I see future education primarily consisting of teaching most students how to use AI. No worries about grades, reading and math proficiency, honor rolls or SAT scores. AI will act as the support system to help students know, think and choose similar to a ventilator assisting with breathing.
Author: Eric
INTJ personality. Jack of many trades, master of some. Former banker, consultant, technical writer, marketing manager, infopreneur and communications manager, now retired. Eclectic and sometimes eccentric. Cynical and often critical.
Sideline Comments on Israel-Hamas War
The war between Israel and Hamas demands that the U.S. Government and its political leaders act responsibly, cautiously and forcefully. But it’s national election time and as the RNC Chairwoman proclaimed this crisis is a “great opportunity” for Republican candidates. It may be a better opportunity for Republicans to get their house in order and elect a Speaker of the House who won’t disgrace Congress as so many of its members are doing (Gaetz, Greene, Boebert, Jordan, Santos etc.).
I question whether the hatred and enmity between Israel and Hamas is that much different than between Democrats and Republicans.
Can anyone imagine how Donald Trump would handle this crisis if he were now President? I can’t imagine…
So many lies already…Republicans falsely claiming that the Iran money unfrozen by Washington was used to finance these attacks. Have they no shame????
If any of the hostages in Gaza are American, this would greatly acerbate the danger of this crisis worldwide. The images of women being assaulted and families separated are horrifying enough.
I don’t think that the Israeli people are interested in a negotiated settlement. The U.S. was not interested in a negotiated settlement after 9/11, just revenge.
Scary how the level of outrage is muted even within the U.S. about this atrocity. Harvard students blaming Israel for the attack, deaths and abductions???
Civille Bellum
As I grow older, my sense of disappointment toward my country, its government, and its people deepens. I was born seven years after our nation, as part of the Allied forces, achieved a significant victory over the original Axis powers—Germany, Japan, and Italy. At the age of 17, I witnessed our space program successfully landing a man on the moon, less than seven years after President John F. Kennedy made that ambitious commitment. I struggle to find a comparable scientific or societal achievement in my lifetime.
However, today, our education system appears to be in disarray. Many students are graduating from schools without essential skills such as reading, writing, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities. It’s disheartening to see that issues like abortion, civil rights, and equal rights, once believed to be resolved, are now being re-litigated, forcing us to fight battles we thought we had already won. Shocking events like school shootings and instances of political corruption fail to galvanize the public as they once did; they are met with indifference and apathy.
Decades ago, our nation had a responsible and respected press. Figures like Walter Cronkite, Peter Jennings, Edward R. Murrow, David Broder, and David Brinkley delivered the news. Today, however, a concerning number of people consume propaganda rather than news, relying on figures like Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, and Fox News. Contemporary news media seems more focused on inciting emotions than providing factual information.
It’s astonishing to witness individuals like Matt Gaetz, Lauren Boebert, Jim Jordan, and Marjorie Taylor Greene holding influential positions in Congress. These individuals now occupy the same halls once walked by statesmen like David Webster, John Calhoun, John McCain, and James Madison.
Our national politics have become a source of mockery. The leading Republican candidate for President is currently embroiled in legal troubles, including accusations of inflating assets for loans, election interference in Georgia, misuse of confidential documents, hush money payments to a porn star, and attempts to overturn certified election results. He has even lost a civil case involving sexual assault allegations. Shockingly, a significant portion of our populace, including many religious individuals, remains supportive of him.
In contrast, Joe Biden now serves as the country’s “Paul von Hindenburg,” an aged politician placed in power to safeguard against an impending threat that could jeopardize our nation’s very fabric.
As I reflect on these troubling developments, I find myself wishing I could live another 20-30 years to read what historians and writers will have to say about these times. I fear the unknown challenges that may arise. We seem to be in the midst of a civil war, though, so far, only harsh words have been exchanged. I hold out hope that someone will step forward to unite our fractured nation. However, history has shown that most well-intentioned politicians and national leaders are often rejected.
( There was a time when I used to discuss and argue politics. No longer. Too partisan. Too many closed and uninformed minds. Political arguments are expressed in rage, not reason. I don’t see this changing anytime soon.)
Moving Violations
Moving can be a daunting task for anyone, but when you’ve lived in the same place for 38 years and are transitioning to a new environment, the physical, emotional, and mental toll can be overwhelming. My wife and I recently moved to a new construction home in an over 55 community, and it was an experience that tested us in many ways. I’ll share some valuable tips, thoughts, and observations based on our journey.
- Legal Safeguard: Consider hiring a lawyer to review any sales agreements, contracts, or negotiations. While you may hope for smooth sailing, having legal counsel in your corner can provide a safety net if things go awry.
- Budget Realistically: When creating a moving budget, be sure to add 30-50% more in expenses than you initially projected. Our estimated packing and moving expenses were around $4,000, but the actual cost ended up closer to $6,000. Some companies may provide lowball bids, so it’s essential to anticipate potential hidden costs.
- Vet Your Contractors: For any work exceeding $100, obtain multiple bids and exercise caution when encountering lowball offers. Trust recommendations from friends or family for selecting contractors or handymen. Reliable professionals are crucial during a move.
- Expect Delays: Be prepared for unexpected delays in your move. My wife and I found ourselves as vagabonds for ten days because our new home wasn’t ready as anticipated. Planning a budget for accommodations and meals during such delays is wise.
- Balance and Diversions: To combat the overwhelming stress that often accompanies a move, make time for downtime and activities unrelated to the moving process. Personally, I found solace in playing pickleball as a distraction from the hustle and bustle of relocation.
- Lean on Your Support System: Having friends, family, or a support system can be invaluable when you’re feeling down, angry, or frustrated during the move. Their emotional support can make a world of difference.
- Problem Solvers vs. Problem Creators: Choose to work with individuals who are proactive problem solvers rather than those who create more issues than they resolve. Too often, I had to step in to handle problems that the professionals I’d hired should have managed.
- Selling Items: Sometimes, you can’t sell everything you planned to. Despite our efforts, we found it challenging to sell items like a snow thrower, furniture, and kitchen items that were in good condition but we were unable to move to the new home. In the end, we had to donate or give away 90% of what we had hoped to sell, despite significant discounts.
Moving is undoubtedly a formidable challenge, and our recent experience highlighted the importance of thorough planning, realistic budgeting, and a strong support system
Movie Review: A Haunting in Venice
Summary: Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is asked by a friend and mystery author Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey) to attend a seance held on Halloween so he can debunk claims by a woman (Michelle Yeow) that she can communicate with the dead. Strange events occur including a few murders, unexplained attacks, spooky noises and visions of ghosts. Excellent storytelling and plenty of plot twists and turns.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Highlights: Branagh is brilliant as Poirot. First time, I saw Tina Fey in a dramatic role and she was very good.Kelly Reilly plays the distraught mother of a deceased child and it good to see her outside her role of Beth Dutton in Yellowstone. Excellent supporting cast.
This is a bit of a “dark movie.” Most of the scenes are shot with little light. A bit disconcerting at times but consistent with the movie’s theme and settings.
I really enjoyed the ending. Poirot was able to review events and even minute clues to come up with not only the murderer but the motives and ambitions of all the guests.
Excellent mystery and storytelling…
GOP Debate Review 8/23/23
Notes from GOP Presidential Debate sponsored by Fox News
Best to Worst
Nikki Haley
Chris Christie
Mike Pence
Tim Scott
Ron DeSantis
Asa Hutchinson
Governor Burgin
Ramaswamy
Best Insult: Christie comparing Ramaswamy to Chatgpt
Best Moments: Pence and Haley reading the riot act to a “smarmy” Ramaswamy on his lack of foreign affairs experience and knowledge
Biggest Surprise: Feistiness of Mike Pence
Biggest Loser: Debate mob that booed Ukraine and a defense of our Constitution, applauded Putin and their irrational support of Donald Trump
Haley has a remote chance to be the nominee. Hard to see the others get the GOP nomination.
American Philosophy: Book Review and Notes
This book was a very pleasant surprise. In college, I took a philosophy course that covered Pragmatism and I read books by William James, Charles Sanders Pierce, John Dewey, Josiah Royce etc. Kaag had a strong interest in the American philosophy of the late 19th century and did an excellent job of explaining it so that the general reader could understand it. In addition, he described the personalities and lives of the various philosophers – – many of them had more interesting lives outside of their academic pursuits. Kaag’s research takes place in the abandoned library of William Ernest Hocking. To be honest, reading about someone’s research in a library could be very tedious and boring. But I found it very interesting – –Kaag’s dedication and pursuit of information and material.
I highlight portions of books I own if I find them informative or interesting. Shown below are some of my notes below:
Pragmatism holds the truth is to be judged on the basis of its practical consequences, on its ability to negotiate an enrich human experience.
“Riches take wings; fame is a breath; love is a cheat; youth and health and pleasure vanish.” William James
Thoreau… had a hunch that frenetic busyness should not be the business of human life, that chatter makes one feel horribly alone, that well-paid jobs are different from “callings.” And that long relationships are not necessarily synonymous with meaningful ones. (Thoreau never married.)
Walking gives one many things, according to Thoreau, but one of its greatest gifts is time.
Socrates stands before his neighbors and says the unthinkable – – that there is something worse than death: living an ugly, wicked, boring life.
The lesson that William James gleaned from evolutionarily theory was of an existential variety – – human life was a natural process that began in the wailing of babies and ended in the pangs of death. In between was the seemingly futile struggle for survival.
In the 17th century the Frenchman (Pascal) argued that in the absence of proof, it is safer to believe in God ( since you lose relatively little if you were wrong) about his existence ( then to adopt atheism) and face eternal damnation on the Day of Judgment.
Equanimity
“True equanimity arises when we embrace the flow of life without being swept away by its currents.” – Ram Dass
In memory of two high school classmates who recently died…
As we grow older, we descend like a starship pulling from the gravity of our youthful endeavors, and settle into the “orbit of mortality.”
The sounds of ocean waves lapping along the shore, like hymns from a church organ evoke peace and soulful contemplation.
There is no better sedative than sitting on the couch, cool drink in hand and dozing off to one of my wife’s Hallmark movies.
How I look forward to summer! By July 1, how I look forward to autumn!
My True Confession: I never flirted with a woman I desired. AI version: Desire unspoken, a confession true: I never flirted, yet yearned for you.
Three mindsets of a life long athlete: in youth, WIN; in good health, COMPETE; in old age, PARTICIPATE.
I was surprised to hear of the current writers’ strike in movies and TV. Based on what I view on the screen, I thought their work stoppage began in 1990.
Future historians will equate January 6, 2021 as this era’s Fort Sumter, the start of a new civil war.
Review: Journals 1952-2000 by Arthur Schlesinger Jr.
In Journals 1952-2000,” Arthur Schlesinger Jr. offers a captivating exploration of American political history spanning the Eisenhower to Clinton administrations. Through his unparalleled connections with U.S. Presidents, foreign leaders, intellectuals, and cultural icons, Schlesinger provides an insider’s perspective on the tumultuous events that shaped the 20th century.
With candor, Schlesinger delves into his personal sentiments, both favorable and critical, towards prominent figures of the era. The admiration for the Kennedy brothers, John and Robert, shines through, while his disillusionment with Lyndon Johnson’s interpersonal approach and bizarre behavior is apparent. Notably, Schlesinger’s palpable disdain for Richard Nixon adds an ironic twist, considering their proximity as neighbors following Nixon’s presidency.
Throughout the book, Schlesinger’s political inclinations come to the fore, as he expresses his reservations about Republican presidents such as Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Nixon. His critique extends to a fellow Democrat, Jimmy Carter, revealing Schlesinger’s willingness to evaluate leaders from his own party objectively.
The narrative isn’t limited to policy discussions; Schlesinger enthralls readers with captivating anecdotes, insider gossip, and subtle insinuations involving prominent politicians, particularly those in the nation’s capital. Delicate topics, including the romantic entanglements of President Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, Gary Hart, Bill Clinton, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Rockefeller, are deftly navigated.
A noteworthy revelation is Schlesinger’s subtle hint at the complex relationship between himself, Robert Kennedy, and the enigmatic Marilyn Monroe. His close friendship with Jackie Kennedy also comes to the forefront, offering readers a unique glimpse into her life.
“Journals” serves as a window into Schlesinger’s engagement with pivotal issues of his time, encompassing the Vietnam War, the Cold War, Mideast tensions, diplomatic overtures with Russia and China, and the high-stakes Cuban Missile Crisis. Schlesinger’s multifaceted talents shine as he shares his role in crafting speeches and messages for aspiring Democratic presidential candidates.
Despite its substantial 783-page length, it maintains an engrossing narrative that captivates without causing reader fatigue. The book is both an enjoyable read and an invaluable source of information, making it a compelling recommendation for scholars of presidential history and anyone intrigued by the intricacies of American politics and events from 1952 to 2000.
Three Ingredients for a Successful Pickleball Partnership
As the popularity of pickleball continues to soar and tournaments and informal leagues thrive, the significance of successful partnerships on the court becomes increasingly evident. Whether you’re aiming for victory or simply seeking enjoyment, a well-matched pickleball partnership can make all the difference. In my opinion, here are the three most important criteria for a pickleball partnership.
- Shared Mindset
A successful pickleball partnership begins with a shared mindset, where both partners align their expectations regarding the balance between competitiveness and fun. This shared mindset will help create harmony, ensuring both partners are on the same page and working towards a common goal.
2. Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful partnership, and pickleball is no exception. On the court, partners must communicate their strategies, tactics, and intentions to synchronize their efforts and maximize their performance. Verbal communication is essential, but non-verbal cues, such as body language and eye contact, also play a significant role in maintaining a strong partnership. Partners should offer encouragement and support to each other, particularly during challenging moments.
3. Synergy
To elevate their game to new heights, partners should strive to achieve synergy—a state where their skills, strengths, and playing styles complement each other. One partner may excel in power shots while the other may possess exceptional finesse and precision. By capitalizing on these strengths, partners can form a dynamic duo that outmaneuvers their opponents and adapts seamlessly to changing game situations.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re aiming for victory in tournaments or seeking joy in friendly matches, embracing these key ingredients will undoubtedly enhance your pickleball experience and help you forge long-lasting partnerships that thrive both on and off the court.
Esot-eric 