Category Archives: Guest Post

The DNC Fiddles While the World Burns

The party convention demonstrates how dangerously disconnected the DNC is about our disastrous strategies in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Who Invented Syntax?

So how did language, and specifically syntax, develop?

2:00PM Water Cooler 8/21/2024

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, pandemics; Democrat National Convention vignettes ; Sabato moves North Carolina to toss-up from Republican; new Boeing 777X and 787debacles; Covid, anosmia, and loss of executive function ~

Kamala’s National Security Adviser Points to Continuation of Biden’s Russia Policy

The favorite to succeed Jake Sullivan is a diehard Russophobe who is critical of Germany for not launching Taurus missiles at Russia.

Can Plastic Waste Be Transformed Into Food for Humans?

Using bacteria to take a bite out of plastic pollution is not new. But can the same microbes be used as a food source?

2:00PM Water Cooler 8/20/2024

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, Syndemics; Democrat National Convention vignettes; Highest Covid wave in two years; Stupid money and blood money ~

What Should You Do to Prepare for the Climate Change Storm?

Do you stand your ground or seek out a climate haven? Some resources to help you decide.

In His Last 40 Days in Office, Mexico’s President Lopéz Obrador Pushes Ahead With Plans to Ban Open Pit Mining

For over three decades, Mexico has been a veritable paradise for global mining conglomerates, serving up some of the laxest regulations in Latin America. That is now changing.

Robots and Wage Polarisation

Quelle surprise! Introducing robots into workplaces slows wage growth, particularly among factory labor.

The Status of Europe’s Autonomous Movements

The EU leads in managing autonomous and separatist movements in its states, but non-EU countries can be more vulnerable to outside interference.

Mpox (“Monkeypox”) Round-Up: History, Wastewater, R0, and Is It Airborne? (Yes)

Great news on wastewater, less great news on R0 and airborne transmission.

2:00PM Water Cooler 8/19/2024

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, pandemics: Updated Covid data: First sighting of XDV.1 variant from China; a campaign scenario and the Democrat National Convention; Israel accepts US ceasefire deal, but not Hamas. Nice timing! ~

Tyson Foods Is Being Investigated by the USDA

Investigation follows Tyson Foods’ recent closure of nine meatpacking plants across the country, allegations not only violated an agreement to sell the plants to a competitor but conspired to suppress that competition.