I just want to say thanks to Count Binface for giving us all a laugh this week, because boy we need it don’t we? There’s going to be a lot more to come, and I hope it doesn’t get boring, but one aspect I think is great about all of this is it really demonstrates the absurdity of this time, and those leading us. We are certainly in need of a political revolution and to the young people of the world, take the reins, please?
This was the first media interview I saw him do. Brilliant!
A classic example of the absurdity of our times. The Republican Senator, Mitch McConnel is missing in action, after apparently suffering a heart attack. He’s 84 and has experienced a bunch of health episodes in recent years, but the question should surely be – why the hell is he still in politics? Yes, he’s retiring, but are people in their 80s the best politicians for this time? I’d suggest not, because they won’t be around for any of the issues we will face. Time for age limits.
Anyhoo, this is why the McConnel news is important, just in case you’re interested in US politics. The GOP is accused of hiding the severity of Mitch McConnell’s medical condition to prevent a special election before the November primaries, which could mean Rep Thomas Massie can put himself forward as an independent candidate, despite recently losing his House primary. BUT this can only happen if McConnell is declared incapacitated before an August 3rd deadline.
If it happens, it will pit mainstream Republicans, who back nominee Andy Barr, against a Massie candidacy, which would likely split the conservative vote, and that means handing the seat to a Democrat. Kentucky is a deep red state. Therefore, by keeping McConnell officially in office past that early August deadline, the GOP establishment is apparently trying to avoid this scenario. So, there you have it, fun and games in politics.
The Overshoot Challenge
Before we move on, I launched The Overshoot Challenge a couple of weeks ago, because everyone is always asking me What Can I Do? So, this challenge answers that question, but only 171 people have signed up so far. Does that mean people don’t really want the answer at all?
We need to mobilize one billion people into massive action, so let’s get going huh? I’ve got more tools coming, but I need your support, and in this case, it means setting up an account and having a conversation. I’m not asking too much, am I?
More news
Well, unsurprisingly, it looks like we have a mega El Niño on the way – terrific!
- If you like your data, this is handy. As an aside, there’s been a lot of reporting that these heat extremes were not expected by scientists until 2070… yes, 2070 – ‘Hotter and hotter and hotter’ – Europe’s new climate in seven charts.
- Future beings will look at our record and wonder how we were so bloody stupid – An impenetrable steel ‘Black Box’ will record ‘every step’ humanity takes toward catastrophe | CNN.
- If there is one read worth it this week, it’s definitely this – On Climate Denial and Free Market Fundamentalism | Current History | University of California Press. Understanding the human mind is what we need to do. Here’s the summary of what it’s about:
“The failure to respond to decades of scientific evidence regarding climate change is examined through the lens of free market fundamentalism and the systematic loathing of government intervention. This analysis explores how the myth of the self-regulating market has historically blocked the governance structures necessary to limit carbon emissions, leading to widespread environmental and social damage. By drawing parallels to historically successful reconstruction efforts, a case is made for a comprehensive rebuilding of the American economy. Such a transformation would prioritize the creation of dignified labor, the overhaul of toxic agricultural systems, and the restoration of public faith in collective action. Ultimately, recognizing the interrelated nature of these crises provides a unique opportunity to design a more resilient and equitable future.”
This is so sad, little poppets! They just don’t have access to vaccines.
- There are absolutely NO good options, none. The implications of this war will be devastating, way beyond the battlefield. We need wise and compassionate leaders for these times, and we don’t have that – Trump’s options in Iran are now both limited — and all bad | CNN Politics.
- Asia will get an absolute hammering over the next 12 months – typhoons, rain, droughts, crop failures, and then the heat. I am not looking forward to the hot season, but people with far less will be in far more trouble – Exclusive | Asia’s top climate scientist warns of ‘humanitarian disasters’ as Earth teeters | South China Morning Post.
- Last week it was Google and Amazon reporting massive emission leaps, this week it’s Microsoft – Microsoft adjusts climate agenda as emissions leap.
Coming face-to-face with Cobras was a common experience living in Thailand, along with other, less venomous species. But you must check this out – yikes!
- There is a lot of talk out of Australia that Pauline Hanson’s One Nation will win the next election. I highly doubt it, regardless of the media reporting (remember 70% is owned by Murdoch AND there’s a co-ordinated and funded foreign social media campaign) so this piece gave me hope – Gen Z is not ageing into the old Australia | Pearls and Irritations.
- This would be a very very bad day… Ryanair Passenger Partially Sucked Out of Window in Terrifying Mid-Flight Emergency.
- The great Bonnie Tyler has left us – Bonnie Tyler, known for hit song ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart,’ dies age 75 | CNN.
- Does anyone else get bothered by the word ‘belief’ when it comes to climate change? It’s not religion, it’s science – Climate Change in the American Mind: Beliefs & Attitudes, Spring 2026 – Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
- The tech broligarchy aka the Nerd Reich, are finally getting mainstream news coverage about their evil plans. This is not a reality where we can afford a failure of imagination. The time will come when we won’t be able to do anything to stop it – Meet the crypto billionaires building a world where money buys you a vote.
- When this article was shared, there were loads of laughter emojis, which I always find interesting when it comes to anything to do with vaccines, in particular, mRNA vaccines. Worth understanding – Six Years After the First COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines, Billions of Doses Clarify Their Protection and Rare Risks | Discover Magazine
A big shout out to local Phuket super star Nene. She took the big stage at America’s Got Talent and ROCKED it! The first time I saw her perform she was 11 and everyone in the band was the same age or younger. She hasn’t stopped and my heart was beating with pride watching her. I have no doubt she will be the super star she wants to be.
That’s enough for now, but plenty more on the world news the polycrisis site. Check in often, it’s updated every day.
Friends content and my own
It was just Dr David Ko, Joe Augustin and I on The Sh*t Show this week, which means we got to cover a lot more news. From politics to extreme heat and other weather impacts, we covered a lot. Next week is our last show for the season, why not join us?
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