Harry Seldon said...

I love Science fiction. This statement should be expanded for Fantasy as I learned that sci-fi maintains story within more less plausible situations in regards to current laws of physics and supposedly ignores supernatural, while Fantasy deals mostly with supernatural. Well I believe that this definition is not carved in stone and frequently some of the supernatural aspects appear in scifi. I started on this post motivated by opening capitols from Prelude to Foundation (Isac Assimov) where Hary Seldon met with Emperor Cleon I.
Harry established basics of new science: psycho-history where he married mathematics and sociology to predict long term behavior of human society. The aim was to predict downfalls and avoid them or at least neutralize their effect and secure continuity of civilization. Similar to physics where quantum theory can statistically predict behavior of particles in matter - let's say electrons - but not whereabouts of single particle.  Cleon's concern was more of individual future - himself - and his legacy. Emperor Cleon envisioned to use of credible scientist with credible formulas to create prediction of possible future, where everything goes well for Empire and especially for Emperor - self fulfilling prophecy. People usually pay attention to authorities (sophisticated scientist with math and formulas sound like authority...) and then their action is influenced by the prophecy and there is tendency that the odds are shifting in favor of the prophecy - especially the one positive for Cleon.
The actual Seldon's psycho-history keeps predictions secret from general population precisely for that same reason. People knowing odds of future start working against the impersonal unbiased prediction and actual process of creating and calculating this prediction will loose it's power and become obsolete. The "particles" will change behavior due to the prediction therefore rendering prediction useless (parallel of physical measurement where actual process of measuring the temperature of cup of water changes water's temperature).  Hence secrecy of psycho-history and only elite is allowed to be involved. All this is directed with big-picture of the human civilization survival.

The translation to our everyday life means that since there were wise man in history (philosophers, politicians, writers) that thought of this interesting issue,  there is a good chance that some of them were wealthy and influential and potentially did something to make sure mankind will survive... And here we are - conspiracionists would scream - hallelujah. I am just talking about someone who must stay behind the curtain, all knowing, absolutely influential pulling strings of puppets -us - PUPPET MASTERS!!!

DISCOVERY.....

The "Space Shuttle era" has reached the end. It is sad, especially for people who grew with it. I still remember excitement after first flight in 81 when space enthusiasts anticipated that by 2000 we  will be in space like at home. It was still socialistic "darkness (as we are told)" and the Space Shuttle was at this time for many the symbol (perhaps almost like a Jeans) of capitalistic expansive behavior and seven years later when Russians responded by Buran (btw. looking almost as identical copy of Space Shuttle) there was cheer that socialistic ideals might catch up and space competition goes on. Well after the first and only flight Russians realized the cost is tremendous and they cancelled program. Now almost 25 years later the same fate meets Space Shuttle program. In the same time I personally think the privatization is the way to go. If there is greed, there is also invention. So Let's welcome new era of "private space exploration".

Smithsonian Castle represents new life for Discovery.

Farewell Party for Space Shuttle at the Mall.

Goose chasing the Shuttle.

Aztecs and energy crisis.

 I have realized, how much I am missing by watching mostly prerecorded shows and movies on DVR and skipping on adds. Yesterday by watching Indiana Jones (crystal scull - definitely not my best Indiana)  directly on cable and surfing other channels during advertisement (well other things what usually adds are for I did during other adds) I found in position 669 (FIOS)- channel  - "Wealth". I have stumbled upon this channel in the past and as before I was attracted by content and not (as my wife would say) by colors and beautiful anchors and flashy lifestyle choices... Well the theme was Ancient Civilizations of Mesoamerica - Inca, Aztec and Maya. From many interesting bits of information I was amazed by similarity of their needs and crises to ours. Energy (oil, electricity) in particular. Why? The human sacrifice that Aztecs are so known for is very similar to what we currently do to maintain status-quo of our civilization (Iraq wars, etc...). Aztecs adopted from some predecessor culture believe that ancient gods sacrificed themselves to ignite Sun and keep it running. So it was traded that life-force is needed to maintain Sun's performance and therefore good harvests and happy society. Well to do this they cut open chests and removed hearts from war prisoners and criminals and sometimes of political figures of opposition. The "energy demand" was growing with growing Aztec empire and there are reports of sacrificing 84000 prisoners on some special 4 day celebration. Well the experts now say that "logistics" of such undertaking would be so humongous that  the number is likely much much smaller - perhaps only 2000. Regardless needs for such number of hearts stimulated war and expansion efforts, because internal resources were limited and citizens wouldn't like the idea of potentially being sacrificed when the clouds obstruct sun. Expansion of empire created more worrying citizens and further expansion was needed.
Another interesting fact:
because ancient Mesoamerican civilizations didn't have draft animals that would carry people (only perhaps lamas in south america?) and that would stimulate development of the wheel and carriage, they mostly used people to carry cargo and news - messengers. In such case they just needed simpler road with simpler maintenance and these are still present and they were few thousand miles long (they even had built latrines every 15 miles)....

Friday 13th, 2012....

Just got back from Costco and can't help myself to think about stashing reserves for the "bad times". One way or the other, it seems to me that it is more economical to do one big shopping every two weeks than stopping by store every day. Bulk is cheaper, less gas/diesel is used and after all time is saved. Speaking of freshness: I don't believe there is fresher produce (or much fresher) at the local store, unless it is farmers market, and frankly, how many of us buys from farmers regularly? There is one disturbing point of "Supermarkets" - since they turn a lot of produce, there is tremendous volume of BIO waste. I feel pity for all this fruits and veggies that made it to the store but will end in waste..-I always wonder where actually. I am leaning to idea that frozen (properly) is way to go. It cost some energy, but ultimately it will be used and not wasted, while fresh produce cost energy too - storage and eventually -waste.. And You need more chemicals (or actually supermarkets need chemicals to delay wasting) so we all would be perhaps better with frozen (and of course local).

Blog or not to blog.

As many times before I ask the same question. Is it worth to do it? Well as in stated in my title motto, my thoughts are taking shapes when writing them down. So perhaps it will be good for something. I always approach this question with prejudice that if I have nothing to say is better not to say anything. But..... Well even saying something worthwhile requires training. As the theory says brainstorming is the best way to formulate new ideas - particularly feedback is the key. So I will try to organize my thoughts and anticipating that YOU will help me to see them from different angles. So this is for my start after a long vacation......