Blogotariat

We had to make a trip to the nerd shop over the weekend—Computer Alliance, way out in the boonies. Jane needed a new monitor for her setup, and since I love a good visit to the nerd shop, I was more than happy to tag along.

In 2024, humanity – as a whole – took a purposeful stride towards engineering the collapse of modern civilisation.

2024 – a dire year for Human Survival     By Julian Cribb

Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands now open to US militaryThe decision is part of a process that seeks the reestablishment of US military bases in Ecuadorian territory. Several voices have severely criticized the decision as a violation of Ecuador’s sovereignty.

The national government of Daniel Noboa approved a resolution that enables US ships and crews to use the Galapagos Islands for control and patrol activities in the area.

The AUKUS Forum continues to amaze. Its latest initiative endeavours to extend AUKUS submarines to rockets. Or at least get on the AUKUS gravy rocket. What’s the scam?

The scam is the many ways a private group of AUKUS enthusiasts is endeavouring to get its hands on some of the $368B earmarked for the AUKUS adventure. It’s all for the common good, of course, supporting Anthony Albanese’s vision of “a transformational movement for our nation.”

Twelve of the world’s wealthiest billionaires produce more greenhouse gas emissions from their yachts, private jets, mansions and financial investments than the annual energy emissions of 2m homes, research shared exclusively with The Guardian reveals.

A MintPress News investigation has found hundreds of former employees of Israel lobbying groups such as AIPAC, StandWithUs and CAMERA working in top newsrooms across the country, writing and producing America’s news – including on Israel-Palestine. These outlets include MSNBC, The New York Times, CNN and Fox News.

US President Joe Biden is set to visit the Vatican in January to seek solace and “relief” as his term draws to a close, according to the New York Times, citing sources close to the matter. The White House has confirmed that Biden accepted an invitation from Pope Francis during a phone call last week.

With less than a month remaining in his presidency, Biden will also meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella.

On January 1, Hungary will pass the baton of the European Union's six-month rotating presidency to Poland, drawing a curtain on what has been a turbulent half-year for the bloc.

Anthony Albanese appears to be strikingly lacking in ambition. I am convinced that making some bold decisions, and explaining them, would strengthen his prime ministership significantly. Some influential Australians now call for moderation and “centrism”. This would be a grave mistake. What is the “centrist” position on killing children in war zones, child sexual abuse, domestic violence, corruption, torture, the death penalty, cruelty to refugees?

Friedrich Merz, an erstwhile rival of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, has been a beacon of hope for the conservative CDU party. He now wants to unseat Chancellor Olaf Scholz and take over as Germany's leader.

read more

It is that time of year again: Time to look back at information technology in 2024 and make light of it. As with reviews, this one will be arranged like an award ceremony. There are three criteria for the dozen awards we give out this year:• The award must be for something involving digital technology.• The key event must have taken place this year, 2024.• The award cannot take itself seriously. The event receiving attention must lend itself to sass, sarcasm, and ridicule. As a reminder, the awards are worth nothing. The only value is fifteen seconds of fleeting fame on this blog post.