Sunday, December 6, 2009
Mind technology solutions
On April 27th, 2007, a book named the 4-hour work week was published by Tim Ferriss. This was during the time when the Dow Jones Industrial Averages were still above 13,000 and everyone was working. The book was very well received but most people had difficulty applying it.
That same year, renewed printings were circulated by mass email and links posted on the internet on the following critical view about today's human society (link). The original work began in 1995 from Dr. Bob Moorehead's collection of prayers, homilies and sermons used in his sermons and ministry, "The Paradox of Our Age" in Words Aptly Spoken:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less.
We plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality,
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
One night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
On March 6th, 2009, when the global financial system came to a stop, many wondered if the sun would come up again the next day. Today, small business owners struggle, harmful microbes get increasingly stronger, unemployment is high ... US Congress is in discussions about healthcare reform and globally we are concerned about reforming pollution levels at Copenhagen.
So if you brought up the concept, 'Cheers, Chill out, or Relax and Don't Worry' -it is unlikely to be well received by many.
So should we relax and think about how short life is? Or should we work 7 days a week and dig ourselves out of this mess before we lose out on the opportunity to have retirement?
As a Christian scientist and writer, I've been asked to do a discussion on "How To Balance" for Christians. I've posted a modified version here for all secular and non-secular readers. It is separated into 3 parts. Part 1 is whether or not relaxation and rest is necessary and defined in the Bible? Part 2 analyzes disorders of the brain and asks whether or not relaxation or balance is possible? Part 3 looks into the technological solutions because as a society we have failed to be able to accomplish Part 1. We may want to think about what, why and how it has happened but also how do we come out of the darkness?
Part I: Balance and Rest as found in the Holy Bible
The Sabbath was instituted by God's own example:
" And on the seventh day God ended his work which He had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made" (Genesis 2:2-3).
The very God of the universe chose to cease from His labor. He did this not because He was tired (Isaiah 40:28), but because He wanted to set an example for all of humankind. He specifically blessed and made holy the seventh day as a Sabbath, a day of ceasing, greater than two millennia before the time of Moses and the Old Covenant. Exodus 20:11 gives testimony to this fact:
"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: Therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
Jesus Himself, during His earthly ministry, declared that the Sabbath was made for man (that is, humankind), not just for the Hebrews (Mark 2:27). The Sabbath was not a mere Mosaic statute (Definition: Of or relating to Moses or the laws and writings attributed to him) given only to Israel under the Old Covenant. It was set apart at the beginning, as a memorial of God's creative power. The "Day of Rest" - it was ordained by God's own example as a blessing for all mankind. This reason alone should be sufficient for those who seek to do God's will.
Part II: Disorders of the Brain, can we be balanced?
Many examples of pathological disease of the brain leading to a mental disorder can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. To psychiatrists, psychologists and medical practitioners it is better known as the DSM IV.
The following disorders have become well known due to media and film:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) -DSM IV Code: 314.01
Autism -DSM IV Code: 299.00 (less known subtype Asperger syndrome)
Narcolespy -DSM IV Code: 347.00 (characterized by chronic daytime sleepiness)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) -DSM IV Code: 309.81 (characterized as a severe anxiety disorder)
but clearly there are many more examples that are not found in the DSM-IV:
If you watch a C-SPAN discussion on Holocaust Denial Syndromes, you'll also see a discussion where both the listener and the speaker are not communicating. The answers and the questions become mixed and the commentator attempts to moderate.
Road rage is a commonly seen example on the highways.
Video:
Relationships ranging from domestic violence to publications on relationship enhancing approaches have crept up in bookstores, film and even youtube.
Video:
Given the depth of destructive behavior that is wide ranging and the lack of individuals willing to agree upon a combined purpose helps to explain the numerous social media, religions and other ways of life that look to solutions.
Part III: The Answers Are Within Us (We just need to take a peek inside):
Homosapiens have a very destructive pattern of behavior. Researchers are finding that the answers lie within our minds. The brain which is supposed to protect us from fear and hurt is the same brain that has become diseased due to our societal advancements.
We have come a long way as a society and now we can "live happily ever after" with DSM IV and non DSM IV type problems because our brains don't work that way. The Holy Bible talks about a day of rest and we all understand have understood the importance of balance.
Yet we cannot achieve it because we no longer know what rest is.
Is it a day of sleeping? Sleep too much and you have a disorder.
Is it trying different relationships until you meet the right one?
Is it trying different jobs until you find the right job?
What if it is the right one, the perfect match and we don't even know because we don't realize it?!
Example:
You touch hand onto a hot stove and burn your finger.
The brain receives the dangerous input and then creates a reaction that pulls the hand back from the pain to reduce the trauma and damage.
Your hand still hurts and you anguish in pain.
For some people under pain, they desire comfort.
For others under pain, they desire to be left alone.
Some who experience pain will want to substitute with more pain.
And still others who experience pain will want to inflict and deflect the pain to another victim.
What is the right answer? Are these simply survival skills? Should we for the sake of freedom of choice, let all the DSM-IV individuals, road ragers and others loose on the streets?
Research on artificial intelligence is finding that certain parameters outside of normal is unsafe. These parameters when left unchecked and further damaged can create dangerous behaviors that build upon itself. Aggression has been known to be additive and can even be trained.
Society has generally been accepting of disorders because freedom has been a greater desire. However, as dangers become technically advanced and an increasing level of threat where it can bring irreparable damages, governments and the people will be looking to limiting the chance of great catastrophe.
The era of enforcement has arrived and the tools and technology that allow detection of outliers is now possible. Researchers are finding that individuals like a Bernie Madoff and suicide bombers have a certain correlated patterns of thinking that can be destructive.
Neuroscience has removed the fiction from science fiction into actual science of brain scanning. The following video from 60 Minutes is a real story on some earlier breakthroughs.
DNA testing has been allowed.
Hair sampling has been allowed.
Brain scanning will eventually become a courtcase ruling that will indicate it has not violated human rights.
In the meantime, you can start imagining if the brain pattern for "kindness, love and affection" can be measured how much you have, you could self improve or self-limit such actions.
The painful hand could be cured by seeing which areas contributed to pain inside the brain and essentially be turned off using therapy or medicines. Imagine that?
On your select day of resting, you could even check to "see" inside your own head if you're relaxing or fooling yourself into and have underlying stresses about work, relationships etc.
In the next five years, brain chemistry, scanning and solutions will become as known as Google, Microsoft or Hewlett Packard at the business level. And within the next decade, it "could" become commonplace for laypersons.
Some people will feel disturbed by this article and others will embrace it. Feel free to express your thoughts. It is a greater decision that we as a human race must make as a whole and to consider the consequences, risks and rewards.
That same year, renewed printings were circulated by mass email and links posted on the internet on the following critical view about today's human society (link). The original work began in 1995 from Dr. Bob Moorehead's collection of prayers, homilies and sermons used in his sermons and ministry, "The Paradox of Our Age" in Words Aptly Spoken:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less.
We plan more, but accomplish less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality,
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years.
One night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
On March 6th, 2009, when the global financial system came to a stop, many wondered if the sun would come up again the next day. Today, small business owners struggle, harmful microbes get increasingly stronger, unemployment is high ... US Congress is in discussions about healthcare reform and globally we are concerned about reforming pollution levels at Copenhagen.
So if you brought up the concept, 'Cheers, Chill out, or Relax and Don't Worry' -it is unlikely to be well received by many.
So should we relax and think about how short life is? Or should we work 7 days a week and dig ourselves out of this mess before we lose out on the opportunity to have retirement?
As a Christian scientist and writer, I've been asked to do a discussion on "How To Balance" for Christians. I've posted a modified version here for all secular and non-secular readers. It is separated into 3 parts. Part 1 is whether or not relaxation and rest is necessary and defined in the Bible? Part 2 analyzes disorders of the brain and asks whether or not relaxation or balance is possible? Part 3 looks into the technological solutions because as a society we have failed to be able to accomplish Part 1. We may want to think about what, why and how it has happened but also how do we come out of the darkness?
Part I: Balance and Rest as found in the Holy Bible
The Sabbath was instituted by God's own example:
" And on the seventh day God ended his work which He had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made" (Genesis 2:2-3).
The very God of the universe chose to cease from His labor. He did this not because He was tired (Isaiah 40:28), but because He wanted to set an example for all of humankind. He specifically blessed and made holy the seventh day as a Sabbath, a day of ceasing, greater than two millennia before the time of Moses and the Old Covenant. Exodus 20:11 gives testimony to this fact:
"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: Therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
Jesus Himself, during His earthly ministry, declared that the Sabbath was made for man (that is, humankind), not just for the Hebrews (Mark 2:27). The Sabbath was not a mere Mosaic statute (Definition: Of or relating to Moses or the laws and writings attributed to him) given only to Israel under the Old Covenant. It was set apart at the beginning, as a memorial of God's creative power. The "Day of Rest" - it was ordained by God's own example as a blessing for all mankind. This reason alone should be sufficient for those who seek to do God's will.
Part II: Disorders of the Brain, can we be balanced?
Many examples of pathological disease of the brain leading to a mental disorder can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. To psychiatrists, psychologists and medical practitioners it is better known as the DSM IV.
The following disorders have become well known due to media and film:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) -DSM IV Code: 314.01
Autism -DSM IV Code: 299.00 (less known subtype Asperger syndrome)
Narcolespy -DSM IV Code: 347.00 (characterized by chronic daytime sleepiness)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) -DSM IV Code: 309.81 (characterized as a severe anxiety disorder)
but clearly there are many more examples that are not found in the DSM-IV:
If you watch a C-SPAN discussion on Holocaust Denial Syndromes, you'll also see a discussion where both the listener and the speaker are not communicating. The answers and the questions become mixed and the commentator attempts to moderate.
Road rage is a commonly seen example on the highways.
Video:
Relationships ranging from domestic violence to publications on relationship enhancing approaches have crept up in bookstores, film and even youtube.
Video:
Given the depth of destructive behavior that is wide ranging and the lack of individuals willing to agree upon a combined purpose helps to explain the numerous social media, religions and other ways of life that look to solutions.
Part III: The Answers Are Within Us (We just need to take a peek inside):
Homosapiens have a very destructive pattern of behavior. Researchers are finding that the answers lie within our minds. The brain which is supposed to protect us from fear and hurt is the same brain that has become diseased due to our societal advancements.
We have come a long way as a society and now we can "live happily ever after" with DSM IV and non DSM IV type problems because our brains don't work that way. The Holy Bible talks about a day of rest and we all understand have understood the importance of balance.
Yet we cannot achieve it because we no longer know what rest is.
Is it a day of sleeping? Sleep too much and you have a disorder.
Is it trying different relationships until you meet the right one?
Is it trying different jobs until you find the right job?
What if it is the right one, the perfect match and we don't even know because we don't realize it?!
Example:
You touch hand onto a hot stove and burn your finger.
The brain receives the dangerous input and then creates a reaction that pulls the hand back from the pain to reduce the trauma and damage.
Your hand still hurts and you anguish in pain.
For some people under pain, they desire comfort.
For others under pain, they desire to be left alone.
Some who experience pain will want to substitute with more pain.
And still others who experience pain will want to inflict and deflect the pain to another victim.
What is the right answer? Are these simply survival skills? Should we for the sake of freedom of choice, let all the DSM-IV individuals, road ragers and others loose on the streets?
Research on artificial intelligence is finding that certain parameters outside of normal is unsafe. These parameters when left unchecked and further damaged can create dangerous behaviors that build upon itself. Aggression has been known to be additive and can even be trained.
Society has generally been accepting of disorders because freedom has been a greater desire. However, as dangers become technically advanced and an increasing level of threat where it can bring irreparable damages, governments and the people will be looking to limiting the chance of great catastrophe.
The era of enforcement has arrived and the tools and technology that allow detection of outliers is now possible. Researchers are finding that individuals like a Bernie Madoff and suicide bombers have a certain correlated patterns of thinking that can be destructive.
Neuroscience has removed the fiction from science fiction into actual science of brain scanning. The following video from 60 Minutes is a real story on some earlier breakthroughs.
DNA testing has been allowed.
Hair sampling has been allowed.
Brain scanning will eventually become a courtcase ruling that will indicate it has not violated human rights.
In the meantime, you can start imagining if the brain pattern for "kindness, love and affection" can be measured how much you have, you could self improve or self-limit such actions.
The painful hand could be cured by seeing which areas contributed to pain inside the brain and essentially be turned off using therapy or medicines. Imagine that?
On your select day of resting, you could even check to "see" inside your own head if you're relaxing or fooling yourself into and have underlying stresses about work, relationships etc.
In the next five years, brain chemistry, scanning and solutions will become as known as Google, Microsoft or Hewlett Packard at the business level. And within the next decade, it "could" become commonplace for laypersons.
Some people will feel disturbed by this article and others will embrace it. Feel free to express your thoughts. It is a greater decision that we as a human race must make as a whole and to consider the consequences, risks and rewards.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Demand Very Strong for Clean Coal Research (Viable Green Solution?)
Obama as Senator, The carbon sequestration pitch:
The Virginia pitch:
The 60 Minutes Challenge:
A Conspiracy Challenge On Freedom Sequestration:
Excerpt taken from FINKELMAN, Robert B., U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA 20192, CENTENO, Jose A., Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC 20306, and ZHENG, Baoshan, Institute of Geochemistry, Guiyang, 550002, China [EMAIL: rbf@usgs.gov]
Health problems caused by coal are derived from either the use of poor quality coal (high ash, high sulfur, or high content of toxic trace elements) or by the improper use of coal. When poor quality coal is used in an improper way the resultant health problems can be widespread and severe. In millions of houses in many developing countries coal and other biomass fuels are burned in unvented stoves causing severe indoor air pollution. In Guizhou Province, southwest China the situation is exacerbated by the villagers' use of coal that has extraordinary high concentrations of toxic elements. Thousands of people in this region are suffering from severe arsenic poisoning. More than 10 million people in Guizhou Province and surrounding areas suffer from dental and skeletal fluorosis. The fluorine exposure is due to the use of briquettes made from high-fluorine coals and high-fluorine clay binders. A preliminary geochemical survey indicates that low arsenic coals and low fluorine coals and clays are available. A simple, inexpensive field test kit has been developed to help the villagers identify low-arsenic coal. Not all of the health problems attributed to coal are caused by combustion. An unusual situation exists in the Balkans where there may be health problems caused by coal in the ground. Well waters containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons leached from low-rank coals may be the cause of, or a contributing factor to, Balkan Endemic Nephropathy, an interstitial nephropathy, that is believed to have killed more than 100,000 people in the former Yugoslavia alone. Not all of the allegations of health problems caused by coal are legitimate. Concerns expressed about exposure to radioactivity from coal and coal combustion products are misplaced. The products of commercial coal combustion (fly ash, bottom ash) have uranium and thorium concentrations about 5-10 times higher than that of the coal. However, the uranium and thorium in the coal byproducts should not cause concern because they are mostly in insoluble forms at concentration levels similar to most soils.
Medically speaking, in the past, dirty coal burning without the proper technology can cause harmful pathological conditions. With the Copenhagen Treaty looking pretty set on finalizing green eco-friendly solution, clean coal will be in high demand. This will come at a cost to some industries while creating jobs in others. Change will be here by this Christmas.
For more information on the future of coal, click here for download from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology coal study.
Which side are you for? Do you feel it is a real possibility or political hype?
The Virginia pitch:
The 60 Minutes Challenge:
A Conspiracy Challenge On Freedom Sequestration:
Excerpt taken from FINKELMAN, Robert B., U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA 20192, CENTENO, Jose A., Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC 20306, and ZHENG, Baoshan, Institute of Geochemistry, Guiyang, 550002, China [EMAIL: rbf@usgs.gov]
Health problems caused by coal are derived from either the use of poor quality coal (high ash, high sulfur, or high content of toxic trace elements) or by the improper use of coal. When poor quality coal is used in an improper way the resultant health problems can be widespread and severe. In millions of houses in many developing countries coal and other biomass fuels are burned in unvented stoves causing severe indoor air pollution. In Guizhou Province, southwest China the situation is exacerbated by the villagers' use of coal that has extraordinary high concentrations of toxic elements. Thousands of people in this region are suffering from severe arsenic poisoning. More than 10 million people in Guizhou Province and surrounding areas suffer from dental and skeletal fluorosis. The fluorine exposure is due to the use of briquettes made from high-fluorine coals and high-fluorine clay binders. A preliminary geochemical survey indicates that low arsenic coals and low fluorine coals and clays are available. A simple, inexpensive field test kit has been developed to help the villagers identify low-arsenic coal. Not all of the health problems attributed to coal are caused by combustion. An unusual situation exists in the Balkans where there may be health problems caused by coal in the ground. Well waters containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons leached from low-rank coals may be the cause of, or a contributing factor to, Balkan Endemic Nephropathy, an interstitial nephropathy, that is believed to have killed more than 100,000 people in the former Yugoslavia alone. Not all of the allegations of health problems caused by coal are legitimate. Concerns expressed about exposure to radioactivity from coal and coal combustion products are misplaced. The products of commercial coal combustion (fly ash, bottom ash) have uranium and thorium concentrations about 5-10 times higher than that of the coal. However, the uranium and thorium in the coal byproducts should not cause concern because they are mostly in insoluble forms at concentration levels similar to most soils.
Medically speaking, in the past, dirty coal burning without the proper technology can cause harmful pathological conditions. With the Copenhagen Treaty looking pretty set on finalizing green eco-friendly solution, clean coal will be in high demand. This will come at a cost to some industries while creating jobs in others. Change will be here by this Christmas.
For more information on the future of coal, click here for download from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology coal study.
Which side are you for? Do you feel it is a real possibility or political hype?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Dangerous Knowledge (1-10)
This ten part video series provides an explanation of why and how researchers who work on unraveling uncertainties become profoundly changed. In this BBC documentary, David Malone looks at four brilliant mathematicians whom the general public knows very little about - Georg Cantor, Ludwig Boltzmann, Kurt Gödel and Alan Turing.
It is the quest for answers to problems that will improve and save lives that will leave your own life forever changed. Enjoy!
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII
Part IX
Part X
It is the quest for answers to problems that will improve and save lives that will leave your own life forever changed. Enjoy!
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII
Part IX
Part X
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Healthcare Reform (It will happen and change IS coming) ... Are you prepared?
Dear Readers,
Been extremely busy these few months as 2009 comes to a rapid close and Thanksgiving is a week away. Busy on what? In my line of work, sometimes our greatest accomplishments are based on what didn't happen or transpire. That's what preventative maintenance is all about.
So "as the world turns", there is yet another major event that is coming up that will affect your life because the numbers have gotten "out of hand". And that is the topic of much debate called the "Healthcare Reform Bill". Does it have national and international implications? Absolutely!
Is there a righjavascript:void(0)t or wrong answer? It depends on which side of the fence you sit on and undoubtedly with rising unemployment (>10%) of the national workforce, a dropping dollar and worries about an overheating international economy ... you should be concerned.
We need to start to wake-up and to have a serious and hard look at cost cutting measures for the greater good. But will that impact accessibility to the best medical care? Absolutely. So what should we do? We need to increase efficiencies and start to think as a whole community. Perhaps evaluating the taboo territory of alternative medical care, prevention, eating right ... may become a necessary part of everyone's share?
Here's the latest on what has happened over the weekend:
Senate about to vote (WSJ)
Best in Health!!
Historical Views:
One view promoting health reform (sponsor included):
Certain Physicians' View:
Keith Olbermann's View:
President Obama's Address:
Regardless of what kind of reform is chosen, we need to cut costs, improve efficiency and make technological advances that will lower our unsustainable burdens. The US healthcare problem plays a significant role in the US healthcare deficit problem.
There are arguments for right and left views. At the end of the road, something will happen and change is coming. Are you informed and prepared? Are you a small or medium sized business owner or employee? This will ultimately affect an unprecedented number of lives.
I look forward to seeing your views ...
Been extremely busy these few months as 2009 comes to a rapid close and Thanksgiving is a week away. Busy on what? In my line of work, sometimes our greatest accomplishments are based on what didn't happen or transpire. That's what preventative maintenance is all about.
So "as the world turns", there is yet another major event that is coming up that will affect your life because the numbers have gotten "out of hand". And that is the topic of much debate called the "Healthcare Reform Bill". Does it have national and international implications? Absolutely!
Is there a righjavascript:void(0)t or wrong answer? It depends on which side of the fence you sit on and undoubtedly with rising unemployment (>10%) of the national workforce, a dropping dollar and worries about an overheating international economy ... you should be concerned.
We need to start to wake-up and to have a serious and hard look at cost cutting measures for the greater good. But will that impact accessibility to the best medical care? Absolutely. So what should we do? We need to increase efficiencies and start to think as a whole community. Perhaps evaluating the taboo territory of alternative medical care, prevention, eating right ... may become a necessary part of everyone's share?
Here's the latest on what has happened over the weekend:
Senate about to vote (WSJ)
Best in Health!!
Historical Views:
One view promoting health reform (sponsor included):
Certain Physicians' View:
Keith Olbermann's View:
President Obama's Address:
Regardless of what kind of reform is chosen, we need to cut costs, improve efficiency and make technological advances that will lower our unsustainable burdens. The US healthcare problem plays a significant role in the US healthcare deficit problem.
There are arguments for right and left views. At the end of the road, something will happen and change is coming. Are you informed and prepared? Are you a small or medium sized business owner or employee? This will ultimately affect an unprecedented number of lives.
I look forward to seeing your views ...
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The remaining 3 months of 2009 ...
Nine months into the year and we've experienced:
1. The stock markets crashed in March 2009 and we're moving to higher highs.
2. We've witnessed a nasty virus (H1N1) and it spread to level 6 pandemic levels.
3. Gold has rocketed to almost breaking 1038/oz.
4. The US dollar is close to breaking another low (Bloomberg).
5. We are at the brink of national healthcare reform.
6. Sell-in May and go away (did not happen, the markets rallied).
7. September crash month of 2008 did not occur (so far).
8. The infamous fear index (^VIX) is trending lower.
What do you think will be in store for the rest of 2009? Where do we go from here?
One thing for sure has happened is problems continue to worsen but the reaction has gotten less and less (even the media has stopped talking about the bad things).
We've printed lots of $ and the conclusion at the G20 was we need to continue supporting a recovering economy. Few are buying gold jewelry but for some strange reason, someone or something is parking lots of money into gold. Some guess it is could be China.
Yes, stability has occurred and it may be here to stay with a cost. The cost will be a weaker dollar. If the problems require even more printing, the dollar may further weaken and gold may break to higher levels despite lack of jewelry demand.
Only time will tell what 2009 holds in store for Christmas this year.
U.S. consumers have changed and showed that change is possible. Articles on being frugal (aka Financially Fit) is the new trend: story.
What do you see for the remaining 3 months?
One thing is for sure. Oil has remained expensive and increased demand could make it go higher. Less demand means less recovery (so we don't want that either). How about food? Will food get cheaper or more expensive? The only solution would be to mass produce more animals, more plants in confined conditions.
Here is some humor to pass the time:
Question: But wouldn't that create more H1N1 like viruses?
Answer: Yes, but let's put that off for now and worry about a financial recovery. By the way, those genetically modified crops could offer a way to lower food costs.
Question: But wouldn't we run the risk of single genetics that could get infected (i.e. the potato blight in Ireland)?
Answer: Anything is possible. Let's put that off for now and worry about feeding the family with lower cost foods. By the way, those genetically modified crops taste quite 'similar'. You'll get used to it and soon forget there was ever an issue.
Question: Those banks that were too big to fail have gotten stronger. This seems like creating a bigger bubble than before.
Answer: Nah, you're just being oversensitive. If there is another bubble, we'll take care of it just like we always do.
Question: The water doesn't taste so good. There are medical publications about acinetobacter being multi-drug resistant. Do you think the wastewater facilities are working?
Answer: What do you want? It is free. Low cost. How can you complain about free stuff. Now if we could start charging for it, we might improvise.
1. The stock markets crashed in March 2009 and we're moving to higher highs.
2. We've witnessed a nasty virus (H1N1) and it spread to level 6 pandemic levels.
3. Gold has rocketed to almost breaking 1038/oz.
4. The US dollar is close to breaking another low (Bloomberg).
5. We are at the brink of national healthcare reform.
6. Sell-in May and go away (did not happen, the markets rallied).
7. September crash month of 2008 did not occur (so far).
8. The infamous fear index (^VIX) is trending lower.
What do you think will be in store for the rest of 2009? Where do we go from here?
One thing for sure has happened is problems continue to worsen but the reaction has gotten less and less (even the media has stopped talking about the bad things).
We've printed lots of $ and the conclusion at the G20 was we need to continue supporting a recovering economy. Few are buying gold jewelry but for some strange reason, someone or something is parking lots of money into gold. Some guess it is could be China.
Yes, stability has occurred and it may be here to stay with a cost. The cost will be a weaker dollar. If the problems require even more printing, the dollar may further weaken and gold may break to higher levels despite lack of jewelry demand.
Only time will tell what 2009 holds in store for Christmas this year.
U.S. consumers have changed and showed that change is possible. Articles on being frugal (aka Financially Fit) is the new trend: story.
What do you see for the remaining 3 months?
One thing is for sure. Oil has remained expensive and increased demand could make it go higher. Less demand means less recovery (so we don't want that either). How about food? Will food get cheaper or more expensive? The only solution would be to mass produce more animals, more plants in confined conditions.
Here is some humor to pass the time:
Question: But wouldn't that create more H1N1 like viruses?
Answer: Yes, but let's put that off for now and worry about a financial recovery. By the way, those genetically modified crops could offer a way to lower food costs.
Question: But wouldn't we run the risk of single genetics that could get infected (i.e. the potato blight in Ireland)?
Answer: Anything is possible. Let's put that off for now and worry about feeding the family with lower cost foods. By the way, those genetically modified crops taste quite 'similar'. You'll get used to it and soon forget there was ever an issue.
Question: Those banks that were too big to fail have gotten stronger. This seems like creating a bigger bubble than before.
Answer: Nah, you're just being oversensitive. If there is another bubble, we'll take care of it just like we always do.
Question: The water doesn't taste so good. There are medical publications about acinetobacter being multi-drug resistant. Do you think the wastewater facilities are working?
Answer: What do you want? It is free. Low cost. How can you complain about free stuff. Now if we could start charging for it, we might improvise.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Propionibacterium acnes market
According to the Mayo Clinic, the pathogenesis of acne (diagram) is formed when the
1. pore is clogged (no oxygen)
2. Propionibacterium acnes a gram positive species which thrives under anaerobic conditions increases in numbers (this can be detected by measuring for endogenic porphyrin–coporphyrin III). Unlike most anaerobic bacteria, P. acnes is aerotolerant so it survives in the presence of oxygen.
3. When a pore is blocked, this anaerobic bacteria overgrows and secretes chemicals that breakdown the wall of the pore, spilling other bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus into the skin. Interestingly, Staph. aureus is a Gram positive, facultative anaerobe (it can exist in the presence and absence of oxygen).
Comparisons of Liquid Growth (this figure provides good insight)
4. the sebum/oils become infected with a mixture of bacteria
5. inflammation pathway is triggered, re-triggered and scars develop
Common typical solutions:
Usage of benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics (i.e. tetracyclin, Clindamycin, Azithromycin), tretinoin -for scarring, U.V. light
Common problems:
Treatment resistance getting intolerable, ineffective with side effects (dry skin, pigmentation), problems reappear in weeks/months, enviro-toxic, unnecessary chemo-induced aging.
Less common problems:
Photosensitivity increased, Redness, itching, hives, swelling and a burning sensation after topical application
Cautionary statements specific to tretinoin (i.e. Retin-A):
It is a teratogen, and therefore can cause birth defects and tests have shown increases in foetal skull abnormalities in rats. Women who are or may be pregnant, or who are seeking to become pregnant, are therefore warned against using it. This teratogenic effect is caused by the interference of the exogenous retinoic acid with endogenous retinoic acid signaling, which plays a role in patterning the developing embryo. However the risks of topical tretinoin to the unborn child seems to be 'limited'.
Research Objective:
To find an alternative, low cost method to non-invasively disrupt bacterial mixtures while impregnating them into a facial cleansing system.
Background:
The electric dipole moment for a pair of opposite charges of magnitude q is defined as the magnitude of the charge times the distance between them and the defined direction is toward the positive charge. It is a useful concept in atoms and molecules where the effects of charge separation are measurable, but the distances between the charges are too small to be easily measurable. It is also a useful concept in skincare applications (see documents).
Water molecules as a liquid state are attracted to each other by electrostatic forces, and these forces have been described as van der Waals forces or van der Waals bonds. Even though the water molecule as a whole is electrically neutral, the distribution of charge in the molecule is not symmetrical and leads to a dipole field - a microscopic separation of the positive and negative charge centers. This leads to a net attraction between such polar molecules which finds expression in the cohesion of water molecules and contributes to water's properties of viscosity and surface tension. Van der Waals forces are what holds water in the liquid state until thermal conditions are violent enough to break those van der Waal bonds at 100°C. With cooling, residual electrostatic forces between the molecules cause water to liquify and eventually solidfy into ice.
Advantages:
Chemical free, 100% eco-friendly. Upon dilution, the activated dipole will become normalized drinking water, low cost, non-invasive, hypoallergenic.
Conclusions:
By utilizing uniquely dipolarized water, a unique action known to water molecules, aerotolerant, facultative and obligate can be reduced, removed without creating an enviro-compromising solutions. Additionally, resistance can not occur since the methodology is using molecular weight 18.0 g/mol smaller than oxygen (32.0 g/mol) as a penetration force.
Market size:
According to the 2003 annual report of Johnson & Johnson, the global skincare market is worth $43 billion per year. In June 2002, an Italian magazine: Italia Imballagio estimated that there are more than 14,000 cosmetics producers worldwide."Through acquisitions and, more importantly, strong post-acquisition growth, we now hold a leading position in the highly-fragmented $43billion per year global skin care market."Johnson & Johnson: 2003
Here is the 2008 annual report from Johnson & Johnson for comparisons:
http://www.myvirtualpaper.com/doc/jnj/Johnson-And-Johnson/2009030501/
Acne treatments will account for $561 million, or 16.9% of the market by 2008. Topical germicidals and antiseptic sector accounted for $469 million in 2003, representing 15.3% of total market value. (Source: GY T.)
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