Parable of the Flood

I’ve been thinking of this lately. You know it from the West Wing: man hears news the town will flood – “God will save me”. Waters rise, someone rows past in a boat and offers help – “No thank you, God will save me”. House is flooded, helicopter drops a ladder to him on the …

COP-OUT26 – Git Yer Fingers Oot

Before the leaders of the world descended on Glasgow to discuss saving the world in the 26th COP Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of All Bits of the UK and Some Former Colonies was overheard saying “It’s really irritating when they talk, but they don’t do.” Her Majesty’s irritation was justified. The largest delegation was …

Cambo – Congratulations Nicola

It may be no surprise that this Scotsman’s not a huge fan of NS (Nicola Sturgeon to the elctorate, Nippy Sweetie to those who’ve dealt with her on a professional basis). She’s a bigot who’s Scottish Independence idea is founded in English-Hating, not the benefit of Scotland. I do acknowledge her political acumen though, she …

‘Code red for humanity’ – UN Report Confirms Global Warming

The IPCC yesterday released a report as shocking as it is terrifying. This is information that we can’t ignore, the repercussions for the future of humanity need the world’s immediate attention. Apparently global warming is true. Apparently it’s caused by the release of carbon-containing greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere by humans. Today’s news has been …

Honest Boris Makes Global Warming Promises

The Prime Minister promised all sorts of amazing targets that would make the UK a world beating climate change fixer. He promised targets, he didn’t mention how to achieve those targets, nor who would be doing it, nor what money would be spent. I think we’ve noticed his tendency to over promise and under deliver; …

Budget Bits

Saint Rishi’s budget mostly seemed sensible enough. A Hindu’s very Augustinian approach: “Grant us tax to pay this monstrous debt, but not yet”. There’ll be quibbles: taking away the paltry £20 surplus to our stingy dole at precisely when unemployment is expected to be worst is mean, but probably stupid rather than pernicious. His numbers …

Fresh air travel

Commercial air travel causes 2-3% of greenhouse gas emissions, so COVID is an environmental boon. But don’t open the Champagne yet, travel’s expected to be back where it was in three years. And it’s been growing rapidly and inexorably over the last fifty years, don’t expect it to change without some help. It’s getting relatively …

Shops, cities and insulation (1)

The news is another chain of shops went bust and an internet retailer bought the brands but not the lossmaking premises. Eh, not much news really. What is news is that there’s much agonising in the media over this and the future of ‘The High Street’. It seems the commentariat have had their heads in …