Canada Is One Of World Economic Forum Top Technology Pioneers

November 17, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

From electro-chromatic e-windows to using supernova explosions to explore the earth for mineral deposits: World Economic Forum 2025 Technology Pioneers Leading New Wave of Global Innovation

The World Economic Forum selects 100 start-ups from 28 countries to join its Technology Pioneers community.
The new cohort marks a global surge of emerging technologies, from smart robotics and spatial AI to flying taxis and scalable quantum solutions.
Now in its 25th year, the community has recognized over 1,200 start-ups that have gone on to transform industries and societies worldwide.
For more information on the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025, visit wef.ch/amnc25 and share on social media using the hashtag #amnc25, or #2025夏季达沃斯#. Read more about the 2025 Technology Pioneers here.

Geneva, Switzerland, 2025 – The World Economic Forum 2025 Technology Pioneers community is a group of 100 early-stage companies from 28 countries driving innovation across industries and borders. Now in its 25th year, the program celebrates its strongest cohort yet, marked by broader geographical representation, greater diversity beyond Silicon Valley and the rise of more ambitious frontier technologies.

Reflecting wider shifts in the innovation landscape, many of the companies spotlighted are using artificial intelligence (AI) to reach greater scale and sophistication with fewer resources. Several are venturing into less explored frontiers – from asteroid mining and flying electric taxis, to leveraging satellite imagery to transform agriculture and harnessing energy from supernova explosions to locate critical minerals beneath the Earth’s surface.

The geography of innovation is also evolving.

While the United States remains the top contributor to the community, Europe’s share has surged to 28% – up from 20% last year – reflecting the rise of strong tech ecosystems across the region. China and India are also emerging as major tech innovation hubs.

“There has never been a more exciting time to dive headfirst into tech innovation. But no one gets far alone – you need a community to move your mission forward,” said Verena Kuhn, Head of Innovator Communities, World Economic Forum. “As we mark 25 years of the Technology Pioneers programme, this global community continues to connect start-ups to the networks and ecosystems they need to scale.”

This year also marks the 25^th Anniversary of the Technology Pioneers programme. Since its inception in 2000, the community has championed early-stage innovation and recognized more than 1,200 companies, many of which have gone on to reshape industries worldwide. Alumni include household names such as Google, PayPal, Dropbox and SoundCloud, underscoring the community’s role as a launchpad for ideas and impact.

The 2025 cohort stands out for its concentration of companies developing breakthrough technologies to address pressing global challenges. These include advanced robotics, customisable space launch services, micro nuclear reactors and more accessible quantum computing applications. These pioneers will contribute cutting-edge insights to Forum initiatives over a two-year engagement program and will also be invited to participate in the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025, taking place on 24-26 June in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China.

The 2025 Technology Pioneers include:

Australia
• Cauldron – Commercializing advanced continuous fermentation technology to unlock price parity for mainstream bio-manufactured goods.

Brazil
• Brain4care – Using AI-based technology to enable timely medical interventions for patients with neurological conditions.

Canada

• Ideon Technologies – Harnessing the energy from supernova explosions in space to image deep beneath the Earth’s surface, transforming how mining companies recover critical minerals.
• Miru – Developing dynamic electrochromic windows that deliver high functionality, experience and energy efficiency for the automotive, transportation and architectural sectors.

Greater China
•    Deep Principle – Integrating advanced AI models and quantum chemistry to accelerate the discovery and development of chemical materials.
•   GS Biomats – Developing furan bio-based material, a renewable alternative to petroleum-based chemicals, for various uses including biomedical applications.
•   HiNa Battery – Producing more sustainable, high-performance, low-cost sodium-ion batteries.
•   KaiOS – Providing affordable internet and access to financial services to unserved populations, primarily in South Asia and Africa.
•   Lightstandard – Making large language model computing faster and more energy-efficient with photonic computing.
•   Noematrix – Focusing on researching and developing embodied intelligence systems and related tools and platforms, which are compatible with diverse hardware.
•   Novlead – Designing a molecular technology platform providing available, accessible and affordable nitric oxide solutions for major clinical needs.
•   Shengshu Technology – Building generative AI infrastructure that develops native multi-modal large models such as images, 3D and video.
•   TRANSTREAMS – Engineering chips and solutions to address the computing power shortages in China during the era of AI-generated content.
•   Turing – Providing cutting-edge computing infrastructure and comprehensive AI solutions to drive the future of intelligent computing.

Colombia
• Plurall – Supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in emerging markets with fast, accessible working capital and digital payment solutions, leveraging AI models for risk assessment, collections and embedded lending.

Denmark
• Arcadia eFuels – Developing and deploying technology to produce electro-sustainable aviation and diesel fuels using renewable electricity, seawater, and captured CO2.

Egypt
• Thndr – Offering a digital investment platform with a range of flexible funding methods and educational resources to empower investors.

France
•   Ascendance Flight Technologies – Decarbonizing aviation with a hybrid electric propulsion system and hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
•    Beyond Aero – Building the first electric business aircraft powered by hydrogen propulsion, as a sustainable alternative to traditional business jets.
•    CO2 AI – Helping large and complex organizations measure their environmental impact, identify credible levers and decarbonize at scale through AI.
•   Jimmy – Developing a micro nuclear reactor to provide carbon-free, competitive heat for industrial processes.
•   Nabla – Reducing clinician burnout by automating clinical documentation with AI.
•    Orakl Oncology – Creating a biology and AI-powered simulation platform to revolutionize oncology drug development.
•   Phagos – Deploying a sustainable alternative to antibiotics using bacteriophages and AI
•   Quobly – Making scalable, cost-competitive, large-scale quantum computers.
•   Sweetch Energy – Enabling osmotic power generation by harnessing the salinity gradient between freshwater and seawater.

Germany
•   Accure – Providing predictive battery analytics software to enhance safety, optimize performance and extend the lifetime of battery systems.
•   Black Forest Labs – Building generative deep learning models for media, particularly images and videos
•   eleQtron – Developing quantum computers by leveraging trapped-ion technology.
•   Tozero – Pioneering the delivery of recycled lithium in Europe by sustainably recovering critical materials from battery waste.

India
•   Agnikul – Providing affordable and customizable space launch services.
•   CynLr – Building robots with intuitive vision and enabling manufacturers and logistics providers to build fully automated factories.
•   Dezy – Leveraging AI-powered diagnostic technology to build affordable and accessible dental care.
•   Digantara – Providing crucial operational support to commercial space operators and space surveillance intelligence to global space agencies.
•   Equal – Providing an integrated solution that combines identity verification with consent-driven financial data sharing.
•   Exponent Energy – Making 15-minute rapid charging for electric vehicles affordable and scalable through an innovative battery management system, charging algorithms, thermal management and a charging network.
•   Freight Tiger – Building India’s largest software-enabled freight network to help businesses move goods with full visibility, efficiency and lower costs.
•   GalaxEye – Creating a comprehensive, multi-sensor Earth observation system.
•   SolarSquare – Helping homes switch to solar in India with its full-stack solar panel systems.
•    The ePlane Co. – Developing flying electric taxis designed for intra-city transportation.

Ireland
• Equal1 – Democratizing quantum computing by leveraging existing semiconductor technologies.

Israel
•   Fermata – Providing computer vision solutions for farmers to reduce crop losses and pesticide use.
•   Illumex – Empowering organizations to run governed and reliable AI agents through unified business data language and to democratize data access to every user.
•   LightSolver – Building a photonic supercomputer by harnessing the power of coupled lasers.
•   NanoSynex – Offering a rapid and accurate diagnostic platform for bacterial resistance.
•   ZutaCore – Developing waterless direct-to-chip liquid cooling for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) data centres.

Italy
• Arsenale Bioyards – Building new lab-to-production infrastructure enabling fast, low-cost biomanufacturing at an industrial scale.

Japan
• Sagri – Leveraging satellite data and AI to transform agriculture through land use optimization and sustainability.

Republic of Korea
•   Hylium Industries – Providing safe and innovative liquid hydrogen solutions for carbon-free mobility.
•   NARA Space – Building South Korea’s first microsatellite constellation for methane point source detection.
•   Robocon – Developing robotics and smart factory solutions for the construction and steel industries.

Luxembourg
• Tokeny Solutions – Building the compliance infrastructure for digital assets in blockchain and fintech.

Mexico
• Allie – Creating closed-loop optimization systems for manufacturing that autonomously adjust production parameters in real time.

Nigeria
•   Cybervergent – Providing a platform to automate cybersecurity compliance and risk governance.
•   Sabi – Powering the sourcing and distribution of physical goods and critical commodities in Africa.
•   ThriveAgric – Empowering smallholder farmers across Africa by linking them to finance, data-driven best practices, and access to local and global markets.

Saudi Arabia
• Intelmatix – Making enterprise AI accessible through industry-specific, context-aware AI agents.

Singapore
• Manus – Automating a wide range of practical tasks for personal and professional use with a general AI agent.
• Rize – Decarbonizing rice cultivation in Asia through scalable agricultural innovations.

Spain
• Crisalion Mobility – Offering sustainable air and ground mobility solutions.
• INBRAIN Neuroelectronics – Developing brain-computer interfaces to treat neurological disorders.

Sweden
• Graphmatech – Developing advanced materials infused with graphene to make large-scale industries more innovative and resource efficient.
• Lovable – Using AI to help users create software and web apps without coding expertise.

Switzerland
• HAYA Therapeutics – Developing RNA-based medicines to treat heart, lung and tissue diseases.
• Neural Concept – Accelerating product design through 3D generative engineering and AI.

Uganda
• Numida – Using credit models and digital underwriting to provide loans to micro businesses.

Ukraine
• Respeecher – Enabling scalable voice cloning across languages and contexts.

United Kingdom
•   CuspAI – Using frontier AI to accelerate the discovery and development of materials with specific functionalities.
•   Obrizum – Offering personalized digital learning services at scale through an AI-powered platform.
•   Oxford Ionics – Building high-performance quantum computers using trapped-ion technology.

United States
•   Ammobia –Fuelling the world with cost-effective, lower-carbon ammonia production.
•    Archetype AI – Pioneering a new form of Physical AI capable of perceiving, understanding and reasoning about the world through analysing real-time, multimodal sensor data.
•   Arine – Integrating cutting-edge AI, clinical expertise and advanced data analytics to deliver medication-based care interventions at the population level.
•   AstroForge – Making critical minerals more accessible to humanity by mining asteroids.
•   BforeAI – Using behavioural AI to predict and automatically pre-empt malicious campaigns and stop cyberattacks before they occur.
•   Candidly – Developing an AI-powered platform to help borrowers manage and overcome educational loans.
•   Claryo – Helping warehouse operators maximize operational efficiency by leveraging spatial generative AI.
•   Distyl AI – Enabling enterprises to seamlessly integrate AI agents into operations.
•   Emvolon – Converting methane emissions into carbon-negative fuels for hard-to-abate sectors onsite.
•   Exowatt – Delivers solar power on demand by storing energy and converting it into electricity as needed, helping data centres and the grid run on clean energy 24/7.
•   Foundation Alloy – Commercializing solid-state metals technology to make higher performance metals using less energy.
•   HAIQU – Developing a new application execution stack for all modalities of near-term quantum computers.
•    Hertha Metals – Developing technology to decarbonize primary steel production.
•   Hyfe – “Turns food processing waste into chemicals that replace petroleum in everyday goods”.
•   Lumu Technologies – Providing cybersecurity operations capabilities to help businesses control the impact of cybercrime.
•    One Bio – Using biotechnology to add anti-inflammatory plant-based fibres to everyday foods.
•   Oberon Fuels – Developing innovative carbon-neutral fuels for maritime, propane, and hydrogen sectors.
•   Osmo – Combining frontier AI and olfactory science to digitize scent and enhance well-being.
•   Outtake – Securing digital identities by detecting and removing harmful AI-generated content.
•   Parallel Learning – Providing licensed therapy and instruction to students with learning differences through a digital platform.
•   Pavilion – Increasing efficiency in US public procurement with an AI-enabled government marketplace.
•    Reality Defender – Offering multimodal detection of AI-generated media to prevent fraud and disinformation.
•   RoboForce – Building AI-powered robotic systems designed for high-risk or repetitive work, to enhance efficiency, productivity and safety across industries.
•   Rubi Laboratories – Using biocatalysis to transform CO2 into essential materials like cellulose.
•   Shiru – Leveraging AI to identify and develop naturally occurring functional ingredients.
•   Starcloud – Constructing data centres in space to solve the AI energy challenge.
•   Waterplan – Delivering an AI-powered platform to measure, manage and mitigate water risk.
•   Workera – Providing AI-driven workforce skills intelligence and upskilling pathways.
•   Workhelix – Helping companies identify AI transformation opportunities and measure return on investment.

Uruguay
• Prometeo – Creating a single, borderless banking application programming interface to connect companies with financial institutions across the Americas.

About the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025
The 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions will take place from 24 to 26 June 2025 in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China, under the theme “Entrepreneurship for a New Era.” The meeting will convene over 1,700 leaders from business, government, civil society, academia, international organizations, innovation and media to explore entrepreneurial solutions to global challenges.

About the Technology Pioneers
Launched in 2000, the Technology Pioneers community marks its 25th anniversary in 2025 as a leading platform for early-stage companies from around the world that are shaping the future through breakthrough technologies and innovations. These companies are selected for their potential to have a significant impact on business and society and are invited to engage with public and private sector leaders through the World Economic Forum’s global platform.

The Technology Pioneers community is part of the Innovator Communities within the Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Innovator Communities convene the world’s leading global start-ups across different growth stages from early-stage Technology Pioneers to growth-stage Global Innovators and unicorn companies valued at more than $1 billion usd/ $ 1.373 billion cad.

Politics

Terrorist Designations of Antifa Ost and Three Other Violent Antifa Groups

November 14, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

Press Statement

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

November 13, 2025

Today, building on President Trump’s historic commitment to confront Antifa’s campaign of political violence, the Department of State is designating German-based Antifa Ost, along with three other violent Antifa groups in Italy and Greece, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists and intends to designate all four groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, effective November 20, 2025. The designation of Antifa Ost and other violent Antifa groups supports President Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum-7, an initiative to disrupt self-described “anti-fascism” networks, entities, and organizations that use political violence and terroristic acts to undermine democratic institutions, constitutional rights, and fundamental liberties. Groups affiliated with this movement ascribe to revolutionary anarchist or Marxist ideologies, including anti-Americanism, “anti-capitalism,” and anti-Christianity, using these to incite and justify violent assaults domestically and overseas.

The United States will continue using all available tools to protect our national security and public safety and will deny funding and resources to terrorists, including targeting other Antifa groups across the globe.

Designations of Antifa Ost and Three Other Violent Antifa Groups

Fact Sheet

Office of the Spokesperson

November 13, 2025

Today, the Department of State announces the designation of Antifa Ost, Informal Anarchist Federation/International Revolutionary Front, Armed Proletarian Justice, and Revolutionary Class Self-Defense as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) and the intent to designate all four groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), effective November 20, 2025. 

Antifa Ost

Antifa Ost (also known as Antifa East and Hammerbande) is a Germany-based militant group. Antifa Ost conducted numerous attacks against individuals it perceives as “fascists” or part of the “right-wing scene” in Germany between 2018 and 2023 and is accused of having conducted a series of attacks in Budapest in mid-February 2023.
On September 26, 2025, Hungary declared Antifa Ost to be a terrorist organization and added the group to its national anti-terrorism list.

Informal Anarchist Federation/International Revolutionary Front (FAI/FRI)

FAI/FRI is a militant anarchist group that primarily operates in Italy with historical self-proclaimed affiliates across Europe, South America, and Asia. FAI/FRI declares the necessity of the revolutionary armed struggle against nation states and “The Fortress Europe.”
Since 2003, FAI/FRI has claimed responsibility for threats of violence, bombs, and letter bombs against political and economic institutions, including a courthouse and other “capitalist institutions.”

Armed Proletarian Justice

Armed Proletarian Justice is a Greek anarchist and “anti-capitalist” group that has attempted and conducted improvised explosive device (IED) attacks against Greek government targets.
Armed Proletarian Justice claimed responsibility for planting a bomb near the Greek riot police headquarters in Goudi, Greece on December 18, 2023.

Revolutionary Class Self-Defense

Revolutionary Class Self-Defense is a Greek anarchist and “anti-capitalist” group. The group links its actions to broader political and social issues and cites opposition to “capitalist structures,” “state repression,” and solidarity with Palestine.
Revolutionary Class Self-Defense claimed responsibility for two IED attacks targeting the Greece Ministry of Labor (February 3, 2024) and the Hellenic Train offices (April 11, 2025).

Terrorist designations expose and isolate entities and individuals, denying them access to the U.S. financial system and resources they need to carry out attacks.

All property and property interests of designated individuals or groups that are in the United States or that are in possession or control of a U.S. person are blocked. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting business with sanctioned persons. It is also a crime to knowingly provide material support or resources to those designated, or to attempt or conspire to do so.

Persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with those designated today may expose themselves to sanctions risk.  Notably, engaging in certain transactions with them entails risk of secondary sanctions pursuant to counterterrorism authorities.

Today’s actions are taken pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224.  FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register.

Petitioners requesting removal of those designated from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List should refer to the Department of State’s Delisting Guidance page.

Art

An Artist Life Means Putting Your Guts Out Into The World

November 13, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

The formula for a life well lived might look something like this: Dive in head first > fail > repeat.

Life is a series of cycles.

There is of course the broad cycle, we are born, we live, we age, we die. But within this scope are countless other cycles for every part and parcel of our time on the planet. The cycle of making mistakes, of continually pouring your guts out to the world and enduring the consequences, is one of the most important there is for artists. From this process you learn the most about who you are, and how you fit in the world. There will be plenty of moments when you are a total mismatch, when you throw yourself into the deep end and struggle to stay afloat. Under no circumstances should these moments be viewed as set-backs or failure.

Salvador Dali once said, “Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.” Take a minute to consider that.

Really let it sink in. Let your mind internalize this notion and let it unleash a wave of relief through your whole body. What fantastic news this is, no matter what you do, no matter how long you live, you, I, we, not one of us, will ever be perfect. So how can you take this beautiful knowledge and use it to your own advantage? Once you are free from the restraints of perfection, how can this inform the way you continue on your path?

By adopting the formula above and not letting go no matter what.

You probably know stories about how mistakes have changed history for the better over and over again. The accidental discovery of Penicillin because scientists noticed that the mold on some forgotten fruit killed bacteria. Or the invention of silly putty (perhaps not on par with life-saving antibiotics when it comes to historic moments, but a great boon to childhood all the same) quite by accident in a military lab as scientists tried to create an inexpensive substitute for rubber. But have you ever really stopped to consider what these stories mean to an artist? How they can be freeing examples of the importance of making mistakes?

There is likely not a person out there who truly believes that perfection is attainable, but we are told far too often that we ought to strive for it. This leads to untold restraint, dissatisfaction, and who knows how many missed opportunities for glorious screw ups. Do not let this trap take hold of you. Throw your best and worst, craziest and most tame ideas out there for all the world to see. Who cares if you land flat on your face, as long as you’re still able to pick yourself up there’s no harm done.

As an artist you will be the recipient of rejection letters and emails.

Stacks of them. Count on it. In every creative field, there are piles and piles of rejections to be gone through. Walt Disney was once fired for what his editor deemed a lack of imagination. Countless famous artists throughout history were rejected in their lifetimes, some only achieving posthumous success. Van Gogh, Manet, Turner, they all have in common that they faced painful rejection in their lifetimes. They also have in common that they didn’t give up their unique perspective on the world nor did they allow something as insignificant as rejection stand in the way of their forward momentum.

Collect your rejection letters. Create a special binder for them. Own them with pride knowing that you earned each and every one of them by putting a piece of yourself out into the world. Begin to think of rejection as a victory in itself because it means you tried. The moment you receive a rejection letter, consider that at that same moment, had you not tried, there would be nothing at all. Not trying isn’t really a way of avoiding rejection, it is simply a way of hiding from the world. You will never get anywhere at all if you don’t reveal yourself.

Artists are perhaps particularly vulnerable when it comes to the consequences of baring their souls to the world. Art is highly personal and the thought of making a mistake when the stakes are so intimately high can be enough to frighten even the boldest spirit. Rejection can feel like a very personal affront and can make it difficult to want to try again. It comes down to a choice really, to stay safe and make no progress, or let it all hang out and learn from every single mistake.

Just like with everything else in life, you will become accustomed to accepting rejection and mistakes as par for the course. There will come a day when you will leaf through your binder of rejection letters with a wisdom that can only be gained through the repeated process of failing. For the Silo, Brainard Carey.

Sci-Tech

Strong Case Against Students Being Forced To Memorize?

November 12, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

“Pay attention students, write this down for memorization.” The Trivium and Quadrivium, medieval revival of classical Greek education theories, defined the seven liberal arts necessary as preparation for entering higher education: grammar, logic, rhetoric, astronomy, geometry, arithmetic, and music. Even today, the education disciplines identified since Greek times are still reflected in many education systems. Numerous disciplines and branches have since emerged, ranging from history to computer science…

Now comes the Information Age, bringing with it Big Data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence as well as visualization techniques that facilitate the learning of knowledge.

All this technology dramatically increased the amount of knowledge we could access and the speed at which we could generate answers to our questions.

“New and more innovative knowledge maps are now needed to help us navigate the complexities of our expanding landscape of knowledge,” says Charles Fadel. Fadel is the founder of the Center for Curriculum Redesign, which has been producing new knowledge maps that redesign knowledge standards from the ground up. “Understanding the interrelatedness of knowledge areas will help to uncover a logical and effective progression for learning that achieves deep understanding.”

Joining us in The Global Search for Education to talk about what students should learn in the age of AI is Charles Fadel, author of Four-Dimensional Education: The Competencies Learners Need to Succeed.

“We need to identify the Essential Content and Core Concepts for each discipline – that’s what the curation effort must achieve so as to leave time and space for deepening the disciplines’ understanding and developing competencies.” — Charles Fadel

Charles, today students have the ability to look up anything. Technology that enables them to do this is also improving all the time. If I want to solve a math problem, I use my calculator, and if I want to write a report on the global effects of climate change, I pull out my mobile. How much of the data kids are being forced to memorize in school is now a waste of time?

The Greeks bemoaned the invention of the alphabet because people did not have to memorize the Iliad anymore. Anthropologists tell us that memorization is far more trained in populations that are illiterate or do not have access to books. So needing to memorize even less in an age of Search is a natural evolution.

However, there are also valid reasons for why some carefully curated content will always be necessary.

Firstly, Automaticity. It would be implausible for anyone to constantly look up words or simple multiplications – it just takes too long and breaks the thought process, very inefficiently. Secondly, Learning Progressions. A number of disciplines need a gradual progression towards expertise, and again, one cannot constantly look things up, this would be completely unworkable. Finally, Competencies (Skills, Character, Meta-Learning). Those cannot be developed in thin air as they need a base of (modernized, curated) knowledge to leverage.

Sometimes people will say “Google knows everything” or “ask AI” and it is striking, but the reality is that for now, Google stores everything. Of course, with AI, what is emerging now is the ability to analyze a large number of specific problems and make predictions, so eventually, Google and similar companies will know a lot more than humans can about themselves!

Smartphone with language learning app — Closeup of mobile phone with language learning application in jeans pocket. focus on screen

“What we need to test for is Transfer – the ability to use something we have learned in a completely different context. This has always been the goal of an Education, but now algorithms will allow us to focus on that goal even more, by ‘flipping the curriculum’.” — Charles Fadel

If Child A has memorized the data in her head while Child B has to look up the answers, some might argue that Child A is smarter than Child B. I would argue that AI has leveled the playing field for Child A and Child B, particularly if Child B is digitally literate, creative and passionate about learning. What are your thoughts?

First, let’s not conflate memory with intelligence, which games like Jeopardy implicitly do. The fact that Child A memorized data does not mean they are “smarter” than Child B, even though memory implies a modicum of intelligence. Second, even Child B will need some level of content knowledge to be creative, etc. Again, this is not developed in thin air, per the conversation above.

So it is a false dichotomy to talk about Knowledge or Competencies (Skills/Character/Meta-learning), it has to be Knowledge (modernized, curated) and Competencies. We’d want children to both Know and Do, with creativity and curiosity.

Lastly, we need to identify the Essential Content and Core Concepts for each discipline – that’s what the curation effort must achieve so as to leave time and space for deepening the disciplines’ understanding and developing competencies.

Given the impact of AI today and the advancements we expect each year, when should (all) school districts introduce open laptop examinations to allow students equal access to information and place emphasis on their thinking skills?

The question has more to do with Search algorithms than with AI, but regardless, real-life is open-book, and so should exams be alike. And yes, this will force students to actually understand their materials, provided the tests do more than multiple-choice trivialities, which by the way we find even at college levels for the sake of ease of grading.

What we need to test for is Transfer – the ability to use something we have learned in a completely different context. This has always been the goal of an Education, but now algorithms (search, AI) will allow us to focus on that goal even more, by “flipping the curriculum”.

Today, if a learner wants to do a deep dive into any specific subject, AI search allows them to do this outside of classroom time. What do you say to a history teacher who argues there’s no need to revise subject content in his classroom?

For all disciplines, not just History, we must strike the careful balance between “just-in-time, in context” vs “just-in-case”. Context matters to anchor the learning: in other words, real-world projects give immediate relevance for the learning, which helps it to be absorbed. And yet projects can also be time-inefficient, so a healthy balance of didactic methods like lectures are still necessary. McKinsey has recently shown that today that ratio is about 25% projects, which should grow a bit more over time as education systems embed them better, with better teacher training.

Second, it should be perfectly fine for any student to do deep dives as they see fit, but again in balance: there are other competencies needed to becoming a more complete individual, and if one is ahead of the curve in a specific topic, it is of course very tempting to follow one’s passion. And at the same time, it is important to make sure that other competencies get developed too. So, balance and a discriminating mind matter.

Employers consider ethics, leadership, resilience, curiosity, mindfulness and courage as being of “very high” importance to preparing students for the workplace. How does your curriculum satisfy employers’ demands today and in the years ahead?

These Character qualities are essential for employers and life needs alike, and they have converged away from the false dichotomy of “employability or psycho-social needs.” A modern curriculum ensures that these qualities are developed deliberately, systematically, comprehensively, and demonstrably. This is achieved by matrixing them with the Knowledge dimension, meaning teaching Resilience via Mathematics, Mindfulness via History, etc. Employers have a mixed view and success as to how to assess these qualities, so it is a bit unfair that they would demand specificity they do not have. And it is also unfitting of school systems to lose relevance.

students with smartphones making cheat sheets — people, education, technology and exam concept – close up of students with smartphones taking picture of books page and making cheat sheet in school library

“Educators have been tone-deaf to the needs of employers and society to educate broad and deep individuals, not merely ones that may go to college. The anchoring of this problem comes from university entrance requirements.” — Charles Fadel

There is a significant gap between employers’ view of the preparation levels of students and the views of students and educators. The problem likely exists partly because of incorrect assumptions on both sides, but there are also valid deficiencies. What specific inadequacies are behind this gap? What system or process can be devised to resolve this issue?

On one side, employers are expecting too much and shirking their responsibility to bring up the level of their employees, expecting them to graduate 100% “ready to work” and having to spend nothing more than job-specific training at best. On the other side, educators have been tone-deaf to the needs of employers and society to educate broad and deep individuals, not merely ones that may go to college.

The anchoring of this problem comes from university entrance requirements (in the US, AP classes, etc.) and their associated assessments (SAT/ACT scores). They have for decades back-biased what is taught in schools, in a very self-serving manner – narrowly as a test of whether a student will succeed at university. It is time to deconstruct the requirements to broaden/deepen them to serve multiple stakeholders. For the Silo, C.M. Rubin.

Thank you Charles.

For More Information.

(All photos are courtesy of our friends at CMRubinWorld)

C. M. Rubin and Charles Fadel

Join me and globally renowned thought leaders including Sir Michael Barber (UK), Dr. Michael Block (U.S.), Dr. Leon Botstein (U.S.), Professor Clay Christensen (U.S.), Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond (U.S.), Dr. MadhavChavan (India), Charles Fadel (U.S.), Professor Michael Fullan (Canada), Professor Howard Gardner (U.S.), Professor Andy Hargreaves (U.S.), Professor Yvonne Hellman (The Netherlands), Professor Kristin Helstad (Norway), Jean Hendrickson (U.S.), Professor Rose Hipkins (New Zealand), Professor Cornelia Hoogland (Canada), Honourable Jeff Johnson (Canada), Mme. Chantal Kaufmann (Belgium), Dr. EijaKauppinen (Finland), State Secretary TapioKosunen (Finland), Professor Dominique Lafontaine (Belgium), Professor Hugh Lauder (UK), Lord Ken Macdonald (UK), Professor Geoff Masters (Australia), Professor Barry McGaw (Australia), Shiv Nadar (India), Professor R. Natarajan (India), Dr. Pak Tee Ng (Singapore), Dr. Denise Pope (US), Sridhar Rajagopalan (India), Dr. Diane Ravitch (U.S.), Richard Wilson Riley (U.S.), Sir Ken Robinson (UK), Professor Pasi Sahlberg (Finland), Professor Manabu Sato (Japan), Andreas Schleicher (PISA, OECD), Dr. Anthony Seldon (UK), Dr. David Shaffer (U.S.), Dr. Kirsten Sivesind (Norway), Chancellor Stephen Spahn (U.S.), Yves Theze (LyceeFrancais U.S.), Professor Charles Ungerleider (Canada), Professor Tony Wagner (U.S.), Sir David Watson (UK), Professor Dylan Wiliam (UK), Dr. Mark Wormald (UK), Professor Theo Wubbels (The Netherlands), Professor Michael Young (UK), and Professor Minxuan Zhang (China) as they explore the big picture education questions that all nations face today.

The Global Search for Education Community Page

C. M. Rubin is the author of two widely read online series for which she received a 2011 Upton Sinclair award, “The Global Search for Education” and “How Will We Read?” She is also the author of three bestselling books, including The Real Alice in Wonderland, is the publisher of CMRubinWorld and is a Disruptor Foundation Fellow.

Follow C. M. Rubin on Twitter.

Sci-Tech

The Met & Other Galleries Offer Remote Viewing Via Oculus Virtual Reality

November 11, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Launches New Immersive Virtual Reality and Online Feature with Iconic Works from Its Collection
The Temple of Dendur and works from the Arts of Oceania galleries have been transformed for virtual reality (VR) experience and on the web

The Met’s new features, created in collaboration with the platform Atopia, introduce a new way for cultural institutions around the world to build their own VR and online exhibitions(New York, November, 2025)— The Metropolitan Museum of Art has launched two new virtual reality (VR) features, Dendur Decoded and Oceania: A New Horizon of Space and Time, that explore the Museum’s beloved Temple of Dendur and monumental works from the Oceanic art collection in the newly reopening Michael C. Rockefeller Wing—such as the Ceremonial House Ceiling from the Kwoma people of Papua New Guinea, the Asmat bisj poles, and Atingting kon(slit gongs) from Vanuatu—in 3D. The experiences will allow global audiences to view these treasured galleries and works using a personal VR headset or on The Met’s website. Designed in collaboration with Atopia, a platform for immersive art and culture, The Met’s virtual experiences introduce a new way for art institutions to create and publish their own VR and web features, providing more digital access to VR innovations across the museum field.

The Met’s first VR experiences, Dendur Decoded and Oceania: A New Horizon of Space and Time were developed in close consultation with Met curators. They feature original, innovative storytelling and high-resolution 3D scans created by The Met’s Imaging team. This experience allows virtual visitors to delve into artworks through movement, sound, interaction, and play. From stepping inside the Temple of Dendur to bringing the 17-foot bisj poles to eye level, these virtual experiences offer a singular opportunity to explore these iconic works.

“The Met collection is enjoyed by millions of visitors a year, and by exploring the vast possibilities of virtual spaces, we can offer unparalleled cultural experiences to audiences no matter where they are located,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and CEO. “These two new VR and web features foreground compelling storytelling and curatorial scholarship, and they provide immersive, participatory access to some of The Met’s remarkable works of art.”

Annabell Vacano, founder of Atopia, said, “Until now, immersive exhibitions were bespoke and expensive. We created Atopia so museums of all sizes could design, publish, and scale interactive storytelling so their collections can be accessed from anywhere in the world. The Met has been an incredible partner in designing Atopia’s storytelling tools, and it’s been an honor to work with their world-class teams.”

Dendur Decoded
The Dendur DecodedVR and web experience is organized as a vividly detailed adventure arranged in four “acts” and includes over 150 newly presented pieces of content, including materials (images and video) from archives at The Met and UNESCO. The content was created in collaboration with Isabel Stünkel, Curator, Department of Egyptian Art, and Erin Peters, Assistant Professor, Art History & Visual Culture at Appalachian State University; with support from Diana Craig Patch, Lila Acheson Wallace Curator in Charge of Egyptian Art, and Janice Kamrin, Curator in Egyptian Art at The Met.

It begins with “Act I: Explore Dendur,” which introduces the Temple and helps visitors learn how to read aspects of the temple’s decoration, and continues with “Act II: Dendur in Nubia,” presenting a 3D and 360-degree film about the Temple of Dendur’s original location along the West bank of the Nile River and how it was dismantled as part of the international UNESCO Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia to protect it from being submerged beneath Lake Nasser and then awarded to the United States in 1967. “Act III: Reconstructing Dendur” invites visitors to virtually rebuild part of the temple and learn how The Met reassembled it in New York in a new gallery that was opened to the public on September 27, 1978. “Act IV: Reflection” showcases past MetLiveArts performances and the ways in which contemporary artists have been inspired by the Temple. There is also an optional opportunity to leave a personal contemplation or observation through a voice note.

Oceania: A New Horizon of Space and Time
Oceania: A New Horizon of Space and Time celebrates the dazzling Oceanic works in the Museum’s newly reopened Michael C. Rockefeller Wing. Fifteen objects are contextualized with sound, story, and a spatial design inspired by an outdoor environment that evokes the Pacific Islands. Within the space, these objects are accompanied by illuminating content such as immersive original audio and Pacific storytelling, archival imagery, 360-degree video, and high-resolution 3D models. Featuring works from across The Met collection of Oceanic art, highlights in the VR and web experience include The Met’s impressive Ceremonial House Ceiling, which evokes the polychrome interior of a men’s ceremonial house in the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea five soaring upright spirit poles (bisj) from the Asmat people of Western New Guinea; and the 14-foot-tall Atingting kon (slit gong) from Vanuatu.

In this exploratory environment there is a lush virtual gallery populated by the 3D-scanned objects and immersive soundscapes. Examples include the Sawos Ancestor Figure, which invites close looking through a compelling audio story about a battle in which the ancestral figure came to life, paired with an interactive 3D model. The Ceremonial House Ceiling includes a game where visitors discover motifs across the 270 pangal (painted panels), including crocodiles, insects, and cassowaries. The Body Mask, created by an Asmat artist, includes contemporary photography by Joshua Irwandi, a documentary photographer based in Jakarta, Indonesia, showing how these masks are made and worn by the Asmat people of southwest New Guinea. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Developed along with Maia Nuku, The Met’s Evelyn A. J. Hall and John A. Friede Curator for Arts of Oceania, and Sylvia Cockburn, Senior Research Associate for Arts of Oceania, the experience will be animated with voices from across the Pacific Islands, including a greeting by Michael Mel (PhD, performance artist, lecturer, curator, and teacher and currently Senior Lecturer and Head of Expressive Arts Department at the University of Goroka), and a concluding sunset ceremony by Che Wilson (Ngāti Rangi-Whanganui, Tūwharetoa, Mōkai Pātea, Ngāti Apa, Ngā Raurua), a Māori leader with a career that spans cultural advocacy, governance, and leadership.

VR and Online Innovations for the Cultural Sector
For The Met’s virtual experiences, the Museum’s Emerging Technology and Digital department worked collaboratively with Atopia to develop a feature that will enable museums of all sizes to design and publish similar immersive exhibitions in-house. Through a “no-code” editor available on the platform, museum curators and designers can drag and drop images, 3D scans, and didactic information from their collections into virtual spaces. These can then be launched on the platform, becoming instantly available on the web and in VR.

Access and Availability
The two immersive exhibitions are available now for free on The Met’s website and on Meta Quest 2/3/3s Audio across the experience is closed caption.

Atopia is compatible with both standard web browsers on a desktop and laptop and on personal VR headsets. It also supports both individual and invite-only multiplayer visits.

Related Programs
These VR and web features will also be activated through several events, including Met Expert Talks. These talks include the opportunity for Museum visitors to interact with the virtual experiences on headsets provided by The Met for a deeper and more contextualized viewing. There will also be VR pop-ups at Teens Take The Met on May 15, 2026, as well as during an upcoming Teen Friday Career Labs, where teens can hear directly from the VR creative team. For homebound audiences unable to visit the new Arts of Oceania galleries in person, special Collection Tours will be offered for Oceania: A New Horizon of Space and Time via headsets provided by the Museum. More details and VR events at The Met will be announced.

Credits
Dendur Decoded and Oceania: A New Horizon of Space and Time were created with a cross-disciplinary team from across The Met, led by Brett Renfer, Senior Project Manager of Emerging Technologies, along with Curatorial, Education, Imaging, and Digital.

This project is made possible by the Director’s Fund.

About The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met presents art from around the world and across time for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online. Since it was founded in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum’s galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing both new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures. Discover more at metmuseum.org.

About Atopia
Atopia is a new way to experience culture online. From any web browser or VR headset, audiences can step inside immersive exhibitions designed by leading museums worldwide. Our no-code platform empowers cultural institutions to create and share virtual experiences at scale—bringing exhibitions to global audiences beyond physical walls. Our mission: to open access to culture everywhere. Discover more at https://atopia.space

Transportation

How Japan’s Government Created the World’s Most Sinister Cars

November 10, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

You know the look: A long, low-slung sedan finished in shiny black paint with equally bright chrome rolls through town. Beige, burgundy, and blue cars move out of the way, magnetically repelled by the menacing four-door.

This threatening style has been idolized by Hollywood since the 1960s, perhaps most famously in the unfortunately short-lived ABC television program The Green Hornet, in which actor Van Williams drove a Chrysler Imperial modified by Dean Jeffries. It was painted black, of course, and the chrome slats that ran horizontally across its huge grille clearly meant business—even on the 19-inch TV screens that took up considerable living room real estate in a 1960s home.

Black paint, while popular today, was a daring, high-style choice in the 1960s that was not-so-subtly influenced by the largely chauffeur-driven cars that carried around heads of state and other major politicians. For instance, the Soviet Union’s KGB notoriously drove around in black-painted GAZ Chaika sedans that had a distinctly Detroit-inspired appearance. (The irony of which seems to have been lost.)

An outsider might not expect Japan, where the pavement has been specifically engineered to be quiet, to have a small but mighty homegrown industry producing the world’s most ominous cars.

The Japanese Royal Family Needed a Ride of Their Own

Dating back more than 1400 years, Japan’s Imperial Household Agency does just what its name suggests: it manages the royal family’s affairs. This is no easy task for a country so steeped in tradition. In fact, the Imperial Household Agency has more than 1000 civil servants, which stands in marked contrast to the self-funded, non-governmental managers of, say, the British and Swedish royal families.

The Imperial Household Agency’s wide-ranging list of tasks includes everything from ensuring that the Emperor’s family is comfortable and healthy to organizing and overseeing ceremonies. In the early 1960s, the Imperial Household Agency called automakers together and told them to submit designs for an official state vehicle. The car needed to have four doors, be reasonably spacious, and have a prestigious but not overly ostentatious appearance.

Prior to World War II, the Emperor’s vehicle fleet consisted of large, imported cars from brands like Rolls-Royce and Daimler. The company’s nascent automotive industry focused on small, mostly work-oriented vehicles. By the early 1960s, Japan’s recovery from the war’s devastating effects was well underway, fueled heavily by Western investment. While Japan didn’t give up on its traditions, the bright lights of Tokyo had a strong American influence. So too did the country’s cars, like the Toyota Crown that looked like last season’s Chevy. So when the Imperial Household Agency came calling, it should come as no surprise that the results looked rather Detroit-ish.

The winner was a brand you might not have heard of: Prince Motor Company. Founded in 1947, Prince was Japan’s short-lived flagship automaker in the early 1960s, though it was in the midst of being folded into Nissan.

The Prince Royal that got the royal nod, so to speak, was based on the Prince Gloria, a vehicle already used by the Japanese government in an official capacity. The Prince Royal was extended to provide those in back with stretch-out legroom, and the rear doors were modified to open coach-style for easier and more elegant access. While not a particularly showy car, the Prince Royal has an understated elegance. Its stacked headlights recall the Ford Galaxie and the big W108-generation Mercedes-Benz models. The tall greenhouse, on the other hand, is a nod to practicality rather than style. Inside, in the Japanese luxury tradition, the wool seats make nary a peep as passengers slide across. Leather would be rather squeakier.

Prince Royal gained the Imperial Household car — The Prince Royal gained the Imperial Household Agency’s nod as transport for the Emperor of Japan. These cars served until 2006, when they were replaced by a special version of the Toyota Century.Nissan

Underhood, the Prince Royal utilized a 6.4-liter V-8—not Japan’s first, but only a couple of years after the so-called “Toyota Hemi.” An eight-cylinder design was, admittedly, an odd choice; while inherently fairly smooth, the engine was undoubtedly a costly thing to develop. Fewer than 10 were ever built, one of which lives at the unusual and yet highly appealing Nissan Engine Museum and Guest Hall next to the company’s powertrain factory in Yokohama, Japan.

Just five Prince Royals were built, and they stayed in service for a staggering 40 years, when they were replaced by a limousine version of the Toyota Century. But the Century doesn’t really owe its status to the Prince Royal. It should thank the Nissan President, a model that was developed back when Nissan and Prince were quasi-competitors.

Into the 1980s, the Nissan President retained a classic, but hardly ostentatious, look as seen on this 1982 President Type-CNissan

The President, as its name suggests, was intended from the start as a government vehicle. Unlike Toyota’s Crown, the first Japanese car to use a V-8, the President was developed in direct response to the Imperial Household Agency’s request. At nearly 200 inches long, the President was a very large sedan by Japanese standards. Its styling is contemporary if a bit bland, even in comparison to the Prince Royal. Horizontal headlights embedded in a broad, generic grille give way to fenders that had an almost Ford Falcon modesty to them. There’s a bit more drama at the rear with big NISSAN badging. Copious chrome lines the rocker panels.

While the Prince Royal ended up being chosen to transport the Emperor, Nissan’s President didn’t go home empty-handed. Instead, it was used by the country’s Prime Minister. Government versions were only minimally modified compared to the President models sold through Nissan’s dealership network in Japan, though official-use models were invariably painted black. Those available to consumers came in a slightly wider range of colors. The President was a sign that its owner—and, most likely, the person riding in the back—had arrived. It was the Lincoln Continental of its era. Today, when government spending is closely watched by a hawkish public, there is no U.S.-market comparison.

Nissan wool upholstery — In Japan, fabric upholstery like the wool seen in the 1973 Nissan President remains an indicator of a high-end vehicle because it makes no sound as a human slides across it.Nissan

Nissan didn’t dominate government contracts, but it was a commanding presence into the late 1980s. Then, almost inexplicably, the brand gave up. Its chrome-laden second-generation President, which was based on an early 1970s design, was replaced with a comparatively plebian design that would be sold in the U.S. as the Infiniti Q45. That’s not to say that the Q45 was a dud, but its big plastic bumpers and, in Japanese-market spec, Jaguar-ish grille were not in keeping with tradition. The Imperial Household Agency famously rejected a stretched version of the 1990 President in favor of the Toyota Century.

Toyota’s Century Begins

The original Toyota Century was overshadowed, at least to a degree, by the Nissan President that beat it to the market in Japan and initially secured more government contracts.Toyota

Thanks in part to the floodgates of 25-year-old vehicles from Japan, the Toyota Century has something of a cult status among enthusiasts in the U.S. today. It was not always this way; while the Century was undoubtedly a high-tech vehicle at its 1967 debut, the Imperial Household Agency initially passed it up in favor of the Nissan President. However, the Century’s rise coincided with Toyota’s phenomenal growth in the 1970s and 1980s, when it began to overtake Nissan as the premier Japanese automaker.

The original Century ran for three decades, always with V-8 power. Despite the fact that its specs and power could have appealed to buyers in Europe and, especially, the U.S., it was rarely sold in left-hand-drive markets. (Toyota flirted with the idea in the early 2000s before concluding that the conservative Century would be no match for the comparatively flamboyant Mercedes-Benz S-Class.)

Yet it’s the Century that endures in Japan, an icon in its own time. The Emperor of Japan rides around in a stretched one, approved by the Imperial Household Agency, of course. The redesigned model that arrived in 2018 carries on the 1960s original style in marked contrast to the edgy, modern look found in any Toyota or Lexus model. There’s even an SUV version now, though its front-wheel-drive architecture and hybrid V-6 powertrain mean it’s more like a snazzy Toyota Highlander than a bespoke Emperor-hauler.

Clearly, the Century has won out, so much so that Toyota recently announced it will position the Century as its own brand as a more conservative sibling to Lexus. It did face some limited competition from Mitsubishi with its mid-1960s Debonair. While the Mitsubishi, with its slab sides and fenders that leap forward past its grille, is basically a rolling villain, the four- or six-cylinder sedan lacked the interior volume and the power to compete with the Century or the President. Its angular 1986 replacement, which looked sort of like a K-Car with fender mirrors, was anything but debonair.

Mitsubishi Debonair front three quarter — Though its effort was comparatively short-lived, the Mitsubishi Debonair boasted a fantastic name and slab-sided Lincoln Continental-inspired looks, if not Conti-style proportions.Mitsubishi

The Yakuza Turns State Cars Into Mafia Cars

Nobody does organized crime like the Japanese—and that is not meant as a compliment. The Yakuza, as the Japanese crime syndicates are broadly known, hit its peak right around the time when the decidedly more upstanding Imperial Household Agency was asking automakers to design a state vehicle.

Those vehicles were soon appropriated by the Yakuza. In retrospect, they have a sinister, angry look. If the bad guy in a period flick drives a car in Tokyo, it’ll be a President, a Century, or perhaps an early Debonair. Set in 1999, HBO’s Tokyo Vice puts the Q45-adjacent Nissan President front and center. While it may not have been the vehicle of choice for the Emperor, that era’s President was the car to have for the heads of organized crime. Perhaps that’s why Nissan steered away from tradition with its final redesign, a swoopy model unsuccessfully sold here as the Infiniti Q70.

The 1990 Nissan President abandoned the 1960s-style chrome bumpers of its predecessors.Nissan

These big, black sedans have an authoritarian presence. Their drivers may think they have impunity. Not only are their cars imposing, but they look official—even if those inside are doing anything but official business. Yakuza members often mounted curtains inside their Presidents and Centurys, a style known as VIP that persists today—albeit in a much broader and harder-to-define look.

We have no direct equivalent in Canada or the US., at least in terms of how the criminal underground appropriated cars meant for high-ranking government officials. The Crown Victorias once favored by Canadian and American cops lack the luxury and exclusivity of a Century or President. A Chevy Tahoe can’t be all that menacing if you can find dozens of them in the carpool line at your local elementary school. And while our head of state has long had a highly modified Cadillac-ish limousine, which has been described as a tank with a limousine body, it lacks a showroom counterpart. That said, the crested wreath brand made a strong appearance in the late-1990s/early-2000s setting of HBO’s The Sopranos.

It’s a different story in Japan, though. There, a government official arrives in black-and-chrome style—as dictated, if indirectly—by the edicts set forth by the Imperial Household Agency. The automotive equivalent of a tuxedo is, after all, always in style. For the Silo, Andrew Ganz/Hagerty.

Culture

More Exciting Activities for Seniors

November 8, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

If you thought that ageing was boring, you were wrong. Gone are the days of the bingo-playing Senior (although, there’s nothing wrong with a little bingo). Nowadays, you can find Seniors engaging in activities of all sorts.

Well-rounded activities aren’t limited to nursing homes or assisted living centres. Because more and more people are choosing to age at home, you can find Seniors participating in community and neighborhood events. Find the right home health care agency for your loved one so he or she can reap the benefits of a Personal Support Worker (PSW) and an in-home caregiving team!

With home health care, your family member or friend can engage in activities right in the comfort of their own home and community. Professional caregiving teams can help find clubs and activities for Seniors that are accessible and in the neighborhood.

Consider these fun activities that older adults can enjoy.

Walking Clubs

Walking around the community is an excellent way for Seniors to fit exercise into their daily routine. When done with others, it’s also a way to make friends and to keep social. Many communities organize special transportation so that club members can walk in nearby parks or walking paths.

Group Exercise Classes

Group exercise classes such as chair yoga, tai chi, or ballroom dancing are engaging ways to keep Seniors physically active. It’s also another opportunity to meet other people and to make friends who have similar interests.

Regular physical activity will also keep Seniors in shape and is a good preventative measure against falling because it increases stability through muscle strengthening and stretching.

Book Clubs

It’s also important for Seniors to exercise their minds, and to incorporate reading into their routines.

Senior book clubs exist in many community centres and churches, and becoming a member is always a good idea. It encourages people to read so that they can participate in book club discussions with fellow members.

Seniors will maintain sharp mental awareness and make a few friends in the process!

Gardening Clubs

Seniors have more time to devote to hobbies than when they were working full-time or had a family to raise. When people choose to stay at home and have access to a yard or even a balcony, they can cultivate a garden and exercise that green thumb.

Gardening is an excellent way to relax, and the feeling of harvesting flowers, vegetables, and fruits and watching them grow is a truly unique experience.

Participate in Charitable Works

Giving back to the community is a great way to stay engaged and participate in worthwhile and meaningful activities. Donating one’s time to a charitable endeavor gives Seniors a sense of purpose.

Contact local charities, churches and spiritual centers, museums and other cultural institutions, health organizations — the list goes on and on — to see if your loved one can contribute to particular projects and events.

It’s also a great way to meet people and to stay connected to the community.

Although playing bingo is entertaining on occasion, there are so many other fulfilling activities out there for Seniors. Explore what your loved one’s community has to offer! For the Silo, Mila Urosevic.

Art

How Rules Of USA Flag Influenced New Series Of Soft Sculptures

November 7, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

A few years ago, Keiran and I were visiting antique stores in Connecticut when we came across an American flag that had fallen from its flagpole and was lying on the steps to a manor house, which doubled as an antique store.

We looked at each other in horror. This was one of those All-American towns where flags flew proudly and the anthem played on the radio. The store owner probably played quarterback in high school. What would his reaction be to learn his flag had been desecrated?

Flags aren’t such a big thing in Canada, so I’m not entirely sure of the rules.

But I’m fascinated by the strict set of protocols for displaying and respecting flags, an inanimate object. Can you wear them? What happens if you accidentally fly one upside down? How do you store one? What spell do you have to cast if it accidentally falls on the ground? And most pressing: why?

The artist Carla Edwards is also interested in the state-issued protocols for handling the American flag, and sets out to upend said formal rules by dismantling, dyeing, and reconfiguring standard-issue American flags in her Flag Series. The work becomes unrecognizable from its origin, transformed into patterned tapestries with abstractions that harken to the domestic activity of quilting.

Edwards’s sculptural work, made from rope configured in gravity-dying shapes that come to take on human-like qualities, continues her pursuit of shifting materials through rigorous process. Just like a flag, it seems like ropes and knots come with their own set of rules: how to tie them properly, and the practical roles they play.

I think about all the metaphors we have for ropes and knots: walking a tightrope, enough rope to hang oneself, tied up in knots, tying the knot.

Another inanimate object takes on outsized proportions.

Edwards takes it even further, imbuing pieces with energy and anthropomorphic qualities that make the viewer think for a beat longer about what these objects mean—and, most importantly, why.

Below is a look inside Carla Edwards’s studio in Brooklyn, NY. The artist will have work at Art Basel Miami with Night Gallery.

Carla Edwards (b. Illinois) received her MFA in Sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI. She has exhibited her work nationally and internationally, including at the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, NY; Louisiana State University Museum of Art, Baton Rouge, LA; Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR; Paula Cooper, New York, NY; Nuit Blanche Toronto, Canada; Volta5, Basel, Switzerland; Night Gallery, Los Angeles, CA; and Lyles & King, New York, NY, among other venues. She has exhibited public sculpture at the Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, NY and at Lighthouse Works, NY. The artist is an alumna of Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and was a studio fellow in the Whitney Independent Study Program. Her works are included in numerous private collections and the public collections of Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville, AR; Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, FL; Vera Institute of Justice, Brooklyn, NY; and JP Morgan Chase. She lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.

For the Silo, Tatum Dooley.

Politics

Budget 2025- What Canadians Need To Know

November 7, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

Budget 2025 with Bill Robson: What Canadians Need to Know

November, 2025 – Canada does not have a credible fiscal plan. After Ottawa revealed the details of its “sea change” budget, the C.D. Howe Institute’s President and CEO Bill Robson explains why Mark Carney’s first budget in the age of Trump fails to get a passing grade.

Canada is facing significant budgetary challenges, with projected deficits and increased government spending raising concerns about fiscal sustainability and economic health.

Current Budget Situation

Earth

44 Years Of Marine Protection With Jimmy Buffett Save the Manatee Club

November 6, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

It’s been 44 years since Save the Manatee Club was created by Jimmy Buffett, the renowned singer/songwriter, and former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator, Bob Graham, to raise public awareness about the threats to manatees and their aquatic habitat. With support from you, we can continue to make a big difference.

Even Florida Congressman Buchanan has been working hard to ensure that Manatees remain on the endangered species list-

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Buchanan Files Formal Protest to Manatee “Survival” Plan

WASHINGTON – In a formal objection letter sent today to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Congressman Vern Buchanan, R-FL, urged the agency to withdraw its plan to strip the manatee of the highest protection afforded under the Endangered Species Act.

The public comment period on the agency’s proposal opened Jan. 7 and closes this Thursday.

Buchanan’s letter is a formal challenge to the proposed downgrading of the manatee from “endangered” to “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The manatee has been listed as an endangered species since 1966.

Buchanan expressed his strong opposition, noting that the agency’s analysis is based on outdated information. Buchanan pointed to the FWS’s failure to take into account manatee deaths since 2012, as well as the unpredictable nature of threats facing these creatures. He noted that 16% of the Florida manatee population died in 2013 as a result of a massive bloom of red tide algae as well as a mysterious ailment that killed a number of manatees along the state’s east coast.

“I’m concerned that weakening protections will lead to a decline in the manatee population,” Buchanan said. “Manatees are iconic residents of Florida. We should be doing all we can to ensure the survival of these gentle giants.”

Buchanan has previously written to the Fish and Wildlife Service to emphasize that any push to weaken protections for the manatee would be “misguided and premature.” In 2014, following a three-year period in which 1,600 manatees died of cold weather or red tide, Buchanan called on FWS to maintain federal protections for manatees.

Manatees face a variety of threats to their existence, including watercraft collisions, habitat loss and red tide. Additionally, the warm water springs manatees depend on during the winter months for survival are disappearing.

Buchanan also noted that the FWS underestimates the negative consequences that a downlisting will have on importantprotections that have helped limit manatee deaths. Despite the agency’s assertion that a downlisting would not affect federal protections for the manatee, Buchanan noted the plan is “already exposing dangers” and that a move from endangered to threatened could cause a broader reassessment of state and local protections for the animals.
Just days after the proposed rule was announced, the Brevard County commissioners approved a resolution requesting that the Florida Legislature review slow-speed zones currently in place for boats and called for a reconsideration of the state’s Manatee Sanctuary Act, which established protections for manatees and their habitats in several counties, including Sarasota and Manatee.

“The manatee population has started to rebound because of the protections put in place by the Endangered Species Act,” Buchanan said. “But based on the data provided, it’s clear that we can’t assume that manatees are safe – so I’m urging caution.”

Full text of Buchanan’s letter below:

The Hon. Daniel Ashe
Director
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Department of Interior
1849 C St. NW, Room 3359
Washington, D.C. 20240

Dear Director Ashe:

I write in strong opposition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (the Service) proposal to downlist the West Indian manatee under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) from endangered to threatened status. This decision is based on outdated information and underestimates the effect that a downlisting will have on protections that have helped limit manatee deaths. As a result, I urge you to withdraw this proposed rule.

Manatees are special for many Floridians. In addition to being the state’s official marine mammal an entire county – which I represent – is named after these gentle giants.

Just 25 years ago, there were barely over 1,000 manatees in the state of Florida. That number is now estimated to be around 6,000. The Service points to this as good news and rightfully credits the species’ listing as endangered under the ESA for this increase. The ESA has worked to help manatees overcome multiple threats to their existence. These challenges are not static, nor are they predictable. The Service should be taking a precautionary approach when it comes to the recovery of the manatee, and in light of the following concerns, the Service should withdraw its down listing proposal and retain the manatees’ endangered status.

The basis for the Service’s proposal to reduce the status of manatees is said to be an analysis of the population’s viability. It is cited in the proposal as “Runge, 2015.” However, the Service’s proposal acknowledges that this analysis contains outdated data and information. For example, adult survival rates are based on data only through the winter of 2008-2009 and, elsewhere, the most recent information cited in the report is from 2011-2012.

Since the years used in the analysis, manatees have suffered a catastrophic die-off in the Indian River Lagoon that the U.S. Geological Service Representatives have stated cost the lives of five percent of the manatees on the U.S. east coast. During that same time, toxic algae (red tide) killed a record number of manatees on the state’s west coast. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the statewide death toll of manatees was 803 as of 2013; or around 16 percent of the state’s entire population. Yet none of this information was considered in the Service’s outdated analysis.

In addition, in its analysis, the Service assumes that the current level of mortality in each category (e.g., watercraft collisions, cold stress, red tide, etc.) will stay approximately the same indefinitely. However, this is unlikely. The likelihood of deaths from both red tide events and from unknown pathogens has not been adequately analyzed when projecting the future for manatees. Additionally, as noted by the Service itself, there will be a continued loss of artificial sources of warm water in the winter and, as a result, manatees in the Southwest and Northeast regions of the state will show “long-term decline” as a result of the loss of these warm water winter refuges.

In its January 6, 2016 press release, the Service stated that “[t]he proposal to down list the manatee to threatened will not affect federal protections currently afforded by the ESA.” If all protections will remain the same, it is not apparent that a change in the listing status is necessary. In fact, down listing the manatee may open the door to future erosions of protections for these unique animals.

The Service cites the existence of federal and state laws such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act as sufficient in providing the animals with the protections they need. Yet there is no guarantee that such other laws will remain in place to protect the species even if manatees are downlisted under the ESA.

Approximately fifty manatee protection areas are set up by federal, local, and industry leaders and many of these areas or their protective restrictions can be altered or removed if a downlisting goes forward. For example, despite the Service stating in its proposal that on the east coast of Florida “watercraft-related mortality is the major threat to this population,” five days after the proposed reduction in protections, the Brevard County commissioners approved a resolution requesting that the Florida Legislature review slow-speed zones for boats to determine whether they are effective or still necessary. The resolution also called for reconsidering the need for the Manatee Sanctuary Act, stating that it has “become a hindrance to effective manatee management.”

Manatees are iconic residents of Florida. Their presence drives a robust tourist industry.

Their unhurried progress in my state’s waters is a reminder to us all to slow down and appreciate the world around us. Manatees deserve better than a premature determination that they have recovered when so many threats still face them and cloud our understanding of their future. I urge continued endangered status for manatees under the ESA, and ask you to immediately withdraw the Service’s proposal to downlist manatees to threatened status.

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

Save the Manatee Club is an international nonprofit organization. Funds from our adoption program go toward emergency rescue response for sick and injured manatees, and for waterway signage, public awareness and education, research and more. Read about our manatee conservation efforts at: savethemanatee.org/smcinfo.

Thank you!

For the Silo and the manatees, Janice Nearing

Adopt-A-Manatee! Go to www.savethemanatee.org/adoptpag.htm

Earth

Ancient Stones Can Be Discovered On Family Land

November 5, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

Unearthing History In the Heartland

issue5-artifact-forweb — An artifact recovered near a stream in Port Dover, ON showing mineralization suggesting a very old date of manufacture.

In southern Ontario, Canada, generations of Haldimand and Norfolk citizens have found and collected stone artifacts from their lands. Artifacts were kept out of intrigue and interest and often displayed prominently within homes. Some were valued as family heirlooms, others placed in boxes and kept packed away on a shelf. This is where I enter the story.

Not long ago a Norfolk land owner told me that artifacts had been collected from his family property over many, many years. I was invited to make an examination because the owner knew they might be important to my regional archaeological study. There was a little hesitation on their part, primarily out of concern that I might confiscate the artifacts. But that is not what I do. My interest in private collections from prehistoric times is based in public outreach and education not removal.

I was able to provide the owner with a time period of the artifacts, the type of rock used in their manufacture, and their origins. You see, I believe it is important to foster trust and to empower landowners with information, thereby ensuring their collections are valued, respected and hopefully made available for scientific study.

Private collections reflect the richness of our homelands and confirm the reality of past human occupation. Trying to make sense of who primitive occupants were and how they lived is helped immensely by studying the ages and quantities of found artifacts. Artifacts date from within historic periods to as far back as when glaciers still existed in Southern Ontario. In fact, many land owners are surprised to learn that their collections are much older than a few hundred years.

At least 80% of human history is represented by stone artifacts.

The rock used is generally a sedimentary variety containing silica. The more silica a rock has, the easier it is to break apart. The geological name for the type of stone used in most tool manufacture is chert or flint. Chert formations date as far back as the age of the dinosaurs. They were scoured and scraped by the movement of glaciers and carried along until the glacier melted. What this means is that an artifact found in Haldimand or Norfolk may have originated thousands of kilometers away!

In Southern Ontario, stone tool artifacts have been recovered and dated within several different main time periods and as more discoveries are made these classifications are sure to go even further back in time. Each period shows variations thought to reflect climate changes that made an impact on animal and plant species. As species changed or disappeared, new types of stone tools were manufactured to keep up with these transitions. Dating artifacts, therefore, helps to identify migrations of different people groups across our counties’ deep past.

Most landowners truly enjoy having their artifacts interpreted. Their private collections remain intact and local people become, in a sense, guardians of local history. If a family is not interested in acting as stewards, I always encourage them to donate their pieces to a local museum, to ensure that the artifacts remain in the community.

For the Silo, Lorenz Bruechert- Archaeologist

Supplemental- Ancient Runes discovered in Canadian wilderness baffle experts.

Culture

Canada & World Birth Rate At Historical Low

November 4, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

For The Silo, Sylvia Xu/ Epoch Times.

Culture

Cybersecurity Expert On Recent Louvre Burglary Reveals Poor Password Choice

November 3, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

On Sunday, October 19, a burglary took place at the Louvre — one of the best known museums in the world. In broad daylight, minutes after the museum opened, thieves broke into the Apollo Gallery and stole the French Crown Jewels, valued at around 88 million EUR/ $142.5 million CAD.

While criminals entered the famous museum through a window, the robbery exposed a whole host of security problems at the Louvre, including issues with digital security. For example, French media claim that according to the documents they’ve seen, the server managing the museum’s video surveillance was once protected by a weak password “LOUVRE.”

Media in France cite audit documents which show that the Louvre neglected security issues for years, including holes in physical security, outdated software, shoddy maintenance, and poor password and cybersecurity management.

Karolis Arbačiauskas, Head of Product at the cybersecurity company NordPass, comments:

“Publicly available information increasingly suggests that the museum’s IT security system — which manages access control, alarms, and video surveillance — suffers from numerous vulnerabilities. According to a 2014 audit by the French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI), the museum’s system also relied on insecure passwords. For example, the server managing the museum’s video surveillance was protected by the password ‘LOUVRE.'”

“This is horrible. Such a password breaks all the principles of creating secure passwords. On the other hand, it’s not that shocking. Truth to be told, our own research shows that cybersecurity in the public sector is not the best. Tens of thousands of public sector employee passwords are already on the dark web.”

“But we need to be careful and refrain from pointing fingers until the investigation is completed. The audit data cited by the media is quite old, and we don’t know if the Louvre took ANSSI recommendations into account. Crucially, poor passwords were not the point of entry for the criminals; they gained access through a window, indicating a broader, comprehensive security failure.”

“Personally, I would like to see a positive side to this horrible story. This theft has become the ultimate penetration test for the Louvre, so I hope it will serve as a stimulus to review and upgrade all of the museum’s security systems and policies, including passwords and outdated software. Otherwise, this robbery may embolden criminals and potentially lead to more crimes in the future”

“Proper password should be at least 20 characters long and consist of a random combination of numbers, upper and lower case letters, and special symbols. Passwords on routers and security systems, including those that manage security cameras, must be extremely strong and perhaps go beyond what is considered a strong password, as these systems can literally and figuratively open almost any door. It is also paramount to never reuse passwords. The rule of thumb is that each account should have a unique password because if one account gets taken over, hackers can use the same credentials for other accounts.”

For the Silo, Gintautas Degutis/ Nordsec.

Culture

Alt Learning On Rise- Alberta School Will Have Agricultural Academy Barn Built On Site

November 1, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

Rolling Hills School: Where Classrooms Meet the Fields

ROLLING HILLS, Alberta — On a crisp fall morning, the hum of tractors in the distance blends with the chatter of children filing into Rolling Hills School. For many of these students, the day began not with cartoons or cereal, but with feeding calves or checking irrigation lines before the bus arrived. Here, agriculture isn’t just a subject in the curriculum—it’s the backbone of the community, and the school has embraced that identity wholeheartedly to create a unique practical learning environment that is innovating and providing students with real world skills.

A School Where Learning Meets The Land

Rolling Hills is a small K–9 school in a hamlet of just a few hundred people, surrounded by endless prairie fields. “Our kids live and breathe farming,” says one teacher. “It only makes sense that their education reflects that.”

From science lessons on soil composition to math problems based on crop yields, the school finds ways to connect classroom learning to the realities of rural life. Students don’t just read about ecosystems in textbooks—they see them unfold in the fields outside their windows.

The Community as a Classroom

What sets Rolling Hills apart is the way the wider community steps in as co-educators. Parents and neighbors, many of them farmers, regularly bring their expertise into the school. A rancher might arrive with a trailer of calves for a hands-on biology lesson, while a grain farmer explains the mechanics of GPS-guided combines during harvest.

“It’s not unusual for a student to raise their hand in class and say, ‘That’s how we do it on our farm,’” notes the principal. “That lived experience enriches the whole classroom.”

Students attend a live stock auction.

The school also doubles as a gathering place. Harvest suppers, farm safety days, and 4-H showcases bring families together, blurring the line between school events and community traditions.

A New Chapter: The Agricultural Academy Barn

This year, Rolling Hills School received a $10,000 cad grant to support the construction of an Agricultural Academy Barn on school grounds. The barn will serve as a hub for hands-on learning, giving students the chance to work directly with animals, crops, and agricultural technology in a structured environment.

“This is a game-changer for us,” says a staff member involved in the project. “The barn will allow students to experience agriculture in a way that goes beyond the classroom or even their family farms. It’s about creating a shared space where learning, innovation, and tradition come together.”

The barn is expected to host projects ranging from animal care and feed management to experiments in sustainable farming practices. For younger students, it will be a place to nurture curiosity; for older ones, it will provide practical skills that could shape future careers.

Learning by Doing

The barn will complement existing initiatives like the school garden, where students plant, tend, and harvest vegetables. Together, these projects reinforce the idea that education is not just about absorbing information but about applying it in meaningful ways.

Older students already take on complex projects—experimenting with irrigation techniques, studying crop rotations, or shadowing local farmers. With the barn, these opportunities will expand, offering a year-round space for agricultural exploration.

Growing More Than Crops

Agriculture teaches patience, responsibility, and resilience—qualities Rolling Hills School works hard to instill. Students who care for animals through 4-H or classroom projects learn that consistency matters, whether it’s feeding livestock or showing up prepared for class.

Environmental stewardship is another theme. With water scarcity and soil health pressing concerns in southern Alberta, the school emphasizes conservation and sustainable practices. “We want our students to see themselves as caretakers of the land,” says a teacher. “That’s part of their legacy.”

A Model for Rural Education

In an era when many rural schools struggle to maintain enrollment and identity, Rolling Hills stands out as a model of resilience. By leaning into its agricultural roots—and now investing in the Agricultural Academy Barn—the school has created a learning environment that is both relevant and inspiring.

Graduates leave with more than academic knowledge. They carry with them a sense of pride in their heritage, practical skills rooted in real-world experience, and a deep connection to their community.

As one parent put it during a recent harvest supper: “This school doesn’t just teach our kids—it raises them, alongside the land that raises us all.” UFA Foundation/ Copilot.

Art

10 Coolest Porsche Headlights- Don’t You Agree?

October 31, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

10. Porsche 911 (996, 1998–2004) — The Controversial “Fried Egg” Design

Initially divisive, the 996’s integrated headlamp clusters (combining main, high, and indicator lights under one cover) represented Porsche’s first major step into modern production efficiency. The “Fried Egg headlight” design was so controversial that when introduced, many car purchasers (especially those owning the first generation Porsche Boxster 986) modified the headlights with window tint to “hide the yolk”!

Regardless of how acceptance was split, the design was sensible and borrowed from the 911 GT1 race car, this setup improved aerodynamics and manufacturing simplicity. Over time, enthusiasts have come to appreciate its boldness, and we’re going as far as naming it in our top 10 list of the coolest Porsche headlights ever!

9. Porsche 911 RSR (2017–Present) — The Perfect Fusion of Heritage and Function

The 911 RSR’s headlights combine classic round symmetry with cutting-edge LED tech and aerodynamic sculpting. The signature four-point LEDs maintain Porsche’s unmistakable night-time identity. In endurance racing, where function dominates, the RSR’s lights prove that beauty and performance can coexist perfectly.

8. Porsche 917K (1970) — Racing Eyes Built for Le Mans

The 917K’s headlights weren’t just for show; they were shaped by necessity. With their low, wide fairings and Plexiglas covers, the lights became a critical aerodynamic component at speeds exceeding 220 mph. Their integrated look and teardrop housing gave the car a menacing, purposeful face that influenced Porsche’s endurance racers for decades.

7. Porsche 918 Spyder (2013–2015) — Laser Precision and Modern Drama

A leap into the hybrid era, the 918 Spyder’s four-point LED headlights introduced a motif that defined Porsche design for the next decade. Their sharp-edged housings and distinctive daytime running light pattern made them unmistakable, even in the dark. They also pioneered Porsche’s adaptive light technology, blending form, function, and digital precision.

6. Porsche 993 (1993–1998) — The Last of the Classic Round Lamps

The 993 introduced a new, sloped front end with headlights that followed the hood line, a significant break from tradition. The design, though controversial at launch, ultimately modernized the 911’s appearance and improved aerodynamics. Its flush, oval lenses became icons of the 1990s Porsche aesthetic and marked the final air-cooled era’s visual identity.

5. Porsche 911 (964) — Classic Form Meets Modern Function

The 964 retained the round 911 lights but subtly reshaped them to fit new, smoother bodywork. They were slightly more upright and used improved reflectors and halogen elements for better illumination. This generation is often overlooked, but its headlights mark the bridge between old-school air-cooled charm and modern Porsche precision.

4. Porsche 356 (1948–1965) — The Blueprint for Porsche’s “Eyes”

The 356 established the signature oval headlight shape that became Porsche’s visual identity for decades. Mounted high and slightly reclined, the chrome-rimmed lenses gave the car a friendly yet purposeful look. Though rooted in postwar simplicity, their integrated design flowed seamlessly with the rounded fenders, a foundational cue that carried into every 911 thereafter.

3. Porsche 959 (1986–1988) — Aerodynamic Function in a Supercar Form

The 959’s headlights were a turning point for Porsche’s design language. They maintained the classic round outline but were deeply recessed into the front fenders for aerodynamic efficiency. Flush glass covers gave the car a sleek, cohesive face that previewed Porsche’s shift toward modern integration and minimal drag. Beneath the surface, their lighting performance outclassed most of the era’s supercars.

2. Porsche Mission R Concept (2021) — The Future in Plain Sight

With its slim, vertically stacked LED units framed by a minimalist housing, the Mission R’s headlights reimagined Porsche’s “four-point” look for the electric age. They were both expressive and efficient, incorporating cooling ducts and DRL elements into a single sculptural assembly. The design hints at the next generation of motorsport and production cars from Porsche.

1. Porsche Carrera GT (2003–2007) — Pure Function, Clean Form

The Carrera GT’s headlights embodied Porsche’s design minimalism at its finest. With visible projector lenses under a clear polycarbonate cover, they echoed the look of endurance racers while maintaining a sculptural, lightweight appearance. The compact design allowed for large air channels around them, aiding cooling and aerodynamics, beauty born from engineering.

For The Silo, Verdad Gallardo/Rennlist.com

Reviews

Newly Improved Moving Coil Cartridges To Propel Your Record Listening

October 30, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

Our friends at Audio-Technica have debuted their improved AT33x Series moving coil phono cartridges and you are gonna love them!

Stow, OH, October, 2025 — Audio-Technica announces the introduction of its AT33x dual moving coil phono cartridges, featuring a host of sonic and engineering upgrades over the previous AT33 Series. The new lineup offers five models including two dedicated mono cartridges, all designed to deliver warm, full-bodied and balanced sound along with easier installation.

“The AT33 Series has long enjoyed a cult following among moving coil fans in the know,” said Bob Peet, Audio-Technica Global Product Manager – Analog Products. “With the introduction of the AT33x models, listeners can enjoy even better sound in a variety of systems. We continue to support listeners seeking exceptional performance and high value in high-end stereo moving coil cartridges, as well as enthusiasts who enjoy their classic monophonic LPs.”

The new AT33x lineup includes the following:
AT33xMLB – microlinear nude stylus, solid boron tapered cantilever, $899 usd/ $1,257 cad
AT33xMLD – microlinear nude stylus, duralumin tapered pipe cantilever, $799 usd/ $1,117 cad
AT33xEN – 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical nude stylus, duralumin tapered pipe cantilever, $699 usd/ $977 cad

AT33xMONO/I – mono, 0.65 mil conical nude stylus, duralumin pipe cantilever, $649 usd/ $907 cad
AT33xMONO/II – mono, 0.65 mil conical nude stylus, duralumin pipe cantilever, $449 usd/ $623 cad

All AT33x Series cartridges are all hand-crafted in Japan.

All feature Audio-Technica’s unique dual moving coil structure with independent left and right coils, which provides exceptional channel separation, imaging and tracking capability for the stereo models, and sound quality that is dynamic yet delicate and refined. The AT33xMONO/I and AT33xMONO/II are configured as a true mono design that is unaffected by any vertical noise components picked up from the record groove. (They are also ideal for mono playback on a stereo system.)

All models have threaded mounting holes for easier installation and feature composite cartridge bodies made of die-cast zinc, aluminum and high-rigidity polymer to ensure clear, detailed sound with freedom from unwanted resonances. Rigid, dense die-cast zinc is used for the cartridge base for additional resonance suppression and to add clarity to the bass and midrange.

Every cartridge in the series utilizes PCOCC (pure copper by Ohno continuous casting) and gold-plated cartridge pins to ensure maximum signal transmission and musical clarity. Depending on the model, AT33x Series cartridges employ either neodymium or samarium cobalt high-strength magnets for responsive, high-resolution vinyl playback. A newly-developed suspension and rubber damper design (with lower compliance than other Audio-Technica cartridges) enable every AT33x model to be used with a variety of tonearms.

All are available now. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality audio for everyone. As we have grown to design critically acclaimed headphones, turntables and microphones, we have retained the belief that great audio should not be enjoyed only by the select few, but accessible to all. Building upon our analog heritage, we work to expand the limits of audio technology, pursuing an ever-changing purity of sound that creates connections and enriches lives

Vintage

Upcoming ‘Swiss Sourced’ Collector Car Auction

October 29, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

Click on the full auction catalog below to learn about this unique car.

The Zürich Auction1 November 2025
The Dolder Grand – Zürich, Switzerland

Swiss-Sourced Collector Cars

It is no surprise that our friends at Broad Arrow are proud to present a selection of Swiss-sourced vehicles to be offered at their inaugural Zürich Auction. The vehicles are varied and exceptional and the setting could not be better.

Switzerland’s reputation for precision, care, and high standards extends beyond its watches and craftsmanship. These qualities are frequently reflected in the quality of its vehicles with Swiss-sourced cars often offering distinct advantages including:Exceptional Maintenance Standards: Thanks to strict technical inspections, such as the MFK, Swiss vehicles are typically kept in excellent condition. Low Mileage: Cars in Switzerland generally show less wear, as average annual mileage trends lower than many other markets. Clean, Verifiable History: Rigorous registration and control systems mean provenance is often clear and verifiable. Favorable Tax Conditions for Classic Cars: As with several European countries, vehicles over 30 years old may qualify for reduced VAT rates. Reliable Logistics Support: Broad Arrow has established partners throughout the region available to assist with customs, shipping, and other logistical needs. For more information on any of the offerings in our Zürich Auction, and for a complete list of Swiss-sourced vehicles, I invite you to contact their knowledgable team of specialists, or to reach out to their client service team.

Bidder registration is open with options for in-person, telephone, internet, and absentee bidding available. Contact their client service team for personalized assistance at [email protected]. Please mention the Silo when contacting. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Earth

Forest Bathing Beats Stress Improves Immune System

October 28, 2025 The Silo 1 Comment

Stress is ever present in current society, both personal stress and workplace stress contribute to the well documented link, between stress and chronic conditions.

Data available from Statistic Canada’s – National Population Health Survey, demonstrates that personal stress is predictive of the development of a chronic health condition over the next four years (Statistics Canada, 2003). The long term impact of these chronic health conditions can result in significant activity limitation from heart attack, diabetes, migraine, or arthritis or back problems. Even more daunting is the higher predictive value of death for individuals suffering from cancer, bronchitis/emphysema, heart disease or diabetes.

The practice of forest bathing itself is not a new concept.

Prior to the industrial revolution being “in nature” was part of everyday life. The Japanese term Shinrin-yoku meaning “taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing” was officially coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in 1982. (Park et al. 2010)

This novel practice of bathing in nature, demonstrates a wide variety of health benefits from which individuals in modern society can stand to gain. With the increasing amount of individuals living in urban settings the exposure to nature is diminishing.

Field studies performed in Japan measured salivary cortisol levels (more commonly known as “stress hormone”) in university individuals.

The students were divided into two groups, one to spend a day in a forest setting, the other in a city setting. Lower levels of stress hormone, as well as lower blood pressure and pulse rate was found in individuals in forest location. (Park et al. 2010)

Further evidence has been documented to demonstrate the reduction of stress resulting from forest bathing, through the improvement of immune function via exposure to the natural environment. Given that immune function is key in the prevention of chronic diseases this evidence is exciting. Natural killer cells (as they are ingeniously named) are cells within the immune system which kill tumors or virus infected cells, through the release of enzymes which break down the cells. In research studies natural killer cells have been found to be elevated for seven days after the forest bathing trip (Qing, 2010). This seven day window of improved immune function is great news for the weekend warrior in all of us.

Many of us who live in North America are blessed with exposure to forest just outside our doorsteps. This being said it doesn’t mean we always take advantage of it: between commuting to work, family and social commitments, going from the house to the car may be the norm. For the Silo, Ashley Beeton.

References

Park, B.J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2010) The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing): evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Environ Health Prev Med, 15,18–26.

Statistics Canada. (2003) Stress and Well-being (No 82-003). Retrieved from http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/access_acces/alternative_alternatif.action?l=eng&loc=http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2000003/article/5626-eng.pdf&t=Stress%20and%20well-being

Qing, Li. (2010) Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environ Health Prev Med, 15,9–17.

Sci-Tech

Amazon Outage Created Perfect Hacker Conditions

October 27, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

AWS Outage Created “Perfect Storm” for Social Engineering Attacks

Last week Amazon Web Services (AWS) went down worldwide, including here in Canada, causing a ripple effect, from governments and local municipalities, to enterprises, small businesses and the individuals who rely on these services daily.

AWS is a cloud-based service thousands of major companies use to not only store their data, but run their apps and software for many critical business services.

Whether basic communications using apps such as Snapchat, Signal and Reddit to airlines such as Delta and United reporting disruptions to their customer facing operations, when these services go down it highlights the reliance on just a few cloud services companies (AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud) to ‘run the country’ so to speak.

The AWS outage has further impacted shopping websites, banking apps, and even streaming and smart homes devices.

And while organizations scramble to ensure business operations continue to run, it’s also an opportunity for individuals to do a quick check-in on their own cyber hygiene.

Cybercriminals and hackers can easily take advantage of these types of outages to deploy an array of social engineering attacks.

Whether in the office or at home, nothing is more frustrating than losing the ability to access files and documents, and communicate with business associates or loved ones, especially in an emergency or crisis.

Hackers who rely on mass urgency and panic will see this as an opportunity to take advantage of people’s heightened emotions with phishing emails offering to “fix” the issue and get you back online and into your accounts or apps.

But in reality, these scammers are looking to steal your personal information, such as login credentials by tricking you into updating your software or resetting your password.

During major outages, users should avoid clicking on any links in emails, texts and pop-ups claiming to be able to fix the outage.

Additionally, double check that any alerts or update messages from organizations, such as your bank or payment apps, are verified from the official website or app.

This is the time to make sure you are using a strong password and multifactor authentication to prevent any unauthorized access to your accounts.

Delay Things

However, individuals should also delay making sensitive transactions, such as major financial transactions, resetting your password, or installing critical software updates, until the service in question has been announced as officially restored.

Furthermore, when the service disruption has ended, users should also monitor any affected accounts for unusual activity, discrepancies, and duplicate or fraudulent transactions.

Finally, this is an excellent reminder for individuals to make sure they have a back-up system in place to access important documents and for communications.

This can be as easy as keeping a secondary email account or even a back-up mobile phone. For the Silo, Stefani Schappert.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stefanie Schappert, MSCY, CC, Senior Journalist at Cybernews, is an accomplished writer with an M.S. in cybersecurity, immersed in the security world since 2019. She has a decade-plus experience in America’s #1 news market working for Fox News, Gannett, Blaze Media, Verizon Fios1, and NY1 News. With a strong focus on national security, data breaches, trending threats, hacker groups, global issues, and women in tech, she is also a commentator for live panels, podcasts, radio, and TV. Earned the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification as part of the initial CC pilot program, participated in numerous Capture-the-Flag (CTF) competitions, and took 3rd place in Temple University’s International Social Engineering Pen Testing Competition, sponsored by Google. Member of Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC), Upsilon Pi Epsilon (UPE) International Honor Society for Computing and Information Disciplines.

ABOUT CYBERNEWS

Friends of The Silo, Cybernews is a globally recognized independent media outlet where journalists and security experts debunk cyber by research, testing, and data. Founded in 2019 in response to rising concerns about online security, the site covers breaking news, conducts original investigations, and offers unique perspectives on the evolving digital security landscape. Through white-hat investigative techniques, Cybernews research team identifies and safely discloses cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities, while the editorial team provides cybersecurity-related news, analysis, and opinions by industry insiders with complete independence.

Cybernews has earned worldwide attention for its high-impact research and discoveries, which have uncovered some of the internet’s most significant security exposures and data leaks. Notable ones include:

Cybernews researchers discovered multiple open datasets comprising 16 billion login credentials from infostealer malware, social media, developer portals, and corporate networks – highlighting the unprecedented risks of account takeovers, phishing, and business email compromise.
Cybernews researchers analyzed 156,080 randomly selected iOS apps – around 8% of the apps present on the App Store – and uncovered a massive oversight: 71% of them expose sensitive data.
Recently, Bob Dyachenko, a cybersecurity researcher and owner of SecurityDiscovery.com, and the Cybernews security research team discovered an unprotected Elasticsearch index, which contained a wide range of sensitive personal details related to the entire population of Georgia.

Fashion

One Olive and Piper Earring Has Endless Possibilities

October 25, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

The Convertibles Collection

New York, NY – October, 2025 – Woman-founded and Vancouver-based brand Olive & Piper is excited to announce the launch of their all-new Convertibles Collection, an innovative and exclusive offering from the brand. Available now, the brand offers a customizable, design-your-own earring. With up to 74 mix-and-match variants, customers can combine studs, charms, and drops to create earrings that reflect their individual style.
The collection features an array of studs ($28 usd/ $39 cad) in four shapes and eight colors with coinciding charms in different sizes ($18-28 usd/ $25-39 cad), offering endless possibilities to express personality and style. The Convertibles Collection celebrates creativity, versatility, and personalization, positioning Olive & Piper as a brand that empowers customers to own jewelry for every part of their life.
The collection invites wearers to experiment with their style, creating dynamic and unique pieces that transition effortlessly from day to night. With Olive & Piper, you’re the occasion.

Vintage

Old School Soviet Digital Watch Is Back

October 24, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

The US and USSR going “Band for Band”

Our friends at kommandostore talk about the Cold War on their site so often, it’s become one of their defining aesthetics…..and that’s a good thing- read on!

Grand armies and weapons are arguably less than half of the story.

Many of the cold war ‘battles’ from the 1950s through the 1990s took place in the minds and on the wrists of millions of people. Some might say they certainly still do…

Rogue media campaigns, protests & activism, black ops — they defined the hottest parts of the Cold War. But what if we told you that the watch you were wearing was just as important? The Soviet Union sure thought so…

Having gotten sucked into the almost endless lore rabbithole of watches, the first thing that kommandostore sought to bring back from obscurity was the Elektronika 55B — the soviet union’s most popular digital watch that went the way of… well, the Soviet Union… When it collapsed in ’91.

Above all else, there’s one story about this watch that truly stands on its own, a story that will make you realize that there is much more to this little watch that jovially plays chiptune soviet music…

It involves two of the most powerful men in the world, Leonid Brezhnev and Henry Kissinger convening and comparing their new digital watches.

Ok, they weren’t really wearing the watches in that photo, but such an encounter really did happen between the two gentlemen in the early 70s, one that subtly let the United States know that the Soviets were right on the US’s tail for semiconductor technology.

On a somewhat-routine visit to Moscow, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger wore a Pulsar P2 Watch — one of the very first digital watches. Known for it’s striking red LED display and appearance on the wrist of none other than James bond.

It also carried a hefty price tag, with the 21k gold edition costing enough to buy you a car in today’s money.

You tell us, is $1800 usd/ $2,526 cad in today’s money worth it for one of the two base models?

The meeting was with Leonid Brezhnev, General Secretary of the Soviet Union. He remarked that he did indeed like Kissinger’s watch, being a man of taste.

Then he told Kissinger that the USSR had already developed a prototype using the very same technology.

Kissinger was reportedly astonished — and was presented with a functioning Soviet-Made digital wristwatch, the Elektronika B6-02. Featuring CMOS circuits, it was blocky, brutalist, and affordable enough for practically anyone to buy when it officially launched.

The whole Elektronika series carried this statement — the latest fancy tech of the west is cool, but when it’s done the soviet way, for way cheaper, it’s not a luxury to be worn by only the elites.

It didn’t take a horology enthusiast to buy and wear this watch. It’s Kalashnikov-esque ubiquity meant it was worn by everyone from party members to coal miners.

Sure, in 1969 we brought a luxury-watch masterpiece, the Omega Speedmaster, to the Moon before the Soviets were able to. But as a tool of propaganda, the USSR might have had us beat, and the Elektronika 5 appeared in space several more times…

We found it intriguing and somewhat disheartening that Elektronika, what seemed to be the people’s choice, was snuffed out much in the same time period as the Soviet union.

In a world full of Casios & Timexes, who can’t help but succumb to the charm of the plucky Elektronika, so why not give it the wrist time it deserves…because it is now available once again and this time in a near perfect reproduction right down to the packaging.

A 1:1 functional replica of the original Elektronika with 4 new Slav-approved “Melody” alarms. Sanctioned to the second-hand market (pun intended), thankfully kommandostore thought that the watch deserved a proper revival after its unceremonious disappearance following the collapse of the USSR.

Just like the original, it’s an affordable and reliable piece with just enough fun to get even the most uptight horologists asking you questions. But unlike the OGs, the sad truth of capitalism is that we’re slaves to supply and demand. They are running out fast, and even though there are plans to quickly continue production, there may be a slight gap. So, if you’re interested, this is kind of a last call.

Click the following link to place your order while supplies last.

Elektronika 55B Melody Watch

Sci-Tech

Supercharge Your Vinyl Setup With These Tools

October 23, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

Audio-Technica expands turntable accessory offerings for all vinyl enthusiasts

Stow, OH, October, 2025 — Our friends at Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology for over 60 years, are excited to launch a new range of turntable accessories designed to help vinyl listeners achieve the best from their record collections. The latest additions include two new slip-mats, precision alignment tools and a stainless-steel disc stabilizer.
These new additions join Audio-Technica’s established lineup of turntable accessories including the AT6012 Record Cleaning Kit, stylus cleaners and more, expanding a complete family of products designed to help vinyl users care for and enjoy their collections to the fullest.

New to the Audio-Technica Slipmat series is the AT-SMCR2 Cork-Rubber Slipmat (MAP: $35.00 usd/ $49.00 cad) and AT-SMC1 Cork Slipmat (MAP: $25.00 usd/ $35.00 cad). The AT-SMCR2 is engineered from a premium blend of cork and rubber to absorb a wide range of vibrations, particularly at lower frequencies, delivering clearer audio reproduction. The cork-rubber blend also provides antistatic properties to reduce pops and clicks caused by static discharge. For listeners seeking a simpler option, the AT-SMC1 provides excellent resonance control and a stable playback surface without shedding particles or attracting dust like traditional felt mats.

Beyond vibration control, Audio-Technica introduces two new cartridge alignment tools designed to ensure precise playback geometry: the AT-VTAZ1 Azimuth + VTA Alignment Tool (MAP: $14.00 usd/ $20.00 cad) and AT-CAP1 Cartridge Alignment Protractor ($17.00 usd/ $24.00 cad). The AT-VTAZ1 allows users to achieve accurate tonearm height and cartridge azimuth adjustment. Proper alignment ensures even stylus wear, accurate channel balance, and minimal distortion. The AT-CAP1 utilizes the widely used Baerwald alignment method to set cartridge offset angle and null points to deliver optimal tracking and reduced distortion.

The new AT628a Stainless Steel Disc Stabilizer (MAP: $79.00 usd/ $111.00 cad )is designed to minimize resonance and keep records firmly in place during playback. The stabilizer accommodates even slightly warped records with two recessed inner rings on its underside for secure contact.

Rounding out the new launches are the AT-ST3 Speaker Stands (MAP: $59.00 usd/ $83.00 cad), designed to enhance the performance of the AT-SP3X or other similarly sized bookshelf speakers. Constructed from rigid alloy steel with vibration-damping cork feet, each stand provides stable support for speakers weighing up to 3 kg (6.6 lb). The 13-degree angled design directs sound upward for clearer projection and helps reduce sound wave reflections off hard surfaces, ensuring cleaner, more accurate audio reproduction.

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Culture

Amazing Thing Happened After I Used Coupons For One Year

October 22, 2025 The Silo 1 Comment

I was doing a bit of ‘specific purpose’ shopping at a local grocery store to pick up some of their No Name Yogurt. I buy this all the time and use it mixed with fruit, or when making a smoothie with yogurt, milk and berries.

It is worth noting, that some consumers remain staunchly brand-loyal and even brand-dependent.

They believe that no-name products are ‘not as good’ as the brand name products that they favor. In reality many no-name brands are manufactured using the same ingredients and at the same factory as the brand product, the only difference being the price and the look of the label. That being said, I’m not ready to trade in my Heinz ketchup for the no-name brand….but Aylmer is a close second. Can you taste the difference?

As I was about to take several tubs (5) off the shelf, I noticed a pad of tear-off coupons right above the yogurt. They were for $1.00 (Cdn) off each tub of No Name Yogurt that you purchased. Since I had 5 tubs in my tote basket, I peeled off 5 coupons. When I got to the check-out, I put the coupons on each tub and the cashier deducted $5.00 off my bill. The regular cost was $1.97 a tub, which would have made the total cost $9.85. I paid $4.85. I was very, very happy. I got the yogurt that I intended to buy, and I got a bargain. Also the empty tubs can be put in recycling bins, or used as food-savers for leftovers.

nonamepacks — The ‘no-name’ brand Loblaws Canada use bright black on yellow packaging.

A friend of mine, Ken, who worked in the food industry, once told me, “Coupons are an easy way for customers to save money. The store does not loose any money, the coupons go right back to the company.”

A few years back, I decided to see if coupons did save me money. Each week I went through the newspapers, magazines, online site and store coupons I had collected as well as free coupon bins in their stores. These bins are there for customers who don’t want to use their coupons, but throw them in a bin so that other customers strolling by can scoop up whatever they want to use. I used an old duo tang notebook to record my savings, a ruler, line paper, and a pen. I drew lines across the page. I also drew lines vertically down the page for categories.

The first category was NUMBER, and then ITEM PURCHASED, then COUPON PRICE, and lastly PRICE TOTAL. I found an old, very large mayonnaise jar with a lid (the kind they used in restaurants that buy in large quantities). I put a slot in the top of the lid so that it was more convenient to drop coins into the jar rather than unscrewing the cap each time.

I labeled the jar, “Coupon Money.” Every time I went to the store and used a coupon, I put the actual money I saved into the jar. It may have been only 35 cents, or 50 cents. Then I recorded the information in my duo-tang.

I decided to do this project for one year. I started in February. I never told anyone what I was doing. If my wife used a coupon, she also added the money to the jar, and recorded the information. Never did I use the proceeds from the jar during the year, but I was tempted many times. Over the months of the year, I took the change that was accumulating and transferred it into bills, starting with $5.00, then $10.00, then $20.00 bills. The idea was to use coupons on products that I normally purchased, not to get 50 cents off a product I wouldn’t normally buy.

I was very diligent with my project that year. It was kind of a game made especially fun when I would get the jar out and look with envy at all the bills stuffed in there.

As the year anniversary was approaching, my wife started telling people about the “Coupon Project.”

I heard comments like, “How silly.” “Why would you want to waste your time doing that?” “When I get coupons I throw them out.” “You won’t make any savings on them.” But at the end of the year, the jar contained $520.00. As it turned out, we needed a new couch. We purchased a brand new bed-chesterfield, including delivery, for $500.00

A week later, two friends who had thought that my “Coupon Project” was nonsense, remarked on how beautiful and expensive our couch looked. They asked, “How did you afford to buy such a beautiful couch?” I replied proudly, “coupons.” For the Silo, Blair R. Yager.

Vintage

Three and Half Decades Ago The Nighthawk Stealth Fighter Was Revealed

October 21, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

35 years ago, a mysterious and strikingly beautiful aircraft touched down on a dusty airfield in the Nevada desert. Can you imagine what kind of advanced aircrafts are being developed now?

The F-117 Nighthawk

Since its public reveal decades ago (consider that development started in the 1970’s on this amazing machine), the Nighthawk served with quiet distinction through the latter half of the Cold War, the first Gulf War, a kerfuffle in Yugoslavia (bet you don’t remember that one) , and the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Despite and official ‘retirement’ in 2008, the F-117 still gets spotted in the skies over Nevada where it is rumored to serve as an ‘aggressor aircraft’, helping to train pilots.

What’s the F-117 about?

With it’s cyberpunk like profile and stunning angles, the F-117 Nighthawk instantly captured the public’s imagination and birthed a lot of UFO /UAP stories, especially in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s when it’s unusual shape confused expectations of what an aircraft could and should look like.
A radical departure from the retro-aerodynamic curves of traditional aircraft design, the F-117’s odd shape serves a singular purpose.

Stealth.

The Nighthawk was conceived by Lockheed’s Skunk Works, a secretive development team responsible for some of the most capable aircraft of the 20th century.
Designed to slip through deep Soviet territory, the Nighthawk incorporated radical new technology to achieve an incredibly small radar and thermal signature. Hard edges, radar-absorbing coatings, a unique twin-tail, and special endinge cowlings reduced the aircraft to the size of a sparrow on Soviet radar.
The Nighthawk was deemed fully operational in the early 1980’s and nearly a decade her pilots and crew flight night sorties in complete secrecy.
Seven years later, the USAF and the Department of Defense decided the Nighthawk would work better as a deterrent if the world knew about it and it’s capabilities.

Plans were made to reveal the aircraft to the world at Nellis AFB on April 21, 1990. Those of us who saw this event live on television will always remember the shock and awe inspiring gasp it created- nothing like it had ever been seen before and it surely looked like something from a science fiction novel or movie.
On a hot spring day, a flight of two F-117s landed in front of thousands of cheering spectators, kicking off one of the most memorable air shows in US history. After opening the show, the F-117s sat quietly on the tarmac surrounded by an entourage of armed airmen and curious onlookers.
Although little was said about the new “stealth fighters”- blimps, fighter jets, and mock dog fights continued the day’s entertainment in style.

Even with talks of ‘spending prioritization’ and ‘doctrinal appropriateness’, the Nighthawk has endured, in it’s own special way, for nearly 40 years. Everything about the F-117 that made it great in the 1980’s still captivates us today. It’s razor-sharp edges, futuristic technology, and it’s family tree of stealthy cousins (foreign and domestic). Here is hoping many more years of this little black triangle up in the sky… via our friends at kommandostore.com

Sci-Tech

Canadian Company To Help Astronauts Return To Moon In 2026

October 20, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

ALUULA Composites, super-strong, lightweight polyethylene material is now being used to develop expandable habitats for NASA’s astronauts to live safely and comfortably on the moon for the 2027 planned landing.

This small company on Canada’s west coast is playing a big role to help astronauts return and orbit the moon in 2026.

Artemis II crew members (from left) CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, and NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Reid Wiseman walk out of Astronaut Crew Quarters inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building to the Artemis crew transportation vehicles prior to traveling to Launch Pad 39B as part of an integrated ground systems test at Kennedy Space Center in Florida photo: NASA

ALUULA Composites recently signed an agreement with Max Space, an American company, to use its innovative composite material to build space habitats on the moon. The company’s ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) laminate will be used to create a large living and working area for NASA’s astronauts when they return to the moon in September 2026.

The innovative material was selected because it has eight times the strength-to-weight ratio of steel and is extremely durable, which is ideal for space travel.

The Max Space team with their new expandable space habitat. photo: Max Space

The first Max Space inflatable space habitat is slated to launch with SpaceX in 2026. The Max Space inflatables can be delivered into space in very small packages and then unfolded and expanded to create a much larger work space. For the Silo, Paul Clarke.

Earth

Supervolcanoes: Earth’s Sleeping Giants

October 19, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

Have you ever heard of supervolcanoes? They’re like regular volcanoes but way, way bigger. Imagine a giant sleeping beneath the Earth’s surface, capable of waking up and changing the world as we know it. That’s what supervolcanoes are like. They’re fascinating, a little scary, but incredibly important to our planet. Let’s explore these giants and understand what makes them so special and powerful.

What Are Supervolcanoes?

Imagine a volcano so big that when it erupts, it changes the whole world. That’s what a supervolcano is! Unlike regular volcanoes that look like mountains, supervolcanoes are more like giant holes in the ground called calderas. They’re massive, and they can erupt with such force that they release thousands of times more lava and ash than any regular volcano. This isn’t just a small eruption; it’s like the Earth opening up, releasing its power in a way that can affect the entire planet. The amount of material that comes out of these eruptions can cover whole countries in ash and even change the climate across the globe!

According to the Daily Star, Italy’s super volcano is ‘close to eruption’.

Where Are They?

You’ll find these sleeping giants hiding in plain sight in various parts of the world. One of the most famous supervolcanoes is Yellowstone, located in the United States. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful park now, but beneath its serene landscape lies a massive supervolcano. Other well-known supervolcanoes include Toba in Indonesia and Taupo in New Zealand. These sites are often tourist attractions, known for their stunning natural beauty. However, few visitors realize the immense power that lies dormant just below their feet. These supervolcanoes have been quiet for thousands of years, but their history tells us they have the power to reshape the Earth.

The Big Eruptions

The eruptions of supervolcanoes are not common, but when they do happen, they’re a force to be reckoned with. One of the most significant eruptions in human history was the eruption of Toba, which happened around 74,000 years ago. It was so enormous that it likely caused what scientists call a volcanic winter. This means that the eruption was so massive it threw so much ash and particles into the atmosphere that it blocked out sunlight, causing the Earth’s temperature to drop. Imagine a winter that lasts for years, all because of one volcanic eruption! This event was so impactful that it even left a mark on human evolution.

These eruptions are unpredictable, much like the thrilling unpredictability of playing new real money slots online at places like blog.tonybet.com. Each eruption is a reminder of the raw power of nature, capable of changing the course of history. When these supervolcanoes erupt, they unleash energy that is hard to comprehend, and their effects can be felt globally, affecting climate, landscapes, and even human life.

In 2018 Indonesia’s Krakateu erupted in an amazing display of power.

Studying Supervolcanoes

Studying supervolcanoes is like being a nature detective. Scientists are really interested in these huge volcanoes. They want to figure out how they work, what causes them to erupt, and when they might wake up again. This can be a tricky job because supervolcanoes don’t erupt very often, so there’s not a lot of times to see them in action.

To learn about these giant volcanoes, scientists look closely at the rocks and dirt around them. These aren’t just any rocks and dirt; they’re special clues left behind by the volcano. They can tell stories about what the supervolcano did a long, long time ago and what it might do in the future.

These scientists also use cool tools and machines to help them in their work. They have special instruments that can ‘listen’ to the ground for rumbles and ‘look’ deep inside the Earth. They study maps and use computers to make guesses about what the supervolcano will do next.

By studying supervolcanoes, scientists learn not just about volcanoes, but also about the Earth itself. It’s like putting together a giant puzzle. Each piece they find helps them understand more about our amazing planet and how to keep people safe if a supervolcano decides to wake up. It’s a big job, but these volcano detectives are up for the challenge!

Can We Predict Eruptions?

Predicting when a supervolcano will erupt is a bit like trying to guess when a big storm will hit. It’s not easy! Scientists are like detectives looking for clues. They use special tools to keep an eye on the supervolcano. They watch for tiny earthquakes that shake the ground. They also look for changes in the shape of the land, which might mean something is moving under the ground. These tools help scientists see what’s happening deep inside the Earth.

Even with all this watching, scientists can’t say for sure when a supervolcano will erupt. They can’t mark a date on the calendar like we do for birthdays. But they can give us a heads-up if they think an eruption might be coming. It’s like being told there might be rain so you can bring an umbrella, just in case.

Living with Supervolcanoes

Living near a supervolcano might sound like living in a scary movie, but it’s not as frightening as you might think. People who live near these giants are not alone. They have scientists and the government looking out for them. Together, they make plans for what to do if the supervolcano starts rumbling. They think about safe places people can go and the best ways to get there.

These plans are like safety drills in school. They help everyone know what to do if something big happens. Knowing there’s a plan can make living near a supervolcano less scary. It’s about being ready and knowing how to stay safe, just like we learn to stop, drop, and roll in case of a fire.

The Role of Supervolcanoes in Nature

Supervolcanoes are not just about fiery eruptions. They are a big part of our planet. They help make the Earth look the way it does. When they erupt, they can change the land, making new mountains and valleys. The ash they send into the sky can fall back down and help plants grow. It’s like a giant, natural garden makeover.

These big volcanoes have been around for a very long time. They have seen dinosaurs come and go, and they have watched the Earth change in many ways. They tell us stories about our planet’s past and help us understand how the Earth works. They remind us that our planet is always changing and full of amazing natural wonders. So, supervolcanoes are not just about big eruptions; they are a key part of the Earth’s story, helping shape the world we live in today.

Guatemala volcano Volcan del Fuego

Supervolcanoes and the Climate

Have you ever thought about how supervolcanoes can change the weather around the whole world? It’s true! When supervolcanoes erupt, they send lots of tiny particles and gases high up into the sky. These particles can spread out and cover the sky like a giant umbrella, blocking some of the sunlight from reaching us down on Earth. When less sunlight gets through, it can make the temperature all over the world a bit cooler. This is like nature’s way of turning down the Earth’s thermostat! It’s amazing how something as big as a supervolcano eruption can reach up to the sky and affect the whole planet.

Learning from Supervolcanoes

Supervolcanoes are like giant, open books that teach us so much about the Earth. Scientists study them to learn about different things. They can tell us about the Earth’s history, like what the environment was like a long time ago. They also teach us about how the ground moves and shakes, which is really important to understand for keeping people safe from earthquakes and eruptions.

But that’s not all. By studying supervolcanoes, scientists can even learn things about other planets! This is because other planets might have volcanoes too, and learning about supervolcanoes on Earth can give scientists clues about what to look for in space. So, supervolcanoes aren’t just about lava and ash; they’re about discovering the secrets of our planet and even the mysteries of outer space!

Supervolcanoes: Sleeping Giants of the Earth

Supervolcanoes are like the sleeping giants of our planet. They’re huge and powerful, but they spend most of their time quietly resting. These giants remind us that the Earth is always changing and full of wonders. They are like natural teachers, showing us the incredible power of nature. Even though they can be a bit scary because of their power, they are also fascinating and important to learn about.

Supervolcanoes teach us to be prepared for nature’s surprises and to respect the Earth. They show us that even though we might think we know a lot about our planet, there’s always more to learn. Every time a supervolcano erupts, it’s like the Earth is telling us a story about its power and history. So, next time you hear about a supervolcano, remember that it’s a part of our Earth’s amazing story, and it’s something to be curious about, not just afraid of.

Conclusion: The Mighty Sleeping Giants

Supervolcanoes are one of Earth’s most amazing and powerful features. They remind us of the incredible forces that shape our planet. While they can be a bit scary because of their power, they’re also fascinating and important to understand. Just like the excitement of playing games at play new real money slots online, the story of supervolcanoes is filled with wonder and awe. They’re Earth’s sleeping giants, holding secrets of the past and keys to our planet’s future.

Art

Unique Guitar Fraternity In Russia Was In Isolation For Seventy Years

October 18, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

Since the collapse of the Berlin wall in 1989, the countries of eastern European have exploded in a painful big-bang that has changed the geography of Europe and Asia drastically. The new Russia was born, now being part of the Community of Independent States (CIS) that replaces the former USSR. The guitar fraternity in Russia has been living for more than 70 years in total isolation, prevented from being in touch with the West. The presence of many types of the instrument that we call “guitar” has been a constant one in

Russian music life in all periods, having very old origins. But only recently has this guitar world started opening to western Europe, and we still know far too little about Russian composers for guitar and Russian guitarists. It was quite difficult for me to get information about some Russian guitarists, due both to the ever-present difficulties in communication (it is still difficult just to send a fax to Moscow during the day time)and to the problems of language comprehension.

The Guitar of the Czars- a new English summary redaction

In the past, references to the Soviet guitar world in Western music literature were always very scarce, and only in recent years has a subtle breath from that guitar world started blowing beyond the Urals. I wish to thank especially the guitarists Mikhail Goldort from Novosibirsk (central Siberia)and Piero Bonaguri, teacher at the Conservatory of Rovigo (Italy) as well as the composer Umberto Bombardelli, who helped me in collecting more information.

At the beginning there was the domra

The guitar was not the only known plucked instrument in Russia; two other instruments at least are worthy of mention: the domra and the balalaika. The domra is nowadays known in two variants with three or four metallic strings and in different sizes. It has a triangular shape, is tuned by fourths,and is played by means of a plectrum.

It is the most ancient plucked instrument, having been imported by the Mongols during the 13th century. Its tremolo is similar to the one of the Neapolitan mandolin and its range is large, due to its having 16 frets up to the junction of the neck. It is now employed both as a solo instrument and in an orchestra,together with the balalaika .

The balalaika has a peculiar triangular shape and three strings, among which two are tuned in unison and the other a fourth up. It appeared first during the 17th century. It was able to oust the domra in popularity, thanks to the preference of the Czars. It is played both by fingers and with the plectrum; from the last years of the Nineteenth Century it has existed in different sizes which cover all the frequency spectrum of the orchestra.

The guitar appeared in Russia during the 18th century, in a society far behind the European one in development. However, at the first half of the 19th century it was already known as a national instrument: the Russian guitar. Its own peculiarities were the tuning by thirds on the notes of the G scale, and having seven strings. It is known by the tender-sounding name of “semistrunaia” (a composite noun made from

“sem’ ” =seven and “struny” = strings).

Its popularity grew among the people of all ranks, both middle and upper class, as described by many Russian poets and writers. There are also many variants of this main type, in number of strings and dimensions. By studying the surviving photos of Russian guitarists of the last century, re-published in the volume Guitar in Russia and USSR (see photo in the full PDF article linked below), we see that the guitar with 7 strings on the neck and 4 strings outside of the neck was very popular. The famous photograph of Valerian Rusanov, one of the first Russian guitar historians, with his 11-string guitar is significant in this respect. This instrument shared favor with the six string guitar (the so-called “shestistrunaia“, from “shest,” which means “six” ) tuned as in the West, and many other types. Continue reading full article PDF by clicking here. For the Silo, Marco Bazzotti.

Earth

Oscar the Gorilla’s Death Was Preventable

October 17, 2025 The Silo Leave a comment

— San Francisco Zoo Faces Renewed Scrutiny Amid “Silverback Soirée” Fundraiser

SAN FRANCISCO (October, 2025) — Newly revealed details confirm that Oscar Jonesy — the San Francisco Zoo’s longtime resident silverback gorilla — had heart disease and was anesthetized against zoo-industry recommendations before his death in February.

At the August Joint Zoo Committee meeting, Ingrid Russell, the Zoo’s Vice President of Compliance and Animal Welfare, disclosed for the first time, and as noted in a recent zoo press release, that Oscar had been diagnosed with heart disease. That revelation came six months too late.

Oscar, who had lived at the San Francisco Zoo since 1981, died after being anesthetized for what officials described as a “routine medical procedure.” He never woke up.

According to the Great Ape Heart Project (GAHP) — the global authority on ape cardiac care — gorillas with known or suspected heart disease should never be placed under general anesthesia unless absolutely life-saving. The risks are too high, and modern zoos are urged to use non-invasive monitoring and awake medical training instead.

The San Francisco Zoo did not follow that guidance.

“Oscar’s death wasn’t a freak accident,” said Justin Barker, founder of SFZoo.Watch, a community watchdog group focused on transparency and animal welfare. “It was a preventable outcome that raises serious questions about veterinary oversight, leadership accountability, and whether the zoo is capable of protecting the animals in its care.”

Oscar’s death adds to a troubling history of preventable tragedies at the San Francisco Zoo.

In 2014, Oscar’s daughter Kabibe was crushed to death by a hydraulic door.

In 2020, another gorilla, Zura, died under questionable circumstances.

Former employees have also described unsafe working conditions, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate training that compromise both animal welfare and staff safety.

Despite the zoo’s announcement of “new leadership” earlier this year, its upcoming ZooFest 2025 fundraiser — branded the Silverback Soirée — suggests little has changed.

According to the zoo’s press release, the October gala will celebrate the arrival of 27-year-old silverback Cecil from the Louisville Zoo. Guests will enjoy an “elegant evening” featuring signature cocktails — the Gorilla’s Kiss and Cecil Spritz — and a VIP reception at the Jones Family Gorilla Preserve, where Oscar lived and died.

“While the zoo hosts cocktail parties and press events, its failures remain unaddressed,” Barker added. “Cecil’s transfer is not progress — it’s another example of animals being moved, managed, and marketed as assets.”

For more than two decades, Cecil lived with familiar companions in Louisville. Now he has been uprooted, separated from his family, and flown across the country to a facility that lost its last silverback under preventable circumstances — all to produce offspring.

“This isn’t conservation,” Barker said. “It’s captivity management dressed up as mission work.”

Behind the marketing veneer, critics argue, lies a culture where control masquerades as care and transparency is treated as risk. The instinct, even after a tragedy, is not to pause but to pivot — to the next press release, the next headline, the next “new chapter.”

If the San Francisco Zoo truly wants to honor Oscar Jonesy, advocates say it should:

* Release his full necropsy and anesthesia records

* Adopt non-invasive health monitoring for all great apes

* Allow independent oversight of veterinary decisions

* Acknowledge — and change — the culture that enables preventable losses

Instead, the zoo has chosen cocktails and celebration.

“Oscar’s death should mark the end of an era,” Barker said. “It’s time for a new model — one that stops treating sentient beings as inventory and starts building a future rooted in care, transparency, and respect.”

“Raising one’s glass to toast lives being kept in cages is the height of insensitivity, and no amount of champagne at a gala can make it glamorous,” said Michael Angelo Torres, Bay Area Campaigns Coordinator for In Defense of Animals. “Cecil lived with his gorilla family for over 21 years before being abruptly moved to the San Francisco Zoo, with little apparent regard for how this disruption could affect him. Gorillas are intelligent, self-aware beings who form complex social bonds and suffer greatly in captivity, no matter how well their enclosures are designed. We urge the San Francisco Zoo and its supporters to redirect their compassion and resources toward genuine conservation and the rehabilitation of native wildlife who truly need our help here at home.”

For the Silo, Fleur Dawes.

Over 27,000 members of the public have contacted city officials to cancel plans to house pandas at San Francisco Zoo: https://www.idausa.org/sfpanda and nearly 12,000 have called on Mayor Lurie to turn the zoo into a native animal rescue and ecopark: https://www.idausa.org/rethinksfzoo

The geography of innovation is also evolving.

The 2025 Technology Pioneers include:

Designations of Antifa Ost and Three Other Violent Antifa Groups

Fact Sheet

Antifa Ost

Informal Anarchist Federation/International Revolutionary Front (FAI/FRI)

Armed Proletarian Justice

Revolutionary Class Self-Defense

Life is a series of cycles.

By adopting the formula above and not letting go no matter what.

As an artist you will be the recipient of rejection letters and emails.

Now comes the Information Age, bringing with it Big Data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence as well as visualization techniques that facilitate the learning of knowledge.

However, there are also valid reasons for why some carefully curated content will always be necessary.

The Japanese Royal Family Needed a Ride of Their Own

Toyota’s Century Begins

The Yakuza Turns State Cars Into Mafia Cars

Consider these fun activities that older adults can enjoy.

Walking Clubs

Group Exercise Classes

Book Clubs

Gardening Clubs

Participate in Charitable Works

Flags aren’t such a big thing in Canada, so I’m not entirely sure of the rules.

Another inanimate object takes on outsized proportions.

Current Budget Situation

Unearthing History In the Heartland

At least 80% of human history is represented by stone artifacts.

Rolling Hills School: Where Classrooms Meet the Fields

A School Where Learning Meets The Land

The Community as a Classroom

A New Chapter: The Agricultural Academy Barn

Learning by Doing

Growing More Than Crops

A Model for Rural Education

10. Porsche 911 (996, 1998–2004) — The Controversial “Fried Egg” Design

9. Porsche 911 RSR (2017–Present) — The Perfect Fusion of Heritage and Function

8. Porsche 917K (1970) — Racing Eyes Built for Le Mans

7. Porsche 918 Spyder (2013–2015) — Laser Precision and Modern Drama

6. Porsche 993 (1993–1998) — The Last of the Classic Round Lamps

5. Porsche 911 (964) — Classic Form Meets Modern Function

4. Porsche 356 (1948–1965) — The Blueprint for Porsche’s “Eyes”

3. Porsche 959 (1986–1988) — Aerodynamic Function in a Supercar Form

2. Porsche Mission R Concept (2021) — The Future in Plain Sight

1. Porsche Carrera GT (2003–2007) — Pure Function, Clean Form

All AT33x Series cartridges are all hand-crafted in Japan.

The practice of forest bathing itself is not a new concept.

Field studies performed in Japan measured salivary cortisol levels (more commonly known as “stress hormone”) in university individuals.

Delay Things

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT CYBERNEWS

The Convertibles Collection

The US and USSR going “Band for Band”

Grand armies and weapons are arguably less than half of the story.

Then he told Kissinger that the USSR had already developed a prototype using the very same technology.

It is worth noting, that some consumers remain staunchly brand-loyal and even brand-dependent.

A friend of mine, Ken, who worked in the food industry, once told me, “Coupons are an easy way for customers to save money. The store does not loose any money, the coupons go right back to the company.”

As the year anniversary was approaching, my wife started telling people about the “Coupon Project.”

The F-117 Nighthawk

What’s the F-117 about?

Stealth.

This small company on Canada’s west coast is playing a big role to help astronauts return and orbit the moon in 2026.

What Are Supervolcanoes?

Where Are They?

The Big Eruptions

Studying Supervolcanoes

Can We Predict Eruptions?

Living with Supervolcanoes

The Role of Supervolcanoes in Nature

Supervolcanoes and the Climate

Learning from Supervolcanoes

Supervolcanoes: Sleeping Giants of the Earth

Conclusion: The Mighty Sleeping Giants

The Guitar of the Czars- a new English summary redaction

At the beginning there was the domra

The San Francisco Zoo did not follow that guidance.

“While the zoo hosts cocktail parties and press events, its failures remain unaddressed,” Barker added. “Cecil’s transfer is not progress — it’s another example of animals being moved, managed, and marketed as assets.”

“This isn’t conservation,” Barker said. “It’s captivity management dressed up as mission work.”

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