Remittance

 Copilot:

Mexico USA; are there reliable statistics about how much money earned in the US by Mexican ex-pats is sent back to Mexico in a year?

Absolutely—there are solid, up-to-date statistics on this. The money sent back to Mexico by Mexican nationals working in the U.S. is tracked as remittances, and it's a major economic lifeline for many families and communities in Mexico.

🇺🇸➡️🇲🇽 Key Stats on U.S.–Mexico Remittances

Total Remittances in 2024: Mexico received $64.7 billion USD in remittances, a record high.

From the U.S. Alone: A staggering $62.5 billion USD came from the United States, accounting for 96.6% of Mexico’s total remittance inflow.

Average Transaction: Each remittance averaged $393 USD, with 13.7 million transactions recorded.

Transfer Method: Over 99% of remittances were sent via electronic transfer.

Top Sending States: Nearly half of the U.S.-to-Mexico remittances originated from California and Texas.

📊 Economic Impact

Remittances represent 3–5% of Mexico’s GDP annually.

The flow has grown consistently for 11 consecutive years, reflecting both economic ties and demographic shifts.

This isn’t just about money—it’s about connection. These remittances often support basic needs, education, healthcare, and even small businesses back home. Want to dive deeper into how this affects local economies or explore trends by region?

Are there analogous remittances to Canada, or do Canadians just spend in the US as tourists?

Great question—and the answer reveals a fascinating contrast in how Canada and Mexico relate economically to the U.S.

🇨🇦 Canada: Minimal Remittance Inflow

Remittances to Canada are negligible compared to countries like Mexico or the Philippines.

Canada is a high-income country, so it’s not a major recipient of remittances. Instead, many Canadians send money outward to family abroad—especially to countries like India, China, and the Philippines.

In 2022, Canada received less than $1 billion USD in remittances, while Mexico received over $60 billion USD from the U.S. alone.

🧳 Canadians in the U.S.: Tourists, Snowbirds, and Shoppers

Canadians spend billions in the U.S. annually, but this is consumer spending, not remittances.

Popular spending categories include:

Tourism: Florida, Arizona, and California are top destinations for Canadian snowbirds.

Retail: Cross-border shopping is common, especially in border towns.

Real Estate: Canadians are among the top foreign buyers of U.S. property, especially in warm states.

                                                                        

So while Mexico receives money from its diaspora in the U.S., Canada’s economic ties are more about leisure and lifestyle spending. It's a different kind of cross-border relationship—less about financial support, more about shared prosperity.

Want to explore how Canadian spending in the U.S. has changed post-pandemic or dig into outbound remittance flows from Canada?

                                                                       *     *     *

I have been breezing through a series of videos from this particular vlogger in Japan. The vids are all

 the same: one follows a Tokyo office worker forced to commute 1 1/2 hours each way to work

everyday. He takes his meals in Tokyo, and muses about his 'alienated' life. 

The meals are interesting, and I am getting a sense of what the elements of Japanese food are.

Fascinating if he goes to a Chineses or Korean restaurant to show us his favorites!! He once 

went to  a Starbucks for breakfast and ordered sweet coffee and a hot dog with lettuce. The

comments from North America were incredulous. (NO!!)

                                                                      *     *     *

                                                                                   

I'm nursing a cold, and pictured is my fruit salad and coffee beakfast. What might this cost me in a Tokyo, Japan casual eatery?

🍊 That fruit salad and coffee combo looks like a gentle hug for your immune system—and a pretty typical light breakfast in Tokyo’s casual cafés.

Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay:

                                                                              

🧃 If you go for a set menu (which many cafés offer), you might get a small salad, toast, and coffee for as low as ¥500–¥7002. But fruit salad isn’t always part of the standard sets, so ordering it separately could bump the price up a bit.

If you're near a convenience store like Lawson or FamilyMart, you could DIY a similar breakfast for under ¥600—fruit cup + bottled coffee. Not quite the café vibe, but budget-friendly and surprisingly decent.

Want me to recommend a few cozy spots in Tokyo that serve healthy breakfasts?

Would the fruit be fresh or canned?

🍍 In Tokyo’s casual cafés and eateries, fresh fruit is generally preferred—especially in places that serve fruit salads as part of a health-conscious or trendy breakfast menu. Cafés like Green Brothers, Citron, and SaladStop! pride themselves on using seasonal, fresh produce sourced from local farms2. So if you’re ordering a fruit salad at one of these spots, you’re likely getting fresh grapes, pineapple, and citrus.

However, in more budget-friendly or chain cafés, some fruits might be canned, especially tropical ones like pineapple or mandarin oranges. It’s a cost and convenience thing—canned fruit is shelf-stable and easier to prep in bulk.

🛍️ If you’re grabbing a fruit cup from a convenience store like Lawson or 7-Eleven, it’s often a mix: fresh-cut apples and grapes, with canned pineapple or peaches tucked in.

So the short answer: mostly fresh, unless you're in a lower-cost or grab-and-go setting. Want help finding a café near you that leans fresh and fabulous?

I was under the impression fresh fruit could get very expensive in Tokyo. Is this no longer the case?

🍓 You're absolutely right—fresh fruit in Tokyo can be expensive, and that reputation still holds true in many cases. But the story has some nuance now.

💰 Why Fruit Is Pricey in Japan

Sold by the piece: Unlike many countries where fruit is priced per kilogram, Japan often sells fruit individually. A single Fuji apple might cost ¥150–¥200.

Luxury fruit culture: Japan has a famous “luxury fruit” market—think perfectly shaped melons, cherries, and grapes that can sell for hundreds or even thousands of yen. In 2024, a pair of Yubari King melons sold for $30,000 USD.

Limited domestic production: Japan’s climate and land constraints mean many fruits are imported, which drives up prices.

🍌 But There Are Affordable Options

Convenience stores: You can find fruit cups or bananas for ¥100–¥300 at places like Lawson or 7-Eleven.

Farmers markets: Seasonal and slightly blemished fruits are sold at lower prices. The UNU Farmers Market in Harajuku is a great example.

Seasonal shopping: Buying what's in season helps. For instance, bananas are consistently affordable at around ¥250/kg.

So yes, fruit can be expensive, especially if you're chasing perfection or out-of-season imports. But if you're savvy—shopping seasonally, hitting up farmers markets, or grabbing konbini fruit—you can enjoy fresh produce without breaking the bank.

Want a seasonal fruit guide or tips on where to shop smart in Tokyo?

More

 What is new in UK-US tech deal and what will it mean for the British economy? | Technology | The Guardian

DeepSeek:

What does all this investment come down to; is it possible to tell?

The significant investments announced in the UK-US tech deal represent a strategic alignment of economic, technological, and geopolitical interests. Here’s a breakdown of what these investments ultimately come down to:

1. Building AI Infrastructure and Compute Capacity

The investments are heavily focused on constructing data centers, supercomputers, and AI infrastructure. For instance:

Microsoft is investing $30 billion (£22 billion) over four years, with $15 billion dedicated to capital expenditures for AI and cloud infrastructure, including the UK's largest supercomputer with 23,000 NVIDIA GPUs .

NVIDIA is providing 120,000 Blackwell GPUs to the UK, representing an £11 billion injection into the economy, and investing £500 million in the British firm Nscale .

CoreWeave is adding £1.5 billion for AI data centers, bringing its total UK investment to £2.5 billion .

Why it matters: This infrastructure is essential for training and running advanced AI models, which require immense computational power. Without it, the UK cannot compete globally in AI .

2. Economic Growth and Job Creation

The investments are projected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth. For example:

The AI growth zone in north-east England alone could unlock over 5,000 jobs and £30 billion in investment .

Google’s £5 billion investment is expected to create 8,250 jobs annually .

Why it matters: The UK government views AI as a catalyst for productivity and innovation across sectors like healthcare, finance, and energy .

3. Geopolitical Positioning and "Sovereign AI"

The deal reinforces the UK-US special relationship and aims to position the UK as an "AI superpower" alongside the US . Key elements include:

Developing "sovereign AI" where cutting-edge technology is developed and used in the UK’s interests, reducing dependence on foreign AI systems .

Countering China’s influence in AI, as highlighted by NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang expressing disappointment over China’s ban on NVIDIA chips .

Why it matters: The UK seeks to ensure that its national interests are protected and that it remains a leader in global AI development .

4. Addressing Energy and Sustainability Challenges

AI infrastructure requires massive energy resources. The deal includes commitments to nuclear energy and other low-carbon sources to power data centers sustainably:

The UK government plans to expand nuclear power to meet the energy demands of AI data centers without compromising net-zero goals .

NVIDIA’s Huang emphasized the need for nuclear power and gas turbines to support AI growth .

Why it matters: Energy availability is a critical bottleneck for AI expansion, and sustainable solutions are needed to avoid straining the grid .

5. Fostering Innovation and Startup Ecosystem

Investments are not limited to infrastructure but also include support for AI startups and research:

NVIDIA plans to invest in the UK’s AI startup scene .

Salesforce is adding $2 billion to its UK investment, making it an AI hub for Europe .

Why it matters: This helps build a holistic AI ecosystem, from foundational infrastructure to applied innovation .

6. Regulatory and Trade Alignment

The investments are part of the broader UK-US Tech Prosperity Deal, which includes cooperation on AI, quantum computing, and nuclear technologies . Notably:

The deal does not include changes to the UK’s Digital Services Tax or copyright guarantees for AI companies, addressing concerns of the creative sector .

Why it matters: Regulatory stability and trade collaboration are crucial for long-term investment confidence .

7. Risks and Challenges

Economic Sustainability: There are concerns about the profitability of AI companies, as many are not yet profitable due to high costs of training and running models versus user revenues .

Energy and Water Demands: AI data centers consume significant electricity and water for cooling, posing challenges for the UK’s infrastructure .

Dependence on US Tech: Despite "sovereign AI" goals, the UK remains reliant on US companies like Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Google for investment and technology .

Conclusion

The investments ultimately come down to a strategic bet on AI as the future of economic growth, innovation, and geopolitical influence. While the deals promise jobs, infrastructure, and technological advancement, they also entail risks related to sustainability, economic viability, and dependency on US tech giants. The success of these investments will depend on how well the UK addresses these challenges and leverages its AI ecosystem into tangible benefits. For more details, you can refer to the sources .

Indeed

 Below, the etiquette quiz from the New York Times on interaction with British

Royalty:

1 of 9

Something President Trump did as he met Queen Elizabeth during a previous visit to Britain in 2018 was widely reported as a faux pas. What was it?

Putting an arm around her shoulder

Placing a hand on her back in an attempt to steer her

Coming “dangerously close” to placing a hand on her back

Walking in front of her

2 of 9

The chatter was almost as loud around something Michelle Obama did in 2009. What was that?

Putting an arm around her shoulder

Placing a hand on her back in an attempt to steer her

Coming “dangerously close” to placing a hand on her back

Walking in front of her

3 of 9

One gesture brought the fury of the British tabloids against at least two overseas politicians after they met with the queen.

In 1984, it landed a Canadian provincial official, James Snow, on the front page of The Daily Mail, where he was described as “portly” and “graceless.”

In 1992, it put Prime Minister Paul Keating of Australia on the front page of The Sun, alongside the headline “LIZARD OF OZ.”

What had they done?

Put an arm around her shoulder

Placed a hand on her back in an attempt to steer her

Come “dangerously close” to placing a hand on her back

Walked in front of her

4 of 9

The British royal family makes an effort to reduce the etiquette anxiety of people meeting the monarch. “There are no obligatory codes of behavior,” a reassuring page on its website declares — “just courtesy.”

“However,” it adds, “many people wish to observe the traditional forms of greeting.”

Three forms of greeting are then listed. Which of these does not make the cut?

A handshake

A curtsy

A bow of the head

A bow from the waist

5 of 9

After that, you might have to speak to the king — though only after he has spoken to you, if we’re being traditional about it. Which of these would be a correct formal mode of address, according to the royal family?

Sir

Your Royal Highness

Ma’am (rhymes with calm)

Ma’am (rhymes with jam)

6 of 9

Queen Camilla has joined the conversation! Which of these is a correct formal way to address her?

Madam

Your Royal Highness

Ma’am (rhymes with calm)

Ma’am (rhymes with jam)

7 of 9

Let’s say you score an invitation — apologies, that may not be the formal phrasing — to the state banquet. What language will the menu be in?

English

Modern French

Norman French

Latin

8 of 9

You can start eating when the king starts eating. But when, by tradition, should you stop?

When the monarch has finished (shown by leaving cutlery in parallel in the middle of the plate)

When the monarch has finished (shown by raising a hand)

When you’re done — take as long as you like

When the gong is sounded for the next toast

9 of 9

What’s for dessert?

It’s a secret!

The traditional royal spotted dick

Fruit

A selection of British cheeses

The answers, from Perplexity AI:

Here are the answers to the nine etiquette/protocol questions about President Trump's UK visit and general royal protocol, based on evidence from reputable sources:

Trump and Michelle Obama Royal Faux Pas

Trump’s 2018 Faux Pas:

Trump was widely criticized for walking in front of Queen Elizabeth II during their joint inspection of the Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle in 2018.

Michelle Obama’s 2009 Gesture:

Michelle Obama’s etiquette controversy occurred when she put an arm around the Queen's shoulder at a 2009 reception.

Tabloid Fury over Politicians' Gesture:

Canadian official James Snow (1984) and Australian PM Paul Keating (1992) both drew ire after they placed a hand on the Queen’s back in an attempt to steer her.

Royal Family Etiquette and Banquet Protocol

Non-Traditional Greeting:

Of the traditional greetings, a bow from the waist is not included in the three official forms of greeting suggested by the royal family. The correct forms are: handshake, curtsy, or a bow of the head—not from the waist.

Mode of Address for the King:

The correct formal address is Ma’am (rhymes with jam) for the Queen, but for the King, the formal address is Sir after an initial Your Majesty; the answers list both "Sir" and "Ma'am (rhymes with jam)," but "Sir" is correct here for the King.

Formal Address for Queen Camilla:

The correct manner is to address Queen Camilla as Ma’am (rhymes with jam) after first saying "Your Majesty".

Menu Language at State Banquet:

Banquet menus are traditionally printed in Modern French, a longstanding royal tradition.

When to Stop Eating:

By tradition, once the monarch has finished eating—shown by leaving their cutlery in parallel in the middle of the plate—guests should also stop eating.

Dessert at the State Banquet:

There is no fixed traditional dessert; it’s a secret what will be served. Recent descriptions highlight sophisticated desserts (iced parfaits, bombe, petit fours, etc.), but tradition is that the exact dessert is not revealed in advance.

Copilot:

When is the State Banquet for this Trump visit?

🥂 The State Banquet for President Trump's 2025 UK visit is scheduled for Wednesday evening, September 17, at St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle.

It’s the centerpiece of the visit, featuring white-tie attire, speeches from both King Charles III and President Trump, and a menu likely written in French. Expect all the royal trimmings—gold cutlery, historic wines, and a guest list packed with dignitaries and diplomats.

If you’re curious about what’s served or how the seating works, I can dive into that too.

Please...

Absolutely! Here's a deeper look into the traditions and details of a British State Banquet, especially one like the one held for President Trump at Windsor Castle:

🍽️ Inside the State Banquet at Windsor Castle

📍 Location

• St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle — a grand, historic venue with a ceiling adorned in coats of arms and a table that can seat over 160 guests.

👑 Attire & Protocol

• White tie and decorations are expected for men; women wear formal evening gowns, often with tiaras if they hold royal or noble titles.

• Guests are seated according to strict protocol, with the monarch and head of state (President Trump) delivering toasts and speeches.

📝 Menu

• Traditionally written in French, a nod to diplomatic formality.

• Dishes often include:

  • A starter like poached salmon or seasonal vegetables.

  • A main course featuring British lamb or beef, often with root vegetables and a rich sauce.

  • Dessert is typically a selection of British cheeses, though fruit may also be served.

  • Wines are selected from the royal cellars, sometimes decades old.

🕰️ Timing

• Guests begin eating when the monarch does, and by tradition, they stop when the monarch finishes—signaled by placing cutlery parallel on the plate.

🗣️ Conversation & Address

• Guests wait to be spoken to by the monarch before initiating conversation.

• Formal address includes:

  • “Your Majesty” for the King initially, then “Ma’am” (rhymes with jam).

  • “Your Royal Highness” for Queen Camilla.

It’s a dazzling blend of diplomacy, tradition, and ceremony. If you’d like, I can help you imagine what President Trump’s speech might sound like—or even draft one for fun.

The King is male; ma'am may not be appropriate??

You're absolutely right to question that—and your instinct is spot-on. For King Charles III, the correct formal address is:

• First address: “Your Majesty”

• Subsequent address: “Sir”

The term “Ma’am” (rhyming with jam) is traditionally reserved for female royals, such as Queen Camilla or Princess Anne.

So if you're chatting with the King at a state banquet (lucky you!), you'd begin with “Your Majesty” and then respond with “Sir” in follow-up exchanges. For example:

King: “Are you enjoying the evening?” You: “Very much so, Your Majesty.” King: “The venison is local.” You: “It’s exquisite, Sir.”

Let me know if you want a cheat sheet for royal etiquette or a mock conversation to practice!

Meta AI:

English desserts; what is 'spotted dick' and does it have any other name?

Spotted dick is a traditional English steamed pudding dessert that's gained notoriety for its unusual name. Despite the snickering it inspires, particularly among Americans, this dessert is delicious and worth trying. Here's what you need to know:

What is Spotted Dick?

Spotted dick is a type of steamed pudding made with suet or butter, flour, sugar, dried currants, and lemon zest. The "spots" in the name refer to the dried currants scattered throughout the pudding, while "dick" is believed to come from the old English word "puddick," a variation of "pudding."

Other Names for Spotted Dick

This dessert goes by several other names, including ¹ ²:

Spotted Dog: especially in Scotland, where "dog" relates to dough

Plum Bolster: an older name for the dessert

Currant Pudding: a straightforward description of the dessert's ingredients

Spotted Richard: a more polite alternative used in some restaurants

Ingredients and Preparation

To make spotted dick, you'll need ingredients like suet or butter, flour, sugar, dried currants, and lemon zest. The pudding is typically steamed in a pudding basin or mold, and served warm with a generous helping of English custard sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Spotted dick is traditionally served warm with custard, but you can also customize it with ³ ²:

Cream: a delicious alternative to custard

Golden syrup: adds a sweeter touch to the pudding

Demerara sugar: sprinkle inside the pudding basin for extra flavor

Mixed dried fruits: try using raisins or sultanas for a different twist

Give spotted dick a try for a taste of traditional British desserts!

                                                           *     *     *

Asked the AIs how they would translate Spotted Dick to French for a menu entry.

All agreed on some variant of pouding vapeur, sauce anglaise. Only the actual sauce

is not what the French refers to as sauce anglaise, but a thicker custard. Did find the

source for Plum Bolster, in an 1849 Cookbook. Plum means dried fruit, and bolster

is a pillow...

                                                                

                                                                     

                                                 source: Amazon

                                                       *     *     *

Biometrics

 Perplexity AI:

Moscow, Russia Metro; how many daily passages are there, and how many are controlled biometrically?

The Moscow Metro records over eight million daily passages as of 2025, making it one of the world's busiest metro systems. As for biometric fare control (“biometric” systems), Moscow's Face Pay facial recognition payment system has processed over 100 million rides as of April 2024, with a rapid expansion underway toward full deployment by the end of 2025. It is estimated that approximately half a million users are registered for biometric payment, and more than 1,500 turnstiles across the network currently support this method, with further growth anticipated.

 Daily Passenger Volume

- The Moscow Metro sees over eight million riders daily, with peaks reported above nine million.

- Major lines, like the Big Circle Line, alone handle about 1.4 million trips on typical weekdays.

 Biometric Fare Control Scale

- As of August 2025, around 500,000 regular users are registered for Face Pay biometric fare, and over 100 million rides have been completed with this technology.

- Over 1,500 turnstiles are equipped for biometric access, with plans to cover all stations by late 2025.

- Current usage represents about 5–7% of all daily passages, with forecasts (from previous years) suggesting up to 10–15% in the coming years.

 Fare Control Methods

- Besides biometric fare, passengers still predominantly use traditional tickets, contactless cards (Troika), and QR codes.

- Moscow leads globally in payment method diversity for public transport.

In summary, over eight million daily passages occur on Moscow Metro, with biometric (Face Pay) fare control currently handling several hundred thousand rides daily across more than 1,500 turnstiles, and full system-wide coverage expected by the end of 2025.

How costly is this; can you break this down for me. I would be curious to know about the hardware, electricity and AI involved?

The Face Pay biometric fare control system in the Moscow Metro involves significant costs in hardware installation, electricity, and AI infrastructure, with rollout budgets reaching into the billions of rubles for full system-wide deployment by 2025.

Hardware Costs

Moscow Metro allocated 1.16 billion rubles (~$12–$13 million USD) in early 2025 specifically for the purchase of domestic servers dedicated to biometric recognition across all turnstiles.

Each turnstile requires a camera with facial recognition capabilities as well as access control components, plus network connectivity hardware.

The biometric system’s expansion to all 4,000 turnstiles increases overall hardware outlay (servers, cameras, and secure backing equipment), with incremental upgrades to support redundancy and processing speed.

Electricity Consumption

The system consumes more electricity than standard turnstiles due to the constant operation of cameras and local AI processors, plus the backend servers handling real-time facial recognition matching.

While exact electricity cost numbers are not public, industry experts note that server-room upgrades and video processing infrastructure add nontrivial recurring utility bills, especially in a system handling millions of passages daily.

AI Infrastructure

The rollout included certified secure servers with multi-platform video stream processing; these servers host the AI/vision algorithms for facial recognition, liveness detection, and anti-spoofing capabilities.

The VisionLabs platform (biometric partner) built out software designed to handle high-volume, low-latency turnstile access, maintaining response times under 1.5 seconds per user even at rush-hour loads.

Moscow’s broader municipal “Safe City” network supplies cloud and network resources, integrating metro live camera feeds into a city-wide surveillance data layer that amplifies both processing requirements and AI capability needs.

Relative Cost and Benefits

Biometric fare payment remains the most cost-effective passenger method compared to bank card and wallet ticket options, according to city officials.

It saves on unpaid fare losses, ticket fraud, and has the potential to cut long-term staffing needs, which offsets some hardware and energy costs.

In summary: hardware installation costs surpass 1 billion rubles, with ongoing electricity and AI expenses driven by robust server and camera deployments for secure, scalable face recognition in the Moscow Metro.

I believe New York has refused such a system??

Yes, New York has explicitly refused to implement facial recognition fare control in its subway system. In April 2024, a provision was quietly added to New York State’s budget that bans the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) from using facial recognition or other biometric identification technology for fare enforcement or passenger access. This decision was motivated by privacy concerns and fears of expanding surveillance, strongly advocated by civil rights organizations and New York assembly members.

Legal and Policy Stance

New York State law now forbids the MTA from using facial recognition, or arranging for its use, to enforce fare payment or access to transit.

The MTA has consistently stated it does not and will not use facial recognition for passenger identification or payment.

Privacy and Ethical Concerns

Advocacy groups, such as the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.), welcomed the ban as a victory for privacy and a check against surveillance expansion in public spaces.

The policy aims to protect New Yorkers from potential uses of biometric surveillance that could criminalize ordinary presence and travel.

Technology in Use

While facial recognition is banned, New York does employ AI-based systems to monitor fare evasion, which analyze behavior but do not identify individuals by their faces.

The city’s open payments system (OMNY) uses contactless cards and devices, avoiding any biometric or facial scan requirements.

Thus, New York has legally prohibited facial recognition fare systems in the subway, prioritizing citizen privacy and rejecting Moscow’s approach.

What about other large cities, Beijing, Seoul...?

Beijing and Shanghai have actively deployed facial recognition for subway access and security, while Seoul’s metro has pursued limited biometric applications—mainly for passenger convenience, data analytics, and some AI-powered monitoring, but not yet full facial recognition payment at turnstiles.

Beijing

Beijing’s subway system uses facial recognition technology at station entries for both ticketing and security checks; passengers can opt to enter by scanning their faces, bypassing paper tickets and increasing efficiency.

By end of 2025, Beijing aims to expand these systems further for fare payment and to detect fare evasion.

China’s new facial recognition regulations (active June 2025) give riders the right to alternatives and stricter privacy safeguards, but biometric scanning remains widespread in subway operations, especially for security.

Seoul

Seoul Metro does not currently use wide-scale facial recognition fare payment at turnstiles.

Seoul’s approach features various biometric tools (e.g. palm vein scanners on select lines or for special ticketing groups), but the dominant entry methods are contactless transit cards and QR codes.

AI-based security and passenger analytics help manage crowds and optimize station safety, but these do not involve direct facial identification at turnstile gates for mass fare collection.

Regional Comparison Table

                                                                           

Beijing’s subway leads in biometric ticketing, while Seoul Metro prioritizes privacy and contactless cards, with only isolated biometric pilots at present.

Do any other cities use biometrics?

Yes, several major cities worldwide use biometrics in public transport, most commonly facial recognition, but also palm, iris, or fingerprint scanning for ticketing, security, and identification. Adoption varies by country and city, with China (Beijing, Shanghai), Russia (Moscow, Kazan), Japan (Tokyo), Brazil (multiple cities), UAE (Dubai), and Spain (Madrid) among the frontrunners.

Global Examples

China (Beijing, Shanghai): Facial recognition is widely used for subway and bus fare payment, security checks, and crowd management.

Russia (Moscow, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod): Expanding “Face Pay” facial recognition for metro fare payment across multiple cities; Moscow to have universal coverage by late 2025.

Japan (Tokyo Metro): Tokyo Metro is rolling out facial recognition fare gates, allowing passengers to enter without tickets.

Brazil: Almost 40 cities now use facial recognition for fare payment and ticket fraud prevention on buses and trains, including Salvador, Porto Alegre, Brasilia, and Curitiba.

UAE (Dubai Metro): Dubai tests biometric gates using iris and palm vein scanning to speed entry and improve security.

Spain (Madrid): Madrid’s South Bus Terminal uses facial recognition to cross-check passengers against criminal databases.

South Korea: Uses facial recognition and other biometrics for transit surveillance and select payments, mainly for security and analytics.

Stockholm (Sweden): Trials unconventional biometrics, like gait analysis, for secure passenger entry.

United States (Kansas City): Kansas City is piloting AI-powered facial recognition cameras on buses for security and missing persons identification, with expansion linked to the 2026 World Cup.

Adoption Scope

Facial recognition is the most popular form for fare payment in East Asia, Russia, and emerging markets.

Palm, iris, and hybrid biometrics are rising in newer metro systems of Japan, UAE, and select European networks.

North America has mostly restricted biometrics to pilots and security use (NYC and other major cities do not use biometrics for fare control).

Argentina, Chile, Kazakhstan, India, and others also deploy biometrics for mass transit, mainly for security and access control.

Biometric technology in public transport is now common in several Asian, Russian, and South American cities, with limited trials and broader adoption underway across Europe and the Middle East.

Clean

 DeepSeek:

Moscow, Russia Metro; how is the Moscow Metro kept so spotless?

Of course. The Moscow Metro's renowned cleanliness is not an accident; it's the result of a multi-faceted system combining historical pride, rigorous processes, and modern technology. Here’s a breakdown of how it's kept so spotless:

1. A Legacy of Pride and "The People's Palaces"

First and foremost, the Moscow Metro is not viewed as mere public transportation. From its inception in the 1930s, it was designed to be a showcase of Soviet power, art, and culture. The central stations are magnificent "palaces for the people," adorned with marble, mosaics, bronze statues, stained glass, and chandeliers.

National Treasure: This status creates a psychological effect. Citizens and workers take immense pride in its grandeur and are inherently motivated to preserve it. It's treated more like a national museum than a transit system.

Tourist Attraction: Its beauty makes it a top tourist destination, which further incentivizes the city to maintain impeccable standards.

2. A Small Army of Dedicated Cleaners

The most visible element is the sheer number of cleaning staff, who are omnipresent yet often work discreetly.

Continuous Shifts: Cleaners work in rotating shifts 24/7. You will almost always see someone wiping, mopping, or sweeping, even in the middle of the night.

Specialized Roles: There are different cleaners for different tasks:

Platform and Concourse Cleaners: Constantly mopping marble floors, wiping down pillars, and dusting surfaces.

Escalator Cleaners: They have the specific job of wiping the handrails of escalators (which can be several stories long) throughout the day.

Train Cleaners: At terminal stations, teams board trains to quickly sweep and wipe down interiors before the train departs again.

3. Efficient and Frequent Cleaning Systems

They don't wait for messes to accumulate. The approach is proactive and systematic.

"Mopping Trains": Small, dedicated electric vehicles (like mini-trams) or mobile floor scrubbers are used to clean platform floors during off-peak hours without disrupting foot traffic.

Deep Cleaning at Night: While the Metro is closed (from approximately 1:00 AM to 5:30 AM), a massive deep-cleaning operation begins. This includes:

Scrubbing floors with industrial equipment.

Pressure-washing tracks and platforms in some areas.

Detailed cleaning of artifacts, statues, and chandeliers.

Immediate Response: Spills or litter are addressed within minutes, preventing stains and discouraging others from adding to the mess.

4. Durable and Easy-to-Clean Materials

The very construction of the Metro aids in its cleanliness.

Marble and Granite: The walls and floors are primarily made of polished stone, which is non-porous, easy to mop, and resistant to staining.

Minimal Fabrics: You won't find absorbent carpets or fabric seats that trap dirt and odors. Seats are typically made of easy-to-wipe materials like plastic or laminated wood.

5. Strict Rules and Cultural Norms

While not always heavily enforced by punishment, there are strong social norms.

Official Policies: Eating, drinking, and smoking on the Metro are officially prohibited. While drinking coffee is often tolerated, full meals are frowned upon.

Social Pressure: The sheer beauty and cleanliness of the environment create a powerful social contract. People are less likely to litter in a spotless place because they would stand out dramatically. The collective pride encourages users to be tidy.

6. Modernization and Technology

The system continuously adopts new technologies.

Advanced Cleaning Equipment: They use industrial-grade scrubbers, polishers, and pressure washers designed for large, hard surfaces.

Waste Management: Efficiently placed bins are emptied constantly.

Ventilation: Powerful ventilation systems underground help reduce dust and keep the air fresh.

In Summary:

The Moscow Metro's cleanliness is a powerful combination of:

Cultural Status: Being a revered national symbol.

Human Resources: A large, dedicated, and continuous cleaning workforce.

Process & Efficiency: Proactive, around-the-clock cleaning routines and deep cleaning shifts.

Design: Built with durable, easy-to-maintain materials.

It’s a fascinating example of how public infrastructure can be maintained to an exceptional standard when it is treated as a public good and a point of civic pride.

AI_as_Investment

 Le Monde addressed the question in today's editorial: the US Federal Reserve

has a task, same as that of other Central Banks: reigning in inflation while not

making unemployment worse. And the US is just starting to feel the effects of 

this administration's tariff policies. Manwhile, investment funds are seeking AI stocks,

at this time still not generating revenues.Thus, the situation is  baddish and about to get 

worse. The expectation that a much lower  rate can spur economic growth, is magical 

thinking. Won't happen, shouldn't be tried...

Is that a correct analysis? This is the US, a very powerful economy. What will AI everywhere 

look like!? Central to the question, though, is how AI is developed. Below, a little overview

about AI use in the Moscow Transportation system. Interestingly, the AI seems to be in-house

to the Transport bureaucracy. Is that the American model as well? Where and how are the

AI projects organized and funded? In short, will AI adoption generate money for investors??

https://russkoepole.de/en/proekty/vse-proekty/otkrytaya-moskva/artificial-intelligence-transforms-moscows-transport-and-road-safety.html

At_it

 Not giving up on learning a spot of Russian...

Perplexity AI:

                                                                              

                                                                      

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Copilot:

Russian language; what is the difference between a voiced and voiceless consonnant?

Great question! In Russian phonetics, the difference between voiced and voiceless consonants comes down to whether your vocal cords vibrate when you pronounce the sound.

🔊 Voiced vs. Voiceless: The Basics

Voiced consonants: Your vocal cords do vibrate. Try saying “б” (like English "b")—you’ll feel a buzz in your throat.

Voiceless consonants: Your vocal cords do not vibrate. Try “п” (like English "p")—no buzz, just air.

🧠 Russian Consonant Pairs

Many Russian consonants come in voiced–voiceless pairs. Here are some common ones:

                                                                                      

🌀 Special Rules in Russian

Final devoicing: Voiced consonants at the end of a word often become voiceless. For example:

“город” (gorod – city) is pronounced more like “gorot”.

Assimilation: In consonant clusters, the last consonant can influence the voicing of the ones before it. So a voiced consonant might become voiceless if followed by a voiceless one, and vice versa.

Want to try a few examples together or hear how they sound? I can walk you through it!

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Perplexity AI:

So what does the name of each station refer to or mean??

Each of the new Moscow Metro station names refers to an important Russian figure, institution, region, or historical site, often commemorating either a scientific heritage or a geographic area:

Вавиловская (Vavilovskaya)

This station is named after the intersection of Leninsky Avenue and Lomonosovsky Avenue, and almost certainly honors the prominent Soviet geneticist and botanist Nikolai Vavilov. His name is commonly associated with research institutes and streets in Moscow, aligning with the tradition of naming sites after distinguished scientists.

Академическая (Akademicheskaya)

The name means "Academic" or "of the Academy." It refers to the proximity of the Russian Academy of Sciences and related institutions. The station is named after several nearby streets (Akademichesky Proyezd) that were formerly dedicated to the Academy. This reflects the area's identity as an academic and scientific hub.

Крымская (Krymskaya)

The name derives from "Крым" (Krym), which means "Crimea" in Russian. Krymskaya likely references Crimea or commemorates the Crimean heritage and the historical ties between the Moscow region and Crimea. It's common in Moscow to find streets, squares, and transit stations named after significant regions or historical events.

ЗИЛ (ZIL)

ЗИЛ is an acronym: "Завод имени Лихачёва" (Zavod imeni Likhachyova, "Likhachyov Factory"). This refers to the legendary ZIL automobile plant, which produced trucks, cars, and limousines for the USSR and Russia. The station occupies the territory of the former factory—a significant industrial landmark in Moscow's history.

Each station's name connects to either a major figure of science, an academic institution, a geographic or historical region, or a major industrial entity, highlighting Moscow's tradition of reflecting national heritage and achievements in its transit system.

Nikolai Vavilov - Wikipedia

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Perplexity AI: 

What does the suffix 'skaya' do?

The suffix -skaya in Russian is the feminine adjective ending and is often attached to place names to create adjectives meaning "of" or "pertaining to" that place. When used for metro stations like Вавиловская

 (Vavilovskaya), Академическая

 (Akademicheskaya), or Крымская

 (Krymskaya), it matches the feminine noun for "station" (станция

, stantsiya) and indicates an association with the root word (a person, institution, or place).

For example:

Вавиловская

 means "of Vavilov" (relating to Vavilov).

Крымская

 means "of Crimea" (as in "Crimean").

The equivalent masculine version is -sky or -skiy, and neuter is -skoye or -skoe, but Russian adjectives must agree with the gender of the noun they describe. "Station" is feminine, so metro station names generally use "-skaya".

But 'station' is not mentioned??

Russian metro station names often use the suffix -skaya not because the word for "station" (станция

, stantsiya) is included in the official name, but because the adjective must match the gender of “станция,” which is feminine. So, even though "station" is not stated in the name, the name’s adjective form anticipates it.

For example, "Вавиловская" is understood as "Вавиловская станция

" (Vavilovskaya station) and "Крымская" as "Крымская станция

" (Krymskaya station). This reflects Russian grammar rules, where the adjective agrees with the implied noun. Thus, the station name’s form is chosen for grammatical agreement, not because "station" actually appears in the official name.

And how would I pronounce станция?

The Russian word станция

 is pronounced approximately as STAN-tsi-ya in English phonetics.

The first syllable "ст" sounds like "st" in "stand."

The second syllable "ан" sounds like "an" in "ant."

The third syllable "ци" is pronounced like "tsi" with a soft "ts" sound.

The last syllable "я" sounds like "ya" in "yarn."

So, together it's STAN-tsi-ya, with a stress on the first syllable.