Links for Friday, March 15
Some history, a little economics, and a philosophical note.
The Ides of March presents us with an interesting opportunity for comment. Julius Caesar died trying to balance two opposites: the illusion of democracy and the fact of a king. It’s a balance that can be pulled off, so long as all important elements of the State stand with you.
Sometimes it’s former friends that do you in (above). Sometimes it’s the Praetorian Guard (below).
With that, let’s enjoy some links. There are six this week, some economic, some philosophical, plus a musical treat.
Links
First, a helpful climate-site link, then a look at the real economy, the one with people in it.
• Climate Reanalyzer (a data and graphics site)
I’ve been writing quite a bit about climate again (see here for a list). If you’re wondering where charts like this were coming from:
Look no further than the terrific site, Climate Reanalyzer. Click through and play around. It has weather charts, climate charts, and configurable charts (which I haven’t explored.)
The chart above, by the way, is a horror story. It shows that we’ve now experienced 365 days of continuous all-time highs at the surface of the world’s oceans. Nearing the top of the roller coaster, folks.
File under “There’s no more road down which to kick this can.”
• Nearly 50% of US parents financially supporting adult children, study finds (The Guardian)
Of parents providing support, 21% were helping millennials (age 28-43) or members of gen X (age 44-59). Millennials and gen X adult children were on average given between $907 and $960 each month by their parents.
Gen Z adults (between 18 and 27) were getting more help from their mothers and fathers, averaging about $1,515 monthly.
Notably, many adults from gen Z still have college and university expenses.
File under “Capitalism, enemy of democracy.”