Referendums are very popular among people with a certain mindset. They fall under the same rules as sports contests and poker games for those who believe that a one-point majority constitutes a “win” which allows the “winners” the right to do anything they want. However, referendums fall into two completely separate categories: — binding and…
Author: renaissanceadmin
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Social Media Time Wasters
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
We waste a lot of time on social media, and that’s our own choice to make. However, there are some sites and uploads that are designed purposefully to waste our time. I don’t see anything wrong with these sites. It’s just that they aren’t selling what they seem to be, and there is always the…
Social Commentary
Artificial Morality
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
Science Fiction writers are expected to predict future problems humanity might have, to help us deal with progress as it happens. Needless to say, the problem of robots is deeply rooted in the genre. For example, Isaac Asimov made a good start on our present AI problem in 1942 when he first published a story…
Politics
September 11: Lessons Learned?
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
To start out, I want to make it perfectly clear that I sympathize deeply with the American people for their losses in the Twin Towers disaster. In the first place, the loss of life was tragic. If only for that reason, the event will go down in American legend, with tales of the losses and…
Social Commentary
Apocalypse Soon?
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
The concept of cultural lore is fascinating, but don’t get hung up on facts. A mythical story is not just a story, and it is only true in one respect. Lore Is Not True Except when it is true. Here’s how the human memory works. Within the individual, the event which occurs contains a reduced…
Social Commentary
Thank You, Dolly Parton
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
I’m not a big fan of the star system. I’ve worked too long in the entertainment business to be fooled that anyone who is good at one job qualifies them in any way for adulation about the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, it’s quite the opposite. So when a famous performer dies, I’m sad generally.…
Politics
The End of Holier-than-Thou Diplomacy
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
The Twenty-First Century has heralded a serious change in the conducting of warfare and diplomacy. Most of the changes were actually happening for the fifty years before that, but now they have become obvious. One basic premise that has changed in international politics is the ages-old practice of making allies of those who think like…
Politics
TACO: Will He Cave?
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
Canadian press this week is full of free ink for the Apprentice President TV Series, with everyone wondering what the hook will be this week. This decision is always based on two factors: what is the real problem he wants to distract attention from; and where can he find a victim important enough to attract…
Politics, Social Commentary
Collateral Damage
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
Back in tribal days, the war leader was usually the best fighter, and he led from the front. The main development of war tactics in the last couple of millennia has been the gradual movement of the leaders away from danger. Since Medieval times, the noble/serf relationship has dominated the battlefield, with the serfs taking…
Politics, Social Commentary
The Law of the Oilfield Jungle
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
There are two ways to make a fortune in business. The first method is invention. You come up with a new idea, a new product, or an improvement on an old method. The other technique is to make it as easy and as cheap as possible to market your goods and services. A successful business…