The popular website Axios is now flush with success after running a big scoop: exclusive photos allegedly showing Donald Trump's toilet papers. The pix show ripped up documents -- one of them in what looks like Trump's distinctive writing-- on the bottom of two toilet bowls. The New York Times' Maggie Haberman's book Confidence Man is set to come out in October and it'll … [Read more...] about AXIOS FLUSH WITH SUCCESS: RUNS ALLEGED PHOTOS OF TRUMP’S TOILET PAPERS
Where I was when Nixon resigned 48 years ago on August 8, 1974
Richard Nixon resigned amid Watergate scandal 48 years ago on August 8, 1974. I was asleep and awakened by someone who summed up the day in one sentence. What I experienced that day started in India in 1973 when I began writing as the officially accredited Special Correspondent (paid by the piece) for the now defunct Chicago Daily News and self-syndicating my stories to … [Read more...] about Where I was when Nixon resigned 48 years ago on August 8, 1974
America Needs More Immigrants
If America is going to continue to be an economic colossus, we need more workers. The “great resignation,” Covid retirements and low birth rates have all contributed to a need to fill open jobs. That can only be accomplished by increasing immigration. Throughout American history, immigrants have always played a large role in America's workforce. Population growth has been … [Read more...] about America Needs More Immigrants
OTD: Nixon resigns
At 9:01 pm, Eastern, 08 August 1974, President Richard M. Nixon began his last television address. He was the first, and at this time only, American president to resign. I remember that hot August evening clearly. I was sitting outside drinking a beer with my daddy, listening to a radio in the dark. We were tuned in because it was damn important. I had started following … [Read more...] about OTD: Nixon resigns
Millions impacted: Republicans block cap on insulin prices
Yet another sign of how scoring political points is more important to some politicians than enacting policies that can help people or save lives. It has long been clear that "compassionate conservatism" is dead and here is definitive proof. Republicans have blocked a cap on insulin prices that Democrats were trying to put into their mammoth reconciliation … [Read more...] about Millions impacted: Republicans block cap on insulin prices
OTD: The US drops a nuclear bomb on Hiroshima
After orchestrating the world’s first nuclear explosion on 16 July 1945, the United States became "the first and only nation" to use a nuclear weapon during war. On 06 August 1945, the American bomber Enola Gay dropped a nuclear bomb (“Little Boy”) on Hiroshima, Japan. Three days later, the US bombed Nagasaki (“Fat Man"). The emperor of Japan forced the military to … [Read more...] about OTD: The US drops a nuclear bomb on Hiroshima
WOULD YOU BUY A PRE-OWNED CAR FROM THEM?
by Don Hermann “Trust” is such an important part of today's conversation. With the primaries and the election upon us, “Trust” seems to be an essential ingredient in what we're looking for in our preferred candidate. Here's a list of people who have been in the news on a regular basis. They represent a variety of disciplines from politicians to business people to … [Read more...] about WOULD YOU BUY A PRE-OWNED CAR FROM THEM?
OTD: the first trans-Atlantic telegraph cable
Ten years after Samuel Morse uttered "what hath God wrought?", the United States boasted more than 20,000 miles of telegraph cable. But communication with Europe remained slow, taking as much as two weeks by ship. In 1854, Cyrus West Field "secured a charter" to lay a trans-Atlantic cable. The New York, Newfoundland & London Telegraph Company held "a 99-year right to … [Read more...] about OTD: the first trans-Atlantic telegraph cable
BIG FAT LIAR
If you’re a gaslighting conspiracy theorist with a national platform spreading b.s. that defames, libels, and tears apart democracy, you better have good lawyers. Alex Jones, fortunately for the rest of us who hate lies, conspiracy theories, and b.s., does not have good lawyers. Alex Jones is a conspiracy theorist as it’s his business. He knows the b.s. he’s spreading is … [Read more...] about BIG FAT LIAR
So, you want something. . .
Positive or negative, our thoughts and words are powerful. What we say to ourselves, and others is potent. For instance, my mother faced difficult problems pertaining to the health challenges of two of her children. When she talked about the many crises that had to be dealt with, she didn’t complain. She would say, “I’m thinking positive.” Thinking and speaking positively about … [Read more...] about So, you want something. . .
KANSAS VOTES TO KEEP THEIR ABORTION RIGHTS (Cartoon)
A ‘Fill-in-the-Blanks’ Story, Along with Some Wishful Thinking
Three weeks ago, I read an essay by Geoffrey Wheatcroft, “The Odious, Graceless, Self-Serving Exit of an Odious, Graceless, Self-Serving Man.” Of course, the article is about the British Prime Minister’s sudden resignation a little more than three weeks ago. I read it again this morning and was amazed at how a good part of Wheatcroft’s piece could perfectly apply to … [Read more...] about A ‘Fill-in-the-Blanks’ Story, Along with Some Wishful Thinking
The story behind ‘Star Trek’ actress Nichelle Nichols’ iconic interracial kiss
The kiss aired one year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned laws banning interracial marriage. CBS via Getty Images Matthew Delmont, Dartmouth College On a 1968 episode of “Star Trek,” Nichelle Nichols, playing Lt. Uhura, locked lips with William Shatner’s Capt. Kirk in what’s widely thought to be first kiss between a Black woman and white man on … [Read more...] about The story behind ‘Star Trek’ actress Nichelle Nichols’ iconic interracial kiss
Who was Ayman al-Zawahri? Where does his death leave al-Qaida and what does it say about US counterterrorism?
Who will replace the man who replaced bin Laden? Visual News/Getty Images Haroro J. Ingram, George Washington University; Andrew Mines, George Washington University, and Daniel Milton, United States Military Academy West Point Ayman al-Zawahri, leader of al-Qaida and a plotter of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, has been killed in a drone strike in the … [Read more...] about Who was Ayman al-Zawahri? Where does his death leave al-Qaida and what does it say about US counterterrorism?
Who is lying about the PACT bill?
The version of the bill that the House sent the Senate in July matched what the Senate sent the House in June. Updated: Senate Republicans reversed themselves on 02 August 2022 (86-11) and passed the bill. As a sweeping generalization, I am more likely to believe Jon Stewart on veteran's health issues than just about anyone else. His arguments rest on our promises … [Read more...] about Who is lying about the PACT bill?
Being Pontifex Maximus is not always fun and games.
Being Pontifex Maximus is not always fun and games. Indeed, one Pontifex Maximus was actually assassinated. More on that assassinated person later, but first . . . The tile Pontifex literally translates as bridge builder. At one point in time, the men holding that title were literal bridge builders. That is because they were responsible for repairing the Pons Sublicius, … [Read more...] about Being Pontifex Maximus is not always fun and games.
Confidence in the Supreme Court is declining – but there is no easy way to oversee justices and their politics
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas sits with his wife, conservative activist Virginia Thomas, in October 2021. Drew Angerer/Getty Images Eve Ringsmuth, Oklahoma State University Recent evidence showing that Virginia Thomas, wife of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, sent at least 29 text messages to former White House Chief of Staff Mark … [Read more...] about Confidence in the Supreme Court is declining – but there is no easy way to oversee justices and their politics
The Not-So United States
By Ira Sharkansk It’s been a while since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v Wade, and a bit less time since the same Court invalidated New York’s law against concealed weapons. But enough time for states’ actions to take their own course. A number of states — mostly in the South but also an outlier in the otherwise liberal state of Wisconsin — have laws that … [Read more...] about The Not-So United States
HERE’S HOW BROKEN WASHINGTON REALLY IS
by John L. Micek In an ideal world, the landmark compromise on climate change, Medicare, and energy spending that Senate Democrats announced at the end of last week would barely require a second glance. That’s not to diminish the magnitude of the agreement that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer struck with the chamber’s Dr. No, West Virginia’s Joe Manchin. The … [Read more...] about HERE’S HOW BROKEN WASHINGTON REALLY IS
WHOSE AMERICA IS THIS?
by Don Hermann I’m 88 and there’s a lot of water under my bridge. I’m not a great swimmer, but I try. Now when I get in the water, everything seems upstream. I’m a veteran and put in my two years in the U.S. Army. In Fort Knox and then in Germany for the balance of my commitment. It was in the mid-1950’s when the draft was mandatory. Opportunity to do and say your … [Read more...] about WHOSE AMERICA IS THIS?