|
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 ...
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
"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
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
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
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.
Live
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
A
Utopian society It has been the dream of mankind since
the beginning to have a perfect society where everyone lives in peace
and harmony and where everybody's wants are fulfilled. Shangra La in
the book and movies "Lost Horizon" is an example. Today the
World Economic Forum is also pushing their version of Utopia. However
it is very unlikely that such a Utopia can ever exist, without the
merit system of people producing and benefiting from their efforts. A
"Garden of Eden" can not be recreated.
War
against personal freedom? It seems that many countries
have embarked on a program that limits personal freedom for the
alleged common good. For example, many cities around the world have
expanded bicycle lanes at the expense of limiting automobile lanes.
Of course an automobile implies both freedom of travel and overall
prosperity. The bicycle lanes tend to be an excuse since bicycle
lanes only benefit the young and fit people, mostly men under the age
of 40. The plan to eliminate gasoline powered cars and replce them
with electric cars is a fantasy since far fewer people will be able
to afford an electric car and the range and slow charging time of an
electric car prevents long road trips.
Climate
Change excuses, by design or default are limiting
personal freedom of travel and preventing one to do as one pleases.
Reduced
intelligence levels and separately,
reduced cognitive ability?
It seems that with many forms of modern technology, such as the
cellular telephone/smart phone, which is really a window to the
knowledge of the world, people have stopped being innovative and
thinking for themselves and rather simply rely on their device. One
would have thought that the exact opposite would have occurred, but
it has not. Further, over the past three years, there seems to be a
mark decline in cognitive ability. Some say the the recently
developed Covid vaccination causes micro blood clots, but this has
yet to be proven. Something however is causing a decline in rapid
thinking and cognitive ability in the population.
Child
neglect? Is it a form of child neglect is a woman is
pushing a baby carriage and is also on her cell phone either speaking
or surfing the net? Should the woman instead be paying attention and
teaching the child? Children mostly learn through observation, rather
than from schools. |
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.
Frank X. Didik aboard
"The Futurist" in New
York Harbor.
Vision
Zero is without vision. The New
York City program started under former Mayor DeBlasio was well
intended to to reduce pedestrian deaths from vehicles but has it
reduced accidents? read
more
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
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
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.
Refugees
and citizenship/temporary
asylum? 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
Opinions
It is important to have opinions, based on facts and
known information, but one also be willing to change their opinion as
new information is received.
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
Is
everyone equal? Certainly in the Christian world and by
extension, under the law, everyone is equal. However the fact that
everyone has the same intrinsic value mean that everyone is entitled
to the same? Should people who are more ambitious, or people who have
better ideas, benefit from their efforts? Societies that have
attempted to distribute wealth equally among all people have always
failed. People need an incentive to work hard and be productive.
Arrogance
Over the past two years, a type of entitlement and Arrogance
has developed among the less
productive people who now seem to be demanding property and rights
that they have not earned through efforts of their own.
|
Frank
X. Didik in Central Park, Manhattan, New York City, on April 11, 2023
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 ...
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 ...
 Frank
X. Didik with former NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio and first lady Chirlane
McCray, at Gracy Mansion.
It
is essential to maintain law and order in New
York City There
has been a type of collapse of law and order in NYC. Shoplifting is
rampant, with little chance of punishment, even if caught.
Shoplifting is so prevalent that some stores have simply closed their
businesses. Unfortunately, the recent state law that removes the bail
requirement for many smaller crimes has given the green light to
criminals to continue their criminality.
Besides the
shoplifting and new bail rules, New York City has become like the
wild west when it comes to motorcycles. Today, very few motorcycles
seem to even have license plates, which means that they are probably
uninsured, unlicensed, and unqualified to even be riding. Further the
motorcycles rarely obey traffic laws and almost always go through red
lights, ride on the sidewalk or ride the wrong way down one way
streets. In the past, Police commissioner Bratton and others
maintained that by enforcing smaller regulations, the larger laws
also benefit.
We must have
reasonable police enforcement in New York City and certainly let us
not even consider reducing funding to the NYPD. Let the NYPD do their job.
The
term "White Privilege"
is a racist term, on the same level as the "N" word
and only serves to create racial tension, towards whites. Further, it
seems that those who use the racist term "White Privilege"
use it as an excuse for their own failures or short comings in life.
Plain and simple, those using the term "White Privilege"
are jealous of the accomplishments of SOME whites. Needless to say,
there are both poor and wealthy whites. The derogatory term of
"White Privilege" should never be used by politicians, in
the press or used in schools and the term should be allowed to die out.
Either
gold
is over valued or silver is under valued,
based on historic ratio's read
more
True
causes of the Ukraine-Russian War Click
here
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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 |
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.
Digital
Currency will represent a loss of freedom and privacy. Digital
Currency will mean the total control of your money by the
government. Thus what you (are permitted to) buy will be under the
complete control of the government. Further, everything you do and
buy will be known to the government and anyone who has access to this
information. Thus everything that you buy or sell or are permitted to
buy or sell will be known and potentially controlled.
-April 11, 2023
The
power and effect of interest. Many people do not
understand the true cost and effect of interest over time. For
example, if you put $10 in a bank account you will have the following
after 100 years:
At
3% interest, compounded yearly: $192.19
At
6% interest compounded yearly: $3,393.02
At
8% interest compounded yearly: $21,997.61
As you see,
doubling the interest rate, vastly increases the amount you either
get from interest or have to pay in interest. This is why when the
central bank increases interest rates, it matters so much and can
have such a massive effect in the economy or commerce. -April
12,
2023
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 ...
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
Are
people really living longer today, than in the past? Time
and time again, we are told that people today liver longer than in
the past, but is this true? 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
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.
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
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! |
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.
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
Frank
X. Didik
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
Libraries
have lost their purpose. 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 ...
Plastic
clothing? Have you noticed that it
is getting more difficult to find clothing made with 100% cotton or
wool? 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
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 all 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 ...
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
Life
was easier in the middle ages, 1000 years ago? Perhaps,
at least in Europe. First, farming is far less demanding than one
might think. In traditional farms, the work was primarily for a few
weeks during planting season and then for a few weeks during the
harvest. The rest of the time was rather easy. Further, a thousand
years ago in Europe, there were as many "Holy Days" (the
world "holiday" is a derivative of the "holy day")
as work days. Thus a working year was about 175 days, rather than
254 days that it is today. Further today, most jobs are 8 hours of
constant work in one spot, while 1000 years ago, work was not as
intense. As far as longevity, we know know that people 1000 years
ago, based on grave stones, lived about the same length as today,
that is between 75 and 80 years on average. Further, modern diseases
such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer, for example, was very rare.
The
"News"
The news is not a public information service, but rather it is an
entertainment service, with the added function of formulating public opinion.
Smart
phone use dramatically reduces creativity and productivity
People waste hours upon hours of time on these devices, without
stopping to think for themselves or to look around and get new, real information.
Self
Sufficiency
America was founded on the concept of self sufficiency.
Unfortunately, since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), some
members of the lower classes have come to depend on handouts and have
essentially become wards of the state. True freedom is only achieved
when a person is self sufficient. Of course certain things are best
handled by the state, such as the construction of roads, protection
of people and property, food and quality maintenance, basic civil
order actions and a few other societal rules to allow society to
operate smoothly.
USA
is now a third world country?
The strength of a nation is its manufacturing capacity and
capability. Since 1978, the United States has deindustrialization and
is now similar to what used to be the definition of a third world
country. That is that the USA sends raw materials and food stuff to
more industrialized countries and after, those countries sends back
finished products.
Avoid
"start-ups"
Most so-called start up's are a waste of time and investment and are
doomed to failure. The majority of startups do not attempt to
manufacture or develop anything new, but instead make apps or
software, yet they refer to themselves as "technology"
companies. A true technology company produces physical products. Apps
and software are not the end but the means to service the end.
People
are being slowly but surely, social engineered The
education industry, journalism, the entertainment industry and even
the medical industry push social engineering that serves to influence
what people think, want, buy and how they see themselves.
People
believe the first thing they hear The
first thing a child or a person hears, on a topic that they are not
familiar with, the person will normally accept as fact. Later, if it
turns out that the information was wrong, it is extremely difficult
to change that persons mind to see the truth, regardless of the
amount of contrary evidence and proof presented. In the future, a
persons mind can be changed, but in almost all cases, the change will
be gradual. It is important that in school and at home, a child (and
an adult) be trained in critical thinking and not immediately accept
the narrative. Children must have adults make decisions for them.
Causes
of violent crime and property crime Is
violent crime and crime against property caused by poverty, lack of
education and public policy or is it a lack of good family training,
morality, lack of civics education in school and the media,
intelligence or is it the temperament of certain groups of people?
The media and schools should always and only present a positive view
on life and steer away from the bottom of society.
Self
defence
It is obvious that most cities and locals in the United States do not
want people to defend themselves from theft and attack and instead,
want the population to meekly submit to the criminals and later,
contact the police. If a citizen defends themselves, either through
hand fighting or with a weapon, such as a club, knife or gun, that
citizen will be charged by the jurisdiction, even if the criminal
entered into the home or business of the citizen. As one old saying
says, "The police are only minutes away, when seconds
count". This must change back to to past when a person was
allowed to defend themselves without fear of prosecution. The fact is
that armed citizens do stop and prevent crimes. Of course armed
citizens do pose a threat to governments, particularly when the
governments are not for the people at large, but only to particular
special interest groups. Strong, authoritarian governments never want
armed citizens. In those cases, the government (acting on behalf of
certain small interest groups) want to control everything.
More
Random thoughts and speculaions by Frank X. Didik can be found here
|
