Category: Psychology

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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.

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Alright.

Was going through a bunch of old disks today. USB drives. Doing some cleanup, and realized life has been pretty damn awesome. Mostly, because of music, but also because of technology. Media has provided the incentive to be curious about technology. And since the late 90’s/early 00’s, motivated and inspired to research and learn.

The trip to New Jersey, to see the Fire (for like the 10th time). North, south, central areas of the state…simply travelling for concerts. The bluegrass state, for the “Initial” fests.

Golf trips, also inspired by media reviews; golfnow. Trips to the upper Midwest and southern states.

The very early days of my own computer/technology introductions…Gateway, Encarta.

Research before my favorite vacation (as a kid). The trip to Alcatraz, Oakland, Monterey, CA.

It continues to be fun.

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Woof!

The winter storm is presenting many challenges, and now that we are dealing with bitterly cold temps, I’m looking over at my dog. Road travel has been limited to “necessary driving” only, so I’ve complied. Luckily, I prepared. I’m doing fine, but how’s the dog?

It’s been awhile since I’ve talked about that furry, anti-social, cat-like, bear like, stubborn, rebellious, independent, but also clingy, deceivingly intelligent, super protective, constantly shedding, dog of mine. He’s doing fine, and is becoming very comfortable with travelling. More recently, he’s enjoying the piles of snow he has to jump through to get to his “spots” outside. Its no surprise that he gets along well with those he’s around most. I’ve had 4 chows, they actually love people. But “Say No to Strangers”. The warming up period is challenging.

In my huge book on chow chows, it tells a story of Sigmund Freud using his dog to help during therapy sessions. And today, it appears the breed is being used to treat PTSD patients. I imagine this is because of their attachment style and natural behavior, being fiercely loyal and protective.

So the dog is doing very well. He has a buddy who stops over every once in a awhile to play, and another walking buddy he sees when we take trips to the north. He loves visiting family, and gets along with everyone.

He is currently studying the English language, and my every word. This dog understands, and is becoming frighteningly aware of my vocabulary, cues and commands. Deceptively smart, but seemingly oblivious.

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Emergency.

It’s around 9:30 pm on a Saturday. I’m sipping a Sam Adam’s Cold Snap (probably my favorite beer). Like a good swath of the country, our area is on the verge of a snow emergency. At this point, I filled the car with gas, boiled eggs, made some cold pasta meals, some rice, beans, and checked the stock of milk and cereal. All good.

The batteries are charged for the flash light, as well as the batteries for the snow blower. Will it make it through several inches of snow on the driveway? Time will tell… and all this gets my mind going. How much profit is created off emergencies? The threat of catastrophe? For products? For behavior? For behaviors that create more profit, from products and services that remove worry and resolve conflict?

Shovels. Food. Seasonal Machinery. Spirituality. Assistance. Products? What is necessary?

After Covid, it seems that several services absolutely took off. Especially the “stay at home” kind. Online medical appointments, grocery pickup and delivery, pharmaceutical deliveries, even car buying on line. Was any of this a direct result of covid? When did the influx of all these damn prescription pill advertisements start on TV? For anxiety. Depression. Cancer. Psychological Disorders. Diabetes?

A marketplace?

The main argument against academia, and the pursuit of higher education is that it creates, then instills, too many questions in students. Are it’s pupils intelligently questioning the status quo and those that rely simply on “faith and confidence” in an existing system? Where does consumerism, marketing and advertisering fit in?

The culture definitely changes with every major event that occurs. Are we, as a society, recognizing this?

Edit: Off the album: This Type of Thinking Could Do Us In!

-SK

If you like this song, this is another great tune by the band. Love music always.

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Paused.

Would rather not have divisive or hostile political content up here right now. It seems like things are really heating up.

Need to spend more time on T1, not politics. And work on diet and health. (Take care of the pup also, he did just have his nuts worked on)

Thanks.