Category: Science and Technology

A Seasonal Break From Politics

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Make A Wish…

Tis the Season

This time of year, from November through January, is full of holidays and commemorations, most of them originating in one religion or another, but mostly more cultural than religious at this point for most people.

In the midst of all this, we also find the tradition of New Year’s resolutions. I remember for several years when I was a member of a commercial gym, we all tended to stay away from the gym in January, since the facility was overrun with people who made resolutions to get fit.

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October 7, 2025

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A Happy Note, A Sad Note, A Cliffhanger – Three Unrelated Observations

A Happy Note

We had the great pleasure this past weekend of attending the International Storytelling Festival, in nearby Jonesborough, TN. This is a tradition with us since our first exposure years ago revealed a unique and marvelous experience. It is a happy experience and one with lessons for us all.

This small town, of about 4,000 people, hosts an international celebration of the great art of storytelling. About 14,000 of us show up every year to join the party.

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Five Very Different Observations This Week

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No Shortage of Things to Think About, Is There?

The Roll Up of Senior Military Leaders

This mysterious call up of all senior military commanders and their senior enlisted members, all for a mysterious meeting with the Secretary – and now including Trump – is a bad thing in about 9 different directions.

Of course, no one has a clue as to what this is all about. We will, likely, by the time many of you read this posting. Could be to announce firings, to demand loyalty, to call for the reapplication of a bunch of 1950s standards – no one knows except the perpetrator.

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Communications May Be The Key

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On Two Levels, We Are In Deep Water

Communications on Two Levels

On a fundamental level, we think of communication as how we talk to you each other, how we share views and information. People to people information and ideas sharing. That has been around pretty well since our species was born. What is new is the internet and related communications means.

On another level, communication may be thought of as a one way flow – how does government communicate with the population at large and how does government seek to influence how others communicate on a large scale.

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Artificial Intelligence: 1 Step Forward, 1 Step Back?

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Image produced by Myshoun, using AI. Found on Pixabay. 

We are at an interesting but predictable point in time with AI. Are we on the launch ramp or on the edge of the cliff? Yes.

What We Heard and Saw in Recent Months

It seems like only yesterday that Artificial Intelligence (AI) popped up into popular consciousness. In fact, it has been around for a few years, with remarkable growth in popularity, utility, and dangers. As Bill Gates has said, everything you hear about the promise and potential of AI is true;

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Talk To The Animals

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 And Listen When They Talk To You

A Lifelong Fascination

I admit that the idea of communicating with animals, at the level we communicate with each other, has been a lifelong fascination for me. Who would not give a lot to be able to do this with all sorts of creatures? IMany of you feel the same, and perhaps feel you come closer to this than do most people. As for me, well, my favorite hat says “I like dogs, and maybe 3 people”

Part of this, I suppose, is the human desire to connect and our love of animals.

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The Republican Budget is Crystal Clear

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Image by Dee from Pixabay

This Has Nothing To Do With Traditional Conservative/Liberal Arguments

Remember the Old Days?

Once upon a time, our political debates pretty much revolved around two sets of priorities/belief systems, both seeking a better America for all, but choosing different paths.

Republicans were generally thought to be pro-business, but that included small business. They sought smaller government where feasible, sought to minimize taxes, and expected America to be a leader on the world stage. Republicans abhorred deficit spending at any level. They emphasized a moral code of traditional values.

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What If History Was Changed?

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How Might a Few Changes Affect the World?

Not a New Idea

The idea of history coming out differently at some key point, and the changes that could happen as a result, are not exactly new ideas. This play on variants has a long history among historians and among fiction writers. Still, always a fun and perhaps useful line of thought to pursue.

Looking at such scenarios makes one think about how things, people, and events are so intricately involved in real life. Any change, even a small one or a single incident, could have monumental effects.

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Technology, Science, Medicine,

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While We Focus on Ordinary Life Today, Impressive Changes are All Around Us

Hey, How About That?!

Turns out that yes, there are things to think about besides politics (although even the matters we will discuss today can be affected by politics, good or bad). But today, let’s just look at the tools, people, and research working hard to make us better, smarter, and safer.  Here are a few that caught my eye recently.

Quantum Computers

I would not even try to explain quantum computing to the uninitiated (partly because there is so much about it that I do not know myself).

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This Week: Politics & Science

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A Few Stories and Thoughts in Two Important Areas of Life Today + A Bonus

Politics
Immigration

Pretty much all the poles show that immigration is a major issue for the coming presidential election, and one that hurts Biden.  Much of this is a result of fear mongering and racism fanned by Republican politicians, but honesty requires noting that there is actually something of a problem (as well as some opportunities). Reliable reporting from border communities and popular destinations like New York City make it clear that a flood of immigrants is happening at unsupportable and unsustainable rates.

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