Showing posts with label General Information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Information. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

 As we marvel at the beauty of the Northern Lights, the same solar storm energy that creates this spectacle could potentially lead to what a researcher terms an "internet apocalypse."

Professor Peter Becker of George Mason University highlights the unique challenge humanity faces as the sun becomes more active just when our dependence on the internet and the global economy linked to it is at its peak. This intersection prompted Becker and his team, in collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory, to embark on a project to develop an early warning system.

Scientist Claims Solar Superstorm Could Create An Internet Apocalypse

Solar superstorms, characterized by solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME), pose a significant threat to Earth. Becker explains that while flares provide a visible warning with their brightening of the sun, the real concern lies in the unpredictable directions CMEs can take. Fortunately, scientists can predict when these charged particles are heading toward Earth, providing approximately 18 to 24 hours of warning before they impact the planet and interfere with its magnetic field.

CMEs involve large blobs of plasma hurtling through space, some of which collide with Earth, distorting its magnetic field. This distortion can turn the Earth's surface into an unintended conductor, potentially leading to the flow of inductive currents. Contrary to the assumption of safety through grounding, this scenario could result in damaging electronic systems that were previously deemed secure.

Various critical systems, including the power grid, satellites, underground fiber optic cables, navigation and GPS systems, radio transmitters, and communication equipment, are susceptible to the effects of a solar superstorm.

Drawing parallels to the Carrington Event of 1859, the last time a CME reached Earth, Becker emphasizes the vulnerability of modern electronics compared to the sturdier telegraph wires of that era. The potential consequences of a solar superstorm could cripple essential infrastructure, leading to weeks or months of downtime for repairs, causing not only communication disruptions but also significant economic losses.

Becker estimates a staggering economic disruption of $10-$20 billion per day for the U.S. alone if such an event were to occur. Evidence from tree rings and ice cores suggests that superstorms in the past have been much larger, with a solar flare about 14,000 years ago potentially hundreds of times stronger than the Carrington Event.

As the current solar cycle peaks, with an expected peak in 2024 according to NOAA forecasts, Becker emphasizes the difficulty of predicting solar storms, likening it to predicting earthquakes. He suggests that while it's challenging to control the situation, preparations can be made to mitigate the impact. His team monitors the sun and models flares, aiming to provide as much advance notice as possible.

Becker emphasizes the importance of quick action in the event of a warning, allowing for measures such as putting satellites in safe mode and taking transformers offline to prevent damage. However, he acknowledges the economic challenge of long-term solutions, such as hardening the internet infrastructure. With a lack of economic incentives for large corporations to invest in such measures, the potential for an "internet apocalypse" remains a looming concern, with the odds standing at approximately 10% over the next decade.

As we marvel at the beauty of the Northern Lights, the same solar storm energy that creates this spectacle could potentially lead to what a researcher terms an "internet apocalypse."

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Thursday, November 10, 2022

 Teen Who Turned in Rioter Dad: He ‘Absolutely’ Deserves His Long Sentence

Teen Who Turned in Rioter Dad: He ‘Absolutely’ Deserves His Long Sentence

The teen who turned his dad in for participating in the Capitol riot said his father “absolutely” deserved to get the longest prison sentence yet and will hopefully be rehabilitated in prison. “I haven’t been happy about this whole situation...but to say I’m surprised would be a lie,” Jackson Reffitt told CNN. “Everything my dad did—he’s his own person. And his action has consequences.” Guy Reffitt was sentenced to more than seven years in prison on Monday for bringing a loaded gun to the riot, where he threatened House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. When he returned home, he threatened to shoot his kids if they said anything but Jackson still tipped off the FBI. He told CNN his father was used as a “puppet” for Trump, and that he agreed with his sister Peyton when she said Monday that Trump deserves “life in prison” for manipulating thousands of people for political gain.

SMH America is a newly erected news and information platform which shines a light on the sheer stupidity of America and the American Culture in many aspects such as society, government, politics, policing, and much more. This platform is brought to you by The LAM Organization for Disaster Relief, a nonprofit organization that provides funding to disaster relief situations such as UNICEF and Saint Jude's Children's Hospital. 

Teen Who Turned in Rioter Dad: He ‘Absolutely’ Deserves His Long Sentence

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Wednesday, November 9, 2022

 New York City stores are locking up Spam and other foods amid shoplifting surge


Some New Yorkers are resorting to theft as inflation lifts the cost of everyday goods, including food. Drugstores in parts of New York City are on high alert amid a rise in shoplifting and are increasing security measures to stop theft. Cans of Spam, a cooked pork product that retails for $3.99 per 12-ounce tin, appeared to be encased in an antitheft container at a Duane Reade store in Manhattan, according to a customer who shared an image of the loss-prevention device on Twitter.

SMH America is a newly erected news and information platform which shines a light on the sheer stupidity of America and the American Culture in many aspects such as society, government, politics, policing, and much more. This platform is brought to you by The LAM Organization for Disaster Relief, a nonprofit organization that provides funding to disaster relief situations such as UNICEF and Saint Jude's Children's Hospital.

New York City stores are locking up Spam and other foods amid shoplifting surge

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Friday, November 4, 2022

 Katie Porter Weapons shouldn't have Fewer Safety features than Cell Phones


In today's society, where technology is advancing at an exponential rate, it is concerning that firearms are still lacking essential safety features. As we all know, cell phones have a fingerprint scanner that allows for secure access to the device. However, firearms, which are deadly weapons, don't have such safety features.

It is time for firearm manufacturers to start implementing fingerprint scanners on all their guns. This technology could prevent up to 40% of accidental deaths caused by firearms. As a result, I asked firearm manufacturers why they are hesitant to install these safety features on their products.

It is crucial that we take every possible measure to prevent accidental deaths caused by firearms. The implementation of fingerprint scanners would not only provide an added layer of safety but also prevent unauthorized use of firearms, including stolen weapons.

We must put safety first and demand that firearm manufacturers prioritize safety features. It is our responsibility as citizens to ensure that firearms are used safely and responsibly. We owe it to ourselves, our families, and our communities to take action and prevent senseless tragedies caused by irresponsible gun use.


SMH America is a newly erected news and information platform which shines a light on the sheer stupidity of America and the American Culture in many aspects such as society, government, politics, policing, and much more. This platform is brought to you by The LAM Organization for Disaster Relief, a nonprofit organization that provides funding to disaster relief situations such as UNICEF and Saint Jude's Children's Hospital. 

Katie Porter Weapons shouldn't have Fewer Safety features than Cell Phones

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Thursday, October 27, 2022

 Former Trump administration adviser says she found classified documents in ladies’ room


A former Trump administration staffer, Olivia Troye, revealed on MSNBC that she once found classified documents in a ladies' room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building during the former President's tenure. Troye, who served as a counterterrorism adviser in the Department of Homeland Security and in the office of Vice President Mike Pence, reported the discovery to security after covering up the document and placing it in an unmarked folder. According to her, such security breaches were not uncommon in the Trump administration, with documents often carried around without proper pouches for secure storage.

This revelation comes in the wake of a recent FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago, where documents of multiple classification levels were reportedly discovered. Prior to the raid, photos were released showing fragments of presidential documents floating in toilets. Trump and his allies have been struggling to explain the presence of these documents at his property despite previous negotiations with the FBI to hand them over, including under subpoena. Their explanations range from claims that the documents were planted to claims that they were not sensitive or had already been declassified. None of these claims are backed by evidence and some blatantly disregard the legal requirements imposed on those who handle classified and secret government information. Troye has since become an outspoken critic of the former president and his administration and has testified before the 6 January select committee.


SMH America is a newly erected news and information platform which shines a light on the sheer stupidity of America and the American Culture in many aspects such as society, government, politics, policing, and much more. This platform is brought to you by The LAM Organization for Disaster Relief, a nonprofit organization that provides funding to disaster relief situations such as UNICEF and Saint Jude's Children's Hospital.

Former Trump administration adviser says she found classified documents in ladies’ room

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Monday, October 24, 2022

 Man who was at Capitol on Jan. 6 is fatally shot after firing into an FBI field office


Officials have identified the man who was shot and killed by officers after firing a nail gun into an FBI field office in Cincinnati on Thursday. Two officials who are familiar with the matter say the suspect was Ricky Walter Shiffer, and he had been present at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. Shiffer had reportedly posted about his desire to kill FBI agents following the search of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. The motive for the attack is still under investigation, and it's unclear whether he fired the nail gun or who fired the fatal shot. No officers were injured. The FBI Director Christopher Wray condemned the violence against law enforcement and called for respect for the rule of law. Since the search of Trump's home, there has been a rise in threats against FBI personnel and facilities on social media platforms.


SMH America is a newly erected news and information platform which shines a light on the sheer stupidity of America and the American Culture in many aspects such as society, government, politics, policing, and much more. This platform is brought to you by The LAM Organization for Disaster Relief, a nonprofit organization that provides funding to disaster relief situations such as UNICEF and Saint Jude's Children's Hospital.  

Man who was at Capitol on Jan. 6 is fatally shot after firing into an FBI field office

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Friday, October 21, 2022

 On January 1st, 2023, Illinois jails will turn many prisoners loose


Illinois will eliminate its cash bail system on January 1st, 2023, under a new criminal justice reform law. Certain felony suspects, including those charged with second-degree murder, aggravated battery, and arson, will be released without bail, freeing approximately 400 criminal defendants into communities across the state. The Pretrial Fairness Act is part of a larger police reform initiative known as House Bill 163. The act aims to free certain criminal offenders who cannot afford bond and must wait in jail for their court date. Advocates of the law argue that cash bail is a pillar of institutional racism within the criminal justice system. Instead of bail, judges will issue pre-trial release conditions for offenders, which local pastors have been pushing for to improve the criminal justice system. However, opponents of the law say it prohibits judges from considering each case on its own merits and applying the law accordingly. Additionally, the law restricts which crimes a person can be arrested for and frees those in custody for 12 offenses, including second-degree murder, aggravated battery, and arson, without bail. Meanwhile, Republicans are calling for stricter sentencing for violent offenders and the repeal of certain parts of the SAFE-T Act. Law enforcement agencies across the state are opposing the law's passage, and gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey (R) promised to repeal the law if elected. Illinois is the first state in the country to completely abolish cash bail.


SMH America is a newly erected news and information platform which shines a light on the sheer stupidity of America and the American Culture in many aspects such as society, government, politics, policing, and much more. This platform is brought to you by The LAM Organization for Disaster Relief, a nonprofit organization that provides funding to disaster relief situations such as UNICEF and Saint Jude's Children's Hospital. 

On January 1st, 2023, Illinois jails will turn many prisoners loose

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Wednesday, October 19, 2022

 Dallas youth softball program raffles AR-15-style gun after Florida school shooting

A softball program in Dallas is facing criticism for holding a fundraising raffle for a semiautomatic AR-15 rifle. The Lady Dragons fast-pitch softball program, which is not affiliated with the school district, is raising money for equipment, field improvements, and keeping registration fees low. The raffle for the rifle will take place on April 4th, with tickets priced at $25. The program has stated that the winner of the raffle will have to pass background checks and that the rifle was donated by a private donor. Some residents have called the fundraiser tone-deaf and inappropriate, especially in the aftermath of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting. The program board members who approved the fundraiser have been criticized for their decision, which has caused division in the community. Despite the criticism, the softball program has stated that the raffle is legal and well-regulated and has been used successfully by similar sports organizations in the past.


SMH America is a newly erected news and information platform which shines a light on the sheer stupidity of America and the American Culture in many aspects such as society, government, politics, policing, and much more. This platform is brought to you by The LAM Organization for Disaster Relief, a nonprofit organization that provides funding to disaster relief situations such as UNICEF and Saint Jude's Children's Hospital.

Dallas youth softball program raffles AR-15-style gun after Florida school shooting

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Tuesday, August 9, 2022

 10,000 cattle die for heat and humidity

10,000 cattle die for heat and humidity

According to officials, extreme heat and humidity in southwest Kansas have caused the deaths of thousands of cattle in recent days. The total number of deaths is difficult to determine, as ranchers are not required to report losses. The state Department of Agriculture has been monitoring the situation, with a spokesperson citing several weather factors that led to heat stress for cattle. Temperatures were in the 80s and low 90s until a sudden spike to 100 degrees on June 11, followed by two more days of triple-digit heat. Reuters reported that at least 2,000 animals were lost based on the number of carcasses state officials were asked to help dispose of, but the number could be much higher, up to 10,000 or more according to DTN, an outlet specializing in agriculture industry analysis.

Scarlett Hagins, Vice President of Communications for the Kansas Livestock Association, stated that while heat stress deaths do occur, they typically do not happen on this scale. The problem, in this case, is that temperatures were high during the day but did not drop at night, or at least not far enough, largely due to uncharacteristically high humidity. This worsened with consecutive days of high heat, and as such, the cattle could not get any relief. Hagins explained that normally western and southwestern Kansas is not humid, making this a unique and unfortunate event.


The rising temperatures are also a concern, with a high of 103 expected on June 16 in Ulysses, reportedly the town hardest hit by the heatwave, followed by 100-degree heat on June 17. The Department of Agriculture is standing by to provide information and assistance as needed and is in contact with ranchers in the area.
10,000 cattle die for heat and humidity

10,000 cattle die for heat and humidity

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Friday, February 25, 2022

China's aggressive measures have slowed the coronavirus, this may not work in other countries

China's aggressive measures have slowed the coronavirus, this may not work in other countries

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Complaints about toilets with a document flush surface

Complaints about toilets with a document flush surface

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Brian Flores' lawsuit reflects widespread discontent among Black coaches over NFL hiring practices

Brian Flores' lawsuit reflects widespread discontent among Black coaches over NFL hiring practices

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How We Treat an Overstock of Food in America

How We Treat an Overstock of Food in America

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Warehouses: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Warehouses: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

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The Power Grid: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

The Power Grid: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

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Opioids: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Opioids: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

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Facebook: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Facebook: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

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Train Conductors Attempts Ramming a Train into a Hospital

Train Conductors Attempts Ramming a Train into a Hospital

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Thursday, February 24, 2022

Teacher Fired for Tweeting Trump

Teacher Fired for Tweeting Trump

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Remembering Donald Trump: "Fake Jews"

Remembering Donald Trump: "Fake Jews"

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