The One Thing Every American Should Read in 2016

Andrew Sullivan has written the best article I've seen on the current presidential election.  Found in New York Magazine and titled Democracies End When They Become too Democratic, it may also be the best political article that I've read in the past five years.  I've missed Sullivan's writing, so I'm glad that he's found a home at New York Magazine.

The article is a fantastic look at Donald Trump, or more correctly, at what the rise of his candidacy tells us about America and our democracy.  Moreover, it also reverses that examination and explores what America and our democracy can tell us about Trump.  Pulling no punches to the right or left, it starts with the philosophy of Plato and weaves its way through the rise of dictators and tyranny in the time since.

When the dust settles in the years to come and political science professors put together reading lists for students to educate them on this election -- and by extension on other similar circumstances -- I am sure that this writing will be among those often chosen to a part of their curriculum.  Of course, we as a nation would be much better off if our citizens generally read such rigorous and thoughtful work on an ongoing basis.  Since that isn't in the cards, I can at least point readers to this particular article.  If I could mandate that all of my fellow citizens read but one thing this year, this article would be it.

23 May 2016

Ze Frank: Mantis Shrimp

A colleague sent me a new-to-me "True Facts" video on the Mantis Shrimp today.  It is a good one.  I love Ze Frank!



16 May 2016

Puppy Pinwheel

Best thing ever.



I'm sure that these people think that they care for these puppies.  They obviously (and rightly) think they that they are adorable.  And yet they chose to mutilate them, clipping their tails.  This is illegal in many more humane places than the United States.  Outlaw it here and prosecute & punish those who abuse animals.

16 May 2016