The fierce geopolitical disputes over the highly coveted "Tellurium" are known as "Metallum Complicatum."

Tellurium crucial role in advancing renewable energy

As the effects of climate change intensify, the need for sustainable energy solutions has significantly increased, creating a growing demand for renewable and eco-friendly energy sources.  Consequently, tellurium, a rare, often underestimated element, is becoming increasingly important in driving innovation in sustainable energy.  A metalloid found in scarce amounts in the Earth's crust, tellurium's unique properties make it highly valuable for various industrial applications.  Its most significant impact is on sustainable energy technologies, which are crucial for turning the vision of renewable energy into tangible progress.

Unlocking the Potential of Tellurium in Solar Photovoltaic Cells

Tellurium is essential for improving the efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, particularly in cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar cells.  These cells are valued for their cost-effectiveness and superior performance, especially in low-light conditions.  By harnessing tellurium's properties, CdTe solar cells are solid alternatives to traditional silicon-based cells, helping promote the broader adoption of solar energy.

Enhancing Energy Storage Solutions

Energy storage is crucial to a sustainable energy ecosystem, and tellurium plays a significant role in this field.  Batteries using tellurium-based materials show potential for substantial improvements in energy storage systems.  Because these materials can enhance battery efficiency, prolong lifespan, and increase storage capacity, they are essential for integrating renewable energy sources and stabilizing the power grid.

Advancements in Thermoelectric Devices

Tellurium's impressive thermoelectric properties are producing advancements in thermoelectric devices.  These devices can convert waste heat into electrical energy, offering significant potential for industries that produce large amounts of heat.  By harnessing tellurium's abilities, researchers and engineers are creating more efficient and eco-friendly systems for waste heat recovery, contributing to the sustainable energy movement.  

In summary, in the global effort to combat climate change and transition to sustainable energy, tellurium has emerged as a crucial element driving innovation in sustainable energy technologies.  Its significant role in improving solar cell efficiency, advancing energy storage solutions, and enabling efficient waste heat recovery has propelled the renewable energy sector to new heights.  Tellurium has valuable potential in the pursuit of sustainability, empowering humanity to tap into renewable energy's vast potential and adopt a more eco-friendly and conscientious approach to energy usage.

Inside Salon Kitty…

It is fascinating to consider that the concept of clandestine technology espionage, possibly developed by the Nazis, may have inspired the creation of Pegasus Software. The spyware, developed by an Israeli cyber-arms firm and released in 2011, is notorious for targeting devices that exploit political vulnerabilities.

Located in an affluent Berlin neighbourhood, Salon Kitty started as a conventional brothel in the early 1930s.  However, during World War II, it was converted into a sophisticated espionage centre the Nazis used to gather intelligence from foreign visitors and to identify disloyal Germans.  Katharina Zammit, also known as Kitty Schmidt, was Salon Kitty's proprietor.  Attempting to escape Germany in 1938, she was apprehended at the Dutch border and brought before Walter Schellenberg, a member of the Nazi intelligence organization, the Sicherheitsdienst (SD).  Schellenberg and SS General Reinhard Heydrich gave Schmidt a choice: collaborate or be sent to a concentration camp.  The Nazis let Schmidt continue Salon Kitty operating so long as she employed 20 additional prostitutes selected for Nazi clientele and allowed concealed microphones to be installed across the premises, together with a surveillance room in the cellar.

To recruit the additional prostitutes, Schellenberg distributed a document to Nazi administrative offices in Berlin, searching for intelligent, patriotic, multilingual women.  Once the 20 women had been selected for Salon Kitty's specialized group, operations commenced at the beginning of 1940.  While these women were not informed about the microphones, they were trained to recognize military uniforms.  They were tasked with accompanying high-ranking officials and foreign diplomats to bedrooms and providing relaxation, serving alcohol, and engaging in intimate encounters.  Using the concealed microphones, a Nazi officer in the basement would listen in and record all activities.  Using these methods, Nazi intelligence monitored Nazis suspected of disloyalty.   

Nevertheless, reports of such encounters are now rare.  Sources claim that the son-in-law and foreign minister of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini visited and were recorded joking about Hitler, referring to him as a little clown.  The operation yielded around 25,000 recordings, but most were discarded, as they were useless. The operation ceased in July 1942 when a British air raid demolished Salon Kitty.  By that time, the (SD) had abandoned the project, deeming it unproductive. Nonetheless, intelligence gathered from Salon Kitty contributed to thwarting a potential Spanish takeover of Gibraltar.  

Madam Schmidt later reestablished Salon Kitty at a new location, operating it as a traditional brothel until her death in 1954 at the age of 72.

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Happy Wednesday and best wishes for the health of you and your loved ones...

Firstly, we apologize for the delay in sending Saturday's reflections. The notes, which delve into the geopolitical situation sparking conflicts across all five continents, from territorial disputes to wars over fuels and rare earth elements, have demanded significant time.

Before we proceed, it's crucial to address the events that transpired this past Sunday, July 28, in Venezuela.  Throughout history, oppressed societies have found immense gratification in the toppling of a dictator's statue when they come to the limit.  We witnessed this when the Poles took down Lenin's statue in 1990 and when the Iraqis toppled Saddam Hussein's statue in 2003.  Overthrowing a despot's statue carries powerful symbolism and leaves an indelible mark on history.  On Sunday night, the world witnessed the toppling of six statues in the land of Rómulo Gallegos, a significant event not seen in Latin America for many decades.  This surge of resistance unequivocally signals that there will be no retreat from oppressors—inshallah.

A while back, there were plans to enroll in a contemporary literature course at the prestigious Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.  The postgraduate program necessitated reading approximately ten books. While some of these required readings were explored, others – such as "I Am a Cat" by the Japanese author Soseki Natsume, born on February 9, 1867, in Babashita-chō – were left unexamined. The works of Natsume and Francesc Serés (born on December 22, 1972, in Zaidín, Spain) also offer deep insights and merit attention.  Particularly relevant is Natsume's novel. Set in the Meiji period (1868–1912), it presents an unnamed cat as the intelligent narrator and protagonist who observes and critiques Japanese society and human nature.  The cat embodies human fragility and highlights our aversion to self-reflection, which often leads to errors, especially in our actions and judgments.  In truth, we tend to shy away from facing our reflections.  "Russian Stories" is crucial for understanding the Kremlin's worldview from an anthropological, sociological, and political perspective.

The world is wild, infinitely so; yes, it's true…

Last week, we discussed the complex historical relationship between Russia and Ukraine, the rise of Jewish communities in both countries, Israel's neutral stance in the Eurasian conflict, as well as Russia's involvement in the Middle East war.

On January 29 of this year, the blog released an article titled (1) "The Intention to Trigger a Worldwide Conflict Should Be Readily Apparent." Why did Hamas decide to behave aggressively despite knowing how it would affect Palestinians, Israelis, and the global community? Why did Hamas choose to take actions that could worsen the situation for Palestinians, even though they were aware it would cause problems?

The Palestinian people have faced enduring hardships, often overshadowed by global political manoeuvres, and are still fighting for self-determination. Some analysts believe that because Hamas has few avenues for influence, they have adopted a daring strategy to gain attention and support from their community. However, this perspective is contested by those who argue that Hamas lacks a genuine commitment to the welfare of the Palestinian people.

(2) When examining the situation, it's essential to take into account the general lack of support for Palestinians in the Arab world. (3) This adds complexity to the geopolitical dynamics. In the context of the current geopolitical dynamics in the Arab world, it is notable that Israel and Morocco had a history of antagonism for 2,500 years until their formal normalization in December 2020, which was facilitated by the United States. Historically, Morocco has been a haven for Jews and a final resting place for numerous Jewish religious leaders. For centuries, Muslims and Jews have coexisted peacefully in Morocco, fostering a culture of peace, mutual respect, and care. This extensive shared cultural heritage has laid the foundation for a robust friendship between Morocco and Israel, with both nations now collaborating closely to forge a future marked by mutual understanding, harmony, and human advancement. The current relations between Israel and Morocco are unbeatable at this time, in trade or military intelligence.

For one to win, another must lose... such is the unyielding axiom...

In Greek mythology, Pegasus is often depicted as a splendid white stallion with wings. Myth states that Poseidon, the god of the sea and earthquakes, fathered Pegasus in his form as a horse god. Pegasus was born from the blood of Medusa, the formidable Gorgon, upon her beheading by the hero Perseus. Pegasus had a sibling named Chrysaor, who also sprang from Medusa's blood. Nevertheless, the Pegasus that has garnered current attention is a spyware created by an Israeli company, designed for discreet remote installation on iOS and Android devices. Although marketed as a tool to fight crime and terrorism, Pegasus has been extensively employed by governments for the surveillance of journalists, lawyers, political adversaries, and human rights activists.

The pact between Israel and Morocco has exacerbated already strained relations with Spain. On one side, the (4) Pegasus Affair, involving espionage on Spanish politicians' cellphones, has become a major issue. The European Parliament's inquiry committee reported on June 8, 2023, that Morocco spied on the mobile phones of Spanish officials including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Defense Minister Margarita Robles, and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Additionally, there is a dispute over (5) rare minerals found in the Atlantic Ocean, about 500 kilometers from the Canary Islands at Tropic Seamount. This seamount, rising 3,000 meters from the ocean floor and located 1,000 meters beneath the water's surface, contains tellurium in concentrations 50,000 times greater than on land. The contention over the right to exploit this discovery has surfaced. While Spain seems the obvious choice, its claim to the underwater deposit has been compromised by sensitive information disclosed in phone calls intercepted by Spanish authorities, who were themselves targets of the Pegasus spyware.

Amidst the current upheaval, former President and presidential hopeful Donald Trump has strongly asserted that his failure to be elected in the upcoming November elections might precipitate a third world war. His language, often characterized by the media as bombastic and doomsday-like, exceeds even the tales of science fiction, reminiscent of Ray Bradbury's "The Exiles."  In this instance, Mr. Trump's claims carry a certain significance.

Before delving into the primary focus of this note, it is imperative to analyze the unforeseen attack during complex ceasefire negotiations. Last Saturday afternoon, the launch of a Falaq-1 rocket by Hezbollah into Israeli territory led to the tragic deaths of 12 children and adolescents on a soccer field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, northern Israel. This event is the deadliest attack on Israel since October 7.  Why did this happen?  It seems that certain elements favor escalating conflict over peace in the region, fully aware of Israel's probable response, particularly regarding the principle of retaliation.

Israel has expressed outrage following the unexpected attack.  The Israeli military stated that its overnight strikes primarily targeted familiar sites in Lebanon, mainly near the Israeli border or around the southern port city of Tyre.  A strike was also reported in the Bekaa Valley, approximately 60 miles north of the Israel-Lebanon border, targeting Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese group that has been attacking Israel alongside Hamas. Hezbollah has denied any involvement. Furthermore, Israeli military officials have confirmed that the launched projectile, the Falaq-1 rocket, originated from Iran. In response, Iran has openly warned that it will retaliate with equal force if Israel crosses any 'red lines'.  The conflict in Lebanon has intensified markedly, casting a perilous and unpredictable shadow from Iran's direction.  These lines were written on Sunday, today is Wednesday. The most important news are: "Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader, was assassinated in Iran, as confirmed by the country’s Revolutionary Guards Corps and Hamas on Wednesday. The event marks a significant blow to the Palestinian group and raises the risk of further regional conflict. Hamas has accused Israel of the assassination of Mr. Haniyeh, who directed the group's political operations from his exile in Qatar. He was present in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran's newly elected president, a key supporter of Hamas." "Israel claims it killed a Hezbollah commander in an airstrike near Beirut. In response to a rocket attack on the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, which resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers on a soccer field and was attributed to Hezbollah, Israel conducted a lethal airstrike on a densely populated suburb of Beirut on Tuesday. The strike targeted Fuad Shukr, a senior official and close adviser to Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The information comes from three Israeli security officials who remained anonymous while discussing sensitive matters. The Israel Defense Forces later stated that their fighter jets had 'eliminated' Mr. Shukr, but without confirmation from Hezbollah, the claim remains unverified."

In conclusion, the forecasts made in this blog on January 29 of this year are regrettably coming to pass regarding this issue.

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President Vladimir Putin has warned that if NATO nations supply Ukraine with strategic weapons, it could lead to missiles being positioned near European borders. Furthermore, recent reports suggest that Russia is exploiting its invasion of Ukraine.

Given the present global geopolitical situation, the relationship that former President Donald Trump has with Israel and Russia could have an impact. As for Iran, it seems that neither the United States nor any other nation has the ability to exert control over it.

Today's headline in the area reads: "Russia hits Kyiv with massive drone barrage."

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Open Indo-Pacific Conflict

(6) The Taiwan Strait conflict, often sidelined by discussions of global politics, remains a critical concern for the United States, China, and Taiwan's neighboring countries. Taiwan has operated independently of mainland China since 1949. Despite China's commitment to the one-China policy, which views Taiwan as a part of its territory, Taiwan's practical independence brings its sovereign status into question. The possibility of a conflict in Taiwan, reminiscent of the situation following Russia's incursion into Ukraine, has escalated concerns. The ongoing strain on U.S.-China relations adds to the complexity of the issue. President Xi Jinping's assertive stance on reunification has intensified the instability in the Indo-Pacific region, forcing nations to declare their positions explicitly.

“China’s president Xi Jinping has paid tribute to Henry Kissinger’s role in reshaping the relationship between China and the United States half a century ago. In a message of condolence to US president Joe Biden, Mr Xi said Dr Kissinger, who has died aged 100, would be remembered for his “continued sage advice” about relations between the two great powers. “Dr Henry Kissinger was a world-renowned strategist, as well as an old friend and good friend of the Chinese people,” he said. “He made it his lifelong pursuit to promote the development of China-US relations and enhance the friendship between the two peoples. Kissinger’s name will forever be associated with China-US relations.” Dr Kissinger visited China more than 100 times, most recently last May when he met Mr Xi and other senior officials. His secret visit to Beijing in 1971 paved the way for the normalisation of relations that followed Richard Nixon’s visit the following year.

https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2023/11/30/henry-kissinger-reshaped-relationship-between-china-and-us-says-xi-jinping/

In the current climate of global geopolitical tensions, former President Donald Trump, like any U.S. administration, has limited options regarding China. Kissinger has cautioned against an inadequate or misguided strategy towards a formidable China.

“Kissinger warns of 'colossal' dangers in US-China tensions/Strains with China are "the biggest problem for America, the biggest problem for the world," Kissinger told the McCain Institute's Sedona Forum on global issues. "Because if we can't solve that, then the risk is that all over the world a kind of cold war will develop between China and the United States."

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210430-kissinger-warns-of-colossal-dangers-in-us-china-tensions

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The Man Who Loved Fireworks...

(7) North and South Korea’s Shared Past and Divergent Future…

Gunpowder, often associated with fireworks and celebrations in various cultures, takes on a darker role in North Korea, where it's used to develop long-range nuclear missiles.  This practice seriously threatens neighbouring countries like South Korea and Japan.  The relationship between North and South Korea is fraught with complexity and marked by a history of tension and complex negotiations.  Japan embraced pacifism after the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in August 1945, events that forever changed the course of warfare and international diplomacy. The country's stance on warfare and its aftermath have shaped global military ethics.  The enduring question is whether the lessons of these events have been heeded.  Regrettably, it seems that humanity has not fully learned from these past tragedies, as evidenced by the tension each time North Korea launches missiles and how South Korea and Japan must alert their populations with alarms.  What life ...

Former President Donald Trump has described his connection with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as deep and captivating.  He has mentioned receiving letters of great affection from "Rocket Man."  On June 10, Kim expressed his belief that their (8) "deep and special friendship will serve as a magical force," referring to their correspondence as "letters of love," according to transcripts from two letters reported by CNN.  Additionally, Kim sent his best wishes for Trump's 73rd birthday, calling it the ideal age for wisdom.  This message suggests that the former president has a strong position now, possibly even stronger than before.  Why is that? (9) Following President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea on June 19, which was marked by "grandeur, gifts, and performances," it is clear that the dynamic between "Kim and Donald" has evolved into a triangle of affection that includes "Kim, Donald, and Vladimir," reflecting the motto of the Paris Olympics, "Games Wide Open".

Soseki Natsume's nameless cat could be seen as being in an asylum, which leads one to ponder humanity's madness and how we self-destruct.  Understanding this complex situation requires a global collective effort, and all parties must be willing to compromise, which is quite challenging.

Last but not least, thanks to Elon Musk for the strong support of the democratic forces in Venezuela in such a difficult time.

Precious rare earth metals belong to the state, China declares

Beijing’s hold on the coveted resources has long been seen as a threat to Western clean power and tech supply chains…

POLITICO EU, by Gabriel Gavin, June 30, 2024.

The Chinese government has introduced a slew of new measures designed to tighten its grip on lucrative natural resources used in everything from electric cars to wind turbines.

In a list released by the country's State Council on Saturday, Beijing declared that rare earth metals are the property of the state and warned "no organization or person may encroach on or destroy rare-earth resources."

From Oct. 1, when the rules come into force, the government will operate a rare earth traceability database to ensure it can control the extraction, use and export of the metals. China currently produces around 60 percent of the world's rare earth metals, and is the origin of around 90 percent of refined rare earths on the market.

Beijing has already prohibited exports of rare earth refining and magnet manufacturing technologies. In January, it banned the export of gallium and germanium, both highly sought after by the computer-chip industry.

Fears that China is looking to exert control over the industry, and could disrupt critical technology, automotive and renewable energy supply chains, have sparked a race to shore up supplies from alternative suppliers. Both the U.S. and the EU have launched efforts to procure rare earths at home and abroad, including in Vietnam, Brazil and Australia.

A year ago, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced construction of the first large-scale rare earth refinery outside of Asia, located in Estonia. She said the move would "bolster European resilience and security of supply."

A 2022 analysis from the European Parliament warned that over-reliance on monopolistic suppliers was a major risk for Europe. "The EU imports 93 percent of its magnesium from China, 98 percent of its borate from Turkey, and 85 percent of its niobium from Brazil. Russia produces 40 percent of the world's palladium," it said. "The latter is a reminder of the strategic implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the need for the EU to prepare for an increasingly uncertain world."

The EU has launched a probe into anti-competitive trading allegations against the Chinese electric vehicle market, which benefits from heavy government subsidies and preferential access to essential rare earth metals. Earlier this month, the two sides agreed they would host consultations in order to try and resolve the standoff.

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