Musing on how America wound up where it is.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
J & J Agrees to Pay New York $230 Million to Settle Opioids Lawsuit; Global Settlement Soon?
New York State and J & J Agree on an opioids settlement, which should increase pressure for a global, multi-state settlement with the opioids industry.
Yellowstone is Losing its Snow as the Climate Warms, and That Means Widespread Problems for Water and Wildlife
A new assessment of climate change in Yellowstone and Grand Teton and surrounding forests and ranchland warns of the potential for significant changes as the region continues to heat up.
Blackout Risk And Electricity Prices Are Spiking In California
California energy tsuris are set to get worse.
Musical Interlude (“On the Path of Decent Groove”): Country
A country music sampler for a weekend break from your routine.
Hamid Dabashi: U.S. Sanctions Strengthen Iranian Theocracy
Aggressive and hypocritical sanctions by the U.S. bolster the Iranian theocracy whose only mission is defense of their own power and state.
2:00PM Water Cooler 6/25/2021
~ Today’s Water Cooler ~
The Climate Emergency Calls for a New Approach to Mental Health
Disasters and disruptions brought on by climate change could produce collective mental health traumas at scales never before seen.
In Praise of the Hospital for Special Surgery
As strange as it may sound, I had a good time at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
Australian Funds Take Aim at Private Equity by Moving to Do Deals in House
More challenges to private equity firms, now from super sized Australian “super” funds who are bringing PE in house.
James Galbraith: China and Supply Chains – The White House Review’s Focus on US Dependence
Despite brave talk about restoring manufacturing in America, extended supply chains and the position of China are insurmountable impediments.
2:00PM Water Cooler 6/24/2021
~ Today’s Water Cooler ~
