FWBE-2SRJsrEyvUqyCFpGNda9ACLcB/s200/rushmore.jpg" width="174" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="s1">America’s National Park Service celebrated the centennial in August 2016. </span>After a few days back home in Carlsbad, we set off on a bus tour of the Western National Parks. Epic, rugged, and wild, the spirit of the West is at the heart of the American experience. We traveled 7 Western states to explored five national parks — Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. We witnessed some of the most magnificent settings on Earth, from the rugged faces of Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone’s volcanic hot spots, dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful. </div>
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We are back home in Carlsbad after about 4 weeks of travel. And here’s the second reason why the frequency of these blogs will change:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LT2WuC7qEAw/V79jC4VpBDI/AAAAAAAAB2M/qrUBEjTwHiAv3N_jySvgqhEFsH2QYidpACK4B/s1600/nativeamerican.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LT2WuC7qEAw/V79jC4VpBDI/AAAAAAAAB2M/qrUBEjTwHiAv3N_jySvgqhEFsH2QYidpACK4B/s200/nativeamerican.png" width="200" /></a><span class="s1">During our travels we visited Native American areas - the lands of </span>Crazy Horse, Chief Joseph, Sitting Bull, Cochise, Red Cloud. This reignited my fire to continue writing a book that has been incubating for several years: "<b>Whitefeather - A Native American becomes President of the United States".</b></div>
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<span class="s1">The 2016 political Presidential election turmoil in America demonstrates </span>that most American are tired to the old politics-as-usual dominated by big money on one side, and the rancorous campaign of a blowhard embarrassment on the other. Record numbers of Americans are seeking alternatives.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_-REfvM2es/V79jegOTaWI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/KYEHZ5md3uA3c7gm2zlKpdr6bz9MCA_rwCLcB/s1600/whitefeather.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_-REfvM2es/V79jegOTaWI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/KYEHZ5md3uA3c7gm2zlKpdr6bz9MCA_rwCLcB/s320/whitefeather.png" width="320" /></a><span class="s1">This is the backdrop for the theme of my book: Whitefeather emerges as </span>a widely popular candidate for President. I haven’t decided yet whether he will be elected in 2020 or 2024 - the story is still developing.</div>
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<span class="s1">Of course, I expect this book to be a best seller. It’ll be sold initially </span>via Amazon Kindle and eBook marketing channels till it quickly generates excitement and I'm approached by Simon & Schuster to publish a best-seller.</div>
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<span class="s1">Whatever happens, I’m excited about my new book and I'll be completely </span>absorbed till it is published. I’ll appreciate your feedback and encouragement.</div>
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<span class="s1">So, don’t expect the regular stream of Jim Pinto blogs. But, stay tuned.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07IbU5o4nn0/V79kDmvnSWI/AAAAAAAAB2c/2X5sYVvF2kMmRE0dusOGClfSd7RQZGlNQCLcB/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07IbU5o4nn0/V79kDmvnSWI/AAAAAAAAB2c/2X5sYVvF2kMmRE0dusOGClfSd7RQZGlNQCLcB/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Jim Pinto</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Carlsbad, California, </span></div>
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<span class="s1">USA</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-63917445282784373822016-06-21T10:21:00.000-07:002016-06-23T16:27:17.478-07:00Drones<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>It's
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<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nvc7Uy8k8Xs/V2lswUhKsbI/AAAAAAAAByU/RiYRm1TMC0MErKlQvJhb7g0tpPmCL7K9QCK4B/s1600/dronebee.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nvc7Uy8k8Xs/V2lswUhKsbI/AAAAAAAAByU/RiYRm1TMC0MErKlQvJhb7g0tpPmCL7K9QCK4B/s1600/dronebee.gif" /></a>The word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Drone</i> refers
to a continuous low humming sound, typically by bees or wasps. The name was
adopted for old unmanned aircraft because of the motor sounds. <sup>(1)</sup><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wih-kiQ7SaU/V2ltCTj17nI/AAAAAAAAByY/qv_GrTqDl8AWEtIft7eNlsFolG2pqDjmgCLcB/s1600/drone1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wih-kiQ7SaU/V2ltCTj17nI/AAAAAAAAByY/qv_GrTqDl8AWEtIft7eNlsFolG2pqDjmgCLcB/s200/drone1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Aviation professionals prefer the term unmanned aircraft
systems (UAS). The US Defense Department and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
adopted that name in 2005. This emphasizes the importance of other elements of
the complete system: ground control stations, data links and additional support
equipment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A decade ago there were only two groups interested in drones:
The military, which carried out surveillance missions with unmanned aircraft,
and hobbyists who flew radio-controlled planes and helicopters for fun. But
applications are growing rapidly: all levels of government are deploying them
for surveillance and military purposes; businesses are utilizing them for a
variety of different functions; hobbyists continue to find new and diverse uses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Military Drones<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Drones were first used mostly in military applications,
preferred for missions that are too dull, dirty or dangerous for humans. After 9/11,
followed by the US invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, drones rapidly became an
essential tool for the armed forces. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-da1l5JGtOtc/V2ltcca9klI/AAAAAAAAByk/bT34-lYijocmYvOtNgsNOA6raBNwQOT8ACLcB/s1600/Armed-drones1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-da1l5JGtOtc/V2ltcca9klI/AAAAAAAAByk/bT34-lYijocmYvOtNgsNOA6raBNwQOT8ACLcB/s200/Armed-drones1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Drones are used when
manned flight is considered too risky or difficult, providing round-the-clock <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eyes in the sky</i>. Each aircraft is
capable of staying aloft for up to 17 hours at a time, sending back real-time
images of activities on the ground. The first armed drones were built to get
Osama bin Laden. The first known killing by armed drones occurred in November
2001, when a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Predator</i> targeted a top
al Qaeda military commander in Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Drones are relatively inexpensive weapons that have
decimated terrorist networks via precise strikes with minimal civilian casualties.
Their use helps minimize <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">boots on the
ground </i>combat. Large unmanned surveillance drones are usually armed with
missiles. Operators in remote locations in the US (Las Vegas, Nevada) can spy
on targets thousands of miles away and destroy them with the push of a button. <sup>(2)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Opponents of drone strikes emphasize that they kill large
numbers of civilians and create more terrorists. They contend that drones violate
international law, the sovereignty of other nations, and make the horrors
of war appear as innocuous as video games.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWzBAFPafH4/V2ltvqkUqrI/AAAAAAAAByw/Sy_5QBY9mgMJvM2Mo6nBH5zf8pY0UaFeQCLcB/s1600/drone-strike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWzBAFPafH4/V2ltvqkUqrI/AAAAAAAAByw/Sy_5QBY9mgMJvM2Mo6nBH5zf8pY0UaFeQCLcB/s200/drone-strike.jpg" width="200" /></a>Although drone strikes that kill may get all the headlines, most
of the time drones are used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
In 2012, the Air Force had 65,000 – 70,000 people working to process all of the
data and footage collected from drones.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The US is far and away the leader of drone technology,
accounting for 77% of drone R&D and procurement in the coming decade.
Nevertheless, about 50-70 other countries have at least some drone capability.
China is escalating its drone program, with several types of
systems in development. Iran has also touted its program, including
the armed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ambassador of Death</i> drone,
proclaiming that its main message is “peace and friendship”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FAA Regulations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The biggest obstacle to drone usage in business is the FAA,
whose regulations tightly restrict drone flights by private companies and
government agencies (though not by individual hobbyists). The FAA objective is to
allow the safe integration of UAVs into US airspace. <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xMr65w1Bfao/V2luCbWBOmI/AAAAAAAABy8/ZcFQ9P-gg1AO_u31LO3VJ6LVuPur2BYLwCLcB/s1600/faaregs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xMr65w1Bfao/V2luCbWBOmI/AAAAAAAABy8/ZcFQ9P-gg1AO_u31LO3VJ6LVuPur2BYLwCLcB/s320/faaregs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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The FAA recognizes three main types of UAS operations:
Public (Government), Civil (Business), and Model Aircraft (Hobby or
Recreation). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many are surprised by how progressive the FAA rules are on
the business and commercial use of drones. They are in effect in 2016, with
some interim exemptions (Section 333) whereby each UAS operation is evaluated
individually. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The FAA has issued more than 3,100 commercial drone permits
to companies wanting to perform everything from aerial photography to site security
to power line inspection. Drone operators are now cleared to fly commercially
in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAKSxRZe2Ng/V2lugrLdRlI/AAAAAAAABzI/HpgdQkbrLNsI_N6suHZunDDi-SVAKN5jwCLcB/s1600/hobbydrone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAKSxRZe2Ng/V2lugrLdRlI/AAAAAAAABzI/HpgdQkbrLNsI_N6suHZunDDi-SVAKN5jwCLcB/s200/hobbydrone.jpg" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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must weigh no more than 55 pounds, must be kept within visual line of sight at
all times and must fly below 400 feet, remaining clear of obstacles. They must
remain clear of and not interfere with manned aircraft operations. They cannot fly
within 5 miles of an airport unless notifying the airport and control tower
before flying. Flying drones near people or stadiums is subject to fines for
endangering people or other aircraft. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Market Estimates<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clOXGqtZ3_s/V2lu10yeq6I/AAAAAAAABzU/1k2_Fuh0hh03xS4LanoU9xvY-hZ7R5iPwCLcB/s1600/drones-market.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clOXGqtZ3_s/V2lu10yeq6I/AAAAAAAABzU/1k2_Fuh0hh03xS4LanoU9xvY-hZ7R5iPwCLcB/s320/drones-market.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Market estimates are that the global drone market will
grow at a compound annual growth rate of 32% between 2016 and 2020 into a $6
billion industry. Precision agricultural drones are expected to have the
highest demand with an annual growth-rate of 42%. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other popular applications include law
enforcement, media production, retail, inspection, mapping services, and
education. And, there’s the burgeoning hobbyist market.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="Manufacturers"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSiPxJAgqkE/V2lvBlKNN2I/AAAAAAAABzc/tRyozha6-pA3Gc8YfCUKcwimqygaev81QCLcB/s1600/Manufacturers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSiPxJAgqkE/V2lvBlKNN2I/AAAAAAAABzc/tRyozha6-pA3Gc8YfCUKcwimqygaev81QCLcB/s200/Manufacturers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In terms of geographic growth, the demand for drones is strongest
in the Asia-Pacific region, which expects an annual growth rate of 38% in the
next several years. The top players are Chinese drone maker <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">DJI Innovations</i>, French company <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Parrot</i>, and American companies <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3D Robotics</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">PrecisionHawk</i>. <sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, drone use has expanded in commercial, scientific,
recreational and many other applications such as policing and surveillance,
aerial photography, agriculture and drone racing. Noncombatant drones now
vastly outnumber military drones, with estimates of several millions sold
annually today. There will continue to be a whole lot of drones flying around.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hobby Drones<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are toy drones, camera drones and racing drones. Over
the 2015 Christmas season more than 1 million hobby drones were sold. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A typical hobby drone is actually quite difficult to fly. Every
drone flies slightly differently – some are setup for more agile flying while
others might be geared more towards stability. Simply flying around becomes
pretty boring; drones with cameras allow remote viewing which can become very
interesting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-is0z-3n30WE/V2lvkyau1bI/AAAAAAAABzo/kjeeuZyfoGAhmBGMB-0pJbcbJat6SN9LgCLcB/s1600/spying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-is0z-3n30WE/V2lvkyau1bI/AAAAAAAABzo/kjeeuZyfoGAhmBGMB-0pJbcbJat6SN9LgCLcB/s200/spying.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some people become outraged by drone intrusions – it’s
relatively easy to fly over neighbor’s property, to view or make video
recordings from invasive vantage points. The number of drone encroachment
disputes is growing, and some intrusive drones have been shot down. The law has
not really caught up with these issues. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’d like to buy with a hobby drone, Amazon.com is a
good place to start, because they have a wide selection of many types of
drones, with customer reviews. <o:p></o:p>I fly my hobby drones, with my grandsons, from the balcony of my beach condo in Carlsbad, CA. mostly to take pictures and view the scenery.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Police & Law
Enforcement<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiS2f_MFH2o/V2lv0nKA2jI/AAAAAAAABzw/9Q9Yw8-v1Mg_pr1NKC8WAgfODUcuyDViACLcB/s1600/policedrones1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiS2f_MFH2o/V2lv0nKA2jI/AAAAAAAABzw/9Q9Yw8-v1Mg_pr1NKC8WAgfODUcuyDViACLcB/s200/policedrones1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drones provide an alternative to traditional aviation for
law enforcement agencies. Unmanned or remotely piloted aircraft are much
cheaper to own and operate than traditional fixed-wing planes and helicopters. They
are equipped with sophisticated navigation and communication equipment that
allows for safer and more reliable operations. <sup>(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uRCF56qPqM/V2lv9nbNwKI/AAAAAAAABz4/SU2g6aiGjW8lcS5qEW1GSUIy23Hn882hACLcB/s1600/policedrones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uRCF56qPqM/V2lv9nbNwKI/AAAAAAAABz4/SU2g6aiGjW8lcS5qEW1GSUIy23Hn882hACLcB/s200/policedrones.jpg" width="200" /></a>US Customs and Border
Protection agencies have flown hundreds of domestic drone missions on behalf of
other agencies, including several state and local public safety agencies. Drones
have patrolled the entire US-Mexico border for more than 5 years. They’ve started
helping the FBI, and state police departments to fight crime, and are used for
surveillance of targeted areas and helping to carry out sting operations.<br />
<br />
<b>Terrorism</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BScKMRRYFyk/V2xTPCesZXI/AAAAAAAAB1g/LslClQ4XhkEshBJ0kvuN-UJeiaQCcy6MQCLcB/s1600/drone-bomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BScKMRRYFyk/V2xTPCesZXI/AAAAAAAAB1g/LslClQ4XhkEshBJ0kvuN-UJeiaQCcy6MQCLcB/s200/drone-bomb.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Commercially available
drones have already been used in war zones for scouting enemy positions, filming
propaganda videos, and carrying explosives. But these types of drones are usually
slow, easy to shoot down, and can carry only a limited payload. The worry is
that, equipped with explosives or chemicals, they could be used virtually
anywhere for terrorist attacks on unsuspecting crowds. This demands urgent
tactical solutions. <sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">(6)</span></sup><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Business</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVo6ZtA7A3Q/V2lw9IJbuiI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/bq1BR67KfBgtZOE35zwONFojvtjRAGDYQCLcB/s1600/pizza-delivery-drones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVo6ZtA7A3Q/V2lw9IJbuiI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/bq1BR67KfBgtZOE35zwONFojvtjRAGDYQCLcB/s200/pizza-delivery-drones.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Domino’s Pizza gained attention with a video of a drone delivering a pizza. The idea is that drones could deliver to your home faster, so the pizza would still be hot, fresh and more delicious. One can imagine most pizza chains buying fleet of drones for delivery service before too long. <sup>(7)</sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BOJmR3eh_Q/V2lxHNkj6VI/AAAAAAAAB0g/oUf55qwrcOcrE_xk-M8nf8bvZFF_i8gswCLcB/s1600/farming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BOJmR3eh_Q/V2lxHNkj6VI/AAAAAAAAB0g/oUf55qwrcOcrE_xk-M8nf8bvZFF_i8gswCLcB/s200/farming.jpg" width="200" /></a>Drones are a great way for farmers to do aerial surveys of crops. They can see if their irrigation systems are working, how their plants are growing, even see if any of the plants are sick or damaged. The agility of the drone helps a lot and they sure beat walking. Similarly, there are lots of applications for drones in process plants and factories.<br />
<br />
When there are a lot of drone flying around, especially some
carrying valuable cargo, clearly there's a likelihood of people shooting at
them to bring them down. That could be anyone – kids with pellet guns looking
for target practice, or others deliberately hijacking. Up to now, businesses that
expect to use a lot of drones have not provided answers.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amazon is known for its futuristic business plans. The
company has been experimenting with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">octocopters</i>
– unmanned drones: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Amazon Prime Air</i>.
The objective is to deliver to customers within 30 minutes of ordering. This
will enhance the Prime services they already provide for millions of customers,
and increase the overall safety and efficiency. <sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwBTYMQ7Dyg/V2lwUL6RfFI/AAAAAAAAB0I/McWx90PElx0jxlkoHUoI0viEdT5YLvuJgCLcB/s1600/amazon-drones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwBTYMQ7Dyg/V2lwUL6RfFI/AAAAAAAAB0I/McWx90PElx0jxlkoHUoI0viEdT5YLvuJgCLcB/s200/amazon-drones.jpg" width="200" /></a>In April 2016, the FAA granted the company permission to
begin testing its drones. People seem to love the idea of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Prime Air</i>. Take a look at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">60
Minutes</i> video that got everyone's attention. <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My condo balcony, just off the ocean, would be an ideal
delivery location for Amazon drones. I sent Jeff Bezos an email a couple of
years ago, asking to be on the beta-test list (he always responds, albeit
through a surrogate).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know what? I
think I’ll send another email, as a reminder. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Qualcomm<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Tdl1C868IM/V2lyEftTn9I/AAAAAAAAB0s/S1IdHG7QgeEuePNacc3Yz0ejsNu_R3QugCLcB/s1600/qualcomm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Tdl1C868IM/V2lyEftTn9I/AAAAAAAAB0s/S1IdHG7QgeEuePNacc3Yz0ejsNu_R3QugCLcB/s200/qualcomm.jpg" width="200" /></a>The next generation of
Qualcomm Technologies’ drone technology was shown at this year’s 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Their <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Snapdragon</i>
Flight drone platform was shown with Snapdragon Navigator, the navigation
software that provides the intelligence to perceive objects in flight paths for
safer and more reliable navigation.<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(10)</span></span><br />
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<br />
Qualcomm’s new Drone Development Platform brings together
essential technologies for aerial robotics. This is targeted specifically for the
next generation of consumer robots and drones, and is suitable for highly
integrated, consumer-friendly UAV applications.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Internet Via Drones <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1t1QyLXA3Q/V2lyRrOIiSI/AAAAAAAAB04/BbKFaVv7LZsqQM8-zTi7Yt4Jjyi9S9ZMACLcB/s1600/Internet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1t1QyLXA3Q/V2lyRrOIiSI/AAAAAAAAB04/BbKFaVv7LZsqQM8-zTi7Yt4Jjyi9S9ZMACLcB/s200/Internet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Facebook has completed a full-size version of its
solar-powered Aquila drone, which is now being tested in the UK. The huge
robotic flier has the same wingspan as a jetliner but is lighter than a car. It
runs completely on solar-power and can remain aloft for months at a time. It is
designed to circle around in the stratosphere, using lasers to beam Internet
access to remote corners of the world. <sup>(11)</sup><span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Google is testing plans to send large floating balloons into
the stratosphere to provide Internet access to rural or remote areas, in
addition to helping people get online after major disasters. The balloons would
float at an altitude higher than air traffic or weather patterns, each providing
Internet service to an area 40 km in diameter with speed equivalent to a 3G
connection. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Drone Futures<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcZC4uetc3c/V2lykowZ6TI/AAAAAAAAB1A/3tkmxbhOUfcw5ZfWZaBYkj4wJ7zeAQbPACLcB/s1600/DroneFutures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcZC4uetc3c/V2lykowZ6TI/AAAAAAAAB1A/3tkmxbhOUfcw5ZfWZaBYkj4wJ7zeAQbPACLcB/s200/DroneFutures.jpg" width="200" /></a>2016 should bring significant changes to the drone industry.
More and more businesses are realizing that you can find incredible value in low-cost
drones (<$15,000). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Features, advantages and benefits are increasing rapidly
with new sensor technology, tighter integration, and seamless software support.
There will be significant growth of commercial drones applications helped by the
new FAA regulations and exemptions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In the next few years, seeing commercial drones flying
around will be common. FAA predicts that drones will spawn a $90 billion
industry within a decade. According to the Washington Times, there could
be 30,000 drones overhead in the US by 2020. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(12)</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> A sky full of drones will be the
new normal. Get used to it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">References<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Unmanned aerial vehicle: <a href="https://goo.gl/bvSbQH">https://goo.gl/bvSbQH</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">America’s Secret Military Empire
of Drone Bases: <a href="http://goo.gl/gPjj8v">http://goo.gl/gPjj8v</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">FAA Regulations for
Unmanned Aircraft Systems: <a href="https://goo.gl/yTYR4L">https://goo.gl/yTYR4L</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">TOP 20 Drone Company
Ranking Q1 2016: <a href="http://goo.gl/PHo2A4">http://goo.gl/PHo2A4</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Use of UAVs in law enforcement:
<a href="https://goo.gl/A1xcqE">https://goo.gl/A1xcqE</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Terrorist
Drone Attacks Are Not A Matter Of ‘If’ But ‘When’: <a href="http://goo.gl/Gp3jAT">http://goo.gl/Gp3jAT</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Domino's DomiCopter: <a href="https://goo.gl/7HpD97">https://goo.gl/7HpD97</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Amazon Reveals New Details About Drone Deliveries: <a href="http://goo.gl/VoKHUV">http://goo.gl/VoKHUV</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Amazon Prime Air: <a href="https://goo.gl/rJnxaM">https://goo.gl/rJnxaM</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Qualcomm Snapdragon Flight
at CES 2016: <a href="https://goo.gl/FrwAa6">https://goo.gl/FrwAa6</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Facebook
solar-powered drone for Internet access: <a href="https://goo.gl/UE8Gpr">https://goo.gl/UE8Gpr</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Future
of Drones: Uncertain, Promising and Pretty Awesome: <a href="http://goo.gl/OwjnQY">http://goo.gl/OwjnQY</a></li>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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..ooOOoo..</div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
USA</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-19461529722803812002016-05-29T11:13:00.002-07:002016-05-29T21:05:13.494-07:00The Singularity<div class="MsoNormal">
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<i>Singularity is a future period during which the pace of
technological change </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> will be so rapid, its impact so deep, that human life will
be irreversibly transformed.<br /> ― Ray Kurzweil, The Singularity is Near</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Originator</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jN-mkbLE4Hg/V0spv8-2cEI/AAAAAAAABvw/Tqh9Kl43OSoyLtr8hcxQKJu8UuH7PrE_wCLcB/s1600/vernorvinge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jN-mkbLE4Hg/V0spv8-2cEI/AAAAAAAABvw/Tqh9Kl43OSoyLtr8hcxQKJu8UuH7PrE_wCLcB/s200/vernorvinge.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
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Vernor Vinge is a retired San Diego State University
mathematics professor, computer scientist and science fiction author who I met
locally. In his 1993 essay <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Coming
Technological Singularity</i> he predicted that the creation of superhuman
artificial intelligence would mark the point beyond which no current models of
reality are sufficient to predict what will happen. <sup>(1)</sup> He believes
that shortly after the Singularity arrives the human era will be ended.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Vernor Vinge was the first to coin the phrase,
“Technological Singularity” to describe a future point at which technology
creates intelligences beyond human comprehension. The term is now in wide use
among futurists. Some 20 years later, he remains firm on his views about the collapse
of civilization after the Singularity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
my opinion, this is more than a little tinged with his futuristic science
fiction imagination. <sup>(2)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Principal Supporter<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tCZOUSEWh7E/V0sp9y5hHkI/AAAAAAAABv0/c0j_nqztoD0a_hcuYCTUZ-An-2KWLjNGQCLcB/s1600/kurzweil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tCZOUSEWh7E/V0sp9y5hHkI/AAAAAAAABv0/c0j_nqztoD0a_hcuYCTUZ-An-2KWLjNGQCLcB/s200/kurzweil.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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Ray Kurzweil’s is a distinguished MIT graduate, a
prizewinning author and scientist who received the National Medal of Technology&
Innovation in 1999. He has been inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame, has
received 20 honorary doctorates, has been awarded honors from three U.S.
presidents, and has authored 7 books (5 of them national bestsellers). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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About 25 years ago, Ray Kurzweil changed his job description
to "societal visionary". He became Director of Engineering of Google
in 2012, saying that his sole job is to make computers as smart as humans, with
natural language understanding. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fksnhLQrxI0/V0sqLuivPpI/AAAAAAAABv4/E3HSHIMQ4H8L3UqIYdBvCRjEx0-1t0pMwCLcB/s1600/singularity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fksnhLQrxI0/V0sqLuivPpI/AAAAAAAABv4/E3HSHIMQ4H8L3UqIYdBvCRjEx0-1t0pMwCLcB/s200/singularity.jpg" width="131" /></a>Ray Kurzweil published
two books that got me hooked on his futuristic thinking: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Age of Intelligent Machines</i> (Oct. 1990); and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Age of Spiritual Machines: When
Computers Exceed Human Intelligence. </i>(Jan. 2000)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ray Kurzweil’s 670-page tome, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology</i> was
published in 2011. <sup>(3)</sup> The book was a New York
Times bestseller and has been #1 on Amazon in both science and
philosophy. It portrays what
life will be like after the Singularity – a human-machine civilization when
human experiences shift from real to virtual reality. I got an advance copy at
a conference where Ray Kurzweil was the keynote speaker, and have been carrying
an e-copy around on my Kindle since.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Approaching
Singularity <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYXqOgDDiSA/V0sqk7JempI/AAAAAAAABwA/BrdVB0qCsjseaXgfOG22ai035ITJoBKZQCLcB/s1600/graph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYXqOgDDiSA/V0sqk7JempI/AAAAAAAABwA/BrdVB0qCsjseaXgfOG22ai035ITJoBKZQCLcB/s400/graph.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ray Kurzweil offers a framework for envisioning the
twenty-first century – an age in which the marriage of human sensitivity and
artificial intelligence fundamentally alters and improves the way we live.
Kurzweil's prophetic blueprint for the future takes us through the advances
that inexorably result in computers exceeding the memory capacity and
computational ability of the human brain by the year 2020 (with human-level
capabilities not far behind); in relationships with automated personalities who
will be our teachers, companions, and lovers; and in information fed straight
into our brains along direct neural pathways. <sup>(4)</sup></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Here's what Ray Kurzweil expects:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyRjJasp-Os/V0sq4YumzLI/AAAAAAAABwI/_2RviwQGwkYTtmi0-TMRSGzv6EQ2co3TQCLcB/s1600/singularitymovie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyRjJasp-Os/V0sq4YumzLI/AAAAAAAABwI/_2RviwQGwkYTtmi0-TMRSGzv6EQ2co3TQCLcB/s200/singularitymovie.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
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"Within
just a few decades, life as we know it will be completely different.
Non-biological intelligence will match the range and subtlety of human
intelligence. It will then speed past it because of the continuing acceleration
of information-based technologies, with the ability of machines to share their
knowledge instantly. By 2045, we'll get to a point where technical progress
will be so fast that un-enhanced human intelligence won't keep pace."</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ray Kurzweil’s movies, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Singularity</i>
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Transcendent Man</i> are different
versions of the same idea. Ray discusses a hypothetical future paradise in
which humans will become "more creative and more loving" by adding
artificial intelligence to their brains.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkf7cWvw77A/V0srJ14KKEI/AAAAAAAABwU/q5OI6cmB8osZxTHtVsrUJVYt1Dz5Qc5MACLcB/s1600/tombstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkf7cWvw77A/V0srJ14KKEI/AAAAAAAABwU/q5OI6cmB8osZxTHtVsrUJVYt1Dz5Qc5MACLcB/s200/tombstone.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Ray Kurzweil turned 68 this year (February 2016) and expects
to live forever, with his intelligence downloaded to a machine. In the
meantime, he is reprogramming his metabolism for extreme longevity by taking
about 200 pills a day. He says, "I think I'll make it through to when I
can at least back myself up."</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><b>Time Cover Story</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtldrzOhOyk/V0sraGhbuwI/AAAAAAAABwc/uHFvsEl4VtAuTaL9FuE5ONQ4nYcrRUi4gCLcB/s1600/time2045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtldrzOhOyk/V0sraGhbuwI/AAAAAAAABwc/uHFvsEl4VtAuTaL9FuE5ONQ4nYcrRUi4gCLcB/s200/time2045.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="time2045"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->In Feb 2011 the cover of
TIME magazine featured the headline: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"2045
- The Year Man Becomes Immortal"</i>. The cover-story shows Ray Kurzweil
in front of a theater showing his movie, and the article headlines the
definition of Singularity: "The moment when technological change becomes
so rapid and profound, it represents a rupture in the fabric of human
history". <sup>(5)(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
TIME's coverage of Ray Kurzweil came just a few days after <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">USA Today</i> interviewed him about the
Jeopardy match between IBM's supercomputer Watson, which won against two of the
game's human champions. The match was reminiscent of the historic chess win by
IBM's Deep Blue against world chess-champion Garry Kasporov in 1997. Years
before it happened, Kurzweil foretold that computers would defeat humans in
chess <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Possibilities</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will there be a Singularity? On one hand, it could potentially
solve most human problems, even mortality. Unshackled by human limitations,
advanced life could eventually do amazing things beyond our abilities. On the
other hand, it could destroy life, as we know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9JeohfHEWA/V0sr0Tl3SwI/AAAAAAAABwk/pZRWSpRIMC4JuSOdh8tK-HFr0B1_8XqwwCLcB/s1600/possibilities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9JeohfHEWA/V0sr0Tl3SwI/AAAAAAAABwk/pZRWSpRIMC4JuSOdh8tK-HFr0B1_8XqwwCLcB/s200/possibilities.jpg" width="200" /></a>The Singularity could be the best or worst thing ever to
happen to humanity. Yet, largely, it is shrugged off. A common argument is that
there is no scientific proof that any disaster scenarios will occur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the optimistic side, digital technologies
will diagnose diseases more accurately than doctors can, apply enormous data
sets to transform retailing, and accomplish many tasks once considered uniquely
human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some people think that the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Singularity</i> seems far-fetched. But, when I travel halfway across
the globe with ivory-tower objectivity at 40,000 feet, I keep imagining how the
world continues to accelerate through technology. I get a strange feeling that
indeed some significant transition is inevitable. It won't be a smooth shift –
more like an inflection point, a fairly rapid switch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Transhuman<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="transhuman"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUt6CrnRcw4/V0ssUSJMjDI/AAAAAAAABww/HLzlt1rIVRc-1SaLpS-sfy_D68JHcUBPgCLcB/s1600/transhuman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUt6CrnRcw4/V0ssUSJMjDI/AAAAAAAABww/HLzlt1rIVRc-1SaLpS-sfy_D68JHcUBPgCLcB/s200/transhuman.jpg" width="200" /></a>The interconnected, planet-wide
web is already more complex than a human brain and has surpassed the
20-petahertz threshold for potential intelligence. In 10 years, it will be a
thousand times more powerful. <sup>(7)</sup> So, will super intelligence emerge
on the Web? And, if it does, will it be manageable? Or, will it take charge and
manage? Already, some are predicting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">transhuman</i>
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">posthuman</i> intelligence. Can
anyone say with certainty that this cannot or will not happen?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this stage, perhaps we can only just muse about these
ideas. Before you shrug them off or completely dismiss them, please read Ray
Kurweil's book – or maybe read the first couple of chapters on Amazon.com.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Whimsical<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5xjdc759kM/V0u7ePkz_fI/AAAAAAAABxo/WFWlmPCDNHkhEbL7LrAIYJNgoFRSgzZoQCLcB/s1600/singularitarian1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I5xjdc759kM/V0u7ePkz_fI/AAAAAAAABxo/WFWlmPCDNHkhEbL7LrAIYJNgoFRSgzZoQCLcB/s200/singularitarian1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
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o:title="singularitarian"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->In
any case, you might enjoy this song, a humorous <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Singularitarian</i> version of Gilbert & Sullivan's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major
General</i> from the opera, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Pirates
of Penzance</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here's a sample of the lyrics. Below, you’ll find a link to a
YouTube video version: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I
am the very model of a Singularitarian<br />
I'm combination Transhuman, Immortalist, Extropian,<br />
Aggressively I'm changing all my body's biochemistry<br />
Because my body's heritage is obsolete genetically,<br />
I'll try to improve these patterns with optimal biology,<br />
Expand my mental faculties by merging with technology<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Economic Singularity<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was reminded of my attraction to and fascination with the
concept of the Singularity when the financial guru John Mauldin, who writes
remarkably well, brought it up recently in his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thoughts from the Frontline</i> newsletter. <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="blackhole"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBpWh3BtAC4/V0ss8TWuc2I/AAAAAAAABw8/3ieW4R6XhZggnSYuzXbU17cEU1kqsS96QCLcB/s1600/blackhole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBpWh3BtAC4/V0ss8TWuc2I/AAAAAAAABw8/3ieW4R6XhZggnSYuzXbU17cEU1kqsS96QCLcB/s200/blackhole.jpg" width="200" /></a>John writes: The black hole is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the point of no return</i> – the point at which the gravitational pull
becomes so great that nothing can escape; conventional models no longer work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Mauldin is correct to draw a parallel between the
technological singularity and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">black
hole</i> that is being approached with the current global economic situation.
An economic bubble of any type, but especially a debt bubble, can be thought of
as an emergent black hole. When the bubble gets too big and then collapses in
upon itself, it creates its own black hole with all traditional economic
modeling breaks down. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any economic theory that does not attempt to transcend the
event horizon associated with excessive debt will be incapable of offering a
viable solution to an economic crisis. Even worse, it is likely that any
proposed solution will make the crisis more severe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clearly, there’s a significant parallel between the
technological singularity, and the economic and financial black hole that has
been developing in the world. Will the two singularities occur simultaneously?
Or will one of them cause the other? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Takeover<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Google’s autonomous cars have now logged thousands of miles
on American highways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2014, a vice-chairman
of General Motors stated that self-driving cars should “hit the road soon”
because they will be safer than vehicles driven by people. <sup>(10)</sup> So,
humans won’t drive anymore – they’ll be driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clearly Governments and business could follow much the same pattern
– using machine intelligence to go beyond human capabilities and eliminate human
fallibility. How far will this develop until AI has the ability to take over?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMghFFpamRY/V0stVMwOupI/AAAAAAAABxE/N44afrL9IEQoyeVk_kw1PvJcwsq7E-mtwCLcB/s1600/takeover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMghFFpamRY/V0stVMwOupI/AAAAAAAABxE/N44afrL9IEQoyeVk_kw1PvJcwsq7E-mtwCLcB/s200/takeover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By 2020 over 6 billion people will own smart-phones, about
70% of the world’s population. In fact, total mobile subscriptions (including
Internet services) will actually number 9.2 billion by that time. Taking into
account Internet-of-things and M2M services, mobile broadband and even some
basic remaining feature phones, there will be 26 billion connected devices in
five years’ time. This is an indication of just how dominant these devices are
becoming with how people communicate with each other. <sup>(11)</sup> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beyond just making phone calls, smartphones provide GPS
directions (few use map-books anymore), keep track of appointments and
contacts, take pictures, play music, mingle via social media, and look up
everything on Google. Through the installation of apps, the list of possible
smartphone uses multiplies by tens of thousands and keeps growing longer. <sup>(12)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my view, the takeover process won’t be top-down (some
dominant science-fiction-like giant), but steady bottom-up spread into the
human psyche. Humans are already slaves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please answer the following questions. If you wish, you may
share your own views via the blog. Or, send your responses to me and I’ll
publish.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHvl5O2thhE/V0stoBmEQ0I/AAAAAAAABxM/XjhUFahCtz86TqL4KCM3EBcWNwQ6082qwCLcB/s1600/engage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHvl5O2thhE/V0stoBmEQ0I/AAAAAAAABxM/XjhUFahCtz86TqL4KCM3EBcWNwQ6082qwCLcB/s200/engage.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="_x0000_s1038" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;left:0;
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z-index:251683840'>
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o:title="engage"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Do you recognize
technology acceleration in your own life? Does it excite you? Or does it
make you uncomfortable?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Where do you think
technology is leading? Has it changed your own life?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you use a desktop?
Tablet? Smartphone? What are your major uses? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">What do YOU think
smartphones will do in 5, 10 or 20 years? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Will computers be smarter
than humans? When?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -13.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Is your
grandchild using smart gadgets today? How will he/she be using in 20
years?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you see a sudden
Singularity arriving? Or will it come creeping?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Could the Singularity be
triggered via the expected world financial collapse?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Please share your own
comments. Write a sentence or two. Or, a whole essay.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>References</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal">Vernor Vinge on the
Technological Singularity: <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://goo.gl/45ARqf">https://goo.gl/45ARqf</a></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Vernor Vinge Optimistic
About the Collapse of Civilization: <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://goo.gl/a3FfJE">http://goo.gl/a3FfJE</a><span id="goog_179889893"></span><span id="goog_179889894"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The Singularity Is Near:
When Humans Transcend Biology: <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://goo.gl/omg8bd">http://goo.gl/omg8bd</a></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">IEEE Special Report- The
Singularity: <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://goo.gl/zhkVrk">http://goo.gl/zhkVrk</a></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">TIME 2045: The Year Man
Becomes Immortal: <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://goo.gl/fLJzXu">http://goo.gl/fLJzXu</a></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Robots about to rise - Google's
new director of engineering: <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://goo.gl/UDbRdK">https://goo.gl/UDbRdK</a></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">WIRED - We Are the Web: <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://goo.gl/2zKhRo">http://goo.gl/2zKhRo</a></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Youtube video – I am the
very model of a Singularitarian: <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://goo.gl/5l0ACx">https://goo.gl/5l0ACx</a></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">John Mauldin - The
Economic Singularity: <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://goo.gl/i3jY0u">http://goo.gl/i3jY0u</a></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Self-driving cars safer
than those driven by humans: <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://goo.gl/W3ZBVC">http://goo.gl/W3ZBVC</a></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">6.1 billion Smartphone Users
Globally By 2020: <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://goo.gl/62Dp1r">http://goo.gl/62Dp1r</a></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The Benefits of Smartphone
Technology: <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://goo.gl/zx8K8H">http://goo.gl/zx8K8H</a></span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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..ooOOoo..</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHAynFZYqoo/V0suB4bSkrI/AAAAAAAABxU/TakvOykY6RMbJ9vBgob-pnw6ekgQlVHBACLcB/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tHAynFZYqoo/V0suB4bSkrI/AAAAAAAABxU/TakvOykY6RMbJ9vBgob-pnw6ekgQlVHBACLcB/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
USA</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-23580873659139471632016-05-09T09:22:00.003-07:002016-05-09T10:31:45.951-07:00Human Longevity<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0in 1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>It's paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0in 1in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>but the idea of getting old doesn't appeal to anyone. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 1.5in 0in 1in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><i>– <span style="color: #032553;">Andy Rooney</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0in 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a recent issue of his regular financial newsletter, John Mauldin wrote about the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gray Wave</i>, an insightful essay on the coming retirement crisis. This stimulated my thinking on the subject of human longevity. <sup>(1)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Population History & Projections</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWfWQGm6yUo/VzCxk8MKLTI/AAAAAAAABuA/jdx8TX0AeyA98rBsgZ1wZKiK3MsIa36dACLcB/s1600/WorldPop.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWfWQGm6yUo/VzCxk8MKLTI/AAAAAAAABuA/jdx8TX0AeyA98rBsgZ1wZKiK3MsIa36dACLcB/s200/WorldPop.gif" width="200" /></a>Global population reached 1 billion around the year 1800; the second billion took only 130 years (1930), the third billion in 30 years (1960), the fourth billion in 15 years (1975), and the fifth billion in only 13 years (1987). During the 20th century alone, the population in the world has grown from 1.65 billion to 6 billion. In 2016 it is about 7.5 billion, and future guesstimates vary.<sup> (2)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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Late-20th century acceleration in population growth was a result of modern vaccinations and medications. Other future technologies will have similar impacts. Unpredictable future events could have negative effects: wars, famines, epidemics and the like.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The highest population growth rates are in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle East. The lowest growth rates (even decline) are in Eastern Europe, Russia, China, and Japan. Total growth masks the shrinking population in much of the developed world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Population Dynamics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mi3hZeI72KE/VzCyBry1fQI/AAAAAAAABuE/Mibo4HqrfMgDRAsjN0tABotnbyEwzPIvQCLcB/s1600/dynamics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mi3hZeI72KE/VzCyBry1fQI/AAAAAAAABuE/Mibo4HqrfMgDRAsjN0tABotnbyEwzPIvQCLcB/s200/dynamics.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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Globally, the combination of falling fertility and longer lifespan means that, in the next few years, the world will have more people over age 65 than it has children under 5. <sup>(3)</sup> This means that there will be fewer younger people supporting a larger number of older people. Recognizing that children also need care, the real problem will be shortages of young and middle-aged people to support children and the elderly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For every 100 working age (20-64) people, there will be almost 80 children and retirees who will require support. Most children are going to be in Africa and Asia-Pacific, while most retirees will be in the developed world and China.<o:p></o:p></div>
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China’s one-child policy is creating an upside-down pyramid. Each worker in that generation in China will end up supporting two parents, four grandparents, and probably some of the worker’s own children, too. China does not have a Social Security program or the safety nets that have been created in the developed world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If predicted fertility trends continue, within decades most of the world will be reproducing at below-replacement rate. Total population will have to peak at some point and then begin to fall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Longer Lifespan<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDaWCBDeiAo/VzCyZTNJHJI/AAAAAAAABuM/7DAnnivmaUs-IHgLPyTMiO9IpmM1lCXtACLcB/s1600/lifespan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDaWCBDeiAo/VzCyZTNJHJI/AAAAAAAABuM/7DAnnivmaUs-IHgLPyTMiO9IpmM1lCXtACLcB/s200/lifespan.jpg" width="200" /></a>Medical advancements are adding many years to human lifespan. The rich live longer because new technologies are expensive and won’t be available to everyone. But they will spread fairly quickly. Cures for obesity, heart disease and cancer are all foreseeable within the next 10 years, with more advances over future decades.</div>
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The primary construct of most modern cultures is to prolong life. UN estimates that human life expectancy will exceed 100 years over the next century. The cover story of the February 23, 2015 issue of Time Magazine was, "<i>This baby could live to be 142 years old</i>". <sup>(4)</sup> The question arises: who would want to live that long?</div>
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The same question could have been asked in 1880, about living to 75, when life expectancy was only 40. And the same answers would be given: "Is that good?" and "Why would anyone want to live that long?" <o:p></o:p></div>
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Medical care will continue to advance steadily and life-extension technologies will continue to proliferate because it makes economic sense to keep people alive and productive as long as possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Retirement<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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For most of human history, people worked as long as they were physically able and died soon thereafter. In some parts of the world the period between no longer being able to work and dying was longer for people who had families to care for them. <sup>(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pddKihcKKk4/VzCzDkENjKI/AAAAAAAABuY/6Z8npPZSWUQg74gI6K7MSnYGRdTqLVsEwCLcB/s1600/retirement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pddKihcKKk4/VzCzDkENjKI/AAAAAAAABuY/6Z8npPZSWUQg74gI6K7MSnYGRdTqLVsEwCLcB/s200/retirement.jpg" width="200" /></a>This began to change in the 19th century when industrialized agriculture started allowing farmers to feed their families and still have food to sell. Then support for older folks was shared between families and governments; programs like Social Security were created that guaranteed some income to the retired. Businesses did the same with pension plans. People who reached retirement age could stop working and depend on a combination of 3 things: (a) their own savings or pensions; (b) government; and (c) family (mainly their children).<o:p></o:p></div>
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While still in relatively good health, many older people do not retire. With life expectancy over 100 years, they continue to work and live comfortably on savings, pensions and Social Security. Older people are enjoying better health in their later years than their parents did. They work longer simply because they can and because they enjoy it and have little else to do. Many who are fortunate enough to own a home can use it as a retirement asset, either by selling and downsizing, or by getting a reverse mortgage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Retirement problems are not just a US issue. Much of Europe and the developed world will be going through dramatic changes in their entitlement and retirement programs as budgets and debt escalate in the coming years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Retirement Crisis<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErkqdyHPwPA/VzC1QMip5RI/AAAAAAAABuw/0G7g2qc5piY9l8EpeTywL34grGM5zRl6QCLcB/s1600/crisis.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ErkqdyHPwPA/VzC1QMip5RI/AAAAAAAABuw/0G7g2qc5piY9l8EpeTywL34grGM5zRl6QCLcB/s200/crisis.png" width="200" /></a>Retirement age is rising, but not as much as life expectancy advances. Retirees need more because <sup>(6) </sup>healthcare costs are high and rising. Low interest rates reduce what retirees can earn from savings, so they must make principal withdrawals.</div>
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In the US, the average net worth of somebody between 55 and 64 is $46,000 and many realize that they don’t have enough money to retire at 65. Because they expect to live a lot longer, they typically need more than they can afford. Many are dependent primarily on Social Security and have almost nothing to fall back on. This is quite scary for those who are approaching retirement age and haven’t saved enough.</div>
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Financial problems started when interest income became virtually nothing, pensions were reduced or eliminated, savings were lost in stock market declines and expected Social Security increases stopped. Older people started to work again, to boost their income – witness the Wal-Mart greeter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">US Health Care Spending<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Consider this: 5% of the US population generates 50% of overall health care spending. 65% of medical expenses are for the elderly. In the US, health care costs today amount to 17.5% of GDP compared to 9% in 1980. Projected increases exceed GDP growth and the total will increase to almost 20% over the next decade. Many think this is collusion between health insurance and pharmaceutical companies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f997te1iDb0/VzC2VCykmzI/AAAAAAAABu8/59p5K5R4YaY-d_YjzBNxZ9irYCXYu8ReQCLcB/s1600/healthcarespending.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f997te1iDb0/VzC2VCykmzI/AAAAAAAABu8/59p5K5R4YaY-d_YjzBNxZ9irYCXYu8ReQCLcB/s400/healthcarespending.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Complications arise when health problems occur. Some elderly people may have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars just for medical treatments. At some point they are unable to work and must draw on their assets, or get family support. Without family assistance, many simply decline into poverty, or die.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some families may feel obliged to take on the costs of medical treatment for uninsured elderly relatives, which could be a considerable amount. This may extends life for only a short time. One couple went deep into debt to save a parent who died soon after. One doctor remarked cynically: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The </i>c<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">heapest patient is a dead patient.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Old Age Ailments<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hGUz7t9ZDrI/VzC2sG5nHPI/AAAAAAAABvE/NV9U1gtrXUs7KaxTCI2YkzZnD_ekZfLywCLcB/s1600/care-for-elderly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hGUz7t9ZDrI/VzC2sG5nHPI/AAAAAAAABvE/NV9U1gtrXUs7KaxTCI2YkzZnD_ekZfLywCLcB/s200/care-for-elderly.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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After the age of about 60 many diseases and infirmities come into play: Osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s – the list goes on. The incidence of all of these diseases increases rapidly with aging.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QP0p2sGUQIY/VzC20KUVYZI/AAAAAAAABvI/qdN-v8zdXwsXq5eB7qp7JmofC4NNLxFkACLcB/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QP0p2sGUQIY/VzC20KUVYZI/AAAAAAAABvI/qdN-v8zdXwsXq5eB7qp7JmofC4NNLxFkACLcB/s1600/book.jpg" /></a>In his new (2016) book: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Old Age: A Beginner’s Guide, </i><sup>(7) </sup>Michael Kinsley writes about how he is handling his own early-onset Parkinson’s disease – he was diagnosed at age 42. He writes, “Sometimes, I feel like a scout from my generation, sent out ahead to experience in my fifties what even the healthiest Boomers are going to experience in their sixties, seventies, or eighties.”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">End of Life<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTg0WNaSP0s/VzC3EsmkzBI/AAAAAAAABvM/LPcllk-O8KIeAnndXNiFeKcHea0qNWA-wCLcB/s1600/endoflife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTg0WNaSP0s/VzC3EsmkzBI/AAAAAAAABvM/LPcllk-O8KIeAnndXNiFeKcHea0qNWA-wCLcB/s200/endoflife.jpg" width="200" /></a>Aging and death are realities in every life. No insurance policy, gym membership, or super diets can fully protect anyone against a frightening, sad, depressing, or burdensome trajectory in the final days. These issues need to be considered before they eventually demand attention. <sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ezekiel J. Emanuel, an oncologist and bioethicist, wrote an article in The Atlantic, October 2014, with the title, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why I hope to die at 75</i>. Says Emanuel, when he reaches 75, he won’t actively end his life, but will stop seeking medical treatments to actively prolong it. The blunt, unsentimental humanity with which he presents his case is admirable. He was 57 when he wrote this; one wonders whether his views will change as he nears 75. <sup>(9) </sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Recognizing the problems of old age and the inevitability of death, an important question remains: When would <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> prefer to die? <sup>(10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgY_a-9vjS0/VzC3eSQDHZI/AAAAAAAABvU/70WxFv7-er4Dk7ASxjkQYhzL-Q-j-CPbgCLcB/s1600/iwashere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FgY_a-9vjS0/VzC3eSQDHZI/AAAAAAAABvU/70WxFv7-er4Dk7ASxjkQYhzL-Q-j-CPbgCLcB/s200/iwashere.jpg" width="200" /></a>Please answer the following questions for yourself. If you wish, you may share them via the blog. Or, send your responses to me, and I’ll publish on the blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">How long do you wish to live?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or more bluntly, when will your life end?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Would you like to know when (at what age) you will die? Or, would you prefer not to know in advance?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Here’s an insightful exercise. If you prefer not to answer, why?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">You are informed that you will die within a week – Sunday, at noon. Please respond to the following questions:<o:p></o:p></li>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span>What will you do immediately? Will you keep it a secret? Why?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span>Will you inform your loved ones? Anyone beyond immediate friends and family?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span>Will you stay at home? Or travel to share the news with other?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span>Do you think you’ll be able to sleep soundly? Why? Why not?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span>Will you try to lead a normal life? Still go to work? Watch TV? Go to the movies?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span>It is Saturday – you know you will die tomorrow. What will you do today?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span>Sunday morning arrives. You know you will die at noon. Will you stay in bed to wait the inevitable? Or, will you go for a walk – on the beach perhaps, or a place you enjoy? Will you go alone? Or, with someone you love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you return to bed to spend your last moments? How will you choose to make your exit?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Did this exercise make you uncomfortable? Why?<o:p></o:p></li>
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<b>References</b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">John Mauldin: Welcome to the Pale Gray Dot: <a href="http://goo.gl/gBAE2C">http://goo.gl/gBAE2C</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">US Census Bureau report, An Aging World 2015: <a href="https://goo.gl/1YWNBg">https://goo.gl/1YWNBg</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">People 65 and Older Will Outnumber Children Under 5: <a href="http://goo.gl/TTXYTN">http://goo.gl/TTXYTN</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">TIME: This Baby Could Live To Be 142 Years Old: <a href="http://goo.gl/hx4F8l">http://goo.gl/hx4F8l</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Will Baby Boomers Change the Meaning of Retirement? <a href="http://goo.gl/MmN0ru">http://goo.gl/MmN0ru</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Retirement Crisis Is Getting Worse for Average Americans: <a href="http://goo.gl/RjwPnA">http://goo.gl/RjwPnA</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Old Age: A Beginner's Guide: <a href="http://goo.gl/zYdBS4">http://goo.gl/zYdBS4</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">JimPinto blog: Death Dynamics: <a href="http://goo.gl/Jk4i98">http://goo.gl/Jk4i98</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Ezekiel J. Emanuel - Why I hope to die at 75: <a href="http://goo.gl/zWq7Mg">http://goo.gl/zWq7Mg</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Death Clock - Calculate when you’ll die: <a href="http://goo.gl/vqq7q6">http://goo.gl/vqq7q6</a><o:p></o:p></li>
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..ooOOoo..<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-51149133539475243652016-04-28T17:23:00.000-07:002016-04-30T12:46:41.537-07:00Supreme Court Screwup<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 31.5pt 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: right;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Ruth Bader Ginsburg<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i>Note: This blog was published as "Repeal Citizens United" and then the title was changed to "Supreme Court Screwup" to reflect how the law was passed in January 2010.</i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Background</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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US campaign-spending laws prohibited organizations from financing
election campaigns in the past. In 2007, the conservative lobbying group <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Citizens United</i> filed a complaint in
District Court about the constitutionality of campaign-funding restrictions.
That gave the case its <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bizarre </i>name.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hiGINAZfhs/VyKi7m1LueI/AAAAAAAABsc/_9ZfLi8N6EEleT_uReeXsUHkWLtyHlkcACLcB/s1600/citzunite.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hiGINAZfhs/VyKi7m1LueI/AAAAAAAABsc/_9ZfLi8N6EEleT_uReeXsUHkWLtyHlkcACLcB/s320/citzunite.png" width="320" /></a>In reviewing the petition, the Supreme Court decided that
rather than focus on specific instances on a case-by-case basis, it must
consider the broader issue of political speech as it relates to
the First Amendment which guarantees freedom of speech.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In January 2010, the US Supreme Court ruled 5-to-4 to allow
corporations and unions to fund political campaigns. The 4 dissenters held that
this would corrupt democracy. The winning 5 votes said that the government
could not regulate political speech by limiting election funding. <sup>(1)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The downside of the new law is that the definition of organizations
as individuals protected by the First Amendment created a loophole: Unions and small groups
of wealthy donors can exercise too much influence on elections and maintain
that influence after candidates take office. This ruling has reshaped the way
elections are conducted. We have already witnessed the takeover of American
politics by special interests. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Supreme Court
Opinions<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Supreme Court Justice Anthony M.
Kennedy’s majority opinion invited a shareholder solution, “through the
procedures of corporate democracy”. In his ivory tower, he was naïve and
mistaken; shareholders have very little power over the corporate executives who
control donations. They certainly don’t control ultra rich donors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3joeMwA474/VyKjZxWd10I/AAAAAAAABsg/mNs-njuvpeUkwEVijoNX1ol23cdQtDoVgCLcB/s1600/JPstevens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3joeMwA474/VyKjZxWd10I/AAAAAAAABsg/mNs-njuvpeUkwEVijoNX1ol23cdQtDoVgCLcB/s200/JPstevens.jpg" width="200" /></a>Justice John Paul Stevens
served in the Supreme Court for nearly thirty-five years. Before he retired in
June 2010, one of his last acts was to read aloud a summary of his scathing
dissent of he Citizens United decision. He stated repeatedly that corporations
“are not themselves the ‘We the People’ by whom and for whom our Constitution
was established.” To read the decision aloud was noteworthy; justices only do
so for cases they believe have special merit. Justice Stevens correctly
understood then that Citizens United was wrong. <sup>(2)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In an interview with the New Republic, 81-year-old
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said that the Court’s ruling she would most like to
overrule was Citizens United because “it strays so far from what our
democracy is supposed to be.” <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PACs and Super PACs<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Previously, Political Action Committees (PACs) were
organized to raise and spend money to elect and defeat candidates. Money came
from voluntary contributions and most PACs represented business, labor or
ideological interests.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNRjmOwNeKc/VyKkJ4dwsxI/AAAAAAAABsw/F7ZFe4CYpuU9D3-y8AAFsRgDyNKVp-NGQCLcB/s1600/SuperPAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNRjmOwNeKc/VyKkJ4dwsxI/AAAAAAAABsw/F7ZFe4CYpuU9D3-y8AAFsRgDyNKVp-NGQCLcB/s200/SuperPAC.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Technically known as independent expenditure-only
committees, Super PACs may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations,
unions, and individuals, and then spend unlimited sums to overtly advocate for
or against political candidates. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Unlike traditional PACs, Super PACs are prohibited from
donating money directly to political candidates, and their spending <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">must not</i> be coordinated with that of the
candidates they benefit. The result has been a deluge of cash poured into Super
PACs that are only nominally independent from the candidates they support. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Super Pac spending, known as "dark money," never
has to be publicly disclosed. Of the well over $1 billion spent in federal
elections by Super PACs since 2010, nearly 60% of the money came from just 195
individuals and their spouses. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Big Money in Politics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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After the new law was passed, political spending
skyrocketed. The 2010 elections saw a record-breaking $489 million spent by
outside groups – 450% increase over 2006. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvqNq11IX3I/VyKkXw0d5JI/AAAAAAAABs4/LtDJjZB5KgsNk-YYpJC7alU4KJGu1vPlQCLcB/s1600/bigmoney.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvqNq11IX3I/VyKkXw0d5JI/AAAAAAAABs4/LtDJjZB5KgsNk-YYpJC7alU4KJGu1vPlQCLcB/s200/bigmoney.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Super PACs emerged as a major influence in 2012 US politics.
Conservative groups, including a Super PAC led by Karl Rove and another group
backed by the Koch brothers, spent more than a billion dollars trying to take
down Barack Obama.<sup> (4)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The total price tag for the 2014 election was nearly $4
billion, the most expensive midterm election in history. It set the stage for the
2016 presidential contest that could approach double-digit billions in
spending. <sup>(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A New York Times analysis of the 2016 presidential campaigns shows
that 156 families are responsible for more than half the money raised. As of
April 27, 2016, 2,265 groups organized as Super PACs have reported total
receipts of over $700 million and total independent expenditures of over $300
million in the 2016 cycle. <sup>(6)</sup> The Sunlight Foundation reported that,
“1% of the 1% controls 28% of the political discourse in America.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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According to an analysis by U.S. PIRG Education Fund, 83.7%
of higher fundraising candidates have won their congressional primaries so far
in the 2016 election cycle. Candidates who lack the backing of mega-donors or
vast personal wealth cannot keep up with their big money rivals. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Extortion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5n9J7X8BY8A/VyKk517PyqI/AAAAAAAABtA/E41gzjEFVMQv6ypicWI7vsdOLjK9oFRgwCLcB/s1600/extortion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5n9J7X8BY8A/VyKk517PyqI/AAAAAAAABtA/E41gzjEFVMQv6ypicWI7vsdOLjK9oFRgwCLcB/s200/extortion.jpg" width="133" /></a>What goes on in
Washington is more about moneymaking than lawmaking. The fundamental purpose of
government is being lost in the quest for power and money. Nothing is sacred
under this system – political donations are extorted from every industry. In
the law’s current condition, the line is blurry between the exercise of
constitutional rights and criminal behavior. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In his new book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Extortion:
How Politicians Extract Your Money, Buy Votes, and Line Their Own Pockets</i>,
Peter Schweizer, argues that politicians have developed a new set of
legislative tactics designed to extort from wealthy businesses and compel
donors into forking over huge amounts of cash that is often funneled into
pockets of friends and families. Schweizer’s book delivers hard, documented
facts. <sup>(7)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Politics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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President Obama was an early critic of the Citizens United
ruling, calling it a "threat to democracy" and a "victory for
Wall Street and Big Business." He criticized the ruling in his 2010 State
of the Union address, saying that it would allow "special interests – including
foreign companies – to spend without limit in our elections." <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvF1ne1S4xI/VyKlLkBXV7I/AAAAAAAABtI/rB4s6tCdZMU8L9gkKRniZh2Gt09wFcFvACLcB/s1600/bigmoney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MvF1ne1S4xI/VyKlLkBXV7I/AAAAAAAABtI/rB4s6tCdZMU8L9gkKRniZh2Gt09wFcFvACLcB/s200/bigmoney.jpg" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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With Republican-backed Super PACs eclipsing them in
fund-raising, Democrats felt they were left with no other option than also to utilize
Super PACs. The 2012 presidential campaigns clearly illustrated that all the candidates
pushed the limits of campaign finance regulations. <sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders say that opposing
Citizens United should be a litmus test for the next Supreme Court justice, and
both support a constitutional amendment to overturn it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Small Donors Dominate<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></div>
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The cost of securing future donations is much lower for
candidates relying on a base of small donors. Sending out email appeals is
almost free. As the campaign drags on, candidates with databases full of
confirmed, donating supporters, can bring in money from those donors over and
over again. Internet commercials incur only the costs to post on websites,
which is much cheaper than TV advertising. Supporters can share messages
through social media. <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLjte59rm64/VyKlnlgecrI/AAAAAAAABtQ/rLgi680dTCYSwYXixPBegIiG3WsPDDepwCLcB/s1600/smalldonors.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLjte59rm64/VyKlnlgecrI/AAAAAAAABtQ/rLgi680dTCYSwYXixPBegIiG3WsPDDepwCLcB/s200/smalldonors.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the current election process proceeds, the advantage
probably goes to the candidates with a large base of small donors. Bernie
Sanders has shunned Super PACs, raising money from individual, small donors –
the well publicized, “$27 average contribution”. Bernie has shown that
candidates without deep-pocketed supporters can still compete on a relatively
even field. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A new <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Citizen Super
PAC</i> is striving to empower Americans by providing the first crowdsourcing
platform where voters can select and financially back specific ads for the
candidates, and the issues they support. Their stated aim is to enable every
citizen to have as much political influence as the 1%, without a personal
fortune and an army of lawyers. A worthy aim, but it remains to be seen whether
they will have major impact.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Constitutional
Amendment<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98GMkQR5sGs/VyKmNeGEV-I/AAAAAAAABtY/kxVeKBd-O5UpKdRC7bQq5qQLBVKtDUKBgCLcB/s1600/overturn.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98GMkQR5sGs/VyKmNeGEV-I/AAAAAAAABtY/kxVeKBd-O5UpKdRC7bQq5qQLBVKtDUKBgCLcB/s200/overturn.png" width="200" /></a>Amending the U.S. Constitution is a clear, permanent
solution to curbing the undue influence of money on our democracy. A
constitutional amendment would overturn the flawed Supreme Court decision and
restore the right to protect the government from being captured by private,
wealthy interests. Most of the American electorate truly wants <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">government of the people, by the people, and
for the people</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
President Obama has indicated his support for a
constitutional amendment to repeal Citizens United. Presidential hopefuls
Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sander, and more than 200 former and current members of
Congress have also declared their support.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiDg3txaUX8/VyKmdLulSuI/AAAAAAAABtc/YvZ584RiE0kZ-yLdYQQsRUqv9qCyylliwCLcB/s1600/anti-citizens-united.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiDg3txaUX8/VyKmdLulSuI/AAAAAAAABtc/YvZ584RiE0kZ-yLdYQQsRUqv9qCyylliwCLcB/s200/anti-citizens-united.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The American public has begun to realize that billionaires
can buy elections. Polls show there is wide discontent about the perceived
influence of big money in US politics and the growing gulf between the
countries’ very rich and very poor. <sup>(10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are signs of a pushback. Voters across party lines
overwhelmingly support a constitutional amendment to overturn the decision and
curb the influence of money in politics. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A national grassroots movement is developing. More than 5
million people have already signed petitions in support of a constitutional amendment
to overturn Citizens United. You too can join the millions of Americans who've
told their lawmakers to amend the Constitution and overturn Citizens United! <sup>(11)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Citizens United is wrong. It <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">must</i> be repealed by a constitutional amendment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3pRvTLjTtI/VyKmuWEJxUI/AAAAAAAABtk/Z4vAoHroEBQog8k3Ho2GSrniooZui4dZwCLcB/s1600/engage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3pRvTLjTtI/VyKmuWEJxUI/AAAAAAAABtk/Z4vAoHroEBQog8k3Ho2GSrniooZui4dZwCLcB/s200/engage.jpg" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please provide your own feedback, comments and suggestions.
Share our discussion by responding to these questions directly via the blog. If
you prefer, send me an email and I’ll insert your comments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">What is your view of
Citizens United? Are you for, against, or haven’t really thought about it?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Are you Republican,
Democrat or Independent? Does that affect your opinion?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Can you provide any
arguments in support of Citizens United? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Who is your preferred
candidate in the 2016 Presidential Election? Can you summarize your
reasons?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Have you signed up to
repeal Citizens United? Will you? If not, why not?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Please add your own
comments and suggestions.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>References</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Citizens United v. Federal
Election Commission: <a href="http://goo.gl/EVlbSg">http://goo.gl/EVlbSg</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Citizens United Attacks
From Justice Stevens: <a href="http://goo.gl/euhYas">http://goo.gl/euhYas</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Ruth Bader Ginsburg -
Citizens United Is the Worst Ruling: <a href="http://goo.gl/5fsq7B">http://goo.gl/5fsq7B</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Citizens United Has Changed
the Political Game? <a href="http://goo.gl/SVEZBZ">http://goo.gl/SVEZBZ</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">2012 Election Will Be
Costliest Yet: <a href="http://goo.gl/UcUo1M">http://goo.gl/UcUo1M</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Elections 2014: The Most
Expensive Midterms Ever: <a href="http://goo.gl/xOz7DP">http://goo.gl/xOz7DP</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Book - Extortion: How
Politicians Extract Your Money: <a href="http://goo.gl/SA3ttq">http://goo.gl/SA3ttq</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Which Presidential
Candidates Are Winning Money Race: <a href="http://goo.gl/0S5Ai2">http://goo.gl/0S5Ai2</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Campaign Donation Limits
Are Irrelevant: <a href="http://goo.gl/s6c05f">http://goo.gl/s6c05f</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">U.S. billionaires may not
be able to buy the 2016 election: <a href="http://goo.gl/eBwMnO">http://goo.gl/eBwMnO</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Signup to overturn
Citizens United: <a href="https://goo.gl/IJFH4Y">https://goo.gl/IJFH4Y</a><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
..ooOOoo..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVl27QpFXVk/VyKnNUXpvhI/AAAAAAAABts/6eyL2zcKC7Md4E82G_3zIjnJHPdYWhbMACLcB/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVl27QpFXVk/VyKnNUXpvhI/AAAAAAAABts/6eyL2zcKC7Md4E82G_3zIjnJHPdYWhbMACLcB/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
USA</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-86470927856708983072016-04-12T19:21:00.000-07:002016-04-12T19:47:40.835-07:00Human Evolution<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-align: center; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Something
is afoot in the universe, something that looks like gestation and birth. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In
other words, a plan, a purpose to it all.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><i> Pierre
Teilhard de Chardin</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="text-align: center;">…….</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TAM4ouOS4pQ/Vw2l9SO5KKI/AAAAAAAABqI/isr47BljJg8YsmdL-cKkbIJ-5287L4p4QCLcB/s1600/chardin.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TAM4ouOS4pQ/Vw2l9SO5KKI/AAAAAAAABqI/isr47BljJg8YsmdL-cKkbIJ-5287L4p4QCLcB/s1600/chardin.jpeg" /></a>Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, 1881-1955, was a French idealist, philosopher and Jesuit priest who trained as a paleontologist and geologist.<sup>(1)</sup></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I first picked up Teilhard de Chardin’s best-known book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Phenomenon of Man</i>, some thirty years
ago. <sup>(2) </sup>It had been highly recommended by my eldest brother, who
was something of a philosopher and theologian. It was difficult to read; the
sentences were long, with too many difficult words and parenthetical phrases
that interrupted the flow. Now and again I’d try to read more, but it was
always difficult and I’d put it back on the shelf with the intent of trying
again, sooner or later. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YH3y2iNtoDk/Vw2mLr_ft4I/AAAAAAAABqQ/MKSG3TAMxP4b0ok3BL_ILQ69TpO3Cd17QCLcB/s1600/phenombook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YH3y2iNtoDk/Vw2mLr_ft4I/AAAAAAAABqQ/MKSG3TAMxP4b0ok3BL_ILQ69TpO3Cd17QCLcB/s200/phenombook.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->These days I only read books
on my iPad Kindle. What I like most is that you have only to touch a word and
the dictionary meaning pops up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remembered Teilhard and put <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Phenomenon</i>
on my Kindle – and voilà! I suppose too that I was more mentally ready than
before to digest his ideas. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I must tell you, I resonated with what I was reading. This
time I plowed more easily through the long-winded arguments and complicated
phraseology. I was more motivated to dig in patiently to understand the
concepts. I went back to re-read some chapters so that I could more clearly understand.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much of Teilhard’s writing was done during and after World War
2; but he was far ahead of his time - he was discussing the fast-moving burst
of ideas and technological acceleration that is so evident today with the
Internet! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Entropy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Somewhere in the middle of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Phenomenon</i>, I came across a concept that thrilled me! Here is the
extract: "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rising upstream against
the flow of entropy; to provide evolution with a direction, a line of advance
and critical points</i>".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze7iTSn_ZpY/Vw2mYkZbSYI/AAAAAAAABqU/MfSnNPEbbdsfkWbilHuuMVqq27D92kqUACLcB/s1600/entropy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="81" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze7iTSn_ZpY/Vw2mYkZbSYI/AAAAAAAABqU/MfSnNPEbbdsfkWbilHuuMVqq27D92kqUACLcB/s200/entropy.gif" width="200" /></a>More than a century ago physicists observed that the
fraction of unusable energy (entropy) is constantly increasing; and they found
in this a mathematical expression of the irreversibility of the cosmos.<sup> (3)</sup><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Entropy</i> is defined as the lack of order,
or gradual decline into disorder in the physical universe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had considered the idea of a parallel concept of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Intelligence Entropy</i> several decades ago.
My premise was that the humanity’s spirit was increasing to offset the decline of
physical energy. I had never seen this discussed anywhere. I was ecstatic!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Extropy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp9EaI8tP_g/Vw2mmDlOsvI/AAAAAAAABqc/HM4IXzqKkEQNMUx8d1qnHtdEGGAHskI-gCLcB/s1600/extropy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp9EaI8tP_g/Vw2mmDlOsvI/AAAAAAAABqc/HM4IXzqKkEQNMUx8d1qnHtdEGGAHskI-gCLcB/s200/extropy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I emailed Ray Kurzweil, the noted futurist, whom I had met
at a Stanford University seminar. His book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Age of Spiritual Machines</i>, was instrumental in the development of my own
avocation as a Futurist. <sup>(4)</sup> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->I asked Ray about
positive entropy relating to the human spirit. Ray wrote back with a reference
to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Extropy</i>, the principle that life
will expand indefinitely and in an orderly, progressive way throughout the
entire universe by the means of human intelligence and technology. I went to an
Extropy Institute seminar and met some super-intelligent people; but the
organization fizzled out in 2006. <sup>(5)</sup> My ideas about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">positive entropy</i> didn’t develop further.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Human Entropy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCzkh1owmZY/Vw2m62aBCRI/AAAAAAAABqk/5lIX4NoFDMAfqmeBcNhMAP-haJRiABY0ACLcB/s1600/futurebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCzkh1owmZY/Vw2m62aBCRI/AAAAAAAABqk/5lIX4NoFDMAfqmeBcNhMAP-haJRiABY0ACLcB/s200/futurebook.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Resonating with Teilhard’s reference to reverse entropy, I
moved to his collection of speeches and essays titled, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Future of Man</i>. <sup>(6)</sup> I found more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Entropy finds its counterpart in a current moving in the
opposite sense, positive and constructive: the ascent of the Universe toward
zones of increasing intelligence and psychic energy. Entropy and life, backward
and forward: two complementary expressions of the arrow of time. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It should be noted that I am paraphrasing
most of Teilhard’s quotes, for simpler reading.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Human Progress<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The living, burning question of Evolution:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it still moving? <sup>(7)</sup> Mankind is
divided into two irrevocably opposed camps – one looking toward the horizon and
proclaiming, "We are moving," and the other, without shifting its
position, obstinately maintaining, "Nothing changes. We are not moving at all."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9PSoLQ8hLWk/Vw2nT5ZxkWI/AAAAAAAABqs/gY-rLpMpEV4HsV6yBie5zgpTAnTq_UakACLcB/s1600/Evolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9PSoLQ8hLWk/Vw2nT5ZxkWI/AAAAAAAABqs/gY-rLpMpEV4HsV6yBie5zgpTAnTq_UakACLcB/s200/Evolution.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>The question of whether the Universe is still developing becomes
a matter of deciding whether the human spirit is still in the process of
evolution. Teilhard replies unhesitatingly, "Yes, it is!" The nature
of Man is still in the full flood of change. A vast evolutionary process is in
ceaseless operation around us and it is situated within the sphere of
collective consciousness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are the differences between people today, and the
earliest humans? In what respects are today’s humans superior and more
advanced? The great superiority that humans have acquired and which will be
enhanced by following generations is in the realm of self-knowledge, the
growing consciousness of humanity’s place and responsibility in the Universe – part
of vast and continuing processes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Skepticism<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrWM5beL3Tg/Vw2od3jaWQI/AAAAAAAABq8/_w5U1baAw9ERT9p_vA3_PJhSVnfemuRNgCLcB/s1600/skepticism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrWM5beL3Tg/Vw2od3jaWQI/AAAAAAAABq8/_w5U1baAw9ERT9p_vA3_PJhSVnfemuRNgCLcB/s200/skepticism.jpg" width="200" /></a>With continual wars, and
now terrorism, many people are skeptical (some call it "realism")
about <sup>(7) </sup>Teilhard’s optimism. Some simply mistrust anything that looks like faith
in the future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The basic questions remains: Is humanity still evolving? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are humans going forward, or backwards, or
simply in a circle? Teilhard shows in this book, and I for one am an
enthusiastic believer, that however bitter the disillusionment with human
goodness, there are stronger scientific reasons than ever before for believing
that humanity is really progressing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Consciousness<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The high degree of psychic development (reflection, thought)
places humans dramatically above all other conscious beings known to us. The
basic characteristic of humans, the root of all human perfections, is the gift
of consciousness. <sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpVefmwnOyA/Vw2o22t1CHI/AAAAAAAABrA/J06cnq2KUmM4uIDb7C9wZv6iOcQp2OpmwCLcB/s1600/Consiousness.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpVefmwnOyA/Vw2o22t1CHI/AAAAAAAABrA/J06cnq2KUmM4uIDb7C9wZv6iOcQp2OpmwCLcB/s200/Consiousness.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->In the last few decades,
neuroscientists have begun to attack the problem of understanding consciousness,
to discover specific neurons or behaviors that are linked to conscious
experiences.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only man, among animals, not only knows; he knows that he knows.
He reflects. This faculty has given birth to many new human attributes – freedom
of choice, foresight, the ability to plan and to construct, and many others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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There is a clear indication of greater consciousness
emerging in the world. According to Teilhard, this is an irresistible human compulsion.
He is convinced that throughout the world today, humans are appearing who have
begun to reason, to act with this awareness. They are conscious of one another;
they recognize each other whenever their paths cross. They know that tomorrow,
rejecting old concepts, divisions and forms, the whole world will see what they
see and think as they do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></div>
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From the first awakening of his reflective consciousness, humans
have been possessed by the urge to invent and discover. But until recently,
this profound need remained latent, diffused and unorganized in the human mass.
In past generations, only a few individuals were true seekers, generally
isolated and very rare. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2WxqBZM7Qs/Vw2p84TWurI/AAAAAAAABrg/V9McvrbF8EQB_J-S8uNufYRVZwWLe-g9QCK4B/s1600/noosphere.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2WxqBZM7Qs/Vw2p84TWurI/AAAAAAAABrg/V9McvrbF8EQB_J-S8uNufYRVZwWLe-g9QCK4B/s200/noosphere.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Evolution had direction – along an axis of increasing complexity
and consciousness. A sphere of thought encircles the earth, emerging through
evolution as the growth of consciousness. The human social phenomenon is the
culmination of the biological phenomenon, the growth above the biosphere, emerging
through the interaction of human minds. Teilhard terms this the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Noosphere</i>.<sup> (9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As humans populate the earth, the noosphere grows in step
with the organization of the human mass in relation to itself. This evolves
towards ever-greater personalization, individuation and unification. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Noogenesis<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHMymrdw7G8/Vw2qQnU4vuI/AAAAAAAABro/dOD_7Quc-dgfUksKrxYN0S_XnAu_t4PswCLcB/s1600/noogenesis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHMymrdw7G8/Vw2qQnU4vuI/AAAAAAAABro/dOD_7Quc-dgfUksKrxYN0S_XnAu_t4PswCLcB/s200/noogenesis.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->It is common experience
that individuals within teams feel enhanced, enriched and liberated. True union,
the union of heart and spirit, does not enslave, does not neutralize individuals;
it super personalizes them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the planet becomes more and more populated, imagine humans
awakening to a sense of universal solidarity based on their profound community,
evolutionary in its nature and purpose. The nightmares of brutalization and
mechanization, which are conjured up to terrify and prevent advance, are
dispelled. It is not harshness or hatred but a new kind of love, not yet
experienced, which humans must learn to look for. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A more advanced form of spontaneity and spiritual energy
will accompany each succeeding stage of material concentration and
differentiation. The outflowing flood of Entropy equaled and offset by the
rising tide of what Teilhard calls <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Noogenesis</i>.
A natural evolutionary process utilizes the enormous surplus of brainpower in
an ever-advancing world. <sup>(10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgISC-duHbc/Vw2qdkYmduI/AAAAAAAABrw/b-ZKC_zybLUToNlk8sBR4Q5ET8Ie8udwACLcB/s1600/betterangelsbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgISC-duHbc/Vw2qdkYmduI/AAAAAAAABrw/b-ZKC_zybLUToNlk8sBR4Q5ET8Ie8udwACLcB/s200/betterangelsbook.jpg" width="133" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->In his 2011 book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Better Angels of our Nature</i>, author
Steven Pinker bring up evidence to support Teilhard’s contention. He shows that violence in the world has been diminishing for millennia and humanity may be living in the most peaceful time in its existence.<sup>(11)</sup> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For most of
history, war and brutality were common. But today, all forms of violence have
dwindled and are widely condemned. Pinker explores the essence of human nature,
and explains how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to
prevail. The book’s title is from the ending of President Abraham Lincoln’s
first inaugural address.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Teilhard saw the love of humanity as the principal driver of
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">noogenesis</i>. Evolution would culminate
in an apex of thought and consciousness. It must be remembered that Teilhard
was a Jesuit priest; he identified the culmination of evolution with the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Omega Point</i> – the theology concerned
with the final destiny of humankind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Please provide your own feedback, comments and suggestions.
Share our discussion by responding to these questions directly via the blog. If
you prefer, send me an email and I’ll insert your comments.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">Are you aware of Pierre
Teilhard de Chardin? Have you read any of his books?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">In your view, has
Evolution stopped with the development of Humans? Or, will life continue
to evolve?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">Is your view of the Future
negative? Will humans continue to fight endlessly and eventually obliterate
themselves?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">Is your view of the Future
positive? Will there be increasing Cooperation, Peace and Harmony?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">What are your own views of
the future of humanity? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3;">Please add your own
comments and views.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>References</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Pierre Teilhard de
Chardin: <a href="https://goo.gl/f06LtO">https://goo.gl/f06LtO</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Teilhard de Chardin -
Phenomenon of Man: <a href="http://goo.gl/CPRg3K">http://goo.gl/CPRg3K</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Entropy: <a href="https://goo.gl/N5MHIl">https://goo.gl/N5MHIl</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Ray Kurzweil: Age of
Spiritual Machines: <a href="https://goo.gl/7wzhYT">https://goo.gl/7wzhYT</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Extropy Institute: <a href="http://goo.gl/MAL5Wh">http://goo.gl/MAL5Wh</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Does evolution exhibit
progress or purpose? <a href="http://goo.gl/c8cHV7">http://goo.gl/c8cHV7</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Science and Reason: The
Evolution Debate: <a href="http://goo.gl/OiBiMK">http://goo.gl/OiBiMK</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">What is consciousness? <a href="http://goo.gl/JOrCDs">http://goo.gl/JOrCDs</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Theory and History of the
Noosphere: <a href="http://goo.gl/n2FUA8">http://goo.gl/n2FUA8</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Explore Noogenesis: <a href="http://goo.gl/F2NqgB">http://goo.gl/F2NqgB</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2;">Steven Pinker book, Better
Angels of our Nature: <a href="http://goo.gl/BfEbdh">http://goo.gl/BfEbdh</a><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
..ooOOoo..</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9odJjBRjaE/Vw2sFwWACPI/AAAAAAAABsE/yXg14Rpretktz-mf_aauf-Ssy8uze5kIACLcB/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9odJjBRjaE/Vw2sFwWACPI/AAAAAAAABsE/yXg14Rpretktz-mf_aauf-Ssy8uze5kIACLcB/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
USA<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-47766117951782386012016-03-30T19:17:00.000-07:002016-03-30T19:17:11.251-07:00Pinto Prognostications – Next Decades<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My avocation is
that of a futurist: the systematic exploration of predictions and possibilities
about future human society and how it will emerge from the present. I am a
founding member of the US-based Association of Professional Futurists (APF).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpTYMnZMFW4/VvyEucJq_HI/AAAAAAAABoQ/5Zu1mlI-izwINwuNwDZniyIyhX6Ms8RfQ/s1600/prognostications.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpTYMnZMFW4/VvyEucJq_HI/AAAAAAAABoQ/5Zu1mlI-izwINwuNwDZniyIyhX6Ms8RfQ/s200/prognostications.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over the past
several years, in January of each year I have presented my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pinto Prognostications</i>. In 2015 and 2016, my prognostications were
published in my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">JimPintoBlog</i> and
quoted widely elsewhere. <sup>(1) (2)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In this blog, I’m
extending my prognostications to events that may be forecasted to happen in the
next several decades. You should understand that future forecasts are guesses
based on trends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My grandchildren
will be in their 40’s and 50’s, and some or all of them may live to see the
birth of a new century. What will the world be like for them? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Population<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzZEV1HRB64/VvyE3CQcx-I/AAAAAAAABoU/dVFMziJBO18oL4nKmG7FO6neFB6RFJ9NA/s1600/WorldPopulation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzZEV1HRB64/VvyE3CQcx-I/AAAAAAAABoU/dVFMziJBO18oL4nKmG7FO6neFB6RFJ9NA/s320/WorldPopulation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today (2016)
world population is 7.4 billion. In 10 years it is projected to be 8.1 billion,
50 years projection 10 billion, and over 11.2 billion by the end of the
century. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Until
around 1800 world population was below one billion. The big changes came with
the Industrial Revolution – the second billion was achieved in only 130 years
(1930). During the 20th century, population has grown from 1.65 billion to 6
billion. Because of declining <a href="http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/#growthrate"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">growth rates</span></a>,
it will take more than a century to double again.<sup> (3)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">GeoPolitics<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cU2abl4Zup0/VvyFCAKKIMI/AAAAAAAABoY/xaqm2j9reiIFdLqBxrj2BlTddlEGx1HsA/s1600/geopolitics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cU2abl4Zup0/VvyFCAKKIMI/AAAAAAAABoY/xaqm2j9reiIFdLqBxrj2BlTddlEGx1HsA/s200/geopolitics.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the next
decades, the world will be more complicated, divided between a broad American
sphere of influence, Europe, the Middle East and south Asia, and a Chinese
sphere in East Asia and Africa. India will have the largest population within
the next decade, and will become a technology and trade powerhouse. Russia will
continue its revival. The large, educated populations of Poland,
Turkey, Brazil and their neighbors will come into their own. <sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The European
Union might survive in some sense, but European economic, political, and
military relations will be governed primarily by limited multilateral
relationships. There will be four parts of Europe: Western Europe, Eastern
Europe, Scandinavia, and Britain. They will still have to share the same
neighborhood, but they won't be as closely connected as they are now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The most serious
threats will be in the area of instability that stretches from Africa to
central Asia. Here, most of the world's poorest people live; climate change is
wreaking its worst damage; and nuclear weapons are proliferating fast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">GDP Growth<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1b5xgAuTBJE/VvyFKx9D_-I/AAAAAAAABoc/dO85B4PhZfI2tIg4XKvqe2Yl9JQNa0qJA/s1600/gdp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1b5xgAuTBJE/VvyFKx9D_-I/AAAAAAAABoc/dO85B4PhZfI2tIg4XKvqe2Yl9JQNa0qJA/s200/gdp.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Economic growth will be critical to preserving America's
power and influence in the world. By deepening partnerships in manufacturing
and energy with neighbors on its northern and southern borders, America can
compete with growth in Europe, Asia and Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The 20th century
was known as The American Century; it will be The Asia century in the 21st. Forecasters
predict that within two decades, China will overtake the U.S. to boast the
world's largest economic output. However, America's GDP-per- person will remain
at least 2 or 3 times that of China. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="energy"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy is critical for the growth, social stability and
security of all nations. It is linked to all vital services such as health,
food, transportation and commerce and is a key driver of future global business.
<sup>(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux0aM1AKcVA/VvyFSBLffyI/AAAAAAAABog/FMOWh65YGyoIwnmQ11xwYJvsLkmUiiAuA/s1600/energy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ux0aM1AKcVA/VvyFSBLffyI/AAAAAAAABog/FMOWh65YGyoIwnmQ11xwYJvsLkmUiiAuA/s200/energy.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oil reserves are
in decline. Although it continues to play an important role in transportation
in the 21st century, oil is politically and economically unsustainable as a
reliable source of fuel for the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Within the next
25 years, global energy demand will outpace supply unless new sources are developed.
Clean, renewable energy sources such as solar power, hydrogen and wind will be
essential for future productivity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Energy security
will be one of the primary fears in the 21st century, leading to global
competition, conflict and the collaboration of nations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Living Spaces<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8ZAKhS3uIs/VvyFmEXRwgI/AAAAAAAABok/KSWXlXG7ibEaA0Lu6I-DoMyrWF8H3LKkw/s1600/livingspaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g8ZAKhS3uIs/VvyFmEXRwgI/AAAAAAAABok/KSWXlXG7ibEaA0Lu6I-DoMyrWF8H3LKkw/s200/livingspaces.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="livingspaces"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The majority of people will live in cities, which
will increasingly become more integrated with nature. It’ll be standard
procedure for skyscrapers to have parks and sky gardens, and buildings will be
covered with vegetation designed to filter out pollutants and retain air
quality. <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Housing will
become increasingly expensive to the point where buying a house will not be an
option for most people. Vehicles will be habitable and function as homes. Parks
will cater to this trend by offering washing facilities, catering, supermarkets
and entertainment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Transportation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0BXfk0i2hno/VvyFuKOvnlI/AAAAAAAABos/Fc7LZiPTJfoKx6yvrbw7phX1DE8OIc4-w/s1600/transport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0BXfk0i2hno/VvyFuKOvnlI/AAAAAAAABos/Fc7LZiPTJfoKx6yvrbw7phX1DE8OIc4-w/s200/transport.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:-9pt;margin-top:1.05pt;width:158.15pt;
height:133.2pt;z-index:251671552'>
<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/JamesPinto/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_image013.jpg"
o:title="transport"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">All vehicles will use clean energy that will be cheap or
even free. Most will be self-self-driven and very reliable with recording of status
and diagnostics, and made with everlasting materials. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Personal flying
drones will replace cars for travel through skyways. Some drones may even be big
enough to carry entire homes around the world for holidays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Interestingly, there
will be less need to move people to go places. People will use virtual reality
to create synthesized 3D spaces to conduct business, provide education, and for
visits with friends and family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Medical Advances<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:279pt;margin-top:.95pt;width:180pt;
height:129.85pt;z-index:251673600'>
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o:title="medicaladvances"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Doctor visits will no longer be necessary. Nanotechnology will
be embedded in people and body scanner results will be forwarded to a health
network. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeiWjk8MhuA/VvyGNGbnkOI/AAAAAAAABo0/r_D5x6-AbHEcEbaC8LaiATWkFQS8D-8ZA/s1600/medicaladvances.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeiWjk8MhuA/VvyGNGbnkOI/AAAAAAAABo0/r_D5x6-AbHEcEbaC8LaiATWkFQS8D-8ZA/s200/medicaladvances.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nanoparticles
will make chemotherapy far more effective. By delivering tiny doses right
to cancerous cells, the mini messengers will significantly reduce the pain and side effects
of today's treatments. People will all be nodes in a network. Health will be
constantly monitored via built-in sensors, wearable devices and clothes. <sup>(7)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">DNA will be recorded
at birth and defects will be remedied, altered or adjusted. Physical and mental
attributes will be assessed and compared with parents and grandparents, with predictions
of likely physical and mental abilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are more
than 300,000 centenarians on the globe already – and one has reached the age of
122. I’m sure that at least one of my grandchildren will celebrate a 150th
birthday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Employment<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CERcQjB6fuQ/VvyGXd1LBtI/AAAAAAAABo4/H0L4RvDtxuoJp5fipPw-JxRLyXhA9u6Fg/s1600/work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CERcQjB6fuQ/VvyGXd1LBtI/AAAAAAAABo4/H0L4RvDtxuoJp5fipPw-JxRLyXhA9u6Fg/s200/work.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:5.6pt;width:207pt;height:98.5pt;
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o:title="work"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Already, in today’s advanced world, it takes only about 8%
of the working population to provide all essential needs – food, energy,
transport, housing, and basic utilities. With automation, robots, and
Artificial Intelligence, the human work force will be reduced to less than 1%,
with a large proportion of work related to entertainment, sports and studies
related to creative or academic interests.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Robots will be
common, deployed for mundane chores as well as dangerous tasks normally
undertaken by humans. Houses, cars, furniture, utensils, pets, and possessions
will be networked. Every individual will each be the center of a personal mini-universe
that operates as part of a system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Religion & Marriage<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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style='position:absolute;margin-left:261pt;margin-top:.45pt;width:189pt;
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAs0NrMnHqk/VvyGfL-EgEI/AAAAAAAABpA/J0fN9gGA0yIgkl0vGOHkkbkpUGdQVW9VQ/s1600/marriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAs0NrMnHqk/VvyGfL-EgEI/AAAAAAAABpA/J0fN9gGA0yIgkl0vGOHkkbkpUGdQVW9VQ/s200/marriage.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">With regard to
those who actively attend churches, religion is already on the decline. Churches
will have online services for followers, with changes to accommodate those who have
religious beliefs as well as those who are active with helping people in need. There
will also be more religious tolerance as people become more globalized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marriage is on
the decline and cohabitation is already quite common. Marriage is likely to be
a matter of choice for the sake of the ceremonial rather than legal status. Laws
will be changed to accommodate cohabiting couples, and even allow legal status for
bigamous relationships. Women will have more choices to conceive without the
direct help from men, and the law will have resolved the various moral issues
relating to stored eggs and sperm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wars & Conflict<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlLK6rkEDWA/VvyGosusyBI/AAAAAAAABpE/blbUmB3b3Hscl25W-pXlIXK-Gzm_i1xnw/s1600/conflict.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlLK6rkEDWA/VvyGosusyBI/AAAAAAAABpE/blbUmB3b3Hscl25W-pXlIXK-Gzm_i1xnw/s200/conflict.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1036" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:-18pt;margin-top:3.15pt;width:108pt;
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<v:imagedata src="file://localhost/Users/JamesPinto/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_image021.gif"
o:title="conflict"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the future, wars will involve not only land and sea, but
space. Because the moon is essentially a massive plot of undeveloped land
over which nobody has legal ownership, moon bases will play a crucial
role in future global conflicts. Moon bases will serve both to defend
against attacks from other nations and to launch offensives. <sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The military will
increasingly be involved in aspects of Space Travel, Search & Rescue,
Terrorism, and Weapons development, with associated peaceful applications, such
as drones and cyber security. It will be seen as a government resource that
trains and tests people and develops systems that can be applied to a range of
social requirements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Law & Government<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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style='position:absolute;margin-left:333pt;margin-top:12.3pt;width:110.75pt;
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOG_3cx3t3I/VvyG4dSI3uI/AAAAAAAABpI/QztuqfaTjlcA-98Ye8ho4mUyfhpA99zXQ/s1600/lawgovernment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOG_3cx3t3I/VvyG4dSI3uI/AAAAAAAABpI/QztuqfaTjlcA-98Ye8ho4mUyfhpA99zXQ/s200/lawgovernment.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ideally suited for Law. Most contracts will be written and
checked by computers, with evidence presented in courts based on forensic
details. Lie detectors will analyze body changes, facial expressions, brain
activity, speech variations, and the like to distinguish between lies and
truth. This will be improved to the point where courts will not be
required in the majority of cases. Today’s type of Courts will become obsolete.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Petty crime will
almost disappear because houses will be very secure with automatic locks and
visual coverage. Anything that can be digitally marked will be traceable. Items
that now have a value (watches, computer equipment, etc.) will be cheap,
disposable items in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Criminals with psychological
problems are likely to be detected before that take up crime. Everyone’s
behavior, social contacts, medical condition, intellectual pursuits, etc. will
be interlinked and correlated. Social patterns will show up early. There will
be legal alternatives to drugs that are readily available. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Money<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fQnTeFgohs/VvyHCMTt4vI/AAAAAAAABpQ/gOfeOhzvFAoHClL14lyaC2QOEtNlgODxw/s1600/CyberMoney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="33" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fQnTeFgohs/VvyHCMTt4vI/AAAAAAAABpQ/gOfeOhzvFAoHClL14lyaC2QOEtNlgODxw/s200/CyberMoney.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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style='position:absolute;margin-left:-9pt;margin-top:-.2pt;width:315pt;
height:54.2pt;z-index:251683840'>
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o:title="CyberMoney"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Traditional banks will be obsolete when cyber currency
eliminates the need for actual money to be exchanged. Bartering is essentially
based on matching needs at agreed values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eye scanning and other non-contact identity checking will be common. Electronic
transaction processing will automatically adjust net worth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Buildings <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dU46kGQkZT8/VvyHM64JVWI/AAAAAAAABpY/vA5uYMRqxMo368kWQJOwZnTT_g8nMaVPA/s1600/buildings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dU46kGQkZT8/VvyHM64JVWI/AAAAAAAABpY/vA5uYMRqxMo368kWQJOwZnTT_g8nMaVPA/s200/buildings.jpg" width="121" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Towering mega
structures will be built with carbon nanotubes and diamond nano threads, dwarfing
today's skyscrapers. Just as we build up, we will also dig down – huge
structures will tunnel 25 stories deep, or more. Underwater cities with use water
itself to create breathable atmospheres and generate hydrogen fuel in the
process. <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="buildings"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bridges will
repair themselves with self-healing concrete and new composites laced with
microfibers that bend without breaking. Hairline fractures will mend themselves
within days when calcium ions in the mix react with rainwater and carbon
dioxide to create a calcium carbonate patch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">3D Printing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_s1040" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:3.3pt;width:126pt;height:102.55pt;
z-index:251687936'>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UhRtLaI-HRA/VvyHVgCDdnI/AAAAAAAABpg/BlXZCTRbPlYDFjeX4a7zuwZBYPtoAggUw/s1600/3Dprinter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UhRtLaI-HRA/VvyHVgCDdnI/AAAAAAAABpg/BlXZCTRbPlYDFjeX4a7zuwZBYPtoAggUw/s200/3Dprinter.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">3D printing will
enable the building of houses and other structures from recyclable materials,
with flexible walls. For entertaining visitors, gourmet food tailored to
personal needs will be downloaded for 3D printing in minutes. Most objects will
be sculpted inside a 3D printer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">AI Consciousness</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOhoG4_YtpQ/VvyHjVvlg-I/AAAAAAAABpk/8vy80yhLClM7YUbXEWMkmvsWMp6z4xiZA/s1600/Conscious-AI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rOhoG4_YtpQ/VvyHjVvlg-I/AAAAAAAABpk/8vy80yhLClM7YUbXEWMkmvsWMp6z4xiZA/s320/Conscious-AI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The last few
years have already brought widespread recognition that sophisticated Artificial
Intelligence will soon be able to outthink the smartest humans in every domain,
including common sense reasoning and social skills. Bill Gates, Stephen Hawking
and others warn of the rise of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">super
intelligent</i> machines. Disagreeing with that viewpoint, Ray Kurzweil depicts
a technological utopia bringing about the end of disease, poverty and resource
scarcity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Power will be in
the knowledge and the ability to integrate and exploit the new capabilities
provided by technology and adapt to new environments and opportunities. The
human adventure will continue as the remaining frontiers and limits of human
thought are explored. But will people be happy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">References<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">JimPinto Blog Future Prognostications 2016: <a href="http://goo.gl/At7NUC">http://goo.gl/At7NUC</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">JimPinto Blog Future Prognostications 2015: <a href="http://goo.gl/1xvPq2">http://goo.gl/1xvPq2</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">World Population Trends: <a href="http://goo.gl/5C43d7">http://goo.gl/5C43d7</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Next 100 Years – George Friedman Book: <a href="https://goo.gl/JvZ9KG">https://goo.gl/JvZ9KG</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Six Key Trends Shaping the Energy Future: <a href="http://goo.gl/1zY6Xz">http://goo.gl/1zY6Xz</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">110 Predictions For the Next 110 Years: <a href="http://goo.gl/pc7UDp">http://goo.gl/pc7UDp</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">20 predictions for the next 25 years: <a href="http://goo.gl/JbFKN6">http://goo.gl/JbFKN6</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">What will the world look like 50 years from now? <a href="https://goo.gl/dB4fB2">https://goo.gl/dB4fB2</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">What Will The World Be Like in 50 Years? <a href="http://goo.gl/UMlVF7">http://goo.gl/UMlVF7</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Problem of AI Consciousness: <a href="http://goo.gl/ii7owc">http://goo.gl/ii7owc</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> Jim Pinto</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>Carlsbad, California</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>USA</o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">..ooOOoo..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-930127850513446102016-03-09T18:54:00.000-08:002016-03-09T19:15:13.471-08:00Political Brainwashing<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>Political
language... is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">respectable, </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">and
to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.</span></i></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><i> George Orwell</i></span><!--EndFragment-->
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSaaHRwEqFA/VuDe--s-VzI/AAAAAAAABm4/XBVHbhwQTe8/s1600/vote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kSaaHRwEqFA/VuDe--s-VzI/AAAAAAAABm4/XBVHbhwQTe8/s1600/vote.jpg" /></a>Do people think for themselves? Are you yourself completely
logical and sensible in the way you select from available choices? When you
vote, do you have a firm mindset that directs your choice?</div>
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Big money is being spent to manipulate and control how
people think and vote in the ongoing American elections. Let’s examine how bias
can be influenced.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bias<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Bias is a predisposition to hold a limited perspective, with
refusal to consider the merits of alternative points of view. People develop
biases towards or against individuals, ethnic groups, religions, social classes,
and political parties. Everyone’s mind is controlled since birth, when biases are
developed. <sup>(1)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->It’s almost impossible
for anyone to be immune to bias. Intelligent, rational, patriotic, reasonable
people can disagree strongly, sometimes even violently, each insisting that the
other side is unreasonable, unpatriotic, misguided – and even stupid.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Being raised in a specific country, as part of a particular
family and home and in a certain time period means being biased in favor of
accepted and familiar thinking. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Political psychology researchers study voters' biases to
understand how they can be influenced. Factors such as gender, race, culture or
religions are considered, to allow adaptation of the candidates’ political
message for the best results. Some parts of the message may be changed to
maximize their voting results. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In a country like America, with a huge diversity of class,
religion and ethnicity in different states and regions, what the politicians
actually say they believe is often irrelevant – they adjust their messages to
generate the most votes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prejudice<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Prejudice is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pre</i>judgment
– forming an opinion before becoming aware of all relevant facts. The word is
often used to refer to preconceived, usually unfavorable, judgments toward
people because of gender, political opinion, social class, age, disability,
religion, sexuality, race/ethnicity, language, nationality, or other personal
characteristics. In most developed countries today, it is not socially or politically
acceptable to be prejudiced. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj4mjlbLfuE/VuDfYetzNYI/AAAAAAAABnE/cOieM_qM0qg/s1600/prejudice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj4mjlbLfuE/VuDfYetzNYI/AAAAAAAABnE/cOieM_qM0qg/s1600/prejudice.jpg" /></a>In the seven years since the United States elected the
country’s first black president, a majority of Americans still feel prejudiced against
blacks. According to a 2012 Associated Press survey, 51% percent of Americans
explicitly express anti-black prejudice, up from 48 % in 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, not a single politician admits to
being prejudiced – that would amount to political suicide. <sup>(2)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most prejudice cannot easily be over-ridden. One intelligent
and sincere friend told me, "I was born and brought up to believe that
Blacks were like vermin. Now I have to consciously over-ride my own instinctive
prejudice." It’s hard to imagine how any deeply prejudiced individual
feels about having a black President? <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="hiddenpersuaders"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Advertising<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1w_cLLbk1N8/VuDfrz7TPcI/AAAAAAAABnM/7mO0mCnOMbg/s1600/hiddenpersuaders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1w_cLLbk1N8/VuDfrz7TPcI/AAAAAAAABnM/7mO0mCnOMbg/s200/hiddenpersuaders.jpg" width="116" /></a>More than 60 years ago, in his non-fiction bestseller <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Hidden Persuaders</i> (1957) Vance
Packard described real-life influence that was rapidly emerging, that was
perhaps more threatening. US businesses and politicians were using subtle ways to
change people’s thinking, emotions and behavior based on insights from
psychiatry and the social sciences. <sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The forces that Packard described have become more pervasive
over the decades. Soothing music in shopping malls causes people to relax, walk
more slowly and buy more things, whether they need it or not. Highly skilled
marketing professionals orchestrate the vacuous thoughts and feelings that
teenagers experience via their handheld smartphones. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most people are unaware of the deceptive subliminal
advertising that is widely used today. Subliminal messages can be found in
every major advertisement and magazine cover. Advertisers tap into
vulnerabilities to manipulate and control. Fake news and propaganda are in wide
use throughout the world by politicians, businesses and even governments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mind Control &
Brainwashing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFZ2O3E1j60/VuDf79FcUjI/AAAAAAAABnQ/b28PfJMFuqc/s1600/mindcontrol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFZ2O3E1j60/VuDf79FcUjI/AAAAAAAABnQ/b28PfJMFuqc/s200/mindcontrol.jpg" width="200" /></a>Brainwashing means using overt obvious means to control how
victims think and behave, which <sup>(5) </sup>might involve loud noise, sleep deprivation and
similar tactics. It may also mean controlling environments with music, demanding
voice tones, rituals and repeated phrases, peer pressure in the form of disapproval,
public humiliation, harsh rebukes, warnings, and elements of fear and guilt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Mind control is subtler. It usually involves positive social reinforcement like
fellowshipping, smiling, compliments, treats, pats on the back, an unspoken
feeling of community, and appreciation. <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The concept of mind control is a major premise in the criticism
of modern corporate culture and politics. Many politicians use repetitive
advertising, with exaggerated claims that sometimes are outright lies; when repeated
often they are accepted as the truth. There is very little that the opposing
candidate can do other than protest, and the falsehood is buried in the
cacophony of debate. <sup>(7)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Social Media in
Politics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ability to publish content and broadcast it to millions
of people instantly allows political campaigns to manage their candidates’
images based on rich sets of analytics in real time and at almost no cost. At
the same time, social media has made elected officials and candidates more
accountable and accessible to voters. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="Social Media Icons"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Twitter and Facebook have become instrumental in organizing
campaigns. They allow like-minded voters and activists to easily share news and
information such as campaign events with each other. They can simply <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Share</i> on Facebook and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">retweet</i> on Twitter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKdKwdX8P54/VuDgRiuBv5I/AAAAAAAABnY/33nHdX2Z-k8/s1600/socialmedia.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKdKwdX8P54/VuDgRiuBv5I/AAAAAAAABnY/33nHdX2Z-k8/s200/socialmedia.png" width="200" /></a>Political campaigns can tap into a wealth of information or
analytics about the people who are following them on social media, and
customize their messages based on selected demographics. Campaigns may send
different messages to differing sets of voters to maximize effectiveness. <sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some campaigns raise large amounts of cash in short period
of time using social media such as Twitter and Facebook to get the word out. In
the current election, Bernie Sanders is raising more money from small donors
via email and Twitter messages to growing groups of followers. Indeed, he makes
significant gains among young people through his e-campaigns, with renewed
calls to donate again every time he wins. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the new political environment, social media has helped
raise more money than the traditional Super-PAC. TV advertising is still the
largest line item in political campaigns, and will remain so through 2016 and
beyond. But this is being changed by access to new data about viewership, and
spending on digital formats is growing rapidly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tech Control<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today there are a small number of high-tech companies which
have the ability to monitor much of our activity, and invisibly control more
and more of what we think, feel, do and say. The technology that now surrounds
us has made possible undetectable and untraceable manipulations of entire
populations – exploitations that have no precedent in human history and that
are currently well beyond the scope of existing regulations and laws. The new
hidden persuaders are better, bigger and bolder than anything Vance Packard
ever envisioned. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xi_i0iNb30/VuDgorRiKBI/AAAAAAAABng/aTpuY7RQhPg/s1600/google.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xi_i0iNb30/VuDgorRiKBI/AAAAAAAABng/aTpuY7RQhPg/s200/google.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="google.jpg"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->The Google search engine
is so popular that the name is now a commonly used verb in many languages. The ordered
list of Google search results is so good that about 50% of clicks go to the top
two items, and more than 90% go to the 10 items listed on the first page of
results. The point is that Google decides which of the billions of web pages will
be included in search results and how they will be ranked. The algorithms that
decide are one of the best-kept secrets in the world (like the formula for
Coca-Cola). <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If Google wished to fix an election, it could dip into its
massive database of personal information to identify undecided voters. Then it
could publish regular customized rankings favoring one candidate. Who would
know?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apple has total control over what users can touch and view
in billions of cellphones. The algorithms of access and control have features that
they refuse to adapt or modify, even when demanded by governments. The same freedoms
apply to any technology company that controls millions, or even billions, of
worldwide users. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Future Possibilities<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7bHv7u9Ous/VuDgyx10KSI/AAAAAAAABnk/OAZk3LIaBF0/s1600/future.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7bHv7u9Ous/VuDgyx10KSI/AAAAAAAABnk/OAZk3LIaBF0/s200/future.jpg" width="200" /></a>Where is mind-control
heading next? In his 1932 novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brave
New World</i> Aldous Huxley pictured a society in which unhappiness and
aggression had been engineered out through a combination of genetic engineering
and psychological conditioning. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
George Orwell’s 1984 (published in 1949) described a society
in which thought itself was controlled – children were taught to use the
language Newspeak to assure that they could never express ideas that were
dangerous to society. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some think that in a future global democracy<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">,</i> or<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">
cyberocracy</i>, governments will rule by the effective use of information. <sup>(10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBW2mjIgu3E/VuDhEFOj0vI/AAAAAAAABns/B_WI0-uavd0/s1600/engage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBW2mjIgu3E/VuDhEFOj0vI/AAAAAAAABns/B_WI0-uavd0/s200/engage.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please provide your own feedback, comments and suggestions.
Share our discussion by responding to these questions directly via the blog. If
you prefer, send me an email and I’ll insert your comments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Are you engaged with the
latest political campaigns and debates?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Are you satisfied with how
political campaigns are operating? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Do you think politicians
lie? Does that offend you? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">What is your view of
campaign funding? Is Super-PAC funding acceptable?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Have you contributed to
any politician online?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Do you watch political
advertising on TV? How does it affect your opinions?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Are you engaged with
social media for politics? How does it affect your view? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Do you think Google search
is completely neutral? Could it be biased?<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">References<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Outsmart Your Own Biases: <a href="https://goo.gl/0ltsgA">https://goo.gl/0ltsgA</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">AP poll: U.S. majority
have prejudice against blacks: <a href="http://goo.gl/5jzpkY">http://goo.gl/5jzpkY</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Jim Pinto blog - Logic vs.
Prejudice: <a href="http://goo.gl/b9tleJ">http://goo.gl/b9tleJ</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Vance Packard’s Hidden
Persuaders: <a href="http://goo.gl/5EiJqc">http://goo.gl/5EiJqc</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Brainwashing? Mind
Control? Which? <a href="http://goo.gl/Z33jhA">http://goo.gl/Z33jhA</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Ten Popular Mind Control
Techniques Used Today: <a href="http://goo.gl/3Nlo3F">http://goo.gl/3Nlo3F</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Robert Epstein Essay - The
new mind control: <a href="https://goo.gl/evR8xv">https://goo.gl/evR8xv</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">How Social Media Has
Changed Politics: <a href="http://goo.gl/elaHll">http://goo.gl/elaHll</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">How Google Could Rig the
2016 Election: <a href="http://goo.gl/MwPgvx">http://goo.gl/MwPgvx</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Futuristic
Forms of Government That Could Rule the World: <a href="http://goo.gl/Hw7GHv">http://goo.gl/Hw7GHv</a><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
..ooOOoo..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p3D9-q6_DXQ/VuDmI59S_eI/AAAAAAAABoA/4I-RtWDKXIw/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p3D9-q6_DXQ/VuDmI59S_eI/AAAAAAAABoA/4I-RtWDKXIw/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
USA<br />
9 March 2016</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-91256970799040863802016-02-24T23:32:00.000-08:002016-03-01T12:26:02.567-08:00Digital Addiction<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">The difference between technology and slavery is that </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> slaves
are fully aware that they are not free – Nassim Nicholas Taleb</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2I6ikACIlo/VtX6wNt5JKI/AAAAAAAABmY/cEE082E4n3c/s1600/Easy-Access.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2I6ikACIlo/VtX6wNt5JKI/AAAAAAAABmY/cEE082E4n3c/s200/Easy-Access.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Technology is accelerating to make everything easier.
Everyone has Internet access, which eliminates geographic, social and
hierarchical barriers. People are communicating more than ever before, in real
time. Technological advancement has many unforeseen effects; not just
side effects, but major life-changing complications. <sup>(1)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Selfish Generation<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Technology has transformed interpersonal relationships –
more people are reaching more people through social media platforms. People are
using their digital media voices to tell sharable stories and stimulate
engagement.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uAPOOqxChyQ/Vs6fi8zLqcI/AAAAAAAABkw/D08UzaGoOYA/s1600/I-Love-Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uAPOOqxChyQ/Vs6fi8zLqcI/AAAAAAAABkw/D08UzaGoOYA/s200/I-Love-Me.jpg" width="200" /></a>Problems are arising in that many people are trying to respond
to too many things at the same time, causing themselves stress and anxiety. Some
are taking in a lot of information without really processing it. Everyone is
creating information and becoming victims of information overload. This
generates several problems that need to be addressed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The people born between the 1980s and the early 2000s are
the Internet generation, the group that spearheaded the use of social media in
our everyday lives. They are the selfish generation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recent polls show that a majority of Americans (71%) think that
many 18-to-29-year-olds (millennials) are basically <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">selfish</i>. They are self-absorbed and expect the world to come to
them. A quick Google search of “millennials” results in lots of in-depth
articles on this topic, calling them self-centered, and even narcissistic. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsXKaCRoBQE/Vs6f0gDTsjI/AAAAAAAABk0/V74gPqRnLc4/s1600/Timecover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IsXKaCRoBQE/Vs6f0gDTsjI/AAAAAAAABk0/V74gPqRnLc4/s200/Timecover.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2013, Time Magazine had a story on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation</i>. <sup>(2)</sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>50% of this group now describe themselves as
political independents; 29 % are not affiliated with any religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the first in the modern era to have
higher levels of student loan debt, poverty and unemployment, and lower levels
of wealth and personal income. Less than 20% of them say that most people can
be trusted. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2014, William Deresiewicz stepped up the criticism with
his book,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> The Miseducation of the
American Elite</i>, which recounts his experiences teaching undergraduates at
Yale. He finds young adults to be privileged, incurious, uninterested in
exploring the larger questions about the meaning of life, and unwilling to take
intellectual risks. They are comfortably bourgeois, caring little about the
inner self and the soul. <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his bestseller, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Road to Character</i>, David Brooks is gentler but equally convinced that the
young lack an interest in and a language for a discussion of character and
virtue. They are, he believes, “morally inarticulate.” <sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Selfies Self Ease<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YyO8fLSVx9k/Vs6gAaXDEnI/AAAAAAAABk4/DOiCAUaLYkw/s1600/selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YyO8fLSVx9k/Vs6gAaXDEnI/AAAAAAAABk4/DOiCAUaLYkw/s200/selfie.jpg" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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The word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">selfie</i> is
now in the dictionary. Have you taken a selfie? I have, sometimes, when no one
is available to take our photo. A selfie-stick is available to hold the
smart-phone a few feet away after a time-delayed click. It turns out that many,
including older people and even the elderly, are now take selfies. Some take
lots of selfies and post the best one on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Facebook</i>
or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Instagram</i>, which is self-promoting
and narcissistic.<sup> (5)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Down the Rabbit Hole<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Larry Kilham's new book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Digital Rabbit Hole</i>, imagines today’s version of Lewis Carroll’s classic
book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alice in Wonderland</i>. In the
introduction, Alice peeps into a book her sister is reading and wonders about
its utility. Why read a book when people see everything in color, with sound,
on their smartphone? <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzlGE1dYD_8/Vs6gZxL2GiI/AAAAAAAABlA/lY_pNfRtwQI/s1600/rabbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzlGE1dYD_8/Vs6gZxL2GiI/AAAAAAAABlA/lY_pNfRtwQI/s200/rabbit.jpg" width="98" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The white rabbit appears, takes his smartphone out of a vest
pocket and is agitated about being too late for tea. Alice taps her screen,
which shows a live video of the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Alice then falls down
the rabbit hole into <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cyberland</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Larry Kilham says that this is no longer a fantasy. More and
more people, and especially almost all of the younger generation, are falling
down this digital rabbit hole into the cyberspace of technology filled with
smartphones and smart devices. They no longer engage with each other as human
beings. Rapidly advancing connectivity and accessibility have combined to
create a new digital wonderland with addictive habits. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KuPa_OUSZA0/Vs6glzJzQ2I/AAAAAAAABlI/S6hveg3-hBQ/s1600/rabbithole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KuPa_OUSZA0/Vs6glzJzQ2I/AAAAAAAABlI/S6hveg3-hBQ/s200/rabbithole.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Says Larry Kilham, “For centuries, social groups, books,
libraries, sings, movies and other media were where people found friends,
gathered information and made discoveries. Today, the Internet is the rabbit
hole into which many fall and cannot escape. The ever-present, ultra-convenient
entry into this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cyberland</i> is the
smart-phone.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are two basic reasons why this trend is becoming
pervasive and controlling:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1;">The perpetual digital
connection to everything provides an easy answer to any question –
Kilham’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Knowosphere</i>.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1;">People tend to select
convenience, answers that are good enough, satisfying emotional feedback,
minimal action without distraction or needless social interaction. <o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Larry Kilham’s book
suggests solutions. It explores how creativity can be stimulated to learn and
solve problems, while maintaining humanity. It is good reading, especially for
parents and educators who worry about the time that young people spend with smartphones
and video screens.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In further chapters of his book, Larry Kilham goes on to
discuss other accelerating changes that are enveloping modern society – artificial
intelligence, robotics, the all-consuming Internet. Where will the future lead
as modern humans fall down this "rabbit hole"? What are the
possibilities? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Read the book!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Smartphone Use<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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In 2015, there were 2.6 billion smartphone subscriptions
globally. While growth has been leveling off in developed markets, less mature
markets continue to generate huge growth. Globally, by 2020, there will be 6.1
smartphone in circulation, which is about 70 % of the world’s population. (7)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, total mobile subscriptions by 2020 will actually be
about 9.2 billion, taking into account Internet-of-things and M2M services,
mobile broadband and some basic remaining cellular phones. There will be 26
billion connected devices within 4-5 years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some key themes of a 2015 Pew Research Center
report <sup>(8)</sup>:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">10% of Americans own a
smartphone but do not have broadband at home; 15% have a limited number of
options, other than their cell phone, for going online. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Smartphones are widely
used for many important life activities – staying informed on breaking
news, sharing news and views with family and friends, looking for
schedules on public transit, using driving directions to navigate. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Mobile devices are deeply
embedded in the daily lives of most young adults.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Smartphone usage often
produces feelings of productivity and happiness. However, many users also
feel distracted or frustrated after mobile use. <o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWW8Jltu8nw/Vs6hZsloV9I/AAAAAAAABlY/C8LL5ADApFQ/s1600/celluse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rWW8Jltu8nw/Vs6hZsloV9I/AAAAAAAABlY/C8LL5ADApFQ/s200/celluse.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a game that can
be played in restaurants. Look around and count how many people are on their
smartphones while sitting with others at the same table. You’ll notice couples,
each one using their own smartphone. The pleasure of face-to-face dinner-table
conversations appears to be obsolete. At home, it’s the parent who forbids
texting, though sometimes it’s noticeable that even the parents have succumbed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Limbic Resonance</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An ever-growing number of people seem to prefer
screen-mediated social interactions to face-to-face, or even voice-to-voice
social interactions. Yet, there are strong correlations between depression and the
amount of time spent online. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Limbic resonance refers to the energetic exchange that
happens between two people who are interacting in a caring and safe
relationship. Their interaction stimulates the release of neurochemicals in the
limbic region of the brain, necessary for full emotional and physical health.
Without enough limbic resonance, most people function and feel less and less
well. They become depressed and anxious. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0hUFYV5rdk/Vs6kz9Ah67I/AAAAAAAABlo/4uweLrRBgKM/s1600/limbic-resonance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0hUFYV5rdk/Vs6kz9Ah67I/AAAAAAAABlo/4uweLrRBgKM/s200/limbic-resonance.jpg" width="200" /></a>This problem is compounded by a whole childhood spent in
front of screens and not enough spent face-to-face. The result is that a young
brain becomes wired for digital media use and not suited for much needed face-to-face
socializing. Lack of social skills leave a young person inadequately prepared
for achieving satisfactory social connections in the real world. <sup>(9) </sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Indeed, the inability to achieving emotional intimacy leads
to social anxiety. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of such a
person turning to digital media as an escape. In the virtual world, people can develop
online friendship, romance and
sexual outlets. The skills needed to be successful in the real world are not
required.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Smartphones make people less focused. Constantly checking
email and Twitter causes them to be less productive, and more disconnected from
their real lives. Social media appears to promote self-absorption and narcissism.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Digital Addiction<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhfMO-YrgEA/Vs6nQzUZBBI/AAAAAAAABls/XxlgXthDfk0/s1600/addiction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhfMO-YrgEA/Vs6nQzUZBBI/AAAAAAAABls/XxlgXthDfk0/s200/addiction.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For some people, interaction with technology verges on being
excessive, and threatens to absorb their attention above all else. This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">digital addiction</i> may even have a
negative impact on their health. Unrestrained use of technological devices has
at least some impact upon developmental, social, mental and physical health,
with symptoms akin to other behavioral addictions. In recent decades, this has
become recognized as a legitimate psychological disorder. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In recent years particular attention has been paid to how
the over-use of technology may be affecting the younger generation, teens and
even pre-teens. Many children are becoming increasingly reliant upon digital
devices for education, social networking and entertainment. With young people
spending less time interacting with their peers face to face and more time
indoors than previous generations, the direct impact of digital devices on both
physical and mental well being is fast becoming a big concern. <sup>(10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Digital Detox<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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balanced and to create healthy relationships with digital devices, will
determine the future. A new code of ethics must be developed to raise awareness
about harmful digital habits, creating social etiquette, setting positive
cultural norms, and sharing the importance of mindfulness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Technology has become the center of our social world,
compelling us to always keep checking in to see what we’re missing,” says Larry
Rosen, author of <i>iDisorder:
Understanding Our Obsession with Technology and Overcoming Its Hold on Us</i>.
This leads to the overuse of technology with “<i>iDisorder</i>” where frequent users show signs of everything
from obsessive-compulsive disorder to attention deficit disorder. <sup>(11)</sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The solution isn’t powering down completely. As with any
addiction-like behavior, the answer is to reset the brain for better control
of compulsions to surf, text, or Tweet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Larry Rosen suggests 3 simple steps:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ps-j1gxT1s/Vs6ngCejCgI/AAAAAAAABlw/oNf5G9Nyz-Q/s1600/detox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ps-j1gxT1s/Vs6ngCejCgI/AAAAAAAABlw/oNf5G9Nyz-Q/s200/detox.jpg" width="132" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Set limits. Having
smartphones at ones fingertips acts as brain stimulus that screams, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">check me</i>. Put your mind at ease
with scheduled tech breaks.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Keep your brain from
becoming overloaded by taking a 15-minute walk outside or flipping through
a book with photographs of natural environments. This is attention-restoration,
exposing yourself to <a href="http://www.prevention.com/health/emotional-health/spending-time-outside-relieves-stress"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">nature</span></a> helps
restore your brain’s ability to focus by giving it a breather. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Find your pleasure
point. Your iPhone can act as a stimulus to your brain, meaning you
get a feel-good <a href="http://www.prevention.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-tips/chocolate-and-food-addiction"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">dopamine</span></a> rush
from checking it, which increases your technology addiction. Retrain your
brain by actively doing something else that makes you happy, instead of always
reaching into your pocket. <o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
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<b>Let's Engage</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmOk0BYSayc/Vs6oZzC3eNI/AAAAAAAABl4/tN3DlCclVfc/s1600/engage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmOk0BYSayc/Vs6oZzC3eNI/AAAAAAAABl4/tN3DlCclVfc/s200/engage.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life in the digital age is sucking more people down the digital
rabbit hole. Things need to change. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please provide your own feedback, comments and suggestions. Share
our discussion by responding to these questions directly via the blog. If you
prefer, send me an email and I’ll insert your comments.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> 1. Do you use a smartphone? I confess that I’m addicted. Are you?</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> 2. Do you take your smartphone everywhere with you?</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> 3. Do you check email, Facebook or text constantly?</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> 4. While with others, do you consider texting or email impolite?</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> 5. Do you use or forbid use of smartphones while at family dinner?</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> 6. Do you notice digital addiction trends increasing everywhere?</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> 7. Do you have digital addiction? How are you controlling it?</span></div>
8. Please provide your own additional comments and suggestions.<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">References</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Is Technology Making Our
Lives Easier? <a href="http://goo.gl/zg3XxS">http://goo.gl/zg3XxS</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Time – Millennials Are
Selfish and Entitled: <a href="http://goo.gl/ZciL7m">http://goo.gl/ZciL7m</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Deresiewicz Book –
Miseducation of the American Elite: <a href="http://goo.gl/hVfAkW">http://goo.gl/hVfAkW</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">David Brooks Book – Road
to Character: <a href="http://goo.gl/sFFJnX">http://goo.gl/sFFJnX</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">NY Times - The Self(ie)
Generation: <a href="http://goo.gl/QijMZK">http://goo.gl/QijMZK</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Larry Kilham Book – Down
the Digital Rabbit Hole: <a href="http://goo.gl/U43Qve">http://goo.gl/U43Qve</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">6.1B Smartphone Users
Globally By 2020: <a href="http://goo.gl/vGu1Sp">http://goo.gl/vGu1Sp</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">US Smartphone Use in 2015:
<a href="http://goo.gl/lQQeCI">http://goo.gl/lQQeCI</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Online Social Experience
and Limbic Resonance: <a href="https://goo.gl/l62Ke1">https://goo.gl/l62Ke1</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Digital addiction is the
world’s next great health crisis: <a href="http://goo.gl/eKCVgj">http://goo.gl/eKCVgj</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Yes, You Do Need A Digital
Detox: <a href="http://goo.gl/cPcKWt">http://goo.gl/cPcKWt</a><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
..ooOOoo..</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEa4yJWB2JQ/Vs6ow4OAb8I/AAAAAAAABmA/1N0dig5x25c/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEa4yJWB2JQ/Vs6ow4OAb8I/AAAAAAAABmA/1N0dig5x25c/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Pinto</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
USA</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-60909198639705651362016-02-11T12:22:00.000-08:002016-02-19T15:10:59.355-08:00American Political Revolution<div style="margin-left: 99.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For
many, the American dream has become a nightmare.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Bernie
Sanders</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Politics is a minefield and I typically don’t take sides. Now
I’m making an exception because, in my view, something different is happening.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4RlUrWsexaA/Vrzly9aF_NI/AAAAAAAABhc/dsi3RY8LuvI/s1600/political-reform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4RlUrWsexaA/Vrzly9aF_NI/AAAAAAAABhc/dsi3RY8LuvI/s1600/political-reform.jpg" /></a>You’ll note that several of my blogs over the past three
years have covered my serious concerns about Political Corruption and Democracy
Dysfunction. <sup>(1) (2) (3) (4)</sup> I wrote, “<i>As it exists today, the American system is entirely incompatible with
the democratic ideals upon which it was ostensibly founded. A political
revolution seems to be the only solution to the countless problems plaguing
America.</i>”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think, I hope, that maybe – just maybe – that Bernie
Sanders is part of a political solution for America. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His results after the first two election
primaries indicate that that he's right for the times. America’s deeply
entrenched problems must be exposed through the political process, failing
which revolution is the only alternative. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Background<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xODBMSK2QM/VrzmMIOWNFI/AAAAAAAABhg/uL6oIcB7JJY/s1600/bernie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xODBMSK2QM/VrzmMIOWNFI/AAAAAAAABhg/uL6oIcB7JJY/s200/bernie.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Bernie Sanders was born
on September 8, 1941, in New York. He grew up in Brooklyn as the younger of two
sons of Jewish immigrants from Poland. His father worked as a paint salesman. From
childhood, as part of a struggling working-class family, he recognized
America's economic disparity.<sup> </sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bernie Sanders started out his career as the mayor of
Burlington, Vermont. He served four terms as the leader of Vermont's biggest
city from 1981 to 1989. He then moved on to the national political arena by
winning a seat in the House of Representatives. From 1991 to 2007, he
distinguished himself as one of the country's few independent legislators. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In
2007, Bernie won election to the U.S. Senate and was re-elected in 2012. He
announced his plans to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2015.<sup>
(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Democratic Socialism<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bernie Sanders is a self-styled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Democratic Socialist</i>, a political ideology advocating a <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
democratic political system alongside
a socialist economic system, involving a combination of
political democracy. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A94-7GOZbGM/VrzmyxA4sFI/AAAAAAAABho/KAV1F6q-qM0/s1600/democraticsocialist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A94-7GOZbGM/VrzmyxA4sFI/AAAAAAAABho/KAV1F6q-qM0/s200/democraticsocialist.jpg" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Democracy and socialism go hand in hand. All over the world,
wherever the idea of democracy has taken root, the vision of socialism has
taken root as well. This is embraced everywhere but in the United States, where
many false ideas about socialism have developed. Many older Americans have
become brainwashed into considering the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">socialist</i> to be repugnant. But it doesn’t seem to bother young
people. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bernie Sanders Issues<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s what the Bernie Sanders website says about the 21
issues that he considers are important to the American people: <sup>(7)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geVyM0RGCGQ/VrznGNY70YI/AAAAAAAABhw/gtvPrLAVo80/s1600/enough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geVyM0RGCGQ/VrznGNY70YI/AAAAAAAABhw/gtvPrLAVo80/s200/enough.jpg" width="200" /></a>“The American people must
make a fundamental decision. Do we continue the 40-year decline of our middle
class and the growing gap between the very rich and everyone else, or do we
fight for a progressive economic agenda that creates jobs, raises wages,
protects the environment and provides health care for all? Are we prepared to
take on the enormous economic and political power of the billionaire class, or
do we continue to slide into economic and political oligarchy? These are the
most important questions of our time, and how we answer them will determine the
future of our country.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If one listens to what Bernie has been saying, it’s evident that
he is not radical at all. In many respects, he addresses directly the fundamental
concerns that many Americans have about their future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Iowa & NH Results<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNnhmosYTQ4/VrznefH1MyI/AAAAAAAABh0/iIBXIxK218k/s1600/surge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNnhmosYTQ4/VrznefH1MyI/AAAAAAAABh0/iIBXIxK218k/s200/surge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week in the Iowa caucuses, Hillary Clinton seemed
artificial and contrived. By comparison, Bernie Sanders generated extraordinary
enthusiasm with his consistent message of political revolution. He fought the
supposedly inevitable Democratic winner to a draw and gained just about the
same number of Iowa delegates. <sup>(8) </sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Young, first-time caucus goers came close to carrying the
day over the traditional, older attendees. According to the Des Moines Register
poll Hillary Clinton was getting 65% of the older demographic (65+) and Bernie
Sanders was getting 63% of the under-35 voters. Hillary was terribly damaged by
the Iowa result. And things got worse. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week, at the New Hampshire primary, America witnessed Bernie
not just holding his own, but winning by a large margin. <sup>(9)</sup> American
politics is experiencing a revolution led by female voters. Bernie won 53% of
the female vote compared to Clinton's 46 %. Among young women, his numbers were
even higher: 69% of Democratic women under 45 and 82% of female primary voters
under the age of 30 voted for him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Follow the Money<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTw7AtzHejE/VrznxgKxxHI/AAAAAAAABh8/agyQjZY0CmA/s1600/susperpac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTw7AtzHejE/VrznxgKxxHI/AAAAAAAABh8/agyQjZY0CmA/s200/susperpac.jpg" width="200" /></a>Fewer than four hundred families are responsible for almost
half the money raised in the 2016 presidential campaign, a concentration of
political donors that is unprecedented in the modern era.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Political candidates are restricted in how much they can
accept from any single donor. The vast majority of the funds backing
presidential candidates, approaching $1b this year, are being channeled through
SuperPACs that can generate unlimited contributions, enormous campaign war
chests, from almost any source. Take a look at the list of funds raised by the 2016
presidential candidates. <sup>(10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Bernie Sanders is the
exception. His campaign has raised more than $ 75m, all of it from smaller
donations – $ 0.00 from SuperPACs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbqi4HIJcrk/VrzoKKt-oDI/AAAAAAAABiE/O048DGA1gfA/s1600/contributions.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbqi4HIJcrk/VrzoKKt-oDI/AAAAAAAABiE/O048DGA1gfA/s200/contributions.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During his New Hampshire victory speech Bernie announced,
“I'm going to hold a fundraiser right here, right now, across America. My
request is – please go to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">BernieSanders.com </i>and
contribute. Please help us raise the funds we need, whether it's 10 bucks, 20
bucks, or 50 bucks. Help us raise the money we need to take the fight to
Nevada, South Carolina and the states on Super Tuesday.” Within a day, contributions
jumped $ 6,672,590 – all from separate, small, individual contributors. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Citizens United<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After being legitimized in 2010 by the Supreme Court <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Citizens United</i> decision, corruption of
the political system and is now the root of most problems in politics. <sup>(11)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-80ayA5ySkeM/VrzoehIrkkI/AAAAAAAABiM/OE6oIfYHhjI/s1600/citizensunited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-80ayA5ySkeM/VrzoehIrkkI/AAAAAAAABiM/OE6oIfYHhjI/s200/citizensunited.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These days, immediately upon being elected, the first
priority for most politicians is to start to raise funds, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">huge</i> funds, for the next election. These are usually not dishonest
people or evil people; it is simply that if they want to stay in office they have
to raise money – big money. The way they do this is selling favors. They don't
say openly that this is what they do – but it is indeed<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>what they all do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After making big donations to politicians’ campaigns through
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">SuperPACs</i>, the lobbyists and large
donors write legislation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Politicians
not only allow it, they condone it. It seems they have no choice. No other
institution in America is so legally corrupt. It's just not right. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Feel the Bern<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kKUzwaxoTI/Vrzop3JKlkI/AAAAAAAABiU/1uqBpKKUzfU/s1600/feelthebern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kKUzwaxoTI/Vrzop3JKlkI/AAAAAAAABiU/1uqBpKKUzfU/s200/feelthebern.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reasonable people have little choice but to support any
politician who is openly against this kind of corruption. Bernie Sanders leads
the way. One of his stated major issues is to restore Democracy by getting big
money out of politics. With America’s support, he can get it done.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Book: Why Bernie
Sanders Matters<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2nIDjq5KIU/Vrzo4l4SpDI/AAAAAAAABic/uh1w1GH4wCM/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2nIDjq5KIU/Vrzo4l4SpDI/AAAAAAAABic/uh1w1GH4wCM/s200/book.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="132" /></a>Missionary. Radical. Hippy. Revolutionary. Pragmatist.
Socialist. <sup>(12)</sup> Jaffe narrates
the story of the rise of a scrappy kid from Brooklyn and why he just won’t
quit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Hot from the campaign trail, a vivid new biography by Harry Jaffe goes
inside Bernie Sanders’s contradictions, his unusual life, and his electrifying
quest to make the American dream a reality for all.<br />
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Change Happens<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVf-GzYx_2s/VrzpOCp4M4I/AAAAAAAABik/ObNVMQEmHtU/s1600/changeleaders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVf-GzYx_2s/VrzpOCp4M4I/AAAAAAAABik/ObNVMQEmHtU/s200/changeleaders.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Once in a lifetime a
great man comes along that makes a difference. The time has to be right. Great
times make great men – Lincoln, Churchill, Gandhi, MLK – their times made those
men. These were ordinary people upon whom the mantle of greatness was placed. <sup>(13)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my view, Bernie Sanders has the potential to be one of
those game-changers. He may not get his changes through a corrupt congress, but
he will expose the problems and, hopefully, move the country towards reasonable
progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The present system is so entrenched that change will be
difficult. Bernie is proposing huge changes, and for decades the political landscape
is littered with those wanting to make changes to the system, only to have them
flame out. Eugene McCarthy, Ross Perot, Howard Dean and others championed
change. They had lots of great ideas, but none of them ever got the chance to really
do anything, because they didn’t – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">couldn't</i>
– get elected. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bernie Sanders is one of those voices in the desert. Will he
be diminished and eliminated like the others before him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and I are part of the answer to that
vital question. You can help by being a contributor to his campaign, to help
him get elected. <sup>(14)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pinto Poem<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->I cannot complete this blog
on Bernie Sanders without waxing poetic: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUFN7wnAGKQ/VrzrUA4ndkI/AAAAAAAABjI/MyPAFa3cBuE/s1600/poetry.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUFN7wnAGKQ/VrzrUA4ndkI/AAAAAAAABjI/MyPAFa3cBuE/s1600/poetry.png" /></a>Look around you to see all the
signs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Rich getting richer while
middle-class declines</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Politicians in the grip of big
money donors<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Voting like minions obeying their
owners<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Wall Street and wealthy must pay
taxes their share<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Not shelter profits with tax dodges
not fair<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Racial injustice a total outrage<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Women’s pay equity, raise
minimum wage<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CcfIhk11YlY/Vsegf8BAoJI/AAAAAAAABkQ/VhhDeKU3t2E/s1600/feelthebern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CcfIhk11YlY/Vsegf8BAoJI/AAAAAAAABkQ/VhhDeKU3t2E/s200/feelthebern.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br />
Lower prices for drugs and
health-care for all <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
It’s urgent America, we can no
longer stall<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Save our planet with climate change<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Vote for Bernie, he will help us arrange<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This rhyme jumped out from my keyboard, inspired by my
respect and admiration for this man, for his courage and dogged determination
to bring change to America against great odds. Bernie Sanders generates hope and optimism
for me and for many.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll appreciate your own view on Bernie Sanders. Here are
some questions to get you engaged:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wSHqQ176Qog/VrzuxKRkk6I/AAAAAAAABjc/QAn9iLJVThE/s1600/engage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wSHqQ176Qog/VrzuxKRkk6I/AAAAAAAABjc/QAn9iLJVThE/s1600/engage.png" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
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<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Are you Democrat or
Republican or Independent?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Who will you (did you)
vote for in the primaries?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Will you vote for Bernie
Sanders? Why? Why not?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Are you a Hillary Clinton
supporter? Why?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Are you a Trump supporter?
Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will/can Trump get elected?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">If you don’t live in the
US, what is your view of American elections?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Add your own observations
and ideas.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please share your comments directly in the blog. Or, send me
an email and I’ll insert on your behalf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can choose to provide your name, or remain anonymous.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">References<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Jim Pinto blog – Next American
Revolution: <a href="http://goo.gl/49Ksg3">http://goo.gl/49Ksg3</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Jim Pinto blog – Political
Corruption in America: <a href="http://goo.gl/oQVhx4">http://goo.gl/oQVhx4</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Jim Pinto blog – Corruption
of Capitalism: <a href="http://goo.gl/6mDs0n">http://goo.gl/6mDs0n</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Jim Pinto blog – Democracy
Dysfunction: <a href="http://goo.gl/l8iEGf">http://goo.gl/l8iEGf</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Bernie Sanders Biography: <a href="http://goo.gl/yxNycb">http://goo.gl/yxNycb</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">What is Democratic
Socialism? <a href="http://goo.gl/gwuWe4">http://goo.gl/gwuWe4</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Bernie Sanders on the
Issues: <a href="https://goo.gl/gfsSYW">https://goo.gl/gfsSYW</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Democratic caucus that
(almost) felt the Bern: <a href="https://goo.gl/z28wvB">https://goo.gl/z28wvB</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -22.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">New
Hampshire Primary: 5 Things That Explain The Results: <a href="http://goo.gl/piWEjR">http://goo.gl/piWEjR</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -22.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Which
Presidential Candidates Are Winning the Money Race: <a href="http://goo.gl/GZdM4G">http://goo.gl/GZdM4G</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -22.5pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">A
wealthy oligarchy of donors is dominating the 2016 election: <a href="https://goo.gl/95mYrG">https://goo.gl/95mYrG</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Book: Why Bernie Sanders
Matters: <a href="http://goo.gl/TiVLTn">http://goo.gl/TiVLTn</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Gandhi of America - Bernie
Sanders: <a href="https://goo.gl/qggoKh">https://goo.gl/qggoKh</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Contribute to Bernie
Sanders Campaign: <a href="https://goo.gl/Z20C0s">https://goo.gl/Z20C0s</a><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
..ooOOoo..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-GXs9rVN3w/VrzqZjnrOPI/AAAAAAAABi8/R9Vx03ItTi4/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-GXs9rVN3w/VrzqZjnrOPI/AAAAAAAABi8/R9Vx03ItTi4/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
USA<o:p></o:p></div>
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11 February 2016<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-68779878077636514752016-01-27T15:21:00.002-08:002016-01-28T05:12:04.114-08:00Optimism about Teenagers<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Life clears out the old to make way for the new.</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: right;"> Steve Jobs</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpXg1ooXtoM/VqlIrh-_NkI/AAAAAAAABfk/suo4P0XbH0Q/s1600/mid-age.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RpXg1ooXtoM/VqlIrh-_NkI/AAAAAAAABfk/suo4P0XbH0Q/s200/mid-age.gif" width="57" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Many middle-aged and older
people consider young people and teen-agers very self-absorbed. They seem to
have little interest in family, local, or world events. How will they solve the
seemingly insoluble problems that keep emerging everywhere in the world with
startling rapidity? <sup>(1)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a couple of decades, most of the older folk will have
died off and the world must continue with those who are young now, but will
inevitably emerge to “inherit the earth”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will they solve the difficulties they must
eventually face? Let’s examine the different generations and how they might
approach the seemingly insurmountable problems.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Naming the
Generations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In Western culture, the generation names are based on major
cultural, political, and economic influences. The following is a summary from a
fairly detailed listing of characteristics. <sup>(2) (3)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<sup><br /></sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Lost Generation – Broadly
refers to a generation that has ‘lost’ its values or morals, etc. Directionless,
aimless young adults after the First World War. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">GI generation (1901-1926) –
self-named: the greatest generation <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Silent generation (1927-1945)
– Went through their formative years during an era of conformity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11r119o_CBk/VqlJEU7-E8I/AAAAAAAABfw/R3ehefaGQJE/s1600/generation-gap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11r119o_CBk/VqlJEU7-E8I/AAAAAAAABfw/R3ehefaGQJE/s320/generation-gap.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Baby-boomers (1946-1964) –
save-the-world revolutionaries, and the career climbers. Now in their
‘50’s and ‘70’s. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Beat generation (1950-1960)
– Rejected conventional society and favored Zen Buddhism, modern jazz,
free sexuality, and recreational drugs. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Generation X (1965-1980) –
Latch-key kids grew up street-smart but isolated, often with divorced or
career-driven parents<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Generation Y/ Millennial
(1981-2000) – Nurtured by omnipresent parents, optimistic, focused, respect
authority<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Generation Z (2001-2015) –
Two age groups – tweens and teens. The term “iGeneration” acknowledges the
crucial difference for this age group – that they never knew a world
without the Internet.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other countries in the world have different names for the
generations, but all refer to the differences between the age groups. Each
carries the values and experiences of the life stages and everyone agrees on
the timeframes that mark the generations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">World’s Greatest
Country <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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air, politicians keep claiming that America is #1, the greatest country that's
ever existed. All the Presidential candidates are in the age groups 45-75 and
they repeat that mantra; Donald Trump’s slogan is, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Make America Great Again</i>”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To progressives, that’s a challenge to fulfill our
commitments to our children, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
conservatives, it's often a license for passivity. Yet, our education system is
wildly dysfunctional and confused, and our health care system isn't much of a
system at all. But still, somehow, underneath it all, most Americans like to cling
to the idea of world leadership. Politicians, all <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Baby Boomers</i>, perpetuate the phrase. Bernie Sanders uses the
slogan, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Future to Believe In</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Millennial Generation<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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millennial generation was the most educated in American history, but that
education came at a price. Average debt for graduates of public universities
doubled between 1996 and 2006. Students chose to take on the obligation because
they expected to find a job that paid it off; instead, they found themselves
stranded in the worst economy in 80 years. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Young people who skipped college altogether have faced
something worse: depressed wages in a global economy that finds it easier than
ever to replace jobs with technology or to move them to low-cost countries overseas.
The only alternatives are unskilled jobs with no educational requirements and
relatively low wages. (4)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0TQRrHTRyA/VqlKwY3sVXI/AAAAAAAABgA/qbdo_-SsBRI/s1600/Millennials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0TQRrHTRyA/VqlKwY3sVXI/AAAAAAAABgA/qbdo_-SsBRI/s200/Millennials.jpg" width="200" /></a>Paradoxically, some studies find millennials, young adults now
between 18 and 33, to be inexplicably positive despite facing higher levels of
student loan debt, poverty and unemployment, and lower levels of wealth and
personal income than any other generation in the modern era. But other surveys present
a somewhat depressing portrait: just 19% of milennials believe that “most
people can be trusted,” compared to 40 % of Baby Boomers and 31 % of Generation
X. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most millennials are strongly connected to online
communities and friends. The average millennial has 250 Facebook
friends. Strong Internet connections may lead to closed social networks
and wariness to put too much trust in people who are not part of the network.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gen Z<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With troubles everywhere and popular culture disrupted
beyond recognition, the world is looking for a new generation to rebuild it.
Enter Gen Z, the generation born after millennials, and now emerging as the
next big thing for cultural observers and trend forecasters. The oldest members
of this group, the teens and tweens of today are primed to become the dominant
youth influencers of tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5B2PpNwOY9Q/VqlLo_S1SaI/AAAAAAAABgM/sLB6pI2NOn4/s1600/genz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5B2PpNwOY9Q/VqlLo_S1SaI/AAAAAAAABgM/sLB6pI2NOn4/s200/genz.jpg" width="200" /></a>It’s clear that teens in
2015 really do inhabit a substantially different world than one of 2005. Millennials
were raised during the boom times and relative peace of the 1990s, only to see
their sunny world dashed by the Sept. 11 attacks and two economic crashes, in
2000 and 2008. Generation Z, by contrast, has had its eyes open from the
beginning, coming along in the aftermath of those cataclysms in the era of the
war on terror and the Great Recession. <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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Gen Z kids are “pragmatists” who will navigate a tougher
world defined by 9/11, the financial crisis, and gender fluidity. Previous
generations had to worry about getting into college and finding a job. These
“kids” are tasked with cleaning up their mess, though they don’t yet realize
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Today’s Teenagers<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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During my recent visit to St. Pete, Florida, I spent some
time with my teenage grandson (14) and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tweenage</i>
granddaughter (11) and their friends. I found them to be outgoing and gregarious. My experiences were indeed enlightening,
some surprising. Indeed, they motivated me to write this blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o6T7n32AfZM/VqlMBdHIi4I/AAAAAAAABgU/ksUjUb76kZA/s1600/teenagers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o6T7n32AfZM/VqlMBdHIi4I/AAAAAAAABgU/ksUjUb76kZA/s200/teenagers.jpg" width="200" /></a>Today’s teens only know a black president. The video games
they play are much more powerful than the 8-bit consoles of the previous
generation. They can’t remember a time before smartphones, Instagram and
Snapchat. They are not on Facebook (it’s for old people) and don’t really care
about today’s fads. They watch Netflix, Amazon, AppleTV – and play video games
like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Assassin's Creed</i>. (They consider
Nintendo games like Super Mario kid stuff.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They buy most of what they need via Amazon, with no interest in “going
shopping”. <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The vast majority of teenage screen time is on smartphones,
laptops and tablets. They don’t watch TV. Instead they watch Youtube. I
wondered at my recent spike of Youtube video hits, which turned out to be my
grandson’s friends watching me strumming a guitar and singing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sioux City Sue</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Parents and adults have lots of complaints: My kids are anti-social;
always face down into their phones. They have no interest in others; have lost
the art of conversation; are too self-absorbed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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At a gathering of friends during my visit to Florida, I sat
awhile with the adults – they were engaged in small talk, mostly about other
people, which didn’t interest me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So, I spent an evening socializing with my grandchildren and
their friends. Wow, what an awakening!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did NOT find them inward looking – on the contrary! They were seemingly
oblivious that there was an old grandpa sitting on in their midst and were happy
to answer all my questions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Why are you always on the phone – at dinner, or at
gatherings? Answer: because the subjects and conversations are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">boring</i>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They’d rather choose where they want to be, and with who. They can
listen to whatever music they want, whenever they want. With a smartphone, they
can choose to be anywhere and with anyone they wish to. Example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>text from one teen to another during a family
party:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hey, this is boring. </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span>
Let’s get outta here…. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Digital Lifestyle<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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height:135.75pt;z-index:251675648'>
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o:title="digitalifestyle"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Digital communication has
produced more changes over the last 15 years than the printing press did in
1570. The standout early adopters are teenagers, whose brains appear to have an
extraordinary capacity to adapt to the world around them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kjgnUM35Ts/VqlNORE-08I/AAAAAAAABgg/8xnptKTRlLk/s1600/digitalifestyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kjgnUM35Ts/VqlNORE-08I/AAAAAAAABgg/8xnptKTRlLk/s200/digitalifestyle.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Digital communication is not just prevalent, it IS
teenagers' lives. TIME magazine suggests that it’s harder to be a teen now.
That’s not in spite of the Internet and the iPhone – it’s because of it. <sup>(7)</sup>
Says a teen, “People expect more from you because they know you have a cell
phone and they can contact you any time”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s anxiety of having their lives documented online for
all to see. They know that mistakes can live forever on the Internet. That
mentality helps explain why they’re adopting the new wave of anonymous and
private communications platforms, such as Snapchat and GroupMe, sometimes via
their PlayStations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The digital lifestyle affects a teen’s real-life
interactions. Teenagers don’t make phone calls anymore, unless it’s urgent. My
grandson seldom checks his voicemail, unless I text to ask whether he did. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Youtube says that teenagers all over the world are watching
the same clips and laughing at the same jokes, indicating that they are more much
global minded than anyone previously. Sharing the same jokes could possibly go
a long way to breaking down some of the prejudices out there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my own view, Gen Z teenagers will change the world – for
the better. They’ll come up with resolutions to current problems that most of
us consider unsolvable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please share our discussion by responding to these questions
directly via the blog. If you prefer, send me an email and I’ll insert your
comments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nv6wso84zVY/VqlNq9FoqFI/AAAAAAAABgo/z9CNDDiSacI/s1600/engage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nv6wso84zVY/VqlNq9FoqFI/AAAAAAAABgo/z9CNDDiSacI/s200/engage.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="_x0000_s1034" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;left:0;
text-align:left;margin-left:0;margin-top:3.6pt;width:162pt;height:154.6pt;
z-index:251677696'>
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o:title="engage.jpg"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Are you pessimistic
about many different problems in today’s world?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;">What is your age bracket?
Are you a millennial reading this blog? A teen?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;">Do you have a teenager in
your family or household?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;">What are your own views of
millennials and teens? Please share.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;">Do the millennials or
teens you know seem aloof or standoffish?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;">Have you talked with millennials
and teens? What do you talk about?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;">What kind of discussions
do you enjoy? About people, politics or ideas?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;">Please add your own
comments (or send me an email).<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>References</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;">10 greatest threats facing
the world in 2014: <a href="http://goo.gl/sVd4Ys">http://goo.gl/sVd4Ys</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;">Generational Differences
Chart: <a href="http://goo.gl/gkkWkg">http://goo.gl/gkkWkg</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;">What are the origins of
generation names? <a href="http://goo.gl/K64DnL">http://goo.gl/K64DnL</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;">The Six Living Generations
In America: <a href="http://goo.gl/tqzH7p">http://goo.gl/tqzH7p</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -31.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;">The
Unluckiest Generation: What Will Become of Millennials? <a href="http://goo.gl/GGk2Cz">http://goo.gl/GGk2Cz</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;">16 Things You Should Know
About Today’s Teens: <a href="http://goo.gl/9VxAWD">http://goo.gl/9VxAWD</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;">TIME – The American
Teenager in 2015: <a href="http://goo.gl/6Uxdiz">http://goo.gl/6Uxdiz</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;">Social Media: The Death of
Real World Interaction: <a href="https://goo.gl/1i2DP2">https://goo.gl/1i2DP2</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1;">Teenage brains in the
digital world: <a href="http://goo.gl/7W7jsv">http://goo.gl/7W7jsv</a><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7cdZ1LLWI4/VqlOlU6ioKI/AAAAAAAABg8/er2k7MouORs/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7cdZ1LLWI4/VqlOlU6ioKI/AAAAAAAABg8/er2k7MouORs/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA. USA<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
27 January 2016</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-15606188484526247222016-01-12T16:04:00.000-08:002016-01-13T07:58:11.895-08:002016 Pinto Prognostications<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The only thing we know about the future is that it will be different.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 58.5pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i>Peter
Drucker</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="jittery"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSDtWnnF9pA/VpWM6BGSJLI/AAAAAAAABdQ/0lFqutQl_cE/s1600/jittery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RSDtWnnF9pA/VpWM6BGSJLI/AAAAAAAABdQ/0lFqutQl_cE/s200/jittery.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="2016-2015"/>
<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Another year has passed –
unsteadily creeping forward at jittery speed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The US stock market declined precipitously as
2015 closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the start of 2016, the
news of the China stock market being closed twice caused further decline,
showing how closely the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">global village</i>
is linked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TPeAOLPbT8/VpWNCHQbRqI/AAAAAAAABdY/i4-bc-663lQ/s1600/2016-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TPeAOLPbT8/VpWNCHQbRqI/AAAAAAAABdY/i4-bc-663lQ/s200/2016-2015.jpg" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are precarious political problems almost everywhere in
the world. Things continue to be quite different from what most people expect. During
the next years much will change. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a tall order to try and summarize and prognosticate on
the multiplicity of fast-moving scenarios, but I’ll sketch out some of the
things that are expected to happen. For those who wish to dig deeper, the web
links I have provided will give more details. <sup>(1)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">World Politics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGGAsmoYdjo/VpWNYFj5OmI/AAAAAAAABdg/avR5zVOVtFI/s1600/worldproblems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGGAsmoYdjo/VpWNYFj5OmI/AAAAAAAABdg/avR5zVOVtFI/s200/worldproblems.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The world has arrived in the 21<sup>st</sup> century, but
the worldviews of various countries seem to be stuck in different periods. Many
remain embedded in old views of more stable times. Japan is stuck in the
post-WWII order. The Islamic State wants to turn the clock back by 1,000 years.
Much of today's geopolitics reflects former times. <sup>(2)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Americans like to think of themselves as forward-looking and
progressive. But in reality, today’s US is a mix of 21st-century idealism and
19th-century power politics. The rhetoric extols democracy, human rights,
gender equality, open markets, and other obvious qualities of the 21th-century
formula. But power politics retains a 19th-century view. Powerful interests
still want to preserve US supremacy and are still willing to defend several obsolete,
undemocratic allies around the world. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Russia is a throwback to the 19th century. Putin remains in
power and is purposefully pushing his own agenda, to gain traction after oil
prices have plummeted. 60% of Russia's exports are oil and gas, which make up
over 30% of the country's GDP. Russia is trying to expand its sphere of
influence in the nearby countries and keeps challenging Western views to
protect what it sees as its core interests. This requires seizing territory or
promoting wars, which it justifies as reasonable. America and Europe are too
engaged in their own interests to move beyond ineffective rhetoric. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAEN24kBXcM/VpWRfn0FihI/AAAAAAAABe8/0ELeEBJXLMM/s1600/russiachinaindia.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAEN24kBXcM/VpWRfn0FihI/AAAAAAAABe8/0ELeEBJXLMM/s200/russiachinaindia.png" width="200" /></a>China has used globalization to boost its own economy, but is
not adopting a 21st-century view of world politics. After two centuries of subjugation,
the country feels rich enough and strong enough to resist foreign pressures.
That requires continued economic growth, increased military power, and consistent
efforts to regain control over territories or regions rightfully regarded as
part of China (notably Taiwan). It also seeks to establish regional hegemony in
Asia by pushing the US out of the region and motivating neighbors to accept new
Chinese power. </div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Poverty and corruption are still rampant in India, the
world’s largest democracy. But bright possibilities are brewing, and the world’s
most populous country could well become a superpower. The new Prime Minister’s initiatives
to create a real free market seem to be working and GDP growth keeps advancing.
According to the World Bank. India’s $1.9 trillion economy will keep expanding.
The country will inevitably overtake Japan as the world’s <a href="http://thediplomat.com/2014/05/world-bank-india-overtakes-japan-as-worlds-third-largest-economy/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">third largest
economy</span></a>. <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
George Friedman writes in his Geopolitics weekly letter, “The
economic crisis, while there may be one, is unimportant compared to the
conflicts within Europe and along the European-Russian borders. It is trivial
compared to the chaos in the Middle East and the economic dysfunction in China.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">USA Politics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oR72rFsKuJI/VpWNmoJ-fVI/AAAAAAAABdo/882VraJlB20/s1600/usaproblems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oR72rFsKuJI/VpWNmoJ-fVI/AAAAAAAABdo/882VraJlB20/s200/usaproblems.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gallup polls show an average of 43% of Americans identified
politically as independents in 2014, a new high. In terms of national
identification with the two major parties, Democrats continued to hold an edge
over Republicans, 30% to 26%. Since 2008, the percentage of political independents
has steadily climbed from 35% to the current 43%, exceeding 40% each of the
last four years. <sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Americans are angry. They are angry about school shootings
and taxes and mistreatment and undeserved privilege and discrimination and
government. <sup>(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9wCyYniBQU/VpWNxrZUE5I/AAAAAAAABdw/YL1fhRYd_kA/s1600/trump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9wCyYniBQU/VpWNxrZUE5I/AAAAAAAABdw/YL1fhRYd_kA/s200/trump.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An election year in the USA, fueled by constant discussion
and rehashing on TV and the media, generates an advertising bonanza and provides
a confused barometer of what people are thinking and feeling, regularly reset by
a variety of polls. Political TV ad spending is expected to total more than $4.4
billion for federal races this year, up from $3.8 billion in 2012.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a democracy, politics woos support from the electorate. This
year, clearly a large segment of the population is disgruntled with “politics
as usual” which motivates them to support politicians on the fringes, or even
radical, non-politicians. So, who will be the next President of the USA? Right
now, it’s anyone’s guess.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Continuing World Chaos<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opTlN5XsGlk/VpWOJci7SoI/AAAAAAAABeA/cbIO8sQBevc/s1600/worldchaos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opTlN5XsGlk/VpWOJci7SoI/AAAAAAAABeA/cbIO8sQBevc/s200/worldchaos.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->The
biggest crises of the last 12 months are only going to get
worse. Following a year which saw the Nepal earthquake, two sets of
attacks on Paris, the biggest refugee crisis since World War 2, escalating
conflicts in the Mid-East and almost everywhere else, the political landscape
of 2016 will be characterized by yet more instability and a lack of global
strategy. Who can guess what chaos will be? Or, what the news will be next? <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The savvy and prolific John Mauldin says that economists are
useless at the job of forecasting; they don't have a clue about the future. The
Fed or government agencies don’t really know what is going on with the economy.
The mistakes and failures of Government are spectacular – and now we keep on
expecting the same people to know where the economy is, where it is going, and
how to manage monetary policy. Opinions are published everywhere and are
virtually useless. <sup>(7)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Business Trends<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->There’s a tremendous
change everywhere in the way people use technology to complete daily tasks. They
book plane tickets, summon taxis, collect payments, pay bills and control their
homes from their smartphone or wearable device. These tech innovations are
converging into careers and people expect it more than ever. People value the
flexibility to work from anywhere, any time, on any device, and have come to
expect this. The business benefits are substantial.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Internet of Things will affect almost every industry. IoT
delivers vast amounts of previously unavailable information, leading to
valuable insight into customer behavior and usage, and enabling complex new
services.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some key trends for as the workforce of the future:
<sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
1. The Ability To Work From
Anywhere, Anytime And On Any Device<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
2. Video Content Management<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
3. Smart Machines And Automation<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
4. Mobile Computing And End-User
Computing Merging<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
5. Mobile Cloud Computing<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
6. Wearable Devices <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
7. The Digital Enterprise – New,
ultra-productive ways to do business <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
8. Individual Work Style
Preferences<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The workforce of the future will have grown up with
technology at their fingertips. Most people are comfortable with it and expect
access to it in their everyday life, personal or professional. This is
best exemplified by the preference for text and social media over voice calls
and email as ways of communicating. Everyone is starting to recognize that employees
of organizations that empower a flexible work style not only get more done – they
actually produce higher quality work.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Industrial Automation<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I should cover my industrial automation roots. I have
drifted away in the past few years, but I still keep track and do some speeches
and consulting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Automation, the industrial segment, is a comparatively staid
and unglamorous business. Yet again, the automation industry is declining.
Technology was expected to accelerate growth, but advances are simply not
generating the boosts in productivity and revenue to help growth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Walt Boyes, the savvy and prolific editor & publisher of
the influential <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Industrial Automation
Insider</i> <sup>(8)</sup> says in his December 2015 editorial (summarized
here):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“Some of the largest industrial
automation & controls companies were the hardest hit this year. This is
simply an example of the downward trend seen across companies and across the
industry. The primary culprit behind all the predicted doom and gloom is the
oil industry. Also, there is pressure from vendors who have entered the
automation space from the Internet of Things arena, and who are perhaps more
agile, and perhaps not so encumbered by existing product lines. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“This market is ripe for intrusive
invaders from outside with new and more sophisticated technologies. The future
of manufacturing automation will bring in new competitors, like IBM, GE, Cisco
and Google, which all have deeper pockets than the large automation vendors.
They are looking for a big money play, and will either compete with or acquire
the traditional vendors.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“The situation is only going to get
worse in 2016.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Consumer Tech Trends<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Futurist Ray Kurzweil muses: A child in Africa with a mobile
phone has access to more information than the president of the US did 15 years
ago. The smart phone is a billion times more powerful per dollar than the
computer all the students and professors shared at Massachusetts Institute of
Technology in 1965. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, the world’s
largest annual tech convention, held in Las Vegas Jan 6-9, there was more
square-footage and vendors dedicated to cars, wearables, robots and drones than
ever before — a whopping three-and-a-half football fields’ worth of space for
smart-car technologies alone. <sup>(10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There were 4 big themes:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Self-driving cars get real<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. IoT and wearables get useful<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. The real heroes: AI, big data, and deep learning<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wearable gadgets will disappear in 2016 and will become integrated
very directly into everyday life to the extent that nobody knows someone is
wearing a wearable. Gesture-controlled gadgets are on the way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Future
Prognostications </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the midst of this turbulence the world progresses,
seemingly peaceful on the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
seems futile to predict what will happen tomorrow, let alone this year and
decade. Take a minute to read the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2015
Pinto Prognostications</i>, which are stable enough. Indeed, very little has
shifted.<sup> (11) </sup>So, is my current pessimism just a state of mind? Or,
perhaps I’m taking too broad a view?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlxbQqqctJ0/VpWPJk6HMuI/AAAAAAAABeg/H3BxMEw3Qmc/s1600/futurepredictions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlxbQqqctJ0/VpWPJk6HMuI/AAAAAAAABeg/H3BxMEw3Qmc/s200/futurepredictions.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are predictions from people I respect and admire<sup>
(12)</sup>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->3D printers will print human organs using
modified stem cells with the patient's own DNA providing an inexhaustible
supply of organs and no rejection issues. We will spend considerable time
in virtual and augmented realities allowing us to visit with each other even if
hundreds of miles apart. We'll even be able to touch each other. <i>Ray Kurzweil, inventor, pioneering computer
scientist</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;"> In the next 10 years we will see the gradual transition from an Internet to a brain-net, in which thoughts, emotions, feelings, and memories might be transmitted instantly across the planet: </span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Dr. Michio Kaku, professor of theoretical physics </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The evolution of M-Health (mobile diagnostics,
bio-feedback and personal monitoring) is set to revolutionize treatment of
conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Dr. Anne Lise Kjaer, founder of trend forecasting agency </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Wearable mobile devices will blanket the world.
By 2025, there will be a massive Internet of everyone and everything linking
every nation, community, company and person to all of the world's knowledge. <i>Dr. James Canton, Institute for Global
Futures </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The on-demand revolution will become the
on-demand world. Biological software upgrades, personalized medicine,
artificially intelligent assistants will increasingly transform healthcare and
well-being. <i>Jason Silva National
Geographic Channel's "Brain Games<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Says Mark Stevenson, author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An Optimist's Tour of the Future</i>: “The technologies aren’t the most
important bit - it’s what society does with them”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Millennial Optimism<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jykbduo7g0A/VpWPT7R8PMI/AAAAAAAABeo/18LAahs2zeA/s1600/millenial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jykbduo7g0A/VpWPT7R8PMI/AAAAAAAABeo/18LAahs2zeA/s200/millenial.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Annual surveys show that “millennials” (people who are 18 to
30 years old) care about society and this reflects in their career and economic
choices. A survey during the World Economic Forum conference showed that
65% of millennials said one of their top three goals in selecting a
job was to make a difference in society, their city or country. They
also look for an opportunity to learn, followed by career advancement. <sup>(13)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I have done previously, I conclude my 2016 summary with
optimism. In America today, eighty million millennials are coming of age and
emerging as leaders. They have begun their careers amidst a recession that has
seen record youth unemployment levels, yet they remain optimistic about their
future. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By 2020, this largest generation in US history will represent
one out of every three adults in the country. They are more ethnically and
racially diverse than their elders, they are the first generation to come of
age in a truly global world, and the first to come of age in the new digital
era. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Humans have a way of adapting to thrive. I am optimistic
about the future! <sup><o:p></o:p></sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">References:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Top Ten Trends: <a href="http://goo.gl/IvhWyq">http://goo.gl/IvhWyq</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Back to the Future: World
Politics Edition: <a href="http://goo.gl/bQV4NF">http://goo.gl/bQV4NF</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">India: The next
superpower? <a href="http://goo.gl/mtBBxd">http://goo.gl/mtBBxd</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">In U.S., New Record 43%
Are Political Independents: <a href="http://goo.gl/KkQbWG">http://goo.gl/KkQbWG</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">TIME - Why Americans Are
So Angry About Everything: <a href="http://goo.gl/6ir6fy">http://goo.gl/6ir6fy</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Top 10 political risks for
2016: <a href="http://goo.gl/y4BDKJ">http://goo.gl/y4BDKJ</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">George Friedman - Stratfor
Decade Forecast - 2015-2025: <a href="https://goo.gl/GX74S6">https://goo.gl/GX74S6</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Automation Insider: <a href="http://goo.gl/dGtcu7">http://goo.gl/dGtcu7</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">8 Tech Trends Changing How
We Work in 2016: <a href="http://goo.gl/Tv8MY5">http://goo.gl/Tv8MY5</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">CES 2016: 4 business
trends to rule them all: <a href="http://goo.gl/PqHa8w">http://goo.gl/PqHa8w</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">2015 Pinto
Prognostications: <a href="http://goo.gl/1ELrTX">http://goo.gl/1ELrTX</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Top Futurists Make Some
Predictions About Next Decade: <a href="http://goo.gl/18r8mX">http://goo.gl/18r8mX</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Millennial generation is
persistently optimistic: <a href="http://goo.gl/4aAa4J">http://goo.gl/4aAa4J</a><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
..ooOOoo..<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZZns9v8u-0/VpWT_R5fJzI/AAAAAAAABfM/sG5X89TAYx0/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZZns9v8u-0/VpWT_R5fJzI/AAAAAAAABfM/sG5X89TAYx0/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Technology Futurist<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA. USA<o:p></o:p></div>
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12 January 2016<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-71495022626115483432015-12-13T15:24:00.000-08:002015-12-13T18:55:27.351-08:00Next American Revolution<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">Those who make peaceful revolution
impossible make violent revolution inevitable.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40.5pt; text-align: start;">
<i style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"> John F.
Kennedy</span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*****<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GP6kyEeqe80/Vm3247IVhSI/AAAAAAAABbE/sphiS7dU3R8/s1600/Change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GP6kyEeqe80/Vm3247IVhSI/AAAAAAAABbE/sphiS7dU3R8/s200/Change.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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Today’s world is a tumult of change:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Political, social, religious, economic,
business, climate, education – literally everything, everywhere. Indeed, there
is nothing that does not or cannot change. When change does not occur in a
system, it breaks down and revolution occurs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Resistance to Change<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Politics and self-interest dictate how people feel about
change. Individuals or groups may take active steps to protect their positions.
Resistance can take many forms; it is dynamic and it adjusts depending on the
specific situation. <sup>(1)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Three types of resistance emerge and operate simultaneously:
emotional, political, and rational. Most people are relatively optimistic when
learning about impending change. They may, at an emotional level, actually
become intrigued or even excited about it. Political resistance arises from
self-interest. Rational resistance arises as people look for facts, relevant
comparisons, and logical justification. These types of resistance occur with
all types of change.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Change can occur quickly or slowly – evolutionary or revolutionary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evolutionary changes occur very slowly as
people understand the change and the approach is built collaboratively. In
business, management decides on whether the change will be brought about – with
employee buy-in, or by forced change. <sup>(2)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Political Change<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NsbvIvBAdS8/Vm34hLpkbVI/AAAAAAAABbY/VDVXDnInWOk/s1600/politicalchange.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NsbvIvBAdS8/Vm34hLpkbVI/AAAAAAAABbY/VDVXDnInWOk/s1600/politicalchange.jpeg" /></a>In the political arena, change comes from politicians advocating
positions that they promise to support. They may not be able to deliver what
they promise. The USA has only 2 political parties, and the parties’ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">platforms</i> set forth the changes that
will be supported. Any politician who does not back the primary party platforms
(albeit with variations) must decide whether the difference justifies running for
office as an Independent, thereby losing (or rejecting) political-party
control.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Whilst most people have a preference for evolutionary
change, it is not always appropriate. Politics in a democracy woos support from
the electorate. But a large segment of the population may not be satisfied with
the choices. This motivates them to support politicians on the fringes, or even
radical candidates. When the dissatisfied segment becomes large enough, it may
force the party-platform to change, or form a splinter group. <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">American Politics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today many people are utterly disenchanted by politics.
They don’t vote because it seems like a tacit act of compliance and there is
nothing to vote for. They regard politicians as frauds and liars. Today I
watched an angry person on TV proclaim very forcefully that politicians are all
liars. To many, the current political system is nothing more than a means for
furthering the benefits of economic elites. These are the seeds of
revolution. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Only 26% of Americans today believe that the two major
parties adequately represent Americans. Calls for bipartisanship are utterly
useless when both parties cannot, or will not, address serious and
legitimate grievances that are common throughout America. As it exists today,
the American system is entirely incompatible with the democratic ideals upon
which it was ostensibly founded. A political revolution seems to be the only solution
to the countless problems plaguing America today. The strong political
resistance against “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">politics as usual</i>”
is proof that a revolution has already begun. <sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Presidential
contenders<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFQs6CxVT7E/Vm35nB-ne1I/AAAAAAAABbo/MAZPpM1b0pw/s1600/trump.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFQs6CxVT7E/Vm35nB-ne1I/AAAAAAAABbo/MAZPpM1b0pw/s200/trump.png" width="200" /></a>There are lots of Republicans who support Donald Trump’s
ideas, which makes him a force to be reckoned with. Other politicians require financial support for their campaigns; Trump is self-financed. Others follow party platforms; Trump does not. In spite of suggestions that Trump’s followers are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">blue collar</i> (inferences of
low-intelligence) the trend continues. As I write this, the poll numbers of the
top-3 Republican contenders combined do not equal Trump’s support. How long
will Trump last?<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "phosphate inline"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Phosphate Inline";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOfDZZD_YmM/Vm351g5vY3I/AAAAAAAABbw/LQSrsnnTs5k/s1600/Hillary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOfDZZD_YmM/Vm351g5vY3I/AAAAAAAABbw/LQSrsnnTs5k/s200/Hillary.jpg" width="188" /></a>The Democratic front-runner, Hillary Clinton seems
to have hard-core support within the Democrat electorate, much higher than for
Bernie Sanders. But she is considered an establishment candidate and still
looks weak going into a general election, barely tying against Donald Trump and
others in head-to-head match-ups. Also, her lead is far lower than the edge
Democrats usually enjoy among female voters. That’s the real challenge for Hillary
Clinton’s campaign.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5W8Dr9XU78/Vm36Vs6syyI/AAAAAAAABb4/kHWVBD2dicQ/s1600/bernie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5W8Dr9XU78/Vm36Vs6syyI/AAAAAAAABb4/kHWVBD2dicQ/s200/bernie.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Bernie Sanders labels
himself a Democratic Socialist Capitalist. He speaks of political revolution,
asking Americans to believe that electoral politics might actually deliver
actual change. He knows that really won’t happen unless people who are
frustrated and disengaged and disenchanted see him as a candidate who is
distinctly different from the rest. <span style="font-family: "phosphate inline"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Phosphate Inline";"></span> So he ramps up his
rhetoric and offers more of a sense of who he is, pointing out that his disagreements
are not merely with Republicans but also with too-cautious Democrats. <span style="font-family: "phosphate inline"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Phosphate Inline";"></span> He
is positioning himself as a candidate with long-term commitment to progressive
ideals, and willingness to act to “govern based on principle not poll numbers.”
<sup>(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Impasse <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCNI6s_BnvA/Vm36kyBmrvI/AAAAAAAABcA/oC_jYJFVA7A/s1600/impasse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCNI6s_BnvA/Vm36kyBmrvI/AAAAAAAABcA/oC_jYJFVA7A/s200/impasse.jpg" width="200" /></a>Since the early days, the
country has suffered from perpetual polarization: Republican versus Democrat;
the North versus the South; Left versus Right; Liberal versus Conservative. The
hostility seems to go on and on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The record of the current two-party Congress is abysmal –
very little really gets done. The US seems to be approaching a turning point. It
seems evident that no one is satisfied and citizens are very publicly speaking
out about change. Everyone recognizes that the status quo cannot continue
indefinitely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Key question:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can
change occur through today’s political system? Will it be stimulated by outside
events? Or will it change from within?<sup> (6) </sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Revolutionary Change<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GEqETLSFCk/Vm368NrqT2I/AAAAAAAABcI/yGxAc3twNu0/s1600/revolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GEqETLSFCk/Vm368NrqT2I/AAAAAAAABcI/yGxAc3twNu0/s200/revolution.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In social and political science, Revolution is a major,
sudden, and typically violent alteration in <a href="http://www.britannica.com/topic/government"><span style="color: #222222; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">government</span></a>. The term is
used by analogy in such expressions as the Industrial Revolution, where it
refers to a radical and profound change in economic relationships and
technological conditions. <sup>(7)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today the United States political system has been corrupted
by the Supreme Court decisions like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Citizens
United</i>, giving unions and corporations the ability to spend unlimited
amounts on political advertising, putting Congress under the thumb of its
wealthiest citizens. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most urgent among these critical issues are:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Money in elections
(legalized corruption)<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">$17 + trillion dollar and fast
growing national debt<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Vast inequality of wealth,
increasing poverty <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Endless war by the
American Empire<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Structural classism in the
justice system <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Climate change: In the
next century, will this planet remain habitable.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These serious problems cannot be handled without a mass
resistance movement. It seems to many political analysts, observers and
futurists, that another American Revolution is possible, and even likely. <sup>(8)</sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">American Revolution</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
America is already a deliverer of much internal and external
violence – from invasions internationally to income inequality and growing
discontent at home. In recent years, civil unrest has becoming increasingly
noticeable. From the Occupy Movement to the Ferguson and Chicago unrest,
Americans across the country are stepping up and speaking out about dissatisfaction
with government. <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IG7DAeW6nWU/Vm37oOry8mI/AAAAAAAABcQ/x8O08P4figI/s1600/revolutionkennedy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IG7DAeW6nWU/Vm37oOry8mI/AAAAAAAABcQ/x8O08P4figI/s320/revolutionkennedy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->The primary
causes of a possible second American Revolution are not external but internal.
They arise from the recognition that under the present corrupt system any
independent person is inherently unelectable. The only choices seem to be
apathy, or revolutionary change. The choice is between acquiescing to the
demands of a corrupt political establishment, or surrendering to the forces of rebellion
and upheaval. <sup>(10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, if there is indeed a next American revolution, when and
how will it develop? Will it be similar to the founding Revolution with a long
drawn out psychological war before action occurs? What impact will it have on
the country and the world? When, where and how will lines be drawn? <sup>(11)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Pitchforks are
coming<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bernie Sanders’ platform, "For 40 years, the American
middle class has been disappearing. Millions of people are working longer hours
for lower wages. During that period, there has been is a massive transfer of
trillions of dollars from the middle class to the top 0.1% of America. Today,
you have 99% of all new income today going to the top 1%."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9vvusBFyqo/Vm372enBd6I/AAAAAAAABcY/8yumvB4Qosk/s1600/Pitchforks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9vvusBFyqo/Vm372enBd6I/AAAAAAAABcY/8yumvB4Qosk/s200/Pitchforks.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a 2014 TED speech, Nick Hanauer, a Seattle-based entrepreneur
and a self-proclaimed plutocrat said, " The problem isn't that we have
inequality. Some inequality is intrinsic to any high-functioning capitalist
economy. The problem is that inequality is at historically high levels and
getting worse every day. Our country is rapidly becoming less a capitalist
society and more a feudal society." <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nick Hanauer warns his fellow “filthy-rich”: “You’re
living in a dream world. If we don’t do something to fix the glaring
inequities in this economy, the pitchforks are going to come for us. No society
can sustain this kind of rising inequality.”<sup> (12)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Financial Collapse<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NSOk_BlEm0I/Vm38XbOSTxI/AAAAAAAABcg/66PmbBRSWks/s1600/Financial-crash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NSOk_BlEm0I/Vm38XbOSTxI/AAAAAAAABcg/66PmbBRSWks/s200/Financial-crash.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1971, the US unilaterally canceled the direct
convertibility of the US dollar to gold. Since then, a system of national fiat
monies has been used globally, with freely floating exchange rates between the
major currencies. This allows the US and other major countries simply to issue
as much currency as needed, which increases the national debt. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The history of fiat money has been one of failure. Over the
centuries, every fiat currency has ended in devaluation and eventual collapse,
of not only the currency, but of the economy that housed the fiat currency as
well. <sup>(13)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The view of many futurists and economists is that the eventual
collapse of the US $ is inevitable, taking with it most of the bloated fiat
currencies in the developed world. This will be the key event that triggers
political and economic collapse to bring about the next American Revolution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3C4khJ6ALJM/Vm38oFwA4dI/AAAAAAAABco/5vhLO6EuZzU/s1600/wethepeople.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3C4khJ6ALJM/Vm38oFwA4dI/AAAAAAAABco/5vhLO6EuZzU/s200/wethepeople.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<w:wrap type="tight"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Today,
Democracy is not functioning in America – just the illusion of it. The American
public has gotten indulgent in many ways, but more and more people are starting
to recognize that it's time to act. Some of the greatest guides to the new
American Revolution are the people who articulated the first one. They
understood the concept that enough is enough. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When will the American people reach the breaking point and
take action? Many economists and futurists predict that the system is like a
runaway train, which is going to crash. Unless something is done, it seems just
a matter of when. <sup>(14)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From my own standpoint, I’m voting for the Bernie Sanders
revolution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5X98S9kl-wI/Vm384zpYhvI/AAAAAAAABcw/CDiWcim9bSY/s1600/letsengage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5X98S9kl-wI/Vm384zpYhvI/AAAAAAAABcw/CDiWcim9bSY/s200/letsengage.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please share our discussion by responding to these questions
directly via the blog. If you prefer, send me an email and I’ll insert your
comments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Are you a Democrat,
Republican or Independent?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Do you vote regularly? If
you don’t vote, why not?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Who will you vote for in
the next Presidential election? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">What are your reasons to
support the candidate of your choice?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Obama promised “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Change you can Believe In</i>”. Did
Change happen?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Will you believe the next
President’s promises?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Will you continue to
accept the current political situation? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">What do you think YOU can
do about it?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Please add your own
comments. <o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>References</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Overcoming Resistance to
Organizational Change: <a href="http://goo.gl/Mkwb23">http://goo.gl/Mkwb23</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Revolutionary vs.
evolutionary organizational change: <a href="http://goo.gl/7aA67f">http://goo.gl/7aA67f</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Change: evolution or
revolution? <a href="http://goo.gl/sBjYP6">http://goo.gl/sBjYP6</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Jim Pinto – Political
Corruption in America: <a href="http://goo.gl/ahtDaQ">http://goo.gl/ahtDaQ</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -13.5pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Bernie
Sanders Is Serious About ‘Political Revolution’: <a href="http://goo.gl/JMkXk2">http://goo.gl/JMkXk2</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Russell Brand on
revolution: <a href="http://goo.gl/n9gS7Y">http://goo.gl/n9gS7Y</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;"><a href="http://www.amendmentgazette.com/2015/01/01/sparking-third-american-revolution/"><span style="color: #222222; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Standing on
the Edge of Next American Revolution</span></a>: <a href="http://goo.gl/6nPBIc">http://goo.gl/6nPBIc</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Is Another American
Revolution Needed? <a href="http://goo.gl/xf7wa0">http://goo.gl/xf7wa0</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Is Another American
Revolution Inevitable? <a href="http://goo.gl/WOiCUH">http://goo.gl/WOiCUH</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">A New American Revolution!
When Will It Start? <a href="http://goo.gl/5cBjTK">http://goo.gl/5cBjTK</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">American Revolution 2.0: <a href="http://goo.gl/Vh7nWs">http://goo.gl/Vh7nWs</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">TED speech – The
pitchforks are coming: <a href="https://goo.gl/uFuzUg">https://goo.gl/uFuzUg</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Fiat Currency: Using the
Past to See into the Future: <a href="http://goo.gl/Bs7LIr">http://goo.gl/Bs7LIr</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Jim Pinto – Corruption of
Capitalism: <a href="http://goo.gl/tTSwKe">http://goo.gl/tTSwKe</a><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-AqOcGydfo/Vm39agD1aFI/AAAAAAAABc4/vYfejYg2YEk/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-AqOcGydfo/Vm39agD1aFI/AAAAAAAABc4/vYfejYg2YEk/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Pinto</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA. USA</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
13 December 2015</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-797486742644476172015-11-11T19:56:00.000-08:002015-11-20T08:33:07.895-08:00Existence of God<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSv27k4Vfn4/VkQGCLxxiCI/AAAAAAAABZA/1bGduJyYoDA/s1600/Does%2Bgod-really-exist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSv27k4Vfn4/VkQGCLxxiCI/AAAAAAAABZA/1bGduJyYoDA/s200/Does%2Bgod-really-exist.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Philosophers,
theologians, scientists and others have proposed arguments for and against the
existence of God for thousands of years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, this cannot be proved and acceptance is
a personal choice.<sup> (1)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Belief Systems<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Every human
being has a belief system to make sense of the world. There are wide varieties
of belief systems, which can be categorized, as metaphysical, logical,
empirical, or subjective. <sup>(2)</sup> All belief systems are based on either
evidence or faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CI3NVKYBaek/VkQHKUMDldI/AAAAAAAABZI/iIUNXl3DnUY/s1600/truthbelief.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CI3NVKYBaek/VkQHKUMDldI/AAAAAAAABZI/iIUNXl3DnUY/s200/truthbelief.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Science considers that the world is ultimately
understandable through observation, experiment, and extrapolation. It
recognizes that humans have beliefs that may be biased and attempts to moderate
such bias by requiring that evidence must be capable of independent verification.
By strict adherence to verified procedure, it assures that conclusions are
objective. Something that operates outside those rules is rejected as being
unscientific. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Faith-based
belief systems are mental constructs that lack evidence. Indeed, scientific
confirmation may be impossible. This defines the important difference between
faith-based and science-based beliefs. Faith cannot be introduced into an
evidence-based system any more than one can demand evidence of a faith-based
system. Religion is a faith-based belief system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Religion provides a sense of meaning and comfort
for believers, and studies show that such beliefs intensify during threatening
situations. Now research suggests that some people's faith in science may serve
the same role. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">It may be
that belief itself, regardless of its content, helps people deal with adverse
situations. <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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o:title="Religions"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">God Views<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">About
70-80% of the worlds almost 7 billion people profess belief in God. About a
third are Christian, a fifth are Muslim, a sixth are Agnostic or Atheist, and
another sixth are Hindu. <sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSZSbr0m1fU/VkQHYh5MBZI/AAAAAAAABZQ/UhRL0H1ulpM/s1600/Religions.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSZSbr0m1fU/VkQHYh5MBZI/AAAAAAAABZQ/UhRL0H1ulpM/s200/Religions.bmp" width="161" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Christians
believe in the teachings of Jesus, who was born 2,100 years ago. He was Jewish and left no
writings, but many people wrote about him. Today, there are more than 2 billion
Christians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Islam originated
in the Middle East about 600 AD. Muslims worship the same God as Christians do.
Their prophet Mohammed claimed to have been inspired by God to write the Koran,
which they consider the Holy Scripture. Today there are about 1.5 billion
Muslims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Almost 1 billion
Hindus believe that Brahman, a supreme being, created the universe and has
many forms and pervades the whole of creation. Other religions, such as
Buddhism, do not concern themselves with the existence of gods. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Agnostics claim they don't know and cannot know if there is a God. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">There are over 1 billion people who profess Atheism. They believe there is no God and view arguments for the existence of God as insufficient, mistaken or weighing less in comparison to arguments against. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Belief in God<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">There are many
different arguments for the existence of God, based on history, science,
personal experience, and philosophy. Each supports a certain conception of God,
and represents the base of a specific religion. Together, these arguments claim
to prove the existence of a perfect, necessary, transcendent being that created
the universe, has authority over it, and takes an interest in humanity. <sup>(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpsZ1KIGZds/VkQHnMKGIwI/AAAAAAAABZY/AieMgKv_0zM/s1600/beliefingod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wpsZ1KIGZds/VkQHnMKGIwI/AAAAAAAABZY/AieMgKv_0zM/s200/beliefingod.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The First-Cause
Argument assumes that every event must have a cause, and that cause in turn
must have a cause, and on and on and on. But an infinite series of causes and
events doesn't make sense. There's got to be something — some kind of first
cause, which requires some kind of "supreme" being. The philosophers
call this God. <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The Design
Argument suggests we live in an orderly Universe that surely had to be
designed. The existence of the universe and various phenomena within it
indicates the presence of an even greater intelligence, namely God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Atheism<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">A significant
argument against God’s existence is the <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">problem of
evil</span>. Of all the atheistic arguments, this is the one that has been
around the longest. The traditional conception of God implies the ability to
prevent all suffering. Suffering, though, is a familiar part of the world
around us; it has not been prevented. Therefore, there is no God. <sup>(7)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2t8xfuSf8w/VkQQvna6hwI/AAAAAAAABas/xvaUTzUvUbg/s1600/atheism.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2t8xfuSf8w/VkQQvna6hwI/AAAAAAAABas/xvaUTzUvUbg/s200/atheism.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Other atheistic
arguments claim that there are logical problems and several related paradoxes.
Can God create a stone so heavy that he cannot lift it? A being that is not
omnipotent is not God, and therefore, does not exist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">One of the most
common arguments for atheism is the view that religious belief is mere wishful
thinking, just an emotional crutch for those who are unable to deal with the
reality of life without God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Another objection
is that those who believe in God ought to be tolerant of those of other faiths
and of those of no faith. Many religions are intolerant and indeed have been
the cause of wars against non-believers. This is an argument against the
objective existence of God – it makes no sense to talk of absolute religious
truths because all religious truth is relative. <sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Personal Views<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HCrn8YwGC0/VkQIGNLqLdI/AAAAAAAABZo/EVF5OW20izQ/s1600/Personal-Views.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2HCrn8YwGC0/VkQIGNLqLdI/AAAAAAAABZo/EVF5OW20izQ/s200/Personal-Views.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">For this blog, I
considered it important not to just write generalities, but to make it
personal. I have several friends who are Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim.
Their views about God are widely available – here are some references for those
who wish to review further. <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Here’s an
interesting fact: The US Congress does not include a single admitted atheist. A 2012
survey found that 50% of Americans believe atheism is "threatening"
to them. <sup>(10)</sup> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Atheist Views<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">In a spirit of
agreement, I invited two of my closest friends, who are avowed atheists, to
present their views in this blog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Stan Lieberman<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">A technologist, philosopher
and professed atheist, my good friend Stan Lieberman sent me this summary of
the reasons he believes that God does not exist:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIZsmDfwgE0/VkQIZ3Zb_SI/AAAAAAAABZw/uqp-GdDcsbY/s1600/stan.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIZsmDfwgE0/VkQIZ3Zb_SI/AAAAAAAABZw/uqp-GdDcsbY/s200/stan.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Since the universe exists, and the universe is everything,
then something must have created the universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If the universe was created by the Big Bang, they something must have
created the Big Bang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, there
must have been a First Cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
call this First Cause "God."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(This is a standard Aristotelian argument.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And since God created the universe, he
created all that is in it including human beings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">My
response is: what caused the First Cause?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I do not need to know how the universe began since I believe the
universe has always existed in some form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I
find no reason to believe in something that is not rational but must be
accepted by faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, every
religion defines God differently, and since the definitions are contradictory,
this is further proof that one can only believe in God based upon faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There can never be a rational proof of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Merle Borg<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">My long-term friend,
Merle Borg, is one of the nicest people I have ever known. We have had lunch
together every week for as long as I can remember. Merle is an avowed atheist.
He wrote a significant response to my blog, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Religions and Faith-based Beliefs</i>”. Essentially what Merle says is:
“God did not create Man - Man created God!”<br />
<br />
Merle wrote: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">A
few hundred thousand years ago, on the plains and jungles of Africa, this
world’s most fearsome predator emerged. Homo sapiens. Our supremacy was not
based on speed or size or stealth. We evolved language and intelligence, and
the ability to imagine and create tools. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aoJYOuLumEc/VkQIr0paoOI/AAAAAAAABZ4/P81tSbMtlPs/s1600/merle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aoJYOuLumEc/VkQIr0paoOI/AAAAAAAABZ4/P81tSbMtlPs/s320/merle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Compellingly
dominant, we covered the globe and adapted to nearly every environment.
Accompanying our intelligence, however, was the disturbing understanding and
anticipation of our own death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">There
was a fix. With our ability to imagine things, we simply decided that anyone as
clever as us could live forever. We began burying tools and provisions with
our leaders and loved ones. Comforting, yes, but from that time on, the “here
and now” have been materially diminished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">As
recently as a few thousand years ago we mastered agriculture in ways that made
civilizations possible. These civilizations were more efficient and they
quickly swallowed up tribal peoples and became the norm. To mobilize and control
the large diverse populations, and to indulge our yearnings for eternity, these
civilizations adopted more sophisticated religions. Some survive to this day.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The
more enterprising of these beliefs are pyramid schemes. Followers are
encouraged to have large families and to convert others. The beliefs compete
and are at the root of much of our over-crowding and poverty… and most of our
butchery. Nothing inspires bloodlust like the promise of forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Organized
murder, however, occurs on a relatively small scale. The truly colossal waste
is this magnificent, oblivious mass of humanity living the only life it will
ever live while believing this is not the real thing… that what is important is
yet to come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The
over-crowding and the butchery and the delusions are tragic, but the waste is
self-inflicted. Our other failings are less forgivable. Blessed with relatively
long lives and perched safely at the top of the food chain, we humans own this
beautiful blue marble. You might think we would enjoy and take care of our
paradise… and work to pass our blessings along. Unfortunately, with eyes firmly
fixed on the heavens, our kind considers this world to be temporary and we
treat it with little regard for tomorrow, or for the tomorrows of any living
thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">With
the elixir of eternity on the table, decency gets pushed aside. As the Gods
watch the comic tragedy, they must question the wisdom of producing a species
clever enough to imagine forever… and just clever enough to believe in it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jim Pinto View<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0puc2i_HS9A/VkQI7ZUge_I/AAAAAAAABaA/LgaiMdp2w6E/s1600/beautyCreation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0puc2i_HS9A/VkQI7ZUge_I/AAAAAAAABaA/LgaiMdp2w6E/s200/beautyCreation.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I was born and brought up a Catholic. Now I am not religious, but spiritual.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I marvel at the beauty, intricacy and interdependence, and
just “worship” the universe as the result at this point in time – our very
small fraction of Time and Space. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Here is my own
view: There is a Transcendent God, the spirit of all Space and Time, the creator
who initiated the Big Bang. And
there is also an Immanent God – something which is here and now, in me writing
this and you thinking about what I’m saying and responding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I invite you to read my blog: “</span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Creation Allegory</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">”. </span><sup style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">(11)</sup><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">If you don’t wish
to use the word “god”, that’s all right with me. I have no need for the word. It
confuses the issue, because too many people have too many interpretations for
that word. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iyF-C4_Y1XU/VkQJQ_-glnI/AAAAAAAABaI/n5h2I8OIhEM/s1600/engage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iyF-C4_Y1XU/VkQJQ_-glnI/AAAAAAAABaI/n5h2I8OIhEM/s320/engage.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Please share our
discussion by responding to these questions directly via the blog. If you
prefer, send me an email and I’ll insert your comments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Do you believe in God?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">What is your religion? </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">a. Christian</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">b. Islam</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">c. Atheist</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">d. Hindu</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">e. Buddhist</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">f. Other</span></li>
</ol>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Are you a devout believer? Explain why you believe?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Are you an Atheist? Explain why.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Do you often think about this stuff? Or, not really too
much?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Please comment on Stan Lieberman’s proofs of why there
is no God.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Please comment on Merle Borg’s view,
“God did not create Man - Man created God!”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Please comment on Jim Pinto’s understanding of God.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">References</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Existence of God: <a href="http://goo.gl/wLhbpw">http://goo.gl/wLhbpw</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Science, Faith, And Belief Systems: <a href="http://goo.gl/2gFCtI">http://goo.gl/2gFCtI</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">How Science Mimics Faith: <a href="http://goo.gl/LL6cI5">http://goo.gl/LL6cI5</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Religions and Faith-based Beliefs: <a href="http://goo.gl/8WMKgo">http://goo.gl/8WMKgo</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Arguments for God's Existence: <a href="http://goo.gl/3ZOzhi">http://goo.gl/3ZOzhi</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">7 Philosophical Arguments for the Existence of God: <a href="http://goo.gl/Zz1q1m">http://goo.gl/Zz1q1m</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Arguments Against God: <a href="http://goo.gl/rZIGfb">http://goo.gl/rZIGfb</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Arguments for and against the Existence of God: <a href="http://goo.gl/Hfm9ao">http://goo.gl/Hfm9ao</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Major religious groups: <a href="https://goo.gl/3aIdWy">https://goo.gl/3aIdWy</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Why All of the Atheists in Congress are Closeted: <a href="http://goo.gl/jwQMIA">http://goo.gl/jwQMIA</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jim Pinto: Creation Allegory: <a href="http://goo.gl/ixhf02">http://goo.gl/ixhf02</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wcgP4mRm6bI/VkQLif-k9LI/AAAAAAAABaU/HN5H0d3O18E/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wcgP4mRm6bI/VkQLif-k9LI/AAAAAAAABaU/HN5H0d3O18E/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="beard1thumbnail.jpg"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Carlsbad, CA. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">USA</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">11 November 2015</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-24228893843952621252015-10-29T14:55:00.000-07:002015-10-30T17:59:42.485-07:00A.I. Boom or Doom?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N15xhGhjOVU/VjKLxsMdmeI/AAAAAAAABV4/VFcoQsGBOIM/s1600/AI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N15xhGhjOVU/VjKLxsMdmeI/AAAAAAAABV4/VFcoQsGBOIM/s200/AI.jpg" width="152" /></a>Artificial intelligence advances are accelerating. Today, cellphones can
be verbally instructed to find specialty restaurants or movie theaters, or
asked virtually any question. Most recognize that, sooner or later, safer
self-driving cars will replace human-drivers. In the medicine, computers make faster and more
accurate diagnoses and can train medical students. Robots are taking over from
human doctors for delicate procedures. New AI products and techniques are being announced with startling rapidity. Only specialists can keep track. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Fifteen years ago, in March 2000, I wrote <sup>(1)</sup>:<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gn-3vSdSCww/VjKSPNOK1sI/AAAAAAAABXI/t8WysgCRwsw/s1600/conciousness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gn-3vSdSCww/VjKSPNOK1sI/AAAAAAAABXI/t8WysgCRwsw/s1600/conciousness.jpg" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It
has been estimated that synthetic intelligence will exceed that of humans
within about 30 years. At what stage will a machine have an independent legal
identity to protect its life, liberty and pursuit of happiness? As the
development of artificial body-parts advances to the replacement of whole human
segments, perhaps even the brain, when will human identity cease and machine
identity commence? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If
I can download my entire consciousness to a machine and my physical body shows
inferior characteristics, at what stage will I choose to survive in synthetic
form and discard the organic original? And, when the organic body is shut down,
what are the social, moral, legal and theological implications? Will my
synthetic being maintain my legal status? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
new millennium brings with it enormous changes in all areas of human
consciousness. Perhaps we will enter the era of trans-human, or even post-human
existence. In all spheres of consciousness – social, philosophical, spiritual –
we must begin to consider the ramifications and prepare for them<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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In 2015, the world is already halfway towards those
predictions. Let’s prognosticate on the possibilities <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AI & Robotics are
Here<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7MruA-h914M/VjKL_xYA_xI/AAAAAAAABV8/GAnql9jppgs/s1600/AIRobots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7MruA-h914M/VjKL_xYA_xI/AAAAAAAABV8/GAnql9jppgs/s200/AIRobots.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
A Pew Research report predicts that by 2025, AI and robotics
will be integrated into nearly every aspect of most people’s daily lives. <sup>(2)
</sup> Beyond the consequences of human
labor replacement, there’s more to worry about – AI will increasingly keep demanding
additional resources and will be more and more in charge . <sup>(3)</sup></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peter Diamandis thinks that advances in AI will be a key to
helping in a new era of "abundance”
with enough food, water, and comfort for all humans. <sup>(4) </sup>Skeptics,
and I’m starting to be one of them, worry about the consequences of AI and
robotics. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ray Kurzweil
Prognostications<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbKCxKuMV7Q/VjKMVDSEQ0I/AAAAAAAABWE/gZDZAp-zndU/s1600/Kurzweil.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbKCxKuMV7Q/VjKMVDSEQ0I/AAAAAAAABWE/gZDZAp-zndU/s200/Kurzweil.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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The futurist and inventor Ray Kurzweil has predicted that human-level
AI will be achieved by 2029. Beyond that date, Kurzweil has forecasted the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Singularity</i> when humans can blend and merge
with machines, to become immortal.<sup> (5)</sup> <o:p></o:p></div>
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Projecting beyond the next few decades, it’s evident that
machines will be smarter than humans at just about everything. Computers will
eventually be able to program themselves, understand massive quantities of
information, and “think” in ways that ordinary humans cannot imagine. And they
won’t need to take breaks or relax. There will be few jobs left – for entertainers,
performers and creative categories of humans. But, what about beyond that? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Science Fiction Portrayal<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Science fiction threats have been written about for years. Artificial
intelligence has loomed as a threat to humanity ever since Mary Shelley wrote
Frankenstein, first published in 1818. AI dooms humanity, on Earth (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Terminator</i> and sequels) or in space (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Battlestar Galactica</i>). Humans have been ruled
by despotic supercomputer, as in the 1970 Colossus: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Forbin Project</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->The futurist and humanist
Arthur C. Clarke’s 1968 science fiction novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2001: A Space Odyssey </i>became famous through Stanley
Kubrick's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001:_A_Space_Odyssey_(film)" title="2001: A Space Odyssey (film)"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">film version</span></a>. In Steven Spielberg’s 2001
movie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A.I Artificial Intelligence</i>, a
highly advanced robotic boy longs to become "real" so that he can
regain the love of his human mother. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ex
Machina</i>, a 2015 British movie, illustrates just how thin the line between
intelligence and artificial intelligence really is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In his recent sci-fi novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Avogadro Corp.</i> William Hertling describes science fiction that is quickly
becoming science fact. In great technical detail, Hertling describes
complications that proliferate today and will cause significant problems in the
very near future. The book’s sub-title warns: "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Singularity is closer than it appears.</i>" <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWwaMqZKo8A/VjKM0e9wEAI/AAAAAAAABWU/uNoymZBBUNc/s1600/Apple-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWwaMqZKo8A/VjKM0e9wEAI/AAAAAAAABWU/uNoymZBBUNc/s200/Apple-logo.png" width="163" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Apple Dominance<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In the biblical allegory,
Satan tempts Adam and Eve to taste the fruit from the tree of knowledge. That
first bite of the apple represents the fall of man. The use of the Apple logo
is extremely powerful, symbolizing use of Apple computers to obtain knowledge
and enlighten the human race. Steve Jobs was very protective of that symbol,
cleverly recognizing that it carried centuries of meaning. <sup>(7)</sup></div>
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In 2015, Apple became the first US Company with a market
value above $700 billion, and is now expected to keep growing beyond $ 1
trillion. The recent movie, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Steve Jobs</i>
paints a portrait of the man who was obsessed with the possibilities of
domination of his company in the digital revolution. There’s a veiled
connection between Apple’s ascendancy and the growing threat of AI becoming a
danger to the continuation of human existence. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s not hard to imagine future Internet hacks, generated by
AI, providing false-links, or phantom texts sent out to billions of humans with
Pied Piper-like impact. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Intelligence</i>
would purport to be issuing the instructions for “the good of humanity”. Hey,
that could be the plot for a good science fiction story…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AI in Kids Toys<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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My colleagues from APF (Association of Professional
Futurists) brought up an interesting discussion about the use of AI in kids’ toys.
Several companies, including toy-industry leader Mattel, are planning to introduce
an assortment of AI-enabled toys this holiday season for kids as young as age
three.<sup> (8)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->When a child asks, “Want
to play a game?” Mattel’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hello
Barbie</i> immediately accesses one of 8,000 possible responses to
simulate the back-and-forth of a typical children’s conversation. The toy
essentially deconstructs everything that makes humans special – and replaces it
with sensors, computer servers, software and algorithms. It remembers past
conversations. For example, it remembers if a child has brothers or sisters, their
names and when they last played together. Parents are happy that their child is
engaged and is less intrusive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The value of interactive AI in toys is that they can adapt
to a child's special needs and abilities. They can be infinitely patient and always
get the child's attention as the top priority. They develop interaction,
leadership, and self-reflection in the child, rather than simply putting them in
a passive entertainment mode. The child is prepared and conditioned for the future
AI-based world that will require socialization not just with others, but also
with machines. <o:p></o:p></div>
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From yesterday’s perspective, the kids are simply engaging
in a conversation with a make-believe friend. The insidious underlying
problem is that intelligent toys allow steady AI encroachment on a much broader
scale, removing impediments and resistance that arise from adults who may or
may not recognize the dangers. It brainwashes babies to prefer AI interaction
over less cooperative human communication. Who knows more – Mommy and Daddy, or
my always-available friend?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Threat to Humanity<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Two intrepid entrepreneurs and innovators, Elon Musk and
Bill Gates, two of humanity's most credible thinkers, say they are terrified of
the same thing: Artificial intelligence. Eminent scientist Stephen Hawking
underscores the same warning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->During a talk with students
from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Elon Musk declared that AI is the
most serious threat to the survival of the human race. Musk said, “I think we
should be very careful about artificial intelligence. If I had to guess at what
our biggest existential threat is, it’s probably that. So we need to be very
careful. I’m increasingly inclined to think that there should be some
regulatory oversight, maybe at the national and international level, just to
make sure that we don’t do something very foolish.” <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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In a September 2015 CNN interview, Musk goes even
further, “AI is much more advanced than people realize. It would be fairly
obvious if you saw a robot walking around talking and behaving like a person.
What's not obvious is a huge server bank in a vault somewhere with an
intelligence that's potentially vastly greatly than what a human mind can do.
And it's eyes and ears will be everywhere, every camera, every device that's
network accessible. Humanity's position on this planet depends on its
intelligence. So if our intelligence is exceeded, it's unlikely that we will
remain in charge."<o:p></o:p></div>
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Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking warns, "The
development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human
race." <sup>(10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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In a February 2015 Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything), Bill Gates
says, "First the machines will do a lot of jobs for us and not be super
intelligent. That should be positive if we manage it well. A few decades after
that the intelligence is strong enough to be a concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't understand why some people are not
concerned." <o:p></o:p></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Please share our discussion by responding to these questions
directly via the blog. If you prefer, send me an email and I’ll insert your
comments.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1I4M0dHnAm0/VjKOH8wfwhI/AAAAAAAABW0/aT32pxFZPEg/s1600/engage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1I4M0dHnAm0/VjKOH8wfwhI/AAAAAAAABW0/aT32pxFZPEg/s200/engage.jpeg" width="200" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you consider Artificial
Intelligence as providing significant value?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you enjoy and
appreciate the values that AI provides? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Have you noticed that AI
is steadily encroaching in our lives?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Are you uncomfortable with
the spread of AI everywhere?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">What will you do when your
kid think their toy is smarter than you?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Will AI eventually take
over? How long? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Can anyone stop the spread
of AI? How?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Have you considered that
AI would be more effective running the government?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">How can AI eventually be
stopped? What can stop the advance?</li>
</ol>
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<o:p> </o:p><b>References</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal">Jim Pinto – Intelligence
& Consciousness in the New Age: <a href="http://goo.gl/CH3uJP">http://goo.gl/CH3uJP</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Predictions for the State
of AI and Robotics in 2025: <a href="http://goo.gl/CiVx7M">http://goo.gl/CiVx7M</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Why We
Should Think About the Threat of Artificial Intelligence: <a href="http://goo.gl/CpBCWd">http://goo.gl/CpBCWd</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Why I
Don't Fear Artificial Intelligence: <a href="http://goo.gl/QfhJAG">http://goo.gl/QfhJAG</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">KURZWEIL: Human-Level AI
Is Coming By 2029: http://goo.gl/qEZGgp<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Avogadro Corp: The
Singularity Is Closer Than It Appears: <a href="http://goo.gl/mXFrgx">http://goo.gl/mXFrgx</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Unraveling the tale behind
the Apple logo: <a href="http://goo.gl/xB47po">http://goo.gl/xB47po</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -31.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Artificial
intelligence is moving from the lab to your kid’s playroom: <a href="http://goo.gl/J2A45g">http://goo.gl/J2A45g</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Artificial intelligence is
our biggest existential threat: <a href="http://goo.gl/82svgT">http://goo.gl/82svgT</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">AI
Has Arrived, That Really Worries the World’s Brightest Minds: <a href="http://goo.gl/uHIro7">http://goo.gl/uHIro7</a><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
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Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
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Carlsbad, CA. USA<o:p></o:p></div>
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29 October 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-29863444873674990712015-10-08T09:15:00.000-07:002015-10-08T10:08:16.899-07:00Smartphone Dynamics<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cell phone dependency is now called compulsive communicating.</span></span><br />
<div style="border: 0px; line-height: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Chain dialers call continually to get another fix. - <i>Spokesman Review</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>.......</i></span></div>
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history, the defining technology of the first part of the 21st century. With
this product, Apple has become the most valuable company on earth. Latest reports
indicate that by 2020 there will be 6.1 billion smartphone users, led by huge
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Multiple Uses<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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transforming society and enriching lives. Their dominance derives from their small
size and wireless connectivity. The processing power of yesterday’s
supercomputers is handheld and applied to ordinary human interactions.<sup> (2)</sup>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Anyone </span>with a current model smartphone can handle almost all of their at-home or work tasks
without needing anything else. <sup>(3) </sup>Usage is spreading everywhere at extraordinary
speed.<sup> </sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Smartphones can do countless things <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– real-time talk and video, text conversations,
Internet browsing, maps and travel directions, traffic warnings, photos and
video, tracking health and exercise.<sup> </sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The combination of size and connectivity means that
knowledge can be shared in ways that are both professional and personal. Smartphones
can recommend career changes; arrange dates online; book appointments; and link
customers with available taxis. The variety of applications is growing
exponentially.<sup> </sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Unhealthy attachment<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88HKgoWLqfk/VhaLL2mt54I/AAAAAAAABTA/DPbxNTvgVwM/s1600/whereused.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88HKgoWLqfk/VhaLL2mt54I/AAAAAAAABTA/DPbxNTvgVwM/s400/whereused.jpg" width="400" /></a>Smartphones have
penetrated every aspect of daily life. The average American is occupied with a
smart phone for several hours every day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nearly 80% of smartphone-owners check
messages, news or other services within 15 minutes of being awake. Many people
check their phones at dinner, in the bathroom, while driving, at the movies and
in bed. About 10% even admit to having checked messages during sex. <sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">84% say they cannot
go a single day without their smartphone.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">67% check regularly for missed
calls, emails, messages and text-alerts. Some check every few minutes.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">88% use mobile devices as
a second screen, even while watching TV. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Almost 50% sleep with
their smartphone next to their bed because they want to make sure they don’t
miss any calls or alerts.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Reclaiming Live
Conversation<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gheCDwZOv4o/VhaMUzGJJjI/AAAAAAAABTI/QyRTx2GPpg8/s1600/sherry_turkle_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gheCDwZOv4o/VhaMUzGJJjI/AAAAAAAABTI/QyRTx2GPpg8/s200/sherry_turkle_book.jpg" width="131" /></a>MIT technology professor and media scholar Sherry Turkle has
been studying digital culture for thirty years. In her new book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reclaiming Conversation</i>, she investigates
the troubling consequences of smartphone addiction. <sup>(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Based on five years of research and interviews in homes, schools, and the workplace, Sherry Turkle maintains that conversation is the cornerstone for social life. It builds empathy, friendship, love, learning, and productivity. It’s the most human – and humanizing – thing that people do. But today, the absence of live conversations is noticeable everywhere. The capacity for empathy and relationship suffers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48Pxy1dc13c/VhaippQgN7I/AAAAAAAABUk/oIlw5_Wq1CI/s1600/Thanksgivingdinnercellphones.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48Pxy1dc13c/VhaippQgN7I/AAAAAAAABUk/oIlw5_Wq1CI/s200/Thanksgivingdinnercellphones.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
People don’t have to look, talk or listen – they escape into
their smartphone. This undermines relationships, creativity, and productivity. The
dinner table falls silent as people “check” their phones. Parents compete with
phones for their kids’ attention. It’s increasingly difficult to keep
conversations going when only a few people are looking up from their
phones. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
In another book, “Alone Together”, Sherry Turkle explores what people are
looking for in a world of electronic companions and social networking tools.
She explores the power of new tools and toys to dramatically alter social lives,
insisting that the next generation must chart the path between isolation and
connectivity. <sup>(6) </sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H99ADyhbqhY/VhaNG8hA2fI/AAAAAAAABTQ/JH0p_2BVK6o/s1600/textanddrive.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H99ADyhbqhY/VhaNG8hA2fI/AAAAAAAABTQ/JH0p_2BVK6o/s200/textanddrive.png" width="181" /></a>Since the year 2000, because of the popularity of
smartphones that allow people to communicate faster and easier, texting has
become a social norm. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, texting
while driving is considered to be the cause of life-threatening accidents due
to driver distraction. It is involved in about 28% of all car accidents in the
US and this is now the top cause of death among teenagers.<sup> (7) </sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to a report from the National Safety Council<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt;">, t</span>here are about 1.6 million
crashes in the US every year involving cell phone use, which causes 500,000
injuries and 6,000 fatalities. In many places texting while driving has become
illegal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Facebook Addiction<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Facebook is widely used across the world, with <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2403410,00.asp"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">a billion
users</span></a>. For millions, it has become a large part of their life and
they spend a lot of time engaging in activities such as updating statuses,
posting photos, inserting comments and ‘liking’ others’ posts. With the
availability of smartphones anywhere, the number and frequency of posts has
increased dramatically. Opinions are typically shared online, typically only
with “followers” who agree, which avoids real conflicts and solutions. <sup>
(8)</sup> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1w27JAUWwA/VhaNzV9CQgI/AAAAAAAABTc/PC6lrRtJH98/s1600/facebookmarriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1w27JAUWwA/VhaNzV9CQgI/AAAAAAAABTc/PC6lrRtJH98/s200/facebookmarriage.jpg" width="164" /></a>Everywhere, the absence of live conversations is noticeable.
Some people spend hours on Facebook every day, so that it starts interfering
with their lives and has become detrimental to daily functioning at home, work
or school. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This topic has generated discussions among psychologists,
journalists, and bloggers. Researchers have coined the term "Facebook
addiction" to describe people with an unhealthy desire to spend hours
checking social networking sites. A new study found that the brains of people
who report compulsive urges to use social networking sites show some
brain patterns similar to those found in drug addicts. <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Loneliness<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Several studies suggest that Facebook and other social
networking sites have a profound impact on people. It can hurt a person’s body
image, allow people to obsess over failed relationships and even lead some
people to fall into depression. Many feel left out after seeing pictures of
friends at parties, or having dinner together. It’s been found that specific
patterns of Internet use can generate a greater propensity to experience
symptoms of depression. <sup>(10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ML0eBesErwY/VhaOU8A9EJI/AAAAAAAABTk/oCKfqOIK3x4/s1600/lonelyness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ML0eBesErwY/VhaOU8A9EJI/AAAAAAAABTk/oCKfqOIK3x4/s200/lonelyness.jpg" width="200" /></a>Many people become isolated, intimidated, disconnected and
constantly distracted. Desperately seeking emotional stimulation, they switch quickly
between websites, which reflects a decreased ability to experience emotions.
Similarly, excessive emailing and chatting may signify a relative lack of
strong face-to-face relationships. Lonely people strive to maintain contact
either with faraway friends or people just met online.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People who are habitually looking at smartphones are usually
lonely. There may be other family members around, but they tend not to engage. Even
when talking with friends online, there is a strange kind of loneliness that
arises out of peer pressure, the loss of ability to think differently. This gives
a whole new meaning to the term “alone in the crowd”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Narcissism<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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o:title="narcissismselfie"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfNNU0FkedM/VhaOlvQp9YI/AAAAAAAABTs/ftGIdnAY-qg/s1600/narcissismselfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfNNU0FkedM/VhaOlvQp9YI/AAAAAAAABTs/ftGIdnAY-qg/s200/narcissismselfie.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A significant positive relationship has been found between
narcissism and addiction to smartphones. A key indication of this is excessive
interest or admiration of oneself and one’s physical appearance, and an
obsession with taking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">selfies</i> and
posting them on social media.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Narcissistic people think that every single thing that
arrives on their smartphone is somehow connected to them. It’s almost as if they
start to become incapable of processing someone else’s life because they are so
preoccupied with their own. They resort more and more to Facebook, text and
email communications because that allows them to be the best version of
themselves, which is very appealing. <sup>(11)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Health Problems<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neck muscles, in their proper position, are designed to
support the weight of a head, about 10 to 12 pounds. When looking down at a
screen at a 60-degree angle, about 60 lbs. (27 kg) of pressure is put on the
cervical spine – the area right above the shoulders. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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z-index:251675648'>
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o:title="neckproblems"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHak6iO80dU/VhaO1s8n5LI/AAAAAAAABT0/zcp7hpKs0Y4/s1600/neckproblems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHak6iO80dU/VhaO1s8n5LI/AAAAAAAABT0/zcp7hpKs0Y4/s320/neckproblems.jpg" width="320" /></a>As smartphones and handheld tablets are becoming more common,
increasingly people are being diagnosed with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">occipital neuralgia</i>. Eventually, the pressure does damage to the
nerves in the back of the neck. This can end up with shooting pain in the scalp
and permanent damage that may only be undone through surgery. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides muscle pain, and ailment termed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">text-neck</i> can cause a host of other health issues. Sitting in a
slumped position restricts the ability of lungs to expand, impairing lung
capacity. Inhaling less oxygen means the heart needs to pump harder to
distribute more oxygen-carrying blood through the body. <sup>(12) </sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="turnoff"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Switch it off!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SklmR8ZbCEc/VhaPPp4RqaI/AAAAAAAABT8/tTTiyEsk4KI/s1600/turnoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SklmR8ZbCEc/VhaPPp4RqaI/AAAAAAAABT8/tTTiyEsk4KI/s200/turnoff.jpg" width="167" /></a>It’s important to manage your smartphone use. <sup>(13)</sup>
Everyone needs to be reminded: Technology has a power-off button. The wisest
use it regularly. <sup>(14) </sup>Here are 5 reasons why it helps to switch
off:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2;">Removes unhealthy feelings
of jealousy, envy, and loneliness. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2;">Combats the fear of
missing out. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2;">Peace and solitude are
easier to find.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2;">Life is still about flesh,
blood, and eye contact. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2;">Life, at its best, is
happening right in front of you. <o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="engage.png"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please share our discussion by responding to these questions
directly via the blog. If you prefer, send me an email and I’ll insert your
comments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTrDGvTbh30/VhaPosIL0gI/AAAAAAAABUE/7n0LgUVRc_E/s1600/engage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTrDGvTbh30/VhaPosIL0gI/AAAAAAAABUE/7n0LgUVRc_E/s200/engage.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Do you check texts and
emails all the time? How many times a day?<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Do you ever switch your
phone off? At night? While on holiday?<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Do you get into a panic
when you forget to bring your phone?<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Are you addicted to
constant smartphone viewing? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Do you check your phone
while in company? Sneak a peek?<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">When conversations don’t
interest you, do you look at your phone?<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Do you post on Facebook?
How many times do you post or look, per week?<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Do you consider yourself
lonely? Are you an introvert? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Do you often take s<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">elfies</i>? What do you do with them?
Do you post them on Facebook? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Do you have any neck
strain, or shoulder problems?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;">Would you like to switch
off your phone? When can/will you do that? </li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">References<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Smart
Phones Spreading Faster than Any Technology in History: <a href="http://goo.gl/95RPtk">http://goo.gl/95RPtk</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Usage and Attitudes Toward
Smartphones: <a href="http://goo.gl/zm9KTj">http://goo.gl/zm9KTj</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">In Two
Years a Smartphone Could Be Your Only Computer: <a href="http://goo.gl/4DQQPK">http://goo.gl/4DQQPK</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Economist – Planet of the
phones: <a href="http://goo.gl/CItT3z">http://goo.gl/CItT3z</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Sherry Turkle book - Reclaiming
Conversation: <a href="http://goo.gl/QCguF0">http://goo.gl/QCguF0</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Sherry Turkle book - Alone
Together: <a href="http://goo.gl/p6qI4W">http://goo.gl/p6qI4W</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Cellphone use causes over
1 in 4 car accidents: <a href="http://goo.gl/oFB72Q">http://goo.gl/oFB72Q</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Facebook Addiction - New
Psychological Scale: <a href="http://goo.gl/zoKucZ">http://goo.gl/zoKucZ</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">What Facebook Addiction
Looks Like in the Brain: <a href="http://goo.gl/cjVgHi">http://goo.gl/cjVgHi</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">What Internet Habits Say
about Mental Health: <a href="http://goo.gl/ekoUZJ">http://goo.gl/ekoUZJ</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">What does smartphone
addiction actually looks like: <a href="https://goo.gl/EUeZZv">https://goo.gl/EUeZZv</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Smartphones
causing permanent health problems in chronic users: <a href="http://goo.gl/4QZivQ">http://goo.gl/4QZivQ</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Addicted to Your
Smartphone? Here's What to Do: <a href="http://goo.gl/y0ZQx1">http://goo.gl/y0ZQx1</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4;">Reasons to Unplug and Find
Space: <a href="http://goo.gl/03j22F">http://goo.gl/03j22F</a><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA. USA</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8 October 2015</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-45619236292695670052015-09-23T19:44:00.000-07:002015-09-23T19:50:43.935-07:00Political Corruption in America<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: 10pt;">“There’s
something happening here; what it is ain’t exactly clear.”</i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 81.0pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>Buffalo Springfield</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Low Confidence in
Government<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only 7-8% of Americans have confidence in Congress, the
lowest of all government institutions measured by several of the latest polls.<sup>(1)</sup>
In the current political situation, this means that the growing number of political
candidates for the 2016 presidential election will have a tough time inspiring
confidence that they have any answers to the country's problems.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9by88cDqEMo/VgNYSJ26bII/AAAAAAAABOs/x7FAldm5k8s/s1600/confidence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9by88cDqEMo/VgNYSJ26bII/AAAAAAAABOs/x7FAldm5k8s/s200/confidence.jpg" width="200" /></a>For most of the past several decades, Americans were largely
optimistic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most parents expected their
children to have a better life. Today, virtually all polls show a steep decline
in optimism since the late 1990s and early 2000s. The pessimism goes beyond
wealth, gender, race, region, age and ideology. Americans seem united by only one
thing: lost faith in their government. <sup>(2)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Political Corruption<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Mauldin’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thoughts
from the Frontline</i> is one of the very few economic newsletters I always read.
In his September 19, 2015 epistle, John writes, “When more Americans see
widespread corruption, there is something profoundly wrong. We may not see
massive demonstrations here – except at the polls.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnZ4ON-dkb4/VgNY1GYKziI/AAAAAAAABO0/2imkPlQ27-U/s1600/corruption.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnZ4ON-dkb4/VgNY1GYKziI/AAAAAAAABO0/2imkPlQ27-U/s200/corruption.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Mauldin then quotes Newt Gingrich from his, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Corruption of American Freedom, </i>originally
published in the Washington Times. Some may question New Gingrich’s politics,
but few will dispute his intelligence and clear thinking. <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was the third column that Gingrich wrote on political corruption.
In the first,
he quoted the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gallup World Poll </i>that
75% of Americans believe that corruption is widespread in government. Says
Gingrich, “Given this extraordinary level of contempt for American political
and administrative elites, it is no wonder that non-establishment figures like
Donald Trump, Ben Carson, and Bernie Sanders are gaining such traction in the
presidential nominating contests.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his second column, Gingrich compared the American view of
widespread governmental corruption with the view in other countries. He writes,
“It turns out that 82 countries have a better view of their government,
although many of them not by much. For example, at 74%, Brazilians’
dissatisfaction with corruption in their government has led to nationwide
protests. But there are many countries where the view of government corruption
is far less: Germany (38%), Canada (44%), Australia (41%), and Denmark (19%).”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->In his third column, Gingrich
writes that America’s founders forewarned of “political acts that corrupt a
constitutional system of checks and balances and corrode representative
government. They were determined to create a Republican form of government that
would pit special interests against each other so that constitutional outcomes
would represent the common good.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Book: The Rise of
American Political Corruption<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqz5MknLxtM/VgNZJrZ807I/AAAAAAAABO8/jvXdt8rnJmI/s1600/jaycostbook.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqz5MknLxtM/VgNZJrZ807I/AAAAAAAABO8/jvXdt8rnJmI/s200/jaycostbook.png" width="133" /></a>Gingrich quotes Weekly Standard writer Jay Cost’s his new
book, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Republic No More: Big Government
and the Rise of American Political Corruption</i>”. Jay Cost writes, “Political
corruption is incompatible with a republican form of government. A republic
strives above all else to govern for the public interest; corruption, on the
other hand, occurs when government sacrifices the interests of everybody for
the sake of a few.” <sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jay Cost describes the vicious cycle that erodes public
faith in government. When people stop believing that anything can be done to
keep the government in line, they stop paying attention, or maybe cease
participating altogether. They begin to hope that non-politicians can purge political
corruption by coming from outside the system. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Supreme Screw-up<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Campaign finance laws are supposed to preserve the integrity
of elections and protect politics from corruption. The rules governing the
use of money in politics were already in bad shape when the Supreme Court
exacerbated the problems with their 2010 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Citizens
United</i> decision that gave corporations the same rights as people to
spend money in elections. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1uz7_8bivw/VgNdc0lQWZI/AAAAAAAABQM/O3Cz-RLs7B4/s1600/citizensunited.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1uz7_8bivw/VgNdc0lQWZI/AAAAAAAABQM/O3Cz-RLs7B4/s1600/citizensunited.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The new law led to the rise of independent political
committees that support political candidates with unrestricted, often
anonymous, donations. These groups, now known as<i> </i>Super-PACs, are allowed to raise and spend unlimited amounts
because they are supposedly independent. They can't contribute directly to a
candidate, but they can run favorable ads about a candidate – or negative ones
about the candidate's opponent. Most of the ads sponsored by super-PACs are
negative and take considerable liberties. <sup>(5)</sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Super-PACs spent $374 million on the presidential campaign
during the 2012 cycle. As of September 22, 2015, 1,159 groups organized as
Super-PACs have reported total receipts of over $300 million and total
independent expenditures of over $20 million. It’s worth noting that this is
only the start of the 2016 election cycle.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the past, the top 1% of donors contributed more than 60%
of the funds. It’s clear that a few super-rich individuals are using their
wealth to influence American politics. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lobbyists Scourge<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJ2ANLDNZyw/VgNZ1-ZMdtI/AAAAAAAABPM/pukJXZqCrdg/s1600/lobbyists.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJ2ANLDNZyw/VgNZ1-ZMdtI/AAAAAAAABPM/pukJXZqCrdg/s200/lobbyists.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="lobbyists"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Today’s politicians
cannot keep up with the increasingly complex social and legal context and rely
heavily on a huge numbers of lobbyists, policy institutes and well-organized
partisans. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since the 1970s in the US, lobbying activity has grown
immensely. A 2014 report suggests that lobbying activity is increasing and
"going underground" as lobbyists use "increasingly sophisticated
strategies" to obscure their activity. It is estimated that the actual
number of working lobbyists is close to 100,000 and that the industry brings in
$9 billion annually. <sup>(6)</sup> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The core of the corrupting influence that has evolved is
that too many politicians view their position in congress as a launch pad for a
job as a lobbyist, with a potential salary increase of significantly more
than 10 times. For many, that is the real prize. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lifetime Congress<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SW9LDD57Js0/VgNaECIleZI/AAAAAAAABPU/J8T9pAt39zo/s1600/congress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SW9LDD57Js0/VgNaECIleZI/AAAAAAAABPU/J8T9pAt39zo/s200/congress.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Under the Constitution, members of the United States Senate
may serve an unlimited number of six-year terms and members of the House of
Representatives may serve an unlimited number of two-year terms. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="congress"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since Congress would be unlikely to propose and adopt any
amendment that limits its own power, other means will be required to institute
a change. Some argue that term limitations would create an entire congress with
little experience and would not allow enough time to get things done. The most common
argument against term limits is that elected officials in the House and Senate
must face their constituents every two years or every six years in any case to get their
approval for re-election. <sup>(7)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Political Corruption Solutions
<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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z-index:251670016'>
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o:title="termlimits"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1WALmCkmXA/VgNa-8lXNtI/AAAAAAAABPs/LgQt7dL3Oys/s1600/termlimits.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1WALmCkmXA/VgNa-8lXNtI/AAAAAAAABPs/LgQt7dL3Oys/s1600/termlimits.jpeg" /></a>There are three primary
solutions to the problem of corrupt politicians: Term-limits for all
politicians; disallowing politicians from joining lobbyist groups after leaving
office; overturn the Supreme Count’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Citizens
United</i> decision.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Few political issues unite Americans more than congressional
term limits. A 2013 Gallup poll found that 75% of Americans support limiting
the number of terms that politicians can serve. <sup>(10)</sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="lobbyists"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpXF5JmeLHM/VgNbMU26eBI/AAAAAAAABP0/phlWlsWl3hg/s1600/lobbyists.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpXF5JmeLHM/VgNbMU26eBI/AAAAAAAABP0/phlWlsWl3hg/s200/lobbyists.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Current law allows
senators to become lobbyists two years after leaving office, while House
members only have to wait for a year. But a bill introduced in 2014 would, if
passed, institute a lifetime ban on lobbying for lawmakers. Congress has
typically not enacted ethics or lobbying reform legislation unless a major
scandal adds momentum, so this bill is not expected to receive legislative
action. But, who knows – perhaps when a non-politician is elected as President,
things will start to change. <sup>(11)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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z-index:251672064'>
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o:title="Repeal-Citizens-United"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-REQVo-2YLkA/VgNb23GByvI/AAAAAAAABQE/yGYf9go-JIs/s1600/Repeal-Citizens-United.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-REQVo-2YLkA/VgNb23GByvI/AAAAAAAABQE/yGYf9go-JIs/s1600/Repeal-Citizens-United.png" style="cursor: move;" /></a>Surveys <span style="color: windowtext;">show</span> that
a large majority of American citizens across the political spectrum oppose the
decision to allow unlimited political spending. Supreme Court
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has openly <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/28/ruth-bader-ginsburg-citizens-united_n_5897760.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">expressed
regret</span></a> over the court's 2010 decision, "I think the notion
that we have all the democracy that money can buy strays so far from what our
democracy is supposed to be." She says that it is the one decision she
would overrule if she could. <sup>(12)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Citizens
United </i><br />
Supreme Court’s<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An amendment to the US Constitution is necessary to
overturn this law. Americans have previously used the amendment process six
times to overturn the Supreme Court.<sup>(13)</sup> This can and should be done
again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ongoing Election
Debacle<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4C5wRQlTKQ/VgNdzOvFAvI/AAAAAAAABQU/xle7Wcjdt08/s1600/candidtates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4C5wRQlTKQ/VgNdzOvFAvI/AAAAAAAABQU/xle7Wcjdt08/s200/candidtates.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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height:74.3pt;z-index:251684352'>
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o:title="candidtates"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->For the 2016 presidential
election, from the current field of more than a dozen Republican candidates, the
top 3 are not professional politicians. On the Democratic side, the ardent socialist
Bernie Sanders has avoided big donors and Super-PACs, and he is leading in some
places. <sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the others candidates are career politicians. Jeb Bush
is already known to have more than $ 100 million direct Super-PAC backing.
Hillary Clinton is next at $ 20 million, and all the others have growing
patronage. <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QSK7A2v_39A/VgNeB7q_weI/AAAAAAAABQc/AtFYuVicOV0/s1600/Trump-2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QSK7A2v_39A/VgNeB7q_weI/AAAAAAAABQc/AtFYuVicOV0/s200/Trump-2016.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Americans are tired of
the status quo and want decisive change. How else can anyone explain the Donald
Trump phenomenon? The billionaire real-estate developer and reality-TV star,
has surged to a commanding lead in the Republican nominating contest using
anti-Washington rhetoric and showman’s flair. One of his major talking points
is that he has his own money and does not need to kowtow to donors. He points
out blatantly that Super-PACs dominate all his opponents. No one corrects his
statements.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Undoubtedly, there is something different going on. It
remains to be seen how far this current revolution will go. The 2016 election
cycle will surely change something.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PM5qbbqq5ug/VgNek1ZezuI/AAAAAAAABQs/DXbIG-kzqEI/s1600/vote.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PM5qbbqq5ug/VgNek1ZezuI/AAAAAAAABQs/DXbIG-kzqEI/s1600/vote.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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z-index:251678208'>
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o:title="vote"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->An overwhelming number of
Americans are frustrated with the abuses of the political ruling class:
incumbent politicians, lobbyists, the elite media, big business, big banks, big
unions, lobbyists and big special interests. They agree that the political
system is broken and needs to be fixed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Revolution comes through the ballot box. The message for
political elites today is much the same as it was when America was founded in
1776: politicians ignore the people's contempt at their own risk. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please share our discussion by responding to these questions
directly via the blog. If you prefer, send me an email and I’ll insert your
comments.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MxadSkZbffg/VgNh8HSoXcI/AAAAAAAABQ0/7mh_25J0yUQ/s1600/engage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MxadSkZbffg/VgNh8HSoXcI/AAAAAAAABQ0/7mh_25J0yUQ/s200/engage.png" width="200" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Are you tired of American
politics? Is it getting worse? Will it get better?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Will you cast your vote in
the next presidential election? Or will you abstain? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">In the 2016 presidential
election, do you support any one candidate? Do you support a politician,
or non-politician? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Will you vote for Donald
Trump? Does he have a chance of winning the Republican nomination? Could he
possibly become President? If he did, what would be your response?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Do you support term-limits
for all politicians? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Do you think that
politicians should be barred from ever becoming lobbyists?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Would you support a
constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision to allow
unlimited Super-PAC funding of political campaigns?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">Do you have any other
ideas to help re-vitalize American politics.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">References<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Public Trust in Government
-1958-2014: <a href="http://goo.gl/EH2uyg">http://goo.gl/EH2uyg</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Americans Have Lost
Confidence ... in Everything: <a href="http://goo.gl/671Dtj">http://goo.gl/671Dtj</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Newt Gingrich - The
corruption of American freedom: <a href="http://goo.gl/H9TDSD">http://goo.gl/H9TDSD</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -13.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Big
Government and the Rise of American Political Corruption: <a href="http://goo.gl/5gco5h">http://goo.gl/5gco5h</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Super PACs Explained: <a href="http://goo.gl/tb8l9u">http://goo.gl/tb8l9u</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Congress Relies on
Lobbyists Instead of Thinking for Itself: <a href="http://goo.gl/kRPsqk">http://goo.gl/kRPsqk</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">The Term Limit Debate: <a href="http://goo.gl/pvsxjo">http://goo.gl/pvsxjo</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Super PACs Dominate 2016
Republican TV Ads: <a href="http://goo.gl/o17Tca">http://goo.gl/o17Tca</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -13.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Which
Presidential Candidates Are Winning the Money Race: <a href="http://goo.gl/S53ODt">http://goo.gl/S53ODt</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">Term Limits - The Only Way
to Clean Up Congress: <a href="http://goo.gl/Q2ovu1">http://goo.gl/Q2ovu1</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">We Urgently Need
Congressional Term Limits: <a href="http://goo.gl/wlI9uG">http://goo.gl/wlI9uG</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -22.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">When
the Supreme Court is this wrong, it’s time to overrule them: <a href="http://goo.gl/uPE1JP">http://goo.gl/uPE1JP</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;">The Citizens United
Decision Was Wrong: <a href="http://goo.gl/xFvLIo">http://goo.gl/xFvLIo</a><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
..ooOOoo..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
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Carlsbad, CA.<o:p></o:p></div>
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USA<o:p></o:p></div>
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23 September 2015</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-24036988352283638952015-09-09T15:24:00.001-07:002015-09-09T15:38:52.114-07:00Population Dynamics<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><o:p> </o:p>By improving health and empowering women, population growth comes down.</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Bill Gates</i></div>
</div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Population Matters</b><br />
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<br /></div>
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Major crises regularly dominate the news – political
instability, food and water shortages, global warming, severe poverty, energy
resources, religious differences, wars, and global economic instability. Virtually
all these problems relate in some way to population growth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E4PMF1uXHEM/VfCpN4KsuHI/AAAAAAAABM0/DI4nqJpuAf8/s1600/population-7-billion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E4PMF1uXHEM/VfCpN4KsuHI/AAAAAAAABM0/DI4nqJpuAf8/s200/population-7-billion.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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More than 7 billion people currently inhabit the planet,
compared to only 3 billion in 1967. Every year about 135 million people are
born and 55 million people die, adding about 80 million to our global
population. That's about one USA every 4 years, or 1 billion more every 12
years. Almost half of the global population is under the age of 25 and their
decisions during their reproductive years will determine whether we have 6
billion or 14 billion people by 2100. <sup>(1)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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China currently has the largest population, though growth is
slowing. India is second and will overtake China as the world’s most populous
country within the next decade. USA is third, followed by Indonesia, Brazil and
Pakistan. <sup>(2)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Forecasts &
Projections<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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2014 UN forecasts indicate that world population will grow
from 7.3 billion to 9.7 billion in 2050, 100m more than the last report just
two years ago. More than half the growth comes from Africa, where the
population is set to double to 2.5 billion. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaLlP3rLtQE/VfCpdEfcS1I/AAAAAAAABM8/EIzoiw1tJ3Q/s1600/growthforecast.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaLlP3rLtQE/VfCpdEfcS1I/AAAAAAAABM8/EIzoiw1tJ3Q/s200/growthforecast.png" width="195" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Nigeria's population will reach 413m, overtaking America as
the world's third most-populous country. India will surpass China as the
world's most populous country in 2022, six years earlier than was previously
forecast. China's population will peak at 1.4 billion in 2028; India's four
decades later at 1.75 billion. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Changes in fertility make long-term projections hard, but by
2100 the planet’s population will be rising past 11.2 billion. <sup>(3)(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Population Density</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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What matter is population density. Many small countries have
much higher density than large countries. <sup>(5)</sup> This data can be
compared with the US states where smaller states like New Jersey and Rhode
Island have higher densities than New York, California and Illinois. <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-6S9HNhV2k/VfCpz6NXHkI/AAAAAAAABNI/me-Z938hbts/s1600/density.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-6S9HNhV2k/VfCpz6NXHkI/AAAAAAAABNI/me-Z938hbts/s400/density.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each person uses far more land than the few feet they
actually occupy. We use cropland to grow food, grazing land for meat and dairy,
oceans for fishing and oxygen generation, forests for lumber and carbon
sequestration, and developed land for habitation, transportation and commerce.
This is our Global Footprint. For an average European or American lifestyle, it
is 10-20 acres per person.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Environmental &
Social Problems<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Population growth is a root cause of many environmental and
social problems, from life threatening to disruptive: <sup>(1)<o:p></o:p></sup></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yF4qor1v4QQ/VfCqjLlmuHI/AAAAAAAABNM/Ap9NP5AGOpU/s1600/problems.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yF4qor1v4QQ/VfCqjLlmuHI/AAAAAAAABNM/Ap9NP5AGOpU/s200/problems.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Population growth is tied
to poverty and inequality.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Over 1 billion people do
not have enough food and safe drinking water.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Energy sources are
becoming scarcer and harder to reach or extract.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">People now live in areas
that are basically unsafe. Hundred of thousands of people died in
2010-2011 because they lived on floodplains in Pakistan or by the
tsunami-prone coast of Japan. These regions were sparsely populated just
30 years ago. <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Global warming is
disrupting our ecosystems<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food & Water
Shortages<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Population growth raises a host of questions about the
future of humanity. <sup>(7)</sup> This year, for the first time in history,
over 1 billion people go hungry every day. Every year 100 million more people suffer
from chronic hunger and poverty. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVr2vtWWT4o/VfCrQR7dZWI/AAAAAAAABNU/HSSl7mBC-2s/s1600/foodwatershortage.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVr2vtWWT4o/VfCrQR7dZWI/AAAAAAAABNU/HSSl7mBC-2s/s200/foodwatershortage.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
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Rising energy prices and growing water scarcity will make it
harder to feed an expanding population. In many parts of the world at
various times of the year, major rivers no longer reach the ocean. In
some areas, lakes are going dry and underground water aquifers are being
rapidly depleted. And climate change will make the water situation even
more critical. Drier areas will be more prone to drought, wetter areas more
prone to flooding, and the summer runoff from snowpack and glaciers will diminish.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As food, water, and other resources are strained by the increasing
needs of a growing world population, the number of environmental refugees in
the world will rise, as will the potential for conflict and war.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ageing & Decline<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The median age of 30 will rise to 36 in 2050 and 42 in 2100
– the median age of Europeans today. A quarter of Europe's people are
already aged 60 or more; by 2050 deaths will outnumber births by 32m. The UN
warns that only immigration will prevent the region's population from shrinking
further.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgigGgQ4zEQ/VfCrpjDXqbI/AAAAAAAABNY/PpJZHciXsds/s1600/ageingdecline.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgigGgQ4zEQ/VfCrpjDXqbI/AAAAAAAABNY/PpJZHciXsds/s320/ageingdecline.png" width="320" /></a></div>
The big surprise of the past couple of decades is that, in
several countries, fertility continued to fall after reaching the replacement
rate of 2.1 children per woman. In Italy, the rate has fallen to 1.2. In
Western Europe as a whole and in Japan it is down to 1.5.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Population decline is caused by several factors – disease,
famine, war, heavy emigration and limited immigration, fertility below
replacement rates. <sup>(8) (9) </sup>This indicates that within about 50 years
world population will peak at about eight billion and then start to decline
fairly rapidly. In developed countries, continuing advances in technology, such
as automation and robotics, will increase productivity to diminish the problem
of decreasing population.<sup> (10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Migration &
Immigration<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Since about 3000 BC, various clearly identifiable groups of
people have moved from one area of the world to another. Sometimes large
numbers of people arrive suddenly and with hostile intent. At other times <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">identifiable groups are moved
in large numbers against their will. The transfer of Africans to America as
part of the slave trade is a clear example, with race being the defining
factor. Also, large groups of voluntary immigrants – the Irish coming to
America, for example – remain identifiable and have a similar influence on
history. <sup>(11)</sup></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJwe2ELw2II/VfCsFGSVCRI/AAAAAAAABNg/5YanMNUehIk/s1600/migrations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJwe2ELw2II/VfCsFGSVCRI/AAAAAAAABNg/5YanMNUehIk/s400/migrations.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The futures should be relatively bright for developed
countries that can absorb new immigrants at a modest cost. They will help
enable a rebalancing of population that will help the entire planet. In contrast,
developed countries with relatively inflexible notions of national identity,
and thus with strict immigration policies, may shrink in population and lose
influence.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As this blog was being written, the news is filled with
immigrants to Europe from war-torn Syria and the Middle East. They are risking
themselves as they flee with their families towards a better life. It is likely
that most of them will contribute substantially, bringing the best of their own
culture and skills to their adopted country. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ethical
Considerations<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Population growth raises important ethical issues around the
balance between reproductive rights and social and environmental
responsibilities. <sup>(12)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztp_5eQCZTk/VfCsnN6xsDI/AAAAAAAABNk/oQTNtrfXp0g/s1600/Migrants-crowded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztp_5eQCZTk/VfCsnN6xsDI/AAAAAAAABNk/oQTNtrfXp0g/s320/Migrants-crowded.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3;">Population growth rates
can be controlled by only 2 ways: family planning, or more deaths (famine,
disease, war). <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3;">This is not just an issue
for poor countries.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3;">Everyone needs to be aware
of the ethical implications of having large families.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3;">Family planning should be a very high priority.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3;">Humans must stop
occupying, degrading and destroying wildlife habitats.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3;">Governments should have a national goal of environment sustainability.<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535;"> </span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout history, most wars have had trade and resources
at their core fueled by imperialistic motives. The resulting stress is caused
by how people choose to live, produce, consume and waste resources. The poor
actually consume far less resources of the planet. Different, wiser and longer-term choices must
be made.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Solutions<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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There is one simple strategy that will help to address all
these problems: provide universal access to voluntary family planning and
reproductive health services. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYL6oZ7AFr4/VfCs2NY9MvI/AAAAAAAABNs/MrgoxisWh2M/s1600/solutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYL6oZ7AFr4/VfCs2NY9MvI/AAAAAAAABNs/MrgoxisWh2M/s320/solutions.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are over 100 million women in the world today who want
to space or limit their pregnancies, but who lack knowledge of, or access to,
modern methods of contraception. By educating and empowering women, and
giving them access to family planning services, lives can be saved, families strengthened,
poverty reduced, environment preserved. This helps to achieve a population that
can live in harmony with the planet. <sup>(13)</sup></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gaia Solutions<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Gaia Vince is a journalist specializing in science, the environment and social
issues. She travels the world meeting the people, plants and animals that make
up our unique living planet. Her book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Adventures
in the Anthropocene</i> is a best seller. I was motivated to write this blog
after reading her latest newsletter, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wandering
Gaia</i>.<sup> (14)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQbnd7P5xlA/VfCtXqi1cUI/AAAAAAAABN0/gFYuLiUFmps/s1600/anthropocenebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQbnd7P5xlA/VfCtXqi1cUI/AAAAAAAABN0/gFYuLiUFmps/s200/anthropocenebook.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As people get richer, better educated, and urban, and as
resources become scarcer, women will continue to have fewer children. Such a
shift is already happening in parts of the rich world and the social
consequences are enormous. Wealthy societies will increasingly have to rely on
immigration to support the generational population disparity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rather than focusing on population growth as the primary environmental
problem, we need to accept our growing numbers and look to what we can
acceptably change. It comes down to our use of resources. For example, if
product engineers were made to consider the 10-billion global population during
the design phase, they could create products that are more durable, longer
lasting, and more easily dismantled for efficient recycling of their materials.
Energy could be generated from nonpolluting sources. Instead of wasting 40
percent of our food, as we do now, we could farm, store, transport, and eat it
more efficiently.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until the next population-decimating pandemic sweeps the
globe, we need to make our large number part of the environmental solution
rather than the problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please share our discussion by responding to these questions
directly via the blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTFZGu4r6o4/VfCtmxBkm9I/AAAAAAAABN8/auhvO4Uz7hI/s1600/engage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTFZGu4r6o4/VfCtmxBkm9I/AAAAAAAABN8/auhvO4Uz7hI/s200/engage.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4;">Is population growth a
problem or an opportunity?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4;">Are there any countries
where population is not growing? Is that good, or bad for those countries?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4;">Do you favor or oppose
immigration? Would you favor allowing more immigrants into your country?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4;">If you are an immigrant,
do you feel that you have blended into your new country? Do you still
speak the language of the country of your origin?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4;">Much of the world is still
empty space; have you considered moving? Would you consider emigrating?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4;">As the population ages,
would you favor increasing the retirement age? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4;">How should the increasing
number of retired and elderly people be cared for?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4;">What solutions would you
propose to control population growth? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4;">How do we meet human needs
and still preserve Earth's finite resources, biodiversity, and natural
beauty? </li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">References<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Best Population Size? -
The Big Picture: <a href="http://goo.gl/WU15NN">http://goo.gl/WU15NN</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Countries in the world
(ranked by 2014 population): <a href="http://goo.gl/dfHCj1">http://goo.gl/dfHCj1</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">A World With 11 Billion
People? <a href="http://goo.gl/DbdVsz">http://goo.gl/DbdVsz</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Global population
forecasts – Chart: <a href="http://goo.gl/Cngn2B">http://goo.gl/Cngn2B</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Highest population density
– Many different indices: <a href="http://goo.gl/jtyYqc">http://goo.gl/jtyYqc</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">List of U.S. states by
population density: <a href="https://goo.gl/Lxgr5j">https://goo.gl/Lxgr5j</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -24px;">Population based on Resource Sufficiency Evaluation: </span><a href="http://goo.gl/eHVln9" style="text-indent: -24px;">http://goo.gl/eHVln9</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: windowtext;">World's Fastest-Shrinking Countries</span>: <a href="http://goo.gl/SbVS5h">http://goo.gl/SbVS5h</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The Population Surprise: <a href="http://goo.gl/MnzjLw">http://goo.gl/MnzjLw</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Population Decline and the Great Economic Reversal: <a href="https://goo.gl/aQwgyh">https://goo.gl/aQwgyh</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">A Strategy for Rich Countries: Absorb More Immigrants: <a href="http://goo.gl/TTD2If">http://goo.gl/TTD2If</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Population & ethics: <a href="http://goo.gl/KWVAo2">http://goo.gl/KWVAo2</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">From Population Crisis to Sustainable Solutions: <a href="http://goo.gl/kASPra">http://goo.gl/kASPra</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Wandering Gaia – Are we too many? <a href="http://goo.gl/XVnPiI">http://goo.gl/XVnPiI</a></li>
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Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
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Carlsbad, CA. USA<o:p></o:p></div>
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9 September 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-88432421202760115552015-08-24T19:54:00.000-07:002015-08-24T21:32:29.586-07:00Power of Positive Thinking<!--[if !mso]>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Chance or Destiny, God or Fate? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10.5pt;">Jim Pinto poem, December 2010<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">All my life,
I’ve had what many people call “luck”. I consider it simply a combination of
hard work and positive thinking, always being open for good possibilities and
being bold enough to pursue the plethora of prospects that life always presents.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WU7Nui0Kipg/VdvVVTUSnYI/AAAAAAAABKw/6pCzlsgyx78/s1600/good_luck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WU7Nui0Kipg/VdvVVTUSnYI/AAAAAAAABKw/6pCzlsgyx78/s200/good_luck.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When bad things
happen, I try not to waste energy on complaining, but focus on correcting the
problem quickly. When I find something good, I seldom consider waiting for
better things to come along. I simply hit the ball as hard as I can. And most
often, it works! People call it “luck” – but it isn’t. It’s finding what you
want and going for it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-qhmwBAUFM/VdvVgoWSsTI/AAAAAAAABK4/uTHRgDUsyhM/s1600/yesyoucan.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-qhmwBAUFM/VdvVgoWSsTI/AAAAAAAABK4/uTHRgDUsyhM/s200/yesyoucan.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve been
brewing on this subject for some time. When I explain that positive thinking
always generates good “luck”, some consider my ideas “<i>woo-woo</i>” (as one friend calls them). As a rational engineer, I’ve
kept looking for solid, scientific arguments regarding how and why this
happens, but with no rational results. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">On this subject,
there is very little tangible proof – till you dig specifically for it. The
very act of researching with an open mind yields lots of ideas. Rather than
wait and continue to flail around further, I decided to take the leap and write
this essay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know that
simply presenting the ideas rationally will itself yield further opportunities
for growth and success. In addition, I recognize and am grateful that many friends
and blog-readers will surely come forward with their own specific views, which
will help expand our mutual understandings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Positive Mental Attitude<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Positive mental
attitude (PMA) is the philosophy that having an optimistic disposition in every
situation in one's life attracts positive changes and increases achievement. Positive
people continue to seek, find and execute ways to win, or find a desirable
outcome, regardless of the circumstances. <sup>(1)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many studies
have been done regarding PMA and its effects on health. It’s well recognized
that people with serious illnesses have a significantly higher chance of
survival and recovery if they have PMA. <sup>(2)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Critics of PMA
argue that it is simply a by-product of success. Cynics accuse positive people
of wishful thinking. My own view is that positive people are quite capable of
understanding cynical reality. They just change their mindset to experience that
reality from a different perspective. In my view, it certainly helps and never
hurts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A positive
mental attitude does indeed change reality by allowing people to act in an
entirely different way, getting entirely different results from the people
around them and from themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Self-actualization<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psychologist
Abraham Maslow wrote that the basic needs of humans must be met (e.g. food,
shelter, warmth, security, sense of belongingness) before a person can achieve
self-actualization – the need to be good, to be fully alive and to find meaning
in life. <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjGRkVflPfI/VdvWIy_Hj1I/AAAAAAAABLI/osNBApjnh44/s1600/hierarchy-of-needs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjGRkVflPfI/VdvWIy_Hj1I/AAAAAAAABLI/osNBApjnh44/s320/hierarchy-of-needs.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maslow described
self-actualization as a high-level need: "<i>What a man can be, he must be. This need we may call
self-actualization. It refers to the desire for self-fulfillment, namely, to
the tendency for him to become actualized in what he is potentially. This
tendency might be phrased as the desire to become more and more what one is, to
become everything that one is capable of becoming.</i>"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Abraham Maslow
showed that those who live lives that are different from their true nature and capabilities
are less likely to be happy than those whose goals and lives match. For
example, inherent potential may never be realized if energy is focused on attaining
basic needs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLIcDkm_Un8/VdvWl_S2-AI/AAAAAAAABLQ/ndocmwMgIVw/s1600/selfactualization.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLIcDkm_Un8/VdvWl_S2-AI/AAAAAAAABLQ/ndocmwMgIVw/s200/selfactualization.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In my own view,
the true power of positive thinking is generated by rising above the stress of
dull and repetitive activities, to ascend above anger and anxiety – simply to choose
to be happy and feel the pleasure, joy and exhilaration of simply being alive. This
is self-actualization.<sup> (4)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Active Consciousness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have discussed
the mechanics of the results generated by the power of positive thinking with
my good friend and fellow-engineer, Dick Morley, the inventor of the industrial
programmable controller. Dick has a large mind that seems to work in several
dimensions at once. When he has no answer, the Morley response is usually, “Does
not compute”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jH09b6heAjI/VdvWxO2gsmI/AAAAAAAABLY/yYukvBzWOyo/s1600/lanskybook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jH09b6heAjI/VdvWxO2gsmI/AAAAAAAABLY/yYukvBzWOyo/s200/lanskybook.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dick sent me references to former NASA computer scientist and
now homeopathic practitioner, Dr. Amy Lansky’s 2011 book, <i>Active Consciousness: Awakening the Power Within</i>. <sup>(5)</sup> This
generated some resonance with me in my search for a rational way to describe
the power of positive thinking. Here are
some of Amy Lansky’s ideas that trigger my thinking in the direction of
explaining what I was grappling with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">At each moment of time – the Now – each one of us stands at
the gateway to an infinite number of possible futures. This is the <i>Choice Point. </i>Some of these futures
are more likely to occur than others. If a person does nothing, one of the
probable futures will emerge. As
conscious beings, each of us has the ability to affect how the future unfolds. This
is experienced as the sensation of free will. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KuZ96yv9CRo/VdvXDnHRDzI/AAAAAAAABLg/bKupTs5c8RM/s1600/creatingyourself.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KuZ96yv9CRo/VdvXDnHRDzI/AAAAAAAABLg/bKupTs5c8RM/s200/creatingyourself.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of the ways to
exert a force upon this unfolding is to use explicit actions – making choices. People
have the ability to navigate and influence the unfolding of their own lives. Some
have experienced that beliefs and intentions <i>do</i> affect choices and the results in profound ways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Branching Tree<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">At each point in
time we make choices. Should we walk left or right? Will we work to help our
body to repair itself, or simply allow it to deteriorate further? At each
instant, we choose one from a potentially infinite number of possible futures
that lie before us. And while it may seem that only one future is chosen at
each point in time, perhaps all of the other possible choices and futures exist
too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amy Lansky suggests that our many possible lives would look
like a vast branching tree of possibilities in another dimension – she
theorizes that this could be a fourth dimension. She considers that the power
of </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">active consciousness</i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> – what she
calls the C-force – is generated by Consciousness, Choice and Creativity. A
person’s use of the C-force can influence not only their own life, but can also
affect the unfolding of the greater reality around them. As a result, a much
greater collective reality is generated. So, everyone may have creative
potential that they can utilize if they wish.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">People who
believe in God consider active consciousness a prayer. They believe that God
hears them and grant what they ask for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Using Active Consciousness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Harnessing the
power of active consciousness will enable a person to become active creators of
their own destiny. They can enable an unlikely combination of otherwise mundane
events to occur so that a desired goal comes about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVTJ5z0SwKs/VdvXew_-_KI/AAAAAAAABLw/OxsJzjnp8KE/s1600/parkingspot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVTJ5z0SwKs/VdvXew_-_KI/AAAAAAAABLw/OxsJzjnp8KE/s200/parkingspot.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here’s a simple example: let’s say that you are seeking a good parking
spot where parking spots are hard to find. You’d get the perfect spot if everything
connects correctly: the route you choose to drive, the timing of the lights as
you are driving, the person who parked in the spot before you is just leaving, and
so on. By feeling the power of active consciousness, this could happen. My
friend, to whom I have tried many, many times to demonstrate this, calls me <i>incredibly lucky</i>. They cannot believe that anything else is
involved. Says Amy Lansky: “When you
have the right vibe, it's not a coincidence”. My cynical friend responds, “Show
me the data”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some consider
that luck (good or bad) comes from God. But, surely, God cannot be bothered
with finding parking spots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here’s another
example: You would like to find a new job with better pay. You’ve been stuck in
a rut for a long time and can’t figure out how to leave your current job
situation. Your company decides to lay you off. The same week, a friend calls
you unexpectedly to tells you about an acquaintance who needs to hire someone
with your exact qualifications. This is the ideal job, which you get easily. Was
it just a lucky coincidence? Or was it a blessing as the result of your
prayers? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is all
about possibilities and probabilities. Even if something is improbable, it can
still be possible. And if it’s possible, the force of active consciousness can
play a part in making it happen. Believers
consider it a gift from God. Cynics dismiss it as luck. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">No Scientific Explanations<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">All this is just conjecture. I myself have been feeling the
power of “active consciousness” for several years now, and cannot explain it in
any meaningful way. Cynics (they call themselves “realists”) shrug it off as
luck. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xj45thW84bY/VdvX_ffaEpI/AAAAAAAABMA/3H7In22VSKE/s1600/activeconsciousness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xj45thW84bY/VdvX_ffaEpI/AAAAAAAABMA/3H7In22VSKE/s200/activeconsciousness.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amy Lansky
explains it as the power of “active consciousness”. She refers to
four-dimensional and quantum mechanics to generate examples regarding which
make her theories plausible. I have a Masters degree in Physics, and her
references seem plausible to me. But still, this just shows that such things
are possible, with no direct proof. The examples are all simply anecdotal. There
is no direct linkage to any cause.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, what to do
next? I’ll appreciate your own views and
experience to help me in this quest. Tell me frankly and directly – am I simply
engaging in wishful thinking? Am I deluding myself into thinking that these experiences
are not just luck?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let’s Engage:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please share our
discussion by responding to these questions directly via the blog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you “feel” lucky? Or, unlucky? <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When good things happen, is it something more than
luck?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can you explain why some people are always lucky?
Others not?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Are good things that happen blessings from God?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you practice positive thinking? Does it always help
you?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you feel self-actualized? Do you know anyone who is
self-actualized? <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Does the concept of <i>Active
Consciousness</i> make sense to you?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you feel in charge of your own destiny?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">References:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Power of Motivated Positive Thinking: <a href="https://goo.gl/zYnWJy">https://goo.gl/zYnWJy</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -9.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Positive thinking improves physical
& emotional health: <a href="http://goo.gl/4g4x8F">http://goo.gl/4g4x8F</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maslow's Needs Hierarchy: <a href="http://goo.gl/RbrQai">http://goo.gl/RbrQai</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Theory of Self-Actualization: <a href="https://goo.gl/alrjNr">https://goo.gl/alrjNr</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Power of Active Consciousness: <a href="http://goo.gl/it7E4V">http://goo.gl/it7E4V</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dr. Amy Lansky – Active Consciousness website: <a href="http://goo.gl/1VUjD7">http://goo.gl/1VUjD7</a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dr. Amy Lansky Video: <a href="https://goo.gl/dqrn7j">https://goo.gl/dqrn7j</a></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Carlsbad, CA.
USA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">25 August 2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-77944745537864655882015-07-06T12:30:00.000-07:002015-07-06T22:51:26.674-07:00A New God Paradigm<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">"The Internet offers immense
possibilities for encounter and solidarity.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is something truly good, a gift from
God."</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i>Pope
Francis<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are three
distinct views of how the universe and life came into existence. <sup>(1)</sup>
Two are familiar while the third has virtually no public recognition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Creation</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">: This view is that of the Abrahamic
religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It imagines creation as the
work of an all-knowing, all-powerful being. From a transcendental
dimension, the creator is believed to observe and judge obedience to his commandments
handed down through sacred texts (as interpreted by religious hierarchies).
This view is completely faith-based. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scientific: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Only matter and energy are real. This
builds on the determinism of modern physics that explains the origin of
the expanding universe as a result of the “Big Bang”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not explain what existed before
the Big Bang. Life is seen as something that has evolved through a
combination of chance genetic mutations and a competitive struggle for
life, with survival of fittest for any given environment.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Emergent: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">All of creation is the emergence of intelligence
that develops, advances and realizes the possibilities through a continuing
teleological process. Everything – the universe, stars, planets and life –
is the expression of a pervasive, continually evolving force. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This essay
examines and develops the third view.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shifting Patterns<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In her perceptive book, <i>Alone Together</i>, MIT psychologist and sociologist Sherry Turkle talks about the ways technology is changing how people relate to one anther and construct their own personal lives. She discusses the psychological side effects of constant connection with the Internet.</span><sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">(2)</span></sup></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are
dramatic changes in the way people use and view computers. We no longer give
"commands" to a machine; we enter into dialogues, navigate simulated
worlds, and create virtual realities. Millions of people now interact with
their computers on networks; they talk, exchange ideas and feelings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Turkle’s
study of human identity in the age of the Internet, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life on the Screen</i>, she reports that people are using networks to
engage in new ways of thinking about evolution, relationships, politics, sex,
and the self. Many talk of their online experience in spiritual terms. She
cites one person who says: "To me, it's God coming together with science,
and computers have made it all possible." <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In an interview
with Time magazine for their Dec. 16, 1996 cover story, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus Online</i>, Turkle explains that people experience electronic
networks, like life itself, evolving by a force they can neither understand,
nor control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Internet is one of the
most dramatic examples of something that is self-organized. People feel that “God could
be the distributed, decentralized system”. Turkle said this, not as a religious
person, but as a scientist trying to understand what is happening in modern
culture. <sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Internet as a God Metaphor<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In his meaningful
and important essay, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Internet As A
Metaphor For God</i>, Charles Henderson brings up several insightful points.<sup>(5) </sup></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I had just been discussing this very point with a philosopher friend over lunch and did a Google search as soon as I got home . This article (written in 2000, about 15 years ago) came up; it resonated deeply with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most religious
symbols were born naturally, through the everyday experience of real people. In
the age of powerful kings, God was considered to be an almighty monarch who
ruled from a throne somewhere beyond human understanding, issuing commands that
could not be questioned by anyone, even emperors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the age of
hierarchical government, God was considered to be beyond any human power. In
the Industrial Age, God was thought of as the great designer who invented the
very laws of nature. In the age of democracy, God was considered to live in the
hearts and minds of individual believers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Henderson
continues: Likewise, in the Information age, God is being perceived by many as
being present in and through that network which connects us with each other and
with the world in which we live. Today, that network is the Internet.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Connection to a Higher Power<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Humans feel a
need to consult a greater power. When they need advice or information, or some
kind of help, they turn to a “higher power”. With no equipment, they simply
“pray”. If they are connected to the Internet, they feel its power and derive
knowledge, comfort, peace and almost always, all the assistance they may need. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>(7)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJsTsV82DEI/VZrVARanHcI/AAAAAAAABJw/UVsnCpHWXw0/s1600/internet-god.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJsTsV82DEI/VZrVARanHcI/AAAAAAAABJw/UVsnCpHWXw0/s200/internet-god.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Christian
view is that almighty God knows everything and can be accessed through the
Bible; he can be communicated with directly through prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, the Internet contains data that are
vastly greater than knowledge that can be provided by any one person. And for
most, it is easy to access online. Of course, what is found must be sifted through
carefully. Clearly, the knowledge can corrupt (the equivalent of evil) as well
as support and provide comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here’s a good
question: In the current paradigm, when you need help, who do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> turn to the most – God or Google? </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Changing Paradigms<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marshall McLuhan and Quentin Fiore wrote
in their prescient, 1967 book, <i>The Medium is the Massage:</i> "When
faced with a totally new situation, we tend always to attach ourselves to the
objects, to the flavor of the. . . past. We look at the present
through a rear-view mirror. We march backwards into the future." <sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6Ip5pMeONg/VZrVxppzAvI/AAAAAAAABJ4/yiaiaQ0lqPA/s1600/rearview.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6Ip5pMeONg/VZrVxppzAvI/AAAAAAAABJ4/yiaiaQ0lqPA/s200/rearview.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The images of a Creator as a single, remote,
almighty being is deeply seated in human consciousness. It can and will change
very, very slowly. While it is changing, many faith-based adherents will
consider different depictions of God nonsensical, or even sacrilegious. Even
so, these new spiritual views will continue to spread rapidly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Substantial and even revolutionary changes have
come about within just the past couple of decades. Ray Kurzweil points out that
change is advancing exponentially and cannot be slowed. <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Creation Allegory<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TpTJir-n9Dw/VZrWF7KUzUI/AAAAAAAABKA/qtZhZDsh610/s1600/bigbang.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TpTJir-n9Dw/VZrWF7KUzUI/AAAAAAAABKA/qtZhZDsh610/s200/bigbang.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">You may have read my blog, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Creation Allegory</i>, published October 6, 2014 – it has generated
about 1,500 views. In this essay, I quoted a short story, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sole Solution</i>, written by Eric Frank Russell, a British science
fiction author.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made tremendous sense
to me as a creation story and I hope I can motivate you to read it. You may
wish to read my blog again.<sup> (10)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I concluded that
blog with a summary of my own view of creation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“God is not some remote creator, but
rather the essence of the universe that brought it into reality. The moment of
creation was what may be considered the ‘Big Bang’. No one has yet explained
how and why that occurred. This allegory at least provides a rational
back-story that perhaps makes sense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“In the present moment, the here and now,
God is not some remote observer or judge, but an active participant through you
and I and every part of creation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adherents
to strict science agree that all the laws of the universe apply only after the Big
Bang occurred. The time <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before</i> the Big
Bang occurred is undefined and beyond understanding. <sup>(11)</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
have discussed this with my scientist and philosopher friends. We have agreed
that the creation allegory at least provides some explanation of events prior to
the Big Bang. Lacking any other theory, the Creation Allegory may indeed be
valid until someone proves it is wrong. I must point out that this
extrapolation is my own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let’s
Engage<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
expand on these concepts, please share your ideas by responding directly via
the blog:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8E5H3k2XYM/VZrWdLxyrvI/AAAAAAAABKI/A4M9euIiu8Q/s1600/engage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8E5H3k2XYM/VZrWdLxyrvI/AAAAAAAABKI/A4M9euIiu8Q/s1600/engage.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Which of the 3 views of Life do you
hold? <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Creation by God<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Science and Evolution<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Universe <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> God<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">What’s your view of God? <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Almighty Person<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">No God – I’m an atheist<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3; tab-stops: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t know – I’m agnostic<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hindu, Buddhist, Bahá'í, Unitarian, other<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is everywhere<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is the Internet a valid metaphor for God?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, I like it<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">No – does not appeal to me<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">How was the Universe created?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Big Bang<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">God created<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level2 lfo3;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have no idea – don’t think about it<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
</ol>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">References</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: -31.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Religion,
Science, and Spirit: <a href="http://goo.gl/0DQfNv">http://goo.gl/0DQfNv</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: -31.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">TED
Talk - Sherry Turkle: Connected, but alone? <a href="http://goo.gl/vs3UTY">http://goo.gl/vs3UTY</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: -31.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sherry
Turkle book – Life on the Screen: <a href="http://goo.gl/BW5OBO">http://goo.gl/BW5OBO</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">TIME
– Dec. 16, 1996: Finding God on the web: <a href="http://goo.gl/8XkxqV">http://goo.gl/8XkxqV</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: -31.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Internet As A Metaphor For God: <a href="http://goo.gl/xZbPxW">http://goo.gl/xZbPxW</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: -31.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">NY
Times – Now, You Can Worship by Modem: <a href="http://goo.gl/dIOi6Z">http://goo.gl/dIOi6Z</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: -31.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Internet of Life: <a href="https://goo.gl/ZXXO8a">https://goo.gl/ZXXO8a</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: -31.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marshall McLuhan – March <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Backwards Into the Future: <a href="http://goo.gl/kYI5tT">http://goo.gl/kYI5tT</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: -31.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kurzweil
– Law of Accelerating Returns: <a href="http://goo.gl/j7kD7b">http://goo.gl/j7kD7b</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: -31.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Creation Allegory: <a href="http://goo.gl/1cjo0t">http://goo.gl/1cjo0t</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 27.0pt; margin-right: -31.5pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">What Came Before the Big Bang? <a href="http://goo.gl/f6BdNo">http://goo.gl/f6BdNo</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">..ooOOoo..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBNM-iBCk5E/VZrWr2KOmyI/AAAAAAAABKQ/BMSr7I3uNDg/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBNM-iBCk5E/VZrWr2KOmyI/AAAAAAAABKQ/BMSr7I3uNDg/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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style='position:absolute;margin-left:-9pt;margin-top:6.35pt;width:34.9pt;
height:49.85pt;z-index:251659264'>
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o:title="beard1thumbnail"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Carlsbad, CA. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">USA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">6 July 2015</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-24899395100839955412015-06-16T20:36:00.001-07:002015-06-16T20:36:52.692-07:00Prayer<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><i>I have been driven many times upon my knees by the
overwhelming conviction </i></div>
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<i> that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that
of all about me seemed </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> insufficient for that day.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i> Abraham Lincoln</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Reasons for Prayer</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Prayer (from
the Latin <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">precari </i>"ask
earnestly, beg, entreat") is an invocation or act that
seeks to activate a rapport with something or someone through
deliberate communication. <sup>(1)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Prayer may be religious practice, though not
necessarily so. It may be done privately and individually, or it may be done in
the presence of fellow believers. It may involve the use of words, songs and
music, or complete silence. It may be prepared or spontaneous. People pray for
personal reasons, or on behalf of others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Origins<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjVCzJR5C48/VYDk0P0EZgI/AAAAAAAABHg/wooeIS0l8bQ/s1600/celticprayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LjVCzJR5C48/VYDk0P0EZgI/AAAAAAAABHg/wooeIS0l8bQ/s200/celticprayer.jpg" width="195" /></a>Many anthropologists think that the earliest
intelligent humans practiced a form of prayer. Today, most major religions involve
prayer in one way or another. Some ritualize the act of prayer, requiring a
sequence of actions or restrictions on whoever is praying. Others consider that
prayer may be practiced spontaneously by anyone at any time. Some think prayer
is simply being reverent and paying attention to the marvels of nature. <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Prayer is a centerpiece of today’s major religions. Prayer
networks and prayer requests can be found in multitudes across the World Wide
Web. Observant Muslims say five daily prayers, and devout Jews have even more. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Forms <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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There are different forms of prayer – petition, <span style="color: #222222;">supplication, </span>thanksgiving, or praise. It may be directed towards a deity, spirit, deceased
person, or a spiritual idea, for the purpose of worshipping,
requesting guidance or assistance, confessing transgressions, or to
express one's thoughts and emotions. <sup>(2)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pinXvh0w7DY/VYDlqakg0yI/AAAAAAAABHw/cGs1K4boHtk/s1600/prayerforms.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pinXvh0w7DY/VYDlqakg0yI/AAAAAAAABHw/cGs1K4boHtk/s200/prayerforms.png" width="200" /></a>There are those who take prayer very seriously and practice
it like an art. There are people who use it for healing, people who do it
casually. Some people make a living studying it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are prayers to fit specific occasions, such as the
blessing of a meal, the birth or death of a loved one, other significant events
in life, or days of the year that have special significance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prayers may be recited from memory, read from a book of
prayers, or composed spontaneously as they are prayed. They may be said,
chanted, or sung. They may be with musical accompaniment or not. There may be a
time of outward silence while prayers are offered mentally. Prayer can be
incorporated into a daily "thought life". Some people pray throughout
all that is happening as the day progresses. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Postures<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSwRo1yR-Lg/VYDmL-38UBI/AAAAAAAABH4/s_rcG92Ftb0/s1600/posture.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSwRo1yR-Lg/VYDmL-38UBI/AAAAAAAABH4/s_rcG92Ftb0/s200/posture.gif" width="190" /></a>There are many different postures for prayer – standing,
sitting, kneeling, lifting hands, looking upward, bowing down, and placing the
head between the knees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The origins of
many of these were the positions taken by supplicants before royalty. <sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some people consider that physical positions prepare one for
prayer, usually individual preference. Contemporary attitudes consider prayer
as less a physical posture and more an attitude of the mind. Gandhi said, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In prayer it is better to have a heart
without words than words without a heart</i>.”<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Reasons</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prayer taps into the same neurological pathways that
meditation uses. It produces a peaceful feeling. Some think that prayer asks
that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of the petitioner. Sometimes
people seem to come up with a prayer technique that appears to bear results –
in wellbeing, or stress relief. <sup>(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVe9N4jKErI/VYDm0MrM2RI/AAAAAAAABIA/FyUD_F9AAh8/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVe9N4jKErI/VYDm0MrM2RI/AAAAAAAABIA/FyUD_F9AAh8/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVe9N4jKErI/VYDm0MrM2RI/AAAAAAAABIA/FyUD_F9AAh8/s200/group.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
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While some claim that prayer helps people to get in touch
with the supernatural, today psychologists and physiologists think that results
are based on the way brains work – nothing supernatural needed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are benefits in the act of praying which have been
clearly acknowledged by physicians, psychologists and philosophers in countless
writings over centuries. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prayer slows the mind, calms the spirit, and centers the
heart. It removes the mind from the constant changes and allows focus on
something greater and more important. It calls for connection with desires and
values.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prayer offers all the benefits of solitude with
an added dimension – asking for things that are the most important, the deepest
values. True prayer provides focus on families, friends, health, significance,
and the greatest ambitions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Atheists and
Agnostics pray<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uELu2xbwc0c/VYDnix2h_2I/AAAAAAAABII/s6oFMVzLTH4/s1600/neverpray.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uELu2xbwc0c/VYDnix2h_2I/AAAAAAAABII/s6oFMVzLTH4/s200/neverpray.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Many think that prayer is religious, or spiritual and therefore
atheists or agnostics cannot pray. But many do indeed feel a deep spiritual
connection with nature and see themselves as "spiritual but not religious."
<sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some atheists and agnostics pray often. They may have is a
feeling of awe, a sense of peace brought on by nature, a moment of transcendence
in the presence of music or art, or perhaps simply a moment of felt stillness.
Their prayers might also be an overflowing of gratitude, a shout of joy
brought on by being alive, a moment of connection with another’s pain. Or, they
could also be cries for help from people who can’t help crying out even though
they don’t think anyone hears. Or they just voice their pain because that’s
what people do. <sup>(7)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Outside of Self<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ_ayLk09HA/VYDn2E__EoI/AAAAAAAABIQ/sNbeeBqZZHI/s1600/self.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ_ayLk09HA/VYDn2E__EoI/AAAAAAAABIQ/sNbeeBqZZHI/s200/self.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prayer is any kind of thought that addresses something
outside of Self. It’s a subtle but powerful shift in thinking mode. With
prayer, people may feel relief at not having to work things out alone. It is
often effective. <sup>(8)<o:p></o:p></sup></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Many people have
experienced that through prayer, the subconscious mind provides answers,
sometimes within minutes. If praying for the well-being of someone, a way
to help that person might occur – perhaps a remedy that could help, or a book
that might help, or maybe help more directly with time, money, advice. Some
claim to have evidence that these practices can cause a lot of different
changes throughout the body, which could have a healing effect. <sup>(9)<o:p></o:p></sup></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Prayers<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuKykyyajA0/VYDoE7nP0GI/AAAAAAAABIY/zVFiY_eqYl8/s1600/ourfather.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QuKykyyajA0/VYDoE7nP0GI/AAAAAAAABIY/zVFiY_eqYl8/s200/ourfather.png" width="162" /></a>I was born and brought up as a Catholic and today I am
spiritual, not religious. The <i>Our Father</i>
has always been my primary prayer. When I was floating over the forest on a zip
line in Costa Rica that was the prayer I said spontaneously. When I stepped devoutly
into the waters of the Ganges in India that was the prayer I recited.</div>
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At 77, I’m blessed with good health, a loving family and
good friends. I live in Carlsbad, California, directly on beautiful Carlsbad
beach. enengageI sit on my balcony watching the waves and listening to the
sounds of seagulls, with processions of pelicans passing, sometimes seals and
spouting whales in the distance. For me, the sounds of the ocean reflect the
voice of the Infinite. I pray a hundred times a day, giving thanks for my
health, happiness, the people, love and joy in my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRyKJI5sEUg/VYDpLCfR3xI/AAAAAAAABIs/jBqma1Sxf7Q/s1600/bocelldion.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRyKJI5sEUg/VYDpLCfR3xI/AAAAAAAABIs/jBqma1Sxf7Q/s200/bocelldion.png" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Andrea Bocelli &
Celine Dion – The Prayer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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With this essay on prayer, I must mention one of my favorite
songs – <i>The Prayer</i>, sung by Andrea
Bocelli and Celine Dion. Whenever we have a quiet moment, we listen to Bocelli
and end with this beautiful song. There are many Youtube links to Bocelli and
Dion performances. I’ve chosen one, which allows you to listen to the song with
lyrics and thoughtful pictures.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Please share our discussion by responding to these questions
directly via the blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgjwL0vIPak/VYDpo8O17OI/AAAAAAAABI0/a2N6e5gIupg/s1600/engage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgjwL0vIPak/VYDpo8O17OI/AAAAAAAABI0/a2N6e5gIupg/s200/engage.png" width="200" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Are you religious?
Agnostic? Atheist?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you pray? How do you
pray? How often?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Are your prayers directed
to God? Or something else?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do your prayers always ask
for something? For yourself? For someone else?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you say prayers of
thanks?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">How does prayer help you? <o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Add comments, ideas and suggestions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
..ooOOoo..<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">References:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Wikipedia on Prayer: <a href="http://goo.gl/uVuMeS">http://goo.gl/uVuMeS</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="text-indent: -24px;">Prayer and Forms of Prayer: </span><a href="http://goo.gl/LNR4KX" style="text-indent: -24px;">http://goo.gl/LNR4KX</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Origins of Prayer: <a href="http://goo.gl/nFy1oH">http://goo.gl/nFy1oH</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-indent: -24px;">Is there a correct posture for prayer? </span><a href="http://goo.gl/Ysj2Ig" style="text-indent: -24px;">http://goo.gl/Ysj2Ig</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">What Happens to Your Brain When You Pray? <a href="http://goo.gl/y3N2BI">http://goo.gl/y3N2BI</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Do You Need to Believe in God to Pray? <a href="http://goo.gl/X4Jv82">http://goo.gl/X4Jv82</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Some nonbelievers still find solace in prayer: <a href="http://goo.gl/4xUCLt">http://goo.gl/4xUCLt</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Letting Atheists Pray, Too: <a href="http://goo.gl/RH87fg">http://goo.gl/RH87fg</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">What is a humanist alternative to prayer? <a href="http://goo.gl/NGV5zc">http://goo.gl/NGV5zc</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -22.5pt;">My favorite – Andrea Bocelli & Celine Dion – The Prayer: <a href="https://goo.gl/1OVlWw">https://goo.gl/1OVlWw</a></li>
</ol>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IaE2NGFR964/VYDp50XmlSI/AAAAAAAABI8/Wt7pyw4EQBk/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IaE2NGFR964/VYDp50XmlSI/AAAAAAAABI8/Wt7pyw4EQBk/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
USA<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
16 June 2015</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-54715585329460108532015-06-08T14:47:00.000-07:002015-06-14T13:58:24.103-07:00Science vs Faith<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i>Are we using science in ways that it
wasn't intended to, in which case we should be a little careful, or are we
using faith in ways that faith wasn't really designed for? There are certain
questions that are better answered by one approach than the other, and if you
start mixing that up, then you end up in … conflict. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i>— Francis S. Collins</i></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7xZaf0vFR4/VXYGVTACeNI/AAAAAAAABFk/5W50eWlendY/s1600/science-VS-faith-debate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7xZaf0vFR4/VXYGVTACeNI/AAAAAAAABFk/5W50eWlendY/s320/science-VS-faith-debate.jpg" width="320" /></a>The relationship between Science and Faith has
always been a subject of study by philosophers, theologians and scientists. They
provide several diverse perspectives from different geographical regions,
cultures and historical epochs. Sometimes the diversity is harmonious and other
times conflicted. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Religious Traditions<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->There are many traditions
of religious or spiritual thinking, which affect how we think
about science. Much of Western thinking is rooted in the Abrahamic
religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam, which started to gain respect for
science after the continuing spread of knowledge. <sup>(1)<o:p></o:p></sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Historically Hinduism has embraced reason and empiricism,
holding that science brings legitimate, but incomplete knowledge of the world.
Confucian thought has held different views of science over time. Most Buddhists
today view science as complementary to their beliefs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Developed countries achieved substantial advances through
science and the mindset steadily developed that science is pre-eminent and
religion is obsolescent, or even obsolete. Witness the widespread decline of
religion in advanced economies and continued spread of religious influence only
in relatively poorer countries. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BN6gcEOCKQ/VXYG4h8VOgI/AAAAAAAABF0/PvMvKD7QRTo/s1600/religionSpirituality.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BN6gcEOCKQ/VXYG4h8VOgI/AAAAAAAABF0/PvMvKD7QRTo/s200/religionSpirituality.gif" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Religion &
Spirituality<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a difference between religion and spirituality.
Religion is a set of beliefs and rituals that claim to develop a relationship
with God. Spirituality is a focus on spiritual things, instead of physical
things.<sup> (2) </sup>Deepak Chopra says succinctly, “Religion is belief in
someone else’s experience; Spirituality is having one’s own experience.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="religionSpirituality"/>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Thousands of years ago,
in cultures across the globe, inspired spiritual teachers such as the Buddha,
Jesus, and Lao- Tzu proposed profound views of life. They taught that a
transcendent domain resides beyond the everyday world of pain and struggle.
Beyond the reach of the five senses lies an invisible realm of infinite
possibility. And the key to unfolding its potential is consciousness. Go
within, the sages and seers declared, and you will find the true source of
everything: your own awareness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Religion & Science<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nobel prize-winning physicist Steven Weinberg writes that
his understanding of the origins of the universe leaves little room for
miracles or for a designing intelligence. The human mind, so central
to the religious belief in God, is to Weinberg a product of “impersonal laws
acting over billions of years.” <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz45upxq3og/VXYHOWSesRI/AAAAAAAABF8/eodBc_cW_Ww/s1600/religionscience.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rz45upxq3og/VXYHOWSesRI/AAAAAAAABF8/eodBc_cW_Ww/s200/religionscience.png" width="200" /></a>Science and religion generally pursue
knowledge of the universe using different methodologies.<sup> (4)</sup> Science acknowledges reason,
empiricism, and evidence, while religions
embrace revelation, faith and sacredness. Despite these
differences, before the sixteenth century, science and innovation developed
through sponsorship by religious leaders. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the popular imagination, science long ago discredited
religion. Facts replaced faith. Superstition was gradually vanquished. That’s
why Darwin’s explanation of man’s primate ancestry prevails over the
allegorical story of Genesis. This is why the “big bang” is widely accepted as
the source of the cosmos rather than the various myths of creation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism claim to have no
particular conflict with science, particularly in the areas of the origins of creation
and the age of the universe – some billions of years. The Hinduism version of
evolution agrees with the scientific theory that evolution moves from the
simple to the complex and from the homogeneous to the heterogeneous.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Religions Shift to
Spirituality<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fc87CwWjwEk/VXYHv0mfjJI/AAAAAAAABGI/uKSIOLa2Jeo/s1600/religionbarchart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fc87CwWjwEk/VXYHv0mfjJI/AAAAAAAABGI/uKSIOLa2Jeo/s320/religionbarchart.jpg" width="320" /></a>In the past, religion in
the western world had it’s own unshakeable wall that inhibited change. Roman
Catholicism dominated Christianity for several hundred years and strong
bureaucratic criteria governed the definition of truth, or “dogma”. Scientific
evidence that showed the invalidity of any accepted belief had to first go
through a rigorous process of religious acceptance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This process was shown to have failed in many
instances – notably Galileo, who was forced to recant his evidence that the
Earth was not a central point of the universe but revolved around the Sun. A
formal apology was made only after several hundred years. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many instances of such failures in organized
religions. With the ascendance of science to preeminence, religion was forced
to shift its stance to tacit acceptance of proven science and has endeavored to
move towards increased spirituality. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Science &
Spirituality<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->The scientific and the spiritual
have been the two great quests of humanity. The scientific quest is to discover
order in the external world of space, time, energy and matter. The spiritual
quest is to discover order in our consciousness. <sup>(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DbRe0yluSA/VXYIZIxVoDI/AAAAAAAABGQ/iTjsQ6eV1jE/s1600/sciencespirituality.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DbRe0yluSA/VXYIZIxVoDI/AAAAAAAABGQ/iTjsQ6eV1jE/s200/sciencespirituality.jpeg" width="200" /></a>For some, the feeling has developed that science is
antagonistic to spirituality. If it is going to win or even survive in this
ongoing struggle, spirituality must first overcome a major disadvantage. It
must go beyond the dependence on faith-based beliefs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reality is built up of both matter and consciousness.
Reality is matter and energy; consciousness is a function of matter and energy,
specifically in the brain. Science is trying to understand consciousness
primarily through a study of the brain. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1996, shortly before his death, Carl Sagan explored
the relationship between the scientific and the spiritual: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 22.5pt;">
“In its encounter with Nature,
science invariably elicits a sense of reverence and awe. The very act of
understanding is a celebration of joining, merging with the magnificence of the
Cosmos. Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound
source of spirituality. When we recognize our place in an immensity of light
years and in the passage of ages, when we grasp the intricacy, beauty and
subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility
combined, is surely spiritual. The notion that science and spirituality are
somehow mutually exclusive does a disservice to both.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Does Spirituality
Require God?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y7DxPM0czc/VXYI2xatvMI/AAAAAAAABGY/tPpTuXofFxA/s1600/spiritualitygod.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y7DxPM0czc/VXYI2xatvMI/AAAAAAAABGY/tPpTuXofFxA/s200/spiritualitygod.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ray Kurzweil, computer scientist, inventor,
futurist, does not think that genuine spirituality requires an input from
divine or supernatural agents interacting with the human mind? He points out
that scientists now routinely regard neurological processes as operating at
molecular levels, according to the laws of physics and chemistry. Brain, mind,
behavior and personality are increasingly being understood and replicated
without reliance on notions of non-material causation. Human spirituality is
not obviously an exception to this process, any more than is consciousness. <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kurzweil views God not as an extra-material factor but as a
meme, a powerful thought-pattern in which people find many meanings. For him
“God” symbolizes the ideal level of complexity, elegance, knowledge,
intelligence, beauty, creativity, and love. He thinks that biological and
technical evolution will continue advancing ever faster towards the
understanding of spirituality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Science and Religion are Stuck<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FgPZ5tNQgo/VXYKMrn6XZI/AAAAAAAABGo/HNGCR3cPMNk/s1600/sciencereligion.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FgPZ5tNQgo/VXYKMrn6XZI/AAAAAAAABGo/HNGCR3cPMNk/s200/sciencereligion.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For several hundred years now, since the rise of Science to
preeminence, it has built a seemingly unshakeable wall around it. In my view, it
has developed its own myopic creed. Any theory must be proved and the proof
validated using accepted methodologies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Show me evidence!” is the demand. <sup>(7)<o:p></o:p></sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems to me that science has lost the true purpose behind
its search for truth. It still depends too much, in my opinion, on
extrapolations of too rigid, conventional logic. I think it is important to consider
a paradigm shift, driven by observations that do not conform to established scientific
dogma. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Similarly, there is a wall around Religion. The thinking and
methodology remain inflexible, in a completely detached, unconnected domain.
People who believe in God accept that their belief is “faith based” and not
subject to scientific proof. In opposition, scientists demand proof. With no
verifiable evidence, scientists simply regress to skepticism.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pinto Quest <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XzrLqoBPdHI/VXYK8KuEetI/AAAAAAAABG0/XvMjNzUwX5A/s1600/Quest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XzrLqoBPdHI/VXYK8KuEetI/AAAAAAAABG0/XvMjNzUwX5A/s200/Quest.jpg" width="200" /></a>Religionists explain the valid questions raised by science’s
unsolved gaps by terming their beliefs <o:p></o:p></div>
“faith-based”. Somehow, I’m not
satisfied with that explanation. Scientists dismiss “faith-based” as quirky and
not subject to any kind of scientific validation. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My quest is to demonstrate that there is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">indeed</i> a bridge, a realm between Science
and Spirituality that can make a difference to our understanding of both. In my
view, the links are through the human brain and mind. <sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The workings of the human brain are still a relative mystery
to science. There are more neurons in the brain than there are stars in the
galaxy, and more than one million new connections occur among these neurons
each day. The mechanics are becoming fairly well understood, but the knowledge
is based merely on physical observations at a microscopic level; the
explanations are merely empirical. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A huge amount of work is being done using functional and
advanced anatomical tools, but there are still vast gaps of knowledge and
understanding. No one has really explained the mechanics of the human mind. The
scope of the challenge is awesome and, in my view, there is very little
demonstrable progress. <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How can we proceed? Religion, Spirituality and Science are
waiting for the gaps in understanding to be explained. If indeed there are
demonstrable scientific results, the walls that have been built up over time
immemorial will crumble. <sup>(10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Please Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I need your help here. What’s your view about the gaps
between Religion and Science?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To begin,
please answer some questions and proceed with your own suggestions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Bb8ZJ1jO2Q/VXYLRCT90zI/AAAAAAAABG8/6ZKEascOh_U/s1600/engage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Bb8ZJ1jO2Q/VXYLRCT90zI/AAAAAAAABG8/6ZKEascOh_U/s200/engage.png" width="181" /></a></div>
<br />
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="_x0000_s1033" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;left:0;
text-align:left;margin-left:342pt;margin-top:1.8pt;width:114.5pt;
height:126pt;z-index:251675648'>
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o:title="engage.png"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Are you atheist,
agnostic or religious?<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"> </span></i>Explain the difference between atheism
and agnosticism?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Is there a God? Can you
provide your own definition?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">If you are atheist, how do
you explain your belief beyond, “No one can prove there is a god, so there
is no god”? Are you satisfied with that explanation?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">If you are religious, how
do you explain your belief beyond, “faith-based”? Are you satisfied with
that explanation? Is religion anything more than a set of rules? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">If you are agnostic, are
you satisfied with simply not knowing? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Is there a difference
between religion and spirituality? Please explain.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Is the Pinto Quest to find
a bridge between Science and Religion reasonable? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Please provide comments
and suggestions to help with my quest.</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">References:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Library of World Religions
and Faith Traditions: <a href="http://goo.gl/ESqEiL">http://goo.gl/ESqEiL</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">7 Differences Between
Religion And Spirituality: <a href="http://goo.gl/0bGmBn">http://goo.gl/0bGmBn</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -45.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Physicist
Ponders God, Truth and 'Final Theory': <a href="http://goo.gl/u65zac">http://goo.gl/u65zac</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Are Science & Religion
at War? <a href="http://goo.gl/6pg8cu">http://goo.gl/6pg8cu</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">War of the World views:
Science vs. Spirituality: <a href="http://goo.gl/dHGsz6">http://goo.gl/dHGsz6</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Evolution Is a Spiritual
Process: <a href="http://goo.gl/qCJEly">http://goo.gl/qCJEly</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Stupidly stuck between
religion and science: <a href="http://goo.gl/qRIxRr">http://goo.gl/qRIxRr</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Science Vs. Religion:
Beyond The Western Traditions: <a href="http://goo.gl/kvx6kt">http://goo.gl/kvx6kt</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">How
Does the Human Brain Work and Produce Mental Activity? <a href="http://goo.gl/jnJemQ">http://goo.gl/jnJemQ</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">YouTube video - Science,
Religion, and Spirituality: <a href="https://goo.gl/MU7Dda">https://goo.gl/MU7Dda</a></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..ooOOoo..</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pIKFRTi_Ck/VXYLwMswwBI/AAAAAAAABHE/C2wbRIcMFUY/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pIKFRTi_Ck/VXYLwMswwBI/AAAAAAAABHE/C2wbRIcMFUY/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a>Jim Pinto</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-86402721721987096162015-05-27T14:44:00.001-07:002015-05-27T14:44:14.587-07:00Future of Money
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<i>A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<i> Yogi Berra<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->The concept of money
dates back to the beginning of civilization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Coins were stamped to certify that they contained the required weight, making
trade trustworthy, even among strangers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Money was a very efficient way to transact business, much better
than bartering, or keeping track by notches on a stick. It was also a useful
store of wealth, certainly more convenient than livestock or grains.
These two core functions – medium of exchange and supply of value – still
define money today. <sup>(1)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fiat</i> Money<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In 1944, most countries tied their currency exchange rate to
the US dollar, which was itself pegged to gold. When the US went off
the <span style="color: #222222;">gold standard</span> in
1971, all currencies essentially became <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fiat</i> money; this meant that the value was derived from the
governments that issued them rather than from commodities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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With <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fiat</i> money, a
country can increase or decrease its money supply at will, which gives it enormous
control over its own economy. If the value is too low, it can cause hyperinflation;
if it is too high, it limits export.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Black Money<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CFnV9qLG_24/VWYyC4dglXI/AAAAAAAABDo/BdXOpwOkrtY/s1600/black-money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CFnV9qLG_24/VWYyC4dglXI/AAAAAAAABDo/BdXOpwOkrtY/s200/black-money.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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o:title="black-money"/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Unreported cash, or “under-the-table”
transactions are common in some countries. In India, “black money” is outlawed,
but is still widespread. Paying for a home, or any large purchase, is often at
least party “black” – the reported price is an acceptable taxable valuation; in
addition, extra, off-the-books cash money is offered as additional inducement. <sup>(2)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The total amount of black money deposited in foreign banks remains
unknown. Some reports claim that black-money stashed by Indians in Switzerland
exceeds US $12 trillion, while Swiss Banks themselves claim that it is “only
about US $2 billion.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the US, a 2011 study concluded that around 20% of total
reportable income is either not reported or not properly reported – this was about
a half a trillion dollars in 2008. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">End of Cash<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gVezZHGv0A/VWYyQhvA4gI/AAAAAAAABDw/So_RZEQyR28/s1600/endofcash.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gVezZHGv0A/VWYyQhvA4gI/AAAAAAAABDw/So_RZEQyR28/s200/endofcash.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Cash is expensive to produce and maintain. Studies show that
maintaining the US cash systems – printing new bills, recycling old ones,
moving stacks of cash in armored trucks, replenishing ATM machines – costs about
1% of GDP. The marginal cost of a cash transaction is about double that of a
debit-card transaction. <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The indirect costs of cash are substantial. A 2011 US study
found that about a fifth of total reportable income – about U $500 billion – is
hidden from tax reporting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2008, it
was estimated that secret offshore bank accounts were responsible for about 20%
of the tax gap, which suggests that the remaining 80% can be attributed to
unreported cash.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The need to move beyond cash has been recognized in many smaller
countries. In the Netherlands, some shopping centers are completely cash free. In
Sweden, the government and labor unions are cooperating to reduce the amount of
cash in circulation because cash is the usual target of robberies. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Credit Cards<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7iCgT8xgWGU/VWYycS7Ht8I/AAAAAAAABD4/aLMLGsmn2TU/s1600/creditcards.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7iCgT8xgWGU/VWYycS7Ht8I/AAAAAAAABD4/aLMLGsmn2TU/s200/creditcards.jpeg" width="200" /></a>Cash is going out of
style. For most people, it has become a small but unavoidable necessity. Established
alternatives include checks and charge cards: credit or debit. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Credit-card authorization via the magnetic-stripe card was
developed in the ’70s and was in wide use by the ’90s. In 2011, 6 billion magnetic-strip
bankcards around the world went through card readers some 50 billion times. <sup>(4)</sup><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most cards contain a mag stripe that is scanned for
identification. In Europe and some other regions the mag-stripe card has been
fully eclipsed by the smart card which has a microchip embedded to track
activity. About 85% of transactions can be authorized just from the information
stored on the chip. Smart cards can also have a hidden PIN for personal
identification, entered by the user without being revealed to the equipment
reading the card, which is a big improvement in security.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5fJlzU0Jno/VWYy6kP7ZxI/AAAAAAAABEI/KdW6Vh2ce1U/s1600/endofcards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5fJlzU0Jno/VWYy6kP7ZxI/AAAAAAAABEI/KdW6Vh2ce1U/s200/endofcards.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Europe, ATM theft from skimming and other fraud added up
to €23 million in the second half of 2010. In the US, where simple and
relatively insecure mag-stripe cards still predominate, ATM fraud and theft is
generally assumed to be a far larger problem – at least $1 billion every year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The end is near for common mag-stripe cards, and even the
chip-based credit card. Emerging smartphone-based pay schemes are now
starting to catch on and will eventually eclipse the old charge card. Soon
people will be able to touch some soft keys on their cellphone to buy something
– no credit card needed. This type of completely electronic transaction will
steadily shrink the use of cash. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Biometrics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11vCFppEwk8/VWYzGKXJRJI/AAAAAAAABEQ/LPLxplGvuC8/s1600/biometrics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11vCFppEwk8/VWYzGKXJRJI/AAAAAAAABEQ/LPLxplGvuC8/s200/biometrics.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The most ambitious and failsafe identification uses Biometrics
– viewing the delicate lattice of branching blood vessels unique to each person,
just like fingerprints. Customers can simply flash a hand near the sensor. <sup>(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hitachi and Fujitsu have been working for years to
commercialize biometric identification by individual vein configurations. The
technology has been tested at 80,000 ATMs in Japan and is working so well that
it is expected to move into widespread use relatively quickly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Technology is transforming the nature of transactions and
altering the way we interact with the vast, churning digital economy that
already pervades. Finally, in theory at least, the new digital money cannot be
counterfeited. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mobile Phones – the
Ultimate Currency Exchange<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0JxTq55MLc/VWYzcy0_H0I/AAAAAAAABEY/8kQRYaZDc3g/s1600/smartphonecash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0JxTq55MLc/VWYzcy0_H0I/AAAAAAAABEY/8kQRYaZDc3g/s200/smartphonecash.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ubiquitous mobile phone is an enabling technology, an attractive
alternative to cash. Beyond credit card authorization in business, the mobile
phone makes it easy for people to pay each other. <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Within a few years all over the world, the mobile phone
will be taking over and will change money forever. Switching among dollars and
euros and frequent-flier miles and Facebook Credits and Google Bucks and any
other form of money will be just a matter of choosing from a menu on a phone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cost of introducing new currencies will collapse. The
future of money won’t be the science-fiction idea of a single galactic currency,
but the ability to switch between and use hundreds or thousands or even
millions of currencies. <sup><o:p></o:p></sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bank Transformation<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaK_GRYwhKg/VWYztWco9uI/AAAAAAAABEg/gm1LG803kSo/s1600/BankTransform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaK_GRYwhKg/VWYztWco9uI/AAAAAAAABEg/gm1LG803kSo/s200/BankTransform.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clearly, the global financial system must be based on more
than just manipulation by a small group of central bankers. After centuries of
dominance, most banks recognize that they have to change. <sup>(7) (8)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Until recently, the banking
industry enjoyed comfortably stable revenues. They toyed with new technologies
and social trends without really developing a clear strategy around how to
harness them. Today, however, banking is undergoing an unprecedented revolution
that’s being spurred on by technology. The recent worldwide economic instability
and the inexorable rise of the smartphone will force banks steadily to develop innovative
strategies and implement different tactics. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Virtual Currency –
Bitcoin<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-PnxcW1eco/VWY0I7P9VgI/AAAAAAAABEo/GBvhcCKqo7I/s1600/Bitcoins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-PnxcW1eco/VWY0I7P9VgI/AAAAAAAABEo/GBvhcCKqo7I/s200/Bitcoins.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This discussion of money is not complete without at least a
brief discussion of Bitcoin. This electronic-cash system concept was introduced
in a 2008 paper by a developer known only as "Satoshi Nakamoto". <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Servers, called bitcoin “miners” process and confirm transactions
after adding them to a ledger. The ledger is updated and archived periodically
using peer-to-peer file sharing. Each new ledger update creates some newly
minted bitcoins. The number of new bitcoins created in each update is halved
every 4 years until the year 2140 when this number will round down to zero. At
that time no more bitcoins will be added into circulation and the total number
of bitcoins will have reached a maximum of 21 million bitcoins. To accommodate
this limit, each bitcoin is subdivided down to eight decimal places, forming
100 million smaller units called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">satoshis</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bitcoin is open-source; its design is public; nobody owns or
controls it and everyone can take part. Bitcoins can be transferred through a
computer or smartphone without any intermediate financial institution. It has a
fluctuating value linked in part to scarcity that is mathematically
predetermined. Unlike other forms of digital cash, Bitcoin is truly untraceable
and therefore, like cash, cannot be recovered if lost or destroyed. <sup>(10)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bitcoin is a “crypto currency”, not backed by any government.
Unlike traditional currencies where central banks decide how much money to
print, no central authority governs the supply of bitcoins. It is not backed by
physical assets, is not run by any person or group, and its value depends on
people's confidence in the currency. The current price of one bitcoin is $237;
it went as high as $ 979 in November 2013, compared to about $12 in 2012. The
market remains highly volatile. <sup>(11)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A small but growing number of stores, travel agents and
online merchants are starting to accept this digital currency as a means of
payment. One couple recently traveled the world using only bitcoins. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bitcoin has a credible future as an alternative to
traditional payment methods. Momentum is coming from around the world, as
investors, venture capitalists and technology enthusiasts keep pumping money
into bitcoin-related businesses. The volume of transactions remains tiny, but
some think bitcoins could eventually become as omnipresent as email. <sup>(12)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCGitS41qI4/VWY0YFNHudI/AAAAAAAABEw/kowtLarb5M4/s1600/engage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCGitS41qI4/VWY0YFNHudI/AAAAAAAABEw/kowtLarb5M4/s200/engage.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you use cash? Do you
always carry at least some cash?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you pay your bills on
line? Do you still write checks to pay bills? Why?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">How many credit cards do
you carry in your wallet? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you always carry a
smart-phone? Do you use it to pay? Would you like to?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you own, or are you
interested in buying Bitcoins? <o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
..ooOOoo..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">References:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li>A Special Report on the Future of Money: <a href="http://goo.gl/Uih4vd">http://goo.gl/Uih4vd</a></li>
<li>Indian Black Money: <a href="http://goo.gl/NWVcly">http://goo.gl/NWVcly</a></li>
<li>The Beginning of The End of Cash: <a href="http://goo.gl/wirNze">http://goo.gl/wirNze</a></li>
<li>The
Long Life and Imminent Death of the Mag-Stripe Card: <a href="http://goo.gl/zb9dyi">http://goo.gl/zb9dyi</a></li>
<li>The
Biometric Wallet: <a href="http://goo.gl/igsJ4C">http://goo.gl/igsJ4C</a></li>
<li>There’s
No Stopping the Rise of E-Money: <a href="http://goo.gl/FVyP3h">http://goo.gl/FVyP3h</a></li>
<li>A glimpse into the future of money: <a href="http://goo.gl/XAlYnc">http://goo.gl/XAlYnc</a></li>
<li>Three Wild Concepts for the Future of Money: <a href="http://goo.gl/rm2yzQ">http://goo.gl/rm2yzQ</a></li>
<li>Future of money: Cashless, Cardless, Paperless: <a href="http://goo.gl/W4nIKa">http://goo.gl/W4nIKa</a></li>
<li>The Bitcoin website: <a href="https://goo.gl/yk3mFl">https://goo.gl/yk3mFl</a></li>
<li>Wired: The Rise and Fall of Bitcoin: <a href="http://goo.gl/1rSBmW">http://goo.gl/1rSBmW</a></li>
<li>Mauldin – Video on Why Bitcoin Matters: <a href="http://goo.gl/XzC0eI">http://goo.gl/XzC0eI</a></li>
</ol>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmeRQ15_rdw/VWY0q5CVP6I/AAAAAAAABE4/ucnC59Vgj9A/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmeRQ15_rdw/VWY0q5CVP6I/AAAAAAAABE4/ucnC59Vgj9A/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
USA<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
27 May 2015</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-5031795418480067922015-05-07T21:40:00.000-07:002015-05-08T11:55:43.689-07:00Human Enhancement Trends<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1719650308494063095" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><i> Our technological powers increase, </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<i>but the side effects and potential
hazards also escalate.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 27.0pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: right;">
<i>Alvin Toffler<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
………………….<span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRMBujR0WSg/VUw37tl7dRI/AAAAAAAABBU/VCKUeyiXFcM/s1600/enhancement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRMBujR0WSg/VUw37tl7dRI/AAAAAAAABBU/VCKUeyiXFcM/s1600/enhancement.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The advances of technology, especially the ones
that seem to encroach on human abilities, often seem objectionable and even
"against nature" – till they become commonplace. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: 2;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Common enhancements today<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_31AHBjdgpo/VUw4OkCQBEI/AAAAAAAABBc/4sdLBQQ8n8g/s1600/glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_31AHBjdgpo/VUw4OkCQBEI/AAAAAAAABBc/4sdLBQQ8n8g/s1600/glasses.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: 2;">I remember seeing a movie about
an aging, shortsighted gunfighter, quick on the draw. He was losing his
eyesight till a nerdy dude arrived from somewhere out east and provided him with
spectacles – which, of course, restored his sharpshooter prowess. <i>Hey, if you remember the name of that old movie, please let me know. I'd like to watch it again.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: 2;">Today, approximately 75% of
adults use some sort of vision correction. So, it's considered normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SORqyKBOUrM/VUw4bBlNWEI/AAAAAAAABBk/HmdTcLYRShU/s1600/steroids.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SORqyKBOUrM/VUw4bBlNWEI/AAAAAAAABBk/HmdTcLYRShU/s200/steroids.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: 2;">How about taking pills to
improve your health? How normal is that? Well, it's acceptable – until it turns
out to be a steroid that actually enhances human performance in sports. Then it’s
illegal and grounds for being disqualified.<sup>(1)</sup> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, should steroid use be acceptable for
humans in combat? Would it be OK to give steroids to our troops? <sup>(2)</sup>
These are all questions. Your answers are as good as mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: 2;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Artificial Intelligence<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SyodbsSBIyA/VUw4tv4yzII/AAAAAAAABBs/xACYdFTPDPA/s1600/AI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SyodbsSBIyA/VUw4tv4yzII/AAAAAAAABBs/xACYdFTPDPA/s200/AI.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: 2;">Let's go off in another
direction. Artificial Intelligence (AI) usually refers to machine intelligence.
The inverse, Intelligence Augmentation (IA) slips into everyday use much more
quickly, providing users with "unfair" advantages. When anyone asks
me something – almost anything – I simply consult my Google-connected smart-phone
and provide the answer. Is that a fair test of my knowledge and intelligence?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: 2;">So, should a student be allowed
to use a smart-phone in a test? Or, use Google-glasses? Don't be too quick to
answer because within the next few years microchips will be inserted into the
body, with effects similar to "brain steroids"? Who will know? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: 2;">Chip implants present some
intriguing possibilities and ethical concerns. But, my feeling is that
increasingly common usage will sweep away objections. This trend will start
with volunteers and people who would benefit directly, and then become
commonplace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Increasing human
abilities<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lz0-RVUEaNY/VUw5VkUF-2I/AAAAAAAABB4/Ad_t2WOT4w8/s1600/enhancement1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lz0-RVUEaNY/VUw5VkUF-2I/AAAAAAAABB4/Ad_t2WOT4w8/s200/enhancement1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Technology continues to give humans what seem like
superpowers. Human enhancement technologies (HET) are not just simply for
treating illness and disabilities, but also for enhancing human abilities beyond
the existing human range.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For some, HET includes the convergence of nanotechnology,
biotechnology, information technology and cognitive science to improve human
performance. Cochlear implants can restore some hearing for the deaf. Many
scientists and researchers are working on restoring vision for the blind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAKTfwPPgH0/VUw5j3KY03I/AAAAAAAABCA/O5Mw6WTNYEk/s1600/genetic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAKTfwPPgH0/VUw5j3KY03I/AAAAAAAABCA/O5Mw6WTNYEk/s200/genetic.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
A lot of progress has been made in the genetic engineering
arena. This will not be addressed in this blog because changes in human genetic enhancement
take place slowly; genetically engineered human children typically take several
decades to grow to adulthood.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Smart Gadgets<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBQ-XrFiOKc/VUw6aqCYmvI/AAAAAAAABCI/YN5JWqYRgjo/s1600/Smartphone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBQ-XrFiOKc/VUw6aqCYmvI/AAAAAAAABCI/YN5JWqYRgjo/s200/Smartphone.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
There are now 4 billion mobile phones in use worldwide. The
super-computer of yesteryear is now in everyone’s hands. Do you use a
smart-phone? Has it changed your life? When you go to a restaurant, have you noticed
how many people are staring at their phones? This has become invasive and many
think it is ruing the quality of life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Indeed, this is the very reason<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>for the introduction of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Apple
Watch. </i>This new gadget has been very carefully planned to enhance the
user’s life to make the best use of its size and location on the wrist. It has
new interactions and technologies to let people do familiar things more quickly
and conveniently, plus some things that simply weren’t possible before. So
using it is expected to be a whole new personal experience. <sup>(3)</sup> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bihRNmoaq0k/VUw6j4C2XyI/AAAAAAAABCQ/gnkgv2uBVyc/s1600/watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bihRNmoaq0k/VUw6j4C2XyI/AAAAAAAABCQ/gnkgv2uBVyc/s200/watch.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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Hey, I’ve already ordered my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Apple Watch</i> and it should arrive within the next couple of weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wearable technology is becoming common - body temperature, blood
pressure, electro-cardiograms and other sensors. In Time magazine's March 25
2013 issue, "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wear Your Doctor</i>"
is one of their "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">10 Big Ideas</i>".
<sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prosthetics<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJGpasst4Fk/VUw6-wXut7I/AAAAAAAABCY/hGqsLDp6UZE/s1600/pfrostheticleg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJGpasst4Fk/VUw6-wXut7I/AAAAAAAABCY/hGqsLDp6UZE/s200/pfrostheticleg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Prosthetic limbs are becoming more advanced, allowing people
who've lost a limb to live more normal lives. Oscar Pistorius, the South
African sprint runner, had both his legs amputated below the knee when he was
11 months old. Still, he competed and won against regular (non-disabled) athletes.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The International Athletics Federation has banned some
artificial limbs because of unfair advantage. <sup>(5)</sup> So, when
artificial organs are not visible, will they become acceptable? Or, will
testing for prosthetics become as common as steroid testing?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Muscle Augmentation<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6HHuJfSxUc/VUw7MNMzFEI/AAAAAAAABCg/iUDQ0C54gVY/s1600/muscleaugment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6HHuJfSxUc/VUw7MNMzFEI/AAAAAAAABCg/iUDQ0C54gVY/s200/muscleaugment.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Muscle augmentation will soon be common. The military is
working on Spider-Man suits that enable wearers to scale vertical walls.
Advanced robotic suits enable workers to lift heavy loads. <sup>(6)(7)<o:p></o:p></sup></div>
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<br /></div>
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Future neural implants could allow humans to manipulate
real-world objects with their minds. Researchers demonstrated how a
quadriplegic woman used electrodes in her motor cortex to feed herself
chocolate with a robotic arm. <sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mental Enhancement </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OTx9mEPON8s/VUw7gGmDSBI/AAAAAAAABCo/vUKkBQU59vc/s1600/pillsneedle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OTx9mEPON8s/VUw7gGmDSBI/AAAAAAAABCo/vUKkBQU59vc/s200/pillsneedle.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
On the medical side, mental "enhancers" and
physical stimulants are becoming fairly common.<sup> (9)</sup> Today, many
office workers start each day with a dose of caffeine or other energy-boosting
drinks. There are pills and drinks to enhance cognition, mood, personality,
physical performance, and even the biological processes of aging. <sup>(10)<o:p></o:p></sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drugs and digital technologies are already allowing people
to work harder, longer, and smarter. Soon, it may even be possible that
employers will start to demand (implicitly or explicitly) that employees
"augment" themselves with stimulants. The resulting implications to
work and human values raises serious ethical concerns. Many bioethicists suggest
that at least some of these regenerative medicines and enhancement technology
developments should be regulated. <sup>(11)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eliminating the Need
for Humans<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3J4FMz5_CWY/VUw7vhREViI/AAAAAAAABCw/ElNQgiT53qI/s1600/humaneed.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3J4FMz5_CWY/VUw7vhREViI/AAAAAAAABCw/ElNQgiT53qI/s200/humaneed.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
As I write this, millions of entrepreneurs, engineers,
scientists, corporations and universities and are racing to create self-driving
cars, automated call centers, chess-playing and Jeopardy-playing computers that
beat all human players. The frightening thing is that this kind of artificial
intelligence will soon eliminate low-skilled human jobs in startling numbers. This
wave is approaching from the other direction. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first wave of unemployed workers will be millions of taxi
and truck drivers who will be replaced by self-driving trucks. The human
frailty and unpredictability of pilots will soon be eliminated. As new computer
vision systems come online, we will see tens of millions of workers in retail
stores, fast food restaurants and construction sites replaced by robots. There
increasingly be tens of millions of workers who are unemployed and seeking
welfare.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marshall Brain (yes, that’s his real name, Brain) has just published
a new book, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Second Intelligent Species:
How Humans Will Become as Irrelevant as Cockroaches</i>”. <sup>(12)</sup> This
book explores how the future will unfold as the second intelligent species
emerges.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Where is this going?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ImLMt_FT9aM/VUw7_8yF9FI/AAAAAAAABC4/RfqiDgBXJ7M/s1600/where.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ImLMt_FT9aM/VUw7_8yF9FI/AAAAAAAABC4/RfqiDgBXJ7M/s200/where.gif" width="189" /></a></div>
How will this all unfold in the next couple of decades? My
youngest grandson will be a teenager, and my other grandchildren will be twenty-something.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What's your view?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t just read passively. Please answer the following
questions directly in the blog. Include your own comments and ideas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you use a smart-phone?
Has it changed your habits? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will
you buy an Apple Watch? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you take
performance-enhancing pills? Daily? Weekly?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you drink
energy-boosters? Are they addictive? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you combat your own
mood swings with pills? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Does the trend towards
accelerating human-augmentation concern you? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Will the need for ordinary
jobs be eliminated? When?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Are these trends moving
too fast? How can we stop them?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">How do YOU see the future
unfolding?</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..ooOOoo..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">References:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Should
We Accept Steroid Use in Sports? <a href="http://goo.gl/Gc1lZG">http://goo.gl/Gc1lZG</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">The
Performance-Enhanced Military: <a href="http://goo.gl/fN3PK5">http://goo.gl/fN3PK5</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">iPhone
Killer: The Secret History of the Apple Watch: <a href="http://goo.gl/HViNbH">http://goo.gl/HViNbH</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">TIME
- <a href="http://ideas.time.com/2013/03/14/10-big-ideas/" title="Permalink to 10 Ideas That Make A Difference"><span style="color: #222222; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">10 Ideas
That Make A Difference</span></a>: <a href="http://goo.gl/KJNvVb">http://goo.gl/KJNvVb</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Are
Oscar Pistorius' Prosthetic Limbs an Unfair Advantage?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://goo.gl/xIovcI">http://goo.gl/xIovcI</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">3D-Printed
Exoskeleton Could Turn You Into a Cyborg: <a href="http://goo.gl/7kLu9E">http://goo.gl/7kLu9E</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Wearable
muscle suit makes heavy lifting a cinch: <a href="http://goo.gl/ci5E0k">http://goo.gl/ci5E0k</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Paralyzed
woman thought-controls robotic arm to feed herself: <a href="http://goo.gl/xMLjgM">http://goo.gl/xMLjgM</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Brain
Gain - Underground world of “neuroenhancing” drugs: <a href="http://goo.gl/AqWbMD">http://goo.gl/AqWbMD</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Popping
Smart Pills: The Case for Cognitive Enhancement: <a href="http://goo.gl/kSdVWP">http://goo.gl/kSdVWP</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Human
Enhancement Technologies Alarming: <a href="http://goo.gl/JsZSoc">http://goo.gl/JsZSoc</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -27.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;">Book:
Humans Will Be as Irrelevant as Cockroaches: <a href="http://goo.gl/eTQgHH">http://goo.gl/eTQgHH</a><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8MNb8u4xto/VUw8jrIncMI/AAAAAAAABDA/QPITsoR8Oz8/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8MNb8u4xto/VUw8jrIncMI/AAAAAAAABDA/QPITsoR8Oz8/s1600/beard1thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Jim
Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlsbad, CA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
USA<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8 May 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719650308494063095.post-71319305604853301882015-04-27T14:51:00.000-07:002015-04-28T07:57:14.564-07:00Choices<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">In the long run, we shape our lives, and
we shape ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">The process never ends until we die.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the choices we make are ultimately our own
responsibility.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> Eleanor
Roosevelt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">.................</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 6.0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 6.0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlcQgv8SyF8/VT6lYe7-zbI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/O9nJ6W7jwKE/s1600/Choices-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlcQgv8SyF8/VT6lYe7-zbI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/O9nJ6W7jwKE/s1600/Choices-1.jpg" height="142" width="200" /></a>Choice implies judging the
merits of multiple options and making a decision – selecting one
or more of them. Selecting none is a choice – which is indecision. If the decision
is complex, then reasoning, instinct and feeling become
more intertwined.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 6.0in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 6.0in;">
Simple choices might include what to eat for dinner or what
to wear – choices that have relatively low-impact. More complex choices might
involve what job to select, making vows to a life partner, picking candidates
in election, etc. – choices based on multiple influences and having greater or
longer-lasting consequences.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Too many choices<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Choice seduces the modern consumer everywhere and all the
time – coffee can be tall, short, decaf, flavored, spiced, hot or iced, caramel
flan, frappuccino. Any fast-food restaurant has a plethora of choices that
confuse visitors from other countries. Being in line adds stress, which often leads
to no response – one visiting relative called it “instant indecision”. Is so
much choice a good thing? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Every day, everyone faces lots of decisions, large and small
– what to eat for lunch, whether to change careers or pursue a new romantic
relationship. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drAQYN-KVJY/VT6mj3Hfe-I/AAAAAAAAA-o/8RXj-ffXTns/s1600/brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drAQYN-KVJY/VT6mj3Hfe-I/AAAAAAAAA-o/8RXj-ffXTns/s1600/brain.jpg" height="160" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How does the human <span style="color: windowtext;">brain</span> decide?
A new study <sup>(1)</sup> suggests that it relies on two separate networks to
do so: one that determines the overall value – the risk versus reward – of
individual choices. The other guides ultimate behavior.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Choice Paradox<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his TED talk on the “Paradox of Choice”, psychologist
Barry Schwartz discusses a central principle of western societies: freedom of
choice. He thinks that choice does not provide freedom, but paralyzes. It does
not cause happiness, but dissatisfaction. Simpler times, with fewer choices, are
appealing to many. <sup>(2)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Daniel McFadden, economist at University of California,
Berkeley, suggests that most people find too many options troubling because of
the “risk of misperception and miscalculation, of misunderstanding the
available alternatives, of misreading one's own tastes, of yielding to a
moment's whim and regretting it afterwards”, combined with “the stress of
information acquisition”. Indeed, the expectation of indecision can prompt
panic and a failure to choose at all. <sup>(3)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuYdSCqlFQw/VT6pdR-U-BI/AAAAAAAAA-0/RSVReF5Vq_w/s1600/toomany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuYdSCqlFQw/VT6pdR-U-BI/AAAAAAAAA-0/RSVReF5Vq_w/s1600/toomany.jpg" height="151" width="200" /></a></div>
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In a paper published in The American Journal of
Psychiatry, in 1970, Lipowski wrote, “I maintain that it is specifically the
overabundance of attractive alternatives, aided and abetted by an affluent and
increasingly complex society, that leads to conflict, frustration, unrelieved
appetitive tension, more approach tendencies and more conflict—a veritable
vicious cycle.” That cycle, in turn, likely had “far-reaching and probably
harmful effects on the mental and physical health of affected individuals.” <sup>(4)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having too many options demands too much effort to make a
sensible decision: better to avoid the decision, or have somebody else pick for
you. The vast majority of shoppers in a Californian grocery store faced with 24
varieties of something simply choose not to buy any. The French have a saying: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trop de choix tue le choix</i>” (too much
choice kills the choice). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Psychologists say that having more choices raises
expectations too high, making even a good decision feel bad. The potential for
regret about the options not taken is greater in the face of multiple choices –
resulting in confusion, indecision, panic, regret, anxiety.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Unpopular choices<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Often, making a choice is not easy. There are few unanimous
choices - 100% agreement in anything is rare.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Change, by definition, requires us to embrace new (or
contrary) opinions. When change is necessary, new ideas must be introduced, and
new ideas are almost always met with confrontation on some level.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOcRXvVLtc4/VT6pxzOdatI/AAAAAAAAA-8/zaqRZ3FmeGk/s1600/unpopular.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOcRXvVLtc4/VT6pxzOdatI/AAAAAAAAA-8/zaqRZ3FmeGk/s1600/unpopular.jpg" height="106" width="200" /></a></div>
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As a leader,
it gets really hard to make the unpopular choices. It’s especially hard when a
company owner is called upon to make hard, but necessary, decisions such as announcing layoffs
and reducing benefits. It’s hard to decide between success and reputation,
friendships, and family. It’s likely that someone will be hurt, or unhappy – but
that cannot stop the hard choices. One
has to have the self-confidence and the “intestinal fortitude” to make tough
choices.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Leaders must recognize that friendships can't get in the way
of making the right choice. Good people recognize this need and respect it.
Teams don't work well when their leader makes only popular choices. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s even harder to go against the popular trend when one is
just a regular employee. I remember that Action Instruments, the company I
founded in San Diego, gave employees who’d been at the company for at least a
year the choice to buy stock ownership. Most employees were enthusiastically in
favor and we were known as an employee-owned company. But one person refused,
saying, “Ownership implies responsibility, which I don’t need.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I respected his motivation and accepted his
candid admission. I’m happy to note that this person stayed with the company
and kept being promoted for his excellent work.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sw_qVg0p5RU/VT6qpDghwsI/AAAAAAAAA_E/JRb_Ygs39ls/s1600/illusion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sw_qVg0p5RU/VT6qpDghwsI/AAAAAAAAA_E/JRb_Ygs39ls/s1600/illusion.jpg" height="151" width="200" /></a></div>
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Now, let’s dig in deeper into the psychological aspects of
making choices. Where does free will come in when making a choice? Is behavior
(choice) pre-determined, or does it include free will? <sup>(5)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s commonly believed that humans have free will. Conscious
reflection on the available choices is the best way to achieve objectives; and learn
from mistakes. Calculation, strategy, organization etc. are interpreted as key
elements to help make specific choices in particular situations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Free Will Theological
Views <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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A benevolent and all-knowing god always chooses the path
that causes the most good, which means there is no real choice to be made, no
free will. But, god lets evil exist, which is a required side effect of free
will. See my blog – Creation Allegory. <sup>(6)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In Christian theology God, by virtue of his
foreknowledge, knows what factors will influence individual choices, and by
virtue of his omnipotence he controls those factors. This becomes especially
important for the doctrines relating to salvation and predestination.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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According to Islamic doctrine, free will is the main factor
for man's accountability in his actions throughout life, which will be counted
on the Day of Judgment because they are man’s own and not God's.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On this subject, I won’t presume to pontificate, but will
merely summarize what major monotheistic religions believe. Follow the provided
web links to probe deeper. <sup>(7)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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This is the principle that all events, including human
action, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will. Some
philosophers have taken determinism to imply that individual human beings have
no free will and cannot be held morally responsible for their actions. <sup>(8)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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Many think that it “feels” like we have free will. If so,
then at what point does it assert itself? At what point does free will change
the way our thought processes progress? As neurons fire and trigger cascading
events, at what point does it free will suddenly stop, or suddenly start? Is
there a point in the cycles of our brains' processes where "free
will" determines the outcome? <sup>(9)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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Some philosophers think that circumstances, in line with the
strict determinism of physics and biochemistry, predetermine all choices
and therefore, free will is an illusion. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Some approaches in psychology see the source of determinism
as being outside the individual, a position known as environmental determinism.
For example, it’s been shown that children with violent parents will in turn
become violent parents through observation and imitation. Others see it from
coming inside i.e., in the form of unconscious motivation or genetic
determinism – biological determinism. <sup>(10)</sup> These are forms of
determinism.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Modern quantum physics shows that the universe is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> deterministic at the atomic scale,
which has profound effects on microscopic processes. At the macro level, the
classical deterministic physical laws apply. Philosophers and scientists are
still debating whether or not determinism applies in the macro cosmos. <sup>(11)</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RafTtYWz9_o/VT6sSS52R7I/AAAAAAAAA_c/RGQwvvQbsQo/s1600/bleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RafTtYWz9_o/VT6sSS52R7I/AAAAAAAAA_c/RGQwvvQbsQo/s1600/bleep.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a>Fatalism is the special form of determinism where every
event in the future is fated to happen. This does not require that any causal
laws or higher powers be involved. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Que
sera, sera.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The movie, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What the
Bleep do we know?</i>” is a 2004 film that combines documentary-style
interviews, computer-animated graphics, and a narrative that discusses the
connection between <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_physics" title="Quantum physics"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">quantum physics</span></a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consciousness" title="Consciousness"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">consciousness</span></a>.
This was followed by a substantially changed, extended DVD version in 2006,
called “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Down the Rabbit Hole</i>”. I
confess that I’ve viewed these many times. For those with an interest in both
science and philosophy, it’s well worth viewing. <sup>(12)</sup> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Let’s Engage<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m asking you to engage! Don’t just read passively.
Answer the following questions, directly in the blog. Plus insert your comments
and ideas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">When simple choices are
made, do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> like to decide? Or
just let things happen?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">For key choices in your
life (job, partner, home, move, divorce), did <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> choose? <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you make your choices?
Or do they “just happen”?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Are you happy because you
choose to be happy? Do you choose to be unhappy?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Do you think that some of
your bad choices led to good things later? Or, vice versa?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Does your free will govern
your choices? Or are they pre-determined?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">What determines your
choices: Chance, Destiny, God, or Fate? Choose one.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
..ooOOoo..<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>References<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Making
Choices: How Your Brain Decides: <a href="http://goo.gl/7LvNr0">http://goo.gl/7LvNr0</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->TED
talk – Paradox of Choice: <a href="http://goo.gl/WQ9vtM">http://goo.gl/WQ9vtM</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
tyranny of choice – You choose: <a href="http://goo.gl/RMgwG6">http://goo.gl/RMgwG6</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When
It’s Bad to Have Good Choices: <a href="http://goo.gl/dRwJyd">http://goo.gl/dRwJyd</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
Choice Is Yours: The Fate Of Free Will: <a href="http://goo.gl/rp9SRW">http://goo.gl/rp9SRW</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Pinto
Blog – Creation Allegory: <a href="http://goo.gl/Dt3Mv2">http://goo.gl/Dt3Mv2</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Free
will in theology: <a href="http://goo.gl/ehgMcB">http://goo.gl/ehgMcB</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The
Illusion of Choice – Free Will and Determinism: <a href="http://goo.gl/YYDvR0">http://goo.gl/YYDvR0</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Freewill
and Determinism in Psychology: <a href="http://goo.gl/98OR5a">http://goo.gl/98OR5a</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Free
Will Vs. Free Choice: <a href="http://goo.gl/D3cc79">http://goo.gl/D3cc79</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Youtube
Video - Determinism VS Freewill: <a href="http://goo.gl/m0ZJGm">http://goo.gl/m0ZJGm</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Film
– What the Bleep do we know? <a href="http://goo.gl/7NWZss">http://goo.gl/7NWZss</a> </div>
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Jim Pinto<o:p></o:p></div>
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Carlsbad, CA.<o:p></o:p></div>
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USA<o:p></o:p></div>
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27 April 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10670437428300830000noreply@blogger.com9