World Views

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/ ... fy/683410/
"Nobody Cares If Music Is Real Anymore"

Commentary on AI-created music hinting that many human aficionados
of human-created music will often perceive AI tunes as "elevator music"
(familiar, acceptable, often enjoyable ... but always "lifted").


Re: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woz-j-YzO0w
To lift your human spirit, savor this!


Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.yahoo.com/health/wellness/m ... 00194.html

"The catchall phrase, 'crashing out', is shorthand for the unfiltered actions of a person who is angry,
anxious, confused, stressed out, or experiencing mental health issues. Can describe a range of behavior,
from emotional outbursts to altercations to withdrawals."

Best guess: These actions are meant for public display,
like PDA becoming PDC ('O' unnecessary - they're 'public').

Rod

[Amigoo]

Quick summary from this morning's long Q&A about relationship of diet to disease,
hinting that typical 24/7 food marketing is more profit- than health-oriented ...
even for foods/supplements claimed as super healthy.


Q: The profit motive for less nutritional food manufacturing/distribution seems related
to the profit motive for medical care and pharmaceuticals.

(Google Gemini) " Unhealthy, ultra-processed foods are profitable and heavily marketed, especially to children
and low-income communities. Corporate influence extends to policy and research, often hindering efforts
to improve public health through better nutrition. The resulting burden of chronic disease, including cancer,
creates further profit opportunities for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries."


Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech ... heory.html
"Rogan flips the God debate on its head with shocking theory that 'we created him' "

Sounds interesting! We'll know for sure when our simulation
stops passing us into the unknown at life's end ... or at least
reveals the magic why those passed never return here.

Until then, don't pay taxes to experience the penalty
for this reality that we created ... or get a sunburn
... or hammered thumb ... or whatever.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Online news: "President says Putin is now a bad guy."

This actually highlights modern leadership (worldwide):
Redefine the problem when solutions are not working.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/arti ... ction.html
"Meghan's new $30 As Ever Rosé wine has finally arrived ... here's how it tastes"

"It tasted affordable and ordinary ... not bad ... like wine served at a work happy hour."

As these food reviews accumulate, we sense that
"As Ever" is unusually consistent marketing!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://citizenwatchreport.com/just-saw ... -payments/
"Just saw someone split a $6 coffee into 4 payments"

Pre-dawn stimulation of mental query: Why

- To create longer lasting memories of the sips?
- Because $1.50 looked better on 4 expense reports?
- If this was espresso, that's $3 per tablespoon!
- Because $6/3 ($2) coffee seemed too expensive?
- Lawsuit avoidance for the hot coffee spill?
- The required tip necessitated the payments?
- Our boss gifts us with a $6 can of coffee!
- 4 people shared, needing separate checks?
- $6 must have been day-old coffee!

This could go on for days

- AI-displaced worker buying job-hunting coffee?
- Requires 5 payments if coffee cup provided?
- Hot water in coffee cup is just 3 payments!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/shopping-us ... orian.html
"AI ‘historian’ that captures your life story - and your voice long after you're gone"

(true story)
A friend passed away twenty years ago, leaving his estate to his brother.
The brother didn't arrive for several weeks, leaving his phone message active
(I called to see if his brother had arrived):

"Hi! I've gone around the corner and will call you back as soon as possible."
Just for a second I wondered if this was a very long distance call.

Rod

[Sandy]

I'm thinking... the Mansion Worlds are "just around the corner."
xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/yourmoney/c ... trump.html
"Coca-Cola stuns America with recipe change"

(Dr Marion Nestle, a top nutritionist at New York University) "Both sweeteners are made of glucose and fructose, taste the same
and do the same bad things to metabolism when consumed in excess. 12-ounce Coke has 39 grams of either one. That's excessive.
High fructose corn syrup has a bad reputation because it is cheaper and used in loads of ultra-processed foods."

Marketing Win Win? This recipe now permits a later New Coke II
when those fans again want less sugar.


Rod

[Sandy]

You have me thinking, Rod.
Years ago, one evening, I was talking to a neighbour who told me her relative once owned the original Coca-Cola recipe. I wish I could remember more.
So, I did a search and found this interesting thread from Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca_Cola ... 20strategy.
xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Re: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca-Cola_formula

Explains the taste attraction of this drink!
... and highlights super no-no sugar content.

Re: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Anchor-Hocki ... s/17693182

Tip: This 5oz glass is ideal for Nostalgia Drinks
(just enough taste to remember "the good ol' days"
... and works for a bedtime wine tonic).

Inspires a new drink toast:
"Five's Up!" (rhymes with "Wise Up!")


Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01r2ntBWQ1E
"Cash seizures — ATMs Frozen, Digital Yuan FORCED"

Apparently, limited to some Chinese cities,
but informs that this technology now exists -
digital money is approaching ... worldwide

Rod

[Amigoo]

Apparently, even super AI will be challenged when recommending against corporate profits ...


Q: How is AI going to help reverse climate change when fossil fuel investment/profits encourage its continued use?

(Perplexity) "AI can help reverse climate change by optimizing energy use, improving renewable energy systems,
and aiding environmental monitoring—but at the same time, fossil fuel investments and profits drive AI’s use to further
exploit oil, gas, and coal, undermining climate progress unless strong policy interventions are enacted.

AI’s positive climate impacts include:

Decarbonizing industry: AI platforms can track and reduce industrial emissions, optimize electricity usage,
and improve efficiency, potentially cutting emissions by up to 10–30% in some sectors.

Accelerating the deployment of renewables: AI helps integrate variable energy sources like wind and solar
into power grids by forecasting supply/demand and improving grid management.

Environmental monitoring: AI processes satellite and sensor data to detect deforestation, monitor ice melt,
predict extreme weather, and inform climate adaptation strategies.

However, major AI and tech companies are also accelerating fossil fuel extraction:

AI is used by oil and gas companies to, for example, 'predict the next oil field' or monitor offshore installations,
making fossil fuel extraction faster and cheaper.

Big tech investment in fossil fuel projects, and lobbying against climate legislation, support the continued,
profitable exploitation of hydrocarbons.

As a 'general purpose technology,' AI enhances both clean and dirty technologies; it can just as easily
boost oil/gas profits as it can support renewables.

Key insight: The direction AI pushes climate outcomes depends on societal priorities and policy choices.
Without regulation, AI will continue to be used by the fossil fuel sector as long as investment returns
are attractive and political will to restrict such uses is lacking.

Policy and governance actions proposed by experts include:

Regulating or banning the use of AI for new fossil fuel exploration and extraction.

Redirecting public funding and research incentives toward AI applications in clean energy,
efficiency, and climate adaptation.

Increasing transparency about tech industry partnerships with fossil fuel companies.

Limitations:

AI is not a magic solution — its climate benefits hinge on robust policies that shift investment from fossil fuels to renewables.
Current trends show tech companies profiting from both climate solutions and fossil fuel growth, with only a modest tilt
toward clean technologies so far.

In summary: AI can accelerate climate action or fossil fuel extraction, depending on incentives and regulation. To align AI with goals,
policy intervention to restrict its use in fossil fuel industries and promote its role in low-carbon innovation is essential."


Q: Doesn't AI's rapidly increasing need for energy encourage continued fossil fuel use?

(P) "AI’s rapidly increasing demand for electricity is substantially raising power consumption by data centers, a trend driven
especially by large-scale AI training and inference workloads. This surge puts significant pressure on energy infrastructure and,
if grids remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, can indeed encourage continued or increased fossil fuel use to meet growing demand.

Key points from current data and projections:

Data center electricity demand is booming due to AI. By 2030, global power demand from data centers (with AI as the main driver)
is expected to more than double, with worldwide annual consumption reaching 945 TWh—exceeding the current electricity usage
of entire countries like Japan.

In the US, data center power demand is expected to more than double from 2024 to 2035,
with AI data centers alone projected to account for up to 8.6% of total US electricity demand by 2035.

AI-driven data centers could soon use as much electricity annually as 22% of all US households.

The speed and scale of this demand growth threaten to outpace both efficiency gains in AI computing
and the rollout of new renewable energy sources.

If new data centers are powered using existing grid mixes, additional demand will be met with whatever
energy sources are available — including fossil fuels, which still play a major role in most grids.

Why this trend encourages fossil fuel use:

Grid dependence on fossil fuels: Where grids are still primarily powered by coal, gas, or oil, any new demand — such as that
created by AI — tends to be met with an increase in fossil-based generation, especially during periods of peak usage or grid strain.

Pace of renewable deployment: While tech companies advocate for clean energy, most grids cannot transition fast enough
to match both existing and new AI-driven power demand, making fossil fuels the fallback option.

Physical and regulatory limits: Expanding renewable capacity and grid infrastructure is often slowed by permitting, supply chain,
and investment barriers, causing new high-energy users like data centers to rely on the current energy mix.

Countervailing factors (and their limits):

Efficiency improvements in AI hardware and software could slow the pace of increase, but so far, booming AI adoption
is forecast to outstrip these gains through at least 2030.

Some leading tech companies purchase renewable energy credits or build dedicated clean power, but the overall effect
on national and global energy systems is still heavily diluted by fossil fuel dependence.

Conclusion: Unless the grid’s power mix shifts rapidly toward renewables, AI’s increasing appetite for energy will lead
directly to higher fossil fuel consumption in most regions, which risks offsetting AI’s potential benefits for decarbonization.
The net climate impact of AI therefore depends on accelerated clean energy deployment, strong efficiency mandates,
and regulatory action to ensure new (and existing) data centers run on low-carbon power."


Rod

[Sandy]

Well, that's an eye opener, Rod!
Do you think our world and its natural splendor are doomed if we continue on this AI path?

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Sandy,

Recent Q&A with Perplexity suggests AI promoters are just beginning
to realize that AI intelligence has limits and that these investments
are not guaranteed to be as profitable as hyped.

Clue: Levels of AI intelligence relate to subscription cost
(income needed to help pay for AI development) ... and that
the human brain does not subdivide into intelligence levels
(thus even Super AI will remain "artificial").


Rod

.

[Sandy]

Thanks, Rod.

Recent Q&A with Perplexity suggests AI promoters are just beginning
to realize that AI intelligence has limits and that these investments
are not guaranteed to be as profitable as hyped

This may sound mean, but I hope that is the case.

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Continuing science perspective about the Shroud ...
Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech ... Jesus.html

"During this part of the Medieval period, low-relief depictions of religious figures were extremely popular decorations
for structures such as tombstones. According to Mr Moraes, this makes it much more likely that the shroud was created
as a piece of art during medieval funerary practices and later came to be considered a genuine relic."


This science perspective doesn't agree with continuing spiritual perspective, but the UB's
"prebestowal charge"* suggests that Midwayers, et al., were instructed to honor this mandate.
Even as art icon, the Shroud remains a valuable placeholder until its authenticity is proven,
especially since the UB describes the shroud's presence during his burial and resurrection.

Paper 120 - The Bestowal of Michael on Urantia
(prebestowal charge of Immanuel to the universe ruler who subsequently became Jesus of Nazareth)
* "See that nothing potentially idolatrous is left on the planet at the time of your departure." (120:3.7)


Rod

[Amigoo]

Nursery rhymes with modern theme:

Humpty Dumpty - Tariff maker
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod - Reactions to tariffs

Three Men in a Tub - Countries affected by tariffs
Wheels on the Bus - Continuing tariff promotion

Hey Diddle Diddle - Public comprehension of tariffs
Row, Row, Row your Boat - Promised tariffs resolution

Five Little Monkeys - Fading resistance to tariffs
Itsy Bitsy Spider - Ongoing tariff squabbles

This Little Piggy - Today's realistic markets
Ring around the Rosie - Ultimate resolution?


Perplexity embellished the childish poetry ...

"Here is a playful take on classic nursery rhymes, each reimagined to reflect
international trade issues, especially tariffs and their real-world impacts:

Humpty Dumpty – Tariff Maker

Humpty Dumpty built up a wall,
Tariffs he levied — big, bold, and tall.
All the world’s traders and all global friends,
Couldn’t make world trade the same again.

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod – Reactions to Tariffs

Wynken frowned, Blynken blinked, and Nod just shrugged,
At every tariff declaration, confused 'bout more ug!
Yet some say it’s fair, some raise their brow,
But all still agree, things are different now.

Three Men in a Tub – Countries Affected by Tariffs

Three men in a tub — India, China, and more,
All caught by tariffs, tallying the score.
Crying “Who’s the butcher? Who’s baker?
Who can fix tariffs and be peacemaker?”

Wheels on the Bus – Continuing Tariff Promotion

Tweets on the feed go round and round,
Tariffs are here and tariffs abound.
Every time the news elicits a frown.
Troubling tariffs are even uptown!

Hey Diddle Diddle – Public Comprehension of Tariffs

Hey diddle diddle, tariffs in the middle,
The markets jumped over the moon!
Investors laughed to see such sport,
And all scratched their heads at the tune.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat – Promised Tariffs Resolution

Row, row, row the deal, gently down the aisle,
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
But resolution will take a while.

Five Little Monkeys – Fading Resistance to Tariffs

Five little countries jumping on trade,
One fell off and so a deal was made.
Mama called the leaders and leaders said —
“No more jumping, fold tariffs instead!”

Itsy Bitsy Spider – Ongoing Tariff Squabbles

The itsy bitsy trader climbed the market wall,
Down rained the tariffs and made the profits fall.
Out came negotiators to dry up all the rain,
And the itsy bitsy trader tried to trade again.

This Little Piggy – Today’s Realistic Markets

This little piggy exported,
This little piggy paid dues,
This little piggy stayed local,
This little piggy got bruised,
This little piggy cried “More tariffs today! —
Why can't they just take a snooze?”

Ring Around the Rosie – Ultimate Resolution?

Ring around the negotiators,
Their trade talks in the posies,
Ashes, ashes, let tariffs fall down!

These reimagined rhymes use their familiar formats to illustrate the complexities,
reassurances, and ongoing confusion in modern tariff and trade disputes — making
economic issues more approachable through playful storytelling."


Rod

[Amigoo]

Apparently, expect to pay more regardless of pro-tariffs rationale!


Q: What is the rationale that tariffs on imports will not cause inflation?
That importers will not pass their costs onto consumers. That local
manufacturing will eventually reduce need for these imports?

(Perplexity) "The rationale that tariffs on imports will not cause inflation relies on several arguments,
but most empirical evidence finds that tariffs generally do increase prices, at least in the short term.

Key rationales and counterpoints:

Importers may absorb tariff costs: Retailers or importers facing new tariffs might initially absorb some or all of the extra costs by accepting lower profit margins, so that prices for consumers rise less than the full tariff amount. Empirical studies have found that for tariffs of 20% or less, much of the cost was absorbed by importers rather than fully passed on to end consumers, especially during the 2018-2019 US-China trade war. However, for higher tariff rates (such as on washing machines), some or most of the costs were passed through to consumers.

Suppression of demand can dampen inflation: When tariffs make products more expensive, consumers might reduce spending overall, leading to weaker aggregate demand. This can help offset inflationary pressure since higher prices reduce demand for the tariffed goods and, by extension, can moderate inflation more broadly. However, this comes at the cost of lower overall economic output.

Domestic production can eventually substitute imports: Over the long term, tariffs are intended to encourage increased local manufacturing capacity, which could eventually reduce dependence on imports and moderate price increases. If domestic industries can ramp up production efficiently, competition and increased supply might help stabilize prices in the future. However, there may be a lag before this effect is realized, and short-run supply limits can cause prices to remain elevated.

Tariffs on intermediate goods increase domestic costs: When tariffs are placed on raw materials or intermediate products, domestic manufacturers face higher costs, which often get passed downstream, raising prices for end consumers (a negative supply shock). This can make overall inflation more likely, not less.

Empirical consensus: Most central banks and economic analyses conclude that tariffs usually result in some upward pressure on prices, especially for consumer goods with little domestic substitution. The magnitude depends on the import share, the ability to substitute, the competitive landscape, and the size of the tariff.

Bottom line: While there are mechanisms and specific scenarios where tariffs may not cause consumer price inflation — such as importers accepting lower margins or declining demand offsetting price increases — the general expectation is that tariffs do raise prices, especially in the short run, unless local supply expands rapidly enough to offset the cost shocks. Most mainstream economic analyses and current data indicate inflationary effects from tariffs, with only limited situations where costs are not passed on to consumers."


Re: https://nz.news.yahoo.com/treasury-secr ... 30724.html

"Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ... was gently coaxed into admitting that while the government might
rake in plenty from the new taxes, American businesses and consumers are the ones paying the penalties."


Rod

[Amigoo]

Indirectly advises how to choose the better swimming holes.

Re: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-n ... rcna223832
"Deaths from flesh-eating bacteria are on the rise."


Q: Do humans increase the conditions for this bacteria, including runoff from the land?

(Perplexity) "Human activities do increase the conditions favorable for Vibrio bacteria — the principal "flesh-eating" bacteria
in coastal waters — in several ways, including through land runoff and broader environmental changes.

Key human-driven factors include:

Nutrient runoff from agriculture and urbanization: Runoff from farmland, lawns, and urban surfaces increases nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus) in coastal water, which can boost plankton and zooplankton populations; these organisms are major hosts and vectors for Vibrio, indirectly promoting bacterial proliferation.

Coastal pollution and sewage: Wastewater and stormwater discharges can increase organic matter, alter salinity, and carry bacteria directly into coastal and estuarine waters, further improving growth conditions for Vibrio.

Shipping and ballast water: Ballast water released from ships can introduce new varieties of Vibrio into local waters, facilitating the spread and establishment of pathogenic strains.

Global warming (primarily a human-driven process): Warmer surface waters, resulting from climate change, significantly increase Vibrio abundance and extend their range, as elevated temperatures create optimal bacterial growth conditions.

Recreational and seafood industry expansion: Increased usage of coastlines for swimming, fishing, shellfish farming, and seafood consumption—propelled by population and tourism growth—raises both exposure frequency and the nutrient load, aiding bacterial growth.

Evidence shows that as these human influences intensify, particularly warming and nutrient enrichment of coastal waters through both runoff and direct discharges, Vibrio bacteria become more abundant and geographically widespread, making infections more common in areas frequently visited by people."


Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nat ... 454339007/
"A wave of states move to legalize human composting."

Suggests new R&R options at the Texas mortuary!

Traveler: I'd like to arrange my departure R&R.

Sales Agent: Will that be a Quick Roast (cremation)
or Slow Roast (topsoil in the hot Texas sun)?

Traveler: Slow Roast, with occasional turnovers.


Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.mediaite.com/opinion/alarmi ... ted-speed/
"Alarming New Study Finds Smartphones Ruining Our Brains at Unprecedented Speed"

Suggests a Tortise & Hare perspective of anti-AI twaddle
when pro-AI users still connect with dumb phones (4G or landline)
and anti-AI users have long bonded with their smart phones.


Rod

[Sandy]

Thank you for posting this, Rod.
I feel justified now in my ongoing attempts not to be addicted to my mobile phone.
xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Topicals rarely go deep enough to compensate for insufficent body-supplied nutrients.

Q: Topical oils and lotions can help improve skin health, but body-supplied nutrients seem more important
for deeper skin health. Many humans have had long life spans with good skin health without modern topicals.
What are these nutrients? Are less nutritional diets part of the problem?

(Perplexity) "The nutrients most essential for deeper, lasting skin health — beyond topical oils and lotions —
are those supplied directly through the diet and bloodstream. Historically, people maintained good skin health
and longevity even without modern topical products, largely due to adequate intake of these nutrients:

Key Nutrients for Skin Health

Protein: Supports skin structure and repair. Protein deficiency can cause dermatoses, impaired wound healing,
rash, hair discoloration, thinning, and depigmentation.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Deficiency causes scaly dermatitis, alopecia, and poor skin barrier function.
EFAs such as linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) must come from the diet.

Vitamin C: Crucial for collagen production and antioxidant protection. Deficiency leads to skin fragility,
poor healing, dryness, and other issues.

Vitamin A: Important for keratinization and epithelial health. Deficiency manifests as rough,
bumpy skin (phrynoderma).

Zinc: Aids in wound healing, maintaining barrier function, and resisting infections. Zinc deficiency
can cause rashes, impaired healing, and skin laxity.

Vitamin B Complex (B2, B3, B6, B12, Folate): Deficiencies present as dermatitis, hyperpigmentation,
rashes, and angular stomatitis.

Iron: Low levels lead to pallor, brittle nails, and glossitis.

Vitamin E: As an antioxidant, helps protect against free-radical damage and supports barrier function.

Vitamin D: Important for skin immunity and cell repair.

Ceramides: Although not a vitamin, ceramides are lipid molecules essential for the skin barrier,
and their formation depends on nutritional status.

The Impact of Poor Diets

Diets low in these nutrients — due to processed foods, restrictive eating, aging, disease, or poverty —
are significant contributors to compromised skin health. Deficiencies can cause dryness, itchiness, rashes,
slow healing, and premature aging. While topical products can help surface appearance or barrier repair,
they cannot fully compensate for inadequate body-supplied nutrients delivered via the bloodstream
to build and maintain healthy skin from within.

In summary, a nutrient-rich diet containing adequate protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins (A, B, C, D, E),
minerals (zinc, iron), and antioxidants is crucial for healthy, resilient skin. Less nutritional diets are a major cause
of skin problems, especially chronic or deeper skin issues that topical treatments cannot prevent or reverse."


Good blood circulation is also important

Q: Good skin health to the deepest layer - without use of topicals - seems indicative of good nutrition
supplied by good blood circulation to capillaries (body's smallest blood vessels).

(P) "You’re absolutely correct: good skin health down to the deepest layers depends on the delivery of nutrients
and oxygen to skin cells via blood circulation, specifically through capillaries — the body’s smallest blood vessels.
Here’s how this works:

Capillary blood flow is crucial for skin health because these vessels supply the nutrients and oxygen that skin cells
need to function, regenerate, and repair. The nutrient exchange happens at the epidermal-dermal junction
(papillary dermis), which is responsible for forming new skin cells.

In summary, vibrant, healthy skin — even without the use of modern topical oils and lotions —
depends on a combination of:

- Quality nutrition (supplying all key nutrients).
- Good blood vessel health and circulation (delivering nutrients to capillaries).
- An active lifestyle (supporting circulation and lymphatic health).
- Minimal toxin buildup (clean interstitial fluid).

Less nutritious diets and sedentary lifestyles can compromise circulation and thereby skin health,
regardless of topical care.

Optimal blood flow ensures that vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids reach the skin cells.
Poor circulation can result in dull, unhealthy skin, slow healing, and increased susceptibility to damage.

Healthy microcirculation (capillary function) can be improved by a nutritious diet. Adherence to dietary guidelines —
emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats — was shown in studies to increase capillary recruitment
and maintain healthy microcirculation. Specific nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants
have direct beneficial effects on capillary blood flow.

Exercise and movement boost circulation, helping feed highly oxygenated blood to the skin,
especially as vascular function declines with age.

Lymphatic system health matters: Helps filter out toxins and metabolic waste from interstitial fluid around skin cells.
Physical movement stimulates lymph flow, aiding nutrient exchange and skin vitality."


Rod