First Blog

In the olden days, like only twenty years ago, there was organic chemistry - the study of the chemistry of living organisms.   Biology was the quintessential organic science.   These days, the term “organic” is applied to almost everything.   We have ·        Organic crops – promised vegetables grown with only approved pesticides and fertilizers, and “certified.” ·        Organic growth in business – meaning a business is grown from within as a dynamical organizational process; mergers and acquisitions are considered inorganic. ·        Organic organization – referring to a flexible management style readily adaptable to changes, as opposed to the mechanistic , or top-down management system. ·        Organic military – often meaning a n  organic  (military) unit that is a permanent part of a larger unit with a specialized capability to that parent unit. ·        Organic education – basically meaning that children are born to learn and they want to learn, and educators must f

Martin Luther King viewed racism as a problem to be addressed, repaired, and fixed. He was correct. It is or was a problem.  In all too many cases, modern black and other American leaders see  racism  as a  solution  to be exploited to personal advantage.  The problem therefore defines a stance, not to be solved but to be used.  This dissembles the remarkable achievements of the Rev. King. It is important to realize King was able to see beyond political or personal advantage, understanding the humanity of his goals. His place could be put almost as a prophet of our modern times.  When any problem is interpreted as the solution, the portends a permanent decline of knowledge, advance, civility, or even science.  

The stock market is going up and up both in the USA and the world, despite impeachment, Iran, climate, swine flu, nuclear bomb production, taxes, and everything else you might think should mitigate the market.   With so much negativity you must have thoughts of impending doom. I do. Yet economic data are encouraging. People are spending money like crazy. Housing starts are up 16%.   The 10-year rate is strong. Unemployment is down. The new NAFTA and China deals are set. So, what do we fear besides fear itself? (Homage to FDR.)   Maybe Dengue fever?   Well, scientists have genetically modified mosquitos to fix that.   Is all this fear washed away?   Not quite.   The national barometer of fiscal confidence is the NYSE, the New York Stock Exchange. Here’s the latest assessment from that group of money grubbers The greatest fear on the floor of the stock market exchange is the fear of no bad news. This is singularly remarkable, that of discussing the fear of fear. So, what fear d

One problem with wisdom is that it compels you to make decisions you'd rather not make. On the other hand, without wisdom, you have more freedom to choose and therefore more free will. ---------------------- The same can be said about education and knowledge. The more you have the better you are able to solve problems, the less choices you have to select solutions even though more solutions can be offered, the less free will you have to make choices.  So, education works against free will.   -------------------- The seeds of knowledge combined together with with the seeds of experience, when cold-pressed, render droplets of wisdom. The residue is called textbooks.

"Hate is not a good political advisor." Generals are advised not to plan battles while angry. CEOs are advised not to face competition through hate. Lawyers are advised not to argue from the passion of hatred. Married folks are advised not to exude hate in family disputes. Professional fighters are advised to keep their cool. So, why are so many politicians fueled by hatred?  

Happy New Year, 2020, to all.  Make one easy resolution.  Do at least one good deed. Save a bunch of money. Appreciate yourself. Love your family. Make a friend. Make some memories. Write a letter to your future self.