Before his blockbuster Founding Fathers remix “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda burst onto the scene with his Tony-winning ode to his hometown, the musical “In the Heights.” Set in the gentrifying Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights, the earnestly ebullient “In the Heights” firmly established the Miranda signature sound, a blend of hip-hop and Latin music with big, bold, … [Read more...] about Movie review: ‘In the Heights’ film adaptation soars, combining magical realism with gritty urban details
Fascism Reboot (Cartoon)
Happy Memorial Day: But REMEMBER
California police arrest two suspected of fatally shooting 6-year old
(Reuters) - Authorities in California said they had arrested two people expected to be charged with murder over the death of six-year-old Aiden Leos, whose shooting in a suspected road rage incident on the way to school had caused an outpouring of public grief. Leos was shot dead in his mother's car in May on a state highway. A website https://www.aiden-reward.com had sought … [Read more...] about California police arrest two suspected of fatally shooting 6-year old
The Kremlin Blesses the January 6 Insurrection
Some Republicans have characterized the January 6 brutal assault on the U.S. Capitol and on our democracy as: “Not an insurrection.” “A normal tourist visit.” “By and large, peaceful protests.” Other Republicans have called the rioters and insurrectionists: "Victims." "Zero threat." "Peaceful patriots." One very influential Republican called the … [Read more...] about The Kremlin Blesses the January 6 Insurrection
El Salvador’s façade of democracy crumbles as president purges his political opponents
Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele promised voters change. Instead, he seems to be reviving El Salvador’s authoritarian past. Camilo Freedman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Mneesha Gellman, Emerson College El Salvador is in crisis after President Nayib Bukele on May 1 fired five Salvadoran supreme court justices and the attorney … [Read more...] about El Salvador’s façade of democracy crumbles as president purges his political opponents
Inflation and Biden (Cartoon)
Biden administration will restore key environmental protections
Washington (AFP) - The administration of President Joe Biden on Friday announced it would restore protections under the Endangered Species Act, a law credited with saving iconic animals like the gray wolf and bald eagle, which were loosened by his predecessor Donald Trump. Conservation groups welcomed the move but said they were concerned about how long the reversal might take. … [Read more...] about Biden administration will restore key environmental protections
The Infrastructure Initiative: A Winner for All
It’s a fact: American infrastructure is falling apart. The American Society of Civil Engineers has rated the overall state of our infrastructure for 2021 as C-. Despite the abysmal state of our infrastructure, there are three stumbling blocks to doing anything about it. There is disagreement about infrastructure benefits, about infrastructure project control, and about who will … [Read more...] about The Infrastructure Initiative: A Winner for All
Facebook suspends Trump’s account until 2023 (UPDATED)
By Elizabeth Culliford (Reuters) -Facebook Inc on Friday suspended former U.S. President Donald Trump until at least January 2023 and announced changes to how it will treat world leaders who break the company's rules on postings on its site. Facebook suspended Trump's account the day after the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill riot, determining he had incited violence. That suspension will … [Read more...] about Facebook suspends Trump’s account until 2023 (UPDATED)
Leave No Vulnerable Afghan Behind (UPDATED)
UPDATE: As time is running out for “normal-channels” action to evacuate the tens of thousands of Afghans whose lives would be in danger after U.S. forces depart, the Pentagon continues to develop options to evacuate these people out of Afghanistan, possibly, first,– using mass airlifts -- to U.S. military bases in the area, such as Guam. Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has … [Read more...] about Leave No Vulnerable Afghan Behind (UPDATED)
Biden says ‘looking’ at Russia retaliation over cyberattack
Washington (AFP) - US President Joe Biden said Wednesday he is "looking" at possible retaliation after the White House linked Russia to a cyberattack against global meat processing giant JBS. Asked by a reporter if he would take action against President Vladimir Putin, whom he will meet for a summit in Geneva later this month, Biden said: "We're looking closely at that issue." … [Read more...] about Biden says ‘looking’ at Russia retaliation over cyberattack
Netanyahu opponents reach coalition deal to oust Israeli PM
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opponents announced they have reached a deal to form a new governing coalition, paving the way for the ouster of the longtime Israeli leader. The dramatic announcement by opposition leader Yair Lapid and his main coalition partner, Naftali Bennett, came moments before a midnight deadline and prevented the country from plunging into what would … [Read more...] about Netanyahu opponents reach coalition deal to oust Israeli PM
GENERAL COUP-COUP
There are news reports that disgraced general and convicted douche canoe and traitor, Michael Flynn, suggested there should be a coup to restore Donald Trump to power. He did not “suggest” there should be a coup in the United States. He endorsed it and said, “It should happen here.” Flynn was national security adviser for 22 days. President Obama told Donald Trump not to … [Read more...] about GENERAL COUP-COUP
Trump shuts down his blog after 29 days: The Moderate Voice has lasted 18 years
Gee: we didn't even get a chance to ask former President Donald Trump if he'd put The Moderate Voice on his blogroll. His highly-touted new "platform" (actually an old-fashioned, standard blog) didn't even last a month. Trump was reportedly "infuriated" that "From the Desk of Donald J. Trump" was being mocked for its low traffic. The Moderate Voice has been around 18 years … [Read more...] about Trump shuts down his blog after 29 days: The Moderate Voice has lasted 18 years
‘Karen’ baby name going the way of the dodo
No one wants to name their baby girl Karen any more. The name has tanked in popularity over the past year, according to figures released by the Social Security Administration. Throughout 2020 the name Karen fell a whopping 171 spots on the popularity list, from a low of 660 to number 831, Huffington Post reported Tuesday. The name’s popularity had already been ebbing, falling … [Read more...] about ‘Karen’ baby name going the way of the dodo
THE USUAL MAGATS
One of my conservative colleagues (who recently blocked me on Facebook for asking why he was enabling racists and terrorists) has a new cartoon showing quotes from Dr. Anthony Fauci that appear to contradict. Of course, they’re all on the virus with, “Don’t wear a mask/wear a mask” being an example.” I remember that. I remember when the scientists said don’t wear a mask and … [Read more...] about THE USUAL MAGATS
Biden suspends Trump-era oil and gas leases in Alaska refuge
By Nichola Groom (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden's administration on Tuesday said it would suspend oil and gas leases that were handed out in an Alaska wildlife refuge during the final days of the Trump administration pending an environmental review. The action reverses one of former President Donald Trump's signature efforts to expand fossil fuel development in the United … [Read more...] about Biden suspends Trump-era oil and gas leases in Alaska refuge
U.S. says ransomware attack on meatpacker JBS likely from Russia
By Tom Polansek and Jeff Mason CHICAGO/ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) -Brazil's JBS SA told the U.S. government that a ransomware attack on the company that has disrupted meat production in North America and Australia originated from a criminal organization likely based in Russia, the White House said on Tuesday. JBS is the world's largest meatpacker and the cyberattack caused … [Read more...] about U.S. says ransomware attack on meatpacker JBS likely from Russia
Of Two Americans — Both Republicans
They both served their country in the military. One as a combat Naval aviator, shot down, captured, and held in captivity by the enemy for five and a half years. The other, an Army officer, served in various special operations and intelligence assignments until his forced retirement from the military in August 2014. One went on to serve in government for 36 years as a … [Read more...] about Of Two Americans — Both Republicans