Excerpts — Entropy 2020

On the increasing likelihood of a thermonuclear conflagration and global climate change, from the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists:

Humanity continues to face two simultaneous existential dangers—nuclear war and climate change—that are compounded by a threat multiplier, cyber-enabled information warfare, that undercuts society’s ability to respond. The international security situation is dire, not just because these threats exist, but because world leaders have allowed the international political infrastructure for managing them to erode. 

In the nuclear realm, national leaders have ended or undermined several major arms control treaties and negotiations during the last year, creating an environment conducive to a renewed nuclear arms race, to the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and to lowered barriers to nuclear war. Political conflicts regarding nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea remain unresolved and are, if anything, worsening. US-Russia cooperation on arms control and disarmament is all but nonexistent. 

Public awareness of the climate crisis grew over the course of 2019, largely because of mass protests by young people around the world. Just the same, governmental action on climate change still falls far short of meeting the challenge at hand. At UN climate meetings last year, national delegates made fine speeches but put forward few concrete plans to further limit the carbon dioxide emissions that are disrupting Earth’s climate. This limited political response came during a year when the effects of manmade climate change were manifested by one of the warmest years on record, extensive wildfires, and quicker-than-expected melting of glacial ice.

On the increasing chance of a global pandemic, from LiveScience site:

The first cases of the pneumonia-like virus were reported in Wuhan, China on Dec. 31, 2019. Since then, the virus has spread to various other countries, including Thailand, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United States, Australia, France, among others. 

In order for this virus, or any, to lead to a pandemic in humans, it needs to do three things: efficiently infect humans, replicate in humans and then spread easily among humans, Live Science previously reported. Right now, the CDC is saying this virus passes between humans in a limited manner, but they are still investigating.

On the absurdity of cultural and societal degeneration, from RT site:

Michele Kobke has been dating the Boeing 737-800 since she met it at Berlin’s Tegel Airport in 2014. She says was immediately attracted to the jet’s wings, winglets and thrusters when she spied it through the airport window.

There are obviously more serious concerns about the failed “civilization” paradigm including “woke” movements, gender confusion, breakdown of civility, “smartphone” addition, homeless epidemic, opioid crisis, social inequality, civil unrest ad nauseam.

Nonetheless, the “big picture” can only be described by increasing entropy. Disorder is increasing at a pace that cannot be explained in any other manner.

MLK Day 2020

There were no plans for a posting to Notes anytime soon. However, as the fragile mental state is worsening, an interim update was in order. No doubt, the forced and hasty disassociation from family has been a deep psychological burden. Yet, there is no solution.

Another chance encounter with the formerly-homeless buddy occurred earlier this month in town. The formerly-homeless buddy was “killing time” before an appointment to have a tooth extracted. The circumstances are questionable since he should have detected the cavity much sooner. Most likely, the formerly-homeless buddy did not want to pay “out of pocket” for dental work since his Medicare/Quest insurance does not cover the latter. Extractions are covered, of course, as detailed in Notes from personal experience.

Mind you, the formerly-homeless buddy disclosed that his large safe deposit box is stuffed with “Benjamins” (read: $100 notes). He has been able to save $700 per month from his disability benefits. Because he ran out of room for stashing the cash, he purchased three high-end motor scooters to “launder” the money. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to pay for dental work!

With that in mind, the new pair of Oakley® prescription shades was purchased for $300 a couple of days later. Being a cheapskate can only go so far. At this point in time, there is just no sense in ridiculous “penny-pinching.” Such ludicrous actions can only fall under the category of the “denial of death.”

During the discussion with the formerly-homeless buddy, the topic of residence relocation came up. The formerly-homeless buddy is open to moving elsewhere. Las Vegas was the discussed option. He would move there, but he doesn’t want to move there alone. Thus, the option will be deliberated.

The thought of moving to another ghetto apartment complex in Hawai’i or elsewhere “leaves a bad taste in the mouth.” Dealing with sleazy property management, slumlords, psychotic tenants, and shitty environments is just not that appealing. And, no matter the locale same ol’ shit (or worse).

Nissan® NV 2500

There is, of course, the motorhomeless option. A nice cargo van camper conversion was discovered on Craigslist today ... a 2015 Nissan® NV 2500 for $20,000 cash. From what can be ascertained, the vehicle is “sick.” It has everything! Isn’t that perfect for a pariah?

Addendum: The Spotify® “app” was installed on the iPhone XR and a free account was established in order to exploit the unlimited music streaming feature of the current wireless plan. Disclosure Radio is the preferred channel at the moment.

Milestone — 25 Years!

The LoserNet® site, in its many forms (i.e., journal, “blog,” Notes), has been in service for 25 years. Actually, its inception was in 2004 during December with a defunct prototype site. The inspiration for continued Web presence came about in February 1995 with the debut of “The Loser Living Upstairs.”

The original on-line journal was hosted on the university server in Convalescent City in Cali. From there, the latter was migrated to the now-defunct Geocities. Then, the site was migrated to Tripod, where it remains untouched to this day. The legacy “blog” then superseded the journal. And, the rest, as “they” say, is history.

The original site was obviously designed using archaic computer technology. What is interesting is that it is actually now ideal for the standard “smartphone” display (as shown above on the iPhone XR). The entire site only requires less than 4MB of storage and is available as a compressed file for downloading (see link in previous Note). Notwithstanding, any kind of depressing situation can now easily be resolved by re-reading “The Loser Living Upstairs” on the trusty “smartphone”!

Entropy 2020

Entropy is a scientific fact that is not accepted by many people, even though the latter explains events through time. One of the simplistic examples of entropy is that of an egg that somehow ended up cracked and splattered on a floor. The damaged egg will not reverse its trajectory and return whole to its original position, as proven empirically and understood as “common sense.” Yet, in the grand scheme, neither the former or latter offers any reason why the sequence of events occur or why those events are irreversible.

Entropy explains everything through the passage of time, all the way to end of the universe itself by “heat death.” Entropy explains aging as well as the failed “civilization” paradigm. There is no way to stop the increase of entropy. Any attempt to return order to an increasingly disordered system will only cause entropy to increase more rapidly.

Population growth increases entropy. Technological advances increase entropy. Knowledge increases entropy. The passage of time increases entropy. With increasing entropy, disorder increases (often not linearly). Understanding the effects of increasing entropy is essential to coping with the frustrations of what is generally referred to as “life.”

The pedestrian issues that were delineated in the most recent Notes of the previous year are those that are being carried on into the new year. In summary, those issues include:

• Housing (or homelessness)
• Medicare (senior citizen “cash cow”)
• Geriatrics (and death).

Nothing else really matters. Heck, even Notes is subject to increasing entropy.

Addendum: The Molech-themed Twitter® feed was resurrected a few months ago. Much more effort is being devoted to the latter than to Notes.

New Year’s Eve Addendum: A stroll down to Waikiki Beach at 11:30pm, the first since moving to the “old folks home,” was not leisurely. Thousands of people were present, stretching all the way down to Fudgepacker Park. The only midnight fireworks show scheduled for the area was located at the Aloha Tower, a few miles away.

Fortunately, an unoccupied picnic table at Fudgepacker Park was found and a fairly good observation post was established. The homeless were also unwitting participants in the festivities. Was it fun? Not really. Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!

Update: The buddy who resides in the older building at the “old folks home” in Waikiki disclosed that there has been one death and two other geriatric residents transported to the emergency room (both returning in worse shape) recently.

Legacy “Blog” Update: The legacy “blog” was finally edited to remove the defunct Photobucket images placeholders. Unfortunately, in the process, some of the posts lost formatting. Fuck it!

Legacy Journal Update: The partial index of the later segments of the legacy journal has been restored. The entire site will also be downloaded and archived. A compressed file (optimally for use with a personal Web server) of the archive is available to the general public. Incidentally, the site on Tripod is actually optimized for “smartphones.”

Dénouement 2019

The effects of Convergence 2019 continue to reverberate into the last few seconds of the year. Some issues cannot be reconciled (e.g., situation with family). As stated in previous Notes, the entire familial relationship is a lost cause. Nothing can be salvaged. Uncertainty and tension still remain high even though the exodus is allegedly near completion.

The tenants of the “old folks home” in Waikiki have been served notice that the rent will increase by $25 per month commencing March 1st next year (bringing the rent to $901 per month for a studio unit). Alternative housing (or homelessness) must now be seriously entertained.

Food costs have been going up incrementally, the latest being about 8 percent (in the last quarter). A new round of increases is expected in January. There is almost no way to describe how ludicrous food prices are.

The most recently acquired (i.e., three years ago) Colombia® prescription shades began falling apart about two weeks ago. The tiny screws are apparently designed to loosen themselves over time. So, parts (e.g., one of the nose pads) has been lost. The Oakley® shades are still holding up with the help of glue. The acquisition of new shades is being postponed as long as possible.

The $30 per month T-Mobile® wireless plan was finally confirmed to have unlimited music streaming. The Google® Play Music “app” was deployed for the process. Unlimited SD video streaming is also included (verified using a dial-in short code). All-in-all, it’s actually a fantastic wireless plan. Nonetheless, the Google® Voice “app” was installed on the iPhone XR to exploit the “free” VoIP number in preparation for an inexpensive wireless plan. So far, no action has been taken to replace the existing wireless plan.

The holidays were obviously not observed. The itinerary for both holidays was essentially the same as last year. Perusing Notes from that time period in 2018 will essentially summarize the the uneventful nature of the holidays in question. The only major difference is the weather. Aside from the extended Summer (all the way through mid-December), the start of Winter has seen mild weather conditions. The fact that a tank top can still be adorned day and night will attest to that fact. Speaking of clothes, a few clothing items were donated to charity at the kiosk in Kahala Mall, including the windbreaker that lost its waterproofing after washing.

The last dental appointment for the year was covered by the Medicare Advantage plan, although only a cleaning was involved. The last medical appointment was another matter. The second dose in the series of the shingles vaccine was not paid by Quest/Medicaid, which means that the $130-$150 cost will have to borne personally. There is only a three-month window left before the first dosage would be rendered useless. Vaccinations for hepatitis A/B (two doses), pneumonia (two doses), and (annual) influenza were commenced, all allegedly covered by Medicare.

There were other medical issues. A vitamin D deficiency is now being treated with a weekly high dosage (read:prescription) “gelcap” for eight weeks, then to be subsequently treated with a daily intake of low-dosage “over the counter” tablets. There was some urging to begin medication for high cholesterol, but that decision was deferred. There is also an indication that medication is upcoming for a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, but that will be resisted. There are other tests in the works, too. Alas, the senior citizen “cash cow” is about to be milked!

The use of the term “convergence” to describe the series of tragic events of a future demise is a misnomer. What is being witnessed is increasing entropy on a grand scale, that is, the irreversible state of order moving toward disorder. Any attempt to restore order only causes disorder to increase.

As for Notes, its future is uncertain. The current plan is to reduce the number of posts commencing January 1st. All issues have been fully detailed up to this point, so redundancy is not necessary. In other words, Notes is also a victim of entropy.

Addendum: A chance encounter with the formerly-homeless buddy last week was a relief. The formerly-homeless buddy was “missing in action” for a spell. He’s still finding ways to “make a quick buck,” either an obsessive hobby or an “immortality project.” The formerly-homeless buddy, though, is a good man.

Update: Dining out on a holiday like Saturnalia is an unpleasant experience. Most dining venues close early. The only alternative is to dine somewhere in Waikiki, where everything is open. Eating at Panda Express® in Waikiki led to the discovery that the price was $2 higher than at the King Street location. Never again.

Convergence Update

Convergence 2019 continues to “barrel along” towards oblivion. The Medicare premium will increase to $145 per month in January. A notice was received that all previous Medicare premiums (allegedly paid by the State of Hawai’i) is being deducted from this month’s Social Security payout. So, there apparently was no subsidy. Future Social Security payouts will only be $578 per month after Medicare deduction.

There have been no calls from either moms or the bro’s family. At this point in time, the assumption is that moms has probably suffered significant short-term memory degradation (read: dementia). Thus, moms probably has no real perception of time (as discussed in Notes previously). There are no current plans for a visit to Hawai’i Kai.

Bus fares are slated for a major increase soon. Of interest is the discontinuation of the $35 one-year senior citizen bus pass. Instead, senior citizens will pay half of the regular adult fare with a $45 monthly cap. That’s a $530 yearly expenditure. The recent numerous fare increases are directly tied to the ridiculous elevated rail project (currently under criminal investigation).

An attempt to find a reasonably priced pair of prescription sunglasses, allegedly convered by the Medicare Advantage plan, yielded nothing. Even the cheapest “piece of shit” was quoted at $300 or more. The Medicare Advantage vision plan is worthless, by the way.

Every possible coupon, discount, “freebie,” or subsidy is being exploited, but the entire enterprise is a lost cause. No wonder that there has been a sharp increase in homelessness. So many new faces on the streets now. Nobody (i.e., rank-and-file peons) can afford even a substandard life-style anymore.

Addendum: The book, “Hate Inc.,” by journalist Matt Taibbi is a highly recommended title. Taibbi explains the state of journalism in empire. There are many other implications as well.

Hoodie 1.0

A Nike® “camo hoodie” was procured for $27 at the gym. All clothing merchandise was marked down 60% because the gym will no longer stock athletic apparel. Naturally, all of the styles are primarily aimed at the younger generations.

Old codgers cannot wear most of the contemporary clothing without looking ridiculous. Even in the remaining “good years,” a senior citizen must be very prudent. Baring too much of a sagging geriatric physique is not recommended. Incidentally, a quick look at the mirror in the bathroom of the mausoleum in the “old folks home” confirmed that decrepitude has commenced. Therefore, all future clothing purchases must follow strict senior citizen fashion (sic) guidelines.

Addendum: After an exhausting search for a cheap wireless provider, only one stood out ... Tello Mobile. The best “budget” plan runs $7 per month. The only downside is that Tello is a CDMA provider. No decision yet, though.

Update: The paltry Social Security retirement payout will increase by $12 per month next year. Wheee!

Gateway to Death

The “gateway to death” abruptly commenced at age 65 years, prompted by prior months of endless mail and e-mail from Social Security, Medicare, and Medicare “affiliates.” Even after enrollment in Medicare, the geriatric junk mail keeps on coming. But, that’s neither here or there.

In the book, “Natural Causes,” author Barbara Ehrenreich declares that she is “old enough to die.” While not professing to refuse all medical treatment, Ehrenreich has decided that many of the superfluous routine tests are not worth the time, effort, or inconvenience. The worst case scenario, one she wishes to avoid, is “overdiagnosis.” There is now much agreement here with Ehrenreich‘s stance.

There are two appointments scheduled, one dental and one medical, for this month. The appointments were deferred until then to incorporate the new Medicare coverage. All future appointments will be reduced to one medical and two dental per year. Eye examinations will remain at two per year. Any geriatric medical tests are subject to refusal.

Continuing observations of senior citizens has yielded the conclusion that their physical decrepitude, in general, will not be personally workable. A means to “check out” before extreme physical degradation occurs will be a priority.

Addendum: There are no visits with moms scheduled at this time. Also, the transition to a cheaper wireless plan has yet to be accomplished.

Ol ‘ Lavahead Day 2019

Ol’ Lavahead Day was not a time of celebration this year. Rather, a time for deep reflection and introspection will be the highlight. Ties with friends were unintentionally severed by distance and time. In the interim, acquaintances have come and gone. Frankly, aren’t all friendships really just acquaintances anyway? The severing of ties with family came abruptly and out of the locus of control within the last two months. The outcome was inevitable anyway. Too much stock was placed in familial expectations, only to end in disappointment. That is, of course, the tragic nature of chimpo sapiens ... the curse of consciousness, the denial of death.

On the grand scale, there is the looming secular Apocalypse, now focused on global climate change. There is a minuscule probability of a thermonuclear conflagration. Social unrest caused by global fraudulent wealth inequality could result in violent uprisings internationally. Climate change, though, remains the predominant threat to all life forms as nothing is being done to mitigate the problem. Climate scientists continue to peddle a 100-year conservative prediction before chaos ensues. Yet, each year, the prognosis worsens and the time frame shortens. Ten years forward is when extreme global food and water shortages will wreak havoc. And, that’s just the beginning (refer to the previous post, “The ‘Green’ Farce”).

On a smaller scale, the “West,” led by empire, is already in a state of collapse. All of the central banks are moving toward ZIRP or already in negative territory. QE has returned “with a vengeance” to pump more liquidity into the global economy. Everything is being done to maintain growth through more and more debt. Of course, global growth and global climate change go “hand-in-hand.”

On an even smaller scale, Slippery Sy at the “old folks home” has once again decided to exert his puny powers by refusing to settle the alleged delinquent rent issue. Thus, the “big question” was submitted to the on-line Easy Decision Maker site. The scenario was not staged. That’s a first trial result shown above.

Convergence 2019 is about all that and more. At 65 years of age, the awareness of the inevitable onslaught of decrepitude becomes manifest. Age 65 is the “gateway to death,” and every aspect of the institution of retirement is designed around the latter theme. The ultimate goal has been to increase the distance between fiction and truth. There must be a more honorable form of death than the consumer version.

The capstone of Ol’ Lavahead Day was a casual meet-up with Lori at Ala Moana Center. Dinner was courtesy Lahaina Chicken Company, although the last time the establishment will be patronized. Food was good, but “shrinkflation” reduced the portions. Of course, nothing is comparable to loitering at the Makai Market food court for ambiance, eh?

Addendum: The $35 one-year senior citizen bus pass was procured as the final step of the initiation into and indoctrination of the fully geriatric life-style.

Update: A chance encounter with a Sand Island homeless shelter alumnus led to the discovery that another alumnus, Randy (Filipino guy), has passed on. He had previously disclosed that his kidneys were only about 25% functional during the tenure at the homeless shelter.

The “Green” Farce

As often discussed in Notes, the greatest threat facing all life forms on the planet is global climate change as perpetrated entirely by the chimpo sapiens species. The root cause is overpopulation. Then, there is the failed “civilization” paradigm which requires infinite economic growth to remain viable. By implication, everyone must increase their personal ecological “footprint” through increased activity and consumption.

Any attempt to mitigate the effects of global climate change by reducing “greenhouse” gases (to stabilize global temperatures) is doomed to failure. Draconian measures would have to be invoked. Human activities would have to be significantly curtailed. Ecological “footprints” would have to be curbed. Drastic life-style changes would be required. That’s not going to happen.

Any attempt to modify the “system” would cause massive social upheaval amongst the most vulnerable (i.e., “deplorables”). Anarchy would be a more appropriate description. Many of the “green” policies that are being floated will cause a significant increase in global aggregate unemployment. Economic inequality, already a threat to stability, would then surpass the ability to maintain any order or a “civil society.” The oligarchy will not be exempt, but who really cares about them? Nonetheless, the ramifications are unfathomable.

The earth is already past the “tipping point” insofar as its physical and natural systems are concerned. However, the artificial “system” created by humans has also passed the “point of no return.” Humanity will barrel toward self-destruction in a semi-orderly manner without impediment. It has no other choice but to choose denial ... “face the music” now, or put off the inevitable until later.

The effects of global climate change will most likely begin manifesting itself in more violent ways within the next five years, far earlier than all of the conservative predictions. The possibility exists for crude “half-ass” measures being taken then, but that, in itself, may provoke social upheaval. In other words, there’s almost no way to plan for the future. Will money be worth anything then?

Addendum: An important article titled, “World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency,” in the journal BioScience is recommended reading.