Weird MAGA politicians

What's below is similar to Sarah Palin making fun of fruit fly research, giving it as an example of projects that have little or nothing to do with the public good, saying "Things like fruit fly research in Paris, France. I kid you not." Completely unaware of the importance of fruit fly research to genetics. She should have dropped out as a candidate for VP for the shame alone. But in America isn't OK to say stupid things to the entire nation. Trump2 is, of course, a prime example, the BEST example. But he has competition. Here's a South Carolina representation in the US House going on about something she didn't research or even appear to be interested in except for trying to score a political point. Instead it was an own goal. She already lost her bid for reelection this fall, so she'll be out of Congress. But, probably, unfortunately, not out of the public eye. That's how it goes here now.

Animals should not be used for radical transgender experiments.

This is not science. This is ideological cruelty paid for by the American taxpayers.

Our TRANS MICE Act ends it. No federal funds may be used to conduct, support, or fund research aimed at altering an animal's… pic.twitter.com/ef3tSuhO78

— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) June 18, 2026

The 21st Century is Getting Wild

Oliver in Summer

My cat Oliver has relocated to his summer lair. He spends most days out there, or laying in the yard. Maybe you can see him peaking at the camera.

Solar > Coal in May in USA

 In May in the US solar contributed more electric power than coal:

New York, 10 June 2026 – Solar overtook coal generation in the US electricity mix for the first month on record in May 2026, according to official monthly and preliminary hourly generation data analysed by global energy think tank Ember. Solar supplied a record 12.8% of US electricity, while coal fell to 12.2%, its fourth-lowest monthly share ever.

Source: https://ember-energy.org/latest-updates/solar-overtakes-coal-in-us-electricity-for-the-first-month-on-record/

I keep track of the weekly coal production (in the US). Here's how it's gone in recent years (sorry for not making a pretty graph):

US coal production peaked in 2007-2009. It's been downhill since and is now lower than 1980. I feel sorry for coal miners, and a decent administration would be very active in training these men & women for other jobs, or retiring those older than about (?) 45. 

Trump2 recently gave the coal mining industry $700 million to restore coal power plants and such; meanwhile this idiot has spent $2.5 billion to shut down wind power. 

This article says he will lose his fight against renewable energy, with the subhead:

"Market forces are stronger than MAGA." 

Greta Says Happy Birthday to Trump

From a Guardian article soliciting birthday greetings for Trump's 80th birthday:

Ouch.

Warming Up To 2025: 1.37°C

These latest numbers imply 1.5°C of total global warming in just four years. 2.0°C of warming in 2049. It's coming on fast now. Here's the paper.

Our 2026 Indicators of Global Climate Change paper is out! We find that the human-induced warming was 1.37C in 2025, and the current rate of warming is 0.27C per year, on track to firmly pass 1.5C in about four years: essd.copernicus.org/...

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— Zeke Hausfather (@hausfath.bsky.social) June 11, 2026 at 4:42 PM

El Niño is Coming on Strong

 Sea surface temperatures for the Nino 3.4 region:

and for the global average sea surface temperature:

Both graphs via Tropical TidBits.

Blue Origin Rocket Blows Up on Launchpad

9 pm Eastern Standard Time, tonight. Everything exploded during a test for a launch soon, liquid oxygen + liquefied natural gas.

I think this is the biggest rocket explosion I've ever seen. It was going to carry 48 satellites to space. Bezos says trying again "is worth it." Probably a write off on all the taxes he doesn't pay (0%).

Amazing TED Talk - Steven Hayes

This is the most unique TED talk I have ever seen. Maybe you too will find it interesting.

 

Warren Zevon Before Dying

Enjoy every sandwich.

La Nina to End Soon, then ENSO-Neutral

The climate gods may finally be giving ENSO a break. The Climate Prediction Center at the University of Maryland says the current La Nina should last a couple more months, then the gods will deliver [viz. the Center predicts] a neutral ENSO. After the last 3-4 years maybe even they need a rest. It will be interesting to finally see what global temperatures will do when there is no ENSO going on. Will it stay as warm as the last three years [barring the current La Nina], or will temperatures dip some? Only the gods know for sure, and they're plenty unhappy with humans messing with their climate toy.

Update on the Pythagorean Theorem

Tinariwen (+IO:I) - Sastanàqqàm