Notes Shorthand, Longhand

(Wed) Updated CTC[2], Driving Under the Influence

WED (11:28 am; 12:17,23 pm) Hello! Updated CTC[2], Driving Under the Influence. Added paragraph called "Wait a Minute" and added "ALSO", addressing more solutions.

(Tue) Added CTC[2], Drunk Driving

TUE (10:03,11 am) Hello! Added CTC[2], Drunk Driving

(Wed) Important update to CTC[1], Air Travel.

WED (10:46; 11:15,37 am) Hello! Important update to CTC[1], change to 16 lower directional layers, rather than 8, for good reasons, besides consistency.

(Tue) Adding CTC[1], Beneficial Air Travel Considerations. Updates to CTC[1], 'Further Details'

TUE (3:05,09,33,50,55; 5:37 pm) Hello! Adding (8) Come to Consensus Corner article/policy, CTC[1], Beneficial Air Travel Considerations. NOTE: I should also address this notion that was recently put forward that working to gain "consensus" on something is not showing real "leadership." While I believe that this idea was expressed possibly to discredit me or this website when someone was working to promote his own political campaign, I would plead with any who may be inclined to believe that statement to look up the word 'consensus' in a respectable dictionary to find that it involves bringing people together to agree on something of importance, which I think is clearly something that a good leader should want to do.

Issue After Issue: Beneficial Air Travel Considerations

One of the topics we find in the news consistently is travel, as certainly God has made it possible to travel in many ways throughout our own country, attending events, as well as to others, able to learn of their people, land and culture first-hand. One of the most important modes of transportation in the U.S. and elsewhere is Air Travel. Airports vary, small to large, and it is often the larger, even international airports that we hear about, as well as the many airlines that day by day serve the needs of travelers. As we look forward to the blessings of the Kingdom of God, are there some realistic and beneficial changes that could be adopted by airports and airlines together, and tips for passengers themselves, that could improve the experiences of travelers, typically making for a better overall occasion?

FLIGHT DELAYS/CANCELLATIONS? There is no question that the major airlines and airport personnel would like the experience of all upright passengers with them to be trouble-free. However, the reality has at times been less than ideal, such as when planned flights have experienced delays, or a flight has even had to be canceled. Since practically everyone can agree that something should be done to minimize flight delays and especially cancellations, even throughout the world, could we agree on one approach that could greatly reduce or eliminate such still common occurrences? One solution could be this: What if airports could agree on a few times each day, or half-hour periods every four hours or so, during which time flights may land, and airports may receive passengers, but practically no flights are to go out, unless they are catching up from a flight that intended to go out previously, before the half-hour period began? This could even allow for some maintenance checks, or time to address any issues noticed on an aircraft. I believe this would best be the same time everywhere, thus if 10:30-11:00 am on the U.S. East coast, it would be 7:30-8:00 am on the West, then perhaps 2:30-3:00 pm East, and 11:30-12:00 pm West, and so on. The 10:30 time East coast would be 3:30 pm-4:00 pm in western France, if other countries likewise see the benefit. Recall that flights would be scheduled either before or after this time period. If times could be agreed upon, airlines could effectively reserve those flights/times going forward so that these time slots would just not be available for any future departure. Thus throughout each day, any unintended flight delays could be overcome, very likely within the next half-hour slot. Also, would not most flight cancellations also be prevented? It is believed that such an arrangement would greatly reduce stress or distress at airports and even improve morale among airport and airline workers!

AIR TRAVEL SYSTEM: While air travel by plane is still one of the safest modes of transport, can we do better? Here’s a basic plan or outline for an air travel system that may be considered by those in authority, and with God’s blessing, prove to be a more orderly method of managing airflow, with greater consistency and fewer surprises, increasing safety. The basic idea is to leave a lower range of airspace for drones, kites, etc., then a cushion of space only passable for copter/plane/etc takeoffs and landings, then another multidirectional space for copter search and rescue, etc. After another cushion for directional change comes a series of layers each divided by similar space of cushion, now for good reason 16 directions, starting with the LowLow vertical space, acceptable for most aircraft except where land areas are extremely high, as in the western U.S. Starting in the SouthEast (-45 deg) direction, going clockwise, SSE, S, and around, each successive higher layer, wherein every vehicle operating is to travel, significantly, not just approximately or generally that direction, such as SE, but DUE SouthEast. This prevents vehicles going in the same general direction from gradually nearing each other and invading airspace without realizing it. Of course, instrumentation should still be watched for nearby craft, helping ensure safety. Thus appropriate airspace should be given to each aircraft. Even though all in a particular directional space are going the same direction, if airspace between planes could be violated in any way, it is perfectly acceptable for one to carefully speed up or slow down temporarily, or to carefully steer left or right briefly to create more distance from other aircraft, and then quickly resume to the proper same direction. It is not a direction toward a destination, but rather a compass angular direction. This sort of closeness should nevertheless be rare in this system of travel. With proper timing, it usually would only require one additional directional change to a nearby layer to reach the general area of the destination.

FURTHER DETAIL. Thus using typical instrumentation, directional changes would occur by moving up or down into the cushion space either below or above each directional layer. It may be that with proper instrumentation, a directional change of more than one direction at a time is possible, occurring within the directional change cushion either above (for clockwise rotation) or below (for counter-clockwise rotation), then ascending or descending safely to the proper layer. This might be limited to one 45 degree rotation at a time, which would be carefully crossing two layers--safely crossing through one additional directional layer. As regards travel direction, starting in the nearest of the 16 primary directions, there may only afterward be just one timed directional change necessary for an aircraft to arrive at it’s destination. I believe even the two lower revolutions of 16 directions can begin above practically all obstacles, including the usual mountain ranges, etc. Higher still would be two more sets of 16 directional rotations for the highest land areas above sea level, such as in the Western U.S., etc. Directional shifts between layers would differ by half of 45 degrees (22.5 degrees)--midway between two 45 degree directions, such as SSE, midway between South and SouthEast. The four vertical spaces of 16 directions each, might be called LowLow, LowMid, HighMid and UpHigh, and also be referred to as Low1, Low2, High1, and High2. That lower multi-purpose, multi-directional vertical space below normal passenger travel might be referred to as 'LowBelow'. As I believe pilots prefer a clockwise rotation of direction, in this case when ascending up to the proper altitude for travel, SouthEast (SE), then South-SouthEast (SSE), South (S), etc. around that way to East-SouthEast (ESE), with 16 directional rotations (22.5 deg difference between layers) to be followed again by SouthEast, etc. going further up. However before arriving near the destination, it may become a counter-clockwise (descending) change as needed, such as when approaching the proper side of an airport runway for landing. It should be of course that regarding an airplane within a certain mile radius of an airport with traffic controllers, a straight down descent can occur through several layers by both instrumentation and traffic control. A similar procedure may be deemed permissible under certain circumstances away from an airport. 

LUGGAGE/CARRY-ON BAG. It is important when booking a flight to go to the airline’s website if necessary or an official alternative and locate the instructions regarding what may and may not be included in your luggage and separately a carry-on bag, as well as noting bag size limits, etc. Getting this right can help reduce any need for bag searches, etc. during the admissions process. Another concept worth considering is determining the smallest carry-on bag limits of most or all airlines and planning to use that size of a bag, especially if you believe there is any chance of a flight cancellation that may allow the possibility of catching a flight with a different airline, if there is room and that option is reasonable under the circumstances. Then your carry-on bag size would not be an issue preventing such a change. Also, so helpful and worth including if at all possible is a proven Airtag of some sort (Airtag is for Apple’s phones, others exist for Google phones, etc.) the location of which can be traced if needed from a smartphone, saving much time and distress when one’s luggage does not seem to be showing up.

THUS It may be that some adjustments or further details to the above recommendations may prove these ideas even more beneficial. It is believed that such changes as those above can truly improve the peace that God has purposed and intended for mankind, working together and cooperating with God's loving guidance made available through His word and it's wisdom.

COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

Week 14: ISSUE BY ISSUE ADDRESSED BY GOD’S KINGDOM: Driving Under the Influence

ALCOHOL’S EFFECTS. While deaths caused by drunk driving may have been dropping a little over the past few years, most would agree that more needs to be done. Each year, in the United States, over 10,000 people lose their lives to an accident caused by at least one person driving drunk. It is well established that drinking alcohol lowers a person’s inhibitions, or restraints. In other words, alcohol allows the brain to relax, and to a degree, to let loose. When used modestly, or in moderation, as God intended, this letting loose contributes to many temporarily becoming more outgoing, social. Thus wine is presented in God's word as a gift to man. Among other things provided by God, Psalm 104:15 then mentions "And wine that makes man's heart rejoice, Oil that makes the face shine, And bread that sustains the heart of mortal man." Yet as with many gifts, this one can also be abused. With too much drinking, people may begin to say things they wouldn’t ordinarily say, and their conduct can also be affected. If then attempting to drive, they may take risks they wouldn’t ordinarily take, and make poorer judgements. But that is not all—the more alcohol that is consumed, physical coordination and motor skills also decline. People become less able to handle the many decisions that are required to safely operate a motor vehicle. Their reaction time is dramatically affected, causing them to take longer, even much longer, to respond to sudden occurrences as happen often when driving a vehicle on public roadways. All the while, many of these persons somehow still believe they are just as capable of driving as they normally are without alcohol in their system. What a false sense of security!

BLOOD-ALCOHOL LEVELS. While much research could be done into various sources of alcohol, and whether some drinks have more of an affect than others, the bottom line usually is found in the amount of alcohol that enters the bloodstream, which can be measured as a BAC level, standing for Blood-Alcohol-Concentration. For U.S. states, now typically 0.08% BAC will result in a DUI, or Driving Under the Influence charge if suspected of drunk driving or involved in an accident. Federal law sets this as a minimum to define drunk driving, and for commercial drivers the level is 0.04% that can result in a conviction. Most states also now have even stiffer penalties for exceeding higher limits, such as 0.15% BAC. Being able to recognize that it was a drunk driver that caused a serious accident is one thing, but now what can be done about this ongoing catastrophe? One person dies in the U.S. on average every 50 minutes from a motor vehicle incident involving a drunk driver. About 10% of these are pedestrians. And on a typical weekend night, alcohol is involved in some 50% of deaths involving motor vehicles! Many of us may be taking this matter much too lightly--who of us would like to be responsible for such a tragedy??? While the resurrection will restore innocent life and people can be mercifully forgiven, God’s Kingdom will not allow this to continue! How can this be remedied? We might start by making sure we're educated about how blood-alcohol levels are affected by drinking. Those going out for drinks might consider finding a BAC Calculator app for their phone or other device, helping to gain understanding as to how various drinks affect these levels per gender and body weight. For example, if two servings give someone a BAC of 0.04%, which is a level that can cause "impaired driving," each hour this will typically drop by 0.015%, so in two hours the level would be approximately 0.01%, if afterward choosing non-alcoholic beverages, this much better for most driving. What else can be done?

'WAIT A MINUTE' At the start I made mention of various alcohols and the potential for some to affect a person's behavior more than others. I address this in a later paragraph, but let me emphasize it earlier here. I believe this deserves more attention, especially now that it seems more people are using BAC calculator apps, and in other ways seeking to prevent dangerous driving. IT is imperative, believing in their general integrity, that beverage providers ensure that their products, or their fermentation sources and processes have no abnormal effects on their consumers. At least occasionally, however, evidence may indicate a real issue. Please may they check everything, and regularly do so to ensure no contamination. It is believed that this is one likely culprit for someone who would normally reject excess drinking to, out of character, continue, and believe he can still handle anything, perhaps as he is used to thinking this way, since he doesn't normally overdrink. May friends, etc. be on the lookout for such a situation.

DESIGNATED DRIVERS. One matter that could quickly be instituted, wherever this is not already practiced, is to require bar and restaurant attendants to request from a group of customers eager to consume alcoholic beverages to identify their “designated driver(s).” These individuals may choose to drink non-alcoholic drink(s) instead, refraining from any alcoholic beverage, or might choose to consume one serving, possibly two, of a familiar beverage, if possible, depending on length of stay, to remain well under any BAC level risk. The rest should still be reasonable in their consumption, understanding body weight, and length of stay, possibly drinking from a non-alcoholic pitcher in between each alcoholic beverage, be it a beer, a glass of wine, or a shot of strong drink. These each deliver on average about the same amount of alcohol. Why shouldn't all be carded, including Designated Driver(s), in his or her case to ensure an up-to-date Driver's License? Having identified the designated individuals, a waiter or waitress can keep an eye on them, to support their determination to remain capable of driving safely upon leaving. DD’s should take their responsibility seriously, knowing that authorities may be contacted if they somehow have violated their role. These should be able to choose from a fine selection of non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy on this occasion. Some restaurants might even offer a discount on such beverages to these designated drivers, to encourage safe practices, but at least having these drinks made available demonstrates support for this arrangement. Where taxis are widely available, an outing may be planned both coming and going, so an entire group might share more freely in their alcohol consumption.

LICENSE INFORMATION. Another matter that can be addressed is that of information available on Driver’s Licenses. Are not drinkers carded to ensure proper age? While licenses typically have information used to positively identify someone, such as a face, eye color and height, one thing is often missing that can help someone to know how much alcohol can be consumed—a person’s weight! While there are a few factors involved, still we find typically that a larger, heavier person can handle a bit more alcohol than a smaller, lighter person. Also, it has come to my attention that there are some individuals on planet Earth that are able to handle alcohol much better than the average human--their BAC is not affected the same as others. Therefore, besides a weight indication on a person's license, there might also be shown an AAF--Alcohol Assimilation Factor--perhaps from between 1 and 3. A level of 3 would indicate the person can handle at least three times the amount of alcohol as the normal person. Most, of course, would be a level 1, but if someone believes it may be different, some provision could be in place for such a person to have their BAC tested, perhaps with just a small amount of a familiar alcohol at the local DMV, to indicate the proper factor on their license. In general, a person's weight can be a good guide. While weight can change over time, most people tend to remain within a certain range. An easy standard could be set at 10%. If your weight changes and is expected to remain at least 10% higher or lower than what would currently be on your license, then a new license could be obtained, reflecting the change. A person’s weight can easily be determined, in case the new license hasn’t been received yet, or if there is reason to believe it is substantially different than what is stated on the license. Generally, then, three or four different standards could be set, one for those weighing approximately 150 lbs (up to 150 or more), then 200 lbs, or nearly (190-239), and 250 (240-289) lbs. Then anyone about 300 lbs or more could hold to a standard set for 300. Restaurants can look at the typical alcohol content of each of it’s beverages, and establish reasonable drinking limits based on body weight. They could then help their patrons avoid going beyond these reasonable limits, as the alcohol begins to impair the judgment of those consuming it. Also, if a group plans to spend considerable time on this occasion, could they be offered a pitcher of an inexpensive supplemental non-alcoholic beverage at a fair price, to potentially reduce the risk of heavy drinking?

LABELLING. And why couldn’t pre-packaged alcoholic beverages be labelled with recommended limits based on these weight guidelines? A beverage label might say that anyone planning to drive limit themselves to a single beverage serving or two, depending on body weight, and length of stay, while recommending numbers such as 3-4-5 serving limits for instance, each for a 150lb, 200lb, and 250lb consumer. These could show amounts recommended over a certain period of time, long enough for the alcohol typically to be processed by the body and leave the system. If this was required by law on all alcoholic beverage products, according to clear guidelines, then no company would gain an unfair or unscrupulous economic advantage by ignoring such a life-promoting practice. Thus, with a little help, people can come to realize what it means in actual practice to "drink responsibly".

ALSO Wouldn't those who enjoy drinking moderately want to ensure that they are within lawful limits if planning to drive or return home soon after? Some, for instance, have been out for drinks with friends, and wish to return home to watch something on TV. In such a case, wouldn't proper planning ahead help to limits the drinks, so there would be little or no threat of drinking too much to interfere with their driving ability or their initial plans? But what if on occasion a little too much puts the BAC above the lawful limit? What if every such person had in their possession a breathalizer, or BAC estimator? Would not such a responsible person do a check, and realize that most places/people would gladly see them return, even if they needed just an hour or so to be back under the limit, demonstrating their concern for their family, friends and fellow drivers? Would not such a test help correct any still needing adjustment in realizing their own limits, which certainly can vary from person to person? Also, why not have all alcoholic beverage makers (who wish to) together look into a nonalcoholic beverage that could reasonably and safely DIMINISH the amount of alcohol reaching the bloodstream, preferably at a safe limit of about 4X the rate as the body normally would, with natural ingredients that few would contend with using, with beverage makers receiving a percentage of the profits of this new beverage based on their current 2023 percentage of consumer purchases, possibly with a percentage also going to the U.S., and agencies supporting beverage and driver safety. I've patented this concept, and wish little or no profit of my own for this. There are already Non-alcoholic beverages; I do not agree with adding any such ingredients of this new beverage to alcoholic drinks themselves--Let's keep the two completely separate so that any interactions, etc. can be carefully ascertained and safe adjustments accordingly made for across the board beverage use.

ONE MORE THREAT. Another significant issue that needs attention is the organic fermenting substance used in the making of a particular brand's beverage. It has become clear that certain beverages, or germal intrusion thereof, has caused a drink to become quite threatening to clear thinking, such as with the near-complete loss of a sense of consequences--outside of the normal BAC range problem. If a drink has been found to cause an otherwise safe drinker to uncharacteristically "keep going" with seemingly no limit, this is an example of possibly a drink's contaminating influence, likely from a particular yeast or fungus used in it's making. This particular situation may be much more responsible for drunk driving deaths than most have yet come to realize. May we not overlook this very serious threat to all of us, and may beverage-makers take reports seriously along these lines, and be quick to remedy any such issue.

MOTIVATION. How gratifying to everyone if statistics for drunk driving accidents could be compiled and made available to the public more quickly than 6 months after a year’s data is received! Let’s make ways to share and compile this data more quickly, perhaps state by state, so we can begin to monitor the success of these endeavors and make needed adjustments wherever necessary. To further protect innocent lives, we might also arrange for the government to subsidize the cost of a taxi ride for anyone who winds up in a situation in which they haven't the funds but refuse to drive home after having too much alcohol to drink, as well as the ride the next day if needed to obtain their vehicle. Restaurants and bars should gladly allow such a vehicle to remain in their lot overnight in such situations. Even if a parking ticket must be paid along a city street, this should in no way be considered equitable to the risk to innocent life.

CONCLUSION

WHAT DELIGHT! As we see the number of accidents and deaths drop dramatically, how delighted we will be to the praise of our loving Father, Jehovoe! He hates to see the innocent suffer—why He even takes no delight in someone corrupt having to die! As Ezekiel 18:23 says: “23 “‘Do I take any delight at all in the death of someone corrupt,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovoe, ‘[and] not in that he should turn back from his ways and actually keep living?’” Going forward, may we be determined never to become guilty of risking the precious lives of others by getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after going beyond proper limits of an alcoholic beverage. And may we rejoice to see the day when God's word is fulfilled in saying, such as at Isaiah 25:8-9: " He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovoe will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, For Jehovoe himself has spoken it. 9 In that day they will say:“Look! This is our God! We have hoped in him, And he will save us. This is Jehovoe! We have hoped in him. Let us be joyful and rejoice in the salvation by him.”