HOTTEST SUMMER ON RECORD, AND MORE TO COME! »
Without human-induced climate change, heatwaves would have been extremely rare. In China it would have been a 1-in-250-year event while maximum heat like in July 2023 would have been virtually impossible to occur in the US-Mexico region and Southern Europe, including Algeria, Greece, Italy and Spain, if humans had not warmed the planet by burning fossil fuels.
EUROPE’S SAHARA: HOW SPAIN IS TURNING INTO A DESERT »
Heatwaves are but one of climate change’s serious “offenses” responsible for the devastating droughts that go hand in hand with desertification. In the European Union, Spain is the most threatened by desertification. Thirty-one point percent of its land is affected by desertification while 20% is already desertified. One may not put all the blame on climate change, though. Human activity is a major offender. And people in the country are guilty of abusive use of natural resources..
STATESIDE STORIES: News Updates »
U.S. President Biden approval rating -- Bank failures -- Biden-Trudeau bilateral meeting -- Putin-Xi Jinping meeting in Moscow -- China threat -- Trump indictment and new presidential bid
TIKTOK NIXED IN EUROPE AND THE U.S. ON THE GROUNDS OF ESPIONAGE »
The EU, the U.S. and other countries are banning TikTok from devices they have supplied their staffers. The reason: cybersecurity. TikTok user data are believed to be shared with Beijing. TikTok employees are cited as saying that "everything is seen in China."
A SECOND OPINION: A Year to Ponder »
Three Kings • Energy Independence • Migrants • Bail Reform • Green Agenda • Ukraine • China • US Presidential Election • Blizzard
TOXIC FALLOUT FROM THE WORLD CUP »
At the World Cup final, Argentina wrestled the magnificent $20 million, 18-carat solid gold World Cup trophy from France, the defending champion. Enthusiastic sports commentators raved about “the best supermatch of all time.” But when the dust of the desert has settled, there’s nothing left in Doha but the bitter taste of defeat – a defeat brought on by the failure of sportswashing to gloss over the Qatari image and present the Gulf state to the world as a liberal modern state. Among the debris from the Qatar fallout is the tarnished image of the European Parliament, some of whose MEPs, staff and lobbyists are accused of accepting succulent sportswashing bribes from Qatar. Upbraiding the suspects, EP President Roberta Metsola said, “Shame on you for violating the trust of the people of Europe.”
A Second Opinion: Fentanyl–A Deadly Drug from China/ Mary Foran »
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid developed for pain management treatment of cancer patients. Its potency means it is profitable for drug dealers as well as dangerous and deadly for those who use it, intentionally or unintentionally. Fentanyl began seeping into the illegal drug market a decade ago, chiefly supplied through the mail by China. But the Asian country won't cooperate in blocking shipments to the US in retaliation against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
STATESIDE STORIES: The China Threat –Taiwan the Focal Point »
Christopher Wray, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation: "China is engaged in a whole-of-state effort to become the world’s only superpower by any means necessary.” Nancy Pelosi: "Our delegation’s visit to Taiwan honors America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant democracy.”
A SECOND OPINION: Biden’s War on Fossil Fuels »
Biden desperately wants Americans to abandon gasoline-powered cars and adopt electric vehicles, conveniently forgetting that 80 percent of an EVs volts stem from natural gas (38.3%), nasty coal (21.8%), and glow-in-the-dark nuclear (18.9%). I don’t want to have to give up my compact car that gets 42 miles to the gallon any time soon. Prices are from $5.50 to $6.00 a gallon in this area. I know it’s more expensive in Spain, so I don’t like to complain.
NATO SUMMIT IN MADRID SETS THE ALLIANCE’S STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT DECADE »
"NATO Leaders are meeting in Madrid at a pivotal time for our security. Russia's war against Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe, caused far-reaching energy and food crises, and shaken the rules-based international order. NATO's response has been swift and united. . . At the Madrid Summit, the Alliance will address other challenges, like China’s coercive policies or the security consequences of climate change. It will continue to adapt to a changing world and keep its one billion people safe."
