The Folding Secret

A father’s reflection on Dutch election day, his daughter’s innocent questions, and the quiet power of folded choices — in politics and in life.

The Funny Uncle Election

A reflection on language, family, and the meaning of being an uncle — through Dutch words, cultural quirks, and quiet realizations.

The Bathroom, Ballot, and Board Game

A reflection on Dutch elections, toilet habits, and social deduction games—how small acts and big games alike expose our uneasy relationship with truth and trust.

The Paradox of Play: Teaching Truth Through Deception

A father reflects on playing the controversial board game Secret Hitler with his family and what it revealed about trust, manipulation, and teaching critical thinking to children.

Reflections in the Boring Dentist’s Chair

A morning dental visit turns into a meditation on boredom, presence, and parenthood until a small voice interrupts with a story about snakes.

Agents, Angels & The Moat of Gnosis

On the eve of Continuity, Mike reflects on OpenAI’s leaked AgentKit, startup moats, and ancient Gnostic wisdom; where AI meets awakening.

From USB Sticks to AI: Trust, Loopholes, and Leadership

From Rufus to mobile ads to AI geopolitics, Mike explores how trust, loopholes, and leadership shape tech from our pockets to the global stage.

Rome, Quantico, and the AI Empire

America’s empire is fading, but AI may be its last chance. From Rome to Quantico to Silicon Valley, the third great arms race is underway.

Peace in the East, Storm in the West

September 30th reflections: a prophetic hug from my daughter, U.S. generals recalled to Washington, peace in the East, and the uneasy feeling of an empire in decline.

Filtered Reality: Tech Roasts, Mirrored Selfies & Broken Bottle

Three stories—tech comedy, AI selfies, and a broken bottle—woven into one reflection on how filters shape our lives and what we choose to keep.