First Salvo was knock on Gaetz’s Political Extremism then things went sideways…
The tweets below say it all. After Jon Cryer just happened to tweet the list of accomplishments of one Matt Gaetz, the latter, true to character got personal. Lashing out at the actor with a bizarre dis meant to lower his value in the massive hit show he starred in for, like, ever Gaetz brought former co-star Charlie Sheen into the mix!
Cryer then, also true to character, decided to get real and give his take on this odd and flaccid comment that was, apparently, meant to be an insult. Wow.
And FWIW, this wasn’t meant as a slam on Charlie.
He was undeniably the star of the show. And a fantastic actor. Despite his issues, we had many more highs than lows.
But you can’t say he “carried” a show that lasted four years without him.
Climate Change is potentially responsible for creating scorching temperatures and health hazards
A record-breaking heat wave is coming. Moving in today and peaking to coincide with the upcoming Labor Day weekend, excessive heat watches and resulting warnings are ready go into effect. From Friday, September 4th, throughout the Southwest and particularly on the West Coast temperatures are expected to range from 104 to 117 degrees, especially in cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix. These all-time high seasonal temperatures will last throughout the holiday including Monday.
With excessive heat, the National Weather Service’s in Los Angeles posted an official warning that it “is not recommended to spend any extended period outside during the heat of the day.”
The Weather Service also warned residents that there is higher risk for heat illnesses along with heightened fire weather concerns during this time. Near normal temperatures are likely to return by the end of next week.
Southwest States not alone as entire Nation in climate crisis crosshairs
The increased temperatures are said to be worse than the recent heat wave, in August, that hit California and which also resulted in widespread destructive wildfires. These extreme hot and dry conditions will further complicate matters for firefighters that continue to battle active fires. To date th current rash of fires have been responsible for more than 7,000 fires that have burned nearly 1.4 million acres of land.
The extreme changes to the climate make for heat waves to last longer and be more intense. It’s not just the West and Southwest effected by the weather. Other regions of the United States are also set to face extreme weather in the next coming days, with approximately 20 million people in the mid-Atlantic facing threats of severe storms. Those in parts of the South and Midwest that make up nearly 4 million people will be under flash flood advisories.
“From a hazards perspective, it is the Desert Southwest and throughout California’s Great Valley that stand out most with record breaking high temps likely this weekend and into early next week.”
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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The one-time senior advisor to the First Lady chronicles her time with Melania, providing some salacious and juicy details about her relationship with Ivanka Trump and more. “Melanie and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady” was published on Tuesday, September 1st by Gallery Books by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff.
Click to See “Melania and Me” and help Independent Bookstores. Also Available on Amazon.
Wolkoff went on multiple TV networks to promote the release of her new book and stirred up even more political buzz for the Trumps. Wolkoff revealed she has recorded conversations between her and Melania and during an interview with ABC she replied that she “can back up everything that’s in the book, 100 percent”.
“Melania and the White House had accused me of criminal activity, had publicly shamed and fired me, and made me their scapegoat,” the author was quoted in an interview with Rachel Maddow on MSNBC.
“At that moment in time, that’s when I pressed record. She was no longer my friend and she was willing to let them take me down and she told me herself that is the way it has to be.”
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff
After her interviews #MelaniaTapes was a trending hashtag on Twitter.
"Melania and the White House had accused me of criminal activity, and publicly shamed and fired me, and made me their scapegoat. At that moment in time, that's when I pressed record." -Stephanie Winston Wolkoff on whether she has recordings of the quotes in her new book pic.twitter.com/LpXyWg0MWR
As tension builds ahead of Nov.3rd election – the tapes are a potential blockbuster
The timing of the recorded conversations AKA “Melania Tapes” comes at potentially critical time when many people are deciding whether or not to reelect President Trump or choose that of his rival, Democratic candidate Joe Biden. It’s hard to say if the audio recordings will reveal damaging or incriminating information.
However, it seems that the White House were quick to dismiss Wolkoff and try to further damage the author’s reputation. Stephanie Grisham, Melania Trump’s Chief of Staff, released a statement on ABC on the eve of the book release, August 31, 2020 with the following remarks: “Anybody who secretly tapes their self-described best friend is by definition, dishonest. The book is full of mistruths and paranoia, and clearly based on some imagined need for revenge.” Even Melania herself took to her social media to quiet the “gossip”.
This afternoon I will be hosting a roundtable with some incredible citizens in recovery & the amazing organizations that support them. I encourage the media to focus & report on the nation's drug crisis, not on delusional & malicious gossip.
New Ad from Lincoln Project show Trump over the edge in Laura Ingraham Interview
Yet another great Ad from the now infamous Lincoln Project. Based on a real “interview” with Laura Ingraham, the clip shows Trump muttering and conspiratorially whispering various paranoid fantasies about “people in the dark shadows” and planeloads of black uniformed “thugs” on the way to an unnamed city. “I’ll tell you sometime” is the typical con man delivery of the juicy bits that are just too hot to name…. “it’s under investigation right now”. I guess William Barr is all over that ghost plane, at this very moment…
In all seriousness, while this is well within the “logic” of Trump’s wacko talking points; that “Democrat Cities” are on fire and that he is the “Law and Order” candidate, the level of mental devolution is rising and expanding daily. Not just that the strategy exposed and unleashed at the RNC 2020 is based on projected fantasies, but this, coming on the heels of the #soupgate / #bagsofsoup clip that went viral on Twitter, is a step beyond.
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, the former senior adviser to the first lady, chronicles her falling out with Melania Trump in her book titled:“Melanie and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady”. This is Stephanie’s first book and is set for release Tuesday, September 1, 2020.
The book stands out from other previously published books about Trump and his family like “Too Much and Never Enough” and “The Room Where it Happened” in that it will reveal a much closer look at Mrs. Trump. The First Lady has largely been out of view and known for being aloof to the public eye; Wolkoff will give readers a first hand account of personal and quoted conversations between the two from phone calls, meetings, emails and even text messages. Those that have got an early glimpse of the book found that Melania loves to use lots of emojis in her text communications.
Click to See “Melania and Me” and help Lynxotic and Independent Bookstores. Also Available on Amazon.
The reportedly contentious relationship between Melania and Ivanka Trump plays a major role throughout the book. Ivanka is jokingly referred to as a “Princess”. Wolkoff describes in her book that the pair launched “Operation Block Ivanka” which was meant to halt off any attention and make sure Ivanka was out of frame from any photographs taken during the inauguration ceremony. The tension between the two could perhaps even be seen on the last day of the Republican National Convention, when Melania’s face is noticeable changed as Ivanka walks passed her.
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff and Melania Trump had a history before their time in the White House together and formed a friendship that lasted nearly 15 years. Yet working as the FLOTUS advisor only lasted a short 14 months and quickly put an end to both working and their personal friendship. In her book she writes, “The woman I once considered my close friend is gone.” She was abruptly fired in 2019 (even though she was an unpaid advisor) due to controversy over alleged corruption in planning and spending on the inauguration ceremony.
When asked to comment about the book, according to Politico, Stephanie Grisham, the First Lady’s chief of staff said in a statement:
“This book is not only wildly self-aggrandizing, it’s just not truthful. It is an exercise in bizarre twisting of the truth and misguided blame for the sake of self-pity. It’s unfortunate and concerning that she’s overstated their friendship and her very brief role in the White House to this degree.”
Statement from first lady spokewoman – Stephanie Grisham
Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady
Below is some additional information about the upcoming release from the publisher as well as where to purchase to support your local independent bookstores.
The former director of special events at Vogue and producer of nine legendary Met Galas, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff met Melania Knauss in 2003 and had a front row seat to the transformation of Donald Trump’s then girlfriend from a rough-cut gem to a precious diamond. As their friendship deepened over lunches at Manhattan hot spots, black-tie parties, and giggle sessions in the penthouse at Trump Tower, Wolkoff watched the newest Mrs. Trump raise her son, Barron, and manage her highly scrutinized marriage.
After Trump won the 2016 election, Wolkoff was recruited to help produce the 58th Presidential Inauguration and to become the First Lady’s trusted advisor. Melania put Wolkoff in charge of hiring her staff, organizing her events, helping her write speeches, and creating her debut initiatives. Then it all fell apart when she was made the scapegoat for inauguration finance irregularities. Melania could have defended her innocent friend and confidant, but she stood by her man, knowing full well who was really to blame.
The betrayal nearly destroyed Wolkoff. In this candid and emotional memoir, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff takes you into Trump Tower and the White House to tell the funny, thrilling, and heartbreaking story of her intimate friendship with one of the most famous women in the world, a woman few people truly understand. How did Melania react to the Access Hollywood tape and her husband’s affair with Stormy Daniels? Does she get along well with Ivanka? Why did she wear that jacket with “I really don’t care, do u?” printed on the back? Is Melania happy being First Lady? And what really happened with the inauguration’s funding of $107 million? Wolkoff has some ideas…
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New features create a more streamlined travel experience & totally new functionality
During the WWDC virtual event, Apple previewed the latest version of its upcoming desktop operating system – macOS Big Sur. There are so many new features, it is easy to get lost in all the detail. One highlight that stands out is the updated version of the Maps app. MacOS Big Sur is set for release next month for fall, there is, however a developer beta version currently available for download if you want a sneak peek before the official release date. Since this is beta (beta 4) and meant for developers, it is best only to download and test on a machine that you do not depend on as bugs are to be expected until the final official release (at least).
We have tested this and compiled features from what information Apple has released so far. The completely redesigned version of the app makes it even easier to find your navigation essentials. The new interface will be a more streamlined experience including: “Favorites” like home or work , “My Guides” where you can plan a trip or save places of interest you want to one day visit, and will also save your “Recent Places.”
Another new feature on the Mac is the ability to see the ETA from friends or family members that shared their routes with you. In this sort of hybrid with the features of “find friends”, now within maps, you will be able to see the current location of friends who have shared a route, and then you can monitor the progress as they journey towards their destinations.
The Maps app in Big Sur will also include all the newest features of Maps that will be included in the newest iPhone update iOS14 as well which will include: Guide, Cycling and EV routing.
Recommendations from top travel resources coming now with “My Guides”
Click to See “Steve Jobs“ and to help Lynxotic and Independent Bookstores. Also Available on Amazon.
Maps will offer all new tools and features that will elevate travel and planning your next exploration of the world. Through Guides, you can discover new places as well as events and activities to participate using trusted sources.
Apple is said to be working with top companies like Lonely Planet, Zagat, and AllTrails to give you the best information. You can also customize your trip with all the places you want to visit (ex: shops, restaurants, parks, historical landmarks, etc) and share with your family and friends. To start, Guides will be available for cities including San Francisco, New York, London and Los Angeles, with plans to expand many more cities options.
The new Maps will make more countries available to view that will include Canada, Ireland and the UK. Then using the “Look Around” feature will allow you a 360-degree view of a destination (which is extremely cool on the big screen of your Mac). You can scroll through streets and get closer to a realistic taste of what to expect; giving rich detail of roads, buildings, parks, beaches and much more.
Apple will also make navigating within airports and shopping centers a little less stressful with detailed views of its indoor maps.
Bike riders and electric vehicle excursions are one of the cool new features
Need to get to a destination and you want to take your bicycle? No problem. Your cycling trips can now be routed from your Mac and then sent directly to your iPhone when you are on the go. Maps will provide routes for cyclists to find bike lanes, paths or bike-friendly roadways to reach your desired location. There will also be the ability to preview the elevation of the roads and have the option to avoid routes that have steep inclines or stairs that will make for an easier and smoother ride
Apple will also be utilizing EV routing for those that want to plan a trip using their electric vehicles. EV routing will help take into account your electric vehicle’s route (highlighting weather, elevation and locations of charging stations). When you add your electric vehicle to your iPhone, the Maps app will keep track of your EV’s current charge level.
Photo / Apple Maps for Cycling
Since there are so many features coming in macOS 11 Big Sur and many of those will now be even more integrated with the carious iOS, iPad OS, watch OS and so forth, it’s a great idea to keep tuned in as we will continue to produce updates on all the features, tips and tricks for all your Apple devices.
Custom personalization, Face sharing and, yes, Dance…
At WWDC 2020, a first ever Apple virtual special event, the company officially announced the next update to the Apple Watch operating system called watchOS 7, which will have many new changes including custom personalization along with health and fitness features. The update is expected to be available to the public (for free of course) later this year, most likely around September, which is when the iPhone 12 is also anticipated to be released. The WatchOS 7 update has been confirmed to be functional on the Apple Watch versions 3, 4, and 5. Which means if you have the earlier versions like Apple Watch Series 1 or 2 you will not be able to retrieve the update.
One of the features includes big new upgrades to the Workout app which is one of Apple’s most popular and most used apps on the smartwatch, according to internal analytics, presumably. Running, swimming, rowing, cycling and more are some of the current commonly used workouts that can be tracked on the Apple Watch. Now, four completely new workouts will be available – Dance, Core Training, Functional Strength Training and Cool-down which will offer custom-built motion algorithms and heart rate sensors to best track your movements.
Pre-loaded styles and intelligence can set you free
Dance is set to be added as a total body workout and will have the ability to track movements from a handful of the most popular dance styles that includes Hip Hop, Latin, Bollywood, and Cardio Dance (see video, above). Getting accurate tracking and credit for dancing previously proved challenging since dancing is not always repetitive and rarely has synchronized arm and leg movements like running and walking often do. With the newest update, Apple is using advanced censor fusion that will combine data from the heart rate sensor, accelerometer and gyroscope to get a better full body reading (movements in your arms and legs ) that will generate a more accurate ‘calories burned’ calculations for dance movements.
The OS7 will also track accurate calories for: Core Training, Functional Strength Training, & Cooldown. Core training where exercise is primarily focused on abs and back. Functional Strength Training is a workout type that helps you get stronger and move better for everyday activity. And Cool-down which can be added onto various workouts is when you want to continue with easy movements and stretches to bring heart rate and breathing back to normal.
Not bad. Sounds like very little new on paper, but if you use the workouts, like I do, these small changes represent more freedom to do what you want, and add a more natural feeling to your routine.
All your workouts can be tracked extensively with tons of precise data within the Activity App which is completely redesigned in the new update. The redesign has a new summary tab system to allows seamless switching between the Activity, Workouts, Awards and Trends views, all within one tab. The Activity App has also received a new moniker – and will be called simply: “Fitness”.
The Ultimate Hero-Villain Fight to unfold in New Trailer
Warner Bros. released a new trailer for “Wonder Woman 1984” (WW84) and the film and new clip were showcased at the virtual DC FanDome. The new footage gave fans a deeper look into the villainous character name Cheetah played by Kristen Wiig and the revived time-traveler Steve Trevor played by Chris Pines.
This year’s DC FanDome, the annual event geared toward DC Comic fans, featured a jam packed event of panels, info on video games, and highly anticipated teasers, trailers and behind-the-scene peaks of upcoming DC movies. The DC FanDome only lasts 48 hours, a two day event, this year, consisting of virtual presentations. The first day just happened on August 22, 2020 and the next is set for Sept 12, 2020 in case you missed day one.
Like 2017’s “Wonder Woman,” actress Gal Gadot plays the title superheroine in “WW84.” Although this is only her second stand alone film as the character, Gadot has played Wonder Woman three times in the DC Universe before—appearing in “Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice” and “Justice League” as well as her solo outing.
From the rainbow tinted posters to the electrifying trailer, the movie is clearly invested in the 1984 setting. It looks like a disco-infused, fun-filled superhero flick, with quality humor, captivating visuals, and a strong cast to carry it along—Pedro Pascal from “The Madalorian” is playing the main villain!
The first trailer was released back in December of last year. This second trailer shows action-packed clips with great special effects and the epic fight scene between the two women. Fans also get to see another look at Diana Prince’s iconic golden armor.
WW84 still holds the current schedule for release to theaters this October 2, 2020, however it is not yet clear due to COVID-19 if any changes to the release date will be subject to change as the date approaches.
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Cooper effortlessly taps into the ridiculousness that is Trump
Sarah Cooper, writer and comedian, delivered her latest lip-synced impersonation of Donald Trump for the final night of the virtual Democratic National Convention. Her new video spotlights Trump’s latest rant attacking USPS and mail-in voting. Cooper also commented personally on the matter.
“Let me put this in my own words, I’ve heard Donald Trump say some pretty unhinged things, I’ve heard them over and over and over again. But nothing is more dangerous to our democracy than his attacks on mail in voting during a pandemic.
Here’s the truth: Donald Trump doesn’t want any of us to vote because he knows he can’t win fair and square. So whether you plan to vote by mail, or in person, wearing your mask, it is your vote and it’s your right. Don’t let Donald Trump take that away from you.”
sarah cooper video during democratic National Convention
Cooper is now famously known for her lip-syncing political satire videos impersonating Donald Trump. Her first “How to President” video which was posted back in April 2020 got over 22 million views on just her Twitter page alone. There are now 23 (and most likely more coming) on the hilarious series.
The comedian has much in store for her aside from her social media video fame. The entertainer bagged a Netflix comedy special titled “Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine” and is set to premiere this Fall 2020. Based on a press release by Netflix the variety special will include a series of vignettes dealing with issues of politics, race, gender, class, and other light subjects. The special will be directed by Natasha Lyonne and executive produced by Maya Rudolph.
Both played to strengths as Sanders hit the grim political realities while Michelle made an impassioned emotional appeal
After a night of sometimes odd, at times emotional pre-recorded, speeches and clips, the standouts and the historic was the trio of Kasich, Sanders and Michelle Obama. Kasich was the final speech in a series of clips devoted to Republicans, many former or current office holders, as well as voters, all passionately supporting Biden, mainly pointing out his many human and “decent” traits that so clearly set him apart from the cruel and chaotic man in the White House. Kasich’s speech was powerful and intense, and covered virtually every point, which was somewhat remarkable since this was, at nearly 10 minutes, far more than a sound bite.
Sanders then used his more than 8 minutes to target the rise of Authoritarianism that “so many of our heroes fought and died to defeat”, as well as how the “unthinkable has become normal”. He seemed to work hard to make it clear that he wants his large number of followers, the co called “Bernie Bros” to vote Biden and that he wants to work together with all factions, even conservatives, to defeat Trump and contribute to implementing solutions for the nation’s many serious problems.
Nearly half of his speech was about Biden’s projected policies and how he (Sanders) supports those, even going into detail on the economy, climate change, health care and more. The details even went as far as comparing his (Sanders’) proposed plan for universal health care and how Biden’s less comprehensive plan was nevertheless one that he could support 100%.
In closing he listed off the tragic-comic list detailing just how bad a Trump victory would be for the Economy, the Nation and even the Planet:
“the future of our democracy is at stake, the future of our economy is at stake, the future of our planet is at stake. We must come together to defeat Donald Trump and elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next president and vice president. My friends, the price of failure is just too great to imagine”.
Bernie Sanders at the virtual DNC 2020
Then, closing out the first evening of the first ever ‘virtual’ convention, Michelle Obama, hit hard but remained emotionally centered as she continued to say “go high” but emphasized “standing fierce against hatred”. Then, clearly referring to Trump; “Going high does not mean puttin’ on a smile and sayin’ nice things when confronted by viciousness and cruelty” and “scraping and clawing our way to the mountain top”. “We’ve got to vote for Joe Biden like our lives depend on it” she intoned as millions listening silently thought “because they do”.
The rousing yet softly intoned plea was equal parts a testament to Biden’s compassion and character and a dignified take down a the man that who is “cannot meet this moment” and “clearly in over his head”. “He simply cannot be who we need him to before it is what it is” she said in the only and indirect reference to his many lies and undignified pronouncements. When asked about the massive numbers of covid deaths Trump shockingly tossed off the phrase “it is what it is“.
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The Lincoln Project released an ad in July that paints a truly grim picture of how Trump has handled coronavirus. In it, the clip starts with the fact that America leads the world in COVID-19 deaths and ultimately slams President Trump for failing to properly handle the coronavirus pandemic. Nearing the middle of August, this still unfortunately rings true. The President has repeatedly been quoted that the virus will just magically “disappear” one day despite the reality that the virus is far from gone.
With continued record breaking positive cases on a daily basis, it is clear that there has been an inadequate response in the now unprecedented health catastrophe. The virus has drastically changed the facet of what “normal” everyday life now looks like: remote working and education, sporadic bar and gym re-opening and closures, limited dine-in restaurants and with movie theaters and Hollywood at a standstill. Yet the President continues to downplay the severity, referring to coronavirus on his Twitter as the “China Virus” and claiming “We are doing really well”.
You will never hear this on the Fake News concerning the China Virus, but by comparison to most other countries, who are suffering greatly, we are doing very well – and we have done things that few other countries could have done!
The Lincoln Project currently holds the singular mission of 2020 to defeat Donald Trump and ensure he is not reelected this coming November. However, there have been various outlets that have recently brought to the public’s attention that the conservative Republican headed PAC and its founders’ history may not align with the Democratic Party. Critics are skeptic about the PAC’s true agenda as they have historically made it their mission to help appoint Republicans in office.
The end image of the advert clip shows a wall comprised of coffins to represent the lives lost from the pandemic while also referencing Trump’s United States-Mexico border wall. Laying out gruesome facts that those that have died because of the virus would fill more than 1,160 football fields and if placed side by side would span over 66 miles.
The Lincoln Project is responsible for many advertisements in the past months and undoubtedly will continue to pump more out as November approaches. Although the PAC’s end game may currently be in question, what is clear is that viewers should take the video ad clips as they are and at face value. The founders may not necessarily be Pro-Biden, but they are without a doubt Anti-Trump and for the time being, isn’t that enough.
“Millions of families will never be the same again. It’s imperative we vote him out this November.”
Lincoln Project co-founder John Weaver
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Oprah Winfrey revealed her latest book club pick “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson as her now 86th selection for her Oprah’s famous book club. Winefrey’s excited and clearly inspired take was definitive: she says that she immediately recognized the importance of this book, calling it one the most important books she has ever selected. She even said in a press release “all of humanity needs to read this book”. Winfrey is a known fan of Wilkerson as she had previously recommended the author’s first book “The Warmth of other Suns“.
“Of all the books I’ve chosen for book club over the decades, there isn’t another that is more essential a read than this one. It explains why we are where we are in terms of racial injustice and inequality.”
-Oprah Winfrey
Oprah was so moved with this read that, it was reported, she will be purchasing 500 copies of the book to send to influential leaders and educators throughout the country. Below is some additional information about Oprah’s book pick from the publisher as well as where to purchase to support your local independent bookstores. Happy reading!
Caste : The Origins of Our Discontents
Publisher description: In this brilliant book, Isabel Wilkerson gives us a masterful portrait of an unseen phenomenon in America as she explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings.Beyond race, class, or other factors, there is a powerful caste system that influences people’s lives and behavior and the nation’s fate. Linking the caste systems of America, India, and Nazi Germany, Wilkerson explores eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, including divine will, bloodlines, stigma, and more.
Click to See “Caste” and help Lynxotic and independent bookstores. Also available on Amazon.
Using riveting stories about people–including Martin Luther King, Jr., baseball’s Satchel Paige, a single father and his toddler son, Wilkerson herself, and many others–she shows the ways that the insidious undertow of caste is experienced every day. She documents how the Nazis studied the racial systems in America to plan their out-cast of the Jews; she discusses why the cruel logic of caste requires that there be a bottom rung for those in the middle to measure themselves against; she writes about the surprising health costs of caste, in depression and life expectancy, and the effects of this hierarchy on our culture and politics. Finally, she points forward to ways America can move beyond the artificial and destructive separations of human divisions, toward hope in our common humanity.Beautifully written, original, and revealing, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents is an eye-opening story of people and history, and a reexamination of what lies under the surface of ordinary lives and of American life today.
So thrilled that Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents has been chosen by the incomparable Oprah as her next Book Club Pick. Her stunning praise of it warms my heart: “This book might well save us. Caste…is a must read for humanity….” https://t.co/Gfd6xbSIFs
Above: NEWST AD BY THE LINCOLN PROJECT ” I’M BEGINNING TO REGRET”
Provocation bulls-eye as the Mooch taunts Trump on Fox
The Lincoln Project consists of anti-Trump republicans, led by George Conway, husband of Kellyanne, and their disgust with the current occupant of the White House seems to grow daily. Though perhaps the best known Republican organization devoted to removing Trump, the Right Side PAC, also founded by Republicans including Anthony Scaramucci, former White House communications director, along with Republican Voters Against Trump aka RVAT are also concentrating on working to consolidate the anti-Trump vote among Republicans, specifically.
All in all this has recently made for some interesting fireworks in the twittersphere and there have been some truly classic anti-Trumps ads produced, some of which we have featured recently (see the newest, above).
One successful strategy employed by all of the groups mentioned above, that appears to be working, is to attempt to “hit a nerve” and provoke a reaction, since, ultimately, Trump is the absolute best at making Trump look bad.
Above: Photo by Pauley Teeks via Twitter
The overall plan of elephants vs. their own appears to have legs…
This plan appears to have hit the motherlode in a recent exchange that produced a typically trashy Trump reaction and some amazing replies – a “mano a mano” tweet-war cage-match exclusively among Republicans on either side of the great Trump divide. After this it will be a canyon.
Scaramucci was interviewed Sunday night on Fox, on the show “The Next Revolution”, a pro-Trump Fox news staple, hosted by Steve Hilton. As could be expected, Trump was apparently glued to the tube as the show aired live and couldn’t resist tweeting a personal attack tweet directed at Scaramucci.
.@Scaramucci, who just made a fool of himself as he got taken apart by @SteveHiltonx, only lasted 11 days in his favorite of all time Administration, before being fired for, again, making a fool of himself. Anthony is a loser who begged to come back. I said “No Thanks”.
You could almost hear the chorus of “gotcha” from the Trump baiting pros as they responded with biting and incisive clarity and started an avalanche of critics and observers:
The Loser is you: 162,000 dead, 40 million American jobs lost on your watch. We are tired of all of the losing. We wanted you to succeed but you are an abject failure. Thankfully it will be over on 11/3. America will heal and rebuild. https://t.co/zRvJQzJo6k
Use these updates to explore and plan your next adventure
During the WWDC virtual event, Apple previewed the latest version of its upcoming desktop operating system – macOS Big Sur. There are so many new features, it is easy to get lost in all the detail. One highlight that stands out is the updated version of the Maps app. MacOS Big Sur is set for release next month for fall, there is, however a developer beta version currently available for download if you want a sneak peek before the official release date. Since this is beta (beta 4) and meant for developers, it is best only to download and test on a machine that you do not depend on as bugs are to be expected until the final official release (at least).
Click to See “Steve Jobs“ and to help Lynxotic and Independent Bookstores. Also Available on Amazon.
We have tested this and compiled features from what information Apple has released so far. The completely redesigned version of the app makes it even easier to find your navigation essentials. The new interface will be a more streamlined experience including: “Favorites” like home or work , “My Guides” where you can plan a trip or save places of interest you want to one day visit, and will also save your “Recent Places.”
Another new feature on the Mac is the ability to see the ETA from friends or family members that shared their routes with you. In this sort of hybrid with the features of “find friends”, now within maps, you will be able to see the current location of friends who have shared a route, and then you can monitor the progress as they journey towards their destinations.
The Maps app in Big Sur will also include all the newest features of Maps that will be included in the newest iPhone update iOS14 as well which will include: Guide, Cycling and EV routing.
Plan a trip with travel recommendations via Guides
Maps will offer all new tools and features that will elevate travel and planning your next exploration of the world. Through Guides, you can discover new places as well as events and activities to participate using trusted sources.
Apple is said to be working with top companies like Lonely Planet, Zagat, and AllTrails to give you the best information. You can also customize your trip with all the places you want to visit (ex: shops, restaurants, parks, historical landmarks, etc) and share with your family and friends. To start, Guides will be available for cities including San Francisco, New York, London and Los Angeles, with plans to expand many more cities options.
The new Maps will make more countries available to view that will include Canada, Ireland and the UK. Then using the “Look Around” feature will allow you a 360-degree view of a destination (which is extremely cool on the big screen of your Mac). You can scroll through streets and get closer to a realistic taste of what to expect; giving rich detail of roads, buildings, parks, beaches and much more.
Apple will also make navigating within airports and shopping centers a little less stressful with detailed views of its indoor maps.
Useful new features for bike riders and EV excursions
Need to get to a destination and you want to take your bicycle? No problem. Your cycling trips can now be routed from your Mac and then sent directly to your iPhone when you are on the go. Maps will provide routes for cyclists to find bike lanes, paths or bike-friendly roadways to reach your desired location. There will also be the ability to preview the elevation of the roads and have the option to avoid routes that have steep inclines or stairs that will make for an easier and smoother ride
Apple will also be utilizing EV routing for those that want to plan a trip using their electric vehicles. EV routing will help take into account your electric vehicle’s route (highlighting weather, elevation and locations of charging stations). When you add your electric vehicle to your iPhone, the Maps app will keep track of your EV’s current charge level.
Photo / Apple Maps for Cycling
Since there are so many features coming in macOS 11 Big Sur and many of those will now be even more integrated with the carious iOS, iPad OS, watch OS and so forth, it’s a great idea to keep tuned in as we will continue to produce updates on all the features, tips and tricks for all your Apple devices.
Of course, the fans are loving it and the trolls are, well, trolls. There’s a tweet that’s out there, as a reply to every other Tesla tweet, that shows a roof leaking in a Tesla back seat. Perhaps it’s a disgruntled customer but from the constant re-tweeting of this clip it seems more likely that its from the underground Tesla resistance (Oil Companies, Short Sellers, etc).
There are, at the same time, thankfully, genuine lovers that are more expressive, and it seems creative, like this guy:
There are more than just fans in the thread – there seems to be actual joy emanating from Model Y owners. And S3XY fun seems to be permeating the attitude In the responses to this tweet – which is a pretty big departure from the usual war zone of every stripe and troll farmer present in so many topics and threads.
This fellow wanted to show off his 360˚ schmanzy fancy camera:
During this year’s annual WWDC event, held for the first time as a virtual show, Apple showed off sneak peeks of all its new software OS updates. One of those updates is for the Apple Watch -with the watchOS 7, the company will be bringing lots of new style options specifically for Apple watch faces.
This will give users unlimited choices of faces to pick from as well as allowing them to choose how they wish to personalize, for example, which information they want to see at first glance. There will be brand new “complications” to get you started and these include the two major rich complications Apple will offer with the coming update: the new Chronograph Pro face with a tachymeter and a new version of bold X-Large face.
With well over 20,000 Watch apps that are currently available in the Apple Watch App Store, there are an insanely huge variety of ways to get the most out of your device.
One major way Apple is changing in the watchOS 7 update will be the ability to better and fully utilize the data from your favorite apps within the main screen of your watch. Users will be able to further customize the complications based on personal and style preferences.
It is already big news that there will be endless ways to configure your watch face that you can tailor fit to your unique personality. Adding a cherry on top, you will be able to share your custom watch faces with your friends, family and any other Apple Watch users. I’m ready to jump all over that!
Share your Watch face creations with others
Apple Watch Face Sharing can be shared in a handful of different ways: through Messages, sending faces through e-mail, and even sharing through your social media account. You will also have the ability to share your customized watch face straight from your Apple Watch by press and holding (long-pressing) then choosing the share icon, which is a new feature to the update.
What about if someone wants to share their Apple Watch face with me? This will also be a simple and easy process; you can either use your iPhone and tap the link to open the Apple Watch app, or open the shared link through your Messages on your watch.
The options are unlimited. If you get a shared watch face, you can keep it as-is, or you can further customize it to your liking. In addition to making your own Apple Watch Face creations, Apple has future plans to curate and spotlight some of the best customized Apple Watch face designs within its App Store. This will allow for users to discover even more new custom watch face options to add to their collections.
When stuck with coronavirus lemons, why not make lemonade?
In the continuing efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus, businesses in Los Angeles are getting creative. After Gov. Gavin Newsom released new guidelines for beauty services such as hair salons, barbershops, nail salons and massage parlors that prohibit any of these services to be conducted indoors, but that they could do so in the open air, an epidemic of new ideas was unleashed.
Those that have large parking lots, or adjacent green areas that could be used, began to brainstorm ways to make this not only possible, but even an improvement. Like outdoor dining, gyms, barbershops, nail salons and more are all setting up makeshift tents, gazebos and even shaded spinning classrooms to prevent spreading the virus while still living life and conducting business.
While it can’t be called business as usual, some of the west side businesses near the beach have shown true inspiration in “takin’ it to the streets” and have jumped right into the spirit, particularly in the case of the CycleBar in Culver City. After transforming their parking lot into a spinning / stationary bike studio and collaborating with Anytime Fitness to build a provisional outdoor weight-room and workout area, the results are downright celebratory…
Through the spread of Covid-19 continues, a glimmer of hope can be seen in efforts to live life while staying safe
If not for the masks and face shields, one might think these are photos from a spring fitness festival in 2018, long before the pandemic had clipped our wings and made such activities a challenge or even a danger.
Nearby on 4031 Sepulveda, in Culver City, Active Barbers have similarly set up shop on the sidewalk with a stylish and festive looking row of outdoor canopies, each with a full-on barbers chair adjacent to all the tools of the trade. Once again, the masks worn by the barbers and clients are the only giveaway that this is not part of a larger outdoor summer celebration.
Above: Photo Credit / PBS
Rose Bowl in Pasadena featuring Drive-in Films during July
Click to see “Drive” and help Lynxotic and Independent Bookstores
Another example of Angelenos taking things outdoors to find entertainment and relaxation is the Tribeca DRIVE-IN movie theater series at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Taking place during July on Thursday – Sunday. The Tribeca Film organization is also staging similar events all around the US this summer. In addition to Pasadena, CA events are planned for Orchard Beach – Bronx, NY, Nickerson Beach – Nassau County, NY, AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX and Hardrock Stadium – Miami, FL.
These high profile venues are an addition to the wave of Drive-in theaters that have sprung up all over the US in response the the pandemic and the availability of large outdoor spaces that can be adapted for big-screen fun.
Drive-in Concert Series fights back against the dearth of live entertainment options
In another related California story, the LA Times chronicled the recent emergence of drive-in concerts at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Once again it’s the safety benefits of the open California sea breezes that are at the core of the drive to live outdoors and free. Recent acts performing to a sea of cars included the LA based Ska-Funk-Punk band Fishbone along with Ozomatli.
Cars not directly encircling the stage where given an assist by large sports-venue like LED screens and an audio-assist via an FM radio signal, two hi-tech niceties that would have been missing if this were in the drive-in and drive-though era of 1962.
The producer of the concert series predicted that, sadly, a normal concert schedule with large indoor and outdoor venues being booked and where audiences do not have to be separated into cars, is likely not going to be a reality before 2022.
This reality, even if it turns out to be the worst case, is still an indicator of how all the business in this article are proving that necessity really is the mother of invention. With sales and traffic across some many industries “falling off a cliff” it will take drastic and wildly creative measures just for companies to survive, let alone prosper.
Indeed, the drive in concert series can only hope to bring in 10% of the usual number of people that would attend a similar bill at an indoor venue. The costs are higher and the income less, a formula, not for huge profit, but to make enough to keep all parties involved, from the artists to the producers to the production help and stage hands, above water until some kind of normalcy returns.
The overall impression from all these special business, however, is one of triumphant survival, resilience, health and strength. The exact qualities needed at this time in history, and not coincidentally, the same for which LA is known, along with Hollywood Movies, throughout the world.
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A greatly improved audio experience is about to get even better..
Apple announced during the first ever virtual WWDC 2020 event that there will be some significant updates to the AirPods and AirPods Pro that will further enhance the audio experience for the Apple headphone user. The iOS 14 update is expected to be available to the public later this year, most likely around September, which is when the iPhone 12 is also anticipated to be released. If you practically live with your AirPods in your ears, these two big features will make you happy.
Another small but appreciated update will offer a battery status update, which will notify users when it is time to charge your headphones. No more totally dead AirPods – hooray! Click here to see Apple Watch deals on Amazon.
AirPods are currently pretty simple and easy to pair to any Apple device, just open the battery case near your iPhone and done. With the new update, the pairing will be even easier, with the new feature called “Seamless Switching”, this is where you will be able to switch between your different Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch) without having to manually switch or connect. For example if you have your AirPods connected to your iPad while watching a TV show, but during that time you get a phone call on your iPhone, your AirPods will know and automatically switch accordingly, then can switch back to your iPad. This is major if you have multiple Apple devices. The Seamless Switching feature will work with AirPods Pro, AirPods (2nd generation), Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Solo Pro. In order for the feature to work you will have to have an active iCloud account.
Spatial Audio is another major feature that will be available on AirPods Pro as part of the iOS 14 update which is set to be released in the fall. Unfortunately Spatial Audio will not be available for regular AirPods but for the Air Pods Pro exclusively. The feature creates an immersive surround-sound experience much like that of being in the movie theaters.
How are they able to create theater-like surround sound? Apple will be utilizing data from the AirPods Pro accelerometer and gyroscope to detect any movement from both headphone and device. This means that the sounds will stay consistent and in sync and allow the sound to come from all angles: left, right, front, back, and even above, mimicking what happens when you move your head while sitting in the movie theater. If you are watching a movie and you turn your head with your Pros on, the audio perspective will adjust to your movement maintaining the illusion of “place” and creating a strong sense of directionality. If you accidentally move the device, such as an iPad, on which you are viewing film, the movement will be detected and, again, the source directionality of the sound will automatically adjust accordingly.
Apple will also be updating the audio sharing features on AirPods’ with Apple TV to allow two users to watch a TV show or a movie together. The sharing capabilities will require the new tvOS update – tvOS 14. With all original televisions shows, new monthly additions, and new originals coming in the future, streaming using Apple TV with a partner will make the experience sweeter and more in sync.
In addition to the upcoming new features, Apple also has a new AirPods Pro firmware available which should automatically download. The previous version, 2D15 will be replaced with the newest version 2D27 and marks the 4th update since the AirPods Pro launch. If you are curious what version of firmware your device currently is set to, go to the Settings App on your iPhone, select General, then About, then AirPods Pro.
The Ketogenic Diet, popularly referred to as simply “Keto”, is on top of the list of many well-known ways in which people have lost weight by eating food low in carbs. The ketogenic diet isn’t actually anything new and has been utilized for centuries, most commonly used to help diabetes. The diet was also introduced in the 1920’s as treatment for epilepsy in children, as well as tested with people who have cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome (POS) and Alzheimer’s.
Yet, as a popular way to lose weight, Keto can’t take all the credit, since the rise in stature can be largely attributed to The Atkins Diet, which started around the 1970’s and commercialized the low-carb/high protein diet structure. Due to the initial success of The Atkins Diet, many other low carb diets and variations have been put on the map – such as Keto, Paleo, South Beach and The Dukan Diet to name just a few. So what makes Keto different? The Keto diet stands out from the other low-carb diets because you eat a much higher fat content, which accounts for as much as 70-80% of your food intake and usually, in contrast to other low carb diets, involves also eating only a moderate amount of protein.
The general idea is for your eating plan to include more calories derived from proteins and fat and less from carbohydrates. With a low-carb diet, your body will eventually run out of fuel, usually taken from blood sugar (glucose), which will result in your body starting to break down proteins and fat for energy instead and that will result in weight loss. This metabolic process, described here in a nut-shell, is called ketosis.
Whether you want to just dip your feet in the pooland try out some Keto recipes, or go full hog (pun intended), we have provided some book titles on the most popular books relating to Keto.
What to Eat
Meat (Fish, Beef, Poultry)
Leafy Green Vegetables (Spinach, Kale)
Eggs and Diary (Cheese, Cream, Butter)
Oils
Nuts and Seeds
Avocados
Broccoli and Cauliflower
Berries
Water
What NOT to Eat
Bread (Flour, Wheat, Rice, Cereal)
Pasta
Starches (like Potatoes and Yams)
Sugar
high Fructose Corn Syrup
Corn
Legumes and Beans
Fruit (exception is Berries)
Soda
Milk (has milk sugar)
Being on a ketogenic diet is meant for the short term, rather than permanent, with the main focus being on losing weight and should not be done as a long-term lifestyle diet. This is because there have been some noted and potentially unhealthy takeaways from the diet; one that the diet heavily relies on red meat and other fat-rich processed, high-salt foods that are not optimum for daily consumption. In addition, there have not been enough long term studies to conclude if the the short-term results of weight loss will last or if, after resuming carb intake, the pound will be put right back on again.
As always, whenever choosing a specific elating plan, diet, or weight loss approach, keep in mind that everyone’s body is different and results will vary. Consulting an expert on the matter, like a registered dietitian or general practitioner, is highly recommended for the best guidance on what is best for you.
Keto-Evolution: Non Meat Options
Click to See “Ketotarian“ to Help Lynxotic and Independent Bookstores. Also Available on Amazon.
Since The Keto Diet has been around for a long time, there’s no shortage of books and cookbooks on the topic. However there are now many new and different ways to incorporate Keto, with an offshoot of systems for non-meat eaters, including vegan and vegetarian options. This is surprising, since when Keto comes to mind, it is normal first to picture high-protein animal products like meat, eggs and cheese at the forefront of what can be eaten on the diet. Knowing that you can have plant-based alternatives to choose from and incorporate for Keto is refreshing, and just might remove some of the biggest potential drawbacks mentioned above.
Ketotarian includes more than 75 recipes that are vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian, offering a range of delicious and healthy choices for achieving weight loss, renewed health, robust energy, and better brain function. Dr. Will Cole comes to the rescue with Ketotarian, which has all the fat-burning benefits without the antibiotics and hormones that are packed into most keto diets.
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A lot of us have been spending much more time at home due to the isolation safety measures and business restrictions due to COVID-19. If you’re like me – that also means you’re eating much more than usual too (easy and fast access to the kitchen, right?). If you are looking for a change in your eating plan that is also heart-healthy, the Mediterranean diet might be right for you.
The US News And World Report proclaimed the Mediterranean diet the top rated and best overall diet for 2019 and 2020 among the total 41 other popular diets evaluated by a panel of experts in diet, health and nutrition.
The diet traditionally has been meant for foods, flavors and cooking methods that are available and readily utilized in the countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea. There isn’t an exact meal plan or recipe that can pinpoint or pay homage to that which is “The Mediterranean Diet”, however most meals are known to be rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts, with olive oil used as the primary source of fat. Meals are therefore more plant-based rather than meat-based; red meat is not eaten often and very infrequent if so, instead, seafood and poultry serve as principal protein sources, and even so in moderation. Dairy of cheese and yogurt are also often eaten daily. Even wine is customary in moderate amounts with each meal.
Mediterranean diet consists of very minimal if any processed foods, utilizing fresh and locally grown sources that are in season, this could be seen as a stark contrast to some of the more Westernize meals where there is access to heavily processed, “fast foods” and imported goods. The Mediterranean diet does leave room for indulgence, so a little piece of cake, or soda isn’t off the table, however the key is in the moderation.
The options for meals are plentiful and never boring, since the emphasis is on fresh, your plate will always be booming with color.
Implementing any type of food program is one parts eating the right foods, but also a big part on one’s mentality and attitude. This isn’t a type of diet where calories have to be counted, nor is overly restrictive in what you can or cannot eat, which can be extremely important for longevity and the desire to keep up healthy eating habits.
There is also a lifestyle element attached to the Mediterranean “diet” that is also strongly associated with all the mental and physical benefits. First, this includes having an active lifestyle, walking is central with many Mediterraneans’, however any daily physical activity will do. In addition, creating social interactions with other is also core, this can mean having a family dinner, or meeting with friends and using meals as an occasion to share and engage with others.
Eat fruits and vegetables daily
Use olive oil for healthy fats
Eat fish and poultry or beans and eggs versus red meat
Incorporate whole grains
Reduce sugar intake
Drink wine instead of beer or other liquor
Add spices to add extra flavor to any dish without the need for too much salt
Bring the Mediterranean–from Italy and Greece, to Morocco and Egypt, to Turkey and Lebanon–into your kitchen with more than 500 fresh, flavorful recipes. This comprehensive cookbook translates the famously healthy Mediterranean diet for home cooks with a wide range of creative recipes, many fast enough to be made on a weeknight, using ingredients available at your local supermarket.
The structure of the book follows the guidelines of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid. You’ll find large chapters devoted to Beans and to Vegetables, the Seafood Chapter is larger than Poultry and Meat, and the Fruits and Sweets chapter, while shorter, is packed with recipes you can truly feel good eating.
Recipes include Spiced Baked Rice with Potatoes and Fennel, Tagliatelle with Artichokes and Parmesan, Orzo with Shrimp, Feta, and Lemon, Za’atar-Rubbed Chicken, Greek-Style Braised Pork with Leeks, and Orange Polenta Cake. Also Available on Amazon.
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Maybe now’s the time to escape and get lost in a book or two
The 2020 reality has had many a twists and rocky turns and with the continued ebb and flow of restrictions from COVID-19. Although one could react in many ways, what could be more positive than using this unique and usual time to get lost in the pages of a great book. One of the benefits of reading is that it is enjoyable, however it can also provide knowledge and, perhaps, some relief from the boredom and stress that many have been feeling during the pandemic.
We’ve curated a selection of eclectic new releases that range from magical realism, coming of age, historical fiction, social psychology, humor and race relations. Each title has something different and unique to offer the reader, so you’ll be sure to find at least one that fits your interests.
We have provided some book information from the publisher as well as information on where to purchase and support your local independent bookstores if interested. Happy reading!
Click to See “Sex and Vanity“ to Help Lynxotic and Independent Bookstore. Also Available on Amazon.
The iconic author of the bestselling phenomenon Crazy Rich Asians returns with the glittering tale of a young woman who finds herself torn between two men: the WASPY fianc of her family’s dreams and George Zao, the man she is desperately trying to avoid falling in love with.
On her very first morning on the jewel-like island of Capri, Lucie Churchill sets eyes on George Zao and she instantly can’t stand him. She can’t stand it when he gallantly offers to trade hotel rooms with her so that she can have a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, she can’t stand that he knows more about Casa Malaparte than she does, and she really can’t stand it when he kisses her in the darkness of the ancient ruins of a Roman villa and they are caught by her snobbish, disapproving cousin Charlotte. Available on Bookshop.org and also on Amazon.
Begin Again
Click to See “Begin Again“ to Help Lynxotic and Independent Bookstores. Also Available on Amazon.
We live, according to Eddie S. Glaude Jr., in a moment when the struggles of Black Lives Matter and the attempt to achieve a new America have been challenged by the election of Donald Trump, a president whose victory represents yet another failure of America to face the lies it tells itself about race. From Charlottesville to the policies of child separation at the border, his administration turned its back on the promise of Obama’s presidency and refused to embrace a vision of the country shorn of the insidious belief that white people matter more than others. Available on Bookshop.org and also on Amazon.
Elisabeth, an accomplished journalist and new mother, is struggling to adjust to life in a small town after nearly twenty years in New York City. Alone in the house with her infant son all day (and awake with him much of the night), she feels uneasy, adrift. She neglects her work, losing untold hours to her Brooklyn moms’ Facebook group, her “influencer” sister’s Instagram feed, and text messages with the best friend she never sees anymore. Enter Sam, a senior at the local women’s college, whom Elisabeth hires to babysit. Sam is struggling to decide between the path she’s always planned on and a romantic entanglement that threatens her ambition. She’s worried about student loan debt and what the future holds. In short order, they grow close. Available on Bookshop.org and also on Amazon.
The Nickel Boys
Click to See “The Nickel Boys“ to Help Lynxotic and Independent Bookstores. Also Available on Amazon.
In this bravura follow-up to the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning #1 New York Times bestseller The Underground Railroad, Colson Whitehead brilliantly dramatizes another strand of American history through the story of two boys sentenced to a hellish reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida.When Elwood Curtis, a black boy growing up in 1960s Tallahassee, is unfairly sentenced to a juvenile reformatory called the Nickel Academy, he finds himself trapped in a grotesque chamber of horrors. Elwood’s only salvation is his friendship with fellow “delinquent” Turner, which deepens despite Turner’s conviction that Elwood is hopelessly naive, that the world is crooked, and that the only way to survive is to scheme and avoid trouble. As life at the Academy becomes ever more perilous, the tension between Elwood’s ideals and Turner’s skepticism leads to a decision whose repercussions will echo down the decades. Based on the real story of a reform school that operated for 111 years and warped the lives of thousands of children, The Nickel Boys is a devastating, driven narrative that showcases a great American novelist writing at the height of his powers. Available on Bookshop.org and also on Amazon.
Mexican Gothic
Click to See “Mexican Gothic“ to Help Lynxotic and Independent Bookstores. Also Available on Amazon.
After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find–her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region.
Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom. Available on Bookshop.org and also on Amazon.
In this groundbreaking book, therapist Resmaa Menakem examines the damage caused by racism in America from the perspective of trauma and body-centered psychology. The body is where our instincts reside and where we fight, flee, or freeze, and it endures the trauma inflicted by the ills that plague society. Menakem argues this destruction will continue until Americans learn to heal the generational anguish of white supremacy, which is deeply embedded in all our bodies. Our collective agony doesn’t just affect African Americans. White Americans suffer their own secondary trauma as well. So do blue Americans—our police. My Grandmother’s Hands is a call to action for all of us to recognize that racism is not only about the head, but about the body, and introduces an alternative view of what we can do to grow beyond our entrenched racialized divide. Available on Bookshop.org and also on Amazon.
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Following up a spate of “worst ever” coronavirus decisions with yet another…
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced their ambitions to have all public schools open and operating by the fall for the start of the new academic year. This is a dicey decision, for most schools closed long before the start of summer break because of the coronavirus, transitioning to virtual leaning for the last few months of classes. Thus, reopening schools in autumn would only make sense if there was a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases over the summer.
Unfortunately, such is not the case, as the pandemic recently hit a second spike with increased numbers in several states throughout the country. Barring some miracle, it does not look like the coronavirus will be reasonably diminished by the regular first day of school. Still, Trump and DeVos are steadfast in their plan to reopen, even threatening to thin school budgets for districts that remain closed.
Understandably, the President and Secretary’s outlook has been criticized by many, most notably teachers, who are strangely left out of conversations about plans to reopen. Many state and local governments—the institutions who have the most direct say in how their schools should operate—also disagree with the federal government on this one, for it puts students, teachers, and faculty members at incredibly high risk.
Like all things COVID-19-related, though, the risk is not equally intense across the board. Although the public school system is often dubbed America’s great equalizer, history shows that such has never quite been the case. Socio-economic imbalances, racial inequities, language-barriers, and additional differences between districts proves that not every student has the same opportunities across America. The choice to reopen all schools during a pandemic only highlights these ongoing discrepancies.
A higher risk for the lowest income areas echos throughout the pandemic, including schools
First off, there is the simple fact that not all places in America are experiencing COVID-19 in the same way. A few months ago, the mid-Atlantic was facing the worst of it while the Rocky Mountains were relatively safe. Now, states like New Jersey and New York are recovering while figures in Idaho and Utah are surging. To execute the same course of action in all schools across all states in these uncertain times would make no logical sense.
Even schools within the same states, though, have to deal with this pandemic in different ways. Schools in wealthy communities, for example, may have the local tax dollars to afford more instructors, thus allowing for smaller class sizes with more socially-distanced environments. Contrarily, schools operating on shoestring budgets—often urban and overcrowded schools—will have no choice but to put their students at risk. Non-coincidentally, these are also the schools that would be most effected by budget cuts.
Likewise, schools located in disadvantaged parts of the country deal with student populations at a higher risk. Although we are told the virus doesn’t discriminate, if a poor child is infected or someone in his or her family gets sick, that student will face a far less secure road to recovery than someone coming from money. Healthcare bills, insufficient housing, and the tumultuous state of the economy renders the virus far more dangerous to certain demographics than others right. All life is equally precious, but students in schools with large classes and tight budgets have the most to lose from coming into contact with the disease.
Then, there is the matter of education, the quality of which could be severely hurt if students and teachers spend valuable class time worrying about a perilous disease. Increasing precautions would be essential, but who would be responsible for enforcing such precautions? It is hardly the duty of teachers, who being older and having to engage in multiple classes a day will often be at even greater risk than their students.
The danger is real and forcing an across-the-board re-opening is no solution at all
Teachers are already severely overworked, underpaid, and under-appreciated for all the effort they put in, and most of them go above and beyond for their students as it is. However, demanding them to put their lives in jeopardy day-in and day-out is simply too much to ask, especially when none of the people making this decision for them are (or ever have been) teachers.
Of course, nobody dislikes remote learning more than teachers and students. They know better than anyone how imperative in-person instruction is to learning. But it is still not as important as health and wellbeing. Today and always, those should be the top priorities in any institution.
Plus, if Trump or DeVos want to use the “learning experience” or the “importance of education for all” as their rationales for reopening, one only needs to look at their records in the field to recognize the con. Since assuming their current titles, the two political cronies have slashed the federal education department’s budget, often targeting Special Education programs and LGBTQ+ protections for cuts. They are also both big proponents of education privatization. Evidently, the “importance of education for all” was not a big deal for them before the virus started spreading during an election year.
Speaking of privatization, many private schools—including some of the nation’s most elite universities—are currently announcing plans for their fall semesters, and most of them involve remote learning in some capacity. Once again, it demonstrates how the premature decision to reopen schools is latently classist. The students who can afford private educations won’t have to risk their lives everyday. Trump and DeVos, both of whom patronize private high schools and universities, clearly do not think public school students deserve the same protections as their own children.
Sadly, these educational inequities have always been the case. The egregious pressure that Trump and DeVos are currently putting on our nation’s most vulnerable and innocent, however, just brings these inequities to the foreground.
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