Mysterious black balls that washed up on Sydney beaches in October 2024 were discovered to be mini “fatbergs,” composed of a disturbing mix of human waste, drugs, hair, and food debris. Scientists from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) identified the balls’ composition, revealing their disgusting nature and highlighting the pollution problem in Sydney’s coastline. While authorities have investigated potential sources, including shipping spills and wastewater outflow, the exact origin of the fatbergs remains unknown. The discovery serves as a stark reminder of the impact of pollution on coastal environments.
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Texas, a state known for its sprawling highways and car-loving culture, is now asking its residents to avoid using their cars. As someone who has experienced the challenges of getting around in Texas, this request comes as no surprise. The layout of the state makes walking or biking impractical in most areas, and the public transportation system is lackluster at best. It’s no wonder that Texans have become so reliant on their vehicles – what other choice do they have?
The recent call to avoid using cars seems like a step in the right direction, but it’s hard to see how it can be realistically implemented.… Continue reading
Mount Everest: Climbers will need to bring poo back to base camp
As I sit here contemplating the idea of climbers having to bring their own feces back down from Mount Everest, I can’t help but think about the absurdity of it all. But the more I reflect on it, the more it makes sense. Everything that goes up with you should come back down, right? If that’s too difficult, then maybe you shouldn’t be climbing Everest in the first place. It’s a basic principle of responsible mountaineering.
But of course, we can’t expect the wealthy climbers to carry their own shit, can we?… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker