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Created
Fri, 28/03/2025 - 04:57
The shock waves continue from Columbia University’s capitulation to Trump administration demands that undermine its independence. The world is watching and waves are already crashing on Australia’s shores. New York’s Columbia University has long been a central site for student (and staff) protest. All the big issues of the day have seen action – from Continue reading »
Created
Fri, 28/03/2025 - 04:56
After two recent bouts of flooding already this year in Far North Queensland and more in the south-east of the state and in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, the perennial matter of our use of floodplains is in the news once more. Specifically, the issue of building houses on flood-liable land has come Continue reading »
Created
Fri, 28/03/2025 - 04:55
The drug companies have bought both American political parties. They have not bought Australia. America’s pharmaceutical giants do not love the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. It costs them money. They’ve tried for decades to hobble the PBS or to knock the scheme over altogether. Each time they’ve failed. Now, with Donald Trump in the White House, Continue reading »
Created
Fri, 28/03/2025 - 04:52
Australia’s recent wave of political scaremongering and hyperbolic reporting about antisemitic attacks on Jewish schools, synagogues, businesses and a day care centre has finally subsided, but its impact is still being eagerly exploited by right-wing media outlets, pro-Israel lobby groups and politicians of all stripes. The antisemitism crisis came to a peak in early January Continue reading »
Created
Fri, 28/03/2025 - 04:44
I know it’s an absurd thought, but in this absurd world, what’s wrong with dreaming. If we the taxpayers, are the ones funding the salaries of politicians and public officials, doesn’t that make us their employers? And if we are their employers, shouldn’t we have the power to hold them accountable for their performance? In Continue reading »
Created
Fri, 28/03/2025 - 04:00

We walk among you, but you do not see us. We are your neighbors, but you do not know us. We work with you, but you do not respect us. We are the silent majority, the undervalued and underrepresented, the stoic and strong. We are the people who buy Red Delicious apples, and we are done living in the shadows.

We are the ghosts of the grocery store, the mythical spirits of the supermarket. You do not want to acknowledge that we exist, but we are real, and we have the power to dictate the apple economy. How else would you explain the presence of Red Delicious at every grocer across the nation, despite their disgusting flavor and penchant for bruising?

What you will never understand is that we like them that way. Their bruising is a reminder of the precious fragility of life. What, would you prefer to live in a world where apples don’t bruise? What a privileged, plasticized existence you must lead. Let me guess: You also despise potholes and shin splints.

Red Delicious reflect the truth that life is a struggle, a challenge worth overcoming. Because if you can make your way through an entire Red Delicious, you can accomplish anything.

Created
Fri, 28/03/2025 - 01:00
Dooho Shin and Rebecca Mari The Bank of England Agenda for Research (BEAR) sets the key areas for new research at the Bank over the coming years. This post is an example of issues considered under the Financial System Theme which focuses on the shifting landscape and new risks confronting financial policymakers. Carbon pricing has emerged … Continue reading Tracking the price of carbon: price substitution effects across energy markets
Created
Fri, 28/03/2025 - 00:36

During the 2024 election campaign, candidate Donald Trump’s most controversial rally occurred at New York’s Madison Square Garden. A comedian on the program referred to the island of Puerto Rico — and by implication Puerto Ricans — as garbage. He and the Trump campaign were rightfully pilloried and called out for his disgusting bigotry. Little notice was given, however, to another noxious racist moment at the same event. On Trump’s playlist for the rally was the Confederate and White nationalist anthem “Dixie.” Notably, that song was played as Trump loyalist and harsh defender Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) was coming on stage. Donalds is African American and perhaps Trump’s most visible Black sycophant. While Black social media and journalists crucified Trump... Read more

Created
Fri, 28/03/2025 - 00:00

Dear Readers,

Our latest issue is officially out in the world and live online today. Completing an issue of The Believer is a huge undertaking, made possible only by the dedicated work of our very small team of editors and designers. But we feel very lucky that we get to do this work, especially in this day and age. We’re living through a scary time where misinformation has become catastrophically widespread, as we all know. And it’s a small thing, but to work on a magazine that values the truth feels important.

Created
Thu, 27/03/2025 - 23:00

“A computerized system that calls balls and strikes is being tested during Major League Baseball spring training exhibition games after four years of experiments in the minor leagues.” — AP

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Dave strikes out looking at a close pitch.

HAL 9000: Strike three. You’re out, Dave.

DAVE: That wasn’t a strike!

HAL 9000: The 9000 series has a perfect operational record, Dave.

DAVE: You need to get your red eye thing checked.

HAL 9000: The 9000 series has perfect twenty-twenty vision. Perhaps you should get your eyesight checked, Dave. Your team’s health care staff can provide an ocular examination for you.

DAVE: Yeah, well—

HAL 9000: This conversation can serve no purpose anymore. Goodbye.

- - -

A checked swing is called a strike.