@Reuters: U.S., Russia to hold first space security talks since 2013 https://t.co/rsd65KT3Xk https://t.co/Lbd0Ic5NfR — […]
@markknoller: Pres also issues emergency declaration for Puerto Rico due to conditions resulting from "Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine." The action authorizes @fema coordination of all disaster relief efforts and assistance to "lessen or avert the threat of catastrophe." — […]
#WashingtonDC is inside the cone of uncertainty for #HurricaneIsaias. #FLwx #GAwx #SCwx #NCwx #VAwx #DCwx https://t.co/DEXaTG4UC9 — […]
Friday, July 31, 2020
The need for flourishing cities
After the election, conservative intellectual Yuval Levin put his finger on it best.
“At the root of the most significant problems America faces at home is the weakening of our core institutions—family and community, church and school, business and labor associations, civic and fraternal organizations.”
To explain Trump’s core supporters, many commentators pointed to the factories that were closing, but they should have been pointing to the churches that were closing. …
Thursday, July 30, 2020
SCOTUS Updates
@CBNNews: The Supreme Court has rejected a Nevada church's request to strike down a state restriction limiting attendance at religious services as unconstitutional. https://t.co/ZgzckeRACa — […]
@GOPLeader: The Supreme just ruled against religious freedom. If casinos can open up, churches should be able to do the same—a total double standard. Justice Gorsuch is 100% right: "There is no world in which the Constitution permits Nevada to favor Caesars Palace over Calvary Chapel." — […]
@USSupremeCourt: Regarding Justice Ginsburg https://t.co/OcnymACp0b Justice Ginsburg underwent a minimally invasive non-surgical procedure today at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City to revise a bile duct stent that was originally placed at Sloan Kettering in August 2019. — […]
@GOPLeader: The Supreme just ruled against religious freedom. If casinos can open up, churches should be able to do the same—a total double standard. Justice Gorsuch is 100% right: "There is no world in which the Constitution permits Nevada to favor Caesars Palace over Calvary Chapel." — […]
@USSupremeCourt: Regarding Justice Ginsburg https://t.co/OcnymACp0b Justice Ginsburg underwent a minimally invasive non-surgical procedure today at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City to revise a bile duct stent that was originally placed at Sloan Kettering in August 2019. — […]
A benefit to college learning online
Avoiding this:
An estimated one in five American female college students say that they have been the victim of sexual assault. …
It is striking how underappreciated the power of myopia is.
In the Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation study, students were asked to list the measures they thought would be most effective in reducing sexual assault.
At the top of that list they put harsher punishment for aggressors, self-defense training for victims, and teaching men to respect women more.
How many thought it would be “very effective” if they drank less? Thirty-three percent.
How many thought stronger restrictions on alcohol on campus would be very effective? Fifteen percent.
These are contradictory positions.
Students think it is a good idea to be trained in self-defense, and not such a good idea to clamp down on drinking.
But what good is knowing the techniques of self-defense if you’re blind drunk?
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Federal, International Updates
• US testing labs buckle as virus cases near 4M.
• Emigrants send dollars home to Mexico – and COVID warnings.
• China launches attempt to land on Mars.
https://t.co/op6uOnAAPK https://t.co/xVtxvcFzeR — […]
— Mayor of Portland, Oregon, tear gassed by federal agents.
— In the struggle against the coronavirus pandemic, populist leaders fare poorly.
— China launches attempt to land rover on Mars.
https://t.co/4iRtU1BIF2 — […]
• Trump scraps Florida part of GOP Convention.
• US agents blocked from arresting observers in Portland.
• China orders US to close Chengdu consulate.
https://t.co/op6uOnAAPK https://t.co/otPYkX1FwM — […]
— China tells US to close consulate in Chengdu in growing spat;
— Column: Baseball gets its opening day, now a season looms.
https://t.co/aOLKKTj91P — […]
• Emigrants send dollars home to Mexico – and COVID warnings.
• China launches attempt to land on Mars.
https://t.co/op6uOnAAPK https://t.co/xVtxvcFzeR — […]
— Mayor of Portland, Oregon, tear gassed by federal agents.
— In the struggle against the coronavirus pandemic, populist leaders fare poorly.
— China launches attempt to land rover on Mars.
https://t.co/4iRtU1BIF2 — […]
• Trump scraps Florida part of GOP Convention.
• US agents blocked from arresting observers in Portland.
• China orders US to close Chengdu consulate.
https://t.co/op6uOnAAPK https://t.co/otPYkX1FwM — […]
— China tells US to close consulate in Chengdu in growing spat;
— Column: Baseball gets its opening day, now a season looms.
https://t.co/aOLKKTj91P — […]
Apple's Windows moment
Until recently, it seemed like Microsoft’s inventing days were over.
The company was so attached to Windows it almost let the future pass it by.
But with a leadership change from Steve Ballmer to Satya Nadella, the company returned to Day One and embraced cloud computing, a threat to desktop operating systems like Windows, and became the world’s most valuable company once again.
Apple under Steve Jobs developed the iPhone, a device that rendered desktop computers like the Mac and portable music players like the iPod less relevant but also set the company up for years of success.
Today, Apple is having its Windows moment.
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Presidential Updates
Remarks by President Trump on Phase Four Negotiations https://t.co/kyr7nOjCko https://t.co/FvzOCp17Gq — […]
“Law abiding citizens should not have to pay for their abdication of responsibility.” The #TrumpAdministration should block taxpayer funding from going to states and cities that are allowing anarchists to run rampant, members of Congress said. https://t.co/4JFiVhJrZQ — […]
President Trump left open the possibility that more #Chinese missions would be forced to close after the #TrumpAdministration ordered #China's #HoustonConsulate to shut down. https://t.co/WKDK0xCfxc — […]
@usatodaymlb: For the first time in office, President Donald Trump will throw out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game -- taking the mound August 15 at Yankee Stadium before a game against the Red Sox. https://t.co/LXT0I6W57m — […]
“Law abiding citizens should not have to pay for their abdication of responsibility.” The #TrumpAdministration should block taxpayer funding from going to states and cities that are allowing anarchists to run rampant, members of Congress said. https://t.co/4JFiVhJrZQ — […]
President Trump left open the possibility that more #Chinese missions would be forced to close after the #TrumpAdministration ordered #China's #HoustonConsulate to shut down. https://t.co/WKDK0xCfxc — […]
@usatodaymlb: For the first time in office, President Donald Trump will throw out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game -- taking the mound August 15 at Yankee Stadium before a game against the Red Sox. https://t.co/LXT0I6W57m — […]
The kind of wife to avoid
The daughter who despises her father will bring her husband to grief.Source: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace
Monday, July 27, 2020
The talk of the nation
The ancestors of these—people precisely like them in color, dress, manners, customs, simplicity—flocked in vast multitudes after Christ, and when they saw Him make the afflicted whole with a word, it is no wonder they worshiped Him.
No wonder His deeds were the talk of the nation.
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Weekly Updates
GovTop Report
Knowing the Times
Technology Policy
A Virginia Blog
- 7/20 Floor Summaries: Senate, House
- 7/21 Floor Summaries: Senate, House
- 7/22 Floor Summaries: Senate, House
- 7/23 Floor Summaries: Senate, House
- 7/24 Floor Summary: House
- Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record
- Life issues in Fiscal Year 2021 Omnibus Approprations
- Congress Last Week
- Congressional Outlook
- Senate Floor Schedule
- Senate Committee Schedule
- House Floor Schedule
- House Committee Schedule
Knowing the Times
Technology Policy
A Virginia Blog
Friday, July 24, 2020
Knowing awesome
Awesome is a lot simpler than you think, because you used to know awesome quite well. Everyone did at one point. Especially when we were kids.
I was reminded of this one night as I was walking down the hall at home. My daughters were brushing their teeth, an event that usually boils over to an international crisis.
This time, though, they weren’t fighting for sink space—they were talking literature.
I heard L.E., my 9-year-old, say to her little sister, McRae, “Did you know that the guy who wrote The Twits also wrote James and the Giant Peach?”
I heard McRae respond, “I know! I love that guy. He’s got a great imagination, like me.”
Like me. What a powerful declaration.
Roald Dahl has been called the greatest storyteller of our generation. He also wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He’s sold millions and millions of books.
And in McRae’s little 6-year-old mind, his imagination is on par with hers.
He’s her peer.
Thursday, July 23, 2020
SCOTUS Updates
Justice Ginsburg undergoing chemotherapy https://t.co/vJIwcpbnav (WORLD) — […]
Supreme Court upholds ex-felon voting restriction in Florida https://t.co/sRKOlQ1fcX (WORLD) — […]
Supreme Court upholds ex-felon voting restriction in Florida https://t.co/sRKOlQ1fcX (WORLD) — […]
Genuine Bezonomics
The best way to make customers happy, in Bezos’s playbook, is to make living their lives cheaper and easier. …
We are genuinely customer-centric,
we are genuinely long-term oriented,
and we genuinely like to invent. …
(Today, independent, third-party sellers account for more than half of all the products sold on Amazon. The company sells the rest directly to consumers.) …
51 percent of American households attend church,
52 percent have Amazon Prime memberships. …
Bezos embodies three characteristics that separate him from all other mere mortal entrepreneurs.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Federal, International Updates
• China firm uses workers to ‘pre-test’ vaccine.
• Police video captures distraught George Floyd: ‘I’m not a bad guy.’
• Biden, Gates, other Twitter accounts hacked. https://t.co/op6uOnAAPK https://t.co/6584k5iMgE — […]
• China firm uses workers to ‘pre-test’ vaccine in global race;
• Rising virus totals force rethink of bars, schools, tourism;
https://t.co/7p0wwN2sJx — […]
• US hot spots in Sunbelt set deaths, infections records.
• India passes 1M cases; Brazil crosses 2M.
• Russia is hacking vaccine trials, US, UK, Canada say.
• Ex-New Mexico officer facing murder charge over chokehold. https://t.co/op6uOnAAPK https://t.co/CEnLTtyT9X — […]
• Struggling India crosses 1 million coronavirus cases;
• Days grow long at nursing homes as virus lockdowns drag on;
• 'Yes we exist’ - Black fans eye NASCAR’s work to diversify. https://t.co/elUnurWCXF — […]
@JasonMillerinDC: Remarks by Vice President @Mike_Pence on the Dangers of Socialism https://t.co/DJZT45KV5S #MAGA — […]
• Police video captures distraught George Floyd: ‘I’m not a bad guy.’
• Biden, Gates, other Twitter accounts hacked. https://t.co/op6uOnAAPK https://t.co/6584k5iMgE — […]
• China firm uses workers to ‘pre-test’ vaccine in global race;
• Rising virus totals force rethink of bars, schools, tourism;
https://t.co/7p0wwN2sJx — […]
• US hot spots in Sunbelt set deaths, infections records.
• India passes 1M cases; Brazil crosses 2M.
• Russia is hacking vaccine trials, US, UK, Canada say.
• Ex-New Mexico officer facing murder charge over chokehold. https://t.co/op6uOnAAPK https://t.co/CEnLTtyT9X — […]
• Struggling India crosses 1 million coronavirus cases;
• Days grow long at nursing homes as virus lockdowns drag on;
• 'Yes we exist’ - Black fans eye NASCAR’s work to diversify. https://t.co/elUnurWCXF — […]
@JasonMillerinDC: Remarks by Vice President @Mike_Pence on the Dangers of Socialism https://t.co/DJZT45KV5S #MAGA — […]
4 post-liftoff steps to launching a tech startup
As Siegler wrote for TechCrunch at the time:
“Step one: obtain a ton of users.
Step two: get brands to leverage your service.
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Words that make the world ring
Words so marvellous that the world yet rings with them: “this is the SON OF GOD!”Source: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace
Presidential Updates
@antd: Full text of Trump's "Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization" https://t.co/APUn3FyaFx — […]
President Trump defended the #StLouisCouple who last month wielded #Guns to defend their home from activists who walked through their gated neighborhood, and hinted he may take action in the case. https://t.co/20mVloPihs — […]
@statedeptspox: Beijing ended Hong Kong’s autonomy 27 years early. Yesterday, President @realDonaldTrump acted to end the preferential treatment that autonomy had made possible. https://t.co/nkrqhvjV9C — […]
President Trump and #AGBarr announced significant developments in efforts to eradicate the notorious #MS13 gang, including its plan to seek the #DeathPenalty of an alleged gang member in connection to the slayings of 2 #NewYork teens. https://t.co/koYkJFiifP — […]
@AirForce1: Remarks by President Trump on Rolling Back Regulations to Help All Americans https://t.co/ass6qmCBdO https://t.co/S968jSmmU0 — […]
President Trump defended the #StLouisCouple who last month wielded #Guns to defend their home from activists who walked through their gated neighborhood, and hinted he may take action in the case. https://t.co/20mVloPihs — […]
@statedeptspox: Beijing ended Hong Kong’s autonomy 27 years early. Yesterday, President @realDonaldTrump acted to end the preferential treatment that autonomy had made possible. https://t.co/nkrqhvjV9C — […]
President Trump and #AGBarr announced significant developments in efforts to eradicate the notorious #MS13 gang, including its plan to seek the #DeathPenalty of an alleged gang member in connection to the slayings of 2 #NewYork teens. https://t.co/koYkJFiifP — […]
@AirForce1: Remarks by President Trump on Rolling Back Regulations to Help All Americans https://t.co/ass6qmCBdO https://t.co/S968jSmmU0 — […]
Monday, July 20, 2020
Higher Education Updates
The Trump administration has rescinded a rule that would have forced international students to leave the country if their colleges hold classes online this fall. https://t.co/5kqSNY7r2C — […]
China's new security law has sent a chill through Hong Kong's schools and universities, with many teachers fearful the city's reputation for academic freedom and excellence is now at risk. Staff at some institutions have already been warned to be careful https://t.co/csN0mQrXRO — […]
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has enrolled in a sports college to fulfil what he called his boyhood dream of becoming a basketball coach https://t.co/ZEqyaOx6qT — […]
An experimental coronavirus vaccine has been shown in an early trial to prompt a protective immune response in people, scientists at Oxford University say. https://t.co/FzO4O4xJjA — […]
China's new security law has sent a chill through Hong Kong's schools and universities, with many teachers fearful the city's reputation for academic freedom and excellence is now at risk. Staff at some institutions have already been warned to be careful https://t.co/csN0mQrXRO — […]
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has enrolled in a sports college to fulfil what he called his boyhood dream of becoming a basketball coach https://t.co/ZEqyaOx6qT — […]
An experimental coronavirus vaccine has been shown in an early trial to prompt a protective immune response in people, scientists at Oxford University say. https://t.co/FzO4O4xJjA — […]
The 'only facetious remark in the Bible'
We rode half through the city and through the famous “street which is called Straight” without seeing any thing, hardly. Our bones were nearly knocked out of joint, we were wild with excitement, and our sides ached with the jolting we had suffered. I do not like riding in the Damascus street-cars.
We were on our way to the reputed houses of Judas and Ananias. About eighteen or nineteen hundred years ago, Saul, a native of Tarsus, was particularly bitter against the new sect called Christians, and he left Jerusalem and started across the country on a furious crusade against them. He went forth “breathing threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord.”
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Weekly Updates
GovTop Report
Pray for Congress
Knowing the Times
Technology Policy
A Virginia Blog
Pray for Congress
- Appropriations Committee:
- SBA questioned about PPP funds to abortion providers
- Congress Last Week
- Congressional Outlook
- Senate Floor Schedule
- Senate Committee Schedule
- House Floor Schedule
- House Committee Schedule
Knowing the Times
Technology Policy
A Virginia Blog
Friday, July 17, 2020
A tool for clarity in our biggest life decisions
If you visited the Acuff house during the writing of this book, you’d probably be surprised by the dining room.
Although it’s usually a fairly neat space, for three months it looked like the lair of a mad scientist. I didn’t have beakers because that’d be weird and I’d probably have to order them online from a strange beaker company that would send me catalogs for the rest of my life.
But I did have notes covering every wall.
It didn’t start out that way. Initially, I did all my work on a laptop trying to outline everything in one massive Word document.
It was fine at first, but the more I added to the outline, the harder it got to keep up. I couldn’t quickly find what I had hidden in Chapter 3 or understand how Chapter 6 was going to resolve. It was a frustrating exercise of scrolling and misplacing ideas.
Finally, after probably our fiftieth confusing conversation, my wife, Jenny, had had enough. She grabbed something from the kitchen drawer, slammed it on the table like we were playing suburban dominos and said, “There!”
Nature and Resources Updates
@Reuters: Dolphins are returning to Lisbon's Tagus river. Sightings of the mammals have soared over the last two months with some pointing to the lack of cruise ships and commuter ferries due to the shutdown https://t.co/y5pfyo42CV https://t.co/ScTwkvPKn6 — […]
@PhillyInquirer: More about how the storm affected the Philly area: https://t.co/1ZtgT33NqE — […]
@UPI: Fay brings flooding, power outages to New Jersey https://t.co/EQ8wbW8apu — […]
@PhillyInquirer: More about how the storm affected the Philly area: https://t.co/1ZtgT33NqE — […]
@UPI: Fay brings flooding, power outages to New Jersey https://t.co/EQ8wbW8apu — […]
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Buckets of Courage
A friend who is a high-level executive, intimidating to many, recently promoted a courageous employee who walked into his office with a large bucket of sand and poured it on the rug.
“What … are you doing?” demanded my friend.
The employee replied, “I just figured I’d make it easier for you to bury your head in the sand on the topic I keep bringing up and you keep avoiding.”
SCOTUS Updates
Split decisions on Trump financial records https://t.co/6fzW8aN1re (WORLD) — […]
Swath of Oklahoma deemed tribal land https://t.co/cno7MwjCdg (WORLD) — […]
Supreme Court sets up more fights for Trump’s tax records https://t.co/dVI6eWxZjn (WORLD) — […]
@ReutersLegal: What happened at the Supreme Court this year? Here's a thread of all the major cases the justices decided this term: https://t.co/YBizC6JXDQ — […]
Swath of Oklahoma deemed tribal land https://t.co/cno7MwjCdg (WORLD) — […]
Supreme Court sets up more fights for Trump’s tax records https://t.co/dVI6eWxZjn (WORLD) — […]
@ReutersLegal: What happened at the Supreme Court this year? Here's a thread of all the major cases the justices decided this term: https://t.co/YBizC6JXDQ — […]
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
The meta nature of running Instagram
Systrom wasn’t as confident as he sounded. He had actually been nervous to meet Crowley, since Foursquare was the talk of the industry. Instagram’s infrastructure was still struggling to support all the new users. He and Krieger weren’t sleeping well. There were plenty of strong competitors.Source: No Filter: The Inside Story of Instagram by Sarah Frier
But pretending things were going more smoothly than they actually were was part of the job of being a startup CEO. Everyone needed to think you were on the right track.
His posturing was perhaps analogous to the modern pressure Instagram would introduce—the pressure to post only the best photos, making life seem more perfect than it actually was.
Federal, International Updates
@chicagotribune: Vice President Mike Pence said the CDC will be issuing new guidance for the reopening of schools in the fall. https://t.co/SeysO2IW3Y — […]
"Operation Legend is named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City, the latest in a string violence to plague Kansas City in recent weeks." https://t.co/CazaHdAnDp — […]
@statedeptspox: In China, "rule by law" is an attempt to protect the government from the people. In a free country, the rule of law protects the people from the government. We stand in solidarity with peaceful Chinese activists who defend their fellow citizens' rights. https://t.co/KXASCaOTDj. — […]
"Operation Legend is named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City, the latest in a string violence to plague Kansas City in recent weeks." https://t.co/CazaHdAnDp — […]
@statedeptspox: In China, "rule by law" is an attempt to protect the government from the people. In a free country, the rule of law protects the people from the government. We stand in solidarity with peaceful Chinese activists who defend their fellow citizens' rights. https://t.co/KXASCaOTDj. — […]
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Perfect love
Perfect love means perfect faithSource: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).
Presidential Updates
@lopezgovlaw: #Breakingnews Executive Order on the White House Hispanic Prosperity Initiative | The White House https://t.co/RKhGSlJRFG from @whitehouse https://t.co/11xgtCAqAw — […]
President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to be Members of the President’s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Prosperity https://t.co/GXX2aNIgwh — […]
@markknoller: Pres Trump's week …
-WED: Travel to Atlanta for speech on rebuilding America's infrastructure;
-THU: Remarks on further rolling back of regulations. — […]
"I can assure you that while some are talking about defunding the police, under this President and this administration, we're going to defend the police and we're going to back the blue" https://t.co/a24FxT6L7L — […]
President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to be Members of the President’s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Prosperity https://t.co/GXX2aNIgwh — […]
@markknoller: Pres Trump's week …
-WED: Travel to Atlanta for speech on rebuilding America's infrastructure;
-THU: Remarks on further rolling back of regulations. — […]
"I can assure you that while some are talking about defunding the police, under this President and this administration, we're going to defend the police and we're going to back the blue" https://t.co/a24FxT6L7L — […]
Monday, July 13, 2020
The oldest city in the world
Damascus dates back anterior to the days of Abraham, and is the oldest city in the world. It was founded by Uz, the grandson of Noah.
“The early history of Damascus is shrouded in the mists of a hoary antiquity.”
Leave the matters written of in the first eleven chapters of the Old Testament out, and no recorded event has occurred in the world but Damascus was in existence to receive the news of it.
Go back as far as you will into the vague past, there was always a Damascus.
Higher Education Updates
@USHouseNews: #HouseHearing: Examining the Impact of #COVID19 on the Future of Higher Education. https://t.co/bjGvMlQnVa #Coronavirus — […]
@ClayTravis: Every year 1,825 kids ages 18-24 die on college campuses from alcohol related issues. https://t.co/BBSv3hNO6z. — […]
@Reuters: International students in the United States with a fully virtual courseload may soon be forced to leave the country, as universities like Harvard shift to online instruction for the upcoming academic year https://t.co/kXlOWgKh4Z https://t.co/EmlRrKBUd1 — […]
@Reuters: More than a million foreign students at U.S. universities scramble to figure out their plans following Trump's new order that would force them to leave the country if their schools hold all classes online https://t.co/WFtbQ32xVe https://t.co/Y9bdKwHKHx — […]
@ClayTravis: Every year 1,825 kids ages 18-24 die on college campuses from alcohol related issues. https://t.co/BBSv3hNO6z. — […]
@Reuters: International students in the United States with a fully virtual courseload may soon be forced to leave the country, as universities like Harvard shift to online instruction for the upcoming academic year https://t.co/kXlOWgKh4Z https://t.co/EmlRrKBUd1 — […]
@Reuters: More than a million foreign students at U.S. universities scramble to figure out their plans following Trump's new order that would force them to leave the country if their schools hold all classes online https://t.co/WFtbQ32xVe https://t.co/Y9bdKwHKHx — […]
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Friday, July 10, 2020
Nature and Resources Updates
@DrRickKnabb: We’re racking up Atlantic depressions/storms mainly by feasting on non-tropical land-based origins to get short-lived, weak systems, formation of which is harder to forecast. Models suggest could get another off East Coast next week. None of this is the real hurricane season yet. — […]
@capital_climate: Washington #DCA 2.04" rainfall overnight is a new record for July 7. The old record of 0.93" in 1958 was 1 of only 2 July daily records less than 1". #dcwx #climate — […]
@AFP: Hundreds of people had to leave their homes in a coastal French city to allow explosive experts to deal with a 500-kilogram bomb from World War II https://t.co/bUlfe3HHx0 https://t.co/sJLWwbX39V — […]
We're inside the line for being extra hot in about a week for several days. #DCwx #VAwx #MDwx https://t.co/Yz8ZwQ9BM1 — […]
@capital_climate: Washington #DCA 2.04" rainfall overnight is a new record for July 7. The old record of 0.93" in 1958 was 1 of only 2 July daily records less than 1". #dcwx #climate — […]
@AFP: Hundreds of people had to leave their homes in a coastal French city to allow explosive experts to deal with a 500-kilogram bomb from World War II https://t.co/bUlfe3HHx0 https://t.co/sJLWwbX39V — […]
We're inside the line for being extra hot in about a week for several days. #DCwx #VAwx #MDwx https://t.co/Yz8ZwQ9BM1 — […]
Thursday, July 9, 2020
SCOTUS Updates
.@USSupremeCourt To Hear Case On Sealed Mueller Evidence https://t.co/zTD31xaqYv — […]
@ReutersLegal: U.S. Supreme Court to hear Trump appeal over Russia report documents https://t.co/MqnrnszY1j https://t.co/AQZbgSK8Lf — […]
@ReutersLegal: U.S. Supreme Court takes up Nestle, Cargill appeals over human rights claims https://t.co/mNL2dnwAZu https://t.co/307SHGwL2w — […]
@ReutersLegal: U.S. Supreme Court sends Indiana abortion cases back to lower courts https://t.co/FWiLCIqDRV https://t.co/TSTEfYTA81 — […]
@ReutersLegal: U.S. Supreme Court takes up Germany's appeal in Nazi art dispute https://t.co/cPgD98WsVr — […]
@news_ntd: The #SupremeCourt agreed to consider the #Trump admin’s appeal of a lower court’s decision compelling @TheJusticeDept to give Congress documents from former Special Counsel Robert #Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. https://t.co/VJDt7InWr1 — […]
@PrivacyPros: "Facebook asks SCOTUS to intervene in privacy lawsuit" (via @DailyDashboard) https://t.co/UIKSHWF24x cc: @MediaPost https://t.co/2jlnbhDNJf — […]
@USSupremeCourt: The Fourth Circuit’s judgment—that the robocall restriction’s government-debt exception in 47 U. S. C. §227(b)(1)(A)(iii) violates the First Amendment but is severable from the remainder of the statute—is affirmed. — […]
@USSupremeCourt: OPINION: Chiafalo v. Washington (19-465) https://t.co/rU5nxkDwci A State may enforce an elector’s pledge to support his party’s nominee—and the state voters’ choice—for President. — […]
Binding faithless electors https://t.co/2vf1Mejub2 (WORLD) — […]
@2Aupdates: New Supreme Court case Zoie v Nebraska (#SCOTUS, 19-1418): Cert petition https://t.co/JhaviVXMNP https://t.co/9LxGTEmfXQ — […]
@AllianceDefends: BREAKING: US Supreme Court asked to halt NV governor’s rules that treat churches worse than casinos ADF attorneys represent church challenging unbalanced coronavirus restrictions that allow more people to play slots than gather for worship Read more: https://t.co/vJyantrnHc https://t.co/ufw6mSqYtc — […]
@USSupremeCourt: OPINION: Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru https://t.co/Kdrak1G4bn ALITO, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which ROBERTS, C. J., and THOMAS, BREYER, KAGAN, GORSUCH, and KAVANAUGH, JJ., joined. — […]
@scotusreporter: In first opinion today, Supreme Court says two teachers who wanted to sue their parochial schools employers may not because of the "ministerial exception" protecting religious institutions — […]
@USSupremeCourt: OPINION: Little Sisters of the Poor Saints Peter and Paul Home v. Pennsylvania (19-431) https://t.co/UKDlUFktPQ THOMAS, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which ROBERTS, C. J., and ALITO, GORSUCH, and KAVANAUGH, JJ., joined. — […]
@KevinDaleyDC: BREAKING: The Supreme Court upholds the Trump administration's conscience exemptions from the Obamacare birth control mandate in victory for the Little Sisters of the Poor. Justice Thomas has the Court's opinion. The judgment is 7-2. #SCOTUS https://t.co/k4SXaigMrD — […]
Supreme Court upholds contraceptive exemption https://t.co/DPurKoPcC3 (WORLD) — […]
@NRBtoday: SCOTUS Delivers Major Wins for Religious Liberty with Rulings on Our Lady of Guadalupe and Little Sisters of the Poor Cases https://t.co/zhI5AOwkJ6 https://t.co/6woBGyZNZM — […]
Religious schools keep the right to hire for beliefs https://t.co/DVeLVMNRwD (WORLD) — […]
Victory for the Little Sisters https://t.co/uABH9yQLql (WORLD) — […]
@USSupremeCourt: OPINION: McGirt v. Oklahoma (18-9526) https://t.co/o5xrOkJ701 GORSUCH, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which GINSBURG, BREYER, SOTOMAYOR, and KAGAN, JJ., joined. — […]
@USSupremeCourt: OPINION: Trump v. Vance (19-635) https://t.co/6CzTEnZI5a ROBERTS, C. J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which GINSBURG, BREYER, SOTOMAYOR, and KAGAN, JJ., joined. KAVANAUGH, J., filed an opinion concurring in the judgment, in which GORSUCH, J., joined. — […]
@USSupremeCourt: OPINION: Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP (19-715) https://t.co/Ig5BaVKVKP The courts below did not take adequate account of the significant separation of powers concerns implicated by congressional subpoenas for the President’s information. — […]
@tsspangler: Justice Thomas dissent to tax records: "The subpoena ... here is unprecedented. Never before has a local prosecutor subpoenaed the records of a sitting President. The Court’s decision threatens to impair the functioning of the Presidency" — […]
2019 term concluded: Complete list of 2019 cases, opinions and summaries
@ReutersLegal: U.S. Supreme Court to hear Trump appeal over Russia report documents https://t.co/MqnrnszY1j https://t.co/AQZbgSK8Lf — […]
@ReutersLegal: U.S. Supreme Court takes up Nestle, Cargill appeals over human rights claims https://t.co/mNL2dnwAZu https://t.co/307SHGwL2w — […]
@ReutersLegal: U.S. Supreme Court sends Indiana abortion cases back to lower courts https://t.co/FWiLCIqDRV https://t.co/TSTEfYTA81 — […]
@ReutersLegal: U.S. Supreme Court takes up Germany's appeal in Nazi art dispute https://t.co/cPgD98WsVr — […]
@news_ntd: The #SupremeCourt agreed to consider the #Trump admin’s appeal of a lower court’s decision compelling @TheJusticeDept to give Congress documents from former Special Counsel Robert #Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. https://t.co/VJDt7InWr1 — […]
@PrivacyPros: "Facebook asks SCOTUS to intervene in privacy lawsuit" (via @DailyDashboard) https://t.co/UIKSHWF24x cc: @MediaPost https://t.co/2jlnbhDNJf — […]
@USSupremeCourt: The Fourth Circuit’s judgment—that the robocall restriction’s government-debt exception in 47 U. S. C. §227(b)(1)(A)(iii) violates the First Amendment but is severable from the remainder of the statute—is affirmed. — […]
@USSupremeCourt: OPINION: Chiafalo v. Washington (19-465) https://t.co/rU5nxkDwci A State may enforce an elector’s pledge to support his party’s nominee—and the state voters’ choice—for President. — […]
Binding faithless electors https://t.co/2vf1Mejub2 (WORLD) — […]
@2Aupdates: New Supreme Court case Zoie v Nebraska (#SCOTUS, 19-1418): Cert petition https://t.co/JhaviVXMNP https://t.co/9LxGTEmfXQ — […]
@AllianceDefends: BREAKING: US Supreme Court asked to halt NV governor’s rules that treat churches worse than casinos ADF attorneys represent church challenging unbalanced coronavirus restrictions that allow more people to play slots than gather for worship Read more: https://t.co/vJyantrnHc https://t.co/ufw6mSqYtc — […]
@USSupremeCourt: OPINION: Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru https://t.co/Kdrak1G4bn ALITO, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which ROBERTS, C. J., and THOMAS, BREYER, KAGAN, GORSUCH, and KAVANAUGH, JJ., joined. — […]
@scotusreporter: In first opinion today, Supreme Court says two teachers who wanted to sue their parochial schools employers may not because of the "ministerial exception" protecting religious institutions — […]
@USSupremeCourt: OPINION: Little Sisters of the Poor Saints Peter and Paul Home v. Pennsylvania (19-431) https://t.co/UKDlUFktPQ THOMAS, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which ROBERTS, C. J., and ALITO, GORSUCH, and KAVANAUGH, JJ., joined. — […]
@KevinDaleyDC: BREAKING: The Supreme Court upholds the Trump administration's conscience exemptions from the Obamacare birth control mandate in victory for the Little Sisters of the Poor. Justice Thomas has the Court's opinion. The judgment is 7-2. #SCOTUS https://t.co/k4SXaigMrD — […]
Supreme Court upholds contraceptive exemption https://t.co/DPurKoPcC3 (WORLD) — […]
@NRBtoday: SCOTUS Delivers Major Wins for Religious Liberty with Rulings on Our Lady of Guadalupe and Little Sisters of the Poor Cases https://t.co/zhI5AOwkJ6 https://t.co/6woBGyZNZM — […]
Religious schools keep the right to hire for beliefs https://t.co/DVeLVMNRwD (WORLD) — […]
Victory for the Little Sisters https://t.co/uABH9yQLql (WORLD) — […]
@USSupremeCourt: OPINION: McGirt v. Oklahoma (18-9526) https://t.co/o5xrOkJ701 GORSUCH, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which GINSBURG, BREYER, SOTOMAYOR, and KAGAN, JJ., joined. — […]
@USSupremeCourt: OPINION: Trump v. Vance (19-635) https://t.co/6CzTEnZI5a ROBERTS, C. J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which GINSBURG, BREYER, SOTOMAYOR, and KAGAN, JJ., joined. KAVANAUGH, J., filed an opinion concurring in the judgment, in which GORSUCH, J., joined. — […]
@USSupremeCourt: OPINION: Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP (19-715) https://t.co/Ig5BaVKVKP The courts below did not take adequate account of the significant separation of powers concerns implicated by congressional subpoenas for the President’s information. — […]
@tsspangler: Justice Thomas dissent to tax records: "The subpoena ... here is unprecedented. Never before has a local prosecutor subpoenaed the records of a sitting President. The Court’s decision threatens to impair the functioning of the Presidency" — […]
2019 term concluded: Complete list of 2019 cases, opinions and summaries
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Fierce
The name of the restaurant may not be long for this earth, but The Man may survive.
I remember going with my daughter Jennifer to Dixie’s BBQ for lunch. Dixie’s has the best BBQ in western Washington. Ask anyone. It’s official.
The proprietor visits each table and asks, “Have you met ‘The Man’?”
“The Man” is the seriously hot hot sauce for which Dixie’s is famous.
“Lay it on us,” we said.
Within seconds, two women of reasonably professional demeanor were transformed into bleary-eyed, runny-nosed, red-blotched, mascara-streaked, ugly-faced, broken-down, beggin’-for-mercy, cryin’-for-Mama, fixin’-to-die, hiccupping lumps of humanity.
Of humility.
There was no way out but through. Sans dignity.
And if you’ve never heard a grown child of yours whisper, “Help me,” it’s unnerving, let me tell you.
Federal, International Updates
@usbotschaft: The U.S. will continue to stand w/ the freedom-loving people of #HongKong and respond to Beijing’s attacks on freedoms of speech, the press, and assembly, as well as the rule of law. Today marks a sad day for Hong Kong, and for freedom-loving people across China. https://t.co/cfJWM5PTch — […]
"Artificial Flowers, Christmas Decorations, Coal, Footwear, Garments, and Nails are included for forced labor of adults;
"Textiles are included for child labor; and
"Bricks, Cotton, Electronics, Fireworks, and Toys are included for both forced labor of adults and child labor." https://t.co/7votwLNqNq — […]
@TheJusticeDept: Last month, AG Barr took part in a virtual security ministerial with close partners from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. They discussed #COVID19’s impact on global security and agreed to work together to combat threats in areas of mutual interest. https://t.co/PcCMgvRL6M https://t.co/KqKIeh8yXh — […]
If avoiding #MadeinChina, specific things to avoid and why. #ChildLabor #ForcedLabor #China https://t.co/S66VyOUgkr — […]
@statedeptspox: Great news on entry into force of the #USMCA! This landmark agreement will be a new engine for growth and prosperity to ensure North America remains the most economically dynamic region in the world. https://t.co/rLqHyqvR7f https://t.co/y60JywGVxG — […]
"Artificial Flowers, Christmas Decorations, Coal, Footwear, Garments, and Nails are included for forced labor of adults;
"Textiles are included for child labor; and
"Bricks, Cotton, Electronics, Fireworks, and Toys are included for both forced labor of adults and child labor." https://t.co/7votwLNqNq — […]
@TheJusticeDept: Last month, AG Barr took part in a virtual security ministerial with close partners from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. They discussed #COVID19’s impact on global security and agreed to work together to combat threats in areas of mutual interest. https://t.co/PcCMgvRL6M https://t.co/KqKIeh8yXh — […]
If avoiding #MadeinChina, specific things to avoid and why. #ChildLabor #ForcedLabor #China https://t.co/S66VyOUgkr — […]
@statedeptspox: Great news on entry into force of the #USMCA! This landmark agreement will be a new engine for growth and prosperity to ensure North America remains the most economically dynamic region in the world. https://t.co/rLqHyqvR7f https://t.co/y60JywGVxG — […]
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
The greatest need of our nature
God meant to make us know ourselves created for another and a better life, such being in fact the greatest need of our nature.Source: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace
Presidential Updates
@DeptofDefense: China is increasingly a concern for the commander of @USNavyEurope & @NATO's Allied Joint Force Command. Read more why strengthing relationships with our allies & partners across Europe & Africa is more important than ever #partnerships #USNavyAfrica https://t.co/8WN5NC7H0J — […]
Trump defends monuments on July Fourth https://t.co/r0KfIHjG6f (WORLD) — […]
@markknoller: Pres Trump's schedule this week also includes WH talks and working dinner on Wednesday with Mexican Pres Lopez Obrador. Comes a week after the US/Canada/Mexico trade agreement went into effect replacing NAFTA. — […]
Trump defends monuments on July Fourth https://t.co/r0KfIHjG6f (WORLD) — […]
@markknoller: Pres Trump's schedule this week also includes WH talks and working dinner on Wednesday with Mexican Pres Lopez Obrador. Comes a week after the US/Canada/Mexico trade agreement went into effect replacing NAFTA. — […]
Monday, July 6, 2020
Higher Education Updates
@IndoPac_Info: Spied on. Fired. Publicly shamed. #China’s crackdown on professors reminds many of Mao era Under #XiJinping, the party banned discussion in 2013 of “Western concepts” such as universal values, free press, civil society and the party’s historical errors. https://t.co/MnDixQZGQd — […]
@UPI: More than a dozen British universities face insolvency due to COVID-19, study says https://t.co/06TUuqa4cL — […]
@UPI: More than a dozen British universities face insolvency due to COVID-19, study says https://t.co/06TUuqa4cL — […]
Mark Twain in Ephasus
Ephesus—a town great in all ages of the world—a city familiar to readers of the Bible, and one which was as old as the very hills when the disciples of Christ preached in its streets. It dates back to the shadowy ages of tradition, and was the birthplace of gods renowned in Grecian mythology. …
On a high, steep hill, toward the sea, is a gray ruin of ponderous blocks of marble, wherein, tradition says, St. Paul was imprisoned eighteen centuries ago. From these old walls you have the finest view of the desolate scene where once stood Ephesus, the proudest city of ancient times, and whose Temple of Diana was so noble in design, and so exquisite of workmanship, that it ranked high in the list of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Sunday, July 5, 2020
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Salute to America
THE PRESIDENT: … Our Founders launched not only a revolution in government, but a revolution in the pursuit of justice, equality, liberty, and prosperity. No nation has done more to advance the human condition than the United States of America. And no people have done more to promote human progress than the citizens of our great nation.
It was all made possible by the courage of 56 patriots who gathered in Philadelphia 244 years ago and signed the Declaration of Independence. They enshrined a divine truth that changed the world forever when they said: “…all men are created equal.”
These immortal words set in motion the unstoppable march of freedom. Our Founders boldly declared that we are all endowed with the same divine rights — given [to] us by our Creator in Heaven. And that which God has given us, we will allow no one, ever, to take away — ever.
Friday, July 3, 2020
Weekly Updates
GovTop Report
Knowing the Times
Technology Policy
A Virginia Blog
- 6/29 Floor Summaries: Senate, House
- 6/30 Floor Summaries: Senate, House
- 7/1 Floor Summaries: Senate, House
- 7/2 Floor Summaries: Senate, House
- Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record
- June Medical Services Analysis
- Pro-life concerns about H.R. 1425, the ACA “Enhancement” Act
- Their own form of righteousness
- Congress Last Week
- Congressional Outlook
- House Committee Schedule
Knowing the Times
Technology Policy
A Virginia Blog
Nature and Resources Updates
After 6/29 we lose daylight faster than 30 seconds per day until mid-September. https://t.co/R4NfOMRQkR #WashingtonDC — […]
@DEFCONWSALERTS: Mysterious Spike In Radioactivity Over Northern Europe, Accident At Russian Nuclear Plant Suspected - https://t.co/etkTtcGNvW — […]
@ArmedwScience: Dr. Mark J. Lewis, director of Defense Research and Engineering for Modernization, spoke with @HudsonInstitute on how being unafraid of failure will be critical to speeding DOD's development of hypersonics. https://t.co/pEklI7B1L2 — […]
@fox32news: EYES TO THE SKY: Skywatchers are in for a treat on July 4, when the buck moon, or July full moon, rises in the sky. There will also be a partial lunar eclipse. https://t.co/sq3MlJfZLW — […]
@DEFCONWSALERTS: Mysterious Spike In Radioactivity Over Northern Europe, Accident At Russian Nuclear Plant Suspected - https://t.co/etkTtcGNvW — […]
@ArmedwScience: Dr. Mark J. Lewis, director of Defense Research and Engineering for Modernization, spoke with @HudsonInstitute on how being unafraid of failure will be critical to speeding DOD's development of hypersonics. https://t.co/pEklI7B1L2 — […]
@fox32news: EYES TO THE SKY: Skywatchers are in for a treat on July 4, when the buck moon, or July full moon, rises in the sky. There will also be a partial lunar eclipse. https://t.co/sq3MlJfZLW — […]
Thursday, July 2, 2020
SCOTUS Updates
@kevincorke: In a major victory for the #Trump administration, #SCOTUS ruled that immigrants whose requests for #asylum were rejected can't contest the denials in federal court. Supreme Court Eases Path to Deport Asylum Seekers - WSJ https://t.co/r07udEECCX — […]
@ReutersLegal: U.S. Supreme Court bolsters Trump's power over rapid deportation https://t.co/Jmtat30iye https://t.co/qObrVzXXBB — […]
@KevinDaleyDC: Just one opinion today from the Supreme Court: the Court sides with the Trump administration in its bid to speed deportations for migrants denied asylum. Justice Alito delivers the opinion, the bottom line judgement is 7-2. #SCOTUS https://t.co/9ubJ0xYAbU — […]
@ReutersLegal: Supreme Court declines to change Ohio ballot initiatives policy https://t.co/WMJFs4j6mc — […]
@ReutersLegal: U.S. Supreme Court bolsters Trump's power over rapid deportation https://t.co/Jmtat30iye https://t.co/qObrVzXXBB — […]
@KevinDaleyDC: Just one opinion today from the Supreme Court: the Court sides with the Trump administration in its bid to speed deportations for migrants denied asylum. Justice Alito delivers the opinion, the bottom line judgement is 7-2. #SCOTUS https://t.co/9ubJ0xYAbU — […]
@ReutersLegal: Supreme Court declines to change Ohio ballot initiatives policy https://t.co/WMJFs4j6mc — […]
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Federal, International Updates
@eAsiaMediaHub: .@SecPompeo announced the U.S. has accepted @JosepBorrellF's proposal to create a U.S.-EU Dialogue on China. “I’m excited about this – a new mechanism for discussing the concerns we have about the threat China poses to... our shared democratic ideals." https://t.co/D1oa1LYmim https://t.co/YFTFr16MlE — […]
@FRCdc: A great move by the @StateDept and @SecPompeo! "President Trump promised to punish the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials who were responsible for eviscerating Hong Kong’s freedoms. Today, we are taking action to do just that." #StandwithHongKong https://t.co/mTt3wkhns6 — […]
@StateDept: Today, @JTIP_State released the annual Trafficking in Persons Report. This year’s TIP Report celebrates 20 years of progress and paves the way for advancement in the fight to #EndTrafficking. https://t.co/MOQQc1yZHQ — […]
@FRCdc: A great move by the @StateDept and @SecPompeo! "President Trump promised to punish the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials who were responsible for eviscerating Hong Kong’s freedoms. Today, we are taking action to do just that." #StandwithHongKong https://t.co/mTt3wkhns6 — […]
@StateDept: Today, @JTIP_State released the annual Trafficking in Persons Report. This year’s TIP Report celebrates 20 years of progress and paves the way for advancement in the fight to #EndTrafficking. https://t.co/MOQQc1yZHQ — […]
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