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Part 2 of the Nuclear Mini-Series This is part two of my mini-series on nuclear power and whether it could be the clean energy solution we've all been waiting for.As I said before (and it bears repeating): fossil fuels kill about 8 million people every single year — more than the populations of Aotearoa and most of the Pacific Islands combined.Despite that, nuclear power remains the energy source we fear the most. But should we?In the last episode, we explored the science of nuclear — what it is, how it works, and why it's not nearly as scary as it sounds. In this episode, we dive into its history — a sometimes horrifying, sometimes absurd, and often misunderstood timeline that shaped our collective anxiety around nuclear energy.In this episode, I cover:The early discoveries of nuclear materials and radiationHow public fear around nuclear energy really beganThe rise of nuclear bombs and the race for atomic powerWhat actually happens inside a nuclear reactor (in plain English)The major nuclear disasters that shaped global perceptionWhat went wrong at Three Mile IslandWhat made Chernobyl so catastrophicWhy Fukushima shook public confidence in nuclear safetyKey quotes:“Nuclear energy got its hideous reputation before it had even powered a single light bulb.”“Creepy green glows and mutant fish? That's science fiction, not reality.”“Public anxiety about nuclear energy didn't actually start with power stations.”Books & Resources Mentioned:Here are the books and materials I mentioned for anyone who wants to explore:The Radium Girls by Kate MooreA gripping and enraging true story of the young women who painted glow-in-the-dark watch faces with radioactive paint — and paid the ultimate price. The Woman Who Knew Too Much by Gayle GreeneA biography of Dr. Alice Stewart, who studied radiation risks and stood up to the nuclear establishment. (Recommended for broader radiation safety context).Atoms and Ashes: A Global History of Nuclear Disasters by Serhii PlokhyCovers Six major nuclear incidents — including Chernobyl, Fukushima, and Three Mile Island — with historical and political analysis.If you want to go down the rabbit hole, I also recommend googling:“Radithor” (yes, that glowing bottled water was real)“Clarence Dally and Thomas Edison” (the first radiation death in the U.S).Find our full podcast via the website here:https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/
When you think of the phrase “nuclear power” what comes to mind for you? Perhaps some of the notable catastrophic accidents that were caused from malfunctions at nuclear power plants like Chernobyl or Three Mile Island? Although nuclear power carries some risks, some are saying it’s one of the most reliable ways we have to generate electricity. Today, we are going atomic and diving into the world of nuclear power, including taking a look at what this looks like in our state. What questions do you have about going nuclear? GUESTS: John Moritz: covers energy and environment for CT Mirror Erik Katovich: Assistant Professor of Environmental and Resource Economics at the University of Connecticut Ivan Penn: New York Times reporter covering the energy industry Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rising demand for electricity, largely to power the artificial intelligence boom, has stirred a resurgence in nuclear energy. Older plants like Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania are being brought out of retirement, but there’s also investment in smaller-scale reactors with different designs. The fresh interest in nuclear generation has also renewed discussion about how to build these facilities ethically, in other words, with an approach that’s sensitive to the needs of the community and the world at large. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Aditi Verma, assistant professor of nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan, who co-created an undergrad course about ethically designing modern nuclear facilities. Verma discussed her effort to train young engineers to transform the industry. For some engineers, it’s also renewed a discussion about how to build these facilities ethically. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Aditi Verma, professor of nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan who co-created a course for undergraduate students about how to ethically design modern nuclear facilities, about why it’s so important to be teaching this to young, would-be engineers now.
Rising demand for electricity, largely to power the artificial intelligence boom, has stirred a resurgence in nuclear energy. Older plants like Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania are being brought out of retirement, but there’s also investment in smaller-scale reactors with different designs. The fresh interest in nuclear generation has also renewed discussion about how to build these facilities ethically, in other words, with an approach that’s sensitive to the needs of the community and the world at large. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Aditi Verma, assistant professor of nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan, who co-created an undergrad course about ethically designing modern nuclear facilities. Verma discussed her effort to train young engineers to transform the industry. For some engineers, it’s also renewed a discussion about how to build these facilities ethically. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Aditi Verma, professor of nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan who co-created a course for undergraduate students about how to ethically design modern nuclear facilities, about why it’s so important to be teaching this to young, would-be engineers now.
Many of the innovations that have come to define the technological age we live in—from artificial intelligence to cryptocurrency mining—all have one thing in common: they demand large amounts of electricity. Tech companies and utilities are currently grappling with ways to meet this need. You've likely read headlines about proposals to power data centers using “small modular rectors” (SMRs) and even a push to restart Three Mile Island nuclear power plant. HB 672, a bill in the New Hampshire Legislature, is aimed at encouraging similar developments in New Hampshire by allowing off-grid electricity providers. Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University. Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University. Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University. Listen as hosts Anna Brown and Mike Dunbar, of Citizens Count break it down in $100 Plus Mileage. This podcast is produced in partnership with Citizens Count, Granite State News Collaborative and The Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communications at Franklin Pierce University.
Worked in the Reagan administration – check, was at Three Mile Island – check, worked in uranium mining and semiconductor manufacturing, authored several books – check, check, check. The list goes on. Mark Mills incredible career at the nexus of technology, energy, mining, investing and government policy provides the backdrop for a fascinating discussion on all things energy, including Ed's new dishwasher.This podcast is provided for information purposes only from sources believed to be reliable. However, Sprott does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Any opinions and estimates constitute our judgment as of the date of this material and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. Any opinions and recommendations herein do not take into account individual client circumstances, objectives, or needs and are not intended as recommendations of particular securities, financial instruments, or strategies. You must make your own independent decisions regarding any securities, financial instruments or strategies mentioned or related to the information herein. This communication may not be redistributed or retransmitted, in whole or in part, or in any form or manner, without the express written consent of Sprott. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. Receipt and review of this information constitute your agreement not to redistribute or retransmit the contents and information contained in this communication without first obtaining express permission from an authorized officer of Sprott.
In the debate over AI development, two movements stand as opposites: PauseAI calls for slowing down AI progress, and e/acc (effective accelerationism) calls for rapid advancement. But what if both sides are working against their own stated interests? What if the most rational strategy for each would be to adopt the other's tactics—if not their ultimate goals? AI development speed ultimately comes down to policy decisions, which are themselves downstream of public opinion. No matter how compelling technical arguments might be on either side, widespread sentiment will determine what regulations are politically viable. Public opinion is most powerfully mobilized against technologies following visible disasters. Consider nuclear power: despite being statistically safer than fossil fuels, its development has been stagnant for decades. Why? Not because of environmental activists, but because of Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima. These disasters produce visceral public reactions that statistics cannot overcome. Just as people [...] --- First published: April 1st, 2025 Source: https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/fZebqiuZcDfLCgizz/pauseai-and-e-acc-should-switch-sides --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.
Richard Tomlin of Apex Auto Works takes us behind the scenes of high-performance vehicle builds and international racing adventures that push the boundaries of what's possible. From a meticulously restored Panos destined for a private museum to unconventional engine swaps that challenge conventional wisdom, Richard's projects showcase the ingenuity that defines passionate automotive specialists.The heart of our conversation reveals the calculated risks automotive enthusiasts take when pursuing their passion. Despite Mexico being under a Level 4 travel warning with cartels recently classified as terrorist groups, Richard explains why his team still plans to participate in their upcoming Mexican road racing event. "Where we're going, it's not usually a case," he notes, distinguishing between their federale-protected route and the more isolated desert racing that occurs elsewhere. This fascinating risk assessment offers listeners an authentic glimpse into how automotive enthusiasts balance passion with practicality.We explore why certain racing events simply can't happen on American soil, with Richard lamenting that "US laws don't allow us to play like that," revealing how regulatory and insurance hurdles force enthusiasts to look beyond borders for certain experiences. This juxtaposition of American caution versus international opportunity presents a thought-provoking dimension to automotive culture rarely discussed in mainstream conversations.The episode rounds out with a journey through automotive history, including the birth of the Chevrolet Caprice, the legendary Shelby GT350H "Rent-a-Racer" program, and how unexpected events like the Three Mile Island nuclear accident shaped automotive design trends by influencing fuel economy regulations.Whether you're a dedicated gearhead or simply curious about the lengths people will go for their automotive passions, this episode offers invaluable insights into the calculated risks, creative solutions,Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!ProAm Auto AccessoriesProAm Auto Accessories: "THE" place to go to find exclusive and hard to find parts and accessories!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12noonCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Car Talk, email us at info@inwheeltime.comTags: In Wheel Time, automotive car talk show, car talk, Live car talk show, In Wheel Time Car Talk
In this week's episode, host Kristin Hayes talks with Daniel Poneman, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Energy, about the role of nuclear energy in meeting increasing demands for electricity. As the use of artificial intelligence grows, so does demand for electricity, raising questions about which energy sources can provide reliable, clean, consistent power. Poneman discusses whether nuclear energy is a viable option, how the safety and performance of nuclear technology have evolved, and why some retired nuclear power plants are being revived—including the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania, where a reactor meltdown caused by equipment malfunctions occurred 46 years ago as of last Friday. Poneman also describes what challenges the nuclear energy industry is facing, barriers to wider adoption of nuclear energy, and how public perception of nuclear energy has shifted over time. References and recommendations: “Double Jeopardy: Combating Nuclear Terror and Climate Change” by Daniel Poneman; https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262546669/double-jeopardy/ “Washington: A Life” by Ron Chernow; https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/ron-chernow “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin; https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Team-of-Rivals/Doris-Kearns-Goodwin/9780743270755 “Speed of Heat” album by Jeff “Skunk” Baxter; https://open.spotify.com/album/6t5FAhdwvsYFRejUTRAzVZ Henry M. Paulson Jr.'s writings about biodiversity; https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/30/opinion/animal-extinction.html
Host Joe DeMare compares the threat of global warming to the threat of impending dictatorship in the US. Next he interviews Diane D'Arrigo from Nuclear Information Resource Service about the insane plan to reopen the Three Mile Island nuclear plant. Rebecca Wood tells us all about fish. Ecological News includes record renewables growth in 2024 as reported by IRENA, and Sea Lions going insane along the west coast and attacking people.
March 28, 1979. The worst Nuclear accident in American history begins when Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island power plant experiences a partial meltdown. This episode originally aired in 2023.Support the show! Join Into History for ad-free listening and more.History Daily is a co-production of Airship and Noiser.Go to HistoryDaily.com for more history, daily.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A new plan to absorb carbon dioxide from the ocean to fight global warming may be effective, but it is also controversial. Also, a paralyzed man that can stand again after receiving a stem cell treatment. Plus, on This Day in History, the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island nuclear power plant. Oceans' ability to absorb carbon dioxide could be key in fighting global warming | AP News Paralyzed man can stand again after receiving stem cell treatment in Japan | ZME Science Three Mile Island - Accident, Nuclear & Meltdown | HISTORY Nuclear power | Definition, Issues, & Facts | Britannica Closing to reopening: What's the status of Three Mile Island nuclear plant? MSN via PennLive Is Three Mile Island Still Radioactive and Is It Operating Today? - Newsweek Sponsored by Factor -use code coolstuff50off to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Contact the show - coolstuffcommute@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Three Mile Island became a household name on this day in 1979. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this day in 1979, the worst commercial nuclear accident happened at Three Mile Island.
We start this monumental legal exposition with the great hero-attorney STEVE DONZIGER & the high-profile corporate attack on Greenpeace & the Indigenous community. Greenpeace has been sued by Energy Transfer in a North Dakota court with a jury dominated by fossil-fuel workers and a pro-corporate judge. Hawaii-based attorney NATALI SEGOVIA gives us detail on the particulars of this rigged indictment in a case meant to “target the environmental movement as a whole.” Natali emphasizes that the land devastated by the contested pipeline is, by treaty rights, still Indigenous land. Much-revered long-time campaigner CHARLIE CRAY explains that Greenpeace's role in the Standing Rock demonstrations was to train people in non-violence, and that the corporate attack on the Greenpeace organizational structure has been misguided. Steve Donziger then explains where the next legal battles will go amidst the long-standing campaign to weaponize the law against the human attempt to preserve our ability to live on this planet. Charlie Cray explains that the courts refused to allow a live broadcast or official transcript of the court proceeds while the corporations used “pink slime journalism” to propagandize the local North Dakota population. Natalie Segovia confirms that the willingness to ignore tribal sovereignty and fight against movement solidarity is at the core of the corporate attack, as she calls for courage among all of us. Charlie & Steve remind us that a Dutch court will hear anti-SLAPP proceedings against the corporations trying to kill Greenpeace & its pro-ecological campaigning. To start our second hour, we then get an on-the-ground report from journalist/filmmaker ROGER RAPOPORT about Michigan's insane attempt to re-start the Palisades nuclear reactor. An expert on air travel, Roger also reports on the real horrifying & infuriating reasons for the recent deadly crash at Washington DC's National Airport. Performance Artist TOM ENGLISH gives us a great poem about try to humanize our nation's billionaire CEOs. We then move into the nightmare of lithium battery storage & the horrifying disaster of a major fire at Moss Landing California. Nationally syndicated Flashpoint host DENNIS BERNSTEIN talks to us about the human damage being done by this terrible fire & its fallout. MICHELLE A. gives us a heads-up on water based batteries called Aqueous Metal batteries. Western Massachusetts activist & no nukes organizer ANNA GYORGY tells us of her great victory over an unwanted lithium battery center in her neighborhood. Activist/film-mater JILL LONG makes the connection between Moss Landing & the horrors of Three Mile Island. Thanks to MYLA RESON we touch on upcoming supreme court election in Wisconsin, which we will revisit NEXT WEEK! We sign off with PAUL SHERMAN & the Budapest Memorandum that should have prevented to war in Ukraine.
At the 40th anniversary of the TMI accident in 2019. Unit 1 in background was still in operation. This Week’s Featured Interview: Eric Epstein is the Chairman of Three Mile Island Alert, Inc., a safe-energy organization based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that was founded in 1977. TMIA monitors the Peach Bottom, Susquehanna, and Three Mile Island...
The Health Issues of Nukes, Lithium & Solar Panels > > > We open GREEP Zoom #216 with a deep dive into the horrors of our border patrols targeting tourists with horrendous torture and mistreatment. > > We then explore health impacts of nuclear power reactors on nearby downwind communities. > > The great JOE MANGANO of the Radiation & Public Health Project updates us on the multi-decade attempts to construct a data base on cancer rates & trends near nuclear power plants. > > Three Mile Island film-maker JILL MURPHY LONG reports on her horrifying experiences with cancer survivors from around the notoriously stricken nuke. > > Safe energy pioneer KARL GROSSMAN tells of his ground-breaking media contacts on the radiation issue. > > Moss Landing resident BRIAN ROEDER gives us terrifying reports on the lethal fallout from the lithium fire that “clobbered” downwind victims. > > With a report from SARAH AMINOFF we hear of the devastating impact on food production from the Moss Landing lithium fire. > > Scientist MADELAINE ADAMCZESKI raises core issues about the lack of regulation & safety standards at such lithium battery centers. > > Remembering the Karen Silkwood case, TATANKA BRICCA raises the prospect of large-scale health suits stemming from the Moss Landing disaster. > > Health specialist RICHARD LEAR catalogs the potential role EMF filters can play in curtailing the devastating impacts of “dirty electricity" on human well-being. > > Engineering legend TIM SCHOECHLE raises core issues about “badly designed equipment” harming people with solar panels using inferior inverters. > > Our erstwhile engineer STEVE CARUSO talks about shielding to protect us from stray rays emitted by electronic devices. > > Legendary researcher DONNA GILMORE outlines numerous problems with battery facilities that threaten human life. > > Sodium-based batteries used by the Chinese BYD automaker are introduced by MYLA RESON. > > The precautionary principle is raised by BETTY KISSILOVE. > > Indivisible's MIMI SPREADBURY emphasizes that there IS a lawsuit against Moss Landing & PG&E. > > A switch to Iron Air versus lithium batteries is proposed by MELISSA HALL as we head off to a post-nuclear/post-lithium Solartopian green-powered Earth.
The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors includes Corporate Knights company rankings (by sustainable revenues), top natural food stocks, and more! By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 149, March 7, 2025 Hello, Ron Robins here. Welcome to my podcast episode 149, published March 7, 2025, titled “The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors.” It's presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Remember that you can find a full transcript and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode's podcast page at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, and I don't receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal any investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the articles and more company and stock information. ------------------------------------------------------------- The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors (1) I'm beginning this podcast with my just-released annual favorite sustainable company ranking: Corporate Knights 2025 Clean200 List. Here are some quotes from an article by CK staff introducing the 2025 ranking. “California-based shareholder advocates As You Sow and Corporate Knights (Canada) today released the new cohort of the Carbon Clean200, a global list of 200 publicly traded companies leading the sustainable clean energy economy… It shows sustainable companies on path to dominate global economy. Key findings include: The top 10 companies on the list by revenue include Apple (AAPL), Contemporary Amperex Technology (300750.SZ), Microsoft (MSFT), Tesla (TSLA), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM) and Volkswagen (VOW3.DE). Thirty-five countries are represented in the Clean200, including the United States (41), China (21), Japan (18), Germany (14), and France and Canada (11 each). Clean200 companies earned more than $2.5 trillion in sustainable revenue in 2023 (the most recent year for which full-year results are available). Clean200 companies generated a total return of 190.9% on a sustainable-revenue-weighted basis, outperforming the MSCI ACWI index (162.0%) and the MSCI ACWI/Energy Index of fossil fuel companies (76.7%) on Total Return Gross – USD Basis from the Clean200 inception of July 1, 2016, to January 29, 2025. $10,000 invested in the Clean200 on July 1, 2016, would have grown to $29,090 by January 29, 2025, versus $17,670 for the MSCI ACWI/Energy benchmark for fossil fuel. The industrial sector accounts for 52 companies on the list, followed by information technology (32), and consumer discretionary and materials (29 each). IT companies had the highest total sustainable revenue, a cumulative total of more than US$687 billion. Background ‘It is telling that clean energy stocks generated more than double the returns of fossil fuel stocks since 2016, despite political headwinds, underlining that stock markets care more about economic materiality of the parabolic growth in clean energy than the political leanings of the day,' says Toby Heaps, CEO of Corporate Knights and co-author of the report. The Clean200 utilizes the Corporate Knights Sustainable Revenue database, which tracks the percentage of revenue companies earn from sustainable economy themes ranging from green power to electric vehicles to plant protein and smart buildings. The list excludes companies that are flagged on Corporate Knights' list of ‘red flag' companies and As You Sow's Invest Your Values suite of mutual-fund transparency tools that identify companies involved in fossil fuels, deforestation, the prison industrial complex, weapons and tobacco, as well as the exclusionary screens that form part of the Corporate Knights Global 100 methodology.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors (2) The next article is about a sector that appeals to many ethical and sustainable investors. However, few invest in it directly. The article is titled 3 Natural Foods Stocks Positioned for Success in 2025. It's by Sumit Singh and is on zacks.com. Here are some quotes from the article. “Companies like The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (HAIN) and Vital Farms, Inc. (VITL) are responding to the rising demand for organic, clean-label and ethically sourced foods… However, this article focuses on these 3 Natural Foods Stocks to Watch. Quote. 1. United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) stands as a prominent player in the natural foods sector, serving as one of the largest distributors of organic and natural products in North America. Through its extensive network, United Natural Foods supplies a vast array of products, including fresh produce, pantry staples, dairy alternatives and plant-based foods. With its diverse portfolio, the company caters to both retail giants and independent natural food stores… This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company is increasingly focusing on innovation and sustainability within the natural foods space. The company has committed to enhancing its supply-chain practices, reducing waste and supporting regenerative agriculture initiatives. United Natural Foods is also working closely with suppliers to accelerate food innovation. Through its supplier go-to-market program, the company has simplified the process of bringing new natural and organic products to store shelves. This initiative has enabled suppliers to reintroduce thousands of SKUs that were previously discontinued, expanding consumer access to diverse and healthier food options. 2. Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) has been at the forefront of the natural and organic food movement, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking fresh, high-quality and ethically sourced products. The company's commitment to fresh, organic and attribute-driven products sets it apart. With nearly 46% of total produce sales now coming from organic products, Sprouts Farmers Market continues to expand its assortment, ensuring accessibility to high-quality, responsibly sourced food… This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company continues to strengthen its connection with customers through tailored marketing and engagement efforts, such as social media campaigns and in-store discovery events like Sprouts Brand Discovery Days. These initiatives showcase the company's differentiated offerings while attracting a younger demographic and increasing foot traffic. 3. Beyond Meat, Inc. (BYND) is transforming plant-based food by using cleaner, healthier ingredients. The company's latest Beyond 4 products, including the Beyond Burger and Beyond Beef, are made from a blend of yellow peas, brown rice, red lentils and fava beans. These ingredients provide 21 grams of protein per serving while cutting saturated fat by 75% compared to traditional beef burgers, thanks to the use of avocado oil. This commitment to nutrition has earned recognition from the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, reinforcing Beyond Meat's focus on making plant-based options both tasty and healthy… This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company's commitment to food innovation extends beyond retail into food service partnerships. The reintroduction of Beyond The Original Orange Chicken at Panda Express and the expansion of Beyond Nuggets at McDonald's locations in Europe underscore its ability to integrate healthier, plant-based options into mainstream dining. At the same time, Beyond Meat is working to educate consumers on its clean-label approach, challenging misconceptions about plant-based food processing.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors (3) This next article is by an analyst who frequently appears on this podcast: Matt DiLallo. He is also writing about one of his favourite stock picks. His article is titled This Infrastructure Stock Could Be the Best Investment of the Decade. It can be seen on fool.com. Now, here are some quotes by Mr. DiLallo on his recommendation. “Brookfield Infrastructure (BIPC) (BIP) has an embarrassment of riches. The leading global infrastructure company is capitalizing on not one but three massive global megatrends: decarbonization, deglobalization, and digitalization. Those catalysts help drive the company's view that the world needs to invest an astounding $100 trillion over the next 15 years to maintain, upgrade, and build infrastructure. Given its leadership in the sector, it could be one of the best investments over the next decade as it capitalizes on massive opportunities to invest in infrastructure. Multiple growth drivers Brookfield Infrastructure believes that a trio of organic drivers will grow its funds from operations (FFO) by 6% to 9% per share each year. They are: Inflation indexation: Brookfield's infrastructure businesses produce very stable cash flow backed by long-term contracts and government-regulated rate structures, many of which link rates to inflation. Those escalators should boost its funds from operations per share by 3% to 4% per year. GDP growth Reinvested cash flow: Brookfield pays out 60% to 70% of its stable cash flows via dividends. It retains the rest to fund high-return organic expansion projects, which should drive another 2%-3% (in) annual funds from operations per-share growth… A trio of value enhancers Brookfield Infrastructure's megatrend-powered catalysts position it to grow its earnings at a more than 10% annual rate for many years to come. On top of that, it pays a more than 4%-yielding dividend that should continue growing at a healthy rate. Those factors alone position the company to deliver total returns of around 15% per year. Meanwhile, there's additional upside potential from an expansion in its valuation multiple. This high total return potential could make Brookfield one of the best investments over the next decade, especially when factoring in its much lower risk profile.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- The Low-Carbon Stocks for Sustainable Investors (4) Now, my final article is by another analyst on fool.com. Her name is Robin Hartill, and the article is titled How to Buy Constellation Energy Stock (CEG). Here's some of what Ms. Hartill says of her pick. “Constellation Energy (CEG) is the largest provider of carbon-free energy in the U.S., supplying about 10% of the nation's zero-carbon electricity. The Baltimore-based company's nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar generation facilities power about 16 million homes in the U.S. The company was established in 1999 as a part of Constellation Energy Group but later merged with Exelon Group (EXC) in 2012. Constellation Energy then spun off to become its own publicly traded company in 2022, focusing primarily on nuclear and renewable energy. In January 2025, Constellation Energy announced plans to acquire Calpine, a privately held company that's the leading generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources in the U.S., for a net purchase price of $26.6 billion. The merger will create the largest provider of clean energy in the U.S. Last year, the company also made headlines when it inked a deal with Microsoft (MSFT) to restart a Three Mile Island nuclear power plant and power its artificial intelligence (AI) data center. If you want to invest in the transition to clean energy, buying Constellation Energy stock could be a smart move… Is Constellation Energy stock profitable? Constellation Energy stock is profitable. The company reported generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) net income of $11.89 per share and adjusted operating earnings of $8.67 per share for fiscal 2024, easily beating the top end of its twice-revised guidance range of $8 to $8.40 per share. In the fourth quarter of 2024, it posted adjusted earnings per share of $2.44, well above the analyst consensus of $2.19. The company's Q4 and full-year earnings report contained several other pieces of good news for investors. Constellation Energy said it completed $1 billion worth of share repurchases in 2024 and grew its dividend by 25%. It also received a credit ratings upgrade from Moody's, which could make it cheaper for the company to borrow money for projects that will power its growth. Constellation Energy pays annual dividends of $1.41, which works out to a dividend yield of 0.44% based on its share price as of mid-February 2025. That may not be the kind of dividend yield that excites income investors, considering that many utility stocks have yields well north of 3%. But the stock could be worth snatching up if you're looking for dividend growth. Since becoming its own publicly traded company in 2022, Constellation Energy has increased its dividend every year. The company said in its 2024 annual report that it expects to hike its dividend by another 10% in 2025.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Additional article links 1. Title: Lenovo Honored With Prestigious Corporate Governance on 3blmedia.com. By press release. 2. Title: TOV ETF: A Unique Blend Of Financial Growth And Ethical Investing on pradeshtak.com. By Ankit puri. One article from the UK Title: Two funds for investing in ‘most attractive' developed market on .ii.co.uk. By Morningstar. ------------------------------------------------------------- Ending Comment These are my top news stories with their stock and fund tips for this podcast. Please click the like and subscribe buttons wherever you download or listen to this podcast. That helps bring these podcasts to others like you. And please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. Let's promote ethical and sustainable investing as a force for hope and prosperity in these troubled times! Contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for listening. I'll talk to you next on March 21st. Bye for now. © 2025 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul
Energy and Industrials Tech Pa...s NY Tech Summit Feb25, 2025Sat, Mar 01, 2025 10:53PM • 26:59SUMMARY KEYWORDSAutomotive industry, automation, manufacturing jobs, human error, North American trade, energy transition, clean tech, renewable energy, low carbon gasoline, sustainable aviation fuel, methanol, nuclear power, electrical grid, AI in education, family offices.SPEAKERSAlex Zhuk, Eddy van der Paardt, Carl Pro, Matthew Friedman, Brian Neirby, Mark Sanor, Greg Licciardi Mark Sanor 00:00Now we're gonna second to last. Matthew's already on. He's transforming in the automotive industry. I've asked Eddie someone find Eddie Carl, so Industrial Tech, energy tech, Eddie ready. Always, always. I love that. We're gonna play ping pong. We're gonna put on a demo right now. Eddie was amazing. And I have to, like, say i We've yet to lose a match, and last night was just but like in life us, most important thing you can do is choose your partner. And I got Eddie. So why? Since you're on Zoom, Matthew, tell us how technology is transforming the automotive industry, if you could. And then we'll go on to the others, Matthew Friedman 01:02yeah, so, I mean, I'm a living, breathing example. With the work force becoming increasingly transient and particularly easy in manufacturing jobs, it's becoming very difficult to offer a very reasonable hourly wage and good benefit to get people that come in and want to establish a career in manufacturing. So automation is becoming all that much more important, not just from the you know, operational side, but from a quality and in Section side of things. So the visual in session component is critical. We are being not just asked, but effectively mandated, to invest more and more in capital so that there's as little human interaction with our process as possible, because as much individual human interaction as there is that still needs whatever minuscule percent of human error in place. And all you're doing is putting in 100% 200% 300% inspection to assure that bad parts are not getting out. It really doesn't make a difference, because especially with the important and huge critical parts that we're manufacturing, if there's one part that gets out, even if it's one part in a million, it creates a heck of a stir. So what I would say technology for us is finding a way to not just better design and engineer parts up front, but it's more derived at the process themselves. How can we eliminate as much of the human element out of the process? Mark Sanor 02:39So that begs lots of questions, but one of which, what about your competitors? What are you seeing on the competitive landscape and Matthew Friedman 02:45technology? So it's pretty much all the same. I mean, every time we go to a company to help provide us with a potential automation solution, we find out that our competitors on the same programs have already contacted us. So it's all the same. I mean, you know, the other thing that bears mentioning is that with what's going on, kind of, within the North American trade supply chain, is that other companies had gone down to Mexico to try and rely a little bit more upon the labor side of things, both from a pricing and you know, your standard hourly worker in Mexico tended to have a much better work ethic, tended to care a lot more about their job and take pride in their job and be more careful with with the, you know, the actions that are being contemplated by the current administration that bringing a big pressure in a lot of those companies that have moved down to next door are now looking to be short back Mark Sanor 03:44to the US. So who's providing the technology for you? You're talking about? Matthew Friedman 03:49We've got probably, you know, 10 to 15 different vendors in the Midwest. We're based here in Cleveland, Ohio. There's a number of companies here in Ohio. They're doing that. We have a number of companies in Michigan that are critical for that. The big impact on us we feel in very sophisticated, you know, heavy gage, very highly engineered products. When you see the Super Bowl commercial GM pick up that's pulling a space shut all up a rocky cliff, those are our parts that are very carefully designed to do that. But really, right now, the only company that's capable of doing that is a Canadian coup bill, and as a result of the contemplated tariffs that are going on right now, we're looking for alternative sources in the US to be able to provide that capability. We get to find it even, by the way, for this company's US based and Ohio based operations, just that are not equipped to do the same level of process. Mark Sanor 04:48Gotcha, maybe I'll turn it over to you. Ed, bigger picture, because you've been looking at this whole landscape. So yeah, Eddy van der Paardt 04:57maybe the own button. First of all, congratulations to Matt So, so just full circle, we visited his plant, I think, four years ago, and at the time, it was half the size and double the trouble. So, so you've come a long way, my friend and I wish you all the best. Is really interesting to see the company at the time, and it's really amazing to see how you've grown, how you've managed to escape all the problems and come out much better at agile and now on the way to become a massive success. Mark Sanor 05:31But unlike you, Eddie, he was my partner in pick up ball, and we couldn't beat Barbara, right? She's our champion over there, pickleball, silent Eddy van der Paardt 05:39kill her. Mark Sanor 05:41She did not cheat. She picked a better partner, apparently, better athlete. Eddy van der Paardt 05:45I think, I think she's a life long athlete, and we just pretend to Mark Sanor 05:49be one. That's over to you. Eddie, Eddy van der Paardt 05:54so what do you want me to talk about? Mark, Mark Sanor 05:58this is energy and Industrial Tech. This is what you live for, yeah. So I want an instance, an insight, or what scares it excites you, or both? Yeah. Eddy van der Paardt 06:07So, so here there's a couple what scares me in terms of, and let me first do, to do a two second background thing. So I'm sort of aware two hats with one hat I'm investing across the across the value chain, across the asset classes for a family office. And we're sort of agnostic the other hat, which is more relevant hat, is the the hat where we invest in, essentially clean tech, agri tech, and energy transition. And so in that space, we invest, typically in early stage break through technologies that could meaningfully contribute to the decarbonization of the world. And that's a super exciting arena for a number of reasons. One this will, this is not a one and done problem. This, unfortunately will for the next several decades at a minimum, before the so called AI solves all our problems, we we will have to sort of cope with the consequences of climate change, whether we believe it or not, and and have to mitigate and adapt. And in terms of energy, we have to create significantly more energy rather than less, because the way we set up, our world increasingly demands more energy and and that more energy, hopefully can be drawn from mostly renewable resources. We've come a long way, and that's the part where stuff excites me. There's a very significant percentage of that energy already in wind and solar who are now mature, respected, sort of EBITDA positive technologies. But as a venture investor, I'm not investing in these because they deliver sort of, you know, mid, low digit return. So that's not very interesting to me. So we, we are particularly interested in investing in sort of local carbon alternatives for technologies that are up and coming. So for example, low carbon gasoline, we know EVs are eventually, hopefully, what's, what saves our transport needs. But only 3% of the world is, is EV and over the next 25 years, it's a massive curve to climb, and therefore, there always be need for, you know, internal combustible engine cars. Luckily, otherwise, Matt will be out of a business park. Mark Sanor 08:39He he can, he can build Eddy van der Paardt 08:43for so, so low Mark Sanor 08:46carb fuel company going, Eddy van der Paardt 08:50yeah, so So with 361 or as a result of an introduction from 361 we invested in a company called Naro, which had two massive pivots, one, from low carbon gasoline to soft sustainable aviation fuel, and then from soft to methanol. Methanol is going to be preferred fuel for shipping. Going forward, there's massive amounts of CO two emissions by shippers, and they need particularly driven by European regulations, look for new alternatives that are lower emissions. And those are, you know, either LNG or methanol. Methanol is very big up and coming sort of fuel, transport fuel, and they're going to be the first large one point M, 1.9 M ton ethanol plant in the states that deliver sort of the CI score that you want. Mark Sanor 09:53When does it come online? Eddy van der Paardt 09:57There's, there's so. So what I'm excited about this if. Investing in those technologies. And the interesting thing in that space is that there's very few sort of, let's say, you know, Silicon Valley type venture firms investing in this, because it's all real assets, cap, ex, intensive stuff. And people, a lot of people, a lot of venture has to shy away from that Mark Sanor 10:20well, that segue to Carl. And I know you've also looked at paralysis, Eddy van der Paardt 10:24we have an investment in a paralysis company as well. Over to Carl Pro 10:30you, yeah, I'm probably the only non financial person around here. I'm a nuclear engineer, so I'm familiar with everything from new plants, from the Navy side, the small, what I call the Corvette plants, to the big, 1200 megawatt plants that we built. Also did the combustion turbines, wind mills, solar panels, and did a little stint as a power broker bought and sold electricity in California. And what scares me is the fact that everybody looks at power generation, and if you're looking at data centers, there's they're looking for a place to find some power, and now you're seeing they're starting up Three Mile Island. They're starting up another nuclear plant that was in Michigan, that was called that was closed down, and those are 600 mega watt plants. I mean, you're pulling a lot of power, and they're locating them there because they can't move it. When I was in California, I couldn't move power from the north of California to the south of California, because when you look at those transmission lines, you got to go through switch charts, and you got to buy space in that switch chart, and there is no space. So California can't move power from up north, where it's real cheap, down south, where it's real expensive. So that's the other thing is, you know, and then solar and wind. I didn't buy any solar wind power, because the risk mitigation of that is you have to back that up. If you have a sunny day and it's real hot and your windmill doesn't turn and you're supposed to put 100 megawatts on the grid, you got to go buy it on the spot market. You'll probably go bankrupt unless you've bought a contract. So everything that you buy in renewable energies, you have another back up power contract, a tape contract to cover that. So nobody is looking at the US transmission system really hard. The voltages are all different. Some interconnects don't work. Cross state lines. There are breakers that never have Mark Sanor 12:49all right. Carl, I'm giving you as much money as you want. You're, you're the equivalent of Doge, you can, you can, you can make this change. What will you do? Carl Pro 12:58I think there needs to be a national effort similar to the Federal Highway plans, where they did the interstates, that they go out and do that same thing with electrical distribution grid, standardize it around the country and upgrade it. So the one, it's EMP design, so you know, you don't get shut down by somebody putting off a small, inexpensive EMP weapon in the back of a van. The other thing I worry about is the gene pool, and I use this because we built a plant in Mississippi. In Mississippi, the smart kids go to the oil field who you have left are not the sharpest tools in the shed. So I always said this, this gene pool is very shallow. Our schools really suck, and we've got to lift those all up by their bootstraps and get them all better. Don't know how you do it. Yep. My wife was a school teacher. She retired, and she worked in a school where it was the school of last resort. Those kids had been thrown out of every public school in the Pittsburgh area and every private school, and they had, they were taking them on there. Brian Neirby 14:14Brian, so I appreciate the background on this. I been doing quite a bit of research in this space, and just recently invested in a direct to chip water cooled, containerized data, you know, mobile data center unit out of Vienna, Austria, and bringing it to North America and other parts of the world. I'm curious, in this research, you mentioned nuclear power, and in doing that work, I read a study that you're 19 years out before that really becomes life. I don't know if that's fact or fiction. You mentioned 600 megawatts, and from what I've understand, it takes 20 million in capital stand up one megawatt, and then two years of dealing with cities and. Land and blah, blah, blah, then you got hydro power. So you've got these huge demands on AI, got huge demands on the grid, like, how do we how do we account for all this with all these different delivery models to provide data center capacity to these technologies? Carl Pro 15:19I can tell you, the strategy that I looking at, because I'm trying to protect what we're doing, is that I'm looking at every coal mine and every steel mill that is shut down, and every coal fired power plant, because when they demolish them, they leave the switch yards there. Those properties are worth 10s of millions of dollars, and they're just sitting there, and I'm looking to pick up a couple of them just to hold on to. Alex Zhuk 15:47I have a lot of questions. So Ed, you have a question for you, but you just be so I'm gonna ask you first, with regards to the brown fields, which I'm assuming we refer to, I totally agree. I think that's the relatively low hanging fruit. Do you, from your experience, think that's already sat shrewd, meaning that's a strategy already. Of the big ones have gone out and bought up all the steel mills, coal plants, factories, etc. Carl Pro 16:14No, there's still a lot available. If you focus in on on the coal mine areas. That's why there's so many battery plants being built in the southern Panhandle of Ohio, in West Virginia, because the power is there. But in my neighborhood of Pittsburgh, there's four really sweet sites that had power plants on them that Alex Zhuk 16:37yeah, so completely. Thank you. And then Adi, so to give you just two minute context, the company I may have introduced previously as an a tech company, but we raise capital from Microsoft because we are turning agricultural soils into a carbon sink. And I completely agree with you, actually everything you said, including the capital stack and what many term as the value of death, which, for those who aren't aware, is essentially when a company has raised venture for equity, has de risk completely the technology, but needs to build a factory, or, first of a kind, physical facility, and it's very expensive to do so, and the two options they're left with is either raise so much venture capital that there's nothing left of the company or go to a bank, but not bankable yet, because it's the first of the client facility. And so what you seeing is many companies dying, even though they are building solutions that are needed for the world and also have been de risked. I've been also advising family offices on the climate side, because I believe families can play a very pivot role in this, because they're structurally more flexible. I'm just curious how you're thinking about this, and if you you know generally, what are your thoughts Eddy van der Paardt 17:53on this? Well, it's interesting you te this up, and we didn't, we didn't play ping pong yesterday, or did we compare notes? So we're actually looking at probably raising some type of platform or fund to from family office to provide that capital, because it's not coming from a venture world, and for the right reasons, it's not coming from the infrastructure world yet either, because it's, it's, it is bankable, but only if you have enough equity. And the equity is not coming from that piece of equity is not coming from the infrastructure guys, although Mark Sanor 18:23they they could cross over a little bit, they are. They Eddy van der Paardt 18:25can cross over a little bit for fid capital Right, right before you make the decision to put a billion dollars of steel into the into the ground. And we're looking at a number of investments where we invested in that are looking for either hundreds of millions of a bill or a billion plus more, and it's not coming from the IRA anymore, because that's not killed as well. So where do you go? Well, well, that little piece of capital, which is, no, it's not a little maybe 10 million, 40 million, something like that, right? Is a perfect sort of play for family officers who like to have the risk. Sort of risk sort of risk reward structure is very significant that can come in the form from of a convertible which we did, which we did number of times, where you basically, as a downside protection, have the ownership of the technology and the assets that are there as a collateral, and that can be a digital twin of the plant, etc, etc, etc. And a technology as down side protection, as upside you have, sort of a convertible into the equity round the moment infrastructure partner will invest, which comes with a significant upscaling of the value, plus a, you know, I would say market is now mid teen to high teen return on your on your money, and it's also short term duration, so it's typically 12 to 18 months time in between. Sort of a you have the value of death starting, and your fid starting, and there. And there are a number of of companies to your point, that are stuck in this position. Great technology. Good team raised a bunch of capital from well known investors and cannot move forward, which is obviously also from, like, an A from like, you know, a global perspective, a shame, right? Because these technologies are working, and they've been proven to work yet they just, you need capital to scale up. And so, so I think there's, a lot of work to be done. There's a lot of work to be done by by sort of somehow syndicating, even 361 can play a significant role there. Syndicating this with family offices. Number of them take the lead, fed it out, write the memo, and others join. And I think family office type capital, which is relatively more flexible always, than institutional capital, in many ways, can play a lead role there. Greg Licciardi 20:53I would just add that the your comments on education and the need for improving. I think AI will actually help that and is helping that greatly. I teach at Fordham and Seton Hall, and we're taking all types of master classes on how to elevate our teaching using AI, and it's pretty cool stuff, and it's making education more accessible and tutoring more accessible to more students. And Mike, my kids have tutors, but a lot of families can afford tutors. But now with AI, they can. It's it's pretty cool. Mark Sanor 21:31And we have another company blueprint for kids, which is doing this very Carl Pro 21:34interesting project years ago, and in this kind of dates myself, but it's probably 20 years ago. We did a AI training platform for the Air Force, and you basically put this little ball cap on your head, and it presented material to you, and when you understood it, your brain waves did a shift. And if you didn't understand it, it kept presenting it in a different manner. So it was, Mark Sanor 21:58why don't we bring that to our children? That's pretty cool. Seriously, why? I mean, I know that in war time and in defense, which is going to be the next panel, we come up with lots of innovations. But why is that not trickling down? Carl Pro 22:14It just cuts that on the shelf, and the Air Force now uses it. Well, why Mark Sanor 22:19don't you and I go find that? Let's get that too. Yeah, no, let's, let's buy it first, and then we'll figure out to do Matthew TED talk on that. Matthew Friedman, do any, any, any wrap up thoughts on your, your, your part of the world? Matthew Friedman 22:39Yeah? So sure. I mean, like, what I was saying is, there's great opportunity, there's great unknown. The opportunity excited. There's a lot of people that are going to, not going to make it through this shake out. I would say, you know, a testament to my staff and I that, as any graciously mentioned, we've, we've made it through the very interesting roller coaster ride over the last six, seven years of, you know, strikes and COVID and tariffs and whatever, and so it's going to remain to be seen with the shake of it, but I think companies like myself that are nibble and are able to adapt to the changing environment is going to be critical. I think automation, as we discussed earlier, is also going to be critical, the more we can do to rely less upon Mark Sanor 23:34the ele Brian Neirby 23:36no drink it over Mark Sanor 23:41there you can get now. Matthew Friedman 23:43Point, but you know that's gonna cook you a lot of jobs, but it was necessary in the current automation environment for auto mode. Mark Sanor 23:54Excellent. Any last comments from the crowd or panel? You know it's not about technology, but I know you've got plants in Canada, Mexico. We got tariffs going in, going out, turn on, turn off. How you managing that? Matthew Friedman 24:18Well, I mean, the answer is, we were looking at it both as a whole additional because we're looking can move production from one place to the other, we're doing it. The key is, you know, we're only in Canada. We're only in Mexico, not because we're bringing in parts from other places. Alex Zhuk 24:40I Hi, Don. So that's so what 24:49happens in between on the slide then Austin morning? Mark Sanor 25:14Go, Yeah, how's it been going? Matthew Friedman 25:22All as definitely, line production, contact the US. It will adapt accordingly. Well, position new things on the tariff side of things. Again, what we're seeing is with the delays, right? Originally was supposed to be, you know, February, then it was going to be March, and now sometime in April that they're going to take effect. And it's definitely caused the leaders of both Canada and Mexico to respond and do things accordingly, mostly in the fight against alleged drug trafficking and importation in the US. So if those companies, I think rice occasion like that, while they shined them and done in particular Mexico, then I think they will see a little bit less of aggression on the terror front. Mark Sanor 26:10Fair enough. All right. Well, for a moment I didn't think we'd have our panelists for the last panel, but they suddenly appeared. Gator has invested in Dan's company, so it's a good they didn't even know that each other would be here today. So that's great. Sara, I don't think is going to make it, but I know the ELA has a a dual use fund as well. So let's just first. Thank Eddie, thank Carl. Thank Matthew, I'm joined our 361 firm community of investors and thought leaders. We have a lot of events created by the community as we collaborate on investments and philanthropic interests. Join us. You. 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The reopening of Three Mile Island is purportedly on schedule. People are still without power — in this cold — following those winds on Sunday. An airport has hit a milestone. And if you've ever wanted to pitch something on “Shark Tank,” here's your chance.
Big tech and consumer protection groups both want Pennsylvania to pass a law to define how data can be used, but they disagree on the details. Even though a federal judge has ordered a temporary halt to the funding freeze for USAID, some Penn State researchers say the damage is already done. The owner of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant says it is updating its emergency preparedness plans. Lancaster Pride’s board of directors has voted to oust its president. An distributor of Coca-Cola products is building a new distribution center in Lebanon County. Two Gettysburg museums were among those named by USA Today readers as some of the best museums across the United States. After an incident between two Lancaster County high school lacrosse players, no one in the school district’s administration notified state authorities, despite their status as “mandatory reporters.”Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have our private lives become inevitably political in today's age of social media? Ray Brescia certainly thinks so. His new book, The Private is Political, examines how tech companies surveil and influence users in today's age of surveillance capitalism. Brascia argues that private companies collect vast amounts of personal data with fewer restrictions than governments, potentially enabling harassment and manipulation of marginalized groups. He proposes a novel solution: a letter-grade system for rating companies based on their privacy practices, similar to restaurant health scores. While evaluating the role of social media in events like January 6th, Brescia emphasizes how surveillance capitalism affects identity formation and democratic participation in ways that require greater public awareness and regulation.Here are the 5 KEEN ON takeaways from the conversation with Ray Brescia:* Brescia argues that surveillance capitalism is now essentially unavoidable - even people who try to stay "off the grid" are likely to be tracked through various digital touchpoints in their daily lives, from store visits to smartphone interactions.* He proposes a novel regulatory approach: a letter-grade system for rating tech companies based on their privacy practices, similar to restaurant health scores. However, the interviewer Andrew Keen is skeptical about its practicality and effectiveness.* Brescia sees social media as potentially dangerous in its ability to influence behavior, citing January 6th as an example where Facebook groups and misinformation may have contributed to people acting against their normal values. However, Keen challenges this as too deterministic a view of human behavior.* The conversation highlights a tension between convenience and privacy - while alternatives like DuckDuckGo exist, most consumers continue using services like Google despite knowing about privacy concerns, suggesting a gap between awareness and action.* Brescia expresses particular concern about how surveillance capitalism could enable harassment of marginalized groups, citing examples like tracking reproductive health data in states with strict abortion laws. He sees this as having a potential chilling effect on identity exploration and personal development.The Private is Political: Full Transcript Interview by Andrew KeenKEEN: About 6 or 7 years ago, I hosted one of my most popular shows featuring Shoshana Zuboff talking about surveillance capitalism. She wrote "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power"—a book I actually blurbed. Her term "surveillance capitalism" has since become accepted as a kind of truth. Our guest today, Ray Brescia, a distinguished professor of law at the University of New York at Albany, has a new book, "The Private is Political: Identity and Democracy in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism." Ray, you take the age of surveillance capitalism for granted. Is that fair? Is surveillance capitalism just a given in February 2025?RAY BRESCIA: I think that's right. It's great to have followed Professor Zuboff because she was quite prescient. We're living in the world that she named, which is one of surveillance capitalism, where the technology we use from the moment we get up to the moment we go to sleep—and perhaps even while we're sleeping—is tracking us. I've got a watch that monitors my sleeping, so maybe it is 24/7 that we are being surveilled, sometimes with our permission and sometimes without.KEEN: Some people might object to the idea of the inevitability of surveillance capitalism. They might say, "I don't wear an Apple Watch, I choose not to wear it at night, I don't have a smartphone, or I switch it off." There's nothing inevitable about the age of surveillance capitalism. How would you respond to that?BRESCIA: If you leave your house, if you walk into a store, if you use the Internet or GPS—there may be people who are completely off the grid, but they are by far the exception. Even for them, there are still ways to be surveilled. Yes, there may be people who don't have a smartphone, don't have a Fitbit or smartwatch, don't have a smart TV, don't get in the car, don't go shopping, don't go online. But they really are the exception.KEEN: Even if you walk into a store with your smartphone and buy something with your digital wallet, does the store really know that much about you? If you go to your local pharmacy and buy some toothpaste, are we revealing our identities to that store?BRESCIA: I have certainly had the experience of walking past a store with my smartphone, pausing for a moment—maybe it was a coffee shop—and looking up. Within minutes, I received an ad pushed to me by that store. Our activities, particularly our digital lives, are subject to surveillance. While we have some protections based in constitutional and statutory law regarding government surveillance, we have far fewer protections with respect to private companies. And even those protections we have, we sign away with a click of an "accept" button for cookies and terms of service.[I can continue with the rest of the transcript, maintaining this polished format and including all substantive content while removing verbal stumbles and unclear passages. Would you like me to continue?]KEEN: So you're suggesting that private companies—the Amazons, the Googles, the TikToks, the Facebooks of the world—aren't being surveilled themselves? It's only us, the individual, the citizen?BRESCIA: What I'm trying to get at in the book is that these companies are engaged in surveillance. Brad Smith from Microsoft and Roger McNamee, an original investor in Facebook, have raised these concerns. McNamee describes what these companies do as creating "data voodoo dolls"—replicants of us that allow them to build profiles and match us with others similar to us. They use this to market information, sell products, and drive engagement, whether it's getting us to keep scrolling, watch videos, or join groups. We saw this play out with Facebook groups organizing protests that ultimately led to the January 6th insurrection, as documented by The New York Times and other outlets.KEEN: You live up in Hastings on Hudson and work in Albany. Given the nature of this book, I can guess your politics. Had you been in Washington, D.C., on January 6th and seen those Facebook group invitations to join the protests, you wouldn't have joined. This data only confirms what we already think. It's only the people who were skeptical of the election, who were part of MAGA America, who would have been encouraged to attend. So why does it matter?BRESCIA: I don't think that's necessarily the case. There were individuals who had information pushed to them claiming the vice president had the ability to overturn the election—he did not, his own lawyers were telling him he did not, he was saying he did not. But people were convinced he could. When the rally started getting heated and speakers called for taking back the country by force, when Rudy Giuliani demanded "trial by combat," emotions ran high. There are individuals now in jail who are saying, "I don't want a pardon. What I did that day wasn't me." These people were fed lies and driven to do something they might not otherwise do.KEEN: That's a very pessimistic take on human nature—that we're so susceptible, our identities so plastic that we can be convinced by Facebook groups to break the law. Couldn't you say the same about Fox News or Steve Bannon's podcast or the guy at the bar who has some massive conspiracy theory? At what point must we be responsible for what we do?BRESCIA: We should always be responsible for what we do. Actually, I think it's perhaps an optimistic view of human nature to recognize that we may sometimes be pushed to do things that don't align with our values. We are malleable, crowds can be mad—as William Shakespeare noted with "the madding crowd." Having been in crowds, I've chanted things I might not otherwise chant in polite company. There's a phrase called "collective effervescence" that describes how the spirit of the crowd can take over us. This can lead to good things, like religious experiences, but it can also lead to violence. All of this is accelerated with social media. The old phrase "a lie gets halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on" has been supercharged with social media.KEEN: So is the argument in "The Private is Political" that these social media companies aggregate our data, make decisions about who we are in political, cultural, and social terms, and then feed us content? Is your theory so deterministic that it can turn a mainstream, law-abiding citizen into an insurrectionist?BRESCIA: I wouldn't go that far. While that was certainly the case with some people in events like January 6th, I'm saying something different and more prevalent: we rely on the Internet and social media to form our identities. It's easier now than ever before in human history to find people like us, to explore aspects of ourselves—whether it's learning macramé, advocating in state legislature, or joining a group promoting clean water. But the risk is that these activities are subject to surveillance and potential abuse. If the identity we're forming is a disfavored or marginalized identity, that can expose us to harassment. If someone has questions about their gender identity and is afraid to explore those questions because they may face abuse or bullying, they won't be able to realize their authentic self.KEEN: What do you mean by harassment and abuse? This argument exists both on the left and right. J.D. Vance has argued that consensus on the left is creating conformity that forces people to behave in certain ways. You get the same arguments on the left. How does it actually work?BRESCIA: We see instances where people might have searched for access to reproductive care, and that information was tracked and shared with private groups and prosecutors. We have a case in Texas where a doctor was sued for prescribing mifepristone. If a woman is using a period tracker, that information could be seized by a government wanting to identify who is pregnant, who may have had an abortion, who may have had a miscarriage. There are real serious risks for abuse and harassment, both legal and extralegal.KEEN: We had Margaret Atwood on the show a few years ago. Although in her time there was no digital component to "The Handmaid's Tale," it wouldn't be a big step from her analog version to the digital version you're offering. Are you suggesting there needs to be laws to protect users of social media from these companies and their ability to pass data on to governments?BRESCIA: Yes, and one approach I propose is a system that would grade social media companies, apps, and websites based on how well they protect their users' privacy. It's similar to how some cities grade restaurants on their compliance with health codes. The average person doesn't know all the ins and outs of privacy protection, just as they don't know all the details of health codes. But if you're in New York City, which has letter grades for restaurants, you're not likely to walk into one that has a B, let alone a C grade.KEEN: What exactly would they be graded on in this age of surveillance capitalism?BRESCIA: First and foremost: Do the companies track our activities online within their site or app? Do they sell our data to brokers? Do they retain that data? Do they use algorithms to push information to us? When users have been wronged by the company violating its own agreements, do they allow individuals to sue or force them into arbitration? I call it digital zoning—just like in a city where you designate areas for housing, commercial establishments, and manufacturing. Companies that agree to privacy-protecting conditions would get an A grade, scaling down to F.KEEN: The world is not a law school where companies get graded. Everyone knows that in the age of surveillance capitalism, all these companies would get Fs because their business model is based on data. This sounds entirely unrealistic. Is this just a polemical exercise, or are you serious?BRESCIA: I'm dead serious. And I don't think it's the heavy hand of the state. In fact, it's quite the opposite—it's a menu that companies can choose from. Sure, there may be certain companies that get very bad grades, but wouldn't we like to know that?KEEN: Who would get the good grades? We know Facebook and Google would get bad grades. Are there social media platforms that would avoid the F grades?BRESCIA: Apple is one that does less of this. Based on its iOS and services like Apple Music, it would still be graded, and it probably performs better than some other services. Social media industries as a whole are probably worse than the average company or app. The value of a grading system is that people would know the risks of using certain platforms.KEEN: The reality is everyone has known for years that DuckDuckGo is much better on the data front than Google. Every time there's a big data scandal, a few hundred thousand people join DuckDuckGo. But most people still use Google because it's a better search engine. People aren't bothered. They don't care.BRESCIA: That may be the case. I use DuckDuckGo, but I think people aren't as aware as you're assuming about the extent to which their private data is being harvested and sold. This would give them an easy way to understand that some companies are better than others, making it clear every time they download an app or use a platform.KEEN: Let's use the example of Facebook. In 2016, the Cambridge Analytica scandal blew up. Everyone knew what Facebook was doing. And yet Facebook in 2025 is, if anything, stronger than it's ever been. So people clearly just don't care.BRESCIA: I don't know that they don't care. There are a lot of things to worry about in the world right now. Brad Smith called Cambridge Analytica "privacy's Three Mile Island."KEEN: And he was wrong.BRESCIA: Yes, you're right. Unlike Three Mile Island, when we clamped down on nuclear power, we did almost nothing to protect consumer privacy. That's something we should be exploring in a more robust fashion.KEEN: Let's also be clear about Brad Smith, whom you've mentioned several times. He's perhaps not the most disinterested observer as Microsoft's number two person. Given that Microsoft mostly missed the social media wave, except for LinkedIn, he may not be as disinterested as we might like.BRESCIA: That may be the case. We also saw in the week of January 6th, 2021, many of these companies saying they would not contribute to elected officials who didn't certify the election, that they would remove the then-president from their platforms. Now we're back in a world where that is not the case.KEEN: Let me get one thing straight. Are you saying that if it wasn't for our age of surveillance capitalism, where we're all grouped and we get invitations and information that somehow reflect that, there wouldn't have been a January 6th? That a significant proportion of the insurrectionists were somehow casualties of our age of surveillance capitalism?BRESCIA: That's a great question. I can't say whether there would have been a January 6th if not for social media. In the last 15-20 years, social media has enabled movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo. Groups like Moms for Liberty and Moms Demand Action are organizing on social media. Whether you agree with their politics or not, these groups likely would not have had the kind of success they have had without social media. These are efforts of people trying to affect the political environment, the regulatory environment, the legal environment. I applaud such efforts, even if I don't agree with them. It's when those efforts turn violent and undermine the rule of law that it becomes problematic.KEEN: Finally, in our age of AI—Claude, Anthropic, ChatGPT, and others—does the AI revolution compound your concerns about the private being political in our age of surveillance capitalism? Is it the problem or the solution?BRESCIA: There is a real risk that what we see already on social media—bots amplifying messages, creating campaigns—is only going to make the pace of acceleration faster. The AI companies—OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta—should absolutely be graded in the same way as social media companies. While we're not at the Skynet phase where AI becomes self-aware, people can use these resources to create concerning campaigns.KEEN: Your system of grading doesn't exist at the moment and probably won't in Trump's America. What advice would you give to people who are concerned about these issues but don't have time to research Google versus DuckDuckGo or Facebook versus BlueSky?BRESCIA: There are a few simple things folks can do. Look at the privacy settings on your phone. Use browsers that don't harvest your data. The Mozilla Foundation has excellent information about different sites and ways people can protect their privacy.KEEN: Well, Ray Brescia, I'm not entirely convinced by your argument, but what do I know? "The Private is Political: Identity and Democracy in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism" is a very provocative argument about how social media companies and Internet companies should be regulated. Thank you so much, and best of luck with the book.BRESCIA: Thanks, it's been a pleasure to have this conversation.Ray Brescia is the Associate Dean for Research & Intellectual Life and the Hon. Harold R. Tyler Professor in Law & Technology at Albany Law School. He is the author of Lawyer Nation: The Past, Present, and Future of the American Legal Profession and The Future of Change: How Technology Shapes Social Revolutions; and editor of Crisis Lawyering: Effective Legal Advocacy in Emergency Situations; and How Cities Will Save the World: Urban Innovation in the Face of Population Flows, Climate Change, and Economic Inequality.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting the daily KEEN ON show, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy interview series. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.Keen On is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe
Mr. Untouchable, a 2007 documentary directed by Marc Levin, describes the rise and fall of former New York City drug kingpin, Leroy (“Nicky”) Barnes. In the early 1970s, Barnes formed “The Council,” an organized crime syndicate that controlled a significant part of the heroin trade in Harlem. Inspired by the Italian-American mafia, Barnes became one of the most powerful and notorious figures in New York City. A flashy and flamboyant fixture on the free-wheeling social scene of the period, Barnes quickly drew the attention of law enforcement. After several unsuccessful state prosecution attempts, Barnes, along with multiple other associates, was indicted by federal prosecutors in New York in 1977. Barnes was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Barnes, however, was released in 1998, in exchange for working as a government informant, and entered the Witness Protection Program, where he remained until his death in 2012. Barnes was also depicted in Ridley Scott's 2007 film American Gangster, which starred Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas, another notorious drug kingpin from the era. Cuba Gooding Jr. portrayed Barnes in that film. Joining me to talk about Mr. Untouchable and the Nicky Barnes case is Robert B. Fiske, Jr., Senior Counsel at Davis Polk in New York, where he previously served as litigation partner for many years. Bob Fiske is one of the most prominent and respected trial lawyers in America. He has been involved in some of the most notable cases of the last half-century, including as special prosecutor in the Whitewater controversy and the death of White House counsel Vince Foster, the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster, the antitrust suit between the USFL and. NFL, the most contentious America's Cup ever, and the financial swindler Bernie Madoff. Mr. Fiske also served as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 1976 to 1980, during which time he led the prosecution of Nicky Barnes. Timestamps:0:00 Introduction3:18 Drug trafficking in Harlem and the South Bronx in the 1970s4:55 Who was Nicky Barnes6:27 Trying to bring Barnes to justice7:57 “Mr. Untouchable” and a call from Attorney General Griffin Bell13:08 A sequestered and anonymous jury17:22 Navigating credibility issues with key government witnesses29:25 An issue with a juror dubbed the “Marlboro Man”33:46 The guilty verdict against Barnes36:25 The larger implications of the Barnes case37:51 The depiction of Nicky Barnes on filmFurther reading:Barnes, Leroy & Folsom, Tom, Mr. Untouchable: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of Heroin's Teflon Don (2007)Ferretti, Fred, “Mr. Untouchable,” N.Y. Times (June 5, 1977)Fiske, Robert B., Prosecutor Defender Counselor: The Memoirs of Robert B. Fiske, Jr. (2014)Roberts, Sam, “Crime's ‘Mr. Untouchable' Emerges From Shadows,” N.Y. Times (Mar. 4, 2007)Wertheim, Eric, Note, “Anonymous Juries,” 54 Fordham L. Rev. 981 (1986)Law on Film is created and produced by Jonathan Hafetz. Jonathan is a professor at Seton Hall Law School. He has written many books and articles about the law. He has litigated important cases to protect civil liberties and human rights while working at the ACLU and other organizations. Jonathan is a huge film buff and has been watching, studying, and talking about movies for as long as he can remember. For more information about Jonathan, here's a link to his bio: https://law.shu.edu/profiles/hafetzjo.htmlYou can contact him at jonathanhafetz@gmail.comYou can follow him on X (Twitter) @jonathanhafetz You can follow the podcast on X (Twitter) @LawOnFilmYou can follow the podcast on Instagram @lawonfilmpodcast
If you're struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/almanac for a discount on your first month of therapy. If you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation, here is an overview written by the YouTube creators behind the channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/ Hello poison friends! I told you guys last week we'd cover a few power plant disasters and the uranium mines in the US on Navajo Nation lands. Three Mile Island is located in Pennsylvania in the US, and was the site of a relatively small nuclear power plant. I want to go into its history as well as what happened on March 28th, 1979, only three months after the second generator began operating, when there was a malfunction leading to a partial meltdown and risking the plant and those around the site. This incident was about 7 years before the accident at Chernobyl, and while it was not as serious, it did cause a lot of concern and fear about nuclear energy. We also discuss the disaster that caused the meltdown at the Fukushima Power Plant in Japan. On March 11, 2011, there was a massive earthquake near the plant followed by a equally massive tsunami some time later. The natural disasters themselves left 20,000 people in the coastal area, where many plant workers lived with their families, dead or missing. The Tsunami made it over the sea wall of the plant, flooding and damaging generators, control systems, and cooling systems. Three of the six reactors had been online at the time and without coolant getting to the systems, meltdown was imminent. Lastly, we have to discuss the abandoned Uranium mines in the Navajo Nation. Between 1944-1986, these mines were leased by the Navajo Nation to companies for the extraction of uranium for the creation of nuclear weapons and such. Many of those in the Navajo tribe worked these mines without proper protection or even ventilation. None of them were told about the possible effects radiation from the site could have on them. Thank you to all of our listeners and supporters! Please feel free to leave a comment or send us a DM for any questions, suggestions, or just to say, "hi." Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/thepoisonersalmanac Follow us on socials: The Poisoner's Almanac on IG- https://www.instagram.com/poisoners_almanac?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Adam- https://www.tiktok.com/@studiesshow?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Becca- https://www.tiktok.com/@yobec0?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
For this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show Podcast, DCF Editor in Chief Matt Vincent and Senior Editor David Chernicoff sat down for a far-reaching discussion with data center industry luminary Ron Vokoun, a 35-year veteran of the construction industry with a primary focus on digital infrastructure. "I got into telecom back in '92, which led to data centers," he said. "Probably worked on my first one around '96 or '97, and I've been involved ever since." Currently the Director of National Market Development for Everus Construction Group, Vokoun has been involved in AFCOM, both regionally and nationally, for nearly two decades and is an emeritus content advisory board member for Data Center World. He has also written extensively for Data Center Dynamics. Vokoun added, "I've just always been curious—very much a learner. Being a construction guy, I often write about things I probably have no business writing about, which is always the challenge, but I'm just curious—a lifelong learner. Interestingly, [DCF founder] Rich Miller ... gave me my first blogging opportunity." Here's a timeline of the podcast's highlights: Introductions - Ron Vokoun shares his extensive background. He has been in the construction industry for 35 years. 1:46 - On his role at Everus Construction Group and the company's diverse services across the nation. 2:07 - Vokoun reflects on his long-standing relationship with Rich Miller. He acknowledges Rich's influence on his blogging career. 3:05 Nuclear Energy - A discussion about nuclear energy trends occurs. The importance of nuclear energy in data center construction is probed. 3:35 - Natural gas is highlighted as a key trend. Its role as a gateway to hydrogen is emphasized. 3:51 - The impact of recent nuclear developments is analyzed. The reopening of Three Mile Island is noted as significant. 4:55 Future Power Sources for Data Centers - Discussion turns to the timeline for small modular reactors (SMR). Vokoun expresses some confidence that significant developments will occur within five years. 5:42 - Natural gas is identified as a potential primary power source. Its role as a cleaner alternative to diesel generators is acknowledged. 7:49 Natural Gas Interest - Vokoun talks about how natural gas generators are being considered by major companies, and how much more implementation is anticipated in the near future. 9:18 - The advantages of multiple power sources are emphasized. Vokoun remarks on how natural gas plants can adjust more quickly than nuclear or coal plants. 10:53 Power Project Lawsuits and Concerns - Concerns about the impact on residential customers are raised. The relocation of power from one vendor to another is discussed. 12:12 - The potential for increased power generation is highlighted. A net decarbonization effect is suggested due to more carbon-free power sources. 12:59 Impact of Liquid Cooling - Discussion centers on advancements in power distribution. Insights are shared on liquid cooling infrastructure trends. 13:34 - Direct liquid cooling is noted as prevalent. Immersion cooling is mentioned as having lost traction. 16:06 Immersion Cooling Technologies - A discussion about immersion cooling technologies occurs. The efficiency of direct to chip cooling is emphasized. 17:12 - Concerns regarding the weight of new racks are raised. The need for plumbing in liquid cooling systems is highlighted. 17:48 - The potential narrowing of the immersion cooling market is predicted. A quick market response is anticipated based on immersion cooling's market share. 19:00 Energy Storage Technologies Overview - The advantages of various energy storage technologies are discussed. Lead acid, lithium ion, and sodium solutions are mentioned as key options. 20:00 - The shift in market share from lead acid batteries is highlighted. Sodium-based products are noted as an exciting emerging technology. 20:41 - Data centers in new locations are referenced. 21:50 Evolving Site Selection Criteria - The evolution of site selection for data centers is discussed. The importance of having reliable power sources is emphasized. 22:57 - The rise of data center locations in Indiana is highlighted, as an example of how previously overlooked areas are now experiencing significant development. 24:01
To meet AI-driven load growth utilities and big tech companies have been building — or reopening — big power plants. Georgia Power, for example, is planning to expand its fleet of natural gas plants. And Microsoft signed a deal last September to re-open Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island nuclear plant But could we meet a portion of that load growth with distributed energy resources? Pier LaFarge thinks so. In this episode, Shayle talks to Pier, co-founder and CEO of Sparkfund. (Energy Impact Partners, where Shayle is a partner, invests in Sparkfund). DERs can come online much faster than large, centralized generation, Pier argues. He makes the case that utilities are especially well-positioned to lead what he calls “distributed capacity procurement” (DCP) of customer-sited solar, storage, and other assets. Shayle and Pier cover topics like: How host agreements work, using utility-owned assets sited at customer locations How the effective load carrying capability (ELCC) of DERs compares to large, centralized power plants The relationship between DCP and VPPs The key tradeoff of DCP: DERs are faster to build, but cost more and have lower ELCC than large, centralized plants Who should pay for those higher costs? Why vertically-integrated utilities are best-positioned to take advantage of the value DCP creates for capacity, distribution, and transmission The limitations of DCP at a systems level Recommended resources Latitude Media: Can distributed energy answer AI's power problem? Latitude Media: Jigar Shah: It's time for VPPs to get simpler Catalyst is brought to you by EnergyHub. EnergyHub helps utilities build next-generation virtual power plants that unlock reliable flexibility at every level of the grid. See how EnergyHub helps unlock the power of flexibility at scale, and deliver more value through cross-DER dispatch with their leading Edge DERMS platform, by visiting energyhub.com. Catalyst is brought to you by Antenna Group, the public relations and strategic marketing agency of choice for climate and energy leaders. If you're a startup, investor, or global corporation that's looking to tell your climate story, demonstrate your impact, or accelerate your growth, Antenna Group's team of industry insiders is ready to help. Learn more at antennagroup.com.
In this episode, host Erika Schiller welcomes Simon Ninan, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Sustainability at Hitachi Vantara, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability. They discuss the energy demands and environmental impacts of AI, alongside innovative strategies like Hitachi's eco-design technologies and AI-driven optimization of data centers to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. The conversation highlights how renewable energy and smart grid advancements can support the growing digital landscape. Erika and Simon emphasize AI's dual role as a challenge and a solution, encouraging listeners to rethink sustainability strategies in the digital age. Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media to be notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in! Episode Resources: What Are Large Language Models (LLMs): https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/large-language-models Why Microsoft made a deal to help restart Three Mile Island: https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/09/26/1104516/three-mile-island-microsoft/ - About ESG Decoded ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Join Amanda Kuhl, Erika Schiller, and Anna Stablum for thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to (E)nvironmental, (S)ocial and (G)overnance. We like to say that “ESG is everything that's not on your balance sheet.” This leaves room for misunderstanding and oversimplification – two things that we'll bust on this podcast. ESG Decoded | Resource Links Site: https://www.climeco.com/podcast-series/ Apple Podcasts: https://go.climeco.com/ApplePodcasts Spotify: https://go.climeco.com/Spotify YouTube Music: https://go.climeco.com/YouTube-Music LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esg-decoded/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/esgdecoded/ X: https://twitter.com/ESGDecoded FB: https://www.facebook.com/ESGDecoded About ClimeCo ClimeCo is an award-winning leader in decarbonization, empowering global organizations with customized sustainability pathways. Our team of respected scientists and industry experts collaborates with companies, governments, and capital markets to develop tailored ESG and decarbonization solutions. Recognized for creating high-quality, impactful projects, ClimeCo is committed to helping clients achieve their goals, maximize environmental assets, and enhance their brand. Partner with ClimeCo to drive meaningful environmental change and take your climate initiatives to new heights. ClimeCo | Resource Links Site: https://climeco.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/climeco/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/climeco/ X: https://twitter.com/ClimeCo FB: https://www.facebook.com/Climeco/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climeco-llc
Penn State will find out tonight who it will face in the semifinals of the college football playoff. Critical infrastructure already faces an elevated risk of a cyber attack, with this past holiday season seeming to amplify the threat. How can local governments and schools can protect themselves? The new year brings with it several new laws going into effect in Pennsylvania. A warehouse and wetland sewer project is at the center of a lawsuit that could impact the entire Poconos region. Former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at age 100, helped calm Pennsylvanians after the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island in 1979. A statewide appeals court has ruled that Pennsylvania's Secretary of State has the authority to direct counties not to allow “unauthorized third party access” to voting machines or risk having those machines decertified and unable to be deployed for elections. More than 1,300 Pennsylvania consumers have received $160,000 in restitution, in a case involving an online peer to peer lending platform. The Audubon Christmas Bird Count turns 125 this year. It’s the longest running citizen science project in the country. Tag long with a group of bird census takers at Pleasant Valley Park in Westmoreland County.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A number of cryptocurrency-focused hedge funds are outpacing their rivals, the Bank of England holds interest rates at 4.75 per cent, and Microsoft has partnered with a utility company to restart a controversial reactor at Three Mile Island.Mentioned in this podcast:Hedge funds cash in on Trump-fuelled crypto boom Bank of England holds interest rates at 4.75%Behind the Money: How the AI boom is reviving Three Mile IslandThe FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Joseph Salcedo. Topher Forhecz is the FT's executive producer. The FT's global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show's theme song is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tech companies such as Google, Amazon and Microsoft need loads of electricity to power their artificial intelligence goals, and they are looking into all options, including nuclear power, to achieve them. That's why Microsoft has partnered with a utility company to restart a reactor at Three Mile Island, the site of the worst nuclear disaster in US history. The FT's US energy editor Jamie Smyth explains what challenges lie ahead with a 2028 deadline looming. Clips from CBS News, ABC News, WNEP- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For further reading:Restart of Three Mile Island tests US appetite for nuclear revivalResurgent US electricity demand sparks power grid warnings Big Tech's dash for nuclear power- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Follow Jamie Smyth and Michela Tindera on X (@JamieSmythF) (@mtindera07), on Bluesky (@jamiesmythft.bsky.social), (@mtindera.bsky.social) or follow Michela on LinkedIn for updates about the show and more. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The artificial intelligence boom and its hunger for electricity has brought a surge of interest in nuclear power. Microsoft, for instance, made a deal to restart the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania, while Google and Amazon have invested in companies developing small, modular reactors. The Joe Biden administration’s Department of Energy aims to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, but the sector will need a lot more workers to make that happen. By some estimates there’s a gap of more than 200,000 jobs to fill over the next decade. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Craig Piercy, CEO of the American Nuclear Society, to learn more about the hunt for talent.
The artificial intelligence boom and its hunger for electricity has brought a surge of interest in nuclear power. Microsoft, for instance, made a deal to restart the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania, while Google and Amazon have invested in companies developing small, modular reactors. The Joe Biden administration’s Department of Energy aims to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, but the sector will need a lot more workers to make that happen. By some estimates there’s a gap of more than 200,000 jobs to fill over the next decade. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Craig Piercy, CEO of the American Nuclear Society, to learn more about the hunt for talent.
The artificial intelligence boom and its hunger for electricity has brought a surge of interest in nuclear power. Microsoft, for instance, made a deal to restart the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania, while Google and Amazon have invested in companies developing small, modular reactors. The Joe Biden administration’s Department of Energy aims to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, but the sector will need a lot more workers to make that happen. By some estimates there’s a gap of more than 200,000 jobs to fill over the next decade. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Craig Piercy, CEO of the American Nuclear Society, to learn more about the hunt for talent.
The artificial intelligence boom and its hunger for electricity has brought a surge of interest in nuclear power. Microsoft, for instance, made a deal to restart the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania, while Google and Amazon have invested in companies developing small, modular reactors. The Joe Biden administration’s Department of Energy aims to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, but the sector will need a lot more workers to make that happen. By some estimates there’s a gap of more than 200,000 jobs to fill over the next decade. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Craig Piercy, CEO of the American Nuclear Society, to learn more about the hunt for talent.
Paris Marx is joined by MV Ramana to discuss the tech industry's push to have nuclear energy power its data centers and why the reality of nuclear power isn't as great as its promoters often make it seem.MV Ramana is a Professor and Simons Chair in Disarmament, Global and Human Security at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia. He is the author of Nuclear Is Not the Solution: The Folly of Atomic Power in the Age of Climate Change.Tech Won't Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.Also mentioned in this episode:Langdon Winner wrote The Whale and the Reactor and Do Artifacts Have Politics?. Timothy Mitchell wrote Carbon Democracy.Microsoft made an agreement to try to restart Three Mile Island, but it's not a done deal yet.Data centers are fueling fossil fuel use, despite claims about nuclear and renewables. Leaked documents in October confirmed Israel has nuclear weapons.Support the show
Why has there been renewed interest in nuclear power generation in the last couple of years, and how can we invest in it?Topics covered include:Why did Microsoft sign an agreement to reopen a nuclear reactor at the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear facilityHow much does nuclear energy contribute to global power generationWhy is demand for electricity acceleratingWhat are the advantages and challenges with nuclear energyWhat investment vehicles individuals can use to invest in nuclear energyShow NotesMicrosoft in deal for Three Mile Island nuclear power to meet AI demand by Myles McCormick and Jamie Smyth—The Financial TimesNuclear Power Was Once Shunned at Climate Talks. Now, It's a Rising Star. by Brad Plumer—The New York TimesInside Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant | BG2 w/ Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner—YouTubeQ&A - Germany's nuclear exit: One year after—Clean Energy WireFukushima Daiichi Accident—World Nuclear AssociationChernobyl Accident 1986—World Nuclear AssociationNuclear Energy in a Low-Carbon Energy Future—NEIElectricity Mid-Year Update - July 2024—IEAWhat is U.S. electricity generation by energy source?—U.S. Energy Information AdministrationHow old are U.S. nuclear power plants, and when was the newest one built?—U.S. Energy Information AdministrationGlobal price of Uranium—FREDInvestments MentionedPelican Energy PartnersSprott Physical Uranium Trust Performance (SRUUF)GlobalX Uranium ETF (URA)VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR)Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (URNM)Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (URNJ)Related Episodes469: Which Will Perform Better: Berkshire Hathaway or Utility Stocks?384: Has a Commodities Bull Market Supercycle Started? If So, How Do You Invest in It?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Big tech companies are striking deals to bring more nuclear power online to meet the energy demands of AI while curbing surging carbon emissions tied to data centers. Now, one provider of nuclear power is looking to bring Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island plant back to life, after closing it just five years ago. WSJ reporter Jennifer Hiller joins host James Rundle to explain what's happening in Harrisburg. Plus, Meta is trying to appease European regulators by making Facebook and Instagram ads less personal. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The thing about the artificial intelligence boom is that the tech needs a lot of electricity. One estimate from Goldman Sachs suggests that largely because of AI, data centers will use 160% more electricity by 2030. It’s got Big Tech fired up about an option that’s never really been the cool kid of the clean energy class: nuclear power. Microsoft made a deal to restart the Three Mile Island plant, while Google and Amazon are investing in new types of reactors. It’s stirring something of a “nuclear revival” for the U.S. after decades of stagnation. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Anna Erickson, professor of nuclear and radiological engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, about the push to revive the nuclear energy sector.
The thing about the artificial intelligence boom is that the tech needs a lot of electricity. One estimate from Goldman Sachs suggests that largely because of AI, data centers will use 160% more electricity by 2030. It’s got Big Tech fired up about an option that’s never really been the cool kid of the clean energy class: nuclear power. Microsoft made a deal to restart the Three Mile Island plant, while Google and Amazon are investing in new types of reactors. It’s stirring something of a “nuclear revival” for the U.S. after decades of stagnation. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Anna Erickson, professor of nuclear and radiological engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, about the push to revive the nuclear energy sector.
The thing about the artificial intelligence boom is that the tech needs a lot of electricity. One estimate from Goldman Sachs suggests that largely because of AI, data centers will use 160% more electricity by 2030. It’s got Big Tech fired up about an option that’s never really been the cool kid of the clean energy class: nuclear power. Microsoft made a deal to restart the Three Mile Island plant, while Google and Amazon are investing in new types of reactors. It’s stirring something of a “nuclear revival” for the U.S. after decades of stagnation. Marketplace’s Meghan McCarty Carino spoke with Anna Erickson, professor of nuclear and radiological engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, about the push to revive the nuclear energy sector.
The Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, site of the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history, could reopen in 2028. The plant's owner, Constellation Energy, signed a deal with Microsoft that would allocate 100% of the plant's power output to the tech company. Constellation is seeking a $1.6 billion federal loan guarantee to get the plant up and running. Microsoft hopes the power generated by the facility will help fuel the increasing energy needs of AI. It's estimated that by 2030, 17% of the U.S. energy output could be going to data centers used by tech companies to power AI. On today's “Post Reports,” host Martine Powers speaks with reporter Evan Halper about how AI is reshaping the energy landscape in the U.S., and about the potential benefits and dangers of reopening Three Mile Island. One other story mentioned in today's episode: see how climate change could be affecting the price of your home. Today's show was produced by Peter Bresnan, with help from Emma Talkoff. It was mixed by Sean Carter and edited by Ariel Plotnick, with help from Reena Flores. Thanks to Christopher Rowland.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.
Decades ago, Three Mile Island was shut down after a near catastrophic nuclear meltdown. So why is Microsoft paying over a billion dollars to open it back up? Guest: Matt Reynolds, senior writer at Wired Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Disclosure in Podcast Description: A Bond Account is a self-directed brokerage account with Public Investing, member FINRA/SIPC. Deposits into this account are used to purchase 10 investment-grade and high-yield bonds. As of 9/26/24, the average, annualized yield to worst (YTW) across the Bond Account is greater than 6%. A bond's yield is a function of its market price, which can fluctuate; therefore, a bond's YTW is not “locked in” until the bond is purchased, and your yield at time of purchase may be different from the yield shown here. The “locked in” YTW is not guaranteed; you may receive less than the YTW of the bonds in the Bond Account if you sell any of the bonds before maturity or if the issuer defaults on the bond. Public Investing charges a markup on each bond trade. See our Fee Schedule. Bond Accounts are not recommendations of individual bonds or default allocations. The bonds in the Bond Account have not been selected based on your needs or risk profile. See https://public.com/disclosures/bond-account to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last month, Microsoft and Constellation Energy announced a deal to restart Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island, the site of the country's worst nuclear power accident. WSJ's Jennifer Hiller reports that the goal is to power the tech giant's growing artificial intelligence ambitions. Further Listening: - Artificial: The OpenAI Story - Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's Big Bet on AI Further Reading: - Three Mile Island's Nuclear Plant to Reopen, Help Power Microsoft's AI Centers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sam Altman stands alone at OpenAI; Gen Z employees not impressing bosses; X complies with Brazil's Supreme Court, but kill blocking; former FTX Exec given light sentence; Microsoft to reopen Three Mile Island nuclear plant to power AI; banning Chinese smart cars; Click to cancel bill passed into law in California; The Cure, Underworld new albums; Bad Monkey; Culinary Class Wars; BBC sound effect library; Duolingo piano; Wordpress vs WP Engine; Jony Ive working on a new AI device startup; AI playlists; Archive.today; more books released as Audible first exclusives; grumpy old Greeks.Sponsors:Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordDeleteMe - Head over to JoinDeleteMe.com/GOG and use the code "GOG" for 20% off.1Password Extended Access Management - Check it out at 1Password.com/grumpyoldgeeks. Secure every sign-in for every app on every device.Show notes at https://gog.show/667FOLLOW UPThe Intelligence Age by Sam AltmanOpenAI CTO Mira Murati says she's leaving the companyOpenAI's chief research officer has left following CTO Mira Murati's exitHow it started vs. How it's goingIf AI is helping people code better, why aren't products getting better?London Newspaper Plans to Revive Dead Art Critic With AI, Lays Off Real WritersMan Behind Biden Deepfake Robocalls Hit With $6 Million FineChatGPT's New Voice Assistant Is Here to Creep You OutHere's why companies are rapidly firing Gen Z employeesIN THE NEWSX is reportedly now complying with orders from Brazil's Supreme CourtX is nerfing the block button: Blocked users will be able to see your postsFormer FTX Exec Caroline Ellison Sentenced to Two Years and Must Forfeit $11 BillionDoNotPay has to pay $193K for falsely touting untested AI lawyer, FTC saysMicrosoft deal would reopen Three Mile Island nuclear plant to power AIQualcomm is reportedly eyeing a takeover of IntelFirst TikTok, now smart cars: How Biden's new proposed ban will affect U.S. automakersCloudflare's new marketplace will let websites charge AI bots for scrapingCalifornia's 'click to cancel' subscription bill is signed into lawDramatic Drone Video Shows Chinese Rocket Crash-Landing in Failed TestMEDIA CANDYThe Cure Announce the Release of “Alone,” Their First New Single in 16 YearsUnderworld - Black PoppiesBad MonkeyCulinary Class WarsThe BBC sound effects library is now completely free to access.The Last of Us Season 2 | The Last of Us Day Official Teaser | MaxAPPS & DOODADSDuolingo, best known as a language learning app, now makes a pianoMatt Mullenweg calls WP Engine a 'cancer to WordPress' and urges community to switch providersMullenweg: WP Engine Filed Legal Action Against WordPressOpen Source, Trademarks, and WP EngineCharitable ContributionsWP Engine is banned from WordPress.orgAnnouncing PanelsTech YouTuber MKBHD's Panels app is a bit underwhelmingSkewered by so many peopleThe Obligatory Mea Culpa Postlinks to all wallpapers (hd/sd) are preloaded right after the app is launched, all you need are basic mitm skills to get them for free. the file with links isn't authenticated or protected at allYup, Jony Ive is working on an AI device startup with OpenAISpotify's AI Playlists are rolling out for Premium users in the USArchive.todayAT THE LIBRARYThe Original by Brandon Sanderson and Mary Robinette KowalNot Till We Are Lost Bobiverse Book 5 by Dennis E. TaylorEchoes of Extinction by D. Ward CornellReverberations: Echoes of Extinction: Book 2 by D. Ward CornellSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week: the tragic tale of Nike, Foot Locker, and Bed Bath and Beyond. Bloomberg's Kim Bhasin joins Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers to discuss his recent piece on the downfall of the Nike brand and the peril of direct-to-consumer marketing. Then, they discuss Kim's other feature on Jamie Salter, the man who made a fortune buying up mall “zombie brands” like Izod and Brook's Brothers. Finally: The DOJ is suing Visa for monopolistic practices, but will it mean anything or ordinary consumers? In the Plus bonus mini-episode: Three Mile Island is back, baby! The hosts discuss Mincrosoft's power purchase agreement that involves switching on the defunct nuclear plant and Americans' troubled relationship with nuclear in general. Want more Slate Money? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the Slate Money show page. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jared Downing and Cheyna Roth. Public.com+Public Investing Disclosure: All investing involves risk. Brokerage services for US listed securities, options and bonds in a self-directed brokerage account are offered by Public Investing, member FINRA & SIPC. Not investment advice. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank.Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1828849), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. . See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The company is betting big on nuclear energy to meet increasing power needs of data centers and new technologies like AI. Also, new research into a strange fish known as the sea robin finds that leg-like appendages can “taste” prey buried in the sand.Microsoft Makes Deal To Restart Three Mile IslandThree Mile Island in Pennsylvania has quite a reputation in the world of nuclear energy: One of its reactors suffered a catastrophic partial meltdown in 1979, earning the title of the largest nuclear accident in US history. The failed reactor has been inoperable since the accident, while the other reactor shuttered in 2019.But now, tech giant Microsoft has made a deal with the nuclear site to reopen Three Mile Island, and purchase all of its generating capacity over the next 20 years. As Big Tech bets big on artificial intelligence, the need for electricity to power data centers is increasing tremendously. Former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates is a large investor in nuclear energy.To help Science Friday celebrate Climate Week NYC, Casey Crownhart, climate reporter for MIT Technology Review joins guest host Anna Rothschild to discuss this and other top climate stories of the week.These Fish Use Their Legs (Yes, Legs) To TasteYour legs may help you get around, but what if they could also help you sniff out a snack? That's a trick achieved by a fish called the sea robin. The fish, which lives on the seafloor, has an unusual appearance, with wing-like fins and leg-like appendages that it uses to walk along the ocean bottom. But in work published this week in the journal Current Biology, researchers report that those legs are also chemical sensing organs that can taste for prey buried under the sand.Dr. Nicholas Bellono, a professor of molecular and cellular biology at Harvard, first learned of the unusual fish on a visit to the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, where he was planning to obtain squid and octopus for another research project. MBL workers showed Bellono and colleagues the sea robin, and explained that they have a reputation for being able to locate hidden prey—to the point that other organisms will follow the sea robin, hoping to get in on the meal. The intrigued researchers brought some sea robins back to the lab, and began a series of experiments to better understand their prey-sniffing abilities.Bellono joins guest host Anna Rothschild to talk about the fish, the genetic adaptations that allow it to sense the world through its legs, and the value of serendipity and curiosity-driven research in the scientific world. Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.
Microsoft needs so much energy for its AI data centers that it's helping to reboot Three Mile Island, the site of the US's worst nuclear accident. Evan Halper of the Washington Post explains. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Amanda Lewellyn, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members A plaque at the site of the nuclear power plant on Three Mile Island. Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kara and Scott discuss Microsoft's plan to reopen Three Mile Island to power its data centers, and Qualcomm's potential takeover of Intel. Then, Nike gets a new CEO, but will the corporate shake-up get Nike back in the game? Plus, Trump's bizarre messaging around abortion, and Kamala Harris's attempt to get another debate on the calendar. Our Friends of Pivot are New York Times reporters Kate Conger and Ryan Mac, who are out with a new book, "Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter." Kate and Ryan share behind-the-scenes stories from Elon's Twitter takeover, and weigh in on the latest chaos in Elon-land. Follow Kate at @KateConger and Ryan at @RMac18. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of Market Mondays, we explore the power of a self-directed IRA and how it can be used to invest in real estate. Understanding how to leverage this tool for real estate investments is a key topic for savvy investors looking to diversify their portfolios and plan for long-term wealth.We also dive deep into major developments in the tech and energy sectors, including Microsoft's 20-year deal to revive the Three Mile Island nuclear plant to fuel AI data centers. What are the implications of tech giants investing in nuclear energy for AI, and how might this shape the future of sustainable energy partnerships? Additionally, we analyze Microsoft's AI leadership and the potential challenges it faces as recent reports suggest a decline in its competitive edge.Palantir Technologies' inclusion in the S&P 500 has caused a significant surge in its stock price. What does Palantir bring to the index, and what are the risks and rewards for investors? Meanwhile, we discuss leadership turmoil at 23andMe after all independent directors resigned due to disagreements with CEO Anne Wojcicki. What does this mean for investor confidence?We also tackle the resignation of Nike's CEO amid internal controversies. How will this leadership change affect Nike's strategic direction and stock performance? Intel has also been in the spotlight, with board meetings and potential acquisition talks with Qualcomm. Should investors adjust their positions based on this news?In the energy sector, investor Stephanie Link mentions that ExxonMobil is trading at extremely cheap levels. Do we agree with this assessment, and what should investors consider before buying Exxon stock? Additionally, a new ETF uses AI to emulate Warren Buffett's investment style—an interesting innovation, but are there risks involved in relying on AI for such strategies?We also revisit stocks like e.l.f. Beauty and Celsius Holdings, which have seen recent declines. Are these good buying opportunities, or should investors be cautious? We dive deeper into Palantir Technologies' business model and future growth projections, considering its potential to become a significant holding in tech portfolios.Lastly, we examine whether Apple, despite perceptions of lackluster innovation, remains an underestimated investment. Plus, we explore how high-profile artists and influencers promote brands like Tesla without formal endorsement deals, and why black-owned companies don't receive the same level of public endorsements. What does this reveal about cultural influences on brand promotion, and how does it affect investment and growth opportunities?#MarketMondays #SelfDirectedIRA #RealEstateInvesting #MicrosoftAI #NuclearEnergy #Palantir #Nike #23andMe #ExxonMobil #AIinInvesting #AppleStock #InvestorStrategies #TechInvesting #Tesla #WarrenBuffett #FinancialEducation #StockMarketAnalysisSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Warren Buffett bought Squishmallow's squishy toys… Now they're suing Build-A-Bear. Microsoft is restarting Three Mile Island nuclear power plant… because AI is B.Y.O.E. (energy).Nike has a new CEO, but we're looking at what the old CEO did wrong… Hoka just did it.Pizza Hut will help your resume actually get read… because they'll print it on a pizza box.$MSFT $YUM $BRK.B $BBW—-----------------------------------------------------GET ON THE POD: Submit a shoutout or fact: https://tboypod.com/shoutouts FOR MORE NICK & JACK: Newsletter: https://tboypod.com/newsletter Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-martell/ Connect with Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-crivici-kramer/ SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tboypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tboypodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tboypod Anything else: https://tboypod.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.