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The convergence of technological and geopolitical forces has led many to view AI as the new 'space race'^[1]. As Andrew Bosworth, Meta Platforms CTO, noted, the progress in AI is characterized by intense competition, with very few secrets, emphasizing the need to stay ahead^[1]. The stakes are high, as leadership in AI could translate into broader geopolitical influence^[1]. This understanding has spurred significant investments and strategic initiatives by various countries, all aimed at securing a competitive edge in the AI landscape^[1].

In this competitive environment, countries are revving up due to economic, societal, and territorial aspirations^[1]. The reality is that AI leadership could beget geopolitical leadership and not vice-versa^[1] This state of affairs brings tremendous uncertainty^[1].

The document highlights the acute competition between China and the USA in AI technology development^[1]. This competition spans various aspects, including innovation, product releases, investments, acquisitions, and capital raises^[1]. The document cites Andrew Bosworth (Meta Platforms CTO), who described the current state of AI as our space race, the people we’re discussing, especially China, are highly capable… there’s very few secrets^[1]. The document also notes in this technology and geopolitical landscape that it’s undeniable that it’s ‘game on,’ especially with the USA and China and the tech powerhouses charging ahead^[1].

The document briefly touches on global powers challenging each other’s competitive and comparative advantage^[1]. It notes that the most powerful countries are revved up by varying degrees of economic/societal/territorial aspiration^[1].

This situation brings tremendous uncertainty^[1]. The pace of change is rapid, which fuels excitement and trepidation^[1]. All of this is intensified by global competition and sabre rattling^[1].

However, the intense competition and innovation, increasingly-accessible compute, rapidly-rising global adoption of AI-infused technology, and thoughtful and calculated leadership could foster sufficient trepidation and respect, that in turn, could lead to Mutually Assured Deterrence^[1].

The document indicates the AI ‘space race’ has the potential to reshape the world order, testing political systems and enhancing strategic deterrence^[1]. If authoritarian regimes take the lead on AI, they may force companies to share user data and develop cyber weapons^[1].

Economic trade tensions between the USA and China continue to escalate, driven by competition for control over strategic technology inputs^[1]. China is the dominant global supplier of ‘rare earth elements,’ while the USA has prioritized reshoring semiconductor manufacturing and bolstered partnerships with allied nations to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains^[1].

AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, and technology developments are no longer viewed solely as economic or technology assets^[1]. They are strategic levers of national resilience and geopolitical power for both the USA and China^[1].

A pivotal moment in lighthouse illumination arrived with the introduction of oil lamps^[1]. This transition marked a significant improvement over the inconsistent and smoky flames of wood and coal fires^[1]. The invention of the argand burner in the latter part of the last century enabled a very remarkable improvement in lighthouse illumination to be introduced^[1]. This innovative design, featuring a concentric wick and a glass chimney, facilitated a more complete combustion of the oil vapor, resulting in a brighter and more stable light^[1]. The cylindrical tube caused a current of air to impinge upon the internal surface of the ring of flame^[1].

This advancement paved the way for the catoptric system of lighting, which utilized metallic reflectors behind the argand lamps to direct and intensify the light^[1]. With reflectors this object is attained by reflecting forward the rays thrown onto a highly polished surface^[1]. This arrangement allowed for a more focused beam, increasing the range and visibility of the lighthouse^[1].

Further innovation came with the lenticular apparatus on the principle of Fresnel's celebrated invention offered another means of greatly improving the lights^[1]. This system, known as dioptric, employed lenses and prisms to refract and concentrate the light, achieving greater efficiency than reflectors alone^[1]. In the dioptric method, all the rays emitted by one large flame are intercepted by glass lenses or prisms at a short distance from the flame, and are bent or refracted, so that they issue from the lighthouse lantern in a compact beam^[1]. This method enabled a single, powerful light source to project a beam visible over great distances, revolutionizing lighthouse technology^[1].

In more recent times, gas and electricity have emerged as viable alternatives for lighthouse illumination^[1]. Gas: Seeing the results achieved by gas as an illuminator of our streets and houses, it is not surprising that efforts should have been made to apply it for lighthouse purposes^[1]. Mr. J.R. Wigham inaugurated the gas system for lighthouses by the introduction of his patent gas-burner at the Howth Bailey Lighthouse , near Dublin^[1]. Electricity has been adapted to meet the requirements of fixed, intermittent, revolving, and group flashing lights, with success in every case^[1].

The use of electric light in lighthouses began with trials in 1857^[1]. Holmes's apparatus was termed a magneto - electric machine, and, after some careful experiments with it at the South Foreland lighthouse in 1858 , the results obtained… practically established the fitness and sufficiency of the magneto - electric light for lighthouse purposes, so far as its nature and management are concerned^[1]. Electricity offered unmatched intensity and the possibility of distinctive signaling, but initial challenges included reliability and maintenance^[1]. With the development of dynamo-electric machines, electricity's application in lighthouses has increased^[1].

With so many lighthouses along coastlines, it became essential to develop distinctive features for each to avoid confusion. The lights shining at night along a stretch of coast line must differ one from another^[1]. The system now in operation is one which has grown with the growth of our shipping trade, has been developed as new necessities arose, and is still capable of adaptation to altered conditions^[1]. These distinctive features included fixed, revolving, flashing, and occulting lights, as well as colored lights and sectors^[1]. The system now in force has a large reserve of varying characteristics, and sailors are generally familiar with the distinctions employed^[1].

Despite advancements in gas and electric lighting, oil remains a relevant source for lighthouse illumination, particularly at rock lighthouses^[1]. The advantages of oil lamps for lighthouse illumination are manifold^[1]. Oil can be conveniently transported and safely stored; and the certainty and simplicity of its action are great recommendations^[1]. At present oil is the only illuminating agent which can be used at a rock lighthouse^[1]. Recent improvements in oil burners, such as the Douglass seven-wick oil burner, have enhanced the intensity and efficiency of oil lamps, ensuring their continued role in coastal navigation^[1].

In an era when resources were scarce, meals had to be both satisfying and nutritionally complete. The focus was on body-building foods such as meat, fish, dairy, and vegetables which provided essential nutrients for growth and strength^[1]. Alongside these, energy-rich ingredients like bread and margarine added the necessary calories, ensuring that every meal delivered a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. This balanced approach was evident not only in hot dishes but also in packed meals, where every element was thoughtfully included to sustain energy through long days^[1][2].

One of the standout innovations of the period was the transformation of simple sandwiches into complete meals. Guidelines from the Ministry of Food recommended using day-old bread, which was easier to slice into one-inch thick pieces without crumbling, paired with a variety of nutritious fillings such as meat, cheese, and eggs^[2]. Creative sandwich fillings, including mixtures like canned corned beef with chutney or curried onion spreads, provided both flavor and sustenance. Additionally, salads made with shredded cabbage, potatoes, and watercress were a popular accompaniment, adding both freshness and a boost of vitamins to the packed meals^[2].

Beyond sandwiches, the ingenuity of 1940s cooks was also reflected in their pastry snacks. Recipes such as Potato Fadge and Potato Pastry combined mashed potatoes with flour to create versatile snacks that could be prepared quickly and adapted for either sweet or savory dishes^[1]. Savory fillings for pastries encouraged the use of available meats and vegetables. Sausage meat with grated vegetables or, alternatively, a mix of peas or lentils with herbs, provided a hearty and adaptable option for varied tastes. These inventions not only maximized the use of scarce ingredients but also introduced new textures and flavors to everyday meals^[1].

Even desserts were given a creative twist during these times. The resourceful use of staple ingredients led to the development of dishes such as Potato Apple Cakes, where tastily spiced dough filled with apple pieces was baked to perfection. At the same time, baking traditions extended to biscuits and buns, with variations like almond biscuits or jam-flavored treats, offering a sweet note to otherwise practical packed meals^[1][2]. These desserts stood as a reminder that even in tough times, there was room for a little indulgence in the kitchen.

The culinary practices from the 1940s continue to inspire modern kitchens with their emphasis on nutrition, practical preparation, and the innovative use of limited resources. The balanced approach to body-building foods along with creative recipes for sandwiches, pastry snacks, and even desserts allowed families to thrive during challenging periods^[1][2]. This era reminds us that wholesome meals can be both simple and inventive. Today, by drawing on these traditional methods, modern cooks can revive the legacy of creating meals that are resourceful, nutritious, and full of flavor.