It is said that one should visit Alaska as one’s last trip, since nothing else can match its beauty. In large measure, that’s no longer true.
Last July 4th, when it was hotter in Anchorage, Alaska than it was in Key West, Florida, locals were bathing in a formerly icy cold lake, now quite comfortable. One by one, they were realizing that a climate tipping point had been reached. (more…)
My wife and I are with some friends in the Balkans just now, which, of course, positions me well to look for blog post material in this wondrous place, one I’d never visited. (more…)
Cave paintings were discovered in Lascaux, France, on this date in 1940.
British art historian Wendy Beckett, better known as PBS television’s Sister Wendy, had this to say about the art in the caves, which I paraphrase: (more…)
Hey, Americans. If you’re interested to know the average IQ in your state, check this out.
Personally, I’m extremely suspicious of this. (more…)
If anyone is in a position to comment on the strength of the U.S. coal industry, it would be Cecil Roberts, President of the United Mine Workers of America (pictured). That’s what makes the contrast in the following set of comments so stark: (more…)
As shown in the video linked here, advancements in high-efficiency LEDs have made it possible to bring lighting to places with no electrical power grid. The benefits are both clear and numerous, including eliminating the danger of fire, as well as the lung damage from exhaust smoke of kerosene lamps. (more…)
It’s natural to wonder about the effectiveness of social movements like protest marches and boycotts. Do they change anything?
As suggested in the graphic below, the answer appears to be a big fat yes in the case of the stationary bike exercise company SoulCycle, whose liberal user base was supremely cheesed off that one of SoulCycle’s major investors was hosting a reelection fundraiser for President Trump. (more…)
My perception (though I could be wrong, has happened) is that Americans are starting to understand what Carter said here, and they’re not going to let it continue.
Obviously, as long as there is big money in politics, corruption is never going to be eliminated. Having said that, the president of the United States sets the tone. If we can get someone who’s essentially honest, it’s possible that our country can be restored to some sort of decency and again enjoy the world’s respect and admiration.
Yes, we have homeless, starving military veterans, dying by suicide at the rate of 22 per day. But we have engineered a society in which corporations like Amazon, Delta Airlines, GM, IBM, and Deere paid zero taxes last year. That’s good, isn’t it?
If you’re offended by vulgar language, you may want to skip this hilarious but deadly accurate video on the state of the planet vis-a-vis climate change. One thing I like about this is that, in addition to its considerable comedic value, it presents a note of optimism layered on top of its core cynicism. Great stuff.
