All posts by Eric Cho

Eric is the newest addition to our writing staff. He's big on tech, the environment and business stories.

What if “Non-human Biologics” are Watching?

Earthlings Through Alien Eyes: The Quirks, Quandaries, and Quibbles of Homo Sapiens

The ethereal morning light crests over an unassuming planet in the Milky Way galaxy, illuminating a peculiar and paradoxical scene. A non-human biologic — a visitor from the cosmos, lands on Earth. It doesn’t take long for this non-terrestrial observer to sunrise, an alien term for summarizing an assessment of a foreign entity, that the inhabitants of this planet are an enigmatic lot.

The first oddity? Large, boxy contraptions on wheels, emitting noxious fumes, threading across the landscape like metallic beetles. These ‘automobiles’, it transpires, are the Earthlings’ favorite mode of transit. The aliens’ bewildering discovery – these contraptions are powered by the long-deceased remains of prehistoric creatures. An odd choice for a species with access to an ongoing nuclear fusion reactor in the sky.

While deciphering the local customs, the aliens’ attention is drawn to the humans’ diet. With an array of potential sustenance on their planet, it’s curious that they show particular predilection towards devouring specific creatures: the bovine and the poultry. Meanwhile, a closer look reveals a division in the populace, with a fraction advocating for a diet devoid of fellow sentient beings, creating what can only be termed ‘food wars’.

Their planetary habits raise alien eyebrows too. Amid a growing chorus of concern over the degradation of their blue sphere, many Earthlings paradoxically resist the call for protective measures. Despite the stark warnings from their own scientific community, this existential tug-of-war continues. It seems these beings are not just survivalists, but passionate debaters, even when the debate might cost them their only home.

Even more puzzling is the human concept of ‘money’, an abstraction they’ve erected to facilitate exchange and hoard power. Our alien visitor marvels at the complexity of this system, and how it breeds both innovation and stark inequality, often polarizing their societies.

The complexities don’t stop at economics. The ‘government’, a ruling apparatus, retains information about sightings of ‘UAPs’ or unidentified aerial phenomena, potentially their own cosmic neighbors. Why would a civilization, just finding its feet in the cosmic arena, hide potential proofs of life beyond their sphere?

As the alien biologic prepares to leave, it ponders. Humans, despite their peculiarities and paradoxes, have an undeniable drive to survive and a capacity for great creativity and empathy. Perhaps, it muses, they’re not so different from other life forms in the vast cosmos.

Perhaps, amid the strange and nonsensical, these aliens might sunrise a beacon of hope – that Earthlings, with all their quirks and quibbles, have the potential for a future that’s as bright and promising as the dawn they’re named for. Perhaps the story of Earth is not yet written in the stars, and maybe, just maybe, the quirky inhabitants of this blue planet could yet surprise the cosmos.

Blue Sphere Balancing Act: The Paradox of Preservation

As the alien visitor observes, the Earthlings’ management of their planet raises quite a few extraterrestrial eyebrows. Amidst the concrete and metal of sprawling cities, patches of verdant wilderness still persist – a testament to the planet’s resilience. But closer scrutiny reveals a worrisome trend. Vast forests are disappearing, oceans are brimming with plastic waste, and invisible clouds of gases envelope the globe, heating it at an unprecedented rate.

The alien’s advanced sensors detect voices of concern, a burgeoning movement of Earthlings alarmed at these changes. These ‘environmentalists’ promote conservation, recycling, and a shift towards renewable energy sources, often sacrificing personal comfort for the greater good. Yet, intriguingly, there is resistance. There are Earthlings who, in the face of mounting evidence, dismiss these calls to action, clinging to ways that contribute to the degradation.

The existential debate on Earth seems reminiscent of the Cosmic Conundrum of Zog, where beings had to choose between harnessing the energy of their dying star or seeking a new cosmic home. Unlike the Zogians, however, the Earthlings are still arguing.

Monetary Mysteries: An Abstraction of Power and Division

As the observer further investigates Earthling civilization, it stumbles upon an even more puzzling phenomenon: the concept of ‘money’. While barter systems and resource exchanges are common throughout the cosmos, the abstraction and complexity of human currency are unique.

On Earth, pieces of paper, bits of metal, and even invisible digital codes are valued more than the resources they’re meant to represent. This ‘money’ is hoarded, fought over, and often decides an individual’s access to life necessities and luxuries. It seems an unnecessarily complicated system to the visitor, who comes from a civilization that long ago transitioned to a post-scarcity economy.

Yet, it’s not just the concept of money that’s puzzling, it’s the inequality it creates. Some Earthlings amass wealth far beyond their needs, constructing gigantic abodes and acquiring multiple terrestrial vehicles, while others struggle for basic sustenance. Even more intriguing, this system somehow also fuels innovation, driving the creation of everything from life-saving medical technologies to the very machines contributing to the planet’s degradation.

As the visitor gazes upon Earth, it cannot help but wonder if the humans, too, will transcend their self-imposed chains of inequality and environmental disregard, much like the Zogians did.

Elon Musk leaving Twitter (X-Corp) for… TikTok?

Is this a sign of things to come?

Elon Musk’s business journey began with an X. After co-founding Zip2 and X.com (which later became PayPal), he continues to favor “X”.

As soon as tonight he says Twitter’s bird will be gone and the new logo will be an X.

Meanwhile on TikTok, he has a new account, or at least someone with access to new private looking videos has posted them using his name.

Less than 24 hours ago 12 new clips were posted simply under the name Elon Musk, with a profile link to the Wikipedia page for Elon Musk.

Likes, views and follows are exploding, as can be expected- and will likely be viral in a matter of hours, as happened with Billie Eilish, when she launched a private account.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8Rw6WUe/

The videos are almost all shot by a person, whose voice is sometimes heard, that appears to have close access to Musk. They tour Space X facilities, and even seem to go to various public events together.

There’s a voyeuristic quality to many of the clips, shot sometimes from backstage, following Elon as he strides into the spotlight- the footage is interesting if only for the mysterious nature of the source. Like a home made, amateur styled peek into the daily life of the world’s richest human being.

One clip of Elon testing a flame thrower is particularly eerie.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8Rw8Xxg/

@elonmusk__livechat 🚀 #Elonmusk #elonmusknews #elonmuskmotivation #elonmusktesla #elonmuskquotes #elonmuskisagenius #elonmusktweets #tesla #spacex #neuralink #theboringcompany #mars #nasa #business #failure #entrepreneur #entrepreneurlife #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurmindset ♬ original sound – Elon Musk

There appears to be a doubling of views, likes and follows every 12 hours or so, and this will likely accelerate. It will be interesting, indeed, to see what, if any, new videos are added and what they hold in the way of secret views and content.

The story gets weirder but continues to entertain

Elon Musk has not been immune to controversies throughout his career. One of the most notable controversies revolves around his use of social media. Musk’s tweets have often landed him in hot water, from making bold claims about Tesla’s stock prices to sharing controversial statements without considering the potential consequences.

Concerns have been raised about the work environment at Tesla’s factories. Reports of intense work pressure, employee safety issues, and high turnover have drawn attention to labor practices within the company.

Elon Musk’s outspoken nature and unorthodox behavior have also attracted controversy. His comments about certain socio-political issues and public figures have occasionally drawn criticism, leading some to question his judgment and use of social media.

Hilarious history or serious fun?

In 2002, Elon founded SpaceX, determined to make space exploration affordable and sustainable. Amid numerous setbacks, he persisted, and in 2008, SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 1 rocket into orbit, marking a pivotal moment in his journey.

Around the same time, Elon became CEO and product architect of Tesla Motors, aiming to revolutionize the automotive industry with electric vehicles. Tesla faced challenges, but Elon’s vision of a sustainable future kept him pushing forward.

Resilience, Adaptation, and Survival: How the Future is Shaped by the Names we Choose

Unspoken Taboos in Climate Discourse

Global warming continues to challenge humanity with its relentless impacts on our environment. And, as the consequences of global warming and climate change continue to make headlines worldwide, the urgency to find effective solutions grows.

In our quest for solutions, three terms have emerged as focal points: resilience, adaptation, and survival. While resilience and adaptation have become accepted and celebrated concepts in the mainstream, the term “survival” remains conspicuously absent from climate discussions.

Let’s explore the linguistic nuances surrounding these terms, exploring how the language we choose to describe our responses to the crisis can subtly influence the perception of danger and urgency.

Resilience: Building the Foundations for the Future

Resilience, a term resonating with hope and determination, embodies the capacity to withstand shocks and recover from disruptions. As global warming leads to extreme weather events and rising sea levels, resilience emphasizes the importance of building robust infrastructures and adaptive communities to endure these challenges.

Resilience has become a buzzword permeating discussions on climate change, embodies the ability to withstand shocks and recover from disruptions. From coastal communities fortifying themselves against rising sea levels to businesses adapting their practices to meet sustainability goals, the pursuit of resilience resonates deeply within society.

We witness how governments and organizations emphasize bolstering infrastructure and fostering innovation to future-proof against climate uncertainties.

The term carries a positive connotation, signaling our commitment to prepare for the future.

The emphasis on resilience in climate discourse fosters a sense of empowerment, inspiring collective action and innovative solutions to tackle climate change head-on.

Society applauds and amplifies stories of communities rising above adversity and rebuilding after natural disasters, portraying resilience as a virtue worth celebrating. Media outlets spotlight tales of hope amidst devastation, presenting an optimistic outlook on our collective ability to persevere.

Adaptation: Navigating Change with Flexibility

Adaptation, a sister concept to resilience, centers on proactively adjusting to the changing climate and minimizing vulnerability. The adaptation narrative captures the spirit of innovation and transformative thinking, as we seek to curtail emissions, develop green technologies, and shift toward renewable energy sources.

Adaptation encompasses the ability to adjust and thrive in the face of evolving climate conditions. It calls for individuals, industries, and governments to proactively modify practices and policies, reducing vulnerabilities to climate impacts.

Adaptation is a dynamic term, symbolizing humanity’s willingness to evolve and embrace transformative solutions.

The concept of adaptation carries an aura of ingenuity and responsibility, driving societal engagement in sustainable practices and promoting resilience at various levels.

Survival: The Rarely Spoken, “Forbidden”Word

Amidst discussions of resilience and adaptation, the term “survival” lurks in the shadows, rarely mentioned in the mainstream climate discourse. Survival signifies the fundamental instinct to endure and persist, encapsulating the gravity of the crisis and the urgent need for action.

The absence of “survival” from climate discussions might be attributed to the delicate balance between motivating action and evoking fear. While resilience and adaptation promote optimism, survival is considered taboo, as it may induce a sense of helplessness or fatalism.

The Power of Naming and Perceived Danger

Choosing names and words to describe our responses to global warming plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception of the level of danger and urgency. By highlighting resilience and adaptation, the discourse focuses on positive action and empowerment, portraying a future where innovation and determination will lead to solutions.

The absence of “survival” from climate discussions allows policymakers and the media to avoid framing the crisis in dire terms, steering away from potentially paralyzing public response.

While optimism is essential in motivating proactive action, avoiding the term “survival” might hinder the recognition of the urgency of the crisis. Striking a balance between optimism and urgency is crucial in conveying the gravity of global warming while maintaining a sense of hope and empowerment.

Getting real and fighting back against adversity

Resilience and adaptation have become emblematic of our collective response to the challenges posed by global warming, inspiring hope and action. However, the conspicuous absence of the word “survival” in mainstream climate discourse raises questions about the complexities of addressing the crisis without evoking fear and despair.

By recognizing the influence of language on our perception of danger and urgency, we can strike a balance in our messaging to inspire meaningful action while fostering a positive outlook on our ability to tackle the climate crisis together.

Media outlets might inadvertently downplay survival by featuring stories of resilience and adaptation as more approachable and hopeful narratives. While this strategy garners support and enthusiasm, it also conceals the underlying sense of urgency necessary to inspire the radical changes needed to combat climate change.

Acknowledging the concept of survival as an implicit undercurrent within resilience and adaptation empowers us to embrace a holistic approach, confronting the challenges ahead with unwavering determination. Only through this collective effort can we secure a sustainable future for ourselves and the planet.

Resilience

Resilience refers to the capacity of a system, community, or ecosystem to absorb shocks, recover, and adapt in the face of changing conditions. In the context of global warming and climate change, resilience emphasizes building robust infrastructures, ecosystems, and societies that can endure extreme events and maintain functionality despite challenges. Resilience acknowledges the inevitability of change and the need to prepare for uncertainty.

Adaptation

Adaptation involves making adjustments to cope with the impacts of climate change and global warming. It entails implementing measures that help societies and ecosystems respond effectively to shifts in temperature, weather patterns, and sea levels. Adaptation can include infrastructure improvements, policy changes, technological advancements, and altering human behavior to reduce vulnerability and enhance long-term sustainability.

Survival

Despite being an implicit goal in the face of climate change, the term “survival” is often sidelined in mainstream discussions. Survival encompasses the fundamental drive to endure and persist in the face of adversity, which is ultimately what resilience and adaptation aim to achieve. However, the avoidance of the term may stem from its association with a sense of urgency and desperation, which can be daunting and unsettling to address directly.

Does using ChatGPT Generate Dopamine?

As an AI language model, ChatGPT does not generate dopamine directly. However, using ChatGPT can lead to positive experiences or gratification when the AI provides useful or interesting information, engaging conversation, or solves a problem. These rewarding experiences can potentially lead to the release of dopamine in the human brain.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, and pleasure. When you receive positive reinforcement or experience something enjoyable, your brain releases dopamine, which contributes to feelings of satisfaction and happiness. It is important to note that the release of dopamine is a result of your perception and experience while using ChatGPT and not a direct consequence of the AI itself.

Using ChatGPT as an indirect form of social media

There are, by the way, numerous studies and documentaries that explore the psychological effects of social media use, one of the most well-known being “The Social Dilemma.” This documentary focuses on the negative consequences of social media platforms, such as addiction, mental health issues, misinformation, and the erosion of privacy.

Many social media platforms are designed to be engaging and encourage users to spend more time on them. Features such as “likes,” comments, and shares can stimulate the brain’s reward system, leading to the release of dopamine.

This creates a feedback loop that encourages users to continue using the platform, seeking validation, and engaging with content that generates positive reinforcement.

Research has shown that excessive social media use can lead to various negative psychological effects, such as:

Addiction: Social media platforms can be addictive due to the dopamine-driven feedback loop mentioned earlier. Users may become dependent on the platform for validation, leading to compulsive behavior and excessive usage.

Mental health issues: Studies have found associations between social media use and mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

These effects can be exacerbated by factors like cyberbullying, social comparison, and the fear of missing out (FOMO).

Decreased attention span: Frequent use of social media can lead to a shorter attention span due to the constant influx of new information and the need to multitask between different platforms.

Sleep disturbances: Excessive social media use, especially before bedtime, can interfere with sleep quality and duration, leading to negative impacts on overall well-being.

Negative impact on relationships: Overuse of social media can lead to reduced face-to-face interactions and potentially harm personal relationships.

Interactions between humans with an AI enhancement

Perhaps using AI and ChatGPT as a way to “turbo-charge” social media has positive benefits that could offset or outweigh the negative potential. Or maybe there’s a tipping point on the way that will change the landscape of social media and online communication overall.

Trump is Accused of 34 Felonies

On Tuesday, Manhattan prosecutors brought forward 34 felony charges against Donald J. Trump, accusing him of concealing a potential sex scandal during the 2016 presidential campaign. This has opened a risky chapter in the life of the billionaire businessman who became President and now faces the possibility of a shameful criminal trial.

Trump is the first former US President to face criminal charges, and last week he was indicted, surrendering to Manhattan authorities on Tuesday afternoon. The charges include first-degree falsification of business records, to which Trump pleaded not guilty.

The reactions begin even as additional cases loom

It’s expected that reactions to the news across the political spectrum will be swift and voluminous.

Considering that there are additional cases related to other matters and charges still pending, this appears to but a small prelude to what’s in store. Stay tuned.

Trump Indicted by Manhattan Grand Jury

First in history to face charges of this magnitude

According to live updates, Donald J. Trump is facing an indictment by a grand jury in Manhattan for his alleged involvement in a hush-money payment to a porn star during his 2016 campaign, making him the first former US president to face criminal charges. The specific charges have not been disclosed, but the announcement of the indictment is imminent. Prosecutors will request that Mr. Trump turn himself in for arraignment on the charges. While an indictment or conviction would not disqualify him from running for president, it is anticipated that this development will impact the 2024 presidential race.

Trump, who has always claimed immunity to the law and has faced several investigations throughout his career, is dealt a severe blow with the indictment. This development is a historic milestone as no former US president has ever been indicted before. The nature of the charges against Trump is yet to be disclosed, but it is believed to be related to his 2016 campaign’s hush money payment to a porn star.

The news of the indictment has elicited a range of reactions from politicians, experts, and the public, with some applauding it as long-overdue accountability for Trump’s actions while others condemning it as a politically motivated move by prosecutors with an agenda.

The indictment’s impact on the US political landscape and the 2024 presidential race is expected to be significant, regardless of the outcome. As Trump assesses his next steps, the country watches with eager anticipation to see how this historic event will unfold.

Apple Reveals new MacBook Pro Models, Mac Mini: all with M2 and M2 Pro Chips

Unusual January announcement with big product reveal

Apple dropped a lot of upgrade news today. Though still early in the year, it’s already preparing for the next generation of machines powered by Apple Silicon. With two models each, one using the M2 chip, and another Pro model with the M2 Pro inside, there are 2 new levels of power and performance, with a variety of options and configurations.

The MacBook Pro models come in 14′ and 16′ screen configurations and, as one would surmise, there’s more speed, memory capacity, and a ton of other upgraded features. With all the power, speed and invisible upgrades, constantly coming via software, machine learning and AI, one can only wonder if there are simply too many options, and choices in the ever expanding line up.

Also, coming after the dramatic price drop at Tesla, would this be considered a similar move to boost lagging sales? If you are in a position to afford a new Mac, and you need the power for media related activities, you are in luck as this is a big, meaty refresh, particularly if you opt for the Pro level of performance.


The Mac mini is priced at $599 with an M2 chip, which is 100$ less than the prior version, or at $1,299 with the M2 Pro. The new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M2 starts at $1,999. The 16-inch MacBook Pro model will cost at least $2,499. All of the newly configured models will be available beginning Jan. 24, but you can order the computers beginning Tuesday.

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Microgrids and Distributed Solar Energy can Change our Future

Forces are aligning to accelerate the inevitable: a decentralized solution for power production and distribution

Today it is not easy to imagine a world where the centralized electrical grid has become unnecessary and its use is discontinued. In such a world, distributed energy systems, such as localized microgrid power plants, will have become the primary means of generating and distributing electricity.

In this world, communities and businesses would generate their own electricity using a combination of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and local energy storage systems. These microgrids would be connected to one another, forming a decentralized network of energy production and distribution.

As a result of this shift, the need for large centralized power plants and transmission lines would eventually be eliminated. Instead, energy would be generated closer to the point of consumption, reducing the enormous transmission losses and costs inherent in the current centralized systems. Additionally, because microgrids can operate independently, they would be less vulnerable to disruptions caused by natural disasters or cyber attacks, leading to increased energy security and reliability.

Furthermore, in this future scenario, individuals, communities and businesses would have greater control over their energy production and consumption. For example, excess energy generated by a community’s microgrid could be shared with neighboring communities or sold back to the grid or grids. Consumers would be able to choose from a variety of energy service providers, leading to more competition in the market and lower costs for consumers.

The use of renewable energy sources would also be the default in this world, as microgrids would allow for more efficient use of resources and can help to improve the overall reliability of the system. The integration of renewable energy sources as standard would also lead to an overall more rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, which would have a cumulative positive impact on the environment and public health.

The concept of energy poverty would be greatly reduced as well, as microgrids can provide greater access to electricity and economic opportunities for marginalized communities. Furthermore, the shift towards microgrids would also promote local economic development and job creation, as sustainable microgrid power plants can be owned and operated by individuals, communities and small businesses.

Overall, the ultimate end scenario, when the centralized electrical grid has become unnecessary and its use is discontinued, would be one where communities and businesses have greater control over their energy production and consumption, leading to increased energy security and reliability, lower costs for consumers, and a reduction in income inequality and environmental impact.

There are massive forces already marshaling to protect the legacy systems

The potential for distributed power plants, virtual power storage systems, and sustainable production and consumption in close proximity to one another is unlimited.

However the existing systems, still based primarily on fossil fuel powered, centralized power plants and a huge grid network (3 in the US, to be precise) for distribution, with all the attendant problems, are already being targeted for massive expansion and renovation.

The US centralized power grid system, as we know it, is facing several major challenges as the demand for electricity continues to rise. One of the most significant problems is the aging infrastructure. Many of the transmission lines, substations and power plants that make up the grid were built decades ago and are in need of upgrading or replacement.

The likely time and cost to upgrade and repair the systems is extreme, measured in years and even decades and billions if not trillions of dollars.

This not only poses a risk to the reliability of the system but also leads to increased maintenance costs. Furthermore, as the population continues to grow and urbanize, the demand for electricity is increasing and the centralized grid is struggling to keep up with the rising demand.

“Because DERs are sited and in many cases controlled by non-utility actors, grid operators may not have as much insight into their performance as they would into a conventional power plant, requiring changes to operational and planning frameworks. In addition, many utilities’ business models rely on expanding sales from a more-centralized grid system”

ACEEE.org

    Another major problem is the increasing amount of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, that are being integrated into the grid. These sources of energy are often located in remote areas, far from population centers, and the cost of transmitting this energy over long distances can be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, traditional centralized power plants are not well-suited to handle the fluctuations in power generation that can occur with renewable energy sources.

    Many solutions are ready to implement, once the will and message are aligned

    The case for rapid deployment and a shift to distributed power systems can be further augmented and buttressed by the potential of incorporating architectural designs that are 90% more energy efficient. One of the most effective methods of achieving this level of energy efficiency is through the use of ultra-high performance building design methods.

    A 90% greater energy efficiency can be established as an international standard for energy-efficient building design, and is already well established under the passive house standard. It is based on the principle of designing buildings to be highly insulated and airtight, with minimal thermal bridging, in order to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.

    This leads to significant energy savings, as buildings require 90% less heating and cooling, and therefore far less energy is consumed. This method also includes the use of high-efficiency windows and doors to reduce heat loss and gain, and are designed to take advantage of natural light and heat from the sun.

    Ultra-high performance buildings, also known as net-zero energy buildings, take hyper-efficient design to the next level by incorporating renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems. They are designed to generate as much, or more, energy than they consume, and when combined with energy storage systems, ultra-high performance buildings can be completely self-sufficient and produce more energy than they consume.

    When combined, these design methods can create buildings that are not only highly energy efficient but also comfortable, healthy, and resilient. These buildings are designed to maintain a consistent indoor temperature and humidity levels, providing a high level of indoor air quality, while also being able to withstand extreme weather conditions.

    In addition, setting a 90% more energy efficient standard would also greatly reduce the carbon footprint of the building sector, which is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing the energy consumption of buildings, by the maximum amount that established methods are capable of, we can accelerate the reduction of our dependence on fossil fuels, and far more effectively mitigate the effects of climate change.

    Changing direction to improve the odds of success, not just survival

    As the shift begins to take hold, and a distributed, hyper-efficient system begins to be the dominant direction, many benefits could arise. Gone would be the days of blackouts and brownouts caused by failures in the centralized grid. Microgrids are designed to operate independently, meaning that if there is a disruption in one area, the rest of the system can continue to function normally. This increased resilience also makes micro-grids more resistant to natural disasters and cyber attacks.

    With the decentralization of energy production, the cost of energy would decrease significantly. Consumers would no longer be at the mercy of large utility companies, and competition among small, community-based energy providers would drive prices down. Additionally, the excess energy generated by microgrids, and unneeded due to 90% greater efficiency in building designs, could be sold back to the grid, providing a significant source of income for the community.

    In this world, income inequality is reduced as access to electricity and economic opportunities is improved for marginalized communities. Remote or rural areas that were previously off the grid now have access to reliable and affordable energy, which improves living standards and reduces poverty.

    Furthermore, the shift towards microgrids can lead to a boost in local economic development and job creation. The ownership and operation of micro-grid power plants are often in the hands of individuals, small businesses and communities, leading to a stronger local economy.

    The future world where microgrids are the norm is not just a utopia for energy production and distribution, but it also has a positive impact on the environment. With the widespread use of renewable energy sources, greenhouse gas emissions have decreased dramatically and the air is cleaner.

    The goal of reaching a future state, a world where the centralized electrical grid is no longer necessary, and its use has been discontinued, is a world where energy is generated and distributed by a network of small, decentralized power plants and storage systems. This world is characterized by increased resilience, reduced costs, improved access to electricity, reduced income inequality, local economic development, and job creation and a cleaner environment. It’s a future worth striving for.

    References:

    “Microgrids: An Overview” by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

    “The Future of the Electric Grid” by the Department of Energy

    “The Microgrid: An Innovative Solution for a Sustainable Energy System” by the International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems

    “Microgrids and the Future of Energy” by the Harvard Business Review

    “Passive House Standard” by the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS)

    “The Passive House Standard” by the Passive House Institute (PHI)

    “Net-zero Energy Buildings” by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

    “Passive House and Net Zero Energy Buildings” by the International Energy Agency (IEA)

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    Silver Lining Scenario: a Huge Superbloom Could be Coming

    Seemingly endless atmospheric river systems reduce drought conditions and could have other benefits

    The West Coast is not a fan of extreme rain events, such as the recent atmospheric river conditions, that are so rare in the region. Floods, snarl ups on the freeways, potential landslides, and conditions that can lead to wildfires later in the year, are all unwelcome repercussions.

    Fortunately, along with the mainly negative fallout, there’s also a silver lining of sorts, lurking beneath.

    Although the extreme drought conditions have only been partially mitigated, less extreme conditions are far better to have than ever worsening ones.

    A silver lining without an obvious caveat is the potential for a Superbloom, that could happen again this Spring, mainly in the desert areas of Southern California.



    A Superbloom is a term used to describe a rare and beautiful occurrence in which various wildflowers bloom simultaneously in one location. These occurrences are frequently brought on by a number of elements, such as a lot of rain, warm weather, and the presence of specific plant species.

    Awe-inspiring superblooms blanket hillsides and fields in a dazzling variety of hues and patterns. They contribute significantly to the ecosystem by giving a range of animals and insects food and a place to live.

    Scientifically, superblooms provide an opportunity for researchers to study the factors that contribute to their formation and the effects they have on the ecosystem.

    For example, the recent superbloom in California in 2019 was triggered by a combination of heavy rainfall and mild temperatures, leading to a proliferation of wildflowers in the state’s grasslands and chaparral regions.

    Scientists can use this information to better understand the conditions that are required for superblooms to occur and impacts they have on the environment. This can be useful for predicting future superblooms as well as for conserving and protecting natural habitats.

    Early in the 20th century, California had the first superbloom, which was characterized by a profusion of wildflowers in the state’s green and desert areas as a result of several wet winters and mild springs.

    Since then, superblooms have seemingly become a regular occurrence in California, with the most recent one occurring in 2019.

    However, superblooms are not exclusive to California. They have also been observed in other parts of the United States, including Nevada, Arizona, and Texas, as well as in countries such as Australia, South Africa, and Israel.

    While superblooms are a natural and beautiful phenomenon, they can also sometimes be a source of conflict. In recent years, the popularity of superblooms has led to an increase in tourism to the areas where they occur, causing overcrowding and damage to the environment.

    To address these issues, some local governments have implemented measures to manage the large influx of visitors, such as limiting the number of people allowed to roam in certain areas or establishing designated viewing areas.

    In addition to their potential for environmental and tourism impacts, Superblooms also have cultural significance.

    For indigenous communities, Superblooms can have spiritual significance. In some cases, wildflowers are used in traditional medicine and rituals, and the presence of a Superbloom may be seen as a sign of good fortune or a blessing.

    For example, the Native American Kumeyaay tribe in California the arrival of a Superbloom may be seen as a time of renewal and celebration.

    Even with the potential for various issues and controversies, a Superbloom for the Spring of 2023 would be a welcome silver lining to help us all by propagating beauty, even as the outcome of stormy weather.

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    Throngs of Pilgrims Gather at Vatican to Mourn Former Pope Benedict XVI

    After recent reports of failing health, dies at 95

    Matteo Bruni, a Vatican spokesman gave a statement on Saturday morning saying: “With pain I inform that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesia Monastery in the Vatican.”

    A further announcement from The Vatican came indicating that Pope Francis will celebrate the funeral Mass for Benedict Thursday in St. Peter’s Square and Benedict’s remains will be on public display in St. Peter’s Basilica starting Monday.

    The first pope to resign in six centuries

    Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger on April 16, 1927, in Marktl am Inn, Germany, was the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Pope from 2005 to 2013, when he resigned from the papacy, becoming the first Pope to do so since Pope Gregory XII in 1415.

    Ratzinger was born into a large family in Bavaria, Germany, and was ordained a priest in 1951. He served as a professor of theology at various universities in Germany and eventually became the Archbishop of Munich and Freising in 1977. In 1981, he was appointed as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a position he held until his election as Pope in 2005.

    As Pope, Benedict XVI focused on strengthening the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church, and he worked to promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation. He also made efforts to reach out to Catholics who had become disconnected from the Church, particularly young people.

    Benedict XVI faced a number of challenges during his papacy, including the sexual abuse scandal within the Church, which he addressed by apologizing to victims and implementing measures to prevent future abuse. He also faced criticism for his handling of the issue of contraception and his views on homosexuality.

    Despite these challenges, Benedict XVI was widely respected within the Church and beyond for his deep understanding of theology and his commitment to upholding traditional Catholic teachings. He was known for his scholarly approach to the papacy and his strong emphasis on the importance of faith and spirituality.

    During his papacy, Benedict XVI traveled extensively, visiting more than 50 countries on six continents. He met with leaders from various faith traditions and sought to promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

    Health was an issue triggering resignation

    In 2013, Benedict XVI announced his decision to resign from the papacy, citing his advanced age and declining health as the reasons for his decision. His resignation took effect on February 28, 2013, and he was succeeded by Pope Francis.

    After his resignation, Benedict XVI retired to a monastery within the Vatican, where he lived a quiet life of prayer and contemplation. He continued to write and publish works on theology and Church teachings, and he maintained a strong presence within the Church through his occasional public appearances and statements.

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    Unusual New Year’s Eve Traditions Across the Globe

    Even within the USA there multiple cultural traditions for celebrating the transition into the new

    Although we are accustomed to a homogeneous celebration across the USA on New Year’s Eve, there are also many variations, both here, mainly as observed by immigrants, and across the globe.

    We also have a special upcoming article for Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, since it is celebrated according to traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, but many examples from the western Gregorian solar calendar observance can be seen here.

    Within the US not everyone celebrates the same way

    There are many ethnic and cultural traditions for celebrating New Year’s Eve that have been brought to the United States by immigrants from various countries around the world.

    Hogmanay: Hogmanay is a traditional Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration that includes singing, dancing, and the exchange of gifts. Many people in the U.S. of Scottish descent or with an interest in Scottish culture celebrate Hogmanay.

    Nochevieja: Nochevieja, or New Year’s Eve, is a popular holiday in many Spanish-speaking countries. In the U.S., people of Hispanic descent may celebrate Nochevieja with parties, music, dancing, and the consumption of traditional foods and drinks.

    Sylwester: Sylwester is a traditional New Year’s Eve celebration in Poland. In the U.S., people of Polish descent may celebrate Sylwester with parties, music, and the consumption of traditional foods such as kielbasa and pierogi.

    Hog Sooie: Hog Sooie is a traditional New Year’s Eve celebration in Vietnam. In the U.S., people of Vietnamese descent may celebrate Hog Sooie with parties, music, and the consumption of traditional foods such as banh chung and banh tet.

    Yalda Night: Yalda Night is a traditional New Year’s Eve celebration in Iran. In the U.S., people of Iranian descent may celebrate Yalda Night with parties, music, and the consumption of traditional foods such as watermelon and pomegranate.

    Outside the US celebrations, and particularly food and drink styles vary

    New Year’s Eve, or “Sylvester” as it is known in some parts of the world, is a time of celebration and reflection as people bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new. While the exact traditions and customs vary from culture to culture and country to country, there are a few common themes that emerge.

    In the United States, it is common for people to gather with friends and family to watch the ball drop in Times Square on television. This tradition has been taking place since 1907, and has become a widely recognized symbol of the new year. Many people also make resolutions, or promises to themselves to make positive changes in the coming year.

    In Spain, it is customary to eat a grape with each of the twelve chimes of the bell at midnight, symbolizing good luck for each month of the new year. In many Latin American countries, people dress in white on New Year’s Eve to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

    In Japan, people celebrate the new year by visiting temples and shrines to pray for good fortune. They also eat a special meal called “toshikoshi soba,” which consists of thin noodles that symbolize a long and healthy life.

    In the United Kingdom, it is traditional for people to make noise at midnight by ringing bells or blowing horns to chase away evil spirits and bring in good luck. Some people also make a “New Year’s Resolution” to try and improve their lives in the coming year.

    In many parts of Europe, it is traditional to eat certain foods on New Year’s Eve that are believed to bring good luck.

    In Germany, people eat pork and sauerkraut, while in Italy it is common to eat lentils. In the Netherlands, people eat doughnuts filled with jam or cream, and in France, people often eat a special cake called a “galette des rois,” which is made with a hidden bean or trinket inside.

    In what has become a modern tradition, Times Square in NYC is where it’s at on December 31st

    In the United States, New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with parties, fireworks, and other festive events locally and en masse via TV and the media.

    Common local traditions for celebrating New Year’s Eve in the U.S. include:

    Attending a New Year’s Eve party: Many people in the U.S. celebrate New Year’s Eve by attending a party or gathering with friends and family. These events often include music, dancing, and food and drinks.

    Watching the Times Square ball drop: In New York City, the Times Square ball drop is a well-known New Year’s Eve tradition. At midnight, a large ball descends from a flagpole atop One Times Square, signaling the start of the new year. Many people gather in Times Square to watch the ball drop in person, while others watch the event on television.

    Fireworks displays: Fireworks displays are a popular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in many parts of the U.S. Many cities and towns hold public fireworks displays, and some people choose to set off fireworks on their own.

    Making New Year’s resolutions: Many people in the U.S. make New Year’s resolutions, or promises to themselves to make positive changes in the new year. Some common resolutions include losing weight, exercising more, or saving money.

    Playing games and engaging in other activities: Some people choose to spend New Year’s Eve playing games or engaging in other activities with friends and family. These might include board games, card games, or outdoor activities like ice skating or sledding.

    Overall, New Year’s Eve is a time of celebration and reflection, and while the specific traditions may vary from place to place, the underlying theme of hope and good fortune for the new year is universal. Happy New Year from all of us at Lynxotic.

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    ChatGPT Gave this Response to the Question: What is a Virtual Power Plant

    Hint: it’s pretty damn accurate

    Virtual Power Plant Definition

    “A virtual power plant (VPP) is a system that uses a network of decentralized energy resources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems, to generate electricity. 

    These resources are connected and controlled through a central management system, which allows them to operate as a single, coordinated entity. 

    The goal of a VPP is to provide a reliable and cost-effective source of electricity by leveraging the collective output of the connected energy resources.

    VPPs can be used to provide electricity to a specific location, such as a neighborhood or a campus, or they can be connected to the grid and used to generate electricity for a larger area. 

    They can also be used to support the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, by providing a flexible and responsive source of electricity that can be dispatched as needed to meet changing demand.

    VPPs can be beneficial in a number of ways. They can help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. 

    They can also help to lower energy costs by using locally-generated renewable energy, and they can help to improve the reliability of the electricity supply by providing a distributed source of electricity that is not reliant on a single power plant or transmission line.”

    As a random test this is not bad

    The language is better than many low quality human writers, and, while the information has a “generic” feel to it, the amount of effort saved compared to a human composing a similar essay is impressive.

    The attention the AI bot has generated since launch is understandable- given the speed and quality of the results.


    51! Warnock Projected to Win Georgia Run-off Election

    Dems get a 51-49 majority in Senate

    NBC has projected that Sen. Raphael Warnock will defeat Herschel Walker in the run-off election today.

    This outcome strengthens the Democrats hold on the Senate, with 51 seats, allowing for party line votes to bring bills to the floor.

    Leader of Oath Keepers Convicted in January 6th Case

    Seditious Conspiracy charge upheld

    A jury in Washington found Stewart Rhodes guilty of Seditious Conspiracy, which the US code defines as:

    “If two or more persons in any State or Territory, or in any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, conspire to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States, or to levy war against them, or to oppose by force the authority thereof, or by force to prevent, hinder, or delay the execution of any law of the United States, or by force to seize, take, or possess any property of the United States contrary to the authority thereof, they shall each be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than twenty years, or both.”

    This charge arose from the plot to keep former President Trump in power, which ultimately led to the mob attack on the Capitol on January 6th, 2021. The guilty conviction of Stewart Rhodes means that he will face up to 20 years in prison.

    The Seditious conspiracy charge is a serious one, and this is the first time such a charge was upheld against any defendant as a result of the full scale investigation of the attack on the Capitol. The investigation has already produced 900 criminal cases.

    The investigation of the January 6th attack is ongoing and could result in many more arrests.

    Rhodes was acquitted of two other conspiracy charges while Kelly Meggs, head of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers when the attack took place, was also convicted of seditious conspiracy.

    Kenneth Harrelson, Jessica Watkins and Thomas Caldwell who were the other three defendants, were found by the jury not guilty of sedition. There are other ongoing related cases, including one scheduled to start on Monday where another four members of the Oath Keepers are also being charged with seditious conspiracy.

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    Why Elon Musk Bought Twitter V3: The Tesla Phone Wrinkle

    In a bizarre twist Elon tweets a “threat” to sell phones if Apple or Google ban Twitter from App stores

    This article is the third in a series that was never intended to be one. The question of why, other than lack of impulse control and way too much money, Elon Musk would buy Twitter and take it over himself is still unknown. Our first two articles chronicled two possible motivations, each put forth by someone claiming to have inside information. This story is based on Elon Musk’s direct reply to a tweet.

    With Twitter getting more dangerous daily, if you are an advertiser or stake your reputation on the content not being toxic (good luck!), and now speculation is mounting that Apple and/or Google might ban downloads for the app.

    Elon Musk actually responded to these thoughts with a tweet saying, “…yes, if there there’s no other choice, I will make an alternative phone.”

    Oddly, this idea has been around a long time as a sort of fake news thread – various YouTubers have a continuous output of made-up stories about Elon Musk, Tesla and SpaceX. One of the most circulated is one claiming that there is already a solar-powered, Starlink connected phone from Tesla, which some claim is called the “Model Pi”.

    Spoofs that become real?

    There are many, many reasons, beyond the fact that the whole thing was a spoof, that make it very unlikely that this could ever happen. It’s true that the various capabilities that would be needed to make an iPhone like product are generally within the scope of what Tesla already does.

    Manufacturing, supply chains, software, all of these are within the general scope of what Tesla has done very well up until now. It is, on the other hand, more than a bit crazy to think that, literally overnight, a new product could overtake or even compete with the incredibly mature capabilities of the iPhone or a top Android unit.

    The iPhone has been evolving for fifteen years and the resources that Apple brings to bear in improving it are not small. The spoof version invents a few bombshell features such as built in crypto mining (presumably where the name “Pi” comes from ), Solar charging, Starlink internet, and others to ad believability to the joke.

    Even if these features were available (crypto less of a incentive now lol) it’s extremely unlikely that a large number of people would jump on the trend with so many other features delayed (Cybertruck, anyone?).

    The genius is that people think that Elon Musk can make the impossible happen

    Getting away from the negative, what Tesla has accomplished in changing perception of EVs from a dead on the shelf product, to one that has forced the entire automotive industry to adopt a similar path is amazing.

    And, even at Twitter, it is possible that, after a lot of pain and tumult there could be a new Twitter that is no worse that the pre-Musk version. It could even be bigger and, eventually, not a cesspool.

    One thing that is abundantly clear, however, is that the ongoing drama will continue and maybe even accelerate. Watch this space for the next chapter.

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    Why Elon Musk Really Bought Twitter V2

    Straight from a follower named “Spam Bot” the real reason…

    Yesterday we published a story featuring a theory floated by a lady who, apparently, worked for Tesla for a decade, who believes that Elon is a “humanist” and wants to save the planet and needs Twitter to help him better communicate his ideas and solutions. No, not reinstating Trump, but she claimed it was all about global warming.

    Not long after that article hit the airwaves, “Spam Bot”, reacted and posted a message (see photo below) where he (or she? or they?) outlined what’s really goin’ on:

    Here’s the posted text in its entirety:

    “Elon’s plan will soon be clear. Setting aside the fact the guy is an Alien (he literally admitted it) the ultimate plan is frightening. Twitter is key.

    He needed to get rid of the engineers to rewrite the app.

    After the re-engineering Twitter will be re-coded to subliminally force everyone to either buy a Tesla, Cybertruck or generate an uncontrollable urge to get into a Boring company pod.

    Then, using the vast Starlink constellation a signal will be sent and all the Teslas, trucks and Boring pods will suddenly lock trapping the passengers inside.

    The controls will freeze and they will autonomously head to the nearest Starbase launch site where flamethrower bearing a highly advanced version of the recently previewed ‘Musk clone robots will force NeuraLink implants deep into each persons cerebral cortex and then send them, like lame zombie sheep into waiting Starships for the journey to Mars.

    Controlling everyone via NeuraLink, humanity will quickly devolve into a slave species, serving the Mars overlords for all of eternity. (Except for brunette Goth virgins. Virgins will be celebrated as honored guests and taken to a great feast within the Martian temple.

    Afterwards they will be stripped naked, tied up and boiled alive to be consumed by the festive Martians).

    Earth will be plundered for its remaining natural resources and die off becoming just another sphere of lifeless space rock eventually breaking apart into smaller and smaller pieces until turning to dust, scattering, and finally leaving the galaxy to drift into the abyss. It’s all so clear – you just need to put the pieces together.”

    The actual comment left on Flipboard

    Ok, let’s all take a short pause to, um….

    If anyone is offended (or frightened ) by that, apologies on behalf of Lynxotic. As a writer it is important to always have something to say. This, text, this outpouring of strung together amalgamation of brand names and alien motivations has rendered this scribe… almost speechless…

    To unpack this, in spite of being dumbfounded, the first thing that comes to mind is that “Spam Bot” gives Elon too much credit. Sure, he has admitted to being an alien, yes he is the wealthiest person on the planet, sure, his companies do all seem to fit together in a neat little puzzle that could enable exactly such a scenario…. But, no, it is not likely (hahaha) that this scenario is true, at least not all of it.

    Actually, the idea that it was Elon’s intention all along to fire nearly all of Twitter and the mass exodus was what he wanted all along, does kind of make sense. If he really does want to rebuild it from the ground up, what better way to get rid of nearly all the employees than to find a clever (?) way to get everyone to quit (without looking really bad for firing everyone just before the holidays) .

    And it will be quite entertaining to see how this plays out. For example, as we note in a new article coming today, Mastodon is growing fast and there’s an interesting possibility that a migration en mass over there could be a major upgrade.

    Maybe that was Elon’s plan all along!

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    Trump is Back on Twitter: Elon Musk Re-Instates Account

    After a poll of internationals and bots the Twitter Clown is back

    Ok, there should be a question mark on that heading – because it is as yet unclear if the former guy will actually resume tweeting. Since he has his own failing social media site, he has always maintained that he would not resume tweeting, even if reinstated.
    melon Musk’s tweet which implies that the poll he launched earlier today is definitive – also added, in Latin no less: Vox Populi, Vox Dei : “the voice of the people is the voice of God”.

    which is obvious nonsense – anyone in the world could vote and, naturally, millions of bots or other elements, elements that Musk himself claimed were running rampant – at a time when he needed an excuse to back out of the deal to buy Twitter.

    As Trump himself has pointed out ad nauseam, he is good to boost “ratings” and traffic. Everyone loves a circus, and clowns.

    https://twitter.com/astro_osk/status/1594140759606927362?s=46&t=7Lkh72LTFFoZ7bo-kFbo4g


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    Trumps Likely Campaign Strategy Revealed During Announcement

    In a sudden shift into coherence the likely plot emerged

    Buried near the end of a meandering, laundry list of a speech, Trump appeared to give a hint as to his messaging strategy going forward.

    After hitting on the usual, and sometimes bizarre (ok not for him) claims and untruths, such as when he blurted out in what appeared to be riffing “the ocean will rise 2/10ths of an inch in 200-300 years they say”. (Of course absolutely nobody says this or ever has).

    He gradually veered into seemingly more coherent territory… pointing a finger at corruption, and calling for a “members of Congress getting rich by trading stocks with insider information.” He added that he wanted a constitutional amendment to impose term limits, and to permanently get rid of taxpayers footing the bill for political campaigns. Huh? Almost spuds reasonable- but wait…

    The familiar refrain resumes

    Once again we are back to the faux-Joseph Goebbels “accuse others of the thing you are most guilty of” Trumpian projection.

    What’s the the number one most obvious crime or category of crime associated with Trump? Corruption, yes. Drain the swamp, indeed.

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    Trump is Running in ’24

    ”America’s Comeback starts Right Now” is his new slogan

    Donald Trump’s much trumpeted “very important announcement” was, as expected, a speech that recounted the “triumphs” hopes to own, and use for his upcoming 2024 campaign, which he officially announced.

    “The ocean will rise 2/10ths of an inch in 200-300 years they say” was one of the absurdities launched during his unhinged speech rattling off his imagined greatness and power.

    Deja Vu all over again? Is this for real? Apparently so.

    A lot of speculation has been circulating that this announcement, and the timing of it, were motivated by the legal problems Trump faces. Since the announcement was incredibly early, the earliest in history for a non-incumbent, many believe that he hopes to use his status as an active candidate to somehow avoid looming indictments. The logic behind this is that an indictment of a likely nominee would be perceived as a “witch hunt” and A.G. Merrick Garland will find itmore difficult to proceed. With the first primary still fourteen months away, however, there will be plenty of time for the various cases to play out.

    Bitcoin’s Origins get Well-timed Mention in Elon Musk Tweet

    The ‘why’ of Bitcoin is back in the news

    Bitcoin’s history and origination is an important factor for more than just true believers and maximalists. Created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, and with evidence that it was intended, by its founder, known only as Satoshi Nakamoto, as remedy for the failed system that had nearly collapsed the world economic system at that time.

    In a recent CoinDesk post, Nathan Thompson wrote: Bitcoin’s genesis block is historic, not just because it contained the first 50 bitcoins, but because it had a message coded in the hash code: “The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks.”

    The bank bailouts and various financial system failures were integral, then, in the creation and purpose of bitcoin, and one could even say, coins and systems that followed, starting with Ethereum in 2015.

    After a few weeks of tweets revolving around the Twitter buyout brouhaha, Elon Musk, in a reply, added, in a more introspective tone than has been seen of late, some of his thoughts on the subject;

    Interesting timing and a nice shift from the obsession with prices

    The recent “crash” and panicked voices over the drop of the bitcoin price below $30k is the unspoken background addressed in this exchange, it appears.

    Decrying the erroneous belief that “prices only go up” held by the public at large during the doomed run up to the 2008-2009 crisis could be seen as a hint that, perhaps, prices of assets like Bitcoin, and Tesla shares, for that matter, can not “only go up” and anyone who seeks such a preposterous nirvana is digging their own graves, having failed to learn from all the times in history that fools took the path of peak greed and self-delusion.

    Worse, and worth being singled out specifically, are those that profited from the delusion of others in “predatory lending” practices, which Elon Musk “doesn’t support”.

    Ultimately for this tweet thread, it was Elon Musk’s Twitter buddy @BillyM2k that nailed it with a series of tweets explicitly spelling out the divergence between the founders and believers in the original, positive, intent of bitcoin and the massive bubble of speculators and scammers that has, in his view unfortunately, grown up around it.

    Pointing out that DogeCoin, as an example, was created to highlight the stupidity of speculation and excess greed that came with the avalanche of meme-coins and “shitcoins” etc, that flooded the market and, to a great degree, obscured the original, positive force that bitcoin and decentralized finance was invented to be.

    https://twitter.com/BillyM2k/status/1525274042592202752?s=20&t=yenGWhR_EZDBYDoUwOhnZg

    Maybe, some of the various challenges and stumbles that Elon Musk is experiencing lately, seemingly for the first time, after a string of incredible triumphs, culminating with the Person of the Year designation and the buyout launch that is now in limbo, will inspire him to be more reflective and use his powerful position as a “Twitter-sage” to draw more attention to the need for a voice of “reason”, rather than as a cheerleader for the bonfires of vanity and speculation.

    https://twitter.com/BillyM2k/status/1525277905319628801?s=20&t=yenGWhR_EZDBYDoUwOhnZg

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    A Virtual Lexicon of Trump’s Outrageous behavior recounted in ‘A Sacred Oath’

    Former Defense Secretary, Mark Esper has a new memoir that is available, “A Sacred Oath”, in which he reveals his time spent during the Trump administration.  And like many that have served under Donald Trump, Esper fell from his grace, getting fired several days after the 2020 election.

    The book is a whopping 752 pages, where he holds nothing back, capturing Trump as the ill-tempered, ill-informed President who was overly concerned with power and self-image.

    Below are just some of the headlines and quotes from his book released and available for purchase starting May 10. 

    ‘Esper says Trump wanted to reactivate McChrystal, McRaven to court-martial them over criticism’ (The Hill)

    “Worse yet, people were removed from positions simply because the White House wanted to replace them with more hard-core Trump loyalists, regardless of qualifications,” Esper wrote of Trump’s motive towards those that did not fall in line with his political agenda. 

    ‘Former Pentagon chief Esper says Trump asked about shooting protesters’ (NPR)

    “We reached that point in the conversation where he looked frankly at [Joint Chiefs of Staff] Gen. [Mark] Milley and said, ‘Can’t you just shoot them, just shoot them in the legs or something?’ … It was a suggestion and a formal question. And we were just all taken aback at that moment as this issue just hung very heavily in the air.”

    ‘Mark Esper says Trump’s refusal to attend Biden’s presidential inauguration was ‘a final act of petulance’: book’ (Business Insider)

    “Donald Trump did not even bother to attend the Inauguration — the first sitting and able president to skip his successor’s inauguration since 1869,” Esper wrote in his book, “It was a final act of petulance that defied tradition, tarnished our democracy, and further damaged Biden’s legitimacy with millions of Americans.”

    ‘Trump was the ‘biggest leaker of all’ in his administration and it was ‘generally bad’ for the country, his former Pentagon chief says’ (Business Insider)

    “The individual motivations for the leaks ranged from advancing a preferred policy outcome to enhancing the leaker’s own role or credentials to currying favor with the president. It was a noxious behavior learned from the top. The president was the biggest leaker of all. It turned colleague against colleague, department against department, and it was generally bad for the administration and the country,” Esper writes in memoir.

    As one would easily predict, Trump attempted to censor the release of the book. In response to a 60 Minutes interview with Esper promoting his book, the former President provided a statement on the interview, calling Esper a “Yesper”, “Weak and Totally Ineffective”. 

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