From our perspective here in the early 21st century, the world is full of contradictory trends, projections and predictions. You can’t help but be confounded by the tidal wave of information. At least I can’t.
Here’s a counterintuitive situation: We have graying populations in major countries, and at the same time, widespread unemployment among young workers? How can that be? Continue reading
This post by Stephanie Raffelock offers a concise summary of our political and economic problems. It’s a quick read, and I recommend you read it all. I want to highlight nearly every sentence. — John
Sue Dreamwalker is on a roll. Every one of her recent posts has been an inspiration to look at our lives and change. Simplicity, food, environmental awareness. — John
So, where do we go from here?
Quiet simply the world is in our hands.. Its all about our choices, not our neighbours or our governments, Its about the choices We make which make a difference.
My own thoughts are that we have to start and embrace a simpler way of living, we have to stop ‘Wanting’ all the time.. We Want what is ‘best for our children’, We want the ‘best Money can Buy’ We Want the ‘Best Education’ We Want the ‘Best Health Care’.. We Want ‘Peace’ We Want ‘Better Lifestyles’ We Want ‘our Freedom’! We want! Want! and Want! .And yet none of these are relevant if we haven’t the Planet on which to live and enjoy these Wants..
I don’t propose we go back to primitive lifestyles, But we need to look at all the waste products we create, What we buy, how…
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A most interesting take on sustainable food and local food. I’m particularly fascinated by the part about training young people for meaningful work. A great alternative to college for many, perhaps.
“Sequestration” went into effect in America this week, reducing U.S. government spending by $85 billion.
What does it mean? It means that the United States has accepted “Austerity.”
It’s not the end of the world. The vast majority of U.S. government spending will continue as usual. The government will not grind to a halt, at least not because of sequestration. It’s still possible that Congress could force a shut-down of government sometime in the future, but not likely this year.
Most interestingly, Austerity was NOT imposed by the normal processes of legislative or executive action. Continue reading
Think Congress is dysfunctional? That’s old news.
Consider replacing traditional representative government with a revolutionary new system.
Two words: “Audience participation.” Invite listeners to call in. — You can be on live radio! — But only a select few get through the jammed switchboard.
Next, invite listeners to send an email. — Bingo! Everybody gets through! — The host reads four or five emails in the time it takes to chat with one caller.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Fast forward to cable TV news:
“We want to know what you think. Send us a Tweet about [insert burning issue of the day]. We might read your Tweet on the air.”
Vote “Yes” or “No” by dialing a number on your cell phone. Continue reading
(Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)
The Super Bowl has come and gone, and Groundhog Day as well. And what do I have to show for the winter?
It’s been, first of all, a lazy winter. That would be an objective report.
However, I prefer to look at it as a winter of reading, thinking, planning. I haven’t done as much blogging as I’d like. On the other hand, I’ve finally joined Twitter, and I’m even beginning to see its usefulness. Feel free to follow along on Twitter @BJohnHayden.
I’ve joined the local gym, and I’m showing up on a regular basis. That’s important, because I’m now beyond denial. I recognize that if I want to do any useful work in the years I have remaining, it’s imperative that I exercise and conserve my health.
Mostly, I’ve been thinking about and preparing for retirement, Continue reading
Philosophy of the Web 101. I think everyone who’s interested in where the Web is and where it’s going, or in the evolution of social media, and the rise of mobile media, will want to hear this 20-minute conversation between Om Malek and Matt Mullenweg. Is the age of the laptop coming to an end? Here comes the touch-screen future. What comes after that? We’ll think about it next year. — John
MAYBE THE FISCAL CLIFF LOOKS LIKE THIS sand dune in Ocean City, Maryland, after some serious pounding by Hurricane Sandy. A sudden drop off at the top, followed by a sloping hill of sand.
Ever notice how the terminology we apply to important issues in the public sphere can blow things all out of proportion. Continue reading
POST-ELECTION BLUES — It’s part of life. Comes with the territory. You go to college four or five years — You graduate?! Get a steady job — Laid off?! You get married — Maybe you get divorced?! Work like a maniac on the big project — Suddenly, finished. An election focuses your attention — Over, done, results are in. Letdown, big time! We might need a few days to catch our breath, figure out where the heck we are. And what to do next? — John
Living Simply And Still On The Grid 