tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72296414542734321522024-03-19T02:47:53.713-06:00Go 11...skiing with both skis pointing down, "schussing", life is too short to make trivial turns! It’s also taking the high road that runs the ridge; often the most challenging one. . Literally, going straight to the point, but always with total honesty, positive outlook and solid sense of humor... Whether you stumble upon this blog, or are invited to take a peek at it, don’t hesitate to jot down a comment. ©1987-2008 Go11Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-7236075124711072072024-03-18T06:00:00.008-06:002024-03-18T06:00:00.142-06:00Ten years in our (new?) home!<p>Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of moving into our new home, the 4th in Park City and perhaps the last one, but who really can tell? </p><p>Do we still like the house we’re in now? On the whole, absolutely! </p><p>Even though it’s the third home I have participated in the construction, and the 12th dwelling we’ve lived in as a couple, what would we still change are quite a few things in fact, as the human species never stops learning, its tastes evolve and needs change. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG3rhaTc663ADLrZH5Nlo1tyBbkv98OWv6ZClneanEgfZT2qUxh06q6Qt4ssBaNgioa7zCRHDMFGxTli27T1JCJ2cVf7rCa0-rfOHzBUri8sqkWJKFjg0JujOkhM8lTb95WOhjsWarro1_aZksGSk0srdGGZ13ExmDLmWkNKnBtwqfxh-4zpISsofRE8/s3908/blog3-18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1624" data-original-width="3908" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG3rhaTc663ADLrZH5Nlo1tyBbkv98OWv6ZClneanEgfZT2qUxh06q6Qt4ssBaNgioa7zCRHDMFGxTli27T1JCJ2cVf7rCa0-rfOHzBUri8sqkWJKFjg0JujOkhM8lTb95WOhjsWarro1_aZksGSk0srdGGZ13ExmDLmWkNKnBtwqfxh-4zpISsofRE8/w400-h166/blog3-18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> But still, let’s say that we’re 90 to 95% there, so we won’t complain and feel truly satisfied with what we’ve got and stating the contrary would be all, but being grateful, so we’ll appreciate our current dwelling and hopefully live in it at least a couple more years to make it the place in which we’ve lived the longest amount of time!<p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-34043327735931210932024-03-17T06:09:00.011-06:002024-03-17T06:09:00.195-06:00Getting out of tough situations with questions <p>Whether it's because we are in a bind, taken by surprise or angry or otherwise emotional, asking a question might often be the best way to get unstuck and literally, turn a bad situation around. I must state that I’m not at all expert on that subject, but had a strong intuition that the tactic might be very useful and wanted to explore it further with you, my readers. </p><p>First of all, as we all know, asking a question buys time and enables some turn-around time which offers a nice alternative to being stuck in place without anything to say or knowing how to act. It certainly clarifies things. Besides, a good question might generates new ideas by opening new perspectives and potential solutions not considered before. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAj_S8LH8aHzeiaonDAzA6g7_qMQjPCxlLaVj-NHKAXypIeR_WEhube-AgwTztlS_m0VNV50f8TqPTXbZL4iYF4CLXNJZ0alsmmtK68-45bnfb4zkgJck1KVncOMZuSRA2s3t3GMcGddjfQDr1J0H9yRNZtsYFCtafo3FsnE1K28or7YNktNLkLwIgDfg/s900/blog3-17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="900" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAj_S8LH8aHzeiaonDAzA6g7_qMQjPCxlLaVj-NHKAXypIeR_WEhube-AgwTztlS_m0VNV50f8TqPTXbZL4iYF4CLXNJZ0alsmmtK68-45bnfb4zkgJck1KVncOMZuSRA2s3t3GMcGddjfQDr1J0H9yRNZtsYFCtafo3FsnE1K28or7YNktNLkLwIgDfg/w400-h144/blog3-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Some also say that it promotes critical thinking, encouraging a good analysis of the situation by showing underlying causes as well as options. Finally, it’s super useful in breaking mental blocks when we find ourselves in a rut and get our creative juices flowing again. <p></p><p>As for the type of questions that we can ask ourselves, they can be of the clarifying type, like, “What exactly do I want to accomplish?" or "What obstacles do I have to overcome?" They could also be open-ended “What are my alternatives to approach this problem?" or "Are there other original solutions?" They can also be probing like "Am I assuming things that I should re-evaluate?" or "Am I overlooking certain risks?" </p><p>Always remember that they’re no bad questions. Even if what we ask seems basic it can lead to breakthroughs. Never be afraid to ask. It’s always a sign of strength and a willingness to learn. </p><p>To conclude, there are all the questions we can ask other folks from different backgrounds and experiences who can bring some insights we’d never considered. We should also ask specific questions: The more specific the question, the more targeted the answer could be. Also, always pay very close attention to the answers received and always consider them carefully...
</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-10872712665203935362024-03-16T06:03:00.014-06:002024-03-16T06:03:00.249-06:00How I became environmentalist…<p>When I was a young kid, I must admit that I mostly was attracted by modernism, fast cars, airplanes and tall buildings. </p><p>It’s only when I traveled to the USA in 1971, that I discovered the terms environment and ecology, especially around San Francisco. Then, we had the first oil crisis in 1973 that made me think of earth’s limited resources, but did stop me in my tracks. </p><p>That concept hit closer to home, when in 1979, freshly installed in New York, I had to line up to fill up my car during the second oil crisis. I kept on traveling a lot, mostly with North America and Europe, but never thought for a second about my carbon footprint, totally ignoring what that animal was. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO9y8EyXsRAVt8Xe0m0urrAaQTPD3CEf88IHAj2JNtyz3oJM1vrFsqrhupUd4nXAkFHA09jzXqG8R_9rANiL5Pqahw9_0MUQN6jy7oxP5v7fv5V2uQW6MdEw2kzNfPyQkvUWee6qLquc5RrVUEDvE9Dtutm6Tl5UnqhDkXNU3nbnMB0WFYoi_3Eo7wFQ/s686/blog3-16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="686" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWO9y8EyXsRAVt8Xe0m0urrAaQTPD3CEf88IHAj2JNtyz3oJM1vrFsqrhupUd4nXAkFHA09jzXqG8R_9rANiL5Pqahw9_0MUQN6jy7oxP5v7fv5V2uQW6MdEw2kzNfPyQkvUWee6qLquc5RrVUEDvE9Dtutm6Tl5UnqhDkXNU3nbnMB0WFYoi_3Eo7wFQ/w400-h146/blog3-16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Once I became a Park City resident, I began to think about snowless winters and their increasing occurrences both in the Rockies and in the Alps, plus their impact on the industry I worked in, and began to worry about a day when snow wouldn’t show up. </p><p>I always wanted to build a solar-passive house, but when it happened in 1990, there was just the sunny location of our new home that answered that call. It’s precisely in the 90s that we began to hear about climate-change issues after the Rio de Janeiro summit in 1992 and that of Kyoto in 1997. </p><p>All along, me and my household had remained very thrifty and quite sensitive to our environment, for the most part driving economical cars and living well below our means. The early 2000 made me consider the terrible impact on the environment overpopulation was having. Our messed up environment was the symptom, but a crowded earth was the cause. </p><p>All this led us to Al Gore’s book and film “An inconvenient truth” in 2006 and we became sold on planet warming and greenhouse effects. That same year, the movie “Who killed the electric car?” was released (it was killed by both George Bush and the oil industry). </p><p>It took me until 2019 to install solar panels on my roof and 2022 to park an electric car in my garage. Progress does come eventually, but it always takes an awful lot of time!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-44477095100703921292024-03-15T06:11:00.012-06:002024-03-15T06:11:00.131-06:00How much skiing is left?With <a href="http://toutdroit.blogspot.com/2024/03/un-hiver-chaud.html " target="_blank">the warmest winter</a> on record so far in the United States, and with snow shifting to much higher elevation in the Alps, ski aficionados have good reasons to worry. In fact, since 1990, the length of the skiing season in the French Alps is said to have shortened by an average of one month, a loss of around 3-5% per decade. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjhphz-GRc_o-ntvrBYQn7e1KRT2DvsyarCnx8xUhXy4kKjFMp-qD9a0HjL0f9pM0XBmhbOLb3PhQ2LUg6FL2rcVwZvDzVLQdriH-P-4xqfsLaoE3SyqvZxhTWCXd5xCXJp7aM47kGtnlwOzizfq7YmTmN2yklsHZ0fJRWW85EjR8EYpBQWgIg1tAhvA/s1000/blog3-15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="1000" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjhphz-GRc_o-ntvrBYQn7e1KRT2DvsyarCnx8xUhXy4kKjFMp-qD9a0HjL0f9pM0XBmhbOLb3PhQ2LUg6FL2rcVwZvDzVLQdriH-P-4xqfsLaoE3SyqvZxhTWCXd5xCXJp7aM47kGtnlwOzizfq7YmTmN2yklsHZ0fJRWW85EjR8EYpBQWgIg1tAhvA/w400-h146/blog3-15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>This season, unseasonably warm weather in Japan’s northern parts have caused iconic winter sights to melt earlier, the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts temperatures in early March to likely be higher than usual. </p><p>So there seem to be change all over the Northern Hemisphere this winter and while we try to blame El Niño for that, we should ready ourselves to see shorter ski seasons, climbing snow limits and less fluffy powder in years to come. How fast and how intensely this will come to pass, is hard to predict, but we shouldn’t be shocked if the process unfolds much rapidly than we might anticipate. </p><p>Utah, that was legendary for its dry light powder snow, is finding more water content in it, and soon, <i>“The Best Snow on Earth”</i> might become part of ancient ski history. So my advice to you skiers and riders is to practice your beloved sport as much as you possibly can while it’s still possible, because your “turns” as wide or tight they might be, could be severely limited… <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-61395707426198687492024-03-14T06:07:00.010-06:002024-03-14T06:07:00.316-06:00The difference between Jewish and Palestinian DNA<p>The war between Israel and Gaza has been the occasion for certain folks to be labeled as “antisemitic”, including myself on the account of my various blogs. </p><p>Yet, both Jews and Arabs share some ancestral links due to their Semitic roots, including genetic markers with ancient populations from the Eastern Mediterranean or Levant region, even though there some slight genetic differences between the two populations. In fact, the term "Semitic" refers mostly to a linguistic group. </p><p>The language family in question includes Hebrew, Arabic, Aramaic, and others spoken in the Middle East and North Africa. Yet, it’s also vaguely linked to ethnicity. Obviously, over many centuries both groups intermixed with surrounding populations, leading to some genetic differences. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVpMxwQWaK-YHH0lf4RuMJ6s20ksYfAE4CyolQemkI15haAa6qiwBrr2SCApYwsa7hoguDJNWejHOL5WURM3c5_mGCtj0oa4D1WCGYgkg_v9TFSFb8hZR36eOXPyBZdwsSE6J3igzsMp3fXP9DBpHLpshKap3jh2Qoi8BJ1tA0rVswsvxk9np94j4iKI/s975/blog3-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVpMxwQWaK-YHH0lf4RuMJ6s20ksYfAE4CyolQemkI15haAa6qiwBrr2SCApYwsa7hoguDJNWejHOL5WURM3c5_mGCtj0oa4D1WCGYgkg_v9TFSFb8hZR36eOXPyBZdwsSE6J3igzsMp3fXP9DBpHLpshKap3jh2Qoi8BJ1tA0rVswsvxk9np94j4iKI/s320/blog3-14.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Jews, for example, show some genetic connection to European and Middle Eastern populations they interacted with during their diaspora and Palestinian obviously show more genetic connections to populations from the Levant. This includes Mizrahi Jews from the Middle East and North Africa, Ashkenazi Jews who migrated from the Near East to the Rhine Valley region around the first millennium after Christ, Sephardi Jews from the Iberian Peninsula before their expulsion in the late 15th century. <p></p><p>As for the Palestinian population, it likely descends from a mixture of ancient inhabitants of the region, including Canaanites, Israelites, and Arab tribes who arrived in the 7th century of our current era. Over time, these populations intermixed, forming the core of the Palestinian identity. </p><p>So, we’re dealing with pretty much the same people but with different religions and cultures, Judaism and Zoroastrianism two very ancient (respectively 4,000 and 3,500 years old) monotheistic beliefs, and then Islam an updated monotheistic religion inspired from Judaism and Christianity. </p><p>In conclusion, pretty much the same folks with similar origins and DNA that are behaving like tribal factions, stealing their brother’s land and killing each other. Not a paragon of civilized behavior.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-23697192052288504252024-03-13T06:07:00.008-06:002024-03-13T06:07:00.351-06:00Biden, Netanyahu, and TrumpI sincerely believe that Biden is dead wrong in his support of Israel and his weak handling of Netanyahu. Still I believe all Americans that are a tiny bit intelligent or more, should hold their nose and vote for Grandpa Biden to guarantee that Trump can go to jail without the burden of a second term. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7qoDGDjTYVbpd1DGdCxOB1BKilULYXlsZ6FYfHstsrs95i4g8UWSa9d3ID69B954Ett9Ty9WtDXJvWGIDCUmlD0HRFUx2scC0WYNBhbGp4BfwDzb7c_bMiu35nenaYxXyU2FBBbjFspVjVZ_BaMEB9NaEBUD-WZHxnymXVRAsrJa8bguKIwuMStQjOQ/s300/blog3-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="300" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7qoDGDjTYVbpd1DGdCxOB1BKilULYXlsZ6FYfHstsrs95i4g8UWSa9d3ID69B954Ett9Ty9WtDXJvWGIDCUmlD0HRFUx2scC0WYNBhbGp4BfwDzb7c_bMiu35nenaYxXyU2FBBbjFspVjVZ_BaMEB9NaEBUD-WZHxnymXVRAsrJa8bguKIwuMStQjOQ/w400-h208/blog3-13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>This makes us accomplice of Biden for the genocide in Gaza, but we’ll have to learn how to live with that and demand better candidates, next time for the DNC along with a few changes in its party platform. Never should we allow to have the “Orange Man” re-incarnate into a 21st century Adolf Hitler. </p><p>And I didn’t even start mentioning the US support for Ukraine that would vanish under Trump. It’s as simple as that. Vote Biden, don’t abstain, vote against Trump, let the chips fall where they may, but don’t even think twice. Send Trump to jail, the place he truly deserves, not the Oval Office. </p><p>Passed that, there still will be plenty of time to cut all aid to well-to-do Israel and hold them accountable to the world instead of opposing the traditional US veto to save that rebellious country’s ass. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-68952624588978655262024-03-12T06:15:00.000-06:002024-03-12T08:27:04.756-06:00Learning to ski on YouTube<p>Last Sunday, we rode the chairlift with a young man who had just skied for 3 days and told us he had just skied down a black run. I realized where he went down and even though the difficult part of that trail was quite short, I could appreciate the value of his achievement on the basis of his short experience. </p><p>A personal trainer and physical therapist, he said he was spatially gifted, and told us that he had learned how to ski by watching YouTube videos, memorizing them and translated what he observed into what might have been a surprisingly excellent execution. </p><p>Skiing isn’t intuitive and since I believed the individual I was genuinely impressed. This said, I don’t think this lone achievement is likely to put all ski instructors out of a job. Sure, YouTube learning isn’t for everyone and it takes time and sometimes luck to find the right tutorial whether it is for fixing a lawn mower, learning to knit or how to snowboard. </p><p>This said, there are few people who have the stamina and discipline to self-learn, but it’s still amazing to realize what technology can do the help those ready to help themselves! </p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="276" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n-UBie4Ioqo" title="How to Ski - What you need to know for your first day | REI" width="420"></iframe>
</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-52289373697812142622024-03-11T06:24:00.015-06:002024-03-11T14:07:56.129-06:00Hot winter?<p>Park City finally got some decent snow in January and February in spite of a rather warm winter. While we observe a lowest temperature of -11 degrees Farenheit last winter, we only registered 0 once this year. In fact, the continental US just experienced the warmest winter in 130 years of record-keeping, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. </p><p>Temperatures were more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than average! According to the Agency, our winters are warming faster than any other season in most of the country. As humans add green-house gasses to the atmosphere, the coldest places and coldest temperatures are not so frigid anymore, leaving huge implications for food and water supplies. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyuAU_ZNsOgwI-FlOYRddk2wscHlbwb3nU0oovnZ6XikU6ERTImTYiBK8mouiDkh_gfNdo72gl7KgQL-15fDiJGwM0E-Nb_MVgqbuJq4Sx_CR9xHSP89FqD2FKYs-5r_lqAHCF8CSwWMLwN0lPtESbJG5g-rzyL6siHjwr-juzRaormTZyGCD_izyv4s/s1110/blog3-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1110" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyuAU_ZNsOgwI-FlOYRddk2wscHlbwb3nU0oovnZ6XikU6ERTImTYiBK8mouiDkh_gfNdo72gl7KgQL-15fDiJGwM0E-Nb_MVgqbuJq4Sx_CR9xHSP89FqD2FKYs-5r_lqAHCF8CSwWMLwN0lPtESbJG5g-rzyL6siHjwr-juzRaormTZyGCD_izyv4s/w400-h180/blog3-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>From December to February, the biggest temperature effects were in the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast. In February, Alaska was 10.3 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than average. It was also the hottest February on record globally, according to the European Union climate agency Copernicus. These warm temperatures come on the heels of a record year in 2023. <p></p><p>Scientists found it was the hottest year recorded, driven by both human-caused warming and a strong El Niño climate pattern, causing large amounts of heat stored in the ocean to be widely released and circulated around the planet, messing up both temperatures and weather patterns. </p><p>If warmer winter temperatures can spell relief to some, the impacts are not for the better. Mosquitoes can appear earlier in the spring, increasing the spreading of disease, some crops, like fruit and nut trees need enough cold every winter to literally chill out in order to stay productive. </p><p>A shrinking snow-pack in the West affects water supply for millions of people as states from Colorado to California depend on the slow melt of mountain snow during the spring and summer for irrigation. Let’s just hope that it’s not yet the beginning of a devastating trend. </p><p>At any rate, let’s make sure to keep skiing while we still can!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-71490481412503956192024-03-10T06:11:00.008-06:002024-03-10T06:11:00.186-06:00New start for Lucas Braathen<p>Following his “retirement” last October, allegedly in a dispute over having freedom to work with his own sponsors, Braathen just announced his surprising return to alpine skiing for the 2024-25 season as a skier representing Brazil, since he’s a dual citizen of Norway and the South American country. </p><p>Flamboyant and free-spirited, Lucas Braathen probably had a tough time living within the clean-cut, efficient organization and rules of the Norwegian ski team. He made his announcement of the switch on social media where he posted an image of himself with the Brazil flag and its signature yellow, green and blue colors. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBWj_5X0mQMRdCh9P6Orrga-GwiaVCsPNFo0MRI_PImmFCEKhEw3uUdLUSr8ANDwpUqz_VbCC3krXt2nTYjrX5RQrhyHq-lhn0XyC4R13u5Vbmn63hDoApiw_hmtKvzvBLaDZ5SeG0d6K0W1gJ8sL7YocRwgKJNcKFaHefJfxsFXcz6jZERChW3mzwJc/s548/blog3-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="548" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBWj_5X0mQMRdCh9P6Orrga-GwiaVCsPNFo0MRI_PImmFCEKhEw3uUdLUSr8ANDwpUqz_VbCC3krXt2nTYjrX5RQrhyHq-lhn0XyC4R13u5Vbmn63hDoApiw_hmtKvzvBLaDZ5SeG0d6K0W1gJ8sL7YocRwgKJNcKFaHefJfxsFXcz6jZERChW3mzwJc/w400-h160/blog3-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>"The time has come, Brazil. Let's Dance," Braathen wrote in Portuguese ahead of holding a news conference in Salzburg, Austria, hosted by one of his sponsors. The stage included a banner with his full name, including his middle name "Pinheiro." <p></p><p>It will be interesting to see how Braathen plans and career develop next season, but even if his new found free spirit doesn’t bring the victories he hopes for, he might get some good media coverage early on… </p><p>If history is any guide, it could be difficult to be a fun-loving, creative, outgoing, yet successful ski champion, especially if he’s got to fight on his own, on a one-man team. Marc Girardelli, Ivica or Janica Kostelić are examples of lone skiers that made it because they had committed parents-coaches behind them. </p><p>Lucas Braathen might have much more on his plate to remain successful on skis, but that’s just my opinion.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-1073810007021014992024-03-09T06:09:00.014-07:002024-03-09T19:00:54.567-07:00Good job, Grandpa Biden!On Thursday night, Joe Biden didn’t miss a beat and was able to forcibly turn his State of the Union address into a great campaign speech by hitting hard on Trump and its party’s failed policies and election denials. He also engaged hecklers from the opposition and was good at doing it. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUS-0uWxWvTKFiYJ48O4zePaLWtI7_SyOXdVmoH6DIggONPUwi5G63sQbaG6vwX68uN5frhAzUGc7wj2gzxu0q3_SXEWSehBhQkl6cvZ-TQz5RfdeZYqbPxgX6ihIslW9SfZupH6j7EEJJmdiLFfSDSUubRsC3IcH86RaHiy6ha5tNztEaZazjHr5BHM/s760/blog3-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="760" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUS-0uWxWvTKFiYJ48O4zePaLWtI7_SyOXdVmoH6DIggONPUwi5G63sQbaG6vwX68uN5frhAzUGc7wj2gzxu0q3_SXEWSehBhQkl6cvZ-TQz5RfdeZYqbPxgX6ihIslW9SfZupH6j7EEJJmdiLFfSDSUubRsC3IcH86RaHiy6ha5tNztEaZazjHr5BHM/w400-h195/blog3-9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>To me, this was reassuring and he was smart enough to conclude his speech by addressing his old age, head-on: “I know I may not look like it, but I’ve been around a while…” </p><p>The poor Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, didn’t seem to enjoy his evening in the company of Biden and Harris. He looked sick, disoriented a tiny bit constipated. I felt sorry for him! </p><p>Now, Biden will have to continue campaigning on this tone and with that kind of stamina to defeat the yellow, crazy dude in November. I hope his new-found energy lasts at least that long...</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-52434998565476282452024-03-08T06:10:00.008-07:002024-03-08T06:10:00.252-07:00The carving “pedal”<p>A good way to illustrate or explain the foot sensation that should happen when a skier initiates carving, is to imagine a small “pedal” on the inside of each ski boot that is depressed alternatively to initiate a carving position and the ensuing action. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz4bp96QwLuf_WcYTRlsz7Op2owCM_1hoHojDyOayCFTJW4HA1FYAna8JP9JqmIs-F44dE6sdWSSokBS24mlBPvJc-I88nqV5aRp5AIBMADHgkeRfc0zJw6Hi1OARpAa94gT-QoB3A3tJqCCcVMyagP0c-7GKH_jpYdHlzt9woSrnOui8J2YullSucL0/s492/blog3-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="486" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz4bp96QwLuf_WcYTRlsz7Op2owCM_1hoHojDyOayCFTJW4HA1FYAna8JP9JqmIs-F44dE6sdWSSokBS24mlBPvJc-I88nqV5aRp5AIBMADHgkeRfc0zJw6Hi1OARpAa94gT-QoB3A3tJqCCcVMyagP0c-7GKH_jpYdHlzt9woSrnOui8J2YullSucL0/w198-h200/blog3-8.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>This should be done on a gentle slope, to begin with, by a very slight depression from the arch of the foot towards the inside of the right ski, then the left and so on. Importantly though, the ski where the “virtual pedal” is actuated should be predominantly weighted as the learning begins. <p></p><p>As the ski gets banked and its edge begins initiating a carved turn, the outside ski remains weighted. Then it’s the turn of the left ski to do the work and so on... Later on as the skier masters the skill, pressure can be shared with the external part of the uphill ski as well as if an uphill virtual pedal existed there too. </p><p>Future and current carvers, try it and share your impressions on this blog!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-27810193346798580732024-03-07T06:16:00.009-07:002024-03-07T06:16:00.146-07:00Is discipline a curse or a blessing?<p>When I was a kid, I was all but disciplined and it created a lot of unbearable anguish for myself. Then, as a teenager, I discovered discipline and I developed a liking for it as it cured my anxiety. </p><p>Long before Nike came up with the slogan <i>“Just do it”</i>, I had made it my north star and followed it pretty well. Sure, there were lapses to that regimen as I became an adult, but overall the trend towards personal discipline kept on growing, sometimes making me a boring, impersonal, even uncaring person and choking some of my inborn creativity. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-xyNILZrGF9ERS7syjsvde3lx8ooUa86fCOawPwOIA9CmBwutc0Xu5nWZEALIqM4mYJlJadgHGX30I0m9NcxagkStOfSWqWFFoEHIzRpPbs4I5t1TPSnE4_RyPJ49sO68MUN1-oJeXFZor8GOnZbkMBJ6BNoZMHND7WYxxQ35aMnVk_sBtcH0O-R5-0/s500/blog3-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="500" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-xyNILZrGF9ERS7syjsvde3lx8ooUa86fCOawPwOIA9CmBwutc0Xu5nWZEALIqM4mYJlJadgHGX30I0m9NcxagkStOfSWqWFFoEHIzRpPbs4I5t1TPSnE4_RyPJ49sO68MUN1-oJeXFZor8GOnZbkMBJ6BNoZMHND7WYxxQ35aMnVk_sBtcH0O-R5-0/w400-h166/blog3-7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Yet, I still believe discipline isn’t a curse. I see it more like a powerful tool that I try to use for good. Over the years, it has allowed me to channel my energy and time towards my goals and helped me overcome procrastination and develop skills I needed, gave me some salutary habits, helped my physical well-being, stimulated my personal growth, developed my potential and gave me more control on my life. <p></p><p>Sure, there were, and still are, moments when discipline becomes obsessive, messes up my flexibility and blunts my fun side. Thank god, aging has and still continues to soften the sharp edges of discipline, making it more of a pleasant journey than an unreachable destination, and has softened its bite enough to keep creativity, fun and a healthy balance into my life.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-2929513356217585302024-03-06T06:09:00.016-07:002024-03-06T11:05:41.973-07:00Skiing “canted” slopes<p>A “canted” ski slope refers to the sideways tilt of a ski slope, which can affect the skier's balance and edge control when it’s been skied on.The opposite is obviously a much easier ski run, where the fall-line always remains parallel to the edges of the trail. </p><p>This kind of slope is another favorite of mine and I use it to hone my skiing skills as it presents a serious challenge in overcoming fear of free-fall in executing every other turn on the “wrong side of the slope”. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjwRV8lV89-n_g4_8bQ3_kt1Ohp4a2PrIpj5nO4hO3Q9bx9hPmonZ6cTOMeLjptFTj5nUYkDJdY7mm13vyz7R6a3g11WD7F2eGCZN4yd1MZBtdU9F1b1VQPBJ58K31NYI-YmsxGy7FAiCDh_9KE4Zc0O2ygjcM8Pz_9XBsJQGaauu_ZCtrQKQg48AqZs/s1680/blog3-6e.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="774" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjwRV8lV89-n_g4_8bQ3_kt1Ohp4a2PrIpj5nO4hO3Q9bx9hPmonZ6cTOMeLjptFTj5nUYkDJdY7mm13vyz7R6a3g11WD7F2eGCZN4yd1MZBtdU9F1b1VQPBJ58K31NYI-YmsxGy7FAiCDh_9KE4Zc0O2ygjcM8Pz_9XBsJQGaauu_ZCtrQKQg48AqZs/w184-h400/blog3-6e.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>Canted slopes can often be found under lift towers that hug a slope across its fall line and are often lined up with trees on either sides (uphill and downhill) making the turn into the downhill tree much more spookier and, let’s admit it, dangerous. <p></p><p>I like to create long radius turns against the downhill edge, going back up towards the uphill side, and short radius ones on the more frightening side facing downhill plus, most often than not trees, that are always very limited in space. </p><p>I found that practice to be great “cardio” when executed non-stop from top to bottom and an exercise that requires absolute concentration and sharp reflexes. Also, if you’re a “right foot skier” and are in a skier’s right canted slope, it forces you to work fast and effectively on your left foot. </p><p>Of course, the steeper the canted slope, the harder it gets. I must admit that over the years and with lots of practice and a few mishaps, I’ve become much better at it and the enjoyment I get from it is totally worth it!
</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-51007871878438182792024-03-05T06:06:00.008-07:002024-03-05T06:06:00.177-07:00A lousy ski day…<p>This past Sunday was cold, very windy, super cloudy and yet, I decided to go skiing for a few hours in the afternoon. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s3w__SSmA6hIFzI0nMMVDPv2uALppFlyUIQPdZlOsBJAKFe-PI9WCshflKMAZACHtaWF5En9g_1nJRyfnOn9DbVGY3KHSAUA5Iq9xom0EwDdHaT1Yc_ZGNgd2fEDQk49O2AhfThqqTIxaJ7SJanIWou_y18z0k6WgLtVPPT33JufYfzIYov9rbnz1NY/s999/blog3-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="645" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s3w__SSmA6hIFzI0nMMVDPv2uALppFlyUIQPdZlOsBJAKFe-PI9WCshflKMAZACHtaWF5En9g_1nJRyfnOn9DbVGY3KHSAUA5Iq9xom0EwDdHaT1Yc_ZGNgd2fEDQk49O2AhfThqqTIxaJ7SJanIWou_y18z0k6WgLtVPPT33JufYfzIYov9rbnz1NY/s320/blog3-5.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>Since it was the weekend, I didn’t take a chance and rode the shuttle bus which was super timely on both ways, a real strike of luck I’m totally grateful for! <p></p><p>But on the slopes many lifts were closed on wind-hold, visibility was poor and it felt blistering cold, even though I did my best to move as much as I possibly could. </p><p>This also explains why I didn’t wait until the lift closed to head home. </p><p>Almost a first and a rare occurrence in my recreational skiing career!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-82775400696436436782024-03-04T06:03:00.010-07:002024-03-04T08:56:06.243-07:00Memorable weekend…<p>
It all began with a power outage this past Friday night. We were expecting a big snowstorm for the weekend and its was so windy that it might have caused us to lose power around 9 pm as we were going to bed. To make a long story short, the power returned past midnight and the next morning, on Saturday our heating system didn’t appear to be working too well. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkJPuvhh0cOYWezo04KIdT3hqSFGJlhntdJ59ZBBQPJ85CPM_MKfHpjexIVOlt3mSV1drhpYLXz1QtDoKNERDej6A9S94oZeWv36iViipqn8aSjxeKuzgZq1_g6mUH3qtGvqwZ1Nx2mfP6tCQeKdURn_SbZeJNlFaFxHGAlwAcLbRey8W0w08ldTa3J8/s254/blog3-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="254" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkJPuvhh0cOYWezo04KIdT3hqSFGJlhntdJ59ZBBQPJ85CPM_MKfHpjexIVOlt3mSV1drhpYLXz1QtDoKNERDej6A9S94oZeWv36iViipqn8aSjxeKuzgZq1_g6mUH3qtGvqwZ1Nx2mfP6tCQeKdURn_SbZeJNlFaFxHGAlwAcLbRey8W0w08ldTa3J8/s1600/blog3-4.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>It kind of sputtered before quitting on us early in the afternoon. Early afternoon is when it began to snow like crazy and just before that, I removed the furnace flame sensor, cleaned it up and replaced it without being able to get the furnace firing up again. I then did some online research and learned that it’s uncommon for flame sensors to fail after a few years and it’s a recommended practice to systematically change them every five years. <p></p><p>I didn’t know it and it’s true that we learn something new everyday! I also check if our local Home Depot had the part in stock and I misread that they did (I only missed that it would be there next Wednesday), so I set to drive to the store in a terrible blizzard and it took me 40 minute of spooky drive to cover the 7 miles (11 km) distance that normally take 15 minutes to find out that the part I needed wasn’t available. </p><p>Back home, I discovered that a Salt Lake City HVAC supply store might have the flame sensor and I almost resigned myself to surviving till Monday when the store would open at 7 am today. I returned to the furnace, tried a few more maneuvers to no avail and even though the fireplace was on, my wife and I went back to sleep in a cold house that would be even colder in the morning with 17 degree (-8 C) outside… </p><p>Around 4:45am, on Sunday morning I got out bed and remembered that I had a spare flame sensor with a rod that was too long to fit in my furnace compartment and I thought of reducing its length from 3.5” (90 mm) down to 2” (50 mm) so it would fit, without really understanding how that stainless steel rod worked inside the burner (it actually converts AC into DC). </p><p>So I took my hacksaw, cut the rod to dimension, deburred correctly and installed it and… Voilà! It worked perfectly, and immediately my heating system was back in working order. I brewed some coffee while my wife congratulated me, and then it was time to go out and clear all the snow that had accumulated the day before in my driveway! </p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AQe82hrApao?si=H6Vsm2wPFkjiRSlM" title="YouTube video player" width="420"></iframe></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-62426315971443959922024-03-03T06:02:00.008-07:002024-03-03T06:02:00.182-07:00A good reason to ski very well...<p>I try not to take skiing for granted. We’re lucky we live in a great ski resort, just five minutes from its slopes and we can ski whenever we feel like or when the weather is too nice to stay home. </p><p>We’re grateful for that, yet sometimes, skiing feels like a chore when the conditions aren’t quite perfect, we aren’t in the perfect mood and so forth. Yet, in these moments, I always remind myself that it very well could be my last day of skiing in my life, just like any new morning could be my last on this earth. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBwsYDgGY_9dCutuQUUSKv4cT0OjRqF2MBB_kk839MClNW9RJRpy9iOHb7_vlMB20q2Y2uXdq1WnZVoMgvYZJbtKdes8x41gOiXaObNzrsbck1z2obabFXtsOlm7XIx-QgO-GY-bo_tISbdXrMsish_VfxsBKlhe1EiUgkWt8QQO9-OZF6lXBXL3ussw/s1000/blog3-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="1000" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBwsYDgGY_9dCutuQUUSKv4cT0OjRqF2MBB_kk839MClNW9RJRpy9iOHb7_vlMB20q2Y2uXdq1WnZVoMgvYZJbtKdes8x41gOiXaObNzrsbck1z2obabFXtsOlm7XIx-QgO-GY-bo_tISbdXrMsish_VfxsBKlhe1EiUgkWt8QQO9-OZF6lXBXL3ussw/w400-h170/blog3-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>That’s enough to give me a different, much more enthusiastic outlook and make me savor every turn, every bump and every little challenge as a precious, fun element that makes me appreciate what I should never take for granted. <p></p><p>So if you ski, no longer do it or have never stepped on a pair of skis, if you just walk, ride your bike, swim or play a round of golf, make sure to fully appreciate when you’re out, as well as each one of your most minute and subtle moves. </p><p>They are part of your good life and they are priceless!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-66114861695406798222024-03-02T06:10:00.010-07:002024-03-02T10:52:42.463-07:00Give more money to Israel?<p>Israel is a rich nation, with a gross domestic product around $50,000 per capita (more than Canada or Germany). So, why should the US further fund Israel to the tune of $3.3 billion annually (with money we must borrow)? </p><p>This makes no sense, except that the Jewish lobby is very strong in America. Now following the October 7 horrible attack by Hamas that killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, with 250 others taken hostage, Israel has launched a retaliatory war that has now killed more than 30,000 people, mostly women and children, and has destroyed more than 70% of Gaza’s housing. </p><p>Talk about over doing it. Today, seemingly to encourage bad behavior, our government wants to double down by offering a special $14.3 billion funding for Israel. Of that huge amount of money, $10.6 billion would go for assistance through the Defense Department, including air and missile defense support, industrial base investments and replenishment of US stocks being drawn down to support Israel. </p><p>The aid aims to bolster Israel’s air and missile defense system readiness and support its procurement of Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems and components, as well as the development of the Iron Beam ($1.2 billion). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p6anJayt7rI0GHzHiH_w4KKIIy9dkRcKqRHMTzAEOYsRDgUMQfzRiOQJCqrPEKoaS-hE72uP58Ol08WdPp1OctjIkdt8UZ6iVyBr-fQJ8ZGgDju5SYFKSraycfMkqJHvP704N4JSzVXhC4hodKU5T7ZrOzlt7zLtVrPxMW14q81yIXDHczt7h2Fe194/s300/blog3-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="123" data-original-width="300" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p6anJayt7rI0GHzHiH_w4KKIIy9dkRcKqRHMTzAEOYsRDgUMQfzRiOQJCqrPEKoaS-hE72uP58Ol08WdPp1OctjIkdt8UZ6iVyBr-fQJ8ZGgDju5SYFKSraycfMkqJHvP704N4JSzVXhC4hodKU5T7ZrOzlt7zLtVrPxMW14q81yIXDHczt7h2Fe194/w400-h164/blog3-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Then there’s $3.7 billion for the State Department to strengthen Israel’s military and enhance US Embassy security. This money, along with a $65 billion Ukraine badly needs is currently blocked in the US Congress, but unlike the Ukraine funding hasn’t been criticized, when it will in fact got to fund Netanyahu’s genocide of all Palestinians and encourage the ongoing construction of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, which, despite being illegal under international law, continue to expand. <p></p><p>This makes absolutely no sense and obviously most people don’t care or have lost their sense of judgment.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-7176400174314936862024-03-01T06:10:00.015-07:002024-03-01T06:10:00.147-07:00US representative democracy at work...<p>Around mid-February, <a href="http://go-11.blogspot.com/2024/02/frozen-russian-assets-for-ukraine.html " target="_blank">I wrote Mitt Romney</a>, the best of our two Utah Senator, asking him to intervene and have the US tap into the more than $300 billion in frozen Russian Central Bank assets to pay for Ukraine's defense. </p><p>As everyone knows, our MAGA-Republican representatives just don’t want to to allow a vote on the $65 billion to help Ukraine. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjyxnpVhU1ACylSfXaDqCT-qxRbjRED521ebFn7sC_pskND0QAEdD_ZpQ5K6MIIlaE877yxFu_oi5H228kVkOjvMnPWLUFx2KT-uBQ5__LV_-i4CjyZuEMUGYMWtrurg4LoFiXL2-DyNKRBswcXyNIWlggOpZM-yE8Y_dRddH_A5RUXYsU7JKG3Mr6yo/s3300/blog3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjyxnpVhU1ACylSfXaDqCT-qxRbjRED521ebFn7sC_pskND0QAEdD_ZpQ5K6MIIlaE877yxFu_oi5H228kVkOjvMnPWLUFx2KT-uBQ5__LV_-i4CjyZuEMUGYMWtrurg4LoFiXL2-DyNKRBswcXyNIWlggOpZM-yE8Y_dRddH_A5RUXYsU7JKG3Mr6yo/s320/blog3-1.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>The answer I received on February 28 was a boilerplate letter about the Ukraine war in general and how my Senator was supporting it, but nothing about my specific suggestion. <p></p><p>Instead, I would have like to hear how he felt about the SUGGESTION, or at the very least receiving a simple answer like “Great idea!”, “I don’t agree with it” or simply “I don’t know…”, but at the very least an answer to my question, not a hollow generality. </p><p>This is a waste of taxpayer money to answer in that manner and what an insult to my intelligence. Perhaps, my favorite Senator should train his staff to sort out the mail addressed to him and answer more intelligently. </p><p>What an innovative concept in what should be in a representative democracy! <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-22355733449109616812024-02-29T05:54:00.008-07:002024-02-29T05:54:00.131-07:00How to deprogram a trumpistThere is no question in my mind that if trumpism is a cult, we should all endeavor to “deprogram” our fellow trumpists, but that appears to be a heavy and difficult task. In studying that challenge, I learned that in the past, it was believed that the hold of brainwashing over cognitive processes of cult members needed to be broken by means that would shock or frighten them into thinking again. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILB3hONAtQo2FDdz-J43mkyx3IrYCCZVX5P0knAgZ0TTGEUh3xBe157JKoYgZ4m1a5BtM0ittFMZd_6remCwLq6gi3734OHzVup25DV8OtkFQdiBGSnwGi-l_1qgvItMBuGk9xU6riRM2uTceTdmngLSzYFEs_3MueFZr0O51nnQwCZYNbuOEep2tx-8/s998/blog2-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="998" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILB3hONAtQo2FDdz-J43mkyx3IrYCCZVX5P0knAgZ0TTGEUh3xBe157JKoYgZ4m1a5BtM0ittFMZd_6remCwLq6gi3734OHzVup25DV8OtkFQdiBGSnwGi-l_1qgvItMBuGk9xU6riRM2uTceTdmngLSzYFEs_3MueFZr0O51nnQwCZYNbuOEep2tx-8/w400-h122/blog2-29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>For that reason in some cases cult leader's pictures were burned or there were highly confrontational interactions between deprogrammers and their targeted individual. The idea was to trigger an emotional response from the shock, the fear, and the confrontation. In modern days, it is said that the focus should be placed on the following process. </p><p>First, it’s essential to engage, rather than ignore, the Trump supporter, which I wholeheartedly believe. Then by asking questions and presenting contradictions around the former president’s behavior, it should be easier to discredit him. For instance, for example, by asking "How does he lie every time he says something?” </p><p>The breaking point is supposed to be reached when the subject begins to accept the deprogrammer's position and begins doubting the ideology. Often, it leads the subject to start voicing criticisms and complaints against the new Republican Party. The subject begins to identify with the deprogrammers, thinking as an opponent of the cult rather than as a member. </p><p>This approach might appear too simplistic to many, including myself. Some assert that it might cause the subject more harm than good. For that approach to work, the subjects must be convinced that they joined the Trump political movement against their will. They then must renounce responsibility and accept that in some mysterious way, their minds were controlled. </p><p>Instead, I believe that many love Trump because he was able to validate their darkest sides and this goes against a breach of their free-will.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-53879194208823955092024-02-28T06:10:00.015-07:002024-02-28T06:10:00.178-07:00Is Trumpism like a cult?<p>Sometimes I tell myself there has to be more than charisma and admiration for Trump as his die-hard supporters keep on sticking with this horrible man. I think to myself “It’s just like a cult”, or is it not? </p><p>Just like Trump, cults frequently use fear tactics to control their members. This can involve threats of punishment, including physical or emotional harm, ostracism and other tactics. Then there’s information control by means of certain social media like <i>Truth Social</i>, <i>Newsmax</i> and <i>Fox News</i> limiting exposure to other news media, or alternative viewpoints. </p><p>This keeps members controlled and reinforces their belief in the MAGA’s ideology. Obviously, Trump always asks his supporters for money (for legal help and campaign financing) to create a sense of control over his fans' lives. The same way, Trump needs an environment of “group-think”, where critical thinking is discouraged, and conformity to MAGA’s beliefs becomes the norm. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw64VeJbwNOozq6DaSeAixKhGdSGeg1gmXpNdc6AR3-EdOnZTqEtJx6WXkbfBUl4QMDugnaUDzt1D3qcwH-PYu8XncKOJNWcKjuPj37i7MlBGnblQPo56FWxKoeSlQ9SpWlQ55NcIbbYeVa8aZPw4Ga0yuSbgV2kGy7NejyAN1Olo9O_3GgF5_btQ2T4/s1000/blog2-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="1000" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw64VeJbwNOozq6DaSeAixKhGdSGeg1gmXpNdc6AR3-EdOnZTqEtJx6WXkbfBUl4QMDugnaUDzt1D3qcwH-PYu8XncKOJNWcKjuPj37i7MlBGnblQPo56FWxKoeSlQ9SpWlQ55NcIbbYeVa8aZPw4Ga0yuSbgV2kGy7NejyAN1Olo9O_3GgF5_btQ2T4/w400-h198/blog2-28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>That way, individuals are less likely to question Trump’s leadership. It’s also clear that Trump knows how to exploit his supporters’ vulnerabilities, like jealousy, racism, easy solutions to complex problems and a general lack of education. <p></p><p>Finally, Trump is seen by many who love him as a charismatic figure, exuding confidence, authority, and unwavering belief in his political ideology. This, too, attracts followers who are seeking direction and purpose in their lives. Under the right circumstances, even sane, rational and well-adjusted people can be convinced of the most outrageous ideas. </p><p>If Trump’s followers are truly cult members, we’ll see in another blog how we might deprogram them...</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-67382382661042977012024-02-27T06:02:00.010-07:002024-02-27T09:04:35.217-07:00Soft California snow…<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenzv61PsW6Pzm4e7lfgN2iGFyvuRM1MsvvNAS1atkUQLSWby-eA_cH79aQO2eq9Xi5PB0z8xvrPIEMzVMY6DAOdu2ku68nbDhE_058d2fvndj7eQFfcEMZQGiZIyOkwODMfQTmEFY-kAe3DWh2r9yJOBKPnOFYyKMknCc5TKY6KG9lgzws-hzRnUwgHc/s1500/blog2-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1500" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenzv61PsW6Pzm4e7lfgN2iGFyvuRM1MsvvNAS1atkUQLSWby-eA_cH79aQO2eq9Xi5PB0z8xvrPIEMzVMY6DAOdu2ku68nbDhE_058d2fvndj7eQFfcEMZQGiZIyOkwODMfQTmEFY-kAe3DWh2r9yJOBKPnOFYyKMknCc5TKY6KG9lgzws-hzRnUwgHc/w400-h158/blog2-27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As I watched the men’s world cup ski race in California last weekend, I was struck by how most racers had a hard time adapting to Western US soft snow after a full season of racing on concrete-hard courses. <p></p><p>I didn’t heard much about on the media reporting I saw and read, but it was visible as the plumes of powder snow trailed behind each racer. Too much edging, more slowing down and hundredth of seconds added! </p><p>Ski flatter, guys! </p><p>It had to be hard on the less experience and the less adaptable athletes. </p><p>Constant change is what skiing is always all about...</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-20580826633823304562024-02-26T05:57:00.009-07:002024-02-26T05:57:00.246-07:00How can one be mortal, but eternal?If there is something I’m quite certain is about my own mortality, meaning by this, my potential lack of eternity. I don’t buy the concept that body and mind are separated and one can float into yonder while the other will decompose. I might be surprised if my assumption were false, but we’ll see! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32quu6qMiGCTZLqZSFkH7Abu8xX_KGzzRGSkydG8sLfU-Bog-V1T5ku-Mw2ryuHEGmrqj7osjwyxcQ6htwXZWJHJFbxF93tph7wV-_q83uqy0k2hdeO6c5Gj8oFuZnnzyg4HrYFYoZsdZId6-k94AZiD92kjU9zwvyb65PJWd1SW39kaptLby1XkvR-o/s465/blog2-26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="465" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32quu6qMiGCTZLqZSFkH7Abu8xX_KGzzRGSkydG8sLfU-Bog-V1T5ku-Mw2ryuHEGmrqj7osjwyxcQ6htwXZWJHJFbxF93tph7wV-_q83uqy0k2hdeO6c5Gj8oFuZnnzyg4HrYFYoZsdZId6-k94AZiD92kjU9zwvyb65PJWd1SW39kaptLby1XkvR-o/w400-h213/blog2-26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>This said, I believe in what my countryman Antoine Lavoisier once said: “<i>Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed</i>" as my cells are certain to be recycled for another purpose after my demise, and whatever I’ve done or created, good or bad, is likely to follow me for a long time if someone doesn’t decide to trash it. </p><p>Did I mention the tiny part of me that created my offspring? </p><p>So, based on these considerations, I can console myself by thinking I’m leaving a trail of eternity in or around me, maybe not as lasting as Mozart or Spinoza’s, but who cares? Mortal body and mind, but eternal legacy...</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-70651210575441516392024-02-25T06:07:00.006-07:002024-02-25T06:07:00.146-07:00Processing bad news dailyEach day, as I wake up, I love to discover what’s new and exciting by listening to NPR, my favorite source of news and I’m quickly reminded how bad and rotten our world is. Navalny’s death, Ukraine abandonment, Gaza genocide, Trump’s demented lies and Biden’s advanced age. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkqccdfbaynE3Fqf2f0GYpNDb3rJ-wUyhj6U6lahByf_haUzzuccGmW4g236Aixs5BkpTt-V6TSfXL_dTWUx1ElJ6z7sNUtgDyJu7aTbJ6jNRcwK-a_BAIyyXGMl9c7EIf3QX0r2GDCZTJwxzcf2dxSjUKppU6UPVzCG3EHeLnn-74M2OaYarUlxZNyg/s600/blog2-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="600" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkqccdfbaynE3Fqf2f0GYpNDb3rJ-wUyhj6U6lahByf_haUzzuccGmW4g236Aixs5BkpTt-V6TSfXL_dTWUx1ElJ6z7sNUtgDyJu7aTbJ6jNRcwK-a_BAIyyXGMl9c7EIf3QX0r2GDCZTJwxzcf2dxSjUKppU6UPVzCG3EHeLnn-74M2OaYarUlxZNyg/w400-h141/blog2-25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>All signs that nothing is good and a glaring absence of heart-warming, good news. What am I to do and feel amid that bleak daily universe? Like many, I’m told to manage my news intake by limiting the exposure. </p><p>That’s right, instead of consuming news all day, a morning serving might be plenty enough. Instead of being centered on news, I should look for sources that highlight positive developments as well. Then for every bad news, I should actively seek out good news and share them when I can, as I make an active effort to connect with others to boost my mood and share my positive outlook. </p><p>I should also look for good things to do around me and bring joy to people who need it instead of curling up into myself. While it's okay to feel discouraged by the state of the world, it's important not to let negativity consume us. By focusing more on the positive, and taking action, let’s regain a sense of hope and control in our own lives.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-12987109529159731062024-02-24T06:12:00.007-07:002024-02-24T06:12:00.146-07:00How safe is Putin?<p>One would think that after Navalny’s death, Putin’s enemy are on the warpath and scheming to eliminate the Russian dictator. Fortunately for the latter he is both extremely prudent and enjoy huge protection. No one knows for sure what the anti-Putin activists’ plans really are. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVi4pV0hYzEfMO8S4N0QR0txqt1FvXDGw04Yv6-TlFIvvM8K_BRBtkTy_2QXRFWjUcyWeahw_7kPLgGb-D2rAAEGA0dysVILK3ImYZ9zF6lbjdAS87BqNakqA1Ov8JyAjJiEVaAYrFM5vQXuD4LeUSZw2XuBtYV8irNNtpJkY0gK9Q8k8MesA1OUeLOTA/s1896/blog2-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1896" data-original-width="1264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVi4pV0hYzEfMO8S4N0QR0txqt1FvXDGw04Yv6-TlFIvvM8K_BRBtkTy_2QXRFWjUcyWeahw_7kPLgGb-D2rAAEGA0dysVILK3ImYZ9zF6lbjdAS87BqNakqA1Ov8JyAjJiEVaAYrFM5vQXuD4LeUSZw2XuBtYV8irNNtpJkY0gK9Q8k8MesA1OUeLOTA/s320/blog2-24.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>While some might have called for violence against Putin or his supporters, others have focused on more indirect methods, like demonstrations and boycotts. It’s clear that anti-Putin activists represent a wide range of views and opinions. <p></p><p>Certain folks have indeed called for violence against Putin as they see violence is the only way to remove Putin from power but many others are committed to peaceful plans leading to political change. It might be that the best way to get an answer is to turn the question around to us. </p><p>Right, what would you think and do, if you lived in Russia and didn’t not approve of its dictatorial leadership?</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229641454273432152.post-31124553184057857852024-02-23T08:32:00.007-07:002024-02-23T08:32:41.712-07:00Is Earth cooling off soon? <p></p><p>A good old friend of mine who is no longer a baby but is brand new to the internet and some of its unreliable contents said that he heard from different sources that our planet might be cooling soon again based on changing sea currents such as the Gulf Stream among other reasons. </p><p>He asked me if I heard about it. I said no, and he asked me to check for him. I did, and my response was negative as there are currently no serious scientific reports predicting a trend towards significant climate cooling in the near future. In fact, the overwhelming consensus within the scientific community is for the opposite: continued global warming. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoI47RIMxG0Mp3XzhQVG-nEgVdsnqDzwrbyp1wy9okHoFpB1y4873iFrkXhE6MvOg5FZP3OrT0g8K1n_iW1mVaXgJ-Yxf0T47gMHN3O8qsANjRzGwAfSLrHcw6Z6URYe36M-SJ717ocrTqcwL6qdMzL_uLYY68Jo-Q48Z7ZbOMTs7VDeB_9jToXA2aQI/s1000/blog2-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoI47RIMxG0Mp3XzhQVG-nEgVdsnqDzwrbyp1wy9okHoFpB1y4873iFrkXhE6MvOg5FZP3OrT0g8K1n_iW1mVaXgJ-Yxf0T47gMHN3O8qsANjRzGwAfSLrHcw6Z6URYe36M-SJ717ocrTqcwL6qdMzL_uLYY68Jo-Q48Z7ZbOMTs7VDeB_9jToXA2aQI/w400-h180/blog2-23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The vast majority of scientific evidence indicates that global warming is a real and present threat. Although temporary cooling events may occur locally, the long-term trend is toward a warmer planet with significant environmental and societal consequences. <p></p><p>It's crucial to rely on credible scientific sources and avoid misinformation when understanding climate change. I then told my friend that what he had been reading was likely part of the vast disinformation campaigns coming from the fossil fuel industries which are pushing against man-caused global warming, electric cars, etc. </p><p>These “fake news” is what gave us, thanks to Putin, Trump in the United States and convinced, without much hope of changing their minds, between 30 and 50 million Americans that believe his lies are true and has become the new black hole of the internet and social media...</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0