Tag Archives: musing

Domestication as an evolutionary success?

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Oleg Volk

Domesticated animals have been around for tends of millions of years. Many ant species look after aphids in exchange for sugary secretions from their six-legged flocks. Human domestication of selected species certainly assured their survival to a far greater degree … Continue reading →

Posted in nature, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 12 Comments

Slavery reparations?

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Oleg Volk

Has anyone considered the reparations owed to those who served involuntarily as draftees before that shameful practice was discontinued? Unlike the reparations to the long-dead slaves who were in bondage pre-1860s, these actually have a chance of reaching the living.

Posted in civil rights | Tagged | 22 Comments

Music and lyrics

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Oleg Volk

I find myself drawn to musical ballads, in whichever language they may be. I like stories in music. Some do a good job of messing with the audience’s emotions: Баллада о матери.  Others are just engaging stories: The Ballad of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Number of states vs. the degree of control.

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Oleg Volk

The number of countries in Europe in 1875 – 18 (if my count is correct). In 1914 – 23. In 2012 – 44. I wonder if the degree of state control over individuals has grown or declined. In the US, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

New camera coming.

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Oleg Volk

I finally ordered a Panasonic G2 with 20mm and 45mm lenses. Rather than it being a substitute for 5Dmk2, it’s going to take the LX3 out of the equation. I’d lose the extreme macro capability but gain low-light performance, magnified … Continue reading →

Posted in camera and lens, weapon | Tagged , | 3 Comments

TSA and the eventual regional breakup

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Oleg Volk

I wonder if the depredations of TSA reduce cross-regional cooperation in favor of more local, driving-distance business ties…and if that shift would eventually contribute to entire regions becoming de facto independent.

Posted in civil rights | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

Definition of being rich.

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Oleg Volk

Sometimes, I am rich. Not always, but I was rich yesterday. I had more of what I wanted than I actually needed — my sole constraint being the 24/7 limit of available time shared by all. I had more storage … Continue reading →

Posted in author | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments