It’s a Wonderful Life – 2060
The chapter introduces Juniper Blakely, a 34-year-old man living in the year 2060, and details his structured yet technologically advanced daily life. Juniper uses an implanted pacemaker-like clock to regulate his sleep and follows a routine that includes automated meals, AI-assisted work, and leisure activities like gardening and model train building. He works remotely for Enstro Technologies, fact-checking global news reports and ensuring the accuracy of communication in a world heavily influenced by AI. His wife, Leonder, also works from home, creating pottery that decorates their distinctive home. The chapter explores themes of nostalgia, the challenges of modern technology, and the human need for escape, as Juniper reflects on the complexities of his work and the world’s precarious state. Despite the advancements, he finds solace in his hobbies and fleeting moments of prayer, yearning for a simpler, better life.
It’s a Wonderful Life – 2060
Chapter Twenty-Two - Success
The chapter focuses on the unveiling of a new exhibit at The Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana, Pennsylvania, drawing large crowds and national attention. By 2:00 PM, Philadelphia Street is bustling with visitors eager to see the innovative model railroading display featuring robotic figures and segments inspired by It’s a Wonderful Life. Museum staff and volunteers prepare for the influx, while documentary filmmakers and news crews capture the event. Juniper, the exhibit's creator, is interviewed by Poppy Hager for 60 Minutes, discussing his passion for model railroading, the challenges of the project, and its potential impact on the community. Despite the excitement, Juniper reflects on personal uncertainties and the need for future improvements, including a larger venue and the completion of the full exhibition. The chapter highlights the collaborative effort behind the exhibit and its significance for the museum and Indiana County.