Peak Oil – it’s here! The IEA confirms, unofficially

Discussion about Peak Oil heightened in the past decade as many proponents reckoned that the supply of fossil fuels is now being overtaken by use.  The oil industry decries the claim suggesting that Peak Oil won’t happen for a couple more decades. In fact, as with the cover-up over the health risk of smoking, the …
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Beyond the web … with Savage Chickens

OK, maybe I do spend a lot of time on the computer.  But media really can get in the way of human development.  And a virtual interaction is always controlled, rather than natural.  So try to give up the computer/mobile phone for a day a week, and you might stay sane.

Prisoners have sentences reduced if they practice yoga. Yes!

Prisoners in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh are being freed early if they complete yoga courses.  For every three months spent practising posture, balance and breathing the inmates can cut their jail time by 15 days. The authorities say the lessons help to improve the prisoners’ self-control and reduce aggression.  Some 4,000 inmates across …
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Humanity reacts to nature

Biodiversity destruction a problem of too many people.

The viewpoint by Hilary Benn that biodiversity is nearing a point f no return is another harbinger of pain.  The solution  – reduce the human population – is discussed by those commenting, but remains a taboo subject for politicians.  Other parts of the solution to turning back humanity’s footprint, like reducing consumption and pollution, are …
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Richer, but less free.

Freedom House released its 2010 survey.  The principal findings are depressing: less democracy.  It’s mainly in sub-saharan africa, but that doesn’t make it OK.  Maybe the rich world is a main driver.  We vote with our wallets every day.  While we might enjoy some kind of democracy and freedom at home, we choose cheap food, …
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It’s not just about money – it’s about jobs.

There is a desperate dearth of jobs in developed economies.  The economies have cratered because of profligacy by banks and consumers.  Credit has collapsed.  And with this businesses have folded.  As the tide of money has gne out it has revealed a long term employment probkem that has been created over decades.  As technology has …
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The Human Picture

Why cars are greener than buses (maybe)

A nice story about when and why cars are not as bad as you think, but you should still take public transport, or bike, or foot, especially if you live in town. And for quick reference here are the basic stats: The average car emits something like 180g per passenger kilometre. You may be surprised …
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Virtual shopping extinguishes community.

I like shopping on-line – it’s quick, easy and cost effective.  And I’ve tried the self-service checkout, when the teller queue is long or slow.  But the push by big grocers to move exclusively to self-service is another nail in the coffin of communities. Most of us prefer to buy food from a person, we …
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