Thursday, August 27, 2015

news bits: end of August 2015

Nearing the end of August in middle America, this year we are enjoying unseasonably cool weather. Highs this week remain in the low 80's Fahrenheit (27-29 Celsius) and right now it looks like rain. Meanwhile much of the west of the country endures terrible drought conditions, epic wildfires of catastophic proportions and serious discussions on water scarcity.

The US Department of Agriculture forecasts lower prices for staples from the midwest like corn, soybeans, hogs, which means lower incomes. This also means lower tax revenues for states dependent on them. Losses in other areas, like in bee populations, almond, berry, apple and potatoe productions in the northwest, may mean more farms literally drying up.
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After numerous tragically avoidable killings all across the US this year, Wal-Mart has decided to stop selling certain kinds of assault-style rifles.

Meanwhile, not known as the most forward thinking of states, North Dakota's legislature has decided that certain kinds of drones can be equipped with tasers and tear gas.
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KOCH's and US President trade barbs.

The third book in Hugh Thomas' trilogy on the Spanish Empire is out. Here is a review by Nigel Cliff for the NY Times. Here is another look on the nexus of education, information and 'strategic culture' as it relates to Philip II's Spain and the Kennedy and Johnson Administration's from Geoffrey Parker.

China's huge sell off in their stock market has caused tremblors all over the world's economies.


This guy has an explanation for why 'no trade' or autarky is the bencmark for macro-economics instead of current school's definitions.

More tragic stories of refugees dying at sea emerge today. This has been happening particularly in Europe all year.


Desperate conditions remain in Nigeria, even for journalists.
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