Encryption: The F.B.I vs. Apple

Lunch + Last Week Tonight With John Oliver. It's a great combo until you're taking a sip of your drink and Mr. Oliver drops a funny line.

Encryption is a concept that's been in the public light lately due to the F.B.I vs. Apple debate. I saw a lot of people post and share Apple's defense of their position when it was released. It was almost as if the F.B.I was completely out-of-bounds in this case. I, however, saw nuance in this discussion.

I can see why so many people voiced their support for Apple. The tech giant is much sexier than the F.B.I and viewed favorably. Aside from style, there is substance to support Apple too. If someone held a gun up to my head and forced me to completely side with Apple or the F.B.I, I, too, would assemble on the Apple side of the debate. But this is not that easy. The conversation about security vs. privacy is a long and ongoing talk. I'm positive that the same people that swiftly and firmly sided with Apple would be equally outraged, at Apple, if a follow up incident occurred that the F.B.I could have prevented with encrypted information. You can't have both absolute freedom and absolute security.

Is Bernie Sanders Too Smart For Us?

One of the most influential books I have read in my lifetime is "Looking Forward" by Jacque Fresco (A new hardcover copy of the book is going for $448 on Amazon). The book was published in 1969 and was way ahead of its time. One would assume having that sort of foresight would be a good thing, but I think it would be burdensome (Look at what they did to Jesus Christ). Jacque Fresco was quickly deemed a fringe thinker, and I see many doing that with Bernie Sanders. I would love to see someone with a prophetic like vision drag the rest of us knuckle-draggers into a more prosperous future. Many critics claim that Sanders is clueless on foreign affairs, and that may prove to be true, but he has the right outlook on war and wasn't wrong about the Iraq War.

The World Is A Confusing Place

I comment on everything, and I feel like I have over saturated feeds many of times, so I kept silent about France. The World Wide Web attempted to cover everything when it came to commentary, even though there weren't and still aren't any words that could describe how awful yesterday's events were. I stayed up hitting refresh as bits of information came into focus from the chaos. Things became darker and darker with each update. When darkness is cast onto the world, my mind also seems to go down a dark path. My nihilistic side emerges, and to cope I tell myself that we are but microscopic dots in a vast cosmic arena. That idea helps me come to terms with darkness because it's true. The universe does not give a damn about us.
However, I took a totally different approach today. I visited The Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota for an informational seminar. To be around like minded people who are deeply concerned and motivated to better the world was extremely comforting. People who have dedicated their lives to better the public, and to nurture higher education.
I host a free event once a year for Koreans living in Minnesota. I lucked out because that event was planned for today. I found solace in focusing my energy, time, and resources into making other people feel comfortable and smile. Every one thanked me endlessly when the event ended, but I made sure that it was me that thanked them before they left. They showed me that we can manifest happiness even in tough times. They showed me that loving bonds can be formed with strangers. The universe might not give a damn how we are as we float on this giant rock in the middle of nowhere, but I give a damn. I love you, and that's why it hurts when tragedy strikes.

Students Ask Obama About Education In America

I've had some amazing teachers in my life, and I've even tried teaching for a bit. It's an insane job, but incredibly rewarding and you feel good because you feel like you are making in impact on society and lives. I have no doubt that education is the great equalizer.
"Society has just gotta make an investment." He's right, but I'm afraid it won't. So, is this something we drag people along with, knowing it's the right path? Or, do we turn away from education because society isn't ready to prioritize it correctly?

Grab Show Show: A New Online Variety Show

I consume a lot of news and I wish there were more outlets for people to get news in a fun way. I think shows like The Colbert Report & The Daily Show are so great. They are informative, smart, and funny.
So, I've been trying to mess around with a few ideas. None of them are too refined or where I want them to be, but hey, you have to start somewhere.

This is an idea for an online variety show. Your critical feedback is appreciated.