Weekly Roundup 10/31/25 (DATs selling coins, prediction market problems, Bessent's pesos) (EP.681)

Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA by Tim Weiner provides a detailed and critical examination of the Central Intelligence Agency's history, from its creation after World War II through the Cold War and the War on Terror. The book is based on extensive research, including over 50,000 documents and interviews with CIA veterans. It highlights the agency's repeated failures, questionable methods, and lack of accountability, arguing for fundamental reforms within the CIA.

This book tells the fascinating story of Samuel Zemurray, who started as a roadside banana peddler and eventually built a sprawling empire involving banana cowboys, mercenary soldiers, Honduran peasants, CIA agents, and American statesmen. Rich Cohen's narrative explores Zemurray's rise to power, his involvement in overthrowing Central American governments, and his complex role in American history. The book delves into Zemurray's personal life, his business exploits, and the moral implications of his actions, painting a nuanced portrait of a man driven by an indomitable will to succeed.

John Gray's "False Dawn" is a critical examination of the neoliberal project and its consequences. Gray challenges the optimistic assumptions underlying neoliberal ideology, arguing that it has led to increased inequality and social fragmentation. He analyzes the historical context of neoliberalism, tracing its intellectual roots and examining its impact on various societies. The book offers a pessimistic assessment of the future, suggesting that the neoliberal project is unsustainable and that alternative approaches are needed. Gray's work has sparked considerable debate among economists and political theorists.

This novel by Frederick Turner vividly captures the Jazz Age, weaving a story around Leon 'Bix' Beiderbecke, a jazz legend known for his brilliant yet troubled life. The narrative is framed by the memories of Henry Wise, who reflects on the era's excesses and the tragic figures that defined it. The book features cameos by notable figures like Louis Armstrong and Clara Bow, offering a rich tapestry of the period's music, culture, and societal upheaval.