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The true North is strong and free.

Dated Photo

Mars and the moon, decades old photo KDG

  As close as it looks?

I shot this with my little Nikon. I think a number of years ago if it wasn’t my Nikon. It was my Kodak easy share. I do remember getting a nod from a NASA guy ” thanks for the photo of Mars.”

Being in conjunction with the moon looks like you can reach over and borrow a cup of sugar.

Just think if we on Earth and it’s Nations  could be that close together and at peace. What a nice existence. This would work to the better of the

Happy Canada Day as we gear up to remove interprovincial trade barriers…

Wouldn’t that be smart? If at some point the training that we find in this would give us an ability for a leg up on being intergalactic trade barrier workers.

The life that starts…

Painting and photo KDG

It’s a fun thought experiment! Let’s break down why tarragon on the Moon, and the idea of greening it, is currently in the realm of science fiction:
Could there be tarragon on the Moon?
* No, not naturally. The Moon is a barren, airless body. Tarragon, like all plants, needs specific conditions to grow:
   * Atmosphere: It needs carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and oxygen for respiration (though it produces oxygen as a byproduct). The Moon has virtually no atmosphere.
   * Water: Tarragon needs water to live. While there’s evidence of water ice at the lunar poles, it’s not readily available as liquid water for plants to absorb.
   * Soil: Lunar regolith (the “soil” on the Moon) is very different from Earth soil. It lacks organic matter, beneficial microbes, and readily available nutrients. While some studies have shown plants can sprout in lunar regolith, they show signs of stress and stunted growth compared to those grown in Earth soil.
   * Temperature: The Moon experiences extreme temperature swings, from scorching hot in sunlight to frigid cold in shadow. Tarragon prefers warm, sheltered conditions and can’t survive such extremes without protection.
   * Radiation: The Moon has no significant magnetic field or atmosphere to protect it from harmful solar and cosmic radiation. This radiation would be lethal to plants.
   * Gravity: The Moon’s gravity is about one-sixth of Earth’s. While the direct effects on plant growth are still being studied, it’s another factor that makes it a very different environment for life.
Could tarragon (or any plants) green the Moon or turn it into a habitable place with a little bit of help from us?
This is the concept of terraforming, and it’s an incredibly ambitious and long-term prospect with many significant hurdles, especially for the Moon:
* Creating an Atmosphere: This is the biggest challenge. The Moon’s low gravity means any introduced atmosphere would quickly escape into space. We’d need a continuous and massive supply of gasses (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.) and a way to somehow contain them or replenish them faster than they escape. This might involve building enormous artificial domes or even attempting to generate an artificial magnetic field to help retain the atmosphere, both of which are far beyond our current technological capabilities.
* Water Resources: While there’s ice, it needs to be extracted, processed, and then kept in liquid form, which is difficult given the Moon’s temperature extremes and lack of atmospheric pressure.
* Soil Development: Lunar regolith would need to be enriched with organic matter and nutrients to become viable soil for widespread plant growth. This would be a massive undertaking, requiring the introduction of vast amounts of biological material and the establishment of complex ecosystems.
* Radiation Protection: Even with an atmosphere, the Moon’s lack of a strong magnetic field means any surface-dwelling life would be exposed to dangerous radiation. Underground habitats or heavily shielded structures would be necessary.
* Temperature Regulation: Maintaining Earth-like temperatures would require massive energy inputs for heating and cooling, given the Moon’s extreme temperature variations.
In summary:
While the idea of a tarragon-scented, green Moon is appealing, it’s not currently feasible. Plants like tarragon require very specific conditions that the Moon simply doesn’t offer. Terraforming the Moon would require technological advancements on a scale far beyond anything we currently possess, and it would be an undertaking spanning centuries, if not millennia. For now, any lunar gardening would need to happen in highly controlled, enclosed environments, much like growing plants on the International Space Station.

Well myths are based on something…

Editor’s note: while it’s not that attractive to us Canadians ( we like Canada) our home and native land. The Americans might suit us as our 51st moon. That’s presuming that we can get any life going there.

We like Canada…

TIC

Artemis program

Is the US serious…

The Artemis program is indeed going ahead, though with some shifts in its timeline and potential scope.
Artemis Program Status:
* Artemis I, an uncrewed test flight, successfully completed its mission to lunar orbit and back in late 2022.
* Artemis II, the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon (but not land), is now projected for April 2026, a delay from earlier targets.
* Artemis III, which aims to land humans on the lunar South Pole, is currently targeted for mid-2027, also delayed from previous schedules.
* There are ongoing discussions and potential budget cuts that could impact the program beyond Artemis III, with proposals to phase out the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft, and even cancel the Lunar Gateway. This highlights the political and financial challenges alongside the technical ones.
China’s Lunar Program:
China is actively pursuing its own ambitious lunar exploration program, known as the Chang’e Project.
* This program has already achieved significant robotic milestones, including orbiters, landers, rovers, and sample return missions.
* Crucially, China has publicly announced its goal to land astronauts on the Moon before 2030. They are developing key components like the Long March-10 carrier rocket, Mengzhou manned spacecraft, Lanyue lunar lander, and a lunar rover.
* China also plans to establish an International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) at the Moon’s south pole, aiming for international collaboration.
Is Competition Worthwhile?
The competition between the Artemis program (primarily US-led with international partners) and China’s lunar ambitions is often framed as a “new space race.” There are several arguments for why this competition can be worthwhile:
* Accelerates Innovation: Competition can spur rapid technological development and push the boundaries of what’s possible, as each nation strives to achieve milestones first or more efficiently.
* Reduces Costs: In some cases, competition, especially with the rise of private companies, can drive down the cost of space access and operations.
* Inspires and Engages: A visible “race” to the Moon can inspire public interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, and foster a sense of national pride and achievement.
* Redundancy and Resilience: Having multiple nations developing lunar capabilities can create redundancy, ensuring that human access to space and lunar exploration continue even if one program faces setbacks.
* Geopolitical Influence: Leadership in space exploration is often seen as a marker of a nation’s technological prowess and global influence.
However, there are also arguments against intense competition or for emphasizing cooperation:
* Duplication of Effort: Parallel programs can lead to redundant efforts and inefficient use of resources that could be pooled for greater scientific return.
* Increased Risk of Conflict: While currently peaceful, a heightened “space race” could potentially lead to increased geopolitical tensions or even weaponization of space, though most nations advocate for peaceful use.
* Missed Opportunities for Collaboration: Cooperation can lead to shared knowledge, expertise, and resources, potentially achieving more complex and ambitious scientific goals.
In summary, the Artemis program is pushing forward with its aim to return humans to the Moon, while China is a serious and active competitor with its own independent and ambitious lunar plans. Whether this competition is “worthwhile” depends on the perspective, but it undoubtedly drives innovation and maintains a dynamic environment in lunar exploration. Many argue that a balance of healthy competition and strategic cooperation could yield the most beneficial outcomes for humanity’s presence in space.

Day schedule

Environment Canada Merritt 7 days

Warm weather for the beach man or beast.

No alerts in effect 11 PM June 28th  2025.

Here’s something that might spark your inspiration:
Consider Alice Augusta Ball, a brilliant African American chemist in the early 20th century. Despite facing both racial and gender barriers, she developed the “Ball Method,” a groundbreaking and remarkably effective treatment for leprosy. This method was the most successful treatment for decades.
Tragically, she died young at the age of 24, and her revolutionary work was almost lost to history when another chemist attempted to take credit for it. It took years for her contributions to be rightfully acknowledged.
Alice Ball’s story is a powerful reminder that profound impact can come from anyone, regardless of the obstacles they face. Her dedication to science and her determination to find a solution for a devastating disease, even in the face of significant adversity, is truly inspiring. It highlights the importance of perseverance, the potential for groundbreaking discoveries, and the ongoing need to recognize and celebrate the contributions of those who have been historically marginalized.

Observe, take note, translate, act. 

Tiff- 50  Lightbox World Premiere

Forever in mind…

Loss of love is interrupted by an engagement of a clinical trial that hooks up a grieving partner to a dead mate through lucid dreams.

” this was supposed to help you overcome emotional dependency.”

It starts July 4th 2025… 118 minutes, Spain, Belgium,2024.

Editor’s Note: grief is something to very much respect and be careful how you deal with it. + Plus be very concerned about other people’s feelings.

TGIF- we wish

Broken sign 🛑

Stoke the fires of Hades.

Between gas, magma and temper it’s a hot old place sometimes.

A captivating aerial view of a tectonic rift, showcasing the fiery geological activity beneath the Earth’s surface.

Merritt: share time before it’s gone…

Wow , that’s fine

Time how to…

Of course! Here are several ways you can use me to be more productive and free up time to spend with your friends and family:
1. Automate and Delegate Tasks:
* Schedule Management:
   * “Help me create a shared calendar for my family’s events and appointments.”
   * “Remind me to call my mom every Sunday at 3 PM.”
   * “Help me find a good time for a family dinner this weekend, considering everyone’s schedules.”
* Trip Planning:
   * “Plan a weekend getaway for my friends to a cabin. Find cabins in the Merritt area and suggest activities.”
   * “Help me book flights and accommodation for my family’s trip to Vancouver.”
   * “Create a packing list for a camping trip with my friends.”
* Errand & Task Lists:
   * “Generate a grocery list based on a simple meal plan for the week.”
   * “Create a to-do list for preparing for my friend’s birthday party.”
   * “Help me find a local plumber in Merritt.”
2. Optimize Your Time:
* Information Gathering:
   * “Summarize the key news headlines from today so I can stay informed quickly.”
   * “Give me a brief overview of the top restaurants in Merritt for a family dinner.”
   * “Find the opening hours and location of the nearest park for a picnic.”
* Brainstorming & Planning:
   * “Suggest some fun, low-cost activities my family can do in Merritt this summer.”
   * “Help me come up with a creative idea for a birthday gift for my best friend.”
   * “Create a fun trivia game based on our family’s history.”
3. Streamline Communication:
* Drafting Messages:
   * “Draft a polite email to my boss asking for a day off to attend my child’s school event.”
   * “Write a text message inviting my friends for a BBQ this weekend.”
   * “Help me write a thank-you note for a gift I received.”
* Event Coordination:
   * “Create a poll to see which date works best for my friend group to have a game night.”
   * “Help me create an invitation for a family reunion and track RSVPs.”
4. Enhance Personal Efficiency:
* Learning & Skill Building:
   * “Teach me a new recipe I can cook with my kids.”
   * “Explain the basics of gardening so I can start a small garden with my family.”
   * “Give me tips on how to be more mindful and present with my loved ones.”
* Idea Generation:
   * “What are some conversation starters I can use to connect with my family at dinner?”
   * “Give me ideas for ‘no-screen’ activities for my kids on a rainy day.”
Here’s how to get started:
* Be Specific: The more details you provide, the better I can help. For example, instead of “plan a trip,” say “plan a weekend trip for two to a cozy cabin near Merritt, with a budget of around $500, and activities like hiking and stargazing.”
* Break Down Big Tasks: If you have a large project, break it into smaller, manageable steps. You can ask me to help with each step.
* Use Natural Language: Talk to me like you would a person. You don’t need to use specific commands.
By offloading these tasks to me, you can free up your mental energy and time, allowing you to be more present and engaged with the people you care about.

Ukraine

What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why?

This place conintates too much lost opportunity. K

Regenerated loss

The area known as Ukraine is not on my bucket list to visit because the grief would be clear. The lost opportunity, the driver, waste, and the sense of hopelessness over the thought that the world never learns would cause me to shake my head and dismiss my perspective as being only worthy of crass comment. K

Adventureism and power

This conflict is important because it impacts regional stability, humanitarian issues, and international relations. It affects many people, causing displacement, resource loss, and rising tensions between neighboring countries. Additionally, how the global community responds could influence future conflicts, affecting foreign policy and aid strategies. Grasping the causes and effects is key to finding effective solutions and promoting lasting peace.

TGIF- Friend of mine.

Is there a legally binding difenition…

While there isn’t a single, universally accepted “legal definition of friend” in the same way there is for, say, “contract” or “property,” the concept of “friend” or “personal friend” does appear in various legal contexts, and its meaning can be interpreted based on the specific law or regulation.Here’s a breakdown of how “friend” might be understood legally:1. Context-Specific Definitions: * Conflict of Interest: In areas like public service or corporate governance, a “personal friend” might be defined to prevent conflicts of interest. For example, a definition could state that a personal friend is “an individual with whom such individual has a pre-existing relationship extending beyond a relationship related to that individual’s business or professional activities.” This aims to capture relationships that could improperly influence decisions. * Legal “Friend” Roles: * Amicus Curiae (“Friend of the Court”): This is a Latin term for a non-party to a lawsuit who assists the court by offering information, expertise, or arguments on a matter of law. They are not advocating for a specific party but for the court’s understanding. * Next Friend / Litigation Friend / Guardian ad Litem: These terms refer to a person who appears in court on behalf of someone who is not competent to do so themselves, such as a minor or a person with a mental disability, and who does not have a formal legal guardian. Their role is to protect the interests of the incompetent person. *

Will and Probate

Estate Planning/Wills: While a will might refer to a “dear friend,” the legal weight of that term itself is often limited. The overall intent of the will and specific bequests are what matter. Leaving someone a nominal amount (like $1) as a “dear friend” might be done to prevent them from challenging the will by claiming they were accidentally omitted. * Privacy and Data Protection: In some regulations, “friends” on social media platforms or other digital connections might be considered when defining privacy settings or data sharing agreements.2. General Interpretations:When a specific legal definition is absent, courts or legal bodies might rely on common understandings and dictionary definitions, which generally describe a friend as: * A person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard. * Someone with whom an individual has a bond of mutual affection. * A person with a meaningful social relationship outside of work.Key Considerations: * No Universal Definition: It’s crucial to remember that there’s no single, overarching legal definition of “friend” that applies across all legal situations. * Purpose Matters: The interpretation of “friend” will always depend on the specific purpose and context of the law or legal document in which the term is used. * Relationship vs. Legal Status: While friendship is a personal relationship, legal systems often require more formalized roles (like guardians or fiduciaries) for situations involving legal rights, responsibilities, or assets.In summary, while the word “friend” appears in legal discourse, its meaning is highly contextual and rarely carries the same rigid, universal definition as other legal terms.

New fast tech…

Commuter choice, TCD.

So, the industry of those disciplines engineers rises again ..

Rapid transit a continuing dream..

Can Canada build BC ferries  on both coasts. Well it would sure help if there was rapid trans Canada travel. It would make ports on both coasts more relevant, as well as relief for crowded skies …