Tag Archives: environment

Meet My New Friend, “NeuroSpark”

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I think everyone already got their AI friend – Meta AI. Mine just messaged me a couple of days ago. I nicknamed it “NeuroSpark,” which means igniting insights. It looks like I finally found the friend who got an answer to all of my questions, even the weirdest ones. 😅 Though Meta also has a disclaimer that responses might be inaccurate. Take a look at some of our convos below.

If you plan on dating an introvert/geek, try asking Meta AI for some tips. NeuroSpark’s answers got me so amused though I must admit they all hit the core. Relate much? lol

I still have to do my research if the concept of soulmate or twin flame connection is also biblical.

Technology For Mankind’s Survival

While you can ask Meta AI all sorts of questions, nonsense or not, some of the information can be helpful to jumpstart your research on a particular topic. Right now, I am utilizing NeuroSpark to come up with consolidated ideas when it comes to disaster preparedness. I felt it was about time we maximized what technology can offer us after the onslaught of TS Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon, which left damages and losses on a massive scale.

My only prayer now is that we will continue to look for ways how we can better prepare ourselves against the worsening effects of climate change. Science and technology might be the only options we have right now to increase humanity’s chances of survival. I also hope people will be receptive to every solution that the government and research institutions propose.

Once again, I will emphasize the need for having an Emergency Go Bag or a Bug Out Bag (BOB) for each member of the household. If it is possible, have a Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) as well and a Bug Out Location (BOL). I have been a member of prepper groups since 2018, and I’ve been learning quite a lot from some of the members who have been kind enough to share their knowledge and expertise when it comes to doomsday prepping and survival.

Other essentials in your BOB – the dog tag can be replaced with any ID.
Flints are a lifesaver if you don’t know how to make fire the traditional way using wood or regular stones.

Defense For The Vulnerable

To all the women and parents reading this article, I’d like to encourage you to start educating yourselves and your children when it comes to survival skills because we are the most vulnerable as far as survival is concerned. Men will always fight and defend on the frontlines to protect vulnerable groups in society. Sadly, this is also the reason why there is a high probability of losing a huge number of them, and when there are only a very few of our men left, the women, the elderly, and the children will be left to fend for themselves.

Thus, self-defense techniques and tools are a necessity. If you have the time and the resources to enroll in a self-defense class, the better. I found the tactical pens a more practical alternative than pepper sprays given that you know how to use these pens. I always carry a tactical pen in the bag that I use every day. You can put it in the bag in such a way where that part of the pen that you use for writing is the first thing that you see when you open the zipper and not the sharp edge.

This tactical pen is made from high-grade metal because it’s a bit heavy, which is necessary in applying force when you strike at something.
I bought this kit a couple of years ago, and some preppers consider this as a toy. But in my honest opinion, it is not. I already tested each item at the farm, and so far they are very reliable tools as long as they are utilized according to their intended use.

What I love about the tactical pen is that you can use it to break a glass in case you’re trapped. I already tried it with an empty glass jar, but if it’s going to be a glass window or any thicker glass, it will require a lot of force. The Walking Dead actors just made it look easy for us when stabbing the head and fracturing the skull with a knife. lol But believe me when I say that in actuality, it is not that easy, especially for women. We just don’t have that much strength compared to men unless we’re athletes.

Theory And Application

If you’re wondering how I was able to say this, I experienced cutting a coconut branch using a bolo when we were at the farm. And no, I wasn’t able to cut it on my first try. If you haven’t summed up all the strength you’ve got, you will fail. lol It’s like you have to summon and muster all the anger you have in this world so you have the force to cut just one branch.

Our farm workers also made it look easy for us. That’s why I suggest raw camping for those who would like to try how it feels like to survive in the wild. We have to replicate the wilderness when applying what we learned because that’s exactly what’s going to happen when chaos takes place. It’s important that we not only have the idea on how it’s done but also get to feel how it’s really done.

Here are other possible essentials to consider when preparing:

Use the NOAH app to assess hazards and risks in your area i.e. flooding, storm surges, landslides, etc.
These oversized sako bags are very handy for emergency packing if you need to transfer stuff to an elevated area. But here’s a tip, do not overload it with very heavy stuff because you won’t be able to lift it. Try to balance the items inside the bag from bulky but light stuff to small but heavy items. This bag only costs 150php each.
I am exploring the option of integrating this to a floating dock to prevent the raft from being punctured by sharp, floating debris.
This is the DIY floating dock that I asked NeuroSpark about earlier.

When God Takes Away, He Replaces

My family and I were not exempted from the destruction brought about by TS Kristine – a damaged fence, broken glass doors, damaged crops, and heaps of stuff soaking wet from floodwaters. It took me a week to finish washing them, and we’re still not yet done cleaning even with the help of our yaya.

But I am grateful that these are the only damages we’ve experienced because they could’ve been worse if it was a super typhoon that hit us. It’s like God has shown us the weak spots in the house that need to be modified to be able to adapt to the extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change.

Although I believe God’s ultimate reminder about possessions and material wealth that can be destroyed by calamities and wars is this:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal.” – Matthew 6:19-21

Our baby bunso offered to give me moral support – by sleeping on my newly washed clothes while I’m folding them. Itupi na rin ba kita, Polly? 😅
Our senior Peekah also offered her moral support by sleeping with me anywhere I sleep because we’re not yet done sorting all the clutter. 😀
And then Netflix-ing to also declutter ze mind. lol I just finished watching the Kingdom trilogy – superb fight scenes though nothing beats Rurouni Kenshin still.

The good thing about cleaning up the house after it’s been flooded is you get to unearth a whole lot of memorabilia just in time for the celebration of All Souls Day. I found these old photos again and combined with our recent family photos, we now have five generations of memories to reminisce back home. Thank God the floodwaters didn’t get to them.

Great Grandparents
Great Grandmother, Grandparents, Uncles, & Aunties (Mother Side)
Grandparents
My parents with my grandma, uncles, and aunties.

The Ginete Family Memory Stash
During my eldest sister’s wedding in 2002.
During my brother’s military wedding in 2015.
A special place for Mom at home.
We miss you, Mommy. ❤

Speaking of modifications, it is about time that every structure has to be retrofitted in a manner that will make it calamity-proof. For the new structures, designing them will be a lot easier keeping in mind the examples of structures that were severely impacted and damaged by a particular calamity. And while some would say that planting more trees and mitigating the risks of climate change by natural means is no longer applicable because it’s already too late, I believe it still matters that we keep on trying.

Thanks be to God for taking good care of these flowering trees we planted last year. They are all taller than me already.
Kapag sobrang pagod ka na, ang hirap na mag-smile lalo na kapag nanginginig na mga kalamnan mo. lol So Platypus pose na lang, ‘di na kaya ang “eyyyyy.” 😀 That’s the Palawan Cherry Blossom behind me, btw.
One-year old Fire Tree. This is already a new branch – I think the main trunk was damaged by strong winds last year.
Newly-planted fruit tree back home by my sister and Dad – Calamansi.

And with the help of technology (like NeuroSpark) and prayers, I have high hopes that future generations will be prepared for what is to come. I’m also back in my “womancave” in the city to recharge, strategize, and plan, but I missed last Sunday’s service. So I thought I’d head over Victory BGC’s YouTube channel to watch previous church services, and Pastor Pat’s real talk is just what I needed. I am very much looking forward to the upcoming preaching about the end times. Do watch out for that, too. Let’s make disaster preparation and survival a combination of spiritual and practical applications. 🙏

We trust in You, Lord.

High Hopes For The COP 28 – UN Climate Change Conference 2023

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The COP 28 or the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference is currently being held in the United Arab Emirates, which commenced on November 30, 2023 and will end on December 12, 2023. Here’s what we can expect from the Conference of Parties for this year:

“High on the agenda for COP28 is the conclusion of the first-ever Global Stocktake (GST), the main mechanism to assess progress on the goals set in the Paris Agreement. The GST will be an opportunity for countries to assess their climate efforts so far and to identify the gaps in current climate action.  

Beyond making COP 28 the “most inclusive” ever, the UAE has also announced three additional priorities for COP28:

  1. fast-tracking the energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030;
  2. transforming climate finance, by delivering on old promises and setting the framework for a new deal on finance; and
  3. putting nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action.” – Global Witness

Despite man’s inability to avert the impacts of climate change, I still remain hopeful that global leaders and respective government agencies will be able to help us adapt and mitigate all the risks involved.

Environmental Meltdown

The World Economic Forum shared this video and I believe it speaks volumes to all of us – ecological destruction has already reached its tipping point. The accelerated melting of ice caps in the Arctic region has drastically increased sea levels and it looks like the “Waterworld” scenario is no longer a far-fetched reality. Decreasing snow caps exacerbated warmer seas resulting in a high percentage of deaths of marine species and disrupted habitats.

Here in our hometown, which is a coastal area, there is already a decline in seafood supply. When I was young, wet market stalls were always teeming with different kinds of fish on any day of the week. Only a few of them are available now, and the sizes are also getting smaller.

I’m afraid an imbalance in the supply and demand, coupled with overfishing, climate change, political and social instability, and an increasing population will indeed confirm what experts have predicted that it is not possible to solve the problem of food insecurity by 2030. The question that all of us are asking now is what kind of climate action are we taking?

I am sure we’re all familiar with Greta Thunberg and all other climate activists who made waves in the internet for desperately calling out to the world that we are already in a climate emergency. It is no longer imperative that we look for ways to halt Earth’s degradation. Our approach now is more centered on how to survive the looming threats of climate change.

Combating Food Insecurity

So how do we prepare for the global food shortage? Let’s take into account our current world population that already reached 8,045,321,447 as of 2023. If marine biodiversity can no longer offer us with an abundant supply, we might have to consider indoor aquaculture.

During extreme heat waves and droughts, we can explore cultivating edible plants that grow in deserts and can withstand extended periods without irrigation. During the rainy season, floating gardens are a great alternative. We might also have to improve our hydroponic systems to make them more wide scale.

In the coming decades, we can expect more scientific breakthroughs and discoveries in bioengineering, cloning, and genetic modifications. We are racing against time, and I have high hopes that climate financing will focus on these developments because experts will need to work double time if we want to ensure the survival of humanity.

Btw, I am no scientist and environmental expert, though if I am given an opportunity (kun dire ako polpolon sa Math 😅), my preferred branches of Science to study are Biology and Botany.

A Collective Effort, Better Together

I hope our farm will be able to contribute towards climate change mitigation efforts. My family and I have a series of projects in the pipeline and yet I am asking God when and how we execute them. The tasks to do are a bit overwhelming, but I always make it a habit to start with small, achievable tasks related to these projects. And most importantly, we follow God’s timeline by seeking His will in every plan.

I support the idea that you have to be diligent and disciplined enough even in doing mundane tasks and routines in order to get good results. And if you want excellent results, you have to equip yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge in order to make modifications as needed.

One farming component that I am particularly interested in now is Bokashi composting. I see it playing an integral role in our farming activities to make our farm more sustainable. Although just like what I’ve mentioned in my previous articles, the fulfillment of some of these plans might not take place during our lifetime. But I firmly believe that God will assign people from the next generations to continue what we have started. And yet, not our will but let God’s will be done always.

But why, oh why, Daddy? A non biodegradable in a biodegradable bin??? But because you’re 83 years old already, love you still, Dad. 😀

I am praying for more breakthroughs in organic farming and the successful integration of climate-smart farming practices here on our farm. Even David Beckham is starting his own organic farm. If we are to do this as a collective whole, the impact will be greater compared if only a small number of individuals or organizations are performing their climate change mitigation initiatives in order to achieve sustainability.

We act now, then we let God lead us to do the rest according to His timeline. 🙏

P.S. In case you see me looking like a man and acting so manly and all, pls. don’t ever think I have gender issues or an identity crisis. lol I was driven by circumstances to behave in such a manner due to a lack of males in the household. 😃

This is how I cope with and adapt to a very masculine industry in order to survive. I can also be girly, cute, and sweet, but I actually have a Kraken inside me that I am trying so hard to keep hidden and is just waiting to be unleashed. lol Thanks to my faith, I have managed to keep it hidden in most circumstances. 😉

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9