James Marinero
Bio
I live on a boat and write as I sail slowly around the world. Follow me for a varied story diet: true stories, humor, tech, AI, travel, geopolitics and more. I also write techno thrillers, with six to my name. More of my stories on Medium
Stories (119)
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Submarines: Air-Independent Propulsion
I wrote recently about Russia launching Kalibr missiles from its Varshavianka (Improved Kilo) class submarines in the Black Sea. That set me off to explore the latest submarine technology and Air-Independent Propulsion, although not new as such, is certainly leading the way in the non-nuclear fleets. And in some countries with nuclear fleets too. Here’s what I discovered.
By James Marinero3 years ago in The Swamp
Careers: The Chinese Foreign Intelligence Organisation
I first read about the Guoanbu way back in 2009 when I was researching my first novel 'Gate of Tears'. My interest had been piqued by China's involvement in Yemen, a country bordering 'Bab el Mandeb' (Gate of Tears), the strategic strait at the mouth of the Red Sea.
By James Marinero3 years ago in Journal
Stronger Steel With Lower Carbon Emissions
Steel is all around me - I live on a steel boat. The steel that it's built from is 'mild steel' - cheap, durable and easy to work, although I do have some stainless steel above deck. 6 mm of steel is all that separates from the deep blue.
By James Marinero3 years ago in 01
Ukraine War: How Important is Transnistria?
Russia recently launched Kalibr cruise missiles from vessels in the Black Sea which overflew Moldova en route to targets in Ukraine. They didn't actually cross Romanian territory, but came close, although the graphic suggests they did. Romania is a NATO member, and Russian missiles over Romania would have resulted in more than press headlines.
By James Marinero3 years ago in The Swamp
Ukraine and the Porcupine Strategy
There’s a lot of talk these days about geopolitical strategy and one of the key concepts in geopolitics is the “porcupine strategy.” Basically, this is the idea that if you’re a small country surrounded by larger enemies, your best defense is to make yourself as prickly and hard to conquer as possible.
By James Marinero3 years ago in The Swamp
Lightning - One of Nature's Most Striking Phenomena
That image of lightning struck me this morning and triggered this story. The picture has gone viral this week and brought back memories of my two visits to Rio de Janeiro. I sailed into the harbour at Rio in my own boat (I live on a boat) in 2006. I took a different picture of Christ the Redeemer as I entered at sunset.
By James Marinero3 years ago in Earth
Responsible Military AI - Dream On!
The Netherlands Government has just hosted a conference - Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) - to initiate an attempt to get international agreement which would curb the untrammeled use of AI in warfare.
By James Marinero3 years ago in Futurism
ChatGPT Does Not Understand Instructions About 'C' Words
Yes I know. Stories about ChatGPT are everywhere. Here's another maybe boring one about following instructions. Not. This morning I stumbled across one of my old stories and wondered how the new AI kid on the block would measure up.
By James Marinero3 years ago in 01
Epping House Special School
In 2011 I took on a biography writing project. It was a new avenue for me. The result was 'Susan's Brother', a true story about a small boy from a dysfunctional single-parent family. The boy had Asperger's Disease and his sister dominated his early life whilst his mother just 'didn't want him'.
By James Marinero3 years ago in Families
