Russia – Aug 30
Russia says will ensure oil flows to Europe
Punishing Russia could prove costly
Russia is fighting a new Cold War with banks and pipelines, not tanks and warplanes
Society
Transport – Aug 30
Vacationers travel roads closer to home to save the summer
California insurance commissioner backs pay-as-you-drive policies
Transport – August 29
We drive as we live
It is time for the US to sell its highways?
As Americans fill trains, frustration grows
No different this time
Arguments for the more extreme scenarios of global collapse in the wake of peak oil, climate change, and the like routinely insist that the current situation cannot be judged according to the standards of history. The aftermath of an actual example of collapse — the fall of the Soviet empire — suggests otherwise.
Trash – August 28
Call to tackle UK business waste
Save your trash: An interview with Ari Derfel
Eric Lombardi’s zero waste park
Illusions of inclusivity in the culture of “whatever”
As the collapse of civilization exacerbates and intensifies, the most well-intentioned and open-hearted human beings will make many mistakes. And at the same time, it is possible to become adept and wizened by warrior/elder principles that skillfully set limits and to adhere to them when it would be much easier to garner kudos from self and others for indiscriminate inclusivity. It is a delicate and daunting dance-sometimes ecstatic, sometimes excruciating. But regardless of its outcome, its pathway traverses nowhere near the land of “Whatever”.
Persuasion – August 26
The science of getting a ‘Yes’ (Audio)
Getting what you want: A Q&A with the authors of Yes!
The persuaders: Robert Cialdini and the science of persuasion
Other voices – August 26
Energy Collective: new site for energy discussions
Utne special: Mother Earth’s big comeback
Post Carbon Relocalize Newsletter #23
Prof. Harold Hill’s America
Optimism sells. It is one of the staples of American life. And, it makes it difficult to tell Americans bad news.
Transport – Aug 24
Toronto’s mysterious bicycle thief
New Republic: The end of aviation
Drivers to pay for oil shock in NZ
The age of the train returns to French provinces
Suddenly, sharing a ride looks good
Fifth peak oil conference by Community Solutions Oct 31- Nov 2
Theme – “Plan C: Individual and Community Survival Strategies for the Energy Crisis” Conference to be held at Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. Speakers include Dmitry Orlov, John Michael Greer, and Richard Heinberg.
Not preparing, living my life
By the time we were finished [with the interview], I felt that I’d lent myself to a subject about something I really know very little about – that is, preparing for a hypothetical crisis that may come someday. What I actually am starting (and I’m still just starting) to know something about is living in such a way that I’m somewhat insulated (not perfectly) from a whole host of scenarios.
