Odds and Ends of History

Odds and Ends of History critically examines current socio-political narratives, technological impacts, and policy decisions with a focus on debunking popular misconceptions. It explores themes like the misalignment between public image and policy impact, the necessity of pragmatic approaches to climate change, and the potential of emerging technologies to reshape societal norms.

Political Commentary Technology Impact and Safety Climate Change and Environmental Policy Media Literacy and Journalism Public Transportation Systems Urban Development and Policy Economic Policy and Innovation

The hottest Substack posts of Odds and Ends of History

And their main takeaways
737 implied HN points β€’ 05 Nov 24
  1. Europe needs to strengthen its military forces regardless of the outcome of U.S. elections. It's important for countries to be prepared for any situation.
  2. People often worry about the military industrial complex, but it can also be viewed as a necessary part of national defense. Understanding this can change perspectives positively.
  3. Political events, like 9/11, can spark interest in politics and awareness about military issues. Such moments can shape how individuals think and engage with government matters.
871 implied HN points β€’ 29 Oct 24
  1. The government has proposed creating a National Data Library, but no one seems to know exactly what it is or how it will work.
  2. Different ideas have been suggested for the library, such as a central place for finding data or a resource for data-driven public services, but none have been clearly defined.
  3. Overall, the National Data Library appears to be a vague concept, and it’s unclear what specific goals or purposes it aims to achieve for the public.
1072 implied HN points β€’ 22 Oct 24
  1. AI can help find false health claims online, which can reduce health misinformation. This means that people can get more accurate information about alternative medicine.
  2. Regulating alternative medicine is important because it protects vulnerable people from being misled by unproven treatments. Clear rules can help limit the spread of false hope.
  3. Using AI to check claims made by alternative medicine clinics could help the government monitor misleading information better. This could lead to safer practices in health care.
938 implied HN points β€’ 15 Oct 24
  1. Space technology is advancing rapidly, and we may not be prepared for its impact on our lives. This growth could change the way we explore and utilize space.
  2. Thinking like an engineer, like Elon Musk does, is effective for building complex things like rockets but can be problematic in social contexts where human interaction is key.
  3. The recent successful launch of the SpaceX Starship showcased not just engineering achievements but also pointed towards the future possibilities of human space travel, especially to Mars.
1072 implied HN points β€’ 07 Oct 24
  1. Building the Lower Thames Crossing is seen as essential infrastructure, even for those who dislike cars. It aims to improve traffic flow and connectivity in the region.
  2. The project has significant implications for the landscape, as it will cut through farmland and woodland, creating a busy motorway.
  3. Although there is a push for more public transport, the need for this road shows the complexities of urban planning and transportation in areas lacking alternatives.
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603 implied HN points β€’ 13 Oct 24
  1. There's a talk about nuclear energy happening in London, and you're invited to join and learn more about it.
  2. A new podcast season is out where funny guests discuss current news topics like politics and climate change.
  3. The campaign to free the Postcode Address File is gaining attention, highlighting its importance and questioning its value.
2278 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
  1. AI technology, like the one used in TfL's Tube Station experiment, is rapidly changing and being implemented in various sectors.
  2. AI cameras at stations can have a wide range of uses, from enhancing security to improving passenger welfare and gathering statistical data.
  3. While AI technology offers numerous benefits, there are also concerns about privacy, surveillance, and potential misuse of the technology.
1340 implied HN points β€’ 26 Feb 24
  1. The Conservative Party is heading towards an 'extremely online' opposition with concerning behavior and radicalization.
  2. Some controversial actions by party members like Liz Truss are seen as potentially enhancing their standing within the party, rather than being disqualifying.
  3. The shift towards extreme behavior within the Conservative Party reflects a new structural reality in British politics that may lead to significant challenges in the future.
1541 implied HN points β€’ 19 Jan 24
  1. There's a built-in technology in cars for safer driving that's not being utilized properly.
  2. The eCall system can connect drivers to emergency services with just a press of a button, providing important data like location and car details.
  3. The potential of eCall data to optimize emergency response and improve road safety is hindered by lack of integration among different emergency service systems.
1139 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 24
  1. The Postcode Address File (PAF) is a critical database of postal addresses in the UK, owned by Royal Mail and requires expensive licensing fees for access.
  2. An amendment proposed in the House of Lords aims to make UK address data freely available for public use, potentially liberating the PAF.
  3. Individuals are encouraged to reach out to House of Lords members to support the amendment, as it moves through the legislative process towards potential implementation.
804 implied HN points β€’ 07 Mar 24
  1. You can't always tell when you're on the right side of history, even when causes seem morally right now.
  2. Appealing to being on the right or wrong side of history can be a powerful but flawed argument tactic in debates.
  3. Progress is possible, and it's important to think deeply about moral crusades rather than relying on 'right side of history' arguments.
737 implied HN points β€’ 28 Feb 24
  1. Decarbonizing homes by replacing gas boilers with heat pumps is a known solution, but the challenge is logistical and costly for homeowners.
  2. Creating a central register of gas safety certificates could help target incentives for upgrading inefficient boilers, improve data collection, and hold landlords accountable.
  3. Adding gas safety certificate management to the Gas Safety Register's contract during the upcoming tender can facilitate the implementation of the central register at a minimal cost to the government.
603 implied HN points β€’ 09 Mar 24
  1. Britain's new AI supercomputer, Isambard AI, is housed in a shipping container in a car park to boost the country's AI capabilities.
  2. London Mayoral and West Yorkshire Mayoral candidates support liberating the Postcode Address File, encouraging small business innovation.
  3. The National Underground Asset Register aims to map underground infrastructure to enhance safety and reduce accidental damage.
737 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 24
  1. Newsnight has faced a decline in viewers and budget cuts over the years.
  2. The show is undergoing changes with a reduced runtime and shift towards interviews and debates.
  3. Suggestions are made on how to improve Newsnight's situation and avoid irrelevance.
2010 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jun 23
  1. New Statesman Man is a character who is well-educated and politically engaged, but tends to focus more on image and status than actual ideas or beliefs.
  2. He is critical of capitalism and advocates for degrowth, but has a smug attitude and lacks concrete solutions for improving the lives of actual poor people.
  3. Despite claiming to be focused on materialism, New Statesman Man's actions and beliefs often betray a disconnect from the reality of poverty and inequality.
469 implied HN points β€’ 15 Mar 24
  1. The post discusses a theory about Kate Middleton that the author finds oddly interesting.
  2. There are links in the post pointing to good decarbonisation news and a win for the YIMBYs.
  3. The author is aiming for a round number of paid subscribers and offers a 20% discount on an annual subscription for a limited time.
804 implied HN points β€’ 01 Aug 23
  1. The author is considering launching a paid tier on Substack to support their writing.
  2. They have calculated that converting a small percentage of their subscribers could make it financially viable.
  3. If the paid tier is launched, the author plans to alternate free and paid content and provide additional posts for subscribers.
1072 implied HN points β€’ 17 Apr 23
  1. E-scooters can help reduce car usage and congestion in cities due to their compact design and ability to take up less space.
  2. Legalizing e-scooters can lead to positive downstream consequences, such as reducing car dependence, reshaping urban geography, and creating a more sustainable environment.
  3. Regulating e-scooters through legalization can improve safety standards, encourage responsible riding behavior, and prompt the development of infrastructure to accommodate different modes of transportation.
938 implied HN points β€’ 27 Mar 23
  1. Activists should consider making fighting climate change a right-wing cause to widen the support base.
  2. Framing climate change without linking it to other political issues could make it easier to build broader support.
  3. Reaching out to right-wing individuals and groups by reframing climate change on terms they value could help in gaining more support for climate action.
670 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jul 23
  1. Labour should make the selfish case for foreign aid to appeal to people's self-interest and make it more politically viable.
  2. Talking about foreign aid in terms of soft power and global stability can help reframe its purpose and importance.
  3. Addressing corruption in foreign aid should focus on improving practices rather than using it as an argument against aid altogether.
603 implied HN points β€’ 30 May 23
  1. The writer disagrees with Twitter's transport experts about driverless buses and thinks they could revolutionize transport.
  2. Autonomous buses could lead to cheaper, more efficient public transportation and help reduce carbon emissions.
  3. The potential of autonomous buses lies in making public transport more convenient, increasing capacity, and reducing the need for private vehicles.