Year: 2024
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Breaking Free from the Google Echo Chamber: The Need for Diverse Perspectives in Search
Google’s search engine frequently tailors results based on the language of users’ queries, which can perpetuate confirmation bias by returning results that support a user’s implicit position. For example, the same questions framed in positive or negative phrases produce different viewpoints, influencing how people perceive issues. Google argues that its algorithms offer a variety of…
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Philippines’ National ID Push: Are Data Security Risks Being Overlooked?
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), with assistance from the World Bank, recently hosted a workshop to assess the impact of the PhilSys National ID system on financial inclusion, social services, and government efficiency. The event focused on PhilSys’ role in accelerating digital transformation and strengthening public services. Furthermore, the PSA warned against unlawful ID printing,…
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Taiwan’s Right to Self-Defense
The United States approved a $2 billion arms sale to Taiwan to bolster the island’s defenses amid increasing Chinese military threats. Taiwan expressed gratitude, highlighting the importance of self-defense for regional stability. China criticized the move, stating it undermines its sovereignty and harms U.S.-China relations, warning of countermeasures. The arms deal follows recent Chinese military…
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Lessons from COVID-19 Compliance in Disaster Response in the Philippines
Families in high-risk areas of Antique province are being advised to evacuate preemptively due to Typhoon Leon’s expected heavy rains. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office is closely monitoring water levels, particularly at the Sibalom River. Schools across 17 local government units have suspended in-person classes, with alternative learning modes activated for safety.…
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When Science Betrays Trust
The article discusses the pervasive issue of scientific fraud, highlighting that an estimated one in seven scientific papers may involve fabricated results. It contrasts amusing instances of misconduct, like a retracted study claiming that men with guitar cases are more attractive, with serious cases such as Yoshitaka Fujii’s admission of falsifying drug trial results. The…
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Billions in Mismanaged Climate Funds Raise Questions on Accountability and Transparency
According to an Oxfam investigation, the World Bank mismanaged at least $24 billion in climate change money due to poor record-keeping and unusual accounting procedures. The missing cash result in an estimated $4 billion loss for the United States, the bank’s biggest shareholder. Despite the World Bank’s denials, Oxfam highlighted problems in getting spending data…
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AI Advancement vs. Net-Zero Goals: The Environmental Paradox of Tech Leaders
Generative AI is rapidly transforming various sectors, but its significant electricity and water consumption raises environmental concerns. In 2023, Microsoft and Google each consumed 24 TWh of electricity, surpassing the total usage of over 100 countries, including Azerbaijan. This massive energy demand highlights the environmental impact of their data centers, which are essential for supporting…
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Israel’s Escalating Military Campaign in Iran Spurs Regional Instability
Israel launched a large-scale bombardment on Iran, reportedly comprising 140 planes targeting military targets, in retaliation for Iran’s missile barrage on October 1st. Israel justified the operations, which targeted Iranian military bases in Tehran and Syria, as self-defense in the face of repeated Iranian attacks. US officials admitted advance notice of the operation but denied…
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Israel’s Escalating Military Campaign in Iran Spurs Regional Instability
Israel launched a large-scale bombardment on Iran, reportedly comprising 140 planes targeting military targets, in retaliation for Iran’s missile barrage on October 1st. Israel justified the operations, which targeted Iranian military bases in Tehran and Syria, as self-defense in the face of repeated Iranian attacks. US officials admitted advance notice of the operation but denied…
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WARNING REINFORCED: US AND WORLD ON THE BRINK OF DISASTER, Urgent Need for New Approaches to Democracy and Electoral Politics
A few days ago, I wrote an article with the long title, THE USA HAS DOOMED ITSELF AND THE WORLD TO MASSIVE GLOBAL COLLAPSE AND BLOWBACK: An Open Letter to Freedom Fighters. That article warned that neither Donald Trump nor Kamala Harris will stop the implosion of the US Empire. On the contrary, due to…
