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Climate Solutions, News, Observation

6 months after the climate summit, where to find progress on climate change in a more dangerous and divided world

Six months ago, negotiators at the United Nations’ Glasgow climate summit celebrated a series of new commitments to lower global greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Analysts concluded that the new promises, including phasing out coal, would bend the global warming trajectory, though still fall short of the Paris … Continue reading 6 months after the climate summit, where to find progress on climate change in a more dangerous and divided world →

Climate Solutions, Observation, Sustainable Energy

Solarpunk: Visions of a just, nature-positive world

What does a sustainable civilisation look like and how do we get there? A burgeoning movement of artists and activists is seeking answers. “It is 2050. In most places in the world, the air is moist and fresh, even in cities. It feels a lot like walking through a forest, and very likely this is … Continue reading Solarpunk: Visions of a just, nature-positive world →

Entertainment, HBO, Streaming

‘House of the Dragon’ Trailer gives Fans a Game of Throne Prequel Tease

Video

Dragons, Targaryens and the Iron Throne:

A new trailer for the HBO original series based on the wildly popular “Game of Thrones” series has been released. The prequel, and title of the new TV series  “House of the Dragon” is set 200 years before events that unfolded in “ The Game of Thrones” which breaks down the origin story of House Targaryen.  

The series adapted to the big screen thanks to the work of George R. R. Martin novels, specifically “Fire and Blood”. The spinoff will explain how the Targaryens wound up in a brutal civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, which foreshadow the beginning of the end of the Westeros’ ruling. 

The first 10 episodes that will make up the first season is sure to be a huge production, based on reports that each episode cost under $20 million per episode to make.

The streaming platform just released a teaser trailer, along with character information which will feature (get ready for difficult name pronunciations!): Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen,  Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria , Steve Toussaint as  Lord Corlys Velaryon,  Fabien Frankel as Sir Criston Cole, Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower and Olivia Cooke as  Alicent Hightower.

“House of the Dragon” will make its debut this fall on August 21. 

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Books, Politics

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, … Continue reading A Virtual Lexicon of Trump’s Outrageous behavior recounted in ‘A Sacred Oath’ →

Climate Solutions, News, Observation, Politics, Science

‘Our House Is Truly on Fire’: Earth Now Has 50% Chance of Hitting 1.5°C of Warming by 2026

“The 1.5°C figure is not some random statistic,” said the head of the World Meteorological Organization. “It is rather an indicator of the point at which climate impacts will become increasingly harmful for people and indeed the entire planet.” The World Meteorological Organization warned Monday that the planet now faces a 50% chance of temporarily hitting … Continue reading ‘Our House Is Truly on Fire’: Earth Now Has 50% Chance of Hitting 1.5°C of Warming by 2026 →

Entertainment, Movies

‘Crimes of the Future’ trailer set in a Morbid Dystopia replete with Body Horror and Gore 

Video

This upcoming Horror-slash-Gore-slash Sci-Fi explores a future world where humans live in a more synthetic environment, forcing the body to undergo new mutations and transformations.  And get this, in this world, the body has become so strong, that pain has been eliminated, which, strangely, now the characters experiencing pain through acts of self-mutilation and surgery has become the new “sex” (in other words pleasurable).   Viggo Mortensen plays a performance artist named Saul Tenser, where he showcases the changing displays through the various forms of surgical alterations that his body undergoes.

If you’ve got the stomach for it, or an appetite for scaring yourself silly, this is the railer for you.

*Warning* the trailer is a bit much to watch if you are like most that don’t necessarily enjoy seeing people cut into themselves. 

“Crimes of the Future” stars Viggo Mortensen, Lea Seydoux, as well as Kristen Stewart and Scott Speedman.  When the movie was originally thought up, fun fact, Nicolas Cage was meant to play the lead, however due to the project being shelved for several years, recasting was done with Viggo. 

The film is set for theatrical release this summer on June 3, 2022. 

Those willing to watch the trailer, check it out below: 

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Entertainment, Streaming

Darth Vader and Skywalker revealed in ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’: Watch Teaser Trailer

Video

May the Force Be With You

A new teaser trailer was released by Disney+ for the upcoming TV series “Obi-Wan Kenobi” starring Ewan McGregor. The episodic is set 10 years after “Revenge of the Sith” where Obi-Wan is hiding on the planet Tatooine as he looks after the young Luke Skywaker.

The clip also finally reveals that Darth Vader will appear in the series and there will be an ultimate showdown with the former mentor. We see in the video, even though just for the last few seconds, his suit and iconic breathing. 

In addition to McGregor, cast members include: Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell, Benny Safdie and Maya Erskine.

The limited series which will consist of six parts will premiere the first two episodes starting May 27th, with the remaining episodes each Wednesday on a weekly basis, with the final date on June 22. 

Check out the Official Trailer below:

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Books, Lifestyle, News

Best Roe v. Wade Books to Understand the SCOTUS Debate

The 50th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade is approaching, we are also dealing with the likelihood that the Supreme Court is now reconsidering the ruling, as a result, an interest on the issues surrounding abortion and reproductive rights has peaked.   Reproductive justice, or the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy (in other words … Continue reading Best Roe v. Wade Books to Understand the SCOTUS Debate →

News, Tech, web3

Curious Kids: what are NFTs – and why are they so expensive?

What is the purpose of making NFTs and what makes some of them so costly? – Tanvi, aged 16, Delhi, India An NFT is a technology that proves who the owner of a digital object is. This digital object could be a song, a picture, a video, a tweet – or even a piece of … Continue reading Curious Kids: what are NFTs – and why are they so expensive? →

Business, Sustainable Energy

How Electric Trucking Options are Coming to Freight Businesses 

There’s been a lot of talk lately about transitioning to sustainable energy sources, and for good reason. With the threat of climate change looming, it’s more important than ever that we work to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Transportation options that are more sustainable than gas-powered vehicles and also much cheaper are out there. Believe it … Continue reading How Electric Trucking Options are Coming to Freight Businesses  →

Breaking News, News, Observation, Politics

AOC Says Democrats Must ‘Leave It All on the Field’ to Defend Abortion Rights

Other progressive lawmakers echoed that message, with Rep. Cori Bush declaring: “Abolish the filibuster. Codify Roe. Expand the Supreme Court. Protect abortion rights by any means necessary.” After a leaked draft ruling provided the most concrete evidence yet that the Supreme Court’s right-wing majority is set to end the constitutional right to abortion, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez … Continue reading AOC Says Democrats Must ‘Leave It All on the Field’ to Defend Abortion Rights →

Books, Celebrities, Entertainment

‘Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama’: Bob Odenkirk Memoir exposes his Comedic Origins

Actor Bob Odenkirk, who portrays the iconic Jimmy McGill /Saul Goodman character in AMC’s “Better Call Saul” is currently wrapping up the show’s final season, which is now available to watch (or stream) weekly on AMC . And even though the show is coming to an end, there is still so much more in store … Continue reading ‘Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama’: Bob Odenkirk Memoir exposes his Comedic Origins →

Books

Book Ideas for Independent Bookstore Day: Free Shipping All Weekend

Books are still an incredible resource for learning, education, entertainment, reference and more. Just because a certain company has created an existential challenge for most independent bookstores, there are still many out there that survive and need your support. Lynxotic is directly affiliated with one such store and also with Bookshop.org that sponsors independent bookstores … Continue reading Book Ideas for Independent Bookstore Day: Free Shipping All Weekend →

Elon Musk, Twitter

Elon Musk’s Latest Tweet Says it All, or Does it?

Perhaps in a moment of incoherence, this three-tweet set was launched. It is just plain goofy (unless he is buttering up “the right” for after mid-terms…?) In what looks like some kind of twisted attempt at being diplomatic, Elon Musk’s latest tweet manages to clarify his stance regarding “free-speech“ about as much as a mud … Continue reading Elon Musk’s Latest Tweet Says it All, or Does it? →

Entertainment, Movies

Barbie Movie Features Margot Robbie Pretty and Very Pink: Trailer to Come

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Back in 2019 Greta Gerwig (known for work on “Lady Bird”, “Little Women” and “The Squid and the Whale”) and Noah Baumbach signed on to write a live-action Barbie movie for Warner Bros.  By the looks of it, giving by a sneak-peak that it’s giving hot pink, retro 80’s Barbie vibes.  

Some might find it anomalous that Robbie, famed for, among others, being Harley Quinn of suicide squad, a role that had the feel of a life-time type-casting dream, so Barbie might seem a stretch for those that feel married to her portrayal of a more, shall we say, dangerous female anti-hero.

And yet, perhaps it’s brilliant. Certainly the photo, released as a teaser at CinemaCon gives out a vibe that is spot-on for an inspired casting take on the doll come to life. Unfortunately the official trailer is still to come, so we’ve provided a “first look” video with clips from her that kind of visualizes a fantasy take in the meantime.

Alongside Margot Robbie as Barbie, Ryan Gosling will play the iconic boyfriend Ken. There are also a handful of crazy talent with fellow cast members to include: Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Simu Lui, Issa Rae, Michael Cera and Kate McKinnon. 

The plot details for the film have not been shared and kept quite mum as of now, so we may have to wait closer to the release date next year to see Gerwig’s adaptation.  Currently “Barbie” is scheduled for theatrical release on July 21, 2023. 

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Entertainment, Movies

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Screening with Tom Cruise Kills It at CinemaCon: Press is Ecstatic

Video

During a screening at CinemaCon, Paramount held a debut for “Top Gun: Maverick” and thus far it has been enthusiastically reviewed, to put it mildly. Attended by film critics, some of the first ravings of the sequel included: “the perfect blockbuster”, “a total banger” and “a masterful adrenaline rush”.

Looking at the trailer, which is out now (below) it is clear to see where some of the excitement is coming from. The photography in the action sequences has a realistic feel that, when using the original film from 1986 as a reference, clearly shows an amazing upgrade. On a big screen at CinemaCon these sequences must have been amazing.

There’s also the sense that the storyline used Tom Cruise’s age in a clever way, turning it into an advantage throughout, and , as a result, turning the film into a sympathetic one for anyone older than 25 (most reviewers, in other words).

Finally, one has to wonder if the current situation in Ukraine, with the same enemy from the ‘Top Gun’ in 1986 – MiG-28s fighters from Russia (Soviet Union) played a role in the excited reactions in any way?

Not having seen the entire film, without any spoiler alerts, there could be an emotional connection with the sad and scary enemy that invaded Ukraine and the projected heroic power and potential of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, to counter that threat, were they to be real.

Please take this with a grain of salt, it could be way off base. But one thing is certain – the critics who’s reactions are already out there are wildly positive on the film and are predicting that it will be a huge memorial weekend hit, just for starters.

The film shows “Maverick” still pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot.  The official plot synopsis says “Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it.”

More than 30 years since the original 1986 action drama “Top Gun” has been released, the sequel starring Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell played by the one-and-only Tom Cruise is coming to the big screen .

Val Kilmer and Jennifer Connelly, also original actors from the first film, return as well. Additionally some new characters will be introduced which will be played by: Miles Teller, Jon Hamm, Ed Harris, Monica Barbara and Glen Powell. 

“Top Gun: Maverick” will be held for theatrical release starting May 27 and will most likely have streaming capabilities on Paramount+ following its theatrical run time. 

Watch official trailer: 

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Climate Solutions, News, Observation, Politics, Tech

‘Declaration for the Future of the Internet’ Launched to Promote Open Web for All

The United States, the European Union, and dozens of other countries on Thursday launched a global Declaration for the Future of the Internet vowing online protection of human rights, respect for net neutrality, and no government-imposed shutdowns that was applauded by progressive advocates for a more open and democratic web. “If acted upon,” the declaration “would … Continue reading ‘Declaration for the Future of the Internet’ Launched to Promote Open Web for All →

Climate Solutions, Movies, Netflix

New Climate Doc Premieres on Netflix as Youth Await Major Court Decision

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The award-winning documentary titled YOUTH v GOV premiered globally on the streaming platform Netflix Friday as the youth plaintiffs featured in the film await a decision that could put their historic climate lawsuit on a path to trial.

“In under two hours, you get an inside look at nearly seven years of Juliana v. United States,” said Julia Olson, executive director and chief legal counsel at Our Children’s Trust, in a statement about the independent film. “And it’s not over. We are determined to get to trial because our young clients deserve to take the stand and have their evidence heard by a judge.”

The documentary—directed by scientist and filmmaker Christi Cooper—focuses on the federal suit filed in 2015 and its 21 plaintiffs. The Our Children’s Trust legal team, which represents the young people, argues that by contributing to the climate emergency, the U.S. government is violating their clients’ constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property, and failing to protect essential public trust resources.

Shortly after settlement negotiations between the  U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and attorneys for the Juliana youth ended without resolution last November, federal lawmakers and advocacy groups sent President Joe Biden and other leaders in his administration letters in support of the plaintiffs.

“The question now is whether the Biden administration will keep fighting tooth and nail to keep them silenced, and whether our courts will stand up for their constitutional rights,” Olson said Friday. “After 50 years of the government—both Democrats and Republicans—knowingly making the climate crisis worse, I’m not betting on partisan politics. But I do have faith in the judiciary.”

The plaintiffs—now ages 14 to 26—are waiting for a court to rule on a motion to amend their complaint, which could put the case on track for a trial.

Since talks with the DOJ concluded, climate scientists have reiterated warnings about the need for systemic changes on a global scale, Congress has failed to pass a package containing key climate measures, and Biden has facedcriticism for not taking executive action to address the planetary emergency.

“I think for a lot of young people right now, life is really scary, because we’ve never seen a moment like this in history, and our feelings about our life and our future [are] all because of choices that we had no participation in,” says 26-year-old Kelsey Juliana—the named plaintiff in the case—during the first two minutes of the film.

“And so the plaintiffs joined this case,” Juliana adds, “because we all know who’s to blame and what needs to be done.”

https://twitter.com/MarkRuffalo/status/1520092989564985344?s=20&t=aNOtJQZVA_KWn-I0lHWhNA

The Netflix release of the film—which has won over two dozen awards at film festivals worldwide—was met with excitement by climate action advocates.

“Put this on your must watch list this weekend!” tweeted the Wisconsin Environmental Health Network. “Let’s get this important documentary into Netflix’s trending now category!”

Noting that one of the plaintiffs—21-year-old Xiuhtezcatl Martinez—is based in Boulder, Matt Benjamin, a member of the Colorado city’s council, also highlighted the doc on Twitter.

“Make sure to check out this film streaming tonight on Netflix,” he said. “It’s inspirational. It’s emotional. It fills me with hope that our younger generations will take control of their future.”

Originally published on Common Dreams and republished under a Creative Commons license (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

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Climate Solutions, News, Observation, Politics

Rising authoritarianism and worsening climate change share a fossil-fueled secret

Around the world, many countries are becoming less democratic. This backsliding on democracy and “creeping authoritarianism,” as the U.S. State Department puts it, is often supported by the same industries that are escalating climate change. In my new book, “Global Burning: Rising Antidemocracy and the Climate Crisis,” I lay out connections between these industries and … Continue reading Rising authoritarianism and worsening climate change share a fossil-fueled secret →

News, Observation, Politics

Building the “Big Lie”: Inside the Creation of Trump’s Stolen Election Myth

By the time Leamsy Salazar sat down in front of a video recorder in a lawyer’s office in Dallas, he had grown accustomed to divulging state secrets. After swearing to tell nothing but the truth so help him God, he recounted that he was born in Venezuela in 1974, enlisted in the army and rose … Continue reading Building the “Big Lie”: Inside the Creation of Trump’s Stolen Election Myth →

Elon Musk, Twitter

Elon Musk owns Twitter after $44 Billion: What’s Next?

Video

Freedom of Speech is declared driving force for Takeover

Twitter Inc. announced that it has agreed to be acquired by an entity that is wholly owned by Elon Musk. The news comes after it was widely leaked that negotiations were underway over the weekend and that a deal was imminent.

Going forward the company will be privately held and current stockholders will be compensated at $54.20 for each share of common stock that they own as of completion of the deal. This represents a 38% premium over the closing price on April 1st when Musk’s 9% stake was announced.

The board voted unanimously to the proposal and, though subject to the approval of Twitter’s shareholders, and applicable regulatory approvals the agreement is expected to go through in 2022.

What will follow is unknown, but speculation is rampant

Since the announcement on April 1st that Elon Musk had purchased approximately 9% of Twitter and this Saga began, there has been a busier than usual frenzy of speculation regarding the possibility that has now come to pass.

On the most superficial level, there was an odd kind of measured jubilation on the political Right, with speculation that Musk might re-instate Trump and others who have been permanently banned (although Trump himself indicated that he would decline if invited back) and a sense of horror on the Left – with an implied mistrust of the world’s richest human, connecting this situation to ongoing debates over wealth taxes and economic inequality overall.

On a deeper track are those closer to the situation – such as Jack Dorsey, who expressed support and openly criticized the current board and public structure in elucidating tweets, such as the one below.

Looking back at some of the harmony and love shared over bitcoin and other major topics an alliance, or at least a consulting status for @Jack could be amazing in terms of what could come of this – a private Twitter with Musk at the helm, in terms of a new direction for social media and all online business and how they evolve going forward.

While it may seem presumptuous to think it won’t be a disaster, there are deeper issues that would indicate that a lot more thought might have gone into this than a superficial look reveals.

Elon Musk has proved, and explained to anyone that will listen, that his motives and goals for any business endeavor are in a new category of entrepreneur, and his success, often against incredible odds, are a testament to the power of this mindset.

With Tesla, he took on nothing less than the most powerful, entrenched (and arguably corrupt) special interest group in history, the fossil fuel industry, and somehow, due perhaps as much to timing as to any particular strategy or plan, prevailed.

That this takeover could mark the beginning of real change in “Web2” and social media, regarding of the risk of a private individual excepting near absolute control, it is a welcome change, based on the reality that the status quo, at Twitter and basically all the so-called internet giants could not be any worse.

Let’s hope that the public and very visible lead up to this deal will be followed in the near future by a continuation of that openness and that changes and plans will be announced as they happen, which would be entertaining at the least, and exhilarating at best.

There’s a lot more to unpack in this, not just in the reactions and opinions that will surely flood now that the next step is upon us. but in a fruitful and valuable deeper look into the real motivations and potential of this new deal.

For that, please stay tuned, and for now, please let me know what you think about Twitter’s decision and new owner.

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LA Local, News, Observation

The World’s Largest Wildlife Crossing starts construction today ( Earth Day 2022)

Magnificent bridge for LA wildlife survival In conjunction with the #SaveLACougars movement, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and partners will begin the start of construction officially on April 22 to commemorate Earth Day. The groundbreaking will mark the world’s largest wildlife crossing which will cover 10 lanes of traffic on the very busy 101 freeway … Continue reading The World’s Largest Wildlife Crossing starts construction today ( Earth Day 2022) →