Cutting Ties

Good morning, Core readers!

Today's stories remind us what truly binds us together—whether it is the cables beneath our oceans, the timeless beauty of a cathedral reborn, or the unseen forces shaping how we live and work. These are more than headlines; they're threads in the fabric of our shared humanity. Let’s unravel them together.

Here's everything you need to know today:

It's more than inconvenient to wake up to an internet outage—it's sabotage that affects the world as a whole. Europe's investigators are piecing together the story behind two severed undersea cables.

Who is the suspect? Yi Peng 3, a Chinese bulk carrier, allegedly dragged its anchor for over 100 miles, slicing through key connections in Finland, Germany, and Sweden.

NATO warships surrounded the Yi Peng 3, whose crew turned off their transponders during the incident. Anchors and hull marks indicate foul play, but the situation is unclear. The ship recently shifted from Chinese waters to Russian ports, raising suspicions of Russian involvement. The Kremlin has denied the allegations, dismissing them as absurd. While China insists on supporting international infrastructure security, questions remain.

It reminds us of the fragility of the global digital infrastructure we rely on daily, not just a geopolitical drama. When cables remain down, the implications ripple far beyond the Baltic. Could this be a precursor to more covert attacks? And if so, are we ready for what’s to come?

Women vs. AI

Ladies first? Not in AI usage. It’s not just about access—it’s about trust, time, and the infamous gender divide. In contrast to men, women tend to be more hesitant about AI, citing concerns about data privacy and a lack of confidence.

But here’s the twist: this reluctance might cost them. AI is predicted to reshape nearly a third of jobs by 2030. Yet, the skepticism keeping women from using AI could be their secret weapon. If women choose to step up, they can shape the use of technology thoughtfully by approaching it with caution.

The good news? There's a rising tide of women eager to learn and leverage AI, with initiatives like Uplevyl paving the way. The bad news? It's a luxury most women don't have, especially those juggling multiple roles. Still, as one expert said, “AI won’t replace you—you’ll be replaced by someone who knows how to use it.”

So, ladies, the AI revolution isn’t waiting. Will you?

Sora’s Secrets

Speaking of AI, what happens when OpenAI's Sora escapes the lab? Chaos—and a lot of questions.

Artists tired of OpenAI's "artwashing" decided to leak access to Sora in protest. They claim they were guinea pigs in an unpaid publicity stunt disguised as early testing, receiving little to no recognition and compensation.

The leak revealed Sora's video-making magic: 10-second clips in 1080p resolution. But OpenAI shut it down as fast as it appeared, locking all testers.

Artists didn't pause their critiques, slamming OpenAI for obsessing over optics: "This isn't about fostering creativity. It’s about PR, plain and simple.” Of course, OpenAI defended the program, citing voluntary participation and "free access."

Sora has left the spotlight for now, but the debate about AI tools and their impact on creators is just beginning. Video's future? Or is it just another example of tech making artists obsolete?

Paris’ Phoenix

Our hearts broke five years ago when flames consumed Notre Dame, a symbol of hope for many. The cathedral stands reborn today, and its story is one of resilience etched in limestone.

Its newly unveiled interior feels like stepping back in time. Once-charred ceilings are now topped with golden angels, and limestone walls seem untouched by time. It's as if the building has been spiritually cleansed, shedding its past.

Artisans didn’t just rebuild Notre Dame; they resurrected it. The intricate roof framework known as "the forest" was constructed using centuries-old techniques using 1,500 oak trees. Cleaners are armed with vacuum cleaners and spray—because even gothic masterpieces need a good facial.

The cathedral will reopen on December 7, showing that beauty and faith can rise from the ashes even after devastating fires.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

National Geographic's Pictures of the Year 2024.

🧮 Core Count: 22

Number of stars in the Paramount Studios logo.

🗓️ Flashback:

1487 - The German Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot) was promulgated in Munich by Albert IV, Duke of Bavaria.

1786 - The Grand Duke of Tuscany, Leopold II, abolishes the death penalty as the first state in the world.

1872 - First international soccer match, Scotland draws 0-0 with England in Glasgow.

1876 - Heinrich Schliemann discovers the gold Mask of Agamemnon in modern Greece, known as the Mona Lisa of prehistory.

1979 - Pink Floyd's "The Wall" is released, selling six million copies in two weeks.

1982 - Thriller, Michael Jackson's sixth studio album (Grammy Award Album of the Year 1984, best-selling album of all time, Billboard Album of 1983) is released.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran