#Citizen science air quality

[townpostin]

Jamshedpur's Air Quality Crisis Tackled by Community Initiative

Vayu Veer program empowers marginalized groups to combat pollution through citizen science Innovative citizen-led air monitoring in Jamshedpur reveals alarming pollution levels, spurring grassroots action for cleaner air through the Vayu Veer program. JAMSHEDPUR – Clean Air Jharkhand has implemented the innovative Vayu Veer program, which involves the participation of youth and women from…

[tornadoquest]

Tornado Quest Top Science Links For January 20 - 27, 2024 #science #weather #climate #wintersafety #windchill #cocorahs #citizenscience #droughtmonitor

Greetings everyone. This week, we have an interesting read on the history of our own home galaxy. We’ll also continue our look at winter weather safety, the latest US Drought Monitor, and several other interesting reads, so let’s get started. Infographic courtesy NWS Fort Worth, Texas Infographic courtesy NOAA/NWS Has our Milky Way galaxy always had a serene and peaceful existence? Not…

[bigfan-fanfic]

Bats in the Web (Spider-Man!Batdad x Batfam)

What if batfam meets a version of Batdad who is Spider-Man in his universe??

"We can't interfere!" Bruce growls. "I know you want to help, but after the last world we jumped into, we can't take chances."

Dick sighs. The last world they went into, they nearly ruined everything because Gotham had no Batman yet.

But luckily, something descends upon the mugging in progress.

But it isn't Batman.

A strange silver cable zips into view and slams into the assailant's back, spreading in a strange geometric pattern. He stumbles forward at the force of the blow, before the cable springs taut, and the mugger is flung into the air.

Someone lithe and graceful sails through the air, trailing more silver cables and quickly wraps the stranger up in them, robotic arms emerging from their back to assist - almost like a four-armed... spider.

The mugger dangles upside down from a traffic light, completely mummified in silver, and the figure, in a black bodysuit with light-catching silver filaments in a web pattern shining along the whole thing, and what appears to be a yellow hood and short jacket, crouches atop it.

"You get home safe, you hear?" they call. "We'll just be... hangin' around."

The would-be victim grins up at them. "Thanks, Spidey!"

But the Bats are looking shocked.

Because that was clearly your voice, only slightly altered by a voice changer - the voice you use when you broadcast to negotiate with people while they're on patrol.

Before they can speak, though, you've flung yourself through the air, opening your arms to reveal the gliding wings attached from your sides to the arms of your jacket so you can sail through the air.

"Pops is... Spider-Man?" Dick yelps.

From what they can surmise, in this universe, Bruce still lost his parents at a young age, but he didn't develop the desire to become Batman.

Instead, while on a field trip, you were exposed to some kind of radioactive spider, and Bruce did what he could to keep your secret and develop his technological aptitude to help you.

It was Alfred's death that convinced you to become a hero - his last words to you being that with great power came great responsibility.

You and Bruce are still very young in this world, barely old enough to have adopted a young Dick Grayson. It's probable that Damian won't be born, and Tim won't be adopted by you.

You're so much more cheerful than Batman - Gotham's Spider-Man quips, sometimes with dark humor, and inspires her citizens to fight back against the oppressive darkness of their city with good humor and clever tactics.

The Bats make their way to Wayne Manor, only to find the harsh brickwork and traditional architecture has made way for modern-quality of life improvements, fiber optic light fixtures, glass bay windows, and high tech at every turn. It barely resembles their Wayne Manor.

In fact, the caverns beneath the estate aren't even utilized, with there instead being a high-tech laboratory on the grounds with a launchpad to fling you over the bay and into the city.

It's a shock to see them - Bruce Wayne, his body in shape but much softer: he obviously works out hard but he's clearly not a fighter. His movements are relaxed, even sluggish compared to the constant vigilance of the Bat. And he wears an unfamiliar expression on his face - a genuine lazy grin.

Meanwhile there's this world's you - lithe and strong, battle-worn and with the at-rest tension of a vigilante.

Alt-Bruce and you have an easy banter, a love very much like two young people - you're only a little older than Dick, after all, which he finds weird - especially when he and Tim babysit his younger version.

Jason is utterly touched when Alt-Bruce asks about all the kids, so he can make sure to adopt them - he wouldn't want them going homeless in this world. All Jason knows is that young Jason Todd in this world might just be saved from years of trauma.

You're still the strategist, but Bruce is your mission control and the gear/science guy - he helps with upgrades and is the one to suggest a way to get the Bats back to their world.

But you'll need their help.

You fly through the city that night accompanied by five gliding shadows. Shadows that brutally subdue the henchmen of Black Mask as you soar above their heads, connecting some power towers with a filament web, forming a major circuit Alt-Bruce can use to power a tachyonic collider, which should launch them back into their world.

They return to their world, but Jason pulls Bruce aside.

"B... you owe him."

"Owe him what? Who, Jaybird?"

Jason sighs. "Pops. You owe him a chance to see that smile. On you."

Bruce looks at him. "You think my face can still do that?"

"Hey, I was surprised that you were actually funny! But... yeah, I do."

"Maybe you're right. Maybe you're right..."

[cognitivejustice]

Colombian citizen scientists built cheap air quality monitors and deployed them across their city. Now DIY...

More links for the curious...

[gumjrop]

The Weather

30 US states remain at High to Very High levels of SARS-CoV-2 detected in wastewater since February 9, 2024, with multiple states not reporting. Preventing the spread of COVID by taking precautions like masking and improving your indoor air quality can strongly reduce your chance of infection.

We would also like to note that the CDC, which usually updates their wastewater data on a weekly basis, has not updated their dashboard since Friday, February 9th. It is significant that this data delay arrives during the same week of the announcement that they are considering making cuts to the 5-day isolation guideline. We would like to urge the CDC to make their data release schedule public and to continue to provide wastewater information in a timely and consistent manner.

Despite regional declines in wastewater levels in the Midwest, Northeast, and West, the South is still trending extremely high, almost double the national average. This is especially concerning since 7 of the 10 states to refuse Medicaid expansion are located in the South, a region home to some of, “the largest Black populations in the US.” Our collective fight against the state’s abandonment of pandemic protections is a fight against racial injustice.

As a reminder, the last two weeks are provisional data, indicated by a gray shaded area on the graph, therefore these values may change as additional wastewater sites report data. We want to remind you that multiple layers of precautions can protect against a COVID infection.

Variants

JN.1 remains the dominant variant in the United States, and is projected to make up 96.4% of cases in the next two weeks. HV.1 is projected to drop even further 1%, and all other variants are estimated to make up less than 0.6% or less each. 

Remember to check estimates for your specific HHS Region for more accurate projections of JN.1 prevalence in your own community.

Take Action

This week is a fast moving train when it comes to demanding equitable pandemic responses and protections from the CDC and public policy. Follow the campaigns below for ways to tap in, sign on, and get involved! And don’t forget to share these with your loved ones as well.

This week the CDC announced they’re considering a change in isolation guidelines for people with COVID, removing the 5 day isolation in order to take the pressure off of American citizens who can’t afford to stay home due pressures from work, lack of paid time off and childcare expenses.

Dr. Lara Jiramanus of The People’s CDC who was interviewed expressed that “frankly, there has been no change in the science. Most people continue to be shedding virus for about nine days, with a range of six to 11 days. Younger patients will tend to be infectious for maybe one day less than that. Older patients or people with severe disease can shed the virus for a longer time.” She further elaborates in conjunction with People’s CDC press release from February 14th that “public health policy should put people first, not billionaires. Rather than ending isolation, the US should ensure paid sick leave for all.”

The CDC’s isolation guidelines impact what reasonable accommodations we can ask for at work, at school, and in hospitals as well as our legal rights should we become held in interactions with police, in jails and in prisons. It is important for all of us on a human rights level that these guidelines reflect proper research and science.

Join us in echoing this call for mandated paid sick leave for all instead of an end to isolation guidelines to Biden and Congress. The CDC’s proposal to eliminate isolation is counter to medical science and the White House must not accept it. Call the White House Comment Line Tuesday – Thursday 11-3 ET at 202-456-1414 and the Congressional Switchboard at 202-224-3121. Making calls is especially important between now and the end of March. For more information and a proposed script, follow this link. Stay tuned to our substack and social media for announcements of more actions in the next two weeks.

Additionally, ACIP, the Advisory Committee on Immunization and Practices will hold their next meeting online on February 28th and 29th.

Scientific evidence indicates updated vaccines should ideally be allowed, available, and fully covered by public funds and/or insurance, for people of all ages at least every six months.

Current vaccine uptake is low due to barriers such as lack of education, the recent diversion of the vaccine program through insurance companies, and pharmacies’ uneven participation in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, which is due to end December 31st, 2024. Even those who did receive the updated vaccine in the fall may not have adequate protection under the annual vaccine strategy, as vaccine efficacy wanes significantly four to six months following vaccination.

A more frequent vaccination approach and frequent updates to match current variants is needed to better protect all of us amid year-round COVID infections. Follow this link for guidance on submitting a written or oral public comment no later than this Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 11:59 ET to make demands for the above.

Last month the CDC kicked the horrible and unsafe new hospital infection control guidelines it was considering back to the advisory committee (HICPAC) that had proposed the draft guidelines.

Bad guidelines have been delayed, and the next fight over them will hopefully be on a more level field, and hopefully in a process that is at least in some ways more transparent.

Public health advocates have gained another round in this fight, and we’ll need your help! You can start by signing this new petition by National Nurses United that demands that HICPAC ensure the input of frontline healthcare workers, labor unions, patients and community members, and experts in occupational health, industrial hygiene, aerosol dynamics, respiratory protection and infection prevention is central in their next round of revisions.

Additionally, please use our action network letter and call-in toolkit to write to the president, your governor, and state and federal representatives to demand that they bring back masking in healthcare and utilize all measures of infection control that are currently available to us. Don’t forget to customize letters to your own experience! For more information on how COVID spreads in hospitals and the impact of nosocomial, or healthcare-associated, infections check out our article on substack.

MoveOn has started a petition to the Biden Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services and to Congress to bring back free PCR tests for all and to increase the number of free at-home rapid antigen tests. After the end of the Federal Health Emergency for COVID in May 2023, everyday people were stripped of the resources and support they needed to manage community care and health. Even with insurance, insurers are no longer required to cover the costs of testing, pushing the most reliable form of testing for early detection, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests, out of reach for many. Sign this petition to return fast, prevalent, and free testing tools to everyone equitably.

On a more regional note, those living in New York State are urged to customize this letter to tell their representatives and NYS Governor Hochul to continue to fund the COVID-19 Sick Leave program instead of disposing of it in the FY 2025 budget as is currently proposed. If the governor’s current budget proposal goes through, New York citizens would be forced to rely on state minimum sick leave policies of 5-7 days, meaning one COVID infection would easily meet or exceed sick leave allotments for the entire year. Additionally those who do not work in settings that meet the conditions of qualification to enforce the state’s sick leave policy would be left without any leave at all.

Finally, we must remember to keep calling our elected officials to demand a ceasefire in Gaza and to continue to wear and require high quality respirators (N95, KN95 or better) at protests and in organizing spaces. Masking in organizing spaces keeps our fight safer, more accessible and more sustainable. The occupation of Palestine is a healthcare issue. There can be no disability justice under settler colonialism.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from The Nation:

In recent weeks, one story has failed to garner as many headlines or dominate as many social media feeds as it should have, despite its widespread implications. Right now, Canadian wildfires are once again issuing a grave global warning: Catastrophic climate change is no longer just a future dystopian possibility; it’s a present, inescapable reality.

While fires blaze across Western Canada, spreading smoke, making it harder to breathe, and diminishing air quality for people living as far away as South Dakota and Iowa, millions of people in Brazil are recovering from severe floods in Rio Grande do Sul, which, as with the Canadian wildfires, scientists and major research organizations have characterized as an alarming sign of what is to come from accelerating climate change.

Following the last Canadian wildfire season, as I watched smoke from hundreds of miles away blow over my home city of New York and turn the sky orange, I wrote for The Nation about the importance of learning from the precarious reality these fires reflected and of the imminent need for governments to promote serious climate policies. Today, I am astounded to see how governments learned nothing from that crisis. Having failed to agree to phase out fossil fuels at COP28, nations continue to lag behind on—and even outright contradict—their espoused climate goals.

As oil and gas companies continue to increase the production of fossil fuels, basically turning the earth into a microwave oven, the opposite weather extremes seen in North and South America affirm that immediate and global action must be taken to keep all of our communities safe. Such action means not only massively curbing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with climate science but adapting to the terrifying new normal, especially as the slow-onset effects of climate change, like rising sea levels, make more and more places dangerous to inhabit. As long as governments fail to lead the way in these two essential charges, it’s clear that we ordinary citizens must use every tool available to us to shift political and economic conditions in the direction of a rapid and just transition to renewable energy. In effect, if our elected officials refuse to wake up to the climate emergency, we must force them to.

[sprites4ever]

My Political Philosophy

Society

For a functional Republic, we need the people to know the truth.

If the people are educated on the world, bad actors cannot abuse popular lack of knowledge to advertise extremist policy.

I want MASSIVE investments in public education and media, and a COMPLETE restructuring of the education system.

Stop forcing children, who need to go out and explore the world to mature, to slave away eight hours of five weekdays learning things they aren't interested in.

Educate children on natural sciences and sociopolitics in a more friendly, decentralized atmosphere which isn't a relic of the 1800s.

Do not stop education at age eighteen and expect the currently taught knowledge to serve the people for decades to come.

Make continually updated, digitalized education a constantly available commodity for all citizens, free of charge.

All cititens MUST be free and have the same rights.

Via better education on the fundamental realities of humanity, such reforms will also be met with less opposition from regressives who believe groups such as the LGBTQ+ community to be evil.

TOTAL Secularism!

If you want to dedicate your life to spreading the idea that the world exists on a giant's ballsack, that's fine, but pay for it yourself.

Economy and Logistics

IF a Socialist Utopia is possible, I want it.

But it must be achieved through reform, not through revolution.

Until that day, I will continue to work toward it as a Liberal.

For freedom, peace and prosperity, one needs a strong economy, and for that, one needs Industrialization 3.0.

I want a nationalist approach to industry;

Stop outsourcing the people's work for profit. Use modern technology to produce goods and services in the country, and have that technology designed, maintained and improved by an educated populace which has emerged from the fusion of proletariat and academia.

A founding pillar of a strong economy is a good logistics network.

It is amazing how many problems can be solved by trains if they are built and maintained properly.

Expand and modernize the railway network and BAN CARS FROM CITIES!

You'll be amazed by how much space is freed up if we do that. All those parking spots and roads, gone in favor of freely navigable public spaces, as well as living and working spaces. We can put trees everywhere in the city centers to improve air quality!

We can make reliable, far-reaching public transportation that is free for citizens, based on trains, as well as drones for delivery.

Again, this will be powered by our educated citizens and modern technology.

Immigration

Uproot the problem.

Immigration is not the problem, but a symptom of a far more deeply rooted problem.

Do you believe people WANT to travel across half the world in a dangerous refugee boat??

No, but they have no other choice because the conditions in their home countries are unworthy of humans!

We need an aggressively moralist foreign policy that uses a part of our economic product to fund massive, systemic improvements and reforms in the nations where the most migrants come from, which happen to be the poorest, most crisis-plagued ones.

Don't just deliver medicine and bottled water to a desert village. Deliver tools and teach the people how to make medicine and build water wells.

This is an investment into the future. This creates positive relationships between our country and the countries we help grow, meaning mutually beneficial ties with those countries when they've grown to stand on their own feet. Then, their people also won't need to flee anymore.

Military and Foreign Policy

Recent developments have shown that a unilateral desire for peace is not enough to assure it.

Insane imperialists and self-righteous terrorists, corrupting words of peace, justice and goodness to justify their selfish aggression, will wage war on whomever they think they can, regardless of if the victim has any desire for war.

I do not desire war.

But to prevent us from having war unleashed upon us, we need to make it clear to the aforementioned that they do not want war with us, due to the violent consequences we would unleash. For that, and to stop those imperialists and terrorists who, in service of their selfish motives, counter our foreign policy of helping the less privileged nations, we need a strong military which is powered by educated decision-makers and soldiers who are also motivated by our country's values, to use cutting-edge, industrially homemade technology and weapons in order to defend our people and enforce our help for others against those who wish to destroy both.

As mentioned before, the allies we make via our investment in the poorest nations will definetly help us in that regard.

Environment and Energy

It ties back into the education problem.

Since the 1950s, nuclear power has provided a clean, safe means of producing absurd amounts of energy, but systemic propaganda by the fossil fuel industry, the same people who greenwash their agenda with insincere promises about a transition to renewable energies, of which they know those cannot cover the energy demands on their own, has made people fear nuclear energy like the devil.

All the problems about reactor meltdowns, radiation safety and waste products have already been solved and have generally been overstated by the fossil fuel lobby. People have also taken to fearing all forms of nuclear energy due to the prospect of annihilation via its weaponized form, nuclear weapons.

But a form of energy that is so powerful that it can destroy the world when weaponized, can also be used by good people to save the world. Evil people will use all means at their disposal anyway. It's the good people who need to stop limiting themselves.

Factually, atomic energy is an extremely complex topic that requires immense education to be understood.

Hence it being so easy for the fossil fuel lobby to fearmonger against it, due to the popular lack of knowledge about it.

As said before, we need more public media and education, which would also alleviate the people's fears of a form of energy which, due to its power, we are OBLIGATED to use for good.

With clean, reliable energy that can supply even an exponentially growing people and economy, we can also use more products of advanced technology and science to fix environmental damages and preserve nature, so that we can exist in harmony with it.

[dschostel]

Delhi City School is The Best Boarding School in Delhi NCR

Delhi City School is The Best Boarding School in Delhi NCR. Explore The Best CBSE Boarding School in Delhi NCR, offering a top-notch education. Find the best boarding school for your child's academic journey.

With more than 1200 students under our wings, we plan on expanding further in the coming days and provide the students an experience that will shape them to become a global citizen after they pass out from the Top 10 Boarding School in Delhi NCR and take a step into the world outside. The presence of experienced senior faculty members along with retired officers and defense officers uplift the quality of education, and guidance provided to the kids irrespective of their age & class.

We provide scholarship for talented students and enhance their confidence level. We are well famous as Top Boarding School with Scholarship. We make our students sharp minded, independent and versatile learners. We focus on student's growth We stimulate our students towards preserving our heritage and natural elements like water, tree, air, and animals. We provide all amenities and facilities to the students.

Great Facilities: Our school has everything students need for learning, like modern classrooms, science labs, and a big library full of books.

Hostel Facilities: In our premier CBSE boarding school, Delhi City School, we are thrilled to introduce our exceptional boys hostel, offering the perfect blend of academic excellence and comfort. Awesome Teachers: Our teachers are experienced and really care about students. They help everyone learn and enjoy school. Fun Learning: At Delhi City School, we learn about lots of things, not just books. We do sports, arts, and other cool activities to grow in every way.

Helping You Grow: We know every student is different, so we help each one grow in their own way. We make sure you get the help you need to succeed.

Dreaming Big: If you want to join the army, we can help with that too! Delhi City School provides special training for students who dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces.

Getting Ready for Interviews: We help students prepare for interviews with the army. Delhi City School training makes sure you're ready for everything.

Conclusion:

Delhi City School is The Best CBSE School in Delhi NCR. If you want a school that helps you do your best in everything, this is it. Secure your child's future and experience The Best CBSE School in Delhi NCR! 🏫✨ Our boys' hostel offers a nurturing environment, ensuring holistic growth and academic excellence. Registration now open for 2024–2025 intake. Enroll today and give your child the gift of exceptional education and comfortable living Register Now!

[sebeth]

Who's Who In The DC Universe #1: Adam Strange, Aegeus, Air Wave I, Air Wave II

Adam Strange by Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson

Adam was fleeing from South American natives when he was struck by the Zeta Beam, a “beam of energy sent from the planet Rann in hopes of communicating” with Earth

The Zeta Beam teleported Adam to Rann instead

Adam meets a scientist named Sardath and Alanna, his daughter

Adam became the Rann’s first citizen and savior and later married Alanna

Rann is a planet of contradictions: “Some of its divided city-states possesses science far in advance of Earth, while others exist in almost barbaric splendor”

Adam teleports back to Earth whenever the Zeta Beam wears off, he then has to calculate where the next Zeta Beam will strike (always south of the equator) to return to Rann

I’ve always loved Adam Strange. How can you not enjoy an archaeologist who has space adventures? I’d recommend the Adam Strange miniseries that came out shortly before Infinite Crisis (no, not the Rann-Thanagar War mini-series, the “Adam Strange” mini-series that preceded it. It was excellent!

Aegeus by Don Heck

A Greek national who was planning acts of terrorism when he met Bellerophon (yes, the one from Greek mythology). Bellerophon had become an Olympian-hater so he gave Aegeus a magical bow and arrow, six daggers of Vulcan (shouldn’t he be called Hephaestus (?), and Pegasus. Aegeus then decided to pick a fight with Wonder Woman and the Amazons. It doesn’t end well for him.

For such a long-running character, Wonder Woman’s rogue gallery does not have the depth of a Flash, a Batman, or a Spider-Man. Aegeus is D list. Has he even been seen post-Crisis?

Air-Wave I and Air Wave II by Alex Saviuk & Dick Giordano

Did you know Hal Jordan’s cousins were heroes? And not of the Green Lantern variety?

Lawrence (Larry) Jordan was a native of Earth-2. He developed a helmet and belt that allowed him to into any radio wave, project his voice through radio waves, among other abilities. He created the Air Wave persona, battled nazis, and joined the All-Star Squadron.

Larry traveled to Earth-1 under “unknown circumstances”, became a district attorney, married a woman named Helen, and has a son named Harold (Hal). No, not that Hal Jordan.

Criminals later shot and killed Larry as revenge against his crusades as a district attorney.

Hal inherited the Air Wave equipment and persona from his father.

His mother had a breakdown after the murder of his father and was confined to an institution. Hal was taken in by his cousins, Jack and Jan Jordan.

Hal received some coaching on heroics from his cousin Hal (yes, that Hal), Green Arrow, and Black Canary.

The only appearances of either Air Wave that I’ve read were when Larry or Hal made appearances in the All-Star Squadron or JSA series. They were okay.

I suppose a quick detour is needed for younger readers about the various earths that will be mentioned in the Who’s Who:

Earth-1: The earth of the Silver Age heroes to 1985/1986: the home of Barry, Hal, Katar, Shayera, etc

Earth-2: The home of the Golden Age/original versions of DC’s iconic heroes: Alan Scott, Jay Garrick, Carter Hall. Also, the home of the Justice Society, All-Star Squadron, Infinity Inc, etc. Bruce, Clark, and Diana among other will have versions of themselves on both Earth-1 and Earth-2. The difference is the Earth-2 versions can age, marry, and have children while the Earth-1 versions stayed young and single.

There were multiple other earths, this is off the top of my head so the designations may be wrong, but a few more were:4

Earth-3: The home of the Crime Syndicate (reverse world where the Justice League are evil, and the villains are the good guys)

Earth-F: Home of the Fawcett heroes

Earth-C: Home of the Charlton heroes

Earth-Q: Home of the Quality heroes

DC simply created another earth when they bought out another company and then plopped the newly acquired characters on it rather than try to insert the characters on a prior earth. Crossovers between earths were frequent. DC eventually decided the continuity was too complicated and thus the Crisis on Infinite Earths was born. I don’t know, I was nine years old when the Crisis began and I understood the continuity just fine, so how complicated could it be?

[tramontane-fire]

okay one more and I'm done I swear

humanity (according to the minbari) has this glorious destiny to be a great race reaching through the stars we don't know the half of what our future holds etc etc etc

and yet you have a whole section of the station full of homeless people who live in unsanitary conditions and likely sometimes die because we've established they can't afford medical care

security arrests people who are clearly mentally ill on BS charges and regularly engages in police brutality with no consequences

and all anyone can say on the matter is "damn [homeless people] we ought to space them all."

None of the senior staff are particularly bothered by the issues either, and they might actually be able to do something about the quality of life of the "lurkers."

And yes I get that it's probably a more realistic version of the future than, say, Star Trek, where we solved all of Earth's problems and went into space looking for more

After all as @autisticslp pointed out, it's been 30ish years since the show aired and healthcare still isn't free in our country.

But if humanity has made spaceships and a mars colony and space stations and still can't manage to guarantee basic human (sentient being?) rights, how great can our destiny among the stars be?

I remember really enjoying this show as a kid before working in emergency services made me really pissed off about things like homelessness and healthcare inequity and police violence and social murder and now everything I read or watch is colored by that.

And I think it wasn't even deliberate on the part of the showrunners? Most middle and upper class people in America where I live view homeless citizens as human pests, and are glad when the guy having a psychotic episode in public is arrested so they don't have to look at him. They never question the police or the prison/jail system because they never interact with it. It's all just background noise to them. If they think about homelessness or poverty or police violence at all, they quickly reassure themselves that it only happens to Other People who probably deserve it anyway.

this may sound horrible and monstrous and it kind of is, but we are raised to think this way. I remember my mom telling me a disabled man panhandling by the offramp was probably faking his mobility issues for sympathy. Imagine a whole generation raised that way who never had to question what they were taught.

Now supposing one of these middle/upper class Americans wrote a science fiction TV show.

[n2qfd]

BBC News: False claims of bogus heatwave spread online

The Trump sickness continues to spread.

Look, I don't know where you are coming from. I went to HS in New York and we had a thing called the board of Regents and they decided what standards education should present. That in it self could be controversial and it was then too. It was mandated you take earth science at that time too because nobody could imagine a child should not have some fundamental principles about how our planet worked. I don't remember meteorology being a long unit...

Europe is sliding into fascism's hands again. It's stock to challenge long held authority from populist perspectives. It's silly, attacking the WMO and the broadcasting companies sharing figures, but it's not all the same.

Please, by all means, do your own research on this one. Build a weather station, the WMO specs are available and have it certified. Better yet look around at what's needed. I was DAIN-6 a registered Cooperative Observer station helping provide data to the Hudson valley for years. It was wildly rewarding. There are already weather stations where I live now and so this time I think I'll put up an air quality station.

You want to race cars? There are standards.

You want to collect comic books? There are standards.

You love Fords and the model F-150 truck? What makes it that...thing... The SAE (Standard Automotive Engineering) traces it's roots back to 1902.

Scientists, even citizen scientists bow to standard practice, but we don't bow media, or to any kings.

[birlapublicschoolkishangarh]

Birla Public School Kishangarh, Rajasthan: Providing Quality Education in a Safe and Nurturing Environment

Birla Public School Kishangarh is pleased to announce its commitment to providing quality education to students in a safe and nurturing environment. As one of the leading schools in Rajasthan, Birla Public School Kishangarh is committed to providing students with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to succeed in today's fast-paced world.

Birla Public School, Kishangarh, a Birla Education Trust, Pilani institution, is situated on the Kishangarh–Ajmer route, 22 kilometers from the marble city of Kishangarh and 82 kilometers from the pink city of Jaipur. Established in June 2010, Birla Public School Kishangarh has consistently been a center for academic excellence, character development, and all-around growth.

The school is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and has a faculty of highly qualified and experienced teachers who are dedicated to ensuring the academic and personal development of their students.The school is nestled amid a 48-acre landscape of luxuriant greenery. The school has excellent transportation options to other regions of India via road, rail, and air.

The school's infrastructure is modern and well-equipped, providing students with a comfortable and conducive learning environment. The school has state-of-the-art facilities, including a well-stocked library, computer labs, science labs, an auditorium, a swimming pool, and a gymnasium.

Birla Public School Kishangarh

Birla Public School Kishangarh places great emphasis on character development and instilling values such as integrity, compassion, and responsibility in its students. The school encourages its students to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports, music, dance, and art, to foster their all-around development.

The school also prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students. The campus is equipped with CCTV cameras, and the school has a team of trained security personnel who ensure the safety of the students and the campus.

Students Acknowledgement Program

At Birla Public School Kishangarh, we are committed to providing our students with a holistic and comprehensive education. We believe in nurturing our students' potential, enabling them to excel academically and develop the skills and values necessary to become responsible citizens of the world," said the school's Principal, Mr. Sourabh Kumar Gupta.

Birla Public School Kishangarh is a beacon of academic excellence, character development, and all-around growth. The school's commitment to quality education and the safety and well-being of its students makes it an ideal choice for parents seeking a school that will provide their children with the skills and values necessary to succeed in the 21st century.

For more information about Birla Public School Kishangarh, please visit their website at https://bisk.edu.in/ or contact them at +91-1463-244004.

Contact Person: Mr. Sourabh Kumar Guha

Contact Email: info@bisk.edu.in

Contact Phone: +91-1463-244004

[floralfractals]

^^ citizen science contains lots of fun activities! Near me, the national health agency has a project where you can measure air quality, and you can get some cool tools out of it to see how it changes in different places :)

If you're feeling anxious or depressed about the climate and want to do something to help right now, from your bed, for free...

Start helping with citizen science projects

What's a citizen science project? Basically, it's crowdsourced science. In this case, crowdsourced climate science, that you can help with!

You don't need qualifications or any training besides the slideshow at the start of a project. There are a lot of things that humans can do way better than machines can, even with only minimal training, that are vital to science - especially digitizing records and building searchable databases

Like labeling trees in aerial photos so that scientists have better datasets to use for restoration.

Or counting cells in fossilized plants to track the impacts of climate change.

Or digitizing old atmospheric data to help scientists track the warming effects of El Niño.

Or counting penguins to help scientists better protect them.

Those are all on one of the most prominent citizen science platforms, called Zooniverse, but there are a ton of others, too.

Oh, and btw, you don't have to worry about messing up, because several people see each image. Studies show that if you pool the opinions of however many regular people (different by field), it matches the accuracy rate of a trained scientist in the field.

--

I spent a lot of time doing this when I was really badly injured and housebound, and it was so good for me to be able to HELP and DO SOMETHING, even when I was in too much pain to leave my bed. So if you are chronically ill/disabled/for whatever reason can't participate or volunteer for things in person, I highly highly recommend.

Next time you wish you could do something - anything - to help

Remember that actually, you can. And help with some science.

[manasastuff-blog]

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a prestigious institution in India that trains young men and women to become officers the Indian Armed Forces.Located in Khadakwasla, Pune, it is the first tri-service academy in the world, catering to the Army, Navy, and Air Force.NDA provides a unique blend of academic education and military training, making it an ideal launchpad for those looking to serve the nation.NDA focuses on developing not just excellent soldiers but well-rounded individuals who embody the values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership.The selection process for the NDA is rigorous, involving a written exam followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).Once selected, cadets receive instruction in various fields, including weapons handling, navigation, and military tactics, as well as pursuing a curriculum in subjects like science, humanities, and management.

Manasa Defence Academy offers exceptional coaching for students preparing for the NDA examination.Choosing the right coaching center can make a significant difference for aspiring NDA candidates.Manasa Defence Academy has earned a reputation for offering comprehensive NDA coaching tailored to help students prepare effectively for the entrance exams and subsequent interviews.Experienced Faculty: At Manasa Defence Academy, students are guided by experienced instructors who understand the nuances of the NDA exam and the SSB selection process.They provide valuable tips, study materials, and mock tests that help students gain confidence before the real challenge.Personalized Attention: Each student is different, and Manasa Defence Academy recognizes this by offering personalized coaching focused on individual strengths and weaknesses.This approach ensures that every student receives the guidance they need to reach their goals.Supportive Environment: The atmosphere at Manasa Defence Academy is one of encouragement and motivation.Students often share their experiences of growing together, building friendships, and inspiring each other as they work toward a common dream of joining the Armed Forces.Holistic Development: Beyond academics, the Academy emphasizes physical fitness, mental resilience, and leadership skills.Regular physical training sessions, group discussions, and extracurricular activities help in shaping not just competent officers but also responsible citizens.1. The training experience at the NDA is characterized by its demanding nature as well as its rewarding aspects.Students undergo a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for the responsibilities of an officer in the Armed Forces.Military Training: Practical training includes drill, field craft, and weapons training.Students learn how to handle various weapons and vehicles, making them proficient and confident as they step into their roles.Academic Excellence: Alongside military training, students receive a quality education with subjects ranging from mathematics and physics to languages and social sciences.This curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking and analytical skillsLeadership Development: One vital aspect of NDA training is fostering leadership abilities.Cadets undertake various leadership roles during club activities and group projects, pushing them to develop decision-making skills and teamwork.Adventure Activities: To make their training more exciting, NDA cadets also engage in adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, and sailing.These experiences teach them the importance of teamwork, bravery, and perseverance, vital traits for any officer.“The journey at NDA transforms you not just into a soldier but into a leader and a thinker.”Many NDA alumni share stories of how their time at NDA equipped them with skills and experiences that have stayed with them throughout their service.The camaraderie formed at this academy often lasts a lifetime, with friendships that go beyond the uniform.When aspiring candidates consider their future, Manasa Defence Academy stands out as a beacon of hope, offering vital guidance and support throughout the NDA preparation journey.The dedicated coaching and training ensure that students not only understand the syllabus but are well-prepared, mentally and physically, for the challenges that lie ahead.In conclusion, embarking on an NDA journey opens doors to a fulfilling career while allowing individuals to serve the nation.With the right preparation and coaching, like that offered at Manasa Defence Academy, success is just around the corner.Your journey towards an impactful future starts with the first step today!

[generationalracoon]

Enhancement

In the year 2104, the world had evolved in ways no one could have imagined a century ago. It was a time when humanity had transcended its natural limitations, reshaped by the power of genetic modification. The Enhanced, as they were called, were the result of years of experimentation, a fusion of science, technology, and ambition. Their bodies, once fragile and vulnerable like everyone else's, were now impervious to diseases, aging, and even injury.

They could choose their traits, sculpting their very DNA to suit their desires. Blond hair? Perfect skin? Heightened intelligence? They could have it all. Some Enhanced even opted for invincible skin, impervious to cuts, burns, and bruises. Others, with a simple genetic tweak, could regenerate tissue as quickly as it was damaged, leaving scars in the past. Some had eyes that could see in the dark, while others had enhanced senses that made the world feel sharper, brighter. It wasn’t just about looking different; their abilities went far beyond what was considered normal, almost like something out of a science fiction novel. They no longer aged at the same rate, living healthier, longer lives, their bodies refusing to decay as the decades passed.

But all of this, as grand as it seemed, came at a price. The Enhanced were separated from the rest of humanity, living in isolated luxury where their every need was met. They lived in high-rise cities, where the air was always fresh and clean, filtered to perfection. Their homes were self-sustaining, with air purifiers and water systems designed to maintain their enhanced bodies. These cities gleamed like utopias, but they were distant from the struggles faced by the ordinary citizens.

As for the rest of the world, the divide was undeniable. Food, once a universal right, had become a commodity reserved for the elite. The Enhanced needed less sustenance, and what they ate was meticulously crafted to enhance their physical and mental capabilities. Organic, high-nutrient foods were grown in private vertical farms, while the rest of the population had to make do with cheaper, processed options. For many, the cost of nutritious food was simply out of reach. While the Enhanced ate meals fit for royalty, the others had to settle for synthetic meals that lacked the taste and health benefits of the farm-to-table products the wealthy took for granted.

Water, too, had become a luxury. The Enhanced had exclusive access to pristine water, filtered through advanced systems that made it pure and clean, free of contaminants. For the rest of the population, however, water quality was hit-or-miss, often tainted with pollutants from industry and waste. The fortunate few could afford expensive filtration systems, but for the majority, the water was a constant worry—unsafe, unreliable, and occasionally undrinkable.

Housing was another stark division. The Enhanced lived in towering skyscrapers that reached into the sky, each floor a self-contained oasis. The buildings were designed to be self-sustaining, with air-conditioning systems that regulated temperature, water purification systems that ensured constant cleanliness, and rooftop gardens that provided fresh produce. Down below, the regular population lived in crowded, crumbling neighborhoods, where houses were poorly maintained, and the environment was far from ideal. Streets flooded with every heavy rain, and the air was thick with pollution. The Enhanced enjoyed the luxury of clean, breathable air, while the rest of the world was left to contend with smog and toxins.

Education was no longer universal. The Enhanced had access to the finest schools, with cutting-edge technology and AI-driven programs that could tailor lessons to each student's needs. These children learned faster, absorbed knowledge at a rate unimaginable to those outside their class. Meanwhile, the rest of the population's children attended overcrowded schools, with outdated textbooks and overworked teachers who struggled to keep up. The gap between the Enhanced and the non-enhanced grew wider with each passing generation.

Healthcare, too, had been transformed. The Enhanced could heal from nearly any injury or illness in record time, their bodies able to repair themselves with ease. They lived in hospitals that looked more like luxury resorts, where the latest treatments and technologies were available to them at the drop of a hat. For the rest of the world, healthcare had become a distant dream, inaccessible to all but the wealthiest. The average person had to wait months for basic treatments, and many simply went without, resigned to a life of sickness and pain.

The disparities didn’t stop at healthcare or housing. Social equity, too, had been skewed in favor of the Enhanced. Their genetic modifications made them more capable, more competitive, and more desirable in almost every field. They held the majority of power, wealth, and influence, while the rest of society struggled to keep up. Jobs, once the domain of the common people, had been monopolized by the Enhanced, who could work faster, harder, and more efficiently. The less Enhanced had to find their place in a world that no longer valued their abilities the same way.

Gender equality had also been impacted by the rise of the Enhanced. With genetic modifications, gender roles had been largely erased. The Enhanced were no longer bound by the biological constraints of sex and reproduction. People could design their bodies to be anything they wanted, free from the restrictions of tradition. But for the non-Enhanced, the fight for gender equality continued to rage on, as old societal norms continued to influence their world.

As for the work and income disparity, the future was clear: The Enhanced commanded higher salaries, held the top positions, and wielded all the influence. Those who weren't Enhanced could only dream of that kind of success. Work had become a game of survival, a constant struggle to hold onto whatever job you could get. The Enhanced had created a world where only the best and brightest could thrive, leaving the rest to scrape by in the shadows.

Energy and electricity had also been revolutionized. The Enhanced lived in energy-efficient homes, powered by renewable sources that provided them with constant access to electricity. Their cities were self-sustaining, with solar panels, wind turbines, and even geothermal power fueling their luxurious lifestyles. Meanwhile, the rest of the world relied on outdated grids, struggling with blackouts and shortages as the planet’s resources dwindled.

Peace and justice seemed like a distant memory. The Enhanced had their own private security forces, ensuring their safety at all costs. For the rest of the world, crime ran rampant, and law enforcement struggled to keep up. There was no longer a sense of community or shared values. The Enhanced lived in their bubble, removed from the struggles of the people below.

Transportation had evolved as well. The Enhanced zipped around in sleek, self-driving cars that glided silently above the ground, their speed and efficiency unmatched. Meanwhile, the less Enhanced were left to navigate overcrowded public transport systems that were often late, dirty, and unreliable. They lived in a world where the gap between the rich and poor was felt in every step of daily life.

Political voice had been silenced for many. The Enhanced, with their wealth and influence, controlled the government, shaping policies that benefited them and them alone. The rest of the population struggled to make their voices heard, their concerns ignored by the elite. Political movements were crushed under the weight of corporate power, and the ideals of democracy seemed like a distant dream.

Air pollution had reached dangerous levels in many cities, especially for those who lived outside the high-tech enclaves of the Enhanced. The air was thick with smog, and the toxic fumes from factories and transportation systems made it harder to breathe every day. The Enhanced, of course, didn’t suffer from this. They had air filtration systems that ensured they could breathe without worry, even if the world outside was choking on pollution.

Noise pollution was another problem. For the Enhanced, their homes were soundproof, their environments calm and peaceful. But for the rest, the noise never stopped—sirens, traffic, construction, and the constant hum of a world that never rested. It was a constant reminder of the divide, the ever-present sound of a city that belonged to the privileged few.

As for non-human life, the Enhanced had begun to experiment with creating genetically modified animals, making them more resistant to diseases, more productive, and even more intelligent. Some had pets that were no longer mere animals, but companions with traits and behaviors engineered for human enjoyment. The rest of the world still dealt with the destruction of habitats, the extinction of species, and the collapse of ecosystems.

Chemical pollution had contaminated much of the Earth. The Enhanced lived in perfectly clean, controlled environments, but outside their walls, the world was suffering. Chemicals from industry, agriculture, and technology had poisoned the soil and the water, leaving many places uninhabitable. For the Enhanced, it was something to avoid, but for the rest of humanity, it was something to endure.

Water bodies and supply had become critical issues. The Enhanced controlled water resources, reserving the cleanest supplies for themselves. The rest of the world fought over dwindling sources, struggling to maintain access to fresh water in the face of pollution, scarcity, and rising demands.

Waste management was another tale of disparity. The Enhanced had advanced systems that recycled and repurposed everything, leaving behind zero waste. Their cities were pristine, free of garbage and pollution. Meanwhile, the rest of the world struggled to manage their waste, with landfills overflowing and recycling programs failing to keep up.

Land use, streets, and public spaces had also changed. The Enhanced lived in beautiful, expansive parks, walking streets, and private gardens. The rest of the world was left to navigate crumbling infrastructure, overcrowded public spaces, and neglected parks.

Ocean pollution had worsened over time, but the Enhanced had managed to isolate themselves from it. The rest of the world saw the oceans as a place of danger and despair, filled with plastic and waste.

The effects of climate change were undeniable. The Enhanced

[equupio3-514]

Volunteer World's sea turtle conservation volunteer

By Naomi Jaqueline Guadarrama Dominguez

I am in beautiful Costa Rica, surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning biodiversity. I feel deeply connected to nature and excited to be part of Volunteer World's Sea Turtle Conservation program. I am working alongside a passionate and dedicated team to protect these amazing creatures and their habitat.

Every day, I patrol the beaches, protect the nests and marvel at the freedom of rescued turtles that are released into the ocean. It is a privilege to witness such unique moments and to know that I am contributing to the conservation of these incredible species.

In addition to working with the turtles, I also have the opportunity to collaborate on reforestation and wildlife conservation projects in the rainforests. It is exciting to know that my work is making a difference in protecting Costa Rica's biodiversity.

I feel fortunate to be part of this team and to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment and the local community. It is a life-changing experience that is teaching me about the importance of conservation and protecting the planet.

Recommendations for Protecting the Environment

1.Adopt a Tree: Adopting a tree and caring for it over time is crucial because mature trees absorb more carbon dioxide and provide more environmental benefits than young trees. They also help combat climate change and improve air quality.

2.Use Ecological Paints: Eco-friendly paints have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which helps maintain indoor air quality and reduces pollution. This is important because VOCs can cause health problems and contribute to smog.

3.Create a Rain Garden: A rain garden helps absorb and filter rainwater, reducing runoff and water pollution. This is essential to prevent flooding and protect local water bodies from pollutants.

4.Participate in Citizen Science Projects: Joining citizen science projects that monitor biodiversity, water quality or climate provides valuable data for research and increases environmental awareness. This is important because it involves the community in environmental protection and promotes environmental education.

5.Promote Urban Agriculture: Supporting or initiating urban agriculture projects not only provides fresh, local food, but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and improves urban biodiversity. This is crucial to creating more sustainable and resilient communities.

#SaveTheTurtles #TakeCareOfTheTurtles