Jamie Diamon says in the video that AI could bring 3 1/2 work weeks. I think that is great and that is where technology really is going to bring some benefits. Like him, I think there are some significant risks to such technology and there should be laws around its common everyday use. Ethics and Technology.
What would you do with 3 1/2 week work week? I might grab my camera and go on vacation!
History should have taught us as people that little is gained by religious and ethnic violence. At the root these religions are very similar but people have made them to be dividing lines. We hope and pray that each side listens to their inner voice and their deeper value systems to protect life. Nothing will be gained in an escalation.
It is not the time for people to toy with grievance that could be resolve with doubling down on good will and fair treatment.
If anything it is time to think of lasting peace. Each person should be able to practice their faith as they wish and perhaps both governments can think of creating new bridges between peoples. It could be an opportunity to take a breath and rethink new choices and futures if it doesn't disintegrate into chaos. Wishful idealist thinking I know. 😪
The fight between Ukraine and Russia is a sad state of affair and lots of people are getting hurt and towns are being wiped out. The independence of Ukraine is at stake and so in many ways the long term health of the Russian people. The dropping, temporary or permanent, of funding must be a scary thing for Ukrainians. This is where Europe is likely to start supporting more to fill some of those gaps. Whether that is enough remains to be seen. EU Visits Ukraine
What might be of benefit is finding a way to settle out the conflict and find peace in some way or form. Independence of Ukraine is important to consider in that process. Is it possible to find a balance where Ukraine functions as an independent state while ensuring there is lasting peace with Russians? No one wants to be here again in a few years. I sure hope so and that would require both parties to come to the table with heartfelt enthusiasm.
It is such a complex situation and I wonder if there is any middle ground between the sides that have life and death interest in the outcomes. One can understand why emotions are high. People lost their lives. Peace and saving lives should always be the highest aspiration. I think the discussion should start where lists of requests are presented and the bright minds involved and in the world start to think of what long term peace looks like.
What are the essential issues and has that been lost in the fight? Are there middle ground between the two conflictual parties?
In the meantime, I think that cutting funding at this time is unlikely to be helpful in negotiating that peace. Sure it might end the issue but under such circumstances its unlikely to end it well for Ukraine. It might also reflect negatively on the whole situation making such defending and independence moves very risky. Think about lack of long term support and its influence on decision making.
While this is Ukraine's (and Russia's) fight, I do believe we have some stake in making sure it ends in a way that supports and strengthens democratic institutions and nations. Once its been settled we might think of ways of mending long term relationships between all parties in a way that is helpful for everyone. That requires a structure of peace.
I suspect it will end in greater independence of Ukraine but not in a complete independent way (Likely immunities, except for intentional civilian atrocities, and stronger independence of Ukrainian institutions and financial management.). While its not ideal I suspect power sharing and greater international oversite might be on the table if they cannot secure full independence soon. As they say now or never because support is unlikely based on current public sentiment to go years into the future.
Perhaps some of that will considered as the nations go into winter low simmer (assuming).
Time will answer all questions on how this turns out.......
Firefighting is one of the more noble professions in our society. The other I think is the military. Policing can also be noble when it is done in accordance with our liberties and freedoms (Its a systems and culture issue that might need to be adjusted. Not to mention some of the political distortions around building great systems. It could be fixed and we could improve the system but we are not in that place as a society yet. There are lots of great cops I have met over my life. Strong and community oriented policing does and could do a lot of good. Why change efforts fail?). Designing jobs that create higher levels of engagement of firefighters and higher levels of retention are important. Job crafting is one way to attract and encourage retention in firefighting as well as the other public services.
Job crafting is adjusting a job and its effort to retain and attract firefighters. In my labor relations experience it is often about cross training, drawing in skills to help the department, and/or create new pathways to the public. People join because they want to help, be part of a team and want to contribute in their own unique ways.
For example, one firefighter might be a muscle head and could teach about fitness and another an artist that can create flyers and public awareness materials. Being able to find ways for FF to use their natural abilities is important and its helpful (human capital development).
This study is about Romanian firefighters but I'm sure some of findings might make sense in other places. Job Crafting and Performance in Firefighters: The Role of Work Meaning and Work Engagement
(As a quick side note. Even if you took the business or investor route in your life you can still either become a volunteer part-time or you can support your local firefighters by donating to organizations. It is good for corporations, tax deductions and it is good for public relations purposes. Not to mention the community. 501 (c)
I know some great local firefighting departments that would love to upgrade their equipment and could put that money to good use for a variety of purposes.
For example, a single $10K grant allowed for new lights, safety equipment, roadside support and more. Another organization provided a smaller cash donation to ensure we have a little maneuvering petty cash money and another allowed us to get some car jacks, like you see in the video, so it goes a long way.
Training money would also be of great to consider bringing in skilled trainers to teach not only those firefighters but also area fire departments. We are rural up here so everything helps. )
Corruption costs our societies and community a lot and while corruption is a known aspect of our lives we also know there are few backstops to it. When people accept poor behavior they do so for many reasons but usually it has some sort of financial, ideological or social gain. We do not have enough people within government who support anti corruption measures and not enough ways of managing that corruption.
While many of us know that corruption costs society we have not yet developed systems that consistently hold that corruption to account and so there will continue to be loss to society and to the victims of corruption. Even in cases where corruption has become apparent and increasingly obvious, there is often failure to correct.
(It makes one wonder if corruption is so difficult to catch and fix then we are not doing something right. We need to change something so as to ensure society isn't shouldering the burden of corruption or corrupt officials.)
For example, targeting a family for ideological reasons, supporting the illicit financial gain of those who launched a hate campaign, or supporting governance decisions that are based one's "clan network" would be serious affairs of corruption. It some places they have become part of a culture of corruption.
Anyone can be corrupt. Administrators, a extremist police network, politicians, executives, workers, a court system or any other that misuses their positions. There really is no position that can't be engaged in corruption. Take this example of Chicago policing and how there was a failure to protect the public 200 False Convictions (p.s. I actually support good police and good policy)
What is worse, is when we know about it and fail to act on it in a meaningful and honest way we begin to break down what is good in support of what is bad. Indifference and complacency are the best friends of corruption. It opens a question. Who is more guilty, those who do it or those who know about it and fail to hold it to account? (The Conversation)
I believe its important to build a better mousetrap so as to ensure corruption doesn't continue to rob our future and erode trust in some systems to function as intended. Consider an article in Time Magazine and how corruption impacts the financial health of our communities. Corruption and Poverty
One thing we can do as a nation is work on protecting the public from corruption. This is why I support a stronger policies and more accountability. Corruption undermines democracies so failure to tackle is in many ways non supportive of our society. UN Corruption Undermines Democracy
My advice. Report corruption and report everyone who knew about it and failed to act. They should be the first people to come under scrutiny. It also creates a net for those who were central to that corruption. At least in a functioning system.
Mr. Fink discusses a number of changes in the market and some of the changes. More aggressively toward technology and productivity. There is adaptation in business and in the market in general. He believes fear and lack of hope are shifting the market on a significant level.
All I can say that I hope that we don't go through recession but I do hope technology improves labor value and output in a way that enhances lives. Most of the things he says I can agree with but might disagree on extent.
I will agree that innovation is going to come from faster patent processes and adaptation of research.
He mentioned structural inflation. You can see an example presented in What is structural recession?
E-bikes are a great addition to our society and not only provide fitness opportunities but also a chance to find cleaner outdoor commuting options. Except in places where there is sever cold the e-bike seems to be a great way to augment a second car or alternative form of transportation. I bought mine for about $450 and added $100 in mirrors, comfy seat, lights, and handle bar extension. Now its comfortable and fun!
