Blog Archive

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Being The Enviro Show

 

Greetings Earthlings. Along time ago we were advised to "Be Here Now" which is a Zen sort of thing. Where else would we be? With that in mind professor, naturalist, and Buddhist author Christopher Ives joins us for a look at ‘green mental states’.  Like always, we will also be with this week's Fool-on-the-Hill (but not in person, thankfully). Also, the same applies to "Those Whose Brains Were small " and whomever treated us to our Doublespeak of the Week and more, but first it's time for.......Revenge of the Critters! Another listener recommendation:  Bear at Work.

 This week's Fool-on-the-Hill is Repugnican West Virginia Sen. Jim Justice who "oversaw a substantial expansion of diverse businesses, including coal reserves, Christmas tree farms, cotton gins, turfgrass operations, golf courses, and land development projects. In 2008, Senator Justice orchestrated a multi-million dollar sale of Bluestone Industries, Inc. Senator Justice repurchased Bluestone in 2015, reopening its mines and generating over 200 new mining jobs." So, Ol' King Coal who recently said this about His Malignancy not sending a rep to the COP-30 climate talks: “We know that we’re going to have an energy meltdown in this country and we have got to have our fossil fuels today like crazy...If you knew you had to have your fossil fuels like crazy would it make sense to go to a climate change summit? Maybe not.” To which we say, maybe if you Repugs would stop undermining clean energy like crazy that wouldn't be a problem. 

Not sure why we have yet to nominate ICE for our "Their Brains Were Small and They Died" segment but let's get to it. Here's a news excerpt that provides some of our reasoning for this nomination: "A man whose wife was arrested by federal immigration authorities on Thursday morning in Fitchburg, Massachusetts said Friday that his toddler daughter had been “traumatized” by the chaotic altercation during which he appeared to have a seizure and the agents threatened to take both parents away and turn the child over the state." And here's a video link to the actual incident BUT be warned, it's very disturbing. Also disturbing is the presence of a Fitchburg uniformed policeman apparently supporting ICE. It's said some of the so-called Proud Boys have been recruited by ICE which, like the dinosaurs of yore, once again reminds us the law of the jungle is still with us........until they finally die. 

Our Doublespeak of the Week comes via WBUR quoting the doublespeak champ of all time. Sorry about rendering he whose name shall not be spoken : "We know that besides “Trump,” Trump’s favorite word is “beautiful,” as in the “beautiful wall” he didn’t build (and Mexico didn’t pay for) and the “beautiful health care bill” that he never presented to Congress. Now he wants to beautify Gaza and has posted an AI-generated video of what this war-torn territory will look like after he’s turned it into the [beautiful] Riviera of the Middle East — a glittery escape for the elite, illuminated by golden Trump statues and balloons, and, of course, a Trump Gaza hotel." We're guessing His Malignancy refers to nuclear bomb explosions as beautiful but how about we advise congress HERE not to allow him to renew atomic testing, OK?

Since we're on the subject how about we take note of Gov. Gavin Newsom speaking at COP30 and referring to His Malignancy as an “invasive species”😏. We couldn't agree more and hope steps are taken to rid these United States of this plague. One of those steps may be in the Epstein files. Recently The Atlantic published a commentary on The Mad King (#NoKings) that should be required reading in all public schools and universities. The entire piece, written by Judge J. Michael Luttig could be summed up in this short segment: "For anyone who doubts that Trump is contemplating a monarchical reign, consider how very far down that road he already is. Since returning to office, he has sought absolute power, unchecked by the other branches of government, the 50 states, or the free press." Yet, it is best consumed whole as preparation for the struggle ahead. Read and note in closing this: "We have been given the high charge of our forebears to “keep” the republic they founded a quarter of a millennium ago. If we do not keep it now, we will surely lose it."

Luttig never even got to His Malignancy's crimes against Nature. Maybe he doesn't know "It's the Climate Crisis, Stupid!"? We have, in our files, more than enough to fill many blog posts. That said, we want to point out some of the worst, like this Emergency Alert from Environment America on the b.s. "Fix Our Forests" Act in the U.S. Senate. His Malignancy wants to clearcut our National Forests so his corporate billionaire trolls can divide the spoils. Of course we say #NoLoggingOnPublicLand . Here's another, the "UNtaxed Act" Tipping Point notes: "Every year, carbon pollution drives record-breaking heat, deadly wildfires, devastating floods, and storms that destroy homes and livelihoods. Now, Congress is considering a bill that would make it even harder to fight back—not just in the U.S. but globally. The so-called “UNtaxed Act” (H.R. 5888) would stop the United Nations and its member countries from exploring global carbon taxes." Meanwhile, His Malignancy et al want to expand deep sea mining far from our own shores. In a press release, acting U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, director Matt Giacona said the minerals could help U.S. manufacturing and defense." As they help themselves to it. AND, as previously noted, the U.S. Administration has zero presence at COP30 regardless of that group's sorry history, it's all we have in the way of international governmental approach to the climate emergency. Yes, there's way more but let's have some good news, OK? 

In The Enviro Show Echo Chamber we repeat spot on Daily Hampshire Gazette's coverage of the excellent Signs of Fascism standout on the Coolidge Bridge in Northampton, MA this past Veterans Day. The Veterans Action Team of Indivisible Northampton-Swing Left Western Mass utilized classic Burma Shave signage, spacing about twenty feet between signs making them easier to read from passing traffic. Messages like "Falsely Charging Political Opponents - (that's fascism)" and "Scapegoating Minorities & Immigrants - (that's fascism)" make up some of the many messages in Signs of Fascism actions. Kudos to all involved on a freezing, windy Vets Day action up on the bridge. Also, glad to report New England's last coal plant has powered down. What, no "clean coal"??

Our Critter of the Week is appropriate for this time of year, it's the Wild Turkey and they surely have flourished since their reintroduction to New England and beyond.  "Once nearly wiped out and absent from more than half the United States, wild turkeys have made an astonishing recovery – from just 200,000 birds in the 1930s to more than 7 million today. Once extinct in 18 states, they now roam in 49 states, including many areas where they hadn’t been seen in over 100 years. It’s not just a comeback – it’s one of the most successful wildlife recovery stories in U.S. conservation history." Audubon points out: "While they might not look like the fastest birds, Wild Turkeys are surprisingly confident fliers, capable of hitting 60 miles per hour. They are also more agile than they appear." Which is a good thing since Thanksgiving is upon us and given the tanking of the economy some folks are thinking DIY. 

 Our Quote of the Week comes from this week's guest:

Simply put, this historical moment calls for lifestyle change at the individual level and structural change at the societal level. We need this dual focus, for to call only for a reduction of our personal carbon footprints is to lay responsibility for causing and solving the problem at the feet of individuals and thereby let our economic system and powerful players like the fossil fuel industry off the hook. 

Christopher Ives 

After the conversation it's on to the Bus Stop Billboard;

 

Weekly. Here's what appears to be Indivisible Northampton — Swing Left Western Mass's complete daily listing of all the pro-democracy events in WMass:  https://in-slwm.org/wp-content/uploads/Calendar/cal.html  And This: Western Mass General Strike is hosting drop-in sessions on Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Hadley Public Library for conversation and networking around general strikes and other forms of economic resistance. We also invite you to our general meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 7-8:30, online. If you would like to get involved in organizing prior to that, contact us at wmgeneralstrike@proton.me. And This: Every Wednesday, 11am-1pm | Bearing Witness to ICE, Burlington, MA. Stand in solidarity outside the ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations Office. Together, we can show love and support for immigrants, express our shame at ICE, and bear witness to the cruel and unconstitutional actions of our government. Info/Sign Up.  Fridays , 11:30 AM – 1 PM thru Nov 21: Stop Citizens Bank From Financing Private ICE Prison Standouts. At Public sidewalks on King Street in Northampton, in front of Stop and Shop Plaza (Citizens Bank has a branch inside Stop and Shop). Send Citizens Bank a clear message: financing private prison and immigration detention facility operators is bad for business. Register HEREEvery Monday, 11:30am. -12:30pm.  Join us each Monday at the VA Medical Center to show your support for our veterans and federal workers. All the cars honking will brighten your day, too! Bring flags, signs, and friends! VA Medical Ctr, 421 N Main St, Route 9, Leeds, MA. Park in the VA Visitor lot or, if you have a sticker or are a Veteran, park in Look Park.  Register here

 

Monday November 17, 4-5:30. MA Elders Climate Action is inviting Dr Richard Birdsey back so we can delve into the many questions we didn't get to discuss when he presented to us in our October 14th chapter meeting on The Potential of Forests in Massachusetts to Address Climate Change.  Here is a link to that October 14th chapter meeting if you missed it or would like to review his slides to see for which ones you would like a more detailed explanation. Register here to get the Zoom link for the 11/17 deep dialogue.

 

 
Monday November 17, 7 - 8pm. Join us on Zoom to hear from constitutional lawyer and legal scholar John Bonifaz, as we discuss the current judicial landscape, and what we can do to fight back against this regime’s unlawful and unconstitutional actions. John is the co-founder and president of Free Speech for People, which fights against corruption in government and for free and fair elections. Register HERE

 

Tuesday November 18, 2pm.  Webinar: What is COP? Why is it important? How is 350.org involved? The annual UN Climate Summit (COP30) will be held November 10 - 21 in Brazil. 350, alongside hundreds of other activist organizations, will be in attendance to advocate for critical climate legislation. Go HERE.

 

Tuesday November 18, 7pm.  Local Energy Advocates will host State Representative Joan Meschino for a presentation and conversation about the Mark/Meschino climate bank bill. Join at this Zoom link. Climate Bank Coalition, is supporting  An Act to Create a Climate Bank in Massachusetts S.786/H3937. Here is why we are excited about it. If enacted, this bill would create a quasi-public bank that uses a public/private partnership model to finance and accelerate clean energy projects.

 

Thursday November 20, 7 - 8pm.  The North Woods for Potential for Wolf Restoration in New England with George Wuerthner on Zoom. Wuerthner will provide background on the Endangered Species Act as it relates to wolf restoration, how wolves have shaped ecosystems like Yellowstone and how wolf restoration in Oregon and California has progressed. He will also discuss wolves in New England and opportunities for wolf restoration in the region. This presentation is co-sponsored by RESTORE: The North Woods. Go HERE

Saturday November 22, 11:30am–1pm. The Public Value of Pepperell's Forest and Shade Trees. The Lawrence Library, 15 Main Street, Pepperell, MA or Live-streamed via Zoom: register here to watch onlineWilliam Moomaw is Professor Emeritus, Tufts University, the founding director of Tufts Institute of the Environment and Climate Initiative, and the co-founder of the Global Development and Environment Institute. Of course, it’s not just about Pepperell trees; its about the trees in your neighborhood, and every neighborhood.

 

Until next time please remember to listen to your Mother.

 

Friday, October 31, 2025

A "Wholly Protected Landscape" Enviro Show

[ Hear the complete podcast right HERE

Greetings Earthlings. Some good news from our friends at Kestral Trust: "2,000+ Acres of Forest in the West Quabbin Region [are now] Permanently Conserved...The land will be stewarded as “forever wild,” taking a passive management approach to the forest to encourage old growth conditions to develop." Presumably that means no destructive logging. Kristin DeBoer, Executive Director of Kestrel Land Trust joins us for the details. As usual we will also introduce you to the week's Fool-on-the-Hill and "Those Whose Brains Were small" as well as the usual reminder that "It's the Climate Crisis, Stupid!" and more but first it's time for.......Revenge of the Critters! An actual horror story about a certain spider and its victim. 

It's always Halloween here on The Enviro Show so we happily load up our Brains Were Small segment with a listener suggested "Monster Slash" for your viewing pleasure. We think you'll appreciate the cosplay and the excellent wordplay too!  We know a good many MAGA-type voters are now suffering from buyers remorse so this one's for you. O, and this one also. Happy Halloween! 

Speaking of monsters, this week's Fool-on-the-Hill seems to qualify. U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, Repug from Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District and House Majority Whip described organizers of the recent #NoKings  rallies as a “terrorist wing” of the Democratic Party and a “hate America” movement. Rose Thelen of Wright County Indivisible noted: "Emmer himself has previously urged restraint in political rhetoric. “This is the same representative who called for toning it down after the murders of Melissa Hortman and Charlie Kirk,” she said. “His hypocrisy is stunning.” Indeed.

Our Doublespeak of the Week comes from His Malignancy himself, bullshitting the White House Press Corp about the second biggest demonstration in U.S. history <#NoKings> (eclipsed only by the 1st Earth Day) : "I think it's a joke. I looked at the people. They are not representative of this country," His Malignancy said. "And I looked at all the brand-new signs paid for—I guess, it was paid for by [George] Soros and other radical left lunatics. It looks like it was. We're checking it out. The demonstrations were very small, very ineffective." O......really?

Since we're on the subject, let's review some of The Mad King's (who is #NoKing) latest. Setting aside just lame-ass moves like pardoning bullshit artist extraordinaire, George Santos or trying to revive zombie nukes,  how about "opening the entire coastal plain of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas leasing"?  Why stop there? What about his "plans to rescind the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, commonly known as the Public Lands Rule"? Go HERE for more on that. Then there's "The Interagency Weaponization Working Group" Reuters reported on last week:  "A group of dozens of officials from across the federal government, including U.S. intelligence officers, has been helping to steer President Donald Trump's drive for retribution against his perceived enemies, according to government records and a source familiar with the effort." Sound familiar? But wait, there's more! "The New York Times reported on Wednesday that during a call in March with right-wing activists, the woman, [Heather Honey] who has since been appointed to [the] President['s]...newly created “election integrity” position within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had suggested that the president could declare a “national emergency” to give his government new authority to dictate election rules typically decided by state and local governments."  AND, when we protest against that it seems like we may be confronted by his "quick reaction force" made up from the National Guard from all 50 states. Sound sketchy? The National Guard is hardly SS material. 

Like we said, it's always Halloween here on The Enviro Show so we want to share our Monster of the Year with you given what we just covered....

 

Look familiar? Actually we used the image last time this monster was lurking about. Now, it's escaped and is staggering around the countryside threatening near everyone. Time to PUSH BACK. 

How can we move on from Halloween for now without acknowledging the Raven as our Critter of the Week?  We can't ignore them, especially since we owe them. "Ravens were persecuted by early settlers in Massachusetts and elsewhere, in part because they fed on grain, and were also believed to feed on some livestock, such as baby lambs..... By the mid-1800s, ravens had pretty much disappeared from the state.....As ravens began their recovery in Massachusetts in the 1970s and ’80s, they visited mainly in winter, especially in the western part of the state. For many years, the Quabbin Reservoir was raven central as part of their early efforts to restore bald eagles in the Commonwealth, regularly put deer carcasses on the ice for wintering eagles to feed on. This practice gave ravens a leg up as well. From 2007 to 2011, there were 100 confirmed nestings in the state and increasing. Corvids, the family of birds that includes ravens, crows, jays, and magpies, in general, are as smart as parrots. Ravens are both predators and scavengers, and their omnivorous diet includes insects, rodents, lizards, frogs, and even the eggs and the young of other birds, according to National Audubon. They regularly eat carrion as well, subjecting them to potential poisoning by rodenticides. Please take action to protect them HERE.

Back to the horrors being foisted upon us by the real "enemy within", those who promote and maintain The War Against Nature. Yes, "It's the Climate Crisis, Stupid!" and the stupidity knows no bounds when it comes to the forces behind AI. Our last show focused on much of that but this report from Inside Climate News  goes a step further: "Data center energy demand “is threatening to sabotage the country’s already faltering climate goals,” wrote John Fleming and Jean Su, with the Center for Biological Diversity, in a report published Wednesday. Fleming and Su found that, if AI data centers powered by fossil fuels grow as forecasted, all other sectors of the U.S. economy would need to cut emissions by 60 percent in order for the U.S. to meet its emissions targets." Yes, that's a lot and not likely to be reached. And speaking of faltering climate goals, the NY Times informs us: "The world is not moving quickly enough to achieve global goals to reduce methane emissions by the end of the decade, a United Nations report found." That at the same time "A U.S. diplomatic broadside personally led by [the[ President...derailed a historic effort to tax climate pollution from shipping." And "An enormous solar power project in the Nevada desert that would have been one of the world’s largest has been canceled under.." [you know who]. Of course there's more but let's move on in the name of mental health.

In The Enviro Show Echo Chamber we replay MA Sierra Club's Forest Protection Team's visit to the MA Statehouse to drop off a petition calling for "Governor Maura Healey to set aside the public forests of the Quabbin, Ware, and Wachusett watersheds as protected reserves, free from logging, pesticides, and prescribed burning."  As Enviro Show listeners may know: "The Quabbin, Ware, and Wachusett watersheds contain among the most carbon dense, biodiverse, and connected forests in Massachusetts, while maintaining a clean and constant water supply for eastern communities. Yet each year they are subject to logging projects that crush the critical soil structure and remove the oldest trees that are more effective at sequestering carbon dioxide and removing pollutants than younger trees." Good work folks!  

 

Our Enviro Show Quote of the Week is a hybrid that came to us from Vote Common Good:

"The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced Communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction and the distinction between true and false no longer exist."  - Hannah Arendt

 AND: "This week, Pope Leo quoted that very warning when he told international news agencies they must stand firm against "the ancient art of lying" and the "quicksand of approximation and post-truth." 

After our conversation with Kristin it's on to the Bus Stop Billboard:

 

Weekly. Here's what appears to be Indivisible Northampton — Swing Left Western Mass's complete daily listing of all the pro-democracy events in WMass:  https://in-slwm.org/wp-content/uploads/Calendar/cal.html  And This: Western Mass General Strike is hosting drop-in sessions on Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Hadley Public Library for conversation and networking around general strikes and other forms of economic resistance. We also invite you to our general meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 7-8:30, online. If you would like to get involved in organizing prior to that, contact us at wmgeneralstrike@proton.me. And This: Every Wednesday, 11am-1pm | Bearing Witness to ICE, Burlington, MA. Stand in solidarity outside the ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations Office. Together, we can show love and support for immigrants, express our shame at ICE, and bear witness to the cruel and unconstitutional actions of our government. Info/Sign Up.  Fridays , 11:30 AM – 1 PM thru Nov 21: Stop Citizens Bank From Financing Private ICE Prison Standouts. At Public sidewalks on King Street in Northampton, in front of Stop and Shop Plaza (Citizens Bank has a branch inside Stop and Shop). Send Citizens Bank a clear message: financing private prison and immigration detention facility operators is bad for business. Register HEREEvery Monday, 11:30am. -12:30pm.  Join us each Monday at the VA Medical Center to show your support for our veterans and federal workers. All the cars honking will brighten your day, too! Bring flags, signs, and friends! VA Medical Ctr, 421 N Main St, Route 9, Leeds, MA. Park in the VA Visitor lot or, if you have a sticker or are a Veteran, park in Look Park.  Register here

 

Thursday November 13, 12:30pm.  Show up and make your voice heard at the MA Statehouse for a rally! We’ll be rallying in advance of a 1pm hearing on the importance of protecting communities from pollution and getting off fossil fuels. We will be giving vital testimony on billl S.2290/H.3547 An Act Preventing Gas Expansion To Protect Climate, Community Health And Safety. This crucial bill prevents new large gas pipelines and power plants from being approved within five miles of environmental justice communities. Go HERE

 

 

Thursday November 13, 1pm. Your voice is needed to defend Massachusetts from fossil fuels and support climate justice! Our commitment to clean energy, affordable bills, and environmental justice communities is under attack, and we need your help now. The Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy  Committee will hear testimony on An Act Preventing Gas Expansion to Protect Climate, Community, Health and Safety (H.3547/S.2290).  This crucial bill prevents new large gas pipelines and power plants from being approved within five miles of environmental justice communities. To testify in-person or virtually, fill out this form by 3:00 p.m. on November 12. Our toolkit  is a user-friendly guide to understanding and advocating for this climate friendly bill. It contains all the info you need to write and submit testimony in support of this bill.

 

 

Thursday November 13, 6-8pm.   DCR’s Forest Management Program is pleased to announce 10 new forest management projects. The program’s 2025 projects are focused on plantation conversion, improving complexity on the landscape, improving biodiversity, increasing forest resilience, and addressing forest health issues. [Note: All DCR propaganda themes] The proposed 2025 projects are in Savoy State Forest, October Mountain State Forest, Granville State Forest, Windsor State Forest, Chicopee State Park, Holyoke Range State Park, Mt. Wachusett State Reservation, Townsend State Forest, Willard Brook State Forest, and Myles Standish State Forest.  Presentations at: Pittsfield HQ, 740 South St, Pittsfield, MA;  Amherst Field Office, 40 Cold Storage Dr, Amherst, MA; Lake Station, Groton, 185 Lost Lake, Groton, MA  & Myles Standish SF  HQ, 194 Cranberry Rd, Carver, MA. Public Comments will be accepted using the following form linked here:  www.mass.gov/forms/dcr-public-comments . Public Comments will be accepted until 5PM January 5.


 

 

Friday November 14,  3pm.  Webinar: AI poses real risks to workers and civil rights, the economy, the environment and the stability of our financial system. With this Pandora's box opened, what repercussions can we expect to see in the coming years? Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund invites you to a conversation with Hilary J. Allen, Professor at the American University Washington College of Law, on the threats the AI bubble - and the finances behind it - pose to financial stability. Go HERE

 

 

 Saturday November 15, 2 pm.  Come hear about, and observe first hand, how a landowning individual or community can control invasive plants. You’ll hear from Lincoln Fish, of Bay State Forestry, who has worked on invasives and native habitat all over the Valley for decades. He and his colleague Mike Abel will discuss the methods and challenges of their current work removing invasives on nearly 100 acres at Lathrop, and they will place that work in the context of the Valley. Barbara Walvoord, resident director of Lathrop’s intensive three-year invasives control project, will describe how the community has come together to support the effort. After the 45-minute indoor talk and some light refreshments, the speakers will lead an instructive walk (rain or shine) on Lathrop land. The talk will take place at The Inn at Lathrop Community, 100 Bassett Brook Drive, Easthampton. Mt. Tom room, third floor. Park in front or back of the Inn. (Masks are encouraged but not required.)

 

 

Monday November 17, 4-5:30. MA Elders Climate Action is inviting Dr Richard Birdsey back so we can delve into the many questions we didn't get to discuss when he presented to us in our October 14th chapter meeting on The Potential of Forests in Massachusetts to Address Climate Change.  Here is a link to that October 14th chapter meeting if you missed it or would like to review his slides to see for which ones you would like a more detailed explanation. Register here to get the Zoom link for the 11/17 deep dialogue.

 

 
Monday November 17, 7 - 8pm. Join us on Zoom to hear from constitutional lawyer and legal scholar John Bonifaz, as we discuss the current judicial landscape, and what we can do to fight back against this regime’s unlawful and unconstitutional actions. John is the co-founder and president of Free Speech for People, which fights against corruption in government and for free and fair elections. Register HERE

 

Tuesday November 18, 2pm.  Webinar: What is COP? Why is it important? How is 350.org involved? The annual UN Climate Summit (COP30) will be held November 10 - 21 in Brazil. 350, alongside hundreds of other activist organizations, will be in attendance to advocate for critical climate legislation. Go HERE.

 

Tuesday November 18, 7pm.  Local Energy Advocates will host State Representative Joan Meschino for a presentation and conversation about the Mark/Meschino climate bank bill. Join at this Zoom link. Climate Bank Coalition, is supporting  An Act to Create a Climate Bank in Massachusetts S.786/H3937. Here is why we are excited about it. If enacted, this bill would create a quasi-public bank that uses a public/private partnership model to finance and accelerate clean energy projects.

 

Thursday November 20, 7 - 8pm.  The North Woods for Potential for Wolf Restoration in New England with George Wuerthner on Zoom. Wuerthner will provide background on the Endangered Species Act as it relates to wolf restoration, how wolves have shaped ecosystems like Yellowstone and how wolf restoration in Oregon and California has progressed. He will also discuss wolves in New England and opportunities for wolf restoration in the region. This presentation is co-sponsored by RESTORE: The North Woods. Go HERE

Saturday November 22, 11:30am–1pm. The Public Value of Pepperell's Forest and Shade Trees. The Lawrence Library, 15 Main Street, Pepperell, MA or Live-streamed via Zoom: register here to watch onlineWilliam Moomaw is Professor Emeritus, Tufts University, the founding director of Tufts Institute of the Environment and Climate Initiative, and the co-founder of the Global Development and Environment Institute. Of course, its not just about Pepperell trees; its about the trees in your neighborhood, and every neighborhood.

 

OK for now but please remember to listen to your Mother, OK? 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

 

Friday, October 17, 2025

Good Old Intelligence Enviro Show

 

 [Listen to the podcast of the whole show HERE ]

Greetings Earthlings. We keep running across vague references to all the energy Artificial Intelligence (AI) uses and how bad it is for the climate but not much data. With that in mind we thought we'd share this short video  investigative report from Business Insider for real world details. It seems AI may not be so intelligent after all and starting to look like a bubble! As always, we will bring on this week's Fool-on-the-Hill and "Those Whose Brains Were small" along with the ongoing reminder that "It's the Climate Crisis, Stupid!" and our disturbing collection "....of the Week" entries, but first it's time for.....Revenge of the Critters!  A little bit of pre-Halloween fear here folks "A recent CDC report shows an alarming rise in drug-resistant "nightmare bacteria" in the U.S. Between 2019 and 2023" 

Our Doublespeak of the Week belongs to one of the worst of the worst when it comes to being two-faced. Yes, it's none other than Repugnican Rep Josh Hawley, he of the infamous J6 raised fist in support of the insurrection that later found him running for his life in the riot. Here it is: "I call on the House to quickly pass this legislation [the Big B.S.Bill] and send it to [the] President's desk,” said Hawley via his news release. “But let me be clear, I will continue to do everything in my power to reverse future cuts to Medicaid. If Republicans want to be the party of the working class, we cannot cut health insurance for working people.” Yes, the bill in question is all about cuts to Medicaid and beyond.

This week's Fool-on-the-Hill is another repeat offender, His-not-so-holiness, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson who was challenged by Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey for not swearing in newly elected member Adelita Grijalva“Speaker Johnson: Stop delaying her swearing in. Stop hiding the Epstein files. And start doing your job..” Grijalva is on record in "support for forcing a vote on a measure requiring the US Department of Justice to release its files on deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who was friends with [the] Republican President" Yes, the ever so sanctimonious Mike Johnson makes a fool of himself almost daily on The Hill by kicking the Ten Commandments under the bus but we can't seem to get enough of his sins. You? Pushback HERE.

Time for our "Their Brains Were Small and They Died" segment and about time we bunched the entire MAGA horde of dinosaurs into one vile pile. Let's start with this “We took the freedom of speech away,” [the] President boasted in his opening remarks at his “antifa roundtable” recently. Of course, there is no real group called "Antifa" though most of your  grandparents were anti-fascists and for good reason; if it wasn't for them you'd be speaking German right now. That said, if you haven't figured it out yet most of the rabble in the White House actually are fascists and knowing that, feel compelled to try and repress and punish anyone who speaks truth to power. We have a pushback Action Link HERE for that lot. The worst of the worst is a dino who even looks the part. Read "Inside Stephen Miller’s Secret Plan to Normalize Trump’s Dictator Rule" in The New Republic if you have the stomach. It should be no surprise that "Miller appears to want Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act", in his twisted little mind it's like the Reichstag is burning. The good news is such schemes might not work and, of course, some day they'll all be gone. Here's another Action Link for good measure.

Speaking of good news, How about our Critter of the Week? What with Halloween just around the corner how about we honor the often maligned Black Cat?  Cats.com tells us: "One cat breed only comes in black—the pantheresque Bombay Cat. Many other popular Cat breeds that come in a variety of colors come in black, whether solid or black with white markings. There are more than 20 different.. Cat breeds.." and some of them may be all black or not. Furthermore, "One study examined this so-called “black cat bias” and found that people think Cats with black coloring are less friendly and more aggressive than Cats of other colors. The study also found that people are simply superstitious—black Cats have a long history of being associated with bad luck, bad omens, and witchcraft. Black Cat lovers will tell you that all this is, of course, absolutely untrue." That said, more than a few witches still have black Feline friends. 

So much for the often maligned, let's move on to the justly maligned, His Malignancy The Mad King.....but wait, we have #NoKings here in the USA!  Yes, it's true but this guy in the Oval Office needs some convincing he and his ilk can't pull stunts like this we talked about in our last show. You may recall His Malignancy "released National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), titled “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence.” NSPM-7 contains broad and vague language that could allow government agencies to monitor or penalize individuals and groups based on their beliefs rather than their actions." By the time you read this the #NoKings 2.0 actions will have captured headlines around the world and served to pump up the movement so much that some may believe it will soon be over for MAGA. Nah! Fascists don't fold so easily and it takes ALL OF US and the courts to put them in their place. For instance, His Malignancy is leaning on our institutions of higher learning to sign loyalty oaths; sadly some of them have caved to it, others? Not so much. Also , Project 2025 author, Russell Vought is circumventing the law and the role of Congress as a coequal branch of the federal government. He's His Malignancy's dark brain and must be forced out. The Prez and his evil clown show continue occupying our cities and threatening more of the same. On October 1, the MAGA freakshow "started a government shutdown. They refused to negotiate with Democrats to write a funding package that protects Americans' health and the climate and holds the...administration accountable for illegally blocking federal funds for our communities", all in Blue States of course. As expected, these so-call authoritarians (Fascists to be more accurate) are now talking about "Heritage Americans" out loud. Sounds like Nazi  Volksgenosse from here! "Papers, please"?   Not if we can help it: Stand Up/Fight Back! 

All that AND we still must remind the Takers that "It's the Climate Crisis, Stupid!". Really?? Yes, and just now this report on forest destruction drops in time to note: " 'Efforts to protect forests don’t stand a chance as long as our economic system keeps rewarding quick profits from forest destruction,' said....a partner at Climate Focus. “To truly tackle deforestation, leaders must work collectively to implement bold, binding reforms that will transform the system that still generously rewards forest loss.” If only the powers that be here in the Commonwealth  of Massachusetts would realize it. The Guardian news story goes on: "A separate report released by Global Witness found that banks have made $26bn from financing deforesting companies since the Paris agreement was signed in 2015 – averaging around $7m every day." It goes without saying His Malignancy is 100% onboard with trashing forests: “We are freeing up our forests so we are allowed to take down trees and make a lot of money. We have massive forests. We just aren’t allowed to use them because of the environmental lunatics who stopped us.”  Please feel free to give the prototypical greed freak a piece of your mind via the U.S. Congress HERE. We guess The Mad King et al missed the recent memo: "Heat-trapping carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere jumped by the highest amount on record last year, soaring to a level not seen in human civilization and “turbo-charging” the Earth’s climate and causing more extreme weather, the United Nations weather agency said."

In the Enviro Show Echo chamber we go from "Good Old Intelligence" to a total lack of intelligence. How about micro radioactive nukes replacing old-school generators literally spread across the map by the Pentagon. What could possibly go wrong! We referenced Halloween at the top of the show, so HERE's a special Action Link on that. And this: Speaking of nukes, how about Gov. Healey's nuclear dream of new nukes here in Massachusetts?? Go to Nukebusters site, watch the video, then Take Action. No Nukes! 

Call today: House 617-722-2030 — Senate 617-722-1572
Tell them: Re: H.4144—Keep Democracy Alive! Remove Section 45!

 

Our Quote of the Week comes from one of the founders of AI:

The research question is: how do you prevent them from ever wanting to take control? And nobody knows the answer [...] The alarm bell I’m ringing has to do with the existential threat of them taking control [...] If you take the existential risk seriously, as I now do, it might be quite sensible to just stop developing these things any further [...] it’s as if aliens had landed and people haven’t realized because they speak very good English.

Geoffrey Hinton

1st/3rd most cited scientist ever, Godfather of modern AI, Turing Award Recipient, resigned from Google due to ethical concerns. 

 

On to our Bus Stop Billboard:

 

Weekly. Here's what appears to be Indivisible Northampton — Swing Left Western Mass's complete daily listing of all the pro-democracy events in WMass:  https://in-slwm.org/wp-content/uploads/Calendar/cal.html  And This: Western Mass General Strike is hosting drop-in sessions on Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Hadley Public Library for conversation and networking around general strikes and other forms of economic resistance. The next one is on Oct. 22! We also invite you to our general meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 7-8:30, online. If you would like to get involved in organizing prior to that, contact us at wmgeneralstrike@proton.me. And This: Every Wednesday, 11am-1pm | Bearing Witness to ICE, Burlington, MA. Stand in solidarity outside the ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations Office. Together, we can show love and support for immigrants, express our shame at ICE, and bear witness to the cruel and unconstitutional actions of our government. Info/Sign Up

 

 

Saturday, November 1, 2025, 9:30am to 4pm.  Non-violent Direct Action training, Leyden, MA. Leyden Town Hall, 16 West Brattleboro Road, Leyden ( please note, the training is not at the Town Office!  Google will insist!  You want to go to the top of the hill to a traditional New England Town Hall). Registration required: https://forms.gle/TwQXAjd2xQdF2KPx8 Coffee/tea/cider/pastry/fru. it provided/  Potluck lunch.
 
 

Saturday, Nov 1, 11 am - 12:30 pm: Disappeared In America Day of Action, Town Common, Amherst. WMILAN, JAIJ and Indivisible Northampton are organizing this event as part of a national day of action to call attention to our community members who have been disappeared by ICE. Registration for the event is at this link: Register here on Mobilize.us.


 
Sunday November 2, 2 to 4pm. Greening Greenfield invites people to sign up for its first of several invasive shrub-clipping parties in Highland Park, Greenfield, MA. Participants will learn about these shrubs and more. No experience needed. Some tools, such as hand clippers will be provided. Pease wear gloves, and bring any clippers you may have. To sign up for Nov 2, 2-4pm party and future announcements of additional Sunday afternoon parties send an email to info@GreeningGreenfieldMA.org or call 413-774-5667.
 
 
 
Monday November 3, 5:30 to 7:30pm.  Greening Greenfield with co-sponsors, Franklin Regional Council Of Governments (FRCOG) and Sustainable Greenfield Implementation Committee (SGIC) will host an Energy Fair presenting a number of local vendors who will share the latest information on home energy technologies for your home heating and cooling. Register HERE
 
 
Tuesday November 4, 12 – 12:45pm.  Mothers Out Front Climate Action Call with Senator Michael Barrett [who] has been a driving force in the Massachusetts Legislature to pass legislation that addresses climate change, and was a primary architect of the omnibus climate bills that passed the last several sessions. Don't miss this chance to hear directly from him about climate legislation this session and how you can help pass the best bill possible. RSVP here 
 
Thursday  November 6, 10am to 12pm.  "Understanding Watershed Forestry-Managing for Climate Change" [Be prepared for DCR propaganda] Approximately 1 mile- Easy hike but over uneven groundJoin a DCR- DWSP forester to explore a recent harvest focused around a chestnut oak heath ( an uncommon forest type in Massachusetts ) and management in the surrounding forest. We will discuss why DWSP manages the forests surrounding the drinking water supply of 2.7 million Massachusetts residents, and how DWSP managers consider climate change with every decision.  Meet at Gate 8 and carpool to site 
 

 

Thursday November 6, 5:30pm. Wild Lands: What They Are, and Present and Future Opportunities for Protection and Restoration. In-person at the Hanover, NH, Howe Library, and on zoom. Join National Geographic photographer Ronan Donovan, Adirondack Council Rewilding Advocate John Davis, and Northeast Wilderness Trust CEO John Leibowitz for a free discussion of wildlands and rewilding, with a particular focus on the lack of wildlands in New England, and opportunities to re-introduce carnivores and establish “wildways” of interconnected land. More information and Zoom RSVP here. 

 

Saturday November 8, 10am.  The 1,185-acre Mount Sunapee Reservation contains majestic old forest that has been undisturbed for at least 350 years, but lacks any status that would protect it from ski area expansion and other threats. Join the Hanover Conservation Commission and local advocates for a relatively steep, 4-mile out and back hike. Meet at the lower parking lot on the Mt. Sunapee Access Road. More information and RSVP here. 

 

 

Saturday November 8, 4pm — Standing Trees Annual Gathering at the Dartmouth College Church of Christ in Hanover, NH. Join us for a catered meal and an excellent opportunity to connect with the whole Standing Trees community. The Standing Trees Board will lead us in a brief discussion of organizational business and a celebration of everything we have been up to over the last year. RSVP here to help us estimate dinner needs.

 

 
Tuesday November 11, 3 – 5pm.   Stand with Veterans as we march, rally, and refuse to allow growing fascism to be normalized. Together we say NO this Veterans Day - no to ICE, no to occupation, no to fascism, and no to cuts stripping away life saving services our communities need. Veteran's Memorial Park - World War II Memorial, 100 Park Dr.  Boston, MA 02215  Go HERE
 

 

Wednesday November 12, 10am to Noon.  You think nuclear is the answer to Climate Change? Think Again. Dr. Edwin Lyman, Union of Concerned Scientists, Director of Nuclear Safety presents: The Risk of Small Nuclear Reactors: Separating Fact from Fiction.  Senate Room 222, MA State House, Boston, MA. 


 


 
That's all folks except please remember to listen to your Mother, OK?