Commentary on the shadow of 1914, comic genius, rising stock market, the joy of capitalism, recovery in the US housing market, New York’s fight over teacher evaluation, Australia in Asia, and how the smoking ban killed bingo.

More history.

 

Financial Times -- The shadow of 1914 falls over the Pacific
China, like Germany 100 years ago, fears the established power is intent on blocking its ascent.

Harold Ramis.

Bill Gate’s top 10 books in 2012 and interesting reviews.

Guardian -- The Better Angels of our Nature
The decline of violence, 'may be the most significant and least appreciated development in the history of our species'

 

Commentary on Japan and the New West, market recoveries, staying in school, the root of legitimate rape, and Neil Armstrong dies.

Thinking about a New West, and Japan’s place in it. Thanks to Charley in Toronto.

American Interest -- Rising Sun in the New West
In many ways the policy of Japan is the weathervane of international politics.

Market Recoveries

Commentary on Charles Dickens, Much Ado About Nothing in Victoria, bankrupting students, Bill Gross warns about the risk of inflation in our future, and China in a global hunt for energy assets.

Recently I saw a movie of Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby (circa 2002)  and while the tight coincidences that the author uses to move the plot along and bring conclusion to all the parallel dramas does stretch belief, still the colour of the characters is wonderful.