Cecile Vandewoude (Ghent): The Rise of Self-Determination Versus the Rise of Democracy. Propaganda and Disinformation: Marc Adler on Olbermann vs. Limbaugh and Fox. Rise of the Preppers: Can disaster preparedness become a lifestyle without turning into survivalism? So long, Oprah: You get all the accolades, without even dying. A review of Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong. Is hummus the next guacamole? Middle Eastern chefs are trying to push one of the world's most complex and ancient cuisines into the culinary mainstream. We now expect long life, a beautiful body, sexual and job satisfaction; the illusion that we can perfect ourselves dooms us to failure and misery. That guy who called the big one? Don’t listen to him — inside the paradox of forecasting. An interview with Dayna Tortorici on late capitalism, the death of the poser and why refusing to understand hipsters is a cop-out. From Big Think, how to see the world like Malcolm Gladwell. Cryptic Fascist: A review of The German Stranger: Leo Strauss and National Socialism by William H.F. Altman. The first chapter from Why Everyone (Else) Is a Hypocrite: Evolution and the Modular Mind by Robert Kurzban. A review of Fear of the Animal Planet: The Hidden History of Animal Resistance by Jason Hribal. Reunion Island's UNESCO designation puts spotlight on its medieval and colonial legacies — including its relationship with famous scholar Joseph Bedier.
