Thursday, 4 September 2014
Researchers demonstrate direct brain-to-brain communication in human subjects
Nick Clegg, equality of opportunity and totalitarianism | Institute of Economic Affairs
Those who seek equality of opportunity often wish to create a meritocracy – again, a rallying cry for many Conservatives and some other supporters of a free market. Outcomes, it is argued, should be determined by talent and hard work. There is no apparent objection to one person earning more than another as long as differences arise from talent or hard work."
Such is the political economy of a leading British Liberal, Nick Clegg.
What are the issues?
One can imagine an economy managed like an army with equal opportunity given to all soldiers/salaried people. Those that excel become officers, but they have responsibilities to maintain the system. Totalitarianism arises as in Russia when the soldiers/officers are rewarded disproportionately, given rights over life and death of soldiers and non-soldiers, entered as candidates to the most corrupt elites in the World, denied access to information that might disengage loyalty to the system. So what do we end up with in a world of equal opportunity. Is it a New Russian totalitarian system? Is it a form of Slavic Union State, a resurrection of white supremacy?
How can we preserve the peace.
As we understand it, Putin is arguing that there are Fascists in the Ukraine who want to attack Russians. The reality is, however, that the Fascist movement is The Slavic Union, and it is rapidly gaining strength in Russia. It is a racist movement calling for the racial purity of the so-called slavic region. The Slavic Union has a flag that looks very much like the Swastika. Targets of the Slavic Union are all non-slavic people, etc? It is well funded?
Also, we have the IS and all those who wish to cleanse the world of infidels.
These factors make any existing notion of equal opportunity debatable, but what is the alternative?
http://www.iea.org.uk/blog/nick-clegg-equality-of-opportunity-and-totalitarianismRogue ‘Cell Towers’ Can Intercept Your Data; At Least One Found In Chicago « CBS Chicago
Vladimir Putin who self destructs Russia with his addictions.
"What we tell others can end up convincing us as well. The Russian leader has created a modern, Russia-centric news machine that puts forth his view of the world. Is he deceiving himself?"
NATO on Russia's border: a check, not a threat - CSMonitor.com
"If the simmering Ukraine-Russia war were simply a zero-sum game, Russia would now be losing another point. At a meeting next week, NATO is expected to back a plan to move its forces very close to the Russian border in Eastern Europe.
This deployment of NATO troops, which will be done on a rotational basis, would come after previous "losses" for Russia: the exit of a pro-Moscowleader in Kiev, economic sanctions by the West, and a Ukraine now on its way to joining the European Union and not a union with Russia. Moscow has also felt isolated after its missiles were used by Ukrainian separatists to down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17."
http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2014/0827/NATO-on-Russia-s-border-a-check-not-a-threat?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Commentary_OpEd&utm_campaign=2014_0904_Newsletter%3ACommentary_Sailthru_NEW&cmpid=ema%3Anws%3ACommentary%2520Weekly%2520%2809-04-2014%29Will there be an American investment boom?
"Suppose we could design the next phase of the economic recovery. What would it look like? Here's one pleasing vision: Business investment in plants and equipment — factories, computers, freight cars, software, machine tools — would take the lead. This would boost job creation and productivity (a.k.a. efficiency), enabling companies to increase wages without raising prices. It's a splendid fantasy.
But it just might come true. That's the message from the government's recent second-quarter report on gross domestic product, which measures the economy's growth. Business investment rose at a strong 8.4 percentannual rate after adjusting for inflation. Although the spurt partly reflected a bounce back from a weak first quarter, some economists think it marks a significant turning point."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/robert-samuelson-the-coming-investment-boom/2014/09/03/fcc0f658-337f-11e4-8f02-03c644b2d7d0_story.htmlRetailers not benefiting from Britain’s ‘bike boom’ – but is one really happening? | road.cc
Profits Without Prosperity - Harvard Business Review
Why low rates have fueled buyback boom, not corporate growth - Yahoo Finance
"Yet the buyback boom is also rooted in deeply ingrained, arguably unrealistic, corporate standards for how much payback a new business expansion must promise in order to get approval.
And with investors now rewarding companies less generously for yet more buybacks and with profit margins already high, corporate America seems to be approaching a critical decision point about whether to push for more internal growth or continue using its billions to swap cash for equity."
Are Gut Bugs Causing Your Food Cravings? - Amen Clinics
"A recent study revealed that these microorganisms, also known as gut microbiota or gut flora, may exert significant control over your eating habits rather than passively living off the nutrients that you ingest.
- By generating cravings for specific foods (while suppressing others)
- By causing dysphoria (a state of dissatisfaction) until they receive the foods that enhance their own well-being"
Invitation to Learn and Contribute to Learning.
Vice President: Robert Kennedy
Treasurer: Marlene Bannister
Secretary: James Southcott
Curriculum: Becky Jackson
Publicity: Nancy Winters
Webmaster: Mike Ash
P.O. Box 1224
Grand Bend ON N0M 1T0
Tel. 519.238.8800
August 14, 2014
Good Afternoon:
It's hard to believe that August is in full swing! And, although this summer has not been without its challenges, I do hope that you are making the best of it.
My intension with this letter is to start your thinking and planning for the exciting and timely courses that Partners In Learning is bringing to you this September along with the ever popular Socrates Café . . . the café where you get a say!
It's not only about what you may learn. Let's face it, at our age we forget more than we retain. It's not only about getting the opportunity to make a short presentation in front of the group. Please don't let this keep you away. Everyone is nervous getting up in front of an audience, even experienced speakers. Facing this fear is a most rewarding experience. And we are a gentle and supportive audience. It's not only for the socializing, the potluck lunches, or the odd field trip. Jim is always ready for another good field trip.
I feel that the best reason that should bring you to Partners is what you get to take away! You get to renew old and forge new friendships; you get to engage your brain; you get to voice your opinion; and most importantly . . . I think you get to keep young at heart!
I hope that I have at least peeked your curiosity and that you will drop by. You are always welcome to visit a session, at no cost, to see if Partners is for you.
We will be waiting for you.
Best regards,