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Thoughts of A.I. and the Stubborn Persistence of Petroleum Pollution!

Chemistries of the 21st century greet the nerds and the anti-tech individuals in much the same manner, without any discrimination. We, as a civilization, need to put petroleum back into the Genie Bottle. However, all of us are carbon chauvinists. So, bear with me as I flesh out the reality behind carbon.

Namely, our clothing is made with petroleum-based fibers … polyester, and a host of other petroleum-based chemicals 2. the packaging of our clothing is nominally plastic (petroleum-based) 3. the machines used for clothing fabrication use petroleum in one step, at least 4. employees (who in many instances travel to fabricate clothing) must use gasoline-based cars can’t afford to not be carbon chauvinists. There are at least four good reasons to not be a carbon chauvinist. They are listed above, and they lead to our codependency on oil and perhaps to our eventual extinction…if you will.

Extinctions Come and Extinctions Go?

For all of us who fell prey to Drill Baby Drill, there are so many reasons to stay away from that scenario. I refer you to Elizabeth Kolbert:

https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Sixth_Extinction.html?id=Ra9RAQAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&gboemv=1#v=onepage&q&f=false

However, let’s drive the point forward to its most natural conclusion. When we lay in our beds late at night, our minds will wander. We dream. The incessant worries come in rapid succession — will I have a job? Can I pay my Bills? Will my children get high-paying jobs? Most of us will not care if the peoples of Zambia go extinct… Hey, there may be diamonds to be discovered…. That leaves more for me, and I don’t about anyone else…it is a slippery slope of the human condition. The scenario becomes the stuff of nightmares.

Considerations From Love?

I am not kidding— while this pronouncement will anger many OF MY OWN friends — even those that I profess to “LOVE DEEPLY”—— the facts remain the same. In my rather humble opinion — I am not drawing my ideas from any hackneyed Hollywood Blockbuster. All of us are carrying micro and nano-plastics within our bloodstreams— mark my words —many Birth Defects are traceable to the CHEMICAL INDUSTRY’S FAILURE to police itself. These plastics are just the edge of a very ugly ICEBERG that will not be avoided until we learn to take care of ourselves. Abortions and Birth Defects shot up exponentially during the late 20th century and into the 21st century… if we desire to respect life, we need to care for our personal living spaces!

The Rise of A.I. — A Solution Presents Itself

For all of the information present on A.I. —much of it is shaped by popular opinion and lies perpetrated for political expediency. However, no machine can replace human flesh, emotion, or heart, nor the loving touches, embraces, and French kisses while in the throes of making love! At A.I.’s most visceral juncture, it is a cheap imitation of the real thing! At its core, A.I. is comprised of computer code whose origins were known as LISt Processing Computer Language also known as LISP. LISP was one forerunner for today’s revolution in Artificial Intelligence. As I stated, no machine nor computer code can take the place of a sensual French Kiss nor the glorious conception of life, itself!

The Practical Point of A.I.?

A.I., for all of the misconceptions, can rescue the 21st century from the evilness of petroleum consumption (aka Carbon Chauvinism) rather simply. As I stated in the previous paragraphs; however, it will consist of being mindful of the fact that A.I. can do many, very many things better than humanity. All actions come down to a realization that machines will not recognize real emotion nor can they do so. This so-called saving grace is the point behind practical A.I.— it can be told to do what humans are unable to perform readily. WITH THE HELP OF ITS ALGORITHMS, WE CAN ERADICATE EVERY BIT OF PLASTIC IN THE WORLD’S OCEANS — CLEAN UP EVERY BIT OF PLASTIC ON THE TERRAIN OF THE WORLD’S EARTH. However, we will need the will to do so. A.I. is not the complete bogey that it is called to be by Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and many others. An education or educating oneself is key. While the ugly truth behind A.I. is the wanton destruction of everything, it comes at a cost to those who utilize it for nefarious means. For those who abuse A.I., their eventual extinction will come into play, as well. It isn’t necessarily a philosophical or moral question. (It is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.)

To be quite frank, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself!”

As some of us understand, A.I. can be the prevention we need to stop unwanted deaths. It will take some time before we learn it, however.

Start with Why

What book are you reading right now?

Simon Sinek’s modern classic, Start with Why, is meant to help one find their life’s purpose. Moreover, Sinek’s book allows anyone who maybe waylaid by the present election results to re-align with their purpose in life. More to the point, Sinek is known for his optimistic outlook on life, and he delivers in this modern classic.

He begins the book with a description of a Presidential inauguration; however, he leaves out pertinent details to the inauguration. It leads us to believe we may be reading about the JFK’s inauguration, but on much closer inspection–we are actually reading about Hitler’s inauguration. The year and location are purposely not included in the description thus leading us to assume we know what Sinek is alluding to. However, the point being everyone makes assumptions without enough information. We make decisions based on what we believe rather than what we know.

Finding your “why” amounts to making you a leader. Sinek cites the reasons for finding your why as being important: great leaders inspire others to act because there is an overarching purpose. It is not “what” they do that can inspire others to act but “why.”

Bewilderments

For those who have pondered the origins of life, science continues to seek answers. Scientists presently conclude there is no reliable way to answer the question. Moreover, astronomers continue to dissect the cosmos for the molecular clues of life. Do we see signatures of anything remotely resembling advanced civilizations? To the rational person, he sees emptiness. Results from telescsopic data reach the public from time to time; and as citizens — some of us are left shaking our heads and peering at the darkness of night. Is Space devoid of everything resembling ourselves? … What a waste of space… It sounds trite, but Enrico Fermi said it best, “… …Where are they?

 Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons- Hubble Image Tarantula Nebula

We don’t know. The facts can’t lie — we don’t know. Two popular telescopes, HSC ( Hubble Space Telescope) and JWB (James Webb Telescope), shed some light on what it means to look into the depths of the cosmos. The images arising from these telescopes tell us science is the same from our end of the Milky Way to depths of the Coma Cluster and further. People’s lives are not the same, either. Moreover, we have not matured enough as a species to warrant kind, gentle visits from the planet Alderaan. So why can’t we see anything else but the void of space? When the general public attempts to wrap its head around familiarity, we get our answer, yet again. To the general public, the space sciences resemble a myriad of numbers. Without the public images from these two instruments, we are left with goose eggs.

There is no real reason for life not to exist elsewhere. Life’s ingredients, as science understands it, are quite common everywhere throughout the universe. Pinch yoursef and see if it does not hurt? We are made of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur atoms. Glance at journal articles and the evidence is clear— these elemental substances combine to make life. People are rational, but there are no rational endings for each scenario. Whether our life is some fluke or pre-determined will be settled when we accept some plain facts. If we continue to make wars on neighboring countries and discriminate against our next door neighbor, the answer we seek many never arrive in our own lives. We wait.

What Does It All Mean?

If astronomers and astrobiologists ever discern the reasons for a lack of understanding of life’s origins, we will arrive at a milestone. Carbon, the stuff of life, is also the stuff of stars—we find dozens of chemical elements and molecules scattered throughout the cosmos when we utilize spectroscopy. However, we do not have the technology to equip ourselves to be able to know how to transcend our corporeal minds to higher avenues of thinking.

NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Webb ERO Production Team, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. James Webb Image Tarantula Nebula

There is a wondrous acknowledgement that the cosmos, our lives, and everyone around us deserves the same respect. For some, the respect once easily afforded has diminished to a point of no return. However we trudge, we must know that our endeavors will mean something. Cynicism is not a replacement for concerted effort.

Harshness of US Politics

I tend to not enjoy politics. I follow it; however, the last seven years have been brutal. The reasons are simple and understandable. Yesterday, the US Department of Justice indicted the 45th President. It is not momentous. It is a part of the long sad story that resulted from interference by the Russian government in our 2016 election. While we may never be the same, we will get over the issue of foreign intervention–I predict. How? You might ask.

The problem of US politics begins with its descent into low-brow manipulation by other entities. Namely, we have allowed a news corporation, Fox, to dictate how we consume knowledge. Sadly, corporate culture has taken hold of our viewing habits. It is bad enough that many depend on large corporations for their income streams. However, we turn to the same corporations to tell us how to live. I blame Fox News as a prime offender. Since when did we allow ‘our employers to dictate how to spend our hard-earned money?’ The insanity is mind-boggling. Think of it– Fox Corporation owns large Sports media venues, The Wall Street Journal, and countless television stations throughout the US.

If this is not a recipe for disaster, nothing is?

Take back your viewing habits from corporate greed.

At the end of the day, we must ask ourselves: To Whom Are We Loyal? Is it your heart or your pocketbook? It is a harsh reality!

Nuanced Truths: Climate Change Interface?

Humanity will cross an unthinkable boundary within the next ten years. Temperatures throughout our planet are expected to exceed the 1.5-degree Celsius boundary set by climate scientists. However, the implications are more nuanced than we can expect. Not only are we dealing with the potential loss of life due to climate disasters; however, the loss of biodiversity will lead to catastrophic extinctions, as well. This dynamic duo of potential loss has most climate scientists and concerned citizens wondering what to do about the human condition circa 2023. What many did not fathom was how one ties into the other— by losing habitat from the effects of climate change we affect biodiversity, as well. It is safe to assume many citizens of our planet are not prepared for all potential disasters up ahead. The COVID-19 disaster is a potential harbinger of what is up ahead for us. Thus, the loss of biodiversity may spell an insidious partner issue— the accelerating leap of animal-borne illnesses to humans.

Tardigrades are known to exist in the harshest environments Illustration by Holly Sullivan – https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2021.1760https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.1760, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113962044

How did COVID-19 jump from animal to human? The story is not fleshed out.

However, climate change and biodiversity loss are ‘safe bets for this man’s wager.’ Moreover, climate issues have played a role in past extinctions. The Mayan Civilization was wiped out because of poor water and land management. However, AI can give a clear direction forward, if allowed to do so. (Of course, AI is not the ‘enemy’ at this juncture. It can help humanity understand itself.)

SURVIVOR CLUES: CAN WE LEARN FROM BIOLOGY?

Simplest life forms have a few million molecules and perhaps a few hundred molecular biochemical processes. These life forms are more susceptible to environmental changes than human life. Human life consists of billions upon billions of molecules and millions of molecular biochemical processes. The complexity of the homosapiens is our ‘saving grace’ for now.

However there is a potential solution. We can take our survival hints from the hardiest of survivors: tardigrades. The “water bears” — these survivors have been on our planet for about as long as animal life has been present. Tardigrades, as they are more formally named, were made famous by Neil de Grasse Tyson in the Cosmos series. His narrative of their survival lays bare the notion of a true Darwinian instinct. However, Tardigrades have a manner of hibernating that is not readily available to humanity. While we may never learn to self-regulate in that manner, it is important to understand that life, itself, has ways to adapt to the harshest of conditions.

Other potential survival paths lay in utilizing AI to its great potential. While many fear its use, it is no worse than the MAD mentality that some nation-states possess. However, time is not on our side. Utilizing AI at individual sites of environmental degradation makes good sense to this particular writer. Just as AI can be used to plagiarize, it can also be used to find optimal answers to difficult problems. Why not utilize our skillsets to their logical benefit?

The survival traits of Tardigrades are not easily understood. However, humanity, if it is to survive, needs to assemble its best minds to answer the issues of tackling climate change and biodiversity loss in this time of need.

Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health? Say What?

In days past, the phrase— ‘how are you?’ meant, ‘how do you feel from your gut?’ While the phrase has long disappeared from its original context, it continues to hold a seed of truth. It was “re-discovered” just recently, and its context has become a hotbed of research. It is known as the gut-brain axis. Moreover, mental health is intimately connected to gut health. It is well known by many mental health professionals. Since there is communication between the brain and gut, it is as if the Gut-Brain possessed a direct link. Thus, it is called an axis.

Moreover, the chemical structure (above) is a typical polyphenol and is linked to good mental health, it is among a plethora of similar structures found in hunter-gatherer diets. While also found in cocoa–that eventually becomes dark chocolate. The polyphenol is linked to a wide variety of health benefits. Moreover, polyphenols are linked to anti-cancer properties as well as brain health, too. Polyphenols are not only found in cocoa but many foods– like grapes, teas, and Mediterranean fruits. Moreover, these molecules are known as Free Radical scavengers. The chemical structure is reproduced from the article, Catechin Contents of Foods Commonly Consumed in The Netherlands. 1. Fruits, Vegetables, Staple Foods, and Processed Foods. The contents of the article was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in the year 2000. The lead author is Ilja C. W. Arts, and the publisher is the American Chemical Society.

While this field of research is far from exhausted, it is not completely new, either. The field has been studied for more than 30 years. Wine has been speculated to be one of the components of good health since the time of Christ.

Not only is obesity tied to a higher incidence of heart disease and other maladies, but it is also tied to a higher incidence of anxiety and depression. Researchers around the world are studying how the occurrence of anxiety and depression is influenced by gut health.

More often, polyphenols are substances that occur in fermented grapes, coffee, green tea, chocolate, and a host of other foods associated with a Mediterranean diet. (It is also associated with the French Paradox diet.) In a study performed by Alvarez and co-workers published in 2021, they tie ancestral foods to thriving mental health. Specifically, the COVID-19 pandemic allowed them to “bio-prospect for foods” that would alleviate the effects of isolation. Their findings were somewhat surprising but not completely unwarranted. Ancestral foods that were rich in polyphenols could alleviate anxiety and help with depressive episodes. Comfort foods, perhaps? No.

Surprisingly, comfort foods, as they are presently defined, are not on the list of health foods. Individuals consuming sugars and fats were far more depressed than those who consumed healthier alternatives. The alternatives, in some studies, consisted of foods with high proportions of polyphenols—“a hunter-gatherer diet,” if you will. The diet of the hunter-gatherer society consisted mainly 50% complex carbohydrates, 30% lean proteins (non-beef), 20% high quality lipids (olive oil, omega fatty acids, and other mono-unsaturated oils).

The polyphenols reduce oxidative stress. While oxidative stress is a condition that produces high levels of Free Radicals, it is linked to poor health. However, a diet high in polyphenols can promote longevity by reducing Free Radicals in the blood stream.

High levels of Free Radicals reduced healthy micro-organisms in the gut. Moreover, the gut contains a community of microorganisms that our ancestors relied upon to promote healthy living patterns. Thus, a hunter-gatherer diet promoted a good mental health lifestyle. While the sedentary lifestyles are a part of present society, they have proved deadly. Moreover, the COVID-19 disaster taught us the importance of finding the roots to thriving. While the hunter-gatherer landscape is long passed, there is still much to learn.

REFERENCES

Alavarez, and co-workers. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Ancestral Food Sources Rich in Poly-phenols, Their Metabolism, and Potential Influence of Gut Microbiota in the Management of Depression and Anxiety. 2022. American Chemical Society

Cuevas-Cianca, and co-workers, Molecules. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Edible Plants with Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Potential Use
as Drugs. 2023. MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

A Simple Game of Chess

I must not be the only one who believes we have not reached the end of time or is it the end of history? While there is no inkling of a Nuclear Winter nor a Second Coming –nor have we seen the four horsemen, there is a general malaise that I sense. However, should I ask –is it kosher to believe that Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence together will bring the Second Coming? Well, if that is true, we might as well have been playing chess with the devil. Since our mundane affairs have brought about what some call the end of time, should we worry about our own affairs? Probably not. We had little control over our own destinies, as it was. 

However, what it does signal is that we need to better care for ourselves in this time of instability. In the last six years, parts of the United States have embraced, for better or worse, a radical vision of white supremacy. Gun violence has increased so much that our progeny will remark in true wonder how we ever lived with our front doors unbolted. A former President of our U.S.A. embraced bigotry, was indicted as a sexual predator in a Civil Lawsuit, he engaged in questionable and treasonous behavior. The real list may never be truly known. So, we need to ask ourselves –Are America’s better days behind us? Well, probably not is my rejoinder. However, we need to take stock in what has truly transpired.

The former ruling class, White Anglo Saxon Protestants, are quickly becoming the minority. They are scared out of their wits. They will do anything to stay in power. Moreover, that means lying, cheating, stealing, and anything nefarious enough to keep them in power. That, my friend, is the crux of our issue. It isn’t the end of time. Not even close, it is the beginning of clarity and an opening for those who were denied power from past indiscretions. Our worst days are behind us –but that does not mean we will not face some major hiccups in the proverbial road ahead. 


America’s worst sin, slavery – and its’ cousins, bigotry and misogyny will be a part of the landscape until we teach our children to respect themselves as much as they would their best friends. That little tidbit of information is an issue for many to ponder – the future of the U.S.A. is in the hands of its’ children. Sadly, none of us living folk may ever see its fulfillment—the truly color-blind society. 


At this juncture, I end this little discussion for a game of chess… Do you want the white chess pieces or the dark?

The Trouble with A. I.

I have written on the subject of A. I. for a few posts, and it is bothersome that the U.S. government has done little to address the issue. We have not had a ‘people’s advocate’ come to the Hill and lecture the lawmakers how A. I. can help alleviate problems. Alarmist attitudes will harm our abilities to make good judgement calls for the majority of people in the populace. We could use a ‘Carl Sagan’ about now. However, the presence of the internet and its ‘I couldn’t give a damn’ attitude because I have all the answers at my finger tips is our worst enemy.

Some leaders have abandoned their own missions, as good politicians, to lead with integrity—I don’t need to belabor the point. However, what needs to be said– what ever happened to the golden rule?

It is not only disheartening but painfully, so. It will take a major disaster for humanity to realize it is vulnerable — too vulnerable to not want to pull together. This is the hallmark of our world. We react and pledge ourselves to help one another. However, it takes a major conflagration to reach that point.

A. I. is double-edged sword that promises to both heal and hurt. It is our “come to Jesus” moment. It is now that we need to realize that our fates may not rest in our individuality– someone who is more powerful will take our free will away from us. That person is most likely sitting in the lap of luxury at this very moment and could care less about suffering he can impart to us all. THAT is FRIGHTENING.

We live in a time when we can’t allow anyone but our own better selves speak and act for us. However, we are running out of time….. Whether it is climate induced or some violent and indirect act of madness, we need to care for one another… now.

Biosphere, Pollution, and Direction

When one tries to discern safe margins from foreign and unwanted chemicals in our biosphere, many are now left in the dark of disinformation. Efforts to control how information is disseminated are tantamount to an executioner’s song — if I was to borrow the title of an old chestnut. While it is one of foreboding — I kid you not, ignorance of the truth keeps us divided. The truth: not pulling together in times of adversity is our worst enemy. We owe it to ourselves to not allow the division to govern our lives—-

Every day we face two enemies—the silent enemy of our indifference and the growing threat of uncontrolled selfishness. Selfishly giving-in to our wants instead of our needs puts those we love in harm’s way. That includes ourselves, especially.

I had picked up Elizabeth Kolbert’s latest, and I found myself mired in thoughts and research paradigms that some of us hoped we would not see. Rising oceans will put millions of lives in jeopardy and cost billions of dollars. From Australia to New Orleans to parts of Africa—there are coastal lands well below sea level. As the climate becomes more adverse to life, Ms. Kolbert has given to us a template, if you will. This template is set of instructions where we need to care for our fellow citizens. We’ve got one planet for now—better take care of what we have before establishing another colony on a different planet.

Nutrition— Vitamin C, Facts, Folly & Circumstance

Dr. Linus Pauling brought Vitamin C to the forefront of the public debate on what is healthy to eat in the 1980s. His research on Vitamin C has been warmly supported over the years. While the debate stoked excitement and derision, it was how he announced his findings that drew the most criticism.

Dr. Linus Pauling received his first Nobel Medal in 1954 for his research on Quantum Mechanical descriptions of the chemical bond.

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1954. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2023. Sat. 29 Apr 2023:

<https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1954/summary/&gt;

For those of us who are familiar with chemistry or possess a degree in chemistry, we recognize the importance of Pauling’s Valence Bond Theory.

However, this post focuses on Vitamin C. In the 1980s, Pauling believed he’d found a cure for Cancer. While his reputation was put on the line with that announcement, many within the scientific community claimed he had dementia. “His best days were behind him,” they intoned.

It is some 40 years later, I can report that Vitamin C research is going strong at Oregon State University (Corvallis, Oregon USA). In fact, his work found new life at the Linus Pauling Center for Research. Presently, the center conducts research on Nutrition (Vitamin C, included). It was Pauling’s research methodology that should be of most interest.

While not all researchers are convinced by Pauling’s pronouncements on Vitamin C, he left to the world, his methods for finding research results. It consists of persistence, honesty, understanding and making ethical decisions, and of course a large healthy dose of curiosity! His research methods are systematic and and comprehensive. He leaves no stone unturned when looking for answers to complex questions.

By the way, he won another Nobel in 1962 for his tireless work on banning Nuclear Testing above ground.

The Nobel Peace Prize 1962. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2023. Sun. 30 Apr 2023.

<https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1962/summary/&gt;

Patterns in the Data: The Regretful Weaponization of Environmental Movement by the Far Right

In the link below, National Public Radio explains in no uncertain terms, how the Far Right lays blame on minorities for their lack of ‘Environmental Savvy.’ The Far Right has been given too much leeway with their use of hateful language.

https://www.npr.org/2022/04/01/1089990539/climate-change-politics

The Far Right is guilty of systematically stoking division in the US public with irresponsible rhetoric. From Feminazi to Lock-Her-Up, and other grossly irresponsible terms and phrases— politicization of Environmental Movement by the Far Right serves the Right’s immediate interests. The Far Right, for all of their bravado, lead irresponsibly by asking their constituents to “drink their Kool-Aid” so they can line their pockets. Let me count the ways (so you can be apprised and appalled) —

The USA was founded on the beliefs that All Men Are Created Equal— However, as the country aged and grew in wisdom, it shows that, All People Want More Than Their Neighbor Across Town.

1. The Nixon Gamble — from a dog named “Checkers” to “I am not a crook” — this man wrote the book on modern presidential corruption.

2. The Reagan Betrayal — the man known for putting an end to the Soviet Union had also betrayed Air Traffic Control Operators and the Mentally Ill.

3. Bush’s Tax Pledge — “Read My Lips: No New Taxes.”

I can go further down the line up up to #45– who has been indicted on criminal charges, recently.

What’s worse than labeling people as malcontent chattel? — Treating them as such and expecting them follow that kind of evil.

However, the divide between “Rich and Poor“ hasn’t reached the proportions of the Great Depression. The issues behind the gap are, I say, bigotry and systematic hate. And, the current crop of elder statesman seem to push the envelope of fear and hate.

While I am not crying out of self-pity nor loss of my country, the struggle up ahead maybe more than some of us can “stomach.” Let’s face the facts, the trends point toward a widening of violence.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

I believe solutions exist—we need leaders to elaborate on them for a thirsty public.

An Ode to Lost Loves!

The end of most days should bring a certain overwhelming sense of ease. It should allow one to slip into the comfort of knowing their love is waiting for them. Awaiting them in the comfort of home and hearth. Be not a burden upon your lover. Show your caring heart and an understanding of their problems. Man and Woman should not weigh down their journeys but allow affection to shine forth.

Some loves are never lost—-look for them within your mind’s heart!

Who Knew?

Eureka moments occur rarely. However, the best-prepared minds find solutions to the most challenging problems far better than the rest of us. The unlikely moments afford us solutions we seldom notice. However, answering questions that seemed impossible goes by Einstein’s adage:

The Solution to a Problem goes beyond thinking through its original methods-you must think outside the box!

However, as ChatGPT emerged, many of us became alarmed, including me. Whether or not the tool can achieve its intended goals lies with the user. The propensity of AI to become evil will usher in a period that all of us may dread.

In a recent White House Press Release, the Assistant Commerce Secretary, Alan Davidson stated,

“These new language models (sic Tools) … are really powerful and they do have the potential to generate real harm…”

The stance of the US government can’t be ignored —however, they believe the industry will correct itself. Moreover, if one looks at Automobile Industry: how long did it take for seatbelts to be mandatory or how long was it before officially banning drunk driving?

The crux of the issue— How Far Can A Mature Civilization Go Before It Learns From The Mistakes of Its Past?

I refer you to George Santayana — “Those Who Can’t Remember the Past are Condemned to Repeat It…“

Before anyone starts to condemn the rise of technology, remember — when it is used respectfully and responsibly — that is the win—win.

Artificial Intelligence—The Open Question of humanity?

As I ponder whether ChatGPT and its computing cousins can replace humanity, the relationship between computer and human is important to distinguish. The salient reason lies in the dependent relationships that humans will have with machines—moreover, humanity has sought to loosen its load of burdens.Moreover, starting with the wheel and moving forward to this very day, many of us have a disdain for suffering.

If I take any example from the movies, one favorite comes from the movie, Interstellar.

TARS — the AI that Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and the others must rely upon through the film to rescue and ensure their lives are not surrendered carelessly. TARS is compassionate but looks nothing like a human. It is a large box with legs, arms, and an ingenious computing capacity. It saves lives on multiple instances—and has a very dry sense of humor.

https://slate.com/technology/2014/11/tars-the-interstellar-robot-should-be-the-future-of-artificial-intelligence.html

Interstellar is the Brainchild of Professor Kip Thorne and Linda Obst. The two of them brought a scientifically accurate portrayal about a potential Earth that is eerily accurate to today’s world. While he is the major consultant and the author of the screenplay of the film, we come to understand some of his views on the nature of humanity. While some scientists are portrayed as gloom and doom oriented, his description of that brainchild puts us in a frame of mind to understand him as a compassionate person.

While the film is done well, it asks this reader and anyone else–can we trust each other enough to help one another in times of stress and pain… Even if we need Artificial Intelligence to do the job?

Does Christ’s ‘Last Supper’ Cup Still Exist?

Religion will continually stoke arguments and wars, and unfortunately, this is often the case.

Whether we truly believe in Jesus Christ is something completely different. About ten years ago, I came across the following: Christ’s Last Supper chalice, which is presently located in the Pyrenees Mountains. Its supposed existence was documented in a “Catholic-Press Book” that I presently can’t locate… Go Figure! Its location is purportedly at St John the Baptist Church in Spain (the link is below):

https://www.hikepyrenees.co.uk/blog/san-juan-de-la-pena-monastery/

At the monastery of St. John the Baptist, a replica of the Holy Grail once existed. It is an excellent guess — the grail now rests at the Vatican. However, the story behind it was steeped in Crusades— yes, those Crusades that claimed so many lives that scorched Earth mentalities seemingly have gained their visualizations of Hell.

So, folks, treat all with Responsibility, Respect, and Love! Christ was just a carpenter’s son….

Confusing Chemistry Lessons in Life’s Journey—Science or Theology?

Strange, isn’t it? There is an oxy-moronic nature to life— science and its imperfections are a supposed smoothing over of reality’s mistakes. Well for the most part, many people do not like or enjoy science, except for the scientists, themselves. Ask many on the street, who would you rather listen to in the morning? Many will chime in, we must expand their pocketbooks before delving into knowledge or wisdom. Others need to expand their egos with a reality that is driven by selfishness. It is a reality that few can question.

And, others will credit an unseen HOPE provider —a God that is ever present in the history of all. I will touch upon His Existence later, but first, we will address the mistakes. To understand one’s own mistakes is to open oneself up to the realities of HOPE

However, the tragedy ultimately comes down to the acknowledgment that present-day scientists are the modern-day equivalents of Pythagoreans. If you don’t quite remember the true meaning of the Pythagorean people, they committed mass suicide when faced with divulging their scientific secrets. They were of Ancient Greek origin. However, their present-day extinction is a result of the banality in which scientists are treated by mainstream media.

However, we presently face utter confusion. Well, the precise meaning for modern Pythagorean peoples isn’t Oxymoronic—it isn’t an either/or. It is a Multifaceted Reality. The Pythagoreans still exist. They now face extinction from those seeking book bans, other forms of Art Censorship, and the suppression of knowledge. Hope exists — we can’t let go of it!

Plastic Rocks on a Remote Desert Island: Facts and Fiction

Whether we have an elaborate hoax or a full-blown ecological issue is a matter of personal choice and geological opinion! Many rocks on our small ball of dirt are Silica-based — the same silica that we use in transistors and computers. The nature of this report comes down to not wanting to accept how badly we’re screwed by our lust for petroleum. The worst things we can say—there are tons of plastics in the world’s ocean. Much of what we owe to 21st century growth comes from chemicals and the petroleum economy. So, it is a double-edged sword.

Each day, we have many issues of petroleum products giving children and adults, alike —Asthma, COPD, eventual cancer, and onslaughts of eventual environmental concern (love your plastics? folks). California just witnessed the worst environmental tragedy in probably 500 years — much of which is directly related to gasoline and petrochemicals… There is a real tragedy, however, it comes when “Good People Do Nothing.”

Stock portfolios must hold water for the rich but not the disadvantaged. The people who have a retirement must have a retirement savings so what’s new? At the end of the day, nothing changes unless tragedy strikes— Don’t Look Now— IceBerg Dead Ahead— was the rejoinder of the Titanic— wasn’t it?

Well, as will be shown — none of us are kings of the world until we need to sacrifice ourselves for others….

https://www.thedailybeast.com/new-and-terrifying-discovery-on-remote-brazilian-trindade-island

Losses from War

As much of the world witnesses the brutalities from the Putin war machine on the good people of the Ukraine, I am drawn to the survivors. These souls remind me of my family. My mother survived WWII as a traumatized young woman in Croatia. She witnessed the dropping bombs from both Axis and Allied sides, unspeakable horrors upon neighbors and friends by Fascists, and the personal losses experienced upon her psyche from the horrors of war. The brutalities of war affect most who experience it, and many never come back from its mind-numbing effects. Whether it is psychological, physical, or spiritual — war changes the landscape and its people. However, I need to state, it is a cheap and sleazy way to affect change upon the soul. It is quick and dirty; no matter who performs the deeds. Any country that witnesses war closely can not come back after its dirty deeds are completed– subsequent generations need to erase the effects of murder and rape upon its collective soul. Thus, it needs to be asked:

Is war necessary? — It depends on who is asked…

Marxists tend to believe change is best done via violence. Those strongly rooted in Democracy tend to eschew the trauma of war.

It is fairly simple to ask, but the answer is more pragmatic than most can perceive. Is there a THIRD OPTION?

YES-

It will take time to implement. The answer is multifaceted and complex.

It begins with education. It is followed by understanding oneself. It is next followed by opportunities given to all. It should conclude with brotherhood of humanity.

It may take longer than many are willing to do; however, we must try. Otherwise, all will be in vain.

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