Dave Rubin is not "cookie-cutter" anything. You could say he doesn't fit in the conventional boxes, and he definitely thinks for himself.
Like Elizabeth Nickson (last Thursday-Friday posts), he has left the left.
"I'm a married gay man so you might think that I appreciate the government forcing a Christian baker or photographer or florist to act against their religion in order to cater/photograph/decorate my wedding. But you'd be wrong. A government that can force Christians to violate their conscience can force me to violate mine."
Showing posts with label Character. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Character. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2020
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Ankur Gopal 2
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Ankur Gopal's business in Kentucky is Interapt.
He started it "in his apartment with a vision to create a world class IT company that transforms clients and empowers humans through technology.
"In Interapt’s early stages of growth, the company struggled to find local tech talent to the point that it was turning away work. To solve this challenge, Interapt turned to a unique solution — creating our own talent."
So they do tuition-free software training:
"[W]e provide traditionally overlooked individuals the opportunity to develop foundational coding and programming skills, offering them a chance for a new career path. Technology is the future, and we are changing lives one line of code at a time."
Thousands of tech jobs will be needed in Louisville KY, so Mr. Gopal is reaching out to new groups, such as military vets coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Ankur Gopal's business in Kentucky is Interapt.
He started it "in his apartment with a vision to create a world class IT company that transforms clients and empowers humans through technology.
"In Interapt’s early stages of growth, the company struggled to find local tech talent to the point that it was turning away work. To solve this challenge, Interapt turned to a unique solution — creating our own talent."
So they do tuition-free software training:
"[W]e provide traditionally overlooked individuals the opportunity to develop foundational coding and programming skills, offering them a chance for a new career path. Technology is the future, and we are changing lives one line of code at a time."
Thousands of tech jobs will be needed in Louisville KY, so Mr. Gopal is reaching out to new groups, such as military vets coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Monday, August 26, 2019
Ankur Gopal 1
Ankur Gopal was brought up in Kentucky by parents who immigrated from India. He was doomed to be his grandmother's tech support (watch the video).
After college and some time in Silicon Valley, Ankur returned to Kentucky . . where he had a revelation about its people and their abilities. They had value and intelligence that would respond to opportunity.
Rural Kentuckians may be thought of as tooth-free, grinning, moonshine-drinking hillbillies. But from a different point of view, "A hillbilly can do anything. Out in the hollows, you can’t call in specialists; you fix that stalled truck, that leaky roof, that broken radio yourself."
He started a business which now trains them to develop apps.
“Why outsource coding jobs to Bangalore when we can insource jobs to eastern Kentucky, poor in jobs but rich in work ethic?"
(cont'd tomorrow)
After college and some time in Silicon Valley, Ankur returned to Kentucky . . where he had a revelation about its people and their abilities. They had value and intelligence that would respond to opportunity.
Rural Kentuckians may be thought of as tooth-free, grinning, moonshine-drinking hillbillies. But from a different point of view, "A hillbilly can do anything. Out in the hollows, you can’t call in specialists; you fix that stalled truck, that leaky roof, that broken radio yourself."
He started a business which now trains them to develop apps.
“Why outsource coding jobs to Bangalore when we can insource jobs to eastern Kentucky, poor in jobs but rich in work ethic?"
(cont'd tomorrow)
Thursday, May 2, 2019
"I did it"
Economist Thomas Sowell tweeted this last Sunday:
When I see someone take responsibility for their own mistake or sin, without excuses, that gets my attention.
Monday, March 4, 2019
Empower 1
“People say that the poor are condemned to be poor . . " That's what Godolfo of Oaxaca, Mexico, heard.
He had a choice. He could have resigned himself to poverty, to keep believing that the poor are condemned to stay poor. That's the "futility myth" from last week's post - resistance (against poverty) is futile.
But he heard a different message from "Plant with Purpose." They shared an empowering message with him and his neighbors. He started employing his abilities for his own and his community's common good.
"One of the biggest things that determines what we can accomplish is the story we tell ourselves about ourselves. A big part of Plant With Purpose’s program is to replace false narratives that our participants have come to believe with the reality of how God sees them."
(cont'd tomorrow, a changed life)
He had a choice. He could have resigned himself to poverty, to keep believing that the poor are condemned to stay poor. That's the "futility myth" from last week's post - resistance (against poverty) is futile.
But he heard a different message from "Plant with Purpose." They shared an empowering message with him and his neighbors. He started employing his abilities for his own and his community's common good.
"One of the biggest things that determines what we can accomplish is the story we tell ourselves about ourselves. A big part of Plant With Purpose’s program is to replace false narratives that our participants have come to believe with the reality of how God sees them."
(cont'd tomorrow, a changed life)
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Good choices 2
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
As a human being with free will built into you by your Creator, you continually make choices. In order to make good choices (both wise and morally good), you will have to overcome bad advice that masquerades as conventional wisdom coming from your culture.
A really bad piece of advice is the "fatalist myth," which says that your dream is completely out of reach, that there's nothing you can do to change things - that you're actually helpless and should not waste your time trying.
Good news - persistent, repeated action actually re-wires the brain. It's called neuroplasticity.
The fatalist myth is unhealthy. If you pursue the virtues, you will have some measure of success.
from The Human Advantage by Jay Richards
(cont'd tomorrow)
As a human being with free will built into you by your Creator, you continually make choices. In order to make good choices (both wise and morally good), you will have to overcome bad advice that masquerades as conventional wisdom coming from your culture.
A really bad piece of advice is the "fatalist myth," which says that your dream is completely out of reach, that there's nothing you can do to change things - that you're actually helpless and should not waste your time trying.
Opposite to that is a "growth mindset" which says there is hope. Your environment can improve and you have abilities that you can develop into a better destiny. Surprisingly, even your brain can get better.
Good news - persistent, repeated action actually re-wires the brain. It's called neuroplasticity.
The fatalist myth is unhealthy. If you pursue the virtues, you will have some measure of success.
from The Human Advantage by Jay Richards
(cont'd tomorrow)
Monday, February 25, 2019
Good choices 1
A good action freely chosen, that's how Jay Richards describes virtue in The Human Advantage. Your "character" is the sum of the virtues and vices you have developed over your life so far.
Human virtue, the ability to choose goodness, makes Jay an optimist about the future of human workers in an age of smart machines. There are plenty of pessimists on that subject.
Artificial intelligence and robots make people uneasy about the role AI will play in the future of humanity. Many fear the mass take-over of jobs by robots who can do tasks faster and more accurately - at less cost - than humans.
It's a valid concern. But Jay says that AI will never be able to do everything humans can do. Humans will have the advantage in the world of work when they develop certain virtues.
(cont'd tomorrow)
It's a valid concern. But Jay says that AI will never be able to do everything humans can do. Humans will have the advantage in the world of work when they develop certain virtues.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Fake
Fake News is not just an American media phenomenon.
Relotius received two awards from CNN in 2014, including "Journalist of the Year."
Der Spiegel says he "falsified his articles," which in common language means he lied in order to deceive.
He lied about a certain American small town - and they are not amused.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Thursday, December 6, 2018
I wish you well
The late George H.W. Bush, 41st president of the United States, lost his bid for a second term in 1993 to Bill Clinton.
After being president for four years, he walked into the oval office one last time to leave a beautiful note for his successor. You'll find no resentment in it, just kindness and civility.
Dear Bill,
When I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too.
I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described.
There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I'm not a very good one to give advice; but just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course.
You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well.
Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you.
Good luck -
George
George
Monday, December 3, 2018
90% poverty
"Be the kind neighbor & generous friend you wish you had," that's the goal yesterday's author hopes to accomplish in his new home.
In Venezuela, priest Fr. Miguel Romero is taking that challenge on an institutional level. Because the Venezuelan people are desperate for the basics of life, including food.
He says, "When we tell the story of our country, most people don’t believe what is happening. Venezuela has a lot of rich resources and oil. But in the 20 years since this complex political process began, it has destroyed the country — especially institutions and relationships between people."
Last August inflation had reached over 82,000%, and the International Monetary Fund thinks it could be a million percent by the end of this year. It's "hyperinflation" and it looked like this four months ago: somebody "quite literally would have needed a wheelbarrow full of cash to buy some meat and vegetables at the supermarket."
"[A] recent survey [found] that 90 percent of the country's population now live in poverty . . ." So many are leaving their country. The BBC video below explains where they go.
(cont'd tomorrow)
In Venezuela, priest Fr. Miguel Romero is taking that challenge on an institutional level. Because the Venezuelan people are desperate for the basics of life, including food.
He says, "When we tell the story of our country, most people don’t believe what is happening. Venezuela has a lot of rich resources and oil. But in the 20 years since this complex political process began, it has destroyed the country — especially institutions and relationships between people."
Last August inflation had reached over 82,000%, and the International Monetary Fund thinks it could be a million percent by the end of this year. It's "hyperinflation" and it looked like this four months ago: somebody "quite literally would have needed a wheelbarrow full of cash to buy some meat and vegetables at the supermarket."
"[A] recent survey [found] that 90 percent of the country's population now live in poverty . . ." So many are leaving their country. The BBC video below explains where they go.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Loneliness #3
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
It's easy to be around old friends. They have survived learning about your strengths and weaknesses. Since they know your story, you don't have to explain yourself to them.
But many of us are not surrounded with old friends. We are in job after job, location after location, and spending time with old friends isn't part of our lives. Loneliness sets in.
Last Friday's post told the story of an immigrant to the U.S. who, though she sometimes struggled in a new country, said "yes" to invitations to an American holiday every year. She did the right thing by saying "yes." As did this introvert in a new home.
Arthur and his wife fear lonely isolation when they go to their new home too. But this book has given them a strategy to overcome it:
It's easy to be around old friends. They have survived learning about your strengths and weaknesses. Since they know your story, you don't have to explain yourself to them.
But many of us are not surrounded with old friends. We are in job after job, location after location, and spending time with old friends isn't part of our lives. Loneliness sets in.
Last Friday's post told the story of an immigrant to the U.S. who, though she sometimes struggled in a new country, said "yes" to invitations to an American holiday every year. She did the right thing by saying "yes." As did this introvert in a new home.
Arthur and his wife fear lonely isolation when they go to their new home too. But this book has given them a strategy to overcome it:
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Loneliness #2
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
"Steady work" used to be commonplace among Americans, but the nature of work has changed to a sequence of jobs that are not held long enough for relationships to mature. So one source of "people who know me very well" is gone.
A sense of belonging to a certain place - a sense of hometown - used to be commonplace among Americans, the feeling some still get at the "hometown gym on a Friday night," a love for neighbors and community. But how mobile are Americans today.
Author Arthur Brooks says, "I asked myself where I might get that hometown-gym feeling, where I have natural roots . . No specific place came to mind . . not even Seattle, my hometown, which is a perfectly nice place, but one I unsentimentally left behind 35 years ago."
Jobs and homes are often short-lived. Social media "friendships" are shallow. Americans need to be more intentional about building relationships and overcoming loneliness.
(cont'd tomorrow)
"Steady work" used to be commonplace among Americans, but the nature of work has changed to a sequence of jobs that are not held long enough for relationships to mature. So one source of "people who know me very well" is gone.
A sense of belonging to a certain place - a sense of hometown - used to be commonplace among Americans, the feeling some still get at the "hometown gym on a Friday night," a love for neighbors and community. But how mobile are Americans today.
Author Arthur Brooks says, "I asked myself where I might get that hometown-gym feeling, where I have natural roots . . No specific place came to mind . . not even Seattle, my hometown, which is a perfectly nice place, but one I unsentimentally left behind 35 years ago."
Jobs and homes are often short-lived. Social media "friendships" are shallow. Americans need to be more intentional about building relationships and overcoming loneliness.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Loneliness #1
According to a big study done by a major health care provider, "Nearly half [of Americans] say they sometimes or always feel alone or “left out.” Thirteen percent of Americans say that zero people know them well."
In one way, I wonder, "Is that all?" Because most (or maybe all) of us feel alone sometimes. But it shouldn't be "always."
Manipulators have an opportunity in the lonely void. The “outrage industrial complex” provides a sense of community with polarized political tribes. "Essentially, people locate their sense of “us” through the contempt peddled about “them” on the other side of the political spectrum."
In one way, I wonder, "Is that all?" Because most (or maybe all) of us feel alone sometimes. But it shouldn't be "always."
Manipulators have an opportunity in the lonely void. The “outrage industrial complex” provides a sense of community with polarized political tribes. "Essentially, people locate their sense of “us” through the contempt peddled about “them” on the other side of the political spectrum."
(cont'd tomorrow)
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Pararescue
"That Others May Live" -- it's the motto of some of the "most highly trained emergency trauma specialists in the U.S. military. "
If you're in combat, and really in trouble, these are the guys you want to see show up.
(cont'd tomorrow)
If you're in combat, and really in trouble, these are the guys you want to see show up.
photo: military
A parajumper (PJ) is "a personnel recovery specialist, with emergency medical capabilities in humanitarian and combat environments.
Friday, November 16, 2018
Resilient
"In case you hadn’t noticed, life is difficult and unpredictable. So, how do you move forward in such a complex and confusing world? UCLA Medical School psychiatrist Dr. Stephen Marmer offers 5 tips for coping with life’s unwelcome surprises"
Resilient . . not fragile.
Resilient . . not fragile.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Good men
"Bad men don't stop being bad when they stop being men. They become good when they stop being bad."
Monday, August 6, 2018
Privileged
College/university students today are privileged to be a part of their campus community.
"There has never been a more liberal, compassionate, and open-minded environment in human history . . . It's filled with pacific, well-meaning adults who are the least bigoted people in human history and who only wish the best for all of their students.
"Students are the most privileged individuals in history . . they have unfettered access to . . knowledge . . . Every book in human history is available to [them]."
"This is the most privileged position that anyone has ever been in."
When students say that they are targets of hostility, that they are fighting for their right to just exist, they are suffering from a delusion.
"There has never been a more liberal, compassionate, and open-minded environment in human history . . . It's filled with pacific, well-meaning adults who are the least bigoted people in human history and who only wish the best for all of their students.
"Students are the most privileged individuals in history . . they have unfettered access to . . knowledge . . . Every book in human history is available to [them]."
"This is the most privileged position that anyone has ever been in."
When students say that they are targets of hostility, that they are fighting for their right to just exist, they are suffering from a delusion.
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Train traffick
One person - just one -can make a difference. Here's the story of one:
Adarsh Shrivastava was traveling by train last week in India. It's common to see children on the trains, but he noticed that the 26 young girls in his car were visibly upset, some crying.
He suspected the children were being trafficked.
But what could one person do about it? Something clever and effective: he opened a new Twitter account, tweeted what he saw, and tagged the authorities.
The Railway Protection Force in civilian clothes boarded the train a few stops later. The men with the girls were apprehended and the girls brought to safety.
"When news of Shrivastava’s actions went viral, Twitter users called for him to be awarded for his “heroism.” He simply responded,“Thanks, but as a citizen of India, it’s our responsibility to help people.”
Adarsh Shrivastava was traveling by train last week in India. It's common to see children on the trains, but he noticed that the 26 young girls in his car were visibly upset, some crying.
He suspected the children were being trafficked.
But what could one person do about it? Something clever and effective: he opened a new Twitter account, tweeted what he saw, and tagged the authorities.
The Railway Protection Force in civilian clothes boarded the train a few stops later. The men with the girls were apprehended and the girls brought to safety.
"When news of Shrivastava’s actions went viral, Twitter users called for him to be awarded for his “heroism.” He simply responded,“Thanks, but as a citizen of India, it’s our responsibility to help people.”
(cont'd tomorrow)
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Positive?
Is "thinking positive" really possible when your situation seems negative? Pastor Mac says that you don't need to deny what's going on to be positive, but instead picture a positive outcome to the negative circumstances.
Monday, February 26, 2018
RIP Billy
Billy Graham of Montreat, North Carolina, preached to more people than anyone in history. But everything I've read since his death last week also emphasized his integrity. Consistently high standards earned him global respect.
He treated people well and kindly. For example: he and Woody Allen had very little in common in terms of worldview and personal life, but the two of them were able to be civil to each other. Enjoy watching two smart people of differing values interact respectfully and honestly:
He treated people well and kindly. For example: he and Woody Allen had very little in common in terms of worldview and personal life, but the two of them were able to be civil to each other. Enjoy watching two smart people of differing values interact respectfully and honestly:
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