Solextre
@solextre.bsky.social
Retired teacher (systems theory, communication) maker of abstract music videos (see solextre YouTube) no political party ... to quote Kurt Vonnegut:
"To be is to do - Socrates
To do is to be - Sartre
Do Be Do Be Do - Sinatra"
:-)
"To be is to do - Socrates
To do is to be - Sartre
Do Be Do Be Do - Sinatra"
:-)
#CHRNCL
In an area including Western Pennsylvania, most of Ohio, and parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, hundreds of factories whose business had been the processing of steel closed down. The local economies collapsed, but no one seemed to notice, and the government offered no assistance.
In an area including Western Pennsylvania, most of Ohio, and parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, hundreds of factories whose business had been the processing of steel closed down. The local economies collapsed, but no one seemed to notice, and the government offered no assistance.
January 9, 2026 at 3:43 PM
#CHRNCL
In an area including Western Pennsylvania, most of Ohio, and parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, hundreds of factories whose business had been the processing of steel closed down. The local economies collapsed, but no one seemed to notice, and the government offered no assistance.
In an area including Western Pennsylvania, most of Ohio, and parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, hundreds of factories whose business had been the processing of steel closed down. The local economies collapsed, but no one seemed to notice, and the government offered no assistance.
#CHRNCL A BIT OF HISTORY
In the late 1980s, buffeted by recession after failing to innovate, many steel mills in the Pittsburgh area ceased operations. 150,000 workers lost their jobs. Steel had been the primary driver of American industry, and the side effects of the closures were staggering.
In the late 1980s, buffeted by recession after failing to innovate, many steel mills in the Pittsburgh area ceased operations. 150,000 workers lost their jobs. Steel had been the primary driver of American industry, and the side effects of the closures were staggering.
January 8, 2026 at 8:36 PM
#CHRNCL A BIT OF HISTORY
In the late 1980s, buffeted by recession after failing to innovate, many steel mills in the Pittsburgh area ceased operations. 150,000 workers lost their jobs. Steel had been the primary driver of American industry, and the side effects of the closures were staggering.
In the late 1980s, buffeted by recession after failing to innovate, many steel mills in the Pittsburgh area ceased operations. 150,000 workers lost their jobs. Steel had been the primary driver of American industry, and the side effects of the closures were staggering.
#CHRNCL
We have come to depend on a hierarchically organized central government to provide us with any number of services, but the efficiency of this approach is now in question. (The average age of a US senator is 64 years, so it is likely the change will be slow in coming. Stay tuned.)
We have come to depend on a hierarchically organized central government to provide us with any number of services, but the efficiency of this approach is now in question. (The average age of a US senator is 64 years, so it is likely the change will be slow in coming. Stay tuned.)
January 7, 2026 at 11:46 PM
#CHRNCL
We have come to depend on a hierarchically organized central government to provide us with any number of services, but the efficiency of this approach is now in question. (The average age of a US senator is 64 years, so it is likely the change will be slow in coming. Stay tuned.)
We have come to depend on a hierarchically organized central government to provide us with any number of services, but the efficiency of this approach is now in question. (The average age of a US senator is 64 years, so it is likely the change will be slow in coming. Stay tuned.)
#POLITX
This Just Security article outlines the legal situation with regard to the US action in Venezuela.
www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
This Just Security article outlines the legal situation with regard to the US action in Venezuela.
www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
International Law and the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement Operations in Venezuela
Experts survey the international law issues of Operation Absolute Resolve.
www.justsecurity.org
January 5, 2026 at 11:20 PM
#POLITX
This Just Security article outlines the legal situation with regard to the US action in Venezuela.
www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
This Just Security article outlines the legal situation with regard to the US action in Venezuela.
www.justsecurity.org/127981/inter...
#POLITX
What is it called when you take over another nation and claim their natural resources for yourself? Colonialism? Are we an empire now?
What is it called when you take over another nation and claim their natural resources for yourself? Colonialism? Are we an empire now?
January 5, 2026 at 5:38 PM
#POLITX
What is it called when you take over another nation and claim their natural resources for yourself? Colonialism? Are we an empire now?
What is it called when you take over another nation and claim their natural resources for yourself? Colonialism? Are we an empire now?
#POLITX
CHRNCL is devoted to analysis of the social systems that brought our culture to its present day. POLITX will be a thread devoted to the current political situation. It should be noted that I am not virulently anti-Trump, but I am strongly pro-democracy, and I worry about where we are headed.
CHRNCL is devoted to analysis of the social systems that brought our culture to its present day. POLITX will be a thread devoted to the current political situation. It should be noted that I am not virulently anti-Trump, but I am strongly pro-democracy, and I worry about where we are headed.
January 5, 2026 at 5:38 PM
#POLITX
CHRNCL is devoted to analysis of the social systems that brought our culture to its present day. POLITX will be a thread devoted to the current political situation. It should be noted that I am not virulently anti-Trump, but I am strongly pro-democracy, and I worry about where we are headed.
CHRNCL is devoted to analysis of the social systems that brought our culture to its present day. POLITX will be a thread devoted to the current political situation. It should be noted that I am not virulently anti-Trump, but I am strongly pro-democracy, and I worry about where we are headed.
#CHRNCL
Because it was created during the industrial age, our government is designed as a hierarchy. The President issues commands which travel down the hierarchy to government workers. Congress and the Supreme Court both work at the top level in conjunction with the President's commands.
Because it was created during the industrial age, our government is designed as a hierarchy. The President issues commands which travel down the hierarchy to government workers. Congress and the Supreme Court both work at the top level in conjunction with the President's commands.
January 5, 2026 at 3:33 PM
#CHRNCL
Because it was created during the industrial age, our government is designed as a hierarchy. The President issues commands which travel down the hierarchy to government workers. Congress and the Supreme Court both work at the top level in conjunction with the President's commands.
Because it was created during the industrial age, our government is designed as a hierarchy. The President issues commands which travel down the hierarchy to government workers. Congress and the Supreme Court both work at the top level in conjunction with the President's commands.
#CHRNCL
Corporations are changing from hierarchies into networks. Telecommuting moves employees from the corporate center, but connects them via the net. Internally, employees may be members of work groups that are cross connected and not hierarchical at all. Such complexity increases flexibility.
Corporations are changing from hierarchies into networks. Telecommuting moves employees from the corporate center, but connects them via the net. Internally, employees may be members of work groups that are cross connected and not hierarchical at all. Such complexity increases flexibility.
January 4, 2026 at 2:19 PM
#CHRNCL
Corporations are changing from hierarchies into networks. Telecommuting moves employees from the corporate center, but connects them via the net. Internally, employees may be members of work groups that are cross connected and not hierarchical at all. Such complexity increases flexibility.
Corporations are changing from hierarchies into networks. Telecommuting moves employees from the corporate center, but connects them via the net. Internally, employees may be members of work groups that are cross connected and not hierarchical at all. Such complexity increases flexibility.
#CHRNCL
Families are already showing this change. In 1800 you could find three generations living on a single farm. Today, children move away, often far away, as soon as they become adult adults. But the family remains connected via the Internet.
Families are already showing this change. In 1800 you could find three generations living on a single farm. Today, children move away, often far away, as soon as they become adult adults. But the family remains connected via the Internet.
January 3, 2026 at 5:30 PM
#CHRNCL
Families are already showing this change. In 1800 you could find three generations living on a single farm. Today, children move away, often far away, as soon as they become adult adults. But the family remains connected via the Internet.
Families are already showing this change. In 1800 you could find three generations living on a single farm. Today, children move away, often far away, as soon as they become adult adults. But the family remains connected via the Internet.
#CHRNCL
But the Internet links people directly to one another. Individuals can work on many projects at once, thus taking on many roles at the same time. This breaks down the hierarchy; replacing it with an interconnected network - the "networked" society brings change at every level.
But the Internet links people directly to one another. Individuals can work on many projects at once, thus taking on many roles at the same time. This breaks down the hierarchy; replacing it with an interconnected network - the "networked" society brings change at every level.
December 30, 2025 at 3:02 PM
#CHRNCL
But the Internet links people directly to one another. Individuals can work on many projects at once, thus taking on many roles at the same time. This breaks down the hierarchy; replacing it with an interconnected network - the "networked" society brings change at every level.
But the Internet links people directly to one another. Individuals can work on many projects at once, thus taking on many roles at the same time. This breaks down the hierarchy; replacing it with an interconnected network - the "networked" society brings change at every level.
#CHRNCL
Every organization in a hierarchical society is also a hierarchy. Every business had people in low level roles who reported to people in higher level roles and an executive at the top. Families were organized as a male and female roles with the male as the higher level manager. And so on.
Every organization in a hierarchical society is also a hierarchy. Every business had people in low level roles who reported to people in higher level roles and an executive at the top. Families were organized as a male and female roles with the male as the higher level manager. And so on.
December 29, 2025 at 9:40 PM
#CHRNCL
Every organization in a hierarchical society is also a hierarchy. Every business had people in low level roles who reported to people in higher level roles and an executive at the top. Families were organized as a male and female roles with the male as the higher level manager. And so on.
Every organization in a hierarchical society is also a hierarchy. Every business had people in low level roles who reported to people in higher level roles and an executive at the top. Families were organized as a male and female roles with the male as the higher level manager. And so on.
#CHRNCL
A hierarchy defines a kind of communication. Each person can talk to the individual "above" him or her, and each can talk down to a number of individuals at the next level. This set up allows the people at the top to issue orders that flow to the people at the bottom.
A hierarchy defines a kind of communication. Each person can talk to the individual "above" him or her, and each can talk down to a number of individuals at the next level. This set up allows the people at the top to issue orders that flow to the people at the bottom.
December 25, 2025 at 4:10 AM
#CHRNCL
A hierarchy defines a kind of communication. Each person can talk to the individual "above" him or her, and each can talk down to a number of individuals at the next level. This set up allows the people at the top to issue orders that flow to the people at the bottom.
A hierarchy defines a kind of communication. Each person can talk to the individual "above" him or her, and each can talk down to a number of individuals at the next level. This set up allows the people at the top to issue orders that flow to the people at the bottom.
#CHRNCL
The structure of industrial society was based on a hierarchy of "roles". That is, each person had a role to play in society, the economy, and the community, and those roles were organized as a pyramid with the most powerful people at the top. We called this the "hierarchical" society.
The structure of industrial society was based on a hierarchy of "roles". That is, each person had a role to play in society, the economy, and the community, and those roles were organized as a pyramid with the most powerful people at the top. We called this the "hierarchical" society.
December 24, 2025 at 5:31 PM
#CHRNCL
The structure of industrial society was based on a hierarchy of "roles". That is, each person had a role to play in society, the economy, and the community, and those roles were organized as a pyramid with the most powerful people at the top. We called this the "hierarchical" society.
The structure of industrial society was based on a hierarchy of "roles". That is, each person had a role to play in society, the economy, and the community, and those roles were organized as a pyramid with the most powerful people at the top. We called this the "hierarchical" society.
#CHRNCL
One side effect of phones is that anyone can instantly make contact with anyone else. In earlier times there were people you could not talk to without going through their subordinates. Today, if you have their number, you can reach them. This changes the flow of communication in management.
One side effect of phones is that anyone can instantly make contact with anyone else. In earlier times there were people you could not talk to without going through their subordinates. Today, if you have their number, you can reach them. This changes the flow of communication in management.
December 23, 2025 at 8:03 PM
#CHRNCL
One side effect of phones is that anyone can instantly make contact with anyone else. In earlier times there were people you could not talk to without going through their subordinates. Today, if you have their number, you can reach them. This changes the flow of communication in management.
One side effect of phones is that anyone can instantly make contact with anyone else. In earlier times there were people you could not talk to without going through their subordinates. Today, if you have their number, you can reach them. This changes the flow of communication in management.
#CHRNCL
In the Agricultural age individuals drew their identities from their class, as based on family history. The Industrial age altered the focus from class to jobs – "you are what you do". The Internet age is eliminating jobs and making it hard for people to define themselves as individuals.
In the Agricultural age individuals drew their identities from their class, as based on family history. The Industrial age altered the focus from class to jobs – "you are what you do". The Internet age is eliminating jobs and making it hard for people to define themselves as individuals.
December 22, 2025 at 4:16 PM
#CHRNCL
In the Agricultural age individuals drew their identities from their class, as based on family history. The Industrial age altered the focus from class to jobs – "you are what you do". The Internet age is eliminating jobs and making it hard for people to define themselves as individuals.
In the Agricultural age individuals drew their identities from their class, as based on family history. The Industrial age altered the focus from class to jobs – "you are what you do". The Internet age is eliminating jobs and making it hard for people to define themselves as individuals.
#CHRNCL
The important thing about smartphones is that we have attached them to our bodies. Their functions have become commonplace, even irreplaceable. When technology has this kind of impact, entire societies must adapt to the change. The result can be an entirely new social order.
The important thing about smartphones is that we have attached them to our bodies. Their functions have become commonplace, even irreplaceable. When technology has this kind of impact, entire societies must adapt to the change. The result can be an entirely new social order.
December 22, 2025 at 4:40 AM
#CHRNCL
The important thing about smartphones is that we have attached them to our bodies. Their functions have become commonplace, even irreplaceable. When technology has this kind of impact, entire societies must adapt to the change. The result can be an entirely new social order.
The important thing about smartphones is that we have attached them to our bodies. Their functions have become commonplace, even irreplaceable. When technology has this kind of impact, entire societies must adapt to the change. The result can be an entirely new social order.
#CHRNCL
As an experiment, spend a day without pulling your phone out at all. See what it feels like. See if you can make it through a day without touching your phone. (Don't turn it off – not responding to its sound is part of the test.)
As an experiment, spend a day without pulling your phone out at all. See what it feels like. See if you can make it through a day without touching your phone. (Don't turn it off – not responding to its sound is part of the test.)
December 20, 2025 at 9:09 PM
#CHRNCL
As an experiment, spend a day without pulling your phone out at all. See what it feels like. See if you can make it through a day without touching your phone. (Don't turn it off – not responding to its sound is part of the test.)
As an experiment, spend a day without pulling your phone out at all. See what it feels like. See if you can make it through a day without touching your phone. (Don't turn it off – not responding to its sound is part of the test.)
#CHRNCL
For a moment, put aside the costs and benefits of smart phones, and consider the side effects. If you grew up before smart phones were invented, think about how they have changed your life. If you are younger, think about what your life would be like if they did not exist.
For a moment, put aside the costs and benefits of smart phones, and consider the side effects. If you grew up before smart phones were invented, think about how they have changed your life. If you are younger, think about what your life would be like if they did not exist.
December 19, 2025 at 4:33 PM
#CHRNCL
For a moment, put aside the costs and benefits of smart phones, and consider the side effects. If you grew up before smart phones were invented, think about how they have changed your life. If you are younger, think about what your life would be like if they did not exist.
For a moment, put aside the costs and benefits of smart phones, and consider the side effects. If you grew up before smart phones were invented, think about how they have changed your life. If you are younger, think about what your life would be like if they did not exist.
#CHRNCL Phones
50 years ago, all phones were land lines. You could not send text or photos. To call abroad you had to connect with an operator, and most of the world was inaccessible. Today your phone is in your pocket, and you can send sound, text, and video to anyone. This is a massive change.
50 years ago, all phones were land lines. You could not send text or photos. To call abroad you had to connect with an operator, and most of the world was inaccessible. Today your phone is in your pocket, and you can send sound, text, and video to anyone. This is a massive change.
December 18, 2025 at 3:55 PM
#CHRNCL Phones
50 years ago, all phones were land lines. You could not send text or photos. To call abroad you had to connect with an operator, and most of the world was inaccessible. Today your phone is in your pocket, and you can send sound, text, and video to anyone. This is a massive change.
50 years ago, all phones were land lines. You could not send text or photos. To call abroad you had to connect with an operator, and most of the world was inaccessible. Today your phone is in your pocket, and you can send sound, text, and video to anyone. This is a massive change.
#CHRNCL
But in the Internet age, smartphones are tying people together no matter where they live. This network of communications gives us a chance to begin changing the way we organize ourselves to deal with our lives and our governance. It may take awhile, but we need to rediscover who we are.
But in the Internet age, smartphones are tying people together no matter where they live. This network of communications gives us a chance to begin changing the way we organize ourselves to deal with our lives and our governance. It may take awhile, but we need to rediscover who we are.
December 17, 2025 at 2:43 PM
#CHRNCL
But in the Internet age, smartphones are tying people together no matter where they live. This network of communications gives us a chance to begin changing the way we organize ourselves to deal with our lives and our governance. It may take awhile, but we need to rediscover who we are.
But in the Internet age, smartphones are tying people together no matter where they live. This network of communications gives us a chance to begin changing the way we organize ourselves to deal with our lives and our governance. It may take awhile, but we need to rediscover who we are.
#CHRNCL
So, in a very fundamental way, rural and urban Americans simply cannot understand one another. They use the same terms: liberty, freedom, democracy, government - but these have different meanings in the different regions. Naturally, these differences are exploited by politicians.
So, in a very fundamental way, rural and urban Americans simply cannot understand one another. They use the same terms: liberty, freedom, democracy, government - but these have different meanings in the different regions. Naturally, these differences are exploited by politicians.
December 16, 2025 at 4:08 PM
#CHRNCL
So, in a very fundamental way, rural and urban Americans simply cannot understand one another. They use the same terms: liberty, freedom, democracy, government - but these have different meanings in the different regions. Naturally, these differences are exploited by politicians.
So, in a very fundamental way, rural and urban Americans simply cannot understand one another. They use the same terms: liberty, freedom, democracy, government - but these have different meanings in the different regions. Naturally, these differences are exploited by politicians.
#CHRNCL
The size difference impacts almost every aspect of daily life. Transportation, schools, shopping, crime, and many other experiences are entirely different. One big effect of this for States is that a solution that solves a problem in a city may make it worse in the country, and vice versa.
The size difference impacts almost every aspect of daily life. Transportation, schools, shopping, crime, and many other experiences are entirely different. One big effect of this for States is that a solution that solves a problem in a city may make it worse in the country, and vice versa.
December 15, 2025 at 6:19 PM
#CHRNCL
The size difference impacts almost every aspect of daily life. Transportation, schools, shopping, crime, and many other experiences are entirely different. One big effect of this for States is that a solution that solves a problem in a city may make it worse in the country, and vice versa.
The size difference impacts almost every aspect of daily life. Transportation, schools, shopping, crime, and many other experiences are entirely different. One big effect of this for States is that a solution that solves a problem in a city may make it worse in the country, and vice versa.
#CHRNCL
Every US congressional district contains approximately 750,000 voters. New York's NYC 13th congressional district is the smallest, measuring just 10 mi². Alaska's single statewide congressional district is the largest, measuring over 665,000 mi². The size difference is 60,000 to 1.
Every US congressional district contains approximately 750,000 voters. New York's NYC 13th congressional district is the smallest, measuring just 10 mi². Alaska's single statewide congressional district is the largest, measuring over 665,000 mi². The size difference is 60,000 to 1.
December 14, 2025 at 5:13 PM
#CHRNCL
Every US congressional district contains approximately 750,000 voters. New York's NYC 13th congressional district is the smallest, measuring just 10 mi². Alaska's single statewide congressional district is the largest, measuring over 665,000 mi². The size difference is 60,000 to 1.
Every US congressional district contains approximately 750,000 voters. New York's NYC 13th congressional district is the smallest, measuring just 10 mi². Alaska's single statewide congressional district is the largest, measuring over 665,000 mi². The size difference is 60,000 to 1.
#CHRNCL
Maricopa County, Arizona is home to 4.5 million people. Blaine County, Nebraska is home to 400 people. This size gap is not unusual. Many rural residents have met or know someone who has met everyone who resides nearby. An urban apartment dweller may not even know everyone in the building.
Maricopa County, Arizona is home to 4.5 million people. Blaine County, Nebraska is home to 400 people. This size gap is not unusual. Many rural residents have met or know someone who has met everyone who resides nearby. An urban apartment dweller may not even know everyone in the building.
December 13, 2025 at 4:03 PM
#CHRNCL
Maricopa County, Arizona is home to 4.5 million people. Blaine County, Nebraska is home to 400 people. This size gap is not unusual. Many rural residents have met or know someone who has met everyone who resides nearby. An urban apartment dweller may not even know everyone in the building.
Maricopa County, Arizona is home to 4.5 million people. Blaine County, Nebraska is home to 400 people. This size gap is not unusual. Many rural residents have met or know someone who has met everyone who resides nearby. An urban apartment dweller may not even know everyone in the building.
#CHRNCL
I grew up in a rural village. I spent most of my adult life in the Baltimore/Washington Metroplex. When I retired, I moved back to my rural home town. I've seen both up close. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but moving from one to the other is like traveling to a foreign country.
I grew up in a rural village. I spent most of my adult life in the Baltimore/Washington Metroplex. When I retired, I moved back to my rural home town. I've seen both up close. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but moving from one to the other is like traveling to a foreign country.
December 12, 2025 at 4:56 PM
#CHRNCL
I grew up in a rural village. I spent most of my adult life in the Baltimore/Washington Metroplex. When I retired, I moved back to my rural home town. I've seen both up close. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but moving from one to the other is like traveling to a foreign country.
I grew up in a rural village. I spent most of my adult life in the Baltimore/Washington Metroplex. When I retired, I moved back to my rural home town. I've seen both up close. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but moving from one to the other is like traveling to a foreign country.