Public Posts

"In pursuit of knowledge, the evolution of humanity ranks with the origins of life and the universe. And yet, except when an exciting find hits the headlines, paleoanthropology and its related fields have gained far less scientific support and funding – particularly for scientists and institutions based in the African countries where so many landmark discoveries have occurred". More at The Conversation ➜ 

"Medicare Advantage – the commercial alternative to traditional Medicare that promised to cost less, is drawing down federal health care funds, costing taxpayers an extra 22% per enrollee to the tune of US$83 billion a year." More at The Conversation ➜

"One in 5 (20%) U.S. adults get their news from social media influencers, including a much higher share (37%) of adults under 30". More at The Pew Report ➜

"We see right through the unshowered soul living in a car by the beach, or by the Walmart, or by the side of the road. But he’s there, and he used to be somebody. He still is. A firsthand account of homelessness in America". More at Esquire ➜

"We need sufficient weapons, not support in talks. Hugs with Putin won't help. Some of you have been hugging him for 20 years, and things are only getting worse," Zelenskyy said. More at Court House News ➜

Stéphane Breitwieser is a French art thief and author, born in 1971. He has admitted to stealing more than 250 artworks while traveling around Europe between 1995 and 2001, from 172 museums and other exhibits. His collection of stolen art has been estimated to be more than $2 Billion Dollars. Breitwieser was arrested several times and did confess to most of his crimes. He did served relatively short sentences. His last trial was held in March, 2023 in Sarreguemines, France. He was found guilty and was sentenced to house arrest and is required to wear an ankle monitor.  Read more at Priceless Blog at Squarespace

"The Catholic Church still governs the care that can be delivered to millions in those hospitals each year, using religious directives to ban abortions and limit contraceptives, in vitro fertilization, and medical aid in dying......over time, focus on margins led the hospitals to transform into behemoths that operate for-profit subsidiaries and pay their executives millions, according to hospital tax filings" More at KFF Health News ➜

It has been reported that 11,000 Political Groups have spent $14.7 Billion to Influence the 2024 U.S. Election. What can we do? ...We can allow to be persuaded by all the disinformation, or we can let our conscience be our guide and vote for the candidate who we would be proud to invite into our homes, talk to our family and inspire our children or grandchildren. Anything else is a compromise we cannot afford.

"On 29 October 1969, two scientists established a connection between computers some 350 miles away and started typing a message. Halfway through, it crashed. They sat down with the BBC 55 years later"......"I was on the phone with Bill when we tried this. I told him I typed the letter L. He told me he had received the letter L and echoed it back. I told him that it printed. Then I typed the letter O. Again, it worked fine. I typed the letter G. Bill told me his system had crashed, and he would call me back"..... Read more at The BBC ➜

Larry Joseph Sabato - American political scientist, political analyst. and author. He is the founder and director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, which also  publishes Sabato's Crystal Ball, an online newsletter and website that provides free political analysis and electoral projections. He is the author of over twenty books on politics including the Pendulum Swing. He is the co-author with Glenn R. Simpson of Dirty Little Secrets: The Persistence of Corruption in American Politics

 "The plight of Palestinian civilians trapped in North Gaza is unbearable. Just in the past few weeks, hundreds of people have been killed, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, and more than 60,000 others have been forced to flee yet again, many fearing not being able to return.  

The Secretary-General is shocked by the harrowing levels of death, injury and destruction in the north, with civilians trapped under rubble, the sick and wounded going without life-saving health care, and families lacking food and shelter, amid reports of families being separated and many people detained. 

Repeated efforts to deliver humanitarian supplies essential to survive – food, medicine and shelter – continue to be denied by the Israeli authorities, with few exceptions, putting countless lives in peril. The postponement of the final phase of the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza is putting the lives of thousands of children at risk.

The Secretary-General warns that the widespread devastation and deprivation resulting from Israel’s military operations in North Gaza – especially around Jabalya, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun – are making the conditions of life untenable for the Palestinian population there. This conflict continues to be waged with little regard for the requirements of international humanitarian law. 

The Secretary-General underscores that the parties to the conflict must respect and protect civilians, including humanitarian workers and first responders whose vital work must be facilitated and protected – not impeded and jeopardized.

In the name of humanity, the Secretary-General reiterates his calls for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and accountability for crimes under international law."

"On this 18th anniversary of the birth of The Marginalian, here are all of these learnings so far as they were originally written in years past, beginning with the present year’s — the most challenging and most transformative of my life.". Read more at The Marginalian