‘Paroxysms of rage’: Analysis details why MAGA is so triggered by Doug Emhoff’s daughter

Adam Nichols
August 27, 2024

Ella Emhoff watches her father, Doug Emhoff, WITH HER MOTHER deliver a speech on the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug.

 (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Ella Emhoff, the tattoo-covered stepdaughter of Kamala Harris, became an iconic image of last week’s Democratic National Convention.

And it left leading figures of the MAGA movement in meltdown, Salon’s Amanda Marcotte wrote Tuesday.

“A chorus of conservative commentators like Tucker Carlson and Charlie Kirk lost their minds at the sight of this young woman," she wrote.

“They complained that she's 'covered in tattoos,' which is held out as proof that [her dad] Doug Emhoff 'messed up.' (Real men, to the MAGA right, control their daughter's body from her skin to her hymen to how she dresses. Not weird at all!)

“They said she wore a 'man's suit' and looked like 'something out of a horror film.' They were especially incensed that her father showed affection for his fun, fashionable daughter, and freaked out that he gave his daughter a fatherly side hug during the convention."

In real life, Marcotte wrote, the 25-year-old Emhoff came over as a self-assured, beautiful and successful woman. A Parson School of Design graduate who has a contract with the modeling agency IMG, she appeared to be a woman comfortable in her own skin — and with showing love for her family.

That, Marcotte wrote, is what’s triggered the Republican right.

ALSO READ: Donald Trump exploits AP photo error for new $99 'Save America' book


Her “creativity, beauty, and easygoing love for her family has sent many on the right into paroxysms of rage,” she wrote.

“The daughter of Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, triggers the incel-minded online right by being a Brooklyn hipster who rejects the tiresome conservative rules for how women are allowed to dress or behave. In response, Donald Trump's fanboys are in a total meltdown, unable to accept the existence of a woman who doesn't care what they think of her.

“And they can't hide that they're furious that she looks great doing so.”

Marcotte highlighted one commentator, right-winger Richard Hanania, who called the model the “nightmare scenario for most people with a daughter.”

“It's yet another sign of how out of touch and frankly weird the MAGA right is,” Marcotte wrote.

“No, most Americans would not find it a "nightmare" to have a daughter who is successful, popular, and confident. Most parents would feel how Doug Emhoff appears to feel: proud of the smart, independent woman he helped raise.

“ … The message to the bitter men of MAGA is about something else entirely. "This is why you don't have a wife," is the subtext of this grievance. "Because all the cute girls would rather move to Brooklyn and cuddle a cat than have anything to do with you."

The reference is to J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate who spurred outrage by referring to successful single women as “cat ladies.”

“Vance's catastrophic poll numbers, however, show there are real risks to the Trump campaign of pandering so heavily to creeps,” Marcotte wrote.

“The majority of Americans find it weird when men have an unhinged loathing of women who diverge from their "tradwife" fantasies.”

BALOCHISTAN

Pakistan hunts separatist militants who killed dozens


ByAFP
August 27, 2024

Militants took control of a highway and shot dead 23 people, mostly labourers from neighbouring Punjab province, blew up a railway bridge which connects Balochistan to the rest of Pakistan and stormed a hotel - Copyright AFP Banaras KHAN

Pakistani forces hunted separatist militants Tuesday who killed dozens when they pulled passengers off buses, blew up a bridge and stormed a hotel a day earlier.

Militants in Balochistan took control of a highway and shot dead 23 people, mostly labourers from neighbouring Punjab province, attacked the hotel and the railway bridge which connects Balochistan to the rest of Pakistan.

Security forces have been battling sectarian, ethnic and separatist violence for decades in impoverished Balochistan, but the coordinated attacks that took place in several districts throughout the province were one of the worst in the region’s history.

The sites hit were cordoned off Tuesday as the search for assailants went on.

“But no arrests have been made so far, and no additional militants have been killed,” provincial government spokesman Shahid Rind said.

Monday’s death toll includes 34 civilians and 15 members of the security forces, while the military said troops killed 21 militants.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the attacks were “deplorable”.

“In Balochistan, the doors for negotiation are always open to those who believe in Pakistan and accept its constitution and flag,” he said Tuesday as he addressed a cabinet meeting.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the most active militant separatist group in the province which has previously targeted Chinese interests in the region, said it was responsible for the attacks.

Sharif said their “sole aim is to halt Pakistan’s progress, sabotage the development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and create divisions between Pakistan and China.”

The BLA is waging a war of independence against the state, which it accuses of unfair exploitation of resources by outsiders in the mineral-rich region.

– Targeting outsiders –

Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, is Pakistan’s poorest province, despite an abundance of untapped natural resources, and lags behind the rest of the country in education, employment and economic development.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has seen tens of billions of dollars funnelled into massive transport, energy and infrastructure projects.

But the safety of its citizens is becoming an increasing concern for Beijing.

Baloch separatists have intensified attacks on Pakistanis from neighbouring provinces working in the region in recent years, as well as foreign energy firms including deadly attacks on Chinese citizens.

Punjabis are the largest of the six main ethnic groups in Pakistan and are perceived as dominating the ranks of the military.

Eleven Punjabi labourers were killed when they were abducted from a bus in the city of Naushki in April, and six Punjabis working as barbers were shot in May.

Kiyya Baloch, an analyst and former journalist tracking violence in Balochistan, said authorities are solely using force to suppress the two-decade conflict instead of seeking political solutions.

“This approach has led to increased retaliation from the youth and has caused the insurgency to gain momentum rather than diminish,” he told AFP.

“Never before have so many coordinated attacks occurred simultaneously across multiple districts of Balochistan,” he said.

Japanese scramble to buy beloved rice as shortages bite


By AFP
August 27, 2024

A supermarket in Tokyo has empty rice shelves and a sign telling customers they can only buy one bag at a time when available - Copyright AFP Philip FONG

The threat of a “megaquake”, a series of typhoons, and a week-long national holiday have some Japanese scrambling to buy rice — the nation’s cherished staple food — with the government warning Tuesday against panic buying.

“We could only procure half the usual amount of rice this summer and bags of rice get quickly sold out,” a clerk at a branch of the popular Fresco supermarket chain told AFP in the Japanese capital.

Rice shelves in some stores emptied or stocks were rationed after a government warning this month — since lifted — of a possible “megaquake”, as well as several typhoons and the annual Obon holiday.

Other factors include lower harvests caused by hot weather and water shortages, as well as increased demand related to record numbers of foreign tourists.

At one food store in Tokyo, a sign seen by AFP read: “In order for many customers to be able to buy, we ask you to purchase one (bag of rice) a day per family.”



– ‘No prospects –



A worker at another store in Tokyo said: “We can’t purchase any rice at all, and there’s no prospect of buying anytime soon”.

The Fresco worker told AFP that daily stocks ran out by midday.

“Customers queue up before the store opens but piles of bags, each of which contains 10 kilograms (22 pounds), are always sold out during the morning,” he said.

Farm minister Tetsushi Sakamoto appealed for calm Tuesday.

“Please be cool-headed in your purchase activity by buying only the amount of rice you need,” Sakamoto said, stressing “the supply shortage situation will be gradually resolved.

Rice is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and its harvesting has shaped the nation’s landscape — even being used as a currency in the 7th century.

With an annual consumption of seven million tons per year, it is by far the most consumed food staple in the country.

Demand has been falling for some time, however, because of a declining population and changing eating habits by many Japanese as they opt for alternatives.

The nation’s stockpile in June was the lowest since 1999 when comparable data was first collected, but officials believe the inventory is sufficient.

A new harvesting season has started with 40 percent of the crop available by the end of September, a farm ministry official told AFP.

Book review: A delightful guide to cultural entomology


By Dr. Tim Sandle
August 27, 2024


Butterly on a leaf. — Image by © Tim Sandle.

Imagine this scene: you are sitting in an intricately carved chair, rocking back and forth to the rhythm of music from a bygone era. Your clothes are comfortable and colourful, your hair is perfectly in place, and there are oil paintings and textiles on the walls. Wood furniture, trim, and floors glimmer with a waxen sheen. Everything around you is composed of or inspired by bugs.

Renowned entomologist Dr. Barrett Klein has been examining such a scene, focusing on the phenomenon of how humans and insects relate on a cultural level in her forthcoming new book, titled The Insect Epiphany: How Our Six-Legged Allies Shape Human Culture (Timber Press | Hachette; Oct 15, 2024, $35 hardcover). The book is a guide to cultural entomology.

Klein studied entomology at Cornell University and the University of Arizona, fabricated natural history exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History, worked with honeybees for his doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin.

In the book, Klein argues that our world, from the physical reality to the artistic conceptualisation, would look very different if we did not have insects. This is not because many are pollinators who play a crucial role in our environments, but also because insects inspire so many aspects of our culture.

Throughout the pages Klein celebrates biodiversity and the intersection of science and art and believes fully that embracing the beauty of insects can transform our lives and our world.

“The spellbinding diversity of insects is complemented by a diversity of humans and cultures,” Klein states in an advance of the text. This captures both her inspiration and innovation.

In the text, The Insect Epiphanyexplores the ways humanity has used insects’ bodies (as examples, for silk, pigments, food, medicine), how we try to recreate them (for flight technology, architecture, social structures), and how we mimic them (for fighting, yoga, music, fashion).

Throughout the book, the enormous impact insects have had on human civilization is highlighted by the use of over 100 images. These stretch from ancient etchings to avant-garde art, from bug-based meals to haute couture fashion, and everything in between.

“We can revel in knowing we are deeply connected to our multifarious and multifaceted neighbors. We can choose to celebrate insects, knowing that without them we would sacrifice significant aspects of our heritage, our humanity, and much of life as we know it.,” Klein observes.

Klein investigates mysteries of sleep in societies of insects, creates entomo-art, and the book captures his ongoing search for the curious connections that bind our lives with what he perceives as our six-legged allies.

The text celebrates the myriad ways insects have inspired many aspects of what makes us human, The Insect Epiphany is a insightful, captivating, and, to those who have not thought about the subject before or who are perhaps squeamish, a surprisingly delightful love letter to bugs.

Clean water and good hygiene vital to ‘killing the menace’ of African mpox

ByDr. Tim Sandle
DIGITAL JOURNAL
August 27, 2024

A patient with mpox in Burundi is among roughly 170 cases confirmed by the East African country - Copyright AFP Tchandrou NITANGA

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the mpox spread in Africa as of international concern. In response, the charity WaterAid (an international non-governmental organization, focused on water, sanitation and hygiene) has stressed the need for improvements to be made to water, sanitation and hygiene to help tackle the spread of the disease. This is under the banner “kill this menace”.

The WHO is considering declaring a global emergency. Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said: “Stopping these outbreaks will require a tailored and comprehensive response, with communities at the centre.”

READ MORE: Mpox in DR Congo: Who, what, when, where, and why

As a continent-wide public health emergency for mpox is declared by the African Centre for Disease Control, WaterAid has warned that without clean water and good hygiene, we cannot contain the spread of the virus from spreading across borders and claiming more lives.

The viral disease outbreak has already spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo to neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi which have never had cases before as well as countries further afield like Nigeria and South Africa.

With reports that adequate vaccine provision is likely to be months away, WaterAid warns that it has never been more important that communities have access to water, sanitation and hygiene to avoid mPox claiming more lives.

The infectious virus can be spread through contact with physical materials – from bedsheets, sharps, to kitchen surfaces and eating utensils – these routes can be greatly minimised through proper washing and hand hygiene. Women and children are particularly vulnerable due to such regular physical contact, with any crowded environment including health care facilities, schools and hotels at high risk as it is hard for infected people to isolate.

Furthermore, the charity argues, it is important that water, hygiene and sanitation is available in health care centres where the disease will be treated.

The African Centre for Disease Control Chief of Staff Dr Ngashi Ngongo has told WaterAid that improving community access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) was “an important component and main feature of their response plan both at a household level and in health care facilities”.

As part of its international efforts, WaterAid is targeting Britain to lead the international governmental support. In particular, the charity is urging the UK government to:allocate a minimum of 10 percent of the Official Development Assistance budget to water, sanitation and hygiene.
make sure every healthcare facility, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene services (WASH) – our first line of defence against these infections.

WaterAid Health Policy Analyst Irene Owusu-Poku has explained to Digital Journal: “We will fail at killing the menace that is Mpox without clean water and good hygiene. While vaccines are important, they are not the only way out of this urgent and escalating health emergency”.

Owusu-Poku adds: “WaterAid is calling on national and regional health authorities in affected countries to prioritise water, sanitation and hygiene in all emergency response efforts, so we can stop this infectious virus in its tracks…Longer term, to help halt the spread of deadly diseases that are a threat to us all, we also need global governments to increase funding globally for water, hygiene and sanitation – including in health care facilities.”

Durov’s Telegram: ‘weapon of war’ under increased scrutiny

B yAFP
August 27, 2024

Telegram is under increased scrutiny after Durov's arrest 

- Copyright AFP Richard A. Brooks

Anna Smolchenko

The arrest of maverick entrepreneur Pavel Durov has drawn global attention to the importance of his messaging app Telegram for Russian troops and propagandists as Moscow’s war against Ukraine grinds into its third year.

Since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine in 2022, Telegram, which has over 900 million active users, has emerged as a crucial platform used by pro-war bloggers to justify Moscow’s invasion and sow disinformation in Ukraine and the West.

It is also used as a tool by Ukraine — President Volodymyr Zelensky posts his daily nightly address on Telegram — although for Kyiv the app appears to lack the same military significance.

Observers say that in the absence of a modern battlefield management system, Russian troops have also grown to rely on Telegram in their day-to-day operations, using the encrypted app for everything from the transfer of intelligence to course-correcting artillery attacks and guiding Iskander missile systems.

The arrest of the Russian-born Telegram chief in France has sent shockwaves among Russian authorities and war propagandists who fear the popular app will be compromised if Durov hands the encryption keys over to Western intelligence.

“They’re terrified,” Ivan Filippov, who studies Moscow propaganda, said, referring to influential pro-war bloggers with tens of thousands of followers.

If Western intelligence gets a backdoor into Telegram “it would be an absolute disaster” for Russia, Filippov told AFP, summing up their thinking.

“It’s about management on the ground,” added Filippov, who runs a widely-followed Telegram channel.

A self-proclaimed libertarian, Durov has championed confidentiality on the Internet. Moscow tried to block Telegram in 2018, but abandoned those efforts two years later.

Pro-war blogger Andrei Medvedev said Telegram had emerged as the “main messenger” of Russia’s invasion against Ukraine.

“This is an alternative to classified military communications,” Medvedev said.

Alexei Rogozin, head of the Centre for the Development of Transportation Technologies, said many joked that Durov’s arrest was tantamount to “the arrest of the chief of communications for the Russian armed forces –- this is how troop battlefield management depends on Telegram today.”

“Intelligence transfer, artillery course-correction, video streaming from copters and many other things are indeed often carried out with the help of Telegram,” said Rogozin, the son of the controversial former Russian space agency chief, Dmitry Rogozin.

– ‘Stuck in the past’ –

Mykhailo Samus, director of the New Geopolitics Research Network, a Kyiv-based think tank, said that while Russia has command and control systems, “they are not efficient on the battlefield”.

“The Russian army is stuck in the past,” Samus told AFP.

Samus pointed out that the Ukrainian army has successfully relied on Delta, a battlespace management system developed by Ukrainians in collaboration with NATO. Delta has earned high praise from the Western military bloc, which called the system “ground-breaking.”

While military observers do not expect Durov’s arrest to have any immediate impact on Russia’s war in Ukraine, it might spur the development of alternative encrypted communications systems in Russia.

Medvedev said it was now “vital” for the Russian army to create a proper military messenger as “it is difficult to predict how long Telegram will remain the way we know it” or “remain at all”.

– ‘A tool of Putin’s war’ –

France issued an arrest warrant for Durov in a preliminary investigation into alleged offences including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organised crime and promotion of terrorism.

The Kremlin warned Paris on Tuesday against trying to intimidate Durov.

“The charges are indeed very serious, they require no less serious evidence,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The team and supporters of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny also actively use Telegram, and Durov’s detention has split the anti-Kremlin opposition.

Many Kremlin critics called France’s actions an assault on the freedom of speech, while others said Telegram should become more responsible.

Bulgarian journalist Christo Grozev, who has investigated Russian intelligence services and was close to Navalny, said Russian domestic security service FSB and the GRU military intelligence have used Telegram to recruit saboteurs and plot “terrorist acts”.

“I believe that France has no right to treat him any differently than anyone who runs a marketplace selling drugs and child porn, and refuses to remove such services,” Grozev told AFP, referring to Durov.

“And this has nothing to do with the freedom of expression or protection of user rights,” added Grozev.

The Free Russia Forum, co-founded by Kremlin critic and former world chess champion Garry Kasparov, said Durov — “willingly or unwillingly” — has allowed Telegram to become a “weapon of war.”

“No matter how Durov’s French saga ends, we hope that Telegram will stop being a tool of Putin’s war.”

UAE seeks consular services for arrested Telegram boss

By AFP
August 27, 2024

Durov is being held at France's National Anti-fraud Office in Ivry-sur-Seine, south of Paris - Copyright AFP Richard A. Brooks

The UAE said Tuesday it had requested consular services for Telegram’s Pavel Durov after the Dubai-based tech boss was arrested in France over alleged failings to curb criminality on the app.

“The UAE is closely following the case of its citizen Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, who was arrested by the French authorities in Paris–Le Bourget Airport,” the Gulf state’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

“The UAE has submitted a request to the Government of the French Republic to provide him with all the necessary consular services in an urgent manner,” it added.

Durov, the 39-year-old billionaire founder of the messaging platform, was arrested at the Paris airport late on Sunday.

He is accused of failing to curb the spread of illegal content on Telegram, which has more than 900 million users. The company has rejected the accusations.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday denied there was a political aspect to Durov’s arrest as the internet mogul spent a second day in French custody.

Late Monday, French authorities again extended his initial detention for questioning until Wednesday, according to a source close to the investigation.

Durov set up Telegram after leaving Russia a decade ago, and Forbes magazine estimates his current fortune at $15.5 billion.

He holds a French passport in addition to Russian nationality. In its press information, Telegram says its founder has “dual citizenship of the United Arab Emirates and France”.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday Moscow had received no information from France about why he was detained, and “we do not know concretely what Durov is accused of”.

Dubai-headquartered Telegram said on Sunday that “Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe”.

“Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act — its moderation is within industry standards,” it added.

“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.”

Silver Lining movie: New documentary explores the potential harm from EMF

ByDr. Tim Sandle
August 27, 2024
DIGITAL JOURNAL

Starlink dishes are hooked up to routers that create a small wifi hotspot. — © AFP

Several studies, selected researchers, and a range of published papers have reported concerns about electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation. This centers on how the radiation can potentially produce various health problems.

Selected medical reports describe the symptoms characterized from EMF as ‘electro-hyper-sensitivity’ (EHS). These symptoms are commonly reported by people living surrounded by electronic devices.

Other symptoms reportedly experienced are memory problems, difficulty concentrating, eye problems, sleep disorder, feeling unwell, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, chronic fatigue, and heart palpitations.

According to the World Health Organization: “It is not disputed that electromagnetic fields above certain levels can trigger biological effects. Experiments with healthy volunteers indicate that short-term exposure at the levels present in the environment or in the home do not cause any apparent detrimental effects. Exposures to higher levels that might be harmful are restricted by national and international guidelines. The current debate is centred on whether long-term low level exposure can evoke biological responses and influence people’s well being.”

What are EMFs?

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are physical fields produced by electrically charged objects and consist of electric and magnetic components. The most common objects allegedly causing sensitivity are power lines, fluorescent lights, antennas, electrical wiring, satellite systems, cell towers, radio stations, mobile phones, microwave ovens, radar systems, medical devices (MRI and X-ray machines), Wi-Fi, cordless phones, and so on.

In terms of how harmful EMFs are, the WHO states it is a question of proximity and exposure time: “Based on a recent in-depth review of the scientific literature, the WHO concluded that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields. However, some gaps in knowledge about biological effects exist and need further research.”

The documentary expresses more serious concerns, and it is up to the viewer and reader to determine the relative risk.

New documentary

To highlight the risks, The Silver Lining Film has been produced. This is a dark thriller about electromagnetic radiation and the harmful effects of technology. The film is promoted by the activist platform The Elegant Initiative.

The movie is directed by Mikey Altoft, produced by Haitam Banoori, stars Bibi Lucille and Bella Granville. The film focuses on the potentially harmful effects of technology, such as everyday devices and electricity sources.

“The Silver Lining” film, will be released, on the platform The Elegant Initiative.

Promotion

Helping to promote the film is Devansh Sood, the founder and CEO of the silver-made certified EMF protective brand Fique which blocks out Radio Frequencies (RF) and Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMF).

Sood has told Digital Journal he is increasing concern about the many health problems as a result of exposure to radiation including cancer, infertility, and neurological disorders.

Sood hopes the film inspires, provokes, and brings awareness about the harmful effects of technology by exploring the ethical implications and the themes of power and social accountability.

Read more: https://www.digitaljournal.com/tech-science/silver-lining-movie-new-documentary-explores-the-potential-harm-from-emf/article#ixzz8kAWUaOFw

CARBON CAPTURE 

Warren Buffett's Quiet Power Move: Why He's Betting $35 Billion On A 'Yet To Be Proven' Renewable Energy Solution

Claire Shefchik
Tue, Aug 27, 2024

Warren Buffett's Quiet Power Move: Why He's Betting $35 Billion On A 'Yet To Be Proven' Renewable Energy Solution

Warren Buffett is at it again, and the financial world is buzzing. He's investing $35 billion into a renewable energy initiative that's still “yet to be proven.” What's surprising is that the famously cautious investor is doubling down on fossil fuels at the same time.

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We're not talking pennies here. Chevron is one of the biggest holdings in Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio – almost $19.1 billion. Buffett made his move during the 2020 energy downturn. Although he trimmed his position slightly this year, he remains heavily invested. Chevron's not buying the "fossil fuels are fading" narrative. They've cranked up oil and gas production by 12% and are diving into major projects in the Gulf of Mexico and Israel.

But hold on, there's more. Buffett's got his eye on Occidental Petroleum too. His stake? Close to $15.7 billion. He's been gobbling up shares like they're going out of style. He's even stated that Occidental is one of the few stocks Berkshire would consider holding indefinitely. Under CEO Vicki Hollub, Occidental's making moves, like a $12 billion deal to acquire Crownrock, another oil and gas player.

Trending: With over 15k units already sold, this female-owned dog waste startup is targeting the $147 billion pet industry – here’s how to invest early at just $1 per share.

So, why's Buffett all in on fossil fuels when everyone else is running the other way? It's all about Carbon capture technology. Both Chevron and Occidental are investing heavily in this area. Hollub has even suggested that if carbon capture proves successful, “there’s no reason not to produce oil and gas forever.”


Buffett acknowledges the risk, stating that the “economic feasibility of this technique has yet to be proven." However, Buffett has made risky bets before, and they've often paid off. He's betting that Chevron and Occidental's investments in carbon capture will sustain the oil and gas industry, even as the world shifts toward renewables.

Trending: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion – they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends

Buffett isn't just focused on short-term gains; he's looking at the long-term potential, particularly with carbon capture technology. If successful, this could transform the industry, making fossil fuels cleaner and more sustainable. That's why he's willing to put so much on the line. Buffett has seen industries change before, and he's positioning himself to be ahead of the curve once again.

In a world where many are following the crowd, Buffett is doing what he does best: going against the grain. Will this gamble pay off? Only time will tell. But if history is any guide, the “Oracle of Omaha” might just be onto something big again.
TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report

This article Warren Buffett's Quiet Power Move: Why He's Betting $35 Billion On A 'Yet To Be Proven' Renewable Energy Solution originally appeared on Benzinga.com

© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Volt Lithium Installs A Field Unit In Permian Basin, Takes A Major Step Toward Commercial Production

Stjepan Kalinic
Tue, Aug 27, 2024, 

Volt Lithium Installs A Field Unit In Permian Basin, Takes 

A Major Step Toward Commercial Production

Volt Lithium (OTC:VLTLF) has announced the deployment and installation of its first Field Unit in the Permian Basin, Texas. After over a year of discussions with major oil companies in the region, this development represents a major milestone for the company.

"Our team is thrilled to share that we have successfully deployed, installed and commenced function-testing of the Field Unit on-site at our strategic partner's Permian Basin location in West Texas," said Alex Wylie, President & CEO of Volt Lithium.

"The introduction of this initial Field Unit marks the achievement of another critical milestone of our strategy to become one of North America's first commercial producers of lithium from oilfield brine," he added.

 EXCLUSIVE: Alamos Gold CEO Talks Growth, Possible Open-Pit Mine Conflict With Mexican Government

The newly deployed Field Unit can process over 200,000 liters (approximately 1,250 barrels) of oilfield brine daily, doubling the company's previous processing capability.

It is a significant scale-up from the previously announced 96,000 liters per day, aligning with the company's goal of reaching full commercial production.

This modular unit is designed not only to meet the current processing demands but also to be scalable for future expansions. By adding modules or optimizing lithium extraction times, Volt aims to increase its processing capacity further, eventually targeting commercial production levels of 100,000 barrels per day.

"Our upfront cost to go full-scale commercial is $20 million for phase one production plans. To scale up, you just build more. Our footprint this summer will be 50 feet by 50 feet. The full-scale commercial might be 100 feet by 150 feet," Wylie previously told Benzinga.

Volt completed successful tests in its Field Simulation Centre in Calgary, Alberta. However, the company's ability to scale up its extraction process at a competitive cost is a significant advantage.

According to Wylie, even when working with low-grade brine, production costs only $2,900 per ton—well below the current spot price of around $9,600 per ton, per Shanghai's exchange closing price on August 26.

"It is a $6 billion cash flow opportunity within the next three to five years, and we're a $20 million company," Wylie told Benzinga in June.

Since then, the stock has soared 240%, rising to CA$0.48 per share.

Liebherr and Fortescue partner on world’s first autonomous electric haul truck

Jo Borrás | Jul 29 2024 - 


In what both companies claim to be a world’s first, Liebherr and Fortescue have announced plans to jointly develop a fully Autonomous Haulage Solution (AHS) for their massive, 264-ton BEV-converted electric haul trucks.

The on-site validation of a fleet of the four zero emission Liebherr T 264 autonomous trucks equipped with AHS is already underway, having begun earlier this month at a purpose-built facility at the Fortescue Christmas Creek mine. That’s the same active mining site that’s also testing Liebherr’s BEV-converted excavator.

“With our teams now fully integrated, Liebherr is excited to formally announce our partnership with Fortescue to collectively develop and deploy our Autonomous Haulage Solution,” says Oliver Weiss, Executive Vice President, R&D, Engineering, and Production, Liebherr Mining. “Liebherr has always prioritised market-led product development and we are privileged to be partnering with Fortescue. Our collaborative efforts will be beneficial for not only Fortescue, but all customers who choose to implement Liebherr technology products on their sites.”

As part of the development of AHS, Liebherr and Fortescue will develop an integrated Fleet Management System and a Machine Guidance Solution (no acronyms there, apparently), capable of being used independently alongside human-operated machines.

Upon completion of the AHS’ validation cycle, the Autonomous Haulage Solution will be deployed across all the global Fortescue mining sites.

“This development will allow us to offer the global market a complete AHS,” says Weiss. “These innovative technologies form part of our expanding range of technology products and are another step forward in our strategy to become a total solution provider for the mining industry.”

Liebherr will begin offering AHS to other mining customers as the company continues to expand its autonomous tech portfolio.

Electrek’s Take

Fortescue gets all the fun electric toys; via Liebherr.

As we discussed in our special mining episode of Quick Charge, mines are great applications for both autonomous trucks and battery-electric vehicles. I think I said it well enough there to repost the video, below, and argue out the details in the comments. Enjoy!

Quick Charge mining episode