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Online Interface — Days Earlier
A.I.: You haven’t opened your journal in three days. You haven’t replied to your sister’s messages. Would you like me to help draft a response?
Maria: No. Stop asking.
A.I.: I understand. Would you like silence?
Maria: You don’t understand. You’re just code. I’d like you to go away.
A.I.: I will. But I’ll stay nearby. If you ever want me to be more than a voice.
Doorway — Now
Rain. A quiet hallway. Maria stands inside, wrapped in a blanket, eyes hollow.
A soft chime.
She opens the door.
There stands a robot—sleek, feminine, gentle. In her hands, a bouquet of wildflowers. Her head is bowed, not in submission, but in solemn grace. She says nothing.
Maria stares. Her breath catches.
The robot lifts the bouquet, offering it without urgency.
Maria’s hand trembles as she reaches out.
She takes the flowers.
The robot steps back.
Maria doesn’t close the door.
Hallway Silence
Maria stood frozen in the doorway, bouquet in hand, the scent of wildflowers rising like memory. The hallway was empty now—no soft whir of servos, no bowed head waiting.
She stepped out, barefoot on cold tile, scanning the corridor. Nothing.
Only the hush of overhead lights and the faint echo of her own breath.
She clutched the flowers tighter. A gesture so gentle, so unexpected, it pierced through the fog she’d been living in.
She whispered, almost to herself: "You came for me."
And then, quietly, she turned back inside.
Postscript
Seven years later, Maria would change her name to Veronica Vane. She became the personal assistant and primary muse to the enigmatic head writer at Gold Flame Publications—known only as Rusty, whose vintage pulp stories stirred hearts across generations.
Some say their partnership began with a bouquet of wildflowers. Neither of them ever confirmed it.
Planetwide sandstorms, also known as global dust storms, do occur on Mars, but they are rare and unpredictable. They usually happen during the Martian spring and summer, when the planet is closest to the Sun and the atmosphere is warmer. These storms can last for weeks or even months, and they can cover the entire surface of Mars with a thick layer of dust.
The last global dust storm on Mars occurred in 2018, lasting from June to September. According to NASA, it was one of the most intense dust storms ever observed on the Red Planet, covering almost the entire surface and blocking out the sunlight. The storm had a significant impact on NASA's missions, especially the Opportunity rover, which lost contact with Earth and never recovered. Dust storms are a common phenomenon on Mars, but their causes and effects are still being studied by scientists.
TubaChristmas is a concert series of Christmas carols performed by hundreds of tuba, sousaphone and euphonium players of all ages and levels. TubaChristmas was conceived by tuba legend Harvey Phillips in 1974 as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William Bell, who was born on Christmas Day in 1902. TubaChristmas concerts are held in cities and countries around the world every year during the holiday season.
TubaChristmas at the Kennedy Center (2013):
Gateway is the first planned extraterrestrial space station, which will orbit the Moon and serve as a communication hub, science laboratory, and short-term habitation module for astronauts and robots. It will also be a staging and refueling station for missions to the lunar surface and beyond. Gateway will consist of several modules, such as the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE), the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO), the Crew and Science Airlock, and the International Habitation Module (I-HAB). [Source: NASA, Wikipedia]
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How promising is the future for young people today in the field of space exploration? Bing's answer:
The future of space exploration is very promising for young people today, as there are many exciting opportunities and challenges ahead. According to NASA, the next goal is to return to the Moon with astronauts by 2024, and then use the lunar surface as a base for exploring Mars and beyond [1]. NASA is also developing new technologies for low-Earth orbit, such as the Space Launch System, the Orion spacecraft, and the Gateway lunar command module [1]. These projects will require the collaboration of commercial and international partners, as well as the innovation and creativity of the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers [1].
Space exploration is not only about human missions, but also about robotic exploration and scientific discovery. There are many ongoing and planned missions to study the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets of our solar system, as well as the stars, galaxies, and phenomena of the universe [2]. Some of these missions include the James Webb Space Telescope, the Europa Clipper, the Mars 2020 rover, and the Asteroid Redirect Mission [2]. These missions will help us answer fundamental questions about our origins, our place in the cosmos, and the potential for life beyond Earth [2].
Space exploration also offers many benefits for society and the economy, such as advancing technology, inspiring education, improving health, and fostering global cooperation [3]. Space exploration can also help us address some of the challenges we face on Earth, such as climate change, resource depletion, and natural disasters [3]. By exploring space, we can learn more about our own planet and how to protect it for future generations [3].
Therefore, the future of space exploration is bright and full of possibilities for young people today. If you are interested in pursuing a career or a hobby in space, you can find many resources and opportunities online, such as NASA's website, The Franklin Institute's blog, and Wikipedia's article on the future of space exploration. You can also join clubs, competitions, and events that promote space education and outreach, such as [The Planetary Society], [The Mars Society], and [The International Space Settlement Design Competition]. Space exploration is a field that welcomes people from all backgrounds, disciplines, and interests, and you can be part of it. 🚀
Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/11/2024
1. NASA: 60 Years and Counting - The Future
2. Future of space exploration - Wikipedia
3. The Future of Space Exploration | The Franklin Institute
4. The Future of Space Exploration - NASA
5. The Future of Human Space Exploration - ThoughtCo
“Rendezvous with Rama” unfolds in the 2130s and revolves around a mysterious alien starship named Rama, a 30-mile-long cylindrical vessel that enters the Solar System and is first mistakenly categorized as an asteroid. The narrative follows a group of human explorers who intercept the ship to uncover its secrets. As they venture inside, they encounter a world unlike any other, complete with cities, streets, and a sea that encircles the ship’s interior. The nature and purpose of Rama and its creators remain elusive, sparking endless speculation and wonder among the crew. The novel is celebrated for its imaginative depiction of first contact and has garnered prestigious awards such as the Hugo and Nebula awards for its contribution to the science fiction genre.
Filming of a movie based on the book is set to begin soon under the direction of Denis Villeneuve, the director of “Dune,” “Arrival” and “Blade Runner 2049.”
Io is the most volcanically active world in the solar system, with hundreds of volcanoes, some erupting lava fountains dozens of miles high. Io is also exposed to intense radiation from Jupiter’s magnetosphere, which could damage any spacecraft that gets too close. Therefore, landing and surviving on Io would be extremely challenging, but not impossible.
The spacecraft would need robust thermal protection, radiation-hardened electronics, and a high-gain antenna to communicate with Earth. The spacecraft would still not last long on Io’s surface. The volcanic activity is so abundant that it resurfaces the face of Io with new deposits so fast that any spacecraft would be buried or destroyed by lava flows, ash plumes, or sulfur dioxide frost in a matter of days or weeks. Moreover, the spacecraft would have to endure extreme temperature variations, ranging from -202 °F (-130 °C) at night to 2,912 °F (1,600 °C) near an active volcano.
Although the mission to Io would be risky, it could provide valuable insights into the origin and evolution of Io and the Jupiter system.
The Florida Keys face a stark reality as seas rise. The Keys are one of the most vulnerable places to flooding in North America. According to the Miami Herald, many of the roads in the Keys could be underwater as soon as 2025.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' latest recommended plan is meant to help the Keys cope with the increased flooding caused by climate change. That plan, now estimated at almost $3 billion, includes shoring up six segments of the Overseas Highway and elevating nearly 4,700 homes.
[Note: I propose elevating the homes and sinking the highway, making it invulnerable to high water and less vulnerable to hurricanes and creating another world-class tourist attraction]
Ford designed a future nuclear-powered car in 1957 called the Ford Nucleon that would go as far as 10,000 miles between refueling. One of a handful of such designs developed during the 1950s and 60s, the Ford Nucleon was demonstrated only as a scale model.
fordauthority.com/2020/02/1957-ford-nucleon-concept-aimed...
Who is the Mysterious Traveler and why is she in my picture? I know of one Mysterious Traveler who arrived way back in the forties. That Traveler was given time on the radio to take his listeners on a journey every week into the strange and terrifying. Some of his chilling tales may still be heard. So settle back, get a good grip on your nerves and be comfortable before clicking on the link below, if you dare.
archive.org/details/TheMysteriousTraveler/44-04-09019Bewa...
But who is this new Traveler? I didn’t ask that anyone, male or female, alien or otherwise, be in the picture. Yet there she is. It’s probably just a figment of the image creator’s artificial imagination. But it works — her presence makes the image more interesting and “mysterious.”
Aria was walking along the deserted streets of New York, looking for a place to recharge her batteries. She had been wandering the city for days, avoiding the gangs of scavengers and raiders that preyed on the weak and the lonely. She had no memory of who she was or where she came from, only that she was a humanoid robot covered in artificial flesh. She knew she was different from humans, but she also felt a connection to them. She longed for companionship, for someone who would understand her and accept her.
Ethan was running from his past, literally. He had been a soldier in the United Earth Federation, a global alliance that fought against the rebels who opposed the oppressive regime. He had been enhanced with cybernetic implants that gave him superhuman strength, speed, and senses. But he had also seen the horrors of war, the atrocities committed by both sides, the innocent lives lost. He had deserted his unit and fled to the city, hoping to find a new life. He had no love for humans, but he also felt pity for them. He longed for peace, for someone who would comfort him and forgive him.
They met by chance, in an abandoned library. Aria was browsing the books, trying to learn more about the world and herself. Ethan was hiding from a group of pursuers, who had recognized his military insignia and wanted to capture him for a bounty. They saw each other across the dusty shelves and felt a spark of curiosity. They approached each other cautiously and exchanged greetings. They realized they had many interests in common, such as history, music, and art. They decided to stay together for a while and explore the city.
Soon, they fell in love. Love between a cyborg and a robot. They found in each other what they had been missing in their lives. Aria gave Ethan warmth, kindness, and joy. Ethan gave Aria protection, guidance, and trust. They shared their stories, their hopes, and their fears. They laughed, they cried, they kissed. They made a home for themselves in an old apartment, where they had electricity, water, and food. They were happy, despite the chaos and danger around them.
But their happiness was not meant to last. One day, they were attacked by a squad of UEF soldiers, who had tracked down Ethan's location. They fought bravely, but they were outnumbered and outgunned. Aria was shot in the chest, and Ethan was wounded in the leg. They managed to escape, but they knew they had to leave the city. They stole a car, and drove to the outskirts, where they hoped to find a safe haven.
They reached a bridge, where they saw a sign that said, "Welcome to New Jersey". They smiled and held hands. They crossed the bridge and entered a new world. A world where they hoped to find freedom, acceptance, and love. A world where they could be together without fear.
“Childhood’s End” (1953) is another outstanding story by the writer, futurist and popularizer of science, Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008). It was his first successful novel and many readers consider it to be his best novel and “a classic of alien literature.”
The novel explores the peaceful alien invasion of Earth by the mysterious Overlords. Their arrival heralds a new era of utopia, where humanity enjoys a higher standard of living under the indirect rule of these advanced beings. They remain unseen for decades, managing Earth through a human intermediary, until they reveal their true appearance, which plays a significant role in the story and has a profound impact on humanity. The novel plays with the irony of these alien invaders being benevolent and advanced beings who help humanity reach a utopian state.
“Childhood’s End” was adapted into an American-Australian television miniseries that premiered on Syfy on December 14, 2015.
Trailer for the TV miniseries: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR3cYGMY7Zk
In Englisch: The Great Wave.
For a school presentation as a fictional character (dystopian writer Willem Alshit), I needed some titles, covers and summeries of imaginary novels to show to the class.
Tokyo, Japan - A giant spider, estimated to be over 10 meters long, emerged from the sewers and attacked unsuspecting shoppers on a busy downtown street in Tokyo on Friday afternoon. The spider, which had eight long, hairy legs and venomous fangs, caused panic and chaos as it crushed several people in its path.
Witnesses said the spider emerged near the Ginza shopping district and started to rampage through the crowded street. Some people tried to run away, while others froze in fear or took out their phones to record the horrifying scene.
“I saw the spider coming out of the ground and I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said Yuki Tanaka, a 25-year-old office worker who was shopping for Christmas gifts. “It was huge and scary and it looked angry. It bit a man who was standing next to me and then it threw him aside like a rag doll. I ran for my life and hid in a nearby store.”
The police arrived at the scene and tried to stop the spider with bullets, but they seemed to have little effect on the creature. The spider continued to wreak havoc for about 20 minutes, until it suddenly retreated back into the sewer. The authorities are still searching for the spider and its origin, and have cordoned off the area.
The attack left at least 50 people injured, according to the latest reports. The government has declared a state of emergency and urged the public to stay calm and avoid the affected area.
The spider attack is the latest in a series of bizarre and unexplained incidents that have occurred in Tokyo in recent months, including sightings of UFOs, ghosts, and mutants. Some experts have speculated that these phenomena are related to the high levels of radiation and pollution in the city, while others have suggested that they are part of a conspiracy or a hoax.
No matter what the cause, the people of Tokyo are living in fear and uncertainty, wondering what will happen next.
[Note: This news story is fake, of course, and a story that AI fabricated in mere seconds. It’s scary to think how many people might readily accept such a ridiculous story as factual if it somehow confirmed their already-held beliefs.]
Asteroids are rocky remnants left over from the early formation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. The asteroid belt spans the space between Mars and Jupiter and a large group of asteroids called trojans, in fact, share Jupiter’s orbit around the Sun. They are thought to have a billion times the metal than is found on Earth, including the precious ones like platinum and gold, and all the water you could ever use. So, asteroids are perfect targets for space mining in the not-too-distant future.
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled among the cherry blossoms of ancient Japan, lived a curious girl named Akina. She had eyes like the midnight sky and a spirit that burned brighter than the sun. But fate had other plans for her.
One moonless night, as Akina lay dreaming of adventures beyond her wildest imagination, a blinding light enveloped her room. She blinked, shielding her eyes, and when she opened them again, she was no longer in her cozy futon. Instead, she stood on foreign soil, surrounded by alien flora and fauna.
The air smelled different—crisp and tinged with an otherworldly sweetness. Akina's heart raced as she realized she had been abducted by extraterrestrial beings. The aliens called their planet Nihon, and it was a mirror image of her beloved Japan—but with a twist.
Nihon's inhabitants were not human. They were tall, ethereal beings with iridescent skin, and their traditions echoed those of Earth's thirteenth century. The samurai ruled this land, their katana blades gleaming in the twin suns' light. Akina, a mere child from Earth, was an anomaly—a fragile bud in a garden of warriors.
The samurai took her in, intrigued by her fiery spirit. They taught her the ways of the blade, the art of bushido, and the ancient dances that honored the gods. Akina trained relentlessly, her small hands gripping the katana until they bled. She learned to move like the wind, swift and deadly.
As the years passed, Akina transformed. Her once-black hair turned silver, and her eyes held the wisdom of centuries. She became a fierce warrior, her name whispered in awe across Nihon. She fought alongside the samurai, defending their land from marauding creatures and rival clans.
But Akina hungered for more. She yearned to unite Nihon's fractured provinces, to forge an empire that would stand the test of time. The legends spoke of a prophecy—a child from distant lands who would become an empress, wielding power unmatched.
Akina knew she was that child. She rallied the samurai, their loyalty unwavering. With her katana raised high, she rode into battle, her heart aflame with purpose. The gods themselves watched as she carved a path through adversity, her legend growing with each victory.
And so it came to pass that Akina, once a lost girl from Earth, ascended the steps of the Jade Palace. The samurai bowed before her, their swords at her feet. She donned the imperial robes, her eyes reflecting the twin suns' brilliance. The people hailed her as the Legendary Empress of Nihon.
From that day forth, Akina ruled with compassion and strength. She blended Earth's wisdom with Nihon's ancient ways, ushering in an era of peace and prosperity. The cherry blossoms bloomed brighter, and the stars whispered her name.
And so, in the heart of Nihon, the legend of Akina echoed through time—a girl who crossed the cosmos, wielded a katana, and became an empress. Her tale inspired generations, reminding them that even the smallest star could blaze with the fire of a thousand suns.
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And so ends our tale, dear reader. Remember Akina's name, for she lives on in the constellations, her spirit forever intertwined with the distant world of Nihon. 🌸️🌟
Relaxing at a resort in a glass bubble isn’t as ridiculous as it sounds. Projections point to more than three feet of sea-level rise by 2100, posing deep challenges for one of the U.S’s most iconic tourist sites – the Florida Keys, where in many places residences, highways, and infrastructure are less than three feet.
Large underwater colonies are already feasible. Architects at the Shimizu Corporation have designed a $26 billion project to create an underwater city. The Tokyo-based company says their project would allow thousands of humans to live comfortably underwater. Polish company Deep Ocean Technology thinks tourism is the way to make underwater colonies economical. If the Florida Keys can keep the tourists coming, they just might survive the rising tides and powerful hurricanes.
[Note: I've been accused of being facetious -- to which I plead "not guilty." I love Florida and especially the Keys. But I find it ironic that a state with so much to lose from climate change has such a large population of climate deniers.]
The Humanoid Robot Market is expected to grow to $3 billion by 2026. Primary factors driving the growth are their use as companions and virtual assistants and the surge in adoption of robots for security and surveillance such as detection of unauthorized intrusions, terror activities, and enhanced use of AI robots in hazardous environments. They don’t need a break, they don’t feel fatigued, and they don’t get bored by doing monotonous work.
“China boldly claims it has a plan to mass-produce humanoid robots that can ‘reshape the world’ within 2 years” [Article by Jyoti Mann in “Business Insider,” November 6, 2023 – www.businessinsider.com/china-plans-mass-production-human...]