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Portentious
@portentious.bsky.social
· Jul 24
Hi friends, you may know me from my previous incantations as owning my own business, maps, GIS, tech, strategy, IT, green stuff and renewable energy. Glad to see familiar folk here! :)
Reposted by Portentious
There is no earthly reason why this abomination should have ever been conceived, let alone developed and marketed. And even less rational justification for it being so unfathomably delicious or utterly addictive.
It is crack in a bottle and must be regulated, before the whole country is lost to it.
It is crack in a bottle and must be regulated, before the whole country is lost to it.
November 13, 2025 at 4:13 PM
There is no earthly reason why this abomination should have ever been conceived, let alone developed and marketed. And even less rational justification for it being so unfathomably delicious or utterly addictive.
It is crack in a bottle and must be regulated, before the whole country is lost to it.
It is crack in a bottle and must be regulated, before the whole country is lost to it.
Reposted by Portentious
Another underappreciated way to lower electricity bills? Stop taxing electricity, which in many places is subject to both state and local taxes at rates of 10% or higher. To keep tax revenues intact, state and local governments could shift these taxes onto natural gas, encouraging electrification.
Equalizing electricity prices between residential, commercial, and industrial customers would save households - aka voters - 21% on their electricity bills. Commercial prices would go up 1%. Industrial prices would go up 59% because residential and commercial customers deeply subsidize them today.
7. Residential customers - aka you and me, aka voters - pay 28% more (16.5 c/kWh, 2024 average) than commercial customers (12.9 c/kWh) and 201% more than industrial (8.2 c/kWh). This trend is accelerating: Residential prices rose 27% from 2019-2023, vs. 21% for commercial and 19% for industrial.
November 14, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Another underappreciated way to lower electricity bills? Stop taxing electricity, which in many places is subject to both state and local taxes at rates of 10% or higher. To keep tax revenues intact, state and local governments could shift these taxes onto natural gas, encouraging electrification.
Reposted by Portentious
Reposted by Portentious
NEW: Tech companies are betting big on nuclear energy to meet AIs massive power demands and they're using that AI to speed up the construction of new nuclear power plants.
And despite expert concerns about potential disaster, the US government is on board.
And despite expert concerns about potential disaster, the US government is on board.
Power Companies Are Using AI To Build Nuclear Power Plants
Tech companies are betting big on nuclear energy to meet AIs massive power demands and they're using that AI to speed up the construction of new nuclear power plants.
www.404media.co
November 14, 2025 at 5:45 PM
NEW: Tech companies are betting big on nuclear energy to meet AIs massive power demands and they're using that AI to speed up the construction of new nuclear power plants.
And despite expert concerns about potential disaster, the US government is on board.
And despite expert concerns about potential disaster, the US government is on board.
Reposted by Portentious
No surprise and evil
Israel is advancing a dangerous bill to impose the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners. Right-wing leaders want to go even further and use the bill to give Israeli forces the authority to carry out extrajudicial killings.
Israel wants to implement the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners. Here’s what you need to know.
Israel is advancing a dangerous bill to impose the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners. Right-wing leaders want to go even further and use the bill to give Israeli forces the authority to carry…
mondoweiss.net
November 14, 2025 at 1:11 PM
No surprise and evil
Reposted by Portentious
US natural gas (methane) price are up 50% in the past month or so as new export facilities start exporting more LNG (methane). Often these US export facilities are owned by foreign entities (Japan, Qatar, etc).Japan is also buying up gas production assets in TX to supply the gas for export. (1/2)
November 14, 2025 at 11:28 AM
US natural gas (methane) price are up 50% in the past month or so as new export facilities start exporting more LNG (methane). Often these US export facilities are owned by foreign entities (Japan, Qatar, etc).Japan is also buying up gas production assets in TX to supply the gas for export. (1/2)
Reposted by Portentious
The Global Reforestation Organization Directory provides data on more than 125 major tree-planting orgs so that donors can find groups matching their priorities.
The directory shows which orgs publicly discuss using scientific best practices, avoiding common mistakes and monitoring their results.
The directory shows which orgs publicly discuss using scientific best practices, avoiding common mistakes and monitoring their results.
New directory helps donors navigate the complex world of global reforestation
Planting trees is something most people can get behind, and tens of thousands of reforestation projects now operate worldwide. However, for donors and funders who want to support these efforts, it…
news.mongabay.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:17 PM
The Global Reforestation Organization Directory provides data on more than 125 major tree-planting orgs so that donors can find groups matching their priorities.
The directory shows which orgs publicly discuss using scientific best practices, avoiding common mistakes and monitoring their results.
The directory shows which orgs publicly discuss using scientific best practices, avoiding common mistakes and monitoring their results.
Reposted by Portentious
November 14, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Reposted by Portentious
Just a 1/5 of funds to fight global heating went to poorest 44 countries
China and Saudi Arabia among nations receiving climate loans
www.theguardian.com/global-deve...
China and Saudi Arabia among nations receiving climate loans
www.theguardian.com/global-deve...
China and Saudi Arabia among nations receiving climate loans, analysis reveals
Investigation by Guardian and Carbon Brief finds just a fifth of funds to fight global heating went to poorest 44 countries
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Just a 1/5 of funds to fight global heating went to poorest 44 countries
China and Saudi Arabia among nations receiving climate loans
www.theguardian.com/global-deve...
China and Saudi Arabia among nations receiving climate loans
www.theguardian.com/global-deve...
Reposted by Portentious
And we knew this. This wasn't speculation. We studied it, we had the talking points. We trained volunteers to explain this to people. It's not a surprise. Rich people don't flee places with good quality of life when we increase the quality of life. They might try to cheat us, but they don't leave.
NEW: The first two years of Massachusetts' millionaire tax has raised $3 billion more than expected.
And rather than driving the rich away, IPS researchers found that the number of millionaires has *increased.*
Tax the rich. Greg Ryan in @bloomberg.com:
And rather than driving the rich away, IPS researchers found that the number of millionaires has *increased.*
Tax the rich. Greg Ryan in @bloomberg.com:
Millionaire Tax That Inspired Mamdani Fuels $5.7 Billion Haul in Massachusetts
A millionaire levy in Massachusetts that New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani holds up as a model for taxing the rich has generated $3 billion more in revenue than expected without forcing...
www.bloomberg.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:16 AM
And we knew this. This wasn't speculation. We studied it, we had the talking points. We trained volunteers to explain this to people. It's not a surprise. Rich people don't flee places with good quality of life when we increase the quality of life. They might try to cheat us, but they don't leave.
Reposted by Portentious
The problem with the climate regime in one article: With fewer people attending COP30 "one in every 25 participants at this year’s UN climate summit is a fossil fuel lobbyist." It is "the largest concentration of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP" and up 12% from COP29 www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Fossil fuel lobbyists outnumber all Cop30 delegations except Brazil, report says
One in every 25 participants at 2025 UN climate summit is a fossil fuel lobbyist, according to Kick Big Polluters Out
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:20 AM
The problem with the climate regime in one article: With fewer people attending COP30 "one in every 25 participants at this year’s UN climate summit is a fossil fuel lobbyist." It is "the largest concentration of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP" and up 12% from COP29 www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Portentious
“Housing shortage – Jews to blame," letter sticker, German Reich, 1938
zwangsraeume.berlin/en/context
zwangsraeume.berlin/en/context
November 14, 2025 at 2:16 AM
“Housing shortage – Jews to blame," letter sticker, German Reich, 1938
zwangsraeume.berlin/en/context
zwangsraeume.berlin/en/context
Reposted by Portentious
SF wordt werkelijkheid, zoals in 'Reisdoel menselijk brein' of 'Oorlog in miniatuur' in mijn bundel 'Ontsnappingspoging' - magnetische robotjes zo groot als een zandkorrel brengen medicijnen in het lichaam naar verstopte bloedvaten om een beroerte te genezen. scientias.nl/eindelijk-ge...
Eindelijk gelukt: microrobots, zo klein als een zandkorrel, leveren medicijnen af via je bloedvaten
Het is een knap stukje technologie waar Zwitserse onderzoekers mee komen: slimme nanocapsules, zo klein als een zandkorrel, die medicijnen precies op de
scientias.nl
November 14, 2025 at 11:47 AM
SF wordt werkelijkheid, zoals in 'Reisdoel menselijk brein' of 'Oorlog in miniatuur' in mijn bundel 'Ontsnappingspoging' - magnetische robotjes zo groot als een zandkorrel brengen medicijnen in het lichaam naar verstopte bloedvaten om een beroerte te genezen. scientias.nl/eindelijk-ge...
Reposted by Portentious
UK tribunal says reselling Microsoft licenses is A-OK
UK tribunal says reselling Microsoft licenses is A-OK
Windows giant disagrees and plans to appeal
Microsoft's attempt to claim that its software can't be resold has hit a wall at the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal, which decided that Office having clipart does not mean customers can't sell their licenses on.…
dlvr.it
November 14, 2025 at 11:47 AM
UK tribunal says reselling Microsoft licenses is A-OK
Reposted by Portentious
As US pulls back, NATO flexes its muscles in Romania.
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank, dubbed Dacian Fall, aimed to deter a Russian aggression.
With takes from @oanalungescu.bsky.social and Anca Agachi.
www.politico.eu/article/unit...
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank, dubbed Dacian Fall, aimed to deter a Russian aggression.
With takes from @oanalungescu.bsky.social and Anca Agachi.
www.politico.eu/article/unit...
As US pulls back, NATO flexes its muscles in Romania
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank aimed to deter Russian aggression.
www.politico.eu
November 14, 2025 at 8:43 AM
As US pulls back, NATO flexes its muscles in Romania.
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank, dubbed Dacian Fall, aimed to deter a Russian aggression.
With takes from @oanalungescu.bsky.social and Anca Agachi.
www.politico.eu/article/unit...
A large-scale military exercise on Europe’s eastern flank, dubbed Dacian Fall, aimed to deter a Russian aggression.
With takes from @oanalungescu.bsky.social and Anca Agachi.
www.politico.eu/article/unit...
Reposted by Portentious
REMINDER:
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) keeps us all safe and free.
Every. Single. Day.
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) keeps us all safe and free.
Every. Single. Day.
November 14, 2025 at 10:47 AM
REMINDER:
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) keeps us all safe and free.
Every. Single. Day.
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) keeps us all safe and free.
Every. Single. Day.
Reposted by Portentious
The Financial Times has a "Special Report" on "The Electrification of Everything."
6 of the 7 stories they display in this section of the site are negative.
That is a comical level of bias for this topic.
6 of the 7 stories they display in this section of the site are negative.
That is a comical level of bias for this topic.
The electrification of everything
Many countries are moving away from fossil fuels by turning to electricity produced from renewable sources. However, the electrification of areas such as transport, heating and industry will cost bill...
www.ft.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:47 AM
The Financial Times has a "Special Report" on "The Electrification of Everything."
6 of the 7 stories they display in this section of the site are negative.
That is a comical level of bias for this topic.
6 of the 7 stories they display in this section of the site are negative.
That is a comical level of bias for this topic.
Reposted by Portentious
So Pakistan is *paying* Qatar to *not* deliver LNG because even including this penalty payment their solar PV and battery spending is much better value for money and saves them billions.
How fascinating!
How fascinating!
November 13, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Reposted by Portentious
🔴‘It’s Time for a Debate About Who Owns Our Media’ Says Leader of the UK’s Trade Union Movement
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak warns that tech and media billionaires are threatening our democracy, as they campaign to destroy the BBC
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/14/i...
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak warns that tech and media billionaires are threatening our democracy, as they campaign to destroy the BBC
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/14/i...
'It's Time for a Debate About Who Owns Our Media' Says Leader of the UK's Trade Union Movement
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak warns that tech and media billionaires are threatening our democracy, as they campaign to destroy the BBC
bylinetimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:58 AM
🔴‘It’s Time for a Debate About Who Owns Our Media’ Says Leader of the UK’s Trade Union Movement
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak warns that tech and media billionaires are threatening our democracy, as they campaign to destroy the BBC
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/14/i...
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak warns that tech and media billionaires are threatening our democracy, as they campaign to destroy the BBC
bylinetimes.com/2025/11/14/i...
Reposted by Portentious
"I now consider it more like a 50-50, whether we cross that critical tipping point that sends the AMOC into a downward spiral this century."
@rahmstorf.bsky.social
Listen now: overshootpod.com
@rahmstorf.bsky.social
Listen now: overshootpod.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:14 AM
"I now consider it more like a 50-50, whether we cross that critical tipping point that sends the AMOC into a downward spiral this century."
@rahmstorf.bsky.social
Listen now: overshootpod.com
@rahmstorf.bsky.social
Listen now: overshootpod.com
Reposted by Portentious
🚨🚨 " The BBC is far from perfect but it remains the most trusted news source in the world. To live up to its promises, it needs more independence, not less. More secure funding, not less. It needs to be set free, not shackled; defended, not attacked." Great stuff by @chrischirp.bsky.social
November 14, 2025 at 8:46 AM
🚨🚨 " The BBC is far from perfect but it remains the most trusted news source in the world. To live up to its promises, it needs more independence, not less. More secure funding, not less. It needs to be set free, not shackled; defended, not attacked." Great stuff by @chrischirp.bsky.social
Reposted by Portentious
🌱 Spain’s community energy revolution is spreading!
From Taradell to Galicia, cooperatives are providing cheap, clean electricity to homes, including low-income families, while promoting local ownership and fighting fuel poverty.
We love to see a community-led energy transition 🤩
From Taradell to Galicia, cooperatives are providing cheap, clean electricity to homes, including low-income families, while promoting local ownership and fighting fuel poverty.
We love to see a community-led energy transition 🤩
‘We’re proud to be pioneers’: inside Spain’s community energy revolution
From Taradell to Galicia, cooperatives are supplying cheap, clean electricity to homes and helping tackle fuel poverty
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:53 AM
🌱 Spain’s community energy revolution is spreading!
From Taradell to Galicia, cooperatives are providing cheap, clean electricity to homes, including low-income families, while promoting local ownership and fighting fuel poverty.
We love to see a community-led energy transition 🤩
From Taradell to Galicia, cooperatives are providing cheap, clean electricity to homes, including low-income families, while promoting local ownership and fighting fuel poverty.
We love to see a community-led energy transition 🤩
Reposted by Portentious
I have a letter, actually! With sources and links! And I'm always adding to it.
ChatGPT and AI Issues w Links.docx
Generative AI is a blight on our society and is the fastest way to get us to dystopia and global social, economic, creative, and environmental destruction. ChatGPT is not a search engine. It is a pre...
docs.google.com
February 24, 2025 at 5:34 AM
I have a letter, actually! With sources and links! And I'm always adding to it.
Reposted by Portentious
R. A. Meenan wrote a really lovely letter with references to hist students, to explain why using GenAI is not what education is about. Have a look:
bsky.app/profile/zyea...
bsky.app/profile/zyea...
I have a letter, actually! With sources and links! And I'm always adding to it.
ChatGPT and AI Issues w Links.docx
Generative AI is a blight on our society and is the fastest way to get us to dystopia and global social, economic, creative, and environmental destruction. ChatGPT is not a search engine. It is a pre...
docs.google.com
February 24, 2025 at 5:57 AM
R. A. Meenan wrote a really lovely letter with references to hist students, to explain why using GenAI is not what education is about. Have a look:
bsky.app/profile/zyea...
bsky.app/profile/zyea...
Reposted by Portentious
As promised, here are the slides I shared with students to convince them to NOT use chatGPT and other artificial stupidity.
TL;DR? AI is evil, unsustainable and stupid, and I'd much rather they use their own brains, make their own mistakes, and actually learn something. 🪄
TL;DR? AI is evil, unsustainable and stupid, and I'd much rather they use their own brains, make their own mistakes, and actually learn something. 🪄
February 23, 2025 at 1:45 PM
As promised, here are the slides I shared with students to convince them to NOT use chatGPT and other artificial stupidity.
TL;DR? AI is evil, unsustainable and stupid, and I'd much rather they use their own brains, make their own mistakes, and actually learn something. 🪄
TL;DR? AI is evil, unsustainable and stupid, and I'd much rather they use their own brains, make their own mistakes, and actually learn something. 🪄