Photo Journal 6/29/2018

Blue Lake Regional Park, Oregon

No Editing, Shot with Canon 80D with 50mm 1.4, Kenko Extension Tubes,

70-200mm 2.8 and 14-24mm 2.8 Lenses

Click to Enlarge

30 Days of Fiction: 21

IN a car dressed in black a man sat, or nearly sat, as what he was actually doing was bouncing up and down on the seat. His eyes starred forward never blinking. His hands clutched the steering wheel as if it were the only thing keeping him from flying out of the moonroof and into the sky. 'Come on, Come on,' he thought as he watched the house on the corner with the one light on in its upstairs window. He was the moth to the light's flame and just as the light went black so did the man stop bouncing. His grip slowly released from his anchor and his hands took on a new task. His face went serious as the mask came down.

 The door opened without a sound and closed without a peep. He stood at the front door for a moment admiring its ornate wooden artwork. He felt the grooves in the wood for what felt like forever before hopping the fence designed to keep out small dogs. He was not a small dog but instead, a large hungry cat pouncing into the backyard where the glass on the back sliding doors was only held together by tape and boards. It had been the victim of a senseless act of vandalism the evening prior. Unfortunately for this cat, there was another animal waiting for its prey in that very yard.

The cat never made it in the house but was instead sitting in a chair feeling the pain from both his head and his wrists. He looked down at them to find that they were connected to the arms of his new chair with steel handcuffs made all too tight for his liking. The dim lighting only revealed a few details as he looked around the room. Brick walls all around, stairs leading upward off in the distance, one all too powerful light that blinded anyone who looked directly at it as one might do if they were confused about their situation.

As his eyes adjusted from to the darkness he saw another thing. It was a dimly visible shape of a large podium or desk. Just then an overhead light flashed on and a door could be heard from somewhere off in the distance. The stairs ached under the weight of the loud footsteps descending them and soon another figure could be seen. He wore a long black judge's cloak and was eating a small orange as he came into the view of the man in the chair and then, without looking over, took his place behind the tall desk.

They stared at each other without speaking. One with wide eyes that didn't blink and one with eyes that seemed to have no other concern than of the orange he was eating.

"Who are you," the man in the cuffs asked calmly.

The man continued to eat his orange.

"You're not going to like how this turns out," the cat said sternly with all sincerity and seriousness.

After the final slice orange matter was devoured, a wet wipe was pulled out of a nearby drawer and the man cleaned his hands and mouth, still staring at the man making threats. His hand disappeared into a drawer and as the hand came back into view a large wood gavel could be seen but in an instant, it was being slammed into the desk.

CLACK! CLACK! CLACK!

The gavel banged down reverberating around the small stone room like a thunderstorm.

"You, Albert May Hughes, are accused of committing the following offenses on the date of June 1st, 2018: trespassing, breaking and entering, burglary, and mayhem," the Judge said with authority.

"What," Albert attempted a rebuttal.

"AND, the following offenses on today's date June 15th, 2018: trespassing, attempted burglary and general mayhem. How do you plead," the Judge asked.

"Fuck off," Albery replied abruptly, "What the fuck are you talking about? I didn't do shit. You can't do this. Who the fuck are you?"

"You are Albert May Hughes of Salt Lake City, Utah. Are you not," the Judge asked.

"What," Albert asked and then continued, "Well, I mean, yes, that's my name but how do you..."

He couldn't finish before the Judge broke in, "Alright then, how do you plead?"

"Not fucking guilty, obviously," Albert said, starting to play along, not sure where this was leading.

"It is noted. You have five minutes to begin your defense. If you can not produce a reasonable defense within those five minutes you will be deemed guilty of all charges and sentenced accordingly," the Judge explained dispassionately.

"What," Albert said still quite confused.

"You have five minutes to explain yourself starting now," the Judge said looking at his watch and then back at Albert.

"Uh, fuck. Ok. You said I was robbing someone on June 1st," he asked but was met with only silence as the judge stared back at him. "Ok, that's easy, I was out of town visiting my friend in Vegas that weekend. Let me call them and they will tell you everything."

The Judge did not reply.

"Fuck you man! I was out of town. My friend will confirm it. We were in Vegas all weekend getting fucked up!" Albert said as sweat poured down his face. "Come on!"

"And what about tonight, do you have any explanation?" The Judge asked.

"Uh, uh," Albert stumbled over his words.

"And what about these?" the Judge asked, holding up large black and white printed photos. One Albert sitting in a car at night, another of Albert putting on a mask inside the car, another of Albert walking up to a house, a photo from behind the house where could be seen entering a broken out back sliding door, one of him leaving the same house with a bag. Then he showed him a couple photos taken from that night just before he had been taken to the basement.

"That's not me," he exclaimed. "Fuck you!" Albert was less than calm now and began the rage against his bondage. The Judge simply watched as Albert struggled and then gave up.

"You have failed to defend yourself against these charges. Myself having witnessed you committing all of these crimes deem you guilty on all charges," the Judge said as Albert lifted his defeated head.

"What now," he asked meekly.

The Judge stood up, walked out from behind the desk and knelt in front of Albert as to look him in the eyes.

"Now the sentencing," the Judge said with a slight smile just before plunging a needle into Albert's neck, rendering him unconscious once again.

Albert opened his eyes slowly as the bright sun started to leak in where he found himself unable to move his limbs. He looked down to see the tops of cars rushing past him at an alarming rate. His heart began to race as he realized where he was.

From the perspective of the oncoming drivers passing under the bridge, he looked like a kind of living graffiti. A naked man spread out against the cold concrete of the overpass with the words thief written many times and in many colors all over his body. Soon, the police would take him down and find the photographs that were in an envelope duct-taped to his chest and the news would report that a new vigilante was out there "cleaning up the streets".

Restitution Then and Now

America made a costly compromise in allowing slavery but I believe that they believed that it was the best way to compete with other large countries. When they decided to end slavery and rightly so they should have paid restitution to the aggrieved parties, both the slaves and slave owners. In my mind, the slave owners would not get nearly what the slaves would but just enough to recognize that the government is to blame for the hardship that will ensue*. 

The problem is that the government didn't do enough to own their responsibility for slavery and to make it right when they could have. The problem is that with time restitution becomes impossible to calculate. When the aggrieved party is deceased who should the money go to? Their children? And in what amount? And what can people now do with random amounts of money thrown at them for no reason? This is what the government did with welfare and that isn't working out very well. The government should have treated freed slaves as citizens who are wrongfully imprisoned and paid as a lump sum or periodic payment but with terms and conditions. Such as the money ends with the individual. It would not be welfare for all but specific restitution for a specific person for a specific crime inflicted on them.

What should happen if you are taken out of your home and enslaved today? When you are freed it would be reasonable to allow you to sue for damages in restitution and the kidnapper would be held accountable. They would be jailed but the problem comes when your government is the kidnapper. You can try to sack members of the government or the government in whole but they are a loyal crew and not easily other thrown. It may be cost many lives to cause an effective coo and in the end, there have been no real solutions to the issue and measures taken to ensure it doesn't happen again.

So the peaceful way to hold the government accountable is to have them pay for their crimes in restitution. The downside to this is that the cost to the government due to this kind of grievance is really the cost of the people through taxes or debt.

If the government is to act as the countries ultimate leadership then it must take responsibility for everything that occurs within its scope of control. In the modern state, this means that when it unjustly imprisons people for crimes that should never have been crimes, such as marijuana possession, and if that crime is decriminalized, they should release those whose crimes were only that, and then pay restitution in an amount that is reasonable based on what an average person in that city would have made plus a penalty fee paid from the personal pockets of the tribe that caused it, the politicians. This might incentivize the government from taking laws more seriously or it might incentivize them to never change laws. I am not sure. 

Here is the last problem I see in regards to restitution now for slavery back then in the form of racially based special programs. I don't think it can be done logically, financially or effectively and so the crimes of the past must remain in the past. There are plenty of new crimes that we should hold the government accountable for. If the government displays some Extreme Ownership (as described by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin's book by that name) as a foundational guiding standard then we might see real change and real leadership from the government.

To explain the previous paragraph:

It is not logical because it is too far removed from its original recipients and too complicated to make work. It is not financially possible due to the same reasons and due to inflation, current living conditions and the massive population that exists compared to those originally aggrieved. Either you would have to spread the money too thin or too thick on those that would have gained from it had it been distributed thoughtfully in the past. It wouldn't be effective for same reasons.

And of all the descendants on either side of the issue whom would be to blame and whom would be entitled to compensation? In mind, it is either all descendants, 1 descendant or none. This is all hypothetical and really just an exercise in thinking about restorative justice, I suppose. I do not think that anyone is actually promoting giving restitution now to descendants of people who were enslaved. Maybe someone is but I doubt it is more than a few people. This is not a debate against a real opponent. It is just a thought experiment about what can be done to ensure that African Americans feel that their government is on their side just as it is on the side of all its citizens. 

The government has done what it will do about slavery and the Native American conquering (as another example of complicated political crimes), and it does seem that if it is too late for restitution for slavery so I am not sure what else the government can do to appease the descendants of the aggrieved.  I certainly do not see the government succeeding in unifying the country as a citizenry that works together toward a common cause.

I also see many people blaming others for their problems and not taking it on themselves to be successful. I see people who want to use the government to enact their self-interested justice instead of holding the government accountable for its crimes. It also seems that people forget the difference between the private and governmental sectors as more wish to adopt a governmental control over all aspects of life. I do not see people working to come up with counters to power run amock and remembering to keep freedoms from being lost in the chaos. 

*Revision on 6/29/2018: Slave owners that profited from slavery should not receive compensation for losing their slaves because they have already benefited so much. I suppose I just wanted a symbol of responsibility from the government. It is not the fault of the slave owner that they were able to own slaves, as the government allowed and facilitated it and I don't know how to justify taking the money from the slave owners to pay the restitution because they did nothing illegal at the time. They certainly benefited from something immoral but at the time was not seen as immoral by many. 

Photo Journal 6/22 to 6/24/2018

Sunset Falls, WA

No Editing, Shot with Canon 80D with 18-55 Kit Lens

Click to Enlarge

On a Spectrum: Verbal Skills

There are verbal people and nonverbal people. Verbal people like to tell stories and talk about everything. Nonverbal people want to sit around and do nothing or run around doing everything. Most people fall on a spectrum from verbal to nonverbal with some at the height of verbal acuity and some literally nonverbal. I do not count deaf people as nonverbal as their language is deep and expressive. It is more a matter of personality that one is inclined more or less towards verbal acumen and communication. Genetics and environment play a major role. The only role most likely.

 With genetics determining the internal possibilities and the environment determining the external possibilities. As they mix throughout life one develops into a being capable of affecting others and directing one's own life as a director directs although limited by predetermined genetic boundaries. Fortunately, as one gains more resources one can also start directing their environment.

Back to the matter at hand. Those that are higher on the verbal scale help to reinforce that personality trait in the population by encouraging other communicators with attention, validation or another engagement type. Verbal acuity has been selected for in humans, and most likely with other species because it can greatly increase survivability. Lessons about how to live in the world can be passed onto the next generation early enough to give them a leg up on their peers.

If storytelling has been used as a tool for survival for thousands of years, then it will definitely be rewarded in society, at least at some level. Even dictators have to tell those around them a story about how to live.

In less violent societies storytellers use art to express their life plans. Their guide to happiness or success or whatever it is. We are wired to tell everyone what we know about the world and some are better than others. Many types of intelligences have to come together to be considered truly wise and the verbal skill is one that makes it easier to get noticed and understood. With the right words, others will follow, obey or understand.

Book Review: The Ten Pillars of Wealth by Alex Becker

I decided to steal this book off of my brother's nightstand because I was drawn to the idea of getting into the mind of the wealthy. I have only recently developed a desire to make money as my own boss. I started a video and photography business about a year and a half ago with my brother and after I got my first check from independent work I become excited about the prospect of making money for myself instead of for a faceless corporate boss. I still work for a corporation now but after reading this book my mind has been set a quiver with ideas about how to become my own boss.

I enjoyed the conversational and unique voice that Alex Becker delivers. While at times it came across as egotistical, overconfident, pretentious or otherwise off-putting, Alex somehow brings you back through his honesty, humor and blunt explanations. He makes no bones about what this book is about or who it is for. He is not interested in winning a popularity contest or to hold your hand into the world of the megawealthy. This book is for those that want to know like the 1% of the 1% of people in the world that have made money through hard work, intelligence, perseverance, and ambition.

 While my goal is not to be megawealthy this book has helped me to think about how money and wealth are created in entirely new ways. To look at the economic landscape as a fertile playground where I do not have to choose between only one or two ways to make a living. I have been inspired to take the business I started with my brother to new levels through better sales and marketing strategies, to look at my finances more seriously in regards to investing and retirement, to look at avenues where I can make money that I previously did not know existed and to really think about what my goals are as an adult. How much money do I want to make and in what amount of time? How can I leverage my time and knowledge to better suit myself and serve others needs?

This book was easy to read and I think I only found one grammar error the entire time, which is pretty impressive. The pillars that Alex describes are straightforward and practical and the real-world examples are instructively giving the reader a sense of urgency and compelling action. By the end of the book, I find myself wanting to go over it again just to make sure that I really reinforce the lessons and mindset that will compel myself to pursue financial independence and success. I recommend this book to anyone that wants an insight into the elite world of the super wealthy but more practically to anyone that wants to know about what is outside the 9-5 "traffic fighting" world so many despise.

Buy it using my affiliate link and start changing your mindset today!

The Best Explanation of Compatibilism is by Sean Carroll

I think that Sean Carroll has the best explanation of the difference between talking about the deterministic world of physics and the practical world of conversations about free will. Essentially, there are different levels in explaining the phenomenon and they are compatible as long as they are the best ways to communicate and understand the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK2PviGQiHk&t=649s 

Exercise Diary

As of 7/17/17

Average per week totals: (Rounded down)
300 Crunches
120 Push-ups
40 Pull-ups
30 Kettle Bell Curls
30 Kettle Bell Over Head Curls (Triceps)
30 Kettle Bell Squat to Over Head Lift
30 Kettle Bell Row Movement (Shoulders)

Other activities:
Punching Bag
Slack Line
Hiking
Walking
Jogging
Bicycling

Weight this morning: 142

My Favorite E3 2018 Trailers

Here are my favorite E3 2018 trailers in order of "most likely will play" to "definitely will play".

Halo Infinite

343 Industries 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmdb-KmlzD8

Rage 2

Bethesda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9fWKslhPvQ

Cyberpunk 2077

CD Projekt Red

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X2kIfS6fb8

Ghost of Tsushima

Sucker Punch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfTOmVE4QFM

Dying Light 2

Techland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98oJYDRblLI

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

From Software

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGPknmiLxGo

The Last of Us II

Naughty Dog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btmN-bWwv0A&t=23s

Basic Computing Information

For about a year and a half, I have been working for a large retail corporation in their tech department. For the first 6 months, I worked with someone that knew a lot about computers and he helped me learn a lot but other than his informal training I have learned on my own. Here are a few things I have learned and these are just my opinions so don't get mad if you try something and your computer gets fucked up.

1. Startup Applications:
     a. On Windows 10 you can hold CTL ALT and DELETE, then go to task manager, then to details at the bottom, then to the startup tab and disable any applications you know don't need to start on bootup. Programs like MS One Drive, or Dropbox, or trial versions of programs might be on your computer and running on startup, taking up processor power and RAM space. Don't disable programs you don't recognize or find out what it does before disabling it. Having fewer programs start when you turn the computer on will make the bootup faster and save processing power for the programs you do want to run.
     b. Some applications, such as Skype, virus protection programs, and plug-ins might start automatically but may not be on the list described above. You should be able to go into these applications directly and look for settings related to startup options.

2. Viruses:
     a. Get a paid virus protection or at least use Windows Defender. Don't use a free one from the internet because they tend to pester you to upgrade and run too many popups. Also, don't download those driver helper programs. They waste space, tend to run on their own and too often. You don't need to update your drivers all the time.

3. Passwords:
     a. Know your passwords! Write them down or use a spreadsheet and keep them up to date. If your feeling trustworthy download a plug-in called Last Pass for chrome and it will remember all your passwords and automatically plug them into most sites. Be Aware! This program is not perfect and you are still responsible for maintaining your own passwords! Also, Remember the answers to security questions. Make them memorable!

4. CCleaner and Malwarebytes are Free! (Know your passwords before running CCleaner!)
     a. Malwarebytes is awesome and easy to use. If you can't figure it out don't worry about it.
     b. CCleaner deletes old temp and cached files as well as deleting outdated registry files. These all take up space and can slow down processes. These files often contain "remembered" information such as passwords, form data, or history. For example, you may need to re-log into websites that are normally automatically logged into.

5. Back up your shit!
     a. Computers and hard drives can fail and you can lose all your data so make sure to back up your data. If you use an online service like Carbonite or Dropbox make sure you know the terms of use and your account information. Otherwise, you can buy an external HDD or Hard Drive Device. The cost per gigabyte is very reasonable. For around $60 you can buy a 1 Terabyte HDD and put a ton of data on it. Just plug it in and copy files from your computer over and you'll have a backup just in case something happens to your computer.

My Minimum Requirements for basic use:

- Intel 7th i3 Processor or better (i5 or i7 or i9) (8th gen is newest)
- 8  Gigs of RAM (memory) or more.
- 256 of SSD (Solid State Drive) or 1 TB (Terabyte) or more internal storage.

FYI when buying a Windows 10 machine:
Windows 10 updates a lot. Check your settings to minimize annoyance by setting "active hours".

What about Chromebooks you ask?
These are great for a particular purpose. They are good for going online, utilizing Google's online applications and probably a few things I don't know about. They do not have WINDOWS 10 as an operating system. They have a small amount of internal storage capacity. Google expects you to utilize online storage options. For streaming and using Google applications such as Google Docs, Sheets, Photos and Drive this is a great platform.

Photo Journal 5/31/2018

Hanging in the Yard

Canon with 70 - 200mm 

Click to Enlarge