John F. Kennedy would have been 100 on May 29
LOS ANGELES–“God’s work on earth must truly be our own,” he declared in those thick Bostonian tones at the close of his renowned Inaugural Address on the bitter cold morning of January 20, 1961. A flawed man with impeccable charm and poise, a legend larger than himself, he remains the eternally young icon of our national wistfulness. John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born on May … [Read more...] about John F. Kennedy would have been 100 on May 29
‘Stuff That Needs To Be Said’
How can we ever forget -- or forgive -- the vile, racially charged insults the first African American president and his beautiful family endured for eight years in these United States of America. Even to this day, four months after the 45th president replaced President Barack Obama, the hateful rhetoric persists. One of the most callous and unwarranted notions is one … [Read more...] about ‘Stuff That Needs To Be Said’
Anti-Latino rhetoric is building walls within our schools
by Esther J. Cepeda Washington Post Writers Group Columnist CHICAGO -- It is said that your perception is your reality. This truth is more important to understand than ever since some of us are living in a time when reality is skewed by perceptions shaped by falsehoods from people in power. Donald Trump rode into the White House by pushing the idea that … [Read more...] about Anti-Latino rhetoric is building walls within our schools
Small Gestures Key to Honoring Their Sacrifice
By Tom Purcell "Parades, mattress sales and burgers on the grill are all nice, but I feel we should do more to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country." "Ah, yes, you speak of the Memorial Day holiday, a day intended to honor the men and women who gave their lives to protect the freedoms too many Americans take for granted." "That’s right. Look, … [Read more...] about Small Gestures Key to Honoring Their Sacrifice
Memorial Day 2017 (Updated)
Update: Today, Marine Corps General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- the highest-ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces and the principal military advisor to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense -- delivered remarks at Arlington National Cemetery in honor … [Read more...] about Memorial Day 2017 (Updated)
The Keepers: The most important thing on Netflix
The Keepers could be the most disturbing thing I've ever seen in my life, and I like to believe that I've seen some shit. 12 Years a Slave, The Colour Purple, Martyrs, The Last Tango in Paris and Irreversible have stayed with me for various reasons and I have no real desire to ever see them again. But each of these, save from 12 Years a Slave, are somewhat fictitious, and so … [Read more...] about The Keepers: The most important thing on Netflix
Happy Memorial Day: And remember…
Happy Memorial Day. And remember what it's about (a salute from yours truly to my late father Richard Gandelman, a World War II veteran who passed away on Memorial Day 2007): … [Read more...] about Happy Memorial Day: And remember…
Angela Merkel: Germany can no longer rely on the United States
At a time when President Donald Trump is letting associates know that he's about to pull the US out of the Paris climate deal, his overall performance and impression he left with European leaders led German Chancellor Angela Merkel to say Germany can no longer rely not just on the post-Brexit UK but on the United States under Trump. Speaking at a campaign event held … [Read more...] about Angela Merkel: Germany can no longer rely on the United States
(Video Update) Trump’s Debut on the World Stage – Postscript
A Postscript Just as Trump set foot back on terra firma, the verdict on his nine-day tour was perhaps best expressed by Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, Europe’s most influential leader, who concluded that "the United States of President Trump is not the reliable partner her country and the Continent have automatically depended on in the past.” The New York … [Read more...] about (Video Update) Trump’s Debut on the World Stage – Postscript
Review: Vampire Over London: Bela Lugosi in Britain
Review by Doug Gibson (This review is cross posted at Plan9Crunch blog) Fifteen years ago, Frank J. Dello Stritto and Andi Brooks published "Vampire Over London: Bela Lugosi in Britain." The book was unique in that it broke new ground in the history of an iconic actor, Bela Lugosi, who even then had a career that had been well analyzed. "Vampire Over London" erased a myth … [Read more...] about Review: Vampire Over London: Bela Lugosi in Britain
Memorial Day is No Picnic
Memorial Day should take place in March, on a cold, miserable, stormy day; it should not herald the start of summer and easy weather. Memorial Day is a day of contemplation, not one of celebration. Not only should we remember and give tribute to those courageous enough to fight for our defense. We also should consider those who send children to war in avarice. On Memorial … [Read more...] about Memorial Day is No Picnic
Conan O’Brien Heads to San Diego Federal Trial in Joke-Theft Case
by Ken Stone Conan O’Brien is coming to San Diego later this year — but not just for his annual Spreckles Theatre shows during Comic-Con. The late-night host will be in downtown federal court, along with several writers, trying to persuade a jury that he didn’t steal three jokes from a Carmel Valley comedy scribe. Veteran funnyman Robert Alex Kaseberg, who says he … [Read more...] about Conan O’Brien Heads to San Diego Federal Trial in Joke-Theft Case
Mike Peters Cartoon: Trump and the Pope
OF RELATED INTEREST: --ANDREW SULLIVAN's MUST READ: The Pope and the Pagan --Jimmy Kimmel Mocks President Trump's Pope Visit: 'Is Nothing Sacred? --Pope Francis reportedly 'did not say anything' and 'did not smile' in response to Trump greeting --Watch Cartoon Pope Francis Roast President Trump Mike Peters is recognized as one of our nation’s most prominent cartoon … [Read more...] about Mike Peters Cartoon: Trump and the Pope
Technology Has a Crucial Role in the Future of Infrastructure
U.S. infrastructure is due for an update. The state of the country’s vast network culminated in the release of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Report Card for American Infrastructure. The U.S. scored a D plus, with only four of the 16 contributing categories scoring above a D plus. Repairs are, of course, essential to improving this score, as is technology. … [Read more...] about Technology Has a Crucial Role in the Future of Infrastructure
Something is not right
by Ruth Marcus Washington Post Writers Group Columnist In the middle of one night Miss Clavel turned on the light And said, "Something is not right!" -- "Madeline," by Ludwig Bemelmans, 1939 WASHINGTON -- Many of us these days find ourselves channeling our inner Miss Clavel. Defense Secretary James Mattis, for one. In Dexter Filkins' … [Read more...] about Something is not right
Stop looking for the latest superfood and eat a chili pepper
A hot lesson in nutritional studies. Are chili peppers the next wonder food? Pexels "Tears in Eyes" is a Sichuan dish of soft rice noodles covered in a spicy sauce made of dried, fresh, and pickled chill peppers, chili oil, and, of course, the iconic Sichuan peppercorn. It more than lives up to its name. The… … [Read more...] about Stop looking for the latest superfood and eat a chili pepper
Cartoon: Jared’s back channel
Most people would be extremely defensive about being accused of putting the interest of a hostile nation over the United States. They’d be very eager to prove their innocence and erase all doubt. Not these jerks connected to Trump. They’re too busy trying to kill investigations and trying to make deals for immunity. Is there anyone in the Trump administration or campaign who … [Read more...] about Cartoon: Jared’s back channel
In a San Francisco Kitchen, Chefs are re-creating everyday new Plant-based food
San Francisco/ Los Angeles, May 26, 2017: In a San Francisco kitchen, chefs are re-creating everyday foods, such as eggs, mayonnaise, salad dressings and cookies from unconventional sources. "Playing with ingredients that are totally different in the food system is a lot like walking on the moon. We're doing things no one has ever done before… … [Read more...] about In a San Francisco Kitchen, Chefs are re-creating everyday new Plant-based food
The wider Trump scandal
WASHINGTON -- President Trump's budget demonstrates the costs of accepting lies as a normal currency in politics, broken promises as a customary way of doing business, false claims of being "populist" as the equivalent of the real thing, and sloppiness as what we should expect from government. Trump's fiscal plan was described as dead before arrival, but approaching it this … [Read more...] about The wider Trump scandal