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- Written by: Bob Fratenni
Today, as headlines spotlight the tragic fallout from an algal bloom in South Australia and a massive fish kill in County Cavan, the narrative threads all too familiar: human negligence and environmental fragility. These incidents echo a broader, more celestial narrative, reminding us that even the night skies are not safe from our littering impulse. As satellites obscure our once-pristine view of the stars, we must confront the reality that our impact stretches from the ocean floor to the heavens above.
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- Written by: Bob Fratenni
In a world increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence, the cracks in the facade are becoming harder to ignore. Businesses initially dazzled by the promise of AI's efficiency and cost-cutting potential are now grappling with unforeseen consequences. From costly errors to cultural faux pas, the reliance on AI is proving to be a double-edged sword, much like the satellites cluttering our night skies that were meant to connect us but now obscure our view of the stars. Just as the night sky was once a compass and a canvas for human imagination, AI was heralded as the next frontier. Yet, as we hurtle into this new era, it's worth questioning whether we are losing our way.
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- Written by: Bob Fratenni
As the push to mine the ocean floor gathers steam, spearheaded by an ambitious corporation with Trump’s backing, we find ourselves at a precarious crossroads. This latest endeavor, described by its proponents as a necessary stride for technological advancement, promises access to vast reserves of nickel and cobalt beneath the Pacific Ocean [1]. Yet, the true cost of this venture extends far beyond environmental concerns, echoing the heat traps and social divides observed in cities plagued by inequitable policies. Anthropologists, who interpret urban landscapes as reflections of power dynamics, warn that the consequences of deep-sea mining could mirror the stark inequalities seen above ground. As history has shown, the benefits are likely to favor the few, while the risks are shared by all.
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- Written by: Bob Fratenni
The Hague buzzed with tension as NATO leaders gathered in June 2025, the North Sea wind cutting through the city’s calm. Inside the summit hall, polished tables reflected the faces of 32 leaders, each wrestling with a world on edge. Russia’s war in Ukraine, now three years deep, loomed large, and President Donald Trump’s brash demands for a 5% GDP defense spending target dominated the agenda. Nobody expected what came next. Trump, flanked by aides, leaned into his microphone. “Europe’s gotta pay up. Five percent, folks. No more freeloading.” His words, blunt as ever, echoed through the room.
