Conspiracy theories are spreading rapidly on the Internet. And they find an audience that believes them. Scientists are studying why people have a tendency to believe nonsense is true. The Internet has profoundly changed our thinking in less than two decades. No other medium has manipulated human behavior to such an extent. The Internet can… Continue reading Cognitive Bias and Conspiracy Theories on the Internet (Deutsche Welle, 2 Jul 2020)
Category: Politics
Archbishop Viganò: The Eternal Spiritual Struggle Between the Forces of Good and Evil
Summary On 7 June 2020, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò wrote an open letter to President Donald Trump which describes an eternal spiritual struggle between the forces of good and evil. His letter refers to the recent protests in the United States. Rather than saying something potentially offensive like “there are good people on both sides”… Continue reading Archbishop Viganò: The Eternal Spiritual Struggle Between the Forces of Good and Evil
Israel West Bank News 2020
Below are recent news reports regarding the Israeli plan for annexation of the West Bank. These reports are presented in chronological order with the most recent at the top and listed with news source and date. VOA News (8 Jun 2020) Peace Process Fading as Israeli Annexation Approaches. Palestinian leaders suspend security cooperation and Israeli… Continue reading Israel West Bank News 2020
Despite Racist Rhetoric, Iowa Politician Gains 36% of Voter Support
Steve King is an Iowa politician known for what some describe as incendiary, racist, anti-immigrant, and white nationalist remarks that have been considered precursors to the Trump era. With a message similar to Trump’s, the nine-term Republican Congressman continued to get reelected by his constituents over the past 17 years – up until yesterday when… Continue reading Despite Racist Rhetoric, Iowa Politician Gains 36% of Voter Support
News Coverage of the May-June 2020 Protests
This page contains selected news stories about the May and June 2020 protests organized chronologically under topic heading. Times are adjusted for Central Time. Additional topics and stories will be added here as the protests continue. Please let us know of any additional topic headings or stories that should be added. Thanks. Global Protests (6… Continue reading News Coverage of the May-June 2020 Protests
VICE News: Moscow’s Facial Recognition Tech Will Outlast the Coronavirus (16 Apr 2020)
MOSCOW – The Russian capital is home to a network of 178,000 surveillance cameras. Thousands of these cameras are already connected to facial recognition software under a program called “Safe City.” Police claim the technology has helped arrest more than 300 people. Now, as part of the response to COVID-19, authorities are trying to bring… Continue reading VICE News: Moscow’s Facial Recognition Tech Will Outlast the Coronavirus (16 Apr 2020)
IRAN – Documentary by VICE Media (15 Apr 2020)
Over the past weeks and months, Iran has descended into chaos. From the downing of a passenger jet to the assassination of a top general, and now one of the world’s largest coronavirus outbreaks, life in the Islamic Republic is facing its toughest challenges since it was founded in 1979. Just days before all hell… Continue reading IRAN – Documentary by VICE Media (15 Apr 2020)
“The Wisdom of Crowds” – James Surowiecki (Video)
Summary These are videos of James Surowiecki talking about his book “The Wisdom of Crowds” and the principles it is based on. [View on Amazon] CMX (13 Jun 2016) James Surowiecki: The Power of the Collective. James Surowiecki, author of The Wisdom of Crowds and columnist for The New Yorker, explained to us exactly why… Continue reading “The Wisdom of Crowds” – James Surowiecki (Video)
A Massive National Labor Strike: Peace and Equality Through Chaos and Anarchy?
The Rebel Alliance vs The Empire I’m a fan of Star Wars, but I’m not cult follower. I don’t dress up as characters or have Star Wars action figures. What I like about Star Wars is that the storyline is simple and familiar: There is a government (the Empire) which has become a totalitarian dictatorship… Continue reading A Massive National Labor Strike: Peace and Equality Through Chaos and Anarchy?
AFRICA – Economy, Education, and Governance (7 Apr 2020)
“Africa is changing so fast, it is becoming hard to ignore. In the short term the continent faces many problems, including covid-19, but in the long term it could rival China’s economic might.” (The Economist, 7 Apr 2020) [VIdeo Date: 7 Apr 2020. Posted: 9 Apr 2020]
How tough is Joe Biden? He’s so tough that…
There’s a lot of people out there talking trash about Joe Biden, and if they don’t stop it, Joe is going to have to set them straight. Joe chose a life in politics over a career in professional wrestling, but he hasn’t lost his edge. Joe is ready to take on any challenger, anywhere, at… Continue reading How tough is Joe Biden? He’s so tough that…
Jon Huntsman – Utah will rise to the challenge [COVID-19 Response]
[COVID-19 Strategic Response Portal] From: Jon Huntsman, former Governor of UtahDate: 20 Jan 2020Re: “Utah will rise to the challenge” Utahns have seen tough times before and we are better prepared than anyone to meet the challenge. This week has been one of dramatic interruption to our way of life. A pandemic has cancelled schools,… Continue reading Jon Huntsman – Utah will rise to the challenge [COVID-19 Response]