Science & Tech

Friday Evening Apocalyptic News Dump: Scientists Have Created ‘Living Robots’ That Can ‘Reproduce’

By Jack Butler December 3, 2021

Scientists have created what CNN calls ‘the first living robots,’ and recently discovered that this dubious spawn is capable of a kind of reproduction.

NR PLUS Magazine

Jackson’s Lord of the Rings, 20 Years On

By Jack Butler December 2, 2021

Whatever its flaws, we should be glad it exists.

Politics & Policy

Some Questions for Blake Masters

By Jack Butler November 29, 2021

There are some questions worth asking about Blake Masters’s financial and ideological relationship with Peter Thiel, and about his commitment to social conservatism.

Capital Matters

One Cryptocurrency to Rule Them All? Not So Fast, Says Tolkien Estate

By Jack Butler November 29, 2021

The ‘JRR Token’ cryptocurrency was clearly leaning on the Lord of the Rings connection as a kind of promotional gimmick.

Politics & Policy

Marjorie Taylor Greene Is Right: Lin Wood Is a ‘Horrible Person’

By Jack Butler November 24, 2021

Marjorie Taylor Green is totally on the money to call out Lin Wood for costing Republicans the Senate and for mistreating Kyle Rittenhouse.

Culture

Further Thoughts on Masculinity

By Jack Butler November 19, 2021

Manly virtues are still achievable today, with some work — and by resisting digital temptations.

Politics & Policy

The D.C. City Council Is Wrong to Oppose Mayor Bowser’s Decision to End City Mask Mandate

By Jack Butler November 18, 2021

D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser is right to lift the city’s mask mandate. The city council is wrong in wanting it to stay.

Politics & Policy

Obama’s Latest Blunder

By Jack Butler November 9, 2021

No, Obama, Scotland is not the Emerald Isle, and Shakespeare wasn’t from there.

Music

Led Zeppelin IV at 50

By Jack Butler November 8, 2021

Even people whose parents were barely teenagers when it came out can still find much to enjoy on Led Zeppelin IV, released 50 years ago today.

NR PLUS Books

Frankenstein, the Original Lab Leak

By Jack Butler October 31, 2021

Mary Shelley’s warning about the dangers of heedless scientific advancement takes on new relevance today.