Warning: this article contains images that readers may find distressing Heart-rending pictures of a toddler's lifeless body washed ashore on a Turkish beach sparked horror as the cost of Europe's burgeoning refugee crisis hit home. The images of a tiny child lying face down in the surf at one of Turkey's main tourist resorts has once… … [Read more...] about ‘If these images don’t change Europe, what will?’
Donald Trump Says Jeb Bush should be “speaking English” while in the U.S. if he wants to lead
Every day we're seeing a new stunner. We're seeing many of our politics' and culture's "givens" being sandbagged. The latest example comes from Donald Trump, who is on a roll as his poll numbers rise and he gains a following of feverent political Beliebers who jealously defend and parrot his every word because he's seen as a political rock star. In this instance, he's … [Read more...] about Donald Trump Says Jeb Bush should be “speaking English” while in the U.S. if he wants to lead
John Kerry’s Impassioned Remarks on the Iran Nuclear Deal
Introduced by a Republican, former Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana, Secretary of State John Kerry today made an impassioned speech at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia in support of the Iran nuclear agreement. While some refer to his speech as being “in defense’ of the treaty, technically that is no longer necessarily so. With Maryland Senator Barbara … [Read more...] about John Kerry’s Impassioned Remarks on the Iran Nuclear Deal
European Crisis Grows: Migrants shut down Eurostar Train to UK; dead wash up on Turkey Beach
By John Pullman and Marton DunaiCALAIS, France/BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hundreds of migrants poured overnight onto the high-speed railway linking Paris with London near the French port of Calais, stranding passengers in darkness aboard Eurostar trains.Thousands of miles away, the bodies of other migrants washed up on a Turkish beach. Photos of a drowned toddler face down in the … [Read more...] about European Crisis Grows: Migrants shut down Eurostar Train to UK; dead wash up on Turkey Beach
Explaining Donald Trump’s Popularity
"Every sulfurous belch from the molten interior of the volcanic Trump phenomenon injures the chances of a Republican presidency." Those are the words of George Will in a Washington Post column titled "The havoc that Trump wreaks — on his own party". The damage that Trump is doing to the GOP brand is a common theme among recent political commentaries. What is baffling plenty … [Read more...] about Explaining Donald Trump’s Popularity
Why Liberals Should Support Bernie Sanders And Not Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton's image continues to decline in the latest polls, but she continues to receive strong support among Democratic Party regulars despite holding many views which Democrats, or at least liberal Democrats, have long opposed. Conor Friedersdorf is a little late with this article at The Atlantic in calling for more Democratic candidates to enter the race against her, … [Read more...] about Why Liberals Should Support Bernie Sanders And Not Hillary Clinton
Book Review: “For Art’s Sale: The Biography and Filmography of Ben Turpin”
"For Art's Sale: The Biography and Filmography of Ben Turpin" by Doug Gibson There's a passage in "For Art's Sake," Steve Rydzewski's biography and compilation of silent film comedy star Ben Turpin's life (BearManor Media), in which actor Wallace Beery roughs up his co-star Turpin while making a comedy short. The somewhat sadistic encounter takes place just before Turpin, … [Read more...] about Book Review: “For Art’s Sale: The Biography and Filmography of Ben Turpin”
Industrial Arts III
Once again I don't have much to say that others have not said already. Below is a picture of the span of the Freemont bridge in Portland being lifted into place. It was constructed about a mile upstream. Birch trees in front of an industrial building in NW Portland, And also here are more of my photos in my post Industrial Arts I, Industrial Arts II. … [Read more...] about Industrial Arts III
American Demagogue
While “The Donald” cannot exactly be equated with Hitler, to make an impact in his campaign for president among citizens who distrust government officials and politicians, he is using many of the techniques that the Fuhrer employed to gain the support of the German people. In Trump’s attempt to attract Americans to his banner, he is demonizing a minority and emphasizing … [Read more...] about American Demagogue
(UPDATED) Politix Update: Why Republicans Have Become Incapable Of Governing
Has the Republican Party become incapable of governing? Or so opposed to anything Barack Obama says or does that oiling the wheels of government is merely an afterthought? Or perhaps beholden to a restive base that so loathes Washington that it equates governance with a sexually-transmitted disease? The answer is some of each, and the result has been the accretion of layers … [Read more...] about (UPDATED) Politix Update: Why Republicans Have Become Incapable Of Governing
Will Joe Biden ‘Feel the Tingle?’ (Guest Voice)
Will Joe Biden 'Feel the Tingle?' By Dick Polman The latest Joe Biden speculation basically falls into two categories: He's leaning toward a presidential bid (unless he isn't), and he's a potentially formidable candidate (unless he isn't). Truth is, nobody really knows. And that includes Joe, who at most has another month - until the run-up to the first Democratic debate on … [Read more...] about Will Joe Biden ‘Feel the Tingle?’ (Guest Voice)
Immigrant Teens Less Likely To Use Drugs, Commit Crime
Immigrant teens are more law-abiding than their native-born peers, according to a new study published in peer-reviewed journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. It’s the latest study to debunk the connection between immigrants and crime. Inspired by the spike of unaccompanied minors from Central America last summer, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin … [Read more...] about Immigrant Teens Less Likely To Use Drugs, Commit Crime
Blue Bell is Back, All Is Well Again in Texas
Fair warning: The following will make absolutely no sense to those who have never been blessed with the taste of Blue Bell ice cream. -- So bye, bye, Miss American Pie Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry And them good ole boys were drinking whiskey 'n rye Singin' this'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die The music and lyrics of that … [Read more...] about Blue Bell is Back, All Is Well Again in Texas
Jeb Bush Ad Hits Back Hard at Donald Trump (VIDEO)
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has been bashed verbally on the stump in Iowa and elsewhere and in what some say are say over-the-line ads to the extent that prominent Republican strategist Steve Schmidt said Trump is "emasculating" Bush. So now Bush is hitting back with his own ad. It's aim: convince conservative Republicans that Donald Trump is really not one of … [Read more...] about Jeb Bush Ad Hits Back Hard at Donald Trump (VIDEO)
The Ups and Downs of Global Oil Prices
Any high school graduate should understand the law of supply and demand. So, why is the oil market so confusing? One can be forgiven if one were to think that the price of crude oil is determined simply by supply and demand. As it turns out, something else is at play in the global oil market. Here is an excerpt from a report by Bloomberg.com. “While oil fundamentals … [Read more...] about The Ups and Downs of Global Oil Prices
King Coal Is Dead
Coal was once the major energy source for most of the industrial world. Not so much anymore - it is no longer competitive with natural gas but solar and wind as well. This has resulted in some major economic displacement in states like West Virginia. West Virginia was once a place of beautiful mountains and marvelous scenery. Thanks to the coal industry it is now a vast … [Read more...] about King Coal Is Dead
Poll: Majority of Republicans think Obama is a Muslim
If you need further proof of the toxicity of ideology and partisanship, the power of professional talksters to instill a mindset, and the down side of Internet media which allows falsehoods to be passed off as fact and turned into political mantras, you need look no further than this poll: A majority of Republican voters, 54 percent, think that President Obama is a Muslim, … [Read more...] about Poll: Majority of Republicans think Obama is a Muslim
Another Trump card…
Donald Trump is driving the GOP nuts. Trump’s surging campaign has pushed the party in a different direction, one that often clashes with free-market principles that have long underpinned GOP economic policy. Some establishment Republicans worry that the turn could damage the economy, and their party, for years to come. Trump criticizes government, but he shot to the … [Read more...] about Another Trump card…
How Wes Craven found new ways to scare us for three straight decades (Guest Voice)
If it's the goal of any film to short-circuit our emotional defences, to have us give ourselves over completely to its mood and meaning, then horror movies have a taller order than most. Unlike with love or quippy buddyness or bad-ass actionery, we don't like being scared; we're conditioned to turn away, to cover our eyes… … [Read more...] about How Wes Craven found new ways to scare us for three straight decades (Guest Voice)
Digging a hole to build a wall
WASHINGTON -- It was just a matter of time before one of the keen-eyed Republican candidates for president spotted the menace that looms over this country, threatening our national security with blasts of Arctic air and proof that socialized medicine works: Canada. Asked on "Meet the Press" whether the United States should consider building a wall to secure its northern … [Read more...] about Digging a hole to build a wall