In the first half, researcher, author, and longtime C2C guest Nick Begich discussed the state of the world, and the profound changes in global dynamics, particularly in technology, media, and the environment. Reflecting on the impact of COVID-19, he expressed concern over how isolation has altered public discourse. "What I saw coming out of that period was perhaps the biggest impact of what I would call mind effects," he noted, highlighting how media consumption became polarized during the pandemic.
He also addressed the rapid advancements in technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), and the transformative potential power of AI and quantum computing converging. Around 15 years ago, "it would take a trillion years of a supercomputer to do what a quantum computer can do in an hour," he marveled. There is a competitive race among nations like the US, China, and Russia to harness this technology, and the implications for encryption and cybersecurity could be monumental, as "whoever gets there first presents the biggest challenge to everyone else," he reported.
On the topic of weather modification, Begich looked back on the evolution of the secretive HAARP project in Alaska, which has shifted from military to academic control. "When you start messing with these systems... you change things," he said, referencing the interconnectedness of global weather patterns and human consciousness. He also touched on his family's political legacy in Alaska-- his son Nick Begich III has just been elected as Alaska's congressman, and his father Nick Begich Sr. held that position as well when he died in a plane crash in 1972-- the plane, which also carried House Majority Leader Hale Boggs was never found.
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In the latter half, C2C's investigative reporter Cheryll Jones shared her interview with Professor Misty Paig-Tran from California State University Fullerton. Paig-Tran spoke about the elusive deep-sea oarfish nicknamed the 'Doomsday Fish' for its association with Japanese folklore surrounding earthquakes and tsunamis, and other unusual sea creatures and the science associated with them. Regarding the sightings or washing ashore of oarfish before natural disasters, she remarked, "As much as I would love that to be true... there's just not that much clout in that once you start looking at the connection." She did acknowledge that seismic activity might affect ocean currents, and possibly carry some sea creatures to the surface.
Paig-Tran told Cheryll about her innovative research at the Functional Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Biomaterials Laboratory (Fabb Lab) and commented that "we're treading that line between biology and engineering." The biomechanics of large marine animals may offer potential applications for human technology, she revealed. Her lab studies a variety of marine creatures, including whales, manta rays, and the bizarre blobfish, which she described as "the ugliest fish" due to its unique appearance when brought to the surface.
The last half-hour featured a replay with animal communicator Amelia Kincade.
News segment guests: Douglas Mulhall, Kevin Randle