In this collection of superb and astute essays, Torrance Stephens, distinguished novelist, poet, playwright, researcher and scientist examines United States and World politics and culture of the early period of the twenty first century. Writing with acute intelligence on subjects from quantitative easing and Afghanistan foreign policy, but also on such varied matters such as the dating and the cultural influence of hip-hop music, Dr. Stephens presents a model of the essayist as both part of and apart from his social existence as an African American male southerner. Although not his first gathering of essays, here he also writes about Wall Street, the bailout, the Bush and Obama administrations, China and his family - most noticeably fatherhood and the endearing influence of his Aunt Rosa Lee Ingram. It is clear that Stephens is not only a thinker, but he also possesses a burning and epigrammatic wit that inspires and expands the reader's senses with provocative locutions that provide non-traditional views on the subjects he covers. It will likely be remembered as one of the most admired and influential collection of essays on politics, culture and economics produced by any African American during the beginnings of the twenty-first century.