Of the Democratic presidential candidates, the most progressive is Dennis Kucinich, while the most flamboyant is Al Sharpton. Both have certain credentials, the former one of standing up to power and the latter one of great populism in New York City. They may not have a great chance of winning the nomination, but they are more unique than those who are in the lead such as Howard Dean, Dick Gephardt, and John Kerry.

 
Here is an article as part of a forward-looking blog that puts forth the idea that diversity in software and formats for telecommunication protects against viruses. The system becomes more resilient the more it is diverse.

 
The anthropological roots of religion shows that psychedelic drugs played an important part. This demonstrates that many religions developed from an ancient Mesopotamian beliefs that are based on the use of mushrooms for religious experience.

 
Here is a great gallery of interactive flash art. Much of the exhibit deals with emergent behavior and self-organization and displays these principles with art.

 
The great expanse of the Internet allows for large amounts of information to be available to users. Here is the complete novel The Difference Engine written by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling. It is a great example of the genre of steampunk as well as touching upon alternate history.

 
Movies arose as its own art form in the twentieth century. Each year new and interesting films come out and it is important to be aware of them in order to enrich ourselves. Here is one site that discusses movies, and here is another.

 
It is vital to investigate such music as that of the 1960's and 1970's that gained cult status and appreciation without selling gold records. Here is an interesting site that reviews such music. It has a wonderful format and a new perspective on the psychedelic music of that era that still exists.

 
Here is an example of the many wonders of the universe. It appears that radio waves are generated by the interation between Jupiter and its moons. This is just one more way to measure the phenomenon of outer space and increase the knowledge of mankind.