Recommended Reading
from Bruce
Andrew Tobias: Credit Where It's Due
Trump further believes he will be able to pull off a North Korea deal that holds up over the years, as the Iran deal has but the previous North Korea deal did not. If he can, it would be wonderful and he would deserve credit. My worry is that he will take credit even if he makes a very bad deal - as he took credit for "the largest Electoral College victory since Ronald Reagan" (which it was not) . . . the largest Inaugural crowd in history (which it was not) . . . the largest tax cut in history (which it was not …
Robert Boyers: The Privilege Predicament (American Scholar)
Yes, advantage exists, but has the promiscuous casting of blame enhanced the work of understanding?
Evan V. Symon: How A Trailer Park Becomes A Secret Haven For Sex Offenders (Cracked)
"Sex Offender Trailer Park" sounds like either a great horror movie, a middling rock band, or a horrible sitcom. In real life, neighborhoods like that do exist, because of a problem society has no goddamned idea how to solve. In many cities, laws keep registered sex offenders from living anywhere near where children gather, which means there are only tiny areas where they can live. We talked to James, who owned a trailer park that became known as a haven for the people society would prefer not to deal with at all.
Darryn King: Why Lisa Simpson Matters (Vanity fair)
An ode to the beating heart of The Simpsons, a role model to a generation of women-and to Yeardley Smith, who's been bringing Lisa to life for 30 years.
Gareth McLean: "Christopher Eccleston: 'I gave Doctor Who a hit show and then they put me on a blacklist'" (Guardian)
As he finally achieves his ambition of playing Macbeth at the 'posh' RSC, Eccleston talks about how Doctor Who almost destroyed his career, his debt to his parents and why he 'put self-hatred to bed.'
Tiffanie Wen: The dirty secret about success (BBC)
'Very often, the most successful people are moderately talented but very lucky.'
Caryn James: "Film Review: A Wrinkle in Time" (BBC)
Ava DuVernay's adaptation of the science fantasy novel has sublime casting - and unimaginative visuals, says Caryn James.
Fergus Walsh: How exercise in old age prevents the immune system from declining (BBC)
Doing lots of exercise in older age can prevent the immune system from declining and protect people against infections, scientists say. They followed 125 long-distance cyclists, some now in their 80s, and found they had the immune systems of 20-year-olds.
Michael Gregor, MD: Knowingly and Secretly Deciding to Put the Buying Public at Risk (NutritionFacts.org)
The processed food industries now use tactics similar to those used by cigarette companies to undermine public health interventions. "In 1954 the tobacco industry paid to publish the 'Frank Statement to Cigarette Smokers' in hundreds of U.S. newspapers. […] The 'Frank Statement' was a charade, the first step in a concerted, half-century-long campaign to mislead Americans about the catastrophic effects of smoking and to avoid public policy that might damage sales."
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Presenting
Michael Egan
wrote:
has returned to semi-retired status.
In memory.
Reader Suggestion
Michelle in AZ
Reader Comment
Current Events
Linda >^..^<
We are all only temporarily able bodied.
Thanks, Linda!
Bonus Links
Jeannie the Teed-Off Temp
from Marc Perkel
Marc's Guide to Curing Cancer
So far so good on beating cancer for now. I'm doing fine. At the end of the month I'll be 16 months into an 8 month mean lifespan. And yesterday I went on a 7 mile hike and managed to keep up with the hiking group I was with. So, doing something right.
Still waiting for future test results and should see things headed in the right direction. I can say that it's not likely that anything dire happens in the short term so that means that I should have time to make several more attempts at this. So even if it doesn't work the first time there are a lot of variations to try. So if there's bad news it will help me pick the next radiation target.
I have written a "how to" guide for oncologists to perform the treatment that I got. I'm convinced that I'm definitely onto something and whether it works for me or not isn't the definitive test. I know if other people tried this that it would work for some of them, and if they improve it that it will work for a lot of them.
The guide is quite detailed and any doctor reading this can understand the procedure at every level. I also go into detail as to how it works, how I figured it out, and variations and improvements that could be tried to enhance it. I also introduce new ways to look at the problem. There is a lot of room for improvement and I think that doctors reading it will see what I'm talking about and want to build on it. And it's written so that if you're not a doctor you can still follow it. It also has a personal story revealing that I'm the class clown of cancer support group. I give great interviews and I look pretty hot in a lab coat.
So, feel free to read this and see what I'm talking about. But if any of you want to help then pass this around to both doctors and cancer patients. I need some media coverage. I'm looking for as many eyeballs as possible to read these ideas. Even if this isn't the solution, it's definitely on the right track. After all, I did hike 7 miles yesterday. And this hiking group wasn't moving slow. So if this isn't working then, why am I still here?
I also see curing cancer as more of an engineering problem that a medical problem. So if you are good at solving problems and most of what you know about medicine was watching the Dr. House MD TV show, then you're at the level I was at when I started. So anyone can jump in and be part of the solution.
Here is a link to my guide: Oncologists Guide to Curing Cancer using Abscopal Effect
Selected Readings
from that Mad Cat, JD
"THE ART OF THE DEAL."
CONSERVATIVES SUCK!
OUR BOYS WANT THEIR TOYS.
GOOFY!
Visit JD's site - Kitty Litter Music
In The Chaos Household
Last Night
Started my 4th week of jury duty.
Believes Putin 'Has Something'
Megyn Kelly
An American news anchor who recently interviewed Vladimir Putin, has suggested that the Russian leader "has something" on Donald Trump (R-Crooked).
Megyn Kelly said the US President hurled abuse at other premiers but was "so nice" to Mr Putin over fears Moscow could publish damaging information about him.
Kelly asked the Russian leader:"Anytime he says anything about you, it is extremely deferential, never a harsh word for you, although if you look at the way he speaks about members of his own party, of his own staff, never mind other political leaders, he frequently, personally insults them. Why do you think he's so nice to you?"
Mr Putin replied via an interpreter: "I don't believe he treats me personally with reverence. He understands that if you need to cooperate with someone you must treat your future or current partner with respect, otherwise nothing will come of it."
In a separate interview about her conversation with the Russian President, Kelly told MSNBC presenter Chris Matthews: "I would not say that Putin likes Trump. I did not glean that at all from him. I did glean that perhaps he has something on Donald Trump.
Megyn Kelly
Rescued In Antarctica By Argentina Icebreaker
US Scientists
A group of American scientists who were stranded in an ice-bound island off the northeastern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula were rescued Sunday by an Argentine icebreaker, U.S. and Argentine authorities said Monday.
The four scientists and a support staff member, who were conducting research at Joinville Island, were airlifted by helicopter to the Almirante Irizar icebreaker.
Argentina's Foreign Ministry said that the U.S. icebreaker Laurence M. Gould was unable to carry out the evacuation because the ice barrier was too dense on the Weddell Sea in front of the island that is south of the Argentine mainland. The U.S. Antarctic Program then requested assistance from Argentina.
Argentina's armed forces said that the five are in good health and will be transferred to the U.S. vessel when weather conditions improve.
The U.S. National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs said the scientists are led by Alexander R. Simms, an associate professor of earth sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The support staff member is an employee of the NSF's Colorado-based Antarctic support contractor.
US Scientists
Met Opera Fires
James Levine
The Metropolitan Opera fired music director emeritus James Levine on Monday, citing "credible evidence" of sexual abuse and harassment by the once-renowned conductor.
The Met said in a press release that a months-long investigation carried out by "outside counsel" that included interviews with 70 people led to its decision to dismiss Levine.
The investigation, it said, "uncovered credible evidence that Mr. Levine engaged in sexually abusive and harassing conduct towards vulnerable artists in the early stages of their careers, over whom Mr. Levine had authority."
Levine was fired as both music director emeritus and artistic director of the Met's young artist program.
The company announced in December that it had suspended Levine after several men came forward to accuse him of sexually molesting them as teenagers years ago. The Met said at the time it had hired Robert J. Cleary, a former U.S. attorney now in private practice with the law firm Proskauer Rose, to investigate the allegations.
James Levine
Publisher Delays Paperback
Sherman Alexie
The publisher of Sherman Alexie, who faces multiple allegations of sexual harassment, is postponing the paperback of his latest book.
Hachette Book Group had planned to release the paperback of his memoir "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" in April. Hachette told The Associated Press on Sunday that the date had been pushed back indefinitely and that the change was made at the author's request.
Alexie, one of the country's best known authors, issued a statement earlier this month acknowledging wrongdoing. Last week, he declined a literary honor the American Library Association had awarded him for "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," which came out in 2017. The library association had given him the Carnegie Medal for nonfiction, a $5,000 prize.
"We were surprised and troubled to hear the allegations that have recently emerged, and are concerned about the distress this situation has caused so many," Hachette said in a statement. "We're encouraged that Sherman Alexie has apologized to those he has hurt and has dedicated himself, as he's said, to becoming 'a healthier man who makes healthier decisions.'"
Hachette has published some of Alexie's most acclaimed work, notably his young adult novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," winner of the National Book Award in 2007 and required reading in many schools. Hachette plans to keep his previous work in print, but did not immediately comment on whether it would release any future books. None are currently scheduled. Alexie's agent, Nancy Stauffer Cahoon, has not responded to numerous requests for comment.
Sherman Alexie
Bans Marriage Under The Age Of 17
Florida
Florida may soon have one of the country's strictest child marriage laws after state lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a bill barring marriage for those under the age of 17.
The bill passed the House on a 109-1 vote on Friday. Republican Rep. George Moraitis was the sole representative to vote no. He'd said previously that it was "very reasonable" for children aged 16 or older to marry with parental consent.
Activists hailed the new legislation as an important milestone in the fight to end child marriage in the U.S. "My heart is happy," rape survivor Sherry Johnson, who was 11 when she was forced to marry her 20-year-old assailant, told The Associated Press. "My goal was to protect our children and I feel like my mission has been accomplished."
Johnson, who was in the visitor's gallery during the House vote, has campaigned for years to get child marriage banned in Florida. According to the AP, lawmakers repeatedly cited her story as an example of why the state needed to take a more rigid stance on the issue. The activist was reportedly applauded by lawmakers after the bill's passing.
The measure that passed was a weakened version of an earlier bill that sought to establish 18 as the minimum marriage age in Florida. Under the measure sent to Scott, 17-year-olds can get married so long as their partners are no more than two years older than they are and parental consent is obtained.
Florida
Earth Will Not Be Hit March 18
'Massive Geomagnetic Storm'
Recent reports may have over exaggerated reports that Earth will be hit by a massive magnetic storm on March 18. Space weather forecasts show that this isn't the case but that wasn't what the news headlines said.
Newsweek contacted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and found that there was no basis for recent reports saying Earth would be hit by a massive geomagnetic storm.
Speaking to the head of NOAA's Space Weather Forecast Center, they were told that this isn't possible. Recent forecasts in space weather have been relatively quiet, with the Sun not exhibiting any signs of sending a magnetic storm towards Earth.
One of the sources of a massive magnetic storm is the misinterpretation of data released by Russia's Lebedev Institute which shows activity that may turn into a minor storm. NOAA released similar information in its forecast of upcoming space weather.
One article suggested that this storm may show cracks in Earth's magnetic field. Massive geomagnetic storms can disrupt communications throughout the world. Another article reported that the storm would be able to cause headaches and dizziness.
'Massive Geomagnetic Storm'
More Republican Family Values
Iowa
A married lawmaker in Iowa resigned Monday after he was reportedly caught on camera kissing a female lobbyist at a bar.
Video obtained by Iowa Starting Line purportedly shows Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, a Republican from Shell Rock, kissing a woman identified only as a lobbyist for various municipality groups at a Des Moines bar on March 1.
Witnesses told the website that they recognized Dix - who is married with three children - from recent news of a $1.75 million settlement reached with a former communication staffer for the Iowa Senate Republicans who claimed she was fired in 2013 over her sexual harassment claims.
The 52-second clip appears to show Dix and the woman canoodling at a bar before kissing. The person who captured the intimate yet public encounter is not affiliated with a campaign or a political organization, according to the website. The report also includes photographs of Dix in what appears to be the "same black suit and white shirt combination" he wore earlier in the day at the Statehouse.
Dix is a third-generation farmer who was born and raised in Iowa. He and his wife, Gerri, have three teenage children and his hobbies include sporting activities, spending time with his family and singing, according to his Senate biography.
Iowa
"Rich, White, and Dumber Than a Bag of Hammers"
Betsy
The public displays of acrimony between California lawmakers and President-for-now Donald Trump's (R-Corrupt) administration continued on Sunday, with Representative Jared Huffman labeling Education Secretary Betsy DeVos as "rich, white, and dumber than a bag of hammers."
Huffman, who represents Northern California, tweeted the insult from his personal account and directed it at Trump.
The tweet linked to a viral clip of DeVos' much-pilloried Sunday interview on "60 Minutes." In the segment, DeVos, a devout believer in charter schools, struggles to answer questions about the quality of public education in her home state of Michigan.
In the tense exchange, correspondent Lesley Stahl questioned whether it's wise to remove funds from public schools and inject them into charter schools, as DeVos had a hand in doing in Michigan. DeVos avoided answering the critique directly and pivoted by saying she "avoids talking about all schools in general, because schools are made up of individual students attending them."
Since 1993, Michigan has been home to the lowest test score gains in the nation, according to the National Assessment of Education Progress.
Betsy
Genetics Linked
Empathy
Genetics plays a role in people's empathy -- in addition to education and experience -- and could help researchers and doctors better understand autism, according to a large study.
For the first time, researchers investigated the genetic architecture of empathy using genome-wide association studies, according to results published Monday in the journal Translational Psychiatry.
"Finding that even a fraction of why we differ in empathy is due to genetic factors helps us understand people, such as those with autism, who struggle to imagine another person's thoughts and feelings," Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Center at the University of Cambridge in England said in a press release. "This empathy difficulty can give rise to a disability that is no less challenging than other kinds of disability. We as a society need to support those with disabilities, with novel teaching methods, work-arounds or reasonable adjustments, to promote inclusion."
Empathy, which plays a key role in human relationships, has two parts: First, recognizing another person's thoughts and feelings, called cognitive empathy; and second, responding with an appropriate emotion called affective empathy.
Fifteen years ago, University of Cambridge scientists developed the Empathy Quotient, or EQ, a brief self-reported measure of empathy. The scientists found autistic people have more difficulties with cognitive empathy, despite intact affective empathy. Women, on average, are slightly more empathetic than men.
Empathy
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