Beginnings

I have always held a certain ambivalence toward my nation’s national anthem. For my parents’ generation, having participated in a war for our nation’s survival, it is a deep and important talisman. But to my generation, its theme (war) places it at the center of an unresolved struggle, making it an uncomfortable national icon. It’s …

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Dave Finds The Solution Space

Regular Inkstain readers will no doubt be aware of my ongoing search for “the solution space” – public policy options that unite those with disparate views in search of solutions to thorny problems that can actually be implemented – that are robust to underlying political disagreements. My friend Dave is pushing something in this regard …

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Rain in Bali

The monthly ENSO diagnostic discussion from the U.S. government’s climate prediction center, out today, shows a strengthening La Niña, likely to persist into the spring. That means rain in Bali: Expected La Niña impacts during December-February include a continuation of above-average precipitation over Indonesia and below-average precipitation over the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. For …

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Graphical Whiplash

Apologies for the graphical whiplash. I had some issues (*cough*hackedagain*cough*) that were most easily dealt with by changing themes. I promise to get the Easy-Do Parties lady back in her proper place at some point soon.