Environment Archives - Page 2 of 72

The Assassination Attempt on Trump: A Wake-Up Call for the Secret Service

Television coverage of the assassination attempt on Trump — Assassination Attempt on Trump.

The Assassination Attempt on Trump: A Wake-Up Call for the Secret Service

The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves across the nation, highlighting vulnerabilities within the Secret Service’s protective measures. As details unfold, this incident could mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of presidential security protocols.

The audacious attempt occurred during a public engagement, raising immediate questions about the adequacy of current security measures. Trump, known for his polarizing presence and large, fervent crowds, has always posed a unique challenge to the Secret Service. However, the attempt on his life has exposed critical gaps that must be addressed to ensure the safety of current and future leaders.

The Secret Service, an agency with a storied history of protecting America’s highest office, will now face intense scrutiny. Traditionally, their strategy has relied on a combination of physical barriers, advanced technology, and meticulous planning. Despite these measures, the attack on Trump demonstrates that no system is foolproof and that constant adaptation is necessary.

One significant area of concern is the balance between accessibility and security. Modern presidents, including Trump, thrive on direct engagement with the public. This openness, while politically advantageous, inherently increases risk. The Secret Service may need to reassess how to protect leaders without completely isolating them from their supporters. Innovative approaches, such as enhanced crowd monitoring and the use of artificial intelligence to identify threats in real-time, could become standard practice.

Another aspect under consideration is the training and readiness of Secret Service agents. The Trump assassination attempt has underscored the need for continuous, rigorous training programs that prepare agents for a wide array of scenarios. This includes not only physical threats but also cyber-attacks and other forms of modern terrorism. Emphasizing agility and rapid response will be crucial.

The psychological aspect of security is also paramount. Ensuring that agents remain vigilant and prepared for potential threats requires a supportive and well-structured work environment. This could mean increased mental health support and resilience training to help agents manage the stress of their roles effectively.

In the aftermath of this event, the Secret Service is likely to undergo significant reforms. These could include technological upgrades, revised protocols for public engagements, and enhanced training regimens. The goal will be to build a security apparatus that can preemptively identify and neutralize threats while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of potential dangers.

The assassination attempt on Trump serves as a stark reminder that the protection of the nation’s leaders is an evolving challenge. For the Secret Service, this incident is a catalyst for reflection and improvement, ensuring that future presidents are safeguarded against both known and emerging threats. As the agency undertakes these critical reforms, the safety of America’s highest office will remain a paramount priority, reinforcing the resilience and adaptability of this essential institution.

In The Moment: The Art & Photography of Harvey Finkle

Exhibition announcement for Harvey Winkle at the Woodmere Museum of Art — Harvey Finkle at The Woodmere Museum.

In The Moment: The Art & Photography of Harvey Finkle

About the Exhibition

The work of the Philadelphia-born photographer and activist Harvey Finkle offers an intimate view of the hardships, sacrifices, and joys experienced by members of the diverse communities and political movements he has engaged with over the course of his career. In the Moment explores photography’s ability to interrogate social inequities, arouse empathy, and inspire political action. Consisting of photographs that Finkle has taken over the past half-decade, the show surveys the multiple and sophisticated ways in which his work forges meaningful connections with its audiences. Guest-curated by Antongiulio Sorgini, categorical groupings take us through Finkle’s journey, chronicling the stories that shape our collective consciousness.

For more information about the exhibition, link here: https://woodmereartmuseum.org/experience/exhibitions/in-the-moment-the-art-photography-of-harvey-finkle

Bob Shell: Cicadas

A-vertical-painting-of-a-giant-cicada-depicted-in-a-detailed-and-realistic-style.-The-cicada-is-shown-with-its-wings-spread-wide-showcasing-intricat.webp — Cicada. Illustration by AI.

Cicadas

The TV news has been full of stories about the simultaneous emergence of two different broods of periodic cicadas. One brood emerges after thirteen years underground, and the other after seventeen years.

My original training and occupation was as an entomologist, an insect specialist. I worked in that capacity for the Smithsonian Institution in the 1960s. Cicadas were not my main subjects of study, which were Indo-Australian butterflies and tropical beetles, but I did read a lot about all insects in my studies, including cicadas. It is interesting and puzzling that all periodic cicadas have life cycles that are prime numbers, numbers divisible only by themselves and one. There has been much speculation as to the reason for this, but no one really knows the answer.

One piece of misinformation that I’ve heard over and over on TV is that the deafening noise male cicadas make is to attract the females. That’s nonsense. Cicadas, male and female, are deaf. The earsplitting noise is much more likely intended to fend off predators. If the females could hear, there’d be no need for such loud noises. Crickets and grasshoppers get along just fine without such volume.

Cicadas are mostly harmless. They cannot bit or sting. It is true that female cicadas cut deep slits in branches to lay their eggs. This can damage and weaken branches so they break off in high wind or loads of snow. But it is sheer nonsense, as one TV ‘talking head’ reported that their ovipositors (egg layers) are metal! I don’t believe any living creature, at least on Earth, has metal parts, although one wasp does line its nest with a polymer, a plastic.

If you want to know the truth about an insect, ask an entomologist, not a TV news reporter.

About The Author: Bob Shell is a professional photographer, author, former editor in chief of Shutterbug Magazine and veteran contributor to this blog. He is currently serving a 35 year sentence for involuntary manslaughter for the death of Marion Franklin, one of his former models. He is serving the 15th year of his sentence at Pocahontas State Correctional Facility, Virginia. To read additional articles by Bob Shell, click here: https://tonywardstudio.com/blog/bob-shell-the-usps-is-destroying-freedom-of-the-press/

Life on Mars: Humanity’s Bold New Frontier

AI generated image of what life would look like on Mars — Mars illustration generated by AI.

Life on Mars: Humanity’s Bold New Frontier

Humanity has always been driven by a desire to explore the unknown, and landing on Mars represents the pinnacle of our collective ambition. The red planet, once the subject of science fiction, has now become a tangible reality for human habitation. But what would life on Mars truly be like? Would we have to live under protective domes forever, or is there a possibility of adapting Mars to our needs?

The journey to Mars is no small feat. It involves a six-month voyage through the void of space, with astronauts enduring microgravity and cosmic radiation. However, the rewards of such a journey are immense. Upon arrival, the first settlers would be greeted by a barren landscape, characterized by dusty plains, towering volcanoes, and deep canyons. The thin atmosphere, composed primarily of carbon dioxide, offers little protection from the harsh solar radiation and frigid temperatures that can plummet to -125 degrees Celsius at night.

Given these extreme conditions, the initial phase of living on Mars would undoubtedly involve residing in specially designed habitats. These habitats, often envisioned as bubble-like domes, would provide a safe and controlled environment. Inside these domes, life could be remarkably similar to Earth. Advanced life support systems would maintain temperature, pressure, and oxygen levels, ensuring a comfortable and breathable atmosphere. Hydroponic farms would grow fresh vegetables, while water would be extracted from the Martian soil or recycled within the habitat.

Daily life on Mars would be a blend of routine maintenance, scientific exploration, and communal activities. The psychological well-being of settlers would be a top priority, with recreational facilities, virtual reality experiences, and constant communication with Earth helping to alleviate the isolation of living on a distant planet.

One of the most tantalizing prospects of Martian colonization is the possibility of terraforming—altering the planet’s environment to make it more Earth-like. Scientists envision a future where advanced technologies could thicken Mars’ atmosphere, increase temperatures, and even create liquid water bodies. This process, however, is likely to take centuries, if not millennia, and would require a colossal effort.

For now, the reality is that humans would need to rely on artificial habitats to survive. However, innovative approaches, such as underground living or building habitats within natural Martian caves, are being explored to provide additional protection from radiation and meteoroids.

Despite the challenges, the spirit of human ingenuity is bound to thrive on Mars. The red planet offers a wealth of scientific opportunities. Studying its geology, climate, and potential for past microbial life could unlock answers to fundamental questions about the origins of life and the universe. Moreover, Mars could serve as a stepping stone for further exploration of our solar system, with missions to the asteroid belt or even the moons of Jupiter and Saturn becoming feasible.

The cultural impact of living on Mars would be profound. It would mark a new chapter in human history, one where humanity is no longer confined to a single planet. Martian settlers would develop their own unique culture, blending Earth traditions with new practices born out of necessity and innovation. This cultural evolution would reflect our adaptability and resilience.

Landing and living on Mars is a testament to human ambition and curiosity. While life on Mars would initially require living under protective domes, the potential for scientific discovery and the possibility of terraforming offer hope for a future where humans can thrive on the red planet. Mars represents not just a new home, but a new beginning for humanity—one that will inspire generations to come.

Bob Shell: The USPS is Destroying Freedom of The Press

AI generated image representing freedom of the press — Rendering by AI.

The USPS is Destroying Freedom of The Press

I was in the magazine business for many years. The largest single item in every magazine’s budget was the postage to get the magazines to our subscribers. The increase in postage prices practically every year forced us to increase subscription prices and cost us subscribers.

Yes, the Internet has cut into print magazines, and other costs went up, but not usually as much as postage. Recently I saw on TV that postage prices are going up yet again. A First Class one ounce stamp is going up by five cents. Unless I’m mistaken, that’s far higher than the inflation rate. And it is certainty extremely inflationary.

I used to love to read Rolling Stone magazine. I subscribed since the 1960s when Jan Wenner started it.

Two years ago I had to drop my subscription because it went up to $ 60 a year! I simply could not afford it anymore. I knew that big chunk of that price increase is postage.

Beyond that, the USPS actually regulates the percentages of editorial and advertising content in a magazine to qualify for Fourth Class, the cheapest postage rate.

One of the magazines I subscribe to recently dropped their First Class subscription service due to the last round of postage increases.

I expect other magazines to respond. History Magazine recently went to fewer issues per year due to postage increases, while another magazine I used to get has gone to only one issue a year! I expect to see more printed magazines disappear.

Now, seeing something on a computer screen or tablet is good for some things, but it doesn’t come close to holding a high-quality printed magazine in your hands.

Now, the same problem faces book publishers. I recently mailed a book to the next state, about three hours away by car. It went by UPS, which used to be cheaper. This small book weighed well under a pound. The price I was quoted? Fifteen dollars! So, maybe the Post Office would be cheaper? Yes, but it was still $ 8.00 for regular Parcel Post!

Those ridiculous prices will impact the income of writers negatively. The USPS says it is having problems from the Internet’s competition and email. Anyone with even basic business knowledge knows you don’t compete with lower prices by raising yours!