TIL Bhutan is the world’s only carbon negative country since 2017, thanks to its forests and the generation and export of renewable energy [source, comments]

Good Idea: Use AI consciously

https://archive.ph/20251103180243/https://www.newyorker.com/culture/infinite-scroll/ai-is-homogenizing-our-thoughts

Studies at MIT, Cornell, and Santa Clara found that when people rely on AI for tasks like writing essays or generating ideas, their brain activity drops, their output becomes more similar, and they lose originality, personal voice, and even memory of what they wrote. AI pushes people toward common phrases, mainstream cultural references, and safe viewpoints instead of encouraging diverse or critical thinking. Over time, this influence could shift what people consider normal or acceptable. The article warns that while AI can be helpful, it risks flattening creativity and cultural expression by pulling everyone toward the same average center.

From Reuters 🇩🇪 Germany's interior minister on Wednesday backed Berlin’s decision to strip a man of his citizenship for supporting Hamas, saying naturalised citizens should forfeit their nationality when they are found not to uphold German values.

The decision comes as Germany tightens immigration and citizenship rules amid a debate about who belongs in the country and the rise of the far-right.

Song of the Day ✊🏾🤔: https://youtu.be/4OPxNY5HMdo

A different perspective: AI optimism. What happens if we get AI right?
https://pocketcasts.com/podcast/the-most-interesting-thing-in-ai/e1273fb0-958d-013d-1a28-0acc26574db2/ai-optimism-with-nicholas-thompson-and-kevin-kelly/e4948974-4196-4e52-80f9-c4bf0096397a

Good Idea: Detox from everyday distractions

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/01/29/the-woman-who-spent-five-hundred-days-in-a-cave
(No paywall: https://archive.ph/lv4Mk )

Beatriz Flamini, a Spanish mountaineer, lived alone in a cave for 500 days as an isolation experiment. She avoided all human contact, kept video diaries, struggled with time loss, hallucinations and psychological strain, briefly exited due to equipment failure, then returned and finished the goal.
Flamini’s story shows how stepping away from everyday distractions can sharpen focus, build resilience, and help you figure out what really matters. Even short periods of intentional solitude (like a digital detox, a solo hike, or a quiet weekend) can give you space to reflect and gain perspective.

Planning ahead is key! Preparing physically, mentally, and logistically makes challenges manageable and safe. Documenting your experience, through journaling or notes, helps track progress and notice subtle changes in yourself.

Song of the Day 🇪🇺☔️: https://youtu.be/WnWiWXz3apk

Song of the Day 🤘🏽🙂‍↕️: https://youtu.be/lnY4dYpDqUg

Great podcast about the pioneer of Afrobeat, the complex relation between Africa and the Afro-American diaspora, colonialism and of course: music.
https://www.okayafrica.com/fela-kuti-fear-no-man-podcast-revisits-afrobeat-pioneers-life-and-legacy/1411596