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The Erosion of Critical Thought in the Age of Overtime: How Work Hours Shape Our Cognitive Landscape

In today’s fast-paced world, where the demands of work often extend beyond traditional hours, the implications for family life, media consumption and societal discourse are profound. As work hours increase, the time and energy available for critical thinking diminish, transforming the way families engage with news and information, leading to a landscape where entertainment overshadows education, and where news can morph into what we traditionally recognize as yellow journalism. The Impact of Extended Work Hours Extended work hours have a direct correlation with decreased engagement in family activities that foster critical thinking. Research by Greenhaus and Beutell (1985) highlights how work-family conflict can result in reduced family interaction, where family members are too exhausted or preoccupied to engage in meaningful discussions or educational pursuits (Greenhaus & Beutell, 1985).…
10 min read 0

The DeepSeek Hype: Decoding the AI Frenzy and Its Market Impact + Where DeepSeek Succeeds

The artificial intelligence (AI) landscape was rocked in early 2025 by the introduction of DeepSeek, a Chinese tech startup’s AI model that claimed to outperform established giants like OpenAI with significantly less resource expenditure. This announcement led to dramatic market reactions, with companies like Nvidia experiencing significant stock value drops. However, beneath the surface of this apparent technological leap, a narrative of skepticism, critique, and strategic market dynamics has emerged. This article delves into the phenomenon of the DeepSeek hype, analyzing its technological claims, market impact, and the broader implications for the AI industry. The Rise of DeepSeek DeepSeek made headlines with the release of its R1 model, which was touted for its performance comparable to top-tier models like OpenAI’s o1 but at purportedly a fraction of the…
6 min read 0

State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks and the Facade of Democracy

In the digital age, the battleground for global power dynamics has increasingly shifted to cyberspace, where state-sponsored cyber attacks serve not just as tools for espionage but also for political sabotage. This article delves into examples of such operations, focusing on the tensions between the United States and the BRICS countries, and how the rhetoric of promoting “democracy” often masks underlying geopolitical strategies. State-Sponsored MITM Attacks Stuxnet (U.S. and Israel vs. Iran – 2010): This worm, designed to sabotage Iran’s nuclear program, exemplifies how cyber capabilities can be weaponized for physical impact. Although not a traditional Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack, it involved intercepting and altering control system communications (Langner, 2011). Quantum Insert by NSA (U.S.): This technique allowed the NSA to intercept and manipulate internet traffic, potentially for MITM…
8 min read 0

The Realities of Shadow Banning Across Search Engines, Video Platforms and Social Media — and a Look at “Common Grounds”

Introduction In an age where online discourse has become the lifeblood of public debate, the concept of “shadow banning” has risen to the forefront of conversations about transparency, free speech, and digital ethics. Shadow banning refers to the practice of limiting the visibility of a user’s content—often without the user’s knowledge—on platforms such as search engines (Google, DuckDuckGo), video streaming services (YouTube, Bitchute, Rumble), and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others). While platform providers often assert that this practice is designed to combat spam or abusive content, critics argue that it can also be used to suppress certain political views or individuals. This article explores the realities of shadow banning across major digital platforms, examining notable case studies and legal actions. In doing so, we also…
4 min read 0

Restoring Public Trust in Media: A Call for Legislation and Reform

The erosion of public trust in media sources has become a pressing concern in recent years. The proliferation of manipulative public coercion tactics, including the dissemination of deceptive information framing otherwise ligitimate information as disinformation has led to widespread skepticism and mistrust of news agencies. To address this issue, it is essential to propose legislation that clearly distinguishes entertainment from public information, ensuring that the latter is verifiable, free from malice and corrected in a timely and accessible manner. The Problem of Media Infiltration and Co-opted Bias   The manipulation of public opinion through deceptive information tactics has been a long-standing issue. Operation Mockingbird, a CIA operation that began in the 1950s, aimed to influence public opinion through the manipulation of news media (Saunders, 2000). More recently, the…
5 min read 0

The Potential Negative Health Impacts of SSRIs: A Closer Look

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety, and sometimes for bipolar disorder, but their use is not without controversy or potential adverse effects. This article explores some of the negative health impacts associated with SSRIs, focusing on risks related to violence, suicide, and other health concerns. General Health Risks Side Effects: Sexual Dysfunction: SSRIs can lead to a variety of sexual side effects like reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and anorgasmia (inability to orgasm). Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, diarrhea, and changes in appetite are common complaints. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or excessive sleepiness might occur. Weight Changes: Both weight gain and loss have been reported (Mayo Clinic, 2024). Serotonin Syndrome: An excess of serotonin can result in serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms like…
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Weight Gain and Metabolic Risks Associated with Invega and Abilify

An Overview with Focus on Discontinuation Antipsychotic medications like Invega (paliperidone) and Abilify (aripiprazole) can lead to significant side effects, including weight gain. Here’s an examination, focusing on the discontinuation of Invega, both as a standalone treatment and when combined with Abilify:   Weight Gain and Health Risks with Invega: Mechanism: Invega’s weight gain is attributed to its effects on histamine H1 and serotonin 5-HT2C receptors, leading to increased appetite and reduced satiety (De Hert et al., 2012). Prevalence: Clinical data suggests that 10-20% of patients might experience significant weight gain (Correll et al., 2009).   Weight Gain with Abilify: Mechanism: Abilify has a relatively lower risk of weight gain but can still contribute in some patients (Citrome, 2013). Combination Therapy: Combining Invega with Abilify might amplify weight…
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Implications of Directed Energy Weapons Legislation on Recent U.S. Wildfires

The “Directed Energy Weapon Systems Acquisition Act of 2016” (S. 2778), introduced to accelerate the development and deployment of directed energy weapons by the U.S. Department of Defense, has sparked significant debate, particularly in light of recent wildfires in California and Hawaii. This piece of legislation outlines a strategic push towards integrating these advanced technologies into military capabilities, raising questions about their potential unintended or deliberate use in civilian contexts. Legislation Overview The Act, as detailed in lines 1-4 of Page 1, aims to amend title 10 of the United States Code, focusing on the rapid acquisition of directed energy weapons. It emphasizes the potential of these weapons to be a “game changer” in military operations, as noted in lines 11-14 of Page 2. However, despite significant investments,…
7 min read 0

Escaping the Windows Ecosystem: A Journey Through Operating Systems

Introduction I grew up in a world where operating systems were not just tools but entire ecosystems that could either free or trap their users. My journey began with OS/2 Warp on an 80386 machine, using the IBM MCA BUS hardware before I began my transition to Linux in 1995–finally to become free from the Microsoft Ecosystem by 2016 (With an exception of an offline WinXP HDD for utilizing specialized hardware sensors/meters/loggers.) For those still tethered to the Windows lifecycle, my advice is simple: grow out of it. In simple terms it is a parasite. Windows is not the be-all and end-all of computing; it’s an ecosystem trap, and there are better more liberating alternatives out there. The Windows Lifecycle Dilemma Windows has a notorious cycle: versions are…
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Day 001: 36 Executive Orders

Here is the comprehensive list of the 36 executive orders signed by Donald Trump on his first day as the 47th President of the United States: 1. Revocation of Biden-era Executive Actions – This order rescinded 78 executive actions, orders, memoranda from the Biden administration, particularly those related to racial equity, climate, migration, and gender policy. 2. Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement – Trump signed an order to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, reversing the U.S. rejoining under Biden. 3. Border Security and National Emergency – Declared a national emergency at the southern border to enhance border security, including deploying military personnel and resuming border wall construction. 4. Pardons for January 6th Defendants – Issued pardons for approximately 1,500 defendants involved in the January 6,…