Virtual Humanity

Virtual Humanity- By Purusha Shirvani

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March is the month of COVID 19. Around March, schools across the United States and in dozens of other countries were officially and abruptly closed. March 11, 2020, was the day that the WHO finally classified COVID-19 as a pandemic.

With the sudden and unexpected start of a worldwide pandemic, the international community was thrown into disarray and uncertainty. We weren’t ready. Abruptly thrown into a virtual world, we needed to adapt and change our beliefs. We often talk about how things will go “back to normal,” but nearly a year after the start of the pandemic, the world has changed it’s norm forever. Never before have most students (and some teachers!) attended school in their pajamas, or the workplace been one click away. “Hanging out with friends to grab a bite” has changed to “zoom parties” and “have your own food!”

No longer are the majority of our interactions face-to-face. Never before have work meetings and school presentations been interrupted by younger siblings, children, and pets. Massive buildings put out for rent because there’s not a single soul in them. Workplaces with empty parking lots and hospitals with lines stretching to the next city. Children unable to tell apart our expressions because our masks cover them. These are aspects of culture, and by extension, humanity.

Albert Einstein once said, “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity,” and he was right. Classes, concerts, meetings, parties, reunions, and even exercises are now available by simply clicking on a link. None of these could previously be accepted into our culture. The change in our routines and personal lives can actually be a blessing in disguise. We can use this as an opportunity to redefine and shape our humanity to match the technology we have today. This will bridge the gap between what we are right now and a virtual humanity.

The interesting thing is that the whole world is experiencing the same things and moving in the same direction. Maya Angelou once said, “It’s good to remember that in crises, natural crises, human beings forget for awhile their ignorances, their biases, their prejudices. For a little while, neighbors help neighbors and strangers help strangers”. When the National Health Service in Britain sent out a call for help regarding COVID 19, it took less than 24 hours for half a million people in the country to volunteer.

This is the first time the entire world has faced the same problems, regardless of race, gender, or background. Although tragic, it is a tragedy that unites us. Our nation came together in a moment that could have broken us. We face a common enemy through our challenges and difficulties, one that we all want to vanquish. This is why scientists are combining a Russian and British vaccine to produce results better than any one of them could alone. This is why the World Health Organization, along with dozens of developed countries, is directing COVAX, a program aimed at fair and equitable vaccine distribution to countries that need it most, despite lack of resources or funds. It is an incredibly rare opportunity to see over 173 countries unite to produce something that benefits everyone. 

We have gained some very costly experience over the past year, but this marks our rapid and forced transition to a new age of humanity; an age of virtual humanity. It’s a “sink or swim” situation, and humanity as a whole has always been tenacious. 

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Posted by Purushashirvani in Posts, Thoughts, Virtual Humanity
A Beacon of Color

A Beacon of Color

A Beacon of Color: By Purusha Shirvani

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Sitting behind a desk, painted white, 
an extension of the settled snow on the ground,
separated only by a window
looking out into the starry night.

A snow loader slowly advances,
blinking red lights
bouncing off the milky snow
overcoming the faint light of the half-moon

Looking down,
I see my keyboard lights
painting the top of the desk
with a myriad of colors.

Colors mean so much to us.
From our clothes,
the world we see,
our nations’ flags
to our skin colors.

When the Sun shines,
casts its light on the Earth,
one ray, one shade, everywhere,

our barriers are the only things
dispersing it into separate colors;
rupturing the light
in our mind’s prism.
We label them
categorize them,
same way we do to each other.

Forgetting that a rainbow
could only be beautiful
when all the colors are together.

Looking at the lights
dancing on the wall
A festival of colors
Blending together

I’m snatched out of my thoughts
Back into my room
by the screeching sound
of the snow loader plow
Dragging on the street

Locked in my room on a winter night,
Behind a desk, painted white
Isolated but not divided
My keyboard like a window
A link to the outside world
typing away on the lighted keyboard
brighter and brighter
Shining like a beacon



“RGB keyboards for gamers at Corsair’s booth at Gamescom 2018” by marcoverch is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Posted by Purushashirvani in Poems, Thoughts

Minutes from the Homeowner’s Association Meeting Regarding the Black Hole in Unit 7B

The complaint was filed on Tuesday: the new tenant in 7B is consuming all matter and light without proper approval from the board. The gravity of the situation cannot be understated (several committee members groaned at this, but it’s going in the minutes anyway). We’ve received noise complaints about the sound of space-time screaming, and Mrs. Henderson from 4A swears her poodle now exists in multiple quantum states simultaneously after walking too close to 7B’s door.

Here’s the thing about having a black hole for a neighbor: they never return your borrowed cups of sugar because they never return anything at all. The building’s recycling program has become theoretical physics. The maintenance guy keeps getting calls about the event horizon extending into the hallway, which is definitely against corridor width regulations. We’ve lost three mail carriers this month. They still deliver the mail somehow, probably from inside the singularity, but all the letters arrive either centuries too early or read in reverse.

The board has reviewed the lease agreement and found no specific clause prohibiting the collapse of all known physics into an infinitely dense point. However, section 5.3 clearly states “no structural modifications to the fabric of reality without written consent.” We sent a strongly worded letter about this. It got pulled into the accretion disk and came back as a complete works of Shakespeare that hasn’t been written yet.

Several residents have complained that their memories are being stretched like spaghetti whenever they pass 7B. Ms. Chen says her entire future has been redshifted. The super tried to fix the garbage disposal last week and now he’s younger than his own grandson. We’re still paying him, but the checks have to be post-dated to before the Big Bang.

The pizza delivery guy refuses to come to our building now because time moves differently on each floor. He says he’s tired of delivering pizzas that both haven’t been ordered yet and were consumed eons ago. Can’t blame him. The tip calculator doesn’t have a setting for temporal paradox.

We’ve tried to be reasonable. We sent the standard noise violation notice when the screaming void got too loud after 10 PM. We posted passive-aggressive notes about proper dimension-bending etiquette. We even organized a welcome brunch, but all the mimosas collapsed into their own mimosa-sized black holes, and now the community room has seventeen new dimensions, three of which smell like oranges.

The real estate agent who rented 7B keeps insisting that “infinite density” was clearly disclosed in the listing. She says we should be grateful – property values have technically become incalculable, which she’s trying to spin as a positive. The local coffee shop has started advertising “closest oat milk lattes to a singularity,” so maybe she has a point.

At least the black hole always pays rent on time, even if the checks are made of condensed starlight and quantum uncertainty. And it did help Mrs. Peterson from 2C find her lost cat – all lost cats eventually turn up in 7B, existing and not existing simultaneously with perfect feline indifference. They seem happy there, probably because time and space are just suggestions when you’re a cat anyway.

The board will reconvene next week to discuss the possibility of updating the bylaws to address cosmic phenomena. In the meantime, please remember to keep your personal timelines on a leash, and don’t feed the wormholes that have started appearing in the laundry room. The last thing we need is another lawsuit about causality violations in the common areas.

Posted by Purushashirvani, 0 comments

A Case for Nuclear Energy

An artistic depiction of sustainable nuclear energy

As global energy demands continue to escalate and concerns about climate change intensify, the search for sustainable and efficient energy sources becomes increasingly critical. This essay argues for the utilization of nuclear energy as a viable solution to meet these challenges. By addressing and refuting common counterarguments related to the dangers of nuclear power plants, the sustainability of nuclear energy, and the disposal of nuclear waste, this essay aims to demonstrate the potential of nuclear energy as a safe, efficient, and sustainable option. Through a comprehensive examination of reputable sources, scientific studies, and real-world case studies, this essay presents a compelling case for the adoption of nuclear energy in the global energy landscape.

The world awakens to a new era, one marked by soaring energy demands and mounting concerns over the environmental consequences of our energy choices. As the global population continues to expand and economic development surges, the need for sustainable and efficient energy sources has never been more urgent. It is within this context that the potential of nuclear energy emerges, promising a path towards a greener and more secure future.

Nuclear energy, with its origins rooted in the discovery of atomic power, has faced a tumultuous journey. Initial optimism surrounding its limitless potential for low-cost electricity was overshadowed by historical incidents like the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters. These catastrophic events, ingrained in public consciousness, cast a long shadow over the perception of nuclear energy.

However, it is crucial to recognize that time has brought forth advancements in technology, stringent safety regulations, and a deeper understanding of nuclear power. This essay seeks to shed light on the misunderstood aspects of nuclear energy, arguing for its potential as a sustainable, efficient, and safe solution to meet global energy demands.

In the following sections, we will delve into specific arguments, systematically addressing and refuting common counterarguments related to nuclear energy. We will explore the safety measures in place within modern nuclear power plants, highlighting advancements in reactor design and the low likelihood of severe accidents. Moreover, we will examine the sustainability aspect of nuclear energy, comparing it to other renewable energy sources and elucidating its role in reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, we will tackle the complex issue of nuclear waste disposal, addressing misconceptions, explaining current waste management practices, and exploring ongoing research and developments in waste disposal technologies.

Posted by Purushashirvani
From Gridlock to Green: Transforming Urban Centers through Public Transit

From Gridlock to Green: Transforming Urban Centers through Public Transit

Artistic portrayal of a train running through a cityscape highlighting public transportation in urban centers.

We’ve all been there: stuck in traffic, honking horns echoing in the air, precious minutes ticking away. What if there’s a path that could change that scenario? A transformation not just in our daily commutes, but in the very lifeblood of our cities? “From Gridlock to Green: Transforming Urban Centers through Public Transit,” explores this very possibility.

A strategic investment in public transit could help us navigate the gridlocked paths of our urban landscapes towards a greener, more efficient future. Citing the American Public Transportation Association, the piece underlines that every dollar invested in public transit can potentially yield four times that in economic returns. An investment that triggers a domino effect – unclogging our streets, cleansing our air, and giving the economy a healthy boost.

But it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the un-quantifiable benefits, the sighs of relief as you reach work on time, the peace of mind knowing your carbon footprint just shrank a size, the joy of seeing your city breathe easier.

Dive into the world of public transit, unravel its potential, and see how it could paint our urban future green. This isn’t just about understanding public transit. It’s about how we can reclaim our cities, our time, and our environment. So, if you’ve ever wondered about alternate routes to a sustainable urban life or thought about how to make your daily commute more meaningful, “From Gridlock to Green” is your roadmap. Embark on this journey, explore, and let’s reimagine our urban centers together.

Posted by Purushashirvani

Announcing Weekly Book Reviews!

Announcing weekly book reviews!

I’ve always been a reader. I read books from shelf to shelf. I think that qualifies me to give some reviews on some of the stuff I’ve read. So from today onwards, I will be putting up a weekly book review! Keep in mind I’m something of a science-fiction geek, so a lot of you will find yourself mildly annoyed. Let me know if you do 😉


Today’s recommendation: The Rationing by Charles Wheelan.

Set in the near future, the world is thrown into dissaray with a pathogen, a type of lurking virus turned deadly. The book focuses on the effects of that pathogen in the US, told by a low-level scientist in the National Institute of Health, and his experiences.

The White House attempts to control the narrative while treading the thin line between truth and hysteria.

What was really interesting for me reading this book, and probably those of you who will choose to do so as well is how it portrayed politics, and the author’s predictions on the state of affairs and an independent president in the White House.

I think it offers a glimpse into the heart of the nation, in the wake of a disaster.

I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who’s fond of science fiction, as well of those who aren’t. The reactions and characters are representative of different blocks of society, and carry meaning, even though they are told by a narrative who is influenced by his own biases.


Check it out and let me know what you think!

Posted by Purushashirvani in Book Reviews, Upcoming

Africa’s elephants endagered, poaching, habitat loss

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reported that Africa’s elephants are now more endangered than before, due to increasing threats of poaching and loss of habitat.

The African forest elephant is critically endangered, and the African savanna elephant is endangered. They were considered one species and classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.

The population of savanna elephants dropped by more than 60% over a 50-year period, while the number of African forest elephants has fallen by over 86% over a 31-year period, according to the IUCN, which rates the global extinction risks to the world’s animals.

Overall, Africa has around 400,000 elephants left, counting both the savanna elephants and forest elephants together.

Poaching of elephants is a symptom of destabilized and corrupt government and officials in certain areas.

“Eighty to 90% of our ivory goes to Nigeria and ends up funding (the jihadist rebels) Boko Haram. So it’s very much a cross-border fight against organized crime and even against terrorism,” said Lee White, Gabon’s minister of water and forests, according to the Associated Press.

The demand for ivory could push the elephants in the continent to even more worrying numbers in the upcoming years, as criminal networks working with corrupt officials remains a large problem.

Posted by Purushashirvani

Immortal Seagrass and Climate Change

Surrounding the Balearic Islands are one of the world’s most powerful natural defenses against climate change. The Posidonia seagras, nicknamed “immortal seagrass” has been known to live for thousands, and in some case, hundreds of thousands of years.

A strip of this plant has been proven to absorb 15 times more carbon dioxide than an equal sized piece of the Amazon Rainforest.

Ironically, this ancient and delicate plant is now under threat from climate change and tourism. Despite having survived for millennia, anchoring by tourist boats. crushing, tearing, and ripping the meadows. There are currently 55,000

The plant reproduces either sexually or asexually, cloning itself. Being one of the longest-lived organisms on the planet, it’s estimated that one clone came from a seed that was released and sprouted 200,000 years ago on the seafloor.

It’s estimated that Posidonia meadows in Formentera were reduced by 44% because of anchoring. Unfortunately, its growth is quite slow, taking almost 1,000 years to restore the damage suffered in a single day by one yacht’s anchor.

Ocean temperatures also have a large impact on the growth of the plant, having an upper limit of around 28C, or 82F. Almost half the summers since 2000 have exceeded that temperature inteh Balearic Islands.

While this alone wouldn’t necessarily cause large patches to die, the slow growth could be hindered by increasing temperatures.

A Solution to Climate Change and Seagrass?

While there isn’t a single simple solution to the problem facing Posidonia oceanica, public awareness and government action to protect and and stress the importance of the species is increasing.

Some researchers believe that countries trying to reach the goals of the Paris agreement may find themselves in higher need of carbon credits, which the plant can help with.

Allthough this is welcome news, it might not be enough. Human lifetimes are short, compared to that of an almost immortal seagrass, and rising temperatures aren’t going to be solved in a day.

Perhaps, if we could sit for a couple centuries…

Posted by Purushashirvani
Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox

March 20, 2021. 5:37 AM. That’s the Spring Equinox. Also known as the Vernal Equinox, it’s commonly referred to as the day of transition between Winter and Spring. There are two equinoxes in the Northern hemisphere when the day and night are almost the same length.

Many different cultures celebrate the Spring Equinox as an important date, sometimes also as a holy one. The Iranian New Year (Nowruz) is on the day, along with Japan, where Higan is a week of Buddhist services and the day of the spring equinox is a national holiday called Shunbun no Hi. Many people celebrate March 20th as Earth day. Pagans also celebrate the day, as well as many others. Many new year dates are celebrated based on the birth of one person, while many cultures celebrate their own new year by the rebirth of life in the Spring.

An equinox occurs at the moment when the Earth’s axis doesn’t tilt toward or away from the Sun. A person standing on the equator on an equinox can observe the Sun passing directly over their head. Aside from two annual equinoxes, there are two solstices every year, the Summer Solstice, and the Winter Solstice. The Summer Solstice has the longest day of the year, whereas the Winter Solstice have the shortest. The word solstice comes from the Latin “solstitium,” meaning “stopped sun.”

I wish all of you a Happy Spring!

Posted by Purushashirvani
Drowning

Drowning

The Earth

It’s 70 percent water.

The air,

That’s 21 percent oxygen.

But the oceans,

They’re salty.

There are people,

Surrounded by water,

Who die of thirst.

There are people,

In hospitals,

At home,

Who choke,

Not able to take in the oxygen

All around them

Too much oxygen,

And you would

Die

Free flowing oxygen

Attacking the retina

Breaking up your nervous system

A tragedy,

The thing that keeps us alive,

Ultimately killing us

Posted by Purushashirvani in Poems, Posts, Science, Thoughts