Nature, Society

AI-Generated “Wildlife” Photos, Videos Potentially Dangerous

It’s a warning about AI-generated photos/videos being created in which wild animals and pets, or wild animals and humans, appear to form strong, gentle bonds.

There’s an important point here, that kids and gullible adults may be lulled into a false sense of security about wild animals.

I’ve noticed several improbable photos and videos on social media, and was starting to wonder about this.

We had an experience while camping a few years ago in which a small girl on a tricycle was trying to follow a black bear. . . She had no clue of the potential danger, just saw a “cute” animal.
Society

Two Psychopaths ‘Negotiate’ Invasion of Ukraine

It occurs to me that when you watch Putin and Trump “negotiating,” you’re watching two psychopaths.

Unfortunately, one is a smart psychopath, and the other is a stupid psychopath. . . .

Which witch is which? Duh. . . .

Go ahead, look up the definition of psychopath. . .

I don’t always like Google AI, but it’s got a pretty good summary of the symptoms . . .
Society

Why Would Trump Abandon Ukraine? What Does Putin Have On Him?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent address to the Ukrainian nation in the face of being abandoned by Trump and the U.S.

I really wonder what Putin has on Trump. Why the Trump deference and siding with a totalitarian dictator?

Remember that Putin is NKVD > KGB > FSB, different names over the last century, but a constantly evolving spy agency that has long been a master of manipulation, deception, and blackmail.

The only way that Ukraine has ever been a threat to Russia, is through its nascent, and yes occasionally stumbling, democracy. Totalitarians hate and fear democracy. . .

https://youtu.be/n0e4FnnIX7s?si=kBUqTYGqBlIdUmj7

Technology

Reviving Old Mac Mini with Ubuntu

mac mini ubuntu

I have an aging Mac Mini that was no longer getting updates from Apple, and that in turn meant some apps were no longer getting updates either.

Though it dates to 2012, the machine’s specs are good, with a Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB HD.

I’ve tinkered with Linux off and on for decades, and usually have Ubuntu running on an older computer.

Today I installed Ubuntu on the Mini using a USB stick onto which I’d put the Ubuntu installer, and the process was completely painless and automated. Everything was recognized, printers connected. . .

I was impressed by how smoothly it all went.

This also means I can get rid of a big old tower computer that is my current Ubuntu machine, freeing up a nice chunk of space around my computer stand.

Nature, Society, Streamkeeping, Sustainability

Conservation Connections 2025

Thanks to the South Coast Conservation Program for a great Conservation Connections 2025 workshop in Langley, BC, today. Lots of excellent speakers and a chance to catch up with many fellow travellers in the enviro sector!

My favourite line of the day came from Steve Clegg, Land Stewardship Manager with the S.A.Y. Lands Office (the land management office for the Sq’ewqéyl (Skowkale), Áthelets (Aitchelitz), and Yeqwyeqwí:ws (Yakweakwioose) First Nations in Chilliwack):

“See things the way they can be, rather than the way they are.”

Inspirational work being done by FNs in that area on stream and habitat restoration.

Streamkeeping, sustainability, community, business, photography, books, and animals, with occasional forays into social commentary. Text and Photos © Paul Cipywnyk