Mar 26, 2020

Joseph Nye writes that while trade wars have set back economic globalization,  the environmental globalization represented by pandemics and climate change is unstoppable. Borders are becoming more porous to everything from drugs to infectious diseases to cyber terrorism, and the United States must use its soft power of attraction to develop networks and institutions that address these new threats.

Mar 26, 2020

Joseph Nye writes that while trade wars have set back economic globalization,  the environmental globalization represented by pandemics and climate change is unstoppable. Borders are becoming more porous to everything from drugs to infectious diseases to cyber terrorism, and the United States must use its soft power of attraction to develop networks and institutions that address these new threats.

The following article was written at the end of February and the first days of March, just before the world was hit by the crash of the stock markets on the 9 March and the full impact of the coronavirus pandemic. This sharp change in the situation obviously also changes the plans of the ruling class. But the underlying economic and political tendencies at play are still the same, although the issue of climate change obviously was pushed to the background. In the case of the Green parties, their character as parties of the ruling class is even-further confirmed in these times of crisis.

After several weeks of tug-of-war, a precarious agreement was reached on aid to EU member countries that need extra financing to deal with the economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus epidemic. The states will get up to 540,000 million euros, but under what conditions? What does this have to do with the Marshall Plan for Europe that Pedro Sánchez demands? Is this viable?

But alas, nobody seems to listen to cycling commissioners in the UK.

It's ugly, but it sure can keep that car from cooking, and it is going to be seen from a long distance.

Some good news on the critically endangered Indian vulture: New research published in PLoS One documents how the rate of the bird's decline has fallen since India, Nepal, and Pakistan banned the veterinary painkiller

Post-war, Lyons Tea Shops could't redecorate, so they commissioned some great paintings instead.

According to the Spanish newspaper El País last week, Spain will be the first big buyer of CO2 emission rights from Eastern Europe, in order to fulfil the Kyoto Protocol. In 2007, Spain's emissions had

Using modular components pre-made in a factory, this modern home is airy, light and adaptable.

And with that comes real fear for the environment.

The unique paint could provide clean power to homes at a low cost.

Toxins leached out of old coal mines in the American Rust Belt are converted into custom paints.

Scientists argue over whether some animals have the brains for suffering.

Celebrated English painter David Hockney has turned to the iPad as his canvas -- embracing the latest technology despite his age.

It's the first living painting in London's Trafalgar Square, and maybe the first anywhere. A Van Gogh picture has been turned into a green living vertical wall.

It turns out that helping mining regions move on is just good politics.

No "do the bright thing" for cars; instead, the BMW X6 designed to "look particularly menacing."

We are by no means helpless in the face of climate change.

After the beautiful Xylophone of the Forest I shared with you last month, I came across a selection of amazing wooden designs from Spain, both century-old and brand new ones. Confemadera put together an impressive selection

Last week I posted a stunning wooden bicycle, and the beautiful heritage of wooden ceilings in Andalusia from a series of wood design from Spain that Confeadera put together. Other works include the Fab Lab House, some

The toxic red line that runs through this town -- as photographed by Palíndromo Mészáros -- is shocking evidence of what can go wrong.

Declawing cats often leads to long-term pain and unwanted behaviors.

Aiming to spark conversations about marine conservation, these beautiful works reimagine the oceans in their pristine state.

For many roofs, white paint is the best way to cool down, but for metal roofs a new glass coating could be even better.

What if advertisements on billboards were replaced with old masters--it almost happened in Paris.

This is my last post about my current eco-venture in Barcelona: yök Casa + Cultura. We believe that good tourism is possible thanks to common sense, eco-design and working for People, Planet and Profit.

With this bold new campaign, St. Baldrick’s shows kids as their truest selves – fun-loving, carefree, refreshingly honest, and always a little goofy. Donate today at StBaldricks.org.

"We must reduce budget expenditures sharply," the Saudi finance minister said over the weekend. "Saudi finances need more discipline and the road ahead is long."

Spain saw 229 new deaths related to Covid-19, up from 213 the day before.

Russia marks the 75th anniversary of Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two on Saturday, but the coronavirus outbreak means that celebrations have been pared back massively.

Accounting woes at Luckin Coffee led to a 75% decline in the Chinese company's stock on Thursday.

As companies deal with declining cash flow amid the coronavirus pandemic, they are likely to cut or even suspend dividends.

Rachel Empey, CFO of Fresenius, outlines how the healthcare firm's earnings are being impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent at The Economist says a haircut for banks in Lebanon seems inevitable despite their recent spat with the government.

April's jobs report will be horrific, and with the worst job losses ever, it should provide a critical look into the economy's collapse.

Two of Europe’s worst affected countries begin careful process of opening up societies again

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Spain and Italy, two of the European countries hardest hit by coronavirus, are beginning to emerge from lengthy and strict lockdowns as Russia and Afghanistan reported their biggest one-day rises in new infections.

In Spain, where 217,466 cases of Covid-19 and 25,264 deaths have been confirmed, adults were allowed back on to the street to exercise for the first time in seven weeks this weekend.

Epidemics of infectious diseases behave in different ways but the 1918 influenza pandemic that killed more than 50 million people is regarded as a key example of a pandemic that occurred in multiple waves, with the latter more severe than the first. It has been replicated – albeit more mildly – in subsequent flu pandemics.

Ken’s sweater is all done, but for the making up, and the neckband. Honestly, I can point at a million projects of my youth and tell you that the number one thing that stood between me and greatness back then … Continue reading →

Today I wanted to share with you some paint-by-number Valentine printables. My older son Kurt asked me to design a valentine that was not so cute for his friends, so I decided on paint by numbers in heart shapes. Printed on card stock and cut out with pinking shears, I … Continue reading →

Here is a little walk-through for the painted pumpkin ornaments I made. They are very easy, so I feel a little silly calling it a DIY, but maybe reading through the whole process will be helpful to some. The main supply for this project is foam pumpkins and gourds. I … Continue reading →

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Black paint usually absorbs heat, but a new two-layer polymer paint reflects infrared light and keeps objects 16°C cooler, which could help make buildings more energy efficient

Fan clubs, players from all over the world and a former Spain international in charge, Atletico Madrid's Canadian venture is currently on pause.

Since time immemorial, a village in West Bengal has paid tribute to Shiva by self-inflicting pain. This year coronavirus put a stop to it.