In Germany and America, Invisible Walls

Visiting Berlin for two weeks, and in the evening I go to bed in a small hotel room, tuning the radio to a German-language station. I understand barely a word but it features a strangely compelling, eclectic mix of Bach, Brubeck and Tim Buckley, unfortunately sometimes interrupted by electronic dance music, the dreaded EDM. The […]

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"Don't Be Evil, Unless It's Worth Untold New Riches": Whistleblower Reveals Google Plan to Launch Censored Search Engine in China

In a move human rights groups are warning could have grave implications for internet freedom across the globe, Google is reportedly preparing to launch a “censored version” of its search engine in China that will automatically blacklist terms and websites related to peaceful dissent, free expression, and democracy. “I’m against large companies and governments collaborating […]

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Stop Misdiagnosing Climate Change

The recent IPCC report has received widespread attention. The report states that rapid and bold actions are necessary to avoid the catastrophic impacts of climate change and that the goals of the Paris Accord will be insufficient. This has resulted in an outpouring of opinion pieces calling for individuals to take actions in their daily […]

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Europe's History With Refugees Has Something to Tell the US

Not long ago, the world watched heartbreaking images of fleeing refugees, not unlike those now emerging from the southern U.S. border.  As thousands of Central American refugees from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala continue to surge toward the U.S.-Mexico border, it’s worth noting important similarities to how European countries responded to its migrant crisis, the impact […]

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'It Is Our Future That Is at Risk': Greta Thunberg and Ocasio-Cortez Talk Reasons for Hope in Era of Climate Emergency

“So I’m curious, given how daunting the issue is, why aren’t you so filled with despair that you’re staying on your couch every day, and just waiting for the apocalypse?” That was one of the questions Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez put to 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg when the two progressive leaders met via video link […]

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Brie Larson Schools the Internet on “Living Life on the Defense” as a Woman

Following Harvey Weinstein’s recent sexual harassment allegations, Brie Larson took to Twitter to recount her own uncomfortable situation.  On Thursday, the actress shared a story where her kindness was misconstrued as an invitation for something more by a TSA agent. “I merely smiled at a TSA agent and he asked for my phone number. To live life as a woman […]

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