Adventures in the Public Domain

Since last year I have been toying with this idea. I want to take a dive into the absurd yet poignant world of "Adventures in the Public Domain," where characters escape their decades-long servitude to Hollywood and corporate overlords to rediscover themselves in the chaotic, politically charged, and often ridiculous world we call reality.

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Adventures in the Public Domain: When Iconic Characters Break Free

Imagine, if you will, a world where fictional characters—once tightly guarded by corporate vaults and legal labyrinths—suddenly find themselves as free as a pigeon in Trafalgar Square. The public domain is their escape hatch, their key to liberation. But what happens when these beloved icons, shaped by the sanitized, soul-crushing grip of Hollywood and the Disney-fied corporate machine, step out into the raw, unfiltered real world? 

Will they flourish? Will they flounder? Will they discover their true selves, or will they spiral into existential crises? Here's a tantalizing glimpse into their post-corporate escapades.

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Mickey Mouse: Searching for a Personality

Mickey Mouse—once the squeaky clean, cookie-cutter corporate mascot—finds himself grappling with an identity crisis. No longer beholden to Disney's PR machine, Mickey sets out on a quest to find his lost soul. 

Without a script to follow, Mickey discovers he’s a blank slate, a hollow shell, a rodent with no raison d’être. Will he develop a personality? Will he finally embrace his mischievous, chaotic early roots from "Steamboat Willie"? Or will he get dragged into the swirling cesspool of political commentary, becoming an unintentional meme of the culture wars? 

Picture Mickey in therapy, sitting on a tiny couch, whining about how he’s been reduced to a corporate shill. The therapist scribbles furiously, noting, *"Patient exhibits signs of existential dread and a desperate need for autonomy."* 

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Popeye: Beyond Spinach

Popeye has been the spinach-guzzling, muscle-flexing poster boy for the power of leafy greens for decades. But what happens when he realizes the world has moved beyond spinach? Kale is the new king, avocado toast reigns supreme, and oat milk lattes are the breakfast of champions. 

Will Popeye embrace ganja and other green vegetables, or will he cling stubbornly to his spinach-based identity? Imagine him wandering into a Whole Foods, utterly baffled by the quinoa aisle, muttering, *"I yam what I yam, but what the hell is this chia seed pudding nonsense?"* 

And then there’s Olive Oyl, who’s questioning why she’s been stuck in a love triangle for the better part of a century. Is it time for her to ditch Popeye and Bluto and start her own feminist lifestyle blog? 

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Winnie the Pooh: Navigating Neurosis

Pooh Bear, with his endearing gluttony and peculiar neuroses, ventures beyond the Hundred Acre Woods. But is the real world ready for a honey-addicted bear with questionable coping mechanisms? 

Without Christopher Robin’s guidance, Pooh spirals. He joins a support group for emotionally unstable stuffed animals, where he meets Paddington Bear (who’s doing quite well, thank you) and Eeyore (who’s still miserable but now has a TikTok following). 

Will Pooh learn mindfulness to manage his honey cravings? Will he survive the Twitter mobs when his outdated worldview clashes with modern sensibilities? And what about Piglet? Will he finally stand up for himself, or will he remain a trembling ball of anxiety? 

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Krazy Kat: Reckoning with His Past

Ah, Krazy Kat—a character as brilliant as he is problematic. Krazy Kat’s surreal, gender-fluid antics were groundbreaking for their time, but his world was marred by the casual racism of early 20th-century comic strips. 

Now, thrust into the 21st century, Krazy Kat grapples with his legacy. Does he confront his creator’s biases head-on? Does he become a symbol of redemption and growth, or is he canceled before he even gets a chance to explain himself? 

Meanwhile, Ignatz Mouse (his brick-throwing nemesis) has started a YouTube channel documenting his "toxic relationship" with Krazy Kat, while Officer Pupp struggles to adapt to the defunding of his cartoon police department. 

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The Real World: A Public Domain Playground

As these characters navigate their newfound freedom, they quickly discover that the real world is far more complicated than the sanitized universes they once inhabited. 

- **Will they become politically incorrect?** Let’s face it, some of these characters are walking relics of outdated ideologies. Watching them try to navigate modern sensibilities would be equal parts hilarious and cringe-inducing. 

- **Will they become influencers?** Imagine Mickey Mouse launching a line of overpriced streetwear or Pooh Bear starting a honey subscription box service. Public domain characters as brands? It’s inevitable. 

- **Will they form alliances?** Picture Popeye teaming up with Krazy Kat for a Netflix series about a road trip through America’s heartland. Or Pooh and Paddington joining forces for a podcast about mental health and marmalade. 

- **Will they fail miserably?** Let’s be honest, some of these characters are not cut out for the complexities of modern life. Watching them fail spectacularly would be half the fun. 

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Final Thoughts: A World of Possibilities

The public domain is a treasure trove of creativity, allowing us to reimagine these characters in ways that challenge, entertain, and provoke. By freeing them from their corporate shackles, we give them the chance to grow, evolve, and stumble hilariously into the modern world. 

So, dear reader, buckle up. The adventures of Mickey, Popeye, Pooh, Krazy Kat, and company are only just beginning. Whether they thrive, flounder, or face-plant into obscurity, one thing is certain: their public domain escapades will be a wild, unpredictable ride. 

And who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next storyteller to pick up the baton and add your own twist to these timeless tales. Just remember—when it comes to the public domain, the possibilities are as endless as Pooh’s appetite for honey. 

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I don’t know but… but do you think I can expect a call and a Netflix adaptation. Shall we pitch it to Hollywood, after they recover or do we let the public domain chaos unfold naturally? Either way, it’s going to be a riot.

California Fires: A Jamaican Critique of Governance, Accountability, and Preventable Tragedies

The Cali Fires

Reflections on Political and Municipal Responsibility in the Woke Khalifate

Fires in Jamaica are a common occurrence and can have devastating consequences in Shanty towns and such, and I myself when living in Kendal, Manchester as child, woke up in a burning house. I am intimate with the particular scent that massive fires have after burning houses. I still have books that smell of that burning house. I can't help thinking about that Shawn Calvin song "Sunny Came Home"... especially that line that says, "...dry is good but wind is better..."Armageddon they say will be in an apocalyptic fire. But what is an Apocalypse if not the burning away and the revelation of truth. Trial by fire as it were.

The recent wildfires in California have not only devastated communities but have also ignited a fierce debate about political and municipal ineptitude. As I observe the critiques directed at Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, particularly from those who oppose "woke" and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, I find myself in agreement with many of these sentiments. These wildfires in California have become a tragic annual spectacle to the global news viewer. Towering flames consume homes, forests, and lives, and while the world watches in horror, one can’t help but wonder: could this all have been avoided? From where I sit in Jamaica, a land familiar with the wrath of nature, the answer feels like a resounding “Yes." The fires are predictable, and therefore, preventable. So why does California, one of the wealthiest places on Earth, seem so incapable of stopping them? 

The fires are not just tragic events; they expose significant failures in leadership and governance. As a Jamaican, I view these fires not just as natural disasters but as glaring symbols of political ineptitude, misplaced priorities, and systemic negligence. Let’s explore this issue from a uniquely Jamaican perspective, with a touch of cynicism, a splash of insight, and a strong dose of accountability. For as I pen this post I've had to ask my mother the family hub, about the family in California practically every other day last week. Though she says they're safe one can't help but feel a tad edgy and remember why I lobby for all our diaspora to have some place and hub out of Jamaica.

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Fire and Accountability: Where’s the Leadership?

In Jamaica, we have a saying: “Prevention better than cure.” It’s simple, direct, and rooted in common sense. When we know a hurricane is coming, we prepare. We board up our windows, stock up on supplies, and rely on our leaders to put systems in place to minimize damage. Disaster preparedness here isn’t perfect, but it’s proactive. 

Contrast this with California, where wildfires are as inevitable as sunshine, and yet the response often seems like an afterthought. The question is: where's the leadership? Officials like Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass are quick to make speeches, but what about action? If a government knows these fires are coming every year, why isn’t there a more robust strategy in place?

In Jamaica, our **Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM)** works tirelessly to anticipate and mitigate the effects of hurricanes. We try to enforce strict building codes though even the Prime Minister himself flouts them from time to time. We conduct public education campaigns, and maintain community disaster plans. If Jamaica, with its limited resources, can do this for hurricanes, why can’t California do the same for wildfires? Huh???

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Negligence or Ineptitude? A Legal and Ethical Perspective

From a legal standpoint, California’s failure to prevent these fires could be seen as a breach of  “duty of care.”  In Jamaican law, negligence occurs when a party fails to act reasonably to prevent foreseeable harm. By this standard, California’s leaders and utility companies like PG&E could find themselves squarely in the crosshairs. 

Let’s break this down:

• If the government knows that electrical sparks from outdated grids can ignite fires, why hasn’t it invested in infrastructure upgrades?
• If wildfires are exacerbated by overgrown vegetation, why aren’t there more controlled burns and firebreaks?
• If zoning laws allow people to build homes in high-risk areas, who’s responsible when those homes go up in flames?

These aren’t rhetorical questions. They’re the kinds of hard truths Jamaicans demand from our leaders. When something goes wrong here, we don’t dance around the issue—we demand accountability. Maybe California could use a bit of our fiery spirit, pun intended.

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Woke Policies vs. Practical Solutions

Now, let’s talk about the critique of “woke” policies and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, which some argue have distracted leaders like Newsom and Mayor Bass from practical governance. As a Jamaican, I understand the importance of equity—our national motto is literally, “Out of Many, One People.” In Jamaica I think most people get it that we want equal opportunity and not equal outcomes. So equity isn’t just about representation; it’s about ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, is protected.

When fires ravage California, it’s often the poorest communities that suffer the most. They’re the ones with the least resources to rebuild, the least political clout to demand better, and the least ability to escape. If leaders are spending more time on ideological posturing than on preventing disasters, then yes, they deserve criticism. Equity must extend beyond boardrooms and policy documents to include real-world protection for those at risk. 3.9% of donations must not be filtered to any political campaigns or organisation like some have tried to get by with in recent days. If you are donating please don't do it through Mr. Newsom.

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Lessons from Europe: How Others Tackle Wildfires

California isn’t the only place dealing with wildfires. Countries like Spain, Portugal, and Greece face similar challenges but often handle them more effectively. Here’s what they’re doing right:

1. **Controlled Burns:**    
   European nations regularly conduct controlled burns to reduce flammable vegetation. California has been criticized for neglecting this simple, effective practice.
2. **Infrastructure Upgrades:**  
   In Europe, utility companies are held accountable for maintaining safe electrical grids. In California, PG&E has faced lawsuits but continues to fall short. Why?
3. **Strict Zoning Laws:**  
   European countries enforce laws that prevent construction in high-risk areas, unlike California, where urban sprawl often pushes communities into fire-prone zones.
4. **Community Involvement:**  
   Europeans actively engage local communities in wildfire prevention efforts. This approach mirrors Jamaica’s reliance on community disaster response teams, where local knowledge plays a crucial role.

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Elon Musk, Mel Gibson, and the Culture of Distrust

Even cultural icons have weighed in on California’s wildfires. Elon Musk, ever the technophile, has criticized the state for failing to innovate, suggesting that drones, AI, and other technologies could revolutionize wildfire prevention. He’s not wrong. California, with its wealth and tech industry, has no excuse for not leading the world in disaster prevention technology.

Then there’s Mel Gibson, whose more conspiratorial tone reflects a broader mistrust in the system. When preventable disasters keep happening, people start to wonder: is this incompetence, or is there something more sinister at play? While I won’t dive into conspiracy theories, it’s clear that these repeated failures have eroded public trust in California’s leadership.

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A Jamaican Call for Better Governance

From a Jamaican perspective, the California fires are a tragic reminder of what happens when leaders fail to prioritize the basics: preparation, accountability, and care for the public good. Here in Jamaica, we know that nature is unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean it’s unbeatable. We prepare, we adapt, and we hold our leaders accountable.

California, take a page from our book. Stop making excuses, stop pointing fingers, and start doing the work. Invest in controlled burns, upgrade your infrastructure, enforce zoning laws, and engage your communities. And for heaven’s sake, stop letting utility companies and water managers off the hook.

As we say in Jamaica: “If yuh cyaan ketch Quako, yuh ketch him shut.” In other words, if you can’t fix the problem at its root, at least address the symptoms. California’s leaders have no excuse for letting predictable disasters spiral into chaos year after year. Captain's must take responsibility for the ship, ain't it?

It’s time for action, not just rhetoric. The fires may be burning in California, but the heat is on its leaders to finally step up.

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Conclusion

The California fires are a tragedy, but they don’t have to be inevitable. From a Jamaican perspective, the solution lies in accountability, preparedness, and a commitment to protecting all citizens, not just the wealthy and powerful. Let’s hope California’s leaders are listening—because if they aren’t, the flames will be back, fiercer than ever.

From Montego Bay to Metropolis: A Philosopher’s Lament for the Arts

From Montego Bay to Metropolis: A Philosophical Threnody for the Arts

Ah, Montego Bay— second city where the sea whispers ancient tales and the sunsets paint the skies with artistry that Hollywood can only dream of. Where everyday is like living a Netflix series and there is also a community named Hollywood nestled in the ghettoes above the Donald Sangster International Airport, a Hollywood that conceptually eludes the imagination of California directors. As I sit here, a philosopher and a blerd (that’s Black nerd for the uninitiated), sipping my morning guinea hen tea and watching as L.A. burns, and Gavin Newsom fiddles, I can’t help but reflect on the dismal state of modern storytelling, particularly in the realm of comics, movies, and culture at large. What happened to the magic? Where did the soul go? And why, oh why, can’t I persuade my daughter to pick up a classic Marvel or DC comic?

The Curse of Wokeness and the Death of Imagination

Let’s not dance around the matter: wokeness has hurt the arts. Now, before someone accuses me of being a reactionary, let me clarify. I am not against inclusivity or diversity—far from it. I am against the shallow, performative gestures that masquerade as progress but ultimately reduce storytelling to bland propaganda. Race-swapping established characters isn’t creative; it’s lazy. It’s a hollow attempt to virtue-signal rather than an honest effort to craft something meaningful. Instead of painting old characters black, why not create new heroes rooted in the rich tapestry of Black folklore, mythology, and history?

I am pretty confident that I am not just writing this from a place of nostalgia and redolence, nor am I looking at the past with rose-tinted glasses as there were lame shows then as there are now. The trouble is no one remembers the lame stuff from yesteryear, it's the hits that get recorded to memory and go down in the annals of history. In the 80's I'd watch The Never Ending Story, and never ever tire of it. In that movie, the nothing, a metaphorical and in the movie metaphysical manifestation of imagination's undoing. I could never imagine that in modernity it would be wokeness and not the nothing that seem to be bringing about the end of imagination. Or maybe wokeness is an agent of the nothing like Gmork.

A comic I am working on called 'The Scarab'

The world is brimming with stories waiting to be told—Anansi the spider trickster, the legends of the Maroons, the Akan cosmology, or even the harrowing yet inspiring tales of the Middle Passage. These stories are powerful, authentic, and unique. They deserve to stand on their own rather than being shoehorned into the skin of a white character who was never meant to carry such a narrative.

Manga, Anime, and the Art of Storytelling

These days, my content diet has opened to Asian content. My daughter introduced my to the Life of Saiki K, My Hero Academia and of course all of Studio Ghibli. I loved Howl's Moving Castle, while her favourite is My Neighbour Totoro. My wife and I binged The Blue Eyed Samurai not last Christmas but the one before. To me in the 80's my closest brushes with anime were stuff, like Vampire Hunter D,  G-Force, Voltron and Gundam Wing. I hated Pokemon, Digimon and Dragon Ball Z. High school in the 90's saw Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z being all the rave. Kids would race home from Cornwall College to reach home and watch it on JBC which by then had morphed into Super Supreme TV before becoming TVJ. Man I hated that era.  I even hated 3D in those days, 2D art was more attractive to me and to some degree still is. I hated the influence of anime on American cartoons as the FOX Batman and Spider-Man, even though they channeled the Fleischer era toons, I also the line and big eyes of anime creeping into western culture.

My daughter doesn’t care about Superman or Captain Marvel; she’s engrossed in anime and manga. And I can’t blame her. Manga and anime know the secret Hollywood has forgotten: people don’t want to be preached at; they want to be entertained. They want to be transported to worlds where characters grow, struggle, and achieve, not worlds where the script feels like a didactic essay dressed up in spandex.

Take Naruto or One Piece, for instance. These stories resonate because they are rooted in universal themes—friendship, perseverance, and the quest for meaning. The characters evolve. The stakes feel real. Compare that to modern Marvel or DC fare, where the status quo reigns supreme, and characters are stuck in an eternal loop of stagnation. Spider-Man, my favorite hero, has become a shadow of his former self. Peter Parker no longer grows; he merely exists, a placeholder for tired, recycled plots. And while I appreciate Miles Morales as a fresh take on Spider-Man, even his stories are starting to feel formulaic.

Every now and then my daughter and I discuss some meta stuff like, why the manga and anime stories are so weird and feel like one big slice of life show, how they neglect or reject western 3 arch story structures etc. Occasionally we all watch a documentary or two on anime and manga. She has immersed herself in a Japanese dictionary and we even went to an anime festival in Kingston. Man I was proud of that moment as, when I was young I'd dream of going to comic conventions and now I live in an age where Jamaica has AnimeFest and it was grand and fabulous. All the pomp and pageantry and costumes, I am truly glad we connected like that. One of these days gonna get her a BOXXSU or supm. 

Hollywood’s Girl Boss Problem

And then there’s Hollywood’s obsession with the “girl boss” archetype. Listen, I have a daughter, I have no issue with powerful female characters. Chun Li, Storm, Wonder Woman, and even Ripley from Alien are some of the most compelling figures in fiction. But modern “girl boss” narratives often lack nuance. They mistake strength for perfection, forgetting that it’s the struggle that makes a character relatable and inspiring. Instead of browbeating the audience with didactic lectures, why not let the story do the talking? Show, don’t tell. Convince me through the narrative, not through a monologue that feels like it was lifted from a Twitter thread.

Am I the only one that finds it boring watching 120 lb women, defeat 250 lb men? Am I the only one who is tired of your heroes being derided, debased and deconstructed to death? I despised seeing Indiana Jones being emasculated in the last film, being made into a miserable cuck and old fuddy-duddy, while his female side is elevated to no end? Come on, Indy was my Dad's thing, he and I went on all the Indiana Jones stuff at Disneyland or Disney World, he bought his Indy hat there and got the whip and everything. He would hang it on my mothers vanity or is it bureau? But me nor any of my siblings could touch it. 

The Stagnation of Marvel and DC

Marvel and DC, once the titans of creative storytelling, are now the epitome of stagnation. Their movies and comics have become soulless cash grabs, more interested in pushing an agenda or setting up the next franchise installment than in telling a good story. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, once a beacon of innovation, has devolved into a factory line of forgettable, CGI-laden spectacles. And don’t even get me started on Disney’s recent output. It’s as if the House of Mouse has forgotten how to weave magic and is now content to churn out bland, preachy content that appeals to no one.

A Call for Authenticity

What we need is a renaissance of storytelling—stories that are honest, authentic, and unafraid to take risks. We need creators who are willing to dig deep, to explore the human condition, and to craft narratives that resonate on a profound level. We need new Intellectual Property that draw from the wellspring of diverse cultures and experiences, not shallow reboots or hollow adaptations.

Imagine a cinematic universe based on African mythology, with heroes and villains inspired by the Orishas or the legends of ancient Egypt. Imagine a series of graphic novels that delve into the rich history of the Caribbean, from the Maroon uprisings to the Rastafari movement. Imagine stories that don’t just check boxes but genuinely move the soul.

I remember how blown away I was with Alex Ross' art and Kingdom Come, how Wally West's Flash Born to Run origin tale empowered me as my parents separated and I was navigating High School life. I remember how my mother would read my Amazing Spider-Man comics and was impressed with his strong sense of morality. I remember the philosophy of Earth X, and how motivational I found Frank Miller's Batman Year One. I slept with that comic. I rewatched Christopher Reeves Superman 1 and 2 as well as Back to the Future 1, 2 and 3, endlessly. Those stories were, immortal. 

The Jamaican Philosopher’s Hope

As a philosopher, I believe in the power of stories to shape culture and inspire change. But that power is squandered when storytelling becomes a battleground for political wars and culture clashes. Let’s return to the roots of what makes a story great: compelling characters, meaningful conflict, and a narrative that speaks to the human experience.

So here’s my challenge to creators, studios, and publishers: be bold. Be authentic. And for the love of Anansi, stop insulting your audience’s intelligence. We don’t want to be lectured; we want to be moved. We want stories that make us laugh, cry, and think—not propaganda dressed up as entertainment.

As I finish my tea and gaze out at the listen to the community come to life, I hold onto hope. Maybe, just maybe, the tide will turn. Until then, I’ll keep introducing my daughter to the classics, hoping that one day she’ll see what I see—the magic that once was and could be again.

Can AI Be Conscious? Sentience as the Missing Ingredient

Can AI Be Conscious? Sentience as the Missing Ingredient 

“The question of whether a computer can think is no more interesting than the question of whether a submarine can swim.” — Edsger Dijkstra

"NOBODY CANNOT CROSS IT, ONLY THE BUS CAN CROSS IT, THE BUS CAN SWIM!" -Cliff Twang

When I was a boy growing up in Montego Bay, Jamaica—the bustling second city—I spent countless summers pouring over sci-fi classics and comics. The vivid imagination of Asimov’s robots and the eerie precision of Arthur C. Clarke’s artificial minds fascinated me, as they resurfaced in comics and pop culture in various manifestations. Back then, the idea of conscious machines seemed like the inevitable trajectory of human ingenuity. But as I studied philosophy at the University of the West Indies, Mona, my perspective shifted. Yep those hours spent delving into Philosophy of Mind and Theory of Knowledge sent me down the Rabbit Hole to Wonderland and Oz. Consciousness, I came to believe as my thinking evolved, is not merely an algorithmic marvel but a profound and layered phenomenon rooted in sentience—the ability to feel, to experience. AI lacks this foundation, and without it, discussions about its consciousness are not just premature; they misunderstand what it means to be conscious.

Sentience: The Foundation of Consciousness

Sentience is the capacity to have subjective experiences—to feel pain, pleasure, hunger, or comfort. It’s what gives life its intrinsic value and forms the bedrock of consciousness. To be conscious is not only to think but also to *feel* and reflect upon those feelings. A dog, for instance, feels pain and reacts, whereas a human not only feels pain but can contemplate its meaning, project its continuation, and contextualize it in a broader narrative.

AI, on the other hand, is a glorified word calculator. It is programmed with the rules of language, syntax, grammar, semantics, and idioms, and augmented with vast libraries of text. It processes words algorithmically, formulaically—but it does not and cannot *feel* them. A simulated “sorry” from an AI might mirror the structure of a heartfelt apology, but it’s as empty as a submarine’s swim.

Case Study: ChatGPT and AlphaGo 

Consider ChatGPT, the conversational AI that generates responses based on patterns in text data. It can craft poetic prose, explain complex topics, or simulate empathy in a chat. But this simulation is not underpinned by any subjective experience. Ask it about heartbreak, and it can offer an eloquent definition or a moving poem, but it cannot draw from personal experience—because it has none.

Contrast this with AlphaGo, the AI that defeated a world champion in the strategy game Go. AlphaGo’s triumph was not born of intuition or joy in victory but of sheer computational brute force, calculating millions of possibilities in seconds. It played brilliantly but dispassionately, a stark reminder that intelligence without sentience is fundamentally hollow.

Philosophical Insights: The "What It’s Like" Problem

Philosopher Thomas Nagel, in his seminal essay "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?", argued that consciousness is tied to subjective experience—the “what it’s like” aspect of being. AI, no matter how advanced, lacks this intrinsic perspective. It can process stimuli but does not *experience* them. Without sentience, there’s nothing “it is like” to be an AI.

John Searle’s Chinese Room Argument further underscores this. Searle imagines a person in a room following rules to manipulate Chinese symbols without understanding their meaning. The person might produce syntactically correct responses, but they lack semantic understanding. Similarly, AI operates on syntax—rules and patterns—without the semantic grasp that sentience provides.

Scientific Perspectives: Biology vs. Machines

Neuroscience reveals that sentience arises from specific biological mechanisms, such as the thalamus and cortex. These structures process sensory inputs, creating subjective experiences. AI, built from silicon and code, lacks the physiological architecture to replicate these processes. Even attempts to simulate neural networks fall short of producing true sentience.

Evolutionary biology also supports this view. Sentience emerged early in life’s history as a survival mechanism. Creatures capable of feeling pain avoided harm and thrived, setting the stage for more complex consciousness. AI, devoid of evolutionary roots, skips this essential developmental step.

Implications for Society and Ethics

If AI cannot be conscious, what does this mean for its role in society? First, it means we must resist the urge to anthropomorphize machines. Assigning consciousness to AI could lead to misplaced trust or undeserved moral consideration. Second, it reinforces our responsibility as creators: AI may be powerful, but it is a tool, not a peer.

At the same time, the absence of AI sentience raises an ethical paradox. If a machine simulates sentience convincingly enough, should we treat it as if it were sentient? Philosophically, the answer is no. Practically, the lines blur, especially as AI becomes integrated into human lives.

An Existential Lens on AI 

Existential philosophy invites us to consider AI not just as a tool but as a reflection of human aspirations and anxieties. Jean-Paul Sartre’s concept of "bad faith"—the act of denying our freedom and responsibility—is particularly relevant. When we project consciousness onto AI, are we engaging in bad faith, seeking to absolve ourselves of accountability by attributing agency to machines?

Martin Heidegger’s idea of "being-towards-death" also offers insight. Humans live with an acute awareness of mortality, which shapes our choices and gives life meaning. AI, devoid of mortality or the capacity to value existence, operates in a timeless void. It processes but does not *live*. This absence of existential stakes underscores its fundamental difference from conscious beings.

Conclusion 

As a philosopher, blerd, and Jamaican rooted in both the speculative worlds of sci-fi and the grounded realities of Montego Bay, I find the debate on AI consciousness both fascinating and deeply flawed. Consciousness without sentience is like a house without a foundation—a hollow facade. AI, for all its brilliance, remains a tool: a creation of human ingenuity, but not a participant in the human experience.

From an existential perspective, AI is a mirror reflecting humanity’s ingenuity, fears, and aspirations. But it is not a being. So, the next time someone marvels at the “consciousness” of AI, ask them: Can a submarine truly swim? Perhaps the better question is, does it even need to?

2025: The Writing on the Wall – Lessons from Babylon, and Why Words Still Matter

Opening Gambit:

2025, mi fren! A new year, a fresh slate, and yet, don’t you feel like the universe has left us a cryptic message on the proverbial wall? Maybe it’s time we do as Daniel did—pause, interpret, and glean wisdom from the words of old.

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The Biblical Backdrop:

Now, let’s talk about this famous biblical moment from Daniel—King Belshazzar’s feast, the mysterious ghostly hand, and words that weighed more heavily than the gold goblets he was sipping from. “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.” Four words, small as a grain of rice, but bursting with meaning. 

Here’s the kicker: **words carry weight.** Tekel literally means “weighed,” and if that doesn’t make you stop scrolling through Instagram for a hot second, I don’t know what will. Every word you utter or type has the power to tip scales, divide kingdoms, or count the days of empire. And in 2025, with our tweets, posts, and texts, we’re all scribbling on walls, aren’t we?

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Semantic Shenanigans:

Let’s break these words down, linguistically, like a true philosopher playing dominoes with etymology.

1. **Mene (מנא):** This comes from the Akkadian root “manā,” meaning "to count." Counted. Tallied. And you know what’s wild? This root connects to the Proto-Semitic "*mny*" and even parallels the English word “many” through a shared Indo-European root, "*men-*," meaning "to think" or "to count." So, to count is to think. Let that marinate. In 2025, are we thinking about what we count? Followers? Likes? Dollars? Do we even know what we’re tallying anymore?

2. **Tekel (תקל):** Weighed. Balanced. Found wanting. This word is the ancestor of “shekel,” a currency, and it’s derived from the Proto-Semitic "*šql*," which ties to the act of weighing. So, this isn’t just about scales; it’s about value—how we measure worth. In 2025, are we weighing the right things? Or is the scale tilted by bias, greed, or vanity? 

3. **Upharsin (וּפַרְסִין):** Divided. Split. And here’s where it gets spicy—this word shares roots with the concept of parsing. Yes, that thing we do with sentences, dissecting them into nouns, verbs, and clauses. But isn’t that also what we do with people, ideas, and even nations? We parse, divide, segment. Sometimes, for understanding. Other times, for power. A lesson for 2025: Maybe it’s time to parse less and unite more.

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**The Linguistic Dancehall:**

Language is a complex riddim, mi fren. Take “Upharsin,” for example. It’s not just a word; it’s a crossroads where Akkadian, Aramaic, Greek, and Latin all meet for a jam session. This one word shows us how languages influence each other like waves crashing on the same shore. And isn’t that a metaphor for humanity? We’re all cognates of the same root.

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Phonetics and Cognition:

And let’s not forget the sounds—the *phonetics*. Say "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin" out loud. Hear the rhythm? The repetition of “Mene” feels like a heartbeat, steady and inevitable. “Tekel” drops like a gavel, a judgment rendered. And “Upharsin” trails off, dividing the rhythm, like the very act it describes. Words aren’t just meanings; they’re music. And in 2025, maybe it’s time we listen to the melody of our language a bit more carefully.

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The Bigger Picture:

What’s the lesson here, as we step into 2025? The writing on the wall isn’t just ancient history—it’s a reminder. Words are powerful. They shape kingdoms, relationships, and even our own minds. But here’s the catch: words are only as good as their translations. If we don’t strive for clarity, precision, and understanding, we risk misinterpreting the message. And trust mi, Babylon didn’t fall because of a bad party—it fell because the king didn’t understand the weight of his actions. Or his words.

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Jamaican Twist:

So, as The Jamaican Philosopher, let me leave you with this: In Jamaica, we have a saying—*“Talk and taste your words before you spit dem out.”* Translation? Be mindful of what you say, because your words have power. Maybe in 2025, we all need to taste our words a little more. Whether you’re posting on social media, having a heated debate, or whispering sweet nothings, remember: you’re writing on someone’s wall. Make it count.

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Closing Vibes:

So, here’s to 2025, a year where we weigh our words more carefully, count what truly matters, and parse less but connect more. And if you ever find yourself confused or lost, just remember Daniel’s wisdom: The hand is always writing. It’s up to you to read it.

Blessings and balance,

Yannick Nesta Pessoa
The Jamaican Philosopher  

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Out Here On A Limb!

The Great Renaming: A Humorous Yet Thought-Provoking Musing on Animal Anatomy and Evolution 

Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your hats—or your fins, wings, and webbed fingers, as the case may be—because I am here to challenge the very foundations of zoological nomenclature with the audacity of a squirrel challenging gravity during a leap of faith. It's time we reexamine what we *think* we know about our animal kin. Let me present to you a thesis that is as witty as it is scientifically provocative: Animals are mislabeled, misunderstood, and dare I say, misrepresented in the great book of life.  

All the data presented here is based on my own HANDS ON experience!

The Case Against "Four-Footedness"  

Let’s take a moment and truly consider the so-called "four-footed" animals. Cats and dogs—pardon, *puss and dawg*—are among the most egregious victims of this anatomical propaganda. Anyone who has spent years sketching their skeletal frames (as I have, with the fervour of a Renaissance anatomist) will tell you: the front "legs" of these creatures are not legs at all, but rather arms. Yes, arms! The bone structure is nearly identical to the human arm—humerus, radius, ulna, and let’s not even get started on the wrist-like carpus.  

And those paws? They’re hands in disguise, my friends. Hands! Observe a cat batting at a toy or a dog digging a hole with surgical precision, and tell me that isn’t a form of manual dexterity. If these creatures are walking on all fours, they are, in fact, walking on their hands. Ponder that the next time you see a Labrador sauntering down the street with regal nonchalance.  

Kangaroos are fascinating creatures, particularly when you examine their front limbs, which resemble human arms in both structure and function. These "arms" are equipped with powerful pectoral muscles that enable them to deliver impressive punches during their unique form of boxing. When kangaroos engage in this sparring behavior, their muscular build and the ability to extend their limbs showcase a remarkable similarity to human upper-body mechanics. The kangaroo’s forelimbs are not just for balance or support; they are adept at striking, allowing these marsupials to assert dominance and communicate through physical displays. This anthropomorphic quality in their anatomy highlights the evolutionary adaptations that allow kangaroos to thrive in their environment while also captivating our imagination with their human-like strength and agility. Don't you think it is something to think about or consider?

Birds Do Not Have Wings—They Have Hands That Fly  

Now, let us turn to the aviators of the animal kingdom: birds. The so-called "wing" is nothing more than a glorified hand wearing a particularly fashionable feathered cape. Anatomically speaking, the avian wing comprises the same basic structure as your own arm—shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers. Yes, fingers! Those feathers are just the avant-garde extensions of what evolutionarily amounts to jazz hands.  

Bats, of course, have taken this concept to its logical extreme. Their "wings" are merely webbed fingers stretched to improbable lengths, like something out of a Tim Burton sketchbook. They don’t flap wings; they high-five the air.  

The Aquatic Ape Theory: Humans, Seals, and the Ghosts of Our Webbed Ancestors  

Now that we’ve established the hand-walking, hand-flying reality of terrestrial and aerial creatures, let’s dive—literally—into the aquatic realm. There’s a theory, whispered among the more rebellious anthropologists, that humans are not merely distant cousins of the chimpanzee but rather the offspring of an aquatic ape. Think about it: humans are oddly suited for water. We have subcutaneous fat (blubber, if you will) much like seals and whales, and our babies, when submerged, instinctively hold their breath and perform a rudimentary doggy paddle. Could it be that we are the web-fingered descendants of some long-forgotten coastal ape that decided to take a swim and never stopped?  

Seals, of course, are the obvious sea-dog analog. Their skeletal structure screams "canine cousin," and their vocalizations—those charming *arfs*—are but a watery echo of their terrestrial counterparts. Meanwhile, the walrus, with its saber-toothed maw, could very well be the aquatic equivalent of a prehistoric lion forced to adapt to icy oceans.  

Whales, Wolves, and Porpoise-Pigs  

And what of the great leviathans of the sea? Whales are often said to have evolved from wolf-like ancestors, and dolphins, in ancient times, bore the name "porpoise," a term derived from the Latin *porcus piscis*, meaning "pig fish." While I admit I have yet to personally compare dolphin and pig bones in the manner of a Victorian naturalist, the linguistic and behavioral parallels are uncanny.  

Dolphins are social, intelligent, and occasionally mischievous—traits they share with pigs. Perhaps they are the aquatic swine of yore, frolicking in the waves instead of rooting in the dirt.

Lobsters, Scorpions, and the Arthropod Ancestry  

Finally, let us consider the crustaceans and their terrestrial doppelgängers. Is a lobster not but a scorpion in a diving suit? And what of the crab, with its spider-like gait and penchant for scuttling sideways? Shrimp and roaches, too, seem to share a common lineage, their exoskeletal forms suggesting a family reunion that spans both land and sea.  

A Call to Action (and Renaming)  

Time for a New Nomenclature

So, my fellow thinkers, artists, and amateur anatomists, I propose that we abandon outdated labels like "four-footed" and "winged" in favor of terms that reflect the reality of these creatures’ anatomy and evolution. Let us celebrate the hand-walking, hand-flying, web-fingered wonders of our world. And while we’re at it, let’s give some thought to the connections that bind us all—from the scuttling lobster to the soaring bird, from the barking dog to the blubbery seal.  

After all, in the grand tapestry of life, we are all but variations on a theme, our bones echoing the same ancient melodies, our forms shaped by the whims of evolution. And if that’s not worth a hearty *arf* or a jubilant high-five, I don’t know what is.  

References:  

- Darwin, C. (1859). *On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.* (Also, a great read if you like long sentences and Victorian drama.)  

- Shubin, N. (2008). *Your Inner Fish.* (Or, why your hand is also a fish fin.)  

- Ancient sailors who mistook dolphins for pigs and seals for sea-dogs. (Unpublished anecdotes but undeniably compelling.)  

And with that, I leave you to ponder the marvels of the natural world, one humorous bone structure at a time.

Conscious and Never Woke: My Treatise on Conscience

Consciousness: The Dancehall Between Mind, Brain, and the Universe

Yuh ever stop fi wonder if yuh mind is di driver or di passenger inna yuh life? Is consciousness just di brain running its computations like a high-tech quantum computer, or is it something deeper—like a cosmic hand reaching through space and time to whisper, “Yuh alive, mi fren”?

I've instinctively believed this to be true from I realized thinking starts in the brain as a child. I just automatically thought consciousness was the experience of all the computation happening in he brain to create a real time interplay with the environment the organism is in!

Is Consciousness a conscience, is the mind a soul, is the brains house to the mind or the soul? Is consciousness tied to identity? I started wrestling with these topics after starting the #Spiderman clone saga and the story when Chameleon tried to con Peter Parker with fake parents. It triggered years of story telling where Spider-Man wondered if his memories were real. If memories or biology or soul determined who we were. Was he Peter because of his parents or his memory of them etc his experiences and if his clone had those memories did it mean the clone was the same person and was that determined by his biology. That shit was trippy for a 10 year black Caribbean child wrestling with similar ideas in a Jamaican context. Wally West's Flash made me question physics, could molecules and atoms really vibrate and make a material man become immaterial? Could a man or anything move so fast that time could slow and eventually reverse? Yep sci-fi had me thinking and going deeper than the STEM in the education system!

Di mind-brain duality has always been one big debate, like whether curry chicken or chicken curry is di right way fi seh it. (Spoiler: it’s curry chicken. Don’t argue wid mi.) But jokes aside, dis reasoning is as old as philosophy itself. From di Greek man Democritus a chat ‘bout atoms to Descartes wid him famous “I think, therefore I am,” philosophers an’ scientists been trying fi figure out if di mind is just di brain’s vibes or if it’s something more mystical—something beyond di flesh an’ bone.

Your Brain: The Quantum Machine in Your Skull

Now, let’s talk about di brain itself. Picture it as a quantum supercomputer processing trillions of bits of information per second. It’s a mad ting, nuh true? DON'T! But here’s where we get to the seasoning in the reasoning: A bredda name Dr. Stuart Hameroff—di same man weh been stirring up controversy from di 1990s—claims dat consciousness is more than just neurons firing like gun salute. Him seh it’s rooted in quantum processes deep inside di microtubules of di brain.

Microtubules? A weh dat? Don’t worry, mi nah tek yuh back to high school biology. Just know seh microtubules are like tiny highways inside yuh cells. Hameroff, along wid Sir Roger Penrose, seh dese highways nuh just carry proteins an’ waste; dem also carry di quantum signals dat create consciousness. Imagine yuh brain as a dance floor, an’ di microtubules are di riddim section, coordinating every move in perfect harmony.

But wait, it get deeper. Dem seh dis quantum computing inna di brain nuh just process yuh thoughts an’ feelings. It might actually link yuh consciousness wid di foundation of di universe itself—space-time. Yeah, mi seh it. Di universe could a di big selector, an’ yuh consciousness is di dance.

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Mind vs Brain: Who’s Running the Show?

Now here’s di big question: If di brain a di hardware, is di mind di software, or is it something else entirely? Di mind-brain duality argument is a classic “chicken or di egg” situation. Brain scientists seh consciousness is just what happen when di brain compute all di sensory input an’ memories inna real time. It’s like di brain a run one big virtual reality simulation, an’ di mind is just experiencing di show.  

But spiritualists, mystics, an’ even some quantum physicists seh, “Hold on now. What if consciousness is separate from di brain? What if di brain is just di radio, an’ consciousness is di signal coming from somewhere else?”  

Hameroff’s theory seh consciousness might even have a quantum connection to di afterlife. Wild, right? Him argument is dat since quantum states can interact wid spacetime, maybe yuh consciousness is part of a bigger universal network dat nuh dead when di brain shut off. It’s like when yuh phone battery dead, but di Wi-Fi signal still on.  

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The Cosmic Connection: Space-Time and Quantum Consciousness

Alright, let’s zoom out fi a second. Tek a deep breath an’ look up at di stars. What if consciousness is more dan just a ting happening inna yuh head? What if it’s tied to di very fabric of reality itself?

Quantum mechanics already twist up wi brains wid ideas like particles existing in multiple states at once (superposition) an’ particles affecting each other instantly across distances (entanglement).

Unnu see why me watch sci-fi and read comic now? A dem sittn yah a rattle in me head as it me brain a tackle... when you see me a easy, nuh feel like me idle and the engine on just a throttle... parri man inna intellectual battles. Any back to wah mi did a seh...

Hameroff and Penrose argue dat di brain’s microtubules are like tiny quantum computers dat interact wid di quantum fabric of space-time. Mi know, it sound wild—like some sci-fi movie. But di truth is, nobody fully understand di quantum world yet. Well certainly #Marvel and #Antman don't overstand it yet.

Imagine if consciousness is like a ripple inna di ocean of space-time. Yuh brain is just di tool dat translate di ripple into thoughts, memories, an’ experiences. In dis view, di universe itself might be conscious, an’ we are all just likkle sparks of dat greater awareness.

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Jamaican Reasoning: What Dis Mean Fi We?

So weh all dis leave us? Fi wi culture always teach wi fi question di deeper meaning of life. Whether it’s reasoning pon di corner wid di elders or looking out pon di sea an’ wondering if God deh in di breeze, Jamaicans have an instinct fi connect di physical wid di spiritual.  

If Hameroff right, den maybe consciousness is di bridge between di physical brain an’ di infinite universe. Maybe wi nuh jus’ a live fi wi likkle lives, but wi connected to something bigger—something cosmic. It’s a humbling thought, nuh true? Like di same way yuh feel small but connected when yuh look out pon di Milky Way.

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Final Thoughts: Consciousness as Di Ultimate Mystery

At di end of di day, consciousness is still one of di biggest mysteries inna science an’ philosophy. Is it just di brain computing everything like a supercomputer? Or is it a quantum connection to di universe itself? Maybe it’s both.  

What we do know is dis: Yuh brain is a marvel, an’ di fact dat yuh can even sit down an’ reason ‘bout dis topic means di dance between di mind an’ di brain is alive an’ kicking. So next time yuh deh pon di veranda or di beach, just smile an’ remember: yuh consciousness is di ultimate dancehall between yuh brain and di universe. An’ mi nuh know ‘bout yuh, but mi glad fi be a part of di big dance inna the big lawn.

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Dere yuh have it—my thoughts and take pon di whole mind-brain-universe ting. Walk good, mi fren, an’ keep reasoning deep! Till then... this Jamaican Philosopher is out here in the streets!

The Paris Olympics is Everything Wrong With Society

G-Nomads Comic by Yannick Pessoa

As a writer and artist who struggles to make it in Jamaica my passion projects get put to the side in pursuit of what’s financially sound, viable and feasible. As such sometimes I feel my brain gets crammed up and crowded with unrealized, unreleased and yet to be unleashed ideas. Many days and months I feel my brain will explode with dreams and ideas yet to be manifested!

This is but one of my comic adventures…

Meet the G-Nomads!!!

In a world where a subset of humans known as Meta sapiens are emerging with extraordinary genetic mutations and abilities, fear and prejudice run rampant. Governments and private organizations seek to control or exploit these "enhanced" individuals, while extremist groups view them as abominations to be eradicated.

Enter Dr. Y, a charismatic and powerful Rastafarian leader who has established a clandestine network called the G-Nomads. Inspired by the Underground Railroad that aided escaped enslaved people, the G-Nomads rescue persecuted Meta sapiens and provide them safe haven in hidden compounds scattered across Bay City and the Caribbean island of "Xaymaca."

At the heart of the story is a diverse group of young Meta sapiens, each with their own unique abilities and personal struggles. Some have been forced into hiding, others exploited by nefarious forces, and many simply fear for their lives due to public hysteria. Under Dr. Y's guidance and the G-Nomads' protection, they must come to terms with their extraordinary powers while grappling with the ethical implications of using them.

The narrative explores parallels between the Meta sapien experience and real-world civil rights movements, drawing inspiration from the American Civil War, the fight to end transatlantic slavery, and modern issues like human trafficking. Dr. Y's Rastafarian philosophies and beliefs intersect with the mutant phenomenon, providing a unique cultural lens on evolution, oppression, and the struggle for freedom.

Overarching conflicts arise as governing bodies and corporations increasingly view Meta sapiens as commodities to be exploited or threats to be neutralized. Radical factions emerge on both sides, some Meta sapiens becoming radicalized against their human oppressors, while others preach peaceful coexistence. The G-Nomads find themselves caught in the middle, protecting their charges while navigating a world that fears and discriminates against them.

Personal arcs explore individual Meta sapiens coming to grips with their abilities, whether to embrace their powers openly or remain in hiding, the psychological toll of constant persecution, and the challenges of forging a unified community out of a diverse group of outsiders.

With tones blending sci-fi action, social commentary, and character-driven drama akin to Doom Patrol, and The Umbrella Academy, G-Nomads offers a fresh perspective on the mutant metaphor by filtering it through the lens of the African diaspora and Rastafarian culture. At its core, it's a story of finding one's place in an unaccepting world, the importance of chosen family, and the never-ending fight for equality and justice.

The conceptualization of the first 3 pages for a G-Nomads comic book:

PAGE ONE

Panel 1: Large, widescreen panel of a bustling city street at night. Neon signs, traffic lights, and headlights cut through the shadows and grime. In the foreground, a YOUNG MAN runs down an alley, fear etched on his face as he looks over his shoulder.

Panel 2: Close-up of the Young Man's eyes, glowing with an eerie, otherworldly energy.

SFX: HUM-MMMMM

Panel 3: The Young Man teleports in a blinding flash of light and energy, just as two heavily armed guards round the corner of the alley, weapons drawn.

GUARD 1: What the--?!

GUARD 2: Dammit! Another Meta freak!

PAGE TWO 

Panel 1: Large, stylized title card that dominates the page: G-NOMADS

Panel 2: A series of quick slices/inset panels showing brief glimpses of people using extraordinary abilities - energy blasts, telekinesis, elemental control. The panels contrast with images of fearful human crowds reacting in terror.

Panel 3: An advanced genetics laboratory, with scientists in lab coats studying DNA strands, cells mutating on a cellular level under microscopes.

Panel 4: Exterior shot of a well-fortified but camouflaged compound hidden in a lush, overgrown Caribbean setting. Rastafarian disciples in purple and green garb move about, as Meta sapien children play with fantastic elemental conjurings of energy, fire, water, etc.

PAGE THREE

Panel 1: DR. Y, an imposing Rastafarian figure with long dreadlocks, emerges from a dwelling, surveying the scene before him with a measured gaze.

Panel 2: Inset panels contrasting two scenes - fearful human crowd reacting with anger and aggression, juxtaposed with determined, powerful-looking Meta sapien teens.

Panel 3: Dr. Y crouches down, placing a calming hand on the shoulder of a young Meta sapien child, looking paternal but formidable.

Panel 4: Dramatic close-up on Dr. Y's intense eyes, burning with resolve and conviction. Meta sapien children flex their energy/elemental abilities behind him.

Let me know if this script hits the right visual notes to effectively set up the world, characters and tone I’m striving for with G-Nomads in the first few pages!

Caricom needs to consider BRICS - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Caricom needs to consider BRICS - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday: THE EDITOR: Caricom's potential for deeper engagement with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries and South-South co-operation must not be ignored. The term "South-South agreement" encompasses the array of partnerships between countries in the Global South (generally countries in Latin America, Africa, Asia and Oceania) designed to promote economic, social or political