Category: Capitalism

Posted on

Laughter.

So I’m still working on that little circuit board (SBC), that I mentioned earlier. It’s monotonous, tedious, frustrating, rewarding. The fact that you can take such a small piece of equipment, and turn it into a fully functional computer still amazes me. And I’ve been doing this for quite a while.

In between this hobby and life’s daily (necessary) routine…mowing, groceries, appointments, medication (diabetic), I often yearn for laughter. Comedy. And this absolutely had me in tears. (Granted I’m not a big muscle bound man, so apparently it’s quite easy to make the rivers flow… but this had me laughing my ass off).

Is the Pope a Jesuit? He’s one bad bad man! (In a good way!) For those that have questioned or lost faith, in religion or their country (he’s from the US), please take note of his most recent comments.

Never thought I’d be posting that last part. But give credit where credit is due.

Posted on

Dear Abby

Wow. Tonight I began writing an Abby Martin appreciation post. This woman has been around the world, challenging western media sources (and biases). She has not been shy about engaging in topics regarding war, genocide, politics, socio-economic issues…well the topics which drive news cycles today. Independent, and absolutely fierce. No apologies, no regrets.

One badass b*tch. Educated, well read, and certainly a formidable opponent to everything unjust. As she sees it, as I see it. As we all see it, if we are decent human beings.

Abby was involved in political reporting back when the 99% were protesting on Wall St. And unlike others, she continues to fight for a (THE) common cause.

And as I was writing this post, received some spam comments to some of my past posts (they have to be approved). Would love to recommend proton, to address email spam, and other security concerns. They are awesome. (Abby also played a huge role in warning people about new tech, and her voice was marginalized).

Posted on

Politics

There is a certain re-programming that occurs after you read more. Get older. Investigate. It’s often assumed that one who changes their political (or religious) beliefs quickly may not be doing so under a fully rational (introspective) mind state. But what about a gradual transition?

9/11 led to two wars. One with Afghanistan, and a second that still is in question. No WMD’s in Iraq, and absolutely no evidence of Hussein’s involvement in the planning of the attack on NYC. And as the years pass, you start to question the values you support. Why do we fight these wars? Who benefits?

Then, something like covid strikes the globe. And it firmly, makes clear, where people sit. Their values, beliefs, their thoughts of their fellow man. What is their #1 value? At this moment, I realized I could no longer support a party I so vociferously defended in the past.

It was a gradual transition to realize that I valued life (but not in a religious/political sort of way). I valued life (and happiness) over money.

This was just posted by Thom Hartmann (and associated account):

And I love it.

Posted on

Encouraged, Excited, Motivated, for more DIY

Yes. I’ve been made fun of for my interest in technology. The fact that I was networking PC’s and turning them into media servers, frontends…
basically the “smart sticks”/dvr’s of today, yet yesterday (almost 20 yrs ago). The difference between then and now, is there wasn’t so much bloatware, advertising, tracking, marketing. It was glorious, no one could even imagine a “data center” back then. What would we use one of those for?

Has anyone seen/used the current Pi? Stupid question. At some point they found it necessary to embed every new release with a wireless module. In my opinion, this is similar to phone manufacturers making it impossible to remove a phone battery. Furthermore, making a sim card/number “digital”.

At any rate, there is hope. And I realized something. There are still manufactures that are offering alternatives to popular products/brand names. Without the bloatware and onboard/loaded/embedded modules we’ve come to expect from more “commercial” offerings.

I’ve been talking about it for awhile, and it’s the only way I’ve learned in the past. So, I’m probably going to go back to DIY… nerdy stuff.

I’m thinking of you Lisa Loeb. And when those glasses were unique!

Posted on

Automobiles

Isn’t it funny how objects, things, products, follow patterns? Back in the day, about 20+ years ago, I started driving my “favorite” or “dream” car. Boxey, that European design, bended at the corners. Sleek, tight steering, those big rings in the middle, facing oncoming traffic. It was European excellence. Design, driving, comfort. Did I mention that “tight steering”?

I can remember the Volvo station wagon we had as kids. Similar style, boxey, tight steering, and enough room for everything. Like my “dream” car listed above, had great pick up. The “get up and go” factor.

At a certain point though, European went “muscle car”. Circular, rounded… to me unappealing. The look that says, “we don’t create trends, we copy them”. It made my “dream” car (and brand), a thing of the past. And since then, have gained much more respect for manufacturers such as BMW, Volvo, and Honda. All maintaining a “brand” look and identity.

I found another “dream” car. Loved it for about a decade now, started driving recently. It has elements of the Volvo, and also the original “dream” car. It’s lucky that we picked it up when we did. Seems the company thought a re-design (modernization) of their staple model was a good idea. I strongly disagree.

What’s next? Who knows? This car drives well, looks good, and has a reputation for surviving many miles and years. Sturdy. And that won’t change.

Posted on

Back to Reality

At this point in the year, we either continue or cancel. Cancel what? Rest easy young friends. Not friends, not family, not pets. I’m speaking of subscriptions. My team had a rebounding year, and it’s the only reason I pay for cable TV. Yes, I love Wolf Blitzer, Kasie Hunt (there’s something about her), Katy Tur, etc. There have even been times that I have binged off of Ari Melber.

Probably too much information, or at this point “tldr”. But I have to think about budget. Maybe, just me. No simile. And I’m thinking, that maybe, just maybe, if I make another move (location)…or set up a new (networked or not) cable/tv system it will involve roof antenna/mythtv (again) and possibly kodi (again). Restricting as much advertising and marketing as possible. Using vpn or otherwise.

Oh, you wanted Back to Reality in a song?

Posted on

Varsity Blues

Cinnamon. Pepper. Oregano. Several variants of all. Color, presentation, origin. How many of these factors do professional chefs have to maneuver to create their desired presentation or dish? Many items imported, a few substituted (if need be). Add to that the personal touch, or “special sauce” which creates the perfect flavor. (possibly imported, or with ingredients that are imported).

The idea of America being a “melting pot” is that we have many different cultures, flavors, and heritages. Colors, features, differences, that’s what makes us beautiful. Strong.

When we lose those identities we become weak, clones, at high risk of accepting a “one size fits all” mentality. Easily manipulated by a dictatorial driven media focused on “a strong man”, enforcing theocratic beliefs or an economic system determined to punish the least. And then we look in the mirror, how close do our enemies reflect our own? Values, oppenness to religious acceptance, and the core of our foundation…many of you carried in your pocket. The constitution. The Bible.

We are different. And difference is awesome. Color, belief, tradition, religion. When we become mindless simpletons marching in line to the beat of the same drum, we totally fail in creativity, purpose, and future.

100% Human (Feeling, Emotional)
0% Machine

LTC? Learn to human.

Posted on

Political Music

Joan Baez? Woody Guthrie? Springsteen? Marvin Gaye ? Anybody know any other songs from Mr. Marvin? On the verge of another war, are more political tunes imminent? SOAD, BSF, Metallica?

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out in the media. And if a new, brave, band like the legends of yesterday appear again.

Time will tell. And by time, I’m thinking of Saddam Hussein. And the other Middle East adventures our nation has become involved in.