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Geopolitics Shift: Space Exploration and Inequality in 2034

My goodness, it’s been forever since my last post! And let’s be real, this one doesn’t totally count either. I finally took on my self-imposed challenge of using AI—specifically webchat—to whip up some content from my random ideas. Just a heads-up, this intro looks way different after I let the AI do its magic. But seriously, folks observing AI from the sidelines, it’s ridiculously easy! Below, you’ll find a word-for-word transcript of my chat with WebChat GPT. Sorry, no fancy visuals this time; those will come with my next test drive.

# 🗒️ Answer

The year is 2034, and the world stands at a crossroads shaped by a complex interplay of technological advancement, geopolitical tensions, and societal challenges. Here’s a glimpse into what the future might look like:

  1. Vision 2030 initiatives have reshaped several nations, focusing on economic diversification and sustainable growth [2]. Countries are striving to empower their citizens amidst global transformations.
  2. The Great Polarisation persists, driven by economic ideologies and technological disparities, intensifying inequalities [3]. This divide shapes international relations and domestic policies alike.
  3. Geopolitics have shifted with increased space exploration, marking a new era of spacefaring nations like SpaceX’s Mars colonization [6]. Simultaneously, fears over space debris and militarization loom large.
  4. Inequality persists despite technological advancements, exacerbating challenges in healthcare and education [3].
  5. Barter economies thrive in some isolated communities disillusioned with global trade complexities, utilizing technology for localized exchanges.
  6. Lost communities struggle amidst rapid urbanization and digital connectivity, grappling with identity crises and social fragmentation.
  7. Technology continues to evolve rapidly, influencing daily life and governance, though concerns over data privacy and access remain [6].
  8. AI has revolutionized industries, from healthcare to agriculture, raising questions about job displacement and ethical AI use.
  9. Climate crises intensify, driving global efforts under frameworks like the Paris Declaration, yet water conflicts persist [5].
  10. Public health faces new challenges with outbreaks requiring coordinated responses by WHO and NGOs like Doctors Without Borders [6].
  11. Societal revolts against inequities and authoritarianism challenge international norms, testing the role of international courts and bodies like the UNDP [6].
  12. Elon Musk continues to influence space exploration and technological frontiers, reshaping industry norms and private-public partnerships.

_______________

“It is me, Leclerc” (from ‘Allo ‘Allo) – the one that thought she wrote well without Webchat GPT. It should not be surprising that this AI generated post has hit all my futuristic nerves, after all I gave it all the key words, which would have indicated to an experienced analyst which way my vision is leaning. If it was able to capture my intended meaning so well, I may do this again, soon.

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Fridge cake – to be true, or to be.

Typical of farm life, you get used to not worrying about stocking the pantry with eggs, because Mrs Hank and her lady friends are laying more than enough eggs. Lo and behold, not today. And tomorrow I need to bake a cake.

Never fear, we can make a plan. Enter . …. No! Enter : “The sweet roasting tin”. https://thehappyfoodie.co.uk/books/the-sweet-roasting-tin-cookbook/ Rukmini’s Fridge cake does not need eggs, but it does need dark chocolate, digestive biscuits, cherries and pistachio, none of which I have. But I have a plan, I always have a plan. Come see how I replace ingredients with reckless abandon.

No-bake quick fridge cake

Thanks for my personalized spatula Jake and Jessica! 😻

The actual ingredients list is something along the lines of:

Ps – there is no sugar in the dark chocolate replacement, because there is enough sweetness in the syrup and the biscuits. Don’t go thinking you can gulp down butter and cacao as a late night snack raid!

Butter100gYep
Dark Chocolate200gNo problem, replace with 1T butter and 3T cacao for every 30g you need
Golden syrup70gYep
Digestive biscuits200gargh! none available. Let me just use my sourdough coconut cookies instead
Glace cherries200gNot my favourite, but 100g of dried cranberries instead gives it a nice tang
pistachios100gI wish! using 100g walnuts instead.
Replacement options
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Preserving for leaner times – Beetroot chutney

Apologies – Internet is a lot slow tonight. Video is taking too long to upload. The consequence of living in the sticks! Will try uploading lower res

As promised, here are the exact measurements of the recipe as advertised, in the event you do not have a gut feel.

Beetroot800gpeeled & grated
Apple2 largepeeled & grated
White vinegar100ml
Balsamic vinegar75ml
sugar100mlBrown sugar will influence the colour – golden / brown
Fresh ginger10cmgrated / finely chopped
Black peppercorns1tt = teaspoon
T = tablespoon
star anise3that pretty spice
cardomom pods2can get quite intense
cloves2The toothache meds spice
snoeksout1pinchI dont carry snoeksout, its far to far from the west coast of South Africa. Normal salt will do
The original recipe – courtesy of Kobus van der Merwe & Jac de Villiers in “Strandveldfood – a West Coast Odyssey

Thanks to Chris & Chrisna for this special birthday gift cookbook! https://www.flyleaf.co.za/strandveld-food/ or https://jacdevilliers.com/books/strandveldfood/6/

But as you saw in the video – feel free to play around with the taste profile. Why not add chilli, or earthy nutmeg, or ……

Have fun with even the half bag you have left over in the bottom drawer of your fridge!

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I remember the first of September

This is the 5th episode in a series of blogs celebrating my 8 month self sustained life here on the farm.

Its visual, in cahoots with my YouTube channel which you must please like and follow and subscribe and share! Thank you!

https://youtube.com/@TheGreatReset-thorn?si=qsS5LbBWo4WlEXnX

Here follows the month of September, which should be in celebration of spring, but it was cold….

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Piccalillie & Pickles

If you follow my youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/@TheGreatReset-thorn , you would have seen “how to” pickle those little onions that are too small to sell on market.

Here is the actual video https://youtu.be/f_5lxrtk6Yc

Here are the 3 pickling solution recipes as promised.

This last one, is actually the pickle for carrots, let me know if you need a “how to” video for traditional copper penny salad.

enjoy those pickles!

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And finally we made it to December

This is the last episode showcasing what I have been doing on the farm over the last eight months. Not much more to add to what I said in the intro to this series Addressing Hypengyophobia – 2nd chances, dont fret the small stuff, but I will ask you to please like and follow my YouTube channel. All kinds of homestead recipes and hacks will follow.

https://youtube.com/@TheGreatReset-thorn?si=qsS5LbBWo4WlEXnX

Have yourself a brilliant 2024.

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November confirms it – I was made for this farming life

Its a bit of a long title, but I see the disbelief in people’s eyes when they ask how it is going on the farm.

Read the intro here if you have not done so yet. Addressing Hypengyophobia – 2nd chances, dont fret the small stuff

More importantly, you and your friends and acquantances must please follow my YouTube channel. Feel free to ask for specific content.

https://youtube.com/@TheGreatReset-thorn?si=qsS5LbBWo4WlEXnX

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October is the six month mark for my farming mission

October is The Husband’s birthday month, so it was pretty much a month of celebrations, but farm work never ceases….

Read the intro to the blog here Addressing Hypengyophobia – 2nd chances, dont fret the small stuff

and like / follow / subscribe on my YouTube channel over here –>

https://youtube.com/@TheGreatReset-thorn?si=qsS5LbBWo4WlEXnX

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Somehow July got lost on the farm

For the back story, refer to the intro blog post Addressing Hypengyophobia – 2nd chances, dont fret the small stuff.

Read on to see what we got up to in July 2023.

Do not forget to like and subscribe to ny YouTube channel –>

https://youtube.com/@TheGreatReset-thorn?si=qsS5LbBWo4WlEXnX

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So what were we busy with on the farm 6 months ago?

The intro to this story, is in my New Year’s blog post Addressing Hypengyophobia – 2nd chances, dont fret the small stuff.

Here is what we were doing in the dead of winter on our Kalahari farm.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe to my YouTube channel!

https://youtube.com/@TheGreatReset-thorn?si=qsS5LbBWo4WlEXnX

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Day 248 – looking back at farming in June

As per yesterday’s post Addressing Hypengyophobia – 2nd chances, dont fret the small stuff, today I shall share a collection of impressions from the month of June 2023, to celebrate my eight months of full time farming.

Please do not forget to follow / suscribe to my YouTube channel.

https://youtube.com/@TheGreatReset-thorn?si=qsS5LbBWo4WlEXnX

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Addressing Hypengyophobia – 2nd chances, dont fret the small stuff

Genuine, I was going to start the new year with a bang – writing a post which I had not done for weeks, and activating my new YouTube channel with new videos, along with a cross revitalisation of my digital presence. And read to the end if you want to know what Hypengyophobio means.

Let me rephrase that – I was going to start the new year with a digital bang. Revitalising my blog, my YouTube channel and my digital presence.

But then life unfolded itself by way of surprise visitors for a late afternoon cup of coffee, that turned into a leisurely game drive on the farm, followed by an emergency Jaffels late supper because they had not left by 8.30pm yet. 10.15, PM!

So, the message is this, best laid plans…… must remain flexible. And cut the @#$!, very little of what we plan for ourselves are of such urgency and importance that they need to be done right away, at the expense of good neighbourliness.

Therefore, on the 2nd day of the new year, I am dedicating my morning to processing videos, and resetting my intellectual profile. Which turns out to be a good thing, because today I am full so determination to reach my goal, no matter what obstacles technology puts in my way.

And with that, I will end today’s post with a sample of photos of the last 8 months of adopting, and adapting to, a sustainable living off the land lifestyle.

For the month of May 2023, I selected photos from a variety of activities:

June 2023 follows in the same vein, but you will have to wait till tomorrow for that post. In fact, every day for the next 7 days, I will post a month’s memories.

Now get back to those new year’s promises you made yourself 2 days ago!

PS – Go visit my YouTube channel, and press the follow / subscribe button. https://youtube.com/@TheGreatReset-thorn?si=MIE0tibin5t-Gg_n Please. Thank you, Ciao

PPS – that big word in the title? it means the fear of New Year’s resolutions.

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The Story of this Motley Crew – part II

The Motley Crew

In the post where I introduced the Motley Crew, The story of this Motley Crew – TheGreatReset(of2020) (thegreatreset-thorn.com) I intimated that there is always more to a story than meets the eye. I asked you for your thoughts and mind stories, and I got it. Thank you.

I feel it is important to note, that this is a story of fiction. Some elements may seem awfully familiar. But afterall, where do we find inspiration if not in real life. Art imitating life or life imitating art and all that.

Any likeness to any person living or dead is purely coincidental. All characters are fictional.

In no particular order, I list the outcome of your inspiration:

https://thegreatreset-thorn.com/elengan-unassuming-boss-man/

https://thegreatreset-thorn.com/the-lovely-xoxo/

https://thegreatreset-thorn.com/the-enigma-that-is-john-pallet/

https://thegreatreset-thorn.com/baaslang-going-places/

https://thegreatreset-thorn.com/bruben-man-of-many-jokes/

Now we have the individual stories of each of these fine examples of steadfastness and honourable struggle. What remains to be told, is the story behind the complete picture.

Forces unknown to us as the reader of this story, conspired through a series of accidents and arrangements, to have them in within a day’s reach following a telephone call. A day may sound some distance, but time and distance are both relative. In the North of the country, a day is quite near, but given the intermittent availability of transport to the site of our story, it may take a day (or even longer) to get back to the village of Elenga’s childhood.

Elenga had hit a jackpot, of sorts. When COVID interrupted the way we lived and worked, and took away many lives and many livelihoods, he was lucky. He had found a job working out of harm’s way, which paid well. He worked extremely hard when most were stuck in their homes playing all sorts of social media games. He was in the sun and the wind day in, day out. And at the end of the enforced lockdowns, he had earned enough money to give back in a meaningful way. He packed his bags, spent a week in town gathering the essential equipment needed, and headed back home. There were funerals to attend to, and there was work to be done.

On his way, just before leaving network connectivity, he made a few calls. Yes, we all have our spheres of network and influence, and he wanted dependable trustworthy men. He was taking them to his home. He was going to change lives.

John Pallet brought his wise ways with him and found a kindred soul in the aged headman of the village. BaasLang had recently procured a portable welding machine and a diesel-powered generator through an SME financing scheme, which he brought to site. BruBen happened to be on the back of the Bakkie heading towards the village. XoXo knew he wanted to help on this project and insisted on taking leave from his new job.

Each of these men came for one reason, to add what they could to build a durable village well. One that would supply the inhabitants with safe drinking water, irrigate the Mahangu fields, and more importantly, provide a clean and undisturbed setting for the elephants to drink their fill. For no lives would be lost again, due to man and animal fighting each other for what both needed.

With tears of pride Ndiriraro who was now an old man bent with years of hard labour, watched the headman baptise the young village boy Elenge, into ElengeN, the man who had come back to his home, to make life better for all. In turn, ElengeN introduced his Motley Crew: John Pallet, BruBen, XoXo and BaasLang and the village became known as the origin of resurgence of self-sufficiency. A great wind of change started blowing through the nation.

How did the team find each other? Perchance? Providence? Does it matter?

No man is an island. What you do influences others, and your counterparts tie you into the bigger picture. Make it count.

Team Work
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Sugar & Spice

Sugar and spice, all things nice, that’s what little girls are made of.

Yes. But, when it comes to experienced women, its more like a good curry: equal parts of cynicism, optimism, with a good dash of pragmatism.

You may find in the stories that follow, that I cannot utter the word that is means to denote the particular age I find myself at. Somehow the Gregorian calendar is confusing my intuitive and physical ages. I would much prefer the stardate system, which “is a fictional system of time measurement developed … for… Star Trek”, which makes it impossible to convert all dates into equivalent calendar dates.

But back to the curry analogy. It reminds me of where I learned to make a good curry. Despite spending years in the kitchens of large holiday resorts, where I trained under an Indian chef, it was when I “guest-sat” for the one guest in my mother’s guesthouse one cold Cape winter Saturday evening, where I learnt the subtlety from someone who knows.

I might write share that recipe one day, but for now, my mission is to establish the raison d’être of this blog.

The Great Reset (of 2020).

Its kind of obvious. COVID-19 is that “one in a hundred years” event. In terms of Enterprise Wide Risk Management standards, that really means a most unlikely event, and typically, even though it may have a catastrophic impact, given the low likelihood, most people would assign a low risk priority to it.

Well, surprise there.

A lot has been said, speculated and conspired. I have no intention of going into any tirade of what, where and how these unprecedented times came about. And as tempting as it is to draw parallels to previous world changing events, that still is not the purpose of this blog.

The purpose is simply this: It is here. It has changed things. It will still change more things. (I am starting to sound like “that” famous Stephen King novel).

So now what? No, I certainly do not have the answer. This blog is about my journey through the peripheral and inner uncertainty. At best it sparks your pursuit of your particular passage. At worst it is an entertaining interlude from the storms out there.

What will you find here?

  • Well, if you know about growing vegetables, you will find an opportunity to share counsel.
My “seed capital”
  • If you have an odd assortment of ingredients, you may find inspiration for your meal.
Olive tapenade, feta and farm fresh spinach Stuffed Chicken rolls
  • A whole lot of creativity, in many mediums.
Go on – use the slider!
  • A contrasted collection of observations about topics ranging from the holodeck on Enterprise, to the local Whitebrowed Sparrow-Weaver family.
  • Postulations, hypothesis & notions on what the future may hold for the average Jo, and how said average Jo could best prepare.
  • And, if we come to the stage where my remaining option is the full blown “Living off the land” solution, products and produce from “Stone Store by DBP”
Logo inspired by the look and feel of the farm

This, being my first post, has now come to an end. You will hear from me again soon.

Why have I chosen to become a full time farmer?

I could not have captured it any better, than how Co-pilot explained subsistence farming.

Ah, the resilient souls who till the soil, coax life from the land, and dance with seasons—the ones who know the earth’s heartbeat intimately? They’re often called subsistence farmers. 🌾

These remarkable individuals—about 80% of the world’s poorest—live in rural areas and depend on agriculture not only for their livelihoods but also to put food on their plates. Imagine the sun-kissed fields, the calloused hands, and the quiet determination as they sow seeds, tend to crops, and nurture life itself. It’s a beautiful, albeit challenging, dance with nature.

And you know what’s fascinating? Their connection to the land runs deep. For them, it’s not just about economics; it’s about sustenance, tradition, and a way of life. They’re the custodians of seeds, the keepers of ancient wisdom, and the unsung heroes who feed our world.

So, next time you bite into a juicy tomato or savor a loaf of bread, take a moment to appreciate these unsung champions—the subsistence farmers—who weave the fabric of our existence.