Comment – Involution and Competition for Nitrates

It’s rare to see such a combination of words in the title, which make so little sense. Sometimes, in fact often, I confuse myself. So where to begin?

Involution, is  my new word of the week, mainly because I found it in a Guardian article, and China has told its EV makers, and AI developers to cool it and stop trying to sink the economy by ever lower prices, and ever expanding market places. In reality they are running at overcapacity and oversupply, and there is a grave risk that the Chinese economy is going to hit the wall. So before your dinner parties this weekend, have a read of this, so you can knowledgeably discourse and throw in the ‘inevitable (and obvious) risk of involution in the Far East’ comment at the appropriate time. Usually after the beer and before the port/nap, in my case.

The whole idea of ‘Involution’  rubbishes my favourite Simpsons cartoon explanation of the future of computing. Those of a sensitive disposition, and selling tractors, perhaps should be careful to not watch this without an adult present.

As the twilight of my 53rd year beckons, I’m now struggling to find the relevant weblinks/articles I read this morning, which in this case, is a shame. As ‘I’m sure I read’ that as arms supply to Ukraine ramps up, more nitrates are needed for solid rocket propellant, good old fashioned high explosives and other things which go bang. The implication being (on either side of the conflict) that fertiliser base production, intended for agriculture, will be diverted into the arms business. Treat this comment as heresy, but, if its turns out to be true, you won’t remember where you read it, but you will will be sure that you read it somewhere. I think it was on the BBC News @ 5.30am this morning, but can I find it? Please, if you know where this story is, do remind me!

If you are elsewhere in the country which is a little drier, I apologise for this week’s picture, but Nell just wanted to show you how green and pleasant the Lune Valley is this week.

Have a good weekend.

Andy