As I walk into the Cancer Center for my daily treatments in West Harrison, I am immediately greeted by a large Welcome to Memorial Sloan Kettering sign. Then, I quickly encounter two more welcoming messages: “Kindness Matters,” and, underneath that, “This is a place for healing.” At Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), I am discovering that these signs mean exactly what they say. … [Read more...] about Kindness Makes A Place for Healing
FLORIDA BANS (CARTOON)
TRUMP THE PROJECTOR (CARTOON)
Re-imagining democracy for the 21st century, possibly without the trappings of the 18th century
If people were dropped into a new situation tomorrow, how would they choose to govern themselves? Just_Super/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Bruce Schneier, Harvard Kennedy School Imagine that we’ve all – all of us, all of society – landed on some alien planet, and we have to form a government: clean slate. We don’t have any legacy systems … [Read more...] about Re-imagining democracy for the 21st century, possibly without the trappings of the 18th century
It Defies Explanation
We live in a nation whose prime institutions are denigrated by large majorities of the population. Gallop surveys have shown a steady drop in Americans’ confidence in virtually all important public institutions, including the military. Small businesses are the most trusted bodies, with 65 percent of the population having faith in them. However, even this is lower than it was 3 … [Read more...] about It Defies Explanation
It is good to not always trust preachers.
It is good to not always trust preachers. That is because too many preachers are toxic. Some of them you should run away from. Way too many preachers say that they were called to preach. Nah, they weren't. If they were called, then the angel in charge of God's telephone called wrong numbers. I have heard preachers say that they have the gift of preaching, when in reality … [Read more...] about It is good to not always trust preachers.
“AMERICA, I DID IT FOR YOU.”
by Don Hermann Columnist (An interpretation of what’s going on in Mr. Trump’s mind currently.) I’m taking a pounding because of how I’m being treated in the media. The lying Democrats are making things up and those low class Republicans who are looking for an opportunity to run for President are not supporting me. I’ve always given you facts. They may have been … [Read more...] about “AMERICA, I DID IT FOR YOU.”
What are Hollywood actors and writers afraid of? A cinema scholar explains how AI is upending the movie and TV business
Hollywood writers picket in front of Warner Bros. Studios. AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez Holly Willis, University of Southern California The bitter conflict between actors, writers and other creative professionals and the major movie and TV studios represents a flashpoint in the radical transformation roiling the entertainment industry. The ongoing … [Read more...] about What are Hollywood actors and writers afraid of? A cinema scholar explains how AI is upending the movie and TV business
Can US democracy withstand Trump?
The burning question now is whether US democracy and the world can withstand former President Donald Trump’s obfuscation, incoherence and rage. Stormy electoral conflicts loom between him and Joe Biden in the November 2024 presidential elections alongside ferocious battles with American prosecutors in criminal trials next year. These are early days but the pointers so … [Read more...] about Can US democracy withstand Trump?
Cats first finagled their way into human hearts and homes thousands of years ago – here’s how
Who run the world? Cats! Grace Cary/Moment via Getty Images Jonathan Losos, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go on safari in southern Africa. One of the greatest thrills was going out at night looking for predators on the prowl: lions, leopards, hyenas. As we drove through the darkness, … [Read more...] about Cats first finagled their way into human hearts and homes thousands of years ago – here’s how
LAW-AND-ORDER PRESIDENT (CARTOON, COLUMN AND VIDEO)
One of the topics this morning on the news is whether or not Donald Trump knew he lost the 2020 election. It’s stupid. Donald Trump is not a toddler, dog, canary, or in a vegetative state. The defense here is that he’s a baby who can’t understand very simplistic facts like he lost the 2020 election. In fact, 69 percent of the GOP are toddlers because that’s the percentage … [Read more...] about LAW-AND-ORDER PRESIDENT (CARTOON, COLUMN AND VIDEO)
Trump indictment: Here’s how prosecutors will try to prove he knowingly lied and intended to break the law
Former President Donald Trump makes his way to the stage during a rally in Erie, Pa., on July 29, 2023. Dustin Franz for The Washington Post via Getty Images Ronald S. Sullivan Jr., Harvard University What was Donald Trump thinking when he set about trying to maintain the presidency after losing it to Joe Biden? That’s the key question a jury will … [Read more...] about Trump indictment: Here’s how prosecutors will try to prove he knowingly lied and intended to break the law
LIARS’ CLUB (CARTOON)
Trump avoids Jack Smith’s eye in Washington courtroom
Published by AFPWashington (AFP) - Donald Trump stood with his arms by his sides Thursday as he faced a federal judge in Washington to somberly plead "not guilty" to a variety of charges over attempts to subvert the 2020 US elections. It was a short and solemn moment that contrasted with the noise and hubbub that surrounded his arrival in the federal court surrounded by high … [Read more...] about Trump avoids Jack Smith’s eye in Washington courtroom
The Church of Climate-Change Denial Returns
The Church of Climate-Change Denial returns just as Americans experience the hottest Summer on record thus far. It is one thing to disagree with predictions about future climate phenomena or to disagree about the causes of climate change. It is another thing to deny the existence of climate change altogether. Yes, plenty of predictions about future climate phenomena … [Read more...] about The Church of Climate-Change Denial Returns
If Trump is convicted, should he go to prison? Will he?
Donald J. Trump is currently facing 77 felony counts and a maximum sentence of 516 years in prison. There are currently three cases where a prison sentence could be the end result, and a fourth where that is probable (Georgia). In each instance, the trial judge would make the decision on sentencing. A moral case for imprisonment Conservative attorney George Conway … [Read more...] about If Trump is convicted, should he go to prison? Will he?
RE-INDICTED (CARTOON)
Donald Trump received this third indictment yesterday and you know what that means. I’m on the road again. I’m writing this on a train headed north to Washington, D.C. Let’s hope Amtrak doesn’t hit any cars or trees this time like it did going to and from Miami when I was traveling to cover Trump’s SECOND indictment. I traveled to New York City for Trump’s first … [Read more...] about RE-INDICTED (CARTOON)
A guide to Trump’s 78 felony charges. Plus, what this means for 2024.
Another grand jury has indicted Donald J. Trump. Assuming Trump is convicted of even one felony charge, what does that mean for his presidential aspirations? How many courtrooms are facing a Trump trial and all that comes with those two words: personal attacks, personal threats, and amped up courtroom security? For context, it is important to remember that Trump is … [Read more...] about A guide to Trump’s 78 felony charges. Plus, what this means for 2024.
THE INVESTMENT OF A LIFETIME
by Don Hermann Columnist Unfortunately it doesn’t currently exist. Nor is there anything like it. I hope the SEC doesn’t come after me for this. If it were to happen, I suspect it would set a record for the most successful stock in the history of the New York Stock Exchange. Let’s keep this to ourselves and if it materializes, jump on it, sell it, bank the proceeds … [Read more...] about THE INVESTMENT OF A LIFETIME
The most serious Trump indictment yet – a criminal law scholar explains the charges of using ‘dishonesty, fraud and deceit’ to cling to power
Special Counsel Jack Smith announces the second federal indictment of Donald Trump on Aug. 1, 2023. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin Gabriel J. Chin, University of California, Davis The Justice Department announced its second federal indictment of former president Donald J. Trump on Aug. 1, 2023. The charges are groundbreaking and not just because a former … [Read more...] about The most serious Trump indictment yet – a criminal law scholar explains the charges of using ‘dishonesty, fraud and deceit’ to cling to power