Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea

Book Review: Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea by Mark Blyth Professor Blyth uses empirical data to effectively skewer austerity as a demonstrably counterproductive strategy. This book from 2013 is still current and will remain so with its long-view historical perspective applied to contemporary presuppositions and economic policies. From David Hume to current champions …

The Future of Capitalism: Facing the New Anxieties

Book Review: The Future of Capitalism: Facing the New Anxieties by Paul Collier A Must-Read for Everyone Well researched and full of real life examples. Skillfully puts ideologues in their place, both right and left, and insists on an effective pragmatism regardless as to whether the government or society provides it. Ranging far beyond mere …

The Inner Life of Cats: The Science and Secrets of Our Mysterious Feline Companions

Book Review: The Inner Life of Cats: The Science and Secrets of Our Mysterious Feline Companions by Thomas McNamee As Applicable to Humans as to Cats I had already bonded with my cat, but after The Inner Life of Cats I have an even deeper human/animal relationship with this fellow sentient being. This book is …

Camelot’s End: Kennedy vs. Carter and the Fight That Broke the Democratic Party

Book Review: Camelot’s End: Kennedy vs. Carter and the Fight That Broke the Democratic Party by Jon Ward, John Pruden Covering what is now a historical period, which encompassed the presidential nomination contest between Jimmy Carter and Ted Kennedy, this book eerily mirrors today’s Democratic party with its familiar establishment versus progressive tensions. Jon Ward …

The Sultan and the Queen: The Untold Story of Elizabeth and Islam

Book Review: The Sultan and the Queen: The Untold Story of Elizabeth and Islam by Jerry Brotton The enticing title of this book belies its full scope, as it’s a window into more than just England, but documents the multinational intrigue of the 16th Century. The reader is transported between London, Constantinople, Moscow, Prague, Madrid, …

Policies and Actions Goals List—dynamically updated

Update summary as of July 14, 2020: Items 1, 2, and 3 established. This is a list of recommended government and corporate policies as well as societal actions, which seem to me would benefit persons as individuals and improve the general welfare. Remove cannabis from Schedule I. Cannabis use may be part of a larger …

Design for 360 Degree Camera

Camera enclosures for outdoor use require associated mechanical pan and tilt equipment if the camera is needed for anything further than just general area coverage. Not only do these mechanical devices take critical seconds to slew to position, they also require regular maintenance. What if the pan and tilt functions could be done purely electronically, …

Context of “Only Son”

Let’s start by considering our humanity vis-à-vis the currently known universe. The great hymn, How Great Thou Art, includes the stars as evidence of God’s “power throughout the universe displayed.” And what person doesn’t feel like the psalmist: When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars that you …

Personal Agency is Essential to Difficult Conversations

To be clear, this is about those difficult conversations about correcting white privilege and the systemic oppression that routinely places persons of color into situations of existential gravity. The word “systemic” is not hyperbole or overwrought in this case—it’s merely accurate. We need to talk about it. In order to do talk about it successfully, …

“ANCSA” for African Americans—a Proposal for Reparations

I would like to contribute the following thoughts about the most proper and effective way to compensate African Americans for the suffering of their ancestors under slavery and the continuing racist oppression they experience today: Model relief and compensation to African Americans on the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. While acknowledging that …