The UK government's decision to interrogate David Miranda and threaten him with imprisonment was based on a document that equated publication with terrorism.

There you have it. Measures that strip people of their rights in the name of "fighting terrorism" will be used to attack freedom and democracy. These measures are far bigger threat than terrorism.

Uri Avnery speaks about what kind of Israel will exist in 90 years.

Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef faces censorship by the TV channel as well as prosecution by the military government.

Chinese reporter Chen Yongzhou included a hint in his confession to show it was false.

The exploitative "tradition" of engagement rings was created by a marketing campaign during the 20th century.

Like many exploitative "traditions", this one takes advantage of some people's vulnerability to competitive consumption.

I've always felt an intuitive revulsion for such practices, the things that you're supposed to do "for" people you know whether they do any good or not. At some point in my teens I opted out from birthday presents and birthday cards. Not only did I resent the pointless effort of giving them, I didn't want to impose on anyone the pointless effort of giving them to me.