Oppenheimer -- another collaboration between Chris Nolan and Kip Thorne

Just went to see Oppenheimer, another collaboration between Christopher Nolan and Kip Thorne; a bit like Interstellar. However, Oppenheimer has more Nolan and less Thorne in it and thereby doesn't have the emotional intensity of Interstellar, despite the far more intense topic. Surprisingly, Feynman and Wheeler are both nearly absent from the movie, despite the major role they played in the Manhattan Project. Alongside the reduced emotional intensity, I would credit the absence of Wheeler and Feynmann to the lower impact of Thorne. In Interstellar, Kip Thorne was an executive producer, whereas in Oppenheimer he was only given a Thank You note at the end.

Here are the things I would have done differently.

The atomic bomb explosions could have been showed in more glory and gory. Trinity made the metal tower that hosted the bomb evaporate and turned the desert sand into glass. This glass is called Trnite, after Trinity.

The scientist in attendance including Feynman and Oppenheimer had to write 3 press releases, corresponding to the scenarios that would not see the whole world destroyed. These scenarios were

(1) failure. An apology for the 2 billion dollars spent and some hopeful thoughts for having another go and more money.

(2) success as predicted. This is what happened, and what went to print. It was important for things to get printed fast, so good to write beforehand.

(3) The bomb would be stronger than expected, but not destroy the whole world. This scenario included the obituaries of the scientists in attendance, including Oppenheimer. This could have made a strong psychological point in the movie.

The explosion had an impact in plant and animal life that could have been showed more graphically. Maybe a mountain lion with cubs in a burrow evaporating from the radiation, dying animals some time after, etc. The prevailing winds took the fallout in the direction of Los Angeles, which should have also been mentioned.

Hiroshima was not shown at all. Here, again, the gory deserved glory. Oppenheimer knew what he did, and there were good reasons for it. Nonetheless, maybe a breastfeeding woman evaporating alongside her baby near ground zero would have made a good shot. Or people making love and being burned into the walls in action. It did happen. And there was a man who survived Hiroshima to take a train to Nagasaki and survive that as well. So while the destruction was horrible, it's not all dark. Some survived. Life did prevail. This is a point worth mentioning.

Last but not least, I found that Oppenheimer's trial played too much of a role in the movie. The trial was wrong, terrible and underserved, but not unexpected. Many scientists of the past had a similar problem. Just thing of Galileo Galilei, Giordano Bruno or Charles Darwin and their conflicts with the Church, which was the equivalent of what we call state now.

People who change the world should expect to be burned alive, crucified of tortured. Happens in modern days, before our eyes to Julien Assange, Jamal Khashoggi, Osama Bin Laden (one man's terrorist is another man's hero. Bin Laden was a hero of the American cause, like Volodymyr Zelenskyy today when he fought against he USSR with American arms and money), Saddam Hussein, Alexey Navalny, Qasem Soleimani or Nicolae Ceausescu (horrible dictator, who killed many people, but also added a few million people to the population of Romania through his inhumane ban on birth control in all its forms. Most modern Western governments battle the same problem, and none had Ceausescu's success).

And let's not forget Alan Turing who developed the first computers and used them to save the crown of England. It is said he committed suicide by eating a poisoned apple after choosing chemical castration and continued prosecution by the crown of England over jail time for homosexuality; that the crown owned him its existence, did not matter. They did officially pardon him in 2013, and now the 50 pound note carries a picture of his face in a too little, too late show off to "make up" for the injustice. As such, Oppenheimer's fate was neither extreme nor unusual. Many of his Soviet colleagues were killed without much hesitation and for no good reason.

The film mentions a Soviet Nuclear test before Trinity. This never happened. It might have been part of the misinformation at the time, but is presented much like a fact that is not true.

On a funny note, Oppenheimer died of throat cancer. Many years later, David Baltimore, also from Caltech was awarded the Nobel Prize for the relationship between viruses and cancer. HPVs -- Human Papilloma Viruses, that cause usually cervical cancer in women, but, sometimes, throat cancer in men. Thus, a scene where Oppenheimer gives oral sex to a woman would have been nice to see. True that smoking is linked to cancer, although normally lung. Radiation causes cancer too, but the throat cancer Oppenheimer had could have been caused by HPVs, with help from radiation and smoking. But, perhaps, such a scene could have been too controversial -- we don't know exactly what caused the cancer. We do know Oppenheimer was exposed to large doses of radiation, was a heavy smoker, and liked women. These three aspects were all included in the movie minus the connection between HPV and throat cancer.

In conclusion, a good movie. Reasonably accurate. Highly recommended.

New country emerging in the Wild East?

It's right to look at the news and be worried yet again. Why? the danger of nuclear bombs being used in Russia or anywhere else by Russia or other actors has increased, due to the current instability.

What is the Wagner group?
The Wagner group is an organization with experience in creating new countries. They were the brain and guns involved -- in the birth Crimea, as a short lived independent country that voted to join Russia
-- in the creation of the Donetsk and Luhansk republics that were not recognized by anyone for a long time, but did exist and were, on their own territory and were de facto independent.
-- in the survival of Transnistria that was created with similar technology
-- played some role South Osetia

Now, Wagner controls the city of Rostov on Don and a bit of the Russian coast of the Azov Sea. As they have experience in creating new countries, have an army and now control some territory, the natural thing for Wagner and Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin to do is to declare victory over Ukraine and Russia and make an independent new country. This would pave the way to Ukrainian victory in the war with Russia, and make the West happy. It would also add a buffer zone between Russia and Ukraine, increasing the security of Ukraine, NATO and the EU. Would also make Russia pay a reasonable price in land and blood for the war they caused for no good reason.

Thus, despite being the devil he is, Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin may get American support, like Bin Laden did in Afghanistan when he created the Taliban. Support may also come indirectly through western weapons passed on by Ukraine (the weapons this way would hit Russia, without Ukraine breaking its commitment to not cross the border. ) Prigozhin and Wagner have very good connections in the Russian military and FSB. They have a voice that is hard to silence and may even have access to nuclear weapons. It would be indeed strange if Russian nuclear bombs end up being used by Russians against Russians, within Russia. After all, in wars, in spite of the rethoric, people, their quality of life and their lives have never mattered.

Sure, the same discussion could be had regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia. No matter what anyone says, Ukrainians and Russians are very similar populations, both products of the same Soviet Union. The current war is very much fratricidal and having Russians from Moscow bomb Russians from Kyiv with atomic bombs is very much on the table. While nuclear bombs are yet to be used, the Kakhova Dam burst caused losses and destruction that is comparable to a nuclear bomb. There are very many places in Ukraine and Russia where a nuclear bomb could be dropped with less loss of life and money. Life is cheap in the Wild East, so money matters more.

The breakup of Russia in several independent states was often seen as a possible outcome of the war. Maybe Wagner is the first. Maybe Ramzan Kadyrov who appears loyal to Putin would also want independence for Chechenia, which would make him a little King in his own country.

Maybe. The hope of tomorrow bringing an end to madness and criminal behavior at grand scale, which is what wars have always been, is there again. Maybe by tomorrow we'll know more. The situation is very rapidly evolving.

As of today, Wagner controls territory, like they did when they made new countries before. Wouldn't be surprising if they make a new country. Unlike the others, this one may have Western support and recognition. Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin who has come a long way from being a common criminal in jail, a hamburger salesman, a cook and a warlord. He may yet become a King or Czar or Dictator of his own "democratic" conuntry recognized by the West.

A chat with Bard about religion.

me: Advise me about the new religion registration process in various countries.

Bard: The process of registering a new religion varies from country to country. In some countries, it is a relatively straightforward process, while in others it can be more complex and time-consuming.

In general, the process of registering a new religion involves the following steps:

Identifying the appropriate government agency. In most countries, there is a specific government agency that is responsible for registering religious organizations. This agency may be part of the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, or another government department. Gathering the required documentation. The documentation required to register a new religion will vary from country to country. However, it typically includes the following:

• A copy of the organization's charter or constitution
• A list of the organization's officers and directors
• A copy of the organization's financial records
• A statement of the organization's beliefs and practices

Submitting the application. Once the required documentation has been gathered, the application for registration must be submitted to the appropriate government agency. Reviewing the application. The government agency will review the application and may request additional information or documentation.

Issuing the registration certificate. If the application is approved, the government agency will issue a registration certificate to the organization. The process of registering a new religion can be time-consuming and expensive. However, it is important to note that registration is not always necessary. In some countries, religious organizations are not required to register in order to operate legally.

Here are some examples of the new religion registration process in various countries:

• United States: In the United States, there is no federal law requiring religious organizations to register. However, some states do have registration requirements. For example, in California, religious organizations must register with the Secretary of State.
• Canada: In Canada, religious organizations are not required to register with the federal government. However, some provinces do have registration requirements. For example, in Ontario, religious organizations must register with the Ministry of Government Services.
• United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, religious organizations are not required to register with the government. However, some religious organizations choose to register with the Charity Commission. It is important to note that the information provided above is general in nature and may not be accurate for all countries. If you are considering registering a new religion, it is important to consult with an attorney or other legal professional to ensure that you comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

me: What are the penalties for operating an unregistered religion?

Bard: The penalties for operating an unregistered religion vary from country to country. In some countries, the penalties may be relatively minor, such as a fine or a warning. In other countries, the penalties may be more severe, such as imprisonment or even death.

Here are some examples of the penalties for operating an unregistered religion in various countries:

• China: In China, it is illegal to operate an unregistered religion. The penalties for doing so can include imprisonment, fines, and the confiscation of property.
• Russia: In Russia, it is illegal to operate an unregistered religion without government permission. The penalties for doing so can include fines, imprisonment, and the confiscation of property.
• Saudi Arabia: In Saudi Arabia, it is illegal to practice any religion other than Islam. The penalties for doing so can include imprisonment, flogging, and even death.

It is important to note that the information provided above is general in nature and may not be accurate for all countries. If you are considering operating a religious organization, it is important to consult with an attorney or other legal professional to ensure that you comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Here are some tips for operating a religious organization without registering:

• Be careful about what you say and do. Make sure that your activities do not violate any laws or regulations.
• Be discreet. Do not advertise your activities or try to attract attention.
• Be prepared to defend yourself. If you are accused of violating any laws or regulations, be prepared to defend yourself in court.

It is important to note that operating a religious organization without registering is a risky proposition. If you are caught, you could face serious penalties.

me: As a religion, you'd have property, financial affairs, taxation of believers, etc. I would imagine some of these activities to require some kind of registration, even in countries like the UK or US, where there is no legal obligation to register religions.

Bard: Yes, you are correct. Even in countries where there is no legal obligation to register religions, some activities that are typically associated with religions may require some kind of registration. For example, in the United States, religious organizations that own property or operate businesses may be required to register with the state or local government. Additionally, religious organizations that solicit donations from the public may be required to register with the state or federal government.

Here are some examples of the types of registration that may be required for religious organizations in the United States:

• Property registration: Religious organizations that own property may be required to register with the county or city in which the property is located. This registration may be required for compliance with zoning laws, building codes, or other regulations.
• Business registration: Religious organizations that operate businesses may be required to register with the state or local government. This registration may be required for compliance with tax laws, labor laws, or other regulations.
• Donation registration: Religious organizations that solicit donations from the public may be required to register with the state or federal government. This registration may be required for compliance with campaign finance laws, fundraising laws, or other regulations.

It is important to note that the information provided above is general in nature and may not be accurate for all states or localities. If you are a religious organization that owns property, operates a business, or solicits donations from the public, you should consult with an attorney or other legal professional to determine if you are required to register with any government agencies.

In addition to registration requirements, religious organizations may also be subject to other laws and regulations. For example, religious organizations may be required to comply with labor laws, tax laws, and environmental laws. It is important for religious organizations to be aware of these laws and regulations and to take steps to comply with them.

me: Do you know about the Spaghetti Monster?

Bard: Yes, I am familiar with the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It is a satirical deity created by Bobby Henderson in 2005 as a protest against the teaching of intelligent design in public schools. The Flying Spaghetti Monster is depicted as a large, invisible creature made of spaghetti and meatballs. Adherents of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, known as Pastafarians, believe that the Flying Spaghetti Monster created the universe and that pirates are his chosen people.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster has been the subject of much debate and controversy. Some people have criticized it as being offensive to religious believers, while others have praised it as a clever way to challenge the teaching of intelligent design in public schools.

Despite the controversy, the Flying Spaghetti Monster has become a popular symbol of secularism and religious freedom. It has been featured in numerous news articles and television shows, and it has even been the subject of a book, The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Here are some of the beliefs of Pastafarianism:

• The universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster.
• Pirates are the chosen people of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
• The Flying Spaghetti Monster is responsible for all the world's problems, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and stubbed toes.
• Pastafarians should eat pasta and drink beer.
• Pastafarians should wear colanders on their heads.
• Pastafarianism is not a real religion, but it is a fun and thought-provoking way to think about the nature of religion and the role of faith in our lives.

me: Is it registered as a religion?

Bard: The Flying Spaghetti Monster is not officially registered as a religion in any country. However, there are several Pastafarian churches and organizations that have been granted religious status in some countries. For example, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster was granted religious status in the Netherlands in 2016.

In the United States, the Flying Spaghetti Monster has been recognized as a religion for some purposes, such as allowing Pastafarians to wear colanders on their heads for driver's license photos. However, the Flying Spaghetti Monster is not a recognized religion for all purposes, such as for tax exemptions.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster is a satirical religion, and its adherents do not necessarily believe in the literal existence of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. However, the Flying Spaghetti Monster has become a popular symbol of secularism and religious freedom. It is a way for people to challenge the idea that religion must be based on faith in a supernatural being.

me: What is a colander?

Bard: A colander is a kitchen utensil with a perforated bowl and a handle, used to drain cooked food or to rinse vegetables. They are typically made of metal, plastic, or silicone. Colanders are often used to drain pasta after it has been cooked. The cooked pasta is placed in the colander and the water is poured off. The colander can also be used to rinse vegetables. The vegetables are placed in the colander and cold water is poured over them. This helps to remove any dirt or pesticides that may be on the vegetables. Colanders are a versatile kitchen utensil that can be used for a variety of tasks. They are an essential tool for any cook.

me: So, Flying Spaghetti Monster followers are allowed to wear colanders on their heads in official government photos, like passports or driving licenses?

Bard: Yes, in some countries. In the United States, for example, there have been several cases where Pastafarians have been allowed to wear colanders on their heads in driver's license photos. In 2011, Niko Alm, a Pastafarian from Austria, became the first person in the world to be granted permission to wear a colander on his head in his driver's license photo.

In other countries, the situation is less clear-cut. In the United Kingdom, for example, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has stated that it will not allow people to wear colanders on their heads in driver's license photos. However, the DVLA has also stated that it will consider individual cases on a case-by-case basis.

Ultimately, whether or not Flying Spaghetti Monster followers are allowed to wear colanders on their heads in official government photos is a matter of local law. If you are a Pastafarian and you are considering wearing a colander on your head in an official government photo, it is important to check with the relevant authorities in your country to see if it is allowed.

Here are some of the countries where Flying Spaghetti Monster followers have been allowed to wear colanders on their heads in official government photos:

• Austria: Niko Alm, a Pastafarian from Austria, became the first person in the world to be granted permission to wear a colander on his head in his driver's license photo in 2011.
• United States: There have been several cases where Pastafarians have been allowed to wear colanders on their heads in driver's license photos in the United States.
• Canada: In 2016, a Pastafarian from Canada was allowed to wear a colander on his head in his passport photo.
• Netherlands: The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster was granted religious status in the Netherlands in 2016. This means that Pastafarians in the Netherlands are legally allowed to wear colanders on their heads in official government photos.

It is important to note that the situation may change in the future. As the Flying Spaghetti Monster becomes more widely known, it is possible that more countries will allow Pastafarians to wear colanders on their heads in official government photos.

me: Do they wear colanders on their heads in other situations?

Bard: Yes, some Pastafarians do wear colanders on their heads in other situations, such as at religious gatherings or when they are out in public. This is seen as a way to show their religious beliefs and to challenge the idea that religious headwear must be religious in nature.

However, it is important to note that not all Pastafarians wear colanders on their heads. Some Pastafarians do not believe that it is necessary to wear a colander on their head in order to be a Pastafarian. They believe that the Flying Spaghetti Monster is a tolerant and understanding deity, and that he would not judge them for not wearing a colander on their head.

Ultimately, whether or not a Pastafarian wears a colander on their head is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong answer, and it is up to each individual Pastafarian to decide what they believe is the best way to express their faith.

Here are some of the reasons why Pastafarians might choose to wear colanders on their heads in other situations:

• To show their religious beliefs.
• To challenge the idea that religious headwear must be religious in nature.
• To make a statement about secularism and religious freedom.
• To simply have fun and be creative.

It is important to note that wearing a colander on your head may not be allowed in all situations. For example, some schools and workplaces may have policies that prohibit the wearing of hats or head coverings. If you are considering wearing a colander on your head in a public place, it is important to check the local regulations to make sure that it is allowed.

RIP Edwina

Edwina Cleverbrain passed away last Saturday. She was around 9 or 10 years old. We miss our beautiful grey goat, also known as lady E or the fairest of the fairies (zana zanelor). She will be remembered for the rest of our days. After Edwina (and Devina, who has been gone for a number of years now), my children believe that all fairies are goat-like. After all, why should they look like humans? When James was little, and he'd see goat poop anywhere, James would say "caca zana zanelor".

I find it difficult to write about her departure since we loved her so very much. Mihai started this obituary. I am not sure I could have done it. Edwina had been the matriarch of our goat family. She leaves behind a family 10, which includes her three daugthers: Eva (3 years old), Edith (2 years old) and Emma (1 year old), and a kid, Emil, who is about one week old. Each of her daughters also have kids of their own. They are all male this year.

Everynone cried when Edwina died. We will miss you, Edwina! When you left, you took away a bit of our soul. Edwina was buried in the South China Sea, or at least that is Mihai's opinion of her final resting place. Although it brings little confort for now, her memory will stay with us fovever. Edwina is a caracter in our next book: Globe Waddling with Narcissus . My children imagine her as one of the fairies of the fields, who now spends her energy protecting the world.

What happened? When we were away, a neighbour fed the goats corn every two days. She is too old to feed them hay daily. When we returned for Easter the children and I moved the goats to another yard where they had some fresh grass. This seemed to have resulted in a deadly mix for Edwina, who was older, and perhaps had had a bit more corn than the others being a dominant goat. There was no autopsy. So, we will never know for sure if there was any added pathology beyond age and circumstances. It's a harsh reminder to not make sudden changes when one returns...

Emil has surrvived the past week with milk from Eva or Edith who are being held onto to feed him -- in addition to her own kids. Andy is dissapointed in their reluctance to help a fellow goat. However, Edward (my 12 year old) understands them: "Eva feels just like you would if you had to breastfeed Mihai." The reluctance is manifested in two ways: 1) all female goats run away when Emil gets close and 2) if they are force to feed him they struggle to get away or to bite him.

Even though our goats are very friendly, it is difficult to find anyone from the younger generation (under 50) to care for them when we are away. In addition to being great company, they are wonderful lawnmowers. Yet people perefer to cut the grass with electric or gas based mowers intead of interacting with goats. I still have a full time job in Spain. So, caring for them is a challenge.