After living on the east coast for about 40 years, most of that time in metro-New York City, New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof moved back to Oregon during the pandemic. He returned in his 60s to run for governor in 2022, but he didn't meet the residency requirement [1]. In Sunday's NYT, he lectured west coast Democrats on their failings. I moved to the Washington … [Read more...] about Nicholas Kristof criticizes Oregon and California for homelessness; do I see a grudge for 2022 ballot ineligiblity?
Sometimes, pictures are worth 1,000 words
The Biden-Harris campaign spoofed the Donald J. Trump birthday bash Friday. If you need crib notes for the "not invited" guests: South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) detailed how she killed a puppy in her memoir. The best animation of Trump's "shark speech" (which you should see, if you've not done so) … [Read more...] about Sometimes, pictures are worth 1,000 words
Southwest Airlines reports two incidents with its Boeing 737 Max8 fleet
In April, Southwest flight 2786 dropped from the sky at 4,000 feet per minute on approach to the Hawaii island, Kauai. In May, flight 746 experienced “a rare, unsafe back-and-forth roll during flight.” No passengers were injured. Both incidents are under investigation. In Kauai, the flight returned to Honolulu. Weather conditions had not been optimal as the plane … [Read more...] about Southwest Airlines reports two incidents with its Boeing 737 Max8 fleet
White House Correspondents’ Association has a case of butt-hurt.
If you believe that journalists are public servants, then you are mistaken. No, journalists are not public servants. No, it is not the mission of journalists to afflict the comfortable and to comfort the afflicted. Instead, the mission of journalists is this: To enable their employers to earn a financial profit through participation in the journalism industry. The journalism … [Read more...] about White House Correspondents’ Association has a case of butt-hurt.
Biden and Trump may forget names or personal details, but here is what really matters in assessing whether they’re cognitively up for the job
This image of Trump and Biden was taken during the 2020 presidential debate in Nashville, Tenn. Pavlo Conchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Some Americans are questioning whether elderly people like Joe Biden and Donald Trump are cognitively competent to be president amid reports of the candidates mixing up names while speaking and having … [Read more...] about Biden and Trump may forget names or personal details, but here is what really matters in assessing whether they’re cognitively up for the job
6 Groundbreaking Trends in Water Resource Management
Water resource management is crucial for ensuring this vital resource's sustainable use and preservation amid growing global demand and climate challenges. Efficient management balances water supply and demand, safeguards ecosystems, supports agriculture, and provides clean drinking water to communities. The field is evolving with innovative trends, harnessing technology and … [Read more...] about 6 Groundbreaking Trends in Water Resource Management
People ambivalent about political issues support violence more than those with clear opinions
Many people who hold political views are uncertain about their opinions. GSO Images/The Image Bank via Getty Images Choices about political candidates and issues are inherently limited and imperfect, leading many people to feel mixed emotions, and even conflicting opinions, about which candidate or position they prefer. In general, being ambivalent … [Read more...] about People ambivalent about political issues support violence more than those with clear opinions
Supreme Court sides with Starbucks in labor case that could hinder government’s ability to intervene in some unionization disputes
The coffee company pushed back against a step the National Labor Relations Board took tied to a store in Memphis. AP Photo/Joshua Bessex The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Starbucks in a case that could make it harder for a federal agency to enforce labor laws in disputes that can arise during organizing campaigns. On June 13, 2024, the court … [Read more...] about Supreme Court sides with Starbucks in labor case that could hinder government’s ability to intervene in some unionization disputes
Supreme Court unanimously concludes that anti-abortion groups have no standing to challenge access to mifepristone – but the drug likely faces more court challenges
Activists on both sides of the abortion battle are gearing up for it to be a major issue in the 2024 election. Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images On June 13, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States unanimously decided to uphold access to mifepristone, one of two pills used in medication abortion. Mifepristone has long been used … [Read more...] about Supreme Court unanimously concludes that anti-abortion groups have no standing to challenge access to mifepristone – but the drug likely faces more court challenges
What really happened in Europe over the weekend? Probably not what you’ve been led to think.
With headlines like these, the average American probably believes that Europe is on the verge of a right-wing government. Such a belief, fed by a western media horse race style of reporting political news, is misplaced. This is not to diminish worrisome things that happened over the weekend. Rather, I'm arguing that the framing, with its focus on "winners and losers" sans … [Read more...] about What really happened in Europe over the weekend? Probably not what you’ve been led to think.
On Frankenstein
by Daniel A. Olivas In 2022, I found myself reaching back to my childhood’s favorite monster for literary inspiration. That year’s midterm elections had brought with them another round of angry MAGA candidates promoting the Trumpian lie of a stolen 2020 election. Part and parcel of their rhetoric was—yet again—an attack on immigrants and anyone who just didn’t fit in with … [Read more...] about On Frankenstein
THE RIGGED NARRATIVE (CARTOON)
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ may be many Americans’ image of Judaism – but American Jews’ heritage is stunningly diverse
Students prepare for their bar and bat mitzvahs at a camp for Jewish children of color in California. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin Samira Mehta, University of Colorado Boulder “Tradition!” rings out the opening line of “Fiddler on the Roof,” the Broadway play that brought Jewish life to stages around the world. The 1964 musical gives audiences … [Read more...] about ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ may be many Americans’ image of Judaism – but American Jews’ heritage is stunningly diverse
Hunter Biden’s three gun felony convictions: Political fallout?
Within minutes of the news that President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden was convicted of three gun felony charges reaction poured in. Democrats reacted somberly but didn't claim the verdict was rigged. Some Republicans rejoyced and didn't call the verdict rigged or the Department of Justice weaponized. And some Republicans contended the whole thing was a set up by Joe Biden - to … [Read more...] about Hunter Biden’s three gun felony convictions: Political fallout?
A brief history of tragic presidential relatives, from Alice Roosevelt to Hunter Biden
Hunter Biden embraces his father, President Joe Biden, and his stepmother, Jill, at Biden’s 2021 inauguration. Drew Angerer/Getty Images Shannon Bow O'Brien, The University of Texas at Austin A Delaware jury found Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, guilty on June 11, 2024, of three felony counts related to lying on a federal … [Read more...] about A brief history of tragic presidential relatives, from Alice Roosevelt to Hunter Biden
It’s Morning Again In America, But No One Notices
Under President Biden’s watch, America saw the death of al-Qaeda’s number two leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri. According to many terrorism experts, al-Zawahiri may have been a more formidable threat than Osama Bin Laden himself. Additionally, the United States is now experiencing an unemployment rate currently below 4%. Had there been a killing of an al-Qaeda leader like al-Zawahiri … [Read more...] about It’s Morning Again In America, But No One Notices
Medal of Honor Tuesday: Navy Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr.
At my age, my eyesight is not that good. Thus, I might be forgiven for misreading the name of this week’s highlighted Medal of Honor recipient at DoD News. At first glance, I read his last name as “Mr. Cool.” Of course, I absolutely do not mean any disrespect by pointing my gaffe out. On the contrary, this week’s honoree, Navy Capt. Richard M. McCool, is one of the most … [Read more...] about Medal of Honor Tuesday: Navy Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr.
Federal Election Commission and Citizens United
The Federal Election Commission has generally been a do-nothing agency composed of three Republicans and three Democrats. Whenever an issue that could reform the election process comes before the Commission, it is inevitably turned down, with the three Republicans and three Democrats voting in opposite ways. Republicans on the Commission and Republican politicians want freedom … [Read more...] about Federal Election Commission and Citizens United
Justice Alito is unfit to sit on the SCOTUS because “his impartiality might reasonably be questioned”
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said, “I agree with you, I agree with you,” after "liberal documentary filmmaker" Lauren Windsor said to him: “People in this country who believe in God have got to keep fighting for that — to return our country to a place of godliness.” The exchange occurred at the annual Supreme Court Historical Society dinner last week (tickets cost … [Read more...] about Justice Alito is unfit to sit on the SCOTUS because “his impartiality might reasonably be questioned”
What do we know about alleged Hamas sympathizer, Abdallah Aljamal? An example of error-filled “breaking news”
In short: not a lot. Various western news organizations have reported that Abdallah Aljamal died in the latest Israeli attack on Gaza. Many have led with inaccurate inflammatory headlines and lede paragraphs. What do we know versus what has been alleged? First, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed on Twitter that there were three hostages in his home and that … [Read more...] about What do we know about alleged Hamas sympathizer, Abdallah Aljamal? An example of error-filled “breaking news”