I know the title sounds... pushy. Grandiose. Whatever word you want to put on it.
I've got one prototype that Shark Tank wants for a humane snake deterrent. If I can get that up and running I'd be rich beyond the dreams of avarice. But it's taken six or seven years to get it to the point where it's ready to be assembled.
I've got an idea for how to solve the water shortage problem and wrote a story about it for a recent challenge. Again, I can't get anybody to listen.
I've got an idea for how to deal with natural disasters that would have solved the problem of disseminating the vaccine during this pandemic before it even started. Again, can't get anybody to listen.
I've got an idea that might solve traffic jams. Again, can't get anybody to listen.
And on and on and on and on and on.
If I could get one, just ONE of these to market, maybe I wouldn't feel like my life (as an antisocial autistic person) has been a failure.
But the reality is that I've been trying to matter since I was young. I've always been a helper, but I've come up with idea after idea after idea and can't get anybody to listen. I've spent more money than I should have trying to get people to listen because, well, I fix computers for a living and don't really understand how any of that works. I spent $3000 (should have been $4000) getting what I thought was a patent for my humane snake deterrent only to be told that what I had spent the money on was a pre-patent filing, whatever the hell that means. When I found a lawyer that was actually interested in more than just taking my money and expecting me to understand the entire process, apparently by osmosis, the first thing they said was "no, that lawyer didn't do their job. They should have explained what the first money was for and what would happen after that, and if you didn't understand it they should have explained it until you did."
Wasn't my fault, but it didn't matter. Two years and $3000 wasted because this is how the system works (or rather, fails to work) in the US.
People that hear these things described say things like "you should market that", "you should patent that", etc. I'm reminded of a Heinlein novel where the driving force behind the plot is a company called Long Range Foundation. Their motto is "dedicated to the welfare of our descendants."
I feel like the US (and the world, obviously) need a company like that, where you call them and say "hey, I've got this idea" and they say "great, we'll look into it and cut you in for 20% if it's worth anything."
Instead we have Shark Tank, where you see people like that poor farmer who's just trying to help standing there being belittled because he's not charging enough money for his invention. An invention, mind you, that saves water.
Instead we have "if you don't have at least $250k to put towards your idea, you might as well just give up."
Instead we have ideas literally being thrown in the trash because nobody will listen.
Instead we have insanely rich people being "philanthropists" and donating a couple of million dollars to something out of a fortune of billions.
Instead we have people dying of thirst, dying during hurricanes because their power went out and their oxygen shut off, etc etc.
If only the world had people in it that had ideas that could help humanity, being assisted by people who wanted those people to succeed.
What kind of world would that be like? What would it be like to live in a world where people aren't out trying to screw each other over with internet scams and blackmail and just plain, flat-out, screw your neighbor?
I don't know. But I'd like to find out.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
About the Creator
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More stories from Jonathan Blackbow and writers in Earth and other communities.
Find Somebody who'll Listen
Q. How do you reduce a carbon footprint? A. By adding water. Look, it's no big secret that the western 2/3 of the US is getting bone-dry or already bone-dry. It's also no secret that there's too much water in various places and not enough in others. Look at any water map of the United States and you'll see that the biggest threat to a second American Civil War is the western 2/3 of the US panicking and coming after the eastern 1/3 of the US, simply for its water resources.
By Jonathan Blackbow5 years ago in Earth
Stanislav Kondrashov: The Quiet Power of Policymakers in the Energy Transition
In the unfolding drama of the global energy transition, engineers, entrepreneurs, and environmentalists often take centre stage. Yet, behind the spotlight, it is policymakers who are quietly shaping the script. According to Stanislav Kondrashov, an independent energy analyst and frequent commentator on international energy strategy, the transition is less about technology and more about timing, regulation, and political will.
By Stanislav Kondrashov 6 days ago in Earth
Snow, Rain and Wind Warnings Continue After Storm Goretti Disruption
Severe weather has once again placed large parts of the country on edge, as snow, rain, and strong wind warnings continue in the aftermath of Storm Goretti. While the storm’s most intense phase may have passed, its disruption lingers, leaving transport networks strained, power services under pressure, and communities bracing for further unsettled conditions. Storm Goretti arrived with a powerful combination of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and wintry conditions in higher and northern regions. The immediate impact was widespread: flooded roads, fallen trees, travel cancellations, and temporary power outages. Now, as emergency crews and local authorities work through the damage, meteorologists are warning that the weather pattern remains unstable, with fresh alerts issued for snow, rain, and wind in the days ahead. What Storm Goretti Left Behind Goretti’s passage was fast but forceful. Torrential rain caused rivers to swell and surface water flooding to develop quickly in low-lying areas. In exposed coastal and upland regions, wind gusts were strong enough to bring down trees and damage infrastructure. Meanwhile, colder air sweeping in behind the storm delivered snow and icy conditions, particularly affecting rural roads and higher elevations. For many commuters, the disruption was immediate and frustrating. Rail services were delayed or suspended due to flooded tracks and debris on lines. Roads became hazardous, with localised closures as emergency teams worked to clear fallen branches and manage flooding. Airports also reported delays, as strong crosswinds and poor visibility complicated operations. Although the storm itself has moved on, its effects are far from over. Ongoing Warnings: Why the Risk Remains High Weather agencies have stressed that the current warnings should be taken seriously. The ground is already saturated from recent rainfall, meaning even moderate additional rain could lead to further flooding. Rivers and drainage systems are under strain, and recovery time is limited before the next weather system arrives. Snow and ice warnings add another layer of concern. Overnight temperatures are expected to dip in several regions, increasing the risk of icy roads and pavements. For drivers, this creates dangerous conditions, especially in areas where gritting resources are stretched after consecutive weather events. Wind warnings also remain in place, particularly along coasts and in elevated areas. While gusts may not reach the peak levels seen during Goretti, even slightly weaker winds can still cause problems when trees and structures have already been weakened. Impact on Communities and Daily Life For local communities, the continuation of weather warnings means disruption becomes a drawn-out experience rather than a short-term event. Schools in some areas have faced temporary closures or delayed openings, especially where travel conditions remain unsafe. Businesses dependent on transport and foot traffic are also feeling the strain, as customers stay home and deliveries are delayed. Rural areas are often hit hardest. Narrow roads, limited public transport alternatives, and longer response times can make even minor weather incidents more serious. Farmers are also concerned about waterlogged fields, livestock safety, and damage to fencing and buildings. In urban centres, the focus has shifted to managing surface water flooding and ensuring public transport can run safely. Councils are urging residents to report blocked drains and avoid unnecessary travel during warning periods. Emergency Services Under Pressure Emergency and utility services continue to operate at high alert. Fire and rescue teams have been responding to flooding incidents, fallen trees, and weather-related accidents. Power companies are working to restore and reinforce electricity supplies, while also preparing for the possibility of new outages if conditions deteriorate again. Local authorities have opened temporary support centres in some regions, particularly for vulnerable residents affected by power cuts or flooding. These efforts highlight the importance of community preparedness, as repeated weather events stretch resources and personnel. The Broader Weather Pattern Meteorologists explain that Storm Goretti is part of a broader pattern of unsettled weather driven by active Atlantic systems. Instead of a single storm followed by calm conditions, the atmosphere is producing a succession of fronts, each bringing its own mix of rain, wind, and temperature changes. This pattern increases uncertainty and makes forecasting more challenging. Small shifts in temperature can mean the difference between rain and snow, while slight changes in wind direction can significantly affect coastal impacts. As a result, weather warnings may be updated frequently, requiring the public to stay informed and flexible. How to Stay Safe During Continued Warnings Authorities are urging people not to become complacent simply because the main storm has passed. Continued vigilance is essential, especially as conditions can change quickly. Key safety advice includes: Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of snow, ice, or strong winds. Check weather updates regularly from official sources. Secure loose items outdoors that could become dangerous in high winds. Be cautious near rivers, coastlines, and flood-prone areas. Look out for neighbours, particularly elderly or vulnerable individuals. Preparation can make a significant difference, especially when weather disruption extends over several days rather than a single event. Looking Ahead While there are signs that conditions may gradually improve later in the week, the immediate outlook remains unsettled. The continuation of snow, rain, and wind warnings after Storm Goretti serves as a reminder of how quickly weather can impact daily life and essential services. For now, recovery and preparedness must go hand in hand. Clearing up after one storm while preparing for the next has become an unfortunate reality for many communities. As climate patterns continue to shift, such sequences of disruptive weather may become more common, making resilience and awareness more important than ever. Storm Goretti may no longer dominate the forecasts, but its legacy lives on in the warnings that remain—and in the determination of communities working through yet another challenging spell of weather.
By Muhammad Hassan3 days ago in Earth
Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
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