text:
Increase in council pessimism over services
by Colin Marrs
in Funding
Nine out of ten council leaders believe that some local authorities will fail to deliver the essential services residents require within five years, according to new research.
The figure is included in a review of the local government sector released today by consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers.
It found the long-term pessimism reflected – although to a lesser extent – among chief executives, 80% of whom said they also thought services would suffer within the next five years.
Jonathan House, PwC local government team adds: "It's becoming increasingly clear that while two-tier local government is unsustainable in its current form, there is little appetite for top-down local government reorganisation.
"In the near term, it's up to counties and districts to work together to create an alternative future for themselves, and quickly."
But he questioned whether shared service approaches would be able to deliver the scale of the cost savings needed.
The survey found that nine out of ten chief executives and leaders believe that, within the next five years, some local authorities will get into serious financial crisis.
Previous versions of the survey have found more optimism among senior council figures that their own councils would cope, this figure is now in line with the grim opinion of the outlook for the whole sector.
The survey also polled 2,000 members of the public. Although it found that only half the public is aware of reductions in services, only 35% accepted the need for cuts, compared to 47% in 2011.
Repairs to roads and pavements were identified by a quarter of respondents as an area where they were aware of reductions, followed by 21% saying they were aware of library reductions or closures.
When asked about barriers to economic growth, 80% of leaders and chief executives believe that infrastructure investment is a significant issue.
Other issues identified were lack of influence over skills policy (51%) and housing issues (50%), while less significant barriers included lack of investment in digital connectivity (45%) and difficulty in agreeing collaborative agreements with public sector partners (30%).
The proportion identifying local enterprise partnerships as a key partner for growth was up from 50% last year to 70% of chief executives and 76% of leaders in 2014.
The survey also revealed a disparity between perceptions of council digital services between senior council figures and the public. Only 29% of the public thought their council was using technology effectively, while 75% of leaders and 61% of chief executives believed they were.
A year in the life of an s151: 'We delivered unbelievable things' 16th Dec, 2021
Course aims to aid move from private sector to council accounting 29th Sep, 2021
Financial pressures loom for 2023 and beyond 30th Mar, 2021
Previous story Q&A with Birmingham's Waheed Nazir
Next story Pension fund in City Deal investment, Oxford solar loan, New LGA probe


text:
THE BEADY EYE SAYS: CAPITALISM'S IS DRIFTING TOWARDS A CULTURAL APOCALYPSE.
Posted by bobdillon33@gmail.com in Artificial Intelligence., Donald Trump Presidency., European Union., HUMAN INTELLIGENCE, Humanity., Life., Modern day life., Natural World Disasters, Our Common Values., Social Media., Sustaniability, Technology, The Future, The USA., The world to day., Unanswered Questions., United Nations, What Needs to change in the World, Where's the Global Outrage., World Organisations., World Politics
Artificial Intelligence., Capitalism and Greed, Capitalism vs. the Climate., Community cohesion, Distribution of wealth, European Union, Globalization, Inequility, Technology, The Future of Mankind, THE UNITED NATIONS, Visions of the future.
( A two-minute follow-up read to the Post " What is happening to what we call common values.)
Perhaps with the election of Donald Trump it has already happened.
Because capitalism has and still is creating an explosion in economic and geographic inequality which is now fueled by commercial Artificial Intelligence.
The tragedy is that our World leaders and World Organisations seem inapt to do anything about it.
The main lesson for European and the rest of the world is clear:
As a matter of urgency globalization must be fundamentally reorientated.
Trade agreements must be revisited to become a means in the service of higher ends.
They must include quantifying and binding measures to combat the digital fiscal and climate dumping.
They must have a prosecutor capable of enforcing what is agreed.
Its time to change the political discourse on globalization, trade is a good thing, but fair and sustainable development also demands public services, infrastructure, health and education. These demand fair taxation systems
If we fail to deliver these the ludicrous fantasy of Trumpism testosterone imperialism will win with the dignity of world leaders reduced to one's shopping choices.
Here are a few other thought as to why:
Because: Globalisation it is being replaced in economic by Artificial Intelligence calculation to satisfy consumer demands.
Because: With Trump closing of the USA will change the domination of the capitalism globe. It will now exist for a Chinese Communist party that gives delocalised capitalist enterprise cheap labour to lower prices.
Because: Technology – along with its turbo economic disruption is causing what seems to me to be the hastening of both a cultural and environmental apocalypse.
Because: Digital consumerism makes us too passive to revolt or save the world. Humans have been transferred into desirable readily exchangeable commodities. Culture appears more monolithic than ever. Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, are now presiding over unprecedented monopolies.
Because: The Internet discourse has become tighter, more coercive.
Because: Human personality is being corrupted by false news creating false consciousness that there is hardly anything worth the name anymore.
Because: Common Values are scarcely signifies any more – than white skin, white teeth and freedom from odour and emotions.
Because: Popularising, is a failure of the US and the EU to democratise in an attempt to create a one-dimensional society.
Because: Social Media operates on an eternal feeding loop.
Because: Our world organisations are out of date.
Because: Trade agreements aren't worth the paper they are written.
Because: If we destroy or Atmosphere , or Seas, or Fresh Water all for the sake of profit, there is little reason to believe in a Christian or Muslim God or for that matter any other Gods that will make a difference.
All comments appreciated. All likes clicks chucked in the bin.
THE BEADY EYE ASKS: WHAT IS HAPPENING TO WHAT WE CALL COMMON VALUES?
Posted by bobdillon33@gmail.com in Artificial Intelligence., Donald Trump Presidency., England EU Referendum IN or Out., European Union., Google it., HUMAN INTELLIGENCE, Humanity., Life., Modern day life., Our Common Values., Politics., Technology, The Future, The world to day., Unanswered Questions., What Needs to change in the World, Where's the Global Outrage.
Artificial Intelligence., Community cohesion, Digital Divide., European Union, Our Common Values., Technology, The Future of Mankind, Visions of the future.
(A twelve-minute read if you value your time)
For some naive reason I thought this would be an easy subject to write on.
After all, we all value fresh air, clean water, and the other essential to living- Life.
If we remove our personal values and look at our shared convictions regarding what we believe is important and desirable , of course, we are left with valuing the right things and surely they are common values but the term "values" means different things in different contexts.
So much so that we are no longer connected by Our Common Values.
In reality we understand that our choices are always significantly limited, and that our values shift over time in unpredictable ways.
This is especially true with emerging technologies, where values that may lead one society to reject a technology are seldom universal, meaning that the technology is simply developed and deployed elsewhere. In a world where technology is a major source of status and power, that usually means the society rejecting technology has, in fact, chosen to slide down the league tables.
Take for instance choice.
To say that one has a choice implies, among other things, that one has the power to make a selection among options, and that one understands the implications of that selection. Obviously, reality and existing systems significantly bound whatever options might be available. In 1950, I could not have chosen a mobile phone:
So it is premature to say that we understand how to implement meaningful choice and responsible values when it comes to emerging technologies.
Technology is changing far faster than the institutions we've traditionally relied on to inform and enforce our choices and values.
However current progress in meeting the profound challenges that humanity must confront falls far short of what is needed.
Combined with the need for a new understanding about the way that people think raises complex ethical questions concerning our common values makes it a complex subject to address.
So let's try and address it under these broad headings.
The Rule of Private Gain. If you are the only one personally gaining from the situation, is it is at the expense of another? If so, you may benefit from questioning your ethics in advance of the decision.
If Everyone Does It. Who would be hurt? What would the world be like? These questions can help identify unethical behaviors.
Benefits vs. Burden. If benefits do result, do they outweigh the burden?
Or we can bury our heads in the sand, and insist on the sanctity of Enlightenment reason.
Or we can respond to the new understanding of how decision-making processes work, by demanding that there is public scrutiny of the effect that particular communications, campaigns, institutions and policies have on cultural values, and the impact that values, in turn, have on our collective responses to social and environmental challenges.
The first thing that struck me, is that these days there is no such thing as value-neutral policy.
Often, if the facts don't support a person's values, "the facts bounce off"
If you need an example you need to look no further than what we are witnessing with president-elect Mr Donald Trump and the English vote to leave the European Union.
President Trump has little understanding that American Values that crossed the Atlantic with those who sailed from Europe and Slaves from Africa to help create the USA.
Their values have stood the test of time till now.
Mrs May on the other hand carrying the cultural and historical baggage of an Empire that supplied the slaves and is now reaping the reward of leaving the European Union's blueprint for success which relies not only on securing economic prosperity but also on consensus on core values common to all the EU Member States.
( In the EU the original emphasis on economic development and environmental protection has been broadened and deepened to include alternative notions of development (human and social) and alternative views of nature (anthropocentric versus egocentric). Thus, the concept maintains a creative tension between a few core principles and an openness to reinterpretation and adaptation to different social and ecological contexts.
The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.)
She is now clasping hands with a country that is also denuding itself of core values.
Many studies have established substantial correlations between people's values and their corresponding behaviours.
Unfortunately our troubled world is no longer affected by common values, they being manipulated by simply flooding the public with as much sound data as possible on the assumption that the truth is bound, eventually, to drown out its competitors.
If, however, the truth carries implications that threaten people's cultural values, then… [confronting them with this data] is likely to harden their resistance and increase their willingness to support alternative arguments, no matter how lacking in evidence" (Kahan, 2010: 297).
The idea that people can be 'nudged' into new forms of behaviour by having their brains massaged in a certain way, is built on the premise that we are not rational beings to be engaged with. It's very foundation is the elite's view of us, not as people to be talked to, argued with and potentially won over, but problematic beings to be remade" (O'Neill, 2010; emphasis in original).
Values have a profound impact on a person's motivation to express concerns about a range of bigger-than-self problems. Indeed, they are values that must be championed if we are to uncover the collective will to deal with today's profound global challenges.
Undoubtedly these are values that have been weakened – and often even derided – in modern culture. They are not, for example, values that are fostered by treating people as if they are, above all else, consumers.
As humans our biological tendencies push us towards both altruism and selfishness, artificial intelligence is removing any sense of common values.
While humans are capable of displays of enlightened self-interest, we cannot hope that individuals will subjugate their own self-interest to the pursuit of the greater common good. The best for which we can hope, therefore, is to exploit those instances where self-interest and the common good happen to coincide – often called 'win-win' scenarios.
It also seems clear to me that, in trying to meet these challenges, civil society organisations must champion some long-held (but insufficiently esteemed) values, while seeking to diminish the primacy of many values which are now prominent – at least in Western industrialised society.
Values are also shaped by people's experience of public policies.
It is therefore crucial to ask: which values does society accentuate?
People's motivation to engage with political process, and to demand change, is shaped importantly by their values.
Civil society organisations must strive for utmost transparency about the effect of communications and campaigns in shaping public attitudes.
Bolder leadership from both political and business leaders is necessary if proportional responses to these challenges are to emerge, but active public engagement with these problems is of crucial importance.
This is partly because of the direct material impacts of an individual's behaviour (for example, his or her environmental footprint), partly because of lack of consumer demand for ambitious changes in business practice, and partly because of the lack of political space and pressure for governments to enact change.
This will require a change in societal values, and commitments by wealthier nations to assist others in the protection of wilderness resources of global concern.
One hundred years from now, when historians look back on this period of history, what will they think of the wilderness debate?
Will it be irrelevant to them or will it represent a vital component of a societal watershed of thought that changed the way in which society viewed itself and its relationship to Planet Earth?
Some values are mutually consistent, others tend to act to oppose one another. Activating a specific value causes changes throughout the whole system of that person's values; in particular, it has the effect of activating compatible values and suppressing opposing values.
The implication of this is that business practice, government policy and civil society communications and campaigns must take responsibility not just for their 'material impacts' (what they achieve 'on the ground'), but also for the effect they have on dominant cultural values.
It is often argued that, because a problem – climate change, for example – is of urgent concern, there 'is not enough time' for systemic responses.
This is a suspect argument: it seems at least as likely that appeal to 'easy wins' on climate change will actually serve to help defer ambitious action until it becomes "too late" for this to be taken effectively.
We must build a visual and compelling vision of low-carbon heaven.
It seems that one way in which values become strengthened is through their repeated activation. This may occur, for example, through people's exposure to these values through influential peers, in the media, in education, or through people's experience of public policies.
The future is already through technology bring means that devalue that past and are, to a large extent, unconscious of the present. The Internet, the Smart Phone, artificial Intelligent Apps are all contributing to this.
This means that we value and collect more material objects. It also means we give higher priority to obtaining, maintaining and protecting our material objects than we do in developing and enjoying interpersonal relationships.
Even the gloomiest of assessments of human nature lead to the conclusion that we should be working to mitigate unhelpful aspects of our biology through cultural interventions.
This constitutes a timely opportunity to further reflect.
Man always kills the thing he loves.
In the United States, people consider it normal and right that Man should control Nature, rather than the other way around.
Up to the election of Mr Trump: Equality was, for Americans, one of their most cherished values. This concept is so important for Americans that they have even given it a religious basis.
To prevent the silent creeping erosion of our European project it has to be more focused on essentials and on meeting the concrete expectations of its citizens. I am convinced that it is not the existence of the Union that is object to but the way it functions.
Institutions that examine power and responsibility, and audit their ethical decisions regularly, develop employees that function with honesty and integrity and serve their institution and community.
It is imperative that we appreciate that each person's intrinsic values are different. Because values are so ingrained, we are not often aware that our responses in life are, in large part, due to the values we hold and are unique to our own culture and perspective.
What is ethically responsible is not just fixation on rules or outcomes.
Rather, it is to focus on the process and the institutions involved by making sure that there is a transparent and workable mechanism for observing and understanding the technology system as it evolves, and that relevant institutions are able to respond to what is learned rapidly and effectively.
Indeed, much of what we do today is naive and superficial, steeped in reflexive ideologies and overly rigid worldviews. But the good news is that we do know how to do better, and some of the steps we should take. It is, of course, a choice based on the values we hold as to whether we do so.
The values that must be strengthened – values that are commonly held and which can be brought to the fore – include: empathy towards those who are facing the effects of humanitarian and environmental crises, concern for future generations, and recognition that human prosperity resides in relationships – both with one another and with the natural world.
In making judgements, feelings are more important than facts.
Can you imagine big business embracing humility as a core value?
If wilderness is to exist into the future. (It is a finite resource. It is a non-renewable resource. It is a non-substitutable resource. It is an irreversible resource. It is a common resource.) Has the time come for us to govern ourselves? Our experience and conceptualisations are not random; they are stored in structured forms in long-term memory.
Values have been defined as psychological representations of what we believe to be important in life.
To be ethically successful, it is paramount that we understand and respect how values impact our social environment. How we perceive ourselves and operate within our environment is of such importance that institutions establish rules of ethical behavior that relate to practice.
Political leaders have profound influence over people's deep frames, in important part through the policies that they advocate.
Values can be both activated (for example, by encouraging people to think about the importance of particular things), and they can be further strengthened, such that they become easier to activate by education which has an important impact on their value.
A final thought: We all value our own lives, it is how we conduct that life that gives value to it. It has no meaning without values.
No individual man or woman and no nation must be denied opportunity to benefit from development whether its technological or otherwise that exceeds our humanity.
A digital divide threatens us all, both rich and poor, it is also testing our values.
Are we all googling while Rome Burns.?
Technology has a multiplying power. Websites have become multi media platforms and Television stations are now media centers where the evening news broadcast is secondary to the accompanying pod casting blogging with interactive forms as Twitter, Face Book, etc.
Use them to put the flames out. Values offer focus amidst the chaos.
If you got this far I value your time and comments not your like clicks.
THE BEADY EYE ASKS. WHAT IS IT THAT DRIVES MEN LIKE DONALD TRUMP.
Posted by bobdillon33@gmail.com in Donald Trump Presidency.
( A five-minute read)
Far be it from me, that I in this post say I know what drives a men like Trump.
They say you get to know a person by what he or she says, or does not say. By their actions and non actions.
Like many of us, I was ill-prepared for the possibility of such a man becoming President of the United States.
Trump has nothing to do with politics or ideology. He has to do with himself.
With Politics (on both sides of the pond) now set to become the greatest show on earth his unpredictability will be his strength in office.
As a reflection of the American way of life is he truly not really worth comprehending?
A man so utterly devoid of policy ideas he thinks that saying the words 'tremendous', 'beautiful' and 'great' is all you need.
In an era of highly polarized politics I suppose it is worth understanding what caused Trump's win.
He identified the central issue motivating the American electorate and then convinced a plurality of the voters in the states that mattered that he was the best person to bring change.
Donald Trump's supporters know exactly what he stands for: hatred of immigrants, racial superiority, a sneering disregard of the basic civility that binds a society."
So this is the beginning of a modern trend in which politicians like Trump directly and explicitly play into people's prejudices to win elections — and it works.
Trump now takes office on the strength of his demagoguery.
A student of little else, Trump is an intuitive expert in popular fantasy.
Capitalism chose long ago to turn its back on people's concerns, making itself instead into the tribune of the enlightened professional class, a "creative class" that makes innovative things like derivative securities and smartphone apps.
As a result left political parties the world over were founded to advance the fortunes of working people but today's self-absorbed elites, have become addicted to their wealth and to traditional authority, and never imagined their influence could disappear.
Allour Donald Trump.
Donald Trump talks about trade, in a ham-handed way.
It seems to obsess him to the point of selling any values of the USA.
A man who wants to deport millions upon millions of undocumented immigrants.
A man who wants to bar Muslims from visiting the United States.
A man who admires various foreign strong men and dictators, and has even retweeted a quote from Mussolini.
A man who is not against torture, which Mrs May (the unelected prime minister of Great Britain) is about discover during her special tortured meeting. The Trade agreement if any she comes away with won't be worth the paper it is written on. It more than likely will ensure a hard Brixit.
Considering the historical baggage of the English Empire we should not however be surprised that she is the first female leader to meet Trump.
The man is an insult clown, who has systematically gone down the list of American ethnic groups and offended them each in turn.
This gold-plated buffoon has in turn drawn the enthusiastic endorsement of leading racists from across the spectrum of intolerance, a gorgeous mosaic of haters, each of them now quivering excitedly that they have a real, honest-to-god bigot in the White House.
I would advise MRS MAY to stop sleepwalking, and wake up.
He is allowing his supporters to indulge in a vision of unrestrained ego, and by extension, a vision of unrestrained national power.
Trump is now just beginning to complete his biggest and most astonishing demolition of the Western World, with personal vice is a source of his power, which now becomes a sign of state power.
Fortunately the United States constitution is specifically designed to prevent presidents from doing too much damage.
But the carefully, intelligently designed checks and balances built into the American system of government have been so eroded over the last century that a president Trump could do the sort of harm the founding fathers wished to prevent.
What's worrying about Trump is his unpredictability, his disregard for any boundary between truth and self-serving fiction, his unbridled narcissism, his instability, and his apparent desire to pursue his enemies with the tools of high office.
It becomes slightly frightening to unpack the implications of this.
It's a troublesome sign implying we are so used to politicians lying that we actually expect it, and that when someone comes along who is refusing to play the game, we reward them even if we don't like them.
What can you say or see that is good about him?
Trump's words articulate the populist backlash against liberalism that has been building slowly for decades.
Trump, while his statements are sometimes shocking, is at the very least consistent.
That means that we as a public can think that Trump is sexist, racist, or whatever the inflammatory comment du jour is, and still be more comfortable with him as the president because he appears to not be lying or hiding his feelings.
With power come not only the fame but also, more importantly, the fortune. Heads of state or government are supposed to be the servants of the people, but it may be an extremely difficult and even thankless job.
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia – $40 billion:
Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand – $30 billion:
Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei – $20 billion
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia – $18 billion
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of United Arab Emirates – $15 billion
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Emir of Dubai – $4 billion
Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechstenstein – $4 billion
Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar – $2.5 billion
Mohammed VI, King of Morocco – $2.5 billion
Theresa May salary of £143,462 plus perks.
How Rich Is Donald Trump? You Don't Want to Know. The number may be illusory,
The illusion of direct, free-flowing connection he creates through Twitter fabricates a sense of what the Cameroonian political calls "convivial" intimacy between himself and the citizenry.
The truth is no one really knows what is going to happen, the tremors of a trade wars is in the air.
Because of Donald John Trump, whatever happens next, it will never be like it was before.
As long as you live you'll never see a photograph of 7 women signing legislation about what men can do with their reproductive organs.
Now this is more like it.
Donald Trump signed an executive order to cut off funding to cities that don't turn over their immigrants to Trump's deportation force or other federal (anti-) immigration officials on Tuesday,
The more Trump's views are discussed in the media, the more they are activated and the stronger they get, both in the minds of hardcore conservatives and in the minds of moderate progressives.
Ultimately the fate of the World is not going to be determined by any politician.
The third World is booming economically and want growth at any price, and as fast as possible. Coupling this desire with huge population growth, especially in africa, and a disaster is looming.
Even the EU has huge problems cooperating internally once fundamental interests are at stake, or different ideological perceptions clash.
THE BEADY EYE SAYS: OUR EDUCATION IS OUT OF DATE.
Posted by bobdillon33@gmail.com in Artificial Intelligence., Education, HUMAN INTELLIGENCE, Modern day life., Technology, The Future, The world to day., Unanswered Questions., What Needs to change in the World
Education in the Future., Education is out of date., Education World wide., Modern day education
( A three-minute read for all Educators)
I see the movement towards AI and robotics as evolutionary, in large part because it is such a sociological leap. The technology may be ready, but we are not—at least, not yet.
It is widely agreed that education is the most effective means that society possesses for confronting the challenges of the future.
Indeed, education will shape the world of tomorrow NOT TECHNOLOGY.
The changes we have seen in the past 20 years may one day seem trivial compared with those of the coming decades.
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence will permeate wide segments of daily life by 2025, with huge implications for a range of industries such as health care, transport and logistics, customer service, and home maintenance.
There will be a vast displacement of labor over the next decade.
The most critical question facing the academic world is something far more fundamental THAN OBTAINING A DEGREE:
Our system of education forces students to "qualify" in something.
Although this works reasonably well in service to core professional competencies, this arbitrary structure does little to encourage breadth of education.
Namely, what it will mean to be an educated person in the 21st century.
One of the great challenges for students and our schools, UNIVERSITIES is to evolve beyond the narrow confines of "disciplines" and embrace the chaos and uncertainty of a rapidly changing world, bearing in mind that the "discipline" of today is the forgotten history of the future.
It is for this reason that education is the primary agent of transformation towards sustainable development.
It is also for this reason that society must be deeply concerned that much of the education presently on offer falls far short of what is required.
Improving the quality and coverage of education and reorienting its goals to recognize the importance of sustainable development must be among society's highest priorities.
The world has changed a lot in the last 150 years, but we humans are driven by the same basic needs as we were 150 years ago, food, sleep, sex, the feeling of being appreciated and loved. Will this change in the next 150 years? No.
Where a notebook and pen may have formed the tool kit of prior generations, today's students come to class armed with smart phones, laptops and iPods.
Curricula are created as if there are predictable paths to careers, we are basically teaching students to be status-quo oriented. And they will find little supply of status quo in the future.
Will this new generation of leaders be innovators, or followers? Strong, resilient problem solvers, or servants of the status quo?
The answer has everything to do with education . . . or how education is adapted to the realities and wonderful opportunities of the not-too-distant future.
A brand new generation of business and institutional leaders is taking the reins.
The world has continued to shrink and is much, much smaller. Technology has continued an unabated, unchecked progression; what is now futuristic has become commonplace. Complexity is the daily norm, and change the only constant. Opportunities, problems and grand challenges abound.
Sweeping technological changes will effectively change the skill-sets of the future workforce, as well as its approach to work in general.
As a result, societies around the world will need to consider how to make their educational programs to understand the impact of our individual and collective actions on ourselves and on the biosphere as a whole to make the most of these new opportunities.
Today people are more aware than ever of global realities but ill-equipped both to understand or influence those realities.
Education increases the capacities of people to transform their visions of society into operational realities.
Circumstances change and change rapidly, and the career students think they are preparing for today will simply disappear in ten years.
Students need an education that will leave them resilient and prepared to turn on a pin prick.
In a sense all of this can be summarized as the need to teach students to dare, to experiment and to fail with joy.
Leadership: As a discipline, a thing to be practiced and learned, leadership is a woefully low priority in education.
Authenticity: Learning about yourself is perhaps the single most important outcome of a powerful educational experience. Self-awareness can lead to an ever-increasing authenticity, which in turn leads to powerful leadership abilities.
Everyone will have multiple jobs, careers and life experiences and rarely will any one way of thinking or one path to career preparation have a very long shelf life.
Technological innovation, long a hallmark of academic research, may now be changing the very way that universities teach and students learn.
Conformity, and dumbing down by interconnected technology will result in a world where so few will dare to be eccentric marks the chief danger of our time. All comments welcome. All like clicks chucked in the bin.
THE BEADY EYE ASKS: SO, WHAT IS THE WORLD– EXPECTING –AND HOPING FOR– FROM A TRUMP PRESIDENCY?
Posted by bobdillon33@gmail.com in American political system., Donald Trump Presidency.
USA under President Trump.
( A two-minute read)
It is difficult, of course, to predict how Trump's administration will address ANY world issues never mind American issues and what the result will be.
Trump has positive qualities that detractors should recognize: ideological flexibility, an ability to negotiate, great communication skills.
However, they seem easily overwhelmed by his obvious flaws: bigoted policies that target religions and utterances that slander Mexicans, a brash and imperious style, a tendency to hold grudges long beyond their sell-by date.
Trump is used to having his way. It's extremely unlikely anyone will ever utter the phrase "poor Donald."
The history of predicting how presidencies will play out isn't pretty.
His Presidency is going to raise profound questions about America's place in the world.
If you are to judge him by his words he phrases solutions in terms of "I," but America is a "we" country."
I will build a great, great wall on our southern border. And I will have Mexico pay for that wall." Would the wall do as intended? And could Trump really secure the money to pay for it?
The answer to both is probably no.
Trump is no match for the American political system, with its three branches of government.
Trump's more likely to end up like Jimmy Carter—a poor craftsman of legislation and a crushing disappointment to his supporters.
So what will the Trump presidency be like?
Trump's success will fuel the populist, nativist, nationalist, closed-border movements already so evident in Europe and spreading to other parts of the world.
He will try to rewrite the rules of modern alliances, trade deals, and foreign aid. For the Middle East, it foreshadowed a possible alignment with Russia and fresh conflict with Iran.
It promises to Upend the International Order.
An America more focused on its own affairs while leaving the world to take care of itself." presidency will make the U.S. sink into a full-blown crisis, including an economic one."
Every moment will be a challenge. Every move or declaration will be something that will not make us comfortable. No matter what he is going to be America's most unpredictable commander-in-chief. Trump speaks his own mind on major international issues — and sometimes disagrees with his own mind too.
We all know what Trump thinks of China. China could dump US assets.
Trump's reign will pose new threats to already fragile world economy.
There will be a slowdown in the global economy.
If Trump wants to ramp up the bombing of the Islamic State militant group (ISIS), as he's promised, it's unlikely Congress can stop him.
The temptation to use executive orders will proved irresistible.
Jokes aside, the consequences to poor people, immigrants, LGBTQ people, people of color, women, Muslims and more could be disastrous. He's also not a savior. Due to his solipsistic personality and vague, unworkable policies, he could never be what he promises.
In case you haven't noticed, Trump kind of openly despises the media. He is already pretty bad at making friends of international leaders.
It's more than likely Trump would wind up being just another president on the alphabetical roll call.
He seems like the antithesis of the outgoing president.
You would be a fool to think that none of this could happen in the good ole USA under President Trump. It is already happening.
After the inauguration, the president signed an executive order repealing Obama's executive order that allowed as many as 5 million immigrants without documentation to stay in the U.S.
THE BEADY EYE ASKS: DOES HUMANITY HAVE A FUTURE BEYOND EARTH?
Posted by bobdillon33@gmail.com in Artificial Intelligence., The Future, Unanswered Questions.
Artificial Intelligence., The Future of Mankind, Visions of the future.
How smart are we?
For 30,000 years our species has been changing remarkably quickly and we're not done yet. We changed the world irrevocable and may soon transform ourselves as a species.
The technology part sounds quite cyborg-ish, with humans developing their own QR Codes on skin (that would be kind of like DNA, I suppose), Chlorophyll skin (skin with chlorophyll) and digi-eye where the eye itself would presumably perform digital functions you would expect from a display.
IF YOU'RE UNDER 45 YEARS OLD! GOD WILL BE WEARING A WHITE LAB COAT, WORKING IN A GENETIC LAB. These humans will evolve into electronic immortals. Mature in seconds, experiencing the years of angst via simulated reality in torrents of electrons.
The future of humanity is often viewed as a topic for idle speculation.
In that sense, it is hardly reasonable to think of the future of humanity as a topic: it is too big and too diverse to be addressed as a whole in a single essay, monograph, or even 100-volume book series.
One might argue that the current century, or the next few centuries, will be a critical phase for humanity and you would be right.
The first thing to notice is that the longer the time scale we are considering, the less likely it is that technological civilization will remain within the zone we termed "the human condition."
The cumulative probability of post humanity, like that of extinction, increases monotonically over time.
Within a few centuries they will have become a new species traveling beyond the solar system.
An enterprise for posthumans—organic or inorganic."
For example, whether and when Earth-originating life will go extinct, whether it will colonize the galaxy, whether human biology will be fundamentally transformed to make us post human, whether machine intelligence will surpass biological intelligence, whether population size will explode, and whether quality of life will radically improve or deteriorate: these are all important fundamental questions about the future of humanity.
One might believe that super intelligence will be developed within a few centuries, and that, while the creation of superi ntelligence will pose grave risks, once that creation and its immediate aftermath have been survived, the new civilization would have vastly improved survival prospects since it would be guided by super intelligent foresight and planning.
Once a human or post human civilization becomes dispersed over multiple planets and solar systems, the risk of extinction declines.
In the coming decade wearables will enable the equivalent of personalized weather forecasts for our health: 80 percent increased probability in health and happiness for you next week, based on your recent stress/sleep/social-emotional activities.
But what will human beings will look like in the future?
Our faces will have changed almost beyond recognition.
Through genetic engineering, everyone will have darker skin.
An amalgamation of evolution and genetic engineering will allow society to bend human biology to human needs. Bone-conduction devices, with embedded nanochips, will communicate with some external device for communications and entertainment.
Will we ever colonize outer space?
That depends on the definition of 'colonize.' If landing robots qualifies, than we've already done it. If it means sending microbes from Earth and having them persist and maybe grow, then, unfortunately, it's not unlikely.
Will sex become obsolescent?
No, but having sex to conceive babies is likely to become at least much less common. In 20 to 40 years we'll be able to derive eggs and sperm from stem cells.
We won't need to speak since we will communicate telepathically to one another.
Our noses and ears, toes, even our chins will have disappearing.
Our brains will fit in our pockets.
We will be shorter and smaller due to overcrowding of the world.
We will have a flexible outer or exoskeleton.
We won't be human at all but bio-robots from the future.
Perhaps it's all bullshit. You're surrounded by squabbling, vindictive, greedy, small-minded morons, the only thing that develops is the ability to engage mouth without engaging brain, you have to wonder if the species has hit an evolutionary cul-de-sac or is really capable of taking things further????
In every sector, human activities have proven to be altering/damaging the global eco-system at a speed so much fast than the self-adapt speed of the Earth.
If humanity goes extinct, it stays extinct.
THE BEADY EYE SAYS: We need to be genuinely intelligent about how humankind anticipates artificial intelligence.
Posted by bobdillon33@gmail.com in Artificial Intelligence., Big Data., Capitalism, Emotions., Humanity., Technology, The Future, The world to day., Unanswered Questions., What Needs to change in the World, Where's the Global Outrage.
Artificial Intelligence., Big Data, Capitalism and Greed, Globalization, SMART PHONE WORLD, Technology, The Future of Mankind, Visions of the future.
( Seven Minute read )
Who programs the programmers?
Soon enough, it might not be people behind the development of advanced machines learning and artificial intelligence but other AI.
This will drastically reduce the human input required.
We must not be blinded by science, nor held captive by unfounded or fantastic fears. I have previously posted blogs putting the case that all technology (whether it be atomic energy or nanotechnology, bioengineering or DNA mutilation, or Artificial Intelligence) should be subject to examinations by a New World Organisation, that is totally independent and transparent.
( It's imperative that we do not leave such examinations to the whims of the marketplace nor the cost-benefit calculations of a given quarter to marinate Artificial Intelligence into a sense of human complacency.)
I have also stated that I am pro all technology that benefits mankind as a whole. However it is critical that those individuals who are on the front lines of research be thinking about the implications of their work.
The other day on arrival at Gatwick I was admitted by an Algorithm into the UK.
Since this Algorithm was focus by definition to be based on narrowly defined problems, it got me thinking, who or what wrote the software in the first place.
The ethics of artificial intelligence are non existence.
Whether we are aware of it or not, we are already moving into the era of AI where IBM's Watson, Google's AI, Apple's Siri and Amazon's Echo will be your new companion.
Once AI can analyze a person's affective state it will be able to influence it.
Humans are driven by emotions, making a crucial component of perception, decision-making, learning, and more.
Artificial intelligence is not yet emotional in the same ways that humans are, but it won't be long with all the data collection before this is achievable to prompt certain responses and induce desired emotions.
Creepy or worse predatory.
What happens when one of the human negotiators has an emotionally aware assistant in is the corner.
Every decision that mankind makes is going to be informed by a cognitive system like Watson. That future is actually much closer than you think.
To be or not to be. "Are you a robot?" "What?! No I am a real person."
Militaries are among the intense users of high-technology, and the adoption of that equipment has transformed decision-making throughout the chain of command. The removal of human beings from the act of killing and from war.
There must be a way to ensure that Artificial Intelligence that is introduced into what ever field of Technology is not dominated by those who have a stake in the expansion of AI for Profit Sake.
There is no excuse for not being aware of the risks that such AI carries for all of us.
These questions have been with us for a long time:
Alan Turing in 1950 asked whether machines could think and that same year writer Isaac Asimov contemplated what might happen if they could in "I, Robot." (In truth, thinking machines can be found in ancient cultures, including those of the Greeks and the Egyptians.)
About 30 years ago, James Cameron served up one dystopia created by AI in "The Terminator." Science fiction became fact in 1997 when IBM's chess-playing Deep Blue computer beat world champion Garry Kasparov.
As the Internet and digital systems penetrate further each day into our daily lives, concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) are intensifying.
It is difficult to get exercised about connections between the "Internet of Things" and AI when the most visible indications are Siri (Apple's digital assistant), Google translate and smart houses, but a growing number of people, including many with a reputation for peering over the horizon, are worried.
Nevertheless, a debate about prospects and possibilities is worthwhile.
We need to ensure that boundaries are set, not just for research but for all the applications of ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
As the Internet and digital systems penetrate further each day into our daily lives, concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) are intensifying. It is difficult to get exercised about connections between the "Internet of Things" and AI when the most visible indications are Siri (Apple's digital assistant), Google translate and smart houses, but a growing number of people, including many with a reputation for peering over the horizon, are worried.
Recently, there has been a growing chorus of concern about the potential for AI.
It began last year when inventor Elon Musk, a man who spends considerable time on the cutting edge of technology, warned that with AI "we're summoning the demon." In all those stories with the guy with the pentagram and the holy water, and he's sure he can control the demon. It doesn't work out." For him, AI is an existential threat to humanity, more dangerous than nuclear weapons.
The possibilities created by "big data" are driving increasing automation and in some cases AI in the office environment. Legal and administrative frameworks to deal with the proliferation of these technologies and AI have not kept pace with their application. Ethical questions are often not even part of the discussion.
And since their focus tends to be on narrowly defined problems, others who can address larger issues should join the discussion. This process should be occurring for all such technologies.
A month later, distinguished scientist Stephen Hawking told the BBC that he feared that the development of "full artificial intelligence" could bring an end to the human race. Not today, of course, but over time, machines could become both more intelligent and physically stronger than human beings. Last month, Microsoft founder Bill Gates joined the group, saying that he did not understand people who were not troubled by the prospect of AI escaping human control.
More recently, Google's AlphaGo software beat South Korean Go champion Lee Sedol in series of matches pitting human against software in a board game that apparently has more possible positions than there are atoms in the universe.
What's more amazing about Alpha Go, unlike Deep Blue before it, was that it was not specifically programmed to play Go – it learned to play the game using a general-purpose algorithm.
The big question is what can be done? If anything, or is it to late.
None of the darker visions have deterred researchers and entrepreneurs from pursuing the field. It is hard to fear AI when the simplest demonstrations are more humorous than hair-raising.
The prevailing view among software engineers, who are writing the programs that make AI possible, is that they remain in control of what they program.
But are they really? I think not.
Even if true AI is a far-off prospect, ethical issues are emerging every day.
Artificial intelligence or AI is now getting a foothold in people's homes, starting with the Amazon devices like its Echo speaker which links to a personal assistant "Alexa" to answer questions and control connected devices such as appliances or light bulbs. Echo's main advantage is that it connects to Amazon's range of products and services telling devices to tend to tasks such as ordering goods, checking traffic, making restaurant reservations or searching for information. It also connects to various third-party services like Uber and Domino's Pizza, so you can just call for a car or a pizza delivery by just telling the Echo what you want.
IBM, whose Watson supercomputer systems are offering "cognitive health" programs which can analyze a person's genome and offer personalized treatment for cancer, for example.
Google recently announced it had developed an algorithm which can detect diabetic retinopathy, a cause of blindness, by analyzing retina images.
Amazon is seeking to put AI to work in the supermarket—testing a system without cash registers or lines, where consumers simply grab their products and go, and have a bill tallied by artificial intelligence.
Facebook just recently introduced its AI-based Deep Text analytics engine which is said to be able to scan and understand the textual content of thousands of posts per second in more than 20 languages, all with nearly human-like accuracy.
Machine learning is already being used extensively in the social networking site to make sense of and translate some two billion News Feed items per day and the company is planning to use AI to recognise images and allow users to search for photos based on the content in those photos.
The artificial intelligence (AI) component in these programs aims to make create a world in which everyone can have a virtual aide that gets to know them better with each interaction.
AI prowess to make smartphones smarter—Google Allo messenger can, for example, suggest a meeting or deliver relevant information during a conversation. To infuse smartphones and other internet-linked devices with software smarts that help them think like people.
The prospect of AI escaping human control is advancing day by day.
Researchers most deeply engaged in this work are more sanguine. The head of Microsoft Research dismissed Gates' concern, saying he does not think that humankind will lose control of "certain kinds of intelligences." He instead is focused on ways that AI will increase human productivity and better lives.
No Algorithm understand the unwritten social behaviors used in daily life, which can vary from one culture to another. More work needs to be done to improve "social intelligence," or understanding the subtleties of our everyday decisions.
However, the real question on everybody's minds is – is the rush to get to true AI another step towards Skynet, Terminators and HAL 9000?
Just ponder on this for a moment – if a computer could truly be "smart", it would soon see that humans are basically the cause of most environmental problems and would come up with an extinction solution that would solve all issues in one fell swoop.
Humans are limited by slow biological evolution and would not be able to compete with software that can redesign itself and evolve faster than any human could.
So what is there to prevent AI from gaining sentience and killing us all?
How one can manage something that is sentient is another question altogether.
As we already have industrial robots replacing us in tiresome and repetitive jobs, we might ask ourselves if they're not going to replace us in all domains?
The population with mobile devices now outnumbering and multiplying faster than humans.
AI and automation provide an opportunity to move beyond business as usual. The global affective computing market is estimated to be 9.3. billion $ a year. By 2020 it will be in the region of 50 billion.
It's no wonder that the darker visions have not deterred researchers and entrepreneurs from pursuing the field.
We need to remain vigilant on the uses and changes of AI, and maybe even prepare ourselves for a new world where a good part of normal, information research work will die out.
Let's hope that, should this happen, it will be to the benefit of creative arts which remain entirely ours.
We might already be in the midst of creating a conscious entity of a whole new "utterly inhuman" kind. Now that would be scary.
Perhaps the only solution is a whistle-blower Algorithm.
All comments welcome, all like clicks chucked in the Bin.
THE BEADY EYE ASKS: WHAT ARE OR WILL BE THE HARD FACTS RE BRIXIT.
Posted by bobdillon33@gmail.com in England EU Referendum IN or Out., England., European Union., Modern Day Democracy., Politics., Social Media., The New year 2017, Unanswered Questions.
Brexit., Britain., European Union
( A troubling seven minute read)
Since ancient times, philosophers have tried to devise systems to try to balance the strengths of majority rule against the need to ensure that informed parties get a larger say in critical decisions, not to mention that minority voices are heard.
The Brixit vote is a case in kind.
Originally the European Community was supposed to be a trade agreement to ease all the tariffs and taxes, lower the cost of goods and improve the efficiency of the European member's economies. The British voted overwhelmingly voted yes by 67.2% (historic high) for this in 1975.
The real lunacy of the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union was not that British leaders dared to ask their populace to weigh the benefits of membership against the immigration pressures it presents. Rather, it was the absurdly low bar for exit, requiring only a simple majority. Given voter turnout of 70%, this meant that the leave campaign won with only 36% of eligible voters backing it.
Does the vote have to be repeated after a year to be sure? No.
A parliamentary petition for a second referendum has attracted more than one million.
Does a majority in Parliament have to support Brexit? Apparently not.
Did the UK's population really know what they were voting on?
Absolutely not. Indeed, no one has any idea of the consequences, both for the UK in the global trading system, or the effect on domestic political stability.
This isn't democracy;
Mrs May's phrase "Brexit means Brexit" has become a tired cliché.
What exactly, is a fair, democratic process for making irreversible, nation-defining decisions?
Is it really enough to get 52% to vote for breakup, in a country that has three devolved parliaments that voted to stay in.
The idea that somehow any decision reached anytime by majority rule is necessarily "democratic" is a perversion of the term.
Modern democracies have evolved systems of checks and balances to protect the interests of minorities and to avoid making uninformed decisions with catastrophic consequences. The greater and more lasting the decision, the higher the hurdles.
The current international standard for breaking up a country is arguably less demanding than a vote for lowering the drinking age.
What we do know is that, in practice, most countries require a "supermajority" for nation-defining decisions, not a mere 51%. There is no universal figure like 60%, but the general principle is that, at a bare minimum this would be the required percentage.
Brexit should have required, say, two popular votes spaced out over at least two years, followed by a 60% vote in the House of Commons.
In this way if Brexit still prevailed, at least we could know it was not just a one-time snapshot of a fragment of the population.
The current norm of simple majority rule is, as we have just seen on TV with her speech on what Britain wants in the upcoming negotiations is a formula for chaos.
I am afraid it is not going to be a pretty picture.
Talks on Britain's political divorce from the EU and a possible free trade agreement are going to be complex, lengthy and difficult.
So difficult that there will be no agreement that will satisfy both sides.
You don't have to blind and deaf to realize that The European Union is an economic and political union between 28 member countries that covers more than four million square kilometres. It spans countries with more than 508 million citizens, which means it has the third largest population in the world after China and India.
Turkey and the Balkan states of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania are now the next in line to join the EU. In addition, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina have also been promised the prospect of joining when they are ready to. Turkey, alone would add an additional 75 million EU citizens.
The new unelected Prime Minister Theresa May plans to trigger Article 50 – the step that starts the timer on two years of Brexit talks – by the end of March 2017.
Britain, I believe, had the best of all possible deals with the European Union, being a member of the common market without belonging to the euro and having secured a number of other opt-outs from EU rules. And yet that was not enough to stop the United Kingdom's electorate from voting to leave. Why?
There is no doubt many in England feel the EU is a "bureaucratic monstrosity", But what exactly do they mean by this? But most of these relate to the terms of UK membership of the Single European Market, where standardisation is needed to ensure a level playing field for trading nations.
None of these, it seems to me, are reasons to go to war with Europe, and deny the benefits of the single market which has undoubtedly boosted prosperity. Trade within Europe has doubled since 1992, thanks to the abolition of tariffs and barriers to the free movement of goods and services in Europe.
European Union (EU) has remained at heart undemocratic, protectionist, centralist and over-bureaucratic. The EU launched a single currency and the organization now acts as a parliament passing regulations and laws while maintaining an overblown and expensive bureaucracy.
Simply put, unless there was uniformity across all member countries, the aspiration of a single currency and economy, could never hope to be realised.
Here are some hard facts:
On the day of Brexit, the Great Repeal Bill will come into force and end the supremacy of EU law over Britain's own legislation.
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has raised the prospect of a second Scottish independence referendum because most Scots voted to remain in the EU.
Spain's Government has also called for joint control of Gibraltar and Sinn Fein has demanded a vote to unite Ireland and Northern Ireland.
There is ongoing uncertainty over what will happen once Britain leaves the EU because it has to make new trade agreements with the rest of the world. Under EU rules the UK cannot negotiate a trade deal until after it leaves the bloc.
The Brexit vote has led to higher import costs but was good news for exporters who had struggled with the high value of the pound.
Now Britain has voted to leave the EU, it will no longer have to contribute billions of pounds a year towards the European Union's budget.
Britain is now free to take back control of its borders in order to curb immigration and increase security. The UK will no longer have to accept 'free movement of people' from Europe if this country leaves the EU's single market.
Companies based in the UK may decide to relocate if they can no longer access the single market.
Eurosceptic populist parties across the Continent have delightedly seized on Brexit in an attempt to further their own campaigns for independence.
Scare tactics and rumours will intensify from both sides and it will be hard to find clarity.
As a result Brexit negotiations will be made more difficult because EU bosses will want to discourage other countries from following suit.
It looks just as likely Scotland Wales and Norther Ireland that voted to stay could find themselves out of the EU by staying in the UK.
The EU has said that Britain will have to allow the free movement of EU workers if it decides to stay in the internal market. Mrs May looks set to take Britain out of the EU's single market in order to end the free movement of EU workers that goes with it.
There will be a saving ( depending on which contribution figures you believe of about £136m a week. This equates to less than 40% of the amount splashed on the battlebus.
You may rest assured no matter what way these negotiations go they will be very expensive (both politically and economically) and they will "mostly amount to hot air", rather than concrete plans for the future of the European Union or the United Kingdom's.
"Whatever the UK vote is in the end , we must take long hard look on the future of the European Union.
The election of Donald Trump as the next US President means that Britain is now at the "front of the queue" for an US trade deal. If you believe that
May also said that "no deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain."
Making threats to the rest of Europe and cozying up to Trump (I hope she wears a cricket box for that first meeting).
It's the sheer arrogance of the current government to say it's all about taking back control of our borders and laws.'
Having her cake and eating it. Not on your nanny.
There will be what the EU want and you can bet your life they have their demands.
And if she isn't going to have her own way – and for the 'no deal is better than a bad deal' yeah – try to get those FTA's if they know you'll walk out of them when your toys thrown out of the pram – that means anything she signs isn't worth the paper it's written on.
Ignoring the fact that, schools and hospitals struggling with budget cuts , a pound worth 20% less than it was in June 2016 and a Scotland that would appear to be now set yet again on the road to independence.
I think the cleaner the break the better.
Change hurts and change is happening at a faster rate than ever before.
In effect you are being sold down the river. Your lives have now been designated as "negotiation capital". Britannia does not rule the waves.
THE BEADY EYE WRITES DONALD TRUMP INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Posted by bobdillon33@gmail.com in Donald Trump Inaugural Speech.
Donald Trump Inaugural Speech., Donald Trump.
( A one minute speech)
" BELIEVE IN ME my fellow Americans, these shining words are not entirely my own.
I alone can make America great again. Fix it.
So let's avoid unseemly excitement about today's routine transfer of power.
You have hired me only to administer one of our three branches of government, and only for four years.
I hope it will pass without having to bother you with reminders of my existence.
Weeks during which there will be nothing much of importance to hear from or about me as I go about the humdrum business of seeing that the laws enacted here on Capitol Hill are faithfully executed.
I promise you this: On the 100th day of my administration, America will be . . . pretty much indistinguishable from what it is today.
I will bring the country together, bring the country back to work, making sure we're safe and secure, making sure Americans are safe in their homes and jobs by building walls.
Would you, my over-excited countrymen, really want it any other way?
Things are much better than they once were — slavery? gone; the Oregon Trail? replaced by the Interstate Highway System — but things could be better.
We have nothing to fear but you're insufficient fear of what has been done on your behalf and at your behest. The nation's fate is now in my hands, my dissatisfied fellow countrymen, and not in yours or the CIA.
In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.
Look, I'm going to give a short inauguration. I am a work in progress.
I alone Donald J Trump, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Let's just say that I would not remember now who provided one word or one line.
Ask not what you country can do but what I can do for the country. We are all going to have a special relationship."
Whatever the tone or the message, history tells us the first day of the Trump presidency will be remembered largely for the words the new president speaks.
THE BEADY EYE ASKS: IS IT TIME TO REDEFINE HUMANITY
Posted by bobdillon33@gmail.com in Artificial Intelligence., Big Data., HUMAN INTELLIGENCE, Humanity., Innovation., Life., Modern day life., Social Media., Space., Sustaniability, Technology, The Future, The New year 2017, The world to day., Unanswered Questions., United Nations, War, What Needs to change in the World, Where's the Global Outrage.
Artificial Intelligence., Big Data, Technology, The Future of Mankind, Visions of the future.
( Follow up read of three minutes to the last Post)
Humanity has achieved its current level of freedom following centuries of sacrifices and struggles, which we are now wittingly or unwittingly transferring to Artificial Intelligence.
For obvious reasons it will not be us that ventures out into the Universe, but a self-sustaining machine equipped with all human knowledge, that may decide not to return as it acquires more knowledge beyond our comprehension.
No matter: We stand on the brink of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another. In its scale, scope, and complexity, the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before. It is characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres.
We do not yet know just how it will unfold, but one thing is clear: the digital revolution that has been occurring since the middle of the last century. It is already changing our health and leading to a "quantified" self, and sooner than we think it may lead to human augmentation.
The possibilities of billions of people connected by mobile devices, with unprecedented processing power, storage capacity, and access to knowledge, are unlimited. And these possibilities will be multiplied by emerging technology breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, 3-D printing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, materials science, energy storage, and quantum computing.
It's time to let go of the United Nations declaration of Human Rights and to redefine them, effectively addressing people's needs, not ideology, should dictate the new definition.
Centuries ago human knowledge increased slowly, so politics and economics changed at a leisurely pace too. Today our knowledge is increasing a breakneck speed, and theoretically we should understand the world better and better. But the very opposite happening.
Our new-found knowledge leads to faster economic, social and political changes; in an attempt to understand what is happening, we accelerate the accumulation of knowledge, which leads to faster and greater upheavals.
Consequently we are less and less able to make sense of the present or forecast the future. While the outside world is changing, the humanitarian sector has simply not been able to adapt to new challenges.
Digital fabrication technologies, meanwhile, are interacting with the biological world on a daily basis. Engineers, designers, and architects are combining computational design, additive manufacturing, materials engineering, and synthetic biology to pioneer a symbiosis between microorganisms, our bodies, the products we consume, and even the buildings we inhabit.
Change has a way of scaring people—scaring them into inaction.
I am a great enthusiast and early adopter of technology, but sometimes I wonder whether the inexorable integration of technology in our lives could diminish some of our quintessential human capacities, such as compassion and cooperation. Our relationship with our smartphones is a case in point. Constant connection may deprive us of one of life's most important assets: the time to pause, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversation.
Neither technology nor the disruption that comes with it is an exogenous force over which humans have no control.
All of us are responsible for guiding its evolution, in the decisions we make on a daily basis as citizens, consumers, and investors. We should thus grasp the opportunity and power we have to shape the Fourth Industrial Revolution and direct it toward a future that reflects our common. objectives and values.
We therefore must redefine what it is to be human.
Should we view prosperity in a society as the accumulation of solutions to human problems. Instead of measuring growth through GDP.
Perhaps growth should be measured by the rate at which new solutions to human problems become available and the degree to which we make those solutions broadly accessible.
The alternative is to watch as animals and plants go extinct, water becomes scarce, weather hits more extremes, conflicts over land and resources increase, and life becomes more difficult for people everywhere.
We need to shape a future that works for all of us by putting people first and empowering them not just to control Artificial Intelligence., but all technology that is designed for Profit sake only.
If we connect the dots it is certain that "People, Planet, Profit" will be the new tomorrow.
Now that everything is digital Data Privacy is abstract, There's an air of resignation around the concept of privacy these days.
It's about the ones and zeros, the metadata underlying our everyday digital lives.
As the physical, digital, and biological worlds continue to converge, new technologies and platforms will increasingly enable citizens to engage with governments, voice their opinions, coordinate their efforts, and even circumvent the supervision of public authorities.
As the human population continues to increase, animal numbers are falling it's about protecting what is yours, by creating digital spaces where you have control.
There's a strong correlation.
A new definition of Human/ Technological rights will lift humanity into a new collective and moral consciousness based on a shared sense of destiny.
It is incumbent on us all to make sure the latter prevails.
Meanwhile, changes in the tools of war – including drones and automated weapons – point to a more remote and anonymous form of warfare. Continued civilian suffering in conflicts in Syria, South Sudan and Yemen is a sobering reminder of the international community's continued failure.
Piecemeal reforms amount to tinkering around the edges.
Only when we realize that we are for the moment all on the same planet can all enjoy the many gifts Earth provides.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Walker MF, Daroff RB. Walker M.F., Daroff R.B. Walker, Mark F., and Robert B. Daroff.Dizziness and Vertigo. In: Kasper D, Fauci A, Hauser S, Longo D, Jameson J, Loscalzo J. Kasper D, Fauci A, Hauser S, Longo D, Jameson J, Loscalzo J Eds. Dennis Kasper, et al.eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19e New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2014. http://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=1130&sectionid=79724668. Accessed April 19, 2019.
Walker MF, Daroff RB. Walker M.F., Daroff R.B. Walker, Mark F., and Robert B. Daroff.. "Dizziness and Vertigo." Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19e Kasper D, Fauci A, Hauser S, Longo D, Jameson J, Loscalzo J. Kasper D, Fauci A, Hauser S, Longo D, Jameson J, Loscalzo J Eds. Dennis Kasper, et al. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2014, http://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=1130&sectionid=79724668.
Dizziness is an imprecise symptom used to describe a variety of sensations that include vertigo, light-headedness, faintness, and imbalance. When used to describe a sense of spinning or other motion, dizziness is designated as vertigo. Vertigo may be physiologic, occurring during or after a sustained head rotation, or it may be pathologic, due to vestibular dysfunction. The term light-headedness is commonly applied to presyncopal sensations due to brain hypoperfusion but also may refer to disequilibrium and imbalance. A challenge to diagnosis is that patients often have difficulty distinguishing among these various symptoms, and the words they choose do not reliably indicate the underlying etiology.
There are a number of potential causes of dizziness. Vascular disorders cause presyncopal dizziness as a result of cardiac dysrhythmia, orthostatic hypotension, medication effects, or other causes. Such presyncopal sensations vary in duration; they may increase in severity until loss of consciousness occurs, or they may resolve before loss of consciousness if the cerebral ischemia is corrected. Faintness and syncope, which are discussed in detail in Chap. 27, should always be considered when one is evaluating patients with brief episodes of dizziness or dizziness that occurs with upright posture.
Vestibular causes of dizziness (vertigo or imbalance) may be due to peripheral lesions that affect the labyrinths or vestibular nerves or to involvement of the central vestibular pathways. They may be paroxysmal or due to a fixed unilateral or bilateral vestibular deficit. Acute unilateral lesions cause vertigo due to a sudden imbalance in vestibular inputs from the two labyrinths. Bilateral lesions cause imbalance and instability of vision (oscillopsia) when the head moves. Other causes of dizziness include nonvestibular imbalance and gait disorders (e.g., loss of proprioception from sensory neuropathy, parkinsonism) and anxiety.
When evaluating patients with dizziness, questions to consider include the following: (1) Is it dangerous (e.g., arrhythmia, transient ischemic attack/stroke)? (2) Is it vestibular? (3) If vestibular, is it peripheral or central? A careful history and examination often provide sufficient information to answer these questions and determine whether additional studies or referral to a specialist is necessary.


text:
Chrysoplatycerus flavicollis är en stekelart som först beskrevs av De Santis 1972.  Chrysoplatycerus flavicollis ingår i släktet Chrysoplatycerus och familjen sköldlussteklar. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Sköldlussteklar
flavicollis

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Nowhere are the skills of backstrap weaving so widely practised as in Guatemala and Mexico. Everywhere weavers can be seen sitting down to weave, under a tree, in front of houses, inside open doorways. Complex and colourful designs reflecting thousands of years of tradition and skill are still produced from a few sticks and balls of yarn. This film unravels the secrets of backstrap weaving and shows how the ancient Amerindian cultures survive through it.
Filmed in Mexico and Guatemala. Contents: The backstrap loom ,warping up a backstrap loom for a 4 selvedge weaving and different weaving techniques, such as warp pick up and brocade, used to produce an amazing range of multicoloured huipils and cloths.


text:
ADAYAFTER: EP Preview Posted Online
ADAYAFTER, the new band featuring former DOWNTHESUN programmer Church, have uploaded two songs from their upcoming debut EP, "From Dreams to Deadends", at this location. The songs available for download are "The Coldest Hand" and "Flesh and Bone". "From Dreams to Deadends", due in October, will contain the following track listing: 01. T.E.B.N. ...
LAMB OF GOD Singer Says GEORGE W. BUSH Will 'Kill Us All' If He Stays In Office
LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe spoke with Now Toronto about the band's latest effort "Ashes of the Wake", which he admits is thematically "pretty much about the demise of our civilization as we are all watching it unfold before us." Blythe explained, "The record at times is pretty heavily political, leaning against George W. ...
MARILYN MANSON Talks About JOHN5's Departure: Some Of The Fat Had To Be Cut
MARILYN MANSON has commented on the departure of guitarist John5 from the group's ranks. In a brand-new interview with MuchMusic, Manson said, "I'm sure by now everyone thinks I'm a complete and total dick that just kicks everyone out of the band. Asked if he's ever felt anything but alone in the band, ...
FOZZY Guitarist Launches 'Solo' Career
Former STUCK MOJO and current FOZZY guitarist Rich "The Duke" Ward has posted three songs from his recently released solo demo CD (released under the band name THE DUKE) at this location. According to a posting on Ward's web site, "THE DUKE's showcase performance at the 2004 Atlantis Music Conference [in late July] ...
NIGHT IN GALES Shopping Around For New Record Deal
Germany's NIGHT IN GALES are currently in talks with a couple of record labels about a possible deal. A recently recorded promo CD contains "the best and most NIGHT IN GALES typical melo-death tracks ever," according to a posting on the group's web site. Audio samples of the new tracks "Ashes and Ends" and "The ...
NASUM: New Song Posted Online
Swedish grindcore merchants NASUM have uploaded a new track, entitled "The Engine of Death", at this location (mp3, 2.92 MB). "The Engine of Death" comes off the group's upcoming CD, "Shift", due on October 11 through Burning Heart Records. The vinyl version of the album, which is also expected in mid-October, will be ...
BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION: Australian Tour Diary Posted Online
Paul Miles of the Australian MÖTLEY CRÜE fan site Chronological Crue kept a tour diary of his travels behind the scenes on the BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION Australian tour during August 2004. "Armed with a swiveling digital camera, a swag of treasured merch, and years of built-up patience, he headed off on tour," reads a posting ...
KING DIAMOND: Live Album Preview Available For Download
A live recording of the KING DIAMOND track "Mansion In Darkness" has been posted online in MP3 format at this location. "Mansion In Darkness" comes off the band's upcoming double live CD, "Deadly Lullabyes Live" (view cover here), due on September 21 through Metal Blade Records. The album was recorded during ...
MYSTIC PROPHECY Set Release Date For 'Never-Ending'
MYSTIC PROPHECY, the band consisting of VALLEY'S EVE vocalist Roberto Dimitri Liapakis, ex-STORMWITCH bassist Martin Albrecht, RAISE HELL drummer Dennis Ekdahl, and DREAM EVIL/FIREWIND guitarist Gus G., have set an October 25 release date through Nuclear Blast Records for their third album, "Never-Ending". The follow-up to last year's "Regressus" will be issued in Japan in ...
EVIDENCE ONE Finalize Track Listing For 'Tattooed Heart'
Germany's EVIDENCE ONE have finalized the track listing for their second album, "Tattooed Heart", due on November 15 through Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2002's "Criticize the Truth" (AOR Heaven/Point Music) will contain the following cuts: 01. Moonsigh 02. Virus In My Veins 03. Written In Blood 04. Tattooed Heart 05. Infinite Seconds 06. ...
← Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 … 99 100 Next →


Gypsy rose is a fortune telling free pokies game with 30 paylines, play instantly on screen, no download required. This slot machine offers multiple features wheever the crystal ball hits on reel 5. Bonuses include crow wilds, free spins, tarot card reading and instant win.


Indian Railways will be using Microsoft Kaizala to connect its employees across the country with healthcare facilities. Microsoft Kaizala app will enable serving and retired railway employees to avail healthcare services of 125 railway and 133 private hospitals. The Kaizala group, managed by doctors from South Central Railways, will be complemented with focussed groups of doctors, paramedical staff and nurses.
On registering for the healthcare services, Indian Railway employees will be able to search on Microsoft Kaizala for nearest hospitals and doctors, list of empaneled diagnostic centres and health units. Employees can book appointments with doctors, share diagnostic lab reports directly with their doctors and save digital records in 'Me Chat' of Microsoft Kaizala. They will also be able to share their feedback to improve quality of medical services with built-in action cards.
Kaizala enables Indian Railways to have direct communication with their employees including achievement bulletins, educative bulletins and informative bulletins to spread awareness around CPR, general first aid, immunisation and vaccination, including others. The doctors on this Kaizala group can view medical history of an employee, pull out case sheets and aid in taking timely decisions.


text:
X Conspiracy
White Collar (19)
Gang Activity (7)
Overcriminalization (7)
Congressional Letters and Testimony (5)
Racketeering (RICO) (5)
Confrontation Clause (4)
Confrontation-Sixth Amendment. (4)
Ex Parte Communications (4)
Ex parte contact with prosecutors (4)
Federal Mail and Wire Fraud (4)
Evidence (3)
Informants (3)
Amicus keywords (2)
Attorney Grand Jury Subpoenas (2)
Brady Material (2)
U.S. States and Territories (5)
Champion Article (4)
Content Page (3)
Concerning Adoption of a Conspiracy Law Policy
NACDL adopts recommendations to reform flaws in criminal conspiracy law, and to calls for principled limits on the application of conspiracy law that recognize the inherent evidentiary, outcome reliability, and constitutional problems associated with all forms of conspiracy.
Criminal Conspiracy: Position Paper and Proposals for Reform
At its spring 2015 meeting in Las Vegas, NACDL's Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution on criminal conspiracy law reform. The resolution is guided by a position paper drafted by NACDL's Conspiracy Reform Subcommittee and adopts the recommendations therein. [Released April 2015]
NACDL is actively working on reform in the area of conspiracy law. Currently, the federal criminal code has a number of conspiracy provisions, but the provision to defraud the United States, 18 U.S.C. § 371, is especially worrisome. It has been interpreted to include almost any effort to interfere with a function of the federal government through deceit. NACDL is working to reform this vague provision, and other aspects of criminal conspiracy law, to ensure only those truly deserving of punishment are swept up in its net.
Champion Article
The DOJ's Mixed Record on Cases Against Traders
DOJ has had mixed success in the prosecution of traders. Where is the dividing line between illegal activity and savvy trading? Susan Brune and Erin Dougherty review the major categories of recent prosecutions and highlight the key issues that have presented obstacles to conviction – and opportunities for the defense.
Shifting the 'Burden of the Defense' in White Collar Conspiracy Prosecutions
How can a defense attorney minimize the potentially long-lasting impact of burdensome pretrial release conditions? How can the defense attorney engage in meaningful review, especially when the assistant U.S. attorney refuses to produce an exhibit list?
John Cline Testimony (February 2014)
Written Statement of NACDL member John D. Cline, Esq. of San Francisco, CA before the House Committee on the Judiciary Over-Criminalization Task Force Re: Reform of the Federal Criminal Code
Morrison, Requiring Proof of Conspiratorial Dangerousness
This Article argues that to impose criminal liability, prosecutors ought to be required to prove a conspiracy's dangerousness. In doing so, it also provides insight into conspiracy law that Katyal and Goldstein leave unilluminated. Their opinions on conspiracy's dangerousness diverge because they assume different group data sets: Katyal views only criminal conspiracies, and Goldstein views groups in general. This Article applies a neutral, systemic analysis where theirs do not and thus generates workable, effective reforms where theirs cannot.
Pinkerton v. United States
Opinions of the U.S. Supreme Court in Pinkerton et. al. v. United States 328 U.S. 640 (1946)
Letter to House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime on Clarifying the Criminal Code (December 2011)
NACDL President Lisa Wayne's letter to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security regarding proposed changes to the criminal code that would affect which and how crimes are punished, as addressed in the Criminal Code Modernization and Simplification Act of 2011 (H.R. 1823).
Evolution of Criminal Conspiracy Law and 'Flipping the Script' in United States v. Elizabeth Holmes
A conspiracy is often easier for the government to prove than the underlying substantive offenses. The upcoming wire fraud trial of Elizabeth Holmes, who founded the Theranos company, provides an example of the prosecution's advantages in conspiracy law. How can the defense fight back?
USA v. Henri Salvador Gutierrez
Motion to Dismiss Indictment & Motion to Strike Surplusage from Indictment filed in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts (MS-13 & RICO)
Fraud Sentencing Table and Related Documents
Comparative table on sentencing for fraud cases and guidelines comparison for 2005 to 2009.
Strictissimi Juris: The First Amendment's Defense Against Conspiracy Charges
Most criminal defense attorneys and criminal law scholars have never heard of the strictissimi juris doctrine. Steven Morrison addresses that knowledge gap and offers instructions for defending clients who are engaged in First Amendment-protected conduct and are charged with conspiracy. He provides a brief history of strictissimi juris, presents concrete potential uses of the doctrine, and discusses the contents of the motion defense attorneys should file when arguing that the doctrine applies.
The U.S. Supreme Court held in Pinkerton v. United States that a conspirator is criminally liable for the foreseeable substantive crimes of his co-conspirators in furtherance of the conspiracy, even if the conspirator himself played no part in the substantive offense and did not intend that it occur. Find case-based tools on conspiracy here.
Jencks in RICO/RICO Conspiracy
Materials for arguing against government informant and ex parte discussions regarding the conspiracy and closing off discovery regarding the informant's statements regarding the alleged conspiracy.


This Temple of Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, is a Greco-Roman temple in the centre of Athens, southeast of the Acropolis. Begun in the 6th century BC, it was not completed until the reign of the Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. At the time, it was the largest temple in Greece.
Imagine… After a miracle was performed, they thought Barnabas was Zeus and Paul another one of their gods. Before long, the crowd considered them demons to be stoned. We cannot depend on popular opinion. We must have solid teaching based on the Scriptures. James, now recognized as the Pastor of Jerusalem, brings the Church back to their foundation by quoting God's Word. This clear dependence on the Hebrew Bible was essential for consistent doctrine. As it was then, so it must be today. With prayer and fasting, elders who are well established in Scripture should be placed in leadership roles. They may not always agree, as in the case of the dissension between Paul and Barnabas. Their differences were not doctrinal but procedural. Today, this disagreement might result in an independent church being planted nearby, which might become a new denomination. Paul and Barnabas, while they separated, did not act in such a way. They simply went in different directions in spreading God's Word.
Dear Lord, while our leaders may have differences in how to proceed with Your work, may they be in complete unity in the doctrines of eternal salvation. Give me the grace of loyalty to those who lead in my church. With Your help, Lord, I commit to prayer and fasting on their behalf. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!
I am amazed at the gigantic temples, such as the one to Zeus, pictured above, which are found everywhere in the ancient world. Lucifer, at one time known in Heaven as "the anointed cherub" (Ezekiel 28:14), desired worship for himself and tried to take the place of God. I believe he inspired the building of these temples, and then he and his fallen angels inhabited these temples in order to receive worship here on the earth to which they were banished. The religion business is filled with what the Bible calls "deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1). I don't worry about these entities taking control of my thoughts and my life, because I practice daily prayer for protection by the Blood of Jesus, and I daily do as James, the Pastor referred to above, teaches me, "Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you!" (James 4:7-8).
P.S. 100words is an outreach of Crossroads Christian Communications Incorporated, an official charitable organization in both Canada and the United States. This week I've been moved to pray fervently for the mission in many parts of the world and also to give sacrificially. Will you join me? Jesus said, "Inasmuch as you've done it unto the least of one of these, you've done it unto Me!!!" When considering your Christmas and year-end giving, please remember Crossroads. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!! (click here for donation information).
Fascinating history of the temples. The Olympieion taking 638 years to construct is rather mind boggling. Looking at it on Wikipedia shows the vastness of its original size. Lift up your hearts, dear saints. Despite the sadness for many at this time of year, claim joy in knowing you are a chosen lamb of God. Oh, how He loves you, so! May you be at peace, today.
Thank you for your encouraging words, Beverlee. You are such a blessing to us all.
I just quickly wanted to update my fellow blog readers that my interview on 100 Huntley Street has been moved from today to this Thursday, the 6th.
Blessings of peace, love and joy in the Holy Spirit be on you all today.
I also thank you Beverlee for your encouraging words. I thought of Psalm 23 and it fills me with hope .
I talked to little Judah"s dad on Sunday. He was told that the brain tumour is shrinking and they are now waiting for the official report. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Thanks for letting us know the change of date Deanna.
Wonderful news about Juda! Praise God.
Thank you Eleanor for the update on baby Judah .
( who is not a baby anymore).
Thank God for the good report. May he be totally cancer free and no longer in need of the treatments.
I watch 100 Huntley at 4 a.m. hope to see you interview Deanna!
Thank you for this wonderful doctrine to guide and direct daily. You Lord are the great surgean. And this ministry. I a our daily bread. Bless 100 Huntley.
Am inspired by the commitment and dermination of Paul, Barnabus and Silas who were not deterred from their mission but returned to the same places they were not received and persecuted. Neither should we be deterred from our mission. Amen? Thinking of you today Beverlee in the loss of your Mother. Impressed by David's words that those in leadership should be "well established in scriptures" and how he prayed and fasted for his leaders. Looking for you on 100 Huntley St. Deanna. Sunny and cold here today. The Lord bless your day!
No one you know has the ability to love you unconditionally. To look to anyone or anything but God for the love our souls need in this life and the next is to commit idolatry.
Paul and Barnabas's disagreement reminds me of the Martin Luther book written by Eric Metaxas. God be with each and every one of us now and always I pray.
What a true and powerful quote Lynda! I am going to copy and keep that one near.
Thank u Deanna, I thought so too:-).
What powerful ministry went forth by Paul and Barnabas to the Glory of God!


Greg Earnhardt gingerly walked barefoot into the player's lounge inside the Olympic Club's spacious clubhouse late Tuesday afternoon. Fatigue was written all over his body.
He revealed two bloodied socks, a physical reminder of the grueling week it's been on the 46-year-old North Carolinian.
Neither Earnhardt nor Sherrill Britt, his partner at this week's inaugural U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship, are accustomed to this much walking. USGA championships are often tests of endurance as well as skill, and the oldest remaining side – combined ages of 95 – was showing some wear and tear after a seventh round in six days.
Britt, 49, of West End, N.C., joked that he was going to jump in nearby Lake Merced and take a swim.
Both seemed ready for a good night's sleep. And they'll need to be refreshed for their 7 a.m. semifinal match against reigning U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Scott Harvey, of Greensboro, N.C., and Todd Mitchell, of Bloomington, Ill.
In essence, Britt and Earnhardt exemplify the true spirit of the Four-Ball. Neither plays a year-long schedule of national amateur or mid-amateur events, so they look forward to USGA qualifiers as a way to compete on a larger stage.
"We're city guys who play public courses," said Earnhardt.
Earnhardt, an insurance agent for the North Carolina Farm Bureau, is a veteran of two U.S. Amateurs, two U.S. Amateur Public Links and a USGA Men's State Team. Britt, a custom homes contractor, qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur two years ago, 12 years after his only other USGA championship appearance at the 2001 U.S. Amateur.
But as partners, their only success came at a four-ball event at Mid-Pines. Britt couldn't recall the year.
Twenty-eight years ago, Britt caught the golf bug working at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, where employees could play for $3. In 1988 he decided to become a club professional, but 10 years in the business was enough. He applied for amateur reinstatement in 1999 and his first amateur event was the 2000 North and South at Pinehurst No. 2. He lost to James Driscoll, the runner-up in that year's U.S. Amateur, 1 up, in the first round.
It gave him the itch to keep playing. Even with his contracting business, Britt manages to play four to five afternoons a week.
"I try to make sure my hobby doesn't get in the way of my golf," said Britt with a laugh.
While Earnhardt was born about 10 miles from the famous NASCAR family of the same name, he doesn't believe he's related to Dale or Dale Jr.
"Maybe I am, but I haven't seen any of the money," he cracked.
Earnhardt discovered golf at 17 and would be considered a late bloomer. He, too, turned professional after graduating from Campbell University in 1994, but regained his amateur status four years later.
Now USGA championships are circled on his calendar.
"I put the U.S. Open on another level, but my goal is to play in every USGA event," he said.
That meant filing an entry for the inaugural U.S. Amateur Four-Ball. Neither player recalls who made first contact, but Britt knew Earnhardt's game was strong enough for the side to have a shot to play at the Olympic Club. Two months ago at Pinewild C.C. in Pinehurst, Earnhardt's two-putt par on 18 sealed a 66, good enough to make a 3-for-2 playoff for the final spots.
Before starting the playoff, a nervous Earnhardt informed Britt that he would need to make birdie.
Nathan Smith and Todd White each carried their own bags during their Round-of-16 victory Tuesday morning over Austin Smotherman and Bryson DeChambeau. Looking for a little relief, both employed caddies in the afternoon quarterfinals.
White employed Cordie Morgan, a good friend from Spartanburg, S.C., who now resides in the Bay Area, while Smith borrowed DeChambeau's caddie, Tony Yick.
Golfers from Southern Methodist University have had mixed results at the Olympic Club. SMU alum Payne Stewart was the runner-up to Lee Janzen after missing a short putt in the 1998 U.S. Open, while Colt Knost won the 2007 U.S. Amateur. Former Mustangs Draegen Majors and Brooks Price were hoping to add their names to club lore, but after knocking out the medalists, Viraat Badhwar and Maverick McNealy, in the Round of 16, they fell to Britt and Earnhardt in the quarterfinals.
Northern California natives and current SMU juniors Austin Smotherman and Bryson DeChambeau were eliminated by White and Smith, 2 and 1, in the Round of 16.