The press is saying a lot, and perhaps too much, about Israel’s division and dithering over Gaza. What might really be afoot?
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Two Cheers for Biomedical Science!
An in-depth look at two important advances in biomedical science, each treating a dangerous genetic disease.
Action Delayed, Justice Denied by Voluntary ESG Approach
A useful debunking of the consultant-enriching, board-distracting, and potentially regulatory-underming con known as ESG investing.
Baffled Migrants Sent from Shelter to Shelter With No Rest as City Pushes Them To Leave
New York City implements a policy to deny migrants shelter and effectively evict them from the five boroughs.
2:00PM Water Cooler 10/24/2023
~ Today’s Water Cooler ~
With Shutdown Averted, Is Social Security Safe? Nope!
Tax breaks to the rich mean less revenue, higher deficits, and more calls to gut programs like Social Security that protect ordinary citizens
Are the Walls Finally Closing In on Ursula von der Leyen?
Creeping censorship, corruption, authoritarianism, economic decline and support for war: these are five of the defining characteristics of the Von der Leyen era. Is it any wonder that internal opposition is on the rise?
The Humanitarian Case for Another Arab Oil Embargo
Will the Gulf States again use an oil embargo to increase leverage against the US and Israel?
Using Opioid Settlement Cash for Police Gear Like Squad Cars and Scanners Sparks Debate
A look at how different communities are deploying opioid settlement cash. But no clear data on policing versus treatment.
A Ramble Through The Social Media World, Looking for Twitter’s Replacement
Going all the way around the barn to end up where I started.
2:00PM Water Cooler 10/23/2023
~ Today’s Water Cooler: Open Thread ~
The Future of Mining Is Deeper, Darker, and Riskier
As mining companies delve ever deeper into the Earth, new tools — from AI to metal-eating microbes — will guide the way.
“Effective Altruism” Network Infiltrates Congress, Federal Agencies to Create Silicon Valley Favoring AI Policies
How Silicon Valley has taken over the AI agenda in the Beltway, for fun and above all, profit.
