Borderline

I have just joined this new community gathered around Nostr (this new Internet protocol) and this is quite different from every other social media I had tried before. First the registration is super easy in one step ; choosing a nickname, once it is done a 'secret code' is generated and associated with the account, and with this Nostr code ( which you shall never share with nobody ) plenty of other website can be joined (and will transfer stuffs between them using relays ). This has potential to replace all the old (dying) platforms like twitter , facebook , tumblr , and many more ... because these are now filled with ads, fake news and censorship. I am not saying Nostr is the perfect place, it is filled with bitcoiners and conspirationists, and weirdos (which is great). But it sure is refreshing.  Anyway, you want to find me, here is my public code (that one I can share) primal.net/p/npub1xchtl75ftt9s4f8v9ugetxcuyvawcgn47cdnhmhpnvdkujfwyuvs34sudw #21challenge   #asknostr  

" The Fine Art of Baloney Detection " is an essay written by Carl Sagan (a renowned astronomer, astrophysicist, and science communicator).  In this essay, Sagan outlines principles and techniques for critical thinking and skepticism, emphasizing the importance of approaching claims and assertions with a skeptical mindset. Here's a brief overview of the key points discussed in "The Fine Art of Baloney Detection": 1. Skepticism : Sagan emphasizes the importance of skepticism, which involves questioning and scrutinizing claims rather than accepting them at face value . He encourages individuals to adopt a skeptical mindset and to be cautious of accepting information without evidence to support it. 2. Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence : Sagan popularized this principle, which suggests that extraordinary claims, such as those that contradict established scientific knowledge or defy the laws of nature, require proportionately strong evidence to supp

WE all know that conflicts hves always been (and will most likely always) be the biggest booster of technology developments.  The sad truth is that with wars throughout history have boosted innovation in various fields.  World War II stands as a great example of how the pressures of warfare accelerated technological advancements. Examining this historical context provides insights into how future conflicts may shape technological developments. 1. Radar Technology: The urgency of detecting incoming enemy aircraft led to the rapid development of radar technology during World War II. This innovation not only revolutionized air defense but also laid the groundwork for modern radar systems used in aviation, meteorology, and telecommunications. 2. Nuclear Technology : The Manhattan Project, aimed at developing atomic bombs, led to advancements in nuclear physics and engineering. While the consequences of nuclear weapons are terrifying, the scientific and technological knowledge gained from

Ukraine has been at war for over 2 years now , and following the October 7th atrocities, Israel is demolishing Gaza. Escalation of tensions and demolition of infrastructure have exacerbated an already volatile situation. Deeply rooted in historical, religious, and territorial disputes, this conflict is marked by continued violence and destruction, which can further hardened hostility and deepen divisions, making the prospects for reconciliation more difficult. And now, Iran has made a move attacking Israel.  Iran, which has experienced significant political, social, and economic challenges in the last 100 years. From 1921 to 1978, Iran underwent a period of modernization. Iran's infrastructure was developed, and efforts were made to westernize the country. Until the CIA (and MI6) pushed out the democratically elected Prime Minister, leading to the reinstatement of the Shah's power. The Shah's political repression and economic inequality soon led to the Iranian Revolution

Julian Assange (founder of WikiLeaks) released classified documents in 2010, including sensitive U.S. military and diplomatic information. He faced charges of conspiracy and espionage for his role in obtaining and disseminating the documents. Edward Snowden, (former NSA contractor) leaked classified information in 2013, exposing global surveillance programs. Snowden revealed widespread data collection by intelligence agencies, leading to charges of espionage and theft of government property.  As of today in 2024, both Assange and Snowden are considered whistle blowers by some but face legal consequences for their actions, igniting debates on government transparency and individual rights. In a sane democratic World, they should be free! Their efforts to expose government surveillance and misconduct was brave and should be encouraged.  But instead they have also faced legal consequences for their actions, with the U.S. government seeking their extradition to face trial on criminal charge

This era has seen the emergence of several big governments, and corporations that are borderlines bullies. 1. Concentration of power in a central authority is leading to authoritarianism , where individual freedoms and rights are often suppressed in favor of state control. 2. With power centralized, there's a higher risk of corruption as decision-making is confined to a few individuals or entities (oligarch). This can lead to misuse of public funds, nepotism, and favoritism. 3. Centralized governments may become ineffective, struggling to effectively address the diverse needs of different regions or communities within the country. Decision-making processes can be slow and bureaucratic. 4. Centralized power can result in a lack of accountability , as decision-makers may not be directly answerable to the people they govern. This can lead to abuses of power without consequences. 5. Centralized governments may suppress cultural, linguistic, or ethnic diversity in favor of a uniform nat

Relationships, both romantic and platonic present challenges and opportunities for personal growth, requiring understanding, communication, and a willingness to learn from experience.  Understanding your own values, needs, and communication style is crucial for building healthy relationships and boundaries. The keyword is to be 'authentic' . Pay close attention to what your partner is saying, both verbally and non-verbal. keyword here is no judgment. Express your thoughts and feelings honestly and respectfully, while creating a safe space for your partner to do the same. Establishing and respecting boundaries protects your well-being and fosters mutual respect within the relationship. View challenges as opportunities for growth and understanding. Focus on finding solutions collaboratively rather than assigning blame. Manage disagreements with empathy and respect, avoiding personal attacks or manipulation.  If challenges persist, consider seeking guidance from a therapist or cou

In my adolescent years, I found myself captivated by Marvel comics that showcased women with perfect athletic figures, ready to combat evil in capes, tight bras, and high boots. Reflecting on it now, I'm puzzled by the absurdity that eluded me back then; it's as if my teenage brain was temporarily hijacked by raging hormones. The ongoing production of countless illustrations featuring buxom babes in bikinis wielding big guns, created by artists worldwide (think frank Frazetta, Simon Bisley, ) leaves me with the curious fascination men have with characters like Lara Croft, Red Sonja, Ultra-Violet, Aeon Flux, Sheena, Xena, Big Barda, Jean Grey, She-Hulk, and more. There's something strangely alluring about the combination of sex appeal and danger that keeps us hooked. However, as I mature, it becomes evident that finding arousal in such material is not only silly but also misleading and, frankly, quite stupid.  We need to question the logic behind being stirred by these imag

I had to check

Keyboard Cat is a popular internet meme who appeared on YouTube back in 2007. His real name was 'Fatso' and he was playing an upbeat tune on an electronic keyboard. The video became viral due to the combination of the catchy music and the comical image of the cat. The meme did well with 'fail videos'. I felt like it needed an upgrade from this picture To this

Gen Z Followers following ...  Gen Z Internet celebrity what could possibly go wrong?! With motto like 'The feed must be fed.' and 'The worse feeling is to become irrelevant.' The relationship between Gen Z influencers and their followers usually is complex and sometimes even toxic, in the age of tik tok and instagram and the constant demand for attention and validation. This dynamic can create a pressure-filled environment where the influencer feels compelled to go to extreme lengths to maintain popularity and gain views. Influencers rely heavily on their fan base for success. Followers play a crucial role in supporting their favorite artists by watching their livestream, purchasing their merchandise, and posting back and force, reblogging, tweeting, etc ...  In return, followers expect a personal connection and engagement from the influencer. And that is the big fantasy on social media platforms: the unspoken expectation, as followers now have direct access to their i