Solutions to the Weaponized Internet
Awhile ago, someone mentioned to me that when analyzing problems I was able to provide a tapestry of detail about the issue, but I was depressing them. They further explained that my analysis showed a bleak future and that I offered no solution. In turn, I responded with the fact that my goal as a writer is to display what I see are problems in the world and carefully make you aware of them in an entertaining format. That, I am not a person who can produce a solution, but I am someone who has chosen to be the megaphone to rally the people around the problem, and in doing so, support those that are in a position to produce the solution.
But I did agree, if I had a possible solution, then I should present it. That same person read my previous post (Weaponizing the Internet) and engaged me in discussion to see if I was just ranting and raving or if I had a better model. Now, I sometimes forget where I have ranted and raved about issues – this blog is but a minor glimpse into the world of problems I discuss regularly. Normally, I have solutions floating around in my brain box. So here are some that would shift the way we consume:
Read MoreAntibiotics? Hell No, Grab Some Garlic
I have had the pleasure of being raised by a skeptical mother. Throughout my life, I have been told to question what I see on television and never believe what I read on the internet (so don’t trust or believe this post). Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that being skeptical doesn’t mean you disregard everything that is around you. Being skeptical is questioning the asymmetrical knowledge that permeates all of our lives. To be a true skeptic, you should even question or validate your own knowledge on a regular basis (something most forget to do, including myself).
But with all this questioning, when will I have time to chow on some sausages? Simple, never, but I will give you a quick hint… it is possible to have time for fun without believing everything you see. If it sounds batshit crazy, odds are it is batshit crazy. If you are on a social media site and see something that is wholly unbelievable, don’t believe it (one because it is a social media site and getting you engaged pays their bills, and nothing will engage you more than: Garlicman appears and destroys Godzilla with breath attack). If you go to a blog that is promoting the healing powers of garlic and there are advertisements everywhere for GarlAxe (An axe made out of garlic that you can munch on) you are probably on a website that is promoting garlic to help sell more GarlAxes – they are either lying to you or inflating the results of studies on garlic. [more hidden, click “Read More” for super secret access]
Read MoreHaiku
Mouse Crosses the Den
Adrenaline, but I’m a Cactus
Poison Dazed Rodent
~Theodore Maestranzi
Read MoreSmall Questions: Sheep
There are so many questions we could purpose about sheep. Their weird eyes… and um… so… okay maybe not that many questions. There is one that specifically has been bothering me stems from a weird social media post. I checked into the article, it was true, but that didn’t solve the weirdness. It raised way more questions about sheep and their wool. Like one, do sheep shed their wool? The answer is simple, some do and some don’t (the reason is much darker (selective breeding and side-stepping natural selection)). Furthermore, if they never shed their wool and it continually grows, how do they naturally live to old age? You see, a sheep that never sheds its wool would be fine living, but eventually, a predator would be able to take advantage of the extra weight since the sheep would eventually be unable to flee (effectively).
So, if humanity just disappeared, would it be possible for a sheep that didn’t shed to die of old age?
Just Theodore asking the hard questions.
Read MoreWeaponizing the Internet
When I created my website years ago, I made a simple promise to everyone who ever visited it. That promise is on the About the Website page and it is about advertising and it simply states: No Advertising. I take that seriously, to the degree that I don’t promote anything in my blogs on purpose. Sometimes, I have to use the names of companies but they are not advertisements. Furthermore, I make it clear that I am footing the bill for this website and I own all of the content. Why would I not monetize (weaponize) my website and generate income from it?
Simple, I hate advertising on the web. Perhaps I am remembering the past with rose tinted glasses, but I think many of you would agree with me – the internet has gotten out of control. [There is a lot more below, click read more for my full analysis]
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