Author: Serene Sargent

I make jewelry and try to read everything on the US Civil War and Reconstruction that comes out, (thereby knowing many smart people.) I know a bit of law, care about Beatles historiography and love the Nagras. Jane Austen whispered her Emma secrets to me across many miles and 200 years. ✨ My father was Bill Sargent, the Pay Per View Beatles guy. #DYRBRY

Coursera, I’m not in the mood

Coursera, you’re getting it wrong. Never take anything I do having to do with plague obsessing as a hint of what should come next. And I simply don’t have time for semiconductors. At least not right now. I’m quite busy.Optical engineering will never happen. I may be forced into that Global Health thing but I’m…

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Syria update III: Mattis Resigns, Sky Falls

“My views on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about both malign actors and strategic competitors are strongly held and informed by over four decades of immersion in these issues. We must do everything possible to advance an international order that is most conducive to our security, prosperity and values, and we are strengthened in this effort by the solidarity of our alliances.”
—Secretary of Defense James Mattis