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Life In The Future
A Mostly Serious Summary of New Developments,
Inventions, and Future Problems

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here comes The Future

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Contents                

 
copyright©2001 by Brian M. Brown
First posted to alittlehistory.com on Jan. 10, 2001, with
the latest minor revisions on May 2, 2013. This file is part
of alittlehistory.com which looks at western Canadian history. It
compliments westerntour.com which contains photographs of western
Canada and youtube videos at westernvideo and nicechoice4u, all
from Calgary and Edmonton, Ab, Canada.

 

 

Most of my comments pertain to Canada and the United States. But the majority of visitors to this site are not from North America. If you are one of those, please adjust my opinions so they become constructive advice for your own unique situation.


Visitors come from all over the world.

A view of the Internet:
      Click on the map above, and as you stand on the World stage, you will have an amazing view of the audience, of the locations of the homes of the people who have recently visited this Web site.

 

New Developments

 

 

Current EXTREME thinking in the corporate board rooms
will have a major impact on our future.

 

Executive decisions are damaging people, making them
deformed, neurotic, and sickly.

I'm not suggesting executives are mean and evil. I'm suggesting that they
make decisions which focus on short term goals which benefit their coorporation.
Then they ignore the damage their decisions do to the average person, and to
their children. They fail to respect those who can be easily victimized.

 

 

Even heroes are being damaged:
The National Football League owners dropped the ball.

In the United States the NFL faces 81 lawsuits from 2,138 National Football League players. They accuse the league of hiding info on links between head trauma and permanent brain damage. Only a few have committed suicide, but a lot have suffered and a lot will continue to suffer for decades to come.

 

A list of problematic industries:

  • Fast Food Industry:
    (We have an epidemic of obesity and diabetes in North American. Many people have the absurd belief that the 1/3 that are obese just need a little will power. Those people pass brutal judgement on the obese without thinking, without realizing that some people have a different response to food. Addictive food impacts millions of people; some lives are being ruined. I recommend the 2013 book by Michael Moss (a Pulitzer Prize winner) called Salt Sugar Fat.)

  • Packaged Food Industry:
    (The obese know that addictive and toxic additives are problematic. As well, package labeling is inadequate.)

  • Food Production Industry:
    (Unlike the family farm, the big corporations which dominate this industry are not friendly. They use processed sugars, fats, salt, hormones, antibiotics, GMO foods that require herbicides, food additives, hormones, and antibiotics.   The Official Trailer (a 2:16 minute youtube video) for the video Food Inc is an eye opener.)

  • Big Pharma:
    (While some people are grateful for the help they get from drugs, others are not. Millions have suffered due to the actions of Big Pharma. This news story proves that they got away with a lot, including hiding their negative study results, so the public and doctors are brutally misinformed. The corporations simply pay fines and continue to focus on profits. They are in the big time, lots of power, it's a $600 billion industry. It is okay if a drug does damage, because that just means that that person will need more drugs. So Big Pharma gets rewarded for the errors that are made. We need a trusted referee with a lot of power to regulate.)

  • Chemical Industry:
    (We live with an assortment of chemicals. They're everywhere, some are toxic, few are regulated. We need to work harder to prevent cancer, and to be more concerned with long term consequences for us, and to our children, and their children, and their children.)

  • Banks, Investment and Mortgage Corporations:
    (They ruined the world economy and the poor suffered. Many middle class were big losers. Some executives got bonuses, corporations got bail outs, and the taxpayer got the bill. The rules haven't changed so it can happen again.)

  • The Media:
    (The Media is often good and helpful, but when the crunch comes they support their advertisers by providing the public with misinformation. Billions of dollars are at stake. Corporations want profits, so we get misleading advertising, biased news stories, damaging myths are repeated, and some radio talk shows are simply propoganda. The average citizen is simply a pawn to be manipulated and victimized.)

  • The Fossil Fuel Industry:
    (It does a lot of environmental damage that our media in Western Canada is reluctant to report.)

  • The Tobacco Industry:
    (Do I really have to explain this one? They perfected the ability to manipulate the beliefs of the vulnerable addict.)

  • Football Leagues (and many other sports):
    (Head trauma and permanent brain damage is now a concern in all active sports.)

 
 
At this point, I'm not using references because most of the above is already
common knowledge, I'm simply making a neat summary to help people see and appreciate
the big picture. If you have doubts about any item, a simple google
can confirm what is stated.
 

 

Give The Extreme Rich Freebees. Keep Them Happy !
But Don't Give To The Ones Who Desperately Need It. (?)
We have recently learned to control the bullies on the playground,
but we let the bullies in the corporations have their way.

Some people believe old age pensions must be paid out to everyone, even billionaires. Give them tax breaks ! Do anything to keep them happy ! Yet, there is little for the poor. The poor lack value, they are low on the pecking order so there is a sick tendency to ignore them. Assuming they are worthless is a brutal attitude.

Executives are programmed to be loyal to the corporation, so profits come before people. The rich executives tend to feel it is okay to victimize those at the bottom, it's just part of the job, it's the way things are. They maintain a brutal tunnel vision that ignores what is really happening. Many have a simple minded blame the victim mentality.

Some poor people starve, homeless people freeze, sick people fail to realize that sickening things make them sick. Their minds are numb, so they can't help themselves. The whole system exploits the average citizen who tends to become deformed, neurotic, and sickly. Everybody needs to have a fair chance at life, and to have hope.

 

 

A Low Cost Car   and   The $1.00 Doctor:

India has developed the compact Nano car which sells for $2040.00   (Oct 5/11 The Associated Press). China can also produce cars that could sell in the same low price range.
 
Today, instead of paying $20,000 for a new car, it could be possible for me to buy one for $5,000. This would make a huge difference in my lifestyle, since a car is my biggest expense. But, there are two sides to this. On one hand, north America needs the auto industry and Auto workers like their relatively high standard of living. But on the other hand, the poor in our own country continue to sacrifice so others can benefit.
 
Saving more money:
[On the April 20, 2012 Charlie Rose program, the CEO for Cisco said that India plans to use video to help REDUCE THE COST OF SEEING A DOCTOR TO $1.00. Some patients can be quickly referred to a variety of advisers and inexpensive specialists. This is certainly food for thought for the United States where health care costs have been away out of control for a long time.]
By about 2020 a new company from India will be opening dollar stores all over the world to sell their products. They will be a huge success, selling a lot of big things for little prices. It is both an exciting and a disturbing fact that savings can be enormous when, instead of millions, billions of products are produced and sold.
 
At these stores, they will sell a car that is customized to the customer's unique needs. [Lets face it, they will not only be away ahead in pricing, they will be tops in marketing strategies.] So you will buy your car piece by piece. What's the point of buying a top if you don't need one? Why buy sides to your car if you want a good view? If you always drive alone, what's the point of buying four seats? The solution is to buy only what you need: pay a dollar for each wheel, a dollar for the engine, a dollar for the floor, a dollar for a seat, and away you go. When it looks like rain, run back and buy a roof.

When winter comes you can buy the sides and top; or fold up what you have and store it. Reliability won't be a problem because when something breaks down, just buy a new one. When you get tired of the color or style, replace it. While it may feel like you are always dishing out money, by the time you're done, you might only pay $12.00 for the entire car, so let's not complain.

The one minute online doctor:
Some people need instant answers. So they can skip the cost and time involved in going to a doctor and access one online. Otherwise, if they are out shopping, stop in the doctor's corner of the dollar store. Here they will have a video camera with access to a doctor. When it's your turn, state your problem in 30 seconds, then the Doctor will give advice, write a prescription, or make a referral in just 30 seconds. If you think positive about this experience, you will have a positive thought, and that will make it all worthwhile. After one minute you will be good to go. Yes, this is just one of the many miracles that we have come to expect as the future unravels before our eyes.

 

 
Surfing From Space:

As of 2010, Space tourism is becoming a reality. Virgin Galactic has already booked flights which will originate from New Mexico, USA. The cost is currently $250,000.00 per flight. Their first test was successfully completed on April 29, 2013. After the test, Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson said "It is really a stupendous day." It is estimated that by 2020 about 15,000 people will fly into space every year.[April 30, 2013 article by Leonard David, SPACE.COM.]

No doubt these advances will give rise to new extreme sports and new stunts for daredevils to try.

By 2015 a daredevil (or a celebrity that wants to give her career a boost) will attempt to ride a surfboard from space, through the atmosphere, and then fly past a beach in California before landing on the ocean and then surfing back to the beach. The surfboard will be made extra large, so the top can be climate controlled when it is high, and so as it comes in for a landing, it can actually glide through the air.

 

At the start of the flight, she will have to wear a space outfit and be strapped onto the surfboard which will act as a shield. But as she gets lower in altitude and the air becomes warmer, she can start removing her gear. The world's media will watch and report on every move as she throws each piece away, and watch as the pieces quickly burn up. As she gets lower and glides the surfboard over to the beach, she will get rid of the rest. So she will be wearing a bikini as she glides in and lands on the ocean and then surfs into the beach.

The only foreseeable problem with this spectacular stunt is that a day will have to be found in which there isn't too much garbage in the ocean. Also, it will be necessary to keep an eye on the Gobs of Oil forecast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventions

 

Flying Cars Everywhere:
We now trust a car to park by itself and cars can drive themselves, so within a decade, many will trust their new car to fly, and to automatically take them to their selected destination.

Due to the high cost of building and maintaining roads, and to high traffic volume, there will finally be a movement to the use of flying cars. In the past, they did build flying vehicles but the driver needed to be highly skilled and have a pilot's licence, so it never took off. Soon, technology will do the flying and landing for you.

 

 

"Finally, Superman Vision."

See through objects, monitoring from personal drones, and buying a big lead box
to crawl into, for privacy.

At the University of Texas in Dallas a small microchip was tuned into the "terahertz" band of the electromagnetic spectrum. So the microchip is able to detect terahertz waves and turn them into images which can be viewed on a smartphone. Currently they are limiting the distance of their experiment to 10 centimeters or less due to privacy issues. From April 21, 2012 Calgary Herald, page A18; article by Agence France-Presse San Francisco.

Also, drones are becoming affordable. Soon you will be able to monitor your child who is outside by using a drone and a terahertz camera. You can make sure he/she gets to school safely. But also, since cameras are everywhere, and soon drones will be looking down at us, some people will crave privacy. They will buy a big lead box to crawl into for privacy, to hide, to relax.

It seems like we have security cameras everywhere. Soon many places will make things simple by using only one terahertz camera, because it will be able to see absolutely everywhere.

An entire condominium complex can be easily monitored for everything, keeping it completely safe and in good order. By using a terahertz camera, they could easily check for leaky pipes, a dirty toilet, or bed bugs. They will know if there is a sick dog in the place, or an unregistered guest, or if you have taken one drink too many.

The terahertz camera will allow you to check out your health, or the health of the person sitting in front of you by holding up your phone to do a text message. What does their heart look like today? A camera can recognize a smile, so by using this type of technology, your smart phone will recognize the health of a heart and give it a rating from 1 to 10, then note how many years it has left.

Your watch will be connected to your smart phone which is kept in your pocket. During a meeting or while on a bus, you will no longer be embarrassed by the sound of a flock of turkeys which doesn't stop until you find your phone. Problem solved! Your watch will vibrate, your eyes will glance. In a second you will know who's calling, and push a button to give a programmed reply. Your watch is always in front of you, showing an email, your spouse at work, or your child on the way home (as seen from a drone camera).

 

 

Using Nanobots to produce factories of the future:
To the right is a nano church which is 1/1000 the width of a human hair. The printing of this church used a laser beam that was focused by mirrors onto a liquid resin which was hardened into this three-dimensional model.

It will soon become practical and affordable to print intricate nano-scale structures for use in microscopic machinery and medical applications. For medical purposes 3D scaffolds will give cells a structure to stick to, so custom-made living tissues can be constructed from cells. Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna) in an article by Tom Espiner, ZDNet UK, 13 March, 2012 17:21
In 2013, it is reported that they are working on the 3D printing of human organs. NBC News.com (2/20/13) The Bionic Eye: electrodes are implanted next to the retina. Then, the brain gradually learns to interpret the electrodes, so a blind person can gradually gains some sight. [RT television (www.rt.com) ].

Mini microscopes see inside brains of mice:
The microscope is mounted on the head of a mouse and embedded into its brain, so researchers can actually see genetically modified neurons fire. It gives a view of the mouse's brain which can be recorded over a period of time, so they can observe how the neurons evolve. This will allow them to study PTSD in mice, treatments and changes, or to observe Alzheimer’s. They can see the early symptoms, try early treatments, and observe results down to a single cell.
from John Roach, NBC News.com, Technology, (2/20/13) While my website may work for overviews and odd interpretations, his site focuses on the scientific details of recent advances: http://www.byjohnroach.com.

a nano church which 
is 1/1000 the width of
 a human hair (75  kb).
A Nano Church (It is 1/1000 the width of a human hair.).
Photograph by Vienna University of Technology.

 

 

The Robotic Surgical Photocopy Machine:

By 2020 they will cut down on both healthcare costs and human errors by creating robotic surgeons. The robotic surgeon will work on demand, using perfect information, do a perfect job, and have a perfect record. Operations will cost far less because they will no longer need tests, labs, or an actual surgeon. Plus, operations will be faster because the robotic surgeon will work with eight hands instead of two. It will be quick; it will be amazing.

Using a computer chip instead of x-rays, ultrasound, etc.:
First they will implant a computer microchip into every major part of everybody's body. The chips will contain all the details needed to care for that part of the body: details that will be continually updated by the body. (All cells have a natural tendency to want to live so they will be easily trained to adopt an update-the-chip mentality.) No tests will be required. The chip will always contain perfect information which ensures a perfect operation. Once the microchips are implanted you will be good-to-go.

How the operation works:
Since people tend to ignore bad symptoms, a buzzer will be installed. It will sound with the first hint of a symptom, so people will know when to drop everything and run off to get an operation. Maybe on a Monday morning, after a rough weekend, your liver will be in rough shape. The buzzer will sound: it's transplant time.

First, scan the appropriate computer chip. There is nothing complicated about this, you will scan it in the same way you scan groceries at the grocery store. If you selected the wrong chip, not a problem. Just plug more money into the machine, and no doubt you will have better luck with your second operation. After the scan, the robot does everything automatically. When you get it right, the success rate will be 100%.

Buying an operation from a multi-purpose photocopier:
For convenience, the robotic surgeon will be attached to a multi-purpose photocopier at your local office store. Next to it will be a sink (so you can wash the problem area), and a recliner (so you can pause and regroup). On the opposite side of the photocopier will be the stands (so the crowds can have a good view without getting in the way).

So after your photocopying is complete, select liver transplant, plug in your money (make sure you pay for it all, so it doesn't stop when it's half done), scan the right chip, jump up onto the photocopy machine, and lay flat exactly 1/4" from the edge. Don't wiggle !   There is absolutely no chance of human error, so you won't be shaking, you will be completely relaxed. The multi-purpose photocopier will command the eight arms of the surgeon to cut, yank, and paste. That's all there is to it. It'll be quick. You'll be amazed. It will be done to perfection. The beauty of it all is the robotic surgeon will be built without ears, so it won't get distracted or make errors when you scream in pain or cry out for help.

 

 

Genetic Engineering:
Eventually, genetic engineering will allow us to create the perfect human. It will be hard to get used to. Parents will order a baby who will grow up to do a slam dunk or to have a Barbie doll appearance. But after the 2082 winter Olympics, some babies will be created aerodynamic, so they can sail like ski jumpers. Soon, powerful little motors will be added so they can fly, and a new fad will really take off. Billions of slam dunkers will jump for joy, while billions of Barbie dollers will become totally depressed.

 
Also, genetic engineering will allow us to mix plants and animals. So, should we allow a female researcher to cross a man with a tree? She would then have something much more stable and dependable, and he wouldn't run around as much. But who would want to be a tree?

 

Permanent People
[ 2/20/13 with the new 3D printer, this is closer than I thought. ]:

Over the next 20 to 50 years, it will become harder to tell the difference between the human and the machine. All body parts will be replaceable. A 3D printer will use stem cells to print out anything, including human organs. Also, a computer will function like the human brain with the ability to recognize feelings and respond in a feeling way. They will then produce fake people.

 

We will then be able to create a machine duplicate of ourselves so we will appear to be alive long after we are dead. Maybe a few decades later, a way will be found to transfer our spirit (including our memories and thoughts) to the new body. Then we can choose to live for as long as we want. It might be expensive. Maybe it will cost you an arm and a leg.

 

A 3D printer can reproduce living tissue, so this can respond to the need of organs, and soon it will print people. Maybe someone will decide to make a clone of the reader (yes, that's you). A stranger could create a 3D facial impression from a photograph and get the rest from a DNA sample, then create a clone. It would be expensive, so the first subjects will be important people. Maybe the Republicans will wake up to the need for change, then use 3D printing to clone Obama, then they will win the 2016 Presidential election?

 

Duplicated People (maybe by 2070)
(if global warming is under control):

So once you have a new body and a spirit transfer, the sky is the limit. You will just have to press control "D" to get another duplicate, unless you have placed yourself on a clipboard; then press control "V". If you want 500, select 500.

Naturally, when duplicates are running around all over the place, there will be a food problem. Modifications will have to be made with how you eat. Your duplicates will have to combine vitamins with something we have in abundance.

The most practical choice would be garbage. Your modified duplicate will be designed to eat garbage like a goat. But don't worry, your taste buds and sense of smell will be modified so you will really enjoy it. You will want to eat lots of garbage.

When it becomes possible to do a spirit transfer, they will figure out how to do them with a push of a button. So you will be able to reside within whichever duplicate you want, whenever you want and as long as you want.

Skip the duplicate that is in the middle of doing a jigsaw puzzle and choose one that is just completing one. After enjoying putting in the last few pieces, switch to another duplicate that is eating garbage, then to the one that is playing in a raging rock concert, then to the one that is scoring the winning goal. You will be so busy enjoying so many things that it could drive you crazy. When it is predicted that things will be better in the future, it doesn't necessarily mean that things will be easier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Future Problems

 

 

          Global warming will have a HUGE impact on our future:

The bad news:
The story of the decade should be that Arctic sea ice volume has been collapsing much faster than sea ice area. Many experts now say that "if recent volume trends continue we will see a “near ice-free Arctic in summer” within a decade." written by Joe Romm at thinkprogress.org   Feb 14, 2013
Also, in Obama's State of the Union address, he noted that "the 12 hottest years on record have all come in the last 15," and that almost every year there is major damage from extreme weather. We also need to be aware that as the Arctic ice melts, the warming will speed up. Also, as permafrost areas warm and melt, there is increasing release of gas, and this also warms the atmosphere. So we are obviously in a serious situation.

The good news:
Obama is already responding to these problems, and China is also responding to extreme air pollution. It is becoming obvious that many of the adjustments needed can stimulate our economies.

There are many myths about global warming, so people are polarized. The answers on the Internet are hidden in a hodgepodge of poorly done and confusing web sites. If you have heard one of the many myths in the media about global warming, try skeptical science, an easy to understand website. All the main myths are explained in a way that is easy to understand.

satellite photograph of ice
A NASA satellite photograph taken September 16, 2012.
Record low Arctic sea ice.

 
The record low used to be 29%
of the Arctic ocean covered with ice in 2007.
But in 2012, the record became 23%.

Feb. 14, 2013 update: Arctic sea ice volume has
been collapsing much faster than sea
ice area. So the Arctic sea could be
mostly free of ice within the decade.
By Joe Romm at thinkprogress.org   Feb 14, 2013

 

 

An Epidemic of Obesity:
(A Worldwide Phenomenon)

The statistics show that obesity has become a major problem. More than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight, and 34 percent are obese. (The Associated Press, January 14, 2010)

It isn't fair to blame 2 out of 3 people for having a lack of will power. It makes more sense to take a realistic look at what the food industry is doing to us. Target the food industry, not the victims. Research has shown that anything with fat, salt, and sugar can be addicting. (a May 26/2010 story by Angela Mulholland, CTV.ca News Staff).
So that's what we're getting, and we're fighting a losing battle.

 

The food industry uses a variety of strategies to get us to buy food that makes us fat. They know that competition is stiff, so it is hard to increase market share by 5%. It is much more effective if they increase profits by 100% on a customer by making them fat, so this has to be part of their strategy. (My assumption here is that an overweight person spends twice as much on food as someone who is slim.)

Being overweight has had a staggering impact on our lifestyle; and it effects our health. How can any nation claim to be strong when it is full of round and wobbly people?

 

 

From Couch Potatoes to Blobs:

After television became popular we soon had the couch potato. Since then, things have become worse due to irresistible packaged food, fast food, and junk food. Our preferred activity has become sitting: sitting in front of the TV or computer. Even children prefer to sit rather than to play. So obesity and its complications have become a major problem, and some of us will become not much more than a blob.

There is currently a battle going on which will determine the future shape of the human race.

The food industry (that wants people to be fat) is up against the fashion industry (that wants people to be skinny) and the porn industry (that wants people to be lumpy). At this time, it is easy to see that the food industry is going to be the clear winner.

If you sense that for you it could get worse, you might have a hard battle to change your lifestyle, to change your eating and shopping habits. Avoid reaching the point where you need to go to the hospital, and the only way to get there is to use a forklift to hoist you and your bed onto a flatbed truck. [this happened in Kansas in Oct. '09]   Obviously, there are better ways to enjoy life.

Many people fail to realize that the human body not only needs food, but it needs movement. More and more scientific studies are proving that regular movement (EG. exercise (which can be free and enjoyable) ) can be as beneficial as some drugs (which can be expensive, with negative side effects).

If you are one of the many who avoid exercise, why not turn on some music and have some fun? It can be painless. Also, try choosing the kind of movement you enjoy, then make use of a program (or an activity computer game) that helps you get fit.

 

 

The Need To Improve Packaged And Fast Food:

Tackling the Food Problems in Canada:
 
In a July 2010 Canadian Government report on the excessive use of salt by food companies and chain restaurants, it says that using less salt can prevent roughly 13,000 deaths, and avoid paying out 1.5 billion each year in healthcare. So the government came up with a five year plan, because they can actually save money by tackling the salt problem. (December 29/10 CTV.ca News Staff)     [ April, 2013   After about 3 years I have found a few minor changes, but it appears that the problem is being ignored by most. There are a few items with less salt, but they are poorly marked and hard to find. The industry loves a five year plan: they have five years before evaluations and so five years before they have to do anything. Our government and industry need to discover the real value of human beings. [ May 2, 2013: I noticed that before our Canadian government are a number of petitions and private members bills on the reduction of salt. ] ]

Salt is only a small part of the problem. The food industry also needs to change their use of processed sugars, hormones, antibiotics, and other chemicals. All of this has an impact on our healthcare costs.

Most customers don't have the time and energy needed to worry about addictive and damaging chemicals. It takes time to make sense of the poor labeling. The food industry lacks concern because their main goal is to make profits. We need a referee to step in, to evaluate and regulate, so we don't suffer the consequences of their chemical tricks.

Right now, losing weight requires a radical change in shopping and eating habits, and in lifestyle. But most people are either overweight or obese, so the food industry is winning the battle. The majority of people lose out in quality of life, and eventually it costs us all money.

 

 

 

        Being Misled By The Free Press.
 
 
Most people form their opinions from information that they get mainly from the media. But what the media feeds us is flawed. So our opinions, are also flawed.
 
 
 

I have heard many complaints about radio talk shows, at home and in the United States. They work hard at producing propaganda. In early April 2013 one Calgary talk program claimed that the impact of Alberta's oil sands on the environment is miniscule, and then added that "IT IS ONLY MINISCULE." But Google maps tells the truth (try it and enter Fort McMurray, AB and look just north of that city). The radio lies seem believable, but the truth is seconds away. Our world needs more stability and less stupidity.

Canada's free press reports very little on certain topics for a variety of reasons. The general population is left under informed about many important issues. This link will take you to a list of 25 Canadian topics which were underreported by the media. It has been created by the School of Communication at Simon Fraser University. They note that these issues are "critical to our health, safety, and democracy." In their introduction they suggest "that we must rethink the role and structure of the large news organizations in Canada." No doubt, other countries have similar problems.

Topics that were under reported in Canada
(for the year ending August 2011)
The Environment:
  •   Impact of Climate Change on Canada's Boreal Forest.
  •   Devastation of the Oceans.
  •   Effects of Industrial Farming.
  •   Canadian Mining Companies Lack Accountability.
  •   Health Effects of Canada's Tar Sands.
  •   Abandoned Oil Wells Cause Environmental Hazard.
  •   Asbestos Exports.
  •   Long Term Effects of Japan's 2011 Nuclear Disaster.
    Other:
  •   Corporate Lobbying Shaping Laws
  •   Threat of Public Relations to Newsrooms
  •   Big Pharma Testing for Profit
  •   Pharmaceutical Companies "Ghost Writing" for Medical Journals.
  •   Soldier Suicides and the Mental Health Cost of War
  •   Failure of the War on Drugs
  • As you learn about today's world, there is a need to mix traditional media with new sources. The Charlie Rose show is hard to beat. His website allows you to search video interviews that he conducts with leading politicians, educators, writers, entertainers, etc. He will convince you that the United States is once again on the move. It will influence the world again, but this time the influence will be more rational, sane, and considerate.
    Also, try Russian Television at youtube for videos, or go to the Russian Television website. It is sad that we have to work so hard to gain a realistic, objective view of what is happening in our world.

     

     

    More Reasons Why Corporations Are Making
    the Average Person Somewhat
    deformed, neurotic, and sickly.

    The impact of their choices will become part of our future.

    We should all be perky people, fit as a fiddle, tickled pink to be living in a hunky dory world.
    That sounds good, but it doesn't quite describe the real world.

    Dealing With Toxins
    Which Now Surround Us:
    In our modern world, we are surrounded by chemicals. In recent years, science has been learning how to measure the toxins and how they affect our health. So we can now deal with prevention, learn which chemicals are really bad and then avoid them. This website can be helpful: Guide to Less Toxic Products.
     
    Becoming Deformed:
    Above, we found how the marketing and production of the food industry has had a negative impact on the health and shape of 2/3 of the population. But many people assume nothing has changed, so they and their children live a second rate, unhealthy lifestyle, and it is passed down through generations. Large food corporations benefit. But as they live their unhealthy lifestyle, Big Pharma also benefits. The changes have been gradual so nobody notices, and they prefer denial.
    Becoming Neurotic & Sickly:
    In 2009 we almost saw the collapse of the poorly regulated financial industry. This had a major impact on our economy and a long term impact on many people. While some corporations got billion dollar bailouts, their key decision makers got million dollar bonuses, and the average taxpayer got the bill. Although many have suffered, the regulations haven't changed. It can happen again.

    It is disturbing to note that Monsanto is creating genetically modified food which is resistant to their herbicides. So when most farmers use their seeds, most also have to use their herbicides (which of course add to Monsanto's profits). This means more herbicides, and more sickly people in need of pills. The average American already fills 12 prescriptions a year. The pharmaceutical companies have been working hard at getting governments, doctors, and patients to believe that drugs are the only answer. (Do a few googles to verify that the average person really is losing to both the chemical companies and Big Pharma.

    It is unfortunate that many drugs can lead to the need for more drugs. Then we need drugs to treat the side effects. Drugs (and herbicides, food additives, hormones, antibiotics, fat, salt, and sugar) are all working to leave people neurotic and sickly, and in need of more drugs. This makes the drug and chemical companies very happy. They have their eye on this year's profits. That is the nature of a profit driven company.

    We need nationally enforced standards. When corporations claim that regulations are a problem (or that big government is the problem), we need to recognize their motivation. Common sense tells us that our system needs a trusted referee and regulations to look after the needs of the average person. History has shown many times in many areas, that when powerful corporations are free to do as they want, a lot of damage is done. Corporations have gotten a lot bigger and more powerful, so their negative impact is growing. They strive for profits, and ignore the damage done to people. When the victims look deformed, neurotic, and sickly it is hard for CEO's to see them as important human beings.

     

     

    Violence, Drones, Shoe Throwing, and Printing 3D guns:

    Maybe a rational approach can work?
    Many people feed their minds with garbage: with movies, television programs, and computer games that make every part of their being know that shooting and violence is fun and exciting (and therefore, it becomes a more acceptable way of behaving). Instead of seeing it as a problem, they see it as the solution. So the gun culture in the United States flourishes. Assault rifles are everywhere, and soon people will rent a 3D printer to print guns, so they can have more guns. But do their plans include a bullet proof vest [or vests for their entire family]? Are you always going to be wearing that vest? Your opponent will probably have one. If a person is a sharp shooter or a quick draw, they think they are safe. But is your family always together? Is every member always safe?

    The real threats are from massive numbers of armed flying drones (which can't be shot down and which are too big for a fly swatter), from a cyberattack, from economic control, and from large Corporations who value billion dollar profits over people who are easily victimized. How can America claim to be strong when a large part of their population is being victimized, operating at 50%. This is also serious because millions of children are being victimized as well; and it will eventually impact their children. American faces a wide variety of major threats.

    We are entering an era when there are many diverse threats to countries and citizens. We can work to control neuclear bombs, but flying drones and attack robots are also a threat. So it is becoming far more important for us to achieve world peace, and to help every individual learn to cope with life, and to enjoy life. Why not play soccer instead of killing each other?

    Some countries are full of angry people and extremists. They are so angry that it is painful for them to look at the other side of issues. First, they need a mediator to determine the best solutions. Then they need to force themselves to look at the other side of issues, to understand, to realize that both sides need things to be fair, and to become less angry. The greatest challenge in this is for everyone involved to recognize they have an anger problem, then overcome the anger, suppress their anger, and deal with the bad feelings from past events. Then they will be more able to understand the benefits of peace, and then accept an agreement, so they can enjoy the wide ranging benefits of a win win situation. They must choose to work on their emotions, so they don't become a problem for their families, and the world.

    My belief is that shoe throwing has a lot of unexplored potential. Throwing shoes at politicians is an effective way of getting a point across. Some politicians are slow learners, and will probably stay that way unless a lot more shoes are thrown at them. That is the only kind of violence that makes sense to me.

    shoes waiting for 
George W Bush
    A box full of weapons: short range boots and long range runners. This box
    was waiting for George W. Bush who visited Edmonton, Ab, Canada in January, 2010.
    It wasn't going to be World War lll, but it was going to get real ugly.

     

     

     

    Dealing With Future Wars:

    Both sides need to develop a mindset of compromise. Although both sides will find giving in to be an irritating, disturbing process, they need to face reality, and then get serious about dealing with their emotions. It is their extreme emotions that are the problem. Things need to be fair for both sides. After that, instead of continuing to suffer with the painful damage that comes with a lose lose situation, they can enjoy the wide ranging benefits of a win win situation.

     

    It is tragic that the world has so many extremists of all types. Some extremists create their own set of beliefs. Even though those beliefs are based on flawed information, are irrational, emotional, and potentially destructive, many times, history has shown that millions of people are willing to ignore common sense and share their emotions. When they all feel the same, they sense they must be right; so they follow their leaders like sheep. They don't care how the real world works or what the facts are because deep in their heart they know they have the answer.

     

    Bringing Sanity to the World:

    By 2020, it will be widely accepted that quality schools, pre-schools, and daycares have an extremely important role to play in the future of our world. We need to recognize that some parents are psychotic, some have been damaged by drugs, some were damaged by war, and some are simply totally incompetent. It isn't that they make bad choices; they were raised with abuse, so the parenting that comes natural to them is abusive. (I continue to be amazed at how self centered some people are. They fail to realize that others don't behave similar to how they behave. The human race is extremely diverse.)

    So daycare workers will be given the added role (after a little additional training) of monitoring and influencing parents, to prevent abuse and neglect. They are in the best position to ensure that children in ALL families are emotionally healthy, so they don't grow up to become another Hitler, a fanatical leader, a mass murderer, an abuser, a bully, an addict, or a mental patient.

    We need to keep in mind that changing the bad behavior of a child is far easier and far less costly than attempting to change the behavior of a damaged adult. Damaged adults cause problems wherever they go, require increased policing, jails, judicial system use, mental hospitals, treatment programs, etc. All of this costs "Big Bucks" and gets limited results.

    George W. Bush should have spent time in a quality daycare. That is where he could have learned how to respect other children, especially those who are younger, weaker, and not as well developed. When George was 4 years old, he could have learned how to respond to a 3 year old who whacks him over the head from behind, then runs and hides. A quality daycare could have taught him how to use common sense, and how to be a good person.   While they were at it, they could have also taught George how to not leave behind a big mess.

    After all that happened, I have to give George W. credit for writing a book, so we now know he did a few things right while he was President. But why was he eager to attack the wrong country? Why didn't he wait to see if the UN inspectors would find weapons of mass destruction? It was taking a lot of time to find them because they didn't exist. George W. relied on guess work and shaky intelligence, and then attacked. Why did he start an unnecessary war that the United States couldn't afford? Also, it isn't surprising that Amnesty International would like to investigate him for war crimes under international law.

    It isn't fair to condemn the United States. They did elect a new leader 4 years ago and have put some sanity into their foreign policy. The United States withdrew their soldiers from Iraq, so Iraq must now work hard to maintain stability in their own country. Soon Afghanistan will face the same challenges.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Choosing Our Future Life

     

     

    walking away as inline skater whizzzes by

    Everyone heads through life in their own way. You will notice that
    the inline skater is sailing along in a different world.

    He uses his inline skates the way
    you can use your computer.

    The computer allows us to work fast and efficient, at the same speed as the guy on inline skates. The synergy between the technical and the human has resulted in a process which is gradually putting us all in a different world.

    People can now choose information from a wide variety of sources. So we have the power to choose what we feed our minds; so we can build our own reality. We can choose to live a healthier life, to enjoy life more; or we can choose things that cause damage.

    So as today's world quickly changes, we need to make reasonable choices about what kind of life we want to live. Keep in mind that if we don't decide, it will be decided for us. We will find ourselves doing things we don't really enjoy, things that harm our health, things that shorten our lives, or things with unexpected future consequences.

     

    walking into the 
downtown Calgary core - 32 kb

    In your journey through life, how do you
    want to travel?

    What kind of road do you want
    to travel on?

     

     

    What is the impact of today's technological changes?

    When the printing press was invented,
    at the time it was predicted that it would be
    "The End of Civilization As We Know It."

    So Europe emerged from the dark ages with the help of the invention of the printing press, The printing press allowed for the printing of Bibles in many different languages, so soon there was the Protestant Reformation, then the Renaissance and the rise of the nation state. These changes were gradual, taking decades. They had a huge impact on Europe, and the impact spread.

    Our civilization is now changing at lightning speed,
    so hang on. We are currently experiencing
    two major technological changes:
     

        (1)   Everything is in your pocket !
    Everybody can communicate with anybody
    and access any information or videos from
    everywhere at any time in any place.
    This is creating a revolution ! !
    As we know, sites like Facebook can organize things so we can suddenly communicate directly with anyone. This gives us the potential for major chanages in our social life. As soon as our fascination with technology subsides, the leaders in each group can get creative.

    Rough videos can be made: news, sports and entertainment reports can target the people you know, to entertain and inform. We have all seen a million reports, so making our own report will come natural. Some will discover that creating reports are quick and easy. If they are full of flaws, all the better. Family and friends will find the videos entertaining and informative; and they will be personalized, creating a stronger sense of community. This will change the lifestyle of millions.

     

        (2)   Almost everybody on the planet can publish.
    So when billions of people are producing something, we start living in a new world. As soon as people get bored with their new gadget, they can choose to find ways to communicate more effectively. It is that same gadget that will help you surprise everyone (with the help of photos and videos) with impressive, enhanced communications. Unfortunately, most will have to take a course before they understand how much better enhanced communications can be.

    my old
cell phone is 
90% phone and 10% computer
New phones are 90% computer
    An example of old
    technology.

     

     

     

    Better Ways To Enjoy the Future
    Examples of Fun Activities

     

    ready for 
a long 
scenic 37 km
 journey

    Taking a journey
    on inline skates.

    14 different 
folk dances 
(performed at 
the 2007 Edmonton 
Heritage Festival.)

    A variety of folk dances.

    ice skating 
in the late 
afternoon

    Ice skating.

    This guy tries to hang
 his bike on
 the lift cable

    This guy tries to hang his bike on the lift cable.

    Running downhill
through the bushes.

    Bikers follow a path
    through the bushes.

    an intense
heavy duty 
water fight.  (346 kb). .

    These rafts are engaged in war.

    a group on an inner tube

    A group riding an inner tube.

    running into each 
other for 
absolutely no 
reason at all

    Running into each other.
    Enjoying team sports.

    To comments and photos of these activities (includes links to videos). How do you think
    they compare to taking drugs, or the excessive use of video games and television?

     

     

     

    The "To Heaven And Back Trilogy:"

    View one of these quirky videos and you can enjoy
    some light humor while meeting the author.
    He plays an eccentric old man.

     

    A New Beginning (Part 1 of 3)
    The old man bungles into a relationship with
    his latest Teddy Bear.
    Video is
4 min. 10 sec. at  
youtube.com

     

    a 4 min. 
10 sec. video
    Click here
    to view this
    4 min. 10 sec. video.
    To Heaven And Back (Part 2 of 3)
    The old man knows how to get to heaven, so that's what he does.

    Use this link to
view in new window
 at youtube.com

     

    Use this link
to view

     

    Use this link
 to view this 
4 min. 40 sec. video
in new window
    Click here
    to view this
    4 min. 40 sec. video.

    The Final Solution (Part 3 of 3)
    When the Teddy Bear becomes difficult, the old man takes action.

    view this video
5 min. 10 sec. video
at youtube.com
 in a new window.

     

    5 min. 10 sec.
video opens into 
a new window
at youtube.com

     

    video is 5 min. 10 sec.
Use this link to
view in new window
at youtube.com
    Click here
    to view this
    5 min. 10 sec. video
    in a new window.

     

    Notes:   The factual content came from a variety of television
    and print sources; some of it from the Canadian magazine
    Maclean's: Aug. 21, 2000 and Aug. 20, 2001 issues, from articles
    on the future written mostly by Chris Wood. More recently, in addition
    to a variety of print sources, I have drawn from Canadian television,
    CNN, BBC, RT, and PBS (including Charlie Rose).

    There are a lot of experts who know far more than myself, so
    ideally they should be the ones running this website. Unfortunately,
    they are aware that probable flaws like misconceptions, biases, and
    misunderstandings will be delivered by a simple presentation that
    simplifies a variety of problems. Complex problems have complex
    solutions. If an expert attempted a file like this, their colleagues
    would probably look upon them as a fool.

    However, in our complex and busy world, my impression is that a
    file like this has practical value. It can help the reader gain awareness,
    knowledge, and insights, and aid in assembling opinions. So when I chose
    to begin this project, it was because it needed to be done, and I had the time;
    it was not because I'm packed with knowledge, insight, and education. [Here
    is my unique, personal background.] My suspicion was that after
    extensive mulling and many rewrites, then things which made sense
    would emerge. So, please don't take anything here as the plain
    truth or a final solution to complex problems; but
    rather work with it, and turn it into
    something constructive.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Questions?  Suggestions? Comments.
                  Contact the author.

    to:     home page for a little history.com

     


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