Posts Tagged ‘social sustainability’

Sea-Space Summit DC 2013

Sunday, February 24th, 2013

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I head to DC on Monday with Dr. Andrea Neal to participate in the Sea-Space Initiative Summit, which is headed up by Guillermo Söhnlein of Opus Novum.

Our intention is to get a look at the ongoing crisis in Japan, and examine some of the socio-political architecture which led to the catastrophic failure event at the six reactor Fukushima-Daichi Power Plant.  It is a disaster of massive scale. However, in that lies a great opportunity to create some fantastic change.

http://seaspaceinitiative.org/participants-dc13/

The last Summit was at Google, and this was what we did (among other things). I was in Dr. Lu’s study group. Ed identifies an issue and develops a plan that literally could save Earth. Then he implements it. (Doing is everything) Want to save something, I mean, really truly help? Donate to this.

http://b612foundation.org/tedxmarinedsept2012/

Since that time, our group (Blue Ocean Sciences LLC and Ocean Lovers) has been created and have developed a means of detecting and removing nuclear contaminants (aka persistent inorganic pollutants) from the water column. In fact, the system is able to remove a large variety  of water borne contaminants. (Our Teams and  Boards in both entities are highest bar)

We have solutions at our fingertips. Will we be able to implement them as a collective, to benefit mankind?

 

In a note to George Orbelian, one of the Ocean Lover Advisory Board members, regarding the upcoming Summit, I received an educated response and proposal for resolution. I have simply pasted the correspondence below.

 

Dear David,

 

Looks like a great group.

 

I think that it is time for less talking – and more doing.

 

We should have a 3D model of the planet earth and the universe – Google has it – Ojingo could add it to the Hasbro my3D concept and port it to smart-phones and social networks.

 

We put voyage tracker – the same stuff we got a Google Earth Hero award for – on everybody’s smart phone for free.

 

Everyone / Anywhere can send in what they see – we see all the earth in real time and can have scientists confirm the spots that need attention.

 

All the educational, scientific and business efforts are linked to this global network so that issues can be identified, solutions designed and implemented.

 

The ultimate reality show – our planet / real time / right now / real issues.

 

SURVIVOR – but this time it is for real – and for the children of the future.

 

We need to pull back the curtain of ignorance that is keeping people in the dark. We need to start implementing existing solutions now.

 

Apply this quote to the conference – and you’ll have something.

 

Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought. A theory however elegant and economical must be rejected or revised if it is untrue;

likewise laws and institutions no matter how efficient and well-arranged, must be reformed or abolished if they are unjust.

Each person possesses an inviolability founded on justice, that even the welfare of society as a whole cannot override. For this reason justice denies that the loss of freedom for some is made right by a greater good shared by others.

It does not allow that the sacrifices imposed on a few are outweighed by the larger sum of advantages enjoyed by many. Therefore in a just society the liberties of equal citizenship are taken as settled;

the rights secured by justice are not subject to political bargaining or to the calculus of social interests. The only thing that permits us to acquiesce in an erroneous theory, is the lack of a better one;

analogously, an injustice is tolerable only when it is necessary to avoid an even greater injustice.

Being first virtues of human activities, truth and justice are uncompromising.

 From “A THEORY OF JUSTICE” BY JOHN RAWLS

 

Think what we would have if we wired all of our best institutions, libraries, laboratories and minds together – we have the technology to get the entire planet collaborating and working together today.

 

Best,

 

G

 

Many of us have a sense of direction in the determination of the future of the  earth via the Sea-Space connection. Being the son of a man who spent a lifetime as a Hawaiian waterman, as well as having a lifelong career in Aerospace, designing in most of our Space programs, I grew up with this connection between Sea and Space.

Not that I myself matter all that much, being one tiny cog in a massive collective of incredibly brilliant, connected, scientists, researchers and social change architects, but my life has been led in the Sea. Within my time-spatial reference is a deep understanding regarding the Ocean by virtue of the massive number of hours, days months and years I have spent in and on it in all parts of this blue marble.

So that is why I am going. To be that voice in the room.

George and I refer to Buckminster Fuller and the value of understanding Earth architecture a lot amongst ourselves.  This is well worth the watch, a 20 minute film which could help frame a new world view for us all.

 

http://vimeo.com/55073825#

 

We must come to the understanding that there is an exceptionally high value to be recognized in Human Virtue, and as a global society we have a key choice before us in this age, whereby we may select the option of being the source of solution, or in a veering away from the benefit of human virtue: the agents of negative change.

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Let us choose, with knowledge, wisdom and compassion as our filters.  A beautiful future may rest in us.

 

Aloha nui loa.

 

puu.hhp.22puu

Connecting

Friday, September 7th, 2012
Intelligent Design

Intelligent Design

In Nature, Mankind can see a remarkable intelligence exhibited within the context of  the architecture of systems themselves.

The reality is, that if we really want to see a land thrive, the best way to assist is to recognize the role of the individual.

Each has a part, and purpose, that if respected and watered, will enable the system to function with remarkable vigor. It is why many of us believe and live the tenet that “everyone matters”.  Because they do. Not in an identical manner, quite the contrary. They make a difference by us allowing for their diversity.

One of the better examples that I have read regarding biodiversity and modern culture, dropped into my e mail reads today, and is entitled “Business Lessons from a Quiet Gardener”.

So as we thrash through this awful economy, with all manner of trouble trying to grab the wheel in National, State, and Municipal Governance, maybe think a little bit about those in your garden, and how best to water, or maybe just provide a little bit of nourishment from your own existence.

Because when one thrives, in a biosystem, the potential for others to do so, increases as well. Lets do that: thrive.

Thrive

Thrive

Red White and You

Sunday, August 26th, 2012

Amongst my friends and colleagues, who I see as being people of sound, educated mind, and of exceptional intelligence and compassion, I have observed something.

They appear to be stuck.

Why is it, that some people prefer to confer the authority and tenets of Leadership, on Politicians?

The reason I find this perplexing is due to a recurrent result that is obvious.

By repetitively supporting a Red or Blue, Left and Right divisive philosophy, they have jettisoned their own power as individuals, who are for the most part,  in possession of  greater intelligence and connectedness,  than those leading the factions. My dear friends follow an idea they were sold by a marketer.

Ever read this?  All Marketers are Liars.  Great book. Or this one? The Tipping Point. Responsible empowering reads. If ever one wanted to own their power as an individual, these would be great books to engage.

Politicians are liars of convenience. In order for most of them to stay in office, they must be re-elected. So getting that done is job one.  Telling people what they want to hear, is frequently a good interim solution.  The short term cycle of Politics and daily Media, which feeds upon it economically, in much the same manner as American Retail does on the concept of Christmas, is designed to survive via consumerism. It needs the public to feed on it’s messages, in order to complete the advertising cycle and show profit.

Now why would it bother me that my friends would do this? Well, it does so for selfish reasons. I like my friends, and see them as high value contributors to society potentially, and it is really embarrassing to see grown, educated people, cuddling a Red or Blue blankie, asking a Politician to feed them nurturing leadership. The obvious fact is that with many Politicians, the Ethics Deficit has left their Moral Bank Account without funds and their Pantry is inhabited only by the cobwebs of desire: to succeed in Politics.

So here is what I propose. Ignore them. Take the reins of your life, act right where you are. Think about what you do which makes you feel happy, engaged and fulfilled, and do that. We become what we lend attention and heart to. If you read the National Enquirer, well then, that becomes your foundational knowledge and philosophy base. Partisanship is sort of like that, and a choice.

But those of us who care about you, will really miss having you in on the conversations we are inspired to engage and the solutions which we endeavor to ferret out.

You could matter. But first it must become all about you. Once you are in place, then it can be about helping others to thrive. Let’s make it about you, rather than those waving false flags, who don’t care about humanity or your family, or you,  beyond seizing our attention when they need it.

Oh and by the way. The White? Those white stripes on the American flag? They signify liberty and equality, and some say, purity of intention.  Hint: choose White over Red or Blue. We will all be happier as a result.

Nurture and thrive.

It starts with you.

Do it.

“When I die, my epitaph, or whatever you call those signs on gravestones, is going to read: “I joked about every prominent man of my time, but I never met a man I didn’t like.” I am so proud of that, I can hardly wait to die, so it can be carved”. -Will Rogers

Going Deeper

Monday, April 9th, 2012

My colleague and friend, Dr Andrea Neal, of Blue Ocean Sciences, sent me this very cool piece on Tom’s Shoes (who I really admire) today.

It is very in theme for this blog series. Many of us are looking at ethics and architecture these days. It is essential if one really wants to make an accurate difference.

In surfing, being accurate is 90 percent of the battle in being competent and thriving. (I frequently relate everything back to the oceans)

To be there and successful in surfing you need to know the Architecture of the Earth and have skill. If you do that, your experience is challenging, rewarding and allows one to move forward without a serious hold down or wipe out. The best way to survive in challenging surf? Choose a wave that you know you can make. Don’t wipe out. Simple eh?

But you would be amazed at the number of people who refuse to apply these basic principles to things which they choose to support or believe in.

Flow

Flow

Here is how I see it:

Architecture, and really great design,  begins with the Philosophy of the designer.

In Nature (which was designed by God) you see this, the brilliance of great Architecture, as well as the heart of the philosophy being espoused.

Herein is contained both the problem and it’s solution.

It is not easy.

But it is simple.

God is Love.

Use Love as your benefit quantifier.

Watch what happens.

Seth Godin absolutely nails the validity of an accurate voice in his Blog today “Is Everyone Entitled to Their Opinion?”

Here is a fantastic piece on Man and Nature, by Frances Moore Lappe entitled “How to Think Like an Ecosystem”.

Drew Kampion states: “Life IS a wave”  So choose wisely. Or you may find yourself on one of these, below.

Beautiful Closeout

Beautiful Closeout

Be the Enlightened

Monday, March 5th, 2012
Notes From the Beach

Notes From the Beach

This morning as I prepared for the workday, it was all hustle and bustle in my home. Wrestling with twenty pound cats, charging camera batteries. Organizing my gear for a shoot. Scanning weather data.  Reading a Chapter of Michael Kew’s new book, “Crossings”, and perusing Facebook a bit. Adding a few posts, while monitoring my tone, as best as I am able.

I was surprised to see the face of a rather chubby and notorious “pundit” on the walls of many of my “liberal progressive friends”. These are people who normally would never allow themselves to be in the same room with the man, let alone advertise him on their personal pages. As is that guys normal M.O. he had flamed “an innocent” and now cries of outrage were all over the place. To read it, you would have thought that the man’s actions were something new.

But they were not.

He does this for a reason. It works.

So now my friends were all calling for him to be taken “off the air”. The pundit has got to be laughing. Why? He just won. He got people who are normally pretty level, to stoop to his calculated level AND advertise some of his vitriol as well.

That is the modern World which we live in. It is one of egregious misdirection and it is generally done for one primary reason, and issues forth from the shadow world of fiscal prurient interest. That intention being, to control the attentions of a body of people so that they do not focus on the real issues at hand, so that some may profit.

The net effect of this, is that people who should be collectively outraged by the greater issues, which crush our spirit and land, run in circles and tilt at windmills. Funny thing about windmills. As long as a wind blows, they will continue to turn, and the grinding wheel crushes all productivity. Unfortunately it is the bottom which our formerly Democratic Republic has reached, as Partisan Politics have become a mere facade, which thinly masks the Corporatism whose strings manipulate the players in Govt.

I won’t put the pundit’s name or face on my blog. He is a notorious bottom dweller, and his handlers are smart men. I have had little but disgust for the man most of my life. But I do accede to his unalienable right to pursue his work and business and his contrived “opinions”

We all should. But if one disagrees with him, the best thing to do is to ignore the entire mess. Don’t buy in on anything associated with him. Just stop. Personally act. And help someone who builds. Put your attention there. Much needs fixing these days. We all need to study up, focus, and refuse to be led astray. CREATE something. Grow.

Wolfgang Von Goethe put it well.

“Divide and rule, the politician cries; unite and lead, is watchword of the wise.”

Yesterday, a Sunday, was spent studying a wide variety of things. Twelve hours straight online, while slowly working through an art file from a shoot the other day, when pressure and a feeling of claustrophobia from tales of much nastiness being delivered to my in box about my own poorly led town, made me feel in need of a saltwater bath. (Images posted below)

On my return, I had sat down to watch a  Ted talk that Donna Von Hoesslin had sent me. I liked the talk. But what I found most enlightening was the discourse which followed on the TED website. It was compelling enough that it caused me to finally register for Ted, and begin my own contribution to the conversations which occur there. I do not engage everything. The reason for that, is life today has the effect of a riot on the soul and psyche. Information, disinformation, lies, misdirection, leveraging, manipulating, all of it really an endeavor to market: something.

Here is that Ted talk. Peter Diamandis: Abundance is our future

The realization that all marketers are liars is what turned me on to Seth Godin actually. The man has chops. But some lies really sneak up on one. Pays to be enlightened. Seth perpetually riffs on how marketing works and in reading him, you begin to step into a certain flow of understanding, regarding who indeed your puppet master may be. That is crucial, if one wants progress within a Community and in one’s life and work and yes, family.

Coming up this month is the Triiibes 2012 Global Retreat, which will be hosted by our friends here in Ventura California. We are calling the event, FLOW. Our hope is that in this impressive gathering of bright lights, that people will connect and participants benefit in their lives, businesses, and Communities from stepping into Flow, and away from strife. Here is the website.  Check out the speakers, peruse the plans. See if it is a fit for you. Come. You are invited. The only caveats being that you know about Seth Godin,  NEED some flow, and have something to add to the conversation. That is right, YOU are to be a co creator of Flow 2012. The event should be a LOT of fun, and is being organized by some very generous and talented people, who all want you, and your community to thrive. There is much strength to be gained in that, if we invest in our Tribe.

The images below are me stepping into my source of flow. The sea. If you come to Flow 2012, in the tradition of the ancient Polynesians, we are going to throw you in it.

Sent along by Skip Saenger, this very pertinent TedX music presentation by Jackson Browne. “If I could be anywhere”.

Aloha oe.

© 2009 David Pu'u. All rights reserved.

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