From The Public Sphere, T. R. Kiyoshi Oshiro on why anniversaries matter; and Colin Dickey on being an amateur phrenologist. From New Left Project, Christopher Read on The Undeserving Disabled: The neoliberal ontology of the human being, that is, its conception of what a human being actually is, reveals a great deal about its practical workings. Do abstract systems work?: Has our ability to think reached the point of diminishing — or even negative — returns? Think the divorce process is a nightmare today? Try having the Catholic Church decide whether your impotence is natural or a witch's spell. A review of Stuff Matters: Genius, Risk and the Secret of Capitalism by Harry Bingham. A look at how Snooki, The Situation and Jersey Shore rule the world. It’s just an oil spill, how bad could it get? Truly catastrophic, according to some of the out-there theories being floated by concerned "experts". A look at how to ensure oil spill disasters do not happen again. Learning from the ancients: A leading archaeologist’s take on the pre-European Maya discounts "ecocide" and suggests the people were actually astute stewards of the jungle who could teach us a thing or two. The Willpower Paradox: Setting your mind on a goal may be counterproductive — instead think of the future as an open question. Ever wanted to be an astronaut? Here's New Scientist's guide to the not-so-small steps that will get you into space.
