By: Michael W. Lodato Ph.D. I’m an 88 year old man who has spent a lifetime solving problems – whether they be in theoretical mathematics, operations research, business management, or whatever Think pieces are defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as articles “containing discussion, analysis, or opinion, as opposed to facts or news.” Michael’s Think Pieces are a little more than that. … [Read more...]
Supreme Court Think Piece
[Updated 9/20/2020] With the passing of Ruth Bator Ginsberg, it is time to dust off and revisit this Think Piece. The activities to replace her can expected to be even more brutal than the confirmation of Justice Kavanaugh and will surely include physical violence this time. As earlier, I borrow heavily from writings on the subject by Mark Levin. So, what is wrong with the Supreme … [Read more...]
Think Piece on Economics and Economists
By: Michael W. Lodato Ph.D. Where I’m coming from: I’ve been skeptical about economics and economists for a long time. I come from a discipline, theoretical mathematics, where there is absolutely no ambiguity. In fact most of the reading is of symbols – each having very precise definitions. In economics there seem to be all kinds of conflicting theories with names like Keynesian … [Read more...]
Aggressive Stupidity
Aggressive Stupidity I haven’t been a supporter of the “Grand Old Party” for at least 5 years and I didn’t vote for the current President. Nor am I a Democrat. But I’m worried that Democrats are behaving so irrationally that they will become even more irrelevant and we will have, essentially, a one party system. The Democrats’ politics of obstruction, division and anger is going to be very … [Read more...]
Life’s Truths
Over almost 85 years, I've formulated the following Truths that I recommend others think about: Truth #1: Nobody knows what they are talking about. Truth #2: Almost all Hollywood stuff is trash. Truth #3: If you don’t believe Truth #2, you are guilty of Truth #1. As proof, read the LA Times. … [Read more...]
Relationships in a Nutshell
_ If you want to have friends, you must be a friend. _ If you want people to be loyal to you, you must be loyal. _ If you want to be interesting, you must be interested. … [Read more...]
Maybe There’s Hope in the Middle
January 19, 2017 Tomorrow is the inaugural of a new President – conducted in a sea of anger and ignorance. Too bad. In our local paper, yesterday, was a letter to the editor that was relevant, brilliant and worth sharing as a Michael’s Think Piece. The author is a former deputy who had won a medal for valor, but criticized by a colleague for being stupid by risking his life. So he asks … [Read more...]
Ethics in a Nutshell
Ethics in a Nutshell If it is not right...I won't do it If it is not true... I won't say it If itis not mine... I won't take it One day when I was on the faculty at California Lutheran University I got a memo from the dean soliciting ideas for incorporating more emphasis on ethics in marketing courses. It was a good idea and I implemented a very simple thing. I had business cards made … [Read more...]