Complex systems, individual and networked dependencies on technology, and an increasingly connected world have both expanded our potential and our vulnerability. Our lives, both functionally and socially, have become hopelessly intertwined with a series of systems that operate both outside us, in a global information network, and inside our lives and homes, as a life convenience. Artificial intelligence [...]
I was happy to read Robin Huebner's recent article in The Forum about the way the Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo Public School Districts handle the special transportation needs of homeless students. According to the article the districts use cabs or transportation services for those students that need transport to shelters, hotels, or homes they are [...]
Let me say at the outset that I do not draw conclusions about the actions of law enforcement officers from videos posted on social media. I learned long ago that it is prudent to wait to hear all the facts before coming to any conclusion about whether an officer's actions were lawful and justified. The split-second decisions [...]
Is politeness an antiquated behavior? Have we lost our ability as a society to be civil and gracious to others? I wonder this every single day as I watch the way our society has become disconnected from others, in part because of technology. I know this seems counter-intuitive - I know many folks think we [...]
I am becoming a tad exasperated with the discussion of the young KVLY reporter, Mellaney Moore, who was able to enter and walk around three area elementary schools with little or no interference from school staff. The point of Moore's efforts was to illustrate the vulnerabilities of school security. The recent article in The Forum [...]
One of The New Forty's regular readers (Tim) said something in a blog comment a couple of days ago that begged for deeper reflection; as such, I share it with you today. The excerpted portion of his comment that I want to share is: "I think The Kardashians are worse for America than the Patriot [...]
I am gratified this morning to be greeted with the news that Minnesota's House passed a marriage equality bill. Now the only thing between marriage equality is the Minnesota Senate and the Governor which are expected to likewise pass the bill and sign it into law. This makes me happy. This is an inequality that [...]
THE NEW FORTY 