Gail has a bachelor of art in film/radio/tv and a bachelor of science in nursing
She has worked for years caring for all ages of people with many diagnoses in over 5 hospitals and schools around the texas hill country
Originally from north dakota, she is now based in austin and writes about sustainable energy for the website she created ‘What’s up Tesla’ and 'What's up Twitter' and maintains her nursing practice
For this episode, we are joined by a journalist who exclusively reports on building construction with 3D printing. We will visit a 3D-printed home in Austin, Texas. In a brief interview, Jarett explains how these homes are made.
FSD Beta
As with almost every podcast I do, we will drive through narrow and very challenging streets in Austin. In this case, FSD beta slows for safety as it encounters a construction site.
Enjoy the podcast.
This was a really fun podcast to record, I hope you’ll enjoy it too. FSD beta + 3D printed homes in Austin with @JarettGross XXV 🏠 pic.twitter.com/65HDGvf1si
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Join me for a drive in the infamous Austin heat. It is hot and windy out and we are heading to a rather dry Lake Travis. The hairpin turns would scare anybody who is driving manually. But we are not driving manually. The vehicle is running on Tesla’s amazing FSD beta software.
While safety is number 1 for Tesla, having fun is a close second! This drive is short ( only 3:37 minutes long) and very fun!
welcome to my 24th podcast where, despite 105° heat, FSD beta works perfectly on hairpin turns on one of the most difficult roads near Austin pic.twitter.com/i7LFw6oNYJ
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Starlink can reach more people because their satellites can be space laser enabled. This means they use ISLs (Optical Intersatellite Links). These laser links allow communication to the most remote communities on Earth without local ground stations. This opens doors for people. Some have said this may lead to the discovery of future talents similar to Elon Musk.
In all cases, data speeds are remarkable and in this article, I will share 4 examples of how Starlink’s phenomenal work is helping and healing communities.
ɪᴍᴀɢᴇ ᴄᴏᴜʀᴛᴇꜱʏ ꜱᴛᴀʀʟɪɴᴋ, ɪɴᴄ.
RURAL MEXICO
In Mexico, half of the rural population did not have internet access in 2022. Starlink is helping connect 3,300 of these communities as part of “Internet para Todos.” This translates as “Internet for All,” and means that kids growing up today in these regions will live a live very different from their elders. Opening doors to education is a big part of what Starlink makes possible.
In Honduras, students at “Rubén Martínez Rodas” school in Montaña de la Flor will have free Starlink so they can access education better. Hondutel is a nonprofit set up to install Starlink at this remote location.
Fifty schools across Rwanda in Africa are connected with Starlink’s high-speed internet serving hundreds of young students. Likewise, across Mozambique, Starlink is supporting educational opportunities in rural regions.
Students in the most remote schools in the Amazon forest can access the internet in a project with Polaris Space Program and Instituto Escola Conectada.
In remote Marbial in Haiti (population 2,500 people), Starlink is connecting students and teachers at schools, after-school centers, and health clinics. It is Marbial’s first time having any internet connection.
FARMERS
In Australia, some farmers use Starlink Roam for in-motion use to access technology for grain sowing. One creative farmer in NW Victoria straps Starlink satellite internet kits to his tractors while sowing and working their way around the 18,000-hectare farmland putting in the next years grain crop, essentially providing a Wi-Fi bubble around farm machinery.
In June 2023, Alaskans living in rural Utqiaġvik, Point Hope, Wainwright, Kotzebue, and Nome, were suddenly without internet or cellular connectivity. Their fiber cable snapped due to a severe ice scouring event under the Arctic Ocean. The amazing Starlink team has been coordinating with the State of Alaska, various local governments & Native communities to help provide connectivity.
Starlink, in the words of Elon Musk, provides “great connectivity to those who had little or nothing before. As soon as you can access the internet, you can learn about almost anything, so its absolutely essential for education. Khan Academy being a great example.”
Starlink fills in the gaps between 5G and fiber and it reaches the parts of Earth that are the hardest to reach. Starlink is a force for good in a world that is hungry for knowledge and yearning to reach for the stars!
If you liked this article, follow author Gail Alfar on X at x.com/GailAlfarATX
In this article, I’ll provide you with tips to optimize the performance, and reliability of your EV, whether you live in a hot region or elsewhere. I live in Texas where it has been over 105 °F many days in a row (over 40° C). My Tesla runs great in extreme heat!
How do I prefer to have my Tesla serviced? I use the Tesla Mobile Service feature and specifically request service when I am at work. Why then? I personally trust and know the Mobile Service technicians, they are reliable, consistent, and professional. Once you develop a trust relationship, it is gold!
Tip 1: Check and Refresh Cabin Air Filters
If you or your family members suffer from seasonal allergies, maintaining clean and fresh air inside your vehicle becomes crucial. Regularly inspect and replace the cabin air filters or HEPA filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Over time, dust, pollen, and other particles can accumulate, reducing the filter’s effectiveness. For example, Tesla recommends replacing the cabin air filter in Model Y and Model 3 every 2 years and the HEPA filter every 3 years. Be sure to consult your vehicle’s recommendations for optimal air filtration.
Tip 2: Tire Rotation, Balance, and Wheel Alignment
Proper tire maintenance is essential for optimal performance and durability, especially in hot weather. Refer to your car’s manufacturer recommendations for tire rotation intervals and follow them accordingly. Tesla, for instance, suggests rotating tires every 6,250 miles or if the tread depth difference reaches 2/32 inches or more. Additionally, ensure your wheels are balanced and aligned to maintain optimum steering and handling. Vibrations caused by unbalanced or misaligned wheels can compromise safety. Frequent tire servicing may be necessary if you engage in aggressive driving.
Tip 3: Brake Fluid Test
Image Courtesy Zach on X @blkmdl3
Regular brake fluid contamination tests are good to ensure brake safety. Perform this test every 2 years to identify any potential issues such as moisture, dirt, or contaminants that can impact brake performance. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent corrosion and potential brake failure, ensuring the continued smooth operation of your brakes.
Tip 4: Air Conditioning Service
Your EV’s air conditioning (A/C) system plays a vital role in hot weather. It helps dehumidify the cabin and enhances overall cooling performance. Follow the recommended replacement schedules for components like the A/C desiccant bag to maintain efficient A/C operation. Replace the desiccant bag as per the manufacturer’s guidelines, such as every 4 years for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y (6 years for Model 3 produced between 2017 and 2021 without a heat pump).
Bonus Tip 5: Schedule Brake Caliper Cleaning and Lubricating
Though this article primarily focuses on hot weather, it’s worth mentioning this bonus tip for cold weather regions. Harsh conditions like freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and road salt can accelerate wear and corrosion on brake calipers. To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your braking system, schedule a cleaning and lubrication of all brake calipers every 12 months or 12,500 miles.
Remember to also maintain your charging equipment. Regularly inspect the charging cables, connectors, and adapters for any signs of wear, damage, or dirt buildup. Keeping the charging port clean with a soft brush or cloth will help ensure an uninterrupted charging connection, allowing for efficient charging and optimal vehicle performance.
If you liked this article, follow and subscribe to @gailalfaratx on X. Thank you! All images used with permission from @blkmdl3
This podcast is very different from all my other episodes. I received several “strikes” on my FSD beta software from Tesla, and so I temporarily lost the use of FSD beta. This podcast details how difficult it is to drive exclusively on what I call, “human pilot.”
Human pilot is where I am using only my two eyes and my own human neural net to drive the car.
It is a bit hard to explain why this is important, but the main point has to do with lack of safety. Driving on human pilot is significantly less safe than driving using Tesla Autopilot or Tesla FSD beta. Enjoy the podcast.
welcome to my podcast, no. 23, what happens when you can’t use FSDbeta? (suspension) let’s analyze the human neural net in downtown atx together 🙂 we’ll also talk about Waymo and Cruise, from an earlier X Space today pic.twitter.com/HmJdqM9gsQ
In this episode, we’ll also cross paths with other autonomous cars (driverless) in Austin, Texas, such as “Cruise” vehicles.
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to Gail Alfar. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
FOR MEDIA USE ONLY News media is welcome to use my material in connection with a story or article. By downloading any content I create, you understand and hereby agree and represent that: (1) you are a member of the news media; (2) use of the content is in connection with a story or an article appearing in newspapers, periodicals, digital publications or television; (3) all images and rights thereto remain the property Gail Alfar.; and (4) use of the image is not for publication covers, advertising, promotion or otherwise for commercial purposes. Furthermore, use of any and all images and content appearing on this page must each include the notice “Courtesy of Gail Alfar” Use of materials copied from this website is at your own risk. You must obtain prior written consent from Gail Alfar for uses that exceed the above parameters.
Your Tesla Battery is Guaranteed. It is built to serve your needs. Whether you have 2170, 4680, or LFP batteries in your Tesla, it comes with a warranty. Here are the details, taken today from the Tesla website.
These warranties cover the repair or replacement necessary to correct defects in the materials or workmanship of any parts manufactured or supplied by Tesla, which occur under normal use.
FACT: The existing warranty on any Tesla is transferred to the new owner if you purchase the vehicle from Tesla.
Tesla says in the 2021 Impact Report,
“Our batteries are designed to function for the entire life of the vehicle. Tesla’s battery packs are designed to outlast the vehicle.
We estimate that a vehicle gets scrapped after approximately 200,000 miles of usage in the U.S. and roughly 150,000 miles in Europe.
Creating a battery that could last for 1,000,000 miles (4,000 charging cycles) would dramatically reduce the emissions per mile driven for high-mileage vehicles such as taxis, delivery vans, or trucks.”
Range varies on Tesla vehicles for many reasons. For example, if your Model Y was bought with a range of ~318 miles on the battery. You should expect your vehicle will retain a range of over 222 miles by the time you reach 120,000 miles. In the rare case that your Y does not then know that Tesla will replace the battery for free. Tesla may also decide to replace your battery if it has a defect or problem like the inability to charge.
The Average EV Will Never Need A Battery Replacement
It is a myth to assume that the average EV needs a battery replacement at some point in its life, according to Tesla,
“Extending the life of a battery pack is a superior option to recycling for both environmental and business reasons. For those reasons, before decommissioning a consumer battery pack and sending it for recycling, Tesla does everything it can to extend the useful life of each battery pack.
Any battery that is no longer meeting a customer’s needs can be serviced by Tesla at one of our service centers around the world.
None of our scrapped lithium-ion batteries go to landfill, and 100% are recycled.”
Tesla Batteries Are Recycled
Tesla says in their 2021 Impact Report,
“Every battery used in R&D or returned from the field that cannot be remanufactured is recycled. Tesla batteries, including the battery packs in our vehicles and our energy storage products, are made to last many years, and therefore, we have received a limited number of them back from the field. Most batteries that Tesla recycles today are pre-consumer, coming to us through R&D and quality control. None of our scrapped lithium-ion batteries go to landfills and 100% are recycled.”
Image Courtesy Tesla, Inc.
My Thoughts about Different Batteries
Which battery is better in a Tesla? 2170, 4680, or LFP? My opinion is that it is an advantage to be able to charge to 100% daily and the LFP battery is the only one that can do this safely. However, if you live where you cannot plug in at night and slow charge till the morning, LFPs are not much of an advantage to you. LFPs are also denser, and heavier, leading to slightly less range their weight means that your vehicle’s tires may need changing sooner. On the flip side, the 2170 batteries also have my heart. Both my Tesla vehicles have 2170s and I am satisfied with their reliable performance. Then we have the revolutionary new 4690 batteries which delightfully form the structural pack for most of the best-selling Model Y vehicles. These are known to be more efficient than the 2170’s so they are an advantage as well. As you can see, all Tesla vehicle batteries are great and in the end, you won’t notice which batteries you are using, but you will notice the safety, speed, comfort, and precision of your Tesla. This matters more than the battery beneath your seats.
Enjoy your Tesla, Do Not Worry
I am very happy with my two Tesla vehicles, a 2022 Model Y and a 2020 Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive that was bought with a range of 250 miles on the battery. My Model 3 battery currently retains 86% of its original range of 216 miles. I expect my Model 3 will retain a range of over 175 miles by the time I reach 100,000 miles.
I was in part inspired to write this article by Sofiaan Fraval who had his Model 3’s battery replaced under Tesla’s warranty, “Although it’s not new info, it’s often forgotten about or overlooked over time. I just got a pack replacement for my 3 under warranty and cost me $0. It actually bumped my range up by 11 miles and the car charges quicker. Super happy about it.” Sofiaan advises, “Tesla owners needn’t worry about battery packs, and should fully enjoy their Teslas!”
Tesla is doing a lot of good in this world, much of which was shared in the Tesla Q2 2023 Update on July 19, 2023. I hope you enjoy this article, and that it leaves you with optimism & hope for the future!
(Austin, Texas) On Investor Day 2023, Elon Musk and the Tesla team explained how a global sustainable economy is within reach through these six actions:
1. Repower the Existing Grid with Renewables
2. Switch to Electric Vehicles
3. Switch to Heat Pumps in Residential, Business & Industry
4. Electrify High Temperature Heat Delivery and Hydrogen Production
5. Sustainably Fuel Planes & Boats
6. Manufacture the Sustainable Energy Economy
I’m confident that many companies around the world are making progress towards these actions and I believe Tesla is showing and leading the way!
REPOWER THE EXISTING GRID WITH RENEWABLES
Success is imminent in this arena. Thus far, ½ million Tesla Powerwalls have been installed on homes by customers. I personally installed 3 Powerwalls recently and am excited to be a part of what will make Texas become a strong force in the energy economy. I believe that being solid in energy, or defying the odds in these times of climate extremes, means Texas can lead. Last year, I spoke to the ERCOT board of directors in Texas, urging the leadership to do everything they can to promote Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in Texas. I watched the Tesla Energy team spend years getting to the point where they are now in Texas. Tesla Electric started in Texas and will one day reach to all states.
VPP regulatory challenges are hard, as mentioned during the Tesla Q2 2023 Update, and that cannot and does not stop Tesla Energy from meeting the challenges. The best case for VPPs is they are much cheaper and much faster to respond to grid weakness than traditional fossil fuel peakers.
ENERGY AND SERVICES & OTHER BUSINESSES
Tesla has deployed 3653 MWh of energy storage Megapacks. This is an incredible 222% increase over last year, where 113 MWh were deployed. This is a testament to the incredible work of the Megapack manufacturing plant in Lathrop, California.
The current Tesla Electric pilot program for charging for Model 3 owners will expand to all Tesla owners in Texas later this year.
SWITCH TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Image Model Y credit Tesla, Inc.
When looking at the current business, Tesla’s number one priority is investment, and that includes investment AI and capacity expansion. The second top priority is to maximize volume in a way that can support expansion.
Has volume been expanding? Yes, Elon Musk thanked Tesla owners for making the Model Y become a best-seller over cars like the Toyota Corolla. This is important, given Tesla is just getting started with production at scale because Tesla will maximize volume in a way that can support even more expansion. Tesla had the best-ever vehicle production and deliveries in a single quarter, with a total of 466,140 deliveries, and they are just getting started!
— Remember, in Q2-2022 (just 12 months ago), there were a total of 254,695 vehicle deliveries.
To accelerate the switch to EVs, Tesla makes Full-Self driving (FSD) software and hardware available to other OEMs. It is now known that Tesla is in serious talks with another OEM to license their FSD software and hardware. This is exciting news as it means it will make that other carmaker an alluring competitor to other traditional gasoline cars.
SUPERCHARGING AND THE NACS
As you may know, Supercharging in the Tesla Network is a seamless experience. The Tesla Charging standard – or the “NACS” is part of Tesla’s way to help accelerate the EV revolution. Many other automakers have already announced they will adopt the NACS so that their EVs can supercharge in the Tesla Network. This includes Ford, Mercedes, Rivian, Volva, Polestar, and Nissan! You’ll see a level playing field, meaning all EVs will be welcomed.
Q3 is an important time for doing some critical upgrades to all of Tesla’s gigafactories. These upgrades will mean that production rates will improve dramatically.
Elon explained the real-time pulse updates he gets. He said there are challenges in increasing interest rates, making it important to therefore decrease the price of the car to make up for increased interest rates.
ROBOTAXI
Elon Musk carefully explained that “Every car may be worth 5X as much as today due to autonomy.” He compared Robotaxi to Airbnb and discussed a step-change in history.
Elon Musk on vehicle order intake: “Demand has roughly tracked production, which is what we aim for; we have real-time demand and real-time production data.”
Lars Moravy of Vehicle Engineering said there’s a misconception about giga castings, which are in Model 3 and Y. Giga casting is 3X faster and much cheaper. Collision repair is in a closed (in-house) loop so when collisions occur, inserts can be replaced in the castings and this is done often and easily.
Elon commented that the referral program is and will continue to be effective. He also said that many people (potential customers) are not breaking even every month, and macroeconomic conditions are impossible to control. He’s correct, I have spoken to many people who struggle every day to meet bills. Elon is well aware of this and thankfully is engineering solutions for people.
Giga Texas 4680 battery cell production increased by 80% in Q2 over Q1. The Giga Texas team produced over 10M cells, there was a beautiful image shared of the team by the Tesla X account.
Tesla is creating a unique Cybercell to bring energy density and cost improvements. Drew Baglino, SVP of Powertrain and Energy Engineering at Tesla, said Tesla is scaling their Cybercell 4680 battery for use in Cybertruck.
Elon Musk has been key to Cybertruck’s engineering and development, walking the production line and driving it around Austin, Texas. He said Cybertruck is the first truck that we’re aware of that will have four doors, over a 6-foot bed, and will fit into a 20-foot garage. So, it’s sort of biggest on the outside, but it’s even bigger on the inside.”
In more good news, Tesla has seen a reduction in pricing, across the across-the-board for all commodities, such as nickel, cobalt and graphite. This is good not only for Tesla but also for many other companies involved in the transition to a sustainable energy economy.
CONCLUSION
Finding ways to power our world with sustainable energy is necessary for maximum happiness for humanity.
While short-term stock fluctuations are fun to play with, that’s like candy in a candy shop. The serious meat is accelerating the transition to a world economy that is powered by sustainable energy. That’s why this article is about what progress is being made towards Master Plan 3, as communicated by Elon Musk and Tesla leadership at the Q2, 2023 Update.
I am rooting for a continued switch to heat pumps in residential, business & industry, the electrification of high-temperature heat delivery and hydrogen production, and sustainably fueled planes & boats.
Giga Texas Cybertruck Production Line, Image Credit Tesla, Inc.
Elon Musk recommends people follow @fintwit_news on X and look at the analysis by ARK Invest. Article by Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly.
They do, and it’s on their website, and it features things like tire management, how best to pre-condition the interior so the cabin is cool when you enter the vehicle, and much more. I’ll link to it for you, and here are my fav hacks for handling the heat.
Sunshades!
Sunshades make a huge difference in the summer and I love installing them, Tesla says,
“Help prevent heat from entering the cabin by using sunshades. With sunshades installed, your vehicle’s cabin conditioning uses less energy to maintain a desired temperature. Sunshades are available for the glass roof and rear liftgate.”
In addition to sunshades, I always throw up a big front windshield sunshade that I keep in the backseat at all times. Mine was made for the Model Y. For all my sunshades, I choose them based on size and if they have a silver reflective surface to maximize effectiveness.
Windows Closed.
This seems like a no-brainer, and I am addicted to the wind, but keeping the windows up is pure physics, and here’s what Tesla says about it,
“When you want to maximize efficiency and range while keeping your cabin temperature comfortable, drive with the windows up and set climate to ‘Auto.’ This takes full advantage of your vehicle’s aerodynamics and allows your climate system to adjust settings automatically. In ‘Auto,’ climate will reach your desired temperature as quickly as possible and maintain it with minimal energy consumption.”
I never let my vehicle’s cabin reach over 100 °F. Tesla has two ways to protect your cabin from overheating. Tesla explains,
“ON uses air conditioning to prevent the cabin from exceeding 105° F / 40° C.
“NO A/C uses less energy while still providing some cooling by blowing outside air into the cabin.
“To activate, go to ‘Controls’ > ‘Safety’ > ‘Cabin Overheat Protection’ on your vehicle touchscreen, or expand the bottom drawer in the Climate section of the Tesla app.
This summer’s heat index here in Austin has reached over 100 °F for many days in a row now. I think all cars need protection.
Please check out Tesla’s awesome tips and pass them along as we experience one of the hottest summers yet.
Save with Gail's Referral. Order Tesla products with Gail's Referral Link to earn cash off your order plus exclusive referral benefits. ts.la/gail74884
Image Austin Frost Bank building at Sunset, courtesy Aerial Austin Drone Photographers
Join me for a zero disengagement drive on Tesla FSD beta in Austin traffic, near Austin construction, all during sunset. We will visit famous Rainey Street and also see several autonomous “Cruise” vehicles.
In this podcast, I also explain how revenue from my subscribers on the X App is used to help me rent a small office space downtown so that I can dedicate time to documenting Tesla FSD beta.
Tesla FSD Beta as a Historical Event
I feel fortunate to be documenting Tesla’s autonomy and its progress in my videos and on this blog. I know that Tesla is making history. I am certain that Elon Musk is deploying everything he can to bring us to a future with Robotaxi cars. Each one of my podcast episodes is a documentation of how fast Tesla is advancing in artificial intelligence.
correction: my post on X says this is podcast 20, this is an error, it is podcast 21.
Hey guys, I recorded this last night. It’s Tesla FSD beta working great in Austin, Texas. This is my 20th Podcast episode. Enjoy 🏄🏼☀️✨
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author and podcaster is to support Tesla (the most American vehicle manufacturer) and Elon Musk in both making life better on Earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization.
“Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right.” – George Orwell, 1984
Last January, Elon Musk shared an image showing book titles 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and Brave New World, with the words, “you are here” in the center. Around this time, the Twitter Files were being released and mostly ignored and even denied by mainstream media outlets and most politicians.
Since then, Elon Musk had “kept shooting at his feet,” meaning he has increased his involvement in politics. He is doing great things to help many people and accelerate a sustainable energy economy on the political front.
Elon Musk has accepted important invitations and had vital talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, China’s foreign minister Qin Gang, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Why are his political meetings good for humanity? Because Elon Musk stands for the things that will preserve our civilization and that will make humans as happy as possible.
The opposite is a sad decaying civilization that Orwell warned us of in the book, 1984.
BOOKS LIKE 1984 HELP US SEE HOW EASY IT IS TO FALL VICTIM TO CENSORSHIP
When George Orwell published 1984, in the year 1949 it was around the same time as Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, the House Un-American Activities Committee accused Alger Hiss of spying for the USSR and the Soviet government sealed off land routes to Berlin.
1984 immerses you in a world where a totalitarian government monitors people even in their private lives. Writing is illegal. Winston Smith rebels and keeps a diary and desires to beat the system. Everything about his life is miserable and that includes his job, his meals, and the grim area of London he lives in. Winston abhors all the cameras and microphones the government uses to monitor people. He despises that his TV must never be turned off as it spits out hasbara continuously.
The signs “Big Brother is watching you” in the book are synonymous in our culture with the dangers of a government that want to police our thoughts, which is what we experienced on a global level just recently.
Thankfully, the Twitter Files exist so we can be aware of just how far our own government was willing to push.
ALMOST ALL OF US WERE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY RECENT WIDESPREAD GOVERNMENT CENSORSHIP
The Twitter Files show just how far our own United States government organizations were willing to go to control the public narrative on US elections and with SARS-CoV-2. Three examples are,
By censoring info that was true but inconvenient to U.S. govt. policy
By discrediting doctors and other experts who disagreed
By suppressing ordinary users, including some sharing the CDC’s *own data*
You can read about these in a Twitter thread shared by David Zweig, author of Invisibles.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, an M.D., economist, and professor of health policy at Stanford warned about the dangerous impact of lockdowns, especially on children, the working class, and the poor. In 2020, he and Dr. Martin Kulldorff, then a professor of medicine at Harvard, and Dr. Sunetra Gupta, professor of epidemiology at Oxford wrote an open letter arguing for “focused protection” for the most medically vulnerable and a return to normal life for the rest of society.
Twitter 1.0 put Bhattacharya’s account on the Trends Blacklist, which meant that, no matter how many likes or views one of his tweets racked up, it could never “trend”; its visibility to users on the platform would be sharply curtailed. (You can read more about that in the article, “Twitter’s Secret Blacklists” by the Free Press.)
Lee Fang released Twitter Files Part 8 and wrote about how “Twitter Aided the Pentagon in Its Covert Online Propaganda Campaign in an article in the Intercept.”
Fang said, “This appears to align with a major report published in August by online security researchers affiliated with the Stanford Internet Observatory, which reported on thousands of accounts that they suspected to be part of a state-backed information operation, many of which used photorealistic human faces generated by artificial intelligence, a practice also known as deep fakes.”
The Twitter Files revealed how the government paid millions of dollars to censor information from the public. Michael Shellenberger said,
“As of 2020, there were so many former FBI employees — the Bu alumni — working at Twitter that they had created their own private Slack channel and a crib sheet to onboard new FBI arrivals.”
Shellenberger published a screenshot of an email, which I will attach to this article near the end.
xAI STANDS FOR TRUTH AND HOPE: THE MISSION IS TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUE NATURE OF THE UNIVERSE
We should do all we can to promote and root for the success of Elon Musk’s new AI company, xAI. I believe xAI will serve humanity and help preserve our civilization.
xAI is much needed as we have learned from both recent events revealed by the Twitter Files and from cautionary works of literature like Orwell’s 1984. The statement at the beginning of this article is chilling. It was written in 1949, and it could apply today.
CONCLUSION
Elon Musk’s heartfelt motivation to help humanity was summed up in a response to a tweet from January 1, 2022.
“Elon Musk deserves our full support. Elon’s companies exist, because he cares enough to make our lives better and safeguard consciousness.”
I was supercharging my Tesla in Austin when I tweeted this, and wondering if I spelled consciousness correctly when Elon immediately replied,
“I have trouble understanding any other motivations tbh.”
I would like to end this sad, tragic article on one positive note. Though much has been lost, there is great hope in the creation and building of xAI. I think humanity has a much greater chance of preserving truth and it is never too late to turn the tide around. I have hope that we will soon see people become optimistic about the future, excited about space travel, and happy to live a joyful life.
The information is still pertinent so I have chosen to share this new article with you for a wider reach considering how important this topic is.
Article by Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly. Mentioned in the article: @elonmusk @xai @shellenberger @lhfang @DrJBhattacharya @MartinKulldorff. Dr. Sunetra Gupta
Images credit: Elon Musk, Reddit, and except from 1984. Used with permission.
Addendum: Michael Shellenberger published this revealing email screenshot as part of the Twitter Files, saying, “As of 2020, there were so many former FBI employees — the Bu alumni — working at Twitter that they had created their own private Slack channel and a crib sheet to onboard new FBI arrivals.”
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