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Books Archive

Archives for November 2014

Movies
Why science fiction mattersWhy science fiction matters
Movies

Science fiction can give students a tangible vision of change.

By New America Foundation Weekly Wonk
Culture
Send a holiday letter about your fictional family to 5 strangers; get 5 letters in returnSend a holiday letter about your fictional family to 5 strangers; get 5 letters in return
Culture

This creative writing prompt could be just what you need to stay sane this holiday season.

By Emily St. James
Inside Peter Thiel’s mind
Technology

“if the NSA bureaucracy actually knew what they were doing, they would probably need way less information.”

By Ezra Klein
Books
Russia’s bizarre obsession with psychics and the occultRussia’s bizarre obsession with psychics and the occult
Books

Some crazy stories about hanging out with Russia’s psychics, including that time a state-sponsored faith healer convinced millions of Russians to put pots full of water on their TVs to absorb “telepathic energy.”

By Zack Beauchamp
Almanac
At 39, Walt Whitman was broke, unemployed, and living with his momAt 39, Walt Whitman was broke, unemployed, and living with his mom
Almanac

The Good Gray Poet wasn’t always the beloved writer he is today.

By Brandon Ambrosino
Syria
How Congress’ debate over ISIS could end the war on terror — or expand itHow Congress’ debate over ISIS could end the war on terror — or expand it
Syria

In the debate over an ISIS AUMF, Congress has a golden opportunity to rethink the entire war on terrorism. Will it take the chance?

By Zack Beauchamp
Almanac
Read a version of The Jungle Book written in meows, thanks to this programRead a version of The Jungle Book written in meows, thanks to this program
Almanac

Moby-Dick is a long and strenuous book to read, but what if you could read the canonical work of literature as a cat might — in only meows.

By Kelsey McKinney