Future Shock: Almost 55 Years Later—DeMarco Banter
In a recent discussion on innovation, wargaming, and AI, "Future Shock" by Alvin Toffler (1928-2016) was brought up. I remember being quite taken with it when I first read it, and now, fifty years after its publication, I'm intrigued to see how it holds up. It appears Toffler was quite forward-thinking in his assessments. Alvin …
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Gen George Kenney: Combat Innovation and Air University Commander
General George C. Kenney had a distinguished military career marked by significant contributions during World War II and beyond. Born on August 6, 1889, in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Kenney grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts, and showed an early interest in engineering, which led him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His career took a …
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Pfeffer’s Power: DeMarco Banter and an Attempt to Understand Power
My initial encounter with Jeffrey Pfeffer's writings occurred a few years back when I delved into his book "Leadership BS." Admittedly, I wasn't greatly impressed by the book initially and hoped it would provoke a critical dialogue among our students, which, regrettably, it didn't – a topic that perhaps merits its own discussion. Despite my …
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Star Wars Stoics: Strange DeMarco Banter
Welcome to a strange DeMarco journey intertwining the allure of "Star Wars" with the wisdom of ancient Stoicism. My love affair with this epic saga began in 1977, when I first witnessed THE magic at The Laurel Theater in San Carlos, CA. I was so captivated that I saw the original movie 13 times in …
Are We Living in Gilded Age 2.0? DeMarco Banter
The series Gilded Age, created by Julian Fellowes, is a historical drama set in 1880s New York City, delving into the societal dynamics and conflicts of the transformative era. The comparison of the original Gilded Age and the contemporary Gilded Age 2.0 highlights the cyclical nature of economic and industrial evolution, emphasizing unique challenges and opportunities within each epoch.
What Are Scaled Wave Weapons? …and I can I have one? DeMarco Banter
I recently had an intriguing conversation with a colleague about Futures Literacy and wargaming, particularly focusing on planning for emerging technologies. During the convo, the concept of scaled wave weapons came up, which initially puzzled me—I had no idea. Intrigued, I asked for more details, and he provided a high-level explanation that sparked my curiosity. …
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USAF and the Importance of Lore: DeMarco Banter
Sometimes, a conversation with a colleague leaves you in deep contemplation, urging a pause to reflect and think further. Our recent discussion did just that, delving into the intricate and layered concept of "lore," with a particular focus on its relevance to the United States Air Force (USAF). Lore, in its essence, is a tapestry …
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Strategic Culture Wars: US vs CCP—More DeMarco Banter
During my active duty initial stint with the USAF, I had the unique opportunity to be stationed in Germany, operating C23As out of Zweibrucken Air Base. This period offered me a fascinating perspective on the nuances of American cultural impact across Europe, encompassing both its positive and negative aspects. My tenure coincided with the momentous …
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TERMINATORS, Skynet, Cyberdyne, Technology, Military Recruiting Issues, National Security, Robots, and DeMarco Banter
After perusing the thought-provoking Newsweek article, "Americans Don’t Want to Fight for Their Country," a curious thought train chugged through my mind. Is the world's need for defense dwindling? Unlikely. But with a decreasing number of individuals keen to join the forces, what then could be the solution? My mind, perhaps too focused on old …


