Hi. So, I just so happen to come across the asks about Coco discourse, and I know those are almost a year old and I'm super late to the party, but I feel compelled to talk about it, because even though I do get the valid criticism to the film, I felt that some takes are kinda out of place? And I just had to say anything.

Like, yeah. I understand the outrage at Disney trying to trademark Día de Muertos and how, even if it didn't happen, it could potentially lead to the exploitation and capitalization of Día de Muertos.

On the other hand, I did think it's like a stretch to say that it panders to the diaspora than to nationals (I didn't know how else to word it, sorry if it sounds weird). I'm not familiar with the diaspora, but to my defense, I found those anons to be very out of touch with us that are non diasporic.

Like, when anon said that the U.S. is individualistic, unlike México "that is collectivist and seeks out the betterment of the whole group" I couldn't help to laugh at such idealization. I may sound salty, but it just sounded exactly like those orientalist takes that are like "oh the Japanese are a power because they're so collectivist, we should be more like them" (while ignoring the negative consequences such collectivism has to the population) but for México. Like, it's true that the U.S. is individualistic as fuck, but because of that, it should go without saying that the bar is on the ground when you compare it to other countries and cultures. It's true that us Mexicans are more collectivist, but only marginally and in a very messed up way. Like, yeah, we're generally solidary and love hospitality, but if it's more convenient to be individualistic, we tend to be pretty selfish and inconsiderate as well. Not to run on the opposite direction, but the ugly part of Mexican collectivism is that it can be motivated by the individual gain one gets out of it and not mainly for the benefit of the group (not saying that we're actually self serving and selfish but that to say we're always looking for the benefits of others first and foremost is a massive misunderstanding of our culture and a sugarcoating of it).

On one hand, I get where they're coming from, but the film resonating to their particular diasporic experiences doesn't mean that is inherently and deliberately diasporic and it doesn't feel Mexican.

Like yeah, I hated that they picked and chose regarding the lore and gave so much importance to photographs when before this century they were basically a luxury (I guess that they needed higher stakes, imho it would have been easier had it not been so sanitized and standardized to a degree) and the tradition exists even before photographs were a thing anyways, and they just had to go and turn Mictlán into a bureaucratic hell (like, again, I get it, conflict and such, but the afterlife being so mundane just kills it, no pun intended, even more so because bureaucracy is already a problem for us the living). I know that they want to reach out the largest demographic possible and of course Disney is quick to sanitize stuff, but they took more creative liberties than I would have wanted.

But even if it's obvious that this project was led by foreigners (like with Dante being a stray dog; yes xoloescuintles are an important part of Día de Muertos, but there's no way a xoloescuintle would end up a stray dog) I just can't deny how the blatant Mexican input does show up. Not to disregard the problematic aspects, but there's more nuance to it.

And as I was saying, I get where the people from the diaspora are coming from, but for me as a Mexican, the conflict of Miguel with his family felt so unambiguously Mexican. Or at least, concerning the larger demographic of working class Mexicans that live in pueblos that aren't really rural but not heavily urbanized either. Growing up as a working class, non white, non indigenous Mexican in a globalized world, makes your cultural identity something hard to deal with. Ever since Mexico begin to grow and become urbanized, there has been this contradictory discourse of modernity vs tradition, in which we as Mexicans should move on from the old, "outdated", "inferior" ways and traditions, (and such ways are more often than not, the ways of non white and indigenous, working class Mexicans) and strive for more modern, "advanced", "superior" ways of Europeans and Americans... but don't do that too much because other than those "primitive" ways, our culture is perfectly fine. I get it that it reminds of the diaspora of "the culture of my parents vs the culture of my country", but there's a similar situation with average Mexicans too.

I'm not saying that Coco properly covers that, it's not that deep. But the way that Miguel wants to pursue an uncertain and risky career path, instead of the secure, familiar and traditional family occupation, is something I'm too familiar with and something that I see too often (even if it's not necessarily about music; tell your parents that you're planning on getting a social science/humanities degree and they will probably tell you you're gonna end up starving). There's the fear of the parents about their children not landing a job after they graduate or their children also eventually ditching family traditions and the like because they came to consider that the modern, urban ways are better. But there's also something that went without mention by the anons, and it's how it's too common for Mexican parents to see their children as an extension of themselves, and their motivations to oppose their career path more often than not, may also come from a desire of keep controlling their children's life choices because that's relatively socially acceptable. I find it quite ironic how the anons mention that Miguel having different aspirations than those his family want him to follow feels more "americanized" because I've got to hear Mexican parents complaining about "bad foreigner (specially American) influences that make kids want to ditch their heritage and traditions and disrespect their parents" being the cause of their children wanting to follow non traditional paths and not, you know, the realization that we're our own person and our lives are not for our parents to live and control (which is also one of the central themes of The Book of Life, a film that was conceived and written by Mexicans, so yeah, that conflict is really frequent).

We still have a culture in which our parents are borderline venerated and family is sacred, and even if I do appreciate the importance given to family, it has led us to put up with toxic (and sometimes even abusive) behavior, and setting boundaries or standing up for yourself will surely be considered disrespectful, ungrateful or just plain rebellious. Imelda having her descendants carry on with her grudge does feel familiar to a degree too. I get the point of the anons of her working hard for the sake of the family, but her perpetuating the music prohibition through generations and refusing to let Miguel go back to the world of the living unless he gives up music, reminds me too much of the entitlement of parents and grandparents towards their descendants and the control they want to have over their lives. For me, Miguel refusing to obligue and clinging onto his passion for music in spite of his family's opposition, it's just a representation of younger generations stepping up and reclaiming that autonomy that the older generations didn't have because "this is just how things are". Him actually convincing them to let him pursue music is kinda unrealistic, but in a way it feels hopeful. I know that for more particular aspects, like the location, it may be unfamiliar to some, but México is really diverse and there's no way to cover all of it in just one film.

On a more meta level, all that initial debacle about Disney trying to trademark Día de Muertos left me with some more thoughts. Like, yeah, fuck the rat and the monopoly, but it did have positive consequences. Not so big, but they're there. Before Coco and the fiasco, Día de Muertos was gradually being sidelined and minimized. Not all over the country, as the southern states have always celebrated it (the southern states are overall more traditional), but in the rest of the country, and specially in urban areas, Día de Muertos was becoming less and less important the further north you went. Even if it's one of the most unique traditions of our culture, it was beginning to be perceived as one that the younger generation cared about because it was mandatory and not because they genuinely valued it. I've always liked it because I'm a nerd, but growing up during the 2000s and early 2010s, I mostly saw people my age treating Día de Muertos as this outdated, boring thing that wasn't as good as Halloween. I remember Halloween being controversial, but not out of satanic panic (or at least, for the most part), but because people feared that younger generations would eventually ditch Día de Muertos in favor of Halloween. It took an American greedy monopoly trying to get its hands on Día de Muertos for people to care about it again.

I'm not saying that the film single handedly saved Día de Muertos from being forgotten, but it did reignite the interest of the general population. It's kinda messed up that a considerable amount of the population only took that much interest after it received foreign attention, but I kinda expected it. Gentrification and capitalization are very much a problem, but since 2017 I've seen a genuine growing interest in Día de Muertos, so I'll take that as a win.

Armored core 6 has basically taken over my brain like an infectious parasite or ameboid of some sorts so I’ve went down the rabbit hole of fanfiction and fanart, which has in turn inspired me to write my own head canons down, and one replay of armored core 4/4A and well….

Anyways here’s how I imagine a few the corporations/pilots from 4 would work in 6’s timeline. Some info is implying a Liberator ending as I plan on using these in a post liberator fanfic

THE EARTH SPHERE CORPORATIONS

These companies are all old money, pioneers of core theory With their developments in the field of AC research, and in turn helping propel humanity out into interstellar colonization. While no longer being the only fish in the pond they still command respect from earths governments and

Global Armaments

Global armaments is a house in decline, having already been on the back foot in the wars that ravaged earth, they were slow to make the jump into extraplanetary exploration. Things not being helped by whatever market niche they could carve being overtaken by the Balam group. Nevertheless, many a mercenary in the earth sphere take a shine to their AC designs, finding them a nice compromise between the Dafeng and Balam design philosophies. They maintain colonies in orbit of mars, the home planet of one of their top pilots Unite Mons.

Rayleonard

A company that’s always been at the forefront of AC development, they maintain colonies in orbit of earths moon where they act as a nation in and of themselves, leaving their earth activities to their subsidiary Akvavit. Rumors say that they had a massive share in the rubicon research institute and have the biggest off planet stockpile of coral though many investigations from earth sphere officials and the PCA have found no truth to these claims.

Bernard Felix Foundation

BFF is a corporation with close ties to the earth government, lending its top minds to the development of advanced MT’s like the PCA LC/HC lines. BFF was initially an aerospace engineering firm, spearheading humanities colonization of the stars with its research. It now commands a series of colonies in the asteroid belt between mars and Jupiter, and is ruled by an aristocracy stationed out of earth itself. The general culture of which models itself off of the Knights of old, befitting the groups roots in Europe.

PILOTS

Joshua O’Brian

AC: White glint

A mercenary in association with the organization Collared, though not an association he’d like to have, Joshua is an ace among aces, only being rivaled by Anatolia’s mercenary. His interest has turned to rubicon after Balam and Arquebus’ retreat from the planet, seeing the newly formed rubiconian government as a potential client.

Anatolias’s mercenary

AC: Thinker

Callsign: Crow

An old soldier, having fought many battlefields since as long as they can remember. Their past is shrouded in mystery, with a select few knowing who they truly are. They fight to support their home of new Anatolia, a small mining colony in an O’Neil cylinder that, after the resource they mined dried up, could no longer support itself. Comes to rubicon after word of a mercenary known as raven having played a pivotal part in the conflict

Top 5 Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Films on Netflix

Embark on an interstellar journey with the Top 5 Sci-Fi Movies that transport you to otherworldly realms. From mind-bending concepts to futuristic landscapes, these films redefine the boundaries of imagination. Explore the wonders of advanced technology, encounter extraterrestrial beings, and unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. Each cinematic gem in this list captivates with its unique blend of science, fiction, and awe-inspiring visuals, leaving an indelible mark on the sci-fi genre. Get ready for an escape into the unknown with these stellar adventures that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

5. Dune (2021)

A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, “Dune” tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence-a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential-only those who can conquer their fear will survive.

4. Okja (2017)

For 10 idyllic years, young Mija (An Seo Hyun) has been caretaker and constant companion to Okja-a massive animal and an even bigger friend-at her home in the mountains of South Korea. But that changes when a family-owned multinational conglomerate Mirando Corporation takes Okja for themselves and transports her to New York, where image obsessed and self-promoting CEO Lucy Mirando (Tilda Swinton) has big plans for Mija’s dearest friend. With no particular plan but single-minded in intent, Mija sets out on a rescue mission, but her already daunting journey quickly becomes more complicated when she crosses paths with disparate groups of capitalists, demonstrators and consumers, each battling to control the fate of Okja…while all Mija wants to do is bring her friend home. Deftly blending genres, humor, poignancy and drama, Bong Joon Ho (Snowpiercer, The Host) begins with the gentlest of premises-the bond between man and animal-and ultimately creates a distinct and layered vision of the world that addresses the animal inside us all.

Lights, camera, VPNaction! Elevate your movie nights with NordVPN. 🎥🔒secure your connection and Download NordVPN . Click now to unlock global cinematic thrills!

3. Elysium (2013)

Neill Blomkamp’s second film, Elysium, envisions a future where the Earth is dying and the rich and powerful live in luxury on the orbital space station Elysium. Matt Damon stars as Max Da Costa, an ex-criminal-turned-day laborer on Earth who is exposed to a fatal level of radiation. Since the cure for his condition can only be found on Elysium, Max accepts a risky job to attack Armadyne Corp CRO John Carlyle (William Fichtner).

What Max doesn’t know is that the info he stole from Carlyle’s head is proof that Defense Secretary Jessica Delacourt (Jodie Foster) is attempting to pull off a coup and assume control of Elysium. That’s why she sent a psychotic killer, Agent M. Kruger (Sharlto Copley), to retrieve the info at any cost.

2. The One (2001)]

Jet Li’s Gabe Law is the title character of The One … or is it Gabriel Yulaw? As a member of the Multiverse Authority, Gabriel had the bright idea of killing all of his other counterparts in the multiverse in the hope that this would give him god-like powers. Gabriel betrayed two of his colleagues, Evan Funsch (JasonStatham) and Harry Rodecker (Delroy Lindo), in pursuit of his mad plan. Now, Gabriel’s ambitions are close to being realized.

As the last living variant of Gabriel, Gabe is also gifted with extraordinary powers. And when Gabriel arrives in his universe to kill him, Gabe is the only one who can stand up to him.

1. Bird Box (2018)

t’s understandable if you get some Quiet Place vibes from Bird Box. Both are sci-fi horror movies that deal with monsters that directly connect with human senses. In this flick, the creatures can make anyone who sees them become insane with suicidal urges. Hence the constant blindfolds to keep the entities out. Sandra Bullock plays Malorie Hayes, a woman struggling to survive in this horrific new world, while flashbacks explore how she dealt with the end of life as she knew it. Not all of the moments land, but Bird Box has its share of real scares.

Lights, camera, VPNaction! Elevate your movie nights with NordVPN. 🎥🔒secure your connection and Download NordVPN . Click now to unlock global cinematic thrills!

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol signaled a possible shift in his country’s stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine, opening the door to potentially providing direct military support to Kyiv as Seoul looks to take a larger role in global security, ahead of a major summit with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington this week.

Yoon said in an interview with Reuters ahead of the meeting that South Korea would consider sending aid to Ukraine beyond only “humanitarian or financial support” if Russian forces orchestrated more massacres or large-scale attacks on civilians in Ukraine—comments that reflect Seoul’s efforts to take a more proactive role in U.S.-aligned global alliances as it faces down growing threats from neighboring North Korea and China.

The possible shift would be welcomed with open arms in Washington, where Biden administration officials are urging allies to cobble together more military supplies for Ukraine as NATO’s own stockpiles dwindle. But it could also come with a cost, putting South Korea in both Beijing’s and Moscow’s crosshairs as it deepens relations with the United States and Japan, giving the nascent Yoon administration a sensitive diplomatic challenge. In short, Washington and its NATO allies want South Korea’s massive military stockpiles opened to Ukraine. And Russia is signaling that it will do whatever it takes to stop that.

South Korea sits on one of the world’s largest stockpiles of artillery and artillery shells as it stares down the threat from North Korea. It also produces high-end K2 battle tanks and self-propelled K9 howitzer artillery systems that have attracted Eastern European countries looking to bulk up their militaries to keep supplies flowing to Ukraine and deter Russia.

“Obviously, [South Korea] is a very significant producer of military equipment,” said one senior Biden administration official. “I think that we can find ways in which—through backfilling, through supplying others, as well as possibly through providing defensive assistance— … they can play an important role in what is happening.”

This month, Seoul agreed to lend 500,000 rounds of 155 mm artillery shells to the United States, a move that in turn gives Washington more breathing room to send more artillery to Ukraine.

Some experts say Yoon’s comments don’t indicate any sudden major lurch in South Korean policy but set the stage for sending military aid if Russia dramatically escalates the conflict. “I think Yoon is setting a red line that, if crossed, it would be such a game-changer that it would be unconscionable for South Korea to not get more involved. In other words, I don’t think it’s as big of a shift as it appears,” said Frank Aum, an expert at the U.S. Institute of Peace and former official in the U.S. Defense Department.

Yet Yoon even floating the idea of sending direct military aid to Ukraine, with qualifiers and all, sparked sharp diplomatic backlash and veiled threats from Russia that it could supply North Korea with advanced military technology in retaliation, underscoring the geopolitical squeeze his government faces. Russia has already reportedly purchased millions of artillery shells and rockets from North Korea as it faces its own supply crunch.

“I wonder what the inhabitants of [South Korea] will say when they see the latest designs of Russian weapons in the hands of their closest neighbors—our partners from the DPRK [North Korea]?” Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president and close ally to current Russian President Vladimir Putin, said in a post on Telegram.

On the other side, NATO countries on the alliance’s vulnerable eastern flank, including Poland, are openly urging Biden to directly pressure Yoon to start shipping arms to Ukraine. Ukraine is burning through Western military ammunition and stockpiles at an alarmingly high rate, leaving top Western officials doubting whether they can sustain the current level of support for a full second year of war.

Yoon also faces domestic political pressure at home over the question of arming Ukraine. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party, held a press conference to sharply criticize Yoon over suggesting South Korea could open the door to arming Ukraine, arguing that such a move would push Moscow to cooperate more closely militarily with North Korea.

Yoon’s visit to the White House coincides with the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-South Korean alliance and the armistice that paused the Korean War. Yoon will be the first South Korean president to visit the White House in over a decade, and it will be the sixth meeting in total between Yoon and Biden following previous meetings in Seoul, Madrid, London, New York, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The tempo of meetings reflects how important the Biden administration views the U.S. alliance with South Korea, particularly as related to its efforts to counter China on the world stage and the growing threat of North Korea’s nuclear program.

South Korea has sought to strengthen its diplomatic channels with Europe, with Yoon becoming the first-ever South Korean leader to attend a NATO summit, held in Madrid last June. It has also sought to position itself as a major arms exporter around the world, with a particular focus on markets in Europe, in line with Yoon’s strategy to beef up Seoul’s own military effectiveness and boost the country’s economy. South Korean arms exports rose 140 percent in 2022, including a major arms deal with Poland worth nearly $6 billion, and a possible new arms deal with Romania is in the works for this year, including K9 howitzers and ammunition.

A tranche of classified U.S. documents leaked on the web last month showed that Yoon’s government wrestled with the prospect of supplying the United States with artillery shells, lest they end up in Ukraine and trigger diplomatic blowback on Seoul. According to the documents, South Korean officials considered selling 330,000 rounds of 155 mm artillery shells to Poland as a workaround to label Poland the end user of the shells—even if the sales were aimed at supporting Ukraine indirectly.

South Korea’s growing role in Europe’s defense markets, and massive stockpile of ammunition, is central to why Ukraine looms so large on the agenda for Biden and Yoon’s meeting even with other major concerns, such as China and North Korea, on the table. “The U.S. recognizes that South Korea is one of the top defense exporters in the world,” said Aum, the former Pentagon official.

U.S. officials haven’t said whether Biden would explicitly ask Yoon to send weapons directly to Ukraine but stressed that the White House understands the pressure South Korea is under. “I think that we understand their concerns,” the senior administration official said. “I think they also understand how critical the situation in Ukraine is.”

Still, the official added, “there’s probably no country in the world that has a better sense of what it means to have an effective global response when one country is brutally invaded by a neighbor than [South Korea].”

Meeting the clean energy needs of tomorrow

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/meeting-the-clean-energy-needs-of-tomorrow/

Meeting the clean energy needs of tomorrow

Yuri Sebregts, chief technology officer at Shell, succinctly laid out the energy dilemma facing the world over the rest of this century. On one hand, demand for energy is quickly growing as countries in the developing world modernize and the global population grows, with 100 gigajoules of energy per person needed annually to enable quality-of-life benefits and industrialization around the globe. On the other, traditional energy sources are quickly warming the planet, with the world already seeing the devastating effects of increasingly frequent extreme weather events. 

While the goals of energy security and energy sustainability are seemingly at odds with one another, the two must be pursued in tandem, Sebregts said during his address at the MIT Energy Initiative Fall Colloquium.

“An environmentally sustainable energy system that isn’t also a secure energy system is not sustainable,” Sebregts said. “And conversely, a secure energy system that is not environmentally sustainable will do little to ensure long-term energy access and affordability. Therefore, security and sustainability must go hand-in-hand. You can’t trade off one for the other.”

Sebregts noted that there are several potential pathways to help strike this balance, including investments in renewable energy sources, the use of carbon offsets, and the creation of more efficient tools, products, and processes. However, he acknowledged that meeting growing energy demands while minimizing environmental impacts is a global challenge requiring an unprecedented level of cooperation among countries and corporations across the world. 

“At Shell, we recognize that this will require a lot of collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society,” Sebregts said. “That’s not always easy.”

Global conflict and global warming

In 2021, Sebregts noted, world leaders gathered in Glasgow, Scotland and collectively promised to deliver on the “stretch goal” of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which would limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius — a level that scientists believe will help avoid the worst potential impacts of climate change. But, just a few months later, Russia invaded Ukraine, resulting in chaos in global energy markets and illustrating the massive impact that geopolitical friction can have on efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

“Even though global volatility has been a near constant of this century, the situation in Ukraine is proving to be a turning point,” Sebregts said. “The stress it placed on the global supply of energy, food, and other critical materials was enormous.”

In Europe, Sebregts noted, countries affected by the loss of Russia’s natural gas supply began importing from the Middle East and the United States. This, in turn, drove up prices. While this did result in some efforts to limit energy use, such as Europeans lowering their thermostats in the winter, it also caused some energy buyers to turn to coal. For instance, the German government approved additional coal mining to boost its energy security — temporarily reversing a decades-long transition away from the fuel. To put this into wider perspective, in a single quarter, China increased its coal generation capacity by as much as Germany had reduced its own over the previous 20 years.

The promise of electrification

Sebregts noted the strides being made toward electrification, which is expected to have a significant impact on global carbon emissions. To meet net-zero emissions (the point at which humans are adding no more carbon to the atmosphere than they are removing) by 2050, the share of electricity as a portion of total worldwide energy consumption must reach 37 percent by 2030, up from 20 percent in 2020, Sebregts said.

He pointed out that Shell has become one of the world’s largest electric vehicle charging companies, with more than 30,000 public charge points. By 2025, that number will increase to 70,000, and it is expected to soar to 200,000 by 2030. While demand and infrastructure for electric vehicles are growing, Sebregts said that the “real needle-mover” will be industrial electrification, especially in so-called “hard-to-abate” sectors.

This progress will depend heavily on global cooperation — Sebregts pointed out that China dominates the international market for many rare elements that are key components of electrification infrastructure. “It shouldn’t be a surprise that the political instability, shifting geopolitical tensions, and environmental and social governance issues are significant risks for the energy transition,” he said. “It is imperative that we reduce, control, and mitigate these risks as much as possible.”

Two possible paths

For decades, Sebregts said, Shell has created scenarios to help senior managers think through the long-term challenges facing the company. While Sebregts stressed that these scenarios are not predictions, they do take into account real-world conditions, and they are meant to give leaders the opportunity to grapple with plausible situations.

With this in mind, Sebregts outlined Shell’s most recent Energy Security Scenarios, describing the potential future consequences of attempts to balance growing energy demand with sustainability — scenarios that envision vastly different levels of global cooperation, with huge differences in projected results. 

The first scenario, dubbed “Archipelagos,” imagines countries pursuing energy security through self-interest — a fragmented, competitive process that would result in a global temperature increase of 2.2 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. The second scenario, “Sky 2050,” envisions countries around the world collaborating to change the energy system for their mutual benefit. This more optimistic scenario would see a much lower global temperature increase of 1.2 C by 2100.

“The good news is that in both scenarios, the world is heading for net-zero emissions at some point,” Sebregts said. “The difference is a question of when it gets there. In Sky 2050, it is the middle of the century. In Archipelagos, it is early in the next century.”

On the other hand, Sebregts added, the average global temperature will increase by more than 1.5 C for some period of time in either scenario. But, in the Archipelagos scenario, this overshoot will be much larger, and will take much longer to come down. “So, two very different futures,” Sebregts said. “Two very different worlds.”

The work ahead

Questioned about the costs of transitioning to a net-zero energy ecosystem, Sebregts said that it is “very hard” to provide an accurate answer. “If you impose an additional constraint … you’re going to have to add some level of cost,” he said. “But then, of course, there’s 30 years of technology development pathway that might counteract some of that.”

In some cases, such as air travel, Sebregts said, it will likely remain impractical to either rely on electrification or sequester carbon at the source of emission. Direct air capture (DAC) methods, which mechanically pull carbon directly from the atmosphere, will have a role to play in offsetting these emissions, he said. Sebregts predicted that the price of DAC could come down significantly by the middle of this century. “I would venture that a price of $200 to $250 a ton of CO2 by 2050 is something that the world would be willing to spend, at least in developed economies, to offset those very hard-to-abate instances.”

Sebregts noted that Shell is working on demonstrating DAC technologies in Houston, Texas, constructing what will become Europe’s largest hydrogen plant in the Netherlands, and taking other steps to profitably transition to a net-zero emissions energy company by 2050. “We need to understand what can help our customers transition quicker and how we can continue to satisfy their needs,” he said. “We must ensure that energy is affordable, accessible, and sustainable, as soon as possible.”

Syria's Role in World War 3: Shocking!

In the midst of rising tensions between Israel and Hamas, fears of a possible World War 3 have taken hold. Many ponder the possibility of this conflict triggering a wider regional war involving countries like Iran, Syria, Turkey, and others. People are also concerned about the involvement of major powers such as the US, Russia, China, and more. Speculations on how this hypothetical war might start and what it could entail vary, including scenarios of nuclear war, cyber war, biological war, climate war, or a combination of these. The consequences of such a conflict are dire, with potential for loss of millions of lives, destruction of the environment, economic collapse, and the regression of civilization. Yet, even amidst this chaos, there may be unforeseen challenges and opportunities for humanity. With Syria playing a significant role in the dynamics of World War 3, understanding its role becomes crucial in comprehending this global crisis. Syria's Role in World War 3 Syria has become a central player in discussions regarding the potential outbreak of World War 3. The ongoing Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has drawn the attention of international powers and turned the country into a proxy battleground. The implications of this conflict have major geopolitical and humanitarian consequences, with the possibility of escalation and the utilization of chemical weapons. In this article, we will explore the background and context of Syria's involvement in World War 3, the humanitarian crisis it has caused, and the role of international organizations in addressing the situation. The Ultimate Survival Guide for the End of the World Background and Context In order to understand Syria's role in a potential World War 3, we must first examine the historical and geopolitical significance of the country. Situated in the heart of the Middle East, Syria has played a crucial role in the region for centuries. Its strategic position, bordering Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon, has made it a focal point for various powers throughout history. Moreover, the country's rich cultural heritage and diverse population have contributed to its complex political landscape. The Syrian regime, led by President Bashar al-Assad, has been in power since 2000. The country has a long history of authoritarian rule, with the Assad family dominating Syrian politics for over four decades. The regime's alliance with Russia and Iran has further solidified its position and influence in the region. However, the autocratic rule and lack of political freedoms have fueled discontent among the Syrian population, leading to the eruption of the civil war in 2011. Syrian Civil War The Syrian Civil War, which erupted in 2011, has been one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century. It began as a peaceful uprising against the Assad regime but quickly escalated into a full-blown war characterized by widespread violence and massive human suffering. The conflict has been fueled by a multitude of factors, including political repression, economic inequality, and sectarian tensions. The origins and timeline of the Syrian Civil War can be traced back to the Arab Spring, a wave of pro-democracy movements that swept across the Middle East and North Africa in 2010 and 2011. Inspired by the successful uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, Syrian protestors took to the streets demanding political reforms and an end to the Assad regime. However, the regime responded with brutal force, leading to the militarization of the opposition and the escalation of violence. Key players and factions involved in the Syrian Civil War include the Syrian government forces, rebel groups, jihadist organizations such as ISIS and al-Qaeda, Kurdish militias, and international powers. The complex web of alliances and rivalries has fueled the length and intensity of the conflict, making it difficult to reach a resolution. Involvement of International Powers The Syrian Civil War has attracted the involvement of various international powers, turning it into a proxy battleground. Russia, Iran, the United States, Turkey, Israel, and Saudi Arabia are among the major players that have actively supported different factions in the conflict. Russia's role in the Syrian Civil War has been crucial in propping up the Assad regime. It has provided military support, including airstrikes, to the Syrian government forces, aiming to maintain its strategic interests and influence in the region. On the other hand, Iran has been a key ally of the Assad regime, providing financial, military, and logistical support to ensure its survival. The United States and NATO have also been involved in the conflict, albeit supporting different factions. The US has provided support to rebel groups in an attempt to weaken the Assad regime and promote democratic values. However, its involvement has been complex, as it has also been targeting extremist groups such as ISIS. Additionally, Turkey has played a significant role in the conflict, supporting rebel groups and launching military operations against Kurdish militias. Israel, concerned about the regional implications of the Syrian conflict, has also been involved, primarily focusing on countering Iran's influence in the region. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have supported rebel factions, aiming to counter Iranian influence and protect their interests in the region. Syria as a Proxy Battleground The Syrian Civil War has become a proxy battleground, with regional and international powers competing for influence in the Middle East. The conflict has exacerbated existing regional power struggles and rivalries, particularly between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Their competing agendas and support for different factions have further fueled the intensity and complexity of the conflict. Sectarian and ethnic divisions within Syria have played a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the conflict. The country's population is divided along sectarian lines, with Alawites, Sunnis, Christians, and Kurds being the major groups. This has led to a wider Sunni-Shia divide in the Middle East, with various countries aligning themselves along sectarian lines and exacerbating tensions between different sects. The presence of transnational extremist groups, such as ISIS and al-Qaeda, has also contributed to the proxy nature of the conflict. These groups have exploited the power vacuum created by the civil war to establish their own territories and launch attacks both within Syria and internationally. Finally, the competition for influence in the Middle East has been a driving factor behind the involvement of international powers. The region's strategic location, oil resources, and religious significance have made it a focal point for major powers seeking to protect their interests and expand their spheres of influence. Impact on the Middle East The Syrian Civil War has had a profound impact on the Middle East, leading to the destabilization of the region and a wide range of humanitarian challenges. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of millions of people, creating one of the worst refugee crises in history. Countries neighboring Syria, such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan, have borne the brunt of the refugee influx, straining their resources and causing social and economic challenges. The widening Sunni-Shia divide in the region has been another consequence of the Syrian conflict. The rivalry between Iran, a predominantly Shia country, and Saudi Arabia, a Sunni-majority country, has intensified as both sides support different factions in the conflict. This has led to strained relationships among Arab states, with countries taking sides based on their sectarian affiliations. The impact of the Syrian conflict on Israel's security cannot be overlooked. The presence of Iranian-backed militias and the transfer of advanced weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon have increased the threat perception for Israel. This has led to several airstrikes and military operations by Israel targeting Hezbollah positions inside Syria. Possibility of Escalation The Syrian Civil War has the potential to escalate into a larger regional or even global conflict. Foreign military intervention, the threat of direct confrontation between major powers, the involvement of nuclear-armed states, emerging technologies and warfare, and the spillover of the conflict to other countries are all factors that contribute to this possibility. Foreign military intervention, especially by major powers such as the United States and Russia, has the potential to further escalate the conflict. An accidental clash or miscalculation between these powers in the Syrian theater could lead to a much larger conflict. The involvement of nuclear powers, namely Russia and the United States, also raises concerns about the potential for escalation. While both countries have focused their military efforts on other means of warfare, the presence of such weapons is a constant reminder of the destructive power that could be unleashed. Emerging technologies and warfare, including artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber warfare, could play a significant role in any future conflict involving Syria. These technologies have the potential to change the nature of warfare, making it more lethal and unpredictable. The conflict spilling over into other countries is another significant concern. The Syrian Civil War has already had implications for neighboring countries, particularly Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. The presence of extremist groups and the potential for their activities to spread beyond Syria's borders pose a threat to regional stability. Utilization of Chemical Weapons One of the most concerning aspects of the Syrian conflict is the utilization of chemical weapons. The Assad regime has been accused multiple times of using chemical weapons against its own population, including the infamous 2013 Ghouta attack. These attacks have led to the deaths of thousands of civilians and have been condemned by the international community. The use of chemical weapons in Syria has prompted strong responses from the international community, including the United Nations and major world powers. The Assad regime has been subjected to sanctions and condemnation, and efforts have been made to hold those responsible accountable. Non-proliferation efforts and norms regarding the use of chemical weapons have been challenged by the Syrian conflict. The flagrant violations of international agreements and the repeated use of such weapons have raised concerns about the erosion of global security and the need for stronger mechanisms to prevent their use. 10 Secrets to Survive Any Disaster and Thrive in Chaos Humanitarian Crisis in Syria The Syrian Civil War has had a devastating impact on the Syrian population, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions. Cities and infrastructure have been destroyed, and basic needs such as food, water, and healthcare are in short supply. The suffering experienced by the Syrian people is unimaginable. Families have been torn apart, and children have been exposed to unspeakable violence and trauma. Many Syrians have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring countries or embarking on perilous journeys to Europe. Access to basic needs, including food and healthcare, has become increasingly difficult for the Syrian population, particularly those in areas affected by the conflict. Aid organizations have faced numerous challenges in providing assistance, with access restrictions and security issues hindering their efforts. The impact on vulnerable groups, especially children, has been particularly severe. Children have been subjected to violence, recruited into armed groups, and denied access to education and healthcare. The long-term consequences of the conflict on the physical and mental well-being of this generation of Syrians cannot be overstated. Role of International Organizations International organizations have played a critical role in responding to the Syrian crisis and mitigating its humanitarian consequences. The United Nations has led efforts to negotiate ceasefires, facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, and promote political dialogue. However, progress has been slow, and the political stalemate has hindered the resolution of the conflict. Numerous humanitarian aid organizations, both local and international, have been working tirelessly to provide assistance to the Syrian population. These organizations have been involved in providing food, healthcare, clean water, and shelter to those affected by the conflict. However, the scale and complexity of the crisis have posed significant challenges, requiring sustained support and collaboration. Diplomatic initiatives and peace talks have been crucial in attempting to bring an end to the conflict. The United Nations and major world powers have been mediating negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition groups. While progress has been limited, these efforts remain essential in finding a political solution and preventing further escalation. Ensuring accountability and justice for the atrocities committed during the Syrian conflict is also a key priority for international organizations. Efforts to document war crimes, collect evidence, and establish mechanisms for holding those responsible accountable have been ongoing. These initiatives are essential not only for achieving justice but also for preventing similar crimes in the future. In conclusion, Syria's role in World War 3 cannot be understated. The ongoing civil war has drawn the attention of international powers and turned the country into a proxy battleground. The impact of the conflict on the Middle East has been significant, leading to the destabilization of the region, a refugee crisis, and strained relationships among Arab states. The possibility of escalation, the utilization of chemical weapons, and the immense humanitarian crisis pose major challenges for the international community. As the conflict continues, it is essential for international organizations and world powers to prioritize diplomatic efforts, provide humanitarian assistance, and work towards a peaceful resolution. Only through collective action can we hope to prevent the outbreak of a wider conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people. How to Build a Bunker in Your Backyard and Protect Your Family Read the full article

Exploring the Current Price of Gold: Factors, Trends, and Forecasts

Gold has always captivated human imagination, symbolizing wealth, power, and luxury. For centuries, its value has remained remarkably stable, making it a trusted store of wealth. However, the price of gold is not immune to market dynamics. In recent years, several factors have influenced its value, causing fluctuations that impact global economies and investment strategies. In this blog, we will explore the factors driving the price of gold, the historical trends, and the current state of the gold market.

Historical Perspective: Gold has a rich history, dating back thousands of years. Since ancient times, it has been used for currency, jewelry, and ornamental purposes. The concept of gold as a valuable commodity emerged due to its rarity and scarcity. In modern times, the gold standard linked currencies to gold, establishing a fixed value for money. However, the abandonment of the gold standard in the 20th century allowed the price of gold to be determined by market forces.

Request for Real-Time Gold Prices: https://procurementresource.com/resource-center/gold-price-trends/pricerequest

Factors Influencing Gold Prices:

Economic Uncertainty: Gold is often viewed as a safe-haven asset during times of economic turmoil. When investors lose confidence in traditional investments like stocks and bonds, they tend to turn to gold as a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations. Consequently, during periods of economic uncertainty, the demand for gold increases, pushing its price higher.

Geopolitical Factors: Political instability, trade wars, and conflicts can significantly impact gold prices. Geopolitical tensions often create an atmosphere of uncertainty, prompting investors to seek refuge in gold as a stable asset. Any news that suggests potential disruptions to global stability tends to drive up the demand and price of gold.

Central Bank Policies: Central banks play a crucial role in influencing the price of gold. When central banks increase interest rates, it becomes more expensive to borrow money, reducing the demand for gold. Conversely, when interest rates are low, the opportunity cost of holding gold diminishes, making it a more attractive investment and driving up its price.

Current State of the Gold Market: In recent years, the price of gold has experienced notable fluctuations. Following the global financial crisis in 2008, gold prices surged to record highs as investors sought safety. Subsequently, as economies recovered and stock markets rallied, the demand for gold declined, causing its price to stabilize.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has once again shifted the dynamics of the gold market. The uncertainty surrounding the global economy, along with massive stimulus measures implemented by central banks, has reignited interest in gold as a safe-haven asset. As a result, the price of gold reached new highs in 2020, surpassing $2,000 per ounce.

Conclusion: The price of gold is subject to numerous factors, ranging from economic conditions and geopolitical tensions to central bank policies. While gold has historically served as a reliable store of value, its price can experience significant fluctuations. As investors navigate a constantly evolving global landscape, understanding the dynamics that drive gold prices is essential for informed decision-making. Whether one sees gold as a means of diversifying an investment portfolio or a hedge against economic uncertainties, the ever-changing price of gold reminds us of the intricate interplay between financial markets, global events, and human perception of wealth.

Sunday, May 21, 2023

World watches in disbelief and horror as U.S. nears possible default (Washington Post) Gathered last weekend at the Toki Messe convention center and Hotel Okura in Niigata, Japan, the world’s top economic officials were scheduled to discuss some of the biggest emergencies facing the global economy, such as the war in Ukraine and climate change. But the finance ministers for the Group of 7 nations had another question for Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen: What is going on with the U.S. debt ceiling? All of Yellen’s counterparts were aware of the potential global ramifications if the United States were to default on its debt—so aware, in fact, that many asked her privately for updates on the status of negotiations between the White House and House Republicans. Yellen told U.S. allies that she agreed that a default would be devastating and that resolving the debt ceiling was a top priority for the administration. Around the world, experts are watching in disbelief as the U.S. flirts with its first default, fearful of the potential international economic ramifications—and astonished by the global superpower’s brush with self-sabotage. Rich and poor nations alike fear a possible U.S. default, which would torpedo the financial markets and deal a massive blow to the dollar. Analysts say the impasse jeopardizes America’s standing abroad. And foreign economists and policymakers are bewildered over why the United States has imposed a specific limit on its debt and then turned it into a political football.

Foreign Spy Database Misused (1440) Heavily redacted court documents unsealed Friday revealed the FBI improperly used a digital surveillance tool more than 278,000 times to search for information on individuals, including in connection to racial justice protests in 2020 and the Jan. 6,  2021, storming of the US Capitol. At issue is Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows spy agencies to collect information from a trove of electronic communications on foreign nationals outside of the US. Section 702, first added in 2008 and renewed for six years in 2018, expires at the end of the year unless Congress renews it again. The Biden administration has pushed for its renewal, while critics have urged for change due to how data belonging to Americans have inadvertently been a part of some searches.

New York City is sinking, study says (USA Today) The pressure from New York City’s massive buildings and skyscrapers is making the city more vulnerable to sink lower into the ocean, according to new research. Three University of Rhode Island oceanologists and a researcher from the U.S. Geological Survey found that New York City, home to more than 8 million people, is sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 millimeters a year while sea level rises. With more than 1 million buildings amassing nearly 1.7 trillion pounds, some areas in the metropolis were found to be subsiding much faster when scientists modeled the subsidence caused by the pressure that these structures exert on the Earth. Parts of lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island all showed signs of subsidence, the study said. On the U.S. coastline, sea levels are projected to rise 10-12 inches, on average, by 2050, according to a 2022 report released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

In a Sharp Reversal, Biden Opens a Path for Ukraine to Get Fighter Jets (NYT) President Biden told U.S. allies on Friday that he would allow Ukrainian pilots to be trained on American-made F-16 fighter jets, moving toward letting other countries give the planes to Ukraine—a major upgrade of the Ukrainian military and a sharp reversal. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine 15 months ago, officials in Kyiv have pleaded for advanced warplanes to overcome Russian air superiority. But Mr. Biden had resisted, concerned that the jets could be used to hit targets deep inside Russia, and prompt the Kremlin to escalate the conflict. Pentagon officials have said that other weapons, especially air defenses, were needed more urgently, and the high cost of the F-16s could squeeze out other matériel. But several European countries that belong to the NATO alliance and have F-16s in their arsenals have called for an international effort to provide the training and transfer of their jets to Ukraine. Doing so would require American permission. Mr. Biden told other leaders of the Group of 7 nations, the world’s wealthiest democracies, of his decision on pilot training, opening a path to supplying Ukraine with fighter jets, at their summit meeting in Hiroshima, Japan.

UK report finds Britons’ lack of faith knowledge deeply disturbing (Religion News Service) To outsiders watching the leader of Britain’s established church crown its new monarch, King Charles III, in a deeply religious ceremony, it might seem faith still looms large in the country. But a newly published report, commissioned four years ago by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, cites a profound need for improving Britons’ knowledge of religion in general and for protecting faith in an increasingly secularized landscape. The title of the independent review, “Does government do God?,” harks back to a notorious episode at the start of the premiership of the Labour Party’s Tony Blair. His top spin doctor at the time advised that converting to his wife’s Catholicism would cause a media circus, saying the British government “doesn’t do God.” (Blair converted soon after leaving office in 2007.) The report recommended faith literacy training for all public sector staff; holding regular roundtables with national faith leaders; adopting working definitions of “religion,” “belief” and “faith”; and reinforcing distinctions between extremist Islamism and Islam, and between Islamist extremists and ordinary Muslims.

Ukrainian president meets with world leaders at G7 as Russia claims a key victory in the war (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy huddled with some of his biggest backers in Hiroshima on Sunday, building momentum for his country’s war effort even as Russia claimed a symbolic victory on the battlefield. Hanging over Sunday’s talks was the claim by Russia’s Defense Ministry that forces of the Wagner private army, backed by Russian troops, had seized the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. The eight-month battle for the eastern city—seen by both sides as a major symbolic prize—has been the longest and likely the bloodiest of the war.

G7 stance on China complicated by huge stakes in economic ties, cooperation on global issues (AP) Leaders of the Group of Seven advanced economies are generally united in voicing concern about China. The question is how to translate that worry into action. Over the past two years, President Joe Biden’s administration has sought to reframe the relationship with Beijing and build support among like-minded nations for a strong response to what officials in Washington and some other Western democracies say is “economic coercion.” But the G7 also needs to cooperate with China on broader global issues such as climate change, North Korea, the war in Ukraine and the debt problems of a growing number of developing economies. And all the G-7 countries have a big stake in strong ties with the world’s second-largest economy. The U.S. imported nearly $537 billion worth of goods last year from China and ran a $383 billion goods deficit, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That creates a codependence—with Chinese companies reliant on U.S. customers and America in need of products from China. U.S. businesses have a cumulative investment in China of nearly $120 billion. European nations—especially Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and France—have put more than $140 billion into China businesses over the past 20 years, according to EU figures.

Lebanon deporting refugees to Syria to face an uncertain fate (Washington Post) Abu Hussein’s stomach churned with worry when the Lebanese army knocked on his door at 5 a.m. last month. He chose to believe the soldiers when they said they were picking him up to fix his paperwork. He chose to believe them when they said they were there on behalf of the United Nations. But when he saw the familiar road to Syria, his country of origin, he felt the fear in his stomach rise to the back of his throat. “I asked an officer, ‘Excuse me, but where are we going? Where are you taking us?’ He told me, ‘We got the order to deport you. We’re handing you over to the Syrian army.’” Once across the border, some of the men have disappeared into Syrian custody—detained by authorities for past political activity or evasion of army conscription, according to human rights groups, who are calling for a halt to what they say are unlawful deportations. Amnesty International has so far documented at least four men who were detained upon deportation. The timing of the returns coincides with a move by Arab states to normalize relations with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Fleeing Sudan, U.S. Diplomats Shredded Passports and Stranded Locals (NYT) In the frantic days before American diplomats evacuated their Khartoum embassy under darkness by helicopter last month, one crucial task remained. Armed with shredders, sledgehammers and gasoline, American officials, following government protocols, destroyed classified documents and sensitive equipment, officials and eyewitnesses said. By the time Chinook helicopters carrying commandos landed beside the embassy just after midnight on April 23, sacks of shredded paper lined the embassy’s four floors. But the piles also contained paperwork precious to Sudanese citizens—their passports. Many had left them at the embassy days earlier, to apply for American visas. Some belonged to local staff members. As the embassy evacuated, officials who feared the passports, along with other important papers, might fall into the wrong hands reduced them to confetti. A month later, many of those Sudanese are stranded in the war zone, unable to get out. It wasn’t only the Americans: Many other countries also stranded Sudanese visa applicants when their diplomats evacuated, a source of furious recriminations from Sudanese on social media. But most of those countries did not destroy the passports, instead leaving them locked inside shuttered embassies—inaccessible, but not gone forever.

Ambassador of sanity (NYT) Yulia the endangered seal did not seem fazed by the rockets from Gaza, let alone the missiles heading in the opposite direction. About six feet long and two decades old, Yulia heaved herself last Friday onto a sandy beach in Jaffa, an ancient city immediately south of Tel Aviv. It was the fourth of five days of fighting between the Israeli military and Palestinian militants in Gaza. She promptly fell fast asleep. Yulia was the definition of an incongruous sight. Two days earlier, air-raid sirens on the same shoreline had sent swimmers and sunbathers rushing to municipal bomb shelters. Now, an endangered Mediterranean monk seal—one of an estimated 700 in the world—had landed on an Israeli shore for the first known time since 2010. Yulia stayed on the beach for days, sleeping obliviously through the announcement of a cease-fire. She did not react when crowds began to gather over the weekend to watch her as she snoozed. She appeared unbothered when a local boy christened her Yulia, and the name began to make headlines across the Israeli news media. She focused instead on molting, her fur gradually changing hue from brown to gray. Occasionally, she rolled around on the sand. But mainly, she slumbered. As her fame spread, Israel’s nature authority cordoned off the beach to prevent onlookers from disturbing her. Kan, the national broadcaster, trained a camera on her sleeping spot, providing a livestream online. She inspired memes on social media, with users joking that she might defeat the embattled prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in an election.

Child Mental Health Services

The cuts in funding for community child mental health services have a knock-on effect for crisis presentation. This can lead to massive unmet needs for treatment and increased stress for the child, leading to more emergency room presentations of children with psychosocial problems. The child and family mental health services offered by these facilities are not only designed to provide mental health services, but also to support families in their efforts to provide the best possible care for their children. To learn more about the Adolescent Care services, read on.

Caregivers play a critical role in the delivery of child mental health services. Research has identified multiple barriers to treatment. Staudt identified family stressors and logistical obstacles, as well as external and internal barriers such as scheduling conflicts, cost, and the therapeutic alliance between caregiver and provider. She also identified critical events, such as moving too far from the clinic or a change in job, as factors that result in lower attendance. And McKay and Bannon argued that there were additional perceptual barriers preventing children from obtaining treatment.

The focus of pediatric mental health services is changing as global trends shift towards primary care. Value purchasing incentives, digital technology, and restructuring of healthcare systems are transforming the way care is provided and accessed. In addition, many minority children are not getting quality care compared to children from lower socioeconomic or white families. These children face challenges due to adverse experiences and limited access to quality services. They face higher barriers to accessing mental health services than their peers.

Whether providing prevention services or treatment, child mental health services require a wide range of competencies. More than half of all mental disorders start developing before the child turns 14 and nearly three-quarters of all mental disorders by the time they reach age 25. Children are increasingly exposed to social, biological, and environmental factors that affect their development and health. Early efforts that promote healthy emotional development in children can pay dividends in the long run. Children who experience healthy mental and social development are more likely to succeed in school and in the labor market and to be more engaged members of their communities.

Research in neuroscience and behavioral sciences has shown that social and environmental factors can alter gene expression. Research indicates that genetic predispositions and experience interact. These factors make it difficult for families to fully engage in the child mental health services system. Children can't be expected to take advantage of mental health services if they do not have access to affordable child care. So, the Adolescent Care Services are crucial to ensuring that children reach their full potential.

In addition to the child mental health services, parents can consult the resources and services available in their area. Child mental disorders are common and can be managed and treated. The parents and doctors should work together to provide care and support for their children. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial for children's well-being. It's important to get a proper diagnosis and consult with child mental health services as early as possible. With these resources, you can find a healthcare provider and learn more about the options available. Check out this post for more details related to this article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychiatry.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: Are Muslims Guilty of Imperialism?

This charge continues to be leveled against the Muslim world. I would like to counter it by asking the following questions:

Given the existing circumstances of 1,400 years ago, how would any one living in Makka or Madina go about exploiting his own clan and tribe? If the supposedly exploited lands and people were those of the Hijaz, which were poor, unfruitful, and barren, who would have wished to invade or exploit them? It is ludicrous to level the charge of imperialist colonialism against the most noble-minded Muslims, who risked their lives to spread the message of Islam; who spent the greater part of their lives far from their children, families, homes, and native lands fighting armies ten or twenty times their size; and who felt deeply grieved when they did not die on the battlefield and join the earlier martyrs for Islam. We ask ourselves what worldly gain they obtained in return for such struggle, deprivation, and sacrifice!

Those who invaded, occupied, and exploited others with the worst intentions (and results) of imperialism are power-hungry individuals or nations. To mention a few: Alexander the "Great" and Napoleon, the Roman empire and Nazi Germany, the Mongol armies unleashed by Genghis Khan and the colonizing armies unleashed by western Europe, Russian dictatorship (whether czarist or communist) and the American empire (whether "manifest destiny" or "making the world safe for democracy"). Wherever such conquests came and went, they corrupted the morality of the conquerors and the conquered, causing chaos, conflict, tears, bloodshed, and devastation. Today their heirs, like bold thieves who bluff property owners to conceal their theft of that very property, turn to besmirching Islam, its Prophet, and his Companions.

True Muslims have never sought to exploit others. Nor have they let others do so where Muslim government had jurisdiction. At a time when Muslim armies were running from triumph to triumph, Caliph 'Umar said: "What befits me is to live at the level of the poorest Muslims," and he really did so. As he took only a few olives a day for his own sustenance, who was he exploiting?

After one battle, when a Muslim was asked to take the belongings of an enemy soldier whom he had fought and killed, he said: "I did not participate in the battle to take spoils." Pointing to his throat, he continued: "What I seek is an arrow here and to fall as a martyr." (His wish was granted.) While burning with the desire for martyrdom, who was he exploiting?

In another battle, a Muslim soldier fought and killed a leading enemy who had killed many Muslims. The Muslim commander saw him pass by his dead enemy. The commander went to the head of the dead soldier and asked who had killed him. The Muslim did not want to reply, but the commander called him back in the name of God. The Muslim felt himself obliged to do so, but concealed his face with a piece of cloth. The following conversation took place:

-Did you kill him for the sake of God?

-Yes.

-All right. But take this 1,000 dinar piece.

-But I did it for the sake of God!

-What is your name?

-What is my name to you? Perhaps you will tell this to everyone and cause me to lose the reward for this in the afterlife.

How could such people exploit others and establish colonies all over the world? To speak frankly, those who hate Islam and Muslims are blind to the historical truth of how Islam spread.

Let's look at what exploitation and imperialism are. Imperialism or colonization is a system of rule by which a rich and a powerful country controls other countries, their trade and policies, to enrich itself and gain more power at the other's expense. There are many kinds of exploitation. In today's world, they may take the following forms:

• Absolute sovereignty by dispossessing indigenous people in order to establish the invader's direct rule and sovereignty. Examples are western Europe's conquest of North and South America, as well as Australia and New Zealand, as well as the Zionists' conquest of Palestine.

• Military occupation so that the invaders can control the conquered nation's land and resources. One example is British colonial rule in India.

• Open or secret interference and intervention in a country's internal and foreign affairs, economy, and defense. Examples are those Third World countries who are manipulated and controlled by various developed countries.

• The transfer of intellectuals, which is currently the most common and dangerous type of imperialism. Young, intelligent, and gifted people of the countries to be exploited are chosen, given stipends, and educated abroad. There they are introduced to and made members of different groups. When they return to their country, they are given influential administrative and other posts so that they can influence their country's destiny. When native or foreign people linked to exploiters abroad are placed in crucial positions in the state mechanism, the country is conquered from inside. This immensely successful technique has enabled Western imperialists to achieve many of their goals smoothly and without overtly rousing the enmity of the people they wish to subjugate. Today, the Muslim world is caught in this trap and thus continues to suffer exploitation and abuse.

Whatever kind of imperialism they are subjected to, countries suffer a number of consequences:

• Various methods of assimilation alienate people from their own values, culture, and history. As a result, they suffer crises of identity and purpose, do not know their own past, and cannot freely imagine their own future.

• Any enthusiasm, effort, and zeal to support and develop their country is quenched. Industry is rendered dependent upon the (former) imperial masters, science and knowledge are not allowed to become productive and primary, and imitation is established firmly so that freedom of study and new research will gain no foothold.

• People remain in limbo, totally dependent upon foreigners. They are silenced and deluded by such empty phrases as progress, Westernization, civilization, and the like.

• All state institutions are penetrated by foreign aid, which is in reality no more than massive financial and cultural debt. Imports, exports, and development are wholly controlled by or conducted according to the exploiter's interests.

• While no effort is spared to keep the masses in poverty, the ruling classes become used to extravagant spending and luxury. The resulting communal dissatisfaction causes people to fight with each other, making them even more vulnerable to outside influence and intervention.

• Mental and spiritual activity is stifled, and so educational institutions tend to imitate foreign ways, ideas, and subjects. Industry is reduced to assembling prefabricated parts. The army tends to become a dumping ground for imperialist countries, for its purchases of expensive hardware ensure the continued well-being of the latter's industries.

We wonder if it is really rational to liken the Islamic conquest to imperialism, which brought disastrous consequences wherever it went.

The victory of Muslim armies never caused a great exodus of people from their homes and countries, nor has it prevented people from working by putting chains on their hands and feet. Muslims left the indigenous people free to follow their own way and beliefs, and protected them in exactly the same way it protected Muslims. Muslim governors and rulers were loved and respected for their justice and integrity. Equality, peace, and security were established between different communities.

If it had been otherwise, would the Christians of Damascus have gathered in their church and prayed for a Muslim victory against Christian Byzantium, which was seeking to regain control of the city? If Muslims had not been so respectful of non-Muslims' rights, could they have maintained security for centuries in a state so vast that it took more than 6 months to travel from one end to another?

One cannot help but admire those Muslim rulers and the dynamic energy that made them so, when we compare them to present-day rulers. Despite every modern means of transportation, telecommunications, and military back-up, they cannot maintain peace and security in even a small area of land.

Today, many scholars and intellectuals who realize the value of Islam's dynamics, which brought about Islam's global sovereignty and which will form the basis of our eternal existence in the Hereafter, expressly tell us that Muslims should reconsider and regain them. While conquering lands, the Muslims also were conquering their inhabitants' hearts. They were received with love, respect, and obedience. No people who accepted Islam ever complained that they were culturally prevented or ruined by the arrival of Muslims. The contrast with the reality of Christian Europe's conquests is stark and obvious.

Early Muslims evaluated the potential of knowledge and art in the conquered lands. They prepared and provided every opportunity for local scholars and scientists to pursue their work. Regardless of their religion, Muslims held the people in high regard and honored them in the community. They never did what the descendants of the British colonialists in America did to the American Indians or in Australia to the Aborigines, the French to the Algerians, or the Dutch to the Indonesians. On the contrary, they treated the conquered people as if they were from their own people and religion, as if they were brothers and sisters.

Caliph 'Umar once told a Coptic Egyptian who had been beaten by a Makkan noble to beat him just as he had been beaten. When 'Umar heard that 'Amr ibn al-'As had hurt the feelings of a native Egyptian, he rebuked him: "Human beings were born free. Why do you enslave them?" As he went to receive the keys to Masjid al-Aqsa, 'Umar visited and talked to priests in different churches in Palestine. Once he was in a church when it was time to pray. The priest repeatedly asked him to pray inside the church, but 'Umar refused, saying: "You may be harassed by other Christians later on because you let me pray in the church." He left the church's premises and prayed outside on the ground.

These are but a few examples to indicate how Muslims were sensitive, tolerant, just, and humane toward other people. Such an attitude of genuine tolerance has not been reached by any other people or society.

It seems like many, perhaps most, people historically believed in some immanent apocalypse.

Many philosophies claim that the world is passing into a degenerate age of chaos (Ages of Man, Kali Yuga, life-cycle of civilisation), or divine conflict will shortly spill over & destroy the Earth (Ragnorok, Revelations, Zoroastrian Frashokereti), or that the natural forces sustaining us must be transient.

Yet few panic or do anything. What anyone does "do about it" is often symbolic & self-admittedly unlikely to do much.

Maybe humans evolved not to care, to avoid being manipulated?

Many cults make similar claims, and do uproot their lives around them. Even very rarely committing mass suicide or terror attacks etc on occasion. But cults exist that don't make such claims, so it may not be the mechanism they use to control, or at most a minor one. "This is about the fate of the whole world, nothing can be more important than that, so shut up" may work as as a thought terminating cliche, but it doesn't seem to work that strongly, and there are many at least equally effective ones.

Some large scale orgs do exist that seem to take their eschatology "seriously". The Aztecs committed atrocities trying to hold off apocalypse, ISIS trying to cause it. Arguably some Communist or even fascist groups count, depending on your definition of apocalypse.

But even then, one can argue their actions are not radically different from non-apocalypse-motivated ones - e.g. the Aztecs mass-executed less per capita than the UK did at times & some historians view them as more about displaying authority.

I'm thinking about this because of two secular eschatologies - climate apocalypse and the Singularity.

My view on climate change, which as far as I can tell is the scientific consensus, is that it is real and bad but by no means apocalyptic. We're talking incremental increases in storms, droughts, floods etc, all of which are terrible, but none of which remotely threaten human civilisation. E.g. according to the first Google result, the sea is set to rise by 1 decimeter by 2100 in a "high emissions scenario", not to rise by tens or hundreds of meters and consume all coastal nations as I was taught as a child. Some more drastic projections suggest that the sea might rise by as much as two or three meters in the worst case scenario.

It really creeps me out when I hear people who confess to believe that human civilisation, the human species, or even all life on Earth is most likely going to be destroyed soon by climate change. The most recent example, which prompted this post, was the Call of Cthulhu podcast I was listening to casually suggesting that it might be a good idea to summon an Elder God of ice and snow to combat climate change as the "lesser existential risk", perhaps by sacrificing "climate skeptics" to it. It's incredibly jarring for me to realise that the guys I've been listening to casually chatting about RPGs think they live in a world that will shortly be ended by the greed of it's rulers. But this idea is everywhere. Discussions of existential risks from e.g. pandemics inevitably attract people arguing that the real existential risk is climate change. A major anti-global-warming protest movement, Extinction Rebellion, is literally named after the idea that they're fighting against their own extinction. Viral Tumblr posts talk about how the fear of knowing that the world is probably going to be destroyed soon by climate change and fascism is crippling their mental health, and they have no idea how to deal with it because it's all so real.

But it's not. It's not real.

Well, I can't claim that political science is accurate enough for me to definitively say that fascism isn't going to take over, but I can say that climate science is fairly accurate and it predicts that the world is definitely not about to end in fire or in flood.

(There are valid arguments that climate change or other environmental issues might precipitate wars, which could turn apocalyptic due to nuclear weapons; or that we might potentially encounter a black swan event due to our poor understanding of the ecosystem and climate-feedback systems. But these are very different, as they're self-admittedly "just" small risks to the world.)

And I get the impression that a lot of people with more realistic views about climate change deliberately pander to this, deliberately encouraging people to believe that they're going to die because it puts them on the "right side of the issue". The MCU's Loki, for instance, recently casually brought up a "climate apocalypse" in 2050, which many viewers took as meaning the world ending. Technically, the show uses a broad definition of "apocalypse" - Pompeii is given as another example - and it kind of seems like maybe all they meant was natural disasters encouraged by climate change, totally defensible. But I still felt kinda mad about it, that they're deliberately pandering to an idea which they hopefully know is false and which is causing incredible anxiety in people. I remember when Greta Thurnberg was a big deal, I read through her speeches to Extinction Rebellion, and if you parsed them closely it seemed like she actually did have a somewhat realistic understanding of what climate change is. But she would never come out and say it, it was all vague implications of doom, which she was happily giving to a rally called "Extinction Rebellion" filled with speakers who were explicitly stating, not just coyly implying, that this was a fight for humanity's survival against all the great powers of the world.

But maybe there's nothing wrong with that. I despise lying, but as I've been rambling about, this is a very common lie that most people somehow seem unaffected by. Maybe the viral tumblr posts are wrong about the source of their anxiety; maybe it's internal/neurochemical and they world just have picked some other topic to project their anxieties on if this particular apocalypse wasn't available. Maybe this isn't a particularly harmful lie, and it's hypocritical of me to be shocked by those who believe it.

Incidentally, I believe the world is probably going to end within the next fifty years.

Intellectually, I find the arguments that superhuman AI will destroy the world pretty undeniable. Sure, forecasting the path of future technology is inherently unreliable. But the existence of human brains, some of which are quite smart, proves pretty conclusively it's possible to get lumps of matter to think - and human brains are designed to run on the tiny amounts of energy they can get by scavenging plants and the occasional scraps of meat in the wilderness as fuel, with chemical signals that propagate at around the speed of sound (much slower than electronic ones), with only the data they can get from input devices they carry around with them, and which break down irrevocably after a few decades. And while we cannot necessarily extrapolate from the history of progress in both computer hardware and AI, that progress is incredibly impressive, and there's no particular reason to believe it will fortuitously stop right before we manufacture enough rope to hang ourselves.

Right now, at time of writing, we have neural nets that can write basic code, appear to scale linearly in effectiveness with the available hardware with no signs that we're reaching their limit, and have not yet been applied at the current limits of available hardware let alone what will be available in a few years. They absorb information like a sponge at a vastly superhuman speed and scale, allowing them to be trained in days or hours rather than the years or decades humans require. They are already human-level or massively superhuman at many tasks, and are capable of many things I would have confidently told you a few years ago were probably impossible without human-level intelligence, like the crazy shit AI dungeon is capable of. People are actively working on scaling them up so that they can work on and improve the sort of code they are made from. And we have no ability to tell what they're thinking or control them without a ton of trial and error.

If you follow this blog, you're probably familiar with all the above arguments for why we're probably very close to getting clobbered by superhuman AI, and many more, as well as all the standard counter-arguments and the counter-arguments to those counter arguments.

(Note: I do take some comfort in God, but even if my faith were so rock solid that I would cheerfully bet the world on it - which it's not - there's no real reason why our purpose in God's plan couldn't be to destroy ourselves or be destroyed as an object lesson to some other, more important civilization. There's ample precedent.)

Here's the thing: I'm not doing anything about it, unless you count occasionally, casually talking about it with people online. I'm not even donating to help any of the terrifyingly-few people who are trying to do something about it. Part of why I'm not contributing is, frankly, I don't have a clue what to do, nor do I have much confidence in any of the stuff people are currently doing (although I bloody well hope some of it works.)

And yet I don't actually feel that scared.

I feel more of a visceral chill reading about the nuclear close calls that almost destroyed the world in the recent past than thinking about the stuff that has a serious chance of doing so in a few decades. I'm a neurotic mess, and yet what is objectively the most terrifying thing on my radar does not actually seem to contribute to my neurosis.

The weird politics of the Blip

The more the MCU fleshes out the events after Avengers: Endgame, but especially in Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the less sense the geopolitics of the MCU makes to me. In this essay I will be sharing my perspectives on politics in the MCU. If you’re not interested in that sort of thing, don’t feel obligated to engage. Also, by the very nature of this essay it will involve spoilers for the MCU and discussions of topics like state violence and terrorism, so consider this a trigger warning.

It’s an understatement to say that the world would change radically if half the population would randomly disintegrate, and I understand that speculating on the consequences of those people coming back after five years is no simple task. There might even be story considerations I am unaware of.

But the idea that the world’s governments would immediately start forcibly removing people from the homes they lived in for five years, to accommodate people who were declared dead five years ago sounds really strange to me. Let’s explore this.

If you were the survivor of a disaster that cut the world’s population in half, what would this look like to you? You’ve presumably went through a lot of hardship and trauma in the years following. You’ve sold some of the things belonging to your deceased loved ones, or bought stuff from other people in a similar situation. You may have relocated, started a new family. Grieved.

And suddenly those people you literally saw turn to dust in front of you just appear again, like nothing happened? Literally in the same befuddled state in which they died. 

And I have to stress: they died. there is no way to suggest that a person can be atomized and still be alive.

So why would you even trust that this was the same person? In a very real sense, it’s an identical copy of your deceased loved one. Similar to teleportation, this should cause us to wonder if they were truly resurrected, or merely cloned. What kinds of rights do they have, being legally deceased? Would we even know if these were impostors, if the situation changed them somehow?

I’m not saying there’s no answer to these questions, just that people should disagree on this. People would have high-minded philosophical, scientific and religious debates. Conspiracy theories and fistfights. This is by far the most world-changing event ever recorded. It should have massive ethical, political and spiritual implications.

And what I think we should think about is that these people who returned have nothing. They have no memory or lived experience to prepare them for this different world, all of their material possessions belong to someone else now, and by definition, all political, economic and military power is held by those who stayed, who now have a material conflict of interest, because if they acknowledge that you are the same person and deserving of the things you had 5 years ago, they have to give it back. Even without the administrative nightmare this would represent, the returned have nothing. Even their work experience is practically meaningless, especially in high-paying jobs. 

What would happen if Steve Jobs somehow magically returned, having no idea what Apple had been doing in the last couple of years, and demanded to be put back in charge of Apple? It’s not exactly an easy ‘yes’, is it? The world’s power balance would be forever shifted. 

I’m not saying everybody would be unsympathetic to the plight of the people who unblipped. But I am saying there would be a massive movement or series of movements opposed to giving them back their stuff. And I’m saying that movement would not only be popular but also backed by every powerful business interest and government.

Because realistically, the unblipped would be the refugees. They are the ones who would have lost everything, fighting an uphill legal battle to even be recognized as alive and as the same person they were 5 years ago. They would be the ones in camps, waiting for supplies.

Ironically, they would be the ones most hurt by the status quo returning to normal, as there is no way to keep massive famines and shortages from happening in this situation without international coordination. 

So why did the MCU decide on the opposite idea? There are two arguments I can think of: one narrative, and one political. On a narrative level, speculating on a changed world is complicated and risky. If Marvel wants to make stories relevant to us in our world, they have to more or less get back to a status quo we would recognize before it would complicate their properties going forward.

The second reason, I think, is that to truly explore a world like this is radical and potentially a liability for Disney, both in terms of their audience and their relationship with the US military.

Of course any real discussion on policy in this situation requires the heroes to at least pay lip service to a political opinion, which could cost them a lot of fans. We are talking about the legitimacy of borders, of private ownership. Any examination of the edge cases will cause people to have Strong Opinions of their own. In a crisis like this, can people squat in empty houses? Do these people have human rights and refugee status, and how should those be protected in the real world? Can any state justly displace people and if not, are these people allowed to disobey the government or even fight them?

Since the US military subsidizes Marvel’s use of military hardware, it has script approval. So that can also explain why they can’t make the US government the bad guy or present a truly different world where the US military is rightfully no longer in control. 

Who can legitimately deprive people of things they need to survive in a crisis like this? What’s more important: the right to own a house and keep it empty if we so choose, or the right to live in a house? 

If we get too deeply into it, Karly’s position (in theory) seems very compelling, like Erik Killmonger’s before her. And so, they have to make her (like him) a hypocrite who goes too far, so it doesn’t seem like the MCU is advocating violence against the state. 

Karly’s ideology is muddled by the writers because the violence she performs has no chance of actually achieving her goals of global solidarity. It feels tacked on to make her less sympathetic. Realistically, someone like Karli would be holding political rallies, sit-ins. Writing op-eds, staging marches and organizing her community into self-sufficiency. Possibly getting into fights with the cops during evictions or protests. If you read Falcon and the Winter Soldier as a kind of allegory for American politics, then Walker represents Trump, Sam represents Obama, and Karly represents... whatever conservatives think socialism/BLM is?

So it feels like FatWS is trying to thread the needle: Nationalism is bad, but so is statelessness. A state should have integrity, and benevolence. And it can have those things, if represented by the right people. Then, the violence is just and measured. It’s barely even violence at all.

I’m kidding of course, the kinds of solutions the MCU offers are basically ‘Co-Intelpro, PMC’s and neighbourhood watches... but run by morally perfect people’. It’s the way a propagandist would represent clandestine domestic espoinage or police brutality: Sam and Bucky would never kill anybody defenseless, and they would never interfere with legitimate polical movements. Because the writers create a perfect world where it’s always clear what everybody’s intention is before the fighting starts, and non-lethal violence is a reliable default option, no more morally problematic than some rough-housing by rambunctious kids.

I know I can trust Sam and Bucky because the writers would never give them realistic implicit biases in a way that would endanger their moral character. They are perfect because they are not real.

The robots, aliens and wizards are not the only unrealistic thing about the MCU. we have to be aware of how artificial the politics are, even if we want to suspend our disbelief. Or else we end up trusting politicians when they embrace a fundamentally immoral status quo, and let thousands die to maintain it (I know, a WILD hypothetical that will surely never come true, but worth keeping an eye out for.)  

The politics that a blip would realistically set in motion are so different from our own, that it would call into question the legitimacy of private ownership and the state. In order to avoid upsetting its fans and its financiers, the MCU has to return to a status quo where those political realities can be taken for granted.    

May 9, 2021: A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) (Recap: Part One)

Welcome to the future.

At this point, we’ve mostly looked at the past, present, or the near-future (as in, the next ten years, if that). Additionally, we’ve looked either at nonexistent technology in a contemporary setting, or an extension of existing technology taken to a logical next step. But no more. No more realism, no more real-world rules, and nothing that we’re even close to in this reality.

Well...mostly.

That’s genuinely impressive, not gonna lie. Anyway, yeah, from here forwards (for a bit), we’ll be looking at the future and futuristic technology. Now, there are a couple of ways in which these films tend to go. The first big way that we tend to represent the future in film is the same way we always have: flying cars, futuristic technology, smart houses, and robots.

Now, there are countless examples of this future, and it always changes a bit depending on the present. Which, yeah, makes sense. After all, what I’m doing right now, at this moment, would’ve been seen by many people as a massive technological achievement, even around the time that I was born. Which, yes, I’m old, deal with it (because I can’t). Anyway, the way that this begins is with the first major filmed view of a seemingly idyllic future: Fritz Lang’s 1927 film Metropolis.

The overly mechanized (and politically dystopic) society seen in this film, as well as the visuals and technology, would inform our ideas of the future throughout the next century. Multiple themes and common objects reoccur throughout futuristic fiction. You know the stuff I’m talking about. Flying cars, automatic food machines, robotic assistants, video watches, holograms, jetpacks, so on and so forth.

But here’s the thing about the future. It’s always ahead of us, and eventually...well, we’ve gotten to most of those things to some degree. Either they already exist...

...or is currently being developed.

Well, one of them we’re still working on. And the development of more advanced AI is something we have yet to perfect, or even fully develop. However, the development of A.I. (and the consequences of that technology) are ALL OVER science fiction. Sometimes, they’re merely used for flavor to help establish the futuristic setting.

Sometimes, they’re characters with their own agency and conflicts, which may or may not define the plot. In these cases, they’re often simply there to back up the main human characters, and help with their development, and sometimes their own. You know, manic pixie dream robots.

And then, possibly most often, they’re the abject villains of the piece. they can be mysterious alien technology, like in The Day the Earth Stood Still, or a man-made danger that turns on the race that created and/or abused it.

But then, on occasion, an A.I. is given the chance to develop as a character, without being used to define the development of a human character. Sometimes, the question of what life truly means is raised through these characters, and we become attached to them outside of any other character. This isn’t nearly as common as the others, but it’s definitely not unheard of.

And for the record...things don’t often go well for those AIs. But still, some of those characters have quite a lasting impact. So, there’s quite a lot of potential for this type of character, from a dramatic standpoint. And that potential leads us to the guy who made this.

I WILL MAKE A JURASSIC PARK REFERENCE AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE

Steven Spielberg gives us today’s entry, and this director of a classic science fiction story about science gone awry teamed up with the director of a science fiction film where an artificial intelligence went awry. You know, this thing.

I didn’t forget about HAL. And I won’t forget about him later, either.

Director Stanley Kubrick is pretty well-know for his mind-bending films, especially The Shining and 2001: A Space Odyssey. But he also worked with Spielberg on this film before his death in 1999, as this was one of his dream projects for many years, and the two directors were well-known friends.

And so, eventually, Spielberg was given the reins from Kubrick, and results were...mixed. It’s funny, because I’ve never actually seen this movie, but I remember it through its surprisingly widespread ad campaign. I used to go to NYC as a kid a lot, and there was a massive building-side plastered with the iconic logo of this movie. So, I’ve been hovering around this movie for a long time. Enough navel-gazing!

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Recap (Part One)

It is, unsurprisingly, the future. A marrator informs us that climate change has caused the ice caps to melt, and global flooding drowns several countries. You could say that it’s a...Waterworld.

I genuinely considered watching that movie at some point, and then I decided I liked myself to much to watch 2 hours of Kevin Costner’s emotionless acting. Granted, it’s not much better now, listening to the emotionless acting of...

Professor Allen Hobby (William Hurt) is a straight-up sociopath. OK, technically, he’s a robotics engineer, but dude’s making a speech, right? He talks about how far robots have come, dissing my boi Deep Blue in the process, and notes that pain-memory response can also be demonstrated by robots. He proves this by stabbing a woman in his audience, like RIGHT through the hand. Jesus, man! Why the hell would you do that?

Oh. Holy shit, I got fooled. Advanced technology indeed. But OK, so Sheila’s a robot, and a very advanced one...to us. But Hobby wants more, and proposes to his workers to make a robot that can really TRULY love. And through love may come a true subconscious, which means making a robot that can dream. And what better robot to make than a robot child? After all, all child conception requires a license in this futuristic world, so many childless couples are yearning for a child.

Which is why, twenty months later, the first robot child is offered to Henry and Monica Swinton (Sam Robards and Frances O’Connor), a couple...with a child. Um. Guys. You JUST SAID that there are legit childless couples who need a child, and those people would be best suited to love that robot child back (a VERY GOOD question raised by one of Hobby’s subordinates). So why give it to a couple whose son is still alive? Yeah, he’s got a rare disease that they don’t have a cure for yet, and is currently in cryostasis, BUT THEY HAVE A KID! Surely, that’s going to be a potential emotional conflict! And what if the kid wakes up or some shit? This is a TERRIBLE goddamn idea. Think this shit through, guys.

And yet...

This is David (Haley Joel Osment), Cybertronics’ first child robot, brought home by Henry to essentially replace their son. Which is AMAZINGLY FUCKING TONE-DEAF AND INSANE, GODDAMN. That’s extraordinarily messed up. And, for the record, I totally get what Spielberg’s going for, but Jesus Christ, man. This was a terrible way to go about this. And it gets fucking WORSE.

See, Henry (who actually works for Cybertronics) tells Monica that, once they sign the papers and complete the updates, David will imprint on them and see him as their true parents, loving them unconditionally. Which...yeah, fuck, that’s an entire DUMP TRUCK of ethics issues right there. And, while we’re at it, David is...creepy as shit. I mean it, dude, Haley Joel Osment is a VERY good child actor, but he’s laying on the creepy robot child thing THICK. And yeah, this is BEFORE he imprints on them. Jesus fuck, man, there’s a scene where the still uncomfortable Monica is outside of a glass door, and he looks back at her THROUGH THE DOOR like a goddamn SERIAL KILLER.

And I gotta tell ya, dude does not lay off that creepy-ass dial one iota. And for that matter, the music by John Williams ISN’T FUCKING HELPING. LISTEN to this shit, and imagine a robot child that you don’t know wandering around your house. It’s amazingly fucking creepy.

AND IT JUST. KEEPS. GETTING. WORSE. There’s a scene where they’re all at dinner, right, and David’s just staring at them as they eat, mimicking their actions. After all, he’s a robot, he can’t actually eat or drink anything because of his internal working. And then, out of FUCKING NOWHERE, he starts laughing like the FUCKING JOKER, and it scares the EVER-LOVING SHIT OUT OF ME. And somehow, they laugh alongside him, in the never-ending Stockholm syndrome that is this movie! And as soon as its over, he just STOPS laughing, spontaneously. Fuck me, man, I’m tempted to stop watching here and now, and I’m only TWENTY MINUTES IN! I need a fucking break.

And after that...OF COURSE she decides to activate his imprinting protocols to make him, let me remind you, LOVE HIM FOREVER! She reads out a series of words, and after “FREIGHT CAR”, he knows his mission is to kill the Prime Minister of Sokovia. But first, he’ll settle down and love Monica unconditionally (again, FOREVER), calling her Mommy and making me shit my pants in fear. IT WASN’T ME, IT WAS FUCKING DAVID

Oh, and by the way, isn’t it kinda shitty to do that without Henry being involved AT ALL? Like, cool, he has unconditional maternal love, but Henry wasn’t a part of that conditioning at all! And he still refers to him as “Henry” instead of Dad! However, Henry definitely doesn’t care about that, because he still sees David as only a robot. Hey, guys, maybe using these two as your first experiment with a robot child WAS A TERRIBLE FUCKING IDEA, YOU IDIOTS! No wonder William Hurt was cast as Thunderbolt Ross in the MCU. Already shown he can play a character with shitty ideas before.

Anyway, after this terrible series of events, David prevents the parents from leaving one night due to his childlike antics. When Monica goes to comfort him, he asks how long she’ll live, and tells her that he hope she never dies, a COMPLETELY NORMAL THING TO SAY. Look, I get that he’s a robot, but only a goddamn emotionless sociopath would program emotional responses like this into a robot. Which, given what we’ve seen of Hobby, makes sense.

In response, she gives him Teddy (Jack Angel), a technologically advanced teddy bear with sentience, a personality, and the voice of Astrotrain from The Transformers TV series. Because, yes, I am THAT MUCH of a goddamn nerd.

Soon after, the house gets a phone call, which David receives...literally. He takes the phone and allows it to speak through him. It turns out that, shock beyond shocks, THEIR SON IS CURED! Yeah, fuck. Maybe giving David to a family with a STILL LIVING SON is a fucking ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE IDEA, for about a thousand reasons.

And, fucking understandably, Martin Swinton (Jake Thomas) is a little upset to find out that he’s essentially been replaced by a robot kid. Although, to be fair, he’s also kind of a dick to David, holding his humanity over him and treating him as a toy that he attempts to manipulate and bully. My Lord, this is a massively stupid idea. And Martin immediately shows his dickishness by asking his mother to read Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio to them. Which is meant to be a punishment for Pinocchio. However, of course, David loves it.

Still, however, there’s trouble in paradise for David, as he tries to compete with Martin for being a real boy, and eats spinach at dinner one evening. Despite Teddy’s mildly ominous warning to him (”YOU WILL BREAK”), he keeps eating until he basically has a stroke and breaks, forcing him to be repaired by some of Cybertronics’ technicians. Monica has a bit of a break down as a result, which Martin notices. This causes Martin to go pure supervillain, manipulating David to do creepy things in order to insert doubt into Monica about David. Jesus, Martin’s a creepy kid, too. No wonder Monica grew to be cool with David, her actual son is a FUCKING SOCIOPATHIC MONSTER! Are there ANY truly normal people in this world? IS THIS WHAT THE FUTURE IS?

Martin convinces David to cut a lock of Monica’s hair while she’s sleeping. And lemme tell ya, a little boy holding scissors over someone while they sleep is not exactly comforting. Henry agrees, and after stopping him, believes that they need to return him. Monica disagrees, knowing that they’ll destroy him if brought back. But David, ever the semi-sociopath himself, ignores any signs of humanity in David and dismisses Monica's feelings for him entirely. He also says this thing about “IF HE CAN BE PROGRAMMED TO LOVE, CAN NOT HE BE PROGRAMM-ED TO HATE?”, which...no. No, he cannot. He didn’t learn to love, he was programmed to. And, again, that’s ethically FUCKED, but taking that into account...no. HE WASN’T PROGRAMMED TO HATE, HENRY. Goddamn, buddy, use your head here.

It’s Martin’s birthday, and his friends at the pool party expose David to the fun world of anti-robot (or Mecha) racism, and test to see if he has Damage Avoidance Systems by threatening him with a knife. And he does. Buuut, when those systems kick in, he goes to the nearest point of safety to keep himself safe. That point is, unfortunately, Martin, whom he gets behind...and accidentally drags into the pool.

Thing is, because of Martin’s recent illness, he can’t exactly swim, meaning that David almost drowns him. When Henry and other partygoers go to save him, they abandon David in the pool completely. And now, David’s fucked. Because although this situation isn’t even a little bit his fault, he also just nearly killed Martin. And so, after seeing notes that he’s been writing to her, Monica offers to take for a “ride in the country”. Which definitely means something good. In reality, she’s planning on taking him back to Cybertronics. But once in the car, there’s a change in plans. And hear me out...it’s arguably far more horrifying.

She decides to abandon him in the woods completely, despite how hard it is for her to leave him. She’s sparing him from death, sure, but also throwing him into a world he doesn’t understand, and for reasons that he doesn’t understand. It’s genuinely terrible. And then...yeah, she leaves him forever, to an uncertain future.

End Act One.

I think this is a good place to stop. It’s early, and I need more coffee to handle this shit. See you in Part Two. Of Three. Yup. It’s a long one.

imperialism is based not just on the endless accumulation of profit but also the polarized accumulation of use values & control over world labor, resources etc. to control such things you need to prevent others from making claims on them. To make claims on resources including labor shares of value you need political stability, in our historical moment, stable state structures, absence of warfare, political organization to achieve all the above, and hope as part and parcel of building organization. US wars on southwest Asia and the Arab region are not “senseless” or “irrational” (unfortunately frequent buzzwords of people stirring up confusion) but make a great deal of sense from those interested in ensuring that those poor people and world poor people cannot make such claims.

How are stock markets and labor shares of value (outside that great demon bugbear morass of authoritarian imperialism China) doing in the last 20-30 years of ‘irrational’ war? The former, shooting to the stars the latter, hitting the dust. This is the empirical documentation of success in US geopolitical management AKA imperialism and class struggle against the majority of the world, including besieging and Phoenix programs against remaining armed communists & state experiments with building hope and national production.

Lest I forget what has the storied “counter hegemonic apparatus” been doing during this halcyon moment? You have Alex de Jong smearing a Maoist movement facing murder, Jeff Webber pronouncing the death of the pink tide and inveighing against the Bolivian ‘regime.’ Then you have your Charles Posts writing damp letters about how there is no transfer of value south-north on a world scale, your Salar Mohandesi erasing imperialism as a practice of value transfer and reducing it to inter-state conflict.

The aggregate effect is that for better or worse academics are often reviled in activist circles and actual party organizations, but more importantly rather than the massive potentially beautiful bloom of radicalized intellectuals being engaged with the south’s struggles ...

There is widespread sneering or a petrified cool to frozen blase ironic distance, but whose net effect is to prevent this social layer (yes me us!) from helping to boost the legitimacy of these struggles on a wide scale in the north and also in the south. Such legitimacy in turn is a shield against the direct political repression going on in third world countrysides. It’s absence leads to the ongoing murder and dislocation and assassination of the cadres of Philippines Communists or Venezuelan peasant activists. It is really irrelevant if this is the actual intent of the first world demonization campaigns, it is the political effect. The upshot is that these anti/systemic struggles get more besieged deformed eventually wiped out, become objects of some study 49 years later.

The US will wreck a country like Afghanistan not simply to seize the resources it has, but just to stop a global rival - or the Afghans themselves - from using them to develop. And furthermore simply to crush the morale of the working class on a world scale, to instill hopelessness and defeat, to erase internationalism as political practice and orienting pole.

Short story: “In Broad Daylight“

Living in a solarpunk utopia has got to be not only healthy and prosperous, but also safe, to really count - right? And for the most part, it is. But even in a world where everyone is well-off, communities all around the world live in peace and harmony, and everyone is on first-name basis with nature, there still might be a few rare wrongdoers who stay up nights trying to figure out how to take that away from the world. And to find those, you need the kind of person like Sverrir Haraldsen; a detective of the people.

Genre: solarpunk thriller Content warning: mild violence, and also moderate action

PREFACE

There exists, and has for a long time existed, a common and persistent misconception about utopian fiction. Whenever one brings it up, one can always count on an obstructive response like "but where do we find conflict and plot if everything is already perfect?" This idea, I should clearly state, is false. The term "utopia" itself has a double-meaning, possible to read as "ou-topia" ("no-place") or "eu-topia" ("good-place"), and it's the latter that so many people underestimate the massive literary potential of. When people bring up the idea that "utopian fiction has no room for conflict", they're presuming that a utopian society would not just be a perfect society, but a perfect society filled entirely with perfect people. For some reason, it's difficult for many to imagine that even in a society that's good to live in, people would still be able to have arguments about the different good things that they want, or that they would need to maintain society against the natural wear-and-tear that adds up over time. People don't think too often of all the literary conflict inherent in building a resilient society that won't wear down easily due to factors in the environment, or building social structures where people can "agree to disagree" and still have all the good things their society can give them, or defending those social structures against an occassional bad person or group thereof who are willing to harm others and damage society for their own gain and are deliberately ignoring whatever kindness might still be in their hearts. Those are all fine sources of literary conflict - and this story sets out to show how a particular one can work. It is a utopian, solarpunk thriller: a practical example of the way you can have high-stakes action, danger, and excitement in a society that has achieved peaceful harmony, renounced war, and sees violence as a measure of absolute last resort.

THE STORY

Anxiously pacing back and forth along the embankment, Sverrir tried to put together the pieces of the puzzle. He stopped, his tail swishing from side to side. Try as he might, he couldn't contain his seething dislike of the entire case. He needed a drink of good tea, he needed a day off for gardening, he needed a friendly, fun game of parkour tag with his community at home, he needed a ticket to an in-person concert by the original lineup of Solar Flares. What he had was a coat, a phone, and a badge.

Sverrir was distracted from his annoyed thoughts by a voice coming through his earpiece. "So what do you think, Detective?" the machine intelligence on the other end asked, their synthetic voice resonating through the comms channel.

"Well, Amos... you told me yourself who this is." Sverrir said. "Robert H. Price... knowledge dealer, with a shady reputation and criminal connections, as far as we could find out... and he was shot to death. It's like a small forest of warning flags." He looked around to notice more clues. "Huh."

"What?" Amos asked him.

"I... think the shooters were firing from a boat. There are bullet holes over there, in the advertisement column." he gestured over towards one standing inland. The column's OLED display had several punctures in it, the screen image distorting subtly around them. Sverrir walked up to the display and eyed the bullet holes. "I don't like this, Amos." he said.

As Sverrir looked around, eyeing the local buildings and all the different plant species growing around the area, a crime scene examiner walked up to him with more information. "I think you'll want to see this, Detective." she said, holding up a damaged combat rifle bullet.

"Okay... illegal military weapons... this day just keeps getting better and better." Sverrir groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "On the plus side, now I'm dead-certain that these are our criminals... and more, that they are running out of options. If they went so far as to murder one of their partners in crime, well..." he said with an unpleasant grimace, his speech trailing off.

The detective went over to the community watch car; a light, compact electric vehicle painted white and green that was small enough to park anywhere without blocking people's paths. The interior and trunk were full of forensics equipment, with the one community watch driver having brought in the entire forensics team to the crime scene. Sverrir picked up a solar-powered bullhorn - rather pointless, but indisputably cool - that was resting on the car's back seat, and addressed the half-perplexed, half-scared onlookers. "Attention, citizens!" he said. "If you're from this district, please search through your recordings for potential evidence! Anything, literally anything, might help!"

***

In a few minutes, a small crowd has assembled around Sverrir, sharing information about what they saw and heard and downloading records from their phones and other computing gadgets onto his personal device. The evidence confirmed Sverrir's theory: sonic triangulation from the community's recordings of loud ambient noises, ones designed to measure noise pollution, allowed him to know that shots were fired from about six metres off-shore - and to his horror, the weapons used were fully automatic rifles. Intercepting the contraband weapons shipment they were used to guard, and likely belonged to, was now the absolute topmost priority he had; those kinds of weapons were insanely dangerous and banned worldwide. From the soundscape, he also knew that the shooters made off in an electric-powered speedboat of unknown make and model. However, he had no concrete leads: the sousveillance turned up no video footage, and the witnesses had little information beyond being woken up around 4 AM by what sounded like firecrackers to them. However, when he was already wrapping up, a dopey-looking guy wearing sturdy clothes typical for plumbers and machinists walked up to him.

"Hey, detective!" he said. "I... think I've got something for you!"

"Good." Sverrir said. "Your name for the record, please?"

"Matt. Matt Frohman." the guy responded.

"What do you know?" Sverrir asked.

"Um, I don't actually, but I know someone else - she works a night shift in a diner downstream!" Frohman replied. "She's actually really cute, but the thing is, she may have seen or heard your guys making off from the crime scene!"

"Alright, that's encouraging... what's her name, and where can I find her?" Sverrir asked.

"Oh - Diner Olimpique, a couple of blocks away!" Frohman said. "Her name is Amanda De Vries."

"Thank you, citizen!" Sverrir said. "Who knows, maybe your friend really did see something..."

***

As he stepped off the bus near Diner Olimpique, Sverrir adjusted his coat and looked around. The diner was placed at the base of an old high-rise building, refurbished for supporting garden walls and extra balconies, with one side turned towards the nearby canal. Nearby, people were playing in a community garden, and a flock of city birds passed overhead to nest on the wall of another building further away. With graceful step, the snow leopard walked forwards and into the diner. The interior made good use of green walls, and wooden chairs and tables throughout the hall looked quite stylish, as well.

The old concrete walls were decked with wood plating, or covered in growing lichen, as well, to create a more cozy look to the place. He looked around, seeing a few people who were eating lunch, and then turned to the waiter.

"Excuse me, but where can I find Amanda De Vries?" he asked them.

"Well, she's sleeping after the night shift right now... what exactly do you need from her?" they responded.

Sverrir reached into his pocket and flashed his badge in an inconspicuous manner. "Sverrir Haraldsen, Earth Global Detectives. Amanda may be a witness on an important case." he said quietly.

"Oh..." the waiter said. "She's... not in danger, is she?"

"No, not at all." Sverrir reassured them. "I just need to talk to her."

"I guess you're in luck." the waiter replied. "She lives a couple of buildings away, on the other side of the canal." They pointed to a low-rise apartment block and a bridge leading to it. "Sansevieira Drive 26/3, right over there. Just talk to the concierge."

"Thank you." Sverrir nodded, turning around and walking out of the diner.

***

Walking on over the bridge, Sverrir shook his head fur and straightened the collar of his jacket. Walking into the building 26/3, he looked over the decorations and smiled. The plants were growing all along the walls, reaching towards the upper floors, while the lobby itself had a floor of irregular stones matched close together. He approached the concierge - an older woman wearing a dress gorgeously complex even by latest standards - with a businesslike smile, and said, showing his badge: "Hello. I'm Sverrir Haraldsen, from Earth Global Detectives. I would like to talk with Amanda De Vries."

"Oh dear." the concierge said. "What could possibly be--"

"If I do my job right, you'll see really soon." Sverrir bragged. "Amanda could be a valuable witness, so can I come talk to her?"

"Oh, I suppose so." the concierge told him. "She's living in the left-half apartment on the fourth floor. Most her roommates are off in the city at this hour, too..."

"This is good." Sverrir frowned. "I'm not looking to attract too much attention. Good day to you." he said, leaving for the stairs.

As he made his way up the first two flights of stairs, Sverrir was pleasantly surprised: even in his eco-friendly city, a stairwell with so many plants was a rarity. The climbing vines were stretching up from the ground floor and across the panes of glass that let the light in for the entire stairwell. The walls were festooned with frames that held up a great variety of potted plants, from all around the world. There was even a fun-sized artificial waterfall cascade in one of the corners, much to Sverrir's delight. As he walked upwards, he looked out the stairwell windows as well; they opened to a magnificent garden, its orange trees overhanging a communal area with benches and a small, modest-looking fountain. By the time Sverrir was up to the fourth floor, the tree branches have completely eclipsed the view, and he could even see above them a little, with the city skyline poking out above the trees. Admiring the view for a few quick seconds, he turned to the short corridor that went inwards into the building, and went down it, pressing a doorbell button for the left-hand door. A friendly chime rang out, and after a brief wait, a middle-aged man with red hair, wearing practical but eye-catching kaleidoscopic pants and jacket, opened the door. After a few moments of measuring Sverrir with his eyes, he asked: "Hello... what can I do for you?"

"Hello, ah..." Sverrir started.

"Jan." the man told him in response.

"Jan. Good to meet you." Sverrir said. "Can I talk to Amanda De Vries?"

"Not really, no." Jan said. "She's sleeping after her night shift at the diner right now."

"I'm aware, actually." Sverrir told him. "But it's important. Sverrir Haraldsen, Earth Global Detectives." he said quietly, showing his badge with a gentle motion. "Could we wake her up gently to answer a few questions? I'm searching for dangerous criminals, and she may well be a witness."

"Oh..." Jan replied.

"Don't worry, the entire detective service in the region is on-point." Sverrir said. "We just need a little more information."

"Alright then, I suppose..." Jan said. "Please, come on in."

***

Sverrir walked through the front door, looking over the apartment. The center room was a really neat social pad, with beanbags, chairs, and a massive poofy sofa centered around a coffee table. The windows on one side opened towards the city, providing a great sightline over the treetops, and the partial walls separating the other rooms were all festooned with either bookcases or whole-wall planter arrangements. Sverrir looked over as Jan pulled away a sliding door and went into another room. A good few minutes later, he walked back out, followed by Amanda: she was wearing really impressive floral pattern pajamas with massive bell-shape sleeves.

"Hello there." Sverrir said, waving his hand to greet her.

"Hey." Amanda replied. "Whatever you woke me up for, pal, I hope it's important."

"Important enough, I'd hope." Sverrir said, showing his badge. "Sverrir Haraldsen. I'm from the Earth Global Detectives. I'd like to ask a few questions about the last night at Diner Olimpique. Or to be more precise, the canal outside."

"Funny you should say that..." Amanda told him.

"Why?" Sverrir asked as she took a seat on the sofa.

"There was at least one thing blatantly out of the ordinary tonight... I suspect it's what you are following." Amanda said.

"That's definitely my concern." Sverrir replied, walking over to a nearby bean bag. "May I...?" he asked, pointing at it.

"Sure, go ahead." Amanda responded.

"Alright." Sverrir said, before sitting down and placing his phone on the table, opening a connection to Amos. "Now, would you please state for the record what you have seen?" he asked.

"Okay, sure." Amanda told him. "I noticed one very unusual boat around the break of dawn, so a bit after 4 AM... speeding down the river in violation of all community water traffic rules I could think of. I was thinking it over untill I went to bed."

"How did that boat look like?" Sverrir inquired.

"Bright azure-blue, very narrow and long." Amanda said. "The nose cowling had two parallel humps running front to back, the front of the cabin had a tall wrap-around windshield from what I remember... the back had a very distinctive spoiler sticking up, and I didn't hear any engine noise, so it must've been electric... plus, the boat had a name printed on the side in big bold letters. Could be the builder name. It was... "Smithson", I'm pretty sure... is that a boat manufacturer?"

"It is." Sverrir said. "Thank you; all of this is extremely helpful."

"No problem." Amanda told him, giving him a weary thumbs-up. "I'm pretty sure the idiots breaking the water traffic laws with it were all wearing opti-camo cloaks. They couldn't be any more memorable if they tried."

"Okay, these are definitely the people we're looking for." Amos chimed in. "Thank you for your assistance!"

"Great. Now, I suppose I can go back to bed?" Amanda asked.

***

Sverrir nodded to Amanda with a quiet "uh-huh" and stood up from the couch, picking up his phone in the process. "Well, you heard that, Amos. Smithson Model W-51.6 electric speedboat, azure-blue. Find it!" he told his companion.

Turning to Amanda, he said: "Good day to you. I'm sorry I had to wake you up, but this is of utmost importance. You'll see the results in the news soon enough." He nodded, and walked out at a brisk pace. He made his way downstairs, nodding to the concierge, and walked out of the building. As he stopped and stood at a small plaza with people going to and fro, he heard Amos come back through via his earpiece - with new information.

"Okay, Sveri, listen up." Amos told him. "Have I got something for you..."

"I'm all ears." Sverrir replied.

"I did some looking through local information, especially libraries of things." Amos said. "It'd take too long to round up all the sousveillance, but I found something else. The speedboat matching the description was borrowed in the wharf district a couple of days ago. The person who got it used a stolen borrower's card, but guess what - the idiot used the exact same card to order a dry-erase marker board. And we have an address!"

"Guess we found the weakest link, ain't that right?" Sverrir replied with a smirk. He paused for a second, and asked: "Where to, Amos?"

"Green Lizard Craftshop Annex. That's a few districts over, I'll send you a route." Amos told him.

"Do you think you can convince the local community to give us a search warrant vis-a-vis the stolen identity?" Sverrir asked in a hushed tone.

"I'll give it a shot." Amos replied. "Otherwise you'll have to talk with the craftshop custodians."

"Okay." Sverrir said, pulling out his phone to look at the map and directions. The path that Amos laid out called for him to take a tram, then transfer to a bus route near one of the vertical farm clusters and proceed to the craftshop area where the Green Lizard annex was located. This was entirely fine by Sverrir; he could blend into the crowd and approach unnoticed by the criminals. He walked on by past a couple of local shops, going through an arch between buildings that was overgrown with plants and festooned with low-intensity sun spectrum lights, and emerging into a busy street. He quickly moved into the crowd, at one with his surroundings, and smiled confidently as he walked down the street to the tram stop. It only took two minutes for a tram to arrive; an impressive bubble canopy vehicle with fused quartz windows across all of it supported by brass metalwork. The doors of the tram opened, and Sverrir stepped on board, taking a seat. Now, he thought, he had some time to focus - and work out the plan in his mind for how to go on.

***

When the tram started moving again, Sverrir quietly nodded towards his phone, and texted Amos with a request for the schematics of the craftshop annex and a bulletproof vest delivery to the site. He looked over the plans, and figured out a quiet way inside through a side entrance. With the tram passing busy streets and river canals, the detective thought on the situation. Even one combat rifle in the wrong hands could be destructive; but now, he was chasing after dozens, if not hundreds, of such rifles. If those slipped away and were used to arm the criminal underworld, the public danger would be immeasurable. There was a damn good reason why military weaponry and equipment was banned from use decades ago. Nowadays, it was the provenance of very, very dangerous people - the few that managed to run their criminal dealings in spite of peace and prosperity surrounding them. Thinking on that, Sverrir looked out the tram windows, with the sunspots passing across the interior as the sun was obscured by trees, wall gardens, semi-transparent awnings, and more besides. And if there was one thing he was sure about, it's that he wasn't going to allow those dangerous people to have their victory.

Going over the plan in his head, Sverrir stepped off the tram near the vertical farms, looking upwards briefly to witness the buildings' green-and-glass surfaces and a large banner overhead advertising all the different types of produce it was possible to get in this place in particular. Soon, the bus that the detective needed arrived to the stop, and he stepped aboard, taking a relatively short trip down to the craftshop area he needed. It took him just six minutes to arrive there; as he got off the bus, Sverrir looked the place over. It was a busy market street, with all the people taking up workshop space in the nearby complexes hawking their wares to an interested crowd, all kinds of people mingling with eachother and picking up artisan crafts.  The snow leopard smiled and quietly walked down the street. He reached the green lizard street sign on a large, complex building partially refurbished from the prior eras, and sat down on a nearby bench. He texted Amos, asking "Did you get a warrant?"

"No, you'll have to work otherwise." Amos immediately responded.

"Noted." Sverrir replied. "I hope you did get the bulletproof vest, though."

"Positive." Amos replied. "I've asked the community watch to get you one from class A emergency storage."

Sverrir turned his head, and noticed a plainclothes community sentry with a large suitcase standing near the side entrance to the Craftshop Annex. He walked up to her, saying quietly: "Hey. Sverrir Haraldsen. I believe that this bulletproof vest is for me."

"That it is." the sentry responded. "Nehal Al-Farsi, pleased to meet you."

The two walked into the Craftshop Annex through a side entrance: above-board, but out of sight of the building's windows. Sverrir looked around the side atrium, quietly stepping forwards when he saw the plaque reading "Administration and Occupancy". He slinked over to the door, and gently knocked on it.

"Hello, who is this?" a voice asked from the other side. "Please come in!"

"Hello there." Sverrir said as he and the sentry walked in, closing the door behind them. The person in the administration office was an anthropomorph like him, a badger wearing an impressively-designed vest with a few big pockets and a pair of bright-orange pants. When Sverrir walked in, she was watering the plants near a small circular window. He nodded to her, and said quietly: "Excuse me, but I'm Sverrir Haraldsen, from the Earth Global Detectives." he said, walking up at a gentle pace and showing his badge. "Can you assist us?"

"What with?" the woman said, squinting at him and Nehal. "Global Detectives are a pretty important office, aren't they?"

"I'm following up on a stolen borrower's card." Sverrir told her. "Possibly tied to contraband, murder, and who knows what else; this is an outrageous situation. My partner in service couldn't get me a warrant from the word go, but I hope I can take a look at a suspected workshop with your help, miss..."

"Narangerel." the administrator replied, her expression becoming more troubled by the minute.

"Narangerel, alright." Sverrir said. He showed the administrator his phone, with the evidence about the stolen card - traced information about the borrowings, and a later official complaint to the community watch about the card being stolen. "Will you help me out with the investigation?" he asked.

"Yes... if someone's been stealing borrower's cards, I don't exactly want them to hide away in our building." Narangerel said. "And that's even if the rest won't turn out to be true." She frowned, then muttered: "...though it does all look awfully truthful..."

Nehal made a sarcastic expression, handing Sverrir the suitcase. "Trust me, any detective who lies about evidence doesn't keep their job for long." she smirked. "One time, someone got thrown out of an EGD branch because they accidentally misplaced a spathiphyllum plant that belonged to a witness."

"Huh." Narangerel told her. "Really?"

"Somehow... yes." Nehal shrugged.

Sverrir opened the suitcase, revealing two bulletproof vests. After a moment of silence that lasted while he and Nehal got these vests on, the detective asked: "So, could I take a look at the 25th workshop, with the permission of the building's staff?"

"Hold on a moment." Narangerel replied.

***

Sverrir looked around to find a chair and proceeded to sit down for a moment as Narangerel sent the few other people responsible for the building a message, requesting their presence. In short order, they all showed up: the guy from the reception desk, the janitors and custodians, the tech support chief. Sverrir explained the situation to them, and once he got the permission, he called them to come with him; extra witnesses would help him make his case if he was right. Once they approached the door, Sverrir whispered to them: "It's better for you to keep back for now. I don't know who or what might be on the other side of this door."

"I was doin' some cleanin' there, and I don't think there were booby traps or anythin'... just so you know." one of the janitors said.

"Nevertheless." Sverrir replied. "Narangerel, could I have the key?"

Narangerel nodded, and handed Sverrir the keys. The detective opened the door, him and the sentry quietly walking in. The lights were out, with sunlight from the street streaming in through the windows covered by Venetian blinds. Sverrir turned around, telling Narangerel and others: "You can walk in. I think you should look this over with us."

"Okay." Narangerel said, her and others from the building's staff carefully walking in. As he saw them approach, Sverrir looked around - the workshop didn't seem to be too suspicious from the get-go, with plenty of plants, some computer terminals, algae-sheet paper stacks... and the suspiciously empty whiteboard next to one of the walls.

Looking at the whiteboard, Nehal asked: "So... where is anything? It's just a normal workshop..."

"Hold on, I think I know what this is..." Sverrir said. He took out his UV bulb flashlight - standard equipment for detectives and forensic scientists - and pointed it at the board, lighting it up. Suddenly, an entire map and schedule appeared, written in invisible ink: the criminals made notes about the buyers for weaponry, technical specifications, and the time for when all the weapons would be shipped out from the Wharf Embankment docks... which was in exactly 36 minutes from now. "Gods dammit..." Sverrir muttered. "This is bad! Really bad!"

"You don't say..." Nehal told him in response.

"Quick, call the rest of the local watch!" Sverrir all but yelled, with fire in his eyes. "Lock this place down, get all the evidence you can, and ask the staff to be witnesses! And I'm going to try and stop these gunrunners before it's too late!"

"Okay, will do!" Nehal replied.

Sverrir nodded and pressed his earpiece button. "Amos! Code Wildfire!" he yelled. "Get the officers to Wharf Embankment, Dock 24! We have 36 minutes before the weapon shipment is gone!"

"Got it!" Amos replied.

"Okay, Sverrir, I'll handle things here!" Nehal said "You just--" She was interrupted by the sound of the door opening, her and Sverrir turning immediately to look behind them and seeing one of the gunrunner conspirators looking at them from the workshop's other entrance, keys in hand. Sverrir and the gunrunner looked at eachother for a brief moment - and then he immediately tried to flee with a few loud curses. Sverrir followed, chasing after him with a yell of "Stop! You are under arrest!"

The conspirator just kept on running, reaching into his pocket for what looked like a flashbang grenade. Before he could throw it, Sverrir lunged at him, and the two crashed into another workshop through a garden wall in the corridor, getting slathered in leaves and ivy.

"You!" his opponent yelled at him, trying to grab Sverrir as the two leapt up from the floor.

"Surrender!" Sverrir demanded in reply, trying to get a few more hits in, his opponent dodging all but one. "You've got nowhere to escape!"

The gunrunner just grappled with Sverrir in response, throwing him towards a bookcase - the detective trying to make a roll to cushion the impact as he fell back. He quickly leapt back up and threw himself at the gunrunner again to delay him, yelling "Nehal! Help me out, please!"

"I'm going!" Nehal yelled from down the corridor, Sverrir throwing his opponent to the ground in the meantime. The gunrunner grabbed a bamboo ivy support frame from a nearby workshop table, swinging it aggressively towards Sverrir - but at that moment, Nehal caught up with the two, and now the detective and the sentry tried to flank their opponent to stop him.

"Two against one? How is that fair?" their opponent smirked.

"Fairer than smuggling combat rifles!" Sverrir retorted angrily. "Surrender now!"

"Oh, keep dreaming!" the gunrunner yelled at him, going after Sverrir. The detective dodged most of his swings, parrying the few that did connect, and then delivered a few strikes of his own, trying to get his opponent off-balance. The gunrunner just laughed, asking "So that's the best you can do? Ha!"

Sverrir just grinned in response. "It's not me you should worry about!" he replied - at the exact same moment as Nehal hit the gunrunner with a massive book she grabbed from the bookcase, getting him off-balance and making him drop the ivy frame, and then did a decisive judo throw to get them on the ground for good. The two looked at eachother as they realized their opponent was stunned for a brief moment, then Nehal handcuffed the gunrunner to a nearby wrought-iron table - a good idea to ensure he couldn't just run off. The two went through his pockets, fishing out several flash grenades, and put those way out of reach. Sverrir then breathed out - and quickly told Nehal: "Keep an eye on him, and call in more sentries! You know how to take it from here!"

"Damn right we do!" Nehal replied. "Now go! You've got to get those weapons before they disappear for good!"

"I'll do all I can!" Sverrir replied. "Hope we'll talk later at the debrief!" He nodded, and ran back out. As he passed Narangerel and others in the corridor, he told them without as much as slowing down: "Be careful, keep an eye on the exits! The watch will be here soon!" He didn't even look back to see their reaction; right now, all that was on his mind was the emergency objective.

***

Sverrir double-timed it down the stairs, rushing out onto the pedestrian walkway; the sudden onrush of wind whipped his fur about as he pressed the button on his earpiece, still running.

"Amos!" he yelled. "Borrow me a car! A fast one!"

"Understood - I'm on it." the machine intelligence on the other side replied.

Dashing past the onlookers, Sverrir kept on running. He had to make it to the nearest motorway if he wanted any serious chance to catch up, and they weren't plentiful these days. Highlighting his way on the map, he ran past green embankments, cafes, and crafts stores. In other days, he liked going through the market streets at a respectably slow pace, appreciating the foods and wares from around the world, but now he ignored everything as he made his way to the motorway sector. One moment, he glanced upwards to the vertical gardens and the blue sky, and thought of the stakes at play. The largest contraband weapon shipment in two decades was slipping out of his grasp, but if he ever learned anything from Earth history classes, it's that you never surrender when the stakes are high. Leaping over a high-up guardrail, landing with a roll to cushion the impact, he saw that fortune was on his side: there was the motorway he needed, a large stretch of its parking spaces perfectly clear. Good thing not that many people used motorcars anymore, Sverrir thought.

He raised the phone again, asking "I'm here! Do you have the car, Amos?"

"Affirmative, I have it!" Amos replied.

"So where is it?" he asked.

"Turn to your left, Sveri." the machine mind replied, with what Sverrir imagined would look like a massive self-satisfied grin. He turned as instructed, and saw the approaching car: a solar-powered performance sedan, with some aftermarket improvements that caught his eye and a custom paintjob to boot. The car skidded to a stop next to him, and he leapt over the hood, flinging open the door on the driver's side and quickly getting into the driver's seat. He turned to the person in a passenger seat - a middle-aged man wearing an engineer's apron who seemed slightly perplexed by the urgency.

"Hey, uh..."

"Esteban." the human said.

"Esteban. You currently in charge of this car?" Sverrir asked.

"No, I... erm, I borrowed it from a friend after he did a few new mods... what's, uh--" Esteban continued.

"Okay, where were you going?" Sverrir interrupted him.

"I was going to the Manufactory Glades, but--" Esteban started, only to be interrupted by Sverrir again.

"Good. I'll have to drop you off before everything lights on fire; it won't be too far." Sverrir continued. "Amos, specifications?"

"Full specificaitons will be available in a moment." Amos responded. "For now, you can just floor it."

"Excuse me, but what is happening?!" Esteban reached out to Sverrir. "Is this some kind of emergency?"

"Actually, it is." Sverrir said, flashing his badge. "Earth Global Detectives. I'll tell you everything, personally, as soon as there's time. Now just hang on, this is going to be a fast ride!" he said, flooring the accelerator.

As the car accelerated, Sverrir's phone lit up again, and the distant MI read the specifications of the car. "Kometa-Tri, modified and improved. 110 kilowatts power total, maximum speed 215 kilometres per hour. Drag coefficient 0,17. Maximum battery charge 300 kilowatt-hours, current battery charge 257 kilowatt-hours."

"Good!" Sverrir yelled. "Now give me the optimal path to the Wharf Embankment! Our time is running out!"

***

As Sverrir's car rocketed down the motorway, dodging and weaving to pass the few other cars on there and the occasional bus or truck, the detective tried to figure out a plan of action. He put his phone on the dashboard, and Amos connected to the car's systems, projecting a 3D volumetric map of Dock 24 for him to glance at and tactical information about the docks and the waterfront. Sverrir noticed that the place was fairly secluded, a small landing surrounded by warehouses with plenty of tree cover... and he saw an opening. "Amos, I've got a plan!" he said.

"What have you come up with, detective?" Amos asked.

"I'll explain the details later; now, we need stunner arc-pistols and thermal imagers for the watch, rapid-acting smoke canisters, three or four pollen dusters, and the mobile scrap metal crane from Dock 29 to scoop up the guns!" Sverrir said. "Can you get all of that?"

"I can." Amos replied. "I like your plan, detective."

While Amos was coordinating the preparations, Sverrir focused on the driving, trying to get to the docks as fast as he could. He still needed a couple of minutes to coordinate the plan with the community watch on the spot, but thankfully, the Kometa-Tri he was driving could manage immense speeds, and the motorway was not only grade-separated from the all-encompassing network of pedestrian streets and bike lanes, but also mostly devoid of vehicles. He sped through the Manufactory Glades, an industry and workshop district that was drowning in greenery of century-old trees, but near its edge, where the Wharf Embankment began, he turned to Esteban.

"Esteban, it's better that you get out here." Sverrir said as he slammed on the brakes, the car quickly halting to a complete stop.

"Alright, but I'm still not sure if..." Esteban started, but Sverrir cut him off with "Don't worry, I'll do my best to handle it. And I'm not going to wreck the car. Now go!"

Esteban got out, closing the passenger door, and Sverrir pushed on the accelerator again; in just a minute and a half, he was at the heart of Wharf Embankment. He skidded to a stop over the unoccupied parking spaces - with no time to park carefully, he just left the car as it was, slamming the door shut and running off. He quickly reached the docks, noticing a group of seven bulletproof-vest-wearing sentries with several compact equipment boxes near them, the boxes festooned with warning symbols and class-A weapon safety measures. He ran up to the sentries, who were camped off to the side from the main street, and said: "I'm Sverrir Haraldsen, the guy who called this in! Is the crane in position?"

"Yes, it is!" one of the officers said, pointing to the crane parked inconspicuously between Dock 24 and Dock 25: a clunky, utilitarian eight-wheeled vehicle with powerful fuel cells placed on the cargo bed next to/under the crane assembly. "I hope the arc pistols really are called for, Detective?..." another officer asked.

Sverrir nodded grimly. "Yes - these are the most dangerous criminals I've followed in several years. And they have firearms. I'm going to personally write a full report on the request for stun weapons, but first, we've got to halt the weapons shipment."

With that, Sverrir continued, explaining his plan to the watch officers. It was risky, but if it worked, they would instantly disarm the gunrunner conspirators and their buyers. He grabbed an arc pistol and its holster that were brought for him. With everything ready, the group readied themselves and their equipment: it was now or never.

***

When Sverrir and the community watch were ready to move, the snow leopard told one of the city's machine intelligences whom the group had on the line: "Alright, we spotted their lookouts; deploy the pollen dusters!"

"Done and done!" the machine steward responded.

Sverrir looked up into the sky - and among several unmanned drones hovering in the vicinity, a group of three dashed in with extreme speed, the machine mind in charge expertly piloting them at low altitude. In just a few seconds, they were over the goons guarding the front entrance, dropping their entire stock of pollen in a dense cloud, the lookouts immediately beginning to sneeze and rub their eyes. That's when the team moved in, approaching the front entrance, with two of the officers decking the lookouts to knock them out and quickly pulling the guns from their holsters, then handcuffing them and retreating a few metres back to stand watch, and the others moving into the warehouses. The group quietly fanned out, arc pistols at the ready, and took the high ground, Sverrir and others looking out into the inner yard. In the yard, Sverrir saw no less than nine people, some wielding the combat rifles he was looking to seize, and three in particular making a deal over the several boxes of rifles, three dozen at the very least. He was quietly horrified by how much weaponry was there, ready to slip into the hands of any among the most violent and unscrupulous people around the globe - but he didn't let himself lose composure. He pressed a button on his earpiece, and asked: "Okay, everyone in position?"

The group all replied in the affirmative, and Sverrir nodded quietly - but then, he noticed one of the gunmen run in and pull one of the two dealmakers aside to tell him something, gesticulating wildly. Carefully approaching a warehouse window, Sverrir overheard the conversation... which was about the front gate guards. Reacting quickly,  Sverrir said: "Okay, change of plans! Sentry group, smoke the yard immediately! Amos, get me the crane operator!"

"Got it, Sveri." Amos said. There was a short burst of static, and Sverrir heard the voice of the crane operator hidden behind one of the warehouses - that same moment, the sentries quickly rolled the smoke grenades into the yard, beginning to fill it with dense white smoke.

"Good day, officer, what can I do you for?" she asked.

"No time for details! Extend the crane to the Dock 24 as fast as you can, and slam the magnet to maximum power!" Sverrir told her. "That'll pull the guns right out of their hands!"

"Guns? Oh man oh man..." the operator said as the crane's beam extended over the yard - and at the same moment, much to Sverrir's fear and discontentment, the shooting started. The gunrunners started shooting blindly to try and get back at the sentries who surrounded them, yelling things like "It's an ambush!" and "Everyone retreat!" - but thankfully, the walls were made of old-school clay bricks, more than enough to deflect the bullets even as other shots broke windows and pierced through sheet metal. With his fight-or-flight response kicking in right away as the shooting started, Sverrir yelled into his earpiece: "Everyone, take cover! Amos, give us overhead recon!"

"Affirmative!" Amos told him.

At that same moment, hiding from enemy fire at some distance from the windows, Sverrir looked a bit up - and saw how the crane magnet has lifted and attracted all of the boxes with combat rifles, stuck to it like so much iron scrap. The gunrunners yelled in panic and confusion, noticing the magnet overhead, and ran in different directions to escape before their own weapons were snatched away. But suddenly, the crane operator came back on the radio, asking: "Hey, what's going on?! Is that gunfire?!"

"Yes!" Sverrir replied. "Take cover! Your crane just pulled away most of their firepower!"

"Okay, okay!" the crane operator responded, Sverrir hearing her leap off the crane and run for cover. Changing the radio frequency, he got back to Amos, just in time to hear her make an announcement.

"Attention all sentries!" Amos told the group via radio. "We have three gunrunners in a boat speeding off, four hiding out in the container yard, and three others trying to flee along the dockside embankment!"

"Got it!" Sverrir said back. He looked at the other sentries with him, and tried to come up with a plan. "Okay, we are almost even with them!" he said. "Four people should go after the criminals in the container yard; climb up, smoke the place, and use the height advantage to corner them! Front gate detail, catch up with me and one other sentry! We'll go after the three who are running via embankment!"

"And what about the ones in the speedboat?" one of the sentries asked.

"That won't be a problem!" Sverrir said "Just mobilize the vehicle-pursuit drones, now that they're fleeing from us in broad daylight!"

"I'll get right on that." Amos said via the communications as they got in touch with the drone operators.

***

With four of the sentries splitting off to the container yard, Sverrir and the other sentry ran out of the building, rallying with the other two who were guarding the front gate. They risked by leaving the front gate guards unattended, yes - but it was a necessary risk. More of the community watch were already on the way; this was big, bigger than anything that the city has seen in years. The other watch group came in over Sverrir's radio channel as stray shots rang out among the containers, yelling: "We're in the container yard! Edwards, throw smoke! Fujishima, flank right!" "Got it! Zelenko, I'll cover you!"

Sverrir changed the frequency, contacting Amos again to get fresh recon.

"Amos, where are they on the embankment?" he asked.

"They're approaching a canal drawbridge behind the bend on your right." Amos responded.

"Good! Get the port authority on the horn and raise the bridge! We'll corner them there!"

"Affirmative, on it!" Amos replied.

"Follow me!" Sverrir called to other sentries. "Take cover with every move, these guys will do anything to save themselves!" The snow leopard's eyes narrowed, and he ran off, the sentries barely able to follow him without falling behind. He ran from cover to cover, hearing the drawbridge up ahead creak as he approached the sightline open to the criminals. He finally ran up to a big tree that was growing near the bend - and as soon as he peeked out, he was met with a hail of gunfire directed his way. Sverrir immediately hid back behind the tree, the other sentries forming up with him. "Okay, we need a plan! We've got them cornered now, we just have to take them down without undue harm!" he said.

At that moment, the other group came in via the radio channel again. "We got 'em! I repeat, we got 'em!" one of the sentries reported. "Our group of hostiles is under arrest! Fujishima got injured, but it's nothing serious, the bullet just grazed them!"

"Good! Get them medical attention, stat!" Sverrir said in response, before turning to other sentries. "I'm actually a bit stumped right now - there's no way we can safely fire back..." he admitted.

"I have an idea!" one of the sentries raised her hand. "Why won't we ask for another pollen duster run?" she asked with a smirk.

"That's pretty good! Everyone, arc pistols at the ready!" Sverrir said. "We've got them pretty close, but we need that opening! Amos, get us on the line with our friend, if you will?"

"Right away." Amos responded, patching in the city steward machine mind who helped them earlier.

"Hello again!" Sverrir said. "My friend Amos just gave you the coordinates; can you do another pollen drop for us?"

"Of course! Drop in 45 seconds." the steward replied. Their pollen-duster drones were normally intended for rapid ecological bootstraps - a wildgrass meadow around a finished-up construction site here, a flowerbed of epic proportions there - but now, they flew in like a strike group, dodging all gunfire that was directed at them and dumping a second batch of pollen over the gunrunners. In a few seconds, the sneezing started - and that's when Sverrir and sentries with him popped out from behind the tree, landing several precise arc pistol shots on them. The electric stun made the gunrunners drop their weapons, with Sverrir and the watch closing in... and in a minute, everything was over. The two groups on land have been safely apprehended, and soon afterwards, more of the community watch were there to take them away. Sverrir raised his finger to the earpiece, and asked: "Amos?"

"What is it?" Amos responded.

"Did we get the ones who fled by boat?" Sverrir asked.

"Yes, we have." Amos told him. "They are currently floating on the open water one kilometre away from shore, and the coast guard is coming in to apprehend them."

"Whew. Thank gods." Sverrir said. When one of the criminals walked past Sverrir as the community watch led him away, the snow leopard smirked and winked, with the gunrunner making a grimace of anger and annoyance in response. Sverrir knew one thing for sure; with all criminals apprehended, and all contraband combat rifles accounted for, his mission for the day was accomplished, and he prevented who knows how many calamities from ever taking place. In his line of work, he really couldn't ask for more.

***

For the rest of the workday, Sverrir went down to the local community watch office and did all the busywork that was called for after any case of such magnitude. He compiled evidence, filed reports about his actions, talked with witnesses and local watch officers, and tried to figure where else the Earth Global Detectives may be led by the connections from people they apprehended. But, eventually the workday was over with - and in late afternoon, he took his recess to what constituted his favourite hangout no matter where in the world he was: the Arbor Diner, a chain of restaurant co-ops serving his most preferred selection of food combos from across the world. After locating the nearest one and making his way there, he walked in, finding a nice table near the panoramic windows and looking over the place, with its prolific abundance of plants and wooden drink casks in the back, he figured he could simply let himself relax for a while.

"Hi there, and welcome!" the waiter said. "What will you have today, Detective?"

Sverrir - a person of note among the employees of that particular restaurant chain - gave it a thought, and figured he owed himself a really good snack after all that has transpired today. He turned around to the waiter, nodding to him politely.

"I'll have a double solarized Cheesemonger's Special, extra garden space on top, a dash of Appenines, overdo the mustard, and no rowing boats." Sverrir said.

The waiter just nodded and yelled to the kitchen: "You got that?"

"Yeah!" the fry cook replied, with Sverrir just smiling to the waiter and kicking back in his chair to wait for his order.

Syria's Role in World War 3: Shocking!

In the midst of rising tensions between Israel and Hamas, fears of a possible World War 3 have taken hold. Many ponder the possibility of this conflict triggering a wider regional war involving countries like Iran, Syria, Turkey, and others. People are also concerned about the involvement of major powers such as the US, Russia, China, and more. Speculations on how this hypothetical war might start and what it could entail vary, including scenarios of nuclear war, cyber war, biological war, climate war, or a combination of these. The consequences of such a conflict are dire, with potential for loss of millions of lives, destruction of the environment, economic collapse, and the regression of civilization. Yet, even amidst this chaos, there may be unforeseen challenges and opportunities for humanity. With Syria playing a significant role in the dynamics of World War 3, understanding its role becomes crucial in comprehending this global crisis. Syria's Role in World War 3 Syria has become a central player in discussions regarding the potential outbreak of World War 3. The ongoing Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has drawn the attention of international powers and turned the country into a proxy battleground. The implications of this conflict have major geopolitical and humanitarian consequences, with the possibility of escalation and the utilization of chemical weapons. In this article, we will explore the background and context of Syria's involvement in World War 3, the humanitarian crisis it has caused, and the role of international organizations in addressing the situation. The Ultimate Survival Guide for the End of the World Background and Context In order to understand Syria's role in a potential World War 3, we must first examine the historical and geopolitical significance of the country. Situated in the heart of the Middle East, Syria has played a crucial role in the region for centuries. Its strategic position, bordering Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon, has made it a focal point for various powers throughout history. Moreover, the country's rich cultural heritage and diverse population have contributed to its complex political landscape. The Syrian regime, led by President Bashar al-Assad, has been in power since 2000. The country has a long history of authoritarian rule, with the Assad family dominating Syrian politics for over four decades. The regime's alliance with Russia and Iran has further solidified its position and influence in the region. However, the autocratic rule and lack of political freedoms have fueled discontent among the Syrian population, leading to the eruption of the civil war in 2011. Syrian Civil War The Syrian Civil War, which erupted in 2011, has been one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century. It began as a peaceful uprising against the Assad regime but quickly escalated into a full-blown war characterized by widespread violence and massive human suffering. The conflict has been fueled by a multitude of factors, including political repression, economic inequality, and sectarian tensions. The origins and timeline of the Syrian Civil War can be traced back to the Arab Spring, a wave of pro-democracy movements that swept across the Middle East and North Africa in 2010 and 2011. Inspired by the successful uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, Syrian protestors took to the streets demanding political reforms and an end to the Assad regime. However, the regime responded with brutal force, leading to the militarization of the opposition and the escalation of violence. Key players and factions involved in the Syrian Civil War include the Syrian government forces, rebel groups, jihadist organizations such as ISIS and al-Qaeda, Kurdish militias, and international powers. The complex web of alliances and rivalries has fueled the length and intensity of the conflict, making it difficult to reach a resolution. Involvement of International Powers The Syrian Civil War has attracted the involvement of various international powers, turning it into a proxy battleground. Russia, Iran, the United States, Turkey, Israel, and Saudi Arabia are among the major players that have actively supported different factions in the conflict. Russia's role in the Syrian Civil War has been crucial in propping up the Assad regime. It has provided military support, including airstrikes, to the Syrian government forces, aiming to maintain its strategic interests and influence in the region. On the other hand, Iran has been a key ally of the Assad regime, providing financial, military, and logistical support to ensure its survival. The United States and NATO have also been involved in the conflict, albeit supporting different factions. The US has provided support to rebel groups in an attempt to weaken the Assad regime and promote democratic values. However, its involvement has been complex, as it has also been targeting extremist groups such as ISIS. Additionally, Turkey has played a significant role in the conflict, supporting rebel groups and launching military operations against Kurdish militias. Israel, concerned about the regional implications of the Syrian conflict, has also been involved, primarily focusing on countering Iran's influence in the region. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have supported rebel factions, aiming to counter Iranian influence and protect their interests in the region. Syria as a Proxy Battleground The Syrian Civil War has become a proxy battleground, with regional and international powers competing for influence in the Middle East. The conflict has exacerbated existing regional power struggles and rivalries, particularly between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Their competing agendas and support for different factions have further fueled the intensity and complexity of the conflict. Sectarian and ethnic divisions within Syria have played a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the conflict. The country's population is divided along sectarian lines, with Alawites, Sunnis, Christians, and Kurds being the major groups. This has led to a wider Sunni-Shia divide in the Middle East, with various countries aligning themselves along sectarian lines and exacerbating tensions between different sects. The presence of transnational extremist groups, such as ISIS and al-Qaeda, has also contributed to the proxy nature of the conflict. These groups have exploited the power vacuum created by the civil war to establish their own territories and launch attacks both within Syria and internationally. Finally, the competition for influence in the Middle East has been a driving factor behind the involvement of international powers. The region's strategic location, oil resources, and religious significance have made it a focal point for major powers seeking to protect their interests and expand their spheres of influence. Impact on the Middle East The Syrian Civil War has had a profound impact on the Middle East, leading to the destabilization of the region and a wide range of humanitarian challenges. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of millions of people, creating one of the worst refugee crises in history. Countries neighboring Syria, such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan, have borne the brunt of the refugee influx, straining their resources and causing social and economic challenges. The widening Sunni-Shia divide in the region has been another consequence of the Syrian conflict. The rivalry between Iran, a predominantly Shia country, and Saudi Arabia, a Sunni-majority country, has intensified as both sides support different factions in the conflict. This has led to strained relationships among Arab states, with countries taking sides based on their sectarian affiliations. The impact of the Syrian conflict on Israel's security cannot be overlooked. The presence of Iranian-backed militias and the transfer of advanced weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon have increased the threat perception for Israel. This has led to several airstrikes and military operations by Israel targeting Hezbollah positions inside Syria. Possibility of Escalation The Syrian Civil War has the potential to escalate into a larger regional or even global conflict. Foreign military intervention, the threat of direct confrontation between major powers, the involvement of nuclear-armed states, emerging technologies and warfare, and the spillover of the conflict to other countries are all factors that contribute to this possibility. Foreign military intervention, especially by major powers such as the United States and Russia, has the potential to further escalate the conflict. An accidental clash or miscalculation between these powers in the Syrian theater could lead to a much larger conflict. The involvement of nuclear powers, namely Russia and the United States, also raises concerns about the potential for escalation. While both countries have focused their military efforts on other means of warfare, the presence of such weapons is a constant reminder of the destructive power that could be unleashed. Emerging technologies and warfare, including artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber warfare, could play a significant role in any future conflict involving Syria. These technologies have the potential to change the nature of warfare, making it more lethal and unpredictable. The conflict spilling over into other countries is another significant concern. The Syrian Civil War has already had implications for neighboring countries, particularly Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. The presence of extremist groups and the potential for their activities to spread beyond Syria's borders pose a threat to regional stability. Utilization of Chemical Weapons One of the most concerning aspects of the Syrian conflict is the utilization of chemical weapons. The Assad regime has been accused multiple times of using chemical weapons against its own population, including the infamous 2013 Ghouta attack. These attacks have led to the deaths of thousands of civilians and have been condemned by the international community. The use of chemical weapons in Syria has prompted strong responses from the international community, including the United Nations and major world powers. The Assad regime has been subjected to sanctions and condemnation, and efforts have been made to hold those responsible accountable. Non-proliferation efforts and norms regarding the use of chemical weapons have been challenged by the Syrian conflict. The flagrant violations of international agreements and the repeated use of such weapons have raised concerns about the erosion of global security and the need for stronger mechanisms to prevent their use. 10 Secrets to Survive Any Disaster and Thrive in Chaos Humanitarian Crisis in Syria The Syrian Civil War has had a devastating impact on the Syrian population, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions. Cities and infrastructure have been destroyed, and basic needs such as food, water, and healthcare are in short supply. The suffering experienced by the Syrian people is unimaginable. Families have been torn apart, and children have been exposed to unspeakable violence and trauma. Many Syrians have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring countries or embarking on perilous journeys to Europe. Access to basic needs, including food and healthcare, has become increasingly difficult for the Syrian population, particularly those in areas affected by the conflict. Aid organizations have faced numerous challenges in providing assistance, with access restrictions and security issues hindering their efforts. The impact on vulnerable groups, especially children, has been particularly severe. Children have been subjected to violence, recruited into armed groups, and denied access to education and healthcare. The long-term consequences of the conflict on the physical and mental well-being of this generation of Syrians cannot be overstated. Role of International Organizations International organizations have played a critical role in responding to the Syrian crisis and mitigating its humanitarian consequences. The United Nations has led efforts to negotiate ceasefires, facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, and promote political dialogue. However, progress has been slow, and the political stalemate has hindered the resolution of the conflict. Numerous humanitarian aid organizations, both local and international, have been working tirelessly to provide assistance to the Syrian population. These organizations have been involved in providing food, healthcare, clean water, and shelter to those affected by the conflict. However, the scale and complexity of the crisis have posed significant challenges, requiring sustained support and collaboration. Diplomatic initiatives and peace talks have been crucial in attempting to bring an end to the conflict. The United Nations and major world powers have been mediating negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition groups. While progress has been limited, these efforts remain essential in finding a political solution and preventing further escalation. Ensuring accountability and justice for the atrocities committed during the Syrian conflict is also a key priority for international organizations. Efforts to document war crimes, collect evidence, and establish mechanisms for holding those responsible accountable have been ongoing. These initiatives are essential not only for achieving justice but also for preventing similar crimes in the future. In conclusion, Syria's role in World War 3 cannot be understated. The ongoing civil war has drawn the attention of international powers and turned the country into a proxy battleground. The impact of the conflict on the Middle East has been significant, leading to the destabilization of the region, a refugee crisis, and strained relationships among Arab states. The possibility of escalation, the utilization of chemical weapons, and the immense humanitarian crisis pose major challenges for the international community. As the conflict continues, it is essential for international organizations and world powers to prioritize diplomatic efforts, provide humanitarian assistance, and work towards a peaceful resolution. Only through collective action can we hope to prevent the outbreak of a wider conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people. How to Build a Bunker in Your Backyard and Protect Your Family Read the full article