Thames Water Crisis (again)

 The failed saga of the privatization of British water companies continues. 

Thames Water is undergoing a crisis, spurred by its excessive debt levels and poor environmental performance. The creditor group — which has labeled itself the London & Valley Water consortium — has been working on a rescue. The creditors submitted their proposal, which includes £20.5 billion ($27.4 billion) of investment and operational spending over the next five years.

The London & Valley Water consortium includes Silver Point Capital, Elliott Management Corp. and Apollo Global Management Inc., as well as Aberdeen Group Plc and Assured Guaranty Ltd. The UK government appointed FTI Consulting to advise on a special administration process in case it’s needed.

Cut the water to Gaza

HAMAS and the world do not understand Israeli anger against them. A group of angry activists went to the extreme of cutting the water flow in the main pipe feeding Gaza. 

Of course, it is a demonstrative action. No one will let two million human beings to dissiccate in the desert. 

The Yarmukhians

In Kibbutz Shaar HaGolan, many small female figurines were found. They are the remains of the Yarmukhian culture, dating back 8,000 years, at the beginning of agriculture. These female big-assed works are called fertility goddesses.  Similar figurines with exaggerated female features are found across many prehistoric cultures worldwide.

Rather than representing goddesses themselves, the figurines are offerings or ritual objects used by women to request children or successful pregnancies. This would make them more like prayers made tangible rather than objects of worship. In many cultures, people dedicate objects to petition for fertility and healthy childbirth.

If so, how can we explain the current "rebellious" non-reproducing fashion? 

Greta is Returning

I am for letting her land in Gaza so she can enjoy the company of her Hamas friends. Retarded, she is. Ben Gvir offers them a long stay in the familiar Ketziot jail, like ordinary, garden-variety terrorists. The Red Cross will visit them daily.  

 

Afrodita de Milo

European female perfection. 

She may have been a bit wide and heavy on the bottom side. 

Form meets function.

 

Lou Ruvo Brain Health Center, Las Vegas

The building, designed by Frank Gehry, is known for its two distinct parts: an orthogonal medical clinic and an undulating stainless steel building that houses a large, open atrium.

It radiates meaning. Form meets function. 

Osmotic Power for the Rich

On one side, there is concentrated seawater created by extracting fresh water; on the other, treated water from a sewage treatment facility. The membrane allows water to pass but blocks impurities. As water naturally moves toward the saltier side, pressure builds and is used to spin a turbine, which then drives a generator. The energy generated is minimal, and most of it is used to power the pumps. The photo shows the world's first plant near Oslo. 

Of course, this plant is not economically viable; it is a mechanical toy for people with excess resources, time, and energy. How good that life is so easy!