Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Sanity Sunday - The Songs of Stephen Chalk
by Nomad
After the last post, consider this Sanity Sunday post a bit of a palate cleanser for the soul.Chorister Stephen Chalk is a teenage Scottish soprano with an enchanting treble voice.
Since the age of six, he has performed at the renowned Paisley Abbey of the town of Paisley, Renfrewshire, west of Glasgow, in Scotland.
He explains:
"Singing makes me feel happier and uplifts my spirit. I want to share my music with other people and hopefully make them happy too."He also adds:
"I am passionate about singing because it helps me express myself in ways I do not know very many others can."
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Roseanne Barr, the Bomb-Dropping Darling of Trump's Base
by Nomad
Whatever you think about Roseanne Barr, there is one thing all of us would agree with. She certainly knows how to get attention. Clearly, she is devoted to the idea that there is no such thing as bad publicity.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Good News Round Up- March 2018
by Nomad
This month's good news round-up is a real mixed bag. We have scientific breakthroughs, governments coming together to protect the environment, and two examples of unselfishness in action.
Monday, March 26, 2018
NATO Confronts the Article 5 Trigger in the Age of Cyber Warfare
by Nomad
In the face of Russian cyber attacks, the 29 members of the NATO are searching for solutions and answers. How can the alliance maintain its policy of collective defense against this new type of warfare? What is the appropriate response to Russian asymmetrical warfare without the potential for a runaway scenario? And most importantly, will the American president be willing to provide the kind of leadership that is needed to deal with this threat?
Friday, March 23, 2018
Accepted Dishonesty, Donald Trump and "The Way We Live Now"
by Nomad
My Escape
Like a lot of you, I often feel overstressed and despondent witnessing the daily tribulations in Washington. It's impossible to remain cheerful and glib in times like this.No matter how much I tell myself that these grim hours will pass, that the nation in time will recover from all of the things Trump is doing and that we as a nation will be stronger as a result of this national calamity, it is nevertheless a depressing time.
From time to time, for the sake of our emotional well-being, we all need some kind of escapism. I am no different.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Gun Ownership: A Question of Second Amendment Rights over Social Responsibility
by Nomad
By putting profits over responsibility, the gun lobby in America has decided the rights of some are more important than the safety of all. That includes the lives and well-being of our own children.
Writer David Frum has a modest proposal when it comes to gun control. In the name of social responsibility, let's treat guns with the basic accountability they deserve. The same degree of accountability that we give automobiles and other potentially dangerous products on the market.
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Sanity Sunday - The Pretenders
by Nomad
Before the music, a few notes on the band and its members.
English-American rock band, The Pretenders, was formed in England in March 1978. The band initially consisted of Chrissie Hynde (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), James Honeyman-Scott (lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards), Pete Farndon (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Martin Chambers (drums, backing vocals, percussion).
Friday, March 16, 2018
Four Quotes by the Remarkable Stephen Hawking
by Nomad
The life of Stephen Hawking was indeed one of the most remarkable stories of our times. It went beyond a life dedicated to deepening human knowledge and unlocking the mysteries of the universe. .Hawking's genius was a story of survival against all overwhelming odds and seemingly-insurmountable obstacles.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Donald Trump, the GOP and The Dog in the Night That Didn't Bark
by Nomad
The Curious Incident
In his short story, "The Adventure of Silver Blaze," Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, literary father of Sherlock Holmes, first utilized one of the most enduring plot "hinge."
Holmes and a Scotland Yard detective are discussing a case of a stolen racehorse, Silver Blaze, and the murder of the horse's trainer.
Gregory: "Is there any other point to which you would wish to draw my attention?"
Holmes: "To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time."
Gregory: "The dog did nothing in the night-time."
Holmes: "That was the curious incident."
At the core, as Sherlock Holmes explained, it is a question of an unaccountable deviation from normal or expected behavior. The dog didn't bark because the "midnight visitor" was a person it obviously knew very well. As a plot device, the silence of the guard dog has most likely worn out its usefulness.
Yet, on the political stage, the Republican Party has lately been breathing new life into this tired motif.
Yet, on the political stage, the Republican Party has lately been breathing new life into this tired motif.
Monday, March 12, 2018
Sanity Sunday- Enchanting Songs by Aikyo
by Nomad
The group, Aikyo, from Cataluña, Spain is something of a mystery. I really couldn't find out too much about the group. I can tell you that the band members include Ruben LLorach, Kampah, Marta Gonzalez, MarÃa Prado, and Joan Orench.
I hope you find the selection both enjoyable and relaxing. Have a soothing Sunday, my friends.
Friday, March 9, 2018
Despite Public Pressure, Florida Republicans Dodge a Bullet on an Assault Rifle Ban
by Nomad
How should state legislators react in the aftermath of not one but two horrific mass shooting events? Republicans in Florida struggled against public pressure to do something without offending the NRA.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
How America's Inflexible Immigration Policy is Tearing Families Apart
by Nomad
Whatever your views on immigration, the story of the Pukri family is a tale of what happens when broad policy trickles down to a human level.
Having left their home country for the US nearly two decades ago, the goals of the Vitor and Neta were to obtain their legal status to remain in the country they loved. At the time, with the civil order broken down, Albania was a dangerous place to raise a family.
Take a listen to this short podcast.
Take a listen to this short podcast.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Sanity Sunday- The Music of Cat Stevens
by Nomad
For anybody who came of age around the early 1970s, the name Cat Stevens is bound to be wrapped up with quite a few personal memories. (The same is true for singer/songwriters like James Taylor, Carole King and many others.)
Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with his religious or political opinions, his music still sounds as fresh as it did back in that time.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
How Decades of Fear-Stoking by the NRA and GOP Have Made Smart Gun Laws Impossible
by Nomad
Yesterday was a historic day. It was the day President Trump led the nation into an era of meaningful gun law reform and defied the all-powerful NRA.
That was the idea anyway.
If you had the stomach for it- I endured about 5 minutes- this exercise in suspending disbelief was both disturbing and fascinating.
With the cameras rolling, the president sat down with members of Congress from both parties. Calling upon the attendee to draft "comprehensive" and radical reforms, Trump declared "“It’s time that a president stepped up.”
- Expanding background checks to weapons purchased at gun shows and on the internet? Sure, why not?
- Keeping guns from mentally ill people? Sounds good!
- Securing schools and restricting gun sales for some young adults? Let's do it!
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Our Benedict Arnold Presidency
by Nomad
When we examine the most infamous traitors of American history, we inevitably turn to Benedict Arnold? His crime was treason but specifically, what were the details of that crime?
For this discussion, a few historical details are important.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Sophie Scholl and the Conscience of the Nation
by Nomad
This 22 February marked the 75th anniversary of the trial and execution of 21-year-old Sophie Magdalena Scholl. Along with her brother, Hans, and her friend, Christoph Probst, Sophie was charged with and convicted of high treason against the Nazi regime.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Why Russian Opposition Leader Navalny's Recent Video Deserves a Closer Look
by Nomad
At the beginning of this month, while all of us were preoccupied with porn star pay-offs and Trump's tweets, the main opposition leader in Russia, Alexei Navalny posted a video on YouTube, outlining interesting accusations against the Putin administration.
His private investigation involves a wild cast of characters: an indiscreet escort, a philandering oligarch, and an extremely powerful, and possibly corrupt government official.
His private investigation involves a wild cast of characters: an indiscreet escort, a philandering oligarch, and an extremely powerful, and possibly corrupt government official.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Florida Inmates Serve Time Caring for Abandoned Animals
by Nomad
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Christopher Hitchens' Banana Republic of America- Revisited
by Nomad
The term "banana republic" can be traced back to a collection of short stories by O.Henry a called "Cabbages and Kings." In that book, he described his observations based on the time he lived in Honduras when he was on the run for bank embezzlement. The portrait O. Henry drew was not a flattering one.But there's more to it than that.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Good News Round -Up for Week Two of February 2018
by Nomad
In an endless search of positive news, I scoured the Internet, hunting high and low. and I managed to find these four stories for all my glum Nomads.
Super Beans for Human Beings
Let's talk beans. Specifically, super beans.
Developed by scientists at the National Agricultural Research Organisation of Uganda, in collaboration with the Colombia-based International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), the Nabe 15 bean is better than your average bean. It's a fast-maturing, high-yield variety that drought-resistant.
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development,
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Sunday, February 11, 2018
Sanity Sunday- The Music of Zach Winters
by Nomad
Norman, Oklahoma-based artist Zach Winters has been described as "a multi-instrumentalist, a reader, a man of faith, a writer and a dedicated husband and father." According to his bio, Winters has had the honor to sing for Syrian refugees, laboring mothers, orphans in Mexico, and his friends, neighbors and family.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Insecurity on Display: Trump's Pompous Parade and Nixon's Palace Guards
by Nomad
It would not do.
And so, he ordered an overhaul of the uniforms to match what he had seen in palaces worn in other countries.
From now on, the president ordered, the guards would be decked out in uniforms which featured a white, double-breasted tunic with gold shoulder trim and a stiff shako hat with peaked front.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Trump and the Lessons of the Rise of Benito Mussolini
by Nomad
Comparing Donald Trump to some of the more infamous dictators of the past is pretty standard fare nowadays. However, without even mentioning Trump by name, one blogger, Quintus Curtius, in an interesting blog post has made a few fascinating points about the Italian fascist Mussolini and the series of events that put him in absolute control.
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Sanity Sunday- The Temptations by Request
by Nomad
This week, a lead singer of The Temptations, Dennis Edwards, passed on at his home in Chicago. They did not disclose the cause of death but he had apparently been ill for some time.
Having joined The Temptations in 1968, Edwards was the voice behind such Grammy-winning hits as Papa Was a Rollin' Stone and Cloud Nine.
Edwards was not one of the original band members. (He replaced David Ruffin after contractual disputes with Motown label.) Edwards sang with the group from 1968 to 1976, 1980 to 1984 and 1987 to 1989.
In 1989, Edwards was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Temptations. Edwards was also inducted into Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame with The Temptations in 2013.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
How Trump's "Alternative Facts" Fuel His Racist Policies for Urban America
by Nomad
Recent remarks from Trump have reopened accusations of his racism. Yet, looking back to his campaign, Trump's racism has always been on full display, particularly when it came to his views on the urban life.
In his narrative, things were falling apart in the black community.
“Our African-American communities are absolutely in the worst shape that they’ve ever been in before, ever, ever, ever. You take a look at the inner cities, you get no education, you get no jobs, you get shot walking down the street.”
Monday, January 29, 2018
Sanity Sunday- The Folk Music of Jim Ghedi
by Nomad
Six and twelve string guitarist Jim Ghedi lives in Moss Valley, just south of Sheffield, England. The 27-year-old Ghedi clearly feels a connection between his music and the land.
"I discovered a sense of place from exploring the natural environments and rich wildlife around the area. It was through gentle movement and close observation which brought an understanding, a connection, a stillness and a rooted sense of belonging.”
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Another Look at FBI Director Comey's Decision to Re-open the Clinton Email Investigation
by Nomad
One of the many as-yet unclear events of last year's election concerns former FBI director James Comey's decision to reopen a probe into Hillary Clinton days before the vote.
After finding State Department emails on a computer belonging to former Rep. Anthony Weiner, the estranged husband of Clinton's aide, Huma Abedin, on 28 October, Comey sent a letter to eight Congressional committees, informing them that the Clinton email probe was- at least, partially re-opened.
Only 11 days before the election, the timing for the Clinton campaign could hardly have been worse.
Comey's decision has been called "a mistake of world-historic proportions."
Given the consequences, it's not quite as inflated an exaggeration as it initially sounds. Together with probable Russia interference, this event helped put a man who was clearly unfit to be president in the White House.
Given the consequences, it's not quite as inflated an exaggeration as it initially sounds. Together with probable Russia interference, this event helped put a man who was clearly unfit to be president in the White House.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
One Young Man's Emotional Story about Gay Conversion Therapy and Self-Acceptance
by Nomad
Under the influence of the evangelicals, the Republican party has for years now endorsed the practice of attempting to alter or reverse an individual's sexual orientation using psychological or spiritual interventions. Otherwise known as gay conversion therapy.
Some have compared it to Victorian efforts to impose conformity by converting left-handers into "normal" right-handed socially-approved human beings. However, as the linked video below suggests, the implications for this kind of forced suppression/inhibition of sexual orientation can be psychologically-devastating to the individuals.
More fundamentally, perhaps, the majority of medical professionals strongly doubt that the "corrective" techniques are ever successful.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Sanity Sunday - Luna Lee and the Gayageum
by Nomad
The word "gayageum" might sound like a senior LGBT organization but in fact, it is a traditional 12- string Korean musical instrument. The Gayageum was probably manufactured around the 6th century, in the time of King Kasil in the Kaya Kingdom.
One musician who plays contemporary music on the gayageum is Luna Lee. She has performed covers songs by such groups as
Rolling Stones, Queen, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
"The gayageum has a beautiful sound and amazing potential so I wanted to share my music with many people."
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Allan Law, the Sandwich Man of Minneapolis
by Nomad
You've probably never heard of Allan Law. There's no reason you should have. This former teacher's not a man in search of fame. However, I think he does deserve a bit of recognition for the selfless work he has done for the last 12 years.Every night, while most of us are sleeping.
And when you ask Law, why he does all this good work, he just says,"Because somebody has to care."
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Sanity Sunday- Mathieu Terrade on the Harpejji
by Nomad
It must be one of life's greatest rewards to be acclaimed as a master at something. When it comes to playing the harpejji, French musician Mathieu Terrade is probably the most celebrated.
A few "notes" about this unique instrument:
- Developed in 2007 by Tim Meeks, founder of Marcodi Musical Products.
- The instrument aims to bridge the gap in sound and technique between the guitar, bass guitar, and piano.
- Stevie Wonder features the instrument in his stage performance
- There are no formal rules on how to play the instrument and new techniques are emerging all the time.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Ungovernable: How Partisanship Wrecked US Politics Just as George Washington Predicted
by Nomad
Trump the Partisan President
Commentator John Dickerson on a recent episode of the podcast Slate's Political Gabfest, was talking to the show's host, David Plotz, about why President Donald Trump represents something new and foreboding in American politics.
He pointed out:
"One thing we are witnessing is our first purely partisan president. The rise of partisan politics in the presidency has been increasing since 1980 for a variety of reasons. But the idea of the president who could build a coalition from members of both parties- kind of fly above the party fights and pass legislation- has been declining.
According to Dickerson, there has been a sea change in the rhetoric under Trump. There was a time when a president would, at the least, give a nod to the idea of Americans' putting aside their differences and working together. True, most of it was less than sincere when push came to shove.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Donald Trump and the Swamp Thing
by Nomad
You might have missed it but the final chapter in the "Drain the Swamp" saga was, at long last, posted. And it was just as ridiculous and sickening as you expected it would be.
Three Little Words
Back in October 2016, Candidate Trump issued a press release which declared his intention to "drain the swamp in Washington, D.C."In specifics, Trump was planning to introduce "sweeping ethics reforms" and pledged to "make our government honest once again."
From the outset, the very idea of Trump bringing honesty to anything at any time seemed fairly outlandish. That was true even before he embarked on a political career.
Sunday, January 7, 2018
The 2018 Women's March and Beyond: How to Make the Next 300 days Count
by Leadfoot
On November 6 of this new year, we could take back the Senate and the House – which means we could take back the country! November 6 is about 300 days from now. Will you pledge to make at least 10 of those 300 days count?
Thursday, January 4, 2018
California and Jeff Sessions' Big Marijuana Legalization Hang-up
by Nomad
I produced this short film about a surprising moment in California history and the man who would like to see that history reverse itself.
Last week, recreational use for cannabis became legal - at least, in some areas- for the first time since the state officially declared marijuana illegal in 1913.
It was a high point in the state's history, you might say.
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Study Shows a World Divided on the Benefits of 50 years of Progress
by Nomad
According to a Pew Research study, most of the world's population has mixed feelings when it comes to the advancement made in the last 50 years. Polling nearly 43,000 people in 38 countries around the globe, respondents were asked a simple question: Do you think life is better now than a half-century ago?
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