Great Depression Explained
A lot of new info I did not know about.
History
Collections: The Siege of Gondor, Part I: Professionals Talk Logistics
Let’s learn about medieval warfare via Lord of the Rings. “Let’s be clear on this point: ancient and medieval warfare was mostly about sieges. Particularly during the Middle Ages (in Europe) sieges (and raiding) were common, but large pitched battles… Read More »Collections: The Siege of Gondor, Part I: Professionals Talk Logistics
Why the US is deporting so many people
How stopping immigration made it worse in the end.
Evolution Works Different Than You Think
And very nice simulations included.
Falling Off the Map
States are not permanent. “Of the 207 states that existed in 1816, sixty-six had died by 2000, most of them violently, from external conquest, revolution, civil war, or coup. “ https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2025/11/20/falling-off-the-map-how-states-die/
The Evilization of Google—And What to Do About It
From the start a great piece. “In 2015 Google’s parent company Alphabet retired the old motto, now substituting for it “Do the right thing.” The old motto was better. Negation has advantages that positive assertions lack. Our First Amendment, for… Read More »The Evilization of Google—And What to Do About It
The Light of “The Brothers Karamazov”
Loved the book, didn’t know it was written in a hurry. It is all the better for it. “the Kingdom of Heaven is nothing other than an unrealized possibility: we are merely a realization away from Paradise.” https://www.newyorker.com/books/second-read/the-light-of-the-brothers-karamazov
How PCR Came from Basic Research
Decades later. [Radiolab] The Age of Aquaticus #radiolab https://podcastaddict.com/radiolab/episode/197133687 via @PodcastAddict
Practical Polytheism, Part I: Knowledge
Religion did not work like you think it did. “over time, these customs won’t seem so strange anymore. Humans have a tendency to assume that whatever the customs – for instance, for diplomacy – are in our time, that this… Read More »Practical Polytheism, Part I: Knowledge
Armor in Order, Part I
Wear your helmet. Even on a bicycle. “If you can afford nothing else, protect the head. This is so important that we often see soldiers acquiring rigid metal head protection (meaning a helmet) before acquiring even textile body armor (it… Read More »Armor in Order, Part I