For the first time, astronauts fly over the Poles

On March 31, 2025, humanity took a historic step in its space exploration journey: for the first time, astronauts orbited the Earth’s poles. This achievement was made possible by the Fram2 mission, led by SpaceX, a company that continues to redefine the boundaries of space exploration. Aboard a spacecraft launched by the Falcon 9 rocket from Pad 39A in Florida, the "framonauts"—as they have been dubbed—marked an unprecedented milestone by flying over the polar regions, something never before accomplished by a crewed mission.
 
Who are these pioneers?
 
The Fram2 mission is named after the ship used by Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen during his Arctic expedition in the late 19th century, reflecting the spirit of exploration that drives this modern feat. While specific details about the crew have not been widely disclosed at the time of writing this article, it is known that they are astronauts selected by SpaceX for this groundbreaking mission. This team not only had to prepare for the physical and psychological challenges of spaceflight but also for the unique conditions of a polar orbit, an environment previously unexplored by humans.
 
The importance of orbiting the Poles
 
A polar orbit, unlike the more common equatorial or inclined orbits used in previous space missions, offers a unique perspective of the planet. By passing over the poles, the spacecraft provides unparalleled views of the Arctic and Antarctic, regions critical to understanding climate change and Earth’s geophysical processes. This trajectory also enables the observation of phenomena such as the northern and southern auroras from a privileged vantage point, potentially enriching our knowledge of the interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and solar particles.
 
Moreover, this mission carries significant scientific and technological implications. Polar orbits are ideal for collecting data on climate, polar ice, and the upper atmosphere—areas of study that benefit both science and humanity as a whole. From a strategic perspective, mastering this type of orbit could open new possibilities for future missions, including those targeting other planets with polar features, such as Mars.
 
Why hadn’t this been done before?
 
While polar orbits are not new—uncrewed satellites have used them for decades for tasks like mapping and meteorology—bringing astronauts into this trajectory has been a monumental challenge for several reasons:
 
Costs and Technical Complexity: Polar orbits require more energy to achieve due to their extreme inclination relative to Earth’s equator. This entails higher fuel consumption and more complex logistical planning, which has historically discouraged their use in crewed missions in favor of more cost-effective and safer options like low equatorial orbits.
 
Radiation Risks: Polar regions are more exposed to cosmic and solar radiation due to the configuration of Earth’s magnetic field, which funnels charged particles toward the poles. This poses an additional hazard for astronauts, as crewed missions must ensure the crew’s safety against elevated radiation levels.
 
Communication Limitations: Maintaining constant communication with Earth in polar orbits is more challenging than in equatorial orbits, where ground stations are better aligned with the spacecraft’s path. Before the development of technologies like SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, this barrier was significant.
 
Historical Priorities: During the 20th-century space race, both NASA and the Soviet Union focused their efforts on goals such as reaching low Earth orbit, landing on the Moon, or establishing space stations. Polar orbits, while useful for satellites, were not considered a priority for crewed missions, which sought more visible and politically significant milestones.
SpaceX overcame these obstacles thanks to recent technological advancements. The use of the Falcon 9, a reusable rocket that reduces costs, combined with the communication infrastructure provided by Starlink, made this mission feasible. Additionally, modern radiation protection systems and meticulous planning enabled the crew to be safeguarded in this hostile environment.
 
A step toward the future
 
The Fram2 mission is not only a technical achievement but also a symbol of the resurgence of space exploration led by the private sector. By bringing humans into a polar orbit, SpaceX demonstrates that the boundaries of what is possible are constantly being redrawn. This milestone could pave the way for future expeditions, whether on Earth—with improved monitoring of the poles—or beyond, in missions requiring unconventional trajectories.
 
In a world where climate change and sustainability are pressing concerns, the ability to observe and study the poles from space with astronauts onboard offers a new tool for science and humanity. The framonauts of the Fram2 mission have not only made history but have also opened a window to a future where space and Earth are more connected than ever.

A tribute to Norway

Naming this space project “Fram” was no coincidence; it pays tribute to Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen, Otto Sverdrup, Oscar Wisting, and Roald Amundsen, who, between 1893 and 1912, reached the Arctic and Antarctic regions aboard the “Fram” (meaning "Forward" in Norwegian), likely the most resilient wooden ship ever built, which is still preserved and can be visited in Oslo, Norway.
 

A chance encounter will take him far away, on a thrilling adventure full of action and emotion that will change his life... but also the lives of everyone around him…
“Fleeing into silence”: https://a.co/d/7SUfVb3

If you’re a good Advertising Manager: Do it yourself!

Over the course of my 10 years as an Advertising Manager at a major agrochemical company, I demonstrated that, for any advertising client, it’s far more cost-effective to oversee all the processes involved in a campaign or advertising activity and hire each contributing agent individually, rather than entrusting everything to a single external intermediary. I also proved that working directly with freelance illustrators, photomechanical services, printers, promotional gift suppliers, direct mail advertising firms, outdoor advertising companies, recording studios, media buying agencies, and more doesn’t exclude advertising agencies—quite the contrary, I collaborated with them on numerous occasions throughout this period. Likewise, I showed that it’s more profitable for a company to have its own Advertising Department rather than relying on a single employee with no advertising expertise (a common scenario) to outsource all the work to an external firm.
 
With the substantial workload at ICI-Zeltia (now Syngenta), partnering with advertising agencies was essential, but I reserved their involvement for large-scale promotions and campaigns requiring the simultaneous use of diverse advertising elements across varied, tightly interconnected media—aligned in creativity, intensity, and duration. However, for more isolated, one-off actions tied to other products—such as producing brochures, booking a local radio and press campaign, securing billboards, or organizing a small regional giveaway—the Advertising Department took charge, directly hiring and supervising each necessary supplier.
 
Here’s my advice to Advertising Managers who’ve been leaving everything in the hands of a single external provider: try taking the reins on a standalone project. Negotiate, hire, and oversee each supplier involved in that advertising effort yourself, then compare the costs you achieve with what you were previously paying when a single provider handed you one all-inclusive invoice. As a bonus, if you truly love Advertising (with a capital “A”), you’ll relish diving in and taking ownership of those projects or elements. They’ll no longer be “something someone else did”—they’ll be “something you did yourself.”
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0 

Speed in Decision-Making: A business lesson in the face of bureaucracy

In a world where time is as valuable a resource as capital, the ability to make decisions quickly has become a determining factor for success in business. The recent measures implemented by Donald Trump, characterized by an almost dizzying speed, stand in stark contrast to the bureaucratic sluggishness that defines the European Union (EU). This contrast not only highlights the differences between two approaches to leadership and management but also offers a critical lesson for the business world: well-considered decisions, executed swiftly, are key to seizing opportunities and staying competitive. The EU, with its cumbersome administrative machinery and endless processes, is demonstrating—almost as a case study—how bureaucracy can become the enemy of progress.
 
Since his return to the U.S. presidency, Donald Trump has rolled out a series of economic policies, such as imposing tariffs on exports from other countries. These decisions, regardless of their merits or long-term consequences, stand out for the speed with which they have been announced and set into motion. In a matter of weeks, Trump has turned campaign promises into concrete actions, sending a clear message: in a dynamic global environment, agility can be a decisive strategic advantage.
 
On the other hand, the European Union, with its 27 member states and its need for consensus, is trapped in a system that prioritizes exhaustive deliberation over immediate action. When Trump announced his tariffs, Brussels’ response was swift in only one sense: a verbal condemnation and a promise to “respond firmly.” However, European leaders have acknowledged that any countermeasure they undertake will require extensive negotiations among member states—a process that could take months or even years before translating into effective policies. This sluggishness is not new; it is an inherent feature of the EU’s structure, where decisions must pass through multiple bureaucratic filters, from the European Commission to the Council and Parliament, not to mention consultations with national governments.
 
In the business world, this dichotomy carries profound implications. The companies that succeed are those capable of carefully analyzing their options—considering risks, benefits, and available data—without becoming paralyzed in the process. Reflection is essential, but indecision is fatal. A market opportunity, such as a new customer niche or a temporary competitive edge, doesn’t wait for an organization to finish debating internally. If a company takes too long to launch a product, adjust prices, or respond to a competitor, the moment passes, and success slips away. Trump, with his direct style and readiness to act, embodies this mindset, while the EU, with its measured approach, illustrates the dangers of letting bureaucracy dictate the pace.
 
This isn’t about advocating for impulsive or poorly prepared decisions. Speed without analysis can lead to disaster, as evidenced by numerous cases of companies that have failed by rushing forward without a solid strategy. The key lies in striking a balance between rigorous evaluation and agile execution. Successful organizations establish processes that enable informed decisions within short timeframes: dedicated teams, real-time data, and a culture that values action over procrastination. In contrast, the EU shows how an excess of administrative layers and a constant quest for consensus can dilute responsiveness, leaving its businesses and citizens at a disadvantage against faster competitors.
 
Trump’s tariffs provide a perfect example. While the United States implements its measures and reshapes global trade in its favor, the EU remains mired in internal discussions about how to respond. By the time European countermeasures take effect, the economic damage may already be done, and U.S. companies could have solidified their position. In business terms, this delay would equate to losing market share or allowing a rival to leap ahead with a disruptive innovation. The lesson is clear: time is a strategic asset, and those who fail to manage it effectively will fall behind.
 
Bureaucracy, as exemplified by the EU, isn’t just a governmental problem; it also plagues many companies that, in their effort to avoid mistakes, create rigid structures and endless processes. Yet success in the 21st century belongs to those who can adapt to the pace of change. Thoughtful decisions are indispensable, but it’s the speed of their implementation that makes the difference between seizing an opportunity and regretting its loss. As Trump charges ahead at full speed, the EU serves as a reminder that, in an accelerated world, slowness isn’t just inefficiency—it’s a recipe for failure.
 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca”: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

Learn to remember your dreams

Surely, you’ve often found yourself frustrated by your inability to recall a dream. You wake up with fleeting images in your mind and a lingering sense of pleasure it brought you, but all of that slips away at a dizzying speed. By the time you’re finishing your morning coffee, chances are you can’t remember a thing. Wouldn’t you love to be able to recall those delightful dreams—the ones we enjoy so much at night but forget the moment we wake up—in vivid detail? Well, I’m going to share a simple technique you can use to achieve just that, one that I can personally vouch for because it works.
 
When you wake up and realize you’ve just emerged from a dream into the waking world, don’t move. This is crucial because moving is like shaking off dust—it causes those memories to vanish. Let me repeat: don’t move. Instead, while you’re still relaxed in bed, focus on the last image or scene from your dream. Hold it in your mind for a few moments, and then slowly begin to rewind, as if you’re unraveling a ball of yarn. Step by step, visualize each scene of the dream in reverse order, working backward. You’ll notice how this makes it surprisingly easy to recall the entire dream. The secret lies in this simple exercise: it strengthens the neural connections that help anchor dream experiences in your memory. If you practice this every day, you’ll even find that retrieving those wonderful dream moments becomes easier and easier over time.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

The many facets of a 19th-century village doctor

The book “Kisses are tears” rescues the biography of a village doctor, Gaspar Fisac ​​Orovio (Daimiel, Spain, 1859-1937), who stood out for his multiple facets and, above all, for his quality as a human being. Summarizing them, we can list some of the most notable:
 
PHYSICIAN - Doctor of Medicine. Official Physician and forensic doctor of Daimiel. Member of the Daimiel Local Health Board. Provincial Health Delegate for the Ciudad Real Provincial Council. Awarded by the Royal Academy of Medicine (Calvo Prize, 1905) and recognized with various distinctions at medical congresses on tuberculosis (Barcelona, 1912; San Sebastián, 1913).
 
EPIDEMIOLOGIST - A tireless scholar of the origins, prevention, and treatment of diseases, he left behind significant studies for his time on measles and tuberculosis. He discovered that the dust-laden air breathed by plasterers and lime workers, rich in calcium, immunized them against tuberculosis. Building on this hypothesis, he established the scientific foundations that would lead to the development of an innovative treatment for the disease.
 
INVENTOR - Discoverer of a preventive treatment for tuberculosis and promoter of the development of the first pharmaceutical specialty in the form of an inhaler (“Fisac Pulvi-Inhaler”), which was registered in Spain. He also invented an original device to prevent the spread of diseases during epidemic periods through stagnant water in holy water fonts.
 
JOURNALIST - A frequent writer and chronicler for the newspaper El Eco de Daimiel, where he also served as director during his brother Deogracias’s illness and after his death. He was a correspondent and contributor to articles in other newspapers of the era.
 
POET - Author of numerous poems, two of which—at least as far as is known—won awards at literary competitions in Ciudad Real. Many of his works were published in El Eco de Daimiel and other outlets.
 
PLAYWRIGHT - Author of several short theatrical pieces (“juguetes”), performed during cultural evenings at the Ayala Theater in Daimiel.
 
THEATER DIRECTOR AND ACTOR - Stage director for plays performed at the Ayala Theater in Daimiel and an actor in some of these productions.
 
ECOLOGIST - Although the term “ecology” was not coined until 1837, there had long existed a medical movement, the hygienists, who viewed disease from an “ecological” perspective, seeing it as the result of a complex interplay of environmental factors (temperature, winds, soil, etc.) and socioeconomic conditions (poverty, overcrowding, working conditions, etc.). Gaspar Fisac’s scientific works provide ample evidence of this approach.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:

“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

The real size of Greenland: Clearing up myths and confusion

Greenland, that vast expanse of ice and tundra at the northernmost edge of the planet, has caused confusion for centuries due to its representation on maps. If you’ve ever looked at a traditional world map, you’ve likely noticed that Greenland appears to be of an enormous size, even comparable to continents like Africa or South America. However, this is a cartographic illusion, an inevitable distortion that occurs when transferring the surface of a sphere—the Earth—onto a two-dimensional plane. In this article, we will explore the true size of Greenland, how it compares to other countries, and address the intriguing debate about whether it is truly a single island or two hidden beneath its ice sheet.
 
Map distortion: The problem with the Mercator projection
 
Most world maps we are familiar with use the Mercator projection, developed in the 16th century by cartographer Gerardus Mercator. This projection was designed to aid maritime navigation, as it preserves angles and allows for straight-line routes. However, it has a significant flaw: it distorts the size of landmasses, especially near the poles. The farther you move from the equator, the greater the exaggeration. This is why Greenland and Antarctica appear massive, while equatorial regions like Africa seem smaller than they actually are.
 
In a Mercator map, Greenland might appear as large as Africa, but the reality is quite different. Africa spans approximately 30.37 million square kilometers, while Greenland covers only 2,166,086 square kilometers. This means Africa is about 14 times larger than Greenland. The distortion is so extreme that, on some maps, Greenland seems to rival South America (17.84 million km²), when in reality, it is much smaller.
 
The real size of Greenland and comparisons with other countries
 
With its 2.16 million square kilometers, Greenland is undoubtedly a massive island—the largest in the world, in fact—but its true size comes into perspective when compared to other countries. For example:
 
Australia: At 7.69 million km², it is more than three times larger than Greenland, though it is often considered a continent rather than an island.
 
United States: At 9.83 million km² (including Alaska and Hawaii), it is nearly five times larger.
 
Mexico: At 1.96 million km², it is very similar in size to Greenland, though slightly smaller.
 
Spain: At just 505,990 km², it could fit into Greenland about four times.
These comparisons show that, while Greenland is vast, it doesn’t come close to the continental giants that traditional maps might lead us to believe. Its location near the North Pole amplifies its apparent size, but in real terms, it is a fraction of what the most common projections suggest.
 
One island or two? The mystery beneath the ice
 
Another fascinating aspect of Greenland is its geological nature, which has also fueled debates. Approximately 80% of its surface is covered by a thick ice sheet, known as the Greenland Ice Sheet, which in some areas reaches a thickness of 3 kilometers. This ice sheet conceals much of the underlying terrain, leading to speculation about whether Greenland is truly a single landmass or several separate islands connected by ice.
 
Recent geophysical studies, using technologies such as ice-penetrating radar and gravitational models, have revealed that beneath the ice sheet, Greenland is indeed a single island in geological terms. While there are deep depressions and valleys, there is no conclusive evidence that the bedrock is divided into two or more independent landmasses that would emerge if the ice were to melt completely. However, the thickness of the ice and the pressure it exerts have deformed the terrain, creating a complex topography that can lead to misunderstandings.
 
In a hypothetical scenario where all the ice melted, Greenland would still be a single island, though its habitable surface would be much smaller than its total size suggests. Much of its interior is depressed due to the weight of the ice, and the idea that Greenland consists of two islands remains more of a myth than a scientific reality.
 
In summary, Greenland is a place of superlatives: the largest island in the world, almost entirely covered by ice, and a cartographic enigma that has puzzled generations. Its real size, 2.16 million square kilometers, places it far below the continents it appears to rival on maps, but it remains impressive compared to many countries.
 
The next time you look at a world map, remember that what you see is an interpretation, not reality, and that Greenland, though vast, occupies a much more modest place in the global landscape than its distorted image might suggest.
 
In the image, the real size of the countries (in red) is shown compared to the size they typically appear on maps (in blue).
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0 

On the subject of the Dodo

When we’re born, they put us in diapers popularly known as “dodotis” (a term derived from the brand that introduced them: Dodot). Perhaps it’s a subtle foreshadowing of what awaits us in the future: extinction, much like the dodo (see the image of that charming yet foolish bird). Just like the dodo, we all pass through this life, leaving behind only a faint memory that fades with time.
 
I recently heard a line from an old movie that struck me: the truly valuable thing isn’t what we do or what we own, but the kind memory others keep of us. Well, in that way, we’re not so different from the dodo either—a creature so gentle, so naive, that it ended up in the stomachs of all sorts of diners.
 
There’s no escaping it. No way out. All we can do is waddle through life cheerfully and clumsily, savoring the moment and bringing joy to others along the way—and later, through their memories of us. Until, inevitably, the last faint flicker of that memory dies out in this tiny, forgotten corner of the universe.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

When humanism reigned in Medicine

Speaking of medicine and humanism in medicine (how little of it remains today!), it's fitting to recall the life of one of those 19th-century doctors who exemplified what a good doctor should be. Reading the book "Kisses are tears" opens the door to that not-so-distant, yet almost forgotten, past...
 
First, let us say that Gaspar Fisac Orovio (Daimiel, Spain, 1,859 – 1,937) was a distinguished physician of his time. Though he served as a municipal doctor in a small town in La Mancha before moving to Ciudad Real Hospital, he earned professional recognition and prestige not only for his selflessness and dedication to his patients—always treating them with a humane and approachable demeanor, so rare today—but also for his discoveries. Through his research on tuberculosis, he developed the first recorded preventive and curative treatment for the disease in Spain. His expertise with numerous epidemics—cholera, typhus, measles, and more—enabled him to establish a series of hygiene and sanitation measures to curb their spread. His, then, was a life that saved many lives.
 
Second, we turn to his work as a journalist. He began by contributing to a newspaper founded by his brother, later taking over its direction when his sibling’s health declined. That newspaper, El Eco de Daimiel, became the best-selling publication in Ciudad Real, its influence reaching far beyond to other corners of Spain. Though it ran for just over five years, it produced 445 issues. From its pages, it championed ideals of democracy and justice, as well as a steadfast defense of the healthcare and journalistic professions.
 
Third, we explore his role as a poet. Though he never published a book—poetry being, for him, a hobby—he left behind a significant body of compositions that deserve a place in Spanish literature of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Evidence of this lies in the awards two of his works received at literary contests. This passion also led him to write, direct, and even perform in small theatrical pieces.
 
As we see, his was a multifaceted, active, and fascinating life—one I hope will spark the interest of many readers. Yet, for me, the facet that stands out is none of these—not the physician, the journalist, nor the poet—but rather his quality as a human being. For what is the worth of our time on this earth if no one, not even our family and friends, remembers us with affection? In his case, it was not only his loved ones who held him dear, but all who knew him and all the patients he treated—taking time for them, caring about their worries and struggles, and helping them however he could. That is the highest praise one can offer any person: that they were a good human being. There is no greater distinction, even if, as in his case, he advanced medicine, pioneered journalism, and excelled as an unsung poet.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0