Sunday, February 2, 2025
Will It Matter Who Wins Germany’s Upcoming Election or Will Country’s Fate Largely Be Decided in Washington?
If Germany stays under the thumb of Washington and living standards continue to decline under a new government, what happens then?
California Blesses Political Donors’ Strategy to ‘Multiply Their Influence’
Venture capitalists and tech execs strengthen control over Democrat-controlled California while they do the same at the national level under Trump’s GOP.
Migrant Vendors Park Carts as Their American Dreams Slip Away
Enforcement was already rising. Under Trump, street vendors have gone into hiding to avoid criminal tickets that could make them ICE targets.
Book Bans
A look at a historical example of a concerted book ban to assess its effectiveness and long-term impact.
2:00PM Water Cooler 1/31/2025
~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, Syndemics; Elon demands access to the Federal Government’s check-writing machine; DOGE’s IT; The DNC meets to pick a new chair ~
Kelp Farming Isn’t As Green As It Seems
Why kelp, hyped as a carbon sink, does not live up to its promise.
Remember Ukraine’s “Diia” Digital Governance System? Russian Hackers Brought It Down in December, and It Is Still Partly Down
The Zelensky government’s “state in a smartphone” model of digital identity and governance, once a source of pride and inspiration for other countries, has become a source of derision.
Should the Government Be Allowed to Hold Bitcoin?
A terse debunking of the idea that governments holding Bitcoin or other private currencies is good for anyone other than their touts.
The Economic Benefit of Conflict: A Thriving Armaments Sector
Quelle surprise! Data supports the notion that defense contractors do well in times of conflict.
2:00PM Water Cooler 1/30/2025
~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; The Rescinded OMB “freeze” memo: after-action reports and interpretations; Beware the so-called “buyout” scheme; Tulsi Gabbard nomination for DNI ~
How Climate Change and Widespread Unaffordable Home Insurance Will Wreck Property Values
The death spiral of home insurance in climate afflicted areas has begun. The will and means to tackle underlying issues are sorely wanting
