A tax on private planes and superyachtd could bring much needed revenue in, making billionaires pay for some of the harm they’re doing. Judging by the quote at the end of the article, I don’t think this government has the sense or courage to do it, though.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/18/superyacht-private-jet-oxfam-climate-finance
The drone war in Ukraine keeps evolving. Ukraine now has small drones to deliver thermite attacks, which sounds terrifying.
Bis were one of those bands I liked but, somehow, I never bought any of their albums. Good to see they’re celebrating 30 years.
In an unsurprising development, it appears that several rightwing commentators in the US have been getting funding from Russia, with encouragement to push pro-Putin talking points. They’re claiming they never knew where the money was coming from, and from what I know about them, I’m willing to believe that they really are that stupid.
A quick look at the history and flaws of the horseshoe theory of extreme politics.
It certainly sounds it. The creation process generates more heat than it uses- meaning manufacture could be self sustaining, or used as energy generation. Once made, it acts as a form of carbon capture, putting it back into the ground. And once in the ground, it can aid water retention, improve soil structure, and aid access to nutrients.
There are some potential issues, mainly around the possibility of contamination depending upon the feed stock, but this sounds like a technology we should all be thinking about.
New in the Spinneyworld shop- and the to-build pile- is this Kaido style Skyline from Aoshima. You can get the super detail bundle mentioned at the end of the bundle here.
I wrote Pickers about breaking into a seed and equipment repository in the Alps. Maybe there needs to be a sequel about one on the moon.
https://www.wired.com/story/scientists-want-to-build-a-doomsday-vault-on-the-moon/
The use of biofuels in aviation is just beginning, and it has a long way to go to cut even the current levels of pollution, let alone that from projected rises in air travel. But it’s a start. Couple it with sensible replacements for short haul flights, and it may be worthwhile.
I just like the phrase, ‘Beaver Bombing’, and the idea of an anarchic rewilding of the country.
An erotic romance has been criticised for having a misleading, cartoony cover, making it appear appropriate for younger readers. A book cover designer breaks down a few of the considerations and choices that go into the the art.
An expert on extremism gives their opinion on the nature of the groups and individuals involved in the recent riots.
Just like Stalin before him, Putin is trying to eradicate evidence of Ukraine’s culture, history, and identity. An art exhibition in London is a reminder of the Soviet efforts, and chance to reflect on current ones.
Evacuated artworks exhibit details attempts to wipe out Ukrainian culture – and shows what survives
Heat pumps are an incredible technology, and a key part of cutting the carbon impact of heating and cooling homes. But no technology is perfect. Air heat pumps can be less efficient in high winds and when it is cold and humid. Luckily, manufacturers have spotted these issues, and are improving the technology as they go.
https://www.wired.com/story/how-heat-pumps-are-affected-by-climate-change/
Carefully managed, solar farms can produce more than just renewable energy. They’ve been found to boost wildflower growth and pollinators. Done properly, the land they’re on can still be used for some forms of farming.
https://theconversation.com/new-solar-farms-can-benefit-nature-heres-how-235991
Which it may be doing, this article suggests, but not before making online discourse exceptionally toxic.
Gamergate’s Legacy Lives on in Attacks Against Kamala Harris
https://www.wired.com/story/gamergates-legacy-lives-on-in-attacks-against-kamala-harris/
This BBC article dances around the truth of Elon Musk’s support for Trump- they’re both vile people, only interested in stroking their own egos and inflating their bank balances. Neither of them has a political ideology beyond saying what they think will get them the clicks or votes.
Acts of violence are labelled differently depending upon the perpetrators. But it’s not ‘two-tier’ the way the racist politicians want us to believe. Extremist acts by white right wingers are not treated with the same seriousness as they would be by other (most specifically Islamist) groups. Downplaying the threats posed by racists has led us to the state we’re in, and is one of the root causes of the past week’s riots.
The Conversation has a selection of articles looking into the roots of this week’s violence. This article links to them, and gives an overview of each. I’ll be reading them all later.
The concept of Middle Aged Radicalisation bemuses me. Much as I try to pretend I’m younger, my knees remind me every day that I’m definitely in my 50s. However, the Internet has existed for over 20 years, and I’ve been on it since soon after it became a thing. I may not be a scholar of memes, but I’ve seen enough to have some savvy over what people are trying to feed me. It’s a shock to find that others my age know so little about it.
I think it’s the latter, but the other two are valid. Jenrick is one of those politicians who will say what they think will help their career. His comments about arresting people for saying Allahu Akbar were definitely stupid and racist, but also an obvious pitch to the worst members of the Tory party.
So yes, he is stupid, because he’s chosen racism as his way to get noticed, without a are for the damage it does. People have died because of the sort of language he chooses to use.
May he get the Tory leadership, and be dragged back to obscurity by it, along with all the scum he courts, and the Reform arseholes they’re emulating.