Reflections on a "Socialist Childhood" and the Complexities of Freedom

Despite the generally negative perception of socialist societies, I have surprisingly fond memories of my childhood under communism. Thanks to my parents, I experienced a near-ideal upbringing. I didn't feel the restrictive hand of the regime; I had a comfortable home, plenty of food, toys, and engaging activities. My childhood was filled with family happiness, education, sports, outdoor adventures, and a love for reading, especially science fiction.

Growing up, I often engaged in philosophical discussions about the contrasting ideals of capitalism and communism. At the time, the concept of equality and universal wealth seemed logical and appealing. However, as I matured and witnessed the realities of both systems, my views began to evolve.

The idea that everyone, regardless of talent or effort, should receive equal compensation started to feel flawed. Could such a system truly motivate innovation, scientific breakthroughs, and societal progress? The revolutionary fervor of the early socialist era had faded by the 1960s, though echoes of it lingered during my youth.

I vividly recall the ban on wearing jeans in school. The authorities concocted various health reasons for this restriction (including erectile dysfunction!), but we understood the deeper symbolism. Jeans represented rebellion against the establishment, often accompanied by other symbols like heavy metal music or Jimi Hendrix. It seems silly now, but these small acts of defiance contributed to the eventual fall of the Iron Curtain.

These "symbols" were intertwined with the allure of Western consumer goods: stylish cars, fashionable clothes, and innovative gadgets that promised an easier life. Looking back, it's hard to say whether the desire for freedom or the yearning for material possessions was the stronger motivator. Perhaps it was a combination of both.

Twenty years after the transition to capitalism, many people in former communist countries are experiencing disillusionment. They've realized that while consumer goods are readily available, most are financially out of reach. The initial euphoria of freedom has given way to a sense of loss. People traded social and economic security, a low crime rate, and a sense of societal importance for a system where their influence is limited to voting and paying taxes.

The "aura of importance" has faded, replaced by the mundane realities of daily life. For many, freedom has become synonymous with routine, occasionally punctuated by affordable vacations. While material well-being has arguably improved since 1989, the increased personal responsibility and constant choices have created a new kind of stress and uncertainty.

There have been recent attempts to revive socialist ideals, thankfully unsuccessful. Studies show that while material conditions are better now, it will take more than 20 years to fully appreciate the complexities of freedom and build a new society that balances individual liberties with social responsibility.

To Blog or Not to Blog... That is the Question (and a Few Other Musings)

It's been two months since my last post. I was intentionally staying out of the election frenzy, trying to keep this space free of politics. When I started this blog, I vowed to avoid politics and religion, two subjects that tend to be highly personal and potentially divisive. I still stand by that decision, but I'm also open to exploring new ideas and shaking things up a bit around here.

So, two months later, the same president is in office, the economy is slowly improving, some tragic events have unfolded (pushing a few teardrops from my eyes and reigniting the gun control debate), and the world hasn't ended (yet again). The Christmas lights are twinkling, and I even saw a few snowflakes today. It's been an eventful end to the year, to say the least.

Looking back at my posts, I noticed that the most popular ones were about my career ("Career Move") and social networks ("Do Social Networks Stand to Their Promise?"). These two topics far outweighed the others in terms of reader interest. Should I focus on these themes, or continue exploring the quirky subjects that pique my curiosity, even if they don't attract as much attention?

I'm a patient man, and I enjoy pleasing others, but I also value self-expression. After some consideration, I've decided to stay the course and keep writing about the things that intrigue me, even if it's something as seemingly mundane as potatoes. After all, the initial motivation for starting this blog was to exercise my own voice.

However, I still haven't received any feedback—no comments, no critiques, nothing. I understand. I struggle with the same hesitation when it comes to commenting on other blogs, even when I have something to say. I overthink it, question my knowledge, and often end up abandoning my response.

But I'm determined to break this habit. Next week, I'm going to make an effort to comment on at least one blog post. Who's with me? Let's start a conversation!

The Android Orchestra: Can Robots Make Music, and Would We Call it Art?

  

Imagine attending a classical symphony concert where the musicians are not human, but advanced androids. Picture them on stage, dressed in formal attire, their faces replaced with screens, their movements precise and flawless as they perform a masterpiece. Would you consider this art, or simply a high-tech reproduction?

This question touches upon a broader debate: Is music performed from a written score truly art, or just a faithful rendition of the composer's intentions? From an amateur's perspective, one might argue that an orchestra's quality lies in the technical proficiency of its musicians, their synchronization, and their adherence to the notes. Individual expression is minimized, and the resulting sound is an average of all the instruments. The conductor acts as a pacemaker, ensuring everyone stays in sync.

However, conversations with knowledgeable musicians have revealed that there's more to it than just technical precision. The best orchestras and conductors bring a certain artistry to their performances, subtly shaping the music and conveying emotions beyond the notes themselves. Even the conductor's physical gestures contribute to the overall experience.

So, what's the appeal of attending a live concert? You already know the music, likely having heard recordings beforehand. You also know there will be imperfections, deviations from the score, and potential distractions. The comfort of your seat, the acoustics of the hall, and even the coughing of fellow attendees can all affect your experience.

Recently, I came across a blog about audiophile perspectives on music, which further broadened my understanding. (Read Eduard's blog). 

It seems there are two distinct ways to appreciate music. One is the live concert experience, a multi-sensory package encompassing the social atmosphere, the visual spectacle, and the performance itself. The other is the intimate enjoyment of a recording, free from distractions, in the comfort of your own home. Both center around music, but offer vastly different experiences.

This brings us back to the question of art. Definitions vary, but most emphasize creative skill and the communication of emotion. Art stimulates thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and ideas through the senses.

Would an android orchestra qualify as art? Based on these definitions, I believe it could. The act of programming the androids to perform with expression and nuance would involve creative skill. And if their performance evokes emotions in the audience, then communication is achieved.

Ultimately, the question of whether we consider it art is subjective. But the possibility of androids creating and performing music raises fascinating questions about the nature of art, the role of technology, and the future of human expression.

The Allure of the West: Exploring the Cultural Divide and the Enduring Appeal of Individualism

 The story of Osel Hita Torres, a Spanish boy raised as a reincarnated lama in a South Indian monastery, caught my attention recently. At 18, he decided to leave the monastic life and return to Madrid to study film. It seems that years of isolation, spirituality, and even worship couldn't outweigh the pull of the Western lifestyle. (dalai-lama-osel-hita-torres). 

This fascination with the "West" is something I've observed in my travels and conversations with people from all over the world. What exactly is it about Western culture that holds such allure?

Wikipedia offers various definitions, but they all revolve around the concepts of "Western culture" and "European civilization." The core values often cited include social norms, ethical values, and rationalism rooted in ancient Greek and Roman philosophies. The development of rational, logical systems for understanding and describing the world laid the foundation for philosophy and science, which together form the bedrock of Western societies.

I see these principles as a kind of "Rosetta Stone" for Western culture. Removing or suppressing any one of them could weaken or even reverse the direction of cultural development. They contribute to an asymptotic ideal of freedom—absolute freedom being unattainable, much like an asymptotic curve never quite reaching its axis.

In contrast, Eastern cultures often emphasize social harmony and collectivism over individualism. This makes sense when considering population dynamics. Larger societies, often arising in resource-rich environments, have a greater chance of surviving external challenges due to their larger pool of potential adapters. However, maintaining such societies requires a delicate balance, with the demands of sustaining a large population often pushing against the limits of resources. This necessitates a more selfless mindset, where individuals prioritize the collective good and accept limitations (egalitarianism). In practice, such societies tend towards stricter social control and less individual freedom.

Smaller societies, on the other hand, often develop in harsher environments with limited resources. They rely on the strength and ingenuity of each individual, fostering a culture of individualism and self-reliance. Think of the classic "pioneer" archetype, trusting no one, always ready to defend themselves.

Interestingly, societies built on individualism tend to be more expansive, aggressive, and even "greedy," even though larger, collectivist societies might have a greater need to expand due to population density and resource constraints.

The "socialist experiment" in the former Eastern Bloc, where people with Western cultural heritage were forced to live under collectivist systems, ultimately proved unsustainable. The desire for individual expression, the urge to possess what others had, and the aversion to conformity led to the eventual collapse of these regimes.

This cultural divide also has interesting implications for understanding innovation, a topic I'll explore in a future post.

LinkedIn: Resume Repository or Knowledge Exchange? A Personal Experiment

Following my previous post about the psychology of social networking ("Social networks - psychology behind blogging practice"), I wanted to share some personal observations related to my August 23rd post, "Career Move." (If you haven't read it, I recommend skimming it briefly before continuing.)

What exactly is LinkedIn? According to their website, LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals. Web analytics tools tell me that some people did indeed read my "Career Move" post. However, despite having a network of over 300 people, the number of reads is significantly lower.

I know from close friends that they log in to LinkedIn only occasionally. It seems few have opted to receive regular updates. The response rate to my post suggests that my network primarily uses LinkedIn as a resume repository rather than a platform for targeted knowledge exchange.

I'm not disappointed; it's simply a matter of evolution, it seems. I understand the hesitation to comment among peers, especially those who influence our careers. After all, we spend most of our waking lives at work, and risking our careers by oversharing isn't a wise move. LinkedIn is generally perceived as a group of peers, not a circle of friends (like Facebook).

For LinkedIn's stated purpose to hold true in my case, I would have expected some (any) reaction to my "Career Move" post. I was addressing my peers and seeking answers to my career questions. Statistically, the lack of feedback shouldn't surprise me, given the low readership. This brings us back to the question: what do people actually do when they log in to LinkedIn?

Social networks - psychology behind blogging practice.

I am sitting on my folding chair on porch in my backyard, sipping coffee and having my laptop in my lap. Wonderful Sunday afternoon, almost autumn. Waiting for idea what to write about and hesitant whether to write at all. If you read one of my first posts - about write or not write the blog - you remember, I had this dilemma already. I speculated about why people write blogs and why it is good to write one. To me it was about the exercise. Well as it seems I didn't do many exercises, but...  there is always but. I did suffer with lack a feedback. As usually, authors want to see that someone did look at the the work and they anticipate reaction. Of course positive reaction is appreciated, but critique can help even more. Here I want to touch base with social networks. Frequently I read someones blog - opinion on something. Well, everyone is entitled to have an opinion. And if the opinion is expressed on public network with option to write comment, then anyone is entitled to write an comment on presented opinion. This is understood well. But the way how to present opinion and how to comment seems to be even more important than actual opinion. During reading many blog - opinions I already anticipate chain-reaction of comments. And yes they are there but after reading few I stop reading - vulgarisms, disrespectful comments,  strong counter -opinions (of the type - I know it better, you stupid and my opinion is louder and must be truth) - and many thanks to few with constructive opinion (there of course are still such a opinions. But as it seems in such loud environment I frequently inhibit my urge to write comment, because as it seems I am already afraid that I can't handle this opinion war. Then I realize - there is no constructiveness if I don't write, but I am still afraid to do so. So the same way I started to judge my most commonly used social networks - Linked In and Face book. For the second one I am going to make few comments - as it seems, many of us are just voyeurs, we like to watch, more private more dumpy is better and for the same reason we don't want to post, because - well - there are voyeurs that want to observe us you "dummy"... So the silence is the result. Why do we care then to have so many friends in friends list? First comes to mind is: more channels = more watching. Secondly many of us are  exhibitionists perhaps and we like to be watched??? Then maybe this is an answer - balance - like to watch and liked to be watched... Frequently I am thinking when I see people just trying to make an appearance that we mostly don't know how and what but we want people to know about us - we just press like button somewhere, thinking others will see at least what we like. Here I again see the problem with expression - we are afraid to express ourselves, because - what if the comments are not in favor of our expression? And here it is deep in us rooted - need for approval and worry of disapproval. So here I am with all my inhibitions - I will post some pictures - something that I like and maybe this wouldn't cause negative response. Then I look and voila - someone pushed like.... great - I am happy..... So little effort to make me happy...?...
And what about Linked in? It is professional network tool. What it is good for- maintaining contacts up to date, seeking people of certain professional background, presenting ourselves and showing our best, because this is what we anticipate of our contacts. Well this is at least what comes to my mind first thinking about Linked in. Of course human resources people (HR) love the "tool" for making their work easier when millions of people voluntarily offer information that otherwise they would need to gather some other way - more costly, more time consuming = more work. And then there is this self-promotion aspect. Well I can just post some general data and update it when I have some change, or - I can publish/update on daily or weekly base some information - which after each update shows my name in my entire linked to me network (this is analogue of FB - LIKE button). Then you can express your opinion, your critique - but wait - this is professional network - it is serious. They (superiors/bosses and potential bosses) can see you, what you think, what you dislike. They can see that you actually can express opinion and - is this always good? What if someone criticizes you in comments and everyone who matters can see it??? Well here is the problem of Linked- in and us and - Linked in being "social network". It is a tool so far to exchange CV data. It is big database. There are groups where actually social network idea can work, but being linked to our (not anonymous)  profile it will (or can) show our peers what we think...

P.S.: ups.... I guess you will be curious next time you see my FB pictures addition - or link to blog posting or my profile update on Linked in......

It's All About Survival: Why Space Exploration is Humanity's Ultimate Imperative

The other day, I found myself in a conversation about violence. We were discussing gun ownership, the right to self-defense, and the morality of war. It seems that perspectives on violence often depend on which side of the conflict you're on.

This got me thinking about why violence persists in our world. Almost everyone agrees that war is bad, that peace is preferable. Most religions and philosophical movements advocate for non-violence. Even economists recognize the devastating impact of war on society. While some profit from conflict, the overall consequences are destruction, lost opportunities, and wasted lives.

Imagine how much further humanity would have progressed if we hadn't devoted so much time and energy to war. Think of the potential Einsteins lost, the cities destroyed, the resources diverted to rebuilding instead of advancing. If civilization is a dynamic entity, constantly growing and expanding its knowledge, then wars represent a tragic setback.

Looking back at history, it's tempting to conclude that violence is an inherent part of human nature. Wars have often driven technological innovation, with the threat of defeat and death spurring invention. As a byproduct, these advancements have benefited other areas of life.

This might sound like a cold, "survival of the fittest" argument, and I'm sure it will upset some. But Nietzsche wasn't wrong when he said, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." While he may have been referring to individual development, the principle applies to societies as well.

This brings me to the core of my argument: It's all about survival. Biology teaches us that life is driven by the urge to propagate, spread, and secure new territory. Evolution favors the species most adapted to their environment. Human society is no different. We use our brains to enhance our adaptability.

Initially, small human populations struggled against nature. As we grew more numerous and skilled at defending ourselves, nature became less of a threat. But then we turned on each other, driven by territorialism and the same primal urges as bacteria: spread and propagate.

But have we truly conquered nature? A glance at the bar chart on NASA's website listing Near Earth Objects (NEOs), or asteroids, reveals a sobering reality. Over 9,000 known objects are flying in Earth's vicinity. Can we truly say that nature, in the form of space, no longer poses a threat?

Dinosaurs and countless other extinct species would attest to the dangers lurking in space. Earth has experienced at least four mass extinction events, the last one wiping out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. It's not a matter of if another catastrophic event will occur, but when.

This is why we must invest in space exploration. It's not just about humanity's survival; it's about preserving all life on Earth. Perhaps humans are the evolutionary step needed for life to transcend its planetary boundaries. As Robert A. Heinlein wrote in The Man Who Sold the Moon, "There is soo much space out there! So we don't have to suffocate down here."

The recent success of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, a private space endeavor, gives me hope. It's time to throw some diamonds on the moon and expand our reach beyond Earth. Our survival, and the survival of all life, may depend on it.

Career move.

Have you ever felt that nagging feeling that it might be time for a career change? That's exactly where I've been lately. It all started a few months ago when I began to question if my current role was still the right fit.

This feeling was amplified recently when I received an email from Harvard Business Review with the subject line: "Are you ready for your next career move?" Talk about timing! It's like the universe is sending me a message.

To be honest, I haven't been actively searching for a new job until now. I've been enjoying a great work-life balance and even just returned from a fantastic vacation in Slovakia feeling refreshed and energized. But with this renewed energy, I've also gained a fresh perspective on my current position and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Change is exciting! I've always embraced new challenges, and the thought of leveraging my PhD and MBA in a new environment truly motivates me.

So, I dipped my toes into the job market, updated my resume (which received rave reviews from friends in HR!), and sent out a few targeted applications. While some career websites suggest sending out a massive number of applications to beat the statistics, I prefer a more focused approach.

However, despite my qualifications, experience, and positive attitude, I haven't received any offers yet. It's a bit discouraging, but I'm not giving up.

I'm confident in my skills and believe I have a lot to offer. I'm a communicative and open person, knowledgeable in various fields, and always eager to learn. I'm patient and passionate, and I'm looking for an opportunity where I can truly make a difference and feel like I'm doing what I was meant to do.

This job search journey has been an interesting experience so far. It's made me reflect on my career goals, my strengths, and what I truly want in a job. I'm still optimistic and excited about the possibilities that await.

If you have any advice, insights, or even job leads, I'd love to hear from you! Perhaps there's a mentor or a perfect opportunity out there just waiting to be discovered.

Harry Seldon Said II: Psychohistory and the Paradox of Control: Is Freedom Compatible with Long-Term Survival?

In my previous post, "H.S. Said I," I explored Hari Seldon's psychohistory and its implications for predicting the future. One crucial aspect of this science is the requirement for subjects (people) to behave randomly, exercising free will without knowledge of the prophecy. Only then can accurate predictions be made. This implies that any form of "single direction" influence, like a dictatorship, must be prevented. Democracy, in some form, becomes a necessity, as strong centralized power inevitably breeds strong opposition.

This also suggests that religious influence is an unwanted interference, hence the need for a separation of church and state. The unpredictable and often violent outcomes of religious clashes throughout history highlight the need for a more coherent and unified society for psychohistory to work effectively.

But if individual free will and a lack of centralized control are essential for accurate predictions, what good is psychohistory in the first place? What's the point of predicting the future if you can't directly influence it?

The first and most obvious reason is the preservation of humankind. The past few millennia of human history paint a rather violent picture. For the last 60 years, we've teetered on the brink of nuclear annihilation. Even with two decades of denuclearization efforts, there are still enough weapons to wipe out most life on Earth (though bacteria and some resilient insects might be the ultimate winners). Preventing such catastrophic fluctuations would be a significant step towards ensuring humanity's survival.

The second reason is more complex and perhaps unsettling: control. If we assume that there's a "wise man" behind the scenes, subtly guiding humanity and preventing our self-destruction, then psychohistory becomes a tool for control, albeit with benevolent intentions. This, of course, opens the door to countless conspiracy theories about hidden agendas and the loss of individual freedom. Even if Hari Seldon's intentions are noble, who controls the controller?

This leads to another intriguing question, one that I'll explore in my next post...

The Irish Potato Famine: A Stark Reminder of the Dangers of Over-Reliance on a Single Food Source

My recent post about the potato's role in fueling the Industrial Revolution prompted me to delve into the tragic history of the Irish Potato Famine. It seems that we humans often need a powerful wake-up call to change our ways.

In the 1740s, a severe climatic disaster, with unusually cold and prolonged weather, led to devastating potato and oat harvests in Ireland. These crops were the primary source of calories for the Irish population at the time. The combination of food scarcity and harsh weather resulted in the deaths of an estimated 30% of the Irish population.

It took Ireland years to recover from this catastrophe. Sadly, history repeated itself a century later with the Great Irish Potato Famine. This time, the culprit was potato blight, a disease that ravaged potato crops. Approximately 10-15% of the Irish population perished, and a similar number emigrated, many to the New World. This influx of cheap labor arguably fueled industrial growth in the Americas (perhaps thanks, in part, to the potato's earlier contribution to the Industrial Revolution).

These tragic events underscore the dangers of over-reliance on a single food source, a lesson that extends beyond agriculture. As mentioned in my earlier post about human sacrifice by the Aztecs, dependence on limited energy sources can have dire consequences. This isn't just a story about oil and our current techno-society; it's a recurring theme throughout human history.

The Humble Spud: How the Potato Fueled the Industrial Revolution and Shaped Western Civilization

I love exploring Wikipedia. It's a treasure trove of information, always sparking my curiosity and leading me down unexpected paths. Recently, I've been researching low-carbohydrate diets, which naturally led me to investigate various carbohydrate sources (a topic for another post!). That's how I stumbled upon the fascinating history of the potato.

In Eastern Slovakia, where I have roots, the potato has been a staple food since its introduction. It replaced crops that had been cultivated for centuries, and for good reason. According to Wikipedia, potatoes can yield four times more calories per acre than grains.

This simple fact had a profound impact on history. The widespread cultivation of potatoes during the 18th century played a significant role in fueling the Industrial Revolution. As farmers were able to produce more food with less labor, they were freed up to seek work in the burgeoning industrial sector. The potato, with its abundance of easily accessible energy, also became a crucial source of sustenance for the growing industrial workforce.

It's fascinating to think that without the potato, the Industrial Revolution might have progressed much slower. This humble root vegetable played a key role in shaping Western civilization, contributing to its dominance in the 19th and 20th centuries. It also raises questions about why Europe, and not Asia, was the primary beneficiary of the expansion to the New World (a theme I'll explore in a future post).

Harry Seldon said... The Power of Prediction: Psychohistory, Prophecy, and the Puppet Masters of Our World

I love science fiction, and I've recently learned to appreciate fantasy as well. While some might argue that science fiction sticks to plausible scenarios within the laws of physics and avoids the supernatural—leaving the supernatural to fantasy—I believe the lines are often blurred.

This post was inspired by the opening chapters of Isaac Asimov's Prelude to Foundation, where Hari Seldon meets Emperor Cleon I. Seldon introduces the concept of psychohistory, a science combining mathematics and sociology to predict the long-term behavior of human societies. The goal? To anticipate and mitigate societal downfalls, ensuring the continuity of civilization.

Psychohistory operates similarly to quantum physics, which can statistically predict the behavior of particles, like electrons, but not the exact location of a single particle. Cleon, however, is more interested in his individual future and legacy. He envisions using Seldon's science to create a self-fulfilling prophecy, a prediction where everything goes well for the Empire and, more importantly, for himself.

Cleon understands that people tend to trust authority figures (and a sophisticated scientist with formulas certainly fits the bill). If an authority figure predicts a positive future, people are more likely to act in ways that align with that prediction, increasing the odds of it coming true.

Seldon's psychohistory, on the other hand, keeps its predictions secret from the general population for this very reason. If people know the odds of the future, they might work against those predictions, rendering the calculations obsolete. The "particles" of society would change their behavior due to the prediction, making it useless (similar to how the act of measuring the temperature of water changes the water's temperature). Therefore, psychohistory remains shrouded in secrecy, accessible only to an elite few, all for the sake of humanity's survival.

This brings us to an intriguing question: If wise minds throughout history (philosophers, politicians, writers) have considered the issue of human survival, isn't it possible that some of them, especially those with wealth and influence, might have taken steps to ensure it? This is where conspiracy theorists would jump for joy, shouting "Hallelujah!" We're talking about the possibility of hidden figures, all-knowing and incredibly influential, pulling the strings of humanity—puppet masters!

The End of an Era: Reflecting on the Space Shuttle Program and the Future of Space Exploration

The Space Shuttle era has come to an end, a bittersweet moment, especially for those of us who grew up with it. I still remember the excitement after the first flight in 1981. Space enthusiasts predicted that by the year 2000, space travel would be commonplace. Back then, during the "socialist darkness" (as we were told), the Space Shuttle became a symbol—almost like blue jeans—of capitalist expansion.

Smithsonian Castle with 747/Discovery overhead.

Seven years later, the Soviet Union responded with the Buran, a remarkably similar spacecraft. There was hope that socialist ideals might catch up, that the space race would continue. However, after its first and only flight, the Russians, recognizing the immense cost, canceled the Buran program. Now, almost 25 years later, the same fate has befallen the Space Shuttle program. 

While it's sad to see the shuttle program end, I believe that privatization is the future of space exploration. Where there is ambition and a drive for profit, there is also innovation. Let's welcome this new era of private space exploration and see where it takes us.

Capitol Building with 747/Discovery overhead - Farewell Party for Space Shuttle at the Mall.

NASA 747 with Discovery over the National Mall - Goose chasing the Shuttle.

Ancient Civilizations, Human Sacrifice, and Our Modern Energy Crisis: A Surprising Connection

I've realized how much I miss by skipping commercials and watching mostly pre-recorded shows. Yesterday, while watching Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (not exactly my favorite Indy flick) on cable, I did some channel surfing during the ad breaks. That's when I stumbled upon the "Wealth" channel (channel 669 on FIOS).

I've come across this channel before, and like last time, I was drawn in by the content, not the flashy lifestyle choices or (as my wife would say) the "beautiful anchors." The topic? Ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica – the Inca, Aztec, and Maya. I was struck by how many of their challenges and crises mirror our own, particularly when it comes to energy.

The Aztec practice of human sacrifice, though horrifying, offers a chilling parallel. It makes me wonder if what we do today to maintain our civilization's status quo (wars in the Middle East, for example) isn't a modern form of human sacrifice.

The Aztecs, influenced by earlier cultures, believed that the gods had sacrificed themselves to create and sustain the sun. They reasoned that human life force was needed to maintain the sun's energy, ensuring good harvests and a thriving society. To appease the sun god, they performed ritualistic heart removals, primarily from prisoners of war, criminals, and sometimes even political opponents.

As the Aztec empire grew, so did the "energy demand." There are accounts of massive sacrifices, with some claiming 84,000 victims during a single four-day celebration. Experts now believe that such a large-scale undertaking would have been logistically impossible, suggesting a more realistic figure of around 2,000. Regardless of the actual number, the perceived need for these sacrifices fueled constant warfare and expansion, as internal resources dwindled and citizens understandably feared being chosen as offerings when the sun was hidden behind clouds. This expansion, in turn, created more unrest, necessitating further expansion—a vicious cycle.

Another fascinating detail: Ancient Mesoamerican civilizations lacked draft animals (except perhaps llamas in South America) and, consequently, the wheel and carriage. They relied heavily on human labor for transportation and communication. This meant they needed simpler roads with less maintenance. These roads, some stretching for thousands of miles, still exist today. They even had built latrines every 15 miles – talk about infrastructure!

Friday 13th, 2012.... The Costco Run and the Great Grocery Debate: Fresh vs. Frozen, Waste vs. Efficiency

My recent trip to Costco got me thinking about something I often ponder: the best way to approach grocery shopping. It's hard not to consider stocking up a bit, especially with thoughts of uncertain times. But beyond that, I genuinely believe that a big bi-weekly shopping trip is more economical than daily store runs. Buying in bulk saves money, reduces gas consumption, and, perhaps most importantly, saves time.

Then there's the question of freshness. Unless you're a regular at the farmers market (and let's be honest, how many of us are?), I'm not convinced that the produce at the local supermarket is significantly fresher than what you can find at a warehouse club like Costco.

What really bothers me about supermarkets is the sheer volume of food waste. So much produce makes it to the shelves only to end up in the trash. It's truly disheartening to think of all those fruits and vegetables going to waste, and I often wonder where it all ends up.

This has led me to consider frozen produce as a viable alternative. While freezing requires energy, the food is ultimately used rather than wasted. Fresh produce, on the other hand, also consumes energy for storage and often ends up as waste. Plus, supermarkets often rely on chemicals to extend the shelf life of their produce, which is another concern.

Perhaps the ideal solution is a combination of frozen (for convenience and minimizing waste) and locally sourced (for freshness and supporting local farmers). What are your thoughts on this? How do you approach your grocery shopping? I'd love to hear your perspectives in the comments.

Is This Thing On? Re-Starting My Blog After a Break (and Why Your Feedback Matters)

Ever find yourself wondering if it's really worth it? I do, especially when it comes to blogging. I often struggle with the question: "Do I have anything valuable to say?" My personal motto is, "If you have nothing to say, say nothing." But even saying something worthwhile takes practice. And after a lovely, much-needed vacation, I'm facing that blank page (or screen) once again.

The thing is, I've learned that writing helps me clarify my thoughts. It's like my brain works best when I'm putting words down. So, even if I'm not sure where this post is going, I'm going to start typing.

Brainstorming is key, right? And even more important than brainstorming alone is getting feedback. That's where you come in! I'm hoping this post, this re-start after my break, will spark some conversation. I'm looking for fresh perspectives, new angles on old ideas, and maybe even some completely new ideas.

So, bear with me as I try to organize my post-vacation thoughts. Let's see where this goes! What are your thoughts on [mention a general topic you plan to cover in future posts, or a theme for your blog]? I'm eager to hear from you in the comments..