For centuries, the weather has fascinated and frustrated humans in equal measure. From catastrophic floods to severe droughts, mankind has always dreamed of manipulating the elements to prevent natural disasters or gain strategic advantages. While ancient civilizations performed rain dances and other rituals in hopes of influencing the weather, it wasn’t until the 20th century that science began to take a serious role in weather modification.

In the 1940s, scientists began experimenting with various methods to control the weather, especially during times of war and conflict. The Cold War and post-war periods saw rapid advancements in technology, many of which led to breakthroughs in atmospheric manipulation. These efforts to control the skies were not just about taming nature but also served strategic, military, and even political objectives.

If you're intrigued by this fascinating subject, my documentary, Weather and Warfare: Millennia to Modern Time, currently streaming on Tubi, offers a deep dive into the history of weather modification and its connection to warfare. Here, we explore how science has been used to control the weather since the 1940s, with a focus on military projects, ethical debates, and the future of weather manipulation. Read the rest of the article.

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I wanted to let everyone know I launched a new website for my company, RSC Media Group, LLC last week. The company began in 2017 and focuses on my short-form video work for businesses and social media. 

I've done quite a bit of work directly for businesses besides my work in television and documentaries. It appears there is a need in the market for well-produced video for business and branding.

I sunsetted the Point of the Spear podcast because I felt I'd achieved what I set out to do. I had only planned to produce it for six months and it turned into three years! All the episodes are still available, however, and there were some truly outstanding author interviews that I enjoyed immensely. So you can still continue to check the podcast out.

But I invite you to visit my company site. I am adding content to it as far as Case Studies, all the time, which I attempt to make informative and valuable. This blog will still continue. It seems to have it's own inertia since I started it back in 2007, when blogs were all the rage. I began it at the request of my film distributor, Inecom, which no longer exists. I invite you to follow me on LinkedIn that is my most active platform.

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"Animation has the most return on investment in conveying a message."

 

Client: A mid-sized company, Video Law Productions, LLC, based in Boca Raton, FL seeking to stand out in a competitive market and increase brand visibility and engagement on social media.

Challenge:

The e-commerce landscape is crowded, with numerous brands vying for the attention of the same audience. This particular company faced difficulties in differentiating themselves from competitors and explaining the value of their service. Their traditional advertising methods—such as static ads and straightforward product posts—weren’t cutting through the noise, and their social media engagement was stagnant. Although their services were high-quality and priced competitively, they struggled to build a memorable brand that connected emotionally with their audience. The company needed a fresh, creative approach to resonate with potential customers and drive engagement. Learn how we solved the problem here.

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AI tools have transformed corporate video production, making it faster, more cost-effective, and customizable. Two cutting-edge tools leading this revolution are Eleven Labs AI and KLING AI, which we just used on a project here at RSC Media Group.

A fundraising trailer for a WWII veteran's story is not unusual on the surface until you peek under the hood. The veteran is long deceased but we cloned his voice in AI (even his family was stunned) and...Read the rest on my company site.

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It started out as a picture perfect, cloudless and warm Tuesday in New York City twenty three years ago today before the events of that day would change the world forever.

9/11 Twenty Three Years Later

I almost did not write this post as I had second thoughts but I felt I wanted to share my memories of a day I will never forget. On 9/11/2001 I was right in the thick of it in a production studio in Manhattan. It was a beautiful cloudless Tuesday which on occasion I can recall as vividly as if it were yesterday.

As I mentioned I was at a TV studio preparing to do The People's Court television show before all hell broke loose. In the control room we watched the mayhem unfold. In fact, I vividly recall watching Channel 4 News in a live report from the World Trade Center area when, during the actual live report, the second plane hit the second tower. The shocked reporter just took off running and so did the cameraman.

Cell phones did not work. Neither did landlines for that matter. The only way I got word to my wife about my situation was sending an email via AOL. Does anyone have AOL anymore? I had no idea if the email would even reach her. Read the rest of the article HERE.

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As we progress further into the 21st century, we find ourselves increasingly distanced from the tumultuous events of the 20th century that shaped the modern world. Among the most significant of these events is World War II, a global conflict that saw unparalleled levels of destruction and heroism. Central to this history are the veterans who served during this time, often referred to as the "Greatest Generation." As time marches on, the number of living World War II veterans dwindles, and with it, a direct connection to an era of immense sacrifice and bravery.

The Current State of World War II Veterans

As of 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that approximately 100,000 American World War II veterans are still alive. This number is rapidly decreasing due to the advancing age of these individuals. Most of these veterans are now in their late 90s or older, with the oldest among them having celebrated their 100th birthdays.

The rate at which these veterans are passing away is staggering. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, around 234 World War II veterans die each day. This figure underscores the urgency of honoring and preserving their stories before they are lost to time.

 Projecting the Future

Predicting the exact year when the last World War II veteran will pass away is challenging due to numerous variables, including advancements in healthcare and the varying health conditions of the veterans themselves. However, statistical projections can provide a rough estimate.

Given the current age and the daily mortality rate of these veterans, it is likely that the last American World War II veteran will pass away sometime between 2030 and 2040. This estimate aligns with the average life expectancy trends and the current demographic data of the surviving veterans.

Preserving Their Legacy

The approaching loss of the last World War II veteran serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving their stories and experiences. Efforts have been made over the years to document these firsthand accounts through various mediums, including books, documentaries, and oral history projects.

Organizations such as the Veterans History Project, initiated by the Library of Congress, play a crucial role in collecting and preserving the personal accounts of veterans from all wars, including World War II. These stories not only provide invaluable historical insights but also offer lessons in courage, resilience, and the human spirit.

 Honoring Their Service

As the number of living World War II veterans continues to decline, it becomes increasingly important to honor and recognize their contributions. This can be achieved through community events, memorials, and educational programs aimed at ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by these individuals.

Local and national initiatives to celebrate significant anniversaries of World War II events, such as D-Day and V-E Day, also serve to keep the memory of these veterans alive. Schools and community groups can engage with the remaining veterans to hear their stories firsthand, fostering a deeper connection to history.

Conclusion

The inevitability of time means that one day, the last American World War II veteran will pass away. This moment will mark the end of an era, but it also presents an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact these individuals had on the world. As we prepare for this eventuality, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the legacy of the Greatest Generation endures, honoring their memory and preserving their stories for all future generations.

We've launched new audio series based on Joshua Chamberlain's memoirs of the final campaign of the Union army in the American Civil War - the Petersburg Campaign. The Passing of the Armies: an account of the final campaign of the Army of the Potomac, based upon personal reminiscences of the Fifth army corps.

Robert Child chats with NY Times bestselling author Martin Dugard about his latest book, Taking London.

Great Britain, summer 1940. The Battle of France is over. The Battle of Britain is about to begin. Adolf Hitler’s powerful armies control Europe. England stands alone against this juggernaut, the whole world knowing it is only a matter of time before Nazi Germany unleashes its military might on the island nation. In London, a new prime minister named Winston Churchill is determined to defeat the Nazi menace, no matter the costs.