Not Cohesive
Hungary’s spat with the European Union continues. Prime Minister Viktor Orban is supported by those who do not agree with many EU policies. Foremost among those disagreements are immigration, LGBT issues, and a global minimum corporate tax. Orban has used Hungary’s veto power within the EU to frustrate a number of initiatives, including some aid packages for Ukraine, at a time when the bloc is desperate to present a unified front. While that tactic has won some concessions, all of Hungary’s “cohesion” funds have been blocked. The fund is part of a wealth redistribution scheme designed to lift poorer nations in the bloc to the level of their richer neighbors. Hungary would have received 22 Billion euros over a six year period in the form of reimbursements for investments in infrastructure, education, etc. However, having the lowest corporate tax rate in the EU (9%) may offset some of the loss. There are many other incentives designed to lure international business and manufacturing to Hungary as well. Serious steps towards making the country a hub for automobile manufacturing, particularly electric vehicles and battery components, have already been made. Massive foreign investments have poured in from German, South Korean, and Chinese automakers.
Deadly Cough Syrup
A pharmaceutical tragedy has played out over the past months in Indonesia, Gambia, Uzbekistan, and other countries nearby. It is estimated that over 300 children have died after consuming toxic cough syrup. India, which is a major hub for pharmaceutical manufactures, has had many production facilities closed as authorities searched for a cause. An arrest in Indonesia has shed light on what happened. A supply facility was caught relabeling industrial-grade chemicals and reselling them as pharmaceutical-grade. While similar enough to pass unnoticed, the lower grade glycol products can cause organ damage consistent with what so many families have suffered.
A German King?
German law enforcement deployed thousands of officers across it’s own territory with additional interventions in Italy and Austria. Around 50 individuals have been arrested or questioned. Germany alleges the group was planning to take over the government, capture the Bundestag (parliament), and set up Heinrich XIII as regent. Heinrich is from the House of Reuss, a royal family that ruled parts of Germany as far back as 1000 AD. While the monarchy was abolished in the revolution of 1918, Heinrich XIII would theoretically be 17th in line for the throne. While he has not been part of the family’s formal association for many years, Heinrich’s involvement in the plot has led the family to distance themselves further. Other high-profile arrests include a former lawmaker as well as members of the military and law enforcement. Justification for the raids has centered around social media posts and the surveillance of personal communications. Despite its pretensions, it is unlikely that the group could have actually accomplished its aims.
Strategic Partners
A visit to France by Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad al-Sudani led to new bi-lateral agreements. The Elysee Palace statements on behalf of French President Macron call it a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” Investment, security and energy are at the heart of the agreement. French expertise is particularly needed in Iraq’s oil and natural gas industry. French oil major Total has remained active there while many American companies have significantly reduced their presence. The deal will likely prove lucrative for both countries as Europe continues to shun Russian oil and gas.
Forced Together
The frost between Qatar and its neighbors has almost completely thawed. Concerns about relations with Turkey and Iran led Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Bahrain to cut Qatar off for years. Diplomatic and economic channels were closed, even flights to Qatar were not allowed. Those restrictions eased over the last years, though Bahrain and the UAE have still not established formal diplomatic relations. There have been negotiations however and leaders have met at various regional summits. Pressure from Iran has driven its rivals together and encouraged its neighbors to foster better relations with Turkey and even Israel.
Rest in Pieces of Ice
Some are hoping for a resurrection not mentioned in scripture. As cold and weird as it may seem, cryogenic preservation is available for those with the money and the inclination. One company offering such services is Alcor, a non-profit with preservation facilities in Scottsdale, AZ. To cover the cost, they recommend an extra life insurance policy of $250,000 for full body preservation or $80,000 for just the head. There can be additional costs, particularly to have a crew standing by to begin preservation at the time of “legal death.” The team administers special serums to aid in organ preservation and transports the body to the main facility for processing as quickly as possible.
The big question is “why?” Some faced an untimely death from cancer and hope to be revived once science has found a cure. One such client is a two year old girl. Others hope for a future where the effects of aging can be reversed. All who underwent the process bet on major scientific advancements. This includes a viable method of revival, a technique yet to be mastered. Those who only preserved their heads are hoping for a great deal more than that.
AI Detector
A student from Princeton University has developed an application to detect text written by ChatGPT. The free text-generating artificial intelligence has made waves, particularly in academic circles. ChatGPT can produce an article or essay in moments based on a simple prompt. Imagine asking it for a book report or history project for some idea of the unease it has created with teachers. It could also be used to generate news stories, fiction, etc. The detector app measure a text’s predictability, mirroring the logic process AI would have used to generate it. Human compositions invariably contain elements a computer would not include. The detector has proven to be reliable.
Speeder Bike For Sale
It’s like a scene out of Star Wars. Not a motorcycle, but a hovercraft controlled by two handles like a flying zero-turn mower. Made by Japan’s Aerwins Technologies, which also makes drones, the floating wonder is powered by a Kawasaki engine. It is capable of flying for 40 minutes and tops out over 60mph. Yours for a mere half million dollars.
Approaching Normalcy
Sudan was one of the nations that took steps towards peace with Israel under the Abraham Accords. To that end, an agreement to normalize relations has just been finalized, but there is a catch. Sudan is still in the midst of a “democratic transition,” a process fraught with trouble that has led the military to intervene multiple times. The Transitional Military Council is currently in charge and it is under their auspices that peace agreements have progressed. A return to civilian rule may result in a change of course. For years Sudan was under Islamic law. A member of the Arab League, Sudan long refused to even recognize Israel’s existence. The Military Council would definitely benefit from Israeli cooperation and technology, though the popular appetite for such ties remains to be seen.
