What if the universe has programmed us to build our replacement? — Darwin observed that the most successful organisms are those which adapt best to a shifting environment, and for the last few millennia that’s been homo sapiens. Things may be about to change. Like everyone else with a wifi connection and a doomer disposition, I’ve written before about the dangers of…

A memo to all Republican communicators — President Donald Trump, the greatest American ever to live, recently posted on Truth Social: “we will root out the Communists, Marxists, Fascists, and Radical Left Thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country, lie, steal, and cheat on Elections, and will do anything possible, whether legally or…

A short poem about the joys and perils… —

We’re venturing into uncharted territory — I haven’t been writing much lately about the climate crisis, and not because I’ve gained new optimism that we can avoid a civilization-wrecking climate car wreck. No, it’s more because as the year unravelled, with records shattered and new superlatives applied to the emerging catastrophe, I didn’t have much new…

There’s no other explanation for strangers talking to me — It was a quiet day when I arrived at the pool. Two of the three lanes were empty and the third occupied only by a single older woman placidly backstroking from one end to the other. A peaceful pool gives me pleasure. When not surrounded by other pool-less proles I…

I’ve developed an envious respect for empowered women who aren’t in any hurry — A couple of days ago I went on a coffee date arranged through a dating app. I’m not a big fan of meeting in coffee shops because alcohol is a superior social lubricant, but I’ll take it if that’s what’s on offer. It went well, at least by my undemanding…

Maybe, but we shouldn’t get too smug about it — I was Facebooking the other day because I’m ancient, and got into a conversation with some cheerful MAGAbot about whether Canada was a socialist dictatorship run by Globalization. …

Have fun at the fair, but stick to the midway — “Jesus, Jimmy, I told you not to get off the highway. We’ve been driving twenty minutes and haven’t even seen a car.” “Yeah, yeah. Was supposed to be a shortcut around the roadwork.” He peered at the device mounted on the dashboard. “How was I supposed to know the fucking…

“The Freedom To Shoot Bill will reduce gun violence without imposing undue hardship on firearms owners” — In a rare show of support for new gun legislation, House Republicans have introduced a new bill which would require Americans in public places to identify themselves by the intended use of the firearms they’re carrying. Under the new law, all persons resident in the United States would have to…