With the arrival of Peak Oil, the curtain has closed on Act 1 of the drama Petroleum Man. What will happen in Act 2? Chekhov said, "If there's a gun on the wall at the beginning of the play, by the end it must go off." In the world's nuclear arsenal are many guns on the wall. If life copies art, will there be an Act 3 in which the players, having learned their lesson the hard way, live sustainably? To explore these and other questions... FTW's Act 2 Blog. Read, comment, take heart! Orkin
Saturday, August 31, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
‘Worst nightmare’ venomous sea worms washing up on Texas shores, scientists say
US Taxpayers Funding Chinese patents
Top defence contractors set to rake in record cash after orders soar
Scientists in Chile question if Antarctica has hit a point of no return
Xenobots: Living, Programmable Robots That Reproduce?
In town at risk for deadly mosquito virus, parents challenge restrictions
The Inner Lives of the Nazis
A new history asks what can be gained from trying to understand the personalities of Hitler and his followers.
The Mosquito-Borne Virus Raising Alarms in the Northeast
Why One Dietitian is Speaking Up for “Ultra-Processed” Foods
China Shuts Down Speculation That It Has Reached Peak Emissions
Thursday, August 29, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
Who wins from nature’s genetic bounty? The billions at stake in a global ‘biopiracy’ battle
Russia feels unfamiliar pain as Ukraine hobbles its air defenses, forcing tough choices
US Man Dies From Rare Disease Following Mosquito Bite
First US Cases of 'Sloth Fever' From Oropouche Virus Reported
J.D. Vance Praises Kyle Rittenhouse’s ‘Manly Virtue’: He ‘Made Good Decisions’ Instead of Staying Home Playing Video Games - archive
‘Sloth fever’ virus is spreading. Here is what you need to know about Oropuche.
How a law that shields big tech is now being used against it. | The New York Times
Real-estate shopping for the apocalypse
African debt crisis may have severe implications for world economy
US police use force on 300,000 people a year, with numbers rising since George Floyd: ‘relentless violence’
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
‘Barely surviving’: Some flight attendants are facing homelessness and hunger
Deadly mosquito virus has Mass. towns urging people to stay in at night
More than 200 former Bush, McCain and Romney staffers endorse Harris
City-by-city forecasts for the record heat closing out August in the East
What Does It Really Mean to Learn?
West Nile hit Dr. Fauci like a 'truck.' Here's what to know about the virus.
Why Trump’s Campaign Embraced RFK Jr. After Calling Him ‘Leftie Loonie’'
Barron Trump College in NYS
John Hinckley Jr. Tells All About the Jodie Foster Obsession That Made Him Shoot Reagan
Plutonium levels near US atomic site in Los Alamos similar to Chornobyl, study finds
Monday, August 26, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
Fauci hospitalized with West Nile virus, now recovering at home
The FDA just approved the latest COVID vaccines. It's just in time to meet the current high case rate.
Part of the Atlantic is cooling at record speed and nobody knows why
Autopsies of 6 Bodies Recovered From Gaza Reveal Bullets, Advocacy Group for Hostage Families Says
Humans to push further into wildlife habitats across more than 50% of land by 2070 – study
NASA will bring stranded astronauts back on SpaceX — not Boeing's Starliner
Scientists may have found a radical solution for making your hamburger less bad for the planet
DeSantis in middle of Florida feud pitting marijuana against hemp
Where have all the insects gone?
NYT: Trump Can Win on Character
Saturday, August 24, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
High School Starts Replacing Teachers With AI
Top US oilfield firm Halliburton hit by cyberattack, source says
Microplastics are infiltrating brain tissue, studies show: ‘There’s nowhere left untouched’
Elon Musk Chops Down 500,000 Trees for New Tesla Factory
New coronavirus vaccines are now approved. Here’s what to know.
Former OpenAI researchers warn of 'catastrophic harm' after the company opposes AI safety bill
In Kyiv, Indian PM urges Zelenskiy to sit down for talks with Russia
Boeing whistleblower points to past electrical wiring defects in 737
The Taliban publish vice laws that ban women’s voices and bare faces in public
I was on the phone with RFK Jr.
When he lost his mind
Thursday, August 22, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
Day after Putin’s visit, Azerbaijan applies to join Russia and China in the BRICS alliance
Scientists achieve major breakthrough in the quest for limitless energy: 'It's setting a world record'
Russia appears to be using wired, unjammable fiber-optic drones that could fix a big problem its operators have faced in this war
RFK Jr. plans to end presidential campaign, will endorse Trump over Harris
An elite rock climber lost his vision, then found a way to climb blind
In July, the Biden administration released the first U.S. plan for reducing plastics, and 175 nations are negotiating a binding international treaty on plastic pollution.
Hillary Clinton never campaigned in swing state Wisconsin in 2016. Kamala Harris isn't making that mistake.
South Africa says five countries confirm they are joining Brics
Record-Breaking Antimatter Discovery Could Help Us Find Dark Matter
How Ezra Klein Helped Set the Stage for Kamala Harris’s Nomination
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
Hamas claims Tel Aviv bomb explosion as suicide attack
Judicial Watch: FBI Refuses to Release Trump Assassination Records
Something is up with dark energy. The mysterious and constant force that is accelerating the universe's expansion may not be constant after all.
At least a quarter of people who have severe brain injuries and cannot respond physically to commands are actually conscious.
California's Water Supplies Risk Falling Dramatically
Scientist describes levels of plutonium near Los Alamos ‘alarmingly high’
Atlantic NiƱa on the verge of developing. Here's why we should pay attention.
Low on cash, Robert Kennedy campaign may ‘join forces’ with Trump
RFK Jr.'s campaign debates whether to drop out to boost Donald Trump's chances
China: Spike in Covid Cases
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
Fully electric 90-passenger plane could fly 500 miles
How Trump Would Use Soldiers Against Rioters
Austrian Floods
Infiltrating the Far Right
Far-right influencers turn against Trump campaign
A satellite launched on Friday from California will track methane super-emitters. |
Juvenile Crimes - Chapter 38
Long Goodbyes
WESLEY T. MILLER
Food banks prevented an estimated 1.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions last year, according to a new report.
Russian commander promised troops heaven if they died in Kursk
Here's how Ukraine's audacious offensive in Kursk could backfire
Saturday, August 17, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
Liquid system stores solar energy for years and releases it on demand
Trump Taxes on Consumer Goods
Saudi Arabia is on a high-stakes mission to buy the world
Meet Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy's 31-year-old grandson who's carrying on his family's political dynasty
Congress allocates funds to Cabinet Offices and Agencies to do the work that those parts of the Executive Branch are tasked with. But President Biden issued an executive order— an order allegedly drafted by a progressive activist group—tasking the whole of government to use those funds in ways that Congress never contemplated—at the risk of violating federal and State laws.
Hackers leak 2.7 billion data records with Social Security numbers
Media reaction to Trump campaign email leak starkly different from 2016, when Clinton was hacked
After 3.5 million-year hiatus, the largest comet ever discovered is headed our way
See why AI detection tools can fail to catch election deepfakes
Harris has opened up a second path to victory, according to The Post’s polling model
Friday, August 16, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
North Darfur’s remaining hospital risks closure as Sudan’s civil war intensifies
Regulations enacted in 2020 to curb sulfur emissions from cargo ships inadvertently contributed to global warming--without sulfur emissions, fewer clouds were able to form to shade the planet.
Breakthrough brain-computer interface allows man with ALS to speak again
The Man With The Mushroom Kayak
The Strange Story Behind Your Breakfast Cereal
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes were originally created by a doctor who believed bland food would reduce people’s urge to masturbate.
Jamie Dimon says 'Buffett Rule' tax plan for rich could solve US debt issues
Cambridge to fully fund Palestinian scholars, students in deal to end occupation
Nixon ended gold standard 53 years ago today — WTF happened in 1971?
The Story That “Hillbilly Elegy” Doesn’t Tell
Nancy Pelosi's Memoir
Thursday, August 15, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
Column: The full truth of 9/11 is still emerging
NASA's SpaceX Rescue Plan May See Boeing Astronauts Stranded 8 Months
See why AI detection tools can fail to catch election deepfakes
Japan's prime minister is resigning, under pressure from scandal
Nearly all Chinese banks are refusing to process payments from Russia, report says
The Government Spends Millions to Open Grocery Stores in Food Deserts. The Real Test Is Their Survival.
This Company Promised to Improve Health Care in Jails. Dozens of Its Patients Have Died.
The Veterinarians Preventing the Next Pandemic
The Veterinarians Preventing the Next Pandemic
NYC hush money judge refuses to step down, slams Trump effort amid new reports of death threats
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
Why Trump flew to campaign events on Jeffrey Epstein’s plane last weekend
More than a dozen books are removed from schools statewide in Utah
Japan issues first 'megaquake' warning after 7.1-magnitude temblor
News outlets were leaked insider material from the Trump campaign. They chose not to print it
Earth’s biggest iceberg is caught in a spin cycle
This oil tycoon brings in millions for Trump, and may set his agenda
Asexual reproduction usually leads to a lack of genetic diversity. Not for these ants.
Simandou: China’s Pilbara Killer Comes of Age
Dozens of pregnant women, some bleeding or in labor, are turned away from ERs despite federal law
Record-setting heat waves are baking the Arctic region
From Jenna Orkin
City Hall admits to withholding 9/11 air quality documents
Gail Sheehy on 9/11 - via Jon Gold
Dozens of pregnant women, some bleeding or in labor, being turned away from ERs despite federal law
Trump campaign says it is victim of foreign hack after leak of Vance report
Hezbollah is undeterred as Lebanon braces for war with Israel
U.S. deploys submarine to Middle East; Israel anticipates direct attack from Iran
Reservoir of liquid water found deep in Martian rocks
science has determined that, if you’re going to tell a talking-animal joke, make it a duck.
Western sanctions are so tight that Russia and China could soon use an ancient trading system. It's worked before.
China says it has an uncrewed cargo plane that can carry 4,400 pounds that just made its 20-minute maiden flight
As a result of the attack the cooling tower of the Zaporizhzhya NPP was seriously damaged.
Sunday, August 11, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
Walz allows for Harris to “turn a corner” in her policy on the war in Gaza, said James Zogby, president of Arab American Institute.
Japan issues first 'megaquake' warning after 7.1-magnitude temblor
Butler PA officers at Trump rally after the shooting, discussing that they had warned USSS about vulnerabilities far in advance.
“I f**ing told them to post guys over here. I told the Secret Service Tuesday!”
Chinese megaconstellation launch creates field of space debris
Peel those apples: washing produce doesn’t remove pesticides, study finds
Another report found pesticide levels posing ‘significant risks’ in 20% of tested fruits and vegetables
These record-breaking twins were born from 30-year-old frozen embryos. Their mom is only 3 years older than that.
Bloomberg gives $600 million to four Black medical schools’ endowments
Kamala Harris leads Trump in the critical swing states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, new poll says
Trump campaign says it is victim of foreign hack after leak of Vance report
Making the World Safer for Nuclear War
Friday, August 09, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
South Korea recycles 98% of its food waste. What can it teach the world?
I am considering convening an International Health Regulations Emergency Committee to advise me on whether the outbreak of mpox should be declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
Hazardous Melting Ice Could Sink Arctic Shipping
Death toll for birds hitting buildings may be over 1 billion a year in US – report
Fish oil may rewrite genetic destiny for people prone to high cholesterol
Citi employees are not required to get pre-approval to donate to former President Donald Trump's campaign unless they are designated as a "Municipal Finance Professional" or "Covered Associate" or are part of a "public-sector facing business."
Kids drink contaminated water at schools, but testing for lead isn’t required
Pakistani charged in scheme to assassinate Trump with close Iran ties
Study finds increased cancer rates in Millennials and Gen X
Turn in Illegal Knives for a Free Year of Netflix, German Police Suggest
Thursday, August 08, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
J.D. Vance Awkwardly Retreats After Bizarre Attempt to Storm Harris’ Empty Plane
What Does Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Actually Want?
A Summer of Hope and Despair in Tbilisi
Georgians are bracing for a crucial election this October. Will the opposition stave off the country’s turn to Russian-style authoritarianism?
Tim Walz’s Relationship With China, Explained
All-night streetlights make leaves inedible to insects, study finds
What Tim Walz Brings to Kamala Harris’s Campaign to Beat Donald Trump
The Minnesota governor with a progressive agenda becomes the Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee after capturing the Zeitgeist with a single word.
Scientists have identified more than 30 different pathogens (including dengue, mpox and influenza A virus) that they fear could cause the next big pandemic in humans.
Sharks protect sea grasses, move nutrients around the ocean and maintain the health of the oceans. Their protection has never been more crucial.
Climate change was expected to open Arctic sea lanes for easier shipping. But because local ice is melting, global warming enables thicker ice to flow into shipping lanes, making the North American Arctic routes more hazardous.
Iran could rethink Israel attack amid strong diplomatic pressure from US – report
Tuesday, August 06, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
NABJ president: Trump interview delayed over fact-checking dispute, not audio issues
The Thousand Sails Constellation is planned to bring 15,000 satellites into orbit, and is one of three major networks planned by Chinese companies.
Dihydrothiazolo ring-fused 2-pyridone antimicrobial compounds treat Streptococcus pyogenes skin and soft tissue infection
Cancer-Causing Chemicals Still Lurk Under NYCHA’s Jacob Riis Houses, 19 Years After Detection
Neonic Seeds Are Pushing Many Species Toward Extinction
Report reveals secret US inquiry into alleged 2016 Egyptian $10m gift to Trump
EPA takes emergency action to stop use of dangerous pesticide
6 ways the Google antitrust ruling could change the internet
Bangladesh dissolves Parliament; protesters call for Nobel laureate to lead
‘Astonishing’ Antarctica heat wave sends temperatures 50 degrees above normal
Monday, August 05, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
How Unelected Regulators Unleashed the Derivatives Monster – and How It Might Be Tamed
Taiwan is readying citizens for a Chinese invasion. It’s not going well.
Antarctic temperatures rise 10C above average in near record heatwave
Reported temperatures on continent in midwinter reach 28C above expectations on some days in July
Trump’s presidential bid has the support of only half of his Cabinet
Two Paths for Jewish Politics
Notes from Underground
The life of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza.
Juvenile Crimes - Chapter 37
Destiny: Chance, Choice, or Both? - Wesley T. Miller
China's naval commandos rode electric skateboards into a combat exercise with drones disguised as birds, then left in a pickup truck
Hezbollah resumes steady rocket, artillery fire against Israel
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns and flees country
Saturday, August 03, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
Video from Trump assassination attempt victim's POV shows figure moving on roof moments before gunfire
Ants perform teeny tiny operations to save their injured comrades
Forest City in China - Planned
Nuclear Energy Stocks Soar as Prices Jump Ninefold on Largest US Power Grid
U.S. swimmer Katherine Douglass just won gold in breaststroke at the Paris Olympics. Read this article she co-wrote on how swimmers are using "digital twins" to improve their technique. It seems to work!
Bird flu cases in dairy workers are being undercounted, according to a new study in Texas.
The coming Lawyer Wars over the certification of this election
Plants and their pollinators are increasingly out of sync
A critical system of Atlantic Ocean currents could collapse as early as the 2030s, new research suggests
Deadly wildfires spread across Europe as tourists warned and towns evacuated
Fires have broken out in Spain, Greece, Croatia, North Macedonia and Albania
Friday, August 02, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
Ransomware attack hits Florida blood donation center that services more than 350 hospitals
Putin just voted early LUCIAN K. TRUSCOTT IV
Accused 9/11 plotters reach plea deals with U.S. to avoid death penalty
The life of two Boeing Starliner astronauts stuck indefinitely in space
The Strange Saga of The Gods Must Be Crazy
When a Pro-Free-Speech Dean Shuts Down a Student Protest
Ukraine Receives First F-16 Fighter Jets After Long Wait
Kamala Harris is the worst nightmare of America’s far right
Robert Reich
Hamas honcho Ismail Haniyeh was blown up by bomb smuggled into his Tehran guesthouse months ago
It was clear that he’d just figured out that he would be the sacrificial lamb. The bad apple. It would all be on him. The generals and colonels and captains who planned the slaughter—to get a high body count in the war and make the generals in Saigon and Washington happy—were going to ride into the sunset. - Seymour Hersh
Thursday, August 01, 2024
From Jenna Orkin
Ukraine just showed its low-cost, lightweight drones can destroy a Russian helicopter, Russian sources say
Harris slices Trump’s national lead in half: New polling average
Kamala Harris Should Not Pick Mark Kelly for Veep
His labor record is terrible, and Democrats can’t spare him in the Senate anyway.
Freedom Day, 1963: A Lost Interview with James Baldwin
How Christian Fundamentalism Was Born Again
Nearly a century ago, a single trial seemed to shatter the movement’s place in America. It’s returned in a new form—but for old reasons.
Common Drug May Extend Women's Fertility by Years, Early Results Show
Rx for who to trust online
A new study shows that women's medical advice is far more accurate than men's.
Live updates: Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Tehran as Iran vows revenge against Israel
Military Police Detain Israeli Soldiers Suspected of Abusing Palestinian Detainee
Gigantic, 13-foot crocodile found with its head torn off on Australian beach
Cryptopolitan:
The BRICS [are] doubling down on [their] plan to use national currencies for global trade, sidelining the US dollar.
Over the past five years, BRICS [have] expanded [their] reach and influence. The group now has 11 members, with recent additions Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. This expansion has strengthened the bloc’s economic power.
The IMF predicts that by 2028, BRICS countries will account for nearly 38% of the world’s GDP, overtaking the G7.