Showing results for "Science and the Public" in All Categories

Are we deranged? The acclaimed Indian novelist Amitav Ghosh argues that future generations may well think so. How else to explain our imaginative failure in the face of global warming? In his first major book of nonfiction since In an Antique Land, Ghosh examines our inability - at the level of literature, history, and politics - to grasp the scale and violence of climate change.

In this completely original set of interviews between the legendary duo of Noam Chomsky and David Barsamian, the two confront topics such as the pandemic, the wealth gap (made worse because of the pandemic), climate destruction, the increasing power of the corporate owned media, systematic racism, Big Tech, and more.

The definitive account of India’s energy journey and a blueprint for an energy-efficient future. The historic oil crisis of 1973, which permanently altered significant economic policies worldwide, marked a turning point in India’s energy odyssey, putting the country on the path towards energy efficiency. A young energy researcher at the National Productivity Council at the time, Padu Padmanabhan soon found himself at a juncture that would lead him to the many watershed moments of this journey.

Energy medicine. Acupuncture. Superfoods. Healing magnets. What does the scientific evidence really say about these and other eclectic treatments for personal wellness that fall under the popular term “alternative medicine”? How can we know if a treatment is safe and effective? How can you become your own best skeptical consumer of health news in the media? Join neurologist and science educator Dr. Steven Novella for a fascinating exploration of these and other important questions about the truths - and myths - behind alternative medicine.

The previous edition of this now-classic book revealed the existence and subversive manipulations of "economic hit men". John Perkins wrote that economic hit men (EHM) "are highly paid professionals who cheat countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars. Their tools include fraudulent financial reports, rigged elections, payoffs, extortion, sex, and murder".

Dive into the captivating history of The Great War (World War I) with this engaging resource designed specifically for seventh and eighth-grade students. Explore the European events that set the stage for the conflict, understand the motivations behind Americas entry into the war, and reflect on the wars lasting impact on future generations. (Summary by James Christopher)

In the context of World War I, Ukrainians viewed the conflict as a pivotal opportunity for national unity and liberation from the oppressive grips of both Austria-Hungary and the Russian Empire. Galicia became a contentious point for the Russian government, as Austria-Hungary granted Ukrainians the freedom to cultivate their national identity within its borders. This environment fostered a flourishing of Ukrainian patriotic literature, inspiring those living under the Russian regime to aspire for independence. In response to the looming war between the Russian Empire and Austria-Hungary, ...

The Punic Wars (264-146 B.C.) stand as a monumental series of clashes between the ambitious Roman Republic and the formidable Phoenician empire of Carthage. Both civilizations poured immense resources into assembling vast armies and constructing and reconstructing fleets. Hannibals audacious crossing of the Alps brought war elephants into the fray, marking a dramatic confrontation for the Romans. This epic struggle was defined by legendary figures, strategic brilliance, brutal sieges, and the ultimate devastation of Carthage. Join us as we delve into a saga of heroism, cunning, and the ...

In May 1916, the Italian authorities requested an independent observer from Great Britain to visit their front lines and share insights during a critical moment in the war. Faced with a setback in the Trentino due to a sudden Austrian concentration bolstered by heavy artillery, I was honored to undertake this mission. To ensure a thorough comparison, I requested to visit the British lines first, a request graciously granted by the War Office. I was also fortunate enough to receive permission to explore the French front. At this pivotal time in the conflict, I had the unique opportunity to ...

Immerse yourself in the poignant letters of a Brisbane doctor stationed at the Western Front from 1914 to December 1915. He shares captivating anecdotes from World War I, including the unique challenges of de-lousing an entire regiment, the meticulous layout of the urine trenches, and gripping eyewitness accounts of the battles of Neuve Chapelle and Ypres. He also offers a contemporary perspective on the Gallipoli campaign, recounting the harrowing moments when enemy shells rained down on ambulances and the perilous nighttime retrievals of the wounded from the trenches. This era of remarkable ...

Discover the thought-provoking journey of Utopia, originally titled A Frutefull Pleasaunt, and Wittie Worke of the Beste State of Publique Weale. Written by Sir Thomas More and translated into English by Raphe Robynson, this classic work introduces us to the traveler Raphael Hythloday in Antwerp. The first book sets the stage, while the second immerses us in the fascinating island of Utopia, where customs, laws, religion, and economy intertwine. Hythloday presents an ideal society devoid of money, where communal property eliminates poverty, hunger, and fear, leading to a remarkable reduction ...

In this captivating LibriVox recording, we present chapter 25, the conclusion of Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman’s Memoirs, originally published in 1875. Renowned as one of the Norths most formidable generals, Sherman maintained a clear distinction from politics throughout his career. His Memoirs serve as one of the most insightful first-hand narratives of the Civil War. British military historian B. H. Liddell Hart famously referred to Sherman as the first modern general. Join us as we explore his invaluable military lessons and reflections on the war. Summary by Wikipedia and ...

In this early work by the author of Diary Of A Provincial Lady, set against the backdrop of World War I in the Midlands, we encounter a unique establishment where soldiers find solace in the form of sandwiches and a semblance of comfort. Run by the formidable Miss Vivian, an upper-class woman whose controlling and manipulative nature belies her seemingly unwavering dedication, the place is revered by many. Yet, beneath the surface of admiration lies a web of emotional manipulation that only Grace Jones, a newcomer, can unravel. As Grace seeks to help Miss Vivian confront her flaws, the story ...

Dive into Tactical Studies on the Battles around Plevna, also known in German as Der Kampf um Plewna. This insightful analysis scrutinizes the actions and engagements of the siege of Plevna (now Pleven in Bulgaria) during the pivotal Danube Campaign of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. It provides a unique perspective on the military strategies employed by the Imperial Russian army, offering an unvarnished assessment that resonates with German Imperial sensibilities. For an index of places mentioned in the text, along with their modern names, click this hyperlink. -Summary by Alister

The Federal drive on Atlanta in May 1864 marked the beginning of the end for the Southern Confederacy. The Atlanta Campaign was not only crucial for its military and political outcomes, but it also transformed the nature of warfare itself. Centered around a vital transportation hub, both Union and Confederate forces relied heavily on rail lines to mobilize and sustain their troops. Richard McMurry’s remarkable account draws upon unpublished letters and diaries, revealing the personal motivations and experiences of those who fought in one of the wettest seasons in Georgias history. For four ...

Dive into the fascinating world of army camp life during the American Revolution, exploring essential aspects such as housing, food, clothing, health, sanitation, recreation, religion, duties, and discipline. This insightful thesis, submitted in partial fulfillment of a Master of Arts in history at the University of Illinois in 1918, offers a comprehensive summary by David Wales that sheds light on the daily experiences of soldiers during this pivotal time in American history.

Dive into twelve captivating narratives that unfold during the American Civil War, each recounted by those who experienced the events firsthand or by contemporary observers. Join David Wales as he brings these extraordinary tales to life.

Theodore Winthrop (1828 – 1861) was a dynamic writer, lawyer, and globe-trotter whose life was tragically cut short during the American Civil War. Serving as one of the first Union officers, he met his fate at the Battle of Big Bethel in June 1861. Winthrop contributed two insightful articles to The Atlantic Monthly, part of an intended series capturing the early days of the war. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete the third installment before his death. This Librivox recording features his finished articles along with an obituary from The Atlantic Monthly that includes the essence of ...

Ellen Newbold La Motte (1873–1961) was a pioneering American nurse, journalist, and author who made her mark during World War I. In 1915, she bravely volunteered as one of the first American war nurses in Europe, serving in a French field hospital in Belgium. There, she meticulously documented the harrowing realities of war in a candid diary, revealing the grim and often darkly humorous experiences of wounded soldiers. Cynthia Wachtell, a research associate professor of American studies at Yeshiva University, delved into La Mottes life and her powerful war writings. Her explosive book, The ...

Dive into the vibrant history of Great Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria and the expansion of her empire, as narrated by the insightful liberal Irish MP, Justin McCarthy. Experience the captivating stories of iconic figures like Victoria and Albert, Russell and Peel, OConnell and Palmerston, Gladstone and Disraeli. McCarthy skillfully recounts monumental events such as the Afghan War, the Irish famine, and the Crimean War, all while highlighting the hopes and struggles of everyday people both at home and abroad.