This article, written by Muhammad Sahimi,appeared in Pbs.org on December 31,2011 A long history of quiet influence and power.

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The Canny General: Quds Force Commander Ghasem Soleimani

Gentle mistresses and most distinguished gentlemen: Whereas the people of Alexandria, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, in these United States of America, are generally obsessed with their city’s long history; and Whereas Alexandria, founded in 1749, celebrates its heritage like there is no tomorrow; and Read full article > >

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Alexandria town crier contest draws enthusiastic contestants

Based on the government’s account, James Davis Risher seems to have been eminently qualified to run an investment fund sometimes known as the Preservation of Principal Fund. The fund was a Ponzi scheme, and Risher had a long history of convictions for crimes such as securities fraud and money laundering, according to the SEC. Somehow, the promotional materials he used to solicit investors didn’t mention that he had spent 11 of the past 21 years in prison, the SEC said. Read full article > >

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Risher pleads guilty in $22 million Ponzi scheme

There’s a fairly obvious working thesis about American pop culture’s long history with teenage werewolves — and boy, has it been worked — having to do with the transformative horrors of puberty, mainly, along with subtexts of bullying, manhood rituals and uncorked fits of rage (albeit on a decidedly female lunar schedule). Full moons and fur — the legend is fully intact and somewhat stylishly if unimpressively arranged in MTV’s new drama “Teen Wolf,” which premieres Sunday night and owes not much more than its title to the dopey 1985 Michael J. Fox comedy. Read full article > >

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TV review: MTV’s ‘Teen Wolf,’ lyca virgin

The Twitter privacy row is just the latest in a long history of battles

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Law v technology

Honor killing has a long history in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan, and a case involving two warring families highlights the barriers to change.

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A Killing Set Honor Above Love

People from regions with a long history of urban living could be genetically better suited to fighting infection, say experts.

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City life ‘boosts bug resistance’