Atwaterpub

Friday, July 14, 2017

Always get a second opinion

No matter what you are doing or who else you are working around, occasionally ask for an opinion on your progress. Every person, even the most dull witted, slow, and unenlightened, has a unique view and unique experience and they may notice something that you have totally overlooked.

"Always get a second opinion." - Mr. Atwater

William A. Schaeffer

One Million a Year

Background. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that each year approximately one million people die from suicide, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 people per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds. It is predicted that by 2020 the rate of death will increase to one every 20 seconds.

"...oops... There goes another one." - Zobo the Clown

William A. Schaeffer

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Mr. Anonymous

"You have heard all about me, but you don't really know WHO I am. You wouldn't even recognized me on the street unless I wanted you to and even then you wouldn't really be sure. I am the person that they do all the research on. I am your best friend. I am your first crush. I am the celebrity unknown. I am your father's buddy, your mother's confidant, and your grandparent's long time friend. I am the person who ruined everything for the rest of your life; and even more. I am your worst dream and your best nightmare. I am the person you never met but always knew. I am Mr. Anonymous."

William Schaeffer

The Clown talks

"Stop eating cows. Stop killing pigs." - Zobo the Clown

William A. Schaeffer

Suicide and 9/11

Every single day in USA America, an average of 123 people commit suicide. For every person who is "successful" at killing themselves, 24 other people have tried and "failed." There are over 3,000 suicide attempts every single day in USA America. This is about the same number of people that died in 9/11. Every single day for the past ten years 3,000 people have tried to kill themselves in the USA America. Where is the news coverage of THAT? Where is the media outrage? Where is the scientific analysis and political "hand wringing?" Who really cares about THOSE 3,000 people who try to kill themselves EVERY SINGLE DAY in USA AMERICA? Who really cares?

Similarly, in every single month, for the past ten years, over 3,000 people have successfully killed themselves in USA America. As many people die by suicide in every single month, for the past ten years, than died in 9/11. Where is the media outrage about THOSE dead Americans? Since 9/11 over 600,000 people killed themselves by suicide. This is more than TWO HUNDRED TIMES the number of people that died in 9/11 Where is the media outrage? Where are the demands for change? Where is the hand wringing examination of cause? Where is the common human decency in America? Who really cares?

William A. Schaeffer

Science versus Sports

The thought occurs to me that "scientific truth testing analysis" type behavior is exactly opposite of "team building socializing" behavior. In Science we look for negative differences. In Team Building we look for positive similarities. In Science, we eliminate all emotions. In Team Building, we nurture positive emotions. In Science, we assume the personal relationship is understood. In Team Building we assume the personal relationship needs constant reaffirmation. In Science we tear things apart. In Team Building we patch things up. In Science we simplify and develop general descriptions. In Team Building, every personal story is unique and special.

William Schaeffer

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Negative Information

In the scientific method and mathematical modelling - negative information is MOST important, because it indicates that the model needs correcting. Positive information tells you NOTHING - it just confirms your suspicions, (but yields no new truth). We give priority to negative information because only negative information indicates significant truth.

When building a model of any aspect of life, the negative information you discover carries the greatest statistical weight of "pointing-to-truth."

Only one repeatable example is necessary to invalidate an entire scientific theory, but even a million confirmations of the equation will not prove it absolutely true. Negative information is much more "valuable" than positive information.

Surprisingly, research seems to indicate that people make better decisions when they are angry, than when calm. When one is angry, they are no longer willing to believe the pleasant "half-truths" they tell themselves about the situation being examined. The anger helps the mind "cut through the crap" and get to the heart of the matter.

William Schaeffer