A jury has ordered InfoWars head honcho and MAGA bullshi--er Alex Jones to pay nearly $1 billion (that “b” is not a typo, kids) to the families of Sandy Hook for spreading lies that the massacre was staged. One lawyer said this is “probably one of the largest defamation verdicts in U.S. history.” The families of victims in the attack that killed 20 children and six educators … [Read more...] about FROM DEEP-STATE TO BROKE-STATE
DOG WHISTLES AND SCARE TACTICS IN PENNSYLVANIA SENATE RACE
by John L. Micek F. Scott Fitzgerald once famously observed that the truest test of a first-rate intelligence “is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” But the sage of the Jazz Age never had to run for office. And, more specifically, he didn’t have to run in Pennsylvania’s nationally watched U.S. … [Read more...] about DOG WHISTLES AND SCARE TACTICS IN PENNSYLVANIA SENATE RACE
How a Young Artist Transforms Trauma into Poignant Works of Art
I met Jenifer (Jenn) Hassin eight years ago at her studio in Austin, Texas. She was just putting the finishing touches on her latest and most important sculpture at the time. The Afghanistan War had already been raging for more than 13 years and was well on its way to become the longest war in U.S. history. Along with the War in Iraq, these two wars had claimed 6,800 … [Read more...] about How a Young Artist Transforms Trauma into Poignant Works of Art
Challenges to voters are growing before the midterms – and have a long history as a way of keeping down the Black vote
A GOP plan means that voters may be challenged on their right to vote. Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images Austin Sarat, Amherst College Voters who want to cast their ballot on Election Day this November may be in for an unpleasant surprise – the very real possibility that they will be unable to vote. That’s because any registered voter can challenge the … [Read more...] about Challenges to voters are growing before the midterms – and have a long history as a way of keeping down the Black vote
2022 BALLOT FOR REPUBLICANS
ALEX JONES ORDERED TO PAY NEARLY 1 BILLION TO 8 SANDY HOOK VICTIMS’ FAMILIES
The verdict is in for conspiracy-theory spreader Alex Jones who created a lie-narrative about the massacre of children and teachers at Sandy Hook being a hoax. He has been ordered to pay a whopping $965 million to eight Sandy Hook victims' families and an FBI agent. NBC News: The conspiracy theorist Alex Jones must pay $965 million to the families of eight Sandy Hook … [Read more...] about ALEX JONES ORDERED TO PAY NEARLY 1 BILLION TO 8 SANDY HOOK VICTIMS’ FAMILIES
Russia is enlisting hundreds of thousands of men to fight against Ukraine, but public support for Putin is falling
A military cadet stands near a billboard promoting army service in Saint Petersburg on Oct. 5, 2022. Olga Maltseva/AFP via Getty Images Arik Burakovsky, Tufts University Even as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine, its military appears to be suffering setbacks – from mounting casualties to dwindling military supplies. The Group of Seven … [Read more...] about Russia is enlisting hundreds of thousands of men to fight against Ukraine, but public support for Putin is falling
Body piercings may be artistic, but they bring risks of infection, allergic reactions, scarring and urine leakage
Infections, scarring and hepatitis B and C are just some of the health problems caused by body piercing. Laurence Monneret/The Image Bank via Getty Images Vijaya Daniel, UMass Chan Medical School Throughout history, body piercing has been a symbol of beauty, sexuality, ritual initiation and rites of passage. Mayan royalty had their tongues and … [Read more...] about Body piercings may be artistic, but they bring risks of infection, allergic reactions, scarring and urine leakage
THE FIX IS IN
Good faith and the honor of partisan election officials used to be enough to ensure trust in voting results – but not anymore
Candidate signs during the first day of early primary voting on July 7, 2022, in Silver Spring, Md. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Thom Reilly, Arizona State University As the U.S. moves closer to the 2022 midterm elections, a sizable number of Americans express a lack of confidence in the accuracy of the vote count. That distrust is built largely … [Read more...] about Good faith and the honor of partisan election officials used to be enough to ensure trust in voting results – but not anymore
HERSCHEL WALKER AND REPUBLICAN HYPOCRISY
by Elwood Watson In past political climates, such an October surprise would be grounds for a serious acknowledgment or resignation by a politician from a race for public office. Unfortunately, we are in the post-Trump era of politics, where a Twilight Zone political theater of the deviant and bizarre has become the norm. Over the past few days, a continual drip of … [Read more...] about HERSCHEL WALKER AND REPUBLICAN HYPOCRISY
PUTIN IS A TERRORIST (CARTOON, COLUMN AND VIDEO)
Vladimir Putin claims that Ukraine striking a bridge is an act of terrorism, so he responded by firing missiles from drones into playgrounds. After weeks of military setbacks for Russia with Ukraine retaking over 1,200 square miles since late September, the destruction of a bridge from Crimea into Russia came off as an exclamation point. The war hasn’t gone well for Russia … [Read more...] about PUTIN IS A TERRORIST (CARTOON, COLUMN AND VIDEO)
Did Elon Musk Speak to Putin Before Tweeting Ukraine Peace Plan?
Did the world's richest man Elon Musk speak to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin before Musk tweeted a highly controversial peace plan? Was he essentially a mouthpiece for Putin? According to a report, yes. According to Musk, no. VICE: Elon Musk spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin before tweeting a proposal to end the war in Ukraine that would have seen … [Read more...] about Did Elon Musk Speak to Putin Before Tweeting Ukraine Peace Plan?
India’s big push for 100 smart cities
As India moves closer to the United States by working together for economic growth and defense, it is opening up a new set of longer term opportunities for American exporters through a high-tech program that has received less notice so far. These opportunities come amid a wide consensus among international experts that the Indian economy will continue to grow at 6% to 8% … [Read more...] about India’s big push for 100 smart cities
SEND ME MONEY
by Don Hermann “The world will end if you don’t send me money in the next five minutes. I’m only asking for $1.00. That can make the difference in my winning the election.” That’s pretty laughable, isn’t it? I’m on a Democratic mailing list and am the recipient of dozens of emails every day that look and sound like that. In a way I’m sympathetic with the sender or … [Read more...] about SEND ME MONEY
Who invented music? The search for stone flutes, clay whistles and the dawn of song
Something people today have in common with civilizations past: a love of music. peepo/E+ via Getty Images Laura Dallman, University of Florida Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to … [Read more...] about Who invented music? The search for stone flutes, clay whistles and the dawn of song
He’s not even running — but US midterms could make or break Trump
Published by AFPWashington (AFP) - After losing the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump could have worked on his golf swing or produced another book by the pool at his south Florida beach club. Instead he threw himself into the midterm election campaign with unprecedented gusto, staking his kingmaker reputation on a slew of controversial candidates in key primary races. … [Read more...] about He’s not even running — but US midterms could make or break Trump
Midterms: Four pivotal Senate battlegrounds
Published by AFPWashington (AFP) - The US midterm elections were once seen as a likely landslide victory for Republicans, as President Joe Biden's approval ratings slumped amid spiraling inflation, record migrant arrivals and rising violent crime. With a month to go, Democrats are banking on a much closer contest amid a series of legislative wins, improving gas prices and the … [Read more...] about Midterms: Four pivotal Senate battlegrounds
SHOCKED REPUBLICANS ARE STILL BACKING HERSCHEL WALKER? YOU SHOULDN’T BE.
With Georgia Republicans rallying around Herschel Walker – with evangelical Christians flocking to his “prayer luncheon” this week, with ex-House Speaker Newt Gingrich on TV hailing the Senate hopeful’s purported “deep commitment to Christ” – it’s clear the guy could abort a fetus in the middle of Fifth Avenue and never lose a right-wing vote. That might seem astounding, … [Read more...] about SHOCKED REPUBLICANS ARE STILL BACKING HERSCHEL WALKER? YOU SHOULDN’T BE.
Affirmative action bans make selective colleges less diverse – a national ban will do the same
Graduation is less likely for students at less selective schools. Andy Sacks via Getty Images Natasha Warikoo, Tufts University The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in two lawsuits on Oct. 31, 2022, brought by a group that opposes affirmative action in college admissions. Here, Natasha Warikoo, a sociology professor at Tufts University and … [Read more...] about Affirmative action bans make selective colleges less diverse – a national ban will do the same