Author Archives: Harry Katz
Autocracy in America
I recently started listening to a new podcast called Autocracy in America that I want to recommend. It’s a five-part series that looks at authoritarian tactics already in use here in the United States. Continue reading
Hot Mess
Hot Mess is an informative, easy-to-understand introduction to climate change for a general audience. The “hilarious” and even “side-splitting” humor promised by the cover blurbs mostly didn’t work for me, but the book describes the problem of climate change in a refreshingly non-academic way. Continue reading
Harris Trump Debate 2024
Maybe someday someone will write a book about last night’s presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. I’m not waiting. Here’s my review of the debate. Continue reading
How Infrastructure Works
How Infrastructure Works is a wonderful book that looks deeply at the function, development and future of infrastructure. It might seem like a nerdy topic, but Deb Chachra writes that infrastructure is so much more than pipes and cables, dams and bridges. Infrastructure is how we care for each other. Continue reading
Climate News: American Families Claimed over $8 Billion in IRA Tax Credits in 2023
More than 3.4 million US families claimed over $8 billion in tax credits for residential clean energy and home energy efficiency upgrades under the Inflation Reduction Act in 2023, according to a new report from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) … Continue reading
Thinking in Bets
Annie Duke won over $4-million as a professional poker player. Her book, Thinking in Bets, will teach you almost nothing about winning at poker, but it will give you a valuable framework and many useful tools to help you become a better decision-maker. Continue reading
Autocracy, Inc.
Anne Applebaum says our image of autocratic dictators as cartoon villains who exercise total control over their people is outdated. In Autocracy, Inc. she reveals how autocracies are run by sophisticated military, financial, and information networks that support each other without having any common ideology except holding on to power. Continue reading
Our Moon
Our Moon is a fascinating book that explores how the Moon has inspired culture, religion and science for thousands of years. More than that, in this wide-ranging book, author Rebecca Boyle shows how the Moon also affected the formation of the Earth, and guided the evolution of life itself. Continue reading
Trump v. United States: SCOTUS Rewards Trump, Betrays America
The US Supreme Court’s opinion in Trump v. United States, the Trump immunity case, is a betrayal of bedrock principles on which this country was founded. It elevates the President above the law, giving him broad immunity from criminal prosecution. It has terrifying implications for the future of American democracy. Continue reading
Around the World in 80 Birds
Around the World in 80 Birds is just what it sounds like, a world tour seen through 80 carefully selected bird species. There’s a brief profile of each bird accompanied by wonderful illustrations. You’ll find some of your old favorites and probably discover some new favorites too. Continue reading
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