NONES

NONES

THE WEEK (2009) 11/6/09

11

What is a NONE? This is a person who does not identify with any major religion or a denomination. They are non-sectarians. In 1990, there was 8% of the population, today it is 15%.

Most of the churchless are believers. However, they are disappointed with organized religion and stay away from it. We may be moving toward a European position. That is, folks believe, but generally stay away from organized religious expression. Or, it could be cyclical. However, on any given ordinary Sabbath, many churches, synagogues, or religious centers are half full.

Those that have lost the most members are centrist Protestant churches and with the priest scandal, the Roman Catholic Church. Relative to a question that deals with “organized religion answers most of my questions, the answer is 48%.” One should see a more progressive country, even though, some denominations are progressive, they are in the

minority.

THE ECONOMIST (2009) 10/31

29-30

FALLING WORLD POPULATION

The Economist sees falling populations and fertility rates as a good thing. Most people do. Further, the active population (15-55) increases for awhile and then the population ages until there is roughly Zero Population Growth. It makes things easier on the planet. Many of the problems discussed over the years have at least a root in expansive population growth.

At any rate, though not mentioned in the article, the drop is due to “demographic transition.” Many individuals in rural areas need large families to stay economically afloat. As urbanization takes place, children become costly and there is a drop. In 1950, the world was having 5 children per family. By 2050, it should be about 2 children per family. Some western countries, may see Mom, Dad, child, and dog.

On balance, less people mean less stress on the population. However, the loss of people will not be so great to go so fast, because we have more and more people having less

and less children. It will still take awhile to actually reduce the population overall.

WHAT IS A BANKER WORTH?

TIME (2009) 11/9/ 33

When comparing credentials and responsibility of bankers compared to other

CEO’s of other capitalist corporations, bankers are paid too much. They may even earn

large salaries when the bank is losing money. The public’s feeling about bankers

appears to be justified.

NEW MIRACLE DRUGS

AARP (2009) 11/12

FISCHER/60-63

A gentleman in his 60’s started getting a tinkling sensation and severe headaches. The discovery at the hospital is that he had cancer within the brain and that it was inoperable. He went through 6 weeks of radiation and was not any better. It was time to die. However, a new drug was available and was being tested. Called Avistan, this new

Biologic is incredibly expensive, but it did the job. Rather than trying to kill the cancer, Avistan cuts the blood flow to the cancerous growth. Thus, it dies. No surgery is needed.

If the drug becomes available, who gets it? Only the rich? Questions abound.

GOING GREEN WITH GREEN MONEY

NEWSWEEK (2009) 11/9/

MEACHAM/ 5

It would be great if humans followed a higher calling of God, but it is the bottom line.

It is called money and low or no carbon technology is now being constructed. It is already helping the planet. Al Gore is on to something if and when he can make his pitch.

There is money in green technology. Save the planet and make money doing it.

Weinberg/24

Libertarianism has a feature of leaving the individual alone. Folks like it if they can choose medical plans and share the risk, but they really do not want the Government stopping them from getting married if they are gay. They would like to eat dope. Travel to Cuba, and bring their boyfriend home to have sex. Most of us see the value in stopping at a stop sign, but stopping completely abortion does not seem in the cards. If the Republicans remain the party of prohibition, they are in trouble. On the other hand, if

The Democrats get to far in front, they are doomed. What we appear to want is a free

Society, not necessarily a noble one.

WIRING AMERICA FOR GREEN POWER

BUSINESS WEEK (2009) 11/9

CAREY/ 53

Will the feds and the states produce the grids needed for wind and solar power?

Probably.

ANSTON//59

New more efficient wind power is made of wind turbines rather than wind mills with

singular blades.

Nearly waterless washing machines can cut costs and water.