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Check FAQAbout William
William Wheeler is a freelance journalist based in Berlin, Germany. He has reported from around the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Republic, Playboy, TIME, USA Today, GlobalPost, The Christian Science Monitor, and many other outlets. He holds masters degrees in journalism and international affairs from Columbia University.
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Portfolio
What Is Punctuation For?
Punctuation, originally a guide for reading aloud in classical Greece and Rome, evolved over centuries to convey meaning in written texts. In classical and medieval Europe, punctuation indicated pauses for oral reading. By the sixteenth century, punctuation began to serve more logical purposes, with the colon and semicolon emerging to structure sentences and arguments. Scholar Neil Rhodes highlights this transition, noting the dense punctuation in Ben Jonson's scripts aimed at making sentence construction visible rather than guiding performance.
'Dictator Dan's' state of fear: How Andrews muzzled the public service with the help of an army of private staff bigger than the PM and NSW premier combined
A report by Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass reveals a culture of fear and secrecy within Victoria's public service under the Andrews Labor government. The investigation highlights the excessive influence of Premier Daniel Andrews' Private Office, which had more staff than the Prime Minister and NSW Premier combined. The report criticizes the government's reliance on consultants and opaque hiring practices, calling for urgent reforms to restore public service impartiality. Eight recommendations were made to address these issues, including stronger hiring practices and reducing cabinet secrecy.
I Spent Three Hours Staring at an Anthill
Nineteenth and early twentieth-century naturalists like Henry McCook and William Wheeler made significant observations about slave-making ants, particularly the species Polyergus lucidus. McCook, despite his unsystematic methods, noted that the captured Formica schaufussi ants behaved normally within the Polyergus nest, performing essential tasks and even defending the nest. Wheeler observed Polyergus ants during their raids on Formica nests, noting their efficiency in combat and their reliance on the Formica for survival.
Ghost in the Shell Review
This visually stunning sci-fi thriller, directed by Rupert Sanders, features Scarlett Johansson as Major, a character with a brain transplanted into a robotic body. Set in near-future Japan, the film follows Major's mission to track down a terrorist while grappling with her own identity. Despite its impressive visual effects and strong performances, the film is criticized for its thin approach to deeper themes and simplified dialogue. The action sequences are exhilarating, and the film is compared favorably to The Matrix and Blade Runner.
On Writing ‘Queen of Katwe’: Finding triumph in an organic story of Africa, poverty and chess
The article discusses the process of writing the screenplay for 'Queen of Katwe,' a film about Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from Katwe, Uganda, who discovers her talent for chess. The author reflects on the challenges of authentically portraying Phiona's story, emphasizing the importance of avoiding the 'white savior' trope and ensuring the film's authenticity by shooting in Uganda with a largely Ugandan cast. Disney supported this vision, aiming to expand the concept of a 'Disney movie.' The narrative highlights the vibrant community of Katwe, contrasting it with common stereotypes of Africa, and underscores the film's focus on the genuine experiences of its subjects.
From Havana to Quito: A refugee's fight for LGBT rights in Cuba
Alberto Garcia Martinez, a Cuban LGBT rights advocate, fled to Ecuador after facing persecution in Cuba. His story highlights the ongoing struggles of the LGBT community in Cuba and the challenges faced by refugees in Ecuador. Despite improvements in Cuba's stance on LGBT rights, Garcia's experiences reveal continued repression. In Ecuador, Garcia faced further difficulties due to restrictive refugee policies under President Rafael Correa. He has been accepted for resettlement in the U.S. but continues to face housing discrimination in Ecuador. Garcia remains hopeful about starting a new life in Miami.
The Jihadist of Copenhagen
The article explores the complex socio-political landscape in Denmark following the actions of Omar El-Hussein, a young man involved in a terrorist attack. It delves into the community's response, the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment, and the broader European context of Islamism and integration. The narrative highlights the challenges faced by immigrants, the role of extremist ideologies, and the societal divisions that contribute to radicalization.
The Jihadist of Copenhagen
The article examines the complex social dynamics in Denmark following the actions of Omar El-Hussein, a young man involved in a terrorist attack in Copenhagen. It explores the challenges of integration and identity among immigrant communities, the rise of anti-Western sentiment, and the increasing mainstreaming of extremist views among young Muslims. The piece also discusses the Danish People's Party's surge in popularity due to anti-immigrant sentiment, and the broader European problem of disaffected youth feeling alienated from society. The article highlights the importance of understanding the nuanced reasons behind radicalization and the need for inclusive policies.
Global water crisis: too little, too much, or lack of a plan?
The article discusses the multifaceted nature of the global water crisis, emphasizing that it is not just about water scarcity but also about water management and climate change. It highlights the growing demand for water due to population growth and urbanization, and the impact of climate change on water availability. Experts argue that better planning, efficient use, and recognizing water's true value are crucial. The article also addresses the potential for water-related conflicts and the need for improved water management policies and technologies to mitigate future crises.
Europe’s New Fascists
In Greece, the rise of the fascist group Golden Dawn has led to increased violence against immigrants, with the party exploiting xenophobia and economic instability to gain political power. The European Union's asylum policies and Greece's failure to manage migration effectively have exacerbated the situation, making parts of Athens feel like a war zone. The article highlights the personal stories of victims like Ali Rahimi and Reza Mohammed, who face violence and consider returning to their home countries despite the dangers there.
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