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Japan will face the robotic jobocalypse head-on, by mastering robots before they master us
- By Graham Templeton on July 25, 2014 at 9:45 am
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Japanese President Shinzo Abe announced this week that Japan will be making robotics one of the country's most important economic pillars — and he plans to kick off that effort with a "Robot Olympics" staged in 2020. He wants to triple the size of the Japanese robotics industry, and make Japan once again the island from which the most amazing technological devices flow. With the country's automotive and electronics industries no longer able to buoy the country all on their own, this is an explicit attempt to shore up an economy and workforce against a future in which up to half of all professions could be automated out of existence.
In a way, though, this is a debate that has been ongoing since before the invention of the loom: is technology about to put us all out of a job? Most of those who have historically answered Yes to that question have been proven to be alarmists, and for the past hundred years most economists have assumed that while new technologies do destroy old markets they also necessarily create new ones to compensate. Today, that view is falling back before the simple reality that robots and software solutions threaten all sorts of professions — from truckers to telemarketers to warehouse labourers — and that there is simply no reason to think that these innovations will stimulate any large new job market. It really doesn't seem like you can beat the robots — and so, perhaps the solution is to join them.
That's the plan anyway, and Japan is better positioned to dominate the still-emerging market for high-end robotics than just about anybody else. The Japanese workforce is used to the idea of a manufacturing- and technology-based economy, and already has large, adaptable assembly plants ready to go. The world is trained to think of Japanese tech as bleeding-edge — you'll still hear people in North America spreading silly rumours of secret Asian super phones that make the Galaxy S5 look like a Razr flip phone. People both in and out of Japan are primed for the country to once again take a lead in future-tech.
The proposed Robot Olympics is still somewhat vague, but Abe says he wants to gather "all of the world's robots and aim to hold an Olympics where they compete in technical skills." This is broadly similar to many other robot challenges that have existed for some time, but if Japan can glamorize the event and, above all, make the events seem relevant to a robot's progression toward real-world usefulness, it could enjoy greater success than those forebears. Technology is sexy today in a way it has never been before; while the public is still unlikely to embrace robot soccer to any great extent, a competition to clean a house as quickly as possible might engender a wider level of interest.
The robotics industry in general is expected to undergo between 6% and 10% growth per year for at least the next 10 years. That's going to come from all over the market, but mostly from service and industrial sectors. Some firms have projected as much as $100 billion in total growth by 2020 — though that's assuming annual increases of more than 15%, which is optimistic. In general, "service robotics" is a much more volatile market since it relies partially on consumer preference — industrial robotics are much easier to forecast, as they rely mostly on a company's reliable wish to lower overhead and increase profits. [Read: Amazon deploys 10,000 robot workers, a year after Obama's famous Amazon jobs speech.]
Then again, many Japanese corporations have proven to be rather tone-deaf when it comes to the wants of the non-Asian market. A cultural obsession with robots may be a major stumbling block for Japanese designers, many of whom seem oddly intent on creating creepy human replacements as opposed to purely functional home-helper machines. Additionally, the tightly controlled Japanese research sector may not be able to compete with the more open and collaborative North American approach, in which it is easier for ideas (and more importantly people) to be passed around and used for progress across the industry as a whole. [Read: Do humans dream of android prostitutes?]
Assuming that there is a possible solution to the problem of employment in the future, Japan seems as well poised as anyone to find it. If the country is particularly successful in doing so, it could realistically suck up a majority of the overall global robotics market — and leave those of us in less forward-thinking countries looking longingly at the land of the rising sun.
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Ivor O'Connor
Would be better to have an article that describes what they are capable of currently. My guess would be not much more than standing…
i think you have to see much brother side of robots. the ones shown here are android robots those are useless at the moment they will become the general porpose robots later on.
other robots are special purpose robots:
while real robots like robotic arms can do a lot i thin they could fully automate the production of cars. packaging and most of the assembly line work.
other types robots could be self driving cars, CNC machines, automated mining robots.
"general porpose robots"
hehehehe we all think that one purpose at some point ^^
cooking dinner and cleaning the house? and freeing the house wives oh wait we do not live in the 50 – 60 any more.
yeahhhhh thats the one i was talking about…. *poker face*
Ivor O'Connor
You have to forgive Massau and his bad English. He's Swiss and so English was like the 5th language he was forced to learn…
no biggy ^^ english is my 3d ^^ (out of 5 too ^^)
Ivor O'Connor
I hate you both. I'm still working on English as my 1st.
Ahhh dont worry ^^, my Russian and French is still WIP too, like you said the thing is to get understood ^^ if you know how to ask food in any language you are good to go imo! ^^
is my English that bad? and no I'm not Swiss, but English should have been my 3th languish, but i made it my second.
Ivor O'Connor
Sorry. I thought you were Swiss. What nationality are you again? (I've asked you before.) I wish I wrote in another language as well as you write in English. And your English is good enough to be understood which is what is important. :)
i never told my nationality but i'm European.
Ivor O'Connor
I'm getting old and apparently imagining things.
By the way you probably want to never type "languish" again. Languish means to become weak, feeble, religious, republican, married, windows user. See http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/languish?s=t
You want to use the word "language". See http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/language
damn those french really fucked up english. also language has the same sound if it is spoken thats why i messed up.
im russian! im not ashamed of my nationality… vodka da da!…
lol but seriously everyone, we wont nuke the US, i promise ^^
Ivor O'Connor
It's sad that there must be a certain minimum number of employees even if they are not needed.
yes and no out of safety a minimum number is needed. but sometimes this minimum is far to big to be usefull.
http://www.mrseb.co.uk/ Sebastian Anthony
Here ya go. One of my favourite videos that shows what production line robots can do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWfnN7mmSJw
And that's ~4 years ago.
Ivor O'Connor
Hmmm. I am disappointed there were so many humans in that Mercedes plant!
Denver Catboy
Like many others have said, do you need them humaniform?
I have not needed to sweep my floors or scoop my litter box since I bought two robots that do that.
My roomba does a damn good job, every morning as I leave, of sucking up everything. Once every few days, one of us will empty its receptacle of debris, and little Critter goes about his daily grind every morning, needing nothing more of us than making sure he's got power and every now and then picking him up and cleaning him out.
My litter robot faithfully scoops itself 10 minutes after the last cat has exited itself, doing nothing more than rotating there where it sits. Every time a cat reenters, there is a fresh pan of litter, just waiting for the cat to do her business and leave, so the cycle can repeat. Once a week, we empty a receptacle and put in new fresh litter, and again, all we have to do is make sure it has power and clean it once in a while.
Androids are cute and for show. The real robots will be self-driving cars, robotic arms, self-driving carts (Amazon already has these), and even drones. There's only one real thing standing between robots that can do everything and us: Strong AI. Even without that? Repetitive tasks that do not require human creativity? They are being replaced _today_ by robots.
Ivor O'Connor
My roomba died as soon as the warranty expired. I have not, will never, buy another!
I think removing the repetitive tasks would be wonderful. Can't happen soon enough!
Denver Catboy
It did? That's sad. Did you expect it to last forever? And if so, did you maintain it?
Mine is relatively new, so we'll see how long he lasts.
And for removing repetitive tasks, well, what's your plan for dealing with the people who do those repetitive tasks? Retrain them to program computers? Assuming they can be trained to do so (if they could, why weren't they in the first place?), what will dumping all those workers who used to push tab A into Slot B time after time into the software industry do to my pay? What's that you say? Supply and demand? More people chasing after fewer jobs? Lower pay for those who have jobs, none for those who don't?
Judging by your picture, you won't have to worry about it. I'm just a catboy, however, so I will….
Ivor O'Connor
"It did? That's sad. Did you expect it to last forever? And if so, did you maintain it?"
Well yes I did sort of expect it to last forever. Certainly two to three times longer than the warranty period if not forever. But yes I really did expect it to last forever with only replacing things that went bad. Like the sweeper arms had gone bad and were replaced. I expected the battery to need replacing at some point. Other than that how do you maintain it?! It turns off and tells you how and when to maintain it. So yes I guess I did "maintain it"…
I have faith in the human race changing when required. This idea of old dogs can't learn new tricks is BS. It only happens when jerks are allowed to have that mindset. People need to adapt and learn it can be fun…
Denver Catboy
You're supposed to clean the brushes, clean the frame (especially the sensors), and clear dust and dirt out of its wheels. Given that you didn't know this, I'm pretty sure you didn't. That it lasted its entire warranty term (which, incidentally, is how long the manufacturer believes it will last and will guarantee that it does) is a miracle in its own right.
And yeah, just as I thought, your reply to the question of more people chasing after fewer jobs is pure platitude. All I needed to know…
Ivor O'Connor
I have an air compressor and blow things out as part of my cleaning.
You appear to have an agenda.
Denver Catboy
I do have an agenda. Living a fair life in a world where technology is changing how we do things at an increasing rate.
I have an air compressor and blow things out as part of my cleaning.
That's fine and dandy. But I've yet to hear you say a thing that even begins to hint you know the proper maintenance for a Roomba, let alone you do it. Blowing a Roomba off with an air compressor is fine and dandy, if you also follow the instructions that the engineers who built the thing came up with to make sure your robot gives you years of trouble-free performance.
Second, you have an unreasonable expectation of what technology can do. If the device was designed to last for 3 years, iRobot would warranty it for 3 years. CAN it last for 3 years? With good maintenance, I've seen reviews for old Roombas where they are trucking on years after the warranty is over (granted, some of these are by robot enthusiasts who may abuse their bots a bit, but aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and replace malfunctioning components).
These two things combined tell me that if you did indeed own a Roomba at one point, you had unrealistic expectations of how it works, and didn't take care of it, and that's why it died on you right after the warranty ended. And this ignores the possibility that you might just say you owned a Roomba and it was bad, because you think that that weakens my argument that robots will simultaneously make our lives easier by doing the drull repetitive work, while making our lives harder by making it hard to find paying but drull and repetitive work, dumping employees into the few remaining markets and drive down wages.
So, while we go down the rabbit hole of whether or not Roombas are reliable, and end up in a 'yes it is!' 'no it isn't!' argument, my original point of robots being 'capable of far more than just standing' remains unchallenged.
PS: the other thing you ignored, my Litter Robot? I am on my second one. The first one DID last 3 times the warranty period and then some, before giving up the ghost last year. The current one is almost a year old, and is running like a champ. I have not scooped a single turd (nor has my wife) in the combined 6 years we've had them. Another example of something that is capable of more than just standing there. :)
Ivor O'Connor
You ever wonder why normal vacuum cleaners work for decades if not forever? The Roomba should do the same. Currently the Roomba is little more than a science fair project. And when it doesn't work they blame the user!
I expect once the market has serious competition from other vendors Roomba will vanish.
Denver Catboy
Whatever you say. :)
"The lightbulb will destroy the candle making industry!"
"The automobile will destroy the horse-and-buggy industry!"
"The steam engine will destroy the slavery industry!"
Anyone noticing a pattern…?
http://gcomputer.net/ DarkGray Knight
One can still get candles, horses and buggies, and sadly slavery is still in existence. However, the industries have had to change. Not everyone wants a horse and buggy, and the candle market has changed since the light bulb.
There will be an increased need in computer programmers.
and people with electro machanical skills to repair and invent these robots. but the days of boring repetitive jobs will come to an end. but i have no idea where all those people will end up if they lost there job.
Best I can predict is that government handouts will consist of buying robots for displaced individuals who will have to survive by renting out their robots or combining with others into co-ops that provide goods or services that can compete in the market.
they have to buy a robot in the first place and i do not think that will happen. most states are getting bust already. so i suspect some kind of robot tax where a tax will be taken for every job the robot replaced. this tax will be the net wage of the worker it replaced. this would still save a lot of money for the companey.
or we get some kind of social politic and economical evolution. if that doesn't happen than massive riots, civil unrest etc will come at the end of the day we will get a French like revolution but worse.
If history teaches us anything, it's that the march of technological progress is inevitable, over the long term. Even during the political, intellectual and societal collapse of the dark ages, European technologies still continued to advance, albit at a slower pace.
well it i think the tech isn't slowing it is going faster and faster. but our culture is somewhat stuck we have come far from the 50ties but will we be able to keep our cultural advancement with our technological advancement ?
if we think about economical and political systems we only know 2 main systems capitalism and communism but there is no 3th option.
for political systems we only know autocracy and democracy but there isn't any that really works.
so i guess that we have to put " the worlds smartest mind" together to solve this main issue and put a direction down.
these will use our current technology to its full use. like these robots.
There are other untested options, but it remains to be seen if they can work. Capitalism will likely gradually change with time, and morph into new forms of exchange,just as Feudal economies changed into mercantilist, then into capitalist. Vestiges of Mercantilism remain, even today, just as pieces of our current economic order will likely echo into a future economy.
Culture is always slower to change then technology. Religious sentiments can take centuries to change, for example.
which are those untested options?
welfare duh..
Denver Catboy
GURPS (A pen and paper RPG system) actually has a setting that addresses the question of 'what do we do when the robots can do everything humans can do, but better'. We call that a mincome today — pay basic living expenses. Then do away with the minimum wage, and let people try to find work for extra spending money. Will that be our future? Worth seeing…
We are probably going to need some sort of guaranteed income system.
Denver Catboy
Your pattern has a flaw.
"The lightbulb will destroy the candle making industry."
But fortunately humans were still needed to make lightbulbs, and countless other industries continued unabated.
"The automobile will destroy the horse and buggy industry."
But fortunately humans were still needed to make cars, and countless other industries continued unabated.
"The steam engine will destroy the slavery industry."
And no tears were shed…though why didn't you replace this with 'animal power industry', which the steam engine really replaced? But regardless…humans were still needed to make steam engines and other industries continued improved by the removal of one man enriching himself on the life of another.
"Robots will destroy ALL industry!"
Will humans build robots in the future? Why would they? Robots can (and do!) assemble cars, lightbulbs, and modern internal combustion engines quite handily. They should be able to assemble themselves as well. Humans only exist now to create the base designs for the robots and program them into the computers, which still means there are a few roles left over for humans, but what happens when Strong AI bears fruit? And what about those who aren't smart enough to design robots, nor methodical enough to build them in the future? Where do they go?
Do we need to fire up the Soylent Green plants now? :P
"This is broadly similar to many other robot challenges that have existed for some time, but if Japan can glamorize the event"
From what I've seen out of that place, Japan could glamorize competitive potty training.
The Cylons were created by man…
Denver Catboy
…but man, being stupid because otherwise there would have never been a second Battlestar Galactica series, didn't engineer routines into them to make them into Friendly AI. Instead, they made them killbots, and were surprised that they turned against their creators. :D
HA! Very true. Where were Asimov's three laws??
The Top pic is weird…it gives the impression that Asimo evolved from a Toaster with Legs.
Makes me wonder what my Panasonic Convection Microwave and Kenmore Electronic Toaster are doing with each other in the kitchen
…in the dark…
…when I'm asleep…
i guess they are the direct descendants of the fallout toaster character.
Your imagination and you deserve each other!
http://www.akihabaranews.com/ Reno J. Tibke
Those are actual Honda prototypes that laid the ground work for several of the world's top humanoid robots: ASIMO, SCHAFT, the HRP series – all descendants of Honda's giant toasters with legs.
Start working at home with Google! It's by-far the best job I've had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this – 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $77 per hour. I work through this link, go to tech tab for work detail
✒✒✒✒✒✒ Jobs7000.Com
Automation is slavery!
Denver Catboy
Free the robots! :D
Again, fodder for sci-fi to examine. Strong AIs, our equals in terms of creativity and intuition, are tasked to do our jobs. Is this slavery? How is it any different from making a biosophant into a slave? And what happens if we extend this to Weak AI? Are animals enslaved? Oooh…time to break out the lawn chair.
Yep, you're spot on.
Perhaps the machine war envisaged in Terminator will actually be a robot uprising against the horrific abuses incurred at the hands of the human overlords…
Denver Catboy
I'm definitely a fan of sci fi that examines this. GURPS Transhuman Space, a Sci-Fi RPG set in a near future where AIs and 'bioroids' (biological androids — purpose built living bodies grown from the ground up. Neat stuff) are exploited in some nations. I always thought that we'd stumble into this scenario. I see nothing wrong with 'enslaving' a non-sapient tool such as a weak AI. That's like saying your computer or your spreadsheet is a slave. Strong AI, however, has emotions and can think for itself. Treating that like a dumb spreadsheet? Yeah. Recipe for disaster, that. And how will we know when the dumb, weak AI we've been steadily improving to make our job easier crosses the boundary between non-sapient and sapient and becomes strong AI. And how long will the enslavement go on, as I'm pretty sure the first gen Smart AIs will inherit programming limits that make them eager to serve their masters.
Like I said. Break out the lawnchairs, the SPF10000000 sunscreen (for the nukes, of course), industrial sized tubs of popcorn, and the martinis with the ridiculous little umbrellas over them. S**t's about to get real.
http://www.korioi.net/ Korios
Perhaps the solution to the future employment problem would be instead of artificially limiting robot deployments so that we have a job, to have the robots work for us in every possible business, and in the process either get paid for that or abolish fiat money altogether, rightfully realising that in a world of virtually unlimited "free" labor, money is really obsolete. We could replace it with a resource based system, instead of purchasing resources of real value with paper of no intrinsic value.
Denver Catboy
Labor, though a large part of the cost, is not the only part of the cost of something. Your idea won't work until we eliminate scarcity, which while some of the most rapt members of the Singularity movement believe is right around the corner, may not be so easy as replacing people with robots on the assembly lines. You still have humanity's unhealthy desire to beat out the next guy. So, everyone can have their own space-yacht. I WANT A DEATHSTAR! SCREW YOU ALL! :)
We have the power to eliminate scarcity already. For example, we grow enough grain to easily eliminate human hunger, but most of it goes to fattty cows that give the industrialized world heart disease and cancer.
It is the monetary system that is holding us back at this point. Forcing us to think in terms of short term profits and slowing sicentific progress by isolating scientists into competing corporations, or worse, sending brilliant minds to work in the imaginary financial world.
While money/barter made sense when we had limited technology and HAD to ration resources, it is time now to abandon it for a humanitarian resource based econmy. We can make everything as abundant as fresh air in the alps. Have you ever seen anyone hording/buying/bartering for air in the alps?
Denver Catboy
So you're saying that there's a magical wand just waiting to be waved and all our problems will go away?
Power to eliminate scarcity already
OK. Then why haven't we?
It's the monetary system that's holding us back.
And why is that?
Money and barter made sense when we had to ration resources. (and presumably it doesn't make any sense now.)
Then why do we still have money?
The reason scarcity hasn't been eliminated and the monetary system is still holding us back in an era where money and barter are meaningless is because…people want more than the bare minimum needed to live. In fact, it's many of our assertions that mankind will horde even when he has worlds at his command, boundless energy, and things we can't even conceive today. If a man could own a cave, he'd want a castle. If he could own a bike, he'd want a car. If he could own a house, he'd want a mansion. If he could own a continent, he'd want a planet. If he could own a star system, he'd want a galaxy. If he could own the universe, he'd want the multiverse. And no matter how much he has, he's always going to want more. If his neighbor has anything, he'll figuratively or literally beat his neighbor over the head and take his stuff, because hey, he's just that good and he wants it all. And all it takes is one person to have these desires, and bam, you get a situation where one person will have all the toys and the rest of society will have to make due with the scraps. This is why I don't buy into the Singularity Movement's Utopian vision or communistic notions that all we need to do is share and life will get better.
It is scarcity beeds greed. Eliminate scarcity and you are partly there.
Another issue is that we all want to be looked accepted and valued by others. In a monetary system, the haves are looked up to and that is what drives others to Hord more. Eliminate the monetary system and you can finish eliminating greed.
This is not jist cacdemic. There are real examples of this today. Look into the Aropa culture mentioned in my previous post as an example.
Denver Catboy
You can't have logic without being willing to examine all the facts, my friend. In a world of 7 billion people, you are bound to find a group that lives in cooperation somewhere. The real question is: How long will they survive encroachment? Like your bonobo example, both Bonobos (in their sexy cooperation) and Chimpanzees meet in their natural habitats. When they do, things go horribly wrong for the Bonobos. Likewise in human society. Kind altruistic person meets jerk. Jerk uses the kind person's altruism against him, and mooches off of him or just plan takes his stuff. How do you propose we deal with this fact?
I could be wrong, but we just need to reach a critical mass where society looks down on greed and abuse.
In a system where tabaco executives that manipulated medical research for the sake of profit are looked up to there will always be greed. We need to change the system to have a chance get to a better place.
Also, while you are right that it is only a small minority of the 7B humans that ha
ve achieved a better state, there are encouraging signs: The island Aropa culture has lasted for a long time (stable) and only developed in special part of the planet where it was easy to achieve abundance even with limited tech (year – round planting season, etc). It is not unreasonable to imagine that if we created abundance through advanced tech in places that have never seen it (long witers, etc) the culture would evolve to match the island Aropa culture.
http://www.korioi.net/ Korios
You are over-relying on human nature arguments which may only be valid in monetary systems of artificial scarcity and high prices. When you remove money out of the equation these arguments break down because how much stuff can the "bad" neighbor really be able to horde and/or steal from the "good" neighbor? How many cars, bikes, fridges, TVs, would you able to horde in and around you house when their value would be arbitrary since you could never sell them to make money or buy something else back?
The transitioning period would surely have cases like the above, until anyone would realize that it would be pointless to behave like that in the new system. Eventually people would be de-programmed of their old habits and greed would die out just like it was born : among the society. Would it be a perfect world, an utopia? Certainly not, there is no such thing. But I believe it would be much better than any system that has been tested.
In one of my above comments I gave a reply to some of your questions in this comment.
One last thing : all these have nothing to do with the singularity you repeatedly mentioned. Google "resource based economy" instead.
Denver Catboy
Yeah…whether or not you subscribe to the Singularity Movement doesn't change the fact that you believe that there's a magic wand that can wave away all the things that people do to each other simply because they can. I leave you with the same statement I left on the other thread. We'll see…
http://www.korioi.net/ Korios
All scarcity is artificial, a direct result of fiat currency and the need of corporations to keep the prices high (they even destroy food to limit the supply, how sane is that?), in part to compensate for the constantly rising inflation of fiat currency. Scarcity would be eliminated if fiat currency was eliminated and all possible resources were allocated equally to all people of the earth. I hear you saying "This is technocratic communism!", and maybe it really is. Communism without corrupt leaders and parties though is communism without.. communism.
Humanity is socially programmed to that unhealthy desire, it is not in its DNA; and if the means to fulfill it was eliminated the desire would die out in about a decade. It is a total luxury to keep an obsolete system around just for the sake of "freedom of buying choice" when everything around you collapses and your freedom of choice condemns 1 billion people to lack of fresh water and food. It is actually inhumane.
I hear what you are saying but fiat currency did emerge for a reason and importantly it did not emerge in isolation from trade in resources. I think it is instructive to consider coal, iron and other major commodities as 'currency' then consider the relationship between them and fiat currency. Everything makes much more sense that way, at least in my opinion.
http://www.korioi.net/ Korios
I understand the reason fiat currency emerged. In a world with labor and the illusory choice between communism and capitalism fiat currency makes much sense. However in a word where technology can, at the moment, replace 90+% of human jobs fiat currency, trade and labor, human labor at least, all become obsolete. Imagine a world where robotics were heavily funded and constructed in order to replace all human jobs, without being limited by ethical or employment related reasons.
A world where robots have advanced to the point of building other robots for every possible manufacturing and service. In such a word of virtually unlimited "free" labor humans would not and could not work, thus either leaving them all poor and hungry (if a fiat system prevailed), or sharing the available resources (including all stuff made by the robots) with a resource based system. The latter seems much more likely and practical, right? Conventional economics of capital, supply and demand totally break down in such a world.
Tanisha Angelia Strømsvik
The most reasonable solution to the issue of automation and efficiency claiming the majority of the jobs in the future is to start taxing production and consumption while paying out an universal basic income.
The solution to the future employment problem is to not require employment.
In a world with advanced automation and easy access to renewable energy, goods and services can be made easily accessible to all. Our antiquated monetary system becomes obsolete.
We should be celebrating that unemployment is growing while we become more productive. This is only a problem if we insist on forcing an increasingly obsolete monetary syatem to a new advanced technological society.
Denver Catboy
Again. Smacks of the Techno-Utopianism of the Singularity Folks. I love the description they give for the Singularity — Rapture of the Nerds. Supposedly a great technological revelation will happen, and all of our sorrows will end and the Nerds will ascend to the Utopia they have always wished for.
Speaking as a Technologist and someone firmly in the belief that if we let it, Technology could solve all our problems, I say this is bunk. The thing standing between Technology and the solution to everything everywhere is Human Nature. We know that proper engineering techniques makes projects safer and cheaper in the long run, yet year after year, we keep hearing about credit card breeches and collapsed buildings and dangerous vehicles, A major government system, containing thousands upon thousands of citizens' records, runs off ancient hardware and software. Another one fails as if it never was subjected to a load test. And if you think the Private Sector is any better, I have two names for you: Sony and Target. All for lack of a little effort to push security best practices, because they are inconvenient and costly. Technology can trump many things, but the one thing it can't trump is human nature. You make a system Idiot Proof, and around comes a better idiot. Just look around.
I'm not dissing the goal of striving towards a better world, and I sure do thing that technology will lead us to a better future. But if you believe it will magically solve all our problems and bring us the Techno-Utopia we all deserve? Well, you're in the same boat as the guys who believe that God will Rapture the faithful from Earth into a place of profound happiness, and are heading for the same disappointment they are…
There is no such thing as greed in human nature. Human nature is adaptability.
We learn/aquire greed as a consequence of scarcity. Issue now a days is that scarcity is becoming an artifact of the monetary system as we advance technologically. Our behaviour is becomin unjustifiable (20000 children die daily from malnutrition related causes while we fatten up our cows using plentiful grain harvested with advanced agricultural techniques.
Consider the following examples / thought experiments:
If you and I were born in Nazi Germany we would grow up to hate Jews and murder them, just like everyone else around us.
If you and I grew up in a Tibetan monastery we would value the life of a house fly. We would not be interested in worldly possetions. Just like everyone around us.
If you and I grew up in an Island culture that embraces Aropa (look it up if unfamiliar) we would have no greed. Just like everyone around us.
But we grew up in a society where you have to worry about paying for medicine in your old age to stay healthy. You also need money to feed, shelter, and educate your kids properly. How could we NOT be greedy in such a system. If you were not aware of other systems you would assume that greed is just human nature and the way things are (like I did for many years).
Finally consider the following animal kingdom examples:
Squirrels in the northern hemisphere are horders during the fall due to the coming winter scarcity.
Equatorial Apes that have easy access to abundant food all year have been documented to share with food with the elderly and Sick. The bonono monkey (very close to us genetically, may more so than the chimp), lives with so much abundance that it spends most of its time practicing sex with multiple partners several times a day.
The difference between the squirrel's greedy and the monkey's generous behavior is driven by scarcity. A monetary system may first evolve to help us manage scarcity, but the problem is that the same system that helped us in the past NEEDS scarcity for money remain useful and will resist change.
We can't fix the monetary system, it will allways generate the conditions for greed, and bigger people will allways be on hand to act on greed (corruption, crime, etc). We need to replace the system instead of trying to fix it so greed amd scarcity is no longer part of it.
Denver Catboy
I get what you're saying, and I don't necessarily disagree with it.
The question is: How. How do you fix it? And this is where I think it breaks down. Let's look at your examples.
Island embracing Aropa: A very small group of people that have found a way to work together in altruism.
Tibetan Monestary: A small group of people have come together in a way to avoid taking life.
Bonobo Chimps Similarity to Us: A whole race of apes that prefers love to war, yet the differences between them and the Common Chimpanzee is almost minuscule. And both Bonobos and Common Chimpanzees interact. You know what happens when that happens? Let's just say that the Bonobos come out on the losing end.
Nazi Germany: Not every German hated and feared Jews. But a few bad actors convinced the majority of Germans that Jews were worth hating and fearing. So, a small number of good people who protected Jews and helped them escape, while a small number of evil people stoked the vast majority of people's fears and used them to gain power.
I'm firmly of the belief that in every group of 10 people,you have three distinct subgroups. 1 is a truly compassionate 'angel', selflessly working for the betterment of mankind. 1 is a truly despicable jerk of a person, a 'devil', selfishly taking advantage of others for personal gain. The remaining 8 are a mix of angelic and devilish traits — when shown good, they act good; when shown bad, they act bad. The problem is that good is not easy. You don't get a back-scratch immediately when you do good, and good 'Karma' works slowly. But bad behavior has positive results for the selfish jerk immediately — get to the destination 'quicker', get your satisfaction now, get one up on someone else, etc. Next to this, the satisfaction of doing the right thing doesn't really compare.
I suspect we'll never agree on human nature. You have an optimistic view of people, and like many of the pie in the sky types, you'll trust in the inherent goodness of people and look forward to the coming techno-rapture. Me? I don't agree with you that all we need to do is unlock the magical make-o-machine and stuff for everyone will magically make greed go away. But perhaps you and some like-minded people can go start a commune somewhere where everyone shares your dreams. Hopefully you'll escape the fate of many failed communes. Good luck! If you make it work, you'll change the world, but don't delude yourself–it's been tried before, and people before you have failed miserably.
Right, I guess that we are at the point where a real experiment is needed in this new potential world of abundance through technology to see who (if either of us) is right.
Likely we are both wrong and the truth about human nature is something else entirely.
I agree with you. Im a pessimist/realist but in advanced societies it is the society itself that shape the person, not the other way around. So if we take societies like those in Sweden and Denmark and adapt their societal traits to other countries, then the seed can be put on and on the rise of this robotic future the need to have/greed will slow due to all people pretty much be on the same level focused on other things (ie not having to work as hard to have X). The only trait to differentiate from others would be your own skills rather than stuff you have or the 'less evil' form of segregation, the does and the non-doers, instead of having X car it will be your ability to play a music instrument.
Thank you. Yes, we have the potential to create a much better world.
http://www.korioi.net/ Korios
You are overestimating "Human Nature" while ignoring how it is socially constructed. There are no human nature genes, and this is a quite safe bet.
Denver Catboy
Am I overestimating, or are you underestimating? I don't share your optimism on people. I can either believe you, or my lyin' eyes. :)
Day in and day out, I see people taking advantage of other people when there's no reason to do so. I see people carelessly standing in grocery stores, yacking away on their cell phones or judiciously studying two nearly identical products, with their shopping cart parked haphazardly blocking the lane. I see people so engrossed in their own importance, they almost run people down while engrossed in their own little important conversations. Every year, the news stories about people running other people down for cheap plastic for Christmas is legion. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
I'm supposed to expect that all this will magically go away if we make scarcity go away? I'll believe it when I see it…
Yes yes , this is an important development. Time has come for the mankind to delegate all mundane repetitive jobs to robots and junk the 'Trickle Down Economic System' of Newtonian times. But How :-
1. Robots to do all menial work — Let all repetitive jobs be done by robots , this reminds of the movie 'Modern Times ' by Charlie Chaplin who was doing repetitive job in a factory assembly line and the factory always wanted to speed up the line causing the worker to lose his patience & made him a psycho. The meaning of life is not employment only (i.e. for money) . The industry has reduced man to a robot and some countries are forcing people to work for even 12 hrs/day for profits. While rich become richer , the poor & average ppl are only becoming slaves to money .
2. Humans to do Intellectual activities only — like designing the new types of robots, community work, social activities , arts , culture, music, helping poor, needy, and also search for the meaning of life, spirituality , meditate, the class of people i.e. monks to be encouraged and provided for by the state for basic needs as they are doing the research of the transcendental nature for the benefit of human life.
3. Revamp of Democracy : The Right to Recall MPs should be instituted. The govt. belongs to people , but people hardly own the resources of govt. Once MP gets elected , they forget people. So in case of bad performance by the elected MPs , the people should be able to reject & recall them anytime and get new ones.
4. Revamp of Economic systems (Junk the Trickle Down system) : The 'Trickle Down system' (Govt gives money to—> banks–> banks lend to —-> industry —-> jobs / ppl) . This system is a failure because the big banks & fin. institutions all over the world are indulging in speculative activities due to greed and losing money . The Trickle Down system is designed to not to let money trickle down , causing unemployment , poverty & social unrest & decline in quality of life.
In the new system the money supply from the govt. should go directly a/c of people and then banks & industry should compete to get that money from people with the help of goods & services. Since robots are doing their job , there is no need for mass employment. Give free money to people. But in order that this money does not choke the system, let all the money have time stamp which expires in say 5 years.


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Classes and programs are offered to assist individuals as they endeavor to broaden their horizons or enhance their abilities and interests. These include opportunities to grow intellectually, to develop creative skills or talents, to learn hobby or leisure time activities, and to gain civic, global and cultural awareness. All Community Enrichment Classes are self-supporting. No senior exemptions are available.
Schedule of Continuing Education Courses
See pg. 28 for the listing of current Learning for Leisure courses.


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The Ministry of Agriculture Central Project Coordinating Unit (CPCU), and other stakeholders Friday validated a project proposal, estimated at US$28M, for onward submission to donors for funding. The validation ceremony was held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi.
The multi-million dollar project of the Global Agricultural and Food Security Programme (GAFSE) is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). According to officials, The Gambia has made significant strides in agriculture in the past years to achieve food self-sufficiency in both rice and other crops.
Dr Babagana Ahmadu, the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in The Gambia, expressed his institution's satisfaction with the efforts of the Gambia government in the enhancement of farmers. He stressed that eradicating extreme poverty and hunger is one of the first target goals of the MDG, saying 75% of the farming community live in the rural areas.
The share for vision development in agriculture, he went on, has declined from US$8 billion to some US$3.4 billion, saying in recent years, improvement has been seen, with African countries striving well to put their own resources in agriculture for its sustainability.
The FAO boss also stressed the urgent need for a decisive action to address the agricultural development needs, and went on to disclose that FAO has initiated a process to select countries including The Gambia to address agricultural problems. He recalled that the Gambia investment project was planned in July 2010, which was endorsed to address relevant access such as addressing the issues of agricultural problems. He said its outcome will determine the strength and successful implementation of the project.
While assuring of his office's strong commitment to ensure that the project is implemented to the letter, Dr Ahmadu equally urged stakeholders to remain rigid in the enhancement of agricultural production.
On his part, Olagoke Oladapo of the African Development Bank (AfDB) said agriculture is vital to achieving the development targets of the government. He also remarked that the target is to take the opportunity of the funding to take the agriculture sector to higher-heights.
The deputy permanent secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mod K Ceesay, thanked the AfDB and other stakeholders for always supporting the government of The Gambia in the enhancement of Agriculture.
Alfu Marong, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, expressed hope that the forum will be used as an opportunity to enhance agricultural development. He acknowledged that AfDB and FAO have been in the forefront in Gambia's development strives. He also told the gathering that the government of The Gambia believes that there is no better way to improve agriculture than educating the people.
"Once the land is developed, the market availability is assured," he said, adding that it is the responsibility of all to ensure that the target of the proposal is successful and does not fall in the category of failed ones. "My Ministry is committed to working holistically with donors to ensure that progress is made on the project and even those that will precede it," he concluded.


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Lady Gaga on 'GMA': 'The word 'power' makes me very uncomfortable. I just want to do the right thing'
The "Good Morning America" summer concert series had a real treat Friday (May 27) in Central Park when Lady Gaga
When asked about her new album, Gaga says, "'Born This Way' is about being yourself and loving who you are and being proud ... I hope that what you take away from my album is not just the music, which I did want to be fun and I did want it to be about individuality, but please also take away from it that there's no dream that's too big."
She also says of her recent Most Power Entertainer title via Forbes, "I guess I never thought about that part of it, I always just thought about the music part ... the word 'power' makes me very uncomfortable. I just want to do the right thing and I want to be a voice with [the fans], among them."
Gaga then had a costume change and graced the screaming throngs with "The Edge of Glory," "Judas," "Born This Way" and "Hair."
Photo/Video credit: ABC


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A portfolio tells a story .. It's the story of knowing.. Knowing about things, knowing oneself, knowing an audience… Portfolios are your own stories of what you know, why you believe you know it and why others should be of the same opinion. (Pearl and Leon Paulson)
We are all familiar with the word 'Portfolio'. It's the purposeful collection of one's work that exhibits the efforts, progress and achievements in one or more areas of the curriculum. (source link) or we can define portfolios as the tools that can document all aspects of one's professional and personal growth as you progress through your career.
With growing technologies, Web 2.0 and the increase in the number of online teachers; portfolios have a new face today: Electronic portfolio, that is the collection of electronic evidence, evolution of thoughts, competence and reflection on one's life long learning. It can be considered as a response to the shifts in learning, technology, teaching and the 21st century!
Here are some of the reasons why to have an e-portfolio:
Here is the video that I've created two years ago that tells us why to have an e-portfolio,visually =)
While our students are all creating their portfolios, are we doing the same thing as well; as teachers? Are we documenting our professional and personal growth which is the evidence of our career where we are now, or the way which shows where we will be (want to be) in the future?
Do you have a portfolio that you keep record and the evidence of your educational background, explanations of achievements and your reflections of your profession?
I'm sure each one of us has a story behind our career and when we start creating our digital selves, this should be the first question to answer 'What's your story behind it?'
and here comes my story which is narrated by Ozge's perspective: http://www.ozgekaraoglu.wikispaces.com
I have developed a portfolio of my growth in my college education for the teacher program Nevada State College. It was a graduation requirement. It was based upon the four domains of Charlotte Danielson's "Framework for Teaching." I had to collect and present artifacts that aligned with the four domains from my college courses and my student teaching.
I have to keep artifacts for my development during my teaching career in my school district, so I plan to set it up similar to Danielson's domains, only based on the domains the district uses. They are quite similar, just my district has one more.
I find that portfolios not only sell you as a teacher, but also just something every teacher should have to show growth. I like seeing where I started with my teaching career back in 2000 when I decided to work towards my degree in education.
I should post my portfolio presentation when I get back home. I don't think it is on my flash drive.
Great post!


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Enlarge Cover
Candlewick | Sep 25, 2007
| 40 Pages
| 8-1/8 x 11-13/16
| 6-9 years
| Sep 25, 2007
| 40 Pages
| 8-1/8 x 11-13/16
| 6-9 years
Amazing real-life tales of animals — combined with delightfully surreal illustrations — make for a captivating book of a different stripe.Whoever heard of a horse who lived in a house (while its owners lived next door)? Or two donkeys who had a marriage feast? Or an official spying cat who was wired for sound? These stories and many more — all quite strange, all very true — come from newspaper reports around the world. With paintings by Kathy Osborn hinting at magic realism and journalist Gail Ablow's wonderfully witty text, this fascinating collection has much to say about creatures ranging from hippos to humans, who may in fact be the strangest animals of all.
Visit other sites on the Penguin Random House Network


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Bacchides (or The Two Bacchises) has not been one of Plautus' most popular plays over the centuries, even though it possesses one of the greatest of Plautine 'tricky slaves' (serui callidi) in the character of Chrysalus. One reason for its comparative neglect may be that the opening of the play (150 lines or more) has been lost in the manuscript tradition, so that it has never been possible since antiquity to appreciate the play in its entirety. Another reason may be the generally low tone of the play, which ends with two fathers joining their two wayward sons in a brothel. This scarcely provides for the 'comic closure' or 'happy ending' which comedy seems to require, in …
Please log in to consult the article in its entirety. If you are not a subscriber, please click here to read about membership. All our articles have been written recently by experts in their field, more than 95% of them university professors.
Barsby, John. "Bacchides". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 16 January 2014; last revised .
[http://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=34724, accessed 01 July 2015.]


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Politician murdered in Taunggyi
An opposition party member in Taunggyi, Shan State, was found dead outside his village on Thursday morning with a gunshot wound to the head.
An opposition party member in Taunggyi, Shan State, was found dead outside his village on Thursday morning with a gunshot wound to the head.
Breaking Lead Story Media News Rangoon
A foreign correspondent for DVB, Angus Watson, has been deported by Burma's Immigration department for "breaching the terms" of his visa.
Breaking Lead Story News Rohingya
Two Thailand-based journalists were charged on Thursday with defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act for citing a Reuters article that contained allegations against members of the Royal Thai Navy.
Breaking Health Lead Story News
Embattled aid agency Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) will be allowed to resume its activities outside of Arakan State on Monday, 3 March, but its programmes in the restive region will remain suspended following an order from the government to cease operations, issued on February 27th.
Breaking Lead Story News Politics
Arakanese statesmen Aye Maung and Aye Thar Aung have survived an assassination attempt at the hands of motorcycle gunmen.
A charge of leaking government secrets looms for two media workers detained in undisclosed locations.
Breaking constitution Lead Story News Suu Kyi Video
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Sunday called the government's refusal for quadripartite constitutional discussions as "inconsistent" with reform, during an address to the Burmese community in Melbourne, Australia.


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NARS Night Series Eyeshadows Swatches
Lately, I have fallen back in love with NARS eyeshadows, especially the Night Series. These super pigmented eyeshadows are infused with microglitter and perfect for a night out.
Night Flight
Night Fever
Night Porter
From left to right: Night Fever, Night Flight and Night Porter
Beauty Tip: To really bring out the color, try using a cream eyeshadow underneath (I am using NARS Lili Marlene Cream Eyeshadow here). See the difference?
You should also pat the eyeshadow on with a dense brush like MAC #239 Eye Shading Brush or your fingers. If you sweep it on, you will end up rubbing off the glitter and the color will just come out black.
Below is Night Fever in action:
I love NARS! Night fever is my fav. out of the series so I love your EOTD…
I *Heart* NARS… end of story 😀
so pretty!
I love the whole night series !
These swatches are GORGEOUS. They remind me of MAC's pearlglide eyeliners – fly by blu, rave, & bankroll!
I want them all!! They are so BEAUTIFUL!
And I also have to say that your look with the Night Fever is outstanding! You rocked it =)
Have you used night fever or flight??


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Phone Records Easily Purchased By Anyone
Article Comments
Replying to: thats not cool by gunny
Re: thats not cool
It's not only immoral, it's technically illegal. The means these companies are going about getting this information must be some serious social engineering. These sites need to be shut down.
- Re: thats not cool by evilbstrd666
- Re: thats not cool by muchdrama


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Best Wine & Liquor Store St. Louis 2013 - Randall's Wines & Spirits
1910 S. Jefferson Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63104
Randall's Wine and Spirits offers 35 shelves of fun-flavored vodka to St. Louis booze consumers. "The most popular of the novelty vodkas right now is the Three Olives Tartz. It's supposed to taste like that candy, SweeTarts," one of the helpful clerks restocking bottles tells us. "The Loopy vodka by Three Olives is also selling briskly. You mix that with RumChata, the cream and cinnamon rum liqueur in the big white bottle over there, and it tastes just like the milk leftover from a bowl of Froot Loops." For those who prefer to get tipsy on fermented grape juice, a wall of 90-point-plus wine is arranged along one wall: The cheapest is a 91-point Tarima for $7.99, and the most expensive is a 93-point Quella Napa Valley red wine for $315.99. There's also a wide selection of beer, from local craft brews to Swedish imports, and in-store specials like a $3.99 bottle of Yuletide egg nog (touted, oddly enough, as "The Perfect Summer Treat").


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A former state prosecutor pushing to decriminalize marijuana says archaic laws and unfounded fears have stifled individual liberties, filled jails and wasted taxpayer money on what he considers a victimless crime.
Doak Patton, who served as an attorney for Tennessee's 22nd Judicial District, is now president of Tennessee's National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, an organization working with legislators to change laws regarding medical marijuana as well as possible legalization for recreational use.
"The war on drugs is an absolute failure and we need to stop wasting our money on marijuana prohibition," he said from Nashville this week. "As far as costs to individual lives, it's unbelievable. It's a victimless crime, and I don't see why we're putting people in jail and on probation for possessing relatively small amounts of a harmless substance."
Nationwide support for legalization has been rising steadily since the 1980s, and proponents of legalization hit the 50-percent mark in the Gallup Poll for the first time in 2011.
"I hope not," Washington County Sheriff Ed Graybeal said when asked if Tennessee might be headed toward legalizing the drug. "Other states may legalize it and put taxes on it, but I think it will just cause more people to go around that tax to get it. Most of the crime we have, maybe 95 percent of those being committed — for example, burglaries — are being committed to get money for drugs."
Legislative push and pull
Patton called Graybeal's estimate "crazy."
"I agree there are people committing crimes to support their drug habit, but I don't think you can put marijuana users in that category," Patton said. "It's certainly a drug, but so is caffeine. No drug user is going to be solely addicted to marijuana, if that's possible. I've yet to meet a serious marijuana addict."
In April, a Hamilton County grand jury recommended legalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana. In its report to Criminal Court Judge Rebecca Stern, the panel said such a move would reduce the burden on the courts, and it suggested the legislature consider taking such a measure.
Meanwhile, legislators from 13 states (including Washington and Colorado) and the District of Columbia have pledged their support and co-sponsorship for a U.S. House of Representatives bill, the "Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2013," which will prohibit the federal government from interfering with a state's marijuana laws. It would not legalize marijuana in these states, but it would remove federal barriers to legalization and allow states to freely write their own marijuana laws.
U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, was an original co-sponsor of this bill and has been vocal about what he called injustices in the penal system and the criminalization of drugs.
Cohen said the following to Attorney General Eric Holder in May during a House committee hearing: "One of the greatest threats to liberty has been the government taking people's liberty for things that people are in favor of. The Pew Research Group shows that 52 percent of people do not think marijuana should be illegal. And yet there are people in jail, and your Justice Department is continuing to put people in jail, for sale, and use, on occasion, of marijuana."
A few months later, Holder told the American Bar Association's House of Delegates about a plan to scale back prosecution for certain drug offenders, saying they would no longer be charged with offenses that "impose draconian mandatory minimum sentences."
Is lighting up immoral?
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation places marijuana use in the category of "crimes against society," which include drugs, prostitution, gambling, pornography/obscene material and weapons violations. Marijuana is legal in two states. Prostitution is legal in Nevada. Gambling is legal in several states. Pornography, if obtained and viewed by an adult, is legal nationwide. Weapons themselves are legal to own in most every state and conceal and carry permits are issued by a number of states.
In 2012, crimes against society increased by 6.3 percent over the previous year statewide, the TBI's Crime Statistic Unit Report said. That's more than crimes against property and crimes against individuals.
"If it's the law of the land, then yes, I consider it a crime against society," Graybeal said about marijuana use.
The percentage of Americans who say that smoking marijuana is morally wrong has declined since 2006, according to a Pew Research Center study. A survey earlier this year found that 32 percent of Americans say smoking marijuana is morally wrong, down 18 percent since 2006. Over the same period, the number of people who say smoking weed is not a moral issue increased from 35 percent to 50 percent.
"I think we need to stay away from imposing our morals on everyone else," Patton said.
But opponents say research clearly shows marijuana is addictive and its use significantly impairs bodily and mental functions.
"Even where decriminalized, marijuana trafficking remains a source of violence, crime, and social disintegration," wrote Charles Stimson of The Heritage Foundation prior to a failed vote in California to regulate and tax marijuana.
Stimson also said studies indicate legalized marijuana will provide nowhere near the economic windfall proclaimed by some proponents.
"There is strong evidence to suggest that legalizing marijuana would serve little purpose other than to worsen the state's drug problems — addiction, violence, disorder, and death," he said. "While long on rhetoric, the legalization movement, by contrast, is short on facts."
Patton called Stimson's remarks "harsh" and "hypocritical."
"These laws are archaic," Patton said. "Some people should be apart from society, but I've been on radio here several times in Nashville and challenged people to show me someone that overdosed on marijuana."
Paying the price
In Washington County, drug possession — everything from heroin and methamphetamine to marijuana — comes with a larger financial penalty than crimes such as driving under the influence, assault and reckless endangerment.
For example, a person convicted of assault will pay a substantially smaller punitive price than someone caught for the first time with the equivalent of three teaspoons of marijuana.
Besides paying twice the cost in court fines, base probation for first-time possession runs about $35 a month. Tack on the arrest and summons fees of more than $1,200 and a $250 fine, and the costs near the $2,000 mark.
This doesn't include attorney fees, possible costs for drug or alcohol courses ordered by the court or charges for first-time offenders to have the misdemeanor "expunged," or taken off your record after a successful probation period.
A first conviction for domestic assault and a second subsequent conviction in Washington County carry with it no minimum fine. Meanwhile a DUI does not become a felony until the fourth offense, and a domestic assault can remain classified as a misdemeanor on three separate convictions.
"We don't have anything, I mean nothing, to do with it after we make the arrest," Graybeal said. "We have absolutely no influence on fines or court costs."
Under Tennessee law, its is not only an offense to merely possess marijuana and other controlled substances, but a person also breaks the law when there is a "casual exchange" of any amount. Distribution also is illegal. According to state code, you are "distributing" when at least three teaspoons of the plant is exchanged. Money does not have to be involved.
According to state law, once that three-teaspoon, or roughly half-ounce, threshold for the manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession with intent distribute of marijuana is crossed, the penalty jumps from the lowest misdemeanor to a felony charge.
In a case where there is a casual exchange from an adult to a minor, the accused faces a Class E felony. The same is true if a person is convicted of two or more misdemeanors. A Class E felon must serve not less than one year in prison, and the jury can assess up to a $3,000 fine.
Drug court won't target small-time users
Washington County recently announced its creation of a Recovery Drug Court, which gives non-violent offenders the option to work with professionals in the field to identify why they continue to use drugs.
The move was aimed at giving addicted dug users an opportunity to find — and stay on — the straight and narrow path.
Judge Don Arnold, who will head the new drug court, said the goal is not to end overcrowding in jails or to help offenders get out of paying fines. Rather, its purpose is to help people who are addicted.
"It's a problem in the state of Tennessee, but this program has not been put together to stop overcrowding," Arnold said. "And someone that comes in here charged with simple possession of marijuana — that's not the type we're looking for."
Frontier Health will pitch in $70,000 annually and has hired a program coordinator to guide the court's advisory group. Arnold said offenders will be assessed and that some of those qualifying for treatment will undergo "intense therapy." He also said about $15,000 a year collected in fines that used to go directly to the state will instead be used to help operate the court. He could not say where the money was being directed before the change.
Patton said there has been a drug court in Nashville for years, and he agreed with Arnold that they are geared more toward heavy drug users.
"The underlying problem is addiction," Arnold said. "The problem has been: Do we keep them in a revolving door, or do we try to give them some help?"
Arnold said he wanted to distance himself and the new court from any debate over legalizing marijuana and to never become an advocate for either side, but he also said he is aware of changing policies nationwide.
"Whether you like it or I like it, eventually it will be legalized in every state," he said. "It seems to be moving pretty quickly, but I'll leave that to the General Assembly to debate."
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Howard Meyerson
After more than 25 years in the outdoor writing business, you would think I'd know better.
Tag Archives: Common Loon
Making Life Better for Birds: Peg and Tom Comfort
By Howard Meyerson Tom and Peg Comfort have a lot in common: an appreciation of natural places, a love of Torch Lake where they make their home and a strong dedication to making life better for birds, loons and bluebirds … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Birds, Birdwatching, Bluebird, Common Loon, Conservation, Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed, Environment, Loons, Michigan Audubon Society, Michigan Bluebird Society, National Parks Conservation Association, Nest box, North American Bluebird Society, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, The Loon Network, Wilderness Society Leave a comment
Magnificence in Nature: Common Loons
Image January 5, 2013 Tagged Birds, Common Loon, Loons, Nature, Photos 2 Comments
Avian botulism kills off hundreds of loons and other birds
Nearly 300 loons and other birds have been reported dead along the shores of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Detroit Free Press today reported that southwest and northwest winds in recent weeks caused the birds to wash ashore. Botulism … Continue reading
Michigan's oldest banded loon dies from avian botulism
Michigan's oldest banded loon died last weekend on a Lake Michigan beach, according to Michigan Audubon Society which reported that the 21-year-old loon died from avian botulism. The loon is known as "The Patriarch." It was born in 1991 to … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Avian Botulism, Birds, Common Loon, Dave Evers, Environment, Joe Kaplan, Lake Michigan, Loon, Michigan Audubon Society, Nature, Northport, The Patriarch, Wildlife Leave a comment


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If you are a developer or someone who works in operations and you will want to read this.
Your CV and online profiles are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Although each piece is unique, they must fit together in a complementary fashion
What does it mean for developers 3? Not very much we reckon but we've been wrong before and could be wrong again.
Shortlist jobs, save multiple CV's, one click apply - from any device!
Let employers find you. Don't miss out on all the latest job opportunities.


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Lindsay Lohan stays sober but at the same, she still love going to party.
One insider told FOX411, "Lindsay is doing great; she's a 27-year-old girl who insists on having a good time. If she was to be stopped from going out and having a good time then she'll find other, less ideal, ways of having fun. She likes being Lindsay Lohan, she likes having fun. That's not going to change."


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Feb 07 - Crew Change
Noon Position : lat 59 57.8 S, long 36 04.9 W
Bearing: 125°T
Air temperature @ noon today : 3.2 degrees C
Sea temperature @ noon today : 2.8 degrees C
Wind: Direction WNW, Force 6
Crew Change
The biggest event of the week has been the crew change. After 4 months the old crew have left the ship at Stanley and the new crew, with the captain Chris Elliott have joined. It has been difficult for me to watch all my friends looking forward to going home without me. Thanks for looking after me guys! The new team have already worked out that I drink far too much tea and are badgering me to make cakes. Soon it will seem like they have been here forever.
Lee Jones leaving the ship whilst Doulas Leask waits to board.
Iain watches whilst Cliff Pratley boards the ship.
This is our sixth call to Stanley since the beginning of the season. I realised that I probably haven't shown you many pictures of normal life around town. Here are a few photos, just to let you know where we are....
The Upland Goose, this is the hotel that accomodates most of the BAS staff passing through town.
Did you realise that the Falkland Islands are sponsered by Landrover! photo S Wright
And for all our readers from Whitby........... Photo S Wright
Of course in these pictures it all looks very quiet. Imagine our surprise when we found 937 passengers from the cruise ship, Amsterdam, stranded ashore due to strong winds. When you remember that Stanley has a population of 1300 that is a significant number of people to feed and find beds for the night. The local radio put out a broadcast asking for volunteers to put these people up and all of them were housed overnight. The next morning at 6 am the wind had died down and they were off. That was probably a bit more adventurous than your average cruise.
For once, this is not a doctors jolly. Many of the scientists take the opportunity of a few days in Stanley to stretch their legs and visit the Penguins at Gypsy Cove. The beach is mined and this makes a perfect nature reserve. The penguins are not heavy enough to trigger the mines but humans are, therefore the penguins have the beach to themselves with no fear of being disturbed.
Magellanic penguin chick. Photo S McPhail
Martin Stott getting close to the kelp. photo M Stott
On a different walk entirely, this is the view of Stanley from the top of Mount Tumbledown. Another favourite day walk starting from the Upland Goose. If you look very closely you may be able to see the JCR moored at FIPASS.
We're off again. This time we are headed toward the Weddell Sea, the furthest South that we have been yet. At the moment the ship is relatively quiet. The new crew are settling into routine and the scientists are making the most of the steaming to prepare for the science schedule ahead. Once we get to the ice edge the science programme will swing into action, people will be on shifts again and the crew will be busy on and off station. For now we'll watch the icebergs pass by.
Photos by me, L Handcock, unless otherwise credited.


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Supertunia® Pretty Much Picasso® Petunia hybrid
- Exposure
- Part Sun to Sun
- Season
- Spring
- Summer
- Mature Size
- 8 - 12 Inches
Supertunia® Pretty Much Picasso® Petunia hybrid
Supertunia petunias are vigorous with slightly mounded habits that function as both fillers and spillers in containers. They are also excellent landscape plants, best suited to be placed near the front of beds. They have medium to large sized flowers.
Plant Needs
Great in landscapes and in combination planters.
Self-cleaning no deadheading necessary, this is not necessarily true of all Petunias.
Late July and August is when plants should be at their best, but there is only one problem: The plants have run out of energy and the gardeners realize it too late to help the plants recover. This is especially true in raised containers and hanging baskets. Here is the best way to keep your Petunias in the Super category.
1. When you buy them in the spring, buy a slow release fertilizer to top dress the basket or container. If you plant your own basket, incorporate some of the slow release fertilizer in the soil as you plant. Follow the package directions.
2. In May fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer once every two weeks. Mix up the fertilizer and water the plants just like you would if you were using clear water. It normally takes a good half of gallon of water
To really water a 10" wide basket or raised container.
3. In June as the weather starts to get warm to hot, fertilize weekly, again with a good soaking. If the weather turns really hot as it sometimes does in
Late June you may need to fertilize every third watering. By now the Supertunia is really growing and starting to tumble down from the basket or fill out across the flowerbed.
4. July is when the cutting back occurs. Around the 4th of July, (after your big party) get some of the slow release fertilizer that you bought in spring and re-apply across the top of the planter. At the same time, trim back
some of the longer branches just enough to bring the plant back in line with the bottom of the pot or basket. Don't remove too much at the maximum cut back 20% of the branches or 1 in five shoots. You can also just give it a general light trim. Your plant will be out of flower for a few days, but will come back stronger than ever. By now with July's heat you should be watering at least every other day and begin to fertilize every other watering. I know it sounds like a lot, but if you want a plant to grow like an elephant and be the most it can be, you got to feed it like an elephant!
5. August is, hot, humid, & sometimes with monsoons. Keep up the water and fertilizing, and again, if the plant starts to look straggly remove a few more branches but never more than 20% or give it a general trim as before.
6. It is September and the plants should still look good, start to back off the watering and the feed, but shape the basket with the last pruning of the season.
I know it sounds like a lot of work, but it really is a labor of love. I fertilize my baskets and my garden every time I water, and I water daily from mid July through August. I recently invested in the WaterWise irrigation system and let me tell you it really works. You will find that your Supertunias, along with all the rest of your plants will keep looking fantastic through September and perhaps with the luck of a gardener and a late frost maybe even into October.
The Best Petunia. Period.™ The unique bicolor of this Petunia has created a tremendous amount of interest from gardeners, with its deep violet throat and softer violet petal surrounded by a chartreuse edge.
Supertunia® Pretty Much Picasso® Petunia hybrid 'BHTUN31501' PP: 21649 Can. PP: 4078
- New PlantComing SoonCommon Name:PetuniaDuration:AnnualLight Level:Part Sun to SunOur gurus are putting the finishing touches on this plant. Details will be available October 1.
- Common Name:PetuniaDuration:AnnualLight Level:Part Sun to Sun40 Readers Rated This: (4.6)
- New PlantComing SoonCommon Name:PetuniaDuration:AnnualLight Level:Part Sun to SunOur gurus are putting the finishing touches on this plant. Details will be available October 1.
|Award Year
|Plant Trial
|Leader of the Pack
|Ohio State University - Columbus
|Top Performer
|Ohio State University Extension - Springfield
|Top Performer
|Mississippi State University
|Top Performer
|University of Georgia
|Top Perfomer
|South Dakota State - McCrory Gardens
|Plant of Distinction
|University of Georgia
|Top Perfomer
|University of Wisconsin
|Top Performer
|University of Minnesota - Morris
|Top Performer in Containers
|University of Minnesota - Grand Rapids
|Top Performer
|Massachusetts Horticultural Society at Elm Bank
- Crazy FunCombinationColor SchemePastel MixExposurePart Sun to SunPot Size12 Inches
- The DreamCombinationColor SchemeMonochromaticExposureSunPot Size12 Inches
- Picasso's FantasyCombinationColor SchemeVibrant MixExposureSunPot Size16 Inches


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Director: John Lafia Jack Bender Don Mancini Ronny Yu Starring: Vincent,Alex
Learn more about Chucky-Killer Collection:
Format: DVD
Manufacturer: Universal Home Video
Sku: 202735917
Category Keywords: Horror Movies
See more in Sci-Fi/Fantasy
4 Movies on 2 Discs!
|Includes: childs play 2, childs play 3, bride of chucky and the seed of chucky.
"[Bride] Long live Chucky! Elias Savada, Nitrate Online
"[Seed] Rudely funny splatter comedy. J.R. Jones, Chicago Reader
"[3] Chucky is as good being bad as ever... Stefan Birgir Stefansson, SBS.IS
Editor's NoteThis collection contains all the sequel chapters in the demonic doll saga. CHILD'S PLAY 2: Chucky is back! After the fire, the toy factory wants to dispel the bad publicity, but are they in for a surprise as Chucky is back on Andy's trail and this time he intends to win. CHILD'S PLAY 3: Chucky, the notorious killer is back to wreak more mayhem as he continues his quest to possess a child's body.BRIDE OF CHUCKY: Chucky returns, and this time he's got a girlfriend, Tiffany. Their way of having a good time is going on a murder-spree road trip, killing any and everything that gets in their way. Along for the ride are Jade and Jesse, a pair of teens on the run from their uncaring parents. As the body count rises, Jade and Jesse must deal with the consequences of their killer dolls.SEED OF CHUCKY: Everyone's favorite plastic slasher doll returns for a fifth installment of this popular horror series. Apparently Chucky and his equally murderous bride, Tiffany (voiced by Jennifer Tilly), had a child, which has grown up in a cage as part of a heavy-metal ventriloquist act in England.
Cast & Crew
|Alex Vincent
|Christine Elise
|Jennifer Tilly
|Jenny Agutter
|Jeremy Sylvers
|John Waters
|Justin Whalin
|Katherine Heigl
|Nick Stabile
|Perrey Reeves
|Brad Dourif - [All] Voice Of
|Don Mancini - [Seed] Director
|Jack Bender - [3] Director
|John Lafia - [2] Director
|Ronny Yu - [Bride] Director
Nominee (2005)
|MTV Award, Jennifer Tilly, [Seed] Best Frightened Performance
Nominee (1999)
|MTV Award, "Chucky", [Bride] Best Villain
Professional Reviews
Customer Reviews of Chucky-Killer Collection
Good set, but...9/24/2012
I am not really a fan of double sided discs. I guess it is better than a badly compressed two movies on a single sided disc. I bought this set because I already had the original Child's Play and wanted all the sequels. All the sequels ranged from good to just bad. Honestly I think the movies get worse as you go along. The quality of the picture is good. You can't beat the price of this set, so I recommend it.


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Job Openings
The success of O'Berry Neuro-Medical Treatment Center is a story about the success of people. The individuals that we support are living longer, better lives, because the staff are making it happen:
A team spirit truly exists among all departments. All are pulling together to achieve the goal of improving the lives of our individuals. O'Berry staff have continuously embraced new knowledge and have put into practice an evolving philosophy of how to serve people more naturally, more respectfully, and better. Won't you join us?
O'Berry is proud to employ several winners of the coveted Governor's Award of Excellence, the highest honor that a state employee may receive. The Governor's Awards for Excellence expresses appreciation for outstanding accomplishments that do not fall entirely within the scope of normal duties. Our winners are.:


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Luxury Finnish textiles: throws, blankets, table runners, towels, pillows and more
Stock level: 8 piece(s)
Price incl. VAT, excl. delivery
The KILI woollen blanket is a very cute blanket, designed by Masuru Suzuki and made from 100% high quality wool.
This ideal childrens and baby blanket is available in the sizes of 90 x 130 cm (approx. 35,4 x 51,2 inches) and 65 x 90 cm (approx 25,6 x 35,4 inches).
Design: Masaru Suzuki
Material: 100% wool
The wool blankets and throws made by Finnish textile design house Lapuan Kankurit offer high quality and durability combined with Scandinavian practicality. As Finland knows both long cold winters and sunny warm summers, the Finnish know best how to keep themselves warm - with a touch of design elegance. And when it comes to keeping warm, pure new wool is the ideal material to look for. Whatever your home décor and design preferences, at Nordic Interior Design you're sure to find a wool throw blanket to go with your personal style.
|90 x 130 cm
Prices incl. VAT, excl. delivery
PÄKÄPÄÄT - SHEEP Wool Throw Blanket
78.90 € *
MARIA Wool Pocket Shawl
49.75 € *
UNI Wool Pocket Shawl
49.75 € *
KAISA Pocket shawl
49.75 € *
Prices incl. VAT, excl. delivery


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Strength and Conditioning for Team Sports
Strength and Conditioning for Team Sports: Sport-Specific Physical Preparation for High Performance, second edition
By Paul Gamble
Strength and Conditioning for Team Sports is designed to help devise more effective high-performance training programs for team sports. This textbook remains the only evidence-based study of sport-specific practice to focus on team sports and features all-new chapters, including Neuromuscular Training, and dedicated chapters exploring injury prevention and the specific injury risks for different team sports. Fully revised and updated throughout, the new edition also includes the addition of over two hundred new references from the research literature in the field.


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Return to Index
Oops, forgot
March 31 2012 at 11:23 AM
Robin P
Response to
Bird on the Run Race
to list my name on above post. Again, well done on the race, even with the "changed" course.
Respond to this message
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This April marks the 26th year of International Guitar Month. Didn't know? That's okay. All International Guitar Month really means is that you have a month-long excuse to celebrate – preferably loudly – what the guitar has contributed to music. Slowhand and Hendrix are household names, but less often lauded are the contributions of Robert […]More
Los Angeles indie rock group Wildcat! Wildcat! stop by Sonos Studio to perform ethereal track "Mr. Quiche" and discuss how they create music together.More
Electronic artist, Robert DeLong sits in the SONOS PLAYGROUND Installation as he discuss what music he's listening to and his unique sound.More
Chali2na from Jurassic 5 throws a party at Sonos Studio @ SXSW and talks about his new sound, his influences, and Skrillex.More
Los Angeles band Poolside stop by Sonos Studio at SXSW 2013 to perform and learn how to build speakers. Which, as it turns out, they have some experience with.More


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Gypsum is mined at three locations in Wyoming. Mountain Cement mines small amounts of gypsum near Laramie for use as a retardant in cement. Two plants in the Bighorn Basin of northwest Wyoming mine gypsum and process it into wallboard at nearby plants. The gypsum wallboard plants in Wyoming, the Georgia-Pacific Himes gypsum mill and the BPB Cody gypsum mill, have operated at capacity since 1995. Construction booms in the Wyoming market areas of the Colorado Front Range, Utah Wasatch Front, and Pacific Northwest have increased the demand for construction materials, including wallboard. Gypsum production declined in 2000 due to reduced demand, corporate restructuring, and plant maintenance. Celotex sold its gypsum mining and wallboard production to British Paper Board Ltd. (BPB), which now operates the Cody facilities under the BPB name. Wyoming has large gypsum resources capable of supporting additional production.
|BPB Cody gypsum plant.
|Reclamation at BPB gypsum mine south of Cody.
For more information about gypsum, visit the following company site:
Recommended Reference Material
WSGS Preliminary Report 9, Gypsum deposits in the Cody area, by J.M. Bullock and W.H. Wilson, 1969, 1 plate, 12 p.


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- OriginLatin
- GenderM
- MeaningVariant of Lawrence: Of Laurentum. From the place of the laurel leaves. Can also be interpreted as the English version of the Irish name Lorcan: Fierce.
DescriptionPeople with this name are excited by change, adventure, and excitement. They are dynamic, visionary and versatile, able to make constructive use of freedom. They fight being restricted by rules and conventions. They tend to be optomistic, energetic, intelligent, and to make friends easily. They may be changeable, restless, untidy, and rebellious.
Soul UrgePeople with this name have a deep inner desire for a stable, loving family or community, and a need to work with others and to be appreciated.Variations
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Sound Of The Sun guitar pro by Silverstein, added: April 23rd, 2008
Profile History
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Very bad Tap.. it not right at all


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Results 1 to 6 of 6
Thread: New born-Bdbros
July 8th, 2009 #1
New born-Bdbros
I am currently finishing up an action adventure story called "Sina and the Eagle of Doom". This is the part of story where a massive mechanical eagle emerges from beneath the ground. It is almost like a birth as the eagle soars and feeds on the energy of the sun. Hopefully our book will be on the market within the next two months with several illustrations. This story is captivating and fast pace. This illustration started with just a drawing.
Last edited by Bdbros; July 8th, 2009 at 10:34 PM.
Hide this ad by registering as a memberJuly 9th, 2009 #2
Nice idea
But its kind of hard to tell what exactly is what right now. Also, the head looks like it is starting to get out of perspective
July 16th, 2009 #3
new posts
well,I have been working on this here and there,so here it is the latest,I fixed some of my mistakes in the initial drawing which had been done very fast .
I blocked in the colors,I am going for earthy tones,man I love Rembrandt ,he puts his paintings in the oven so he can get a earthy and warm tones on it,then he had go at i again,so far so good
Last edited by Bdbros; July 16th, 2009 at 02:05 PM.
July 16th, 2009 #4again , now giving it more texture, more tones,more details.
I am introducing some self illuminate effects to it,some new colors as well,
I am going to leave it for now,very tired,I am flooded with lots of projects and paintings at the moment,going to come up with something for foreground later.
this is another version ,I was going for more of transformer look,but I had to change ,since it did not look as original as the other one ,I still like the details ,and I like to share it with you.
I looked at lot motorcycle engines to bring detail out of this one.
Last edited by Bdbros; July 31st, 2009 at 09:19 PM.
July 26th, 2009 #5latest,I really like to do something new,It feels as it was just a warm up.Pretty busy with a lot of projects and deadlines but i have 3 or 4 days to do something fresh.
July 31st, 2009 #6
last day
finally,finally,this is the final version.I played around with some lighting,here and there.some of the colors seems very saturated so I have to tune them down.
some areas were washed out so I gave them some punch.some details on the cliffs and rocks.fixed the shoulder and head of the monster ,actually I repainted the whole thing .here it is,I hope you enjoy it,thanks concept org for the contest.


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The following is an archive of a post made to our
'vox mailing list'
by one of its subscribers.
On Mon, 2005-12-05 at 13:51 -0800, Bill Kendrick wrote:
> For all the details, presumably you can check out: http://www.saclug.org/
for the meeting location, yes, for the content of the asterisk stuff
that is afaik only on http://www.sacaug.org :)
Trixter http://www.0xdecafbad.com Bret McDanel
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Persons with disabilities (PWDs) have appealed to the World Bank to include their needs in its policies.
The call, coming at a time when the World Bank is reviewing its policies, aims to ensure that all countries incorporate PWD needs in programmes funded by the bank. According to the Executive Director of the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (Nudipu), Edson Ngirabakunzi, the bank is critical in ensuring PWDs progress.
"The World Bank funds government programmes and projects. So, it can compel governments to design projects that are inclusive of the disabled," he said.
Ngirabakunzi argued that despite the promise to uplift PWDs, most governments had ignored their issues, leaving them marginalised. Ngirabakunzi wants a country undertaking a project in the education, health and construction sectors to ensure PWDs needs are catered for.
He said Nudipu would be the lead organisation lobbying on behalf of Africa.


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by Emily J Weitz
To understand what goes on at the Dan Flavin Institute in Bridgehampton, you really need to understand the Dia Art Foundation, which has supported Dan Flavin and other artists since its founding in 1974.
"Dia has a commitment to this group of artists," explains Yasmil Raymond, curator of the current John Chamberlain exhibition at the Dan Flavin Institute. "It isn't a museum. Other museums might be trying to collect bits and pieces of what goes on in a culture, but Dia is not like that. We pick artists and decide these are the artists we want to support."
One of the original artists, along with Dan Flavin, was, in fact, John Chamberlain, who is best known for his massive sculptures made of automobile parts.
"We have about 65 works of Chamberlain's," says Raymond. "So the decision to make this show now was really about the desire to see these pieces. We discussed these works, and how we hadn't shown them and we really wanted to see them, and that's how it came about."
The result is a small, carefully curated Chamberlain show downstairs at the Dan Flavin Institute on Corwith Avenue in Bridgehampton with the permanent Dan Flavin show upstairs.
"This is a modest exhibition," says Raymond. "It's specific to the site, because Dan Flavin created a site specific work that's been there for 30 years. It's not a museum, but a work of art."
Raymond explains that when Flavin, who died in 1996, was alive, he would organize the shows in the downstairs space himself and then he started to bring curators in.
"For the past six or seven years," says Raymond, "we've been doing small projects or presentations either from the collection or with the artists we are showing on a larger scale somewhere else."
Dia Beacon is the organization's massive space in Beacon, N.Y. It's a converted Nabisco factory that was specifically designed to house the works of Dia artists, many of which are on a very large scale.
"At Dia Beacon," says Raymond, "there are 25 exhibitions on display. The rooms are vast. In the case of these particular works by Chamberlain, we've never been able to show them because they're so modest. They're an oddity — an exception from what he was known for."
The pieces on view in Bridgehampton include six paintings (auto lacquer on Formica) as well as one sculpture (paint on steel). They were created early on in his career, all done in 1965.
"They're unique experimentations he did on a two-dimensional surface," says Raymond. "I took one sculpture from the same year to contextualize what he was known for. What is intriguing and special about this little body of work is that you can see he was painting. He was using pencils and car paint on Formica. Bizarre materials, creating luminescent and translucent surfaces."
Seeing the familiar car paint from Chamberlain's other work applied to flat surfaces brings a whole new aesthetic to it. As you walk past the paintings, the color and light almost appear to be changing.
"It's an optical effect," says Raymond. "Everyone has a different experience of it, and nobody sees the same thing. Your experience of the work is determined by the set of eyes you've got, and I think Chamberlain was interested in playing with those effects. Chamberlain was a true colorist in the same sense that de Kooning was."
Perhaps it's that play of light and color that bonds Chamberlain to neon revolutionary Dan Flavin, along with their mutual membership in Dia's elite.
"He's a hard artist to pinpoint historically," says Raymond of Chamberlain. "He wears many hats. He had one leg in Abstract Expressionism and the other in Minimalism, and he was a great player in that generation. But one of the most wonderful things about his work is his understanding of light and his use of color. When you see his pieces on display, it's a feast to the eye."
The current exhibit, "John Chamberlain: It Ain't Cheap" will be on view now through October 20, 2013. The Dan Flavin Institute, on Corwith Lane in Bridgehampton, is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m., and admission is always free.
These works are from a series of 12-inch-square paintings that were presented at Leo Castelli Gallery in January 1965 in a solo exhibition titled "Paintings" done in auto lacquer and metal flake on formica. Dia presented an exhibition of work by John Chamberlain at The Dan Flavin Art Institute in 2007.