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

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Labour needs to make the selfish case for foreign aid

670 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Aid Soft Power Corruption International relations
  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.

Twitter's transport experts are wrong, and I know better than them

603 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🕹 Technology Transport Autonomy Safety Economics Future
  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.