Why Worry?
We are aiming to cycle from Oskemen (east Kazakhstan) through Xinjiang (China) to Khovd (western Mongolia). Should we be worried?
Author: Jane Shearer
Are cow bells cruel?
Cow bells are as intrinsic to the Swiss landscape as mountain peaks and wooden houses with steep roofs. But how would you like to have a permanently attached bell clinking and clanking as you move? And why would cows be any different?
Has Science Sold Out?
Should scientists be focused on the greater good? Or should we be realistic about scientists, like everyone else, wanting a job?
Of toilets and rubbish (mostly)
France, a land of great scenery, architecture, baking, and terrible toilets. Why does New Zealand think toilets and rubbish bins are essential to support tourism when France is full of tourists and deplete of public toilets?
Built beauty
Why do we think some buildings are particularly beautiful? And why do we think old buildings are beautiful? Especially given how uncomfortable many would be to live in?
Blind Leadership
Banksy’s new statue could be called ‘The Politician’, or could be called ‘Blinded by the cause’. Whatever the name, its an excellent ephemeral public sculpture.
Leadership styles
There are many ways to lead and no one style is likely to suit all the people being led.
Making Decisions
Life’s a series of decisions, influenced by other people’s decisions. Trump’s desire to sit on both sides of the fence at once have left the world, and us, wondering what to do next.
To Reply or Not to Reply…
Do messages always deserve a reply? Have we entered an age of overwhelm where replies are the exception? They are on the Warmshowers cycle hosting platform.
Safe havens & self-reliance
When oil shortages loom it makes sense to want our country to be more self-reliant. It seems obvious our country should rapidly install solar power and wind turbines at scale. Or does it? What makes sense for a home may not make sense for a country.