Issue 581 Less than lethal April 30, 2015

The effort to reduce the chances of killing people by both police and the military is growing.  Here I will discuss some of the ways they are trying to keep people alive in an arrest situation, or in a riot.

Less than lethal technology:

1) Those that sting:  Weapons such as bean bag rounds and rubber bullets have been around for a while.  But they can be potentially deadly if shot from too close a range, or a ricochet as the case with the rubber balls.  As such, new rounds have been developed that disperse the energy over a larger surface area of the body to reduce the chances of an accidental death.  One such round is a piece of plastic that is just a large plastic ring that is an about 1 inch in diameter.  On impact this plastic ring hits a large surface area and gives a nice oomph to knock a target off their feet, but does not concentrate the blow so as to avoid internal injury.  Alternatively, other less than lethal guns like the bean bag round are getting upgrades that release the gas pressure that launches the bag so as to reduce the force of the bag as the intended target comes closer.  As such, the gun automatically adjusts the power of the blow based on the range to the target so as to avoid accidental death as well.

2) Paint ball guns:  These guns have pepper spray inside the ammunition, but alternatively there is stink balls that literally smell like rotten fish and other very smelly things that make people heave at the mere smell of it.  All this is to disable an opponent and make them run away or surrender so as to get the smell (or pepper spray) washed off.

3) Electrified water:  Past water cannons are so powerful that they can rip skin off a person’s body.  But instead water sprayers with reduced power are being developed that introduces an electrical charge to get a similar result to a Taser.  This reduces damage to the human body while increasing range and ammunition capacity so as to take on larger groups.

4)  Directed energy weapons:  Microwave technology has been advanced where they can heat the upper layer of your skin so that it feels like you just opened a really hot oven.  Thus driving you away from a specific location.  They have a similar weapon that can destroy a car, and others if the car is suitably equipped to simply shut down the car temporarily.  And of course there is directed sound waves that also can annoy a target and deafen the target if they do not heed warnings, so as to drive the intended target away or force them to submit.

5)  Frictionless and sticky:  Two chemicals have been developed that do two very opposite effects.  One is a frictionless coating that can cause any surface to become so slippery that it is like walking on a sheet of ice.  The other is a chemical that causes shoes to stick to any surface as well, and even people to stick to the ground.  Both are designed to reduce mobility and can be either sprayed by a water cannon, used as a paintball round, or used in a grenade.

Conclusion:  The market to reduce death is very wide.   Many of these weapons are already in the field, being used by both the military and/or police.  Truth is, there are many situations where being forced to kill someone is less than optimal, as such, less than lethal weaponry exists.  I look forward to what the future holds for these interesting little devices.

Issue 580 Vampire Weapon April 29, 2015

A concept from science fiction, the weapon itself is designed to steal the energy of an opponent’s vehicle and add it to its own, while disabling the target vehicle at the same time.  How does it work?

The Vampire Weapon: So the weapon itself is a wire guided device that is guided towards its intended target in the same way as a traditional wire guided anti-tank missile.  On contact the device would create an electrical field that attracted electrical energy from the vehicles battery right through the hull of say a tank, or even a car and then store it for the users use.  This device would need to create a strong enough electrical field that overrides insulators, and also electricity’s natural inclination to move the shortest distance possible with respect to electrical flow.  If those obstacles can be overcome, draining the battery while stealing the electricity for the vehicle equipped for that weapon becomes very feasible.  This is of course assuming that such a technology can be created, or a more reliable method cannot be developed.

Conclusion:  Obviously, this is a weapon of science fiction.  I know of no group or government that is currently developing this technology.  Instead they focus on devices that disable vehicles with electromagnetic pulses, which unfortunately require the electronics of a vehicle to be fixed/replaced rather than a simple battery change as with the case of this weapon.  But if it was developed, the ability to simply change the battery and use the enemy vehicle for yourself or allied forces could become very valuable.  This is especially the case with the upcoming weapons and vehicles that use energy based weapons and electric drives/power sources as opposed to fossil fuels so as to save costs and reduce risk of enemy attacks on supply trains.  As such, this weapon can be used to top off one of our friendly vehicles that is running low on electrical energy for its laser or rail guns as well. Like I said though, it is science fiction, but can be a potentially useful tool in the less than lethal arsenal that governments are developing.

Issue 579 The Effort to Reduce Paper April 28, 2015

Paper alternatives have been on the upswing.  Mainly because trees have gained valuable importance due to the belief in global warming.  So what has been done to reduce paper usage and thus, protect us from too much CO2?

Paper alternatives:

1) Use of electronics:  As you have seen, people have been using electronic media more and more.  I could even say it is in the transitional phase where traditional paper books are becoming less and less popular as you can store an entire library on a single computer, for much cheaper cost.  Offices have also gone paper free in an effort to reduce costs, such as using email over memos, and similar practices where paper is only used when deemed absolutely necessary.  

2) The toilet:  France, has a toilet that actually sprays water on your butt.  Yes, you get squirted.  This is set up to spray off the dingle berries on your rear without using paper products (it even has a dryer).  

3) Plastic/rubber alternatives:  There is also a myriad of products that once used wood based products, but are now using plastic or rubber.  Actually, they have made thin sheets of paper made out of plastic material.  

Conclusion:  This is a small sampling of what is being done, with the youth of each country pushing the technology further with their ever stronger beliefs in conservation and environmentalism.  But we also must remember that if we replace paper, we use something else instead, i.e. plastic made from oil, or plants, or water as in the case of that sprayer toilet.  Also, there is other byproducts such as toxic chemicals used to make those computers, which is potentially just as damaging if not more so to the environment than wood based ones.  So there is a balance and lifestyle choices to be made and kept in mind.

Issue 578 Why real story Books Work April 27, 2014

There has been an upsurge in historical books that read as story books.  These books are Bill O'reilly's Killing series and Glenn Becks books like Miracles and Massacres.  But why are these books so successful?  Let us discuss.

Why they succeed:  Basically these books harken back to a time when history was learned through storytelling and not a textbook.  Very similar to oral traditions, or even the Bible.  Thus, by taking on this format you do not even know your reading a history book unless someone told you.  O'reilly's books focus on a single event, and adds historical content as the story progresses that helps us understand why an event is occurring the way it is, or how it influences the person being focused on (such as Abe Lincoln, Jesus, etc.).  Glenn Beck does similar, but he writes in a short story format, and purposely integrates historical quotes from the people involved in the actual writing, even going as far as rewriting entire chapters to fit the historical dialogue.  Basically, it is writing history in the same way as Harry Potter, or other fantasy series, but it actually being historical fact.  And that is what makes it fun to read and not drudgery like when reading a text book.  Hence the success of these two authors.  The people they focused on, the way they presented their information, all demonstrate that history can be fun for people outside of being a historian.  Basically it is actually fun to read and you learn at the same time.

Conclusion:  These books, with the way they present information are a game changer in my opinion for the future of textbooks.  Why write about the Delaware River crossing by George Washington and his men, when you can put yourself in the event by reading it as a story.  Story books are flexible and can grab the interest of those who get intimidated by a massive textbook.  So, in my opinion, this is the bar that sets the standard for the future of learning history.

Issue 577 Cellphone wallet April 24, 2015

The wallet of the future is our cellphones.  In fact the technology is here already, it is just taking time to become the new world standard when it comes to money and the buying and selling of goods.  So for those who do not know, I will tell you what this cellphone wallet do.

The cell phone wallet:  Well for one, it will act as a basic cell phone.  It will be a total smartphone with the best camera, access the internet, and communicate in every way shape and form.  It may even become transparent and have roll out screens so as to become even more compact.  And let us not forget add on’s that can enhance performance or cater a phone to be a tool for medicine, fighting crime or for playing games like an old fashioned handheld Gameboy.  However, the wallet function is yet another unique innovation that makes the cell phone the epitome in gadgetry.  Basically, you have an app for your visa card, MasterCard, and even select ones with different numbers to pay for good with.  And then you place the phone on the radio identification scanner as the phone sends out the go signal and then you official pay for what you are buying.  That’s it.  You select the credit card on your phone (credit app in this case) of your debit card app, and then you hold it over the touch and go component of the credit card machine to pay.  No longer will you have to pay with hard currency.  

This is the tip of the iceberg.   Can you imagine magazines with QR codes that are scannable?  Your phone can scan the items you want out of the magazine so it acts like a virtual shopping cart, and then you can purchase them via your cell phone by picking which app to pay with.  At stores you can scan all your items and then purchase them as you walk out in the same way.  You will never have to wait in line for a cashier ever again.  Of course, this would mean Wi-Fi would be in every store, but that is a small expenditure when you consider the cost savings potential.  Heck, you can buy the style you want via the cell phone, pick your size and then pick it up at the store itself after trying it on.  Our cell phones are not only wallets, but are expandable tablet PCs and laptops.  Buy anything while on the go. Do anything on the go.

Conclusion:  Already, driver’s registration cards are stored on phones too.  This also means you can store any business card, or ID card on your phone.  We store photos on our phones, so this is not a big stretch.  Basically anything in your wallet is able to be placed electronically in your phone. This technology is evolving.  And you know what, smartphones are going to be a big part of it due to how many functions we can cram into them.  So be ready for the next big wave in innovation as your phone will literally contain your whole life in it.

Issue 576 Content and Communication April 23, 2015

Content and Communication are the two essential components for anyone trying to make a content based service.  Basically, this blog is one such type of service.  So here I will break these two components down for you so you too can start your own web based content service.

Content:  Content is what you put into the blog, video or whatever material or medium you are using.  So it is what you write about, talk about, or depict visually for your audience.  The content must be authentic and thus, will attract an audience so that your message or story spreads and thus people will be attracted to your blog or similar content service. 

Communication:  This is the hard part.  You can be well researched with your content, and have the most powerful and most interesting content, but if you cannot communicate, then you will fail.  Communication allows for people to question you, and get to know you.  It adds that human element behind you, the mysterious writer/host/filmmaker.  You do not have to pressure yourself answering everyone's comments, or force yourself to read every posting about what you have provided to your readers/listeners/viewers.  The point is to be able to talk with them and interact, but not be overwhelmed by them.  So you can talk to a few people at a time.  Skim through what people have said and answer questions either in a posting, or in a reply depending on how many people have asked the question or how deeply you deem the answer must be.  By showing you are talking to them, you show that you care about your readers who already care for you and what you have to say.  And it creates a relationship which becomes perpetual so long as you maintain their trust.

Conclusion:  These two things are key to having a successful blog or similar content service.  And they are very easily accomplished if you know what you are doing.  So good luck to you my fellow writers.  And I look forward to reading your work.  

Issue 575 Health Insurance Myth April 22, 2015

Are you paying blindly for health insurance?  You may be in fact just paying a health insurance company for no reason whatsoever.  Allow me to explain.

Why it is messed up:  Do you have a three, five or ten thousand dollar deductible?  If you do and you are not paying it up in less than the first half of the year, then what was the point of having the health insurance in the first place?  So your insurance never kicks in and thus you are just throwing away money.  As such, you may have health insurance, but you are paying doctors and other healthcare professionals like you don't have any insurance in the first place.

What to do:  We have a semi free health care system.  Sure we cannot buy across State lines or national borders.  There is semi monopolies in each State for buying health insurance.  And we have expensive health care.  But this is in part due to our focus on health insurance, rather than cheaper, but equally effective health maintenance and care.  We have made the mistake of thinking that health insurance is important as we pay high premiums for low copays.  Fact is, that we can simply pay the $100 bill the one time we go to the doctor that year and not have to spend a single penny for health care beyond that.  As such, you must look for cheaper alternatives for both doctors and for drugs which are out there.  You simply have to be willing to look and of course ask.

Conclusion:  Part of the reason health insurance is expensive, as you know, is because it is not a truly free market.   But we are being fooled into thinking that it is necessary to health care.  I have seen interviews where doctors find cheap medication that is less than $10 for their patients and thus the patients never have to use insurance.  Other doctors have the equivalent of a subscription based service and thus patients never have to pay a dime to an insurance company.  Options are out there.  Just have to know where to look.

Issue 574 Impact of driverless cars 2 April 21, 2015

Welcome to part two of a possible driverless future.  In this case, government will take a major loss in revenue from us not driving anymore. And also, how roads will change to accommodate driverless cars.  Let us discuss.

Can't have us pay fees:  So we will not need a driver’s license.  As such, the State governments will lose that revenue from us having to pay to get a new license.  There will be no more traffic tickets either, so the millions in collected money from stop sign cameras and parking tickets will vanish as robots always follow the rules.  Also, no need to own car insurance and thus no way to tax people if they are no longer paying for it.  Literally, as a robot is driving, there will be no more accidents save a random malfunction, but that will not matter to you, the driver, as you no longer are liable for an accident.  The malfunction becomes the cause of the accident as there will be no blame to go around.  So laws punishing people for driving without a license or insurance will vanish.  Can't fine people for driving under the influence, or reckless endangerment as the car is driving, not you.  

The roads themselves change:   It is said that we can remodel an entire city a year with eight trillion dollars (make it green and healthy to live in).  But in this case, we can cut down on that cost as with driverless cars, there will be no traffic lights, signs or even lines on the road.  You simply will have to maintain the road itself.  All that electricity and materials can disappear.  And perhaps all the traffic intersections will transform into traffic circles so as to accommodate a non-stop flow of traffic.  Why have any kind of traffic sign if no one is going to need them to drive.  In fact, the only thing even remotely sign related will be advertisements on those former traffic signs which will aid in paying for the roads upkeep. 

Maintaining the roads:  With all that lost revenue, the cities and States will need to replace it to maintain roads and to provide for regular services.  So advertisements by companies will be bought to replace old signs on the side of the road and above them.  If you own a vehicle, the taxes/fees to register your own car(s) will go up, including the cost for an inspection.  Companies that run taxi like services may see an increase in taxes too, but that will be balanced by not having to pay for the cost of a driver.  This too will also balance out by not having to pay insurance.  Additionally, local taxes may increase to accommodate lost revenue instead.  It all depends on the city or State you live in.  However, I doubt it will increase that much if at all.  For one, signage, and maintenance of all other aspects of driving outside of maintaining a road surface will vanish.  That means less personal and less work and costs.  Also, police will no longer have to drive the highways to maintain safety against reckless drivers, which means personnel there may be able to be cut down as well.  Essentially why would they really need to increase costs that much, when they will be spending even less to maintain order and safety on the roads in the first place?

Conclusion:  I don't know the timeline, but all of this can come to pass.  Who knows, all cars may become smart cars and thus you will not need signs in the first place as the car will know when another car is coming and slow down or stop for you at a corner.  The sky's the limit with technology and what will change with respect to driving.  Look forward to it.

Issue 573 Impact of Driverless cars 1 April 20, 2015

In the future, driverless cars will be an important aspect of society.  In fact, you will finally be able to drink and drive, while probably eating some buffalo wings.  So in our part one in my two part series I will highlight some important changes to how a driverless future impacts us.  Let us begin.

No more driver licenses:  With a driverless car, you never need to apply or obtain a driver’s license.  Reason being is that you will never have to drive your own car again.  While it will take a while for this to occur, (and the military being a possible exception) why bother owning a car?

No need to own a car:  That is right, you will not have to own your own vehicle ever again.  You will have the equivalent of robotic taxis come to your door at a preprogrammed time to drive you to work.  Or if you intend to go shopping, you simply summon the closest car via an app on your smartphone.  

Speeds increase:  With this change over to driverless cars, the cars can drive at faster speeds without people having to worry about crashing into others due to their on board systems.  You can literally drive at 100+ miles per hour to get wherever you are going because you need not fear crashing.  While we drive, slower speeds equal safety, but robots use precision technology and sensors which allow for efficient flow of traffic, hence the faster speeds.  

As speeds increase:  Once speeds on these roads increase, to insure that people who want to drive their own cars and robots cars do not get into accidents, it is most probable that States, towns or government in general will make it illegal to drive your own car.  They will mandate that people cannot drive their car on certain roads or not allowed to drive completely as people will get into accidents with driverless cars, and not the other way around (yeah, we suck at driving).

Cars that we may still own:  If this does not result in the banning of car ownership, it would mean that cars can be transformed into mobile offices, or even bars.  Literally, they will be custom made to suit each individual in the same way you might customize a house that you live in.  So you can still have your garage, and the car will pull out in front of your house, open the door for you when you approach and then finally, have a cup of coffee waiting for you when you get in.  All cars will have Wi-Fi, and other electronic goodies that will make your ride as comfortable and as none noticeable as possible.

Conclusion: This is the primary impacts on us the drivers.  However, what about the government and how much it collects from us in taxes, fees, and tickets on our cars and our driving.  Well, see the next issue for details.

Issue 572 3D printers and illegal drugs April 17, 2015

Well, 3D printers are a revolution in manufacturing.  This we know, but there are a few downsides to this technology (depending on what you consider a downside).  So let us discuss one of these possibly bad parts of this technology.

It can make Narcotics:  The biggest potential downside is that certain forms of illegal drugs that are the most dangerous can be made with a 3D printer.  All you need is a set of ingredients that can chemically react in the body, be pretreated and used as an "ink" in the printer, or treated after the pill comes out of the printer.  As such, it literally will make all laws banning certain drugs useless.  On top of that, you will not need a dealer, you just buy the recipe online or from someone and then get the chemicals yourself.  Not only this, but controlled substances like Xanax and similar legal medications can be made by a 3D printer.  Forget any and all laws we have, as the only way to stop people from taking such drugs (let alone making them) is to have anything and everything reworked so that the ingredients are so hard to come by that it becomes near impossible to make.  But then someone will create a different recreational drug, and the government will have wasted its time and our money.  

Conclusion:  Now depending on your outlook, this can be either good, bad, or somewhere in-between.  I personally think (despite being a libertarian) it is ok depending on the drug, but I only don't want specific ones like heroin made, and similar.  However, this is a potential downside that we must consider and be prepared for with a future that includes 3D printers. 

Issue 571 The Data collected April 16, 2015

You know, I hear that a lot of people do not really care about all the data being collected by the government and businesses.  They think that they did nothing wrong, and thus why should they care.  Well I am going to tell you why you may want to rethink that.

Blackmail: The first thing is that people can use this data to blackmail you if you feel that certain past deeds like a sex tape or you getting wasted should not see the light of day.  Would you want your wife or husband to misinterpret an encounter with a member of the opposite sex?  Yes these tiny bits of data can be manipulated or used to extort you out of your savings and wealth, or to perform tasks that you are normally unwilling to do.

Ruin people:  Another negative is that this data can remove people as obstacles.  Why defeat an opponent in a political campaign on merit when you can show the opponent hitting his child across the face to discipline them and make it look like he/she abuses children.  It can also be used to just hurt others, by releasing embarrassing videos or things a person has written.  Friendships can be ruined by simply finding one part of a conversation where someone is talking about someone else and then showing it to the world or the person in question.  Can you imagine if the same was done when you were speaking about your boss?  

Rule Breakers:  Our government may at times be hard up for revenue.  Can you imagine if the government dived into how we drive our cars and if we obeyed all the traffic laws.  That is a lot of tickets isn't it?  The same goes with everyday events and people going about our business.  But we can be breaking the law.  For example, in New York State, it is still illegal for the driver to get out of the vehicle via the driver’s side door?  And that is a tiny example, with people estimated to be breaking at least three laws every single day.  The government can find us and fine us at will.  Scary right?

Conclusion:  Can you imagine what a company/government can do with the number of porn sites someone has visited, or whatever other embarrassing information they may have obtained.  And yes, they will use it in some way, shape or form if they deem it useful to whatever they seek to do.  So double check yourself and remember, anything you say and do, can be used against you.  

Issue 570 Specialized Cooperators April 15, 2015

I base this article on an interview with Nara Ravikant, the founder of Angel list and Angle.co.  Specialized Cooperators is a term he used to describe humanity and how we interact with one another.  Now I am going to explain his reasoning.

Why we are specialized cooperators:  Everyone has a skill that we use in everyday life.  We can learn new skills as well, and thus use them to benefit ourselves.  But we cannot know everything.  We are unable to do it all.  But we can trade those skills.  We can use our auto repair skills to help someone in exchange for something else.  In other words we trade what we can do so that we can get paid for it in some way and then in turn the next person does the same thing.  

However, it is possible to stagnant this.  If we are inhibited from inventing newer and better things, then we lose the ability to trade skills as there will be so many people with the same abilities that we become useless.  Computers established new skills in building them, repairing them and programing them.  The internet created new jobs in social media, advertising and more.  People see needs and try to invent things to meet those needs.  And in turn that creates newer skills to be traded.  But technology to is easy to copy.  Look at an organization like ISIS.  They came together in part due to the development of social media.  They figured out how to use the technology, but they do not have the skills to actually make such technology due to education, background and other limitation.  But, Americans and other countries do as they do not have such limits placed on them (to an extent) and can continuously invent and thus generate newer skills to be traded amongst each other and thus perpetuates the cooperation between fellow members of humanity.  In short, we each specialize in something and someone needs that something to fix whatever ails them, and you are there to fix it, or someone is there to fix your problem. 

Conclusion:  Everyone is good at something.  And Mr. Ravikant knows this and thus why he understands we each specialize in certain skills.  By trading skills, we can cooperate and survive.  So let us remember that at the end of the day we all need each other in some way shape or form.

Issue 569 Internet Everything April 14, 2014

Technology is evolving further and it has developed to the point that all content from television, radio and even our phone calls will all be through an internet connection.  But what is the possible impact of this.  Let us discuss.

Possible impacts: For one, you will be able to use your cell phone to turn your water on in your house and set it to an exact temperature.  You can turn your lights on or off, adjust the heat, feed the dog, and more via the World Wide Web.  The reason for this is because your entire life will be hooked up to the internet.  You will soon be able to turn on your blender via the internet for goodness sakes.  But this also means every piece of technology will be a part of the internet.  And that includes your phones, and all other forms of wireless communications.  This allows all your calls, texts, emails and other messages to be encrypted for privacy, and even deleted if you so will it.  We will not have phone numbers, but email addresses/domain names and even avatars as addresses on the net so that we can talk to one another free of charge.  Why free of charge you ask?  Because the internet is literally hosted by every electronic device and thus allows you to jack in and communicate at will with everyone.

Entertainment wise, television will also be free in the same way we watch videos online.  To provide money for the actors and producers, advertisements will be in the margins to aid in paying for such programing or act in concert with a subscription based service which gets you additional content.  In fact it will be all on demand.  All shows (radio, television and all in between) popularity will be spread via word of mouth with producers paying other sites to advertise their newest programs. As such, shows that would never have made it on television in the past will now be up loadable without limit.  Even books will be sold and or just simply read via this same online service.  No need to buy the book (physically or electronically), just read it for free with some advertisements in the margins and at the bottom of each page. 

Conclusion:  Communications, entertainment and the level of control we have over our homes is increasing.  With it the level of free access to anything and everything we could have ever wanted or to do.  So much can already be done via the internet, but can you imagine the world where the internet is the control mechanism for everything?  It is coming and what I described here is the tip of the iceberg as in the end, it is all just tiny bits of data being thrown around.

Issue 568 Hybrid boats and Planes April 13, 2015

Just like a hybrid car, we can have a hybrid boat or a plane.  Here is how it works.

Hybrid Boat:  A hybrid boat is already in operation on the West coast of the United States.  It is a tug boat that uses the electricity stored in its battery to move around the port area.  It then only kicks in the engine when it needs to generate more electricity and that extra power to perform its tasks.  Likewise, all boats have the capacity to be hybrid electric.  The reason being is that the main engine only need to produce electricity.  It has zero need to be hooked up to the actual propellers that propel the boat forward (though it still can be for extra power).  The electrical motors can (with reduced size and weight) turn the screws to make the craft go.  However, the craft will still need batteries if it is to be a true hybrid so that the engine can be turned off.  As such, the concept is simple and electricity can be augmented via solar panels or even wave power electrical systems on board.  The batteries can even be charged in port by plugging them into the cities/towns power grid.  This is already being done with large cargo ships so as to reduce pollution in the port area itself which also protects workers health.

Hybrid Planes:  Planes too can be hybrids (that even includes helicopters).  The easiest hybrid is the propeller type aircraft.  The electricity turns the props to generate the thrust to propel the aircraft forward thus generating lift via the wings.  Solar panels on the wings themselves and the main body can be used to augment battery power in flight and there is currently a solar powered propeller driven aircraft being used to circumnavigate the world.  In addition, small wind turbines can be added to the aircraft to generate electrical energy as well in midflight as the forward thrust of the plane will cause them to spin.   This technology is great for smaller aircraft that make short hops or don't need the speed of a jet aircraft.  But jets can take on this technology too.  Even though jets will need jet fuel to produce thrust, it does not mean that the solar panels and batteries cannot be equipped to power all the other systems on the plane which thus makes it so that the engines can be used solely for propulsion instead of all the aircrafts electrical needs.

Conclusion:  Planes, Boats and houses (as talked about last week) can all be hybrids like cars.  The goal is to reduce fuel consumption while taking advantage of electrical energies efficiency and of course power.  The only issue is still the batteries themselves as they still weigh a lot.  But time is going to fix that issue.  I look forward to seeing what improvements they make and how this may all develop into all electric vehicles.

Issue 567 Hybrid Homes April 10, 2015

With Hybrid technology growing, the concept is being explored to make a hybrid home.  Essentially, you charge your battery in your basement and then use it to power all your electrical needs throughout the day.  Here is how this interesting concept works.

How it works:  Basically, a large battery is stored in your basement.  It however charges itself at night when prices for electricity are at their lowest.  Then in the morning, the house consumes power from the battery rather than the electrical grid throughout the day.  The idea is in part to save money for consumers of electricity, but at the same time store up enough electrical energy that there is less need for the home to consume any amount of electrical energy from the grid at all.  This lessens the stress on the electrical grid, and thus makes it less likely for a black out to occur.  It also has the potential to reduce the need for the electrical grid to produce power at facilities that burn fossil fuels which in turn puts less greenhouse gases and more importantly less toxins into the air.  Thus, the consumer not only saves money, but the environment gets cleaner too.  The battery can be augmented with solar panels and small wind turbines which again reduce the need to rely on the electrical grid, which thus saves even more money for the consumers and protects the environment further.  Overall something to look forward to as we can have the battery power our electric water heaters, and heating systems as well.

Conclusion:  The only issue is the battery itself.  They are expensive to make and thus expensive to buy and that is not including the issues with electrical storage capacity and space in the home for such big equipment.  In addition, they are made using toxins as well that also pollute our environment.  However this is all being worked on for the obvious goal of making it all consumer friendly.  It is my guess that the goal of this technology is to make it so that power generation plants can be reduced, or shut down for extended periods throughout the day while establishing a foundation for homes to produce all their own electrical needs on their own without the need for a power plant in the first place. Very cool indeed.

Issue 566 Mesh Networks April 9, 2015

There is another form of network that uses the internet that can actually send information free across the globe.  This is called a mesh network.  And here is how it works.

How Mesh networks work:  For one, you do not need a signal tower, or cables to send information from one side of the globe to another.  Instead it uses other people’s cell phones and Wi-Fi to send the data.  It basically bounces information to multiple cell phones and computers (and sometimes satellites) using their electronic signals to send and receive signals.  So say I wanted to send a message to a friend in California.  I send out a signal here in New York and the signal data is bounced from my computer to all the computers and cell phones within the signals reach, who then send out their own signal carrying along my message and it does this all the way until it reaches its destination.  This is how it works in a nutshell, as it just sends out and bounces data from one receiver/transmitter to the next to finally reach its destination.

Conclusion:  Just like the Block Chain from yesterday’s issue this is decentralized as it does not rely on a single transmission source which prevents it from being shut down.  It also is completely free and would neutralize the need for a cell phone or internet provider if set up in the right way.  The only problem is that it is inefficient to send data this way and the computers receiving the data must be set up to do so to properly receive and transmit back the data in the first place.  But obviously you see the potential and thus we can say for certain that this technology will be thoroughly explored further by those who want true freedom over the internet.

Issue 565 The Block Chain April 8, 2015

The Block Chain is a form of encryption used by Bitcoin.  It basically acts as a ledger for the electronic currency (five billion dollars or equivalent if hacked).  However, this form of encryption is impossible to shut down as you would have to shut the internet itself down to do it.  And I am going to attempt to explain why and its other potential uses.

My understanding: So this software is shared between all the people who use and operate with bitcoins.  As such, it uses a near endless number of computers to operate the system.  So to actually hack the Block Chain, which is already encrypted in the first place, you would need to hack every computer associated with Bitcoin.  The principle behind it is that this decentralized approach protects the Bitcoin system and thus makes it impossible to hack as you would need an almost equal amount of hackers to hack in.  So all that data is essentially safe.  

Potential uses:  The Block Chain works on the understanding that encryption equals freedom.  And the network of computers that use it can actually send information in an untraceable and untraceable way.  This is because the decentralized network bounces the information and shares it amongst all the users at once.  As such, a person in the most hostile dictatorship with the strictest form of censorship can upload data on to the Block Chain and be safe from reprisals.  All of this is due to its decentralized nature.  So China, North Korea, the United States and others can no longer censor their people and the world can have whistleblowers and activists speak without fear.

Conclusion:  The Block Chains potential is amazing.  It can protect not just Bitcoins financial data, but all data and make it impossible to steal.  So I look forward to what impact this technology will have on the future of the internet.

Issue 564 Real Authenticity 2 April 7, 2015

Now, we have talked about being authentic on the radio, blogs and similar so that your audience grows.  By de facto, money will be your byproduct from the people you are serving.  But some people think it is hard to work in this field.  They think that they cannot get into it due to perceived obstacles in their path.  Well this is wrong and I am going to explain why.

Why you can compete:  As of this moment, I am competing against every person in the world with this blog.  You my readers (even though I appeal to a small audience) are the select few who find my words interesting enough to read.  My problem is that I lack a convenient way of having a dialogue with you and potential new readers (which I am looking into rectifying).  I however, am not the only game in town and some of you may have your own blogs as well.  But for those who want to join in and speak without fear in an honest tone, I say here and now you can.  Online blogging, radio and even television are now one of the easiest modes of entertainment that anyone can do.  In the past, you needed to be licensed just to host your own radio program, or make deals with a television company to have your show broadcast, with some never giving you a shot.  However, we now have the internet with Podcasts, free radio and free television online via YouTube, and more.  You do not have to pay a single person to do anything.  You just need to invest time into having an internet connection and time spent writing or speaking and sometimes researching what your blog or show will be on that particular day.  You can blog about your favorite card game, about myths and legends or come up with any theme in between.  The sky's the limit so long as there is an audience for it.

Conclusion:  We live in a world where the internet can make every form of content free or will soon be so.  And you know what?  You can participate and possibly make money doing so.  So find the things you want to write or talk about, and then get started.

Issue 563 Fear of the watched April 6, 2015

We have discussed Panopticons before, but never the reaction our society may have to it.  So let us discuss this in today's issue.

What is a Panopticon:  Let us redefine what a panopticon is before we look into societies reactions.  It comes from the concept for the perfect prison where a guard can see and hear everything each and every prisoner does, but the prisoners never see that guard.  As such, the inmates never knew who was being watched and when.  Thus they had to behave as if they were being watched at all times. This was designed to negate the need to have a guard interact with any prisoner let alone have to restrain them as the inmate’s fear of being watched made them behave.  However, it was deemed cruel and unusual punishment due to the paranoia it could cause.  And now our society has developed into a pseudo-panopticon.

Our societal Panopticon:  As the number of cameras increase, our privacy decreases.  Also, our internet, TV, radio and other technology aid the cameras in knowing our every move.  And once people begin to realize that there is no privacy, they fear if they are being watched.  They end up with the same fear and anxiety that mad the panopticon prison "cruel and unusual".  In short, people will become more and more paranoid of what, and whom may be watching.  Things like petty theft, various lawsuits, and other crimes go away as people know they can no longer get away with a crime or that they cannot sue on false pretenses.  So the only freedom you will gain is by living with the fear of being watched.  But there may be an escape.   

Internet safety:  Ironically, technology may be the one place you are safe from being watched.  The sole place you can act out and speak freely.  The reason is because the internet allows for encryption of your data.  You can put up a barrier on the internet which prevents people from knowing who and what you are online.  As such, pseudo-names become our official names, and our emails become our official addresses in this society we have developed.  And to pay for the items we want, electronic currency that is also encrypted to such a degree that it becomes untraceable.  So we are safe in the technology that took our personal privacy away in the first place.

Conclusion:  America's and the worlds future children will grow up in a world where all is recorded and can be pieced together to find out anything and everything about us. And I am not talking about governments, but anyone and everyone who simply wants to watch the lives of others.  We will face a level of oppression from each other like we have never experienced, with the sole place we can escape being an encrypted online identity.  Welcome to a dystopian future where we are seen even when we do not want to be.

Issue 562 GMO Types April 3, 2015

Well, there are several types of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and I thought it would be nice if I outlined them for you my readers.  So let's get started.

Artificial Selection:  This is the most commonly used GMO type.  In fact, we have been using this type for thousands of years.  Basically, we choose a plant and grow several looking for a specific trait.  Then we continually grow that plant with the desired trait in order to strengthen it and make it more robust.  For example, the selective breeding of corn is how we got those big yellow corn stalks we eat today as opposed to the original that never grew bigger than the size of baby corn.  Artificial selection is also the end step for the remaining three types of genetic modifications as well.  So artificial selection is very important (note, this processes was not only used in food but in animals like cows, dogs and cats which allowed them to develop into the domestic animals we own today).

Crossbred:  In this case, pollen of different plants with a desired trait such as fungus resistance, or pest resistance is sprinkled onto the flowers of the primary plant you wish to have gain that trait.  For instance, watermelon pollen was sprinkled on tomato plants and artificially selected to get even larger tomatoes (they even had a green hue, and stripes like a watermelon along with a sweeter flavor).  This is more natural to a degree as it is merely putting pollen onto the other plants flowers to see what plants grow out of it.  They even created a tomato tree!  So while it seems odd, there is the possibility that at some point these particular plants may possibly have existed in the future.

DNA genetic modification:  More controversial than the first two, this one literally inserts one set of DNA into another set.  So you may place a gene from a pig into that of a carrots to see the results and possibly get a desired result. Weird, yes, but also interesting.

Mutagenesis:  This final one exposes plant DNA to chemicals or radiation in order to mutate it to get a desired result.  This one is more controversial as it is completely unnatural and the idea of altering DNA via radiation and chemicals makes us think of things like cancers.

Conclusion:  These are the types of genetic modification with the top one being the main one, and the rest being used more in modern day.  It is important to note that while GMO's are not required to be tested, all are tested voluntarily because the FDA can pull them from the market at any time.  Also, if the GMO is considered pest resistant, it is tested like a pesticide and goes through further testing as opposed to the others which are modified for color, size, and other attributes.  Also, it is important to remember that it is the traits of the GMO's that can potentially harm us, not the making of GMO's as we do not want to create super viruses or weeds, or cause cancers.  Overall, I think we may have to distinguish each GMO from each other like we do with fortified and unfortified foods.  This allows the market to decide which ones they feel safer consuming and thus more money will be poured into that variety of GMO rather than us condemning all of them as bad.  So what say you my readers, know that I have armed you with some basic knowledge?  Should we distinguish each type, or should we endeavor to explore further into the mystery of science and life with respect to our food.

Issue 561 Smell and Space!!! April 2, 2015

I seriously should have saved this one for April 1st, but whatever, I am doing it the day after.  I wanted to get away from the serious stuff of the week for a day and discuss an interesting segment on the Science channel show Worlds Strangest: Jobs.  And one of those jobs was a smell tester for NASA.  Allow me to explain what the documentary explained.

Why does NASA have a smell tester?:  Well the reason is simple, in an enclosed space, smells can actually cause a person harm. Some of the typical side effects are nausea, discomfort and possibly even blistering.  Here on earth, those smells dissipate due to air currents and thus can't harm us, but when smells can't extinguish, or dilute like in a space station, then there is a problem.  In fact, a soviet space mission was cancelled one month early do to a terrible smell on board.  So that costs money and shows how important smell really is.  

How they test smells:  They actually have professional smell testers.  These people literally smell each object to measure their toxicity and these men and women are routinely tested every few months to insure their noses are in peak condition (yea, I am being serious).  To test an object they bake it for three days and then a panel of smell testers smell the baked object and measure that smell on a scale of zero to four.  If the smell is rated two and a half or higher, then the object cannot go into space.  For example, an astronaut wanted to bring his CD collection into space, but could not because the chemical smell given off was deemed too toxic to bring up (it potentially could have caused blistering in the nose).  

Conclusion:  It was a very cool segment (at least for me) because who really thought that smells could be so harmful.  I sure as heck did not.  But smell on a space station or in space is extremely important as a neutral smell environment means that astronauts can literally sniff out problems that occur (such as the smell of burning wires and the like).  So when we begin to colonize space, this job will become all that much more important.  Thus my readers with really good senses of smell, you may want to start applying. 

Issue 560 Gay's VS. Religious Businesses April 1, 2015

Let us revisit this topic again.  Reason being that it is a serious issue with respect to how we can respect each other.  And you know what, an interview with Mark Cuban via Glenn Beck provided the best answer to doing this respectfully.  Allow me to tell you what that respectful way is.

A respectful declining:  First and foremost, any business can turn down a customer for any reason they see fit.  But, the business owner should explain to the customer why they are turning down their business if it is based on something like religious views.  So a business owner of a florist turns down a job by a gay couple getting married, he should explain that while he respects them as people, he cannot go against his faith and partake in such an event in any way, shape, or form.   But Mark Cuban said that if he were in their shoes (the businesses owners) he would also recommend a different flower shop that will cater to their wedding.  Essentially, give the business away to someone who is willing to do it, as opposed to forcing the business owner to go against their beliefs.  Very simple is it not.  Simply say why and recommend someone else.

Conclusion:  Now the gay couple has to respect the business owner as well for this to work.  If they don't, current laws allow them to sue for money because this is apparently deemed discrimination.  While yes it is a form of discrimination, it is not the type that causes a lynch mob, but the owner of a business exercising their own judgment based on faith, or other factors we may not know of.  Whatever the reasoning, the fact is that if the business owner is giving the business of the gay couple away to another, then they have a legitimate reason and then that should be that, with gay couples knowing not to buy from that florist and people who object to the owners reasoning not shopping there either.  From there it is up to the florist to overcome any repercussions from their objection.  That’s how it ought to work, but people are weird and lawsuit happy.  So let us just respect that some people don't want to do certain things, and move on.