An Autonomous Agent

exploring the noosphere

Category: history (Page 4 of 17)

When Google Met WikiLeaks – Julian Assange

When Google Met WikiLeaks transcribes the conversation between Julian Assange and Eric Schmidt. Their discussion of WikiLeaks’ story, governmental control and persecution, revolutions, connectivity, and internet publishing is an important, powerful, and insightful source for anyone who wants to understand the current controversy of WikiLeaks. Their conversation provides a glance at the relationship between governments and their citizens in the Internet Age.

Assange also includes a few essays in the book which were published after the interview. He is a talented writer and clearly expresses his ideas; worth the read.

The Jihadis Return: ISIS and the New Sunni Uprising – Patrick Cockburn

Patrick Cockburn explains the recent up-welling of religious warfare occurring in the Middle East in his book, The Jihadis Return: ISIS and the New Sunni Uprising. The situation in the Middle East could be the defining crisis of my generation and Cockburn does a good job reporting the details.

No One Would Listen: A True Financial Thriller – Harry Markopolos

In No One Would Listen: A True Financial Thriller, Harry Markopolos, the financial fraud detective who studied Bernie Madoff’s questionable returns in early 2000, narrates the entire history and investigation of Bernie Madoff’s ponzi scheme — starting in 1998. I was shocked, as was Markopolos, on learning about the negligence and failure of the SEC on numerous occasions. The book provides a good summary account of the Madoff fraud and the people involved. It also provides important insight into financial fraud, reform, and regulations.

Mayan Murals: Xultún, Guatemala

I ran across an article, Maya Murals: Stunning Images of King & Calendar, which talked about a discovery in Xultún, Guatemala. It was of a dwelling which contained numerous murals painted by the Maya. Thought to be 1,200 years old, it contains some interesting depictions. Especially a picture of three black men, who are apparently wearing white medallions and black headdresses. When I first saw this, I thought: “Why does a Mayan mural have three African men with ivory medallions wearing “Pharaoh” type headdresses?” I am not sure; could it be that the Maya had a special desire to paint themselves black, perhaps like a panther? Or is this evidence of a connection with Africa?

Profit Over People: Neoliberalism & Global Order – Noam Chomsky

In Profit Over People: Neoliberalism & Global Order, Noam Chomsky critiques the economic vogue held by a large number of economists and government officials during the last quarter of the 20th century and continuing to this day. In truth, it seems as if many of our climate and social problems stem from the concerns raised by Chomsky. If we as a species wish to continue living in a global community on Earth — enjoying the benefits of mutual aid and global economic prosperity to achieve a greater civilization, it seems that it is necessary to address the issues presented by Chomsky. Of course, working towards such an ideal society and generating such sublime goals is always optional. The foundation upon which rests all great civilizations is the confidence and power of its people to see and seize their own destiny. Read the book and you may begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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