Thursday, January 08, 2026

Energy Secretary Wright lays down the law on Venezuela oil: Sell with us or not at all.



For more than 80 years, Greenland has quietly shaped American security, global strategy, and the future of the Arctic. Long before the headlines mocked Donald Trump for wanting to “buy” it, the U.S. military saw Greenland as a shield, an early-warning station, and a gateway to the northern hemisphere.

 


Thomas Jefferson: Republican Theory, Executive Power, and the Paradox at the Core of the Early Republic.


Thomas Jefferson remains one of the most intellectually generative—and morally fraught—figures in U.S. history. He is central not simply because he served as the third president, but because he helped supply the early republic with a political vocabulary (natural rights, popular sovereignty, religious liberty), a partisan infrastructure (the first durable opposition party), a governing style (skeptical of centralized authority yet capable of assertive executive action), and a geographic future (continental expansion). At the same time, Jefferson’s life makes visible the foundational contradiction of American liberalism: the cohabitation of universalistic claims about rights with a social and economic order sustained by racial slavery.


Intellectual formation: Enlightenment, law, and the plantation world

Jefferson’s intellectual formation is usually narrated through Enlightenment influence—reason, progress, empiricism, and a belief that political authority requires popular consent. But equally important is that his life unfolded within a Virginia planter society in which wealth, status, and political power were deeply entwined with land ownership and slavery. Jefferson’s ideals did not emerge outside that world; they were formulated inside it, often as an attempt to reconcile (or manage) tensions between republican aspiration and plantation reality.

His self-conception late in life is revealing. On his tombstone he asked to be remembered primarily as the author of the Declaration of Independence, the author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and the father of the University of Virginia—prioritizing authorship and institution-building over holding office. (Thomas Jefferson's Monticello) The inscription was not accidental branding; it was Jefferson’s claim about what counted as lasting political work: ideas, laws, and civic architecture.


The Declaration of Independence: radical language, coalition politics, and enduring afterlives

Jefferson’s most famous writing task came through the Continental Congress’s appointment of the “Committee of Five” to draft a declaration explaining independence. The committee included Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston; Jefferson was chosen as principal drafter, with editing by others and revisions by Congress. (National Archives)

Two points matter for serious analysis:

First, the Declaration is both a philosophical statement and a coalition document. Its logic of rights and consent reads like political theory, yet it was produced within the practical constraints of uniting diverse colonies. That dual character explains why certain themes—especially slavery—appear in unstable form. Jefferson’s draft included language condemning the slave trade and blaming the king, but revolutionary coalition politics constrained what could remain. Even without quoting the draft at length, the larger point stands: the Declaration’s final text represents not only Jefferson’s mind but also a political bargain among colonies with conflicting material interests.

Second, the Declaration’s meaning expanded far beyond its immediate purpose. In 1776 it was meant to justify secession from Britain. Over time, its claims about equality and rights became a normative standard invoked by later reformers. This “afterlife” is crucial: Jefferson’s words became tools that he did not fully control, and later Americans used them to critique American practices—including slavery, racial hierarchy, and exclusion from citizenship.

You can use AI tools like ChatGPT and Grok to ask medical questions, and learn what questions to ask your Physician.

AI tools like ChatGPT and Grok may not be perfect and sometimes give wrong information. They can also be very useful in helping people figure out what questions to ask their physicians.


Background:

About a year ago I had a blood test that showed very low blood platlets. My primary care physician was extermely concerned and told me I had to see a Hematologist. I had never seen a Hematologist previously and I quickly learned they are the doctors who test your blood for Cancer.

Luckily, I did not have Cancer, and they sent me to a Liver expert (Hematologist). I had a FibroScan, which showed that my liver was not causing my low blood platlets and severe fatigue. The liver doctor said that I am not properly diagnosed. 

Now this is when I decided to ask the AI tools to help me.

When platelets are “trapped” in the spleen, it’s usually because the spleen is enlarged (splenomegaly). An enlarged spleen holds on to far more platelets than normal (up to ~90% vs ~30–40%), a process called hypersplenism, which lowers the platelet count in blood tests.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of hypersplenism. It may include: 
  • Treating the underlying condition (e.g., liver disease, infection)
  • Medications to suppress the spleen's activity
  • Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) in severe cases
Prognosis:
The prognosis for hypersplenism depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. With proper treatment, many people with hypersplenism can live full and healthy lives. 
Additional Information:
  • Hypersplenism can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in adults. 
  • It is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of hypersplenism, as it can be a sign of an underlying serious condition. 

Common causes of an enlarged spleen → low platelets

  • Liver disease & portal hypertension: alcohol-related liver disease, viral hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, splenic/portal vein thrombosis (incl. from pancreatitis).

  • Hematologic cancers & marrow disorders: lymphomas, leukemias, myelofibrosis, other myeloproliferative disorders.

  • Infections: EBV/mononucleosis, CMV, HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, bacterial endocarditis, chronic hepatitis.

  • Autoimmune/inflammatory conditions: Felty’s syndrome (RA + neutropenia + splenomegaly), systemic lupus, sarcoidosis.

  • Infiltrative/storage diseases: amyloidosis, Gaucher disease.

  • Congestive causes: advanced heart failure, massive transfusion or severe hemolysis causing congestion.

What to do about it

  • Evaluate the cause: CBC with smear, liver panel, hepatitis/HIV tests as indicated, abdominal ultrasound (spleen size, portal/splenic veins), and targeted testing for suspected conditions.

  • Treat the underlying problem (e.g., manage liver disease, treat infection, address hematologic disorder). Platelets usually rise as the spleen shrinks or sequestration improves.

  • Urgent care if platelets <20–30k, active bleeding, new severe abdominal pain, fever, or confusion.

If you share any labs, symptoms, or known conditions, I can help think through what’s most likely in your situation—but this isn’t a diagnosis and doesn’t replace seeing a clinician.

WHITE FERTILITY COLLAPSED -- THE REST OF THE PLANET DIDN’T

 

WHITE FERTILITY COLLAPSED - THE REST OF THE PLANET DIDN’T The generation now starting school is the first in recorded history that will grow up on a planet where people of European descent are a shrinking global minority. Native fertility across the entire Western world has collapsed below replacement and shows no sign of recovery. Italy sits at 1.24 children per woman, Spain 1.23, Germany 1.36, Poland 1.26, Canada 1.33, Australia 1.58. Even the U.S. non-Hispanic white rate is only 1.64. Meanwhile Turkey is 1.99, Egypt 2.9, Nigeria 5.2, Pakistan 3.4, Indonesia 2.2, and most of sub-Saharan Africa remains above 4. Layer on top the largest sustained migration in human history. Between 2000 and 2025 roughly 110 million people moved from the global South to Europe, North America, and Australia, with UN projections showing another 200-300M by mid-century. No previous empire, no previous century, has ever seen population movement on this scale. The result is already visible in every major Western city. Native children are minorities today in the public schools of London, Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Toronto, Sydney, and most large American metros. The rest of the West is simply next in line. By 2040-2050 the native-born of European descent will be minorities in the under-30 age group in every single Western country without exception. This is no longer a national story. It is the biggest demographic turnover the world has ever witnessed, happening in one human lifetime, driven by fertility differentials no government has ever reversed and migration flows no democracy has ever stopped once they reach critical mass. The same elites who spent 30 years dismissing these trends as racist fever dreams now quietly place their own children in private schools that remain 80-90% white or East Asian while lecturing the rest of us to celebrate the transformation they personally avoid. History has watched founding populations lose demographic dominance before. It has never once ended with the old culture, language, or social trust intact. The West is running the experiment at global scale and warp speed. The numbers don’t negotiate. They simply arrive, one kindergarten class at a time, until the old world is gone.

Wednesday, January 07, 2026

In this video I travel to Chengdu, China for the first time. China is a country I have always been curious about, especially as an American. In this video I show the arrival process in China as I try to navigate from the airport to my hotel in Chengdu.

 


Excellent Advice for People seeking a new Job. -- Step by step instructions.




1. Tailor Your Resume

Before sending out your resume, make sure it's tailored to the specific job you're applying for. Customize your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position.


2. Prepare Your Application Materials

  • Resume: Ensure it's up-to-date and formatted professionally.
  • Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter for each application, addressing the hiring manager by name if possible.
  • References: Have a list of professional references ready, but only include them if the job posting specifically requests them.


3. Choose the Right Channels

There are several ways to send out your resume. Here are some effective channels:

a. Job Portals

  • LinkedIn: Upload your resume to your LinkedIn profile and apply to jobs directly through the platform.
  • Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, etc.: Create profiles on these job boards and upload your resume. Many of these platforms allow you to apply with one click.

b. Company Websites

  • Many companies have a careers page where you can apply directly. Always follow the application instructions provided.

c. Networking

  • Professional Contacts: Reach out to your network for job leads and ask if they can pass along your resume to their contacts.
  • LinkedIn Networking: Connect with professionals in your field and let them know you're looking for opportunities.

d. Recruitment Agencies

  • Register with recruitment agencies that specialize in your field. They often have access to job openings that are not publicly advertised.


4. Emailing Your Resume

If you're emailing your resume directly to a hiring manager or HR department:

  • Subject Line: Use a clear and professional subject line, e.g., "Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]."
  • Email Body: Keep it brief and professional. Introduce yourself, mention the position you're applying for, and attach your resume and cover letter.
  • Attachments: Ensure your resume and cover letter are named clearly, e.g., "JohnDoe_Resume.pdf" and "JohnDoe_CoverLetter.pdf."


5. Follow Up

  • After submitting your application, consider sending a follow-up email if you haven’t heard back within the timeframe mentioned in the job posting (usually 1-2 weeks).
  • Keep the follow-up polite and professional, reiterating your interest in the position.


6. Track Your Applications

  • Keep a record of where you've applied, the date of application, and any follow-up actions. This helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t miss any opportunities.


7. Tools and Resources

  • Resume Builders: Websites like Canva, Zety, and Resume.io can help you create professional-looking resumes.
  • ATS-Friendly Formats: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Use ATS-friendly resume templates to increase your chances of getting through these systems.

Example of an Email Application

Subject Line: Application for Marketing Manager Position - Jane Smith

Email Body:

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position listed on your website. With over 5 years of experience in digital marketing and a proven track record of increasing brand visibility, I believe I would be a valuable addition to your team.

Attached, you will find my resume and cover letter for your review. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you.

Thank you for considering my application.

Best regards, Jane Smith [Your Contact Information]

Attachments:

  • JaneSmith_Resume.pdf
  • JaneSmith_CoverLetter.pdf


By following these steps, you can effectively send out your resume and increase your chances of landing an interview.


History of the USA -- From Indigenous civilizations to European colonization, revolution and republic, civil war and reconstruction, industrial growth and global leadership, social movements and technological transformation.

 


A Concise History of the United States

The history of the United States is the story of many peoples meeting on a vast continent, building institutions, clashing over ideals, and continually redefining freedom. From Indigenous civilizations to European colonization, revolution and republic, civil war and reconstruction, industrial growth and global leadership, social movements and technological transformation, the nation has evolved through conflict, compromise, and creativity. What follows is an accurate, big-picture overview from pre-colonial time to the 21st century.

Before Columbus: Indigenous America

Long before Europeans arrived, the lands that would become the United States were home to tens of millions of Indigenous people speaking hundreds of languages and developing diverse cultures. The Mississippian mound builders built urban centers like Cahokia near present-day St. Louis; in the Southwest, Ancestral Puebloan peoples constructed cliff dwellings and complex irrigation systems; on the Pacific Northwest, communities thrived on rich marine resources; in the Northeast woodlands, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) formed a powerful confederacy with sophisticated systems of governance. Trade networks spanned the continent, spiritual and kinship ties shaped community life, and relationships with the land were central. This deep history is foundational: it reminds us the American story is not only a tale of newcomers, but also of continuity and resilience among Native nations who remain today.

European Encounters and Colonization (1500s–1600s)

The 16th and 17th centuries brought Spanish, French, Dutch, and English ventures to North America. Spain built missions and presidios in Florida and the Southwest; France established fur-trading posts along the St. Lawrence River and the Mississippi; the Dutch briefly controlled parts of the mid-Atlantic. English settlements, including Jamestown (1607) and Plymouth (1620), grew into thirteen colonies along the Atlantic seaboard. Colonization was never a simple transfer of European society: it meant adaptation to new environments, reliance on Indigenous knowledge, and frequent conflict and disease that devastated Native populations.

Labor systems diverged regionally. New England’s small farms and town meetings fostered a more communal political culture. The Middle Colonies (New York, Pennsylvania) became multicultural trading hubs. The Southern colonies relied heavily on plantation agriculture—tobacco, rice, indigo—and, increasingly, enslaved African labor. By the early 1700s, chattel slavery was embedded in colonial law and economy, laying the groundwork for profound moral and political conflicts to come.

Toward Independence (1730s–1776)

The 18th century brought revivalist religious movements (the First Great Awakening) and imperial wars that bound colonists to Britain while also stirring local identities. The Seven Years’ War (1756–1763), known in North America as the French and Indian War, ended French power in most of the continent but left Britain with massive debts. Trying to recoup costs, Parliament asserted new taxes and regulations—the Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, Tea Act—without colonial representation. Colonists protested, boycotted, and articulated arguments for the rights of Englishmen and natural rights more broadly. Tensions escalated in the Boston Massacre (1770) and Boston Tea Party (1773). In 1774–1775, colonial leaders convened the Continental Congress and fighting broke out at Lexington and Concord.



I Tried Every Seat on the Most Expensive Train in Europe.