Alex Rosenberg (Duke): The Disenchanted Naturalist’s Guide To Reality. From Popular Mechanics, a look at how plane crash forensics lead to safer aviation. An interview with legendary magazine designer George Lois. Even hard-core skeptics can't help but find sympathy in the fabric of the universe — and occasionally try to pull its strings. Paul Krugman on Paul Samuelson, the incomparable economist (and more and more). Who you calling a "midget"? Little people take a stand against the offensive word — and a world that thinks it's OK to mock them. A review of Clark Clifford: The Wise Man of Washington by John Acacia. Here are 7 insane true stories behind the world's most WTF houses. Read Local: As the broader publishing world flounders, alternative presses are turning to their communities for support. How small nations were cut adrift: After the Great Recession, the economic and political tide has turned against small nations; it is Iceland, Ireland and the three Baltic states that have fared worst. A look at cunning ways public radio stations convince you to give them money. Here are some of the toys from recent decades that have caused crazes — and others that in retrospect seem just plain crazy. A review of The Greatest Trade Ever: The Behind-the-Scenes Story of How John Paulson Defied Wall Street and Made Financial History by Gregory Zuckerman. From n+1, a review of Caleb Crain's The Wreck of the Henry Clay. Edward O'Donnell writes in praise of “Happy Holidays”. Right-wing talkers go for the gold: James Grant mourns the loss of his beloved classical gold standard and says paper money has had its day.
