Forget Christmas. Let's Celebrate Newton's Birthday.

In her blog, NY Times science writer Olivia Judson writes that we should celebrate Sir Isaac Newton's birthday instead of Christmas. 

The Return of Realpolitik

Wall Street Journal columnist Fouad Ajami calls Barack Obama's intended Middle East policy a "return to realpolitik." Bismarck would be proud.

Feudalism in the 21st Century?

Believe it. Welcome to the Isle of Sark.

Must've Missed the Constitutionalism Lecture

I guess Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper doesn't remember what happened to Charles I when he tried to lock Parliament out. We can give him a hint: it has something to do with a Civil War and a beheading...



*Big Up to McLoventhal for the "head's up" (ha!) on this one.

Tycho Lives!

I know many of you saw it in class, but if you missed it, check out this article from the New York Times about "Tycho's supernova."

Why War Keeps Happening, Despite Economic Interdependence

Over the years, many economists have espoused the idea that modern global economic interdependence will prevent wars. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman says that the conflict between Russia and Georgia is further proof that that optimism is unfounded.

Again, Anti-Semitism divides France

Those of you who are fascinated by the Dreyfus Affair might see an interesting parallel here. It seems that an overtly anti-Jewish political column is causing quite a stir in France.

Sorry, Anastasia

Did the Grand Duchess Anastasia really escape her would-be Bolshevik assassins? As of last year, it seems unlikely.

Why It's Important to Know Your Western Civ Before You Go on TV

Radio Host Kevin James must've missed Appeasement Day in his Western Civ class, and MSNBC's Chris Matthews makes him pay for it.

Fascism, Claymation Style

A lot of students were very fond of this interpretation of Hitler's Lebensraum policies: