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.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN): “How do you know that these [UAPs] were not our aircraft?”
Former Navy fighter pilot Ryan Graves: “These objects were staying completely stationary in Category 4 hurricane winds. These same objects would then accelerate to supersonic speeds.” pic.twitter.com/qQiOEJAgL4
“Holding Trump accountable for his crimes pulls our democracy back from the precipice and prevents his criminal attempt to overturn an election from being forgotten or normalized,” said one watchdog leader.
Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday was indicted by a federal grand jury in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Trump—now the leading candidate for the GOP’s 2024 presidential nomination—faces four charges: conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights.
“The defendant lost the 2020 presidential election,” the indictment states. “Despite having lost, the defendant was determined to remain in power. So for more than two months following Election Day on November 3, 2020, the defendant spread lies that there had been outcome-determinative fraud in the election and that he had actually won.”
“These claims were false, and the defendant knew that they were false. But the defendant repeated and widely disseminated them anyway—to make his knowingly false claims appear legitimate, create an intense national atmosphere of mistrust and anger, and erode public faith in the administration of the election,” adds the document, which descibes but does not identify by name six co-conspirators.
This case has been assigned to Judge Tanya Chutkan, an Obama appointee who is widely respected as a fair and brilliant judge. This is … not a good draw for Trump. https://t.co/yyAQHVgo5g
The election interference case has been assigned to Judge Tanya S. Chutkan, an appointee of former President Barack Obama in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. NBC Newsnoted that she “is the only federal judge in Washington, D.C., who has sentenced January 6 defendants to sentences longer than the government had requested.”
Trump is expected to be arraigned in D.C. on Thursday before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya, according toNBC.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) president Noah Bookbinder said Tuesday that “the charges leveled against Donald Trump today are the most significant he has yet faced because they address the most serious offense he committed: trying to block the peaceful transfer of power and keep himself in office despite losing the 2020 election by inciting a violent insurrection.”
“Had he succeeded, it would have effectively ended our almost two-and-a-half-century experiment in democratic self-governance,” added Bookbinder, a former federal prosecutor. “Jack Smith’s indictment cuts through Trump’s propaganda to explicitly demonstrate not just the facts, but the stakes of this case. Holding Trump accountable for his crimes pulls our democracy back from the precipice and prevents his criminal attempt to overturn an election from being forgotten or normalized. Nothing could be more important for the future of America.”
BREAKING: Donald Trump has been indicted for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and inciting insurrection. These are Trump’s most significant charges yet. https://t.co/6kxuYtwMgU
Michael Waldman, president and CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, said that “today’s charges matter beyond the fact that a former president is accused. Donald Trump and his co-conspirators tried to overthrow American democracy.”
“They wanted to negate the votes of millions of Americans. They did this using phony claims of voter fraud and rigged elections. These conspiracy theories are still being used to justify changes to voting and election law all over the country,” he continued. “Donald Trump will stand trial. The Big Lie will be on trial too.”
Stand Up America president and founder Sean Eldridge asserted that “accountability is essential to protecting our democracy and our freedom to vote, and today, Donald Trump is finally being held accountable for his attack on the rule of law and the will of the people.”
“This indictment serves as a stark reminder of the danger Trump still poses to our democracy,” he stressed. “Time and time again, Trump has demonstrated that he is unfit for the highest office in the land. To protect our democracy and our fundamental freedoms, voters must make sure he never sets foot in the White House again.”
Special Counsel Jack Smith: "Today an indictment was unsealed charging Donald J. Trump with conspiring to defraud the United States, conspiring to disenfranchise voters and conspiring and attempting to obstruct an official proceeding." pic.twitter.com/EH0n75BRi3
Common Cause interim co-president Marilyn Carpinteyro declared that “no American is above the law—not even former presidents. The charges that a federal grand jury leveled today against former President Donald Trump are profoundly serious and must go to trial. The charges themselves are unprecedented, but so are the events that led to them.”
The House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol “revealed the monthslong conspiracy to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election and its culmination in the deadly insurrection,” she noted. “Anyone and everyone who broke the laws of this nation participating in that conspiracy must be held accountable.”
Public Citizen executive vice president Lisa Gilbert highlighted Tuesday that the bipartisan congressional panel ” recommended criminal chargesfor Trump’s role in inciting an insurrection and the attempt to overturn the 2020 election.”
“The committee’s work was based on reams of evidence obtained by nonpartisan career prosecutors, intelligence officers, and national security experts. Their recommendations were informed by more than one hundred subpoenas, over 1,000 interviews and depositions, and more than 140,000 documents,” she said, welcoming the charges.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said in a joint statement:
The insurrection on January 6, 2021 was one of the saddest and most infamous days in American history, personally orchestrated by Donald Trump and fueled by his insidious Big Lie in an attempt to undermine the 2020 election. In a deadly effort to overturn the will of the American people and block the peaceful transition of power, our nation’s Capitol—the very symbol and home of American patriotism and democracy—fell under attack to thousands of vicious and violent rioters.
The third indictment of Mr. Trump illustrates in shocking detail that the violence of that day was the culmination of a monthslong criminal plot led by the former president to defy democracy and overturn the will of the American people. This indictment is the most serious and most consequential thus far and will stand as a stark reminder to generations of Americans that no one, including a president of the United States, is above the law. The legal process must continue to move forward without any outside interference.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)
Trump was previously indicted in June as a result of Smith’s classified documents probe and in April following Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s investigation into alleged hush money payments during the 2016 election. He could also soon face charges stemming from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ probe of attempts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results.
The ex-president claimed on social media Tuesday that the new “Fake Indictment” is an effort to interfere with the next presidential election—an unsubstantiated allegation repeated by his campaign, which also took aim at his likely 2024 opponent, Democratic President Joe Biden.
Some advocacy groups and constitutional experts argue that regardless of the results of his legal issues, the 14th Amendment disqualifies Trump from holding office again because he incited the 2021 insurrection.
Among them are Familia Vota Education Fund and Free Speech for People, whose legal director, Ron Fein, said that “these criminal charges will hold Trump accountable in the criminal justice system, but states don’t need any permission from federal prosecutors to move forward on excluding him from presidential ballots under the 14th Amendment’s insurrectionist disqualification clause.”
Héctor Sánchez Barba, executive director and CEO of Mi Familia Vota, emphasized Tuesday that “we must continue to strengthen our democracy. That is why we are urging secretaries of state and chief election officials across the country to carry out the mandate of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and bar Trump from the ballot.”
The new charges against Trump on Tuesday came as two of his “Big Lie” allies in Michigan, former attorney general candidate Matt DePerno and ex-state Rep. Daire Rendon, were indicted for illegally tampering with voting equipment as part of the former president’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
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The performer behind the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, Paul Reubens, recognized for his unique laugh “heh heh heh” and his signature gray suit with a red bow tie, has passed away, according to a statement released on his Instagram account on Monday. After a prolonged struggle with cancer, the 70-year-old entertainer died in his sleep.
“A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit,”
Paul Rubens Instagram account
Paul Reubens saw a resurgence of his iconic character in the 2016 Netflix original film “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.” The warm reception indicated Pee-wee’s unique charm was still welcomed by audiences.
Despite the controversy that marred his career in the early 1990s, Reubens quietly continued to work in Hollywood throughout the 2000s. He had roles in notable projects such as the film “Blow” (2001) and popular TV shows like “30 Rock.” However, he didn’t bring back the role of Pee-wee until the late 2000s, when he appeared in a revamped stage production of “The Pee-wee Herman Show.”
The early 1990s were a tumultuous time for Reubens. In 1991, he was arrested on charges of indecent exposure in Florida, an incident that led to the cancellation of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” and forced him to retreat from the public eye. He later pleaded no contest to the charges.
From 1986 to 1990, Reubens delighted children on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” an Emmy-winning CBS show celebrated for its innovative and whimsical style. The show, featuring Pee-wee’s unique brand of humor and educational lessons, was a hit with audiences.
Reubens’ character of Pee-wee first made it to the big screen in the 1985 cult classic “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” directed by Tim Burton. The film’s success was a testament to Pee-wee’s quirky appeal and the creativity of Reubens.
Before his success in film and television, Reubens was part of the Los Angeles-based improvisational comedy team The Groundlings in the 1970s. It was here that he developed the character of Pee-wee Herman, a man-child dressed in a grey suit with a red bow tie. “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” a stage production, was later turned into an HBO special in 1981.
Born as Paul Rubenfeld on August 27, 1952, in Peekskill, New York, Reubens spent his formative years in Sarasota, Florida, where his parents owned a lamp store. This reverse journey of Reubens’ life showcases a career marked by significant cultural impact and resilience in the face of controversy.
“Congressional hearing on UFOs just ended. Serious, diligent. Absolutely stunning testimony. Hard to walk away from this thinking anything other than there’s something profound happening on our planet that we do not understand.”
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN): “How do you know that these [UAPs] were not our aircraft?”
Former Navy fighter pilot Ryan Graves: “These objects were staying completely stationary in Category 4 hurricane winds. These same objects would then accelerate to supersonic speeds.”
The Recount, July 26, 2023
RECOUNT (@THERECOUNT)
The Inexorable Truth: The Case for Unearthing Extraterrestrial Secrets
In the age-old cosmic debate on the existence of non-human life, one truth remains increasingly apparent: if proof of extraterrestrial existence is hidden within the vaults of global governments, the clock is ticking toward an inevitable disclosure. The question now is not so much ‘if’ but ‘when’.
Tales of strange lights, puzzling aircraft, and close encounters have circulated for decades. These narratives, once consigned to the fringe, have gradually weaved themselves into the fabric of the mainstream, fanning the flames of public curiosity.
If there exists irrefutable evidence of such cosmic neighbors — proof tucked away in the dark, classified corners of government operations — the truth may prove too large to remain under wraps indefinitely. As the saying goes, “Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead.” The axiom likely also applies in the interstellar arena.
The Evolution of Transparency: A Step Towards Revelation
Scrutinizing the historical arc of governmental disclosure, there appears an intriguing trend: an evolution from near-complete secrecy to a progressively open dialogue on UFO phenomena. The trend is indicative of a slow yet purposeful march towards transparency.
The U.S. government, once notorious for its silence, has recently declassified an array of UFO-related documents, thrusting the discussion of extraterrestrial life into the public forum. This release marked a radical shift from the days of Project Blue Book, the U.S. Air Force’s attempt to debunk UFO sightings in the 1950s and 60s.
From the international lens, countries such as France and Chile have taken active strides towards greater transparency in this arena. The French unit, GEIPAN, housed within the national space agency, CNES, and Chile’s CEFAA are some of the entities leading the charge on officially sanctioned UFO inquiries. The actions of these organizations exemplify a broader trend toward increased governmental openness.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN): “How do you know that these [UAPs] were not our aircraft?”
Former Navy fighter pilot Ryan Graves: “These objects were staying completely stationary in Category 4 hurricane winds. These same objects would then accelerate to supersonic speeds.” pic.twitter.com/qQiOEJAgL4
Subtle Clues: The Inference of Other-Worldly Existence
Amid the ongoing debate, certain peculiar instances have emerged that could potentially imply the existence of extraterrestrial life. These instances, be they the puzzling flight patterns exhibited by UAPs or the inexplicably advanced technology they seem to display, provoke more questions than answers.
The 2004 USS Nimitz encounter, with its baffling infrared footage, is a standout episode that both skeptics and believers continue to pore over. Similarly, the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident in the UK, which involved multiple, highly credible witnesses, remains a tantalizing hint of non-human life. Each of these instances, among countless others, signal toward a reality we are only just beginning to comprehend.
The Dawn of Disclosure: An Inevitable Future
As we stand on the precipice of, what may turn out to be a brave new world, where advanced tracking technologies and an increasingly demanding public make the concealing of UFO-related evidence increasingly challenging, governments might be hard-pressed to maintain their customary tight-lipped stance indefinitely.
The trajectory of UFO discourse suggests an inevitable full disclosure could, indeed, lie in the not-too-distant future. This conclusion raises fascinating prospects: What would such a revelation mean for our society? How would it reshape our understanding of our place in the universe? And how ready are we to grapple with the magnitude of such an earth-shattering truth? Do we cry?, laugh?, succumb to our darkest fears?
While the timing and nature of this prospective disclosure remain speculative, one thing seems certain. Whether it emerges as a sudden revelation or a gradual unmasking, the unveiling of the extraterrestrial secret — if it indeed exists — may be closer than we dare to imagine. The cosmic curtain, it seems, is set to rise.
The pioneering spirit driving Elon Musk’s SpaceX to prepare for life on Mars is captivating, but a compelling alternative suggests we should use this same spirit to heal and nurture our home planet.
The sun, our local star, is central to this Earth-centric vision. According to NASA, Earth receives approximately 174 petawatts of incoming solar radiation in the upper atmosphere.
By efficiently harnessing just a fraction of this energy, we could significantly reduce our dependence on environmentally harmful fossil fuels.
Over the past decade, the cost of solar power has dramatically decreased and, with improvements in energy storage, (like Tesla’s Powerwall units, for example), solar energy is becoming a reliable, 24/7 power source.
Ephemeralization: Doing More with Less
However, the shift towards sustainable living extends beyond changing our energy source. This is where the principles of R. Buckminster Fuller, a visionary architect, systems theorist, author, designer, and inventor, come into play.
Fuller proposed the concept of “doing more with less,” forecasting a future where technological advancements lead to “ephemeralization,” a scenario in which we could fulfill everyone’s needs using fewer resources. This notion could help pave the way for a more environmentally sustainable world that also addresses issues of scarcity and inequality.
Building Efficiency: Embracing Integrative Design
Our journey towards a sustainable future is complemented by the principles of “integrative design,” a concept championed by Amory Lovins, co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute.
Lovins’ approach focuses on a holistic systems design where individual components work together in synergy, maximizing energy and resource efficiency.
This concept applies prominently to building efficiency, an area where Lovins has made significant contributions. By considering elements such as orientation, insulation, window placement, and ventilation, buildings can be designed to maintain comfortable temperatures with minimal active heating or cooling.
This “passive house” approach dramatically reduces energy consumption, making buildings part of the climate solution rather than a source of the problem.
Lovins’ approach also applies to manufacturing and industry, which, together, account for over 40% of total U.S. energy consumption.
By redesigning industrial processes to minimize waste, utilize waste heat, and prioritize energy-efficient equipment, Lovins argues that industries can dramatically reduce their energy use without sacrificing output or quality.
Taken to the furthest logical conclusion, the principles of integrative design could revolutionize how we conceive of energy use across all sectors.
Circular Economy and Soil Regeneration: Emulating Nature’s Cycle
To create a genuinely sustainable society, we need to redefine our economic systems and our relationship with the land. Our shift must be from a linear economic model—where we extract, use, and discard resources—to a circular one that mimics nature’s endless cycles of growth, decay, and renewal.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has been instrumental in leading efforts to establish an economy that is restorative and regenerative by design.
A key part of this shift involves regenerating our agricultural systems. Soil health is vital for maintaining biodiversity, water quality, and carbon sequestration.
Regenerative agriculture, including practices like cover cropping, no-till farming, and composting, can restore soil health and enhance its capacity to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
According to the Rodale Institute, if current farmlands globally shifted to regenerative organic practices, it could sequester more than 100% of current annual CO2 emissions. Transitioning towards such practices could significantly mitigate climate change and rejuvenate our food systems.
Economic Justice: Power to All
An Earth-centric future also calls for economic justice. In a world powered by the sun, where resources are used wisely, waste is minimized, and the soil is restored, basic needs—such as healthcare, education, and equal opportunity—could be universally provided.
Establishing these rights is not just about altruism—it’s about creating a society where every individual can fully contribute to the collective good.
Mars Can Wait, But Can Earth?
The dream of a city on Mars is undoubtedly inspiring, but we must not overlook the opportunities beneath our feet. Our planet is not merely a stepping stone to the stars; it is a star in its own right.
Mars can wait, but can the Earth? With the elements for a sustainable revolution already within our grasp, it’s up to us to weave them together, creating a future that embraces both sustainability and economic justice.
The Long Road to an Earthly Future
The real odyssey, the true journey that demands our audacity and pioneering spirit, lies not in the red sands of a distant planet or under the shadows of unfamiliar stars. Instead, it unravels here, beneath the azure sky and upon the rich, verdant expanses of our home, Earth.
This journey may be long and fraught with challenges. The road toward a sustainable, just, and abundant future will require us to reassess our values, reinvent our systems, and redefine our relationship with the environment.
It calls for us to weave together principles of ephemeralization, integrative design, circular economy, soil regeneration, and economic justice into the fabric of our societies.
Yet, even as we embark on this formidable quest, we should remember that the destination is not merely a point in the future. It is a process, a continuous evolution that offers us countless opportunities for growth, learning, and reinvention.
Every step we take towards this envisioned future—whether it’s a solar panel installed, a passive house built, or a plot of land regenerated—brings us closer to realizing our potential as a species.
Unlike the cold, alien landscapes of Mars, the Earth provides us with a setting that is intimately familiar yet brimming with untapped potential.
We have the knowledge, the technology, and the means. All we need now is the collective will to channel our exploratory spirit inward, to heal, nurture, and transform the world we already have.
So let the red planet wait. For now, we have an extraordinary world under our feet, a world that we are yet to fully comprehend and appreciate.
Our gaze should not be fixed on distant celestial bodies, but on the potential lying dormant in our societies and within ourselves. The future of humanity is not just out there in the cosmos, but also right here, on the third rock from the Sun. The Earth and its promise of a sustainable and equitable future, is real, and attainable.
Sinéad O’Connor , Irish singer and activist, has died at the age of 56.
The family of the singer expressed their sorrow in a statement, saying: “We are deeply saddened to inform of the passing of our dear Sinéad. This is a heartbreaking time for her family and friends who have asked for their privacy to be respected in these challenging moments.” The artist, globally recognized for her 1990 hit single, Nothing Compares 2 U, which soared to the top of charts worldwide, will be dearly missed.
Early Life
Sinéad O’Connor was born on December 8, 1966, in Glenageary, County Dublin, Ireland. Her parents, John and Marie O’Connor, were both middle-class workers whose marriage was marked by strife, finally ending in divorce when O’Connor was eight. She, along with her siblings, lived through a turbulent childhood marked by frequent moves and time spent in a Magdalene Asylum—an institution for women deemed “fallen” by society. These early experiences shaped her outlook on life and influenced her music and activism.
Musical Career
Sinéad O’Connor’s music career began in the early 1980s. At 15, she caught the attention of Paul Byrne, drummer of the band In Tua Nua, when a demo tape of her singing a song she wrote circulated in Dublin. This led to her first recording contract with Ensign Records.
Her debut album, “The Lion and the Cobra,” released in 1987, brought her initial fame. The album’s intense and passionate musical style garnered much praise and landed her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
However, it was her second album, “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” that catapulted her to international stardom. The album, released in 1990, featured the song “Nothing Compares 2 U”—a cover of a song originally written and composed by Prince. The song topped charts across the globe, and its video, which featured a close-up of O’Connor’s face as she performed, became iconic.
Throughout her career, O’Connor has released several more albums that showcase her unique blend of rock, folk, and traditional Irish sounds, with lyrics often exploring themes of love, spirituality, and social issues. Notably, her 2002 album “Sean-Nós Nua” delved into traditional Irish music, while “Theology” (2007) explored spiritual themes inspired by the Bible.
Activism and Controversies
O’Connor is well-known not only for her music but also for her activism and the controversies she has sparked. In 1992, during a performance on Saturday Night Live, she protested against sexual abuse in the Catholic Church by ripping up a photo of Pope John Paul II on live television—a move that caused widespread outrage at the time but later garnered recognition for its defiant stand against institutional abuse.
In 1999, she was ordained as a priest by the Independent Catholic group known as the Latin Tridentine Church, adopting the name “Mother Bernadette Mary.”
Personal Life
O’Connor’s personal life has been marked by her struggles with mental health. She has openly discussed her experiences with bipolar disorder and suicidal tendencies.
She has been married four times and has four children. In 2017, she legally changed her name to Magda Davitt, saying that she wished to be free of the patriarchal slant of her birth name. Then, in 2019, she converted to Islam and adopted the name Shuhada Sadaqat.
Legacy
Throughout her career, Sinéad O’Connor has defied norms and conventions, both musically and socially. Her unapologetic attitude, combined with her hauntingly beautiful voice and deeply emotional songwriting, has cemented her place as one of the most influential figures in modern music. Despite the controversies and personal struggles, she remains an iconic figure, with a body of work that continues to inspire generations of musicians and listeners alike.
During a training session at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, LeBron James Jr., son of renowned NBA star LeBron James, was struck by a sudden cardiac arrest on Monday.
Following this, he was swiftly transported to a hospital and admitted into the intensive care unit for urgent medical attention, as stated by a representative for LeBron James and his spouse, Savannah.
The young James, also referred to as “Bronny”, is currently stable and has been transferred out of the I.C.U., according to the announcement.
In the same statement, LeBron and Savannah extended their profound gratitude towards the medical and athletic personnel of U.S.C. They praised their outstanding efforts and commitment to the wellbeing of their athletes, acknowledging their role in their son’s care.
LeBron James Jr., commonly known as “Bronny”, was born on October 6, 2004, in Akron, Ohio, to LeBron and his high school sweetheart-turned-wife Savannah Brinson.
Growing up, Bronny was exposed to basketball at an early age due to his father’s phenomenal career. This early exposure had a significant influence on Bronny, instilling in him a passion for the sport.
Cardiac arrest is not a “heart attack”
Cardiac arrest and heart attack are two distinct heart conditions, even though they are often used interchangeably.
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, often by a blood clot. This usually results from the build-up of plaque (cholesterol, fat, and other substances) in the arteries that feed the heart, a condition known as coronary artery disease. Symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, or discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
On the other hand, cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, usually as a result of an electrical disturbance in your heart that disrupts its pumping action, stopping blood flow to the rest of your body. This is an immediate life-threatening event and results in loss of consciousness and absence of pulse. In many cases, it occurs without warning. The most common cause of cardiac arrest is an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) called ventricular fibrillation — a rapid and erratic heartbeat that causes the ventricles to quiver uselessly instead of pumping blood.
Basically, a heart attack is a “circulation” problem, and cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem. A heart attack can lead to a cardiac arrest, but they are not the same thing. Both conditions are serious medical emergencies and require immediate medical attention.
A future star showing potential
Throughout his childhood, Bronny showcased his basketball prowess in several amateur leagues and school matches.
He attended Crossroads School, a private K-12 school in Santa Monica, California, and later transferred to Sierra Canyon School, a private school in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, known for its strong athletic programs.
His performances in these matches were closely monitored by basketball enthusiasts, given his potential and lineage.
At Sierra Canyon School, Bronny proved his mettle by playing alongside other promising athletes like Zaire Wade, the son of NBA star Dwyane Wade. Despite being under the spotlight and having to bear the expectations that came with his name, Bronny remained grounded and focused on his game.
At 17, Bronny was already considered a top prospect for the class of 2023. His style of play was often compared to his father’s, demonstrating excellent court vision, shooting ability, and a high basketball IQ. However, it is essential to acknowledge Bronny’s efforts to carve out his path in the sport, with his unique style and determination.
Off the court, Bronny has shown interest in video gaming and is known to be quite adept at it. In 2020, he signed with esports organization FaZe Clan under the name “FaZe Bronny”.
Despite the pressure of his father’s legacy, Bronny continued to show promise both on and off the court.
Energy efficiency is sending a love letter to your amygdala
If you take a Tesla on a test drive at the HQ located next to SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA you’ll find yourself behind the wheel and, once you are strapped in, your official co-pilot will suggest one thing immediately. “Try pushing the pedal to metal, once, if you want to feel the g-force”, he or she will say.
When you do as suggested, you’ll be shocked at the torque and sudden acceleration, as you slam back against the head-rest and your face turns nearly liquid. That’s how the limbic system and the human need for sensual gratification becomes enamored with something “boring” like an EV.
It’s an example of how Tesla and Elon Musk transformed the auto trade, and brought the term “limbic resonance marketing” into the lexicon of contemporary speech.
While this all sounds thrilling and harmless, this kind of magical behavioral manipulation is missing, and desperately needed, for the next most important area in the transition to a sustainable economy: built-world upgrades and energy efficient retrofits (EE Retrofits for short).
The built environment, a sector that contributes approximately 40% of global carbon emissions, is one area where urgent action can have a dramatic impact. Specifically, the EE retrofitting of existing buildings and homes represents a remarkable opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Our collective preoccupation with the immediate, the easily marketable, and the visibly green overlooks a profound truth: energy efficiency is more than just about using less energy—it’s about achieving the same level of comfort, productivity, stimulation and even joy, with less. At scale it could mean a new energy economy, one that prioritizes living benefits, not just the ability to burn and combust fossilized plant matter as a path to living large.
Think of the energy system as a gourmet meal. The LED lights, the low-flow shower-heads, the energy-efficient heating and cooling appliances—they’re the condiments. They add flavor, they’re necessary, but they’re not the main course.
The main course is the EE retrofit—an ambitious reimagining of our existing buildings that holistically incorporates energy-saving measures, such as those that meet the passive house standard, including insulation, air sealing, HVAC upgrades, and high-performance windows. This means we could be needing fewer heat pumps, less energy production, fewer solar PV panels, a transition less dependent on grid expansion or upgrades.
The added spice to this gourmet meal, the pièce de résistance if you will, is a stunning architectural integration that enhances the building’s value beyond its pre-retrofit counterpart. This is where long-term thinking and smart design meet, offering not only reduced energy consumption, but a high-performing, aesthetically pleasing living or working environment.
Deep value and abundance by design
It’s important to note that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—each building has its own unique challenges and opportunities. What’s necessary is a model that allows for that flexibility while still pushing for the highest efficiency.
An integrative design process that involves owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and building operators from the earliest stages can ensure that energy efficiency measures are built into the very fabric of the design, rather than tacked on as an afterthought.
We can no longer afford to take the path of least resistance. The climate crisis demands ambitious, long-term solutions. Retrofitting our existing buildings, first, to be more energy efficient is a significant step in that direction. We just need to make sure we’re aiming for the main course, and not settling for the condiments.
How can an energy realignment excite and stimulate?
In a world enthralled by the allure of the ‘next big thing,’ it’s easy to get lost in the narrative that technology alone will guide us through the current environmental crisis.
There’s an understandable, if somewhat misguided, emphasis on the simple mass production and consumption of green tech—solar panels, heat pump HVAC units, and electric cars. It’s a straight line thesis that is the stuff of future-world dreams, the kind that Silicon Valley venture capitalists find irresistibly compelling.
Public subsidies and venture capital investments, unfortunately, often narrowly follow this line of thinking, pouring billions into the manufacturing and implementation of these technologies.
Governments around the globe are eager to foster the expansion of these industries, both as a means of curbing carbon emissions and as a strategy for economic growth. But what if this focus on producing ‘green’ technology is diverting resources from a solution that could be even more impactful—increasing the energy efficiency of existing buildings?
There is an inconvenient truth in the realm of energy efficiency. The greatest potential for reducing our energy use and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions is not in the new gizmos we can attach to our homes, but in transforming the energy performance of the buildings themselves. As the saying goes, the greenest building is the one that’s already built.
The enemy of the good is not perfection: it’s a solution that solves nearly nothing
Ironically, many government subsidies are skewed towards upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, but neglect to cover improvements in energy efficiency.
The result is that while buildings may be equipped with the latest in green technology, they remain fundamentally inefficient, their new solar panels and heat pumps mere band-aids masking the core issues.
Imagine pouring water into a leaky bucket—the more water you pour in, the more it continues to leak out. You can keep pouring faster and faster, or you can fix the leaks. The latter is undoubtedly more effective, and yet, our current approach to energy efficiency often looks like the former.
The remedy lies in comprehensive energy retrofits. Rather than attaching green tech appendages to inefficient structures, we should focus first on overhauling the buildings themselves, making them more efficient and reducing the energy demand.
A highly insulated and airtight building, for instance, such as one upgraded to passive house standards, requires fewer solar PV panels and smaller, less energy-intensive HVAC systems.
These upgrades are often seen to have higher upfront costs, which, when compared to doing nothing is a subjective assessment. But the long-term benefits of EE retrofits— in terms of energy savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved indoor environmental quality— are enormous.
And if we redirected even a fraction of the funds currently being funneled into green tech appliances towards deep energy retrofits, as a first step, we could begin to tackle this issue on a significant scale.
The path forward requires a paradigm shift, one that repositions energy efficiency buildings as the cornerstone of our response to the climate crisis.
We need to realign our funding mechanisms, from venture capital to public subsidies, to prioritize energy efficiency.
In the end, the greenest future might not be the one filled with the shiniest new technology, but the one in which we learned to use less, waste less, and value our existing resources more. It’s a future that’s within our grasp—if we choose to reach for it.
The first step, just as takes place on a Tesla test drive, is to push the pedal hard and find ways to demonstrate the sensual gratification and technical superiority of an indoor world that is designed for a better, more exciting future.
An unexpected pleasure on Apple TV+, “Underrated” tracks the phenomenon and potential GOAT of the Golden State Warriors from his first buckets at age 4 to his record breaking career we all know by now.
It’s a fascinating story of an unlikely, undersized shooter, and chronicles his tenacious struggles to cope with his unique situation as an underestimated and unexpected talent.
Born on March 14, 1988, in Akron, Ohio, Wardell Stephen Curry II was destined to have a life intertwined with basketball. As the son of Dell Curry, a sharpshooting guard in the NBA, young Steph spent his childhood with a front-row seat to the world of professional basketball.
Despite his pedigree, Curry’s path to NBA superstardom was anything but assured. His small stature and lean frame didn’t impress recruiters from major college programs, leaving him to play at Davidson College, a mid-major school in North Carolina. But Steph’s Davidson years, from 2006 to 2009, became the launching pad for one of the most remarkable careers in NBA history.
In his sophomore and junior seasons, Curry exploded onto the national scene with captivating performances in the NCAA tournament. His audacious long-range shooting, deft ball-handling, and unselfish play transformed him from a lightly regarded recruit into a bona fide college basketball sensation.
The Golden State Warriors selected Curry with the seventh pick in the 2009 NBA draft. Early in his career, concerns about chronic ankle injuries cast a cloud over his future. But Curry persevered, guided by an unwavering belief in his abilities and a relentless work ethic.
In the 2012-13 season, Curry began to make his mark in the NBA, setting a new league record for three-pointers in a season. But it was in the following season that “Chef Curry” truly came into his own. With his silky shooting stroke, behind-the-back dribbles, and clutch performances, Curry led the Warriors to their best season in decades, earning his first Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the process.
The 2014-15 season was a banner year for Curry and the Warriors. Not only did Curry win his first MVP award, but he also guided the Warriors to their first NBA championship in 40 years. But Curry wasn’t done yet. In the 2015-16 season, he took his game to even greater heights, becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history and leading the Warriors to a record 73 regular-season wins.
Despite a heartbreaking loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals, Curry remained at the top of the NBA hierarchy. He teamed up with superstar forward Kevin Durant to lead the Warriors to back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018.
The 2019-20 season saw a shift in fortune for Curry and the Warriors. With Durant departing for Brooklyn and Klay Thompson sidelined by a devastating injury, the Warriors struggled, and a hand injury limited Curry to only five games.
The 2020-21 season was a comeback year for Curry. Despite a turbulent season for the Warriors, Curry reminded the world of his preternatural abilities. He won his second NBA scoring title and broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record to become the Warriors’ all-time leading scorer, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, Steph Curry remained a force to be reckoned with.
Huge box office unexpectedly this weekend for both films: $155 Million, which was the biggest of 2023 so far, for Barbie, while Oppenheimer raked in $80 Million.
The somewhat odd pairing, now known as “Barbenheimer” has become a double feature smash. Countless moviegoers found themselves torn between two strikingly different blockbusters, each boasting a vast ensemble of talent, the visionary touch of auteur directors, and simultaneous release dates.
Instead of choosing one over the other, they chose both. This resulted in “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” being enjoyed as an unparalleled same-day double bill, transforming the anticipated box office clash into a historic cinematic experience.
What it means, if we ascribe meaning
The respective histories of the Barbie doll and the atomic bomb have continued to intersect and diverge in interesting ways since their inception.
The atomic bomb’s legacy is complex and profound. Its first use in warfare, in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, brought an end to World War II but at a staggering human cost.
This, combined with the subsequent nuclear arms race during the Cold War, led to the atomic bomb becoming a symbol of destruction and a deterrent against global conflict. However, the technology and knowledge gained also led to advancements in nuclear energy, providing a new, potent source of power.
J. Robert Oppenheimer, despite his pivotal role in the creation of the atomic bomb, became a vocal opponent of nuclear proliferation after witnessing its destructive power.
His life after the Manhattan Project was marked by his advocacy for the control of nuclear power and his regret about the weapon he had helped to create.
On the other hand, Barbie, launched by Ruth Handler in 1959, was initially met with skepticism but soon became a global phenomenon. Barbie was the first doll of its kind to have an adult body, breaking away from the tradition of childlike dolls. This new design was seen as a way for children, particularly girls, to imagine and role-play their futures.
As time went on, Barbie became more than a doll. It became a reflection of the changing social attitudes and norms. Despite facing criticism for promoting unrealistic body standards and perpetuating certain stereotypes, Barbie evolved with the times.
Mattel, the company that produces Barbie, has since made significant strides in inclusivity and representation, producing dolls with varying body types, ethnicities, careers, and backgrounds. Barbie dolls have been astronauts, presidents, and doctors, reflecting society’s changing views on women’s roles.
By 2020, Barbie was seen as a symbol of female empowerment and potential, far from the simplistic toy it was once considered. Its origin as a creation born out of a mother’s desire to provide a sense of normalcy and future for her children in a world overshadowed by war still resonates.
It is fascinating to see how two creations, both born out of the context of World War II, took such different paths. The atomic bomb and Barbie doll each represent contrasting aspects of the human experience – destruction and creation, despair and hope. Their histories serve as poignant reminders of the far-reaching impacts of the decisions and actions taken during tumultuous times.
What the stories accidentally intertwine
In the heart of 1943, the world was clouded in the dust and smoke of World War II. Far from the front lines, in a remote corner of New Mexico, an intense battle of the mind was raging, led by the enigmatic J. Robert Oppenheimer. A theoretical physicist, Oppenheimer was tasked with the mammoth responsibility of heading the Manhattan Project, a clandestine initiative to develop an atom bomb that could end the war.
Across the country, Ruth Handler, a humble young woman in Los Angeles, watched her two children, Barbara and Kenneth, play with makeshift toys. She could hardly escape the feeling of dread permeating the air as the radio hummed in the background with updates about the war. At this moment, an idea sparked in her mind – a vision of a doll, a symbol of hope and normalcy, something to distract and comfort children from the harsh realities of the world.
In Los Alamos, Oppenheimer and his team of brilliant minds worked against the ticking clock, racing to finish their devastating invention. With each passing day, Oppenheimer felt the weight of his actions – a burden as heavy as the nucleus at the heart of the project. He was crafting the potential destroyer of worlds, something so powerful, so irreversible, that the echo of its explosion would forever change the world.
While Oppenheimer grappled with the moral implications of his work, Handler busied herself in the creation of her vision. She was determined to bring her idea to life, a doll with adult features, something girls could dream through and play with, projecting their hopes and aspirations. Her friends and family thought her idea strange, but she pressed on, with a fierce determination in her heart.
Then came July 16, 1945. In the early hours of the morning, as dawn began to break, the world’s first atomic bomb, christened “Trinity,” was detonated in the New Mexico desert. Oppenheimer watched in horrified awe as the desert lit up with an unnatural light, an intense wave of heat followed by a deafening blast. As the mushroom cloud ascended, he quoted a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.”
News of the atomic bomb’s successful testing spread like wildfire. People reacted with a cocktail of emotions – awe, fear, relief, and horror. Amidst this chaos, Ruth saw an opportunity. In the aftermath of this massive creation, she saw room for a smaller one – a beacon of hope.
In 1945, as the world started to piece itself together following the cessation of the worst war in human history, Handler went to work. She labored day and night, combining, crafting, refining, until finally, in 1959, Barbie was born – the doll Ruth had envisioned all those years ago. With its adult physique, fashionable clothes, and endless possibility for play, the doll was an instant success.
Barbie and the atom bomb, two creations born from the same era but of diametrically opposed intentions. One, a symbol of destruction, crafted in the shadows by a team of the world’s brightest scientists, and the other, a beacon of hope and innocence, created by a mother yearning for normalcy amidst chaos.
As the years passed, the legacy of both creations evolved. Barbie became a symbol of empowerment and possibilities for millions of girls worldwide. And as for the atom bomb, its terrifying power also paved the way for peaceful nuclear energy, highlighting the dual aspects of scientific advancement.
The narrative of Barbie and the atom bomb reflects the dual nature of human capability: our power to destroy and our ability to create hope in the shadow of devastation. It serves as a reminder of the choices we make and the impacts they have, for years and generations to come.
For the past 150 years, the world’s dependence on oil has been all-encompassing, shaping nearly every aspect of modern life. Beyond energy production, oil has become an integral component in the manufacturing of products and the foundation of virtually all economic activity.
This heavy reliance on fossil fuels has led to the development of an intricate network deeply rooted in oil-based resources. In the past, a gradual transition away from fossil fuels might have been possible as the supply dwindled, but instead, the emergence of global warming now necessitates a rapid shift towards sustainable alternatives.
As the consequences of climate change become more apparent, societies must adapt and learn to live without the resource that has been at the heart of human civilization for generations. The challenge lies in navigating this critical transition and embracing renewable and environmentally-friendly practices to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for the planet.
It is important to recognize that fossil fuel energy has permeated numerous aspects of our daily lives and industries, making the transition to sustainable energy sources an intricate and multifaceted challenge. As we seek to address the impacts of global warming and move towards a more sustainable future, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels becomes essential in mitigating climate change and preserving the environment. In other words, building a completely new reality and new way of life in order that we might survive, and one day, create a far better world than fossil fuels could ever provide.
In a world where the rhythm of life has been entwined with the dance of fossil fuels, the idea of letting go feels like severing ties with an old friend, perhaps dirty and imperfect, but a friend who has always been there, reliable and ever-present. From the moment we awaken to the day’s first light to the glow of city skylines under night’s dark cloak, fossil fuels have shaped our existence like the strokes of a painter’s brush on a canvas.
The list, below, provides a glimpse into the extensive reliance on oil and fossil fuels across diverse industries and products. As we confront the challenges posed by global warming, transitioning to renewable and sustainable alternatives becomes an urgent imperative to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and protect the environment.
Detailed List of Products and Uses for Oil and Fossil Fuels:
Transportation:
Gasoline: Used as fuel for cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and small engines.
Diesel fuel: Utilized in heavy-duty trucks, buses, and some cars.
Aviation fuel: Jet fuel for airplanes.
Marine fuel: Fuel for ships and boats.
Lubricants: Used in engines, machinery, and various moving parts.
Energy Production:
Natural gas: Used for electricity generation, heating, and cooking.
Crude oil: Processed in refineries to produce gasoline, diesel, and other fuels.
Manufacturing and Industry:
Petrochemicals: Serve as feedstock for manufacturing a wide range of products.
Chemical feedstocks: Used in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic rubber.
Plastics and Polymers: Used in various applications like packaging, construction materials, and electronics.
Plastics and Polymers:
Packaging materials: Plastic bags, bottles, containers, and shrink wraps.
Construction materials: PVC pipes, vinyl siding, and insulation materials.
Synthetic fibers: Polyester, nylon, and acrylic used in clothing and textiles.
Electronics: Plastic components and casings for electronic devices.
Agriculture:
Fertilizers: Made from natural gas or petroleum, used to enhance crop yields.
Pesticides and herbicides: Often derived from petroleum, used to protect crops from pests and weeds.
Medical and Healthcare:
Pharmaceuticals: Many medicines and medical supplies are derived from petrochemicals.
Medical equipment: Some medical devices are made with petroleum-based materials.
Electronics:
Production of components and devices such as computers, smartphones, and televisions relies on petrochemicals.
Construction:
Paints and coatings: Many paints and coatings contain petroleum-based ingredients.
Insulation materials: Some insulation products are made from petrochemicals.
Textiles and Clothing:
Synthetic fibers: Polyester, nylon, and acrylic fibers are made from petrochemicals.
Household Products:
Cleaning products: Some household cleaners contain petrochemicals.
Personal care products: Shampoo, conditioner, lotions, and cosmetics often have petroleum-derived ingredients.
Adhesives and Sealants:
Petroleum-based adhesives and sealants are used in various industries and construction.
Sports Equipment:
Many sports equipment, such as balls, synthetic tracks, and gear, contain petrochemical-based materials.
Aviation and Aerospace:
Jet fuel for aircraft propulsion.
Roads and Infrastructure:
Asphalt and bitumen for road construction and maintenance.
Rubber and Tires:
Tires and rubber products are often made with petrochemical-based materials.
Toiletries and Cosmetics:
Some toiletries and cosmetics contain petroleum-based ingredients.
Paints and Coatings:
Many paints and coatings use petrochemical-based compounds.
Packaging:
Plastic packaging materials for various products.
Printing:
Inks and printing materials often contain petroleum-based components.
Space Exploration:
Rocket fuel for space missions.
Alternative Energy Production:
Natural gas used in combined-cycle power plants for electricity generation.
Heating and Cooling Systems:
Natural gas for residential and commercial heating systems.
Water and Wastewater Treatment:
Petrochemicals used in various treatment processes.
Firefighting Equipment:
Foam used in firefighting is often petroleum-based.
Chemical Industry:
Petrochemicals serve as raw materials for producing various chemicals.
This comprehensive list highlights the extensive range of products and applications that rely on oil and fossil fuels. The widespread use of fossil fuels underscores the significant challenge posed by global warming, necessitating the urgent transition to renewable and sustainable alternatives to protect the environment and ensure a more sustainable future.
There are many other things not included in the list that are useful or necessary in our modern world and require fossil fuel energy in some way to exist. Fossil fuels are deeply integrated into various aspects of our lives and industries. Some examples of additional items or activities that rely on fossil fuel energy include:
Electrical Appliances: Many electrical appliances we use daily, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, indirectly rely on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
Electronics Manufacturing: The production of electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets, involves processes that often use fossil fuel-derived energy.
Transportation Infrastructure: The construction and maintenance of roads, highways, and transportation infrastructure often rely on equipment powered by fossil fuels.
Public Transportation: Many buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation run on fossil fuels like diesel or natural gas.
Shipping and Freight: The shipping industry heavily relies on fossil fuel-powered vessels to transport goods worldwide.
Air Conditioning and Heating: Heating and cooling systems in homes and commercial buildings often use natural gas or oil.
Industrial Machinery: Various industrial processes, such as manufacturing, mining, and construction, rely on machines powered by fossil fuels.
Food Production and Distribution: Agricultural machinery, transportation of food products, and refrigeration in the food supply chain are dependent on fossil fuels.
Emergency Services: Firefighting equipment and emergency response vehicles use fossil fuels.
Aviation Industry: Apart from jet fuel for airplanes, the aviation industry relies on fossil fuel-derived materials for aircraft construction.
Construction Materials: Some building materials, such as plastics used in pipes and wiring, are derived from petrochemicals.
Medical Devices: Certain medical devices, such as those used in imaging and diagnostics, may rely on fossil fuel-derived materials in their manufacturing processes.
Water Desalination: Some water desalination plants use fossil fuel energy to power the process of converting seawater into freshwater.
Chemical Industry: Petrochemicals serve as feedstock for various chemical processes, producing a wide range of products beyond those included in the previous list.
We’ve woven a tapestry of progress, innovation, and convenience with threads of oil and coal. It has been a story of miracles and wonders, from the roaring engines of cars that whisk us away to distant lands to the plastics that mold our lives in convenience. The very structures of our homes and roads bear the mark of the fossil age, solid and dependable.
But the winds of change now howl with an urgency that cannot be ignored. Our old friend, fossil fuel, whispers tales of warmth and familiarity, but behind its gentle voice lies the echo of a world in peril. The Earth cries out, her ecosystems challenged by the burden of carbon emissions. The once predictable seasons now waltz in erratic patterns, leaving farmers with uncertainty and storms raging with newfound fury.
We stand at the crossroads, hearts heavy with the weight of what was, and the uncertainty of what could be. To imagine a life without the cradle of fossil fuels seems akin to losing a part of ourselves, a connection so deeply ingrained that it feels like severing a limb. Fear of the unknown clutches at our hearts, as we grapple with the idea of stepping into a future that lies beyond the horizon of what we’ve always known.
Yet, amidst this tempest of emotions, a spark of hope flickers. Within this pivotal moment, we find a glimmer of unity and determination. The time to adapt, to learn, to forge a path towards a sustainable tomorrow has come. It may be a journey into uncharted territory, but the human spirit has a remarkable capacity to rise, to evolve, to create beauty from the ashes of the past.
As we contemplate a world where reliance on fossil fuels is but a distant memory, let us embrace this emotional challenge with courage and compassion. Let us cherish the lessons of our past and harness the power of collective endeavor to write a new narrative – one that dances in harmony with the rhythms of nature, and leaves a legacy of resilience and hope for generations yet to come. For it is in the face of uncertainty that the human spirit shines brightest, embracing change with open arms, and creating a future that echoes with the heartbeat of our shared humanity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the realm of science fiction, visions of the future often gleam with pristine, utopian landscapes and gleaming cities.
One striking commonality among these futuristic portrayals is the conspicuous absence of oil and fossil fuels, the once-dominant energy sources of our present.
But why do sci-fi creators consistently envision a world where such primitive methods have been left behind? The answer lies in the belief that advanced technology and futuristic civilizations would never rely on such archaic energy sources.
The Dawn of Futuristic Energy
In the world of science fiction, the distant future is synonymous with breathtaking technological advancements.
Spacecraft traverse galaxies with ease, cities float in the sky, and robots perform intricate tasks effortlessly. In these fantastical worlds, oil and fossil fuels appear as relics of the past, resigned to the history books of an era long gone.
The driving force behind this visionary shift lies in the very essence of futuristic technology.
Science fiction writers and filmmakers envision advanced civilizations with highly sophisticated energy solutions that surpass the limitations of oil and fossil fuels. The idea is that such primitive methods, while once integral to our world, would be rendered obsolete by superior alternatives.
The Limitations of Oil and Fossil Fuels
Science fiction creators recognize the inherent shortcomings of oil and fossil fuels as energy sources. These resources are finite and subject to depletion, leading to resource wars and geopolitical tensions in our present reality.
They emit greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. In contrast, the future they imagine necessitates cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions to ensure the survival and prosperity of advanced civilizations.
Furthermore, the imaginative worlds of science fiction are driven by concepts like interstellar travel and space exploration. These endeavors demand extraordinary amounts of energy, making the reliance on oil and fossil fuels simply impractical.
For the creators of sci-fi, such primitive methods would be incapable of powering the fantastic technological marvels required to explore the cosmos.
The Paradigm Shift: Futuristic Energy Solutions
Science fiction offers a glimpse into the potential of renewable and advanced energy sources.
In these visionary worlds, technologies like antimatter reactors, fusion power, zero-point energy, or even harnessing energy from celestial bodies are imagined as the primary means of powering civilizations.
These theoretical energy sources, while still speculative in our present time, are perceived as the logical progression beyond our current reliance on oil and fossil fuels.
Moreover, as the genre explores themes of progress and evolution, it assumes that futuristic civilizations would have unlocked the secrets of limitless, sustainable energy.
By embracing these advanced energy solutions, the sci-fi future avoids the pitfalls of pollution, environmental degradation, and resource scarcity.
Reflections and Aspirations
Beyond technological feasibility, the futuristic portrayal of clean energy also reflects our collective aspirations for a better world.
Science fiction often serves as a mirror to society, reflecting our hopes and dreams for the future. By depicting advanced civilizations free from the shackles of fossil fuels, sci-fi inspires a collective longing for a more sustainable and harmonious existence.
In essence, science fiction presents a vision of a world where human ingenuity has transcended the limitations of our present reality.
The rejection of oil and fossil fuels in these fictional realms becomes a symbolic representation of our yearning for a cleaner, brighter future—one where technology coexists with nature in harmony.
An urgent meaning for today
While science fiction may currently be a realm of imagination, its vision of a future free from oil and fossil fuels serves as an inspiration and a call to action for our own world.
As we grapple with the challenges of climate change and the urgency to transition to renewable energy, these futuristic dreams remind us that there is a path beyond our dependence on finite resources.
The shift to cleaner energy solutions is not a distant fantasy; it is an attainable reality that requires dedication, innovation, and global cooperation.
By drawing on the visions of science fiction, we can fuel our determination to build a sustainable future—one where the landscapes are pristine, and the energy that powers our world aligns with the marvels of the imagination.
Only then can we take confident steps toward turning the clean energy dreams of science fiction into the breathtaking reality of our own future.
Everything, everywhere, all at once things are looking scary…
These words echo the pervasive fear that Moloch, the demon, has instilled across cultures and epochs. A dark and ominous figure, Moloch’s name resonates through the annals of mythology, religious texts, and literature, evoking malevolence and sacrificial rituals. But beyond the ancient tales, the enduring fascination with Moloch finds uncanny parallels in the daunting challenges of our modern world.
Origins of Moloch:
Tracing Moloch’s origins reveals an ancient deity revered in Canaanite and Semitic cultures. Worshiped with chilling devotion, Moloch demanded the ultimate price—the lives of innocent infants, immolated as offerings. Archaeological evidence and ancient texts shed light on this haunting practice, spreading through regions like Carthage with Phoenician settlers.
Malevolent Entity in Religious Texts:
The Hebrew Bible holds accounts of Moloch’s abominable presence. Leviticus and the Book of Jeremiah recount sacrifices of children to appease Moloch, a pagan god. Prophets vehemently condemned such practices, denouncing them as an affront to the one true God.
Literary Examples:
In John Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” Moloch emerges as a fallen angel, wielding a warrior-like spirit against Heaven. Fierce and revengeful, Moloch’s pride-driven actions serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of arrogance and blind obedience.
Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl” takes Moloch from the realm of deities to that of industrial society. In a metaphorical twist, Moloch embodies the voracious appetite of consumerism, devouring souls in the relentless pursuit of profit.
H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos weaves Moloch into a tapestry of cosmic horror. A fearsome demon, Moloch personifies chaos and malevolence, contributing to an eerie atmosphere in Lovecraft’s stories.
Modern Manifestations of Moloch:
As the ages have turned, Moloch’s concept metamorphoses into a metaphorical entity, embodying contemporary malevolence and exploitation. Though not directly linked to the ancient deity, Moloch finds relevance in modern challenges.
Consumerism and Materialism stand as symbols of rampant Moloch in today’s society. The insatiable hunger for profit leads to environmental exploitation and disregards ethical considerations.
Technological Advancements bring forth ethical dilemmas akin to Moloch’s temptation. The pursuit of progress may sacrifice ethical considerations in AI, privacy, and autonomous weapons development.
Societal Inequality and Exploitation mirror ancient sacrificial practices. The concentration of wealth and power, sacrificing the vulnerable for the privileged, perpetuates oppression.
Political and Ideological Extremism advocates for sacrificing liberties and human rights for perceived greater goods. Moloch-like ideologies prioritize agendas over the well-being of citizens.
Loss of Human Connection and Empathy epitomizes modern Moloch. The pursuit of efficiency detaches humans from genuine interactions, leading to social isolation.
Present-day Parallels and Connections:
Climate change, nuclear war, and mass extinction loom as existential Molochs. Humanity’s actions endanger the environment and perpetuate conflict, risking global catastrophe.
Moloch is not exclusive to any one tradition. Across cultures, figures like Baal Hammon, Tiamat, Thanatos, Mephistopheles, Mara, and Ahriman embody similar malevolence, guiding societies through their cyclical rise and fall.
As humanity faces modern Molochs, the call for reflection and action grows. Climate change’s wrath reflects Moloch’s destructive tendencies, while nuclear war mimics ancient sacrifices for greater ambitions. As technology advances, the temptation to sacrifice ethical values to progress evokes Moloch’s lure.
In the cyclical concept of Yugas, Moloch’s presence remains timeless, extending from ancient rituals to contemporary global challenges. It serves as a cautionary symbol, compelling us to confront the malevolence within and around us.
Perhaps, amidst the darkness of Moloch, humanity finds its true test—to transcend and seek a brighter future, united in purpose and compassion. The ancient demon’s legacy reminds us that within these trials lie the seeds of transformation, offering hope that we can emerge wiser, stronger, and more resilient. For in the face of Moloch, we learn that the courage to face malevolence and forge a better world is humanity’s ultimate strength.
Sometimes, the most effective and powerful solutions are right in front of us, yet somehow the potential is not immediately recognized.
This is a story about using available knowledge and technology to reduce climate warming GHG emissions to zero, while at the same time creating a new economic model for housing, transportation and, well, life on earth.
Two of the greatest challenges of our time (and one could argue, of all time) are climate change and the affordability crisis in housing worldwide.
The housing crisis could impact 1.6 billion people by 2025, the World Bank says.
The world needs to build 96,000 new affordable homes every day to house the estimated 3 billion people who will need access to adequate housing by 2030, UN-Habitat says.
Superficially it would seem that these two challenges are in conflict; doesn’t it cost more to build zero carbon or even carbon negative homes? (negative carbon = produces more energy than it consumes)
What if a combination of existing methods, materials and technology could help solve both problems at once?
< R. Buckminster Fuller, (American architect, designer, inventor, and writer, best known for his geodesic domes) believed in the the ability of technological advancement to do “more and more with less and less until eventually you can do everything with nothing,” that is, an accelerating increase in the efficiency of achieving the same or more output (products, services, information, etc). >
”An accelerating increase in the efficiency of achieving the same or more output”
Before tackling the recipe for creating significantly more affordable housing, while at the same time battling climate change in a big way, it’s helpful to begin with an analogy from sustainable transport design.
Electric vehicles have been around, in primitive form, since the 1830s, nearly two decades before the oil industry officially began in the US.
But, in essence, it took 163 years before efficiency and battery technology were sufficiently developed to make transportation as cheap in an EV as in an ICE car.
( It can be argued that this accomplishment could have happened nearly a century sooner, if not for the threat it posed to the fossil fuel industry.)
The history of the ICE automobile is often one of ignoring efficiency until simply burning more fuel without limits became an issue. R. Buckminster Fuller (see above) designed a “Dymaxion” car in the early 1930s that could transport up to 11 passengers, reach speeds of up to 90 miles per hour, and ran 30 miles per gallon. The combined average mpg for cars and consumer trucks was sill less than 30 in 2011, nearly 80 years later.
The dawn of the EV era, finally
Tesla takes the efficiency of its vehicles very seriously and has made great strides in achieving long battery range and, with the model 3, increased affordability. The three main areas where EV efficiency can be increased are the materials (weight), the highly aerodynamic design (drag coefficient) and, of course, the battery design.
Aptera, a startup company that is targeting 2023 for initial mass production of its radically designed EV, is taking this focus on efficiency a step further in creating a solar powered car.
A great challenge to using solar panels on a passenger vehicle is the small surface-area that is available to mount the panels. For this reason every aspect of the design must be hyper-optimized.
Astoundingly, the Aptera is slated to release a model that can travel 1000 miles on a charge and, under ideal conditions, never need to be charged at all (100% self-charging via integrated solar panels).
Currently the biggest limitation is that the solar panels can only add 40 miles of range per day, meaning if you drive less than 40 miles per day on average you would never need to spend a cent plugging into grid power.
How do they do it? Special hyper-efficient PV panels, a drag coefficient nearly half of a Tesla Model 3 (1.3 vs. 2.3) and an aerodynamic design that makes it look as crazy as you can imagine. (Oh yea, and only 3 wheels)
If this story continues, and companies like Aptera are able to achieve additional incremental gains in efficiency to produce even better solar powered cars, transportation itself could become affordable at a level inconceivable in the current economic system.
Imagine buying a modestly priced vehicle (Aptera’s base model is currently priced at $25k) and never paying to charge it for the life of the car.
This is approaching an example of the “until eventually you can do everything with nothing” part of the quote above. Further gains are possible with continued design evolution.
What if a home, or housing community, could have “Aptera-like” performance?
Aptera formula:
Solar powered
Battery back up
Hyper-efficient design to optimize 1+2
AM51 concept:
Solar powered
Battery back up (or geothermal, pumped hydro, etc + hyper-efficient heat pumps and other future tech appliances)
Hyper-efficient design to optimize 1+2
At AM51 we are working to take decades of accumulated knowledge and use similar design principals, first pioneered by “Bucky” Fuller, in creating a complete “living system” for homes and communities.
The preconception that aerodynamic design and precision to create hyper-efficiencies is fine for cars, boats, aircraft, etc, but of little use in buildings / homes is where the communication challenge lies.
We use the term living system, because, like an EV, all the elements must be designed to work together with optimum performance in order to reach the twin goals of less than zero carbon emissions and achieving that at a price below current, traditionally built, homes and communities.
Also, a combination of the “core and shell” basically the equivalent of the body in a car, along with the power source (rooftop solar) each have to be hyper-efficient and work together at maximum performance.
Add to this eco-friendly insulation and HVAC systems, and something magical happens.
The EV design analogy is apt, also, because we incorporate batteries for backup and load management.
Where the analogy diverges is in the design of the building itself. Drag coefficient is less relevant (unless we create a flying house) but instead the thermal profile and material choices have a huge impact.
The thermal profile is the area where the greatest gains are possible. Traditional homes (and buildings generally) were never designed to take efficient energy use for climate control into account. (This would be the equivalent of driving a rectangular “block-car” EV -Hummer?- and watching your battery reserve disappear in minutes.)
Getting into the details of how exactly the thermal profile is achieved is beyond the scope of this article, however, what we can say is that the increased efficiency (compared to a home built with traditional methods) is achievable to between 80-94%.
In plain English, this is a measurement of how much less energy is needed to heat and cool the home, along with the standard average usage for typical residents (cooking, TVs, computers, etc).
Starting in the 70s, refined in the 90s, passive house standards are the underlying scientific foundation of our work in designing the ultimate thermal profile for homes.
This standard has been underappreciated and is often considered “expensive” which is only true if you look at only one aspect of the design in isolation (like triple pane windows, for example).
As part of a complete system, the real cost, not just in climate terms, is comparable, and, as discussed below, can be significantly less when every element is properly measured. Vastly less expensive and more efficient heat pumps or other new innovative HVAC systems already offset much of the added construction costs of superior materials and quantities.
Every home a power plant and a grid interactive citizen
Unlike an EV such as the Aptera, the roof area of an average sized home has space for a larger number of panels. Therefore, using standard current PV systems, an AM51 home, with an over 85% more efficient energy demand profile, can power itself using only a portion of the space available.
With a system that uses the entire available area, a significant amount of excess power is available to share with the public grid, in exchange for compensation.
All of this can be magnified, particularly in a community setting, once grid-interactive systems and net metering become standard, and laws adapt to maximize this potential.
In a nutshell, our goal is to create a system where a community functions as individual hyper-efficient homes, combined with shared solar power and backup.
The calculated benefits to this total system design are “beyond Aptera” in their potential impact at scale.
This comparison shows the real cost difference between a fully electric home built using traditional methods and an AM51 hyper-efficient home. The savings also reflect the higher energy costs for all-electric homes vs. cheap gas and oil. Many States are planning to require all electric single family home construction by 2023-2025.
Imagine a home that, once paid for via mortgage at a price at or below a traditional home, does not generate a cent in energy bills for up to 25 years…
…and, additionally, will generate monthly income, thus reducing the monthly payments, in some cases significantly.
All of this, while having a negative carbon footprint (more energy produced than consumed), and causing enormous reductions in GHG emissions at scale…
For many, utility bills are not the greatest concern or cost factor they focus on when imagining the cost of home ownership. But the potential – the freedom of a “grid-optional” lifestyle – and the incredible comfort, health and well-being attached to a perfectly climate controlled indoor environment – all this and many more benefits, once experienced, we believe will eventually make traditional home environments obsolete.
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
-R. Buckminster Fuller
Adaptation to hotter heat waves and “polar vortexes”, and other unexpected weather events that are now increasingly likely, is an important topic.
Having a living system that can be counted on to keep you warm in winter, cool in the raging summer heat, and all for zero dollars beyond the basic initial costs, must become a minimum standard as we go forward.
Fractalize™, the coup de gras of affordability for the grid-interactive, hyper-efficient home
So much for battling climate change through efficient design and synergistic systems.
In order to reach even greater affordability, for most even more important and extremely meaningful in getting homes to those in need, AM51 homes and communities will need a construction method to reduce actual costs even further.
Labor shortages in construction and supply chain issues for materials, are two major factors that are driving costs up.
Our completely unique pre-manufactured building system, Fractalize™, takes on both issues and more.
With modern, yet simple, computer and robotic assisted manufacturing of building blocks, optimized specifically for home construction, and made exclusively out of plant-based materials (wood and other) far less labor is required.
Building times are up to 10X faster and minimal assembly crews, with no heavy machinery, are all that’s needed.
Again, the specific details of the hybrid-deep-tech-low-tech system are too complex for this article, but the end result of the added layer of efficiency (in this case efficient execution of construction) can result, by our calculations, in up to 15% lower construction costs overall, with additional cost-benefits from the speed to market.
The automated Fractalize™ manufacturing system is planned for mini factories near each region where homes and communities are needed.
It can also be adapted to make use of cost benefits in non-OECD developing economies where using local supply-chain logistics and available labor can lower prices much more for those unique circumstances.
As for North America, imagine owning a home and having your home pay you, provide free energy for a quarter century, yet cost up to 20% less than a comparable home, built old-style!
This, combined with unprecedented healthy, comfortable living, convenience, and elegance will proclaim a new architectural century. And with an Aptera in the driveway you’ll never pay a cent for transportation or utilities for the life of your home and car. Bucky would be winking at the thought…
The time is now to start listening – to your body that is
It’s not uncommon, especially lately, at one point or another, to start asking ourselves some of the following questions: Am I working too hard? Why does life feel as if I can’t keep up? Why am I constantly feeling stressed and Exhausted? If any one of these questions resonant with you, it is very possible you are one of many experiencing burnout. But what exactly does the term burnout even mean?
Burnout can look like different things to different people, yet it is almost always is characterized by an overwhelming feeling of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion. Burnout is often the result of prolonged exposure to stress, but there is a nuanced difference.
Being stressed out means there is too much going on, but being burned out means not enough positive input causing a feeling of emptiness (such as; no motivation, not caring or ability to see hope or potential for positive change).
Usually burnout is associated with work, but there are definitely other factors that can contribute outside your job, including personal lifestyle (e.g. too much responsibility and not enough support) or even personality traits (e.g. type A or need for perfection).
Below are a few books that can help you recognize and take action to help better cope with the omnipresent burnout in our world, learn to listen to your body, and find methods to deal in healthier ways the many stressors and demands that today’s life can hold.
This book focuses on helping women identify and explain burnout and how we experience it very different than our male counterparts.
A best-seller that relies on science-based finding also lays out realistic ways in which women can recover from burnout to live a more joyful life by minimizing stress and managing emotions.
Also comes with worksheets and exercises that makes self-care and wellness within the realm of the possible. Click to see “Burnout“.
This hugely popular best-selling book delves into traumatic stress and how it impacts our body. Using scientific data, Van Der Kolk breaks down how trauma literally reshapes both the brain and body.
In addition he explores ways to retrain the brain by activating parts of the brain that can help including: sports, yoga, meditation, and much more.
Bad habits and unhealthy ways of thinking are part of what it is to be human. Author Groeschel understands that battle with negative thinking and helps you identify such “false thinking” and rewire your thought processes.
He also incorporates faith, allowing you to bring in a higher power to enable a life that brings more peace and joy. to Click for more on “Winning the War“.
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.
After atmospheric rivers, one after another for months, now the bloom is back. And who says global warming can’t create beautiful, if eerie, landscapes?
The California Superbloom is an incredible natural phenomenon that occurs when the region experiences an unusually high amount of rainfall in the winter months, followed by favorable temperatures and conditions in the spring. This leads to the blooming of a vast array of wildflowers, covering the landscapes in breathtaking colors and creating picturesque scenes.
The Superbloom is not an annual event and is quite unpredictable, making it all the more special when it does occur. It typically happens in desert areas such as the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Carrizo Plain National Monument, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Joshua Tree National Park, among others.
Rainbow
During a Superbloom, the hillsides and valleys are carpeted with a diverse mix of wildflowers, including California poppies, lupines, desert sunflowers, and many more. The vibrant colors and vast expanses of flowers attract visitors from all over the world, making it an unforgettable sight to behold.
The Superbloom also has ecological significance, as it provides a critical food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as other wildlife that rely on the plants for survival. Overall, the California Superbloom is an incredible natural event that showcases the beauty and resilience of the region’s flora.
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.
High demand spurs quick transition to paid subscription version
OpenAI, the innovative San Francisco start-up, has made a splash in the tech world with its experimental online chatbot, ChatGPT. This AI-powered language model has garnered widespread interest for its ability to answer questions, write poetry, and engage in conversation on a vast array of topics.
The company has confirmed that it is releasing a commercial version of ChatGPT to be called ChatGPT Plus, which will be available to subscribers for $20 per month. This premium service will offer 24/7 access, quicker response times, and some new features.
This new breed of chatbots is seen as a game-changer in the world of computer software, and is expected to revolutionize internet search engines, virtual assistants, and email programs. ChatGPT has already become a hit with students for writing term papers, and businesses for creating marketing materials. However, the technology also comes with certain limitations, as the chatbots are trained on vast amounts of digital text from the internet, which can sometimes be biased and unreliable. Amid a lot of controversy, some of it possibly initiated by the media, the use and adoption of the service has been lightening fast.
Initially, ChatGPT Plus will only be available to users in the United States, with OpenAI starting a waiting list for the service, which it plans to roll out to other countries soon. Running these chatbots is an expensive affair, with OpenAI spending single-digit cents on each interaction. The new subscription service is aimed at offsetting some of these costs while still offering a free version of the chatbot to users.
As the free service is in jeopardy of becoming congested and perhaps being slower to upgrade, the barrier to other, similar services, such as Jasper AI are coming down and this competition should be good for the emerging technology.
Widespread use already expanding across sectors
The emergence of chatbots like ChatGPT is a testament to over a decade of research and development in the field of computer software. These AI-powered language models have the potential to fundamentally transform a range of online services, including internet search engines (such as Google and Bing), virtual assistants (such as Alexa and Siri), and email platforms (such as Gmail and Outlook).
One of the key advantages of chatbots like ChatGPT is their ability to generate digital text that can be easily adapted for various purposes. Already, students are utilizing the chatbot to write term papers, while companies are using it to craft email messages and other marketing materials. With even news outlets like CNET and Buzzfeed touting plans to publish content with the assistance of CHatGPT, it’s likely to become ubiquitous within months.
Now that ChatGPT Pro is in the wild a comparison is even more useful…
Though each has unique features and strengths, with the possibility that subscription fees will be required for top performance, choosing what works best for your particular needs becomes more important.
The free version of ChatGPT has been a huge success with more than a million users in the first week of release. Jasper AI is a leader in a similar space but with a focus on business applications.
“OpenAI is a partner of Jasper’s and GPT 3.5 is one of the language models we use in our platform. Jasper Chat is different than ChatGPT in that it is built for business use cases like marketing, sales and more. But both interfaces offer a way to make AI much more accessible to the audiences they serve.”
The field of artificial intelligence continues to advance, and businesses and individuals alike are becoming more and more reliant on natural language processing (NLP) models. From chatbots to document summarization, these models are being used to automate a wide range of tasks and processes, improving productivity and efficiency.
Two of the leading NLP models on the market today are ChatGPT and Jasper AI. Both of these models are built using cutting-edge AI and machine learning techniques, and both are capable of providing highly accurate and sophisticated results. However, there are some important differences between the two models that are worth exploring. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at ChatGPT vs Jasper AI and help you determine which model is the best fit for your needs.
Key Features and Functionality
One of the key differences between ChatGPT and Jasper AI is the range of features and functionality that each model offers. ChatGPT is designed to be a highly versatile model that can be used for a wide range of NLP tasks, including text generation, question answering, sentiment analysis, and more. Jasper AI, on the other hand, is can do many of the same tasks but is specifically designed for use in business related activities like marketing and customer service applications, such as chatbots and virtual assistants.
The uses for both are constantly expanding. According to Krista Doyle, SEO at Jasper, Jasper’s best use-case today is content-forward marketing and sales teams at scaling companies.
In terms of text generation, both models are highly capable. ChatGPT uses a deep neural network to generate text that is both relevant and grammatically correct. Jasper AI uses a similar approach, but with a focus on ensuring that the generated text is customer-friendly and easy to understand.
In case you are wondering how Google is viewing the emerging world of articles and blog posts assisted by AI, here’s what Jasper AI says about it, which has been confirmed in tweets directly from Google:
“Google penalizes low-quality content. And frankly, we agree that it should. This is far more about quality of your writing than about the tools used to create it. If your AI-written content is low quality and doesn’t help readers, it’ll get dinged. If your HUMAN written content is low quality and doesn’t help readers, it’ll get dinged. There’s nothing inherent about the way that AI content is written that leaves a fingerprint, but any reader can suss out shallow writing.”
Krista Doyle, SEO, JASPER AI
Performance and Accuracy
When it comes to performance and accuracy, both ChatGPT and Jasper AI are leaders in their field. ChatGPT is known for its high level of accuracy, even when handling complex and nuanced text. Jasper AI is similarly accurate, but with a focus on delivering results that are both relevant and customer-friendly.
In terms of speed, ChatGPT is known for its fast processing times, even for large and complex text inputs. Jasper AI is similarly fast, but with a focus on delivering results that are both accurate and relevant.
Integration and Customization
Another important consideration when choosing between ChatGPT and Jasper AI is the level of integration and customization that each model offers. ChatGPT provides a highly flexible API that can be easily integrated with a wide range of applications and systems. Jasper AI offers similar levels of integration, but with a focus on ensuring that the model can be easily customized to meet the specific needs of different businesses and organizations.
The Bottom Line
So, which model is the better choice: ChatGPT or Jasper AI? The answer to this question will depend largely on your specific needs and requirements. If you’re looking for a versatile NLP model that can be used for a wide range of tasks and processes, then ChatGPT is the clear choice. However, if you’re looking for a model that is specifically designed for use in business, marketing and customer service applications, then Jasper AI is the way to go.
Clearly, both ChatGPT and Jasper AI are highly capable NLP models that are capable of delivering accurate and sophisticated results. Whether you choose ChatGPT or Jasper AI, particularly is you are choosing between the ChatGPT Pro plan and Jasper AI, you can be confident that you’re making a wise investment in the future of your business.
