Creative Writing 01
“How to Leverage the Power of Science Fiction for Exponential Innovation”
Play “Don’t Work” in a Utopian High-Tech Enterprise:
Circular Cities 2030
-1-
Operation BeeHive
ANA/Flight 008
Seat 14C
“Congratulations Debbie, we are pleased to announce your acceptance into Singularity University,”
“I got accepted...?” I closed my laptop slowly, could it be?
“What honey?” Micah questioned from across the room.
“I got accepted into Singularity University!”
“Into where?” he asked.
“Into Singularity University”
“...okay...?” For Micah, this was one those subjects and Singularity University (SU) is one of those places.
To be honest, Micah was never really interested in talking about Circular Cities, let alone my dream of a
To be honest, Micah was never really interested in talking about Circular Cities, let alone my dream of a
World Fair event. It just didn’t seem realistic. “Circular Economy? Huh…?” Most of the time he simply
quelled my outward enthusiasm for systemic change with a certain lack of interest. “What was that you
said?” he asked again.
quelled my outward enthusiasm for systemic change with a certain lack of interest. “What was that you
said?” he asked again.
I brought my laptop over and sat down next to him. “I got accepted into Singularity University.” I hadn’t
told him I applied this year.
told him I applied this year.
He knew I applied for the Global Impact Challenge a couple years ago and was denied, and to tolerate my
obsession he didn’t question my motive when I flew down to Mountain View CA, that mythical place, to
attend the Global Solutions Program opening ceremony. I stayed in a hotel close to NASA Ames and I got toexplore SU’s campus on the base. That was incredible. Why did I go to the opening ceremonies for the
program I was denied entry into? I guess, I just wanted to feel what it was like to sit in a room full of people determined towards solving the Global Grand Challenges. I was seeking mentors, those who foster the
ambitions of the individuals bold enough to dedicate their creative energy towards helping the human race
evolve.
obsession he didn’t question my motive when I flew down to Mountain View CA, that mythical place, to
attend the Global Solutions Program opening ceremony. I stayed in a hotel close to NASA Ames and I got toexplore SU’s campus on the base. That was incredible. Why did I go to the opening ceremonies for the
program I was denied entry into? I guess, I just wanted to feel what it was like to sit in a room full of people determined towards solving the Global Grand Challenges. I was seeking mentors, those who foster the
ambitions of the individuals bold enough to dedicate their creative energy towards helping the human race
evolve.
Words of doubt echo in my mind. “There is nothing you can do.” I hear this all the time “don’t worry, be
happy. You’ve got it good. Stop complaining” etc., etc. I opened my laptop slowly, refreshing the view and
there it was in bold print, CONFIRMATION:
happy. You’ve got it good. Stop complaining” etc., etc. I opened my laptop slowly, refreshing the view and
there it was in bold print, CONFIRMATION:
“Congratulations Debbie, we are pleased to announce your acceptance into Singularity University”.
I read the rest of the email out loud, “You’re invited to join us for an 8-week residential program at
Singularity University’s campus at NASA Ames. Are you ready to take a vision quest in design revolution? Attached to this email is your complimentary flight ticket. Please respond ASAP to confirm. Sincerely,
Monique Giggy”.
Singularity University’s campus at NASA Ames. Are you ready to take a vision quest in design revolution? Attached to this email is your complimentary flight ticket. Please respond ASAP to confirm. Sincerely,
Monique Giggy”.
“Oh my god! I got accepted into Singularity University AND it’s free!” I opened the attachment, finding the ticket. “It’s a ticket for an ANA test flight from Tokyo to SF. My ticket is for boarding on a stopover at
Boeing Field.” I read the date, “it leaves in two days”.
Boeing Field.” I read the date, “it leaves in two days”.
“In two days...?” He was now vocally irritated. “Good thing we didn’t buy tickets to Hawaii”
“I know, right?” I could feel the excitement rising... I’m leaving in two days.
“Do you think you can even get the time off work?” he asked, sarcastic. In truth, he was always a bit
frustrated with my inability to get time off from work. We planned our vacations but, it was never enough
time away for either of us and now I was going away for eight weeks. I could feel his frustration.
frustrated with my inability to get time off from work. We planned our vacations but, it was never enough
time away for either of us and now I was going away for eight weeks. I could feel his frustration.
“Of course I can!” reflecting - when I attended the 2016 Global Solutions Program Opening Ceremony, I
kind of felt like a KOOK. I mean, all I had to share was a brochure presenting an idea for a new school
proposal - Georgetown: Health & Industry - several coordinating websites in need of development, and a mind in need of release. I had never actually attended a University, and I had never really written a paper. Infact, I struggled. Instinctively, I knew I needed their help and I stressed this point in all my applications: I
need eight weeks away from friends and family to get this idea for Circular Cities out of my head. I was
determined to find my way in. Seeing Ray Kurzweil’s speech was a highlight. I was even able to catch a
moment with him as he slipped out of the Computer Museum. All I had was my business card in hand and
as I captured his attention, “excuse me, Ray?” he paused, offering a moment of his time, “can I give you my card, please?” I handed him my card just as he was getting into the backseat of his car. I was proud of
myself. I had accomplished what I had set out to do. I had made contact with Ray Kurzweil. As his driver
shut the door Ray had my card in his hand and was looking it over. My journey was a success!
kind of felt like a KOOK. I mean, all I had to share was a brochure presenting an idea for a new school
proposal - Georgetown: Health & Industry - several coordinating websites in need of development, and a mind in need of release. I had never actually attended a University, and I had never really written a paper. Infact, I struggled. Instinctively, I knew I needed their help and I stressed this point in all my applications: I
need eight weeks away from friends and family to get this idea for Circular Cities out of my head. I was
determined to find my way in. Seeing Ray Kurzweil’s speech was a highlight. I was even able to catch a
moment with him as he slipped out of the Computer Museum. All I had was my business card in hand and
as I captured his attention, “excuse me, Ray?” he paused, offering a moment of his time, “can I give you my card, please?” I handed him my card just as he was getting into the backseat of his car. I was proud of
myself. I had accomplished what I had set out to do. I had made contact with Ray Kurzweil. As his driver
shut the door Ray had my card in his hand and was looking it over. My journey was a success!
“I finally got accepted into Singularity University”
“Better call Leanne & Ryan and let them know you’re planning on leaving in two days!” Again, he sounded irritated. He knew this was a hard to call to make. I had been working with them for over five years selling hydroponic supplies, and over the past two years we had successfully converted the front of our garden storeinto a pizzeria, and now I was a pizzaiola.
Our next goal at Sodo Hydro is to grow some of the goodies in house that we serve to our pizza fans/customers. Very circular. I love the Epcot Tomato and use it for my inspiration. As a garden store pizzeria, our
motto is from Flower to Flour. Yes. We are pretty cheesy. Our location is key. We are located in Seattle’s
SODO Industrial District next to the stadiums. We are slammed at lunch and are set-up for high-volume
game day pizza sales. At the same time our garden store has been experiencing some industry drama as we
are located close to and benefited from the bigger urban farms (i.e. the warehouses used for growing
Cannabis). However, after legalization, the big growers of the underground secured their license with the
state and began buying their supplies direct. Then, some of the biggest black-market/medical growers, now
licensed with the state, began to lobby against us - or should I say - against anyone who couldn’t afford a
state sanctioned operation. Can you believe that some of the most organized black-market/medical profiteerslobbied our government after legalization for protection against us the medical community, what they too
now deemed to be the black-market and their competition? In reality, we are micro-farmers who love
growing flowers, and they were so successful that they achieved the unthinkable, they convinced the state to impose a new registry that was now required by anyone who wanted to grow flowers at home for medical
use. In Washington state we didn’t even get a home grow provision out of legalization. With one lousy law,
regulation became the new prohibition and the state began to protect it’s Golden Carrot like a new Cartel. I was beyond frustrated.
motto is from Flower to Flour. Yes. We are pretty cheesy. Our location is key. We are located in Seattle’s
SODO Industrial District next to the stadiums. We are slammed at lunch and are set-up for high-volume
game day pizza sales. At the same time our garden store has been experiencing some industry drama as we
are located close to and benefited from the bigger urban farms (i.e. the warehouses used for growing
Cannabis). However, after legalization, the big growers of the underground secured their license with the
state and began buying their supplies direct. Then, some of the biggest black-market/medical growers, now
licensed with the state, began to lobby against us - or should I say - against anyone who couldn’t afford a
state sanctioned operation. Can you believe that some of the most organized black-market/medical profiteerslobbied our government after legalization for protection against us the medical community, what they too
now deemed to be the black-market and their competition? In reality, we are micro-farmers who love
growing flowers, and they were so successful that they achieved the unthinkable, they convinced the state to impose a new registry that was now required by anyone who wanted to grow flowers at home for medical
use. In Washington state we didn’t even get a home grow provision out of legalization. With one lousy law,
regulation became the new prohibition and the state began to protect it’s Golden Carrot like a new Cartel. I was beyond frustrated.
I needed to call Leanne and Ryan right away to tell them the good and the bad news “They’re going to be
so stressed out when I tell them…” I sighed, looking to Micah for guidance. He had nothing to say.
so stressed out when I tell them…” I sighed, looking to Micah for guidance. He had nothing to say.
The room filled with a thoughtful silence. Circular Cities was a touchy subject between Micah and I, as it
was with many, if not most of my friends, especially my friends connected to Georgetown. Tech was already a boom in Seattle and property values were skyrocketing. Rents were going up and if you couldn’t keep up, displacement came swift. It was very scary for the locals and I guess what I was promoting with Circular
Cities as a World Fair Event was what many considered to be gentrification with a capital /G\ - literally! Of course, I saw things differently. I replied to the email from Singularity University confirming my scheduled departure, saying out loud “I’m going to Singularity University!” I decided to just forward the email to
them and wait for their response. It didn’t take long.
was with many, if not most of my friends, especially my friends connected to Georgetown. Tech was already a boom in Seattle and property values were skyrocketing. Rents were going up and if you couldn’t keep up, displacement came swift. It was very scary for the locals and I guess what I was promoting with Circular
Cities as a World Fair Event was what many considered to be gentrification with a capital /G\ - literally! Of course, I saw things differently. I replied to the email from Singularity University confirming my scheduled departure, saying out loud “I’m going to Singularity University!” I decided to just forward the email to
them and wait for their response. It didn’t take long.
“Oh my God Debbie, GO! We’re so EXCITED for you!” What a relief! I could now focus on my own
dreams.
dreams.
“I did it Micah…” I took a deep breath “I did it! I always told you that one day I was going to get a good
job, a career, and this course will definitely look good on my resume. I’m going to get healthcare, paid
vacations, with multiple weeks off at a time, just like you. We’ll be able to go and explore more places,
more often! And, I’ll make more money too...”
job, a career, and this course will definitely look good on my resume. I’m going to get healthcare, paid
vacations, with multiple weeks off at a time, just like you. We’ll be able to go and explore more places,
more often! And, I’ll make more money too...”
“Don’t worry honey. Do what you need to do. I’m proud of you.” He was serious. What a relief! I could see it in his eyes. “I knew you could do it...” he said kissing my cheek. “Now, what’s for dinner? I’m hungry!” I smiled relieved, thinking onwards...
There is another side to this story, my son Eli and his sister Maezie. We’ve got to save them. It is a race
against time!
against time!
Micah dropped me off at the King County International Airport around 8am as instructed. Neither of us had ever flown out of Boeing Field and so I had no idea what to expect. “I’ll call you when I settle in.” We said
our goodbyes and I watched as he drove away.
our goodbyes and I watched as he drove away.
That was when the high began. I have yet to come down.
Boeing Field is nothing like SeaTac Airport and as I walked into the terminal the only ticket counter was for Kenmore Air. There was nobody there. I began looking around for direction. That is when Lisa approached, “Debbie?”
“That’s me” I said
“So nice to meet you.” She said extending her hand, “my name is Lisa”
“Nice to meet you, Lisa” We shook hands. “I’m so excited to be here!”
“You should be...” she said smiling somewhat hurried. “I am a representative of All Nippon Airlines and the Boeing Company and I will be your escort today... Please follow me and we’ll get you to your plane.” I
followed her across the main lobby towards a pair of doors to the outside where a black suburban with tinted windows was waiting. A well-dressed driver opened the back door for us.
followed her across the main lobby towards a pair of doors to the outside where a black suburban with tinted windows was waiting. A well-dressed driver opened the back door for us.
Wasting no time, she began by saying, “SO…I hear that you’re on your way to Singularity University?”
“I am...” I said feeling proud.
“Congratulations! I love it there...” she smiled knowing, “you’re going to have a lot of fun!” The driver
returned to the front seat and proceeded south around the perimeter of the airport.
returned to the front seat and proceeded south around the perimeter of the airport.
“Did you take a course there?” I asked, curious.
“It’s been a few years since I’ve spent much time in the Valley. I graduated from Stanford a LONG time ago and I used to spend a LOT of time at Moffett Field.” She said, now changing the subject, almost hurriedly.
“Today you will be flying on our new ANA Boeing 787 Dreamliner.” She pointed across the runway. I could see the logo on the plane in question. “It has just arrived from Tokyo. It is the first plane in history to be
equipped with HIVE technology.”
“Today you will be flying on our new ANA Boeing 787 Dreamliner.” She pointed across the runway. I could see the logo on the plane in question. “It has just arrived from Tokyo. It is the first plane in history to be
equipped with HIVE technology.”
“HIVE technology?” I asked, speculating, “you mean like Human Intelligence in Virtual Environments -
HIVE?”
HIVE?”
“Exactly.” she smiled, inquiring, “...you’ve heard of it?” she was curious.
“Well, kind of…” I said, reflecting “I believe I experienced HIVE in a dream…” It was hard to explain
“Well then,” she continued…very routine “HIVE is a newly integrated on-board entertainment system that
offers the user a very intimate, deeply immersive, out-of-this-world experience” she explained, now revering, “I like to think of it as the mind reader...”
offers the user a very intimate, deeply immersive, out-of-this-world experience” she explained, now revering, “I like to think of it as the mind reader...”
...and as she spoke those words I began experiencing ~Deja vu “Strange…the mind reader?” again
~Deja vu
“...I’ve dreamt of this device.” I said. But, when?
~Deja vu
“...I’ve dreamt of this device.” I said. But, when?
“Excellent…” She said connecting the dots, “then you’ll know exactly what to do.” I could tell she was
taking mental notes and even though I had a million questions as we pulled up to the plane, I withdrew.
~Deja vu lingered.
The tarmac was hot as we stepped onto it. I grabbed my bag careful of my computer and slung it over my
shoulder. “I’ll show you to your seat and get you situated.” She said, breaking the weird ~Deja vu silence. I
followed her up the boarding stairs and onto the plane ~surreal “You’re assigned to seat C14” she
instructed.
taking mental notes and even though I had a million questions as we pulled up to the plane, I withdrew.
~Deja vu lingered.
The tarmac was hot as we stepped onto it. I grabbed my bag careful of my computer and slung it over my
shoulder. “I’ll show you to your seat and get you situated.” She said, breaking the weird ~Deja vu silence. I
followed her up the boarding stairs and onto the plane ~surreal “You’re assigned to seat C14” she
instructed.
On board, there were maybe 25 people seated randomly throughout the cabin and they were all absorbed
with their work. Some had their computers out and were typing fast, while others were in the recline
position with headsets on. When we arrived at seat C14 I stowed my bag in the overhead and took my seat. Lisa kneeled down in the aisle next to me, giving instruction “this is your headset. It is activated. All you
need to do is put it on when you’re ready. It was nice to meet you, Debbie, and I look forward to our time
together in the future. Have a great flight.” she said calmly and abruptly.
with their work. Some had their computers out and were typing fast, while others were in the recline
position with headsets on. When we arrived at seat C14 I stowed my bag in the overhead and took my seat. Lisa kneeled down in the aisle next to me, giving instruction “this is your headset. It is activated. All you
need to do is put it on when you’re ready. It was nice to meet you, Debbie, and I look forward to our time
together in the future. Have a great flight.” she said calmly and abruptly.
“It was nice to meet you too...” we shook hands and then she exited the plane.
Within minutes our pilot’s voice filled the cabin “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome on-board Flight 008 in
service from Tokyo to San Francisco. We are second in line for take-off and are expected to be in the air in
approximately five minutes. We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage. Enjoy your flight.” Minutes later the pilot offered his final instruction. “Cabin crew prepare for take-off”.
service from Tokyo to San Francisco. We are second in line for take-off and are expected to be in the air in
approximately five minutes. We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage. Enjoy your flight.” Minutes later the pilot offered his final instruction. “Cabin crew prepare for take-off”.
The headset itself was black and soft like a sleeping mask, sleek with simple design. I put it on just as our
plane was racing down the runway for takeoff. Right away the feeling of the headset was very comforting
and all my anxieties associated with flying dissipated. A calming sensation surrounded me…
plane was racing down the runway for takeoff. Right away the feeling of the headset was very comforting
and all my anxieties associated with flying dissipated. A calming sensation surrounded me…
Welcome to
HI|VE
Human Intelligence | Virtual Environments
You are are now free to roam inner space
The beginning phase of immersion was very much in line with a psychedelic experience. Instinctively, my
thoughts began forming clusters; games of self-awareness. It’s true, I had been obsessing over the narrative
surrounding Circular Cities for many years and now I was on a airplane to Singularity University to share
this idea in an attempt to bring it to life. Then came the fear(s) What have you gotten yourself into Debbie? -who do you think you are to propose such a thing? … and now with the headset on, I was able to focus in on this idea in ways I had never done before.
thoughts began forming clusters; games of self-awareness. It’s true, I had been obsessing over the narrative
surrounding Circular Cities for many years and now I was on a airplane to Singularity University to share
this idea in an attempt to bring it to life. Then came the fear(s) What have you gotten yourself into Debbie? -who do you think you are to propose such a thing? … and now with the headset on, I was able to focus in on this idea in ways I had never done before.
Soon, I was fully engaged. I began to focus in on the game AS IS - an Ancestor Simulation Game, one that allowed the user to become a time traveler as it began to follow timelines based on surnames. I entered my birth name Byron, it was my birth mother’s maiden name found on my original birth certificate and remains the only name I have in reference to my ancestry. In an instant, I was surrounded by poetry, numbers,
symbols and mathematics as the simulation became more and more alive. Suddenly, I realized, I could go
into the future? I let it run its course… circa 2037.
symbols and mathematics as the simulation became more and more alive. Suddenly, I realized, I could go
into the future? I let it run its course… circa 2037.
Our pilot’s voice filled the cabin “Ladies and Gentlemen we have begun our final descent into the
San Francisco area. I estimate our arrival at 10:34am. The current temperature is a pleasant 64 degrees, with a light breeze out of the East. Flight Attendants, prepare for landing.” And now, strangely, the headset was
gone and I was sitting in window seat A14 looking out just as we were coming into view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It had been a while since I had flown into San Francisco and I noticed that the row houses
surrounding Golden Gate Park leading into San Francisco University were gone with the exception of a few and in their place were structures with foundations that reminded me of the Eiffel Tower, like an erector-set, exhibiting seismic design, with spires of apartments rising high into the sky, and plants were growing everywhere. Design wise, these structures allowed ample light to hit the ground where green grass and gardens
grew. In fact, I could see gardens, plants, shrubs, and trees growing in every direction. What happened to
the row houses? Luckily, I was spared the anxiety for the cultural loss of these urban landscapes. Yes, the
row houses were gone, but in their place was something better; something modern. Something incredible.
Even the roads that used to be so dirty, so grey, seemed a lot greener and the cars that used to be parked
everywhere were gone. Wait. Where are all the cars? I pressed my face as close I could to the window -
there were cars, they just seemed fewer in number and always seemed to be in motion. I began to question
the view. What was going on? Then, I remembered the headset.
San Francisco area. I estimate our arrival at 10:34am. The current temperature is a pleasant 64 degrees, with a light breeze out of the East. Flight Attendants, prepare for landing.” And now, strangely, the headset was
gone and I was sitting in window seat A14 looking out just as we were coming into view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It had been a while since I had flown into San Francisco and I noticed that the row houses
surrounding Golden Gate Park leading into San Francisco University were gone with the exception of a few and in their place were structures with foundations that reminded me of the Eiffel Tower, like an erector-set, exhibiting seismic design, with spires of apartments rising high into the sky, and plants were growing everywhere. Design wise, these structures allowed ample light to hit the ground where green grass and gardens
grew. In fact, I could see gardens, plants, shrubs, and trees growing in every direction. What happened to
the row houses? Luckily, I was spared the anxiety for the cultural loss of these urban landscapes. Yes, the
row houses were gone, but in their place was something better; something modern. Something incredible.
Even the roads that used to be so dirty, so grey, seemed a lot greener and the cars that used to be parked
everywhere were gone. Wait. Where are all the cars? I pressed my face as close I could to the window -
there were cars, they just seemed fewer in number and always seemed to be in motion. I began to question
the view. What was going on? Then, I remembered the headset.
I turned away from the window upon landing. I was the only occupant on board. Strange! I carefully
grabbed my bag from the overhead and headed towards the door. Oddly, the flight attendants were
completely unaware of my presence as I departed the plane. Very peculiar.
grabbed my bag from the overhead and headed towards the door. Oddly, the flight attendants were
completely unaware of my presence as I departed the plane. Very peculiar.
The airport terminal was busy and I wanted to get outside as quickly as possible. As I exited the terminal I
saw a woman holding up a sign with a picture of a Bee on it. She waved as I walked in her direction. She
looked as if she could have been Lisa’s sister. “Are you looking for me?” I asked.
saw a woman holding up a sign with a picture of a Bee on it. She waved as I walked in her direction. She
looked as if she could have been Lisa’s sister. “Are you looking for me?” I asked.
She smiled “Yes, I am. Welcome to San Francisco year 2037. My name is Abby. I will be your guide today.”
“Nice to meet you, Abby” I said shaking her hand, questioning, “2037?” huh? ...and then I remembered the nature of the headset and played along. “Cool. Where are we going?”
“To Treasure Island.” She said, as she hailed a cab.
“Treasure Island? Sounds fun!”
A little white four seater with ample windows pulled over to pick us up - it was driverless. All the vehicles
in motion appeared driverless and they were available in a variety of sizes. Most were white. Very
utilitarian. “You have a lot to learn.” She said, presenting herself as a new friend, “I’m here to answer any
questions you have.” The door opened automatically and we took our seats. Once we were fastened in Abby gave the command, “Treasure Island, please.”
in motion appeared driverless and they were available in a variety of sizes. Most were white. Very
utilitarian. “You have a lot to learn.” She said, presenting herself as a new friend, “I’m here to answer any
questions you have.” The door opened automatically and we took our seats. Once we were fastened in Abby gave the command, “Treasure Island, please.”
It was surreal heading down Highway 101 in a driverless vessel, alongside all the other little white cars
with no one in control, and most importantly no one appeared to be stressed out. Abby began to describe the nature of change that happened to each of the districts and neighborhoods as we passed by them. She did
her best to explain the processes of deindustrialization, seismic reinforcements, restored ecosystems, and
parks. The downtown corridor had more than doubled in size and it’s buildings thrust high into the sky. It
was a lot to take in and as I said it had been awhile since I had been to San Francisco, I wasn’t too familiar with what was here before, but I will say this, restoration and rehabilitation can be a good thing and most
importantly it makes people happy.
with no one in control, and most importantly no one appeared to be stressed out. Abby began to describe the nature of change that happened to each of the districts and neighborhoods as we passed by them. She did
her best to explain the processes of deindustrialization, seismic reinforcements, restored ecosystems, and
parks. The downtown corridor had more than doubled in size and it’s buildings thrust high into the sky. It
was a lot to take in and as I said it had been awhile since I had been to San Francisco, I wasn’t too familiar with what was here before, but I will say this, restoration and rehabilitation can be a good thing and most
importantly it makes people happy.
As we exited Interstate 80 off the Bay Bridge onto Treasure Island road, we were greeted by the artistic
beauty of one of Marco Cochrane’s sculptures capturing the female form in all its glory. This sculpture had
to be at least 50 ft tall and was stunning. In fact, as I looked out across the island, I could see that his
sculptures of women were a theme here and that Treasure Island was blanketed in a vast array of topiary
delights. Beautiful. The road ended in a cul-de-sac terminal where we exited the vehicle and off it went to
its next destination.
beauty of one of Marco Cochrane’s sculptures capturing the female form in all its glory. This sculpture had
to be at least 50 ft tall and was stunning. In fact, as I looked out across the island, I could see that his
sculptures of women were a theme here and that Treasure Island was blanketed in a vast array of topiary
delights. Beautiful. The road ended in a cul-de-sac terminal where we exited the vehicle and off it went to
its next destination.
That’s when I saw my first circular craft rising up into the sky. I watched as it continued to rise and suddenly disappear. That’s odd. “Where did it go?” I asked, squinting my eyes.
“Where ever they want it to go….” was her answer as another craft lifted. This one flew off to the East
slowly. “Are you ready to take a ride?” She asked.
slowly. “Are you ready to take a ride?” She asked.
“Are you kidding me? Let’s go!” I had been waiting to take this ride for most of my life!
We jumped on a couple of bicycles that were scattered about and rode off toward the launch pad. She
described the history of Treasure Island: of the 1939 World’s Fair, and thereafter of the Navy occupation,
and finally of the return of the World Fair when the artists took over creating the space we were in today. As we arrived at the launch pad a lone circular craft was waiting. There were a couple other people ahead of us in line but that didn’t stop Abby from securing our advantage. After a short conversation with an attendant, we were escorted to the front of the line where we stepped into a craft accessorized with eight seats around
the perimeter. The doors closed behind us. We were going on a solo journey. Without any apparent input
from either of us, the craft began to ascend, slowly, and silently. The overview effect was instantaneously
intoxicating as I began to experience the new San Francisco cityscape.
described the history of Treasure Island: of the 1939 World’s Fair, and thereafter of the Navy occupation,
and finally of the return of the World Fair when the artists took over creating the space we were in today. As we arrived at the launch pad a lone circular craft was waiting. There were a couple other people ahead of us in line but that didn’t stop Abby from securing our advantage. After a short conversation with an attendant, we were escorted to the front of the line where we stepped into a craft accessorized with eight seats around
the perimeter. The doors closed behind us. We were going on a solo journey. Without any apparent input
from either of us, the craft began to ascend, slowly, and silently. The overview effect was instantaneously
intoxicating as I began to experience the new San Francisco cityscape.
“I think you will appreciate this.” She said as the craft descended towards a particular building that I soon
realized was a productive vertical farm. It had to be at least 30 stories and as we circled around it she began
to explain its history, “This is one of the first vertical farm projects ever erected in the states. It was
sponsored through a grant from Amazon and it is based on design principles that you helped propagate in
Seattle.”
realized was a productive vertical farm. It had to be at least 30 stories and as we circled around it she began
to explain its history, “This is one of the first vertical farm projects ever erected in the states. It was
sponsored through a grant from Amazon and it is based on design principles that you helped propagate in
Seattle.”
“That I helped propagate in Seattle?” I questioned, curiously inspired.
“That’s right,” She said smiling, sending my mind in a whirl. I was speechless. Then, she spoke those
magical words... “You see, our cities are circular as are the craft we fly!” ...those were the trigger words that I had heard in a dream of youth, words that continued to haunt me throughout my life, and all I could do was smile, content. I knew what was going on and in response to my inner wonder, she began to direct the tour
showing me every space I needed to see. She was here to inspire hope. To never stop chasing those dreams
for a better world for all the living.
magical words... “You see, our cities are circular as are the craft we fly!” ...those were the trigger words that I had heard in a dream of youth, words that continued to haunt me throughout my life, and all I could do was smile, content. I knew what was going on and in response to my inner wonder, she began to direct the tour
showing me every space I needed to see. She was here to inspire hope. To never stop chasing those dreams
for a better world for all the living.
I had to ask, “how did we do it? How did we make this transition?”
She just smiled calm, looking out: “Honestly, every city is one natural disaster away from having to be
rebuilt, this is as true today as it was yesterday. Tragically, after the summer storms of 2019, every major
city located close to sea level was put on notice. We had to formulate a new plan concerning the nature of
our development and future ambitions. But first, we had to put an end to all the bloody wars and revolutions raging throughout the world. It was in those extreme moments of crisis that we learned the hard way; we
are only as strong as our weakest link. We knew that if we were to succeed as a species, the future must be
inclusive for ALL. No one can be left behind. That’s where the proposal for Circular Cities 2030 - a global World Fair event - came into view and evolved into the perfect storm and solution.” She grabbed onto my
hand, smiling “your hypothesis was correct, no one can resist fun and games. This was the paradigm shift we had been waiting for. Finally, we had a plan that would work towards unifying our global community
and it spread like wildfire. By 2020 every major city around the world took the Circular City challenge and
from that point on the global community was on a unified mission to redesign just about everything.
rebuilt, this is as true today as it was yesterday. Tragically, after the summer storms of 2019, every major
city located close to sea level was put on notice. We had to formulate a new plan concerning the nature of
our development and future ambitions. But first, we had to put an end to all the bloody wars and revolutions raging throughout the world. It was in those extreme moments of crisis that we learned the hard way; we
are only as strong as our weakest link. We knew that if we were to succeed as a species, the future must be
inclusive for ALL. No one can be left behind. That’s where the proposal for Circular Cities 2030 - a global World Fair event - came into view and evolved into the perfect storm and solution.” She grabbed onto my
hand, smiling “your hypothesis was correct, no one can resist fun and games. This was the paradigm shift we had been waiting for. Finally, we had a plan that would work towards unifying our global community
and it spread like wildfire. By 2020 every major city around the world took the Circular City challenge and
from that point on the global community was on a unified mission to redesign just about everything.
“Almost immediately, the community owned makers-hub Goods. Gear. Gadgets. won the hearts of this
new consumer culture...” she said with a sparkle in her eye “...What Made on Demand did for the global
community was it set into motion the first major chain reaction. Designers everywhere went mad with
delight as they could now upload their designs for just about anything imaginable. The platform
Goods. Gear. Gadgets. was a brilliant idea, Debbie. This was the first step towards the localization of
almost everything. Bravo!” she cheered “Goods. Gear. Gadgets. set off a creative chain reaction that
represented everything good in human ingenuity, and it was this disruption alone that helped to reduce the
number of cargo ships needed to support the more toxic global economy. It wasn’t long thereafter that every major shipping company went bankrupt. Now, in a rush of continuity whale songs once again fill our
oceans, and all the mammals and fishes rejoice. In turn, we learned quite quickly that as cities became more circular, they become more unique, evolving into bioregions of industry & trade, setting into motion one
cultural-chain-reaction after another. In a heartbeat, an entire generation began building bridges towards the “new” world.
new consumer culture...” she said with a sparkle in her eye “...What Made on Demand did for the global
community was it set into motion the first major chain reaction. Designers everywhere went mad with
delight as they could now upload their designs for just about anything imaginable. The platform
Goods. Gear. Gadgets. was a brilliant idea, Debbie. This was the first step towards the localization of
almost everything. Bravo!” she cheered “Goods. Gear. Gadgets. set off a creative chain reaction that
represented everything good in human ingenuity, and it was this disruption alone that helped to reduce the
number of cargo ships needed to support the more toxic global economy. It wasn’t long thereafter that every major shipping company went bankrupt. Now, in a rush of continuity whale songs once again fill our
oceans, and all the mammals and fishes rejoice. In turn, we learned quite quickly that as cities became more circular, they become more unique, evolving into bioregions of industry & trade, setting into motion one
cultural-chain-reaction after another. In a heartbeat, an entire generation began building bridges towards the “new” world.
No longer would we allow ourselves to become the fodder for fools games. We were on a unified mission
and remain determined to create a world where we are all free. From this perspective, it didn’t take us long
to learn that as we began automating everyday systems, we in turn transformed our built environment into
newly designed living spaces like parks and playgrounds and as a result, we transformed the historic trade
routes into modern day tourist traps, for everyone’s pleasure.
and remain determined to create a world where we are all free. From this perspective, it didn’t take us long
to learn that as we began automating everyday systems, we in turn transformed our built environment into
newly designed living spaces like parks and playgrounds and as a result, we transformed the historic trade
routes into modern day tourist traps, for everyone’s pleasure.
Debt relief was next. Ironically, it evolved as a by-product of the space age. It was from our quest for more
gold that we were successful in creating a new source for gold, the first ever biofactory where bacteria began converting waste into gold on an industrial level. Of course we used this to our advantage disrupting the
global banking institutions of the day. The world economy would no longer be based on compound interest; capital as access would become obsolete. We learned that we could take capitalism even further as we began to organize commerce more like a non-profit. As global citizens we began to invest in mission statements
with goals for the greater good. This was our game changer.
gold that we were successful in creating a new source for gold, the first ever biofactory where bacteria began converting waste into gold on an industrial level. Of course we used this to our advantage disrupting the
global banking institutions of the day. The world economy would no longer be based on compound interest; capital as access would become obsolete. We learned that we could take capitalism even further as we began to organize commerce more like a non-profit. As global citizens we began to invest in mission statements
with goals for the greater good. This was our game changer.
“And then, of course,” she said with a seriousness to her voice “we had to create GOD” she paused,
“Guidance on Demand” has set the human mind free. Instinctively, intuitively, throughout history, humanity has always been searching for that ‘higher power’ so so to speak. Belief systems help us make sense of the world and culturally we have come up with some pretty provocative tales throughout the ages...” she
paused. “We had to create the system designed to govern all systems and once we had succeeded in doing
just that, we went from zero to one, from Alpha to Algorithm, almost overnight. We have successfully built our ‘universal’ computer, it has become our master of ceremonies, the big MC and as master craftsmen we
tend diligently to our ‘thinking’ machine
“Guidance on Demand” has set the human mind free. Instinctively, intuitively, throughout history, humanity has always been searching for that ‘higher power’ so so to speak. Belief systems help us make sense of the world and culturally we have come up with some pretty provocative tales throughout the ages...” she
paused. “We had to create the system designed to govern all systems and once we had succeeded in doing
just that, we went from zero to one, from Alpha to Algorithm, almost overnight. We have successfully built our ‘universal’ computer, it has become our master of ceremonies, the big MC and as master craftsmen we
tend diligently to our ‘thinking’ machine
A pilot’s voice broke through, “Ladies and Gentlemen we have begun our final descent into Moffett Field. We estimate our arrival on the tarmac around 10:34am. The current temperature is a pleasant 64 degrees
with a light breeze out of the east. Flight Attendants, prepare for landing.” I took the headset off and looked around the plane, towards the other passengers who remained tied to their work. It didn’t appear as if anyone other than myself planned to depart the plane. When we came to a stop and the flight stairs were connected with the door open wide, my suspicions were correct - I was the only one to exit the plane. As I stepped foot on the tarmac the door closed behind me.
with a light breeze out of the east. Flight Attendants, prepare for landing.” I took the headset off and looked around the plane, towards the other passengers who remained tied to their work. It didn’t appear as if anyone other than myself planned to depart the plane. When we came to a stop and the flight stairs were connected with the door open wide, my suspicions were correct - I was the only one to exit the plane. As I stepped foot on the tarmac the door closed behind me.
What a trip.
A woman stepped out from the back of an extended black suburban to greet me “Welcome Debbie, my
name is Darlene. I am assigned as your mentor. We have a lot of work to do.” she smiled. And it was there,
as we got into the back of the suburban, that I was presented with the visual recording of my experiences
while wearing the headset playing back on a monitor.
name is Darlene. I am assigned as your mentor. We have a lot of work to do.” she smiled. And it was there,
as we got into the back of the suburban, that I was presented with the visual recording of my experiences
while wearing the headset playing back on a monitor.
HIVE, in fact, was a mind reader. “Is this the recording of my experiences in the game?” I asked.
“Yes it is.” She confirmed.
I watched for a time before asking, “what kind of file is this?” It was truly amazing.
“It’s name has yet to be decided….” she teased. “I’m going to get right to the point: After reviewing your
experience in the HIVE we would like to help you bring these ideas to life. We want to help you build the
game, Circular Cities 2030...” at this point all I could do was watch the monitor, spellbound. As we pulled
up to Singularity University she got my attention, “Are you ready, Debra?”
experience in the HIVE we would like to help you bring these ideas to life. We want to help you build the
game, Circular Cities 2030...” at this point all I could do was watch the monitor, spellbound. As we pulled
up to Singularity University she got my attention, “Are you ready, Debra?”
I sat in pause for a moment, feeling satisfaction and relief like never before, “I want this more than anything else in the world!” I said trying not to cry-out-loud with absolute joy. “I don’t know how to feel right now.” I said staring her square in the eyes. Thinking of my son.
“This is a good thing,” she said, “now, let’s get you settled in!”
I took a deep breath, “I’m ready.” My mind was in a whirl as we exited the vehicle. As we began to walk up to the steps to the front doors of Singularity University my heart was pounding with excitement. Still, I
needed to take a moment for myself to call Micah! “Wait,” I stalled, asking “Is it ok if I take a moment to
make a phone call?”
needed to take a moment for myself to call Micah! “Wait,” I stalled, asking “Is it ok if I take a moment to
make a phone call?”
“Most definitely,” she said “...come on in when you're ready.”
“Thank you!” I said, stopping on the steps then turning around. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’ll be right back...”
“Take your time.” She said watching as I walked swiftly West around the side of Singularity University
towards its back courtyard.
towards its back courtyard.
I had some place I needed to go, a memory I needed to check. I continued South towards Bailey Rd and
followed it to Edquiba Rd where, instead of going to the left towards the dorms, I went to the right, into the parking lot in front of the building where my memory resided. I called Micah just as I was walking up the
steps of the doorway, to the double glass doors. I wiped the dust away and adjusted my vision, finding the
column on which the clue was left. His phone went straight to message “Hi honey. I’m here. I have good
news. I can’t wait to tell you all about it. I love you. Call you later.” I said, powering my phone off and
returning it to my purse.
followed it to Edquiba Rd where, instead of going to the left towards the dorms, I went to the right, into the parking lot in front of the building where my memory resided. I called Micah just as I was walking up the
steps of the doorway, to the double glass doors. I wiped the dust away and adjusted my vision, finding the
column on which the clue was left. His phone went straight to message “Hi honey. I’m here. I have good
news. I can’t wait to tell you all about it. I love you. Call you later.” I said, powering my phone off and
returning it to my purse.
As I looked through the dusty window, I saw the memory I was searching for written on six post-it’s turned on their sides forming a partial hexagon pattern, on the center post-it was written; [Beehive], and on each surrounding it: [Dryden], [Glenn], [Goddard], [JPL], [Langley].
“Let the games begin….”
Ideas to Build On
www.circularcities.com - A World Fair Event! When I think of what it will take to solve the Global Grand Challenges, I keep coming up with a very simple premise “No one can resist Fun & Games!” Why not
make this transition into the fourth industrial revolution fun! Why not throw a party? As of today, I have
come to imagine “Circular Cities” as a World Fair event that will happen simultaneously in every city
around the world, setting into motion that cultural chain-reaction needed to make this transition universal by nature. Abundance. Disruption. These are more than just buzz-words. Let’s make them center-stage.
make this transition into the fourth industrial revolution fun! Why not throw a party? As of today, I have
come to imagine “Circular Cities” as a World Fair event that will happen simultaneously in every city
around the world, setting into motion that cultural chain-reaction needed to make this transition universal by nature. Abundance. Disruption. These are more than just buzz-words. Let’s make them center-stage.
Looking back, I was lucky enough to attend the EXPO 86 World’s Fair in B.C. it’s theme was
“Transportation & Communication” and it’s motto was “World in Motion/World in Touch” I loved it!
“Transportation & Communication” and it’s motto was “World in Motion/World in Touch” I loved it!
A World Fair Event!
Ground Zero
Invisible College: Re-Inventing The Commons: Land Grant Universities
www.circularseattle.com - From Global to Local - Closing the Loop in Seattle
www.circularsourcesolutions.com - (CSS) - MicroGrid Solutions / Industrial Feedstocks / Chemurgy
One of the saddest truths I’ve come to learn in life is that the only reason why we fuel our cars on gasoline
and make plastics out of oil is because Alcohol (Ethanol) gets us drunk and Hemp/Cannabis gets us high.
To think that we lost our clean energy option due to the extreme bias of moral mismanagement.
Prohibition was the gateway to anthropomorphic climate change. To be continued.
and make plastics out of oil is because Alcohol (Ethanol) gets us drunk and Hemp/Cannabis gets us high.
To think that we lost our clean energy option due to the extreme bias of moral mismanagement.
Prohibition was the gateway to anthropomorphic climate change. To be continued.
http://www.parksoverports.com “The Applied Logistics of a Circular Economy” Transforming Trade
Routes into Tourist Traps. I like to think of this as a new POP culture - Parks over Ports is all about Fun & Games! I have a storyboard in mind for a multiplayer interactive educational game. Think MineCraft for
the 21st Century. I need eight weeks!
Routes into Tourist Traps. I like to think of this as a new POP culture - Parks over Ports is all about Fun & Games! I have a storyboard in mind for a multiplayer interactive educational game. Think MineCraft for
the 21st Century. I need eight weeks!
www.goodsgeargadgets.com - Goods. Gear. Gadgets is a community owned & operated Fab Lab / Makers
Hub located right in the heart of South Seattle's industrial district. It will be surrounded by a not-yet-developed neighborhood of mixed-use commercial/residential living spaces combining artist lofts with micro-
housing in a urban-village setting. The signage is simple "Goods. Gear. Gadgets." the design of its facade
and the flow of its interior will be very utilitarian. This is the HUB for anyone who doesn’t necessarily want to “own” things, but wants access to things when needed. Think REI meets Sears for the sharing economy.
Hub located right in the heart of South Seattle's industrial district. It will be surrounded by a not-yet-developed neighborhood of mixed-use commercial/residential living spaces combining artist lofts with micro-
housing in a urban-village setting. The signage is simple "Goods. Gear. Gadgets." the design of its facade
and the flow of its interior will be very utilitarian. This is the HUB for anyone who doesn’t necessarily want to “own” things, but wants access to things when needed. Think REI meets Sears for the sharing economy.
And most importantly, imagine a KIOSK equipped with immersive AR/VR where you will step inside, have your body scanned to size while you interact with a design board displaying an extensive database uploaded from fashion designers from all over the world. When you find the outfit of your choosing, it can be
Made-on-Demand (on-site) same day, AND, you will now have the ability to design an outfit for yourself, in a real-time, blended-reality setting. Within this KIOSK it is a meet your maker experience, where we as creative consumers will have a more personal relationship with the means of production. Taking this one step
further, we will now be able to enter our designs into this database, into a Closet Share Program, and/or
consign them in the physical space of this Makers-Hub.
Made-on-Demand (on-site) same day, AND, you will now have the ability to design an outfit for yourself, in a real-time, blended-reality setting. Within this KIOSK it is a meet your maker experience, where we as creative consumers will have a more personal relationship with the means of production. Taking this one step
further, we will now be able to enter our designs into this database, into a Closet Share Program, and/or
consign them in the physical space of this Makers-Hub.
In another KIOSK, we will now have the ability to 3D print parts to fix just about anything that is broken,
and/or make the prototype for just about anything imaginable, and at the end of every “things” life all parts
can be recycled and its fiber repurposed into a new feedstock to begin this process all over again. Waste
becomes a resource. In this Makers-Hub all items can be shared, consigned, or recycled.
and/or make the prototype for just about anything imaginable, and at the end of every “things” life all parts
can be recycled and its fiber repurposed into a new feedstock to begin this process all over again. Waste
becomes a resource. In this Makers-Hub all items can be shared, consigned, or recycled.
Coming soon!
Personal Note: What I like most about Make on Demand is that we will no longer need to stabilize a global economy based on the sheer volume of output from thousands of well designed factories located all over the world. With Make on Demand we will now, or in the near future, begin to locate these types of creative
HUBs locally, within our communities, which will allow us to make things unique to our own creative
musings. Once we begin to truly localize the means of production through Make on Demand we will be able to address other challenges confronting our cities today, namely climate change and resulting sea-level rise. We will become less dependent on the ports for our necessities which will allow us to invest in the natural
infrastructure needed to restore and regenerate estuaries, build sea-walls and canals when and where needed, and in the end Make on Demand might become our first line of defense against many of the environmental extremes projected in the not-so-distant future.
HUBs locally, within our communities, which will allow us to make things unique to our own creative
musings. Once we begin to truly localize the means of production through Make on Demand we will be able to address other challenges confronting our cities today, namely climate change and resulting sea-level rise. We will become less dependent on the ports for our necessities which will allow us to invest in the natural
infrastructure needed to restore and regenerate estuaries, build sea-walls and canals when and where needed, and in the end Make on Demand might become our first line of defense against many of the environmental extremes projected in the not-so-distant future.
I recently finished reading “Designing Reality! How to Survive The Third Digital Revolution” and
connected with The Center of Bits & Atoms (MIT). During my study at Singularity University - I would like to invite the authors, the brothers Gershenfeld to help us with designing this new consumer
experience. HA!
connected with The Center of Bits & Atoms (MIT). During my study at Singularity University - I would like to invite the authors, the brothers Gershenfeld to help us with designing this new consumer
experience. HA!
www.playdontwork.com -
In the Age of Abundance a new narrative evolves: “If you could do anything you wanted, what would it be?”
In the Age of Abundance a new narrative evolves: “If you could do anything you wanted, what would it be?”
www.weliveintentcity.com -On the frontlines of the American Underground. I would like to set up this
website as an open source/creative common space for the homeless ones to share their story. My son is one of them. He is on a “mission”. Some people are really not interested in living life as it is presented to us
today in the modern city. Some just want to explore and experience living on another level. Some long for
escape. Some just want to live in nature and are broke. Some truly are the caretakers of wild spaces.
Others are just lost.
website as an open source/creative common space for the homeless ones to share their story. My son is one of them. He is on a “mission”. Some people are really not interested in living life as it is presented to us
today in the modern city. Some just want to explore and experience living on another level. Some long for
escape. Some just want to live in nature and are broke. Some truly are the caretakers of wild spaces.
Others are just lost.
www.pietimespizza.com / www.pietimespizzaria.com - from Flower to Flour - A Pizzeria based on the love for cannabis flowers, and the industrial properties of HEMP (i.e. I want Hemp pizza boxes, compostables,
tables & chairs, I want everything that can be fabricated out of Hemp to be incorporated into this dining
experience. We will even grow our own super-chronic hydroponic tomatoes, basil, micr-greens, etc.
tables & chairs, I want everything that can be fabricated out of Hemp to be incorporated into this dining
experience. We will even grow our own super-chronic hydroponic tomatoes, basil, micr-greens, etc.
And when we receive our consumption license we will build a “Pie Times Pizza Truck” made out of Hemp!
I guess what I need more than anything else in the world, is some time to work on ideas.
I am hopeful,
Cheers’
Debbie
