From Swans, a special issue on Perspectives on 2010. Peter Dreier on the fifty most influential progressives of the twentieth century. How the # became the sign of our times: It's called an octothorpe, and Twitter users have made it a global symbol. Kim Jong-il's political philosophy: Delivered in prose of awesome sterility, the North Korean despot's commitment to lies is unwavering. A review of Journey Into America: The Challenge of Islam by Akbar S. Ahmed. A panel on Facing the Crises of our Time: The United Nations and the United States in the 21st Century by Gillian Sorensen. From Five Dials, a special issue on Quebec. Robert Farley on the pitfalls of the emerging anti-China axis. The Voice of Reason: Former FBI agent Gary Noesner set the standard for hostage negotiation. The first chapter from The Event of Postcolonial Shame by Timothy Bewes. Ho'oponopono: How Hawaiian tradition sorts out family disputes. The Noun Game: A simple grammar lesson leads to a clash of civilizations. Narcissism is no longer considered a clinical disorder — in the age of Facebook, is that really surprising? An interview with Wade Davis on mind-altering substances and the diversity of human cultures across the world. The FBI's Alert regarding "sextortion": Why cyber blackmail, though illegal, is difficult to stop and what computer users can do. A review of Talking to the Enemy: Violent Extremism, Sacred Values, and What It Means to Be Human by Scott Atran.
