Why Did China Make Such A Fuss Over Pelosi's Visit?

To defect people's attention from the real estate crash, bank scandals, and COVID policy in China? 

Sort of obvious, like Trump's likelihood of being convicted of crimes.

Use Military, Intelligence and Police For Election Campaigning In Korea and Maybe Get Convicted

During former conservative President Lee Myung-bak's administration, social media sites were flooded with pro-Park Keun-hye and pro-conservative posts before the presidential elections in which Park won. 

After Park was impeached, evidence was found that teams in the intelligence agency, military and police posted pro-Park and pro-conservative messages before and during the elections. 

While most of the people responsible managed to weasel their way out through technicalities and questionable circumstances, at least one is going to stay in prison for a little longer.

Ex-defense security chief gets 3-year prison sentence in retrial of power abuse case

Plot To Oust Korean Conservative Party Leader Foiled By Court

I don't normally watch Korean TV news as the reports are pretty biased, but some very interesting things happened recently.

The conservative People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok was ousted by allies of President Yoon in a suspicious power play. 

First, someone dug up an old case and got someone convicted of a crime to claim that he provided a woman to Lee for sex many many years ago. Yoon's allies, mostly former prosecutors like Yoon, don't like Lee, who is not a former prosecutor. 

Yoon's underlings in the conservative party called an ethics meeting and ruled that Lee tried to destroy evidence regarding the allegations and suspended him for six months. Then they got some members of the party's leading board to resign, so that the board would not have enough members to pass proposals. Then, they claimed that it was an emergency situation because the board could not lead the party, dissolved the board and set up an emergency committee to lead the party. Then, they tried to hold a vote to choose a new leader in January, so that Lee could not participate since he is suspended. 

So, Lee filed for an injunction against the appointment of the emergency committee and won. LOL

Court suspends PPP's emergency committee chairman, siding with ex-chief

Something like Trump trying to remove Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell using dirty tricks, but failing. Party power struggle.

The emergency committee chairman is claiming that the judge is biased and has questionable ideologies. Usually, the Minister of Justice should defend the judge, but in this case, the Minister of Justice is a former prosecutor and Yoon's underling.

When rulings go their way, the People Power Party insists that the law must be respected and obeyed, but when they lose, judges are biased and might be a liberal or progressive, even worse, a socialist.

The prosecutors have been sitting on investigations involving violence by People Power Party in the parliament, which is illegal, for about five years. In cases involving trumped up allegations against progressive party members, investigations are publicized right away and cases go to court within months. 

President Yoon is on TV every day visiting the public and issuing orders, while the media continues to report very favorably on Yoon's actions. Some polls even claim that his approval rating has risen to 32%, but a Gallup poll disagrees and says 28%.

Corporations Cause Inflation?

Wholeheartedly agree?

Don’t Blame Inflation on Stimulus Checks. Blame It on Corporate Greed.

Economists Say Life Is Going to Be More Expensive Forever, Sorry

Record profits for grain firms amid food crisis prompt calls for windfall tax

Companies do not pass on cost savings to consumers. They spend tons of money lobbying governments and controlling policy to generate maximum profit, while using media to spread misinformation. 

Conservatives (Korean and American) and the wealthy seem to rely on misinformation to con people. At least, more people are noticing and speaking out. 

Next Generation Noise Cancelling Tech

I read about a new algorithm for noise cancelling earphones/headphones based on time delay. The music coming through the speakers left and right are the same, no delay in signals between left and right. Outside noise is picked up from microphones outside the case of earphones/headphones. Any signals with delay between the right and left microphones are actively cancelled through the speakers to suppress them. 

There were examples of the algorithm being used in real life situations, and the noise cancelling was impressive. Present noise cancelling earphones/headphones do a good job cancelling low frequency noise, but not mid and high frequencies. The new algorithm suppressed mid and high frequency noise really well.

I tried to find the article but couldn't remember where I saw it.

I have Bose headphones and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 earphones. I wonder which company will come out with products using the new algorithm. 

Some brand just launched earbuds with 12mm drivers. I would like 12mm drivers and the new algorithm. It's nice listening to music at a low volume with clear bass and high notes. Very peaceful.

Wonder when noise cancelling earphone/headphone manufacturers will start to sell out their present inventory before introducing products with the new algorithm. It could take another year or two for a product to be developed and launched. 

Did you know that earbuds and headphones generate great profit margins for the manufacturer? Far greater than most other products, excluding medicine, of course.

Korean President Emulating Trump

So, other people have noticed that Yoon is trying to act like Trump.

Hankyoreh: 100 days into his term, Yoon is acting more like Trump than ever

Hankyoreh is one of the very few non-conservative news outlets. Most of the media is trying to defend and support Yoon.

Korea Housing Prices Falling Slightly

But I doubt that the cause is the rising interest rates.

It could be due to the downturn in the Chinese real estate market.

The Chinese have bought a lot of real estate in Korea, Canada (Vancouver), and other countries.

Korean media blames previous progressive administrations for the rise in real estate prices, but it is the conservative government that always has implemented policies that increase real estate prices. Then the progressive government and tries to reel those policies in, while being blamed by the media (and most of the public believes this nonsense).

It is now trying to ease restrictions on real estate development, reduce property taxes and extending credit to home buyers in order to resolve the supposed "housing shortage" (plenty of rentals). 

In reality, the rich have a lot of real estate and do not want the prices to fall. The rich also fear inflation. Argentina still has around 60% inflation, I think. Hasn't gone down the drain.

More Than 30% Of Corporate Heads And Former Korean Presidents Have Been Jailed?

Four of the past twelve former Korean presidents have been jailed with three pardoned to date - Chun Do-hwan, Roh Tae-woo, Park Geun-hye, Lee Myung-bak (out on bail).

The heads of Samsung, SK, Lotte, Hanwha, many more conglomerate heads, and countless corporate executives have been convicted of all sorts of crimes with many receiving pardons.

South Korea's Hanwha chief jailed for 4 years

Lotte shares dive after chairman is jailed

SK Group chief's 4-year jail term confirmed by Supreme Court

There are seemingly countless articles on jailed corporate heads. In their thinking, it's my company and my money, but in reality, it is the shareholders' company and money. That's why there is a Korean discount on Korean stocks. Need to tighten the laws and strengthen enforcement a little more.

Former president Moon Jae-in didn't grant pardons to corporate heads.

Why did incumbent Yoon pardoned them at the first opportunity? Didn't even wait till the end of the year. Why do most media praise Yoon and vilify Moon?

Why didn't Yoon pardon conservative former president Lee Myung-bak? He was just released from prison on bail. Pardoning him too would have probably been too much for the public. His pardon will come later.

Insider trading is rampant. Stock prices go up before major announcements all the time and no investigations from the prosecutors office. Almost no convictions for insider trading, I think.

Wonder if the corrupt four former Korean presidents and corrupt business heads did any business together. Robbed the country blind?

South Korea’s Troubling History of Jailing Ex-presidents

Some conglomerate group heads have received more than one pardon. No wonder they act like Trump.

Wonder if Trump will be indicted? Why not? Other countries indict presidents for crimes. Many think that he should have been jailed long ago? He'll probably be pardoned something in the future.

Wonder how vocal pro-Trump GOP members will be when Trump is indicted. It seems the most vocal are the ones that sought pardons.

Articles Predicting Presidential Pardon For Samsung Head

There are more articles stating that it is likely that JY Lee, the head of Samsung, will be pardoned on 15 August. The articles also claim that due to his conviction, Samsung cannot do M&A deals and prepare large investment plans for the future. 

Apparently testing the waters. If there is public outrage, then no pardon. If less outrage than expected, then pardon.

SK 159곳 투자할 때 삼성은 5곳뿐…"JY 사면땐 M&A 재시동"  (Translated - While SK invested in 159 companies, Samsung invested in only 5... "If JY Lee is pardoned, M&As will resume")

Republic of Samsung

The pardons were just announced.

Lee Jae-yong: Why did South Korea pardon the Samsung 'prince'?

Heads of Lotte Group, Dongkuk Steel, and STX Group were also pardoned. Lots of business heads convicted of crimes, almost always pardoned. Same with their companies. Fined and barred for bid rigging and such, then re-allowed to resume business. 

Samsung heir Lee granted special presidential pardon

Alas, all is not perfect. Time to listen to music. :)

Keeps Raining On Prez Yoon

The first two days of flooding saw Prez Yoon plastered on TV news visiting flooded areas, giving orders, stating that all agencies should prevent further flooding, ordering that aid be given, and such.

Reminded me of North Korean news broadcasts on Kim Jong-un. Both walking, looking serious, giving orders and expecting others to be subservient.

Yoon visits flood-hit area in Seoul 

Anyway, there are now floods in southern Korea and Yoon is nowhere on TV, for some reason. Yoon will probably not visit the flooded areas in the south, despite the danger of seeming to not care by not visiting.

It seems public opinion is against mostly conservative politicians using the floods for publicity photos, as per their leader. 

Korean Media Making Up Excuses For President's Blunders

At around 2:25pm, a Korean cable news channel stated that presidents can make mistakes and that they are not perfect. He added that Yoon is doing a really good job but the circumstances make him look bad. 

Never heard anyone on media say that about former administrations, like former President Moon's or Roh's administrations. They were blamed for everything bad under the sun. 

Let's see if the Korean public believes this BULL.

Companies Competing To Develop Tech?

Would it be wiser to collaborate and team up to develop technology?

Would collaboration waste less resources (people, money, equipment, energy, etc.)?

Would a country that coordinates R&D efforts hold an advantage over ones that didn't?

Maybe a little less competition and a little more collaboration?

Employees are supposed to collaborate, why not companies?

Get compensated according to effort put in and results of those efforts, or split it evenly.

Maybe, form a consortium for companies interested in developing that technology and everyone gets to share the results of the research and development. 

Usually when companies need money for R&D, they issue bonds or new shares. The wise ones get the government to give them money and use media to persuade the public with promises of jobs and a good economy.

If governments continue to give money to companies for no return but promises of jobs and good economy, then the poor will continue to be poor. Give the poor bonds or stock in the companies receiving government money. That will definitely help the poor with no loopholes and minimal overhead.

There are many more things wrong with society. Stop believing the media which disproportionately represents the rich and take TIME to THINK about things. Some poor people envy and try to emulate the rich, compounding the problem. Some poor people even think that the rich are smarter and better. Why? Society and peer pressure. 

People need to look at things from more than just one perspective. Being slightly poor and being rich both have their advantages and disadvantages. 

Why do people envy Chanel handbags and such? Because they probably don't have one. I don't have one and I don't care. But if you are of the opposite sex...

Cartier watches? I have one. Would never buy one. Got it as a gift. Over $6,000 for an electronic movement watch, albeit in gold and steel. The mechanical ones are over $14,000, I think. Used to envy expensive things, not anymore. 

Expensive things are not of much use to one who endeavors to be alone. No one to impress. Haven't worn a watch in over a decade, almost two.

Samsung Seems To Control Most Korea Media, Not To Mention Government

Articles are calling for government aid to help Samsung overtake TSMC? Samsung probably has over 100 billion dollars or more on hand. 

Also articles claiming that Samsung is rudderless and will probably go down the drain if vice chairman Lee is not pardoned. Since he has a conviction, they say he cannot manage the group properly. Lee has gone on business trips for Samsung all over the world recently.

지금껏 싸운 것도 용하네…삼성, 세제·임금·인력수급 TSMC보다 열악 (Samsung is weaker than TSMC in terms of wages, taxes, and hiring. It's amazing that Samsung managed to compete)

Cannabis Users 55% Less Likely To Get Liver Cancer

A peer-reviewed study found that cannabis use could lessen the chances of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, considered the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the world.

Lower Rates of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Observed Among Cannabis Users: A Population-Based Study

Study conclusion: "Based on our large database analysis, we found that cannabis use patients were 55% less likely to have HCC compared to patients without cannabis use. Further prospective studies are needed to assess the role of cannabis use on HCC."

The cannabis users group had a higher prevalence of alcohol abuse, smoking history, HBV, HCV, and liver cirrhosis, but still were less likely to get liver cancer!

News Gun Manufacturers Love

 AR-15s to Be Stored in County Schools to Protect Against Mass Shootings

Geez, instead of 'AR-15s to be banned', it's 'AR-15s to come to your neighborhood school soon'. 

Gun manufacturers seem to be banking on weak-minded people, weak government and civil chaos in hopes that everyone will want AR-15s. Why else would they back loonies for congress? 

Something seems amiss. 

The cops and school police at Uvalde had automatic weapons, armor, bulletproof shields, hazard pay and SWAT, but didn't do anything. What makes them think teachers will turn into heroes with no hazard pay or insurance and use AR-15s to defeat attackers? I thought teachers were paid to teach, not use AR-15s in emergencies.

If people start using bombs/tanks to attack schools, is the solution to have bombs/tanks stored at schools? Duh!

A lot of corporations pushing for lesser government and fewer regulations. Betcha financial institutions and crypto companies want to revoke a lot of regulations, not to mention pharmaceutical companies and conglomerates with enormous political clout.

China, Free Trade And Taiwan

China threatened to prevent airlines from flying to China, if they used the name Taiwan.

China threatened to cut off diplomatic and trade relations, if countries had diplomatic relations with Taiwan or called it Taiwan.

Now, China is threatening with military force, if important people from other countries visit Taiwan. 

Next step? Threaten or sanction people if they visit Taiwan, or call it Taiwan on social networks, like Tiktok? 

Ultimate step? Peaceful or forceful. It seems China will cut off Taiwan until a show of force is not needed.

China is a bully and aggressor. Just like Japan, in its imperialist age. Korea does not have free trade with China. Trade to China is restricted by Chinese regulations and government incitement of nationalism. China does not have free trade with other countries. You cannot do business in China unless the company is majority owned by Chinese companies, in the case of online gaming and other selected industries.

China says they have free trade with others, bull. No country has free trade with China. China can export freely to other countries, but other countries cannot freely export to China. There are lots of restrictions.. 

Curiously, some decades ago, Korea had to expand trade to China due to its reliance on the US and Europe, and escalating trade frictions (anti-dumping, trade imbalances).

Korea allowed US missile defense systems to be installed in Korea and China retaliated by kicking Lotte Group out of China, through use of regulations and nationalism. Tour groups cannot come to Korea, Korean cosmetics and other goods are now shunned by Chinese. Billions, maybe tens of billions in investment losses, not to mention loss of sales. 

Then Japan restricted exports of strategic materials to South Korea, officially because we are negotiating with North Korea and cannot be trusted, in reality because of Korea's Supreme Court decisions against Mitsubishi for enslaving Koreans for Japan's war effort. 

Apparently, every country is a bully when it comes to their national interest, their politicians or leader's interest. Always be careful, even in personal life. Avoiding people but staying distantly empathetic works for me.

S. Korean companies hit by China’s THAAD retaliation disappointed at lack of solution from Moon-Xi summit

South Korea never took retaliatory actions because it would invite the same from China and worsen the situation. However, Korea has probably taken long term strategic actions, especially in the aftermath of the US's commitment to form a global partnership in semiconductors, excluding Russia and China. 

China and Russia used to be undeveloped countries before free trade with the world. They are now taking advantage and bullying other countries. If these bullies grow stronger, will they suddenly become generous and understanding of others? Will their leaders and the people's mentality change?

That was the reasoning in the beginning. I hope it holds true, eventually. With unbiased educations, it could be possible, but with indoctrinated education and autocratic control of media, it might not.

China will continue to back North Korea, Russia and Iran to deflect attention on its own atrocities and violations of civil rights. 

Korean Prez Yoon promised to 'get tough' on China and claimed that former President Moon's administration was cowardly towards China. Yoon didn't meet Pelosi for fears of retaliation from China. Then when there was public criticism for no welcoming ceremony for Pelosi at the airport, Yoon's office suddenly stated there would be a meeting, then no meeting, and then a phone call.

[Editorial] Yoon’s clumsy diplomacy adds to confusion with Pelosi

Korea often is hit with smog emanating from China to which China stated 'prove it'. Korea did prove it, but China still does not do anything to reduce air pollution. Very impolite and boisterous neighbors - China, Russia, Japan.

Korea Prez Approval Rating Still Plummeting

A new Gallup poll shows Yoon's approval rating has fallen to 24%. LOL

No English news articles, but there is a Korean article. Use the translation feature in Chrome or Google.

尹대통령 직무 긍정 24%, 부정 66%…취임 후 최저치 [갤럽]

Yoon says he isn't affected by polls. What a narcissist. Polls reflect public opinion. Doesn't give a damn if people think he is doing bad or wrong things.

Yoon is always claiming that the previous administration did a horrible job. When someone asks a tough question, he just says 'Look at the horrible job the previous administration did'. Someone already ordered spiderweb-like investigations into the previous administration and opposition politicians. Prosecutors already leaking claims of fictional criminality and conspiracies. 

Justice Party Calls on President Yoon to Refrain from Political Retaliation

When Yoon speaks to others and to the public, he fails to show mutual respect and manners. It shows contempt and feelings of superiority over others, little does he realize. Makes him seem very arrogant and condescending, ala Trump. Media is hinting that his low approval ratings is due to his advisors, government policies, internal strife in the conservative party, wife, and anything but Yoon. LOL

Put the blame where it is due.

When Countries Give Billions Of Dollars To Corporations

When billions of dollars are given to corporations, universities and others to support development of technologies and industries, shares of the companies or resultant patents should be given to taxpayers.

How? Set up a special purpose company (SPC) for the investment. Have corporations issue new shares at a generous price to the SPC in return for the investment. Then SPC in return issue shares to taxpayers. Using an SPC makes it easier to divide shares for taxpayers.

For example, if the SPC is given a 1% stake, then the SPC can issue new 200 million shares in the SPC to 200 million taxpayers. Just give everyone who pays taxes a share. Don't give more shares to those who pay more taxes. That's not good for wealth redistribution. Think of it as a sort of a bridge to universal income. 

Same thing for patents, the SPC signs a contract to receive a share of royalties in return for the investment. 

Just don't keep giving money to corporations and giving tax incentives for nothing in return but false promises of JOBS and a good ECONOMY. Hello! Can you hear me? LOL

Samsung plans to have a fully automated semiconductor plant by 2030. Seems contrary to their promise to create tons of jobs. Apparently, the condition 'unless employing people is unprofitable' applies. 

Rethinking Dimensions

The present system of describing dimensions is confusing? Yes?

People say space-time is a dimension. Then people also state that space has three dimensions with time being a fourth dimension. Let's clear this confusion up, people.

Should we describe space-time as a fundamental dimension or base dimension?

If space and time are really one thing, then maybe there are other similar relationships.

Structure-information? If something has structure, there is information. 

Energy-life? Where there is life, there is energy.

Life-intelligence? Where there is life, there seems to be intelligence of some sort. Life reacts to environment and survives.

For me, the fundamental dimensions should be energy-life, space-time, structure-information, and maybe some more. 

Using DNA To Build Materials, Nano-robots

In DNA, scientists find solution to engineering transformative electronics

Engineered DNA assemble carbon nanotubes into the desired structures. The new material could lead to room temperature superconductivity.

A 'nano-robot' built entirely from DNA to explore cell processes

The "nano-robot" is composed of three DNA origami structures and can go around and squeeze individual cells to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in cell mechanosensitivity and discover new cell receptors sensitive to mechanical forces (blood vessel constriction, pain perception, breathing or even the detection of sound waves in the ear, cancer cell migration, etc.).

That's pretty advanced. 

Cells And Consciousness?

A human's consciousness appears to be a collective consciousness of all or most of the body's cells and maybe some other things (books, environment, accessible information). 

While a body's collective consciousness knows what a cell is, does the cell know the body's collective consciousness?

Maybe a universal collective consciousness (or data/knowledge dimension) knows humans, while humans are like a cell?  

Pot was a common food ingredient in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and other Asian countries before the UN made it illegal. Still is used in food in Cambodia and Thailand. 

Also not criminalized in Korea until ex-dictator Park's son started using pot in late 1960s or early 1970s. Then they made long hair illegal for men in an attempt to stamp out hippies and hippyism. Police forcing men to get their hair cut short. Geez! 

Long Journey To Legalization

Korean Prez Approval Rating At Record Low

Yoon's approval rating dropped to 28% despite all the favorable coverage from the mostly conservative Korean media.

Yoon's approval rating sinks below 30 pct amid inflation, controversy over personnel appointments

Korean economy is forecast to grow 2.7%. Media says the economy is doing great. I remember media vehemently argued that around a grow rate of around 2.7% is extremely disappointing and due to the 'bad' economic policies of former President Moon.