With an increasing number of software mediated products, services and communications are we bleeding away opportunities for empathy in everyday interactions? Life is becoming increasingly transactional.
Product & Startup Builder
Porshe 911 GT2 MS MR
Republicans Call For Rep. Schiff's Resignation
Things are truly broken when all the world got was a 4 page summary of a 300 page report written by a stooge of the target of the investigation.
Things are truly broken when the standard for Trump is that he didn’t break the law when each and every unethical thing he’s done - in isolation - would normally result in a politician stepping down or at least being isolated from making serious decisions.
Things are truly broken when a basically honorable man needs to defend himself against character attacks and calls for resignation by a man and a party that make dangerous lies every. single. day.
The farce and double standard boggles the mind.
All this while the media and others act like this is serious, substantive debate.
As Colbert says - Nothing matters anymore.
People Are Dying: AOC Delivers Fiery Speech
Finally someone who speaks with a passion and exasperation appropriate for the moment
A Plurality Actually Love Him
I think everyone has put way too much emphasis on the Mueller investigation when Trump’s corruption, high crimes and misdemeanors are being done in plain sight.
He admitted, on TV, to firing Comey because of the Russia investigation. Then he invited Russians to the oval office and gloated about it.
He’s undermined the investigation (and faith in democratic institutions) and tampered with witnesses for the last two years with endless streams of Tweets, bullying, political pressure and even firings. And that’s only what we’ve seen in public.
He’s already been named in public indictments as “individual 1” and as an unindicted co-conspirator.
What else do the American people need to rise up? What else does the spineless congress need to impeach?
They won’t even rebuke his desecration of a dead war hero or the abuse of a gold star family - clearly immoral actions that anyone with a brain can see as disgusting and corrosive. So how can we believe they would act to redress abstract machinations from years ago?
The Democrats have already said that impeachment is probably not appropriate. What’s worse, is they might not even be wrong. Trumps political ideology needs to be thoroughly rebuked at the ballot box by the American electorate.
Unfortunately, though, a plurality of them actually love him. And, that, my friends, is the real tragedy here.
Assault Rifles To Be Banned In New Zealand
This is what happens when the government functions because lobbyists don’t write legislation or buy politicians and media outlets dedicated to propaganda (Fox News and right wing talk radio) don’t exist to confuse people.
Disappointing Apple Product Releases
Apple should be embarrassed by their product releases this week. Disappointing
Car Craze
Stadia GDC 2019 Gaming Announcement
Christchurch Mosque Shootings
Finally got a chance to catch up on this. Perfect words for the moment.
Stuff vs. Experiences
On the debate over “stuff” vs “experiences”:
Life isn’t about stuff OR experiences. These things facilitate each other.
I’ve had some of the most amazing experiences because of my “stuff”. Hosted exciting gatherings in my apartment. Enjoyed emotional stories on my TV. Had exhilarating rides in my car.
Each of those experiences was shared with people - resulting in meeting new people or creating deeper relationships.
So while there are pure experiences facilitated by services (e.g airline travel to hotels), “stuff” is often a very direct means by which we have experiences and meaningful relationships with other people.
In fact, I usually buy “stuff” based almost entirely on an analysis of how it can make my day-to-day experience more productive or create shared experiences for my friends and family.
Being an aspiring minimalist, I also donate or throw stuff out based on the same analysis.
The key, of course, is to place the emphasis where it belongs - not on the stuff, but on the experiences and people facilitated by the stuff. Because if you’re not careful, stuff can own you - instead of the other way around. That’s why I try to share everything with my loved ones - both in person and online.
HR Startup Shortlyster
Best Car
If your car doesn’t make you look back as you walk away, then what’s the point
Modern Star Trek Problems
The problem with modern Star Trek is that the people running it, don’t get it.
Star Trek is not about the plot/mystery. It’s about the parable. It’s about an ethical knot that needs to be untangled or a character’s perspective that needs to be explored or updated.
Star Trek isn’t about 1 character (I.e Michael), it’s about a trinity or family of people who combine their skills.
Star Trek isn’t about a group of people with interpersonal problems - it’s about a group of amazing, highly competent people working together to effectively achieve important things. It’s about how they overcome the rigidity of the Starfleet hierarchy to become a family.
Star Trek isn’t about action, it’s about discussion. It isn’t about a moving camera and solving problems with fights and phasers. It’s about using logic and conversation to untangle complicated ethical quandaries and differences in perspective.
Star Trek isn’t about treating the audience like idiots who aren’t paying a lot of attention (therefore requiring constant exposition dumps) but rather about trusting the audience to use their intellect to piece together the situation and the rules of the universe.
Edit: Star Trek didn’t need to be saved by Social Justice Warriors. It has always featured diverse casts of strong men, women, and aliens.
I’m not upset that everything looks different, or that things don’t line up with cannon. I’m upset that the spirit of the show is completely lost.
I’m not upset about “just a TV show” - I’m upset that something that has been culturally important (and is needed now more than ever) is being wasted/diluted for no good reason.
The Enemy Is Extremism . . .
The enemy is extremism, tribalism and desperation.
More heartbreaking and dangerous than attacks like these is the refusal of mainstream leaders and media to call it what it is - terrorism. Because then we would have to admit that Terrorism isn’t limited to one religion or one side - but rather it’s the result of extremism, tribalism and desperation.
Related: Religion comes in many forms - one of them is nationalism.
Abundance
Abundance Is Already Here, It’s Just Not Evenly Distributed
Dichotomy
I’m hopelessly romantic/idealistic about my values, philosophical beliefs and vision.
However, I’m extremely pragmatic and tactical about how I implement and act in the world (more so with age and experience).
Dichotomy
Facebook: Suggested People To Follow
It’s interesting that Aaleah’s Facebook “suggested people to follow” widget seems to be recommending Facebook investors, employees and Zuckerberg’s family. These are not prople she’s organically connected to or interested in. Using the platform to build the influence of friendlies? Is this just a coincidence or something more going on? Cc Josh
(Images can be found on Facebook)
Movie: Brightburn
Brilliant idea. Looks like it's executed super well too. Excited to see this.
America's Corruption Crisis
I’ve been saying that corruption is systemic for years. Finally a crystal clear articulation and call to action. Share far and wide and get involved.