Extra, Extra
That 70s Show: “The book arrives at a time when the countries with the world’s largest nuclear arsenals, the U.S. and Russia, are violently at odds in Ukraine, a Russian state TV host is calling a Russia/NATO conflict ‘inevitable,’ and the Council on Foreign Relations is gaming out scenarios in case the Russians use tactical nukes in Ukraine. Oh, and Iran is closer to a nuclear weapon than ever before. It’s a fair time to ask Jacobsen’s central question — what if deterrence fails? Even if we’d rather not think about it.” Politico Magazine: 72 Minutes Until the End of the World? “A new book lays out the frighteningly fast path to nuclear Armageddon.” (Sorry, I’m trying to take my mind off the current bad news by imagining worse news.)
+ Don’t Bank on Banks: “Western banks that have continued operations in Russia paid more than €800mn in taxes last year, marking a fourfold increase from pre-war levels, despite pledges to reduce their exposure following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.”
+ Celling Point: “Researchers hope that the reams of molecular data will eventually help clinicians to develop tailored exercise prescriptions for people with chronic diseases.” Why is exercise good for you? Scientists are finding answers in our cells. And yes, this could lead to an exercise pill at some point (preferably before my next workout.)
+ Small Acts of Blindness: “I believe the foundation did what it did because of the same pressures hollowing out many Republican institutions and weakening many conservative leaders across America—the fear of retaliation from the forces of Trumpism, forces that deeply loathe Cheney and the values she represents. Fear that president No. 45 might become No. 47. Fear that wealthy donors might be on Trump’s team overtly or covertly and might withhold money from the foundation. Fear of phantom circumstances.” Solid points from David Hume Kennerly: The Danger of a Small Act of Cowardice. (Jason Isbell: “Be afraid, be very afraid. Do Anyway.”)
+ Take the Wheel: “By law, pilots must be aboard ships 750 gross tons and over that travel the San Francisco and Monterey bays and tributaries to Stockton and Sacramento. They use local knowledge to guide nearly 8,000 ships a year from faraway lands through narrow channels and ever-changing currents, negotiating ship traffic and dodging pylons, bridges and cable crossings—at any time of day or night, during all manner of weather.” How can the crew of a giant ship be asked to navigate unfamiliar waters? In the SF Bay, they have help. Great stuff from SF Standard: These bay navigators keep the port humming—and bridges safe from boat wrecks. And here’s a quick video on the Bar Pilots.
