Thursday, June 28, 2018

And another day with another shooting, another protest, more connections with Russia, children still separated from their parents, and feeling like we’re almost living in the world of “A Boy and His Dog” (though for the time being without the nuclear war part) comes to a close. Yes, there’s a lot to learn today.

“You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.” -- Harlan Ellison

Your thoughts and prayers don’t mean shit. They don’t get anything done. And they certainly don’t save anyone’s life. It’s time to vote all these people out of office.

Five people were killed and several others were “gravely injured” in a shooting at the Capital Gazette office. A shooter is in custody. Oh yeah, he’s white...so he wasn’t killed by the police.

Annapolis shooting suspect damaged his finger tips to thwart identification.

Suspect in shooting at Maryland newspaper was ID'd using facial recognition technology.

“The FAKE NEWS media (failing New York Times, NBC News, ABC, CBS, CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American people!” -- Donald Trump, February 17, 2017

Trump at South Carolina rally on June 25, 2018 reiterated his disdain for the news media: “the enemy of the people, I call them".

Two days ago, Milo Yiannopoulos jokes of death squads murdering journalists.

It was only a matter of time before something like today happened. There’s a good chance it’ll be happening again soon. Without a free press, there can be no free people.

How is what’s listed below a “bad” agenda? You’re really going to fight against this?

Why young Democrats are so open to socialism. Because there’s more to life than struggling to eat, worrying about if you’ll get a life-altering disease, falling into crippling debt to get an education (if you’re lucky enough to even get one), hoping you can find a job that pays a living wage, wondering if you’ll ever be able to afford a home, and praying that you, your family, and your friends don’t wind up killing or dying in foolish wars set off by stupid and childish men.

Nancy Pelosi says socialism is not ascendant in Democratic Party. She’s the 6th richest member of the House.

But it’s not socialism we’re after. It’s Democratic Socialism. There is a difference.

Immigrant toddlers ordered to appear in court alone. Yes, without their parents. Children as young as three. While this is not a new practice, under the Trump administration’s policy, more young children--including toddlers--are being affected than in the past.

“If you are stuck there a long time, it will change you,” one employee said. “In a matter of time, this kid is going to become more aggressive. He is just there like a little animal being caged.” Some punch walls, or other kids, or staff, according to employees and records. Some cut themselves or attempt suicide. After ending up in the hospital multiple times, one boy wrote a staff member to apologize: “You told me many times not to hurt myself but I continued to do it and now I am here.”

History Teaches Us There Are Limits to the Power of Civility in the Face of Nazis (Extremism).

The people and institutions that were supposed to constrain Trump are failing us.

Nearly 600 women arrested at immigration protests in the Senate building.

Nearly one third of Americans think another civil war could break out in the U.S. in the next five years over opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies with more than one in ten believing it is very likely to happen. A similar survey conducted in March 2010 during Barack Obama’s second year in office yielded similar results with 53 percent of U.S. voters describing themselves as “somewhat concerned” that those opposed to his policies will resort to violence.

Trump suggests Justice Kennedy’s retirement during his presidency was a deliberate choice: “He felt confident in me to make the right choice and carry on his great legacy, that’s why he did it”. I’m thinking there may have been a little more to it than just that.

In the 9 months leading up to this weekend's presidential election in Mexico, 132 politicians have been killed since campaigning began.

Tony Blair warns rise in populism could risk return to the '1930s'.

Reality Winner, former U.S. intelligence specialist accused of leaking report on Russian election hacking, to change her plea to guilty. The only person in jail for the Russian election hacking is the American who tried to tell us about it.

Several billionaires with deep ties to Russia attended exclusive, invitation-only receptions during Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities, guest lists obtained by ABC show; their presence is being eyed by special counsel Robert Mueller. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.

Trey Gowdy apparently forgets that he led the Benghazi investigation in the House which was active for...wait for it...950 days. Shut up, Gowdy.

CBS News interview with ICE whistleblower interrupted by surprise visit from government agents. There are things they don’t want us to know.

Former Fox News co-president ousted during sexual harassment scandal reportedly accepts job in Trump White House. Of course he was offered the job. This is America, 2018.

Across Canada, people are increasingly angry about the way the country is being treated by the Trump administration — and are protesting with their pocketbooks. Please be patient with us, Canada. We are trying to rectify this disaster.

64% of Republicans say technology firms support the views of liberals over conservatives. 85% of Republicans think it likely that social media companies intentionally censor political viewpoints that those companies find objectionable, with 54% indicating they find it very likely. 62% of Democrats also think social media companies engage in this behavior.

California lawmakers pass bill stopping companies like Facebook from selling user data without consent.

San Francisco families earning $117,400 a year are now considered "low income".

Pornhub adds closed captions for viewers with hearing loss. More than 1,000 videos, across all genres, now come with subtitles.

Age 105? Then you've a better chance of living even longer. Study suggests that death rates level off at this age threshold, but fuels fierce debate whether humans are approaching upper lifespan limit

RIP Harlan Ellison. He was 84.

“The two most common elements in the universe are Hydrogen and stupidity.” -- Harlan Ellison

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

And another day where the mistake you made by not voting for the Democratic candidate for President gets worse and worse comes to a close:

“Goodbye, blue sky.” -- Pink Floyd

It’s a day of total despair with no relief on the horizon. 

Justice Anthony Kennedy to retire; Trump can cement court's conservative majority. The president is likely to nominate someone more conservative than Kennedy, a swing vote who has sometimes sided with liberals on key opinions, including on the landmark ruling that legalized gay marriage. Oh yeah, and we can probably say goodbye to legal abortions.

In all fourteen 5-4 decisions this term that divided along ideological lines, Kennedy has sided with the conservatives. Anthony Kennedy Is Not the Supreme Court’s Swing Justice Anymore.

I know it goes without saying, but Mitch McConnell is a horrible person.

Reminder: Sen. McCain Says Republicans Will Block All Court Nominations If Clinton Wins.

Manafort had $10 million loan from Russian oligarch: court filing. Of course he did.

How badly did the Supreme Court just damage public sector unions? Take a look at Michigan.

Democrats searched for meaning on Wednesday in the shocking upset of U.S. Representative Joseph Crowley, a member of the Democratic House leadership, by a 28-year-old liberal organizer in a New York primary ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Some House Democrats Are Pushing For New Leadership After Joe Crowley’s Surprise Loss.

Joe Biden is the early favorite to represent the Democrats and try to unseat President Donald Trump in the 2020 election, according to a new poll. New blood?

President Trump discusses election defeat of NY Rep. Crowley: "A slovenly man named Joe Crowley got his ass kicked". Hmmmmm. About that “civility” bullshit the GOP has been talking about...

U.S. House defeats broad Republican immigration bill.

Lawmakers introduced new bipartisan legislation to make Puerto Rico the nation's 51st state by 2021.

The U.S. was just ranked as one of the top 10 most dangerous countries for women for the first time ever. In terms of the risk of sexual violence, harassment and being coerced into sex. Wow. Take a look at that list. Ouch.

The Netherlands is banning face coverings, including burqas and niqabs, in public spaces such as schools, hospitals, public transport and government buildings.

Blacks face longer wait times on Uber, Lyft than other races – worse for taxis, study says. Taxi drivers in L.A. were 73% more likely to cancel on black riders than whites, and 25% of blacks were never sent a cab.

New Cassini findings suggest Saturn moon could support life.

“But a man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

And another day of America’s moral crisis comes to a close:

“We shall overcome.” -- Pete Seger’s version

I am part of one tribe: the human race. Why do you continue to hate people different than you?

Remember, for eight months McConnell refused to allow a Supreme Court nominee to come before the Senate.

U.S. Supreme Court in 5-4 decision backs Trump on travel ban targeting Muslim-majority nations.

“Our Constitution demands, and our country deserves, a Judiciary willing to hold the coordinate branches to account when they defy our most sacred legal commitments. Because the Court’s decision today has failed in that respect, with profound regret, I dissent.” -- Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayer. Read more here.

It may be the law, but that doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do. Morality needs no law.

One father said he felt broken without his teenage son, while another cried over his daughter. A mother wiped away tears, fearing that her 4-year-old son believes she abandoned him.

UN says Trump separation of migrant children with parents 'may amount to torture'.

Far from Southwest, children of workplace raids await fate.

"Quit trying to make us feel teary-eyed for the children. Yes, I love children a great deal, but to me, it's up to the parents to do things rightfully and legally". What some Trump supporters think of family separations at the border. When a person lacks empathy, it’s easy to think of others as “lesser.”

No, rude liberals are not making Donald Trump more popular.

Supreme Court effectively put an end Tuesday to a California law that forces anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers to provide information about abortion.

The United States demands that countries around the world must stop buying Iranian oil before November 4 or face a renewed round of American economic sanctions. It’s like he’s trying--actually putting forth a concerted effort--to start World War III.

Trump revs up attacks after Harley-Davidson said tariffs are forcing them to move overseas.

Trump falsely claims (in other words “lies”) that crime in Germany "is way up." But data from the German government shows that 2017 saw the lowest number of crimes committed there since 1992.

The White House tried to suppress a bombshell study on water contamination near military bases because they were afraid of the PR.

And another sign that the end is near: Sean Spicer is developing a TV show.

“Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.” -- John W. Gardner

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Friday, June 22, 2018

And another day of being beaten down and wondering if I’m reaching my limit comes to a close:

“It’s a sad, sad story when a mother will teach her daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger.” -- Dixie Chicks

Trump meets families of Americans killed by illegal immigrants, says they're coping with 'permanent separation,' not 'for a day or two.' Calls studies showing crime rate among native-born Americans far higher than among illegal immigrants 'not true.' The continuation of demonizing a group of people by appealing to your most basic instinct: fear.

President Trump's roundup of immigrants is beginning to resemble a sort of ethnic cleansing campaign. He's already proven that he won’t be constrained by our democratic norms, our respect for human rights or even basic human decency.

Trump urges Republican lawmakers to drop immigration bill effort.

The House floor broke into chaos after congressman tries to play audio of detained children. “Why are we hiding this from the American people?” -- Rep Ted Lieu

America is at on #8 on this list:

The Republican tax law is becoming less popular, not more. God damn it takes some people a long time to understand some things.

While you’re being distracted by everything else: All your consumer protections are dying.

Americans born into poverty are more likely than ever before to stay that way under the Trump administration, according to a United Nations report on poverty and inequality in the US.

Americans think Russia investigation is serious and should continue. Most Americans continue to believe that the Russian effort to influence the 2016 presidential election is a serious matter that should be investigated, but the constant criticism by President Donald Trump of special counsel Robert Mueller is taking its toll. He’s following the lead of many authoritarians before him...and apparently he’s winning.

42 percent of Americans support impeaching Trump. Shockingly it’s along party lines: 77% of Democrats; 9% of Republicans.

Five teens who mocked, laughed and videoed a drowning disabled man will not face charges. “I know that everyone was sickened by the callous disregard for human life exhibited by these young people. We can only hope that this was an isolated and rare circumstance that will never happen again," said Florida State Attorney Phil Archer in a prepared statement. "Unfortunately, Florida law does not address this behavior and we are ethically restrained from pursuing criminal charges without a reasonable belief of proving a crime beyond and to the exclusion of every reasonable doubt.”

Release of 'Wolf Pack' behind Spanish sex assault sparks protests. Five men convicted of sexually assaulting a young woman at the Pamplona bull running festival in 2016 were released on bail on Friday, re-igniting outrage over the case which has led to mass protests calling for tougher punishment of sex crimes.

Twenty-seven out of 195 countries have passed laws allowing gay marriage, according to the Pew Research Center.

The man who was fired by a machine. "It's another example of a failure of human thinking where they allow it to be humans versus machines rather than humans plus machines," he said. Holy cow!

The FDA has approved an implantable glucose monitor for diabetics that lasts for months.

“We are beaten, we will make no bones about it; but we are not too badly beaten still to fight.” -- James Larkin

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Thursday, June 21, 2018

And another day of saying “I really don’t care. Do U?” (But we really do care, don’t we?) comes to a close:

“Oh yeah, life goes on. Long after the thrill, of living is gone.” -- John Mellencamp

Immigrant children as young as 14 housed at a juvenile detention center in Virginia say they were beaten while handcuffed and locked up for long periods in solitary confinement, left nude and shivering in concrete cells. "They handcuffed me and put a white bag of some kind over my head," he said, according to his sworn statement. "They took off all of my clothes and put me into a restraint chair, where they attached my hands and feet to the chair. They also put a strap across my chest. They left me naked and attached to that chair for two and a half days, including at night."

Texas state inspectors identified nearly 250 violations at facilities run by Southwest Key, the non-profit now housing migrant children separated from their parents in a converted Walmart in Brownsville, Texas.

“They walk through Mexico like it's walking through Central Park. It's ridiculous," President Trump says of migrants' journey to the U.S.-Mexico border. However, many migrants are extorted, raped, kidnapped, sold into sex slavery. They die from the heat, from the cold, from “La Bestia,” or are killed by gangs. This is the perilous journey on a migrant caravan through Mexico.

Jeff Sessions Now Says The Trump Administration "Never Really Intended" To Separate Families At The Border. They move between lies of bullshit with such ease.

Sinclair Broadcasting Group--the pro-Trump media conglomerate--forced its TV stations to air pro-Trump propaganda on family separation. This isn’t Fox News. These are local television stations across the country. And this is why the country has a good chance of falling. Politicians over the past few decades have allowed this to happen, and now because of it, the country suffers. Here’s a list of Sinclair owned television stations by state.

Facebook blocks ad for actual news claiming it's 'political'. The story? The one that broke yesterday about children at detention centers allegedly being drugged. They can’t figure out what’s real news, what’s fake news, and what’s “political content.”

America’s long history of casting suspicion and blame on non white children. Part of the rationale for these atrocities was that these children are not really children, in the way white people understand it—those families were not really families, and those people were not really people.

While the Trump admin signed an order to keep families together at the border, it will still enforce Jeff Sessions’ zero-tolerance policy which requires illegal border crossings to be prosecuted as crimes.

An immigrant detainee at a federal Bureau of Prisons facility northeast of Los Angeles has tested positive for chickenpox, and the president of the local prison guard union says he fears for the health of jailers there. He doesn’t fear for the health of the detainees, obviously.

New FBI Study Shows Mass Shooters Aren’t Loners Who Suddenly Just Snap. Rampage killers plan, give off warning signs—and mostly get their weapons legally.

The explosive film lifting the lid on sex trafficking between India and LA. “Everyone thinks it’s something that only happens in somebody else’s country, or happens far, far away,” says Noorani. “They watch the film and they realise it is down the street where they live.”

The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that states can collect state sales taxes from online retailers on consumer purchases.

The White House unveiled a plan today to merge the Education and Labor Departments into a single Cabinet agency: the Department of Education and the Workforce. The GOP has wanted to eliminate the Department of Education for a long time.

GOP candidate suggests diversity in America will spark a civil war. What a maroon.

Melania Trump doubles-down with "I really don't care. Do U?” jacket. All to distract you from what’s really going on. Don’t fall for it.

Senators call on the National Science Foundation to investigate the foundation's grant-making process.

Four Republican senators say a $4 million program to boost climate reporting by meteorologists is not science, but "propagandizing.”

Canadian border guards have been screening travellers using a huge, secretive US anti-terrorism database that is almost never referred to publicly, new documents reveal.

'This is how Russia could look': World Cup fans surprised by relaxed policing.

Saudi Arabia is about to spend millions to troll Qatar by turning it into an island. Yes, that’s an actual thing. Humans...so full of hate for others.

Herpes viruses linked to Alzheimer's disease in new brain research.

For some Christian voters in Oklahoma, medical marijuana is a "moral issue." Oklahoma Faith Leaders: “Their intent is to undo the influence of the church in Oklahoma - or ‘unbuckle the bible belt.’ This is why we must vote NO!” There’s no reasoning with someone who has irrationally taken their religious beliefs to such extremes.

RIP Koko, the gorilla who knew sign language. She was 46.

“There is nothing permanent except change.” -- Heraclitus

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

And another day where we inch closer to saying “Goodbye, darling,” and “Get him out of here,” comes to a close:

“No home, no job, no peace, no rest.” -- Bruce Springsteen (This is a great version with Tom Morello joining Bruce on stage.)

Detention centers = internment camps = one step away from concentration camps.

Trump signed an executive order to keep parents and children together, contradicting assertions that only Congress could act to end separations at the border. In other words, Trump is a lying sack of shit. He created this disaster, then came in to make it look like he is the savior. What a fucking despicable human being.

Trump’s executive order to end family separation might run afoul of a 1997 court ruling. The solution to the crisis of family separation at the US-Mexico border, the Trump administration has decided, is to get rid of a 1997 federal court decision that strictly limits the government’s ability to keep children in immigration detention. Of course it does. This looks likes he trying to set up indefinite internment camps...you know, like the Nazis.

Remember, Nazis never saw themselves as villains. They thought they were the victims. You know, just like today with how the republicans see themselves. And don’t get all pissed at me for saying it. You know this is Trump’s party. It’s no longer the party of Bush or Reagan or Nixon or, for crying out loud, Lincoln. The current version of the Republican party is racist, xenophobic, homophobic, misogynistic, and an embarrassment to the human race.

If you think the left is intolerant, then know that you have become a Nazi.

What will happen to the thousands of children already separated from their parents after Trump's latest order? That's unclear.

Despite President Trump's executive order, families may never be put back together.

Immigrant children forcibly injected with drugs, lawsuit claims. Trump’s zero tolerance policy is creating a zombie army of children forcibly injected with medications that make them dizzy, listless, obese and even incapacitated, according to legal filings that show immigrant children in U.S. custody subdued with powerful psychiatric drugs...The lawsuit alleges that children were told they would not be released or see their parents unless they took medication and that they only were receiving vitamins.

Kids taken from parents at border get their toys confiscated, too.

United and American Airlines ask feds to not transport children separated from parents at border on their flights. White House officials accuse them of "buckling to a false media narrative." Can’t be a ‘false media narrative’ since you just signed the executive order.

Michael Cohen resigns from RNC post, criticizes Trump's 'heart wrenching' border policy.

Trump rallies supporters in Minnesota. Oh look, a gathering of Nazis.

Former Texas priest sexually abused girl for years — including during confession.

Burger King is sorry for offering a lifetime supply of Whoppers to Russian women who get pregnant by World Cup players to get "the best football genes." WTF?

“In war, you can only be killed once, but in politics, many times.” -- Winston Churchill

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

And another day of what will clearly be labeled as one of the lowest moments in American history comes to a close. So much happened today that it may be too much to digest at one time. I apologize that this may be the longest daily summary, yet, but I thank you for reading, for wanting to know what is happening in our country and our world.

“What’s that crashing sound, follows us around? That’s the sound of all things good breaking.” -- The Decemberists

Trump administration unveils new health plan; Democrats call it 'junk insurance'. The Trump administration's new health insurance option offers lower premiums for small businesses and self-employed people, but the policies are likely to cover fewer benefits. Another caveat: if healthy people flock to the new plans as expected, premiums will rise for those who need comprehensive coverage. The GOP wants those who are poor and/or in poor health to cease existing on this planet. Everything they do seems to further this agenda. And they’re using the children in cages as cover to try and pass this through. Such horrible, horrible people, these GOP members.

In case you didn’t want to read the lead story, here’s a summary: The Trump administration issued a new rule that will allow Americans to purchase skimpy health insurance plans, which are not subject to the same coverage requirements of Obamacare. But because there’s always more...House GOP unveils budget to fast-track tax cuts and end Obamacare.

Now, fuck “going high” when they “go low.” No longer is it acceptable to sit by and let the GOP and Trump supporters, aka Nazis, get by with the horrible things they say and do while we try to find some “reasonable” way--some tolerable way--of debating them to try and get them to see the error of their ways. They’re not going to see it...because they’re Nazis. So yes, in the words of the congressional intern today who yelled at Trump: “Mr. President, fuck you!”

Uproar grows as administration digs in on child separation policy. Davidson said he quit after he was forced to tell family that they couldn’t hug each other goodbye. You want America changed? Then change it.

Trump administration officials have been sending babies and other young children forcibly separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border to at least three “tender age” shelters in South Texas, The Associated Press has learned. America, this is on you. Your government represents you. If you want this to end, then fucking end it.

Former ICE Director: Some migrant family separations are permanent. "You could be creating thousands of immigrant orphans in the U.S.," said ex-Acting Director John Sandweg.

“Just following orders” or “Just doing my job” are not excuses. The personnel at the border that are carrying out these atrocities, along with those in charge above them, need to be held accountable, as well.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions says comparing separating children from their parents at the border to Nazi Germany is an "exaggeration". Actually, it’s not. You are literally one step away from sending the children to the “showers.”

More than 75 former U.S. attorneys are calling on Jeff Sessions to stop family separations, saying the decision to implement the policy "falls squarely on your shoulders."

"Mexico does nothing for us. You heard it here. They do nothing for us. They could stop it. They have very, very strong laws. Try staying in Mexico for a couple of days, see how long that lasts, okay?” -- Donald Trump, Racist in Chief.

The Racist in Chief ends anti-immigration speech by hugging US flag.

"I prefer a man who will burn the flag and then wrap himself in the Constitution to a man who will burn the Constitution and then wrap himself in the flag." -- Craig Washington

The Racist in Chief falsely insists there are only two options when dealing with illegal immigrants: “Totally open borders or criminal prosecution”.

Senate Democrats decline to bargain on separating families. The Democrats didn’t create this. There is no law separating families. This is all on Trump’s shoulders and the GOP in general. If the Democrats cave again and compromise on this bullshit by giving Trump his fucking wall, or killing the ACA, then they will be held accountable. Just like Republicans, they are not entitled to be in office. Other people can and will run against them. We encourage you to go forward wisely, Democrats.

A mother from Guatemala whose 7-year-old son was taken from her after they were detained for crossing the border illegally is suing the Trump administration, saying officials will not tell her where her son is, even though she has now been released from custody. So much for holding the kids safe while detaining the parents. Isn’t that really called “kidnapping?”

A 10-Year-Old With Down Syndrome Has Been Separated From Her Family at the Border. Remember, Trump thinks less of people with disabilities.

And after hearing about the above girl with Down Syndrome, Corey Lewandowski...well, he’s a horrible person.

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz were denied access Tuesday to a Homestead shelter where as many as 1,000 unaccompanied immigrant children are being held. "The company running this facility told us we would be welcomed to tour the facility," Nelson said on Twitter. “HHS then denied us entry and said that they need 'two weeks notice' to allow us inside. That's ridiculous and it’s clear this administration is hiding something."

Members of Jeff Sessions' own church file formal complaint against him, accusing him of "child abuse," "immorality," "racial discrimination" and “dissemination of doctrines contrary to the established standards of doctrines” of United Methodist Church. Jeff Sessions is a horrible person. Even members of his own church know this.

U.S. withdraws from United Nations human rights body. Because our leaders now have a different definition of “human rights.”

Children make up more than half of the refugee population, the U.N. says.

The train is rolling: In America, naturalized citizens no longer have an assumption of permanence. Last week the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (U.S.C.I.S.) formed a task force in order to identify people who lied on their citizenship applications [which is fuzzier than one might assume] and to denaturalize them. Amid the overwhelming flow of reports of families being separated at the border and children being warehoused, this bit of bureaucratic news went largely unnoticed. But it adds an important piece to our understanding of how American politics and culture are changing.

For those who still claim “It Can’t Happen Here,” it is.

Trump has been watching the coverage on television with increasing anger, telling confidants he believes media outlets are deliberately highlighting the worst images — the cages and screaming toddlers — to make him look bad. He’s a sad excuse for a human being.

Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen is 'willing to give info' about the President. "He knows a lot of things about the President and he's not averse to talking in the right situation," one of Cohen's New York friends who is in touch with him told CNN. "If they want information on Trump, he's willing to give it." We shall see.

Trump lashes out at Canada over trade. Trump accused Canadians of crossing the border with the U.S. to buy products and "smuggle" them back into their country because their tariffs are so high.

A critical cartoon of Donald Trump could get you fired in America. No criticizing the leader! He’s the leader! He leads...and does….things...like leads.

Rudy Giuliani says he was interviewed about leaks regarding the Hillary Clinton investigation.

The Dow has erased all its gains for 2018 — as investors fret about the growing trade spat between the US and China. Republicans, they obviously know how to run the economy.

The Supreme Court Just Guaranteed That Millions of Americans Will Vote in Districts That Have Been Ruled Unconstitutional. In two decisions, the court punted on major partisan gerrymandering cases.

What is Juneteenth? It should be a national holiday. On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger came to Galveston, Texas, to inform a reluctant community that President Abraham Lincoln two years earlier had freed the slaves and to press locals to comply with his directive.

Kris Kobach tried to prove the existence of mass voter fraud in Kansas. Instead, he humiliated himself—and top "expert" voter fraud alarmists—and is now constitutionally prohibited from enacting his signature voter suppression law. Every once in awhile some good news crosses my path during the day.

Joe Hagin, a top Trump aide, is resigning, a day after BuzzFeed News reported his ties to backers of an alleged “sex cult.” He hires only “the best.”

Mad Max violence stalks Venezuela's lawless roads. Holy shit.

A Democrat funded by AT&T could sabotage California's Net Neutrality law.

What drinking alcohol means for your cancer and death risk. Yet the study also found that a person's combined risk of dying younger or developing cancer is lowest among light drinkers: those consuming only one to three alcoholic drinks per week. That risk increases with each additional drink consumed per week.

Mexican soccer player urges fans to stop using anti-gay chant.

Canada legalises recreational marijuana. Yay, Canada! The first G7 country to legalise. Canadians will be able to buy and use recreational marijuana as soon as September.

Most New Yorkers who are found smoking marijuana in public after September 1 will no longer be subject to arrest, the New York Police Department has announced. Um…”most”?

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Monday, June 18, 2018

And another day where it is becoming increasingly obvious that there are very few republicans worthy of being called a decent human being painfully comes to a close. Yes, this was a hard day:

“The evil that men do lives on and on.” -- Iron Maiden

No, the United States is not better than this. Many of you just had your eyes closed and are shocked now that you have them open. Good. Now it’s time for change. The country can be better than this. It’s up to us to make that happen.

Photographer describes poignant image of crying child at border. "As a father myself, it was very difficult for me to see these families detained, knowing that they would soon be split up," Moore told Getty's FOTO of his recent ride-along with the Border Patrol. "I could see on their faces that they had no idea what was about to happen."

Border Patrol object to detention cages reports. They say they are “uncomfortable” using the word “cages” to hold children; that it’s ‘Not inaccurate, but they’re not treated like animals.’ If you’re keeping children in a cage, then you are treating them like an animal. And you may be “uncomfortable,” but you’re not nearly as uncomfortable as the children you have in cages.

And the question now is: Where are the girls?

Sessions on separating families: If we build a wall and pass legislation, we won't have these 'terrible choices'. Which means you just admitted you’re holding children as hostages. Jeff Sessions is a horrible waste of flesh.

“The President of the United States has stolen 2,000 little children from their parents and locked them in cages, to be released only if Congress gives him money to build a wall with Mexico. I’m pretty sure I have that right.” -- Chris Murphy

Border Patrol agent caught on tape joking as migrant children separated from parents scream and cry: “Well, we have an orchestra here. What’s missing is a conductor". The world may not be full of assholes, but there sure are a lot of infected pimples on its ass. Listen to the children cry.

DHS Secretary Nielsen denies separation amounts to 'child abuse'.

California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris has called for the resignation of US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen over family separations at the border.

Ted Cruz introducing emergency legislation to keep illegal immigrant families together. Of course, they’ll be held in gulags, but I digress. Ted Cruz is a horrible person.

Here’s How You Can Help Fight Family Separation at the Border.

Texas detention officer charged with "super aggravated sexual assault" of a 4-year-old girl after authorities say her mother, an undocumented immigrant, was being blackmailed to stay silent about the abuse — or face deportation. And you get pissed off because NFL players take a knee.

"Donald Trump is presiding over a sunset to democracy that is spreading across the world, eradicating much of the spirit of globalism that once was a beacon to freedom, free trade and democratic values." -- David A. Andelman

A Republican Who’s a White Nationalist Won a County Post in Washington State. The GOP may be scrambling to distance themselves from him, but it’s all a show. This is the face of the current GOP.

In a recent survey, only a quarter of U.S. adults could fully identify factual statements, as opposed to opinion, in news stories. Holy shit that’s depressing.

Ann Coulter is worse than a horrible person.

And Laura Ingraham is worse than Ann Coulter.

And Tucker Carlson is just plain vile.

U.S. Armed Forces is getting a Space Force (over the objections of the Secretary of Defense). A sixth branch of the military to feed the ego of a pathetic excuse of a man, and cause another distraction from all the shit that’s hitting the fan. “Help me Obi Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.”

Dozens of charter schools have used their greater flexibility to limit which kids make it through the schoolhouse doors — creating exclusive, disproportionately white schools. Which was the plan all along.

EPA moves to replace Obama-era rule protecting drinking water for 117 million.

'Incredibles 2': Theaters post warnings due to seizure concerns. Strobe lights? Really? In this day and age? With all the information we have regarding strobe lights and epilepsy/migraines Disney still chose to put this into a children’s movie. I expect better from the Mouse House.

A huge weed that can cause third-degree burns and even blindness has been found in Virginia.

In a bid to protect its ownership rights, Warner Bros. is going after Harry Potter fan events. Um, way to piss off the fan base WB. Not a good move.

“What a fucking day.” -- Anonymous

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Sunday, June 17, 2018

And another day where we celebrate fathers (which means the horrible practice of separating children from their parents at the border needs to end) comes to a close:

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” -- Jim Valvano

Inside an old warehouse in South Texas, hundreds of children wait away from their parents in a series of cages created by metal fencing. One cage had 20 children inside. Scattered about are bottles of water, bags of chips and large foil sheets intended to serve as blankets.

Yes, they are being held in cages. See the pictures.

Kids can suffer permanent damage from border separations.

Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen: “We do not have a policy of separating families at the border.” Then you’re doing it for fun? For sport? What the fuck you doing it for Kirstjen? Your sick, demented pleasure? You’re lying...and you know it. You do have a zero tolerance policy, so shut up.

Not necessary to justify separating kids, parents at border, 'it's zero tolerance’: Bannon. I see he crawled out from under his rock today.

Trump aide Stephen Miller on separating children at border: “It was a simple decision.” Stephen Miller is a horrible person.

“I know who’s going to hell. It ain’t Trudeau.” -- Kurt Eichenwald

Trump ally Roger Stone met with Russian offering dirt on Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Pope Francis says abortion to avoid birth defects is similar to Nazi crimes.

For some hunters, there isn't a contradiction between appreciating coyotes and killing them. But activists argue it's time to choose coexistence with other species over domination.

Agency that monitors earthquakes in Mexico said that an “artificial quake” was registered in Mexico City, possibly caused by “massive jumps during the goal from the Mexico national soccer team.” Mexico upset reigning World Cup champion Germany 1-0.

“Start every day off with a smile and get it over with.” -- W.C. Fields

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Saturday, June 16, 2018

And another day of...of...oh hell, just go and read it and be thankful it came to a close:

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” -- Alice Walker

Trump suggests he is using his administration's separation of families at the US border as a negotiating tool to get Democrats to cave on his immigration demands, which include funding for a border wall. What a demented piece of shit.

Colleen Kraft, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, visited a Texan shelter for migrant children and saw a young girl of about two crying. Staff told her that federal regulations prevented them from touching or holding the child to soothe her. They are being deliberately cruel to other human beings; to frightened children who are suffering great traumatic stress. This new Trump policy has to stop.

The Trump administration, and his supporters, view these immigrants and their children as “lesser,” as not their human equal. This allows them to commit such atrocities as seperating children from their parents and holding them in cages, and who really knows what else is going on, free from guilt. You know, just like the Nazis did and every other god damn racist that’s ever existed.

Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani clarifies comments about Joe Biden in which he called the former Democratic vice president "a mentally deficient idiot": "I didn't mean that. I meant he's dumb," Giuliani says. And this is proper discourse in America in 2018.

China announces tariffs on $50B of U.S. products.

Road rage leads Colorado man to shoot woman and children, killing 13-year-old boy. More guns is not the answer.

24% of millennials with full-time jobs report receiving financial assistance from their parents.

23-foot-long python swallows Indonesian woman. "She was swallowed first from her head."

“Luck is great, but most of life is hard work.” -- Iain Duncan Smith

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Friday, June 15, 2018

And another day where we learn that the party proclaiming to represent family values and the only one with high moral standards is really nothing more than a bullshit con organization with a wannabe dictator at the helm thankfully comes to a close:

“Who are these men of lust, greed, and glory? Rip off the mask and let’s see.” -- Supertramp (Richard Davies and Roger Hodgson)

Trump on North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un: "He speaks and his people sit up in attention. I want my people to do the same." Fuck you. Later in the day he claimed he was “kidding” and questioned if reporters understood sarcasm. Um, saying shit like that when you’re the POTUS is not something to joke about. No, I don’t believe he was joking. His actions over the years prove his desire to be Kim Jong Un or Vladimir Putin.

Judge sends Paul Manafort to jail.

Cohen signals openness to cooperating with federal investigators.

Rudy Giuliani suggested there might be some presidential pardons for those swept up in the Russia investigation once the "whole thing is over". The actions of people who are guilty--and oh yeah, Rudy Giuliani is a horrible person.

About 2,000 minors separated from families over a six-week period.

Trump: "I hate the children being taken away. The Democrats have to change their law. That's their law." FACT: It’s not a law. It’s his administration’s policy. He’s using the tried and true method of repeating it often in hopes that eventually people will believe it as truth.

Trump says no to 'moderate' immigration plan. Donald Trump is a horrible person.

Jeff Sessions’ Latest Immigration Ruling Is a Violation of International Law. Jeff Sessions is a horrible person.

French border police regularly abused refugee children. 'French police cut soles off shoes of child refugees.' Children as young as 12 have been physically and verbally abused. Because hatred, racism, and abusing the vulnerable knows no nationality.

Trump sets tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese goods; Beijing strikes back.

Theranos founder Holmes, former president indicted for fraud.

Arizona frat brothers allegedly had a secret revenge porn Facebook group called 'Dog Pound'. According to the complaint, a number of frat brothers used the page to share nude photos and videos of girlfriends as well as “unwitting female victims.”

“Patience is not simply the ability to wait--it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” -- Joyce Meyer

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Thursday, June 14, 2018

And another day full of morally bankrupt ghouls spouting a twisted version of Christianity (though religion is something that should never be melded with government) finally comes to a god damn close:

“These are the new Dark Ages. And the world might end tonight.” -- Bad Religion

Fact: There is no law stating children are to be ripped away from their parents at the border. That is a policy the Trump administration announced in May, 2018. The zero-tolerance policy has lead to a surge in family separations.

Remember, your government is currently on your watch. What you do, matters.

Sessions cites Bible in defense of breaking up families, blames migrant parents. Jeff Sessions is a horrible person.

Sarah Sanders uses Bible to defend Trump's separation of families at border. “I can say that it is very biblical to enforce the law. That is repeated throughout the Bible.” Sarah Sanders is a horrible person. Religion doesn’t change that fact.

Oh yeah, the bible was used to justify slavery, too.

The Trump administration is going to build a tent city at the border for migrant children.

What it's like inside a former Walmart in Texas where the US is holding 1,400 immigrant children.

A grandmother seeking asylum was separated from her disabled grandson at the border. It’s been 10 months. The boy has severe epilepsy and autism.

When asked by a reporter if she has any empathy for the children being ripped away from their parents at the border, the Press Sec of the US says "I know you want to get some more TV time". I may have mentioned this already but Sarah Sanders is a horrible person.

“These people have nothing. They come to the border with nothing. And you throw children in cages.”

Thousands of people are expected to join rallies in dozens of cities across the country calling attention to the plight of children being separated from their parents at the southern border.

Trump returns salute of North Korean general at summit, state media footage reveals.

James Comey used a personal Gmail account for official government business while FBI director, the Justice Department's inspector general says. Hillary Clinton tweets: “But my emails.”

Trump uses the Comey report to cover-up his guilt in the Russia scandal.

Reporter: Are you confident in EPA Admin. Pruitt?
Speaker Ryan: "Frankly I haven't paid that close attention to it ... I don't know enough about what Pruitt has or has not done to give you a good comment."

At best, Paul Ryan is waste of flesh. At worst, he is either massively ignorant or a lying sack of shit about the Pruitt story. Neither of those options bode well for the country.

House GOP draft immigration bill includes visas for 'Dreamers' and other immigrants, $25 billion for border wall. Using Dreamers (and immigrants) to fund the fucking wall. Because people, particularly non-white, non-wealthy, non-males, are nothing more than tokens in some fucked up game to the GOP.

Trump and family sued by New York attorney general over alleged charity violations.

Waffle House is in hot water again, this time for calling police on a black couple disputing the cost of a cup of orange juice. I think it’s time to stop dining at Waffle House.

"Stranger Things" star Millie Bobby Brown leaves Twitter amid cyberbulling.

There is nowhere in the U.S. where a full-time worker earning the federal minimum wage of $7.25 could afford a two-bedroom rental apartment. You'll Need a $22/Hour Wage to Afford a Two-Bedroom Rental in the U.S.

New Study Shows the Devastating Effect Climate Change Is Having on Antarctica.

“Religion is the opium of the masses.” -- Karl Marx

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

And another day of admirations, plastic surgery, and a pimp winning a GOP primary comes to a close:

“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” -- Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen splits with his own legal team.

Trump on Kim Jong Un, who is considered among the worst human rights abusers in the world: “He’s got a great personality. He’s a funny guy, he’s very smart, he’s a great negotiator. He loves his people, not that I’m surprised by that". Horrible people support other horrible people. Kim Jong Un, like Vladimir Putin, is what Trump aspires to be.

Two Norwegian lawmakers have nominated President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize after the summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Families Belong Together. Families Belong Together opposes the cruel, inhumane and unjustified separation of children from their parents along the U.S. border. Join us on June 14, 2018.

Tuesday's results show the dangers of crossing Donald Trump. The clear message in both races was this: Support Trump and you have a better-than-average chance of winning in a Republican primary. Oppose him -- even occasionally -- and run the risk of losing for your apostasy. "We are the party of President Donald J. Trump," South Carolina state legislator Katie Arrington declared proudly after defeating Rep. Mark Sanford in the 1st District Republican primary. And if you support the current version of the Republican Party, then you too are a horrible person. Yes, I said that.

Initiative to break California into 3 states to go on November ballot. If Brexit and Trump winning in 2016 hadn’t happened I might think this was just fringe bullshit. But a divided California would certainly help one particular political party.

Nevada pimp Dennis Hof, the owner of half a dozen legal brothels and star of HBO's "Cathouse," won a Republican primary for the state Legislature on Tuesday, ousting a three-term lawmaker.

With 15.5 million cancer survivors in the U.S., why don't we know more about "chemobrain"--the mental fog that often lingers after treatment is over? Cancer specialists want the help of brain scientists.

As Mars dust storm rages, NASA's Opportunity rover falls silent.

More men are turning to plastic surgery to try to improve their looks, the industry's professional organization says.

US to co-host 2026 soccer World Cup with Canada and Mexico. The United States will play host to at least 60 games, including the quarterfinals, while Mexico and Canada will take 10 each.

“Stupidity is infinitely more fascinating than intelligence. Intelligence has its limits while stupidity has none.” -- Claude Chabrol

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Tuesday, Jun 12, 2018

And another day bringing us another step closer to an Orwellian world comes to a close:

“Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.” -- Bruce Lee

The White House made a Hollywood-style trailer for Kim Jong-un, and it is full of inspirational nonsense. Holy shit that was some...some...bullshit propaganda. Some things you just have to see for yourself. And yes, this was put out by the White House.

A judge rules AT&T can buy Time Warner, a decision that could reshape the media industry.

One of the Department of Justice attorneys who withdrew from an ongoing case over the Affordable Care Act just before the government said it would no longer defend the law has resigned.

Don’t be fooled by the FCC chairman’s Orwellian argument justifying the repeal of net neutrality. Ajit Pai is a horrible person.

More than half — 58 percent — of women in academia have been sexually harassed, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says in a new report.

Seattle's city council voted to repeal a newly enacted "head tax" imposed on the city's largest companies, including Amazon.com, as a way of fighting an affordable housing crisis.

Tesla is laying off about 9% of its staff.

Newly Discovered Structure In Human Sperm May Be Linked To Infertility.

Feds weigh proposals to ship wild horses overseas.

“Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.” -- Hans Selye

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Monday, June 11, 2018

And another day of Trump insulting one of our closest allies while saying we have an excellent relationship with one of the world’s foremost dictators, combined with America saying “screw you” to women fleeing domestic abuse, comes to a painful close:

“What if the democracy we thought we were serving no longer exists, and the Republic has become the very evil we have been fighting to destroy?” -- Padme Skywalker

Notice how Trump has been alienating the US from our closest allies (G-7) while at the same time cozying up to the world’s most dangerous dictators. That’s by design, folks. It’s who he is. And they are who he aspires to be.

Trump administration moves to block victims of gang violence, domestic abuse from claiming asylum. Jeff Sessions has ordered immigration judges to stop granting asylum to most victims of domestic abuse and gang violence, a move that would block tens of thousands of people, especially women, from seeking refuge in America. Jeff Sessions -is a horrible person.

Trump hails "excellent relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, turning a historic corner.

U.S. Supreme Court Backs States’ Voter-Purge Efforts. Republicans rejoice because...well, they don’t believe in actual democracy.

The Supreme Court has upheld a controversial Ohio law known as the "use-it-or-lose-it" law, which is among the most aggressive laws in the country aimed at removing voters from the registration rolls. And minorities will be the main victims.

Trump administration launches denaturalization effort to strip citizenship from those suspected of irregularities. The slippery slope gets slippier.

Say goodbye to net neutrality: As the U.S. open internet rules expires, sweeping new powers are handed to internet providers.

Yet Another Scientific Reasons For Why Sex Is Awesome. A new study has found sex can improve people's performance in short-term memory tests. Get to having sex, people! It’s good for the brain!

“Everything’s fucked.” -- Anonymous

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Sunday, June 10, 2018

And another day of beating up on Canada--Canada!--while continuing to give a smile, a wink, and a nod to Russia comes to a close:

“Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too.” -- Marcus Aurelius

The Trump administration’s policy of splitting up families is creating a burgeoning population of dislocated and frightened children. And this needs to end. It’s all Trump’s doing. Americans should be in the street protesting this treatment of children. The GOP is not the party of “family values.” It’s a hate-filled organization that only benefits a few very wealthy individuals. All other GOP supporters are being used and played.

“If people don’t want to be separated from their children, they should not bring them with them.” -- AG Jeff Sessions

Jeff Sessions is a horrible person.

U.S. officials have not released exact numbers on children being held or whether parents are being deported without their children.

Fox News host apologizes after referring to upcoming summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as meeting of 'two dictators.' Oh look! Fox News told the truth!

White House trade council director says 'there's a special place in hell' for Justin Trudeau. These people are batshit crazy.

What an arrogant fuck:

Germany's Merkel says Europe has prepared counter-measures against U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Germany, France blast Trump over Group of Seven U-turn.

There are people tasked with taping Trump’s papers back together after he rips them. “It was the craziest thing ever. He ripped papers into tiny pieces.” Because that’s a good use of our tax dollars. In addition, Trump was repeatedly told that shredding presidential documents is against the law, but he kept doing it anyway. Ah, the ‘law and order’ president doesn’t follow, um, the law.

A new generation of women running for office is still running into dated rules about what they should be wearing.

Female activists continue to be arrested in Saudi Arabia.

The White House launches a multimillion dollar ad campaign to combat opioid addiction. An ad campaign? They can’t do better than that?...Or they won’t do better than that?

The end of net neutrality is here. It ends Monday.

The type of trolls that helped Trump win continue to flood Twitter and Facebook ahead of the midterms.

Colorado wildfire doubles in size, hundreds more evacuations underway.

California cannabis vendors are collecting lots of sensitive data on their customers. Legal protections are needed to stop them from selling it to data brokers.

Will we ever fly like the Jetsons? This company just unveiled its first commercial flying car, Flyer. If we don’t destroy ourselves, then yeah, we’ll get there.

“In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion.” -- Albert Camus

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Good night.