Author Archives: Yves Smith

Climate Change Fueled the Rise and Demise of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, Superpower of the Ancient World

The Neo-Assyrian empire illustrates how fortunes rise and fall with climate.

Former CalPERS Board Member JJ Jelincic Files Protest Against Election Abuses

JJ Jelincic is still fighting the uphill battle of cleaning up CalPERS.

How the Fed Boosts the 1%: Even the Upper Middle Class Loses Share of Household Wealth to the 1%. Bottom Half Gets Screwed

It is bizarre to see the Fed present data showing the Gilded Age level of wealth accumulation by the 1% as if that were a badge of honor.

Links 11/13/19

HHS Investigates Google-Ascension Secret Medical Records Project for Millions of Patients; Concrete Evidence of HIPAA Violations

Google and Ascension look to have shot their medical data project in the head with their flagrant disregard for patient privacy laws.

‘Enormous Victory’: US Judge Rules Suspicionless Searches of Travelers’ Electronic Devices Unconstitutional

A judge slaps down DHS for its abuses of border searches of citizens’ devices.

Ilargi: Vindman, the Expert

A close reading of NSC director Alexander Vindman’s deposition in the impeachment investigation.

The Economics of Neutrality in World War II

Neutrality in World War II meant appeasing the belligerents.

Links 11/12/19

Google Collecting Medical Data on Millions Without Informing Patients or Doctors

Google now wants to play doctor.

Brexit: Farage Capitulates…or Does He?

NIgel Farage does Boris a solid. But the Tories want more concessions. Are they forthcoming?

Hope You Can Come to Our Birmingham Meetup Thursday November 21

Birmingham meetup next week! Hope you can make it!