blog jp3

There's a psychological theory called depressive realism. It holds that clinically depressed people have the most accurate view of the world. Studies show they have a correct perception of how much they control the outcome of events -- namely, very little.

So when Adam Savage says, "I reject your reality, and choose to substitute my own..." , it turns out that is what we're all doing anyway! Click here to read the whole article.

So I spent the last few days in Boulder, CO, and I think the experience has turned me a bit to the left. Actually, I've had some thoughts festering for a while. Specifically, can unbridled capitalism really work in a global economy with finite resources. Recently, I've been testing my thesis that the mega-corporation is an inherently evil thing. So far...the theory is getting validated. Somehow, it just seems instinctual that big things are bad. How about we break apart any corporation that exceeds 5 billion in sales, simply because they're too big. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, you know!

Muhammad Yunus is a Nobel Peace Prize winner based on his implementation of microfinancing services. Here are some of his latest ideas:

"Pure-profit maximization is bad for people, for the environment and, ultimately, he argues, for capitalism, since it places unsustainable demands on the system.

But if unfettered capitalism has its shortcomings, so does out-and-out charity. Yunus sees charity as a bad bargain for both those who give it and those who get it. Rather than providing a path to self-improvement, charity relieves recipients of the responsibility for their own betterment. And those who give charity find themselves writing a check every year for the same problem, without any expectation that it will ever be solved."

Click here to read the whole story.

Click here to see how Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segue, is still changing the world for the better. He has developed a new robotic prosthetic for veterans returning from Iraq.

2008 Piaggio MP3 500 Test Drive: Clever Trike Delivers 60 MPG, Tons of Fun - Popular Mechanics: "Don’t let the silly name fool you: Piaggio’s MP3 may inspire iPod jokes, but this odd-looking three-wheeler is rapidly building a cult following on American roads. The MP3 is essentially a scooter with two wheels up front for more stability. We were skeptical, but the suspension engineering really works well—and the scooter’s a blast to ride."

Motorcycle Heaven - Concept Motorcycles - New Motorcycles - Tokyo Motor Show 2007 - Popular Mechanics: "The hybrid four-wheeled vehicle looks like a cross between a praying mantis and the Terminator. The 'dual-scythe' suspension is said to enable traditional motorcycle cornering despite the four-wheeled layout and reminds us of a more delicate and production feasible version of the Dodge Tomahawk. The overall stability of such a design could open up motorcycle commuting for a whole new group of riders in the future. Let's hope they build it."

Take a look at the latest gadget to hit my "Wanna Have" list: The Smartpen by Livescribe.Livescribe :: Never Miss A Word It claims to revolutionize the way we use pen and paper...

Do you feel safe? I used to...now, I don't. Read this article from Popular Mechanics. (I drove on the Alsakan Way Viaduct yesterday!)

Johnny is a morning disk jockey at WKRP radio station 1530 on the AM dial. He is divorced, scruffy, spaced-out and likes to make ”special” brownies. His real name is Johnny Caravella. However, Johnny has also been known as Johnny Duke, Johnny Style, Johnny Midnight, Johnny Cool, Johnny Sunshine, Heavy Early, and Rip Tide.

Click here for more.

Did you know that Chelsea had a brother? Yup...it's true. You don't know about him because Hillary ate him when he was 3. Go here for a recent profile of Ms. Clinton.