Prisons are America’s “primary supplier of mental-health services.”1 Make a face. Change it. Craft your new identity. Morphases.2 Dolphins and humans are fairly similar, brain-wise.3 Struwwelpeter/Shockheaded Peter, online.4 Tired of original speech? Cliche Finder to the rescue.5 “I think that it could be done.”6 Send me your brains. Sterling Courier Systems, please.7 They have a […]
Bring it all down
Why do you write? What is your main objective? Derrick [Jensen]: My main objective is to bring down civilization. Actually that’s not quite true. My main objective is to live in a world with more wild salmon every year than the year before, more migratory songbirds, more natural forest communities, more fish in the ocean, […]
Posted by Ben on November 27, 2004
https://www.swordbilled.com/bring-it-all-down/
A success story!
A success story, but not the right kind of success story. This one’s a story of successful lobbying by Syngenta, which apparently learned the lessons of bad publicity. Faced with a potential ban on an herbicide it produces (what herbicide is used on 2/3 of corn in the U.S. and 90% of sugarcane), Syngenta spent […]
Posted by Ben on November 20, 2004
https://www.swordbilled.com/a-success-story/
James Howard Kunstler Speaks
James Kunstler, author of The Geography of Nowhere (previously quoted elsewhere on this blog) has a blog of sorts. “Of sorts,” because it has none of the easy navigation or granularity typically associated with blogs (much less the links, blogroll, etc.); if you want to adhere to the author’s intent, it’s probably best to do […]
Posted by Ben on November 8, 2004
https://www.swordbilled.com/james-howard-kunstler-speaks/
Oh, the Tragedy
More lit on The Commons* than you could ever conceivably want to read. Ever. (The Digital Library of the Commons) Note: * same Commons as in, e.g., the near-infamous Tragedy of the Commons.
Posted by Ben on November 8, 2004
https://www.swordbilled.com/oh-the-tragedy/
Indeed
“Peace on earth depends on our ability to secure our living environment.” — Ole Danbolt Mjoes, head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee
Posted by Ben on October 8, 2004
https://www.swordbilled.com/indeed/
Dear Umbra…
…I’d like to choose my brand of gas with more conscience. Would you help? A goodie-filled column by Umbra Fisk over at Grist Magazine. The answer to the actual question (i.e., what’s the least bad gas company?) is relatively inconsequential compared to the various links offered up in the process: Better World Handbook Responsible Shopper […]
Posted by Ben on October 8, 2004
https://www.swordbilled.com/dear-umbra/
The Maul of America
There is no doubt that the Mall of America is a ready display of American culture’s addiction to consumerism and the myth that personal possessions will boost self-esteem. It’s also an outpost of a half-century of urban design predicated on the notion that America has enough room, energy, wealth, and moxie to continue building drive-up […]
Posted by Ben on October 4, 2004
https://www.swordbilled.com/the-maul-of-america/
From Arnold Schwarzenegger’s California to Ningxia Province in China
An excerpt from Tony Blair’s September 14th speech on the problem of global warming: But tonight I want to concentrate on what I believe to be the world’s greatest environmental challenge: climate change. Our effect on the environment, and in particular on climate change, is large and growing. … The problem and let me state […]
Posted by Ben on September 20, 2004
https://www.swordbilled.com/from-arnold-schwarzeneggers-california-to-ningxia-province-in-china/
Hurrican Ecology
Hurricanes can wreak horrific structural damage and lead to loss of life, but you knew that already. What you might not be thinking about are the numerous benefits of hurricanes. No, they don’t revive your immune system or add years to your life (or your house). But they can clean out waterways, help re-build barrier […]
Posted by Ben on September 16, 2004
https://www.swordbilled.com/hurrican-ecology/