I’m blogging this morning from the Skyteam lounge in Terminal 4 of Heathrow Airport on my way to the Global Policy Forum in Yaroslavl, Russia where I’ll be speaking on the problems of democracy in advanced countries today.  My students at Bard will be watching a debate between Max Boot and Charles Kupchan on American […]

There are many people who feel like the biggest loser from the wave of revolution sweeping the Arab world.  Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in his iron cage, the Great Loon of Libya sweating it out in his hideaway, embattled German Foreign Minister Guido Westervelle trying to tough out mounting calls for his resignation after […]

[Note to readers: Via Meadia usually tries to post an update on religious persecution every Sunday; this holiday weekend with the team scattered to the four winds (and WRM stuck without internet access in the medieval Hilton Hotel at Heathrow Airport), Monday morning was the best we could do.]“The most certain test by which we […]

Researchers from the Memphis Zoo recently completed a year-long study on the glories of panda poop. Their shocking conclusion? It breaks down plant fibers so efficiently that it could be used to turn organic waste into biofuel. Here’s the story: The microbes in the feces of giant pandas break down super-tough plant material in grass, […]

It appears that BP for one is having no luck doing business in Russia. The FT reports: BP has a remarkable ability to make enemies in Russia. As bailiffs raided one of its Moscow offices on Wednesday, it was hard to avoid the sinking feeling that it may once again be on the wrong side […]

In what is widely seen as a serious break with the environmental movement, President Obama has rejected an EPA proposal to tighten emission controls across the US. From the NYT: The Environmental Protection Agency, following the recommendation of its scientific advisers, had proposed lowering the so-called ozone standard from that set by the Bush administration […]

The finances of states and municipalities across the US are a mess. Short-sighted union leadership, willfully blind politicians, voters eager to reap where they have not sown, and even overly optimistic investment managers — there is more than enough blame to go around.On that note, we are happy to report yet another data point in […]

The steady drumbeat for greater efficiency and modernization in higher education continues. A piece in the Washington Monthly discusses the problems in the college admissions process, and provides some hope for the future: But there’s another culprit at work: the college admissions process itself. If you want to buy shares of stock, bid on antiques, […]

Rick Perry has charged to the head of the GOP pack largely on the strength of jobs record during twelve years as governor of Texas – especially following the 2008 recession while the rest of the country has struggled to stir up growth. A piece in the WSJ, however, predicts that Texas and other states […]

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post is cutting back on office space in Virginia and Maryland: “This is about office space, not personnel or coverage,” editors wrote in a memo to staff. The Post will retain existing bureaus in those states’ capitals, Richmond and Annapolis.Amid revenue declines and losses in recent years, […]