Category Archives: History

More thoughts in the wake of the Paris attacks

Posted on November 17, 2015 by a1skeptic

The Paris attacks is now last week’s news, but news that is going to predominate our thinking for quite some time. It’s hard to avoid. The attacks were so dramatic. The consequences so stark. And, the ongoing civil war in … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, History, Politics | 2 Comments

What is there really to say about the Paris attacks?

Posted on November 14, 2015 by a1skeptic

In some ways, there isn’t that much to say about the Paris attacks. They’re horrific, of course. But no more horrific than the ongoing Syrian civil war. It hits home, of course, for those of us who’ve been to Paris, … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, History, Politics | Tagged , | 6 Comments

We officially have no clue what we’re doing in Afghanistan and the Middle East.

Posted on October 20, 2015 by a1skeptic

By now it should be official: we have no fucking clue what we’re doing in Afghanistan and the Middle East. This became clear last week when Obama announced that we’re going to keep troops in Afghanistan through 2017, or the … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, History, Politics | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Yesterday was 9/11 and I had basically forgotten about it.

Posted on September 12, 2015 by a1skeptic

Yesterday was 9/11 and I had basically forgotten about it. Not completely, but I hadn’t remembered until I saw stuff on the news. I think that’s basically a good thing. It’s been 14 years now. We’ve had this one dramatic … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, History | Tagged | 1 Comment

The Earthquake that will Level Seattle

Posted on August 12, 2015 by a1skeptic

My nephew lives in Seattle, so I was not excited to read that there is likely to be a massive earthquake sometime in the next 50 years — more massive than what’s likely to happen on the San Adreas fault … Continue reading →

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Perspective on the Iran Nuclear Deal

Posted on July 15, 2015 by a1skeptic

National Public Radio did a nice job today summarizing some of the salient points from the Iran Nuclear Deal. These include, according to NPR: It would curb Iran’s nuclear programs. It still allows Iran to continue enrichment. The deal makes … Continue reading →

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U.S. Finishes Negotiating with Iran; Reaction Predictable

Posted on July 15, 2015 by a1skeptic

Barack Obama is in the process of finally earning the Nobel Peace Prize that he won in 2009 for just getting elected. The deal with Iran that was completed yesterday, with a great assist from former Presidential Candidate and current … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Politics | Tagged | 3 Comments

If the mess in Greece is all Greek to you

Posted on July 1, 2015 by a1skeptic

Some of you have surely heard about the mess in Greece. The country is on the brink of bankruptcy, and as of this morning is now officially in default. It’s a mess over there, and it’s all Greek to most … Continue reading →

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Berlin, Seventy Years Ago

Posted on May 10, 2015 by a1skeptic

Some of you may remember that Friday May 8th was Victory in Europe Day, the 70th anniversary of the unconditional surrender of what remained of the Nazi Regime in Germany. The Second World War really was the war to end … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged | 1 Comment