In case you missed it, the March For Science is taking place today. Thousands have gathered on the National Mall, tens of thousands in other cities across the country and around the world. Some came to protest the President’s policies, others to demonstrate in favor of science. Each goal is laudable; protests are a vital portion of the societal dialogue, and positive demonstrations are if anything more valuable because they are so rare.
And yet, I’m not marching. (more…)
World news sources are covering the big day of riots in Venezuela. Three were reported killed yesterday as protestors marched, demonstrated, rioted violently, and looted shops in what’s being called the “Mother Of All Protests” against the government of President Nicolas Maduro. Opposition leaders in the nation’s parliament are calling for more days of protests unless Maduro steps down.
Meanwhile, CNN has announced that Serena Williams is pregnant. (more…)
“…a heated debate over religion with fellow students broke out at the dorm and led to people accusing Khan of blasphemy against Islam. That attracted a crowd that grew to several hundred people, according to witnesses.
The mob kicked in the door, dragged Khan from his room and beat him to death…”
Main Article:
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2017-04-14/dorm-debate-led-to-death-in-pakistan-blasphemy-killing-witnesses
I have faith, myself.
I’ve never burned anyone, or mobbed or stoned them. I’ve never rioted or chanted or held horror signs outside abortion clinics. And most of the people I know (more…)
It’s been all over the news, and as far as the actual events are concerned you probably know as much as I do. There are a few items worthy of note, however, that aren’t all over the headlines, and it’s highly likely the details will be forgotten as the global situation continues to develop. (more…)
I know; I know: One more story on this guy is too many.
Between him, and Trump stumping for him, and the Senate arguing over whether or not to confirm him, and partisan political action committees spending tons of money on attack ads about him, and everyone with a microphone weighing in on the subject in one direction or another, we’re sick to death of hearing (more…)
On the 21st of March, the Department of Homeland Security quietly released a travel notification update: On flights from a handful of few foreign airports, no laptops or large electronic devices would be permitted. For those of you worried about upcoming business travel, no domestic flights will be impacted, but the order can be changed without notice for foreign travel.
It took almost two weeks for major media outlets to pick up on this and dig deeper; CNN was the first, but many others followed their lead. And the story that’s emerging is that the recent alert is largely (more…)
Major media outlets are still focusing on Russia this week, which is hardly surprising. There’s scandal, great sound bytes (can someone say “Russian dressing”?), and there’s always the chance that someone’s career can be ended over essentially nothing. If that doesn’t sell papers and draw viewers, nothing will. (more…)
The Washington D.C. Beltway is the deadliest stretch of highway in North America. It goes from two lanes up to twelve, often without warning, and connects I-95 with half a dozen commuter highways, none busier than I-270. Here, lawyers and lobbyists come together and kill each other daily while playing bumper-tag in Audis, Beemers, Priuses, and Teslas. Some would say that’s the best public service they’ll ever perform in their abbreviated lives, but who am I to judge? All I’ll say is this: Never ever but never take these roads during rush hour.
Fortunately, the Black Hog is open at 11am daily, and Urbana (just off I-270) is only one of three locations — the best, though the two in Frederick come close. Here can be found some of the best ribs, sauces, and barbecue in the world. They’ll serve your ribs wet or dry (more…)
When last night’s vote on H.R. 1628, the Republican healthcare bill, was cancelled, Democrats across the country were overjoyed. In particular, the minority leaders for the House and Senate, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, were delighted to take ownership for the bill’s defeat. Speaker Ryan was evidently quite disappointed in defeat, and President Trump was quick to cast blame.
On the face of it, that’s the whole story. Obamacare (the ACA) is the law of the land and likely to remain so for another year at least. The Republicans tried and failed; the Democrats won an unlikely (more…)
(Picture of empty status board in NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building. Image credit Tony Rice.)
Amid all the scandal, the signing on Tuesday of the NASA reauthorization act (now Public Law 115-10) caused almost no noise in the media. On the face of it, this is a standard funding authorization, and those aren’t usually worthy of much attention.
But slightly below the surface, this law contains several alterations from the present status. It’s definitely worth a second look. (more…)
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