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leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
Carri Nicholson 🗽 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇪🇺 🇺🇲🇵🇱🇺🇦 🌊🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
@leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
14K followers 10K following 2.7K posts
One woman force of nature (so I've been told 😎) and proud, opinionated, Scot 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Mentor to CEO and Founders, particularly in early-stage STEM businesses.
Business, politics, current affairs, history & economics nerd.
Former reservist officer. Wife and mom
Posts Replies Media Videos
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
So would Scotland...
Wind turbines on a hill above Ardrossan, Scotland
November 19, 2025 at 8:22 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
That'll be, of course, the same Saudi Arabia that's aiming to generate 50% of its electricity through renewables by 2030, including dozens of large scale WIND and SOLAR installations...

What an uninformed, senile, dementia-riddled embarrassment.

And a fecking misogynistic pig to boot
The kingdom is rolling out dozens of large-scale solar, wind, and storage projects, with a pipeline totaling at least $32 billion for green energy investments through 2030—alongside huge financing deals like $8.3 billion for 15 gigawatts (GW) of upcoming projects. By 2030, the goal is to generate 50% of its electricity from renewables, building up to 130 GW in new capacity. Investment Scale and Key Projects Under Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, investments exceed $186 billion, including major phases of solar and wind deployment, nature-based solutions (planting 10 billion trees), carbon capture, and energy efficiency measures. Recent contracts include $4.5 billion in 2025 for 4.5 GW of new projects, and up to $25 billion annually is projected for green energy exports by 2030. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is driving 70% of the national renewables target, joined by global and regional partnerships.
November 19, 2025 at 8:00 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
And a mere 90 seconds' research brings up the following...

Saudi Arabia is investing over $180 billion in renewable energy production between now and 2030, with the aim of getting 50% of its electricity from renewables by then.

Including $32B of large-scale solar, wind, and storage projects...
Saudi Arabia is investing over $180 billion in renewable energy production and clean technologies between now and 2030, aiming to transform its energy landscape while keeping economic development and energy security priorities. The kingdom is rolling out dozens of large-scale solar, wind, and storage projects, with a pipeline totaling at least $32 billion for green energy investments through 2030 - alongside huge financing deals like $8.3 billion for 15 gigawatts (GW) of upcoming projects. By 2030, the goal is to generate 50% of its electricity from renewables, building up to 130 GW in new capacity.
November 19, 2025 at 7:53 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
Sesame Street is brought to you today by the letter R and the number 365...
Elmo in American Revolution uniform visits behind the scenes of "Hamilton"
November 15, 2025 at 11:13 AM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
Now *there's* a tell and a half.

See that bundle of things immediately above the door?

The thing that has I IXI I on it?

That, my lovelies, looks damn like the Fasces, with the X being the double headed axe.

But the guild shows Trump sees it as more Mussolini than "strength through unity"
The fasces symbol is a bundle of wooden rods or sticks tied together with an ax. The ax in the fasces was originally associated with the Greek symbol Labrys. Labryes are double-bitted axes originating from Crete. The Labrys is one of the oldest symbols of Greek civilization. Since the end of the Roman Empire, the fasces symbol has been used by a number of government agencies, military units, and other authorities to represent power. It’s even on the cover of French passports. The fasces has also been used by groups of people who view themselves as modern-day successors to the Roman Republic and/or its ideologies. Fasces Symbol Meaning fasces symbol meaning ‘Fasces’ is derived from the plural form of fascis, which is Latin for ‘bundle.’ The fasces symbol is the emblem of official authority in ancient Rome. The word ‘fascism’ originated from ‘fasces.’ Benito Mussolini’s fascist government in Italy used the fasces symbol as its emblem, identifying with power and brutality which the symbol stood for from the ancient Roman times. This is notably different from how this ancient Roman symbol is interpreted in America, where fasces represents “strength through unity.” The symbolism of fasces points to strength through unity because a single rod is easily broken, but it’s a feat to break the bundle. The symbol denotes the power and authority the state has over its citizens. The ancient Romans saw the power that the fasces symbol represented in a couple of ways: the bundled sticks or rods signified birching or corporal punishment, while the ax was associated with beheading.
November 12, 2025 at 2:27 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
They don't need testing. Everyone already know they work...

Testing is for when you're creating new and even more interesting weapons of mass destruction.

And the US has signed multiple treaties that
a) Trump cannot overturn by himself
b) give the Armed Forces the ability to say feck off
Nuclear Treaties Signed by the United States and Their Impact on Nuclear Testing Orders The United States is a party to multiple international treaties restricting its ability to conduct nuclear weapons tests, and these agreements provide legal and institutional grounds for the U.S. military to challenge or refuse orders demanding unrestricted nuclear testing such as those posited by former President Trump. These treaties, along with established norms and domestic law governing lawful orders, form a strong basis to invalidate any blanket directive to "test all our nukes."Major Treaties Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons Testing 1. Limited Test Ban Treaty (LTBT, 1963) Signed by the U.S., UK, and USSR, effective October 10, 1963. Prohibits nuclear test explosions in the atmosphere, outer space, and under water, as well as any test that causes radioactive debris beyond the territorial limits of the testing state.Test explosions are allowed underground only if no radioactive debris escapes national borders. LTBT remains in force with obligations on all signatories. 2. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT, 1968) Entered into force in 1970, the U.S. is a founding signatory. NPT's Article VI obligates nuclear weapon states to pursue disarmament and negotiate in good faith toward cessation of the nuclear arms race and nuclear disarmament. 3. Peaceful Nuclear Explosions Treaty (PNET, 1976) and Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT, 1974) These bilateral U.S.-Soviet agreements regulate and limit the yield of underground nuclear explosions, further restricting development and testing. 4. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT, 1996) Bans all nuclear test explosions, regardless of purpose or yield—the so-called “zero-yield” standard. Adopted by the UN in 1996, signed by the U.S. on September 24, 1996. Although never ratified by the Senate due to partisan opposition, the U.S. has abided by a voluntary moratorium on nuclear explosive testing since 1992. International law holds signatories should not act against the object and purpose of a treaty they have signed. CTBT has established a strong global norm against nuclear testing, and the U.S. is widely expected to honor its commitments as a signatory. 5. Strategic Arms Reduction and Limitation Treaties (START I, II, New START) These agreements limit nuclear arsenals and require various verification mechanisms that are affected by resumed testing, further complicating any plans for a broad resumption of testing. Legal and Procedural Constraints on Nuclear Testing Orders Lawful Military Orders and International Law Under U.S. and international law, including the Geneva Conventions and other humanitarian treaties signed by the U.S., the military is required to refuse unlawful orders—including those that violate ratified nuclear test ban treaties. U.S. military doctrine states that unlawful orders must not be executed, and that nuclear strike orders (and by extension, testing orders) must comply with domestic and international legal standards. Proposals to test nuclear weapons against treaty obligations risk placing subordinates in jeopardy of prosecution for war crimes and breach of international law. U.S. Political and Institutional Practice The U.S. has maintained a voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing since 1992, which has been supported by national policy and broad international expectation. The military, in consultation with legal and international affairs advisors, is empowered to reject orders that contravene established treaties and U.S. legal obligations—especially those with direct environmental, security, and humanitarian consequences. Conclusion Demanding to "test all our nukes" would clearly violate numerous binding and customary treaty obligations, U.S. law, and established international norms. The U.S. military would not only be legally justified in refusing such orders but would be obligated to do so under both U.S. and international law and military doctrine. These treaties remain foundational to the United States' nuclear policy and global security commitments.
November 1, 2025 at 7:48 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 8:55 AM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
This...
October 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
This is what our voting slips look like - no chads to hang, just a simple pencil cross in a box, fold the paper in half, and put it into the sealed box.

If there are multiple elements to the vote (ie local council and mayor), then there tends to be a separate paper of a different color for each...
October 19, 2025 at 10:43 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
*You're* confused???

Not the only one...

Why on earth would Hamas want to kill people in Gaza?

Collating reports from slightly more sane countries indicates it's *Israel* that is breaking the ceasefire, both in Gaza and the West Bank.
Israel has breached the new ceasefire agreement several times in the past week, with credible reports indicating that Israeli forces have killed Palestinian civilians and militants in Gaza and the West Bank since the truce was put into effect on October 10, 2025. Ceasefire Violations Israel and Hamas have accused each other of breaking the ceasefire, with Israel citing Hamas' failure to return the bodies of all hostages, while Hamas and medical sources report that Israeli military actions have resulted in Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire began. Reports from humanitarian organizations and local media indicate ongoing military strikes and ground operations by Israel, despite the announced truce. Palestinian Fatalities in the Past Week At least three Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks on October 15, according to medical sources in Gaza, despite the supposed ceasefire. Incidents have included deaths in aid distribution areas and renewed clashes in both Gaza and the West Bank, with further reports of fatalities arising from Israeli military operations and settler violence. In the West Bank, two Palestinians were killed between October 7 and 13, one by Israeli forces and one possibly by a combination of Israeli forces and settlers, with dozens more injured during raids and settler attacks. Additional Context Ongoing exchanges of accusations, hostage remains, and bodies have created a situation where both sides allege violations, but independent reports continue to confirm Israeli actions resulting in Palestinian deaths during the ceasefire period. Humanitarian aid remains restricted, and aid agencies have suspended operations following deaths near distribution points, many attributed to Israeli military activity. In summary, there is clear evidence from multiple credible sources that Israel has breached the ceasefire and caused Palestinian deaths in the last week, both in Gaza and the West Bank
October 17, 2025 at 11:30 AM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
See below...
Insulin analogues (newer, modified insulins like glargine and aspart) have slightly higher production costs. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) costs approximately $68,757 per kilogram for insulin glargine and around $100,000 per kilogram for other analogues. Despite these higher API costs, a recent 2024 study calculated that basal-bolus treatment with insulin glargine and aspart could cost just $111 per year using reusable pen formulations. Breaking this down to individual doses: since a typical insulin-dependent patient uses approximately 40-50 units daily, and a 1,000-unit vial costs $2-4 to produce, the manufacturing cost per day of insulin therapy is roughly $0.08 to $0.20, or about $30-70 annually. These figures contrast sharply with retail prices. In the United States, a vial of Humalog that cost $21 in 1996 exceeded $350 by 2020. Current retail prices commonly exceed $300 per vial, representing markups of 75 to 150 times the production cost. Alternative Approaches The Open Insulin Project represents an innovative attempt to democratize insulin production. This open-source initiative aims to: Develop freely available protocols for producing both rapid-acting (lispro) and long-acting (glargine) insulin analogues Create open-source hardware equivalents to expensive proprietary equipment Enable small-scale, community-centered manufacturing Make production methods publicly available for research and development The project operates in community laboratories in Oakland, Baltimore, and Paris, using standard biotechnology techniques based on academic publications and off-patent processes. However, even this grassroots approach faces challenges including FDA Good Manufacturing Practice compliance, legal issues with interstate distribution, and the need for partnerships with established healthcare entities
October 17, 2025 at 11:06 AM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
I don't think State Tax dollars will be the catalyst to lower pricing, as the UK - even with our creaking NHS - provides all diabetic supplies, including insulin FOC at point of use.

See below for how much insulin *really* costs to produce, and the Open Insulin project in Oakland, CA...
October 17, 2025 at 10:59 AM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
For my 18 year old daughter, who's just become a student and who burns with anger at the injustices she sees, and is passionate about making the world a better and safer place...

Abso-fecking-lutely 🫶🏻

(And I'm so, so proud of her for taking over the torch for the next generation)
September 18, 2025 at 10:02 AM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
But interesting (not surprising) that Queen Camilla, who is a long standing campaigner against domestic violence and the abuse of women, is currently "unwell with acute sinusitis" and was unable to attend the Duchess of Kent's funeral yesterday.

I suspect she'll still be ill today and tomorrow...
September 17, 2025 at 2:14 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
🧵 2/2

Chinese GDP growth is stable at 5.3% year-on-year for the first half of 2025. However, this stability masks weaknesses that suggest a more fragile foundation than headline figures indicate.

Economy is deflating (-0.4% in 08/25, down from 0% in 07), indicating persistent weak domestic demand.
The closure reveals the vulnerability of China's westward trade routes. With maritime shipping already disrupted by Red Sea tensions and Houthi attacks, the land-based Belt and Road routes have become increasingly important �. The Polish closure demonstrates how easily these routes can be severed by geopolitical tensions, potentially making China more cautious about actions that could jeopardize trade access.Assessment: Likelihood of Chinese PressureBased on the available evidence, China is more likely to put pressure on Russia and Belarus to moderate their rhetoric toward Poland, though this pressure will likely remain private and limited. The closure directly threatens China's commercial interests at a time when the economy faces structural challenges and limited growth options. The substantial economic leverage China holds over both countries provides the means to exert such influence.However, this pressure will be constrained by China's broader strategic priorities. Beijing views its partnerships with Russia and Belarus as crucial components of its challenge to Western economy faces structural challenges and limited growth options. The substantial economic leverage China holds over both countries provides the means to exert such influence.However, this pressure will be constrained by China's broader strategic priorities. Beijing views its partnerships with Russia and Belarus as crucial components of its challenge to Western hegemony and will not sacrifice these relationships for short-term trade considerations. Instead, China will likely seek diplomatic solutions that preserve both its trade routes and its strategic alliances, possibly working through back-channel negotiations to encourage de-escalation while maintaining public neutrality.The railway closure ultimately serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of modern geopolitics, where economic interests and strategic alliances must be carefully balanced, and where regional conflicts can have far-reaching consequences for global trade networks.
September 14, 2025 at 2:43 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
Not exactly my understanding of things...
The New Silk Road Railway Closure and Its ImpactPoland's closure of its border with Belarus, effective September 12, 2025, has created significant disruption to China's Belt and Road Initiative trade routes ���. The closure affects three critical rail freight crossings - Kuźnica-Grodno, Siemianówka-Świsłocz, and Terespol-Brest - which serve as China's primary gateway to European markets via overland rail transport ��.The impact is substantial: China accounts for approximately 75% of cargo transit across the Belarusian-Polish border, with about 400,000 tons of Chinese goods entering Poland monthly through this route �. The terminal at Małaszewicze, located on the Polish side of the border, handles roughly 90% of railway cargo between China and Europe, processing about 19 trains daily from major Chinese terminals �.Economic consequences are already materializing. According to industry estimates, approximately 8 million tons of cargo are handled by these routes annually �. The closure forces Chinese exporters to rely on Economic consequences are already materializing. According to industry estimates, approximately 8 million tons of cargo are handled by these routes annually �. The closure forces Chinese exporters to rely on slower, more expensive alternative routes, with the backup creating potential capacity shortages in the Belarusian rail system within approximately one week �. DHL Global Forwarding has warned customers of potential delays for both westbound and eastbound shipments due to the border closure and resulting congestion �.Potential Chinese Pressure on Russia and BelarusThe railway closure creates a strategic dilemma for China that may indeed increase pressure on Russia and Belarus to moderate their rhetoric toward Poland. Several factors support this assessment:Economic imperative drives Chinese priorities. With China facing its own economic challenges, maintaining stable trade routes to its second-largest export market becomes critical. Economic imperative drives Chinese priorities. With China facing its own economic challenges, maintaining stable trade routes to its second-largest export market becomes critical. The Belarusian Foreign Minister has acknowledged that the closure is "directed against China" and represents a significant blow to Chinese commercial interests �. China's Foreign Ministry has already urged Poland to "take effective measures to ensure the safe and smooth operation" of the China-Europe Railway Express, demonstrating Beijing's concern about trade disruption �.China's leverage over both allies is substantial. Russia has become increasingly dependent on China economically, with bilateral trade reaching $240.11 billion in 2023 �. Since 2022, China has emerged as the key client for Russian energy exports, helping Moscow compensate for lost European markets �. Chinese companies reportedly provide "nearly 80 percent" of the sanctioned dual-use items Russia needs �. This economic dependence gives Beijing significant influence over Russian decision-making. Similarly, Belarus has become heavily reliant on Chinese investment and financial assistance. Following Western sanctions, Minsk has increasingly pivoted eastward, with China providing crucial economic support �. Belarus officially became a BRICS partner nation and SCO member in 2024, further deepening its ties with China �.However, geopolitical constraints limit Chinese pressure. China's official position maintains neutrality on the Ukraine conflict while continuing to support Russia through economic means �. Beijing has consistently rejected Western pressure to reduce its Russian ties, with officials stating that attempts to force China to abandon Russia "will not succeed" �. This suggests that while China may privately urge restraint, it will not publicly pressure Russia or Belarus in ways that could damage these strategic relationships.The closure reveals the vulnerability of China's westward trade routes. With maritime shipping already disrupted by Red Sea tensions and Houthi attacks, the land-based Belt and Road routes have become increasingly important �.
September 14, 2025 at 2:37 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
September 14, 2025 at 1:31 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
And if you don't want to go over to TT, here's the video...

www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/field-gun-...
September 4, 2025 at 7:35 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
@irishali13.bsky.social - saw your post with the lovely Matt Mullins painting last night, and thought I'd share one from one of my favourite Scottish artists - Jolomo (John Lowrie Morrison)...

websites.artlookonline.com/jolomo/pages...
Painting by the Scottish artist John Lowrie Morrison (Jolomo) - a white Scottish croft on Kiloran Bay on the Hebridean Isle of Colonsay in early evening. In the impressionist style, there's a riot of white and red flowers along the side of a sandy road leading to a pair of white painted cottages overlooking the sea. The near cottage has a barn behind it painted bright red.
September 3, 2025 at 11:24 AM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
Time to learn from history - again...

When we worked together in economic development, my Dad used to call me a Leveller when I got angry about injustices - and I think he didn't necessarily mean it as a compliment.

But the older I get, the more I'll wear that badge proudly ✊🏻
August 4, 2025 at 12:01 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
Here's your equivalent in the UK, @piperformissouri.bsky.social - ASDA was owned by Walmart until reasonably recently.

500g = 1.102 lb
£4.99 = $6.69

It'll be cheaper in Lidl and Aldi for the same or better quality.

And our inflation rate is currently 3.6%
Photo of UK ground beef on sale at ASDA for £4.99 for 500g
July 20, 2025 at 7:09 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
Happy, happy birthday to @georgewachsmuth.bsky.social!

I hope you have a wonderful day, filled with sunshine and laughter, my friend.
July 15, 2025 at 11:33 AM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
For all my friends and followers on the other side of the pond, who are concerned that they no longer have access to weather radar info, I've just found a new (German) app which DOES show and updates radar info for y'all:

play.google.com/store/apps/d...
July 12, 2025 at 1:51 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
Good morning #BreakfastCrew!

Happy Saturday, from a warm and sunny North East England. 😎
July 12, 2025 at 12:53 PM
leaderwhisperer.bsky.social
Whether you're currently serving, are a Vet like me, or have family members serving, you'll know that dealing with a cancer diagnosis is fecking hard.

Please share far and wide, and support if you can... 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

www.militaryvscancer.com/field-gun-pu...

www.militaryvscancer.com/product-cate...
This is your chance to have a name with us every step of the way via the following link: https://www.militaryvscancer.com/product-category/field-gun-pull-2025/ We’re offering you the opportunity to add the name of a loved one—past or present, military or civilian—onto the official Military vs Cancer Field Gun Pull tops, worn proudly by over 1300 personnel as we haul a field gun from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Whether it’s in memory of someone special, in support of someone fighting, or to honour a friend, your dedication will travel the full length of the UK with us. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT - PULLING TOGETHER
July 11, 2025 at 8:30 PM