by Jack Hargrove | 4/27/20 3:00am

Every 20 years, like clockwork, American culture repeats itself. This does not mean that the same exact trends are recycled in an endless loop. Rather, after about 20 years, outdated culture becomes retro, and nostalgia for past decades shapes new styles and artwork. The 1970s had Happy Days, and the 1990s had That 70s Show. In a more abstract sense, the infatuation with the glamorous lifestyles of the fabulously wealthy in the 1980s inspired reality television and Gossip Girl in the 2000s. As we enter the 2020s, the music stylings of the early aughts are making a comeback. Artists like Charli XCX and Slayyyter evoke Britney Spears-style pop, while Poppy and Grimes both recently released music that is heavily reminiscent of nu metal.

In 2017, Rina Sawayama self-published her first collection of songs, a mini-album titled Rina. In only 24 minutes, Sawayama packed her project with eight perfect pop songs, heavily inspired by the turn-of-the-century pop music of Britney Spears and R&B production reminiscent of The Neptunes. Instead of songs about relationships, however, the songs on Rina explored themes of depression, drug addiction and an unhealthy attachment to social media. This mini-album remains one of the most exhilarating first offerings of any pop artist, and fans eagerly waited to find out what she would do next.

Nearly three years later, Sawayama has finally released her debut studio album, named simply Sawayama. On this debut, Sawayama discusses themes that revolve around her relationships with her family, both biological and chosen. Musically, Sawayama provides a fascinating pastiche of various early 2000s sounds. But while Sawayama is a fantastic debut album, it falls just short of reaching the potential implied by Rina.

The album begins dramatically, with the song Dynasty introducing one of the primary 2000s styles utilized on Sawayama: nu metal. The crunching sound of the guitars and vocal flourishes in the chorus are a clear homage to the early aughts nu metal band Evanescence. Sawayama explores nu metal much more deeply on her third track, STFU! The booming, aggressive guitar riff and low growls sound unlike anything Sawayama has released before. The angry lyrics, including, Have you ever thought about taping your big mouth shut?/Cause I have, many times, many times, compliment the harsh instrumental. Nu metal influence appears subtly across the rest of the record, particularly in the guitar line for XS.

Pop sounds from the early 2000s also feature throughout the album, although not as much as on Rina. Track six Paradisin sounds like a television theme song, with its high tempo and simple melody. The vocals on the tenth track Whos Gonna Save U Now? sound just like Christina Aguilera in 2002. The song Akasaka Sad has a synth backing instrumental that evokes the mid-2000s. However, these pop synths are combined with modern trap elements, especially in the percussion. In fact, before the chorus, Sawayama goes so far as to imitate the triplet flow, a vocal cadence associated with trap artists like Migos. Similarly, the second track XS provides a modern take on 2000s pop, this time through its lyrics. XS describes the luxury and opulence that accompany a wealthy lifestyle in a tongue-in-cheek manner. Sawayama points out the absurdity of such a lifestyle in the lines, Flex, when all thats left is immaterial/And the price we paid is unbelievable/And Im taking in as much as I can hold/Well, here are the things youll never know. Instead of playing the premise straight like was common 20 years ago, Sawayama shows ample self-awareness and draws attention to the wealth inequality in the modern world.

While the pastiche of early 2000s musical styles is brilliant, it is important to keep in mind that the instrumentals are only half of the record. Lyrically, Sawayama explores her identity and the various groups she considers family. The first of these groups is, as implied by the title of the album, her biological family. The opening track Dynasty analyzes the ways in which Sawayama has inherited the troubles of her ancestors with the line Im a dynasty/The pain in my vein is hereditary. Throughout her life, Sawayama has dealt with financial and mental health issues passed down from her parents. At the end of the chorus, Sawayama implores the listener to join her in overcoming hereditary issues, asking, Wont you break the chain with me? Sawayama references these mental health issues again in the song Akasaka Sad, singing, You make me/Akasaka sad/Cause Im a sucker, sucker, so I suffer/Akasaka Sawayama/Just like my mother.

On other tracks, Sawayama writes about her relationships with her friends. In the song Bad Friend, Sawayama wistfully reflects on how easy it is to fall out of touch with a close friend. In the chorus, she sings, Im so good at crashing in/Making sparks and shit, but then/Im a bad, Im a bad, Im a bad friend. Later, on the track Chosen Family, Sawayama shows appreciation for the support she receives from the LGBTQ community as a bisexual and pansexual woman. She notes that We dont need to be related to relate/We dont need to share genes or a surname/You are, you are/My chosen, chosen family. These non-familial relationships help support Sawayama when her family cannot.

Though most of the songs on the album have fantastic lyrics, there are a few that are bland and generic. Whos Gonna Save U Now? is a generic condemnation of those who are stuck in their ways. Sawayama makes no reference to anyone or anything specific, making this track sound out of place among all of the personal tracks on the album. While the lyrics of Love Me 4 Me are commendable both for their deeply personal nature and positive message of self-love, the overall message feels trite. Pop songs have explored this topic a thousand times over, making the song uninteresting. Finally, the track Fk This World (Interlude) expresses legitimate grievances about climate change and inequality, but lyrics like Lets start a new life on Mars/Forget it, lets get fked up are immature and unproductive.

The final track, Snakeskin, provides a thrilling conclusion to the album and may be its finest song. The varied structure not only keeps listeners on their toes but also makes this song sound unlike any others on the album. While the influence of early 2000s pop can be heard throughout, Sawayama comes into her own, creating a completely unique sound. The interpolation of a melody from the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack is exactly the type of reference I expected going into Sawayama. The lyrics are also clever; Sawayama sings, Buy my expensive, exclusive, pain wear/My fine couture is your branded repayment/I tear my soul into two so that you can/P-p-p-pretend despair. Here, Sawayama expresses the discomfort she feels making commercial music out of her own painful experiences. The song ends with a recording of a conversation Sawayama had with her mother, recalling the motif of familial relationships.

Overall, songs like Snakeskin, XS, Dynasty and Akasaka Sad were what I had hoped the entire album would sound like. Every song on this album is good, but a few are more conventional than they could be for an artist with as much potential as Sawayama. Rina was as close to perfection as I have ever heard on a mini-album, and I truly believe that she will someday replicate that on a full album. Sawayama was a step in the right direction, but it is nowhere near the best record that she is capable of making.

See the rest here:
Review: 'Sawayama' is musically fascinating, but falls short of greatness - The Dartmouth

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The Hulu mini-series is based off of the book by Celeste Ng. It is the story of two families who live in Shaker Heights, Ohio in the 90s and are brought together by a friendship between two of their children. Soon after this friendship sparks, so does the hatred between Elena Richards (Reese Witherspoon) and Mia Warren (Kerry Washington).

Witherspoon and Washington play two mothers who are completely opposite in every way; cooking, parenting, cleaning, living the list is endless. They reach a new level of hatred as each episode airs and the emotion is displayed so well on screen it feels as if you are there in person to cut the tension yourself.

While the show has been adapted a little differently from the book, one of the biggest changes was making Mia and her daughter Pearl Warren (Lexi Underwood) African American. This allowed the show to go in depth on racial and class issues throughout the entire series with the Warrens and the Richards, but also including the custody battle of May Ling.

Elena and Mia begin to infect each others lives whether that be through their children or themselves they become intertwined in ways they both wish didnt happen. It is frighteningly beautiful watching these two despise one another while also trying to keep their children from becoming involved.

Too late.

While they continue to develop into enemies, their children form bonds not always strong with one another that further drive these two families apart. Once Moody (Gavin Lewis) and Pearl became friends, it was clear these two mothers were not going to become members of the same book club. This event leads to drama throughout the series and leaves the audience unsure of whose side to be on.

Both Witherspoon and Washington play their characters so well you dont know whether to hate Elena or love Mia. Both perhaps? The constant lack of self awareness by Elena and the over awareness of Mia make for quite a pair on screen. Elena begins to fumble in her own life because she is so wrapped up in Mias, whereas Mia doesnt notice Elena digging into her past because shes helping her friend Bebe Chow (Lu Huang).

The biggest driving factor of hatred in this series stems from a custody battle involving Chow and Linda McCullough (Rosemarie DeWitt). Elena and Mia are on opposite sides of this battle. May Ling is Bebes daughter, but she gave her away, causing her to end up being adopted by Linda. If it wasnt for Mia, there would have never been a custody battle.

This causes Elena to dig into Mias past, bringing out a side of Elena that almost makes you mad at Witherspoon herself. Mias face fills with disgust at Elena when confronted with it. Youre left sitting on the couch feeling conflicted for eight episodes.

Of course, one character you love to hate besides Elena is Lexie Richards (Jade Pettyjohn). She, quite well, plays down the racial issues that she knows and compares it to her mother wanting her to be perfect. It also doesnt help that two of the worst things she does involve Pearl who happens to be African American, but hey, shes stressed with perfection.

The other young actors in this mini-series shined equally. It may have been because the story was compelling or just well written, whatever it may be, they all take the cake. Megan Stott who played Isabelle Izzy Richards knew how to hate her mother in a way that was both empowering and sympathetic. And the final episode brought a sibling love on screen that was never clear beforehand.

The riveting performances by the entire cast simply takes your breath away. The emotions of love, confusion, pain and hatred are shown without hesitation by every character. The tension between class and race is explored well by both the parents and children in the series, touching on issues of interracial dating, opportunity and oppression.

Correction: A previous version of this review incorrectly listed the two protagonists as El and Witherspoon. It has since been updated to include the correct names.

Excerpt from:
Little Fires Everywhere sets off blaze of emotions - The DePaulia

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to all kinds of Im trapped at home with my kids and Im going out of my mind! memes, and more than a few articles that would fall into the first world problems category. Im not saying there arent challenges, of course. As one of the more helpful memes puts it, with a wistful Forrest Gump looking into space, And just like that, no one ever asked again what a stay-at-home mom does all day.

One group of parents we should especially keep in mind at this time is the group least likely to constantly remind us what they are going through, if for no other reason than theyre simply too busy. Im talking of parents of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. With most, if not all, special education programs and services suspended indefinitely, these parents are even busier than usual.

Many of us havent fully thought through what makes special education, well, so special. The goal of special education is to help individuals with special needs achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in school and in their community While that includes academic subjects, those with developmental disorders need to learn essential skills that other children can often learn by imitating parents and their peers, including basic social skills.

Consider something as simple as looking at someone when they speak to you. There is a kind of self-awareness and the ability to acknowledge anothers presence taken for granted in this basic social habit. And, this habit is an essential part of so many other skills that can dramatically impact and even improve ones social life. A colleague of mine has a son with autism, and he marvels at how his son went from ignoring other people, to greeting them and even sticking out his hand expecting a handshake.

Another incredibly helpful skill to learn is how to cope with the sensory overload. This defining aspect of autism is why so many children on the spectrum tend to be anxious and retreat into distinct behaviors, such as rocking and flicking their fingers. Simply put, they are trying to turn the worlds volume down.

Though parents are, of course, essential to helping their children learn these skills, it often takes special training to learn how to teach these skills to those with unique challenges. So many parents rely on the sorts of programs that have not been available since the start of this pandemic. Even more, such programs provide consistency to those who often feel much safer with a routine.

Children with Down Syndrome present different kinds of challenges, which also require the training and expertise of others that many parents rely on. In addition to losing these services, studies indicate that respiratory tract infections (viral and bacterial) do appear to be more common in most young people with Downs Syndrome. Imagine the anxiety and stress being felt by parents of these kids in the age of COVID-19.

Finally, theres the fact that, for many parents, the time their kids spend at school offers a necessary respite from an extraordinarily stressful and difficult life. Though they love and serve their children, theyve lost some necessary down time because of this pandemic.

So, what can we do to help? First, we can pray for these families. Keep in mind that not only are they carrying a heavy load, but right now they offer a powerful and unique witness about the sanctity and dignity of all human life. Their witness is especially important now, at this time, in a culture where so many are left out of the categories of human dignity. All over the world, people with Down Syndrome are highly targeted in utero for elimination through selective abortion. And, of course, if a genetic test to determine autism existed, or a number of other conditions, these children would be under increased threat as well.

Second, we can ask the parents we know in these situations how we can help them. Something as simple as running errands or grocery shopping for them can make a huge difference, since getting out of the house is even more difficult for them than the rest of us.

And, dont underestimate the power of simply calling and asking a parent how they are doing. One of the most challenging parts of being the parent of a child with special needs, as I am told, is how very isolating it can be. There isnt much time or energy, much less opportunity, for a social life. I have it from a few very good sources that they would appreciate you just letting them know that you are thinking about them.

As I said, most of these parents arent going to spend the limited time and energy they do have to tell us what theyre going through. So, its up to us to let them and others know that their tremendous and heroic efforts arent going unnoticed.

Publication date: April 27, 2020

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Maskot

BreakPointis a program of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. BreakPoint commentaries offer incisive content people can't find anywhere else; content that cuts through the fog of relativism and the news cycle with truth and compassion. Founded by Chuck Colson (1931 2012) in 1991 as a daily radio broadcast, BreakPoint provides a Christian perspective on today's news and trends. Today, you can get it in written and a variety of audio formats: on the web, the radio, or your favorite podcast app on the go.

John Stonestreet is President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and radio host of BreakPoint, a daily national radio program providing thought-provoking commentaries on current events and life issues from a biblical worldview. John holds degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (IL) and Bryan College (TN),and is the co-author of Making Sense of Your World: A Biblical Worldview.

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The Parents of Special-Needs Children Have Needs, Too - Christianheadlines.com

We all have opinions and judgments about other people, whether they are co-workers, customers, employees, friends, or something else. But, research shows, those opinions and judgments say a lot more about who we are than they do about the people we're judging.

What do your judgments of others reveal about you? Social psychologist Juliana Breines, Ph.D. answers that question in a fascinating post on Psychology Today. She reviews the research to identify what five common opinions of others tell us about the people who hold those opinions. You can find all five here. These are my favorites.

In psychological terms, you're high in "agreeableness," one of the Big Five personality dimensions. Agreeable people are often considered to be warm, kind, and empathetic. According to Breines, agreeable people are "more likely to view others positively, focusing on their good qualities and giving them the benefit of the doubt when they behave badly."

But only up to a point. Agreeable people are often assumed to be blind to the bad traits in others, but a research paper called "The Polyanna Myth" challenges that assumption. Instead, the researchers found, agreeable people are more sensitive to both prosocial and antisocial behaviors than their disagreeable counterparts. That is, agreeable people are especially pleased when they see others contributing to the good of the community, and especially displeased when they see others working against the communal good. Agreeable people probably care a lot about the communal good, so this only makes sense.

Manylaypeople might think that narcissists can't stand narcissism in others. It seems reasonable to assume that people who always want all attention on them don't like it when others focus all their attention on themselves instead.

But actually, the opposite is true. Researchers tested subjects on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, and then showed them Facebook profiles of people who displayed obvious narcissistic traits, such as self-praising posts. They found that people who scored high on the narcissism test were less critical than others of the narcissistic Facebook members.

What's going on? Research has also shown that narcissists tend to have self-awareness -- they may know themselves to be narcissists. So perhaps they look favorably on someone who reminds them of themselves.

Every life choice comes with benefits and drawbacks. Single people have more freedombut can face loneliness. Followers of the FIRE movement can follow their own pursuits, but don't get to travel as much as their less frugal peers. And so on.

So it's unfortunately a common human reaction to reinforce our own confidence in the lifestyle we've chosen by looking down on the lifestyles of others, Breines explains. One study found that people have a tendency to view their own relationship status, whatever it is, as the only ideal.For instance, married or partnered subjects were likely to view a single political candidate more negatively than a married one who was identical in every other way.

So next time you find yourself criticizing someone because that person has too many children, or no children, or seems like too much of a spendthrift or too much of a miser or for any other reason-- stop for a moment and ask yourself what's really going on. Could it be your bad opinion has more to do with what you think of your own life than your judgment about theirs?

Original post:
Your Opinions of Other People Reveal Your Own Personality Traits, Research Shows - Inc.

Dear Reader (even those who would, ironically, pretend to know the definition of ultracrepidarian),

One of the great things about white peoplewell, not the people themselves, but their place in societyis that its totally fine to crap on them from a great height in ways that would be incontrovertibly bigoted about virtually any other group (save perhaps Christianswhite Christians). You can rant about white privilege, white uncoolness, white customs and culture (real and alleged), white bigotry (real and alleged), white bread, white dancing skills, white food, white music, white sexual inadequacies, white whatever, and, at least among certain cultural elites, be celebrated for it. When non-whites do it, its courageous, speaking truth to power or just funny. When whites do it, its a manifestation of self-awareness, atonement, or solidarity with the oppressed (and, less often, just funny).

I have no scientific data to support this, but I am pretty confident that one of the few veins of humor a stand-up comic can still get away with on an (overwhelmingly white) progressive college campus is white-bashing.

Now, I should say, not all of the criticisms are without merit, and many of the jokes are actually pretty funny. This isnt some alt-right bleating about white victimology, its just an observation. Of course, opponents of whiteness will tell you the freedom to not think in such terms is a form of white privilege, and, to be honest, I think theyve got something of a point. Part of being a minorityblack, Hispanic, gay, Jewis having your outsider status remain a bigger part of your self-understanding. When you define normal or mainstream, you can take certain norms for granted, and that really is a form of privilege. A parallel argument is equally true about women. When a lot of the rules of the game are male, women will be more aware of their outsider-ness than men. Dont worry, Im not going all intersectional on you. Im just willing to concede that people who make these arguments have a point, even if I dont think its as important or all-explanatory as they do.

But the good news is that Im not writing about how ethnic or racial minorities view white people; Im writing about how certain white people think about white people. A recent Pew poll finds that white Democrats are much more concerned that their presidential nominee is anold white male than black and Hispanic Democrats are. Almost half of white Democrats dont like it, while less than a third of Hispanic and black Democrats are bothered. Derek Thompson posted the cross tabs and theyre even more interesting:

All Dems: 41%

Black: 28%

Hispanic: 30%

White: 49%

Under 30: 54%

Post-grad: 58%

White college-educated under 50: 64%

White college-educated women under 50: 69%

One of the big takeaways from that Hidden Tribes study from a few years ago was the rich, white civil war (David Brooks words) between upscale white progressives and upscale white conservatives. The blue checkmark arguments on Twitter are the frontlines of that civil war. The conservatives are more conservative than your average Republican, and the progressives are way more liberal than your average Democrat. But the parties arent symmetrical, because while the overwhelming majority of Republicans are white (83 percent in 2017), the share of non-Hispanic whites in the Democratic Party has been shrinking, fast. In 2017,59% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning registered voterswere non-Hispanic whites, according to Pew, down from 75% two decades earlier.

As working-class whites leave the Democratic Party, the remaining whites are way more ideologically progressive, and the affluent ones even more so. Thats why when Ralph Northam stumbled into his blackface mess, the blue checkmark crowd was adamant that he had to go, while the average Virginia Democrat wasntand black Democrats were less supportive of his ouster than white Democrats.

This is a huge political transformation. Blacks once dominated the left wing of the Democratic party; they are now forces for moderation, and it looks more and more like the same holds for Hispanics. It would be very premature to say that Hispanics are poised to become Republicans in large numbers any time soon. But it is worth noting that the standard talking point from the most rabid immigration opponents that immigration imports Democratic voters is a bit more complicated than theyd let you believe.

But thats a subject for another day. What interests me is the assumption held by so many woke white Democrats that their performative anti-whiteness is a virtuous expression of their anti-racism. No, Im not about to argue that Progressives are the real racists. Ive learned that theres plenty of racism on the right, more than I once appreciated. But that doesnt mean there isnt something racist, or if you prefer, bigoted, in the way white progressives think.

First and foremost, theyre bigoted against whites, particularly downscale whites who wont practice the same performative rituals. Its bigotry derived from guilt and self-hatred, not animosity. But that doesnt make it any less real.

Its also directed outward. The white journalists, academics, and politicians who opine about white privilegeand occasionally behave like disfavored Chinese Communists forced to wear dunce caps as they denounce themselves for ideological deviationismtalk about minorities as if they know their interests and concerns better than they do. A poll last year found that 98 percent of Hispanics rejected the label Latinx. Meanwhile, I am sure that the numbers are close to reversed in Elizabeth Warrens office or among the ranks of Beto ORourkes biggest supporters. Think about it this way: When white liberals led the cause to switch from words like negro or colored to African-American or black, they were doing so in response to demands from normal black people. There is no comparable bottom-up demand from Hispanics to be called Latinx. Its a wholly top-down phenomenon, and if I were Hispanic Id find it remarkably condescending.

When I talk to college students, I often try to explain that not all political correctness is bad. Some of it is just an effort to treat people with respect in an increasingly diverse society. Think of it as good manners. You should call people what they want to be called. Good manners dont become any less valuable or legitimate just because they can be described as political correctness. The bad kind of political correctness is the attempt to manipulate language and norms so as to dominate and humiliate people who dont know the latest codes and shibboleths. Its a form of gnosis where a guild polices the ideologically and professionally disloyal. This is not primarily a racial thinglanguage is one of the most powerful social enforcement mechanisms in any society.

As I discussed on a recent episode of The Remnant, the Asian students being discriminated against at places like Harvard arent victims of anti-Asian bias (even if the disparate impact of their discrimination is objectively anti-Asian). The stellar students being turned away tend to come from immigrant homes. Kids from that background, like Jews and other ethnic groups in the past, want real jobs in STEM or business. They are less steeped in social justice grievance peddling. Their parents or grandparents came here because they think America is, on balance, a great place to be and affords opportunities for immigrants they couldnt find at home. These schools are horrified by the idea of a student body unversed in, or unpersuaded by, the woke narrative of American perfidy.

Think of it this way: Im sure there is a faculty lounge where people would gasp if you said Hispanic instead of Latinx. But there probably isnt a Cuban, Mexican, or Puerto Rican diner or barber shop anywhere in the country where that would happen. But there are probably thousands where people would have no idea what you were saying if you said Latinxor even more likely, theyd think you were some kind of officious dweeb for using it.

What I find fascinating is that some of this is no doubt the result of elite white progressives being misled by elite non-white progressives. Just as political correctness is used by whites to dominate and exert influence over less progressive whites, many elite woke professionals do the same thing to their white counterparts. No one is more susceptible to being bullied into wokeness than an already-woke white progressive.

I actually find this to be a cause for hope. While predictions of Americas white majority disappearing are premature and exaggeratedon the left and the rightthe real story of America in the coming decades may in fact be one where woke white condescension becomes a thing of the past.

Paging Dr. Trump

So I partially violated the Golden Rule of this newsletter. I allowed my critics to influence how I wrote this thing today. When I sat down to write this, all I wanted to do was riff on the glorious Veep homage yesterday at the White House. But I let some of you get in my head. I feared I would get a there he goes again dismissal. But if you got this far, its too late.

President Trump had a habit of ticking off all the all-time highs of the stock market on his watch, and there have been a lot. Yesterday may have been an all-time-high in Trumpism, and there have been many of them.

By now, you know he floated the idea of using light inside the bodies of COVID-19 patients to kill the virus. He also suggested that doctors explore the possibility of using the virus-destroying power of disinfectants internally, perhaps by injecting it to kill the disease.

Before I continue, I should clarify: Peak Trumpism isnt simply about what the president says and does, but how the people around him and supporting him react. Dr. Birxs kill-me-now expression as the president mused is part of it. And so was the near instantaneous fact check (since reframed as an opinion piece) from Breitbart editor Joel Pollack:

Trump used the word 'inject,' but what he meant was using a process which he left 'medical doctors' to define in which patients lungs might be cleared of the virus, given new knowledge about its response to light and other factors.

This is one of the greatest examples of Adam Whites observation that we arent supposed to take the president literally or seriously but hypothetically. There was literally nothing in what Trump said that supports Pollacks interpretation. But, by the magic power of turd-polishing hypothesizing, a face-saving explanation is conjured from thin air.

But it gets better. While everyone in Christendom was dunking on Pollacks clean-up effort, Trump clarified his remarks today. He now says that he was being sarcastic when he suggested that maybe people could inject disinfectant or get some kind of UV flashlight enema to kill COVID-19. In other words, Trump is admitting that he said precisely what Pollack says he didnt say, he just didnt mean it seriously, which as anyone who watched it knows is ridiculous. But this is what Trump does to his most ardent defenders all the time. He lets them march the plank and then saws it off (just ask Brian Kemp).

But it gets better. He then went on to say that he still wants his scientists to investigate whether sunlight and disinfectants can be used internally (relevant word salad here). So what, exactly, was he being sarcastic about?

But it gets better, or more accurately, worse. Trumps explanation for suggesting we go one shade shy of full Tide Pod is that he was being sarcastic. Its not true. But how is this a defense? We crossed the grim threshold of 50,000 American deaths, and we are already in an economic depression, and he thinks that this is the time for playful sarcasm about injecting Lysol (or some generic-brand disinfectant)? Why would you think this is a defense? And why on earth would you want to defend that?

Heres what I think is going on: First, Trump has a bad screenwriters or destructive toddlers idea of how science works. He thinks he understands technical matters because his uncle was a physicist and he has a good brain. Small children playing doctor think swallowing disinfectant cures things. Bad screenwriters love stuff like shiny lights fixing things.

Second, Trump isnt just frustrated with this pandemic, hes bored by it. He wont do even minimal homework. Put aside his weird theoriesTrump seemed genuinely surprised that sunlight and disinfectant kills the virus, something we always knew.

Third, his impatience causes him to yearn for an easy fix, and his narcissism compels him to be the one who discovers it. That was a big part of his hydroxychloroquine fixation. He wanted to be the one who could claim credit for delivering us from all of this with an easy fix. The same compulsion drives him to impulsively suggest a ridiculous solution off-the-cuff without thinking it through.

And heres the last part of my theory. Youd think he would have asked about these magic remedies when he was briefed on this stuff before he approached the podium. My suspicion is that he did. But because its such an amazingly stupid idea, Birx or someone else didnt want to anger him with bluntness. So they probably told him something like, Thats never been tried, or, Ive never heard of anyone doing that. Their understandable need to be diplomatic left him with the impression that he stumbled onto a brilliant idea that never occurred to the fancy-pants experts around him. So he freelanced his miracle cure nonsense in front of the whole country.

Its axiomatic that you go to war with a pandemic using the commander-in-chief you have, not the one you want. What I cannot fathom at this point is why anyone still thinks this is the president you would want to fight a pandemic.

Various & Sundry

Canine Update: The girls are doing okay, though we think both of them are just starting to show their age a bit. Pippa still loves her tennis ball, but more often she carries it like a security bl well a security ball. Pippa is also just a bit more creaky, and having the experience we had with Cosmo (of blessed memory), were inclined to lean into that a bit. At the end Cosmo was two surgeries shy of being fully bionic.Zo is maturing as well. I mean, dont get me wrong, she chased some deer yesterday, and shell never pass up an opportunity to chase a bunny or get in a knife fight in Reno (the bunnies are just so damn hoppy, and that guy in Reno needed killing). But she now understands that running full tilt at a squirrel at a great distance is a waste of energy. Its a bit sad. The catch in the deal with dogs is that they give you unconditional love, companionship and pure doggy entertainment, but not for nearly long enough. Im not getting morose. Theyve got, by my admittedly sentimental math, several more decades with us. But its just becoming clear that the escaped-monkey-from-a-cocaine-study energy is starting to ebb and they are regressing to the mean of normal high-energy-dog energy. The exciting news is that this weekend we are leaving to quarantine in a new undisclosed location where both of them can be rejuvenated by chasing new critters and swimming in restorative waters. More details about that later.

A special note for members of The Dispatch: Be on the lookout tomorrow for an email with details about a special live-streaming edition of the GLoP podcast on Sunday at 6. It will have information about how to get into the Zoom. This is for paid members only, so if youve been thinking about joining and would like to watch me riff with Rob Long and John Podhoretz, now might be the perfect time.

ICYMI

Last weeks G-File

Last weeks Ruminant, from the splendor of my car

In the words of Michael Jordan: Stop it. Get some help.

Some thoughts on the worst Radiolab episode ever

The weeks first Remnant, with old friend Vin Cannato

A members-only Wednesday Epistle, on economics among the activist class

The weeks second Remnant, with mlord Matt Ridley

No one is a spectator in the COVID fight

And now, the weird stuff

What bored stuntmen do in quarantine

What if Seinfeld was in the coronavirus timeline?

The launch of the most hyper-specific streaming service of all time

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My White People ProblemAnd Ours - The Dispatch

April 27, 2020

LUMBERTON Robeson County residents may experience long-term psychological repercussions related to COVID-19, including financial, but local business professionals forecast a rebound in the nations economy soon.

Psychological ramifications of the virus are uncertain, but some research suggests that post-traumatic stress disorder is likely to occur because of COVID-19s impacts, said Ashley Batts Allen, assistant dean of Research for the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

The little research we have regarding PTSD suggests that among COVID-19 patients, the prevalence of post-traumatic symptoms is very high, Allen said. I imagine we might also see high rates of PTSD in other groups of people experiencing uncertainty regarding finances, health etc.

The social psychologist said predicting the behaviors of people after the virus subsides can be difficult.

In terms of how we move forward, I think we might be in for a substantial period of time where we arent sure if we are still experiencing the trauma or if we are trying to move past it, Allen said. Ive done a substantial amount of research on self-compassion and I believe adopting a self-compassionate mindset will be critical for people as they move forward.

Allen defines self-compassion as extending kindness and understanding to ones self as a means of coping. People who are more compassionate to themselves are less likely to develop anxiety, depression or PTSD, she said.

In general, a self-compassionate person will cope more effectively with the trauma we are currently experiencing, Allen said.

Processing the event also is closely tied to ones self-awareness of symptoms, said Virginia Locklear, executive director of the Rape Crisis Center of Robeson County.

Allowing oneself a variety of options for healing can be an effective key to unlocking a healthy path to moving forward! Locklear said.

Among those options are seeking professional counseling and learning how to avoid stressors, or triggers, if possible, she said.

Victims of sexual violence also may experience significant stress from the virus, she said. Victims of sexual violence or assault who have been affected by the virus can receive free counseling from the Rape Crisis Center by calling the 24-hour crisis line at 910-739-6278.

There have been 628,244 unemployment claims related to COVID-19 filed from March 15 to April 23, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce Employment Securitys website. In addition, $652,391,890 has been paid to 288,565 people since March 15.

Businesses across the county also have been affected, with many reporting a 15% to 40% reduction in productivity because to the new coronavirus, said Channing Jones, county economic development director. Some attribute the decrease to additional safety regulations put in place for workers, while others say it is caused by an increase in staff members not reporting to work.

However, a slow economic recovery is on the horizon, he said.

I would say by the end of 2020, we should see some strong economic indicators, Jones said. I think our economy is going to come back, and its going to come back strong.

Recovery will take time, as many states and regions reopen at different paces, said Barry OBrien, dean of UNCPs School of Business.

I think the recovery will be gradual at first, OBrien said. I think that the third and fourth quarter this year, you may see the economy grow at a much faster rate than people are anticipating.

While some may be criticized for reopening too quickly, its not a one-size fits all model, OBrien said.

The success of many businesses will hinge on how safe consumers feel shopping and engaging in activities that are no longer within social distancing restrictions, Jones said. Businesses with high patronage and cash flow before the virus also are likely to rebound better than others.

The small businesses who had healthy cash balances will stand the best chances of weathering the shutdown, he said.

Businesses whose capital was drained after Gov. Roy Coopers March 30 order to close nonessential businesses may not make it, he said.

Jones didnt criticize Coopers decision this past Thursday to extend the stay-at-home order to May 8, but said the economy needs people safely working again for a rebound to occur.

The longer were shut down, the harder its going to be for us to return, he said.

But, the shutdown has offered people the chance to save up, which will help the economy in the long run, OBrien said.

Because people are not spending money on gas or at nonessential businesses, many people will have a lot of spending power when the economy reopens, OBrien said.

I think people have absolutely cut back on their spending, he said. A lot of people are trying to budget their money very, very carefully.

And they will see it pay off later, he said.

OBrien also said the long-term effects of the virus are far-reaching.

This is going to change our economy and the way businesses and households operate forever, OBrien said.

Young couples might challenge gender roles and re-examine the importance of two working parents in a household, he said.

I think its going to cause people to re-examine some of their choices between work and leisure, he said.

The dean called adaptations made to the workplace in the virus wake a game changer for the future.

I think more and more people will spend most of their time working from home or remotely, OBrien said.

Jones

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/web1_channing-jones-2.jpgJones

Allen

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/web1_allenashley01-Copy-1.jpgAllen

Locklear

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/web1_VirginiaLocklear-1.jpgLocklear

Barry OBrien, dean of the School of Business at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, attends a Monday afternoon WebEx online meeting from his home in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/web1_BarryOBrien-1.jpgBarry OBrien, dean of the School of Business at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, attends a Monday afternoon WebEx online meeting from his home in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Courtesy Photo | Pam OBrien

Professionals: COVID-19 may leave some people with mental health problems

April 27, 2020

April 27, 2020

RALEIGH The North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services is partnering with the NC Area Agencies on Aging and local service providers to distribute fans to eligible recipients through Operation Fan Heat Relief.

People ages 60 and older, and adults with disabilities, are eligible to sign up for assistance from May 1 through Oct. 31 at local aging agencies across the state. Since 1986, the relief program has bought fans for older adults and adults with disabilities, providing them with a more comfortable living environment and reducing heat-related illnesses.

As individuals age and develop chronic medical conditions, they are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. They may also be taking medications that can worsen the impact of extreme heat. Operation Fan Heat Relief helps vulnerable adults at risk for heat-related illnesses stay safe during the summer.

In addition to applying for fans, eligible state residents can take the following steps during high temperatures: increase fluid intake, spend some time in cool or air-conditioned environments regularly, reduce strenuous activity during the afternoon, and speak with their physician before summer about how to stay safe while taking medication that can affect the bodys ability to cool itself, such as medication for high blood pressure.

The program is made possible by donations from Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress and Dominion Resources, which allow regional area agencies on aging and provider agencies to buy fans for eligible individuals. Provider agencies also can buy a limited number of air conditioners based on a persons specific health conditions.

This past year, the Division of Aging and Adult Services received $85,600 in donations, allowing for the distribution of 5,185 fans and 27 air conditioners.

For more information, individuals can contact their Area Agency on Aging or the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services Housing Program Consultant at 919-855-3419.

More information about Operation Fan Heat Relief, including tips on preparing for extreme heat and a list of local agencies distributing fans, is available at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/operation-fan-and-heat-relief.

Also, weekly heat-related illness emergency department visit data is available at https://publichealth.nc.gov/chronicdiseaseandinjury/heat.htm.

April 27, 2020

LUMBERTON Five people were arrested Friday through Sunday on charges that included resisting a public officer, trafficking cocaine and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, according to the Robeson County Sheriffs Office.

A 43-year-old man and 42-year-old woman, both of St. Pauls, were charged Sunday after the search of a residence at 414 Natureview Drive led to the seizure of a quantity of cocaine, marijuana, firearms, cash and drug paraphernalia, according to the Sheriffs Office.

Mickey McNeill, 43, and Earlena Locklear, 42, both of Natureview Drive, were charged with trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to sell or deliver cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, conspiracy to sell or deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the Sheriffs Office.

Both were placed in the Robeson County Detention Center, each under a $51,000 secured bond.

The warrant was executed by the Sheriffs Offices Community Impact Team and SWAT operators.

A 26-year-old Fairmont man was arrested Friday on charges related to an April 18 assault on Pittman Loop Road in Fairmont that left a man hospitalized.

Bryan E. Moody is charged with second-degree kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and robbery with a dangerous weapon, according to the Sheriffs Office. He also is charged with resisting arrest in an unrelated case.

Moody was placed in the Robeson County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.

The victim of the assault reported he had a prearranged meeting with Moody on the day of the assault. He said that while he and his wife were inside of the house on Pittman Loop Road, he was held against his will at knifepoint, according to the Sheriffs Office.

He was able to escape, but was stabbed by his captor, according to the Sheriffs Office. The victim was taken to Duke Medical Center, and released at a later date.

One of two Shannon women arrested Friday in relation to a shoplifting incident at the Maxway store on East Fourth Avenue in Red Springs had warrants for her arrest in California.

Alexandria Tapia, 41, was charged with fleeing and eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, resisting a public officer and fugitive of justice.

Tapia is wanted in California for a charge of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill and will be extradited to California, according to the Sheriffs Office. She was placed in the Robeson County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond.

Mayra Olvera, 28, was charged with resisting a public officer. She was released on a written promise to appear in court.

A Sheriffs Office investigator saw a woman, believed to have just shoplifted at the Maxway store, running to her vehicle, according to the Sheriffs Office. Tapia and Olvera were caught after a vehicle pursuit that lasted less than five minutes and a brief foot pursuit.

Tapia

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/web1_Alejandro-Tapia.jpgTapia

Olvera

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/web1_M.-Olvera.jpgOlvera

Moody

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/web1_Bryan-Moody.jpgMoody

Locklear

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/web1_Earlena-L.-Locklear.jpgLocklear

McNeill

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/web1_Mickey-McNeill.jpgMcNeill

April 27, 2020

ST. PAULS Two Parkton residents were arrested Friday on multiple drug and weapon charges during a traffic stop.

DaMous Bridges, 28, of Victoria Drive, and 22-year-old Eboney Hurley, of McMillian Siding Road, were arrested after the passenger vehicle in which they were traveling was stopped at East Armfield and Martin Luther King streets, according to St. Pauls police Detective Bradley Rountree.

Bridges is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a concealed firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to the St. Pauls Police Department.

He was placed in the Robeson County Detention Center under a $75,000 secured bond.

Hurley is charged with possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a concealed firearm, according to the police department.

She was released on a $50,500 unsecured bond.

The arrests were made by Officer Brynn Hinson, police Lt. Michael Seago and police Chief Steve Dollinger.

Bridges

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/web1_DAMAUS-QONTA-BRIDGES.jpgBridges

Hurley

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/web1_EBONEY-LAQUASHEA-HURLEY.jpgHurley

April 27, 2020

The following break-ins were reported Friday through Monday to the Robeson County Sheriffs Office:

Bullock Farms, Brayboy Road, Rowland; Phillip Hunt, Norment Road, Lumberton; Artis Locklear, Freewill Lane, Rowland; Miyoshi Anderson, South Chicken Road, Rowland; Makayla Chavis, South Chicken Road, Rowland; S. Locklear, Alford Farms Road, Maxton; Airica Mayes, Loretta Drive, Lumberton; and George Frazier, Bertha Jones Road, Rowland.

The following thefts were reported Friday through Sunday to the Robeson County Sheriffs Office:

Brittany Locklear, West Carthage Road, Lumberton; William Hough, Crestwood Drive, Lumberton; Heather Locklear, Ronco Drive, Shannon; and Evelyn Hardin, Alfordsville Road, Rowland.

Ricky McNeil reported Saturday to the Robeson County Sheriffs Office that he was the victim of an armed robbery that occurred at Norment Road and Van Born Drive in Lumberton.

Brandon McLean reported Friday to the Robeson County Sheriffs Office that he was seriously injured during an assault that occurred on Milk Dairy Road in Red Springs.

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Professionals say the effects of COVID-19 may be long-lasting for some - The Robesonian

"There is a pattern of escalation (emotions intensifying) and rupture (fighting and conflict) without proper resolution. Partners may move on, without a plan in place for change and how to approach conflict differently," Li says. Does that sound familiar to you?

If there is a history of conflict avoidance and lack of personal accountability, Li recommends establishing a safe space where each partner feels like they can share their feelings, needs, and desires without resorting to ABCD. If you or your partner grew up in a home where those issues go unaddressed, it's possible you may not have learned how to honestly and directly talk about an issue. With patience and positivity, these conversations can be initiated and become a natural way of approaching conflict without any of that toxic energy.

Fixing toxic relationships is no easy task, but it is possible with hard work from both parties. Make sure you have buy-in from your partner, and pay attention to whether meaningful change is happening over time as you do the work.

Remember, you deserve to be in a healthy, happy relationship that makes you feel good. Don't settle for anything less.

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Can A Toxic Relationship Be Fixed? 10 Necessary Steps It Would Take - mindbodygreen.com

Seventeen months and some change ago, John McDonough sat at a table in the lobby of Fifth Third Arena one of the many sparkling monuments to the money-making machine he helped turn the Blackhawks into alongside Stan Bowman, the man he chose over Joel Quenneville; and Jeremy Colliton, the man he chose to replace Joel Quenneville. He punched the air with his fingers a few times as he spoke, solemnly, reverently, disconcertedly, about the state of his Chicago Blackhawks.

We need to get better, he said. We need to get better. And we are all accountable. That starts with me.

Well, it actually started with Quenneville, who was dumped a month into the 2018-19 season, the first pillar of the Blackhawks golden age to fall. It continued Monday, with the just-as-shocking dismissal of the seemingly untouchable McDonough by owner Rocky Wirtz. The only question that remains is will it continue with Bowman? And if Bowman goes, will...

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Lazerus: John McDonough was fired. Are Stan Bowman and Jeremy Colliton next? - The Athletic

Ready, set, recipes! Here are our just published, fresh-out-the-mill recipes in one convenient place! These are the top vegan recipes of the day, and are now a part of the thousands of recipes on ourFood Monster App! Our newest recipes include have picked radish pods, doughnuts, and ramen, so if youre looking for something new and delicious, you are sure to find a new favorite!

We also highly recommend downloading theFood Monster App with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy! And, dont forget to check out our Popular Trends Archives!

Source: Quick-Pickled Sweet N Spicy Radish Pods

Unless you grow your own radish plants at home, youve likely never seen the long, thin seed pods that emerge once they start flowering. The crunchy, peppery pods taste like a concentrated radish and can be easily snacked on by the handful. When radish pods are pickled, the sweet and tangy brine mellows out their spice somewhat and turns the radish pods into a zesty topping for sandwiches and tacos! Try out this Quick-Pickled Sweet N Spicy Radish Pods by Linda Ly!

Source: Boston Cream Doughnut

These Boston Cream Doughnut by Ivy are fluffy donuts, filled with sweet vegan vanilla custard, coated with chocolate how does that sound?

Source: Pulled Pork Sandwiches With Carrot Apple Slaw

Get ready to meet your new favorite vegan sandwich. These Pulled Pork Sandwiches With Carrot Apple Slaw by Robin Browne are drool-worthy. They are filling, with a smokey flavor and a hint of sweetness. These bbq jackfruit sandwiches are accompanied by a yummy carrot + apple slaw. Its crisp, sweet, and loaded with the good stuff.

Source: Coconut Lemongrass Ramen

A rich, hearty, and flavorful Coconut Lemongrass Ramen by Taavi Moore with coconut milk, lemongrass, and kaffir lime. With notes of lemon-lime, ginger, and star anise.

Source: Potatoes Au Gratin

This Potatoes Au Gratin by Lenia Patsi is delicious potatoes au gratin with cashew cream and caramelized onions! This is a hearty, wonderful dish, much healthier than the classic.

Source: Chicken Caesar Salad

This vegan Chicken Caesar Salad by Stephanie Davies is a super easy dinner, or light lunch, option when youre looking for a fast food alternative! But dont worry, even though its salad, itll definitely fill you up

Source: Barbecue Ribs

These Barbecue Ribs by Yana Chistyakova are a work of genius. A combination of textured vegetable protein and vital wheat gluten, they nail the flavor and texture perfectly. Theyre meaty, savory, and absolutely amazing when coated in the homemade barbecue sauce. One bite and theyll become one of your barbecue essentials.

Source: Braised Seitan Short Ribs in Spicy Chili Sauce

After braising in the spicy chili sauce, these Braised Seitan Short Ribs in Spicy Chili Sauce by Rhea Parsons will be tender to the point of almost falling apart. While this recipe has a long list of ingredients, dont worry! Its not too complicated. Just full of flavor! These vegan seitan ribs are rich, buttery, and perfectly seasoned. Serve them over mashed potatoes for a smooth and creamy base. Bring them to your next family dinner nighttheyre sure to impress. These vegan seitan ribs are comforting, warm, and super satisfying.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading theFood Monster App with over 15,000 delicious recipes. It is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmentalandhealth benefitsof aplant-based diet.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to theOne Green Planet Newsletter!Lastly, being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high quality content. Please considersupporting usby donating!

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From Pulled 'Pork' Sandwiches to Boston Cream Doughnut: Our Top Eight Vegan Recipes of the Day! - One Green Planet

I'm a true believer that condiments can transform a dish. What was once a bowl oflettuce and tomatoes becomes a complex, sweet and savory salad you won't be able to stop eating with the right dressing.Dipscan transform fries from a side dish to the main event, and turn fresh vegetablesinto a platter of crudits perfect for a party.

Ive spent half my adulthood creating tasty and (somewhat) healthy dressings, dips and drizzles for everything from grains to salads to roasted veggies. While it may be novel to eat all your meals at home during the first two weeks of quarantine, after a while, you may be looking for some ways to add different tastes and get creative with your staple recipes.Imhere to help by sharing some of my go-to concoctions that aresimpleyetdelicious.

This one is so simple its criminal and works great as a dip for raw veggies or dressing for salads. Heres what you need:

I could put tahini on everything so youll notice many of my recipes include it. Its totally underrated but youre about to get very familiar with it. It gives this detox dressing some substance. Plus, tahini is highly nutritious and rich in antioxidants.

Yup. Theres tahini in this one too. I love this as a dip for sweet potatoes and roasted cauliflower. You can play with the amount of each to suit your tastes. This is condiments, not rocket science.

Full disclosure this recipe is inspired by Annies Natural Woodstock Dressing. It's got the same tangy and savory notes, but I kicked it up with a little heat from the chili powder. It goes great on top of a salad.

This is great on kelp noodles or as a marinade for tofu for any Asian inspired dish.

Tired of tahini? Im not! Heres one more of my favorites: the creamy tahini is accompanied by the spicy, earthy flavor of ginger. Pour this over fresh vegetables and you'll get an amazing taste as well as the anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger.

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9 Vegan Dip and Dressing Recipes to Spice Up Your Vegetables - 94.5 PST