Issue 601 Alternate pay for Congress May 29, 2015

Right now, Congressman and Senators get about $175,000 a year in compensation for their service to the country.  But, what if we could pay them in a different way?  What if we could make it easy for them to earn money without them getting money from the taxpayers?  Let us discuss.

Alternate compensation:  In this case, rather than pay Congressmen and Senators we could let them do insider trading.  They can make significant amounts of money from the stock market as is, but this would allow them access to information so that they can guarantee an income via stocks.  Obviously, insider trading would need to be made legal for this to work, but with this we will never have to pay our representatives in government ever again.  

Alternatively, we can force them to have real jobs, such as lawyer, or day laborer, and compensate them for the time lost while serving.  Basically, they would get money equal to what they would have made in their profession in exchange for their services to the country.  Then they would go back to work once the Congressional session is over and they would not receive any more money from the government unless called up again.  Basically, it works the same way as when you are compensated to serve jury duty.  You get money from the government, equal to the pay you would have received while working your regular day job.

How about free perks?  Allowing their income to be supplemented by getting free hotel stays, free food, or other free stuff could also enhance both the aforementioned options.  In this case, the free stuff would have to be restricted as a Saudi Prince promising massive amounts of money to a Senator who is voting on a trade bill between the United States and Saudi Arabia would not be allowed as that is actual bribery.  However, giving them preferential treatment, and other gifts that are less likely to affect a vote, like gift baskets would be fine.  In essence, as long as what is being given is not actual money, but "gifts", it could work out, with "gifts" being monitored to ensure no bribery was committed.

Conclusion: The only thing that would probably sit well with the public is the second pay option of only paying them when they are actually doing work.  However, free gifts that do not affect voting would and could be viable.  And insider trading is only illegal because people think it is unfair that a person(s) gets information about stocks first which could potentially make that person more money than everyone else.  In other words, it is about fairness.  I am a libertarian though.  Fairness in nature is the same as equality, it generally does not exist for people for each have to put in a certain amount of effort to succeed.  That effort unfortunately is almost never equal due to talents, or personal relationships.  Instead, people specialize in their own skills and trade them, because we are not equal, and life is never fair.  We compensate each other and complement each other’s skill sets.  Hence why I do not mind free gifts for people in government so long as it is not actual bribery (though the line is fairly thin).  So what do you think?  Should we keep things as they are, or shake things up a bit.  

Issue 600 Replace the V.A. May 28, 2015

Veteran Affairs (V.A.) may be too big to simply fix.  It may in fact have to be replaced due to its largess.  But what would it look like.  Here is one an idea.

The replacement:  For one, the V.A. could be staffed by returning soldiers rather than traditional pencil pushers.  For instance, doctors who serve in the field will be doctors treating their fellow veterans.  This also helps psychologically as now a veteran who knows the rigors of service can have a doctor empathies and know what they went through.  Likewise, soldiers who know procurement and act as secretaries as well as other non-combat jobs that can translate to health and wellness can directly translate to helping fellow veterans.  Obviously, more specialized doctors may be needed, and thus hired.  However, veterans who continue their medical education can supplant these private doctors to ensure that a soldier is being taken care of by fellow soldier in all aspects of care.  Military family members may also serve in this newer version of the V.A., but must meet specific requirements and be recommended by another member of the armed forces outside of a family member, which vouches for their character and abilities.

Obviously, benefits would be completely reworked and perhaps based on George Washington's original idea for combat benefits for soldiers.  In this case, soldiers wounded in battle would get preferential treatment, and then it is scaled from there.  No more, sleep apnea patients getting more benefits over soldiers who had their limbs blown off.

As for organization, it will be organized in a similar manner to a military unit and its deployment.  The military unit approach would apply combat principles and deployments to doctors and other members of the V.A. to go where they are needed most and then shift them based on need once a job is done.  Essentially, it will be a completely organic organization that has no permanent roots anywhere save in select locations due to costs involved (i.e. rehab centers and their equipment).  But specialists in psychology, doctors of course and those injuries and treatments that do not require expensive equipment or is transportable without losing effectiveness in treatment can go anywhere at any time to help our veterans.  Heck, the V.A. can use the old Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (M.A.S.H) model for when extra support for veterans is needed.  Basically, we want to bring the care to the soldier if possible, and not the other way around.

Conclusion:  This is obviously a working concept, but you get the idea.  Soldiers being the staff mean we have people who know and feel what our soldiers went through.  Re-aligning benefits to fit the types of injuries ensures adequate care.  A mobile organization prevents the need for permanent facilities that would otherwise create possible waste, while bringing care to the patients.  Essentially, it becomes concierge medicine, with small exceptions.  I want our Veterans to be taken care of in the right way.  In a way that ensures comfort and accelerates healing.  To be honest, I would like it to be  donation based like the USO if possible as well, but that may be much harder due to costs (at one point I thought maybe the USO should take over the V.A.'s role).  No matter what though, our soldiers sacrifice a lot, and we need to make sure we give back to them the right way.

Issue 599 The V.A. sucks?! May 27, 2015

Veterans Affairs (V.A.) has been under the microscope lately.  From breaking the law on spending, to ignoring veterans in need, the V.A. has become something of an eyesore.  But apparently there is more issues which I will list here thanks to a sit down between combat veterans which was featured on The Blaze TV network.  Let us begin.

Some issue in the V.A.:  For one, a veteran who murdered another veteran named Chris Kyle (the guy American Sniper is based on) is still receiving full V.A. benefits.  Yes, that is right.  A murderer in jail is receiving V.A. benefits.  It should not matter if the now convicted murderer is a veteran or not.  The fact is that murderers should be denied any and all benefits while they are in jail despite their prior service.  

Aside from the aforementioned outrage (in my opinion), there are other substantive issues.  Marcus Luttrell (the Navy Seal who wrote the book "Lone Survivor" which became a movie) amongst others had to wait four or more hours to make an appointment, to make another appointment to see a doctor.  Now, does that make any sense?  Keep in mind that Luttrell is well connected due to his fame from his book and was able to get special treatment at a certain point, but he in the sit down on the Blaze was visibly flustered in my view that his fellow vets were being treated in such a manner.  The other veterans in the sit down were also annoyed at such treatment of their brothers and sisters in arms and cited other issues with respect to benefits.  These issues included the fact that soldiers who never saw actual combat getting more benefits than those who actually fought in battle.  Another issue was the fact that soldiers with sleep apnea were receiving more benefits than amputees.  I am sure this is positively pathetic, but to add insult to injury they x-ray soldiers with missing limbs to prove that they are amputees despite having gone to the V.A. on multiple occasions to get replacement legs (this according to the sole veteran with an amputated leg within this group of vets).   But, this inefficiency is apparently purposeful as each State under the Federal government and private groups that partner with them get more funding from this bureaucratic mess, thus making money off the veterans suffering.  This is just wrong.

Conclusion: Things need to change dramatically in the V.A.  It is no longer about helping veterans in my opinion, but instead to make a buck off vets coming home from war and their suffering.  I believe a change is necessary, and that change may need to be drastic.

Issue 598 Abortion Spa's!? May 26, 2015

Everything I discuss here is a rumor, but I think it is important enough to write about.  In this case abortion clinics adding spa's to their lineup of services to remove the stigma/negative feelings of an abortion.  Let's discuss.

The rumor:  As stated, there are those in the abortion industry looking to combine a spa and an abortion clinic into one.  They wish to remove any negative connotations that stem from getting an abortion and thus make it out to be a pampering procedure done during or after the woman gets the full spa treatment.  So get your nails done with a message and then sit spread eagle on the table and have the unborn child killed (aborted).  Yea, when I say it this way, it makes it sound like a really bad idea.

Possible reasoning:  It is in my opinion that if these rumors turn out to be true or at the very least looked into by the abortion industry that it was done solely for capitalist/monetary reasons.  While I myself am a capitalist, and in favor of making money, I have qualms (disregarding my dislike of abortion) about turning a legitimate medical procedure into a basic commodity service that potentially could endanger the mother receiving the procedure.  While the idea of a woman being pampered sounds nice and is designed to make the woman feel more comfortable before and after the medical procedure is done, I see no other benefit than making the abortion procedure look more appealing so these abortionist doctors to make a few extra dollars  Hence my opposition.

Conclusion:  I am sorry, as I feel my opinion is fairly biased on this one.  However, this reeks of the ugly side of capitalism where morals are put on the back burner in favor of a quick self-interested buck.  As such, I hope such an idea/rumor is false, and that this concept is not brought back for such a controversial and last resort medical practice.

Happy Memorial Day. May 25, 2015

I would like to say thanks to all whom have served in the armed forces.  On Memorial Day we remember the soldiers that gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country.  They are ordered to march into what can only be described as a living hell hole while we sit safe at home going about our daily routines unawares of the dangers that they defend against.  So I say here, God bless the troops.

Additionally, I would like to say a special thank you to the police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.  Your sacrifice, I feel, is also recognized on this day as you too defend and protect us, but this time from the evil that hides within the country itself.  God bless the Police

God bless all who serve on this Memorial Day.  Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Issue 597 Crime in a surveillance State May 22, 2015

Imagine if surveillance tech goes off the rails and the police can monitor every move you make and every word you say.  A true panopticon.  What would happen to crime with respect to stopping it?

No place to hide:  Well, it makes every law enforceable.  Reason being is that we cannot hide from these cameras and microphones.  So if you are in an accident, there is no need for your statement and the other involved party as they simply have to watch the video of the accident occurring to know who is at fault.  Shoplifting, forget it.  They will see how much you stuff into your pockets.  Death threats?  The microphone heard you and thus police show up at the door.  Smoking some weed, well they could even possibly smell that with drug sniffers to tell the difference between a cigarette and other illegal substances. Hence no one could commit a crime without being caught which means zero crime from regular people.  But it can get out of control.

Examples of it gone wrong:  Two examples I can think of is hate speech, and political criticism.  Hate speech as I am sure you will agree is distasteful to say the least.  But despite it being a part of your freedom of speech, the government will be able to hear it, and then fine you for it.  And this means any form of speech deemed hateful, including saying someone is poor or off the cuff comments like that person looks impoverished.  Yes they may deem these innocent terms as racist, but if you look at the history of words like illegal alien, migrant, and similar, those depending on the times are deemed hateful as well.  And this can extend to criticism of government if we are not careful.  Thus, free speech, including criticizing the president can become a crime.

Conclusion:  While the benefits are great, the level of abuse is greater.  This gives too much power to one group in society over all other groups.  So if you know your history, this means the death of democracy and freedom as a whole.  So keep an eye out for abuses, for if we do not, we may suffer under the yoke of oppression.

Issue 596 Smart Homes May 21, 2015

Here we are going for a lighter topic than yesterdays.  In this case we are going to talk about some cool stuff going into smart homes.  Let's discuss.

What we have and coming soon:

1. Complete control:  With smart home technology, you probably noticed that everything is controllable from a smartphone or app on a computer.  We know it can control lights, temperature, and alarms, and even cameras in the home, but they even allow you to control your faucets, and even the locks on all your rooms.  So if your child wants to have a party while you are out, you can lock your bedroom door from miles away on the other side of the world.  

2. Smart electrical: Energy efficiency is becoming more and more important, to the point that your home may fully automate energy distribution.  So your home using your alarm system can sense if you are asleep, and shut off bedroom or televisions for you.  It will also know where to rout electricity.  So if you are not using hot water, the electrical system will turn off the part of the boiler or cut off the electricity going to that.  If you are watching television downstairs, and not say the radio (your home will be able to tell the difference) it will rout power away from the radio to save energy.  This is already in the works as the military is currently testing this system for their temporary and permanent bases/camps and it works well with Tesla motors foray into batteries for the home.  As such, solar energy, batteries and other power systems need not become more efficient to generate more power as we will use machines to use the energy collected in a more efficient manner instead.

3. Smart Fridge: Of particular note is smart fridges that can order your food for you.  It will sense what foods you use most, and automatically order them for you from the nearest grocer to be delivered to your home.

4. Smart walls and tables: Never paint a room again, because you'll never have to.  The walls will be able to change color and even have patterns just like what you can do to your computer's background.  This is due to flat screen technology being placed on walls like wallpaper.  This also means you can watch television, or listen to the radio in any room via this tech.  So who needs a laptop when you can simply use this technology on a wall or table to type like you do on your touch screen tablet.  (This is further away, as the technology is still being developed).

Conclusion:  Both the first and second are very near term developments and look set to be the standard for future home building.  These two technologies will continue to evolve as USB technology replaces traditional plugs and thus hooks up every electrical device to the internet and thus the home's electrical grid.  The smart fridge requires radio frequency identification chips (RFID) to replace barcodes, while as stated, smart walls and tables are still in development and honestly need to become accepted over a more flexible, portable tablet pc.  Other ideas include car recharge stations, 3d printers, and dedicated servers so that each home has its own private internet network.  I look forward to how things will continue to change.

Issue 595 ISIL atrocities May 20, 2015

In the Middle East ISIS, now known as ISIL, is committing one atrocity after another.  Here I will list some of those atrocities.

Crimes by ISIL:

1. Committing acts of Genocide:  ISIL is actively seeking out Christians and Jews (and non-sunni Muslims) and killing them off one by one.  This includes the burning of Churches and Temples, with the parishioners still inside. Or lining them up to be shot in the head.

2. Killing children: Some have gone into villages and asked children their faith, knowing they will answer honestly.  Once these children state they are Christian or Jewish, they are all killed.  This happened to one father who was going to say he would convert with his family to save their lives, but the children said they would always be Christian, and thus they made the father watch as they murdered his three children in front of him.

3. Mass killings:  In some cases, ISIL terrorists simply come into town and just kill off every male there.  Other times they simply just kill everyone, including Muslims who are deemed to not be in line with ISIL's version of their faith or those that would try to protect their Christians and Jewish neighbors.

4. Mass Rape:  This is very common as once they kill the men or capture a woman, they will rape the woman before them.  In some cases, these women are still children as young as nine years old.  

5.  Glorified murder:  ISIL will take the heads of their victims (including babies) and mount them on pikes for all to see.  They make videos of them cutting off the heads while the people are still alive.

6. Slavery: Slavery seems to have become common, especially amongst the women.  They price them based on age, and ability.  They sell children as wives (including babies), and older women who they deem useful for house work.  Under their version of Islamic law, the males may do anything they wish to these women including rape and even murder them as they are not deemed people anymore. Women too old or infirm for anything are simply killed.  

Conclusion:  These are the bare bones examples of what they are doing.  As such, this does not even come close to describing the depravity and evil they are carrying out right now.  So the question is, how are we going to stop them?

Issue 594 1st and 2nd Principles May 19, 2015

Now this is about principles.  In this case 1st principles which guide our actions and the 2nd principles which guide our interests.  Let us discuss.

1st Principles:  These are our natural rights, our morals and that which guides us.  So such things as freedom of speech, expression, and to act and do anything so long as it does not harm others are the core component of this.  But this also includes love, compassion, gratitude, and humility.  For these act as the lens by which we exercise our freedoms.  So we use freedom of assembly to get together, and use compassion in that assembly of people to better understand those around us.  We use empathy, acceptance, and attempt to understand each other without being rude or unkind as that would divide us.  It is the same in a relationship.  If we have our lover, we treat them with respect (a 1st principle) or else they will leave us.  Yes I know these examples are simplistic, but these basics of treating others well, and exercising our right without harming others are designed to guide us and our 2nd principles.

2nd Principles:  While 1st principles guide us, 2nd principles are our interests.  So a simplistic example is food.  It is in our interest to get food to eat.  But without the first principles, we would be attacking others for their food.  This is because if we stole from others, we would be violating property rights of the other person (a 1st principle).  But through the lens of 1st principles this also means that nothing should prevent you from growing your own food, sharing it for free or hoarding it if you feel it necessary.  This is because the 1st principles say that the food you own is yours to do with what you please.  Another example is low taxes.  This is a second principle because it too is an interest.  So how can we screw this up?  Simple, by you advocating one group pay more so you do not have to.  This violates fair treatment amongst fellow citizens (the 1st principle is fairness).  But once you put your own interests above those of others and you ignore fair treatment, or as in the case of the food example, their property rights, harmony breaks down and society becomes disjointed.  Basically, without the 1st principles, the 2nd principles would be sought via an ends justify the means mentality, which is a recipe for disaster.

Conclusion:  1st principles guide us, and 2nd principles govern all our interests.   When the 2nd principles go first, then we attack each other, we stop caring because it is all about what we want at the cost of everything around us.  But with the 1st principles firmly in place, we need not fear a thief or mob, for they tell us to respect each other, behave civilly, and listen in an attempt to better understand, and work with others.  

Issue 593 People and power May 18, 2015

So there are two categories for people in power in my opinion.  They are the arrogant and the charitable categories.  As to whether they are naive or not is something else altogether, but I am going to explain the characteristics of both.

The Arrogant:  This people are snooty. They feel they are above everyone else.  But they may be just covering up a weakness.  That they are insecure in their position.  Thus they will lash out or suffer from depression or even both.  Additionally, they will do as much as possible to ensure they remain in power in the first place.  So they may sacrifice friendships, or the redeeming parts of themselves to do so.   But then these people could also lose touch with reality and even feel they can do no wrong.  Thus, this broad category of individual.

The Charitable:  This group can also lose touch, but they attempt not to.  Charitable people simply want to help and are generally self-sacrificing.  As such, if they are unaware of it, they could destroy their own fortunes attempting to accomplish the greater good.  But generally, those who understand their positions will benefit themselves and use this to further their own charitable goals for they realize they need the position they are in to be as charitable as they are in the first place. 

Conclusion:  Obviously, no one wants to be the arrogant person in power, for they are really people who are suffering from the gift of power.  But charitable people are a special kind of person for they risk themselves.  They willfully may place themselves in a vulnerable position just to help others.  Both types of people in power are generally smart, otherwise they would not be in power in the first place.  But what they do and how they act while they have this power allows others to truly know who these people are.

Issue 592 How I would limit Abortion May 15, 2015

While I know as a pro-lifer, I cannot fully ban abortion, I can at least take the money out of it so that it becomes less commercialized, and thus becomes a pure medical practice.  Here is my idea.

What I would do: First of all, I would limit abortions strictly to State run hospitals.  No other locations would be deemed acceptable for the procedure as a medical practice.  Thus, it removes the money that private groups make off this practice such as Planned Parenthood.  In addition to the money, there is a level of safety involved by going to the hospital over a private clinic which has an invested interest in having you commit to an abortion as opposed to a hospital which has a vested interest in your health.  As such it removes any form of peer pressure.

Part two of this is to make doctors who perform abortions a specialized form of medicine.  In short, a doctor would have to go to school for specific training on how to do an abortion in the same way an x-ray technicians do.  So this person, rather than a doctor will be called an abortionist and specialize in all aspects of abortion, and solving any issues that occur or result from an abortion that relates to the patient medically.  By having it be specialized and not needing a full doctor’s license, it ensures that the abortion is still cheap like at places like Planned Parenthood and accessible for those that would want or need the procedure to be performed.  Obviously, if the women is a rape victim, the abortionist would need to report it, and if the child is underage, the parents must be notified.  The reason for these measures is that abortion clinics have in the past ignored such laws and thus allowed for rapists to get away, or for underage adults to be peer pressured into the procedure.  In this instance, the rule is an attempt to eliminate that, and with it being in the hospital records, makes it almost impossible to hide.  Hence eliminating the anonymity of an abortion clinic which in some cases have gotten away with usurping the law.

Conclusion:  These two measures combined ensure that abortion stays a professional practice that is limited by law, depending on what State laws govern the practice.  So if the State allows for unlimited abortions, then the abortionist will do them at any State run hospital.  If the State limits the abortions to say those with certain conditions such as a woman's life being in danger, or rape, then the abortionist must follow it.  No more money should be allowed in this industry that I personally see as dealing death, and no more pressuring young girls who are scared and confused as to what to do.

Issue 591 If you can't do anything May 14, 2015

Have you ever felt helpless, then you are not alone.  There are circumstances that are beyond our control, and thus we have to figure out how to deal with them.  Here are some of the ways I try to deal with such circumstances.

Less than desirable situations:  If you are at a bad job, or in a bad situation, the best thing to do is to bring your passion for your work with you.  The idea is that you want your situation to feel the least like work or drudgery as possible so as to not make yourself depressed.  Alternatively, you just surrender to the flow of a situation.  From there, you look to gain the advantage to change your situations outcome.  Basically looking for opportunities to advance.  If there is an opportunity to get out, or there is a situation where you would get into conflict, then you must pick and choose your battles.  Decide if something is winnable, or if it is best to lay low.  There will even be times where you must simply accept a situation and not act at all.  Basically, allow yourself to be yelled at or berated so as to prevent a worse situation.  If you have no control of your situation make the best of it.  All other times when situations arise where you cannot do something of that nature, you simply accept the facts of your situation and thus allows you to approach a problem with a clearer state of mind that is not disturbed by turmoil and distress.  You need a clear head to see opportunities and the best way for an opportunity to come to you is if you keep yourself positive.

Conclusion:  This is not going to be easy.  I learned these methods the hard way.  But, by bringing your passion and keeping your head clear, any situation can become winnable, or improved if you just allow it to happen and then seize the parts in your life that you can actually change.  Basically, this is a way to take control of your situation without actually controlling the uncontrollable aspects of what is going on.  Thus, you will, with time, come out on top of the problem you are dealing with.  Hope this helps anyone of you who read this and that it improves your lives even if by just a little.

Issue 590 Be a guiding light May 13, 2015

We can literally change the world, but that is if we do things in just the right way.  That way is to be an example for others.  Allow me to explain.

How being the example changes things:  Did you know that when you do a good deed for others, it releases positive chemicals in your body that make you healthier and happier.  You know what?  It does the same thing for everyone else around you.  So you can become healthier, just by helping others.  Also, this helping one another becomes a positive influence on those around you.  By doing a good deed, it triggers in other people’s minds to notice when and where they can do good for others as well.

But just doing good deeds is not the sole way to be an example.  It is also how you conduct yourself around others.  Your self-esteem, your confidence, your talents, and even how you simply talk can inspire others to change themselves.  So in addition to being kind and also courteous, if someone is mean to you, attempt to answer in a loving tone, or sympathetic tone as opposed to yelling at them back.   If someone says they can't do something the way you do, offer to teach them how you do a task and show them that they can adapt it so they can do it in a way that makes it work for them rather than simply copying you.  Basically, treating others how you want to be treated, while standing at the moral, and ethical high ground.

Conclusion:  The idea is to create a ripple effect.  If people treat others well, then entire towns will, followed by cities, provinces, and then entire countries.  It basically combines the pay it forward rule, with the treating others the way you want to be treated rule.  So it is designed to perpetuate across entire nations to help change lives and even the way we all think about ourselves and others.  But you still will need to stand on an ethical, and moral pedestal, while maintaining compassion and attempt to empathize and understand those around you.  It is certainly not an easy path, but it can work if we try hard enough.

issue 589 Planes of the future May 12, 2015

I recently did an article on hybrid planes and boats, but it got me thinking, what planes of the future would look like.  Let's begin.

What would Planes look like:  For one, they may be seamless.  Traditional flaps will vanish with the mass production of flexible materials on the edges of the wings which allows for the same maneuvering and turning, but can also be used to increase efficiency of the flight itself. Solar panels and wind turbines can and will be integrated onto the wings of prop driven aircraft to increase fuel efficiency as well.   Other design elements include flying wing designs which will have clear flooring and or skylights.  There is boxed/diamond wing designs which connect the front wings to the tail in a diamond like shape when seen from below, which increases lifts capacity and reduces drag.  

Other unique ideas may be hybrids between blimps and planes essentially having a three story tall cruise ship in the sky.  However, I doubt it will have a pool, but some may have small hot tubs.  Other shapes are all possible and in fact, planes could even lose their landing gear.  There is another idea which has aircraft land on a cradle of sorts to land instead.  Though that idea is likely to be scrapped with tilt rotor and vertical takeoff and landing technology coming out of its infancy.  This also may mean that personal aircraft may get a boost as many new planes will become automated and thus fly themselves.

Conclusion:  These are just some of the design ideas being tossed around.  There are other ideas, such as bringing back boat planes, or even scramjet planes that can get people from New York to Tokyo in less than 2 hours.  As to what takes hold and what new niches are formed in the aircraft industry, we will just have to wait and see.

Issue 588 Problems with wind power May 11, 2015

Like solar, wind power has its problems as well.  So let's discuss.

Space issues:  Wind power, like solar, is free energy.  However, to get a large enough amount of electricity from wind, you need a wind farm that covers vast areas of land.  As such, it eats up large areas of land that can be protected for wildlife/forests, or used for farming, or even used for development.  As such, efforts to increase efficiency, or place them out of the way are being made.  One such solution is leasing parts of farmland so that a farm can exist underneath the turbines which makes the land usage more efficient.  Another is to integrate the turbines into the city by putting them on roofs, or have them tethered to blimp like structures.  Other ideas are being looked at, but the one I see that is best is integrating the most efficient wind turbine into someone’s house so that people can generate the electricity they need themselves without the need for some utility company.

Catching the wind:  The other issue is one that is well known.  What if the wind is not blowing?  Well, truth is it is always blowing usually, we just have to reposition the turbine into the direction and altitude of the wind.  So even if there is no wind at ground level, it may be blowing well at two stories up, and could be even stronger at six stories in the air.  So the tethered approach is one way to solve this, or to have a telescoping neck for the turbine to elevate itself as high as possible to catch the strongest winds possible.  There are also turbines being developed that will spin even with the gentlest of breezes which will mitigate the need to go a full six stories in the air just to catch wind.  Thus it is also an issue of efficiency with respect to the rotors on the turbine itself.

Conclusion:  Like solar, wind power generation is still coming along at a slow pace due to the imperfections of this technology.  But given enough time and investment, you too may be attaching a turbine to your home.

Issue 587 Problems with Solar Power May 8, 2015

Solar power is where you get free power from the sun.  In this case we will be talking about the two main obstacles that solar panels have with respect to replacing traditional fossil fuels.  Let's get started.

Absorbing Light:  The first key problem is that solar panels are not 100% efficient yet with respect to absorbing light.  They can to a certain degree absorb one particular spectrum of light very well, but cannot absorb the others, or the panel can absorb a variety, but never come close to even 50% efficiency.  Work is being carried out to fix this problem, but it is a hard process, for apparently, the alignment of the molecules and chemicals that make up the material dictate the level of efficiency.  While research is ongoing and progress is being made, this is a slow process, and thus will take many days, or possibly more years of trial and error to get it right.

Manufacturing:  Our other hurdle is the manufacturing process.  More particularly the chemicals involved.  To make the solar panel work, the manufactures have to use toxic chemicals which in turn leave toxins left over to be disposed of once a chemical is used up.  Thus, despite their use at protecting the environment, they can negate that just by being made.  Work is ongoing for a viable solution, and it also explains why heating and other aspects of solar energy are being explored so as to reduce the need for electrical energy usage and thus the need for large arrays of panels to be used which in turn mitigates the environmental impacts.

Conclusion:  Once these two key problems are worked out with respect to efficiency and manufacture, solar panels will completely surpass most, if not all fossil fuels especially if it is paired with an equally good battery to store the energy it collects.  A greener future is a sure thing if we give scientists enough time.

Issue 586 Concept: mixed weapon martial arts May 7, 2015

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has taken the world by storm.  However, martial arts has never been limited to turning the body into a human weapon.  In fact, martial arts encompasses all skills that also include the use of weaponry.  So I had an idea.  What if there was a division of MMA that brought the weapons back in.  Let's discuss.

The concept:  So the idea is really simple.  Add weapons into an MMA match.  Obviously, these would be of a non-lethal variety to ensure safety, and the combatants would wear a form of armor.  The armor would protect the wearer from the most powerful blows, but still allow the fighter to know and feel that they got hit.  However, if they somehow lose their weapon in the midst of the bout, they could still demonstrate their skills by fighting barehanded as there is a segment of martial arts moves which are designed to defeat armored opponents and also to be used while wearing armor.  This also allows for moves that include disarmament to be integrated into the match.  Basically, this brings in a whole new set of martial techniques into the ring which typically are not seen.

Acceptable weapons and win conditions:  Foam staff and club weapons seem to be the most appropriate.  These weapons are easily seen and felt.  So this could also include nunchuks, three section staffs, tonfas/police baton, and escrima sticks.  Large polyurethane knife like weapons would work such as knives with blades over 5 inches in length, or short swords like machetes, and of course long swords like the Katana, and hand-and-a-half sword.  Points will then be awarded as normal with judges looking at the number of landed blows which will be one point, and glancing blows being a half point.  If the weapon such as a spear is used and the spear point (a cushioned bulb in this case) would strike a vital area on the body, then a point and a half would be awarded.  Take downs with or without a weapon will be given two full points, and strikes without a weapon would be given a 1/2 point. Or you can win by submission in which points become irrelevant. 

Rope, and whip like weapons would be banned due to the potential problems with chokes, and entanglement and weapons under 5 inches would not work because they are not very visible but there are exceptions like knuckle dusters, and gauntlets which are weapons combined with the fist and the strikes can be seen.  Fantasy weapons like combining a tonfa with a knife would be allowable once tested for safety.  Shields are also an allowable weapon/defense tool as they too have a martial application on attack like a spike shield or hooked shield being used to punch, parry a blow or grapple.  Projectile weapons will never work because they defeat the purpose of integrating the other martial arts weapons, for they were designed as an equalizer on the battlefield for troops as opposed to professionally trained sword fighters.  And there you have it, these foam/hard plastic weapons would work perfectly for our purposes.

 Forbidden strike zones:  In this case hitting to the groin is never acceptable, and head shots to the back of the head, neck and thrusts to the face (unless barehanded to the face) are also off limits despite protective gear due to the possible severe damage that can be caused. Weapon hits with hard plastic to an unprotected head, or other parts of the body that cannot endure such punishment will not be allowed, foam weapons will be allowed as they are safer.  Beyond that, everything is protected and thus seems to me a legal target.

Conclusion:  This is a concept that would be cool.  MMA got its start by asking who would win if a karate fighter took on a kung Fu fighter.  And from there it evolved.  This weapon variety now integrates unused moves and looks to also see if a European Rapier can take on a Katana in a match.  Obviously more must be put in to ensure safety as different varieties of armor modeled on various historical types would all have to be tested to allow for variety and add to the flavor of the match, suitably modifying them for the ring of course.  So what do you all think?  Is this a potentially good idea, or just a pipe dream?  I'll let you, my readers, decide.

Issue 585 Pulling the Plug May 6, 2015

I recently watched an interview between Glenn Beck and the author of the book "Ghost Boy” Martin Pistorius.  In the book he chronicled his time while trapped in his own body.  Read on to find out what I mean.

The Ghost Boy:  Pistorius was in a vegetative state for 12 years.  Yes, the kind of vegetative state that many people pull the plug so to speak to take them off life support.  His vegetative state was caused by a disease, so as you can imagine, it was hard on his family.  So much so, that he heard his mother whisper in his ear that she hoped he would die (she said this while he was in the vegetative state).  However, in his vegetative state, he could see, hear, feel, everything that went on around him, he was simply trapped in his own body.  Unfortunately, his mother's whisper was not the only sad thing to happen to him while in his condition.  He was sexually abused by a nurse during his stay at the hospital.  Pistorius would chronicle that and more in his book "Ghost Boy".

Impact:  From this interview, we can surmise there is hope for men and women trapped in such a state can come out of it.  In Fact, according to the interview, there are others who have come out of this vegetative state, though it is not common, it is not an uncommon occurrence either.  But there are no tell tail signs to determine if they are actually still in there or if and when they will awaken or not.  Basically, we do not know, and thus people will continue the pain and suffering of waiting, hoping that their family member will wake up.

Conclusion:  What this interview did was give me hope.  It gave me hope that people's suffering could end and that these people can go about their lives, or start new ones after an accident or disease causes them to be trapped in their own bodies.  It is torture to both the victim and the families, but keeping the person you care about alive may just pay off.  They may come back to us.  So, it is then up to us to determine what to do at this point.  Do we pull the plug and end their trapped existence, or keep them alive and hope to one day talk to the person trapped within.  I know what I would do.  I would cling to hope, and keep the person I love alive.

Issue 584 Giant Bus May 5, 2015

There was an article about potential projects that could change the future.  In this case, the concept comes from China.  Their idea was a giant bus that could hold up to 1000 people.  Let's discuss.

The giant Bus: So the concept was designed as an alternative to both trains and other large scale mass transit.  This bus which could hold well over a thousand people would ride above the highways of China, thus eliminating the need for special railroad tracks.  Essentially, the buses wheels would be on the end of struts and the main cabin(s) would be elevated above the highway traffic.  If you haven't guessed yet, the traffic of the highway drives underneath while the bus rides above them.  Very cool right.  

Possible impacts:  This vehicle could essentially replace railroads and subways in any city.  Reason being is that it does not require tracks and their associated maintenance as it only needs a segregated road surface upon which to ride upon.  So no need to find room, or go through the expense of uprooting buildings or using large sums of money to modify a city to fit an entire mass transit system.  Basically, the main savings is cost, and efficiency, as the giant busses tires make less noise, are more easily replaced, and just use a regular road.  As such, future cities may opt for this cheaper alternative.  There is also a possibility of a cargo version to move cargo containers, which could eliminate the need for trucks and cargo trains in a city altogether if the system is planned out correctly, or at the very least reduces the number of trucks needed in an urban environment to supply goods and other materials.  It is even possible to have these go from city to city as well, eliminating city to city trains and mass transit as well.

Conclusion:  Obviously, this was a concept that was proposed as a cheap alternative to rail for Chinese cities and their congested highways that could not be readily adapted to have a mass transit systems.  But I believe it is a viable concept from which future cities and older cities can use to solve their mass transit woes.  So if it works, why not try it.

Issue 583 The Undying Soldier! May 4, 2015

We have talked about several technologies that literally can make the soldier immortal on the battlefield.  Here in today's issue I will tie them together to give a possible glimpse into the soldier of a not so distant future.

The culmination of ideas:  For one, the key feature will be the memory chip.  It will download all aspects of what soldiers see, hear, taste, touch, and smell, and possibly even emotions and keep it on record.  This allows for downloadable learning.  In short, parts of soldier’s memories can be copied and then placed into another soldier's mind.  Literally, almost all knowledge and data a soldier needs can be uploaded to their brain on command, including maps, and other pertinent information needed for a mission.  So soldiers can get all that needed combat experience without ever setting foot on the battlefield. Additionally, this can also remove certain memories that have caused severe trauma, and thus could solve post-traumatic stress disorder.  It may also be possible to share what each other soldier is seeing/feeling at the moment.  So soldiers can fire link their bodies together to do a coordinated strike.  Scouts don't need a radio to relay information as what they see will be seen in real time by the rest of the squad, or downloaded later to their minds if there is a disruption in the network that shares the data of their minds and acts as their lifeline if they would die.

So long as there is a signal the chip of course means that if a soldier dies, the brain is downloaded into a new body.  So they can replace bodies like they do ammunition.  But this also has the possibility of a surrogate body.  This means they can download themselves into a vehicle or robotic fighter or even another specially designed flesh and blood body to fight.  As such, they can go back and forth between a "battle body" and then back into their normal bodies once done.

Battle bodies could be specially designed flesh bodies with robotic enhancements, and specially "bred" or designed to be the perfect body to fight with.  As such, there will no longer be any need to have a soldier be physically fit, as they merely switch from body to body.  This body may even be able to directly link to combat vehicles so that a soldier's mind drives the tank or operate the weapon as if they were their own limbs. Basically, a wire from their bodies can plug in to drive a vehicle, or go inside a computer to snoop around.  Heck, the soldier can even become the tank or computer.  All the communication equipment will be integrated into the body along with all necessary medical/maintenance equipment to repair the battle body in the field.  Any additional equipment can be added in the form of smart tattoos for compactness, and thus the only weight needed to be carried will be the weapon and its ammunition.

Conclusion: Obviously this is only a possibility once the technology is perfected.  Each one will be a step toward total control over one's brain and its potential to learn and its ability to literally transplant the soul of an individual from one body to the next.  However, this lifeline once cut traps a soldier in their other body, or prevents them from being saved, which is the most obvious weakness.  Also, if memories can be deleted, this means they can be corrupted and thus, a skilled hacker will be more dangerous than any weapon used on the battlefield.  It will be interesting to see what becomes of this technology, and if it is actually viable for the future.

Issue 582 Only the Bullets Move May 1, 2015

Rail guns and similar technology seem set to overtake traditional guns once power requirement issues have been worked out.  So what are the advantages of this technology?

Magnetic launch:  Firstly it is important to know that this technology uses one of two methods to launch a round. A magnetic field is created to accelerate the round to the speed of sound to launch toward the target, with the other also generating an electrical field to stimulate a chemical that ignites to launch the projectile.  Both require a battery to function and ammunition to work.

Advantages:

1) Stacked ammo:  Unlike traditional guns, the bullets are not in a clip or magazine.  They are not fed through a slot with a spring to be ejected and thus the gun does not jam.  This is because the rounds are stacked in the barrel in a row.  The front projectile is launched first, followed by the second, then the third and so on.  It can do this because the bullets have sensors in them that lets the gun know which bullet to fire first. But there is no ejection mechanisms for cases, or similar as the bullet is the only physical moving part.

2) Multiple barrels and ammo: Interestingly, the gun can have multiple barrels each with multiple types of ammunition that can be selectively fired.  Thus, specialized rounds like a shot guns can also be used (the speed of the bullet can also be adjusted depending on the firing mechanism as well).  Also, multiple barrels means multiple options and less need to reload or carry extra ammunition.   If reloads are needed, the bullets are stacked, so the tube that acts as the barrel is ejected, and a new one is put in, thus simplifying reloads and reducing the risk of the clip/magazine getting caught and pulled out of the gun in high speed combat.

3) Weight:  Because the ammunition no longer requires a shell casing and the other mechanisms of the gun are removed, the gun and ammo are lighter. This is because the gun has zero moving parts.  You simply carry the bullets themselves in the barrel, the battery and the internal computer in a plastic shell.

Conclusion:  These weapons are a new tool, and obviously mean less fatigue due to weight for our soldiers.  But power requirements are the primary issue.  As such, the first weapons are going to be mounted on ships, and then armored vehicles as battery technology progresses.  But once development is complete and is perfected, soldiers will both gain range superiority (these weapons typically have longer firing range based on speed of the projectile coming out) and fire control (speed of the projectile and rate of fire can also be adjusted).  Together combined with the fact that these weapons are fully compatible with smart rounds (detonate at pre-determined distances or have guidance mechanisms), soldiers will become all that much more powerful.