@KnightRustyArm
@knightrustyarm.bsky.social
Energy. History. Things military. Politics & geopolitics. Economics. Science Fiction. Centre-left bias.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
In 2010, the IEA estimated that there would be 410 gigawatts (GW) of solar panels installed around the world by 2035. There is already more than four times that capacity, with about half of it in China.
October 29, 2025 at 9:27 PM
In 2010, the IEA estimated that there would be 410 gigawatts (GW) of solar panels installed around the world by 2035. There is already more than four times that capacity, with about half of it in China.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
Some highlights of this FT article.
“Every group in India is now saying: ‘You know what, renewables is the place to be,” says Sumant Sinha
(paywalled)
“Every group in India is now saying: ‘You know what, renewables is the place to be,” says Sumant Sinha
(paywalled)
The global boom in solar — with or without the US
Despite the scepticism about renewables in Washington, falling prices for new panels are making a compelling business case around the world
on.ft.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Some highlights of this FT article.
“Every group in India is now saying: ‘You know what, renewables is the place to be,” says Sumant Sinha
(paywalled)
“Every group in India is now saying: ‘You know what, renewables is the place to be,” says Sumant Sinha
(paywalled)
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
1/ How is Germany's #Energiewende going, and how should it proceed? In our brand-new piece in Communications Earth & Environment, we show that the expansion of variable renewables has progressed substantially in recent years, but electrification and flexibility have not kept pace. A short 🧵
Germany should accelerate its renewable energy transition - Communications Earth & Environment
Germany’s energy transition relies on variable renewables and electricity use across sectors, and it needs to accelerate. This Comment argues that consistent policy commitments to proven technologies,...
www.nature.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:31 PM
1/ How is Germany's #Energiewende going, and how should it proceed? In our brand-new piece in Communications Earth & Environment, we show that the expansion of variable renewables has progressed substantially in recent years, but electrification and flexibility have not kept pace. A short 🧵
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
The core skill of successful punditry is identifying a viewpoint that powerful and influential people already subscribe to, and then providing an endless, and endlessly flexible, stream of rationalizations of why that viewpoint is correct, regardless of real-world outcomes.
October 29, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The core skill of successful punditry is identifying a viewpoint that powerful and influential people already subscribe to, and then providing an endless, and endlessly flexible, stream of rationalizations of why that viewpoint is correct, regardless of real-world outcomes.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
Bari Weiss’ inexperience, her embrace of the right-wing assault on the media, and her eagerness to boost her political opinions over her network’s reporting are all reasons to worry about her tenure at CBS News.
Another big reason to worry about Bari Weiss’ tenure at CBS News
Right now, a potential peril is at hand: the end of truth.
www.motherjones.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Bari Weiss’ inexperience, her embrace of the right-wing assault on the media, and her eagerness to boost her political opinions over her network’s reporting are all reasons to worry about her tenure at CBS News.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
Pollsters generally don't seek out nonvoters to ask them their opinions about politics, so the reasons for lack of participation rarely even get investigated.
If you boycott elections, candidates logically ignore you and focus on the voters they can still get.
There’s a reason pundits keep nudging Dems to a mushy middle. Those folks are idiots, yes, but they’re idiots who show up to vote.
And that matters more to a candidate than your smart apathy.
There’s a reason pundits keep nudging Dems to a mushy middle. Those folks are idiots, yes, but they’re idiots who show up to vote.
And that matters more to a candidate than your smart apathy.
October 29, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Pollsters generally don't seek out nonvoters to ask them their opinions about politics, so the reasons for lack of participation rarely even get investigated.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
But Los Angeles is on pace to build fewer homes than in 2024
https://la.urbanize.city/post/report-la-residential-permitting-uptick-third-quarter-2025
https://la.urbanize.city/post/report-la-residential-permitting-uptick-third-quarter-2025
Report: L.A. residential permitting on the uptick in third quarter of 2025
After signs of a turnaround in the second quarter, residential permitting in Los Angeles has continued to trend upward in recent months, per a new report from Hilgard Economics.
la.urbanize.city
October 29, 2025 at 8:01 PM
But Los Angeles is on pace to build fewer homes than in 2024
https://la.urbanize.city/post/report-la-residential-permitting-uptick-third-quarter-2025
https://la.urbanize.city/post/report-la-residential-permitting-uptick-third-quarter-2025
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
Facts.
When advocates were pushing for same day registration in New Jersey to help boost turnout, one Hudson County legislator would go around saying, "I don't care if only 3 people vote, so long as I know that 2 of them are voting for me!"
When advocates were pushing for same day registration in New Jersey to help boost turnout, one Hudson County legislator would go around saying, "I don't care if only 3 people vote, so long as I know that 2 of them are voting for me!"
This isn’t a consumer boycott, where a business wants to get as menu consumers as possible and will pay attention to your demands if you hold back.
A politician doesn’t want as many votes as possible. They want 50% of the available votes plus one more. That’s it!
A politician doesn’t want as many votes as possible. They want 50% of the available votes plus one more. That’s it!
October 29, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Facts.
When advocates were pushing for same day registration in New Jersey to help boost turnout, one Hudson County legislator would go around saying, "I don't care if only 3 people vote, so long as I know that 2 of them are voting for me!"
When advocates were pushing for same day registration in New Jersey to help boost turnout, one Hudson County legislator would go around saying, "I don't care if only 3 people vote, so long as I know that 2 of them are voting for me!"
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
A fellow furloughed coworker posted this. Laugh so you don’t cry.
October 29, 2025 at 7:24 PM
A fellow furloughed coworker posted this. Laugh so you don’t cry.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
As someone born in 1971 I can attest that this era is the exception to the rule that everyone believes pop music peaked in the years when they were teens; the people who think 1989 was a good year for music were born in like 1990.
October 29, 2025 at 4:22 PM
As someone born in 1971 I can attest that this era is the exception to the rule that everyone believes pop music peaked in the years when they were teens; the people who think 1989 was a good year for music were born in like 1990.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
In 1969, what I would say is the greatest year in music history, the 1# single of the year wasn’t from the Beatles, the Stones, CCR, Zeppelin, or Hendrix.
It was “Sugar, Sugar” by the Archies. Top 40 has always been ephemeral fluff.
It was “Sugar, Sugar” by the Archies. Top 40 has always been ephemeral fluff.
October 29, 2025 at 8:26 PM
In 1969, what I would say is the greatest year in music history, the 1# single of the year wasn’t from the Beatles, the Stones, CCR, Zeppelin, or Hendrix.
It was “Sugar, Sugar” by the Archies. Top 40 has always been ephemeral fluff.
It was “Sugar, Sugar” by the Archies. Top 40 has always been ephemeral fluff.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
The role of climate change in making major hurricanes, like Melissa, increasingly dangerous is “undeniable.”
Jamaica cowers as Category 5 Melissa bears down, supercharged by warming seas
That climate change is making this and other major hurricanes far more dangerous is "undeniable."
www.motherjones.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:30 PM
The role of climate change in making major hurricanes, like Melissa, increasingly dangerous is “undeniable.”
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
Russian officials+propagandists say this all the time, pobedobesie (victory frenzy/obsession) has been raging for decades, Ru toddlers march in fatigues, and some Westerners do pikachu face and claim Ru feels insecure and defends itself reluctantly. h/t to @vatniksoup.bsky.social for the pic.
October 29, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Russian officials+propagandists say this all the time, pobedobesie (victory frenzy/obsession) has been raging for decades, Ru toddlers march in fatigues, and some Westerners do pikachu face and claim Ru feels insecure and defends itself reluctantly. h/t to @vatniksoup.bsky.social for the pic.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
Seems obvious, but some people need a reminder: Elections are intended to be a pain in the ass to those in power. Despite the lip service they give democracy, those in authority are actually very comfortable with you not voting.
I cannot believe there are still people in my mentions arguing that boycotting an election because the candidates aren’t addressing your issue is a way to get them to pay attention.
two men are talking to each other and one of them says that 's not how it works
ALT: two men are talking to each other and one of them says that 's not how it works
media.tenor.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Seems obvious, but some people need a reminder: Elections are intended to be a pain in the ass to those in power. Despite the lip service they give democracy, those in authority are actually very comfortable with you not voting.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
If you’re upset with me pointing out the obvious fact that voters’ withholding votes has never influenced a change in policy from political candidates, you should absolutely stop following me.
I’m sure there’s someone that will tell you boycotting is Smart, Actually but it’s not going to be me.
I’m sure there’s someone that will tell you boycotting is Smart, Actually but it’s not going to be me.
October 29, 2025 at 8:48 PM
If you’re upset with me pointing out the obvious fact that voters’ withholding votes has never influenced a change in policy from political candidates, you should absolutely stop following me.
I’m sure there’s someone that will tell you boycotting is Smart, Actually but it’s not going to be me.
I’m sure there’s someone that will tell you boycotting is Smart, Actually but it’s not going to be me.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
Yes! This is what I've been thinking over & over during this debate: partisanship swamps everything these days. The idiosyncrasies of individual candidates are virtually meaningless. All this heated, endless debate is over 1 or 2 % on the margins.
I jump into the moderation debate. I agree with @adambonica.bsky.social and @gelliottmorris.com on the methodology, but I want to draw attention to a bigger issue. The collapse of candidate effects generally.
leedrutman.substack.com/p/the-modera...
leedrutman.substack.com/p/the-modera...
October 29, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Yes! This is what I've been thinking over & over during this debate: partisanship swamps everything these days. The idiosyncrasies of individual candidates are virtually meaningless. All this heated, endless debate is over 1 or 2 % on the margins.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
Lots of people who have worked on campaigns are replying and quoting with confirmation from their own experience,
And a few replying and quoting who are furious but keep coming up empty when I ask for examples of any time boycotting an election got people what they wanted.
Because there are none.
And a few replying and quoting who are furious but keep coming up empty when I ask for examples of any time boycotting an election got people what they wanted.
Because there are none.
October 29, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Lots of people who have worked on campaigns are replying and quoting with confirmation from their own experience,
And a few replying and quoting who are furious but keep coming up empty when I ask for examples of any time boycotting an election got people what they wanted.
Because there are none.
And a few replying and quoting who are furious but keep coming up empty when I ask for examples of any time boycotting an election got people what they wanted.
Because there are none.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
A writer in Ohio calls the existential threat of climate change “a no-brainer.” A radiologist in Scotland describes it as “the greatest hazard to human health in history.” A finance worker, who lost their home in a California wildfire, says, “We have to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable.” 🧵
October 28, 2025 at 7:39 PM
A writer in Ohio calls the existential threat of climate change “a no-brainer.” A radiologist in Scotland describes it as “the greatest hazard to human health in history.” A finance worker, who lost their home in a California wildfire, says, “We have to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable.” 🧵
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
According to this survey fo UK goverment workers, Copilot AI saved workers a median 26 minutes a day.
That's about 5 per cent productivity gain for these office workers, maybe 2 per cent. Significant but not transformative
www.theregister.com/...
1/3
That's about 5 per cent productivity gain for these office workers, maybe 2 per cent. Significant but not transformative
www.theregister.com/...
1/3
UK govt study: Copilot AI saved workers 26 minutes a day
: That's how much on average they saved with Microsoft Copilot AI, according to a GDS study
www.theregister.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:02 PM
According to this survey fo UK goverment workers, Copilot AI saved workers a median 26 minutes a day.
That's about 5 per cent productivity gain for these office workers, maybe 2 per cent. Significant but not transformative
www.theregister.com/...
1/3
That's about 5 per cent productivity gain for these office workers, maybe 2 per cent. Significant but not transformative
www.theregister.com/...
1/3
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
Note taking software already a crowded field. There's no chance of big revenue gains here. Unsurprising that MS couldn't sell Copilot as a separate item, forced to bundle it in to Office.
3/3
3/3
October 29, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Note taking software already a crowded field. There's no chance of big revenue gains here. Unsurprising that MS couldn't sell Copilot as a separate item, forced to bundle it in to Office.
3/3
3/3
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
Biggest gain was meeting online transcription/summary, which is one of the uses I've found most beneficial. Less of a change than the advent of online meetings (and, relatedly, WFH).
2/3
2/3
October 29, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Biggest gain was meeting online transcription/summary, which is one of the uses I've found most beneficial. Less of a change than the advent of online meetings (and, relatedly, WFH).
2/3
2/3
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
Look what just arrived in the mail! An oldie (1997) but a goodie. Pindell knows his trains, and is a great guide to riding North America’s rails.
October 29, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Look what just arrived in the mail! An oldie (1997) but a goodie. Pindell knows his trains, and is a great guide to riding North America’s rails.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
When I explain that boycotting an election over an issue has never once forced a politician to embrace that issue, I'm not "scolding people to vote." I'm explaining reality.
Feel free to sit on your ass! Just don't pretend that your lazy apathy is somehow going to advance your agenda.
Feel free to sit on your ass! Just don't pretend that your lazy apathy is somehow going to advance your agenda.
October 29, 2025 at 9:21 PM
When I explain that boycotting an election over an issue has never once forced a politician to embrace that issue, I'm not "scolding people to vote." I'm explaining reality.
Feel free to sit on your ass! Just don't pretend that your lazy apathy is somehow going to advance your agenda.
Feel free to sit on your ass! Just don't pretend that your lazy apathy is somehow going to advance your agenda.
Reposted by @KnightRustyArm
I am not the Democratic Party. I am not employed by the Democratic Party. It is not my job to help them win elections.
I am an historian who specializes in American politics. It *is* related to my job to tell people who believe that not voting might work that it actually never has.
I am an historian who specializes in American politics. It *is* related to my job to tell people who believe that not voting might work that it actually never has.
And when I explain that bashing fellow citizens has never once motivated them to vote, I'm not scolding establishment flunkies, I'm explaining reality.
Feel free to continue alienating the voters you need to win elections. Just don't pretend your arrogance and condescension is doing any good.
Feel free to continue alienating the voters you need to win elections. Just don't pretend your arrogance and condescension is doing any good.
When I explain that boycotting an election over an issue has never once forced a politician to embrace that issue, I'm not "scolding people to vote." I'm explaining reality.
Feel free to sit on your ass! Just don't pretend that your lazy apathy is somehow going to advance your agenda.
Feel free to sit on your ass! Just don't pretend that your lazy apathy is somehow going to advance your agenda.
October 29, 2025 at 9:29 PM
I am not the Democratic Party. I am not employed by the Democratic Party. It is not my job to help them win elections.
I am an historian who specializes in American politics. It *is* related to my job to tell people who believe that not voting might work that it actually never has.
I am an historian who specializes in American politics. It *is* related to my job to tell people who believe that not voting might work that it actually never has.