They are putting 'cartoon' characters in Korean rice wine. Isn't this illegal in the US and Europe?
Thank goodness, they can't do that on cigarettes.
From Pulse News - Kooksoondang, a major Korean traditional liquor producer, announced on Monday its plans to export the ‘LINE FRIENDS Character' Makgeolli
(Makgeolli is Korean for rice wine or booze made from rice)
Doesn't that make people feel angry and hateful?
Should people be made to feel peaceful and friendly?
Why let some hateful person turn you into one and spend precious time hating things?
Cognitive dissonance?
To me, many seem to see demons, or figments of their imagination tempered by conscience, in basic facts or events. Some seem to be offended, against, or otherwise negatively impacted by things.
Depression? Negative personality?
Initiated by cognitive dissonance?
No wonder people have trouble sleeping, or being alone in a room with nothing electric turned on for long periods of time.
The rich are screaming highway robbery.
They passed a comprehensive property tax because of skyrocketing property prices and told the rich to sell off some or most of their property if they did not want to pay.
The rich didn't sell and now they are paying through the nose and screaming bloody murder.
Just chill and enjoy life, you rich can afford to pay and still have plenty left.
Call it communism, leftist. In a democracy, the majority rules and if the majority are poor. Well...naturally.
Almost all of my wealthy friends are very active and full of cognitive dissonance, it appears.
Wonder why!
If I earned a few million dollars and had to pay 40% as tax, I'd be fine with it.
But some people spend most of their time ranting and raving about it, when they should probably be enjoying life.
I wonder why the rich are friendly towards me. They usually look down upon the middle class, are really picky about things, like to be recognized as smart or good, and so on.
Having a good job seems to help with being satisfied. After a long week of work, I'm glad just to sit and rest.
Did cells, neurons, and other biological processes create consciousness?
Did consciousness create cells...?
Can answer be found, or is it one of those unsolvable things?
Are perception and logic forces, like energy, or something different?
Energy/Matter + Something = Life (perceives and interacts intelligently with environment)?
Energy/Matter/Life = Universe?
Circled back to the beginning of my thoughts, again.
When matter is fused in a sun, some is transformed into another state (proton-proton chain, hydrogen to helium, etc.) and some is transformed into energy.
Light (energy) is unable to escape from a blackhole. So, energy is fused in a blackhole and is likely to be transformed into a another state and some into another type of energy or some 'thing'.
Some now say that it is dark energy, or expansion of space itself. I, and probably many others, also thought so a couple of decades ago due to the lack of other possible explanations.
Angry people don't usually realize they are acting badly towards you?
Confront them, or say "Something bad must have happened to you today?"
The latter seems to help make them realize that they are acting badly.
Creation or Existence?
Was the universe, or multi-dimensional existence, created from nothing, or did it always exist?
Theorists say that energy is always conserved and cannot be created from nothing, and yet, big bang theorists say that is how it was.
Something from nothing? Magic?
So, were you created or did you always exist? Some would say you were created by your parents, but how did life come into being? Did it always exist in some dimensions?
Thought is the new wealth. The 'coin' of the future. Who rules thought? You, or some combination of factors - will, bodily functions, instincts, unconscious self, environment, genes, and others?
Seoul Mayor Oh constructed lots of things during his last term as mayor - floating restaurants and facilities on the Han River, light shows on bridges, and the like.
Now, in his second term, he is building a ferris wheel and a gondola ride over the Han River.
Wants to turn Seoul into an amusement park, it seems.
Light does not experience time or distance, according to modern theory. Yet, we see and feel it in our world of time and space. It has both particle and wave characteristics.
So, some day, some one will posit that light exists in physical dimensions and also in a non-physical or non-local dimension or dimensions.
As I stated before in this blog.
It is about time that scientists addressed this issue.
Medically supervised euthanasia or suicide by poisoning, guns, hanging, and other unpleasant means?
If euthanasia is legalized, then people with problems that can be resolved can be helped (poverty, depression, etc.). Only those with 'logical' reasons to end their life will be approved.
Last year, I lost money on stocks and then I bought a bunch of Osstem Implant shares again. I bought and sold this company's shares many times.
I sold it for about 1.7 times what I paid. So this year, I am up 15% or so in total on stocks and am looking to sell of my remaining shares in other companies. Research what to buy...
Found out I probably have a gallstone that needs to be removed surgically. Need to take an MRI to find out for sure. Will be the third surgery in 4 months. Two tumors, one stone. Surgery next week, then probably surgery again in April.
Healthcare stocks...what is bound to grow, like dental implants? More and more people are able to afford them. Especially those with medical insurance that covers dental implants. For Koreans over 65, two implants are partially covered by the national health insurance system. Only need to pay about $400 for each.
Need to find more knowledge like what I just said.
All elected official should undergo mental and occupational competence testing periodically, regardless of age.
CNN report - Webb telescope makes a surprising galactic discovery in the distant universe
"The galaxies are so massive that they conflict with 99% of models representing early galaxies in the universe, which means scientists need to rethink how galaxies formed and evolved. The current theory suggests that galaxies began as small clouds of stars and dust that grew over time.", stated the report.
Could have something to do with dark energy, black holes, other dimensions? As stated in this blog previously...
Scientists now theorize that black holes are emitting dark energy. I proposed this years ago in my blog.
Let aggressive people cut in front of my car, nowadays. I am in no hurry. Sometimes, they even blink their emergency lights in appreciation.
Much better than fighting and being upset.
Face masks will only be required on buses, subway and trains.
Even though masks are not required outdoors, about 80-90% still wear masks, including me.
Happy Lunar New Year! It is on 21 January this year.
Doctor stresses that the longer I wait to remove the bone tumor, the bigger the scar will be. So, I agreed to be hospitalized for two days. Not as serious as my last surgery, it seems. Still hurts.
Had anxiety attacks and lost interest in life for a while, then I managed to be able to count my blessings and felt better. Funny how that works.
It seems scientists and theorists are now start to accept that consciousness is a fundamental force or dimension! Funny how that worked out.
And now, I found out that a small bump on my head is a benign bone tumor. Doctor is recommending it be removed. I am for waiting to see if it grows any bigger.
I am glad for national medical insurance. Save thousands of dollars annually.
Had tumor removed from bladder on Friday. So far, it seems to be a 'benign' tumor but if allowed to continue to grow, would get larger and penetrate the bladder wall. Then seriously expensive surgery is needed to cut out the tumor and stitch the bladder together again. End up with a tube up your ----- into your bladder for several unbearably painful weeks, if fortunate.
I get the detailed results on the 17th. It seems good so far, but the tumor returns 60% of the time, in most cases. Hope the detailed results are better.
Could have died, if my doctor didn't demand that I get my cystoscopy exam. For most people, it is slightly uncomfortable, but I am unique and have a sharp bend, so it really hurts. That's why I skipped my exam.
A couple more years of skipping the exam and would have likely died after a few years of expensive surgery.
Every single day on TV and in print, there are favorable articles about President Yoon and article attacking and insinuating corruption and wrongdoing by his political opponents.
Cases against his political opponents are started right away with search warrants and arrests and last years, while cases against conservative politicians are delayed with almost no search warrants or arrests.
Smells fishy to me.
Most probably to attract interest in Twitter and generate money to offset losses incurred by acquisition.
Maybe also have a histrionic personality disorder (mental health condition marked by unstable emotions, a distorted self-image and an overwhelming desire to be noticed).
I had treatment for kidney stones and was scolded by my doctor for skipping my bladder cancer exam for the past ten years.
So I underwent the test today and they found one small tumor which needs to be removed by surgery. It could be benign or malignant. After it is removed, tests will be conducted.
Lucky that the doctor insisted on the cystoscopy to look at my bladder. Unluckily, the cancer returned after over 23 years.
Hopefully, no more tumors for another two decades.
Luckily, I live in South Korea where there is national medical insurance and medical care is affordable. The government keeps raising premiums and lowering the income threshold requiring people to make insurance payments.
Previously, if annual income was below around $30,000, you could be covered by your spouse's or children's medical insurance. They lowered it to around $16,000.
Medical costs have greatly increased during the past few years. Some procedures like MRIs and others have rocketed and many hospitals/clinics seem to be abusing the system.
How much does the average person spend on medical services?
Googled it.
"The US spends around $12,530 a year per person on healthcare. Canada spends $6,413 less per person each year than the US. South Koreans spent approximately $3,500 per capita on health."
Before the district elections in May, or around there, big corporations pledged to invest billions of dollars into Korea to create jobs and growth in order to support the conservative party candidates and it worked again. Seems to be a time-honored tradition.
But only Samsung has announced plans to invest billions in new semiconductor plants.
The rest?
Nearly half of big firms have yet to set up 2023 investment plans: poll
The article said, "Of the companies that have established 2023 plans, 67.3 percent said their 2023 investments will be similar to this year's levels. Nearly 14 percent replied they will increase investments next year, while 19.2 percent answered they will cut back on their investments".
I noticed that about three gas stations and around five car repair shops have closed in Seoul. There are plenty more, but it seems to be a trend as I also see a lot of electric vehicles, which have a different color license plate.
The Seoul City government has been giving out low interest loans to develop real estate in the old parts of Seoul with old and worn out houses and buildings.
Several neighborhoods have been renovated with new buildings and apartments.
Even some of the old houses and building in my neighborhood have been turned into condominiums, townhouses and apartments.
These were built when property prices in Seoul were rapidly rising. Now, they are rapidly falling.
One of the studio apartment buildings charges too much for rent and has been completely vacant for a year now. I wonder if the owner will ever decide to lower the rent. Probably rich enough to wait it out indefinitely.
Lots of vacant apartments and office space in Seoul these days. Some have started to lower rent prices slightly.
That could lead to people consuming and wasting too much food.
Scientists found a chemical that attaches to fat cells and keeps them from growing too big,
Testing it on humans. Applications for other medical uses.
Positively charged nanomaterials treat obesity anywhere you want
As predicted, Yoon's approval rating went up to the low to mid-thirty percent range depending on poll after he stopped the informal daily brief meeting with reporters on his way to work at the entrance of the building.
Wonder if he will continue to stop?
Yoon and the conservative party has accused the Democratic Party of being criminals, commie lovers, corrupt and even has the ministry of justice investigating everyone and their families.
And now they ask the Democratic Party for cooperation on passing next year's budget in the parliament but won't compromise?
The leader of the Democratic Party stated that if the ruling party isn't willing to negotiate the budget, the Democratic Party will have no choice but to make amendments to the budget and approve it unilaterally with their majority in the parliament.
It has been a week since Yoon stopped the Q&As.
S. Korean presidential office installs wall blocking reporters after halting informal Q&A sessions
Hope his underlings don't realize that stopping the daily Q&As will help his approval rating.
There is a regulation for insurance companies, like Samsung Life Insurance where assets, like shares of Samsung Electronics, are valued at their purchased price instead of current price. This regulation helps Samsung Chairman Lee maintain control of Samsung Electronics, while he only holds a 1.63% stake.
Samsung Life Insurance and Samsung C&T Corporation hold 8.5% and 5% stakes, respectively, in Samsung Electronics. Other group companies also hold stakes in Samsung Electronics.
Lee holds a 10% stake in Samsung Life Insurance. Other group companies also hold stakes Samsung Life. Through these stakes in controls Samsung Life Insurance which has an 8.5% stake in Samsung Electronics. Lee's 10% stake in Samsung Life Insurance is worth KRW 1.4 trillion (about USD 1 billion), while the 8.5% stake in Samsung Electronics that it holds is worth over KRW 30 trillion.
Anyway, if the regulation is changed, then due to other regulations, Samsung Life Insurance will have to sell a 5% stake in Samsung Electronics within seven years, at most.
The bill to revise the regulation is being discussed in committee meetings. If the bill passes, then it will be sent for vote to the parliament.
Samsung has managed to prevent this bill from being voted on twice before since 2017. While the ownership structure of Samsung Electronics will remain basically the same, the bill could slightly reduce Lee's hold on the company.
Korean media states the comprehensive real estate tax (tax on multiple residences or a single residence valued at more than $2 million or so) is not just a tax on the rich anymore and that it is being imposed on over a million people.
Korea has relatively low real estate tax. So, they created a comprehensive real estate tax in an attempt to make the rich pay some taxes.
The mostly conservative media, run by people who probably pay a comprehensive real estate tax, are complaining that the tax is unfair, a burden on ordinary citizens, depressing real estate market prices, and such.
Hope the majority opposition party (liberal) puts a stop to any proposals to reduce taxes. :)
My home is valued at way under $2 million.
The media present all kinds of claims of economic disaster from professors and other supposedly knowledgeable commentators.
Koreans pay capital gains tax for stock transactions in the US and other countries. Should foreigners pay capital gains tax on stock transactions in Korea? Only fair.
If the foreigners do not pay capital gains tax on stock transactions in Korea, most are required to pay capital gains tax on the transactions in Korea in their home country. Have to pay.
Only rich Koreans are not paying.
But no mention of this in any of the media to date.
For profits over about USD 40,000.
There is no capital gains tax on stock sale profits, unlike the US, UK, EU countries, and other countries,
The Korean conservative party and most media claim the tax will ruin the stock market and cause foreigner investors to abandon Korea.
What bull***.
25 years ago, it was bladder cancer.
This time, a kidney stone, but painful for several days. Luckily, it was at the bottom of the ureter and could be treated using shock waves to break up the stone (lithotripsy).
According to CNN: 1 in 5 deaths of US adults 20 to 49 is from excessive drinking
Luckily, I stopped drinking alcohol decades ago. Used to be an alcoholic.
At every big accident, flood, murder, North Korean missile tests, and other newsworthy incident, Prez Yoon always seems to visit and order that preventive steps be taken to try and improve his image and popularity.
If I think this, then many other Koreans have noticed also.
It seems Yoon is being alienated by liberal leaders of major countries which continue to maintain close ties with South Korea, in spite of Yoon's antics.
While I still go to the wholesale market to buy vegetables and fruit, I'm starting to buy more things online.
Used to go and spend time at stores. Was more active, but congested traffic and unpleasant people have overcome my desire to go out.
No masks are required outdoors in Korea. Still, over 90% wear them.
Traffic is back to before COVID. Miles of cars moving a snail's pace during rush hours in downtown Seoul.
Most everyone gets away from Seoul on weekends, so highways are clogged. Many decide to go abroad to escape for leisure time.
Theories in physics are usually proved by math and formulas.
Scientists are now connecting math with consciousness and trying to evolve understanding of consciousness, or us.
David Hoffman explains in the video below:
President Yoon “War on drugs, please win”
US expert proposes arm reductions approach over denuclearization of N. Korea
Best idea so far. China will not push North Korea to denuclearize, so sanctions have failed. North Korea will not accept rewards to denuclearize as several agreements the past have been nullified.
Only option left is to limit the number of nuclear weapons and prevent proliferation, or keep sanctioning and try to isolate North Korea but it will have Russia, China, Iran and other allies.
According to Wikipedia -
The free energy principle is a theory in cognitive science that attempts to explain how living and non-living systems remain in non-equilibrium steady-states by restricting themselves to a limited number of states. It establishes that systems minimise a free energy function of their internal states (not to be confused with thermodynamic free energy), which entail beliefs about hidden states in their environment. The implicit minimisation of free energy is formally related to variational Bayesian methods and was originally introduced by Karl Friston as an explanation for embodied perception in neuroscience,[1] where it is also known as active inference.
The notion that self-organising biological systems – like a cell or brain – can be understood as minimising variational free energy is based upon Helmholtz’s work on unconscious inference[8] and subsequent treatments in psychology[9] and machine learning.
Free energy principle is also used in psychology and artificial intelligence.
Using the free energy principle, researches were able to grow neurons and enable them to play Pong.
Minibrains grown from human and mouse neurons learn to play Pong
Propecia, treatment for hair loss, costs $124 a month in the US and around $40 a month in Korea. I used to buy Propecia until a few years ago when I found out that the generic version, Finasteride, costs about $15 a month.
Black Holes May Hide a Mind-Bending Secret About Our Universe
The New York Times article is about black holes, wormholes, and quantum entanglement.
Keep imagining that wormholes and quantum entanglement are evidence of a non-local dimension. Why?
This has not ever happened before. The mostly conservative media has always criticized and incited anger against the Moon administration. Why become objective all of a sudden? Sort of scary.
If President Yoon, the ruling conservative party, and most of the Korean media criticize and slander the previous Moon Jae-in administration in concert, then Korean media would likely lose credibility and seem to be under Yoon's control.
In an unusual move, Korean media has complimented the Moon administration efforts to reel in real estate loans the past few years due a booming real estate market caused by low interest rates. Recent drops in real estate prices have caused concern about foreclosures. Luckily, the criteria for real estate loans were set high enough that the drop in real estate prices will not result in foreclosures.
There was another report that stated that Yoon's policy on North Korea is the same as Moon's since they both promise economic aid in return for nuclear disarmament. Normally, the media states that Moon's administration is giving money to North Korea while South Koreans go lacking, is pro-North Korea, ignoring North Korea's human rights violations, and the like. Never a good word or comparison.
A lot of Koreans like and respect former President Moon, all the criticism is probably reflected in Yoon's low approval ratings in spite of the president's office constant daily public relations efforts.
Most major American corporations employ remote workers. Why? They are contracted workers with little benefits and paid less than in-office employees. So, the trend should become even more pervasive.