rjdavies

[rjdavies]

Growing Vertical

There are approximately 39,107,046 people in Canada and 15,911,285 of them in Ontario.

Are we producing enough food? Why are there so many people going to food banks? Supply and demand? Prices for housing and basic needs are increasing and people are struggling. There was a time when a family could live off of one salary. But now a days trying to do that and it’s a struggle.

There are statistics of Food Insecurity, families and individuals are struggling to put food on their tables. Recently, CBC news reported that nearly 23% of the Canadian population has reported food insecurity in 2022. Meaning there are more people going to food banks to help make ends meet.

Shortages of food and increased prices at the supermarkets could be just that there isn’t enough food being produced as well. Crops failing due to drought, pests, too much moisture, distribution, lower production, climate change, shipping delays, labor shortages, there are many things that go into getting food from the fields to the store shelves and to our tables.

Approximately 90% of our green vegetables are imported. Maybe we need to look at other methods for farming?

Maybe the future for produce and farming is vertical farms? USA is the country that has the highest number of vertical farms, other countries that have vertical farms are places like Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, France and the UK. We here in Canada are starting to jump onto this trend, there are a few vertical farms in Ontario!

With hydroponics green leafy vegetables and herbs who knows where this will take us.it is suggested that leafy greens, romaine, kale, bok choy, herbs and certain berry are often well suited for vertical farming because they are compact in nature.

Vertical farming takes up less space

Can use recycled water

Temperature controlled environments

Fresher produce

Lower or no pesticides used

Fresh leafy greens all year round

Higher crop yields

Farms to keep an eye on are:

Goodleft Farms which are located in Guelph Ontario https://www.goodleaffarms.com/

Truly Norther which is located in Chelmsford (near Sudbury and Opasatikia, Ontario https://www.goodleaffarms.com/

Some things to consider before starting that roof farm, your local bylaws, regulations, building codes, electricity and energy costs.

Let's go vertical!

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Future Foretold?

Storytelling, fables and myths all very valid approaches of our ancestors trying to keep us safe, warning us to keep on the straight and narrow or the boogeyman will get you.

Science fiction is no different, over the years there have been many stories warning us of AI taking over and wiping out humanity or dominating humanity.

Stories we watched on the big screen since we were young with stories like HAL from “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) by Arthur C. Clarke, the Replicants from Bladerunner series (1982, 2017) which is an adaption from “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep” by Philip K. Dick, Skynet from the Terminator series (1984, 1991, 2003, 2009, 2004, 2021) the screenplay written by James Cameron, Gale Anne Hurd and William Wisher Jr., the Machines in the Matrix series (1999, 2003, 2021) the screenplays written by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski, I, Robot (2004) written by Issac Asimov and Jeff Vintar, and recently M3GAN (2023) written by Akela Cooper and James Wan. All these movies warn us of the dangers of AI getting the upper hand.

Is AI something we have to worry about? Lose sleep over?

I think that AI is only as good as the programmers programming it. Which does leave a few concerns, such as data bias, data privacy, accountability, job displacement, what happens when they become self-aware?

Data bias, working with any software you will know, it is only as good as the programming that went into it. AI systems are only as good as the programming or the data they are trained on. That’s why EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) is so imperative when it comes to research and development. Having a diverse research team elevates the chances of weeding out those inert bias results.

Data Privacy, I think we can just toss this one out the window. There are cameras everywhere, most likely on the device that you are using to read this. If there is a camera attached, then someone can remotely access that camera and invade your privacy. Also, when using an AI Chat bot, or an app on your phone or other devices, your data is being collected. What is it being used for? The claim is for a better user experience. It’s all debatable.

Accountability, who should be held accountable when and if an autonomous vehicle makes a mistake? If a robot makes a mistake? Minor mistakes we can pass along as AI learning, but what if someone dies? The company running it? The manufacturer who created it? The programmer you wrote the code? The programmer who modified the code? These are all valid concerns.

Job displacement, with the new technologies that are being manufactured there will be some job losses in industries but on the other side of the coin there will be job creation; someone will have to run these machines and maintain them. The idea is to replace dangerous dirty jobs with robots, making these workplaces safer, cleaner and more efficient. At least that is the goal.

AI is learning every day, what happens when it evolves and becomes self-aware? Would it become sentient? Will it become them verses us for survival?

AI developers are currently working closely with robotic companies and that’s where we should see progress. Is it something to fear or embrace? We also have Issac Asimov’s “Three Laws of Robotics” going for us.

A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

But we also have to keep in mind these three laws were written by a science fiction writer for his Robotic series where the robots didn’t always behave as they should.

I think we have already let the genie out of the bottle from here on out, we all need to be accountable for where AI and robotics take us. We need to be the watch dogs and ask questions, hold companies accountable.

Cheers!

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

The promise where lines will blur

I remember being in grade school and in English class we read "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury. Originally published in 1951 in the anthology "The Illustrated Man". That a hologram room could be so real that you couldn't tell reality from the hologram. My young brain was quick to jump to the possibilities of what technology could do for us in the future.

The metaverse holds that promise of a virtual shared space that blurs the lines between physical and digital realities. Will it ever reach or exceed the expectations where you can't tell if it's real or not?

You never know. Look at what AI is doing for Robots. It seems we reached a plateau in technology that took a big leap. The concept of the metaverse, is taking virtual reality and creating an augmented reality that promises an immersive experience. As with any game it's only as good as the programming that goes into with forced restrictions of reality and technology.

Whatever your thoughts on the subject, we can probably agree that there have been many improvements in this area over the last ten years and with the continued dedication it shouldn't be long before we could have rooms available for entertainment, that we can share with family and friends.

Will new homes come with holodecks? That might be a little further off down the road. Then again, another technology burst could be around the corner.

Stay alert!

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Tech Shift

There is a shift in technology, a shift towards app usage. With AI and apps being the hottest technology for education, businesses, and in personal life. Whether booking a ride, a restaurant, entertainment, connecting with a colleague, etc. We are using apps to handle more of our every day-to-day life.

I have overheard people working in the IT field saying how they were worried about their jobs becoming obsolete. That really isn’t something that they will have to worry about. We will always need someone to man the help desk, answering those calls, text messages, chat messages, etc. of how to print, email, operate this piece of software or handle this operating issue.

Artificial Intelligence is expected to remain a prominent go to app trend for years to come. We have unleashed the genie out of the bottle so to speak. Can’t put it back in at this point. However, the demand for mobile application development has seen a surge, changing the way we interact with the world around us.

The meme about getting into a stranger’s car and don’t meet people from the internet alone. To ordering a stranger online to come and get you with their car that you get into by yourself alone with them, and you pay for this!

There is an increase in demand for AI, extended reality (XR) and blockchain technology. Is it even worth it to learn how to program an app if AI is involved? Yes, because AI has the potential to automate some parts in app development, it’s forecasting that they won’t replace human developers, at least not in the near future. In my humble opinion, you are never too old to learn a new app, programming skill or technology.

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Desire

Desire

R. J. Davies

I can feel you watching me

That look in your eyes

Wanting … needing … lusting …

Desperately wanting to taste these lips

Feel my heartbeat next to yours

Your soul imploring mine to come hither

Not really knowing me but wanting to

Anxiously looking away

Alone … walking … under the pale moon light

Closing the gap between us

Shoes crunching the dry leaves beneath our feet

A cool breeze tugging at my hair

Your hands wanting to be the wind

Closer closing the gap between us

Your breath is on my neck

The darkness holds your secrets

Reaching your hand out to me

Grabbing my shoulder

Halting me in my tracks

Gasping as my heart races

Alarmed, panic, fear creeps in

Our eyes meet, searching, begging

Recognition … desire

Your lips find mine

The world melts away

Let the world melt away,

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Evolution or Engineered? Are we the invasive species?

Saw a video recently that suggested that humans may not have evolved on this planet, evolved from Neanderthals', or products of panspermia but we have been transplanted here and cross bred with Neanderthals' according to Ellis Silver PhD in his book titled "Humans are not from Earth: a scientific evaluation of the evidence" published September 2017.

In all fairness, this guy isn't the only one to suggest this. However he did write a book about it.

Which means .... we are the aliens!

Some of his reasoning include:

Our bad backs - maybe gravity on our home planet was stronger? perhaps that explains why we are progressively getting taller with each new generation, causing bad back issues.

Also suggests that as we grow older we have a tendency to shrink or become hunch over

We burn easily (sun burns), other species on this planet have built in protection from the sun, yet humans burn easily.

Sleep experts have stated that our circadian rhythm which regulates our sleep and eating patterns is off. Dr. Silva suggests our circadian rhythm is on a 25 hour a day/night cycle and our internal body clocks are set to that 25 hours instead of 24 hours.

As humans we have jumped in the technological age very quickly comparing to our counterparts with pointed arrows and rocks, the evolution of where we are now seems to have been a major jump if you compare our ancestors advancements.

We are all chronically ill on some level whether we are aware of it or not. As we get older we all are plagued with old age ailments.

Dr. Silva suggests that human females have a more difficult time birthing children is linked to the nutrition on this planet causing our babies to grow bigger in the womb.

Some humans suffer Seasonal Affective Disorder, other Earth mammals don't seem to have that problem

Our bodies are not in tune with the planet in the sense we don't sense earthquakes, volcanos or tsunamis, other animals can sense those things as well as when it's about to rain or storm.

Transplanted or invasive species when introduced to a new environment have a tendency to take over that environment. In some cases killing off the local species (did we end up killing or weeding out the Neanderthals?

I am not saying I agree with Dr. Silva but as I have mentioned he isn't the only one who has mentioned this ideology that perhaps we are the invasive species, or a hybrid of that.

If it sparks your curiosity go get his book!

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

More than just Star Trek and Star Wars

As a huge Science Fiction lover I always find people want you to pick between Star Trek and Star Wars. hmmm

It's like asking a mother who has more than one child, to pick a favorite child.

Aside from that there are so many more science fiction franchises to choose from as well. Doctor Who, Jurassic Park, H. G. Wells, Terminator, iRobot, King Kong, Godzilla, Alien, The Expanse, Predator, Matrix, Blade Runner, Transformers, Planet of the Apes, The Walking Dead, iZombie, The Body Snatchers, Day of the Triffids, Twilight Zone, X-Files, Fringe, oh my god there are so many more. Okay I can't list them all. (and of course the Maddox Files series ... which I wrote)

Needless to say, I am a science fiction lover and nerd.

I can't get enough of it. The what ifs, the imagination and excitement to read or watch story play out.

It could be just escaping our every day routine life and exploring something magical or completely removed from the day in and day out routine.

But a good coffee date and talking about science fiction, theoretical physics, the possibilities that could exist, it's something that I find irresistible.

Cheers! For the record I couldn't pick just one!

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

World of Possibilities

Reading futurist books, magazines, articles or watching documentaries.

Sure there are some things that could happen that might be concerning but what about the possibilities?

The world around us is moving forward whether you like it or not. Change is a natural progression. It's important that we are aware of it and instead of fearing it, embrace it.

A world led by robots? A world where we have first contact and meet aliens from other worlds? To travel to other planets, galaxies, etc?

I have found that the monsters that we should fear are the humans walking around among us with their pretty smiles and pretty faces.

Predictions are fun as well. I mean how many end of the world predictions have we lived through? Too many to count. Why not focus on the positives?

Nanotechnology

Artificial Intelligence

Robotics advancements

Cures for diseases that have plague us for far too long (Cancer, AIDs, etc)

Hologram technology

Self driving vehicles / flying vehicles

Space tourism

Keep turning the page!

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Love Affair with the Stars and the Possibilities

Since I was little and looked up at the night skies and saw a sea of stars watching me, watching them.

It's a love affair that promises endless possibilities and adventures.

A reminder that we are insignificant in the grand scheme of things but at the same time experiencing that moment of acknowledging there is something bigger than ourselves that is running amok and wanting to be apart of it.

A sea of stars

I want to fall into the sea

I want to see them all

They gently call my name

Come play with me

Come play in the sea

Let the cold wash away

Wash away the old

Let the cold chill clean

Clean your soul

Come play with me

Come play in the sea

Swim and dance among the stars

Just come with me

Dream big! Look Up!

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Celebrating Black History Month: Kayla Stephenson

Celebrating Black History Month and a woman who is a Mediator/Arbitrator with a specialty in Family Law, Kayla Stephenson.

This young woman is an inspiration for women who want to get into the legal field. She has over 15 years of experience in the legal field and eight of those years employed by the Ministry of Attorney General.

Kayla is the managing director of Kaye Legal and Mediation Services. She is also an executive member of the Association of Community Legal Clinics of Ontario.

With her passion for equity, social justice, advocacy, and access to justice, she is also a Co-Chair of the Race Equity and Advisory Committee of the ACLCO.

She is someone to follow on Social Media:

X (Formerly known as Twitter): X (twitter.com) Kayla Stephenson

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Celebrating Black History Month: Anique Jordan

Celebrating Black History Month and Canadian Artist Anique Jordan.

With her unique style she is an artist, writer and curator. She works with photography, sculpture and performing arts.

Her website is definitely worth checking out.

She has given lectures and appeared as a guest speaker.

Anique has had exhibits at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Art Gallery of York University, Art Gallery of Guelph, Doris McCarthy Gallery, German Gallery, Art Gallery of Windsor, Gallery 44, and Y+ Contemporary

In addition she's received many awards and grants. She is someone you should be following on social media:

Instagram: ʜɪɢʜ ᴘʀɪᴇꜱᴛᴇꜱꜱ (@aniquejordan) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Anique Jordan - Whippersnapper Gallery | LinkedIn

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Celebrating Black History Month: Andria Case

Celebrating Black History Month with Andria Case, if you live in the Toronto area you might see her daily, she's a newscaster during the week and on weekend. She is CTV News Report for Toronto go to for Arts and Entertainment.

Born in England to Jamaican parents, moved to Canada and studied Journalism and Advertising at Ryerson University in Toronto.

Andria has met some big names on the red carpet and events ranging from TIFF to JUNO awards and has interviewed celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Oprah!

A person to follow on social media:

X (formerly known as Twitter): @andriactv

Instagram: Andria Parkinson (@andria.case.parkinson) • Instagram photos and videos

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Celebrating Black History Month: Adejisola Atiba

Celebrating Black History Month we need to mention Adejisola Atiba, she's a Canadian that was born in Nigerian. She's an employee of RBC and is a people manager, a digital transformation-change and workforce management-financial planning leader. Adejisola is a coach, mentor and community leader always giving back to her community.

She's given a TedTalk:

The Powerful Voice of the Parent | Adejisola Atiba | TEDxCaledon - YouTube

Adejisola is not just a leader but a force that and a steering committee member of Federation of Black Canadian, and co-founder of Black Empowerment Council of Canada. In addition she volunteers and is an ambassador with Algoma University and founder of Nigerian professionals.

She is someone to follow on social media.

LinkedIn: Adejisola Atiba - RBC | LinkedIn

X (formerly known as Twitter): Adejisola B H Atiba (@AdejisolaH) / X (twitter.com)

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Celebrating Black History Month: Natasha Ferguson

I will always advocate for more women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

Natasha Ferguson is ideal! She was voted Top 100 Most Powerful Women In Canada.

Business owner of EthelFox Construct Group which includes Sky Limitless Roofing, TKO Demolition, SkyGarden Landscaping and the soon to be launched PBF Electrical.

She is a tough young lady that had to endure racism, sexism, working harder than her peers to get notice. She is an inspiration to women across Canada and it makes a difference when you are young and see someone who you can identify with, see a reflection of yourself, it's easier to picture yourself in that field. We definitely need more women in the construction field.

This woman is someone to follow on social media.

LinkedIn: Natasha (Nash) Ferguson - North York, Ontario, Canada | Professional Profile | LinkedIn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ETHELFOXCONSTRUCT

X (formerly known as Twitter): https://mobile.twitter.com/ETHELFOXGROUP

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@ethelfoxconstructgroup445

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Happy Chinese New Year! May all your wishes come true! 新年快乐！祝你梦想成真！Xīnnián kuàilè! Zhù nǐ mèngxiǎng chéng zhēn!

It begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later on the first full moon. 

May the Year of the Dragon be filled with an abundance of smiles and laughter. Wishing you safety, good spirit and peace wherever you go. Happy Chinese New Year. Here's to hoping your Lunar New Year is full of everything that brings you joy, prosperity and fulfilment.

Year of the Wood Dragon

The Wood Dragon is an extremely creative and curious person that loves to dive into and try their hand in all subjects of life and will usually come up with very original ideas and will put them to good use when they are focused.

Wood Dragon year 2024 brings evolution, improvement, and abundance. 

More great information about this celebration:

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Celebrating Black History Month: Canadian Esie Mensah

One of the things I love about being a Canadian is the multitude of cultures that we have in our country. With that there is different perspectives, bias, food, music, religions, politics, etc ... there are so many components that make us unique and to me that is beautiful.

Today celebrating Esie Mensah

I heard her on TedTalk such a beautiful lady with so much to offer this world. She's born in Hamilton, Ontario.

https://www.ted.com/talks/esie_mensah_my_skin_was_too_dark_for_my_profession_so_i_changed_the_story

My skin was "too dark" for my profession, so I changed the story

TEDxToronto - October 2019

Her story is very touching, as a mom with a mixed child, it's so important to empower our children with a strong sense of self, that they are enough as they are and people will judge you by your appearance, your skin tone, your clothing, how you present yourself. But that speaks more about them, than it does about you.

Esie Mensah is an award winning choreographer, director, dancer, movement director, educator, and TEDx Speaker.

She is a young woman on a mission! You can find out more about her amazing accomplishments on her website: https://www.esiemensah.com

You can also follow her on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esiemensah/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esie.mensah/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EsieAKACraige

X (formerly known as twitter): https://twitter.com/EsieMensah

"Through healing ourselves and our communities, that's where change can really happen." - Esie Mensah -

Know that you are enough.

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels

[rjdavies]

Heart Awareness Month

Recap of my blogs for February 2023

Do something good for your heart every day!

The month of February is Heart Awareness Month!

The challenge is to do one thing every day to promote a heart-healthy lifestyle

The best thing you can do is take charge of your health before it takes over you.

Feb 1: Get out for a 20-minute brisk walk

Feb 2: Eat less meat, try a vegetarian meal once a week

Feb 3: Know your BMI (Body Mass Index)

Feb 4: Laugh more, watch a movie or your favourite stand-up comedian

Feb 5: Women’s Health - signs of a heart attack what to look for

Feb 6: Is it Monday? Heart Attacks happen on Mondays more than other days of the week

Feb 7: Download a Heart Healthy Bingo Card - challenge your friends, family or office mates

Feb 8: Common Heart Diseases and Defects 

Feb 9: Eat less salt, try other herbs and spices for seasoning

Feb 10: Read Food Labels on packages 

Feb 11: Some women’s health issues can put some women in a higher risk bracket for heart and stroke issues

Feb 12: Alcohol consumption in moderation 

Feb 13: Eat some fruit or more fruit!

Feb 14: Take the stairs, even just a couple times a week will improve your health

Feb 15: Eat Legumes - try something new!

Feb 16: Know your family medical history

Feb 17: Check your blood pressure, know where you’re at

Feb 18: Hit the gym, lift weights, work out

Feb 19: Smoker? Quit smoking, or cut back at least

Feb 20: Know your sugar levels are you at risk?

Feb 21: Trim the fat from foods before cooking

Feb 22: Eat a new vegetable! Add more to your plate

Feb 23: Meditation ... give it a try

Feb 24: Get back to the basics ... jump rope

Feb 25: Desk Job? Get up and stretch or take a walk

Feb 26: Book an annual check-up

Feb 27: Reduce stress ... there are several things to try ... just try one

Feb 28: Spend time with your fur babies

HEART RISK CALCULATOR

Check out these Heart Calculators, they ask you a bunch of questions and then assess your level of risk for a heart attack, it’s just a guideline

Heart Disease Risk Calculator (alberta.ca)

Heart Age Calculator (nyc.gov)

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada | Home

American Heart Association | To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives

R. J. Davies

A Riveting Jacked-In Dreamy Mind-Bender

RJ Davies - Science Fiction Author, Maddox Files, Novels