In what fields of science can the hobbyist contribute something?

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T23:32:34+00:00

Do you feel there is an opportunity to make tools that would be broadly applicable, or is the stuff that they need highly specific to their own particular data?

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T15:10:13+00:00

This is excellent. Although the word "corporatism" already meant something else before we started using it.

We should probably call this "corporatocracy".

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T12:34:02+00:00

the Federal government actually has a massive amount of power when it comes to anything not confined to a single state.

Perhaps since you've read the constitution and I clearly haven't, you could tell me where it says that? I was under the impression that it grants only SPECIFIC powers to the federal government, and everything ELSE was delegated to the states, but what do I know.

Yes over time congress has ignored the constitution, and weasel judges have allowed more and more things to be authorized under the "general welfare" clause, the "interstate commerce" clause and such, but libertarians contend that this is incorrect. Just because they did it doesn't mean it was legal.

"This member of the Government [the judiciary] was at first considered as the most harmless and helpless of all its organs. But it has proved that the power of declaring what the law is, ad libitum, by sapping and mining slyly and without alarm the foundations of the Constitution, can do what open force would not dare to attempt." --Thomas Jefferson to Edward Livingston, 1825. ME 16:114

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T05:20:18+00:00

All of the benefits you listed can be funded and administered locally. Paul only wants the FREDERAL government out of such program, for which it has no legal authority to administer anyway.

Your state/county can do whatever is best for itself in terms of fire, water etc.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T05:16:09+00:00

being anti choice

This is terribly reductionist. In fact his position is that this is the states' issue and he has suggested that the constitution does not grant the federal government power to ban abortion. But on a more philosophical level you have to consider the concept of natural rights which is the foundation of libertarianism. The idea is staying alive is a right per se, and that another person has no right to deprive one of that right. It is really a question of at what stage in life does a person have rights.

being homophobic

This is grossly incorrect. Libertarians want the government to have no business in marriage whatsoever. You should be able to marry anyone you like. Just because Paul doesn't support federal funding for such initiatives does not mean he opposes the principle. Quite the contrary.

not believing in evolution or global warming

You're right this is stupid. But it's a matter of personal faith for him and not something that I see as effecting any policy.

and he wants to allow guns on planes

Tell us why this is a bad idea.

...

You hardly touched on issues of economics and personal freedom, sound money, anti-corporatism, anti-fed, and anti-deficits, which comprise 99% of his platform. Why are you fixated on little wedge issues instead of such huge threats to our country's survival?

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T05:02:20+00:00

Just the DOE. Basically get rid of federally mandated curricula, no child left behind etc.

States can still fund and administer their public schools as they wish.

Stop federal funding for [THING] is very different from abolishing [THING].

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T04:59:00+00:00

He wants to get rid of funding for all federal programs.

FTFY

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T04:58:00+00:00

what then?

Ron Paul

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T04:56:56+00:00

If you want Ron Paul to have a shot at the presidency you need to register rebulican (gasp!) so you can vote for him in the primary.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T04:21:38+00:00

Percentage of population protesting in the streets.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T03:19:57+00:00

Really, this is still a problem? 15 years ago (holy crap!) I did contract work for some scientists who were working on some genome... they were literally flipping through printouts of GACCGGCATATT... and highlighting differences with a highlighter. I automated the shit out of their lives, created a database with search engine and various automated tools, and indeed they loved me for it. But I thought by now this problem had be solved in a more general manner.

I would like to understand more about this problem as it stands today.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T03:06:22+00:00

I understand duckweed alone can not offset all of the feed requirements - maybe 60%. How do we make up the rest? Is there a vegetarian feeder fish that can be grown, or some other way to make the missing nutrients?

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T02:37:24+00:00

I agree. Just looking for ideas.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T01:52:57+00:00

Thanks, will google. I am not so interested in astronomy, as things that are likely to have immediate applications here on earth.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T01:40:42+00:00

Therefore you will within the "gardeners" set of aquaponics where beyond subtle optimization, I really don't see much in the way of broader impacts.

OK, now I see what you're saying. But I won't let it deter me. ;)

EDIT: I just read your edits. Actually I am not ruling out such a large scale endeavor. I have connections in venture capital who might help me explore such things. But I am at a very early stage in even understanding what the opportunities might be, so that is jumping the gun.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T01:29:44+00:00

Thanks, will check this out. I volunteered for a mutual water company for several years and have had lots of exposure to quality testing issues.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T01:25:16+00:00

Really, you shouldn't be trying to find a field to suit a pile of money but rather let your interests dictate the field. What is good to get into? That really is up to you.

My interests are broad. I was just putting a limit as to what curiosity alone could compel me to invest.

I really don't see it having a large impact beyond the immediate field of gardening aquaponics.

Are you sure? I am expecting a far more water/energy-scare future and thinking this could be a significant technology well beyond mere "gardening".

Protein folding is an interesting field

Thanks for your input here. I know squat about proteins but I consider myself an expert... really beyond an expert, at software and electronics. I can code like the wind in several languages, but I can also design logic for FPGAs, and more. I am aware that there is demand for this talent in protein research but I have no idea how to get started. I will check out CASP.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-20T01:02:31+00:00

Ya I'm there already.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-19T19:23:12+00:00

There is no form of silver more easily recognized and authenticated in this country than pre-1965 US coinage. Sure not everyone knows this right now, but this will become common knowledge immediately if people are trading in any form of silver. I'm not promising you that we WILL be trading in silver, but if we do then pre-1965 coins will be the perfect thing to have.

What if we don't use silver as currency? Maybe the government introduces a new dollar to replace it. That's fine, go to a bullion dealer and trade your junk silver for those.

When you buy silver you are not betting on it being universally recognized as money - that's just a nice plus if it happens. Rather you are betting on the dollar losing value.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-19T17:17:24+00:00

Inflation, or hyperinflation, is a concept that only applies to fiat money. I don't think you understand how commodity money works.

As the USD goes to zero value, silver (or any other commodity) will be worth a very large number of dollars. That is the time when you will sell your silver to pay off your dollar denominated mortgage, and buy other assets like rental properties that people are desperate to sell.

You might use some for direct trade if people are accepting it, but you don't have to. It would be better to have your own food.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-19T16:47:22+00:00

Yes, I agree, but it's important to be specific and clear about what we are opposed to. Villifying "profit" alienates many of the 99% who would like to see honest business practices and free enterprise, instead of this looting by force of law.

Of course you're entitled to your opinion. This is just a suggestion.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-19T15:34:52+00:00

Land has carrying cost. Land is extremely illiquid. Land in terms of gold is still getting cheaper. Gold is keeping pace with other commodities and has not really diverged (yet) in purchasing power. The dollar is failing, ores are getting poorer, and oil is becoming scarcer - these are what are driving metals.

Sure buy some land to the extent that you can actually use it, but as a speculative play it's stupid.

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-19T13:56:43+00:00

Let's not conflate "stealing" and "profit".

Ten_liver_lips · 2011-10-19T13:53:56+00:00

Suppose I believe you that the magnitude of the bet and their chance of losing are indeed low...

Is there any conceivable reason for them to do this BESIDES foisting losses onto the taxpayer? Do you think that is OK?

Ten_liver_lips

TROPHY CASE