This one is a trifle profane. Mostly I rant about the National Agency for Space Avoidance, and try to explain why the much–criticized rise of private space industry is good for those of us who understand that the Cosmos is the stage upon which the future of humanity will be acted. Jeff Bezos’ colossal new sailing yacht, which is causing consternation in Rotterdam, comes in as an example of what we can expect from a “renewable energy future”. Also a mention of the problems with decarbonization by taxation, although there is much more to be said about it.
2 Supplementary ShowsTag: supplementary shows
ASFO 2022–01–29
In which I break my rule of mostly not talking about computers by discussing Bill Jolitz of 386BSD fame ― but in the context of Federal support for mad science (and besides, he was a friend of my parents). Also, if a SpaceX Falcon booster smacks into Luna (on the far side where we can’t see the flash), and there are no seismographs around to hear it, does it make a crater?
2 Supplementary ShowsASFO 2022–01–22
Wrapping up the theme of the past two weeks by talking about sexually transmitted infections? Well, that’s a rather grim pun.
Supplementary ShowASFO 2022–01–15
Continuing on from last week, somehow, I manage to talk about Joan of Arc and Ray Kurzweil in the same show. Also news from Berlin ― the city, not the German government.
Supplementary ShowASFO 2022–01–08
In which I talk about Sex. Fair warning, if you hold any strong opinions on topics such as gender identity or feminism, you probably won’t feel that I have fairly described either your position or opposing ones. Just as a reminder, I have very little patience with anyone who claims to hold an “unpopular opinion”, and then comes up with what is probably the second or third most popular opinion on the topic. Be original!
Supplementary ShowASFO 2021–12–04
A letter from the President of the United States! No, not a notice from the Draft Board.
2 Supplementary ShowsASFO 2021–11–27
Much complaining about Greens, their mendacity, and its effect on public discourse. Also a brief report of a conversation with Dr Knief, author of a text on nuclear engineering for commercial power plants ; the Russian coal mine explosion (coal kills!) ; musings about nuance ; and a questionable word coinage. Surely I can come up with something better than “cosmification”.
2 Supplementary ShowsASFO 2021–11–20
Waiting for Kessler Syndrome ; “think global, act local” ; and a Climate Marshall Plan.
Supplementary ShowASFO 2021–11–13
Aleksandr Lukashenka of Belarus offers to help Europe reduce its carbon emissions, and everybody is mad at him for some reason. Also a digression on the horridness of Veblen goods.
2 Supplementary ShowsASFO 2021–11–06
William Shatner is old and fat, and COP 26 accomplishes nothing. Not exactly breaking news!
2 Supplementary Shows