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           Frank X. Didik aboard 
           "The Futurist" in New 
           York Harbor. 
          
           Thoughts
            by 
           Frank
            Didik 
           Random
            thoughts on science, business and society today. 
          
           What
            if and what can or might be. 
          
             
          
           What
            is the speed of gravity? If it is instantaneous, then what if 
           gravity can be modulated? Today
            most scientists, assume that the speed of gravity is the same as the 
           speed of light, but what if the speed of gravity is instantaneous? 
           Further, if gravity can be modulated, it might allow for 
           instantaneous universal communication. Thus it might be possible to 
           communicate with space craft instantly, rather than waiting for 
           minutes for transmissions to reach the craft or earth. Perhaps 
           computer chips can be made to operate vastly faster. And this is just 
           the beginning since ...read
            more ... 
          
           What
            if the decay rate of elements varies rather than being a constant? Imagine,
            if this is the case, it would mean that all archeological dating is 
           in question. How old are artifacts? When in fact did the dinosaurs 
           really die out? Further, consider that ...
            read
            more ... 
          
           It is now time to eliminate all 
           emergency Covid laws in the country. Now
            that we understand that the fear of a massive death rate due to 
           Covid was completely wrong..read
            more 
          
           Is it selfish for a woman to seek 
           a career 
           and also have children? read
            more 
          
           Elon Musk recently stated that we 
           have a population shortage problem. read
            more 
          
           Private ownership and strong 
           goals are on the decline. 
           Grown men in their 30's still live in shared apartments, ride a 
           skateboard or a bicycle instead of owning their own home and car and read
            more 
          
           We seem to be living in a fake world. 
           Everywhere you go, you see people walking down the street, staring at 
           their cell phone, often with "ear buds", completely 
           oblivious to the outside world. ...read
            more 
          
             
           Were
            the Wright Brothers the wrong brothers? Was
            A.M. Herring the first to fly in 1899 - four years before the Wright Brothers?...
            read
            more ... 
          
           April
            Fools Day How
            did it start? read
            more 
          
           Oligarchs:
            How
            did the "oligarchs" of Russia, Ukraine and other former 
           Soviet Republics amass their vast wealth? read
            more 
          
             
           Easter celebrated 
           in Manhattan in 1956 
           EASTER: 
           Though Easter is a Christian Holiday, celebrated by Christians 
           worldwide, perhaps non-Christians, including atheists,
            should also celebrate this holiday. Why? Because by Jesus's 
           teachings, Democracy 
           became the norm for all governments worldwide. read
            more 
          
           Global
            trade agreements have
            failed the United States and has destroyed the US standard of living read
            more 
          
           Collapse
            in the standard of living I believe 
           that the standard of living in the United States was highest in the 
           early 1960's. In 1962, the average 35 year old working man was able 
           to support a wife, 3 or 4 children, own a house in the suburbs, have 
           2 cars and had enough money to go on a vacation once or twice a year. 
           Today, it takes two highly educated people working to buy a small one 
           or two bedroom coop or condo, car ownership is rare and they can only 
           afford to have one or two children at best.read
            more 
          
           The
            need for a 
           $40 per hour minimum
            wage? read
            more 
          
           Social
            Media or Vanity Media With the development of the so 
           called smart phone, a new phenomenon of "social media" has 
           developed that caters to the vanity and inner ego of millions read
            more 
          
           The
            Canadian Flag has become s symbol of freedom world wide. 
           It is interesting to note that as a result of the Canadian Truckers 
           "Freedom Convoy" to remove Corona restrictions in Canada, 
           other protests have started worldwide, and the symbol most seen is 
           the Canadian Flag. 
          
           "Finding
            truth on the internet, is like finding a diamond in a pile of broken glass".
            Today there is so much conflicting and false information on the 
           internet that it is difficult to determine what is true and what is 
           false. Often each perspective presents read
            more 
          
           Covid
            has become political Some say that alleged science is 
           being used to push a political agenda. 
           Back in February of 2020, Covid 19 was presented as a deadly pandemic 
           that many said would kill off a sizable read
            more 
          
           Bicycle
            Lanes favors the young and healthy, while inconveniencing 
           older citizens, drivers and delivery trucks. Further, for the most 
           part, they are rarely utilized during the winter months... read
            more 
          
           Fact
            Checkers "Fact Checkers" present an opinion 
           rather than absolute fact. Further,
            who will fact check the fact checkers"? Recently read
            more 
          
           Is
            it wrong be judgmental? 
           Further, should a person express unsolicited opinions to others? The 
           fact is that everyone read
            more 
          
           Should
            we offer unsolicited advice? 
           We have often heard that giving unsolicited advice is wrong but read
            more 
          
           Congestion
            Pricing favors the upper income people and will 
           significantly reduce local business, while pushing middle class 
           drivers to shop elsewhere that does not have this burdensome tax. 
           Ultimately this will work against the city. 
          
           Misinformation 
           does not mean a lie, but rather is a way to undermine a different 
           perspective that is not in keeping with the pushed narrative. Thus 
           something that is described as "misinformation" may or many 
           not be true, but contradicts the official mainstream perspective or 
           undermines the direction of the mainstream agenda. 
           Frank Didik, February 1, 2022 
          
           A
            reminder to fellow
            citizens When
            you walk down the street, just remember that every person who you 
           pass by, regardless of their race or physical appearance, or if they 
           are rich or poor, has their own goals and aspirations, trials and 
           tribulations and each person must be treated with basic respect and dignity. 
          
           It is essential to 
           individualize and not generalize. Each group has their good and bad 
           and one must not fall into the trap of assuming that everyone in a 
           particular group is the same or thinks the same. Sometimes in our 
           rush or arrogance, we forget these basic truths. 
          
           Evolution
            of American English Accents I have noticed that accents 
           evolve very quickly. If you were to watch a movie from the 1930's, 
           1940's or any other time, you will notice that people from each 
           period have distinct accents. Recently, I have noticed that first 
           generation Americans, who perhaps grew up in bilingual families, for 
           example Polish or Chinese families, have a distinct, new American 
           accent. I presume that over time, everyone's accent will be 
           significantly different in years to come. 
           Frank Didik, February 1, 2022 
          
             
          
           Reason,
            Logic and intellect is not reliable. 
           The late Christopher Hitchens often stated that we should rely on our 
           logic, reason and intellect to determine the truth. Many people who 
           pride themselves as educated, intelligent and progressive believe the 
           same. As reasonable as this seems, Galileo proved over 400 years ago 
           that our logic, reason and intellect is unreliable and that only 
           direct experimental data, should be relied upon. Galileo had dropped 
           two balls of the same material, but different masses, from the 
           Leaning Tower of Pisa to demonstrate that they would hit the ground 
           at the same time, rather than the heavier ball hitting the ground 
           first, as almost everyone, including Aristotle, 2000 years ago, had 
           assumed. Our logic, reason and intellect is not reliable and should 
           only be viewed as speculation. Only direct experimentation and 
           obtaining the same results, over and over again should be relied upon. 
          
             
           What
            if time varies along with all things, rather than being a constant? Consider
            that...read
            more ... 
          
           Can
            the speed of light vary, even if traveling under the same 
           conditions, or in other words, is the speed of light really a 
           constant? According
            to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light is a constant 
           but ...read
            more ... 
          
             
           The
            1956 Firebird was
            to be self driving. 
           Self
            Driving Cars? If
            you have an accident with a self driving car, who is at fault? The 
           car manufacturer, the owner of the car or the occupant 
           "driver" of the car? I
            have enjoyed owning and driving some of the most interesting cars 
           made and have always enjoyed the freedom of driving without 
           impediments or restrictions. Nevertheless, if self driving ...read
            more ... 
          
               
           Bicycles?
            What ever happened to jet packs, flying cars and advanced technology 
           that in the past, was predicted that we would be using by today? Why
            are bicycles being pushed by cities world wide?...read
            more ... 
          
           Question:
            Do bicycles and 
           skate boards represent a more environmentally friendly world or does 
           it indicate a decline in the standard of living? I ride my bicycle 
           about 10 miles every day, but only a small percentage of the 
           population benefit from bike lanes, mostly men under the age of 50. 
           Further, most people ride bikes in warm, favorable weather and rarely 
           in the rain, snow or cold weather. 
          
           Old
            Computer Formats and the longevity of our digitally stored 
           knowledge. Are 
           we entering into a "pre-history" era? How can we preserve 
           our computer written records, books, photographs, video and 
           knowledge? If you 
           wanted to, would you be able to read a: 
          
           
            3
             1/2" or 5 1/4" or 8" floppy? 
            cd-rom
             or a dvd? 
            12"
             optical disk? 
            9
             track tape? 
            IBM
             punch card? 
            Paper
             punch tape? 
            
          
           If
            you can not read these one or two generation old formats today, how 
           will society be able to read these documents in 200 years from now? I 
           doubt that the current line up of formats, such as SD cards, USB 
           drives or others, will be easy to read in 15 years. The longevity of 
           computer/digital storage before major failure is also an issue ...read
            more ... 
          
           Cell
            Phone Etiquette 
           Advice for the modern person -
            December 9,
            2016 read
            more 
            
           Time
            to rethink bike lanes Advice for bicyle based cities 
            - August
            3,
            2016 read
            more 
          
           Euthanasia
            to be encouraged? 
           I was just reading that insurance companies encourage suicide, in 
           states that permit assisted suicide. Greater profits by less medical 
           bills and life insurance policies invalidated? I suspect that with a 
           rapidly aging population, the elderly will be encouraged to end their 
           lives. Perhaps euthanasia 
           will be presented as the patriotic or honorable thing to do. We are 
           truly entering into an age of barbarism and abandoning civilization. 
           - June 2018 
          
             
           There
            is an alternative to population control. Restricting
            and discouraging the formation of families in order to stabilize or 
           reduce population infringes on the freedom and rights of every human. 
           There is another much better approach...read
            more ... 
          
           Questioning
            the results of modern science. For
            the last 100 years, we have been experiencing the collapse of real 
           science. Theories, speculation and fantasy is the norm today. By 
           definition, the scientific method is the ability to test and re-test 
           and always get the same results, over and over. If an idea or a 
           theory can not be tested, the idea must be viewed as speculation and 
           not considered true, till that idea is proven without a doubt. 
           Scientific theory has moved to areas that are beyond our present 
           capability of testing and gradually a number of unproven theories 
           have become accepted as fact without any real proof. Further, new 
           theories have been developed based on old theories. Thus we have a 
           situation where science today is largely based on theory upon theory. 
           If something can not be proven, it falls into the realm of philosophy 
           rather than science. This has led to...read
            more ... 
          
           Science
            and media hype: Any
            sudden "revolutionary" scientific discovery, even if such 
           discovery is written about in every newspaper and scientific journal, 
           should be greeted with skepticism. Such a discovery should only be 
           accepted after the bulk of scientists have have had a chance to 
           review the discovery and confirm that it is in fact correct. Such 
           things that come to mind include cold fusion, the so called "God 
           Particle" and even the recent stated discovery of a 
           "gravitational wave". All too often such media hype has 
           come and gone without any real discovery or fundamental change. ..read
            more ... 
          
           What
            percentage of information, contained in science books is accurate 
           and true? Are we in a post science period? Many
            science books today present ...read
            more ... 
          
           It
            is time to retest scientific properties. Verify results. I
            suggest that the properties of all materials be re-tested using 
           modern technology and certify the results. Melting and boiling 
           points, conductivity, hardness, and all physical properties of 
           materials should be re-tested ...read
            more ... 
          
           Honesty
            and integrity 
           in scientific
            research is
            essential in
            order to 
           advance our knowledge
            base. When
            a scientist has worked for years to prove a particular theory and 
           finds out that their work has been in vain, it is difficult to admit 
           that their original assumptions were wrong. Still it is vitally 
           important ..read
            more ... 
          
             
          
           This
            website displays designs, projects, proposals and innovations 
           by Frank Didik, but this site has also served to inspire people to 
           bring their ideas to fruition. All too often, people have great 
           dreams in high school and college but within a few years after 
           graduation, these ideas gradually become a distant memory. I 
           encourage everyone to do what ever you are good at and try to make 
           your dreams a reality. What people do today represents the future of 
           our great planet. Go out and do whatever you can do, to the best of 
           your ability. 
          
           Automation
            and robotics will help return businesses to the United States. 
           With new automation and robotics, which requires less employees, it 
           is now possible for most American Based companies to return 
           manufacturing to the United States, with the benefit of lower 
           production costs, lower shipping costs and a safer business climate, 
           when compared with outsourced manufacturing. -February
            14, 2018 
          
           Internet
            free speech and censorship read
            more 
          
           The
            Downside of Robotics Robotics will 
           bring about a fundamental change in society. Millions of jobs will be 
           lost, but only a few, high end jobs will be created. Most former 
           employees will not be employable in this new environment. The same 
           occurred in England in the early 1800's with the industrial 
           revolution. High end weaving jobs were lost after the introduction of 
           high speed looms. Another example is the computer revolution from the 
           late 1960's till the mid 1980's and on till today eliminated the need 
           for thousands of office clerks. - May 
           5, 2019 
          
             
           Frank
            Didik's 
           Thoughts
            on how the world will change in the future 
          
             No one 
           really knows what the future will be like and rarely have predictions 
           made in the past, become a reality in the same way that it was 
           predicted. Nevertheless, certain generalities of what might happen, 
           can be foreseen based on what is happening today 
           read
            more 
          
           1. In the future, 
           robotics will change society and millions will lose their jobs ...read
            more 
           2. In the future, 
           robotic friends, including intimate friends will prevail ...read
            more 
           3. In the future, 
           dating and marriage may greatly decline read
            more 
           4. In the future, 
           populations may drastically decline ...read
            more 
           5. In the future, 
           pet ownership will decline read
            more 
           6. In the future, 
           natural child birth may decline read
            more 
           7. In the future, 
           Licenses may be required to have children ...read
            more 
           8. In the future, 
           virtual living will take precedence to real life read
            more 
           9. In the future, 
           aroma, heat, wind, moisture and taste will all be recorded read
            more 
           10. In the future, 
           wealth will be concentrated among a tiny group of people read
            more 
           11. In the future, 
           technological advancement may slow down ...read
            more 
           12. In the future, 
           planets will not be colonized read
            more 
           13. In the future, 
           people will travel less in the future ...read
            more 
           14. In the future, 
           transportation networks will gradually be reduced ..read
            more 
           15. In the future, 
           there will be a Loss of optimism for their future ...read
            more 
           16. In the future, 
           people will rarely interact, face to face ...read
            more 
           17. In the future, 
           microscopic robotic "bacteria" will be injected into the 
           body to cure diseases and repair or remove internal body issues ..read
            more 
           18. In the future, 
           robots will perform medical procedures including surgery more 
           19. In the future, 
           doctors will be able to operate from anywhere on the planet ...read
            more 
           20. Radically 
           changed moral values and decline in human dignity awaits us in the 
           future ...read
            more 
           21. In the future, 
           society may gradually fall into a stagnant, non advancing epic ...read
            more 
           22. Future crises 
           in Human Dignity ...read
            more 
           23. In the future, 
           medicines will be specifically designed for the individual ...read
            more 
           24. In the future, 
           robots will do most factory work and manual labor, including farming 
           and cooking, as well as the jobs of professionals such as doctors and 
           accounting, just to mention a few chores and will cause the loss of 
           millions of jobs and make large populations unnecessary .. read
            more 
           ---Predictions
            for the future by Frank X. Didik, December
            2, 2016 
          
           BITCOIN: 
           Bitcoins are backed by nothing more than the gullibility and wishful 
           thinking of the Bitcoin holder. 
           I believe that the 
           Bitcoin rise in value is akin to the Dutch Tulip craze in the early 
           1600's and that a massive decline in value is imminent. 
          
           Foreign
            manufactured products versus American manufactured products: 
           American's will never buy an American made product if the same or 
           similar foreign products is sold at a lower price. This means that 
           manufacturing jobs will never return to the United States, unless 
           there is an import tax, however import taxes will violate most of 
           America's NAFTA and GAT treaties. Any talk of manufacturing jobs 
           returning to America without import taxes is simply idle banter. 
          
           The
            Safety of Plastics. 
           Over the past 30 years, there has been a massive increase in the 
           number of human ailments such as Alzheimer's, breast cancer, prostate 
           cancer, autism, declining fertility, and other ailments. Some people 
           say that the cause is actually better diagnosis, while others blame 
           processed foods, GMO foods, pesticides, wifi, cell phones, 
           vaccinations and other outside influences. During this period, there 
           has been a rapid increase of various plastic packaging for food, 
           water and even clothing made out of polyester and other plastics, 
           with a decline in 100% natural fibers such as cotton and wool. 
           Studies should be conducted regarding the safety of these new 
           materials, as well as the fabric dyes and determine if such chemicals 
           can be absorbed by the skin and if they have any type of long range 
           human effect. -February
            14, 2018 
          
           Cell
            Phone Etiquette 
           Advice for the modern person -
            December 9,
            2016 read
            more 
          
             
           Time
            to rethink bike lanes Advice for bicyle based 
           cities - August
            3,
            2016 read
            more 
          
             
          
             
          
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           From the right, 
           Frank Didik, Dr. Eric Bitterman, Chairman of Deutsche Welle, Dr. 
           Joachim Reppmann, and publisher Walter at the Von Steuben formal 
           event in New York City. Though Frank Didik does not have any German 
           background, he enjoys the inginuety and drive of the German people. 
          
             
           Subway
            Safety-Subway Gate Subway Safety Barriers: 
           Every year hundreds of people are killed or severely injured when 
           they fall onto the tracks of trains and subways. The prevention is 
           cost efficient and greatly reduces liability ...
            read
            more ... 
          
           Have
            you noticed that in large cities, our playgrounds are empty, but our 
           dog runs are full? A sizable portion 
           of the population are no longer getting married and forming families, 
           but read
            more 
          
           Down
            Syndrome.
            Did you know 
           that there are some people with Down Syndrome who are geniuses? read
            more 
          
           Natural
            Gas substitutes 
             
           Before 1947 in the 
           USA and late 1960's in Europe, countries used first wood gas and then 
           later coal gas, as this plant in Seatle, Washington prouced till the 
           mid 1950's read
            more 
           Natural
            Gas. Europe and 
           many other countries around the world are concerned about shortages 
           of natural gas but there are many 
           substitutes for read
            more 
             
           Wood gas was also 
           used to power cars, trucks and buses when gasoline was not available 
           in Europe and Japan during World War 2. read
            more 
          
             
           Greatly
            reduce train noise A significant 
           amount of train noise is caused by the train wheels rolling over the 
           expansion joint of the tracks. This vibration creates noise, 
           vibrations, an less pleasant ride and also reduces the life cycle of 
           the train. The solution is relatively simple and cost effective ...
            read
            more ... 
          
           True
            causes of the Ukraine-Russian War Click
            here 
          
           Fossil
            Fuels: 
           So called "fossil fuels" are not from fossils.It seems 
           impossible that the so called "fossil fuels" were ever 
           created from plant life. read
            more 
          
           Do
            not watch TV! (or
            listen to radio, movies or read newspapers!) 
           If you watch TV programs, you will be programmed! The purpose of the 
           news programs is not to inform but rather to read
            more 
          
           Refugees
            and citizenship: Should
            refugee's allegedly fleeing their home country be allowed to become 
           citizens of the countries that accepts them or should they only be 
           granted temporary sanctuary until their country of origin returns to normal?read
            more 
          
           Bike
            Registration Though
            I am a strong believer that less government is best government, the 
           time has come to register and insure bicycles and to make sure that 
           bicyclist obey traffic rules. This is particularly necessary in 
           crowded urban areas. With the proliferation of bicycles, more and 
           more accidents and related injuries are occurring to both the cyclist 
           as well as pedestrians. A basic form of a license plate for bicycles 
           as well as liability insurance is clearly necessary. 
          
           Schools
            have become indoctrination centers Compulsory
            education was never meant to improve one's social status, though 
           that is how it is presented to the public. Originally, students wore 
           uniforms, similar to military uniforms, students learned obedience, 
           such as marching into the school, or raising their hand for 
           permission to read
            more 
          
           Socialism,
            excess government support and
            Communism are 
           not natural. read
            more 
          
             
           Can
            a draw bridge be an example of true democracy? read
            more 
          
           Fads
            come and go. Today,the fad is clown
            colored hair, body graffiti, extensive facial shrapnel and torn jeans,
            ultra tight "yoga pants" read
            more 
          
           The
            "Frank Didik" penny theory to
            analyze the state of the economy read
            more 
          
           Either
            gold
            is over valued or silver is under valued,
            based on historic ratio's read
            more 
          
           Libraries
            have lost their purpose. read
            more 
          
           One
            World Government 
           The world seems to be headed towards a single, one world government, 
           with the notion of individual countries, cultures, customs and races, 
           gradually merging to form a new type of global citizen. This could 
           lead to greatly curtailed personal freedoms, such as the ability to 
           travel, own a car, own a private house, where to work, where to live 
           and even limit the potential to improve one's social read
            more 
          
           Covid/Corona
            Virus 
           For
            Frank Didik thoughts on the Corona Virus and it's effect on society 
           and the economy. Click
            Here 
            
          
           "Northern Eastern Circle" 
           A fact finding 
           1,500 mile road trip 
           through rural north eastern USA. Click
            here for details. 
             
          
           "Southern
            Circle" 
           A fact finding 
           3,000 mile road trip 
           through the deep south. Click
            here for details. 
             
          
           A 
           $40 per hour minimum
            wage? ...Frank
            X. Didik, September 22, 2021 
            In
            1962, the average 35 year old working man was able to support a 
           wife, 3 or 4 children, own a house in the suburbs, have 2 cars and 
           had enough money to go on a vacation once or twice a year. Today, it 
           takes two highly educated people working to buy a small one or two 
           bedroom coop or condo, car ownership is rare and they can only afford 
           to have one or two children at best. To achieve what a man in 1962 
           made per week and to regain the standard of living of that time, the 
           minimum wage must be increased to $40 per hour. The gradual decline 
           over the past 60 years should be changed. Perhaps "shock 
           treatment" that was recommended to the former communist 
           countries in Eastern Europe by "experts" from leading 
           American Universities, should be the guide for this sudden increase 
           in the average (minimum) wage. Several things would happen. First, 
           people would initially spend much more money and this would almost 
           instantly create huge demand. At the same time, it is very possible 
           that prices would go up, though perhaps not as fast as one might 
           expect, since production efficiency is much greater today than in 
           1962. Finally, it might be necessary to implement trade barriers. 
           This of course would run counter to the direction of globalism. 
           Perhaps it is time to modify the notion of globalism and take into 
           account the different global cultures, work ethics and achievements. 
          
            Frank
            X. Didik with former NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio and first lady Chirlane 
           McCray, at Gracy Mansion. 
          
           What
            will happen after September 1, 2021, when
            added unemployment benefits end, when landlords can demand back rent 
           or evict, when banks can demand back mortgage payments or start 
           eviction proceedings and when governments can demand and act on 
           unpaid back taxes? One can only speculate on what might happen, but I 
           believe that surplus spending will end, that there will be a business 
           and economic slowdown and that real estate sales prices may decrease, 
           considering that unpaid mortgages will again start to be foreclosed 
           upon. On the other hand, businesses will be able to hire more 
           workers, since much of the unemployment benefits will end. Still, we 
           are entering into very unknown economic and social territory.Frank
            X. Didik, June
            15,
            2021. 
          
           Remote
            working, office space, the diminished need for employees Frank
            X. Didik, January 1, 2021
            It
            is fascinating to note that as a result of the government imposed 
           Covid-19 restrictions, that for a period of time, an estimated 30% of 
           the population was out of work, and yet the country did not 
           experience any long term shortages, in any area. One might say that 
           this is a wake-up call for companies to show them that they have too 
           many redundant employees. read
            more 
          
           Does
            constant mask wearing reduce cognitive ability? Studies
            have shown that people inhale between 7% and 12% of their exhaled 
           breath, with an accumulation of carbon dioxide. Does this cause minor cognitive 
           loss for the wearer over time? Further, over time, the masks quickly 
           become both moist as well as becomes a breading ground for bacteria. 
           Also, does the additional stress on the lungs to breath through a 
           filter effects the lungs? More studies must be performed to determine 
           if mask wearing causes biological issues as well as psychological 
           issues over time. 
          
           Lockdowns
            benefit large companies at the expense of small stores and 
           businesses Frank
            X. Didik December 16, 2020 
            It
            has become obvious that the lockdowns, imposed by most of the states 
           to control the spread of Covid-19, has clearly benefited large 
           companies, particularly on-line mega-companies, at the expense of 
           small, local businesses, that were forced to either close their doors 
           or greatly curtail their operations. It was estimated that these 
           small companies and stores represented about 60% of the economy. As a 
           result of the government imposed lockdowns, much of this bushiness 
           activity and wealth has been transferred, perhaps permanently, to the 
           on-line stores. This is rapidly creating a vastly different business 
           environment and potentially will reduce the ability of an individual 
           to start their own business in the future. 
          
           More
            Random thoughts and speculaions by Frank X. Didik can be found here 
          
           Massive
            surpluses in society 
           Industry has produced massive surpluses Since the start of the 
           Industrial Revolution, 230 years ago, society has gradually managed 
           to ever increase productivity and surpluses. Today, these surpluses 
           are so great that I estimate that only 20% of the population can 
           support themselves and the rest of the population. This assumption 
           was proven essentially correct with the Covid/Corona lockdowns when 
           it was estimated that over 50% of the population was not working and 
           yet society did not experience any shortages in any area. Further, 
           with the robotic and artificial intelligence revolution just around 
           the corner, even greater surpluses will be achieved and even less 
           workers/employees will be needed. This leads to the question of how 
           to deal with the vast number of people who's work will no longer be 
           needed? If the present monetary system continues, perhaps a basic, 
           livable income will necessary, though in general, I am not in favor 
           of the idea, since I have always felt that everyone should be 
           required to carry their own weight in society and further, give back 
           to society. There are some who feel that the population should be 
           reduced by discouraging the formation of families, encouraging single 
           life, birth control, abortion, same sex unions encouraging latter age 
           marriage and other methods. Most non-retail businesses can easily 
           survive with less than 50% of their work force. 
          
             
          
           Where
            have all the insects and birds gone? 
           Just a few years ago, when I would drive in the country, my 
           windshield would be covered with insects that had hit the car. This 
           simply does not happen anymore. Has the insect population somehow 
           died out? No one seems to talk about this. Has insecticides or 
           plastics or radio transmissions somehow effected them? Further, I 
           have noticed a large drop in the number of birds that we have in the 
           cities as well as in the countryside. It seems that we are headed 
           towards, a silent spring. 
          
           Frank
            Didik's opinion 
           On
            Education 
           Rethinking
            school and our education system 
          
           Should
            everyone attend college or university? 
           ... read
            more ... 
          
           Wisdom: 
           I believe that wisdom can not be taught, but rather wisdom is a 
           unique gift of understanding that a person is born with. 
          
           Can
            a
            college or a university 
           really teach a person to be a businessman 
           or an artist or good in any particular field? ...
            read
            more ... 
          
           How
            come all college undergraduate degree's 
           require four years?
            Should some degrees require only one 
           year while others perhaps six years? ...
            read
            more ... 
          
           Weak
            Students: 
           I have long believed that in a classroom environment, the weak 
           student holds the better students back. The idea of putting a weak 
           student with better students is a disservice to both the weak as well 
           as the better students. It should also be recognized that not all 
           people have the same ability and potential in every field. Two 
           individuals completing the same university program and having the 
           same grades and degree, does not make them equal in ability and 
           potential. Students should not be told that they can succeed at 
           anything that they try to do. 
          
           What
            courses should and should not be taught at college or university? Can
            college or a university teach a person how to be a good business 
           person, or how to be creative? ...
            read
            more ... 
          
           Teaching: I
            feel that it is not possible to teach a person to be creative or a 
           good businessman and the same applies to many other fields. You can 
           only expose that person to what has already been done and the current 
           understanding of the tools and materials of the trade and perhaps 
           with this understanding, the student can expand upon this knowledge. 
          
           Learning: My
            view is that almost all learning is through observation and 
           questioning. This underscores the importance of parents to teach 
           their children and expose their children to the parents daily lives. 
           In today's society, most parents are forced to work and thus the 
           child has only limited exposure to the richness of the parents 
           understanding of things. I would also argue that when a parent is 
           walking with a child, that the parent should not be using their cell 
           phone or texting and instead be devoting their full attention to the 
           child. Schools, as they exist today, have a limited ability to truly 
           train/educate a student and most of what is taught to the student is 
           repeated over and over with little practical use for the student 
           after graduation. So many students today study for years and yet 
           after graduation, never use what they have learned or what they have 
           learned is of little relevance to their lives. 
          
           The
            playgrounds are empty but 
           the dog runs are full. No
            children, only dogs. I 
           have noticed that in New York City, the playgrounds are empty but the 
           dog runs are full. People are no longer getting married, and having 
           families. Where will this all lead to? When I 
           was a child growing up in NYC, there were children everywhere and the 
           stores catered to families, rather than individual single people. The 
           best boutiques along Madison Avenue on Manhattan's upper east side, 
           always had play areas for the children, so that the children could 
           play, while the mothers shopped. We children knew which stores had 
           the best toys and demanded to go to those stores, which in most 
           cases, were the most expensive stores! 
          
           Where
            have all the twenty something year olds gone? 
           Strolling
            down fashionable Fifth Avenue recently, it struck me how the average 
           age of the crowded streets seems older than in the past. I would 
           guess that the average age of the people I saw was around 35 years 
           old. Twenty years ago, the average age would have been probably 
           around 25 years old. Why? I will further guess that the answer is 
           that many people are postponing marriage and having far fewer 
           children. Perhaps the high student debt or perhaps women seeking 
           careers over family or perhaps the hook-up culture is the culprit. 
           Regardless, this does not bode well for the future and increasing 
           family commitments is a must for a healthy society. --- Feb 11, 2019 
          
           The
            aging population is a sad, worldwide industrial nation phenomenon. 
           I am in Tokyo for a few days and have been here many times before. In 
           2002, I would guess that the average age on the street was about 24 
           years old. Today, I would guess the average age is about 35 years 
           old. --- Feb 26, 2019 
          
           Immigration: 
           Almost all countries consider what perspective immigrants can do for 
           their country and if those immigrants will contribute or be a burden 
           on their society and also evaluate if the potential immigrant will 
           blend in with their existing culture. Perhaps the United States 
           should take the same approach. ---Feb 11, 2019 
          
           Life
            forever? It is 
           interesting that life never really dies in that life continues, 
           uninterrupted with the offspring. Science has never observed life 
           emerging from minerals or non living elements. ---Feb 11, 2019 
          
           Investing
            in Startups. Good idea or bad? Is
            investing in a Startup, that has never proven itself in the market 
           place, a good idea or a waste of money (and talent)? Historically,
            investors invested in companies that were swamped with orders and 
           making money, but needed additional money to ...
            read
            more ... 
          
           Most
            efficient brain-storming method and
            how to make morning office meetings more productive and interesting ...
            read
            more ... 
          
           Good
            Citizenship 
            and
            respect for our fellow human beings. 
          
           Important 
           quotes from my friends from around the world, that I completely agree 
           with and I am sure that most people would as well: 
          
           "Do
            not generalize, but rather individualize." --Daniela
            D. in Germany, who works for the German diplomatic Chancellery. 
          
           "Never
            get angry with anyone. Who knows, perhaps one day that person will 
           save the world!" --Yuka
            S., who works for Aoyama University in Tokyo (and Kanagawa). 
          
           "It
            is important to always remember that 
           every person you encounter has their own goals and aspirations, 
           trails and tribulations and deserves equal respect." --Sue
            Ann M. in Durham, North Carolina. 
          
           ------------------------------------ 
          
           "It's
            all good" ... is wrong. All is 
           not good. There is an absolute right and an absolute wrong and this 
           is not culturally or time dependent. If you see someone going down 
           the wrong path in life, it is essential that you vocalize your 
           concerns and offer to help that individual. I am a moral absolutist 
           and not a moral relativist. 
          
           Producing
            the very best and most effective TV commercials 
           The single purpose of a television commercial is to sell the product 
           or service. The fact that an advertisement might be interesting, 
           funny, informative or well produced is secondary to the main purpose, 
           which is to sell the product or service. One should never leave the 
           creation of the television commercial to the television producer or 
           the video editor. ...
            read
            more ... 
          
           Building
            the most effective business websites Never
            let a "web designer" develop the website for you. A web 
           designer should be produce the website under the supervision of an on 
           line marketing master, usually working with ...
            read
            more 
          
             
          
             
          
             
          
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