Dominique Strauss-Kahn, former head of the International Monetary Fund has been acquitted of aggravated pimping charges stemming from accusations he organized lavish orgies with a network of friends and prostitutes. In 2011, he was acquitted of sexual assault of a housekeeper in a posh New York hotel. The acquittals, widely expected, have produced most shrugs among members of French society. While the charges have quashed his chances at a political career, Strauss-Kahn appears poised to successfully resume his professional career as an investment banker. #rehabilitationalafrançais
An Arizona preacher is apparently praying for God to rip out the heart of transgendered celebrity Caitlyn Jenner. He also claims to hold in his heart a “perfect hatred” for Ms. Jenner, prompting some to wonder what an “imperfect” hatred might look like. #whatwouldJesusdo
The government of Myanmar, reacting to an international outcry, has agreed to put a stop to the mass exodus by the Rohingya, a group of ethnic Muslims within its borders. The dangerous and illegal smuggling trade has proved devastating to the region, resulting in overwhelmed neighboring countries and death and deprivation for the emigrants. At the same time, officials refuse to address issues of widespread persecution or even recognize the Rohingya as being legitimate citizens. #thisisnotdemocracy
Texas #becauseTexas
Jerry Seinfeld, among several comedians, expressed his concern expressed his concern that political correctness and hyper-sensitivity may be ruining comedy by inhibiting comedians. His comments inspired a hyper-sensitive politically correct social media backlash. #weallneedachillpill
There are, at latest (but not last) count, some 366 people who have filed the paperwork necessary to run for President of the United States. Eight percent of them are expecting/hoping to appear in the Republican primary debates in August. #thisisdemocracy
knowledge, nevertheless sent a shiver up my spine. Just because spy organizations sell divisions to private companies doesn’t mean we’re safer from prying eyes. Forget the NSA; Google probably owns more satellites, or it soon will. Ever since those adorable little camera mounted cars started patrolling our streets in order to keep Google Maps updated, privacy became a quaint notion associated with a time of horse-drawn buggies and night-time skies that were filled with actual stars.
Using Google Earth, I took a virtual stroll up and down Bourbon. I had already mapped a route for my characters and noted the places they passed and what they might see as they looked around. Then I moved to the side streets, looking for alleys or back lots. A food market looked promising but swooping in, I saw no street access to the back. A left turn down another side street revealed a recessed driveway with a gate that was sometimes locked, sometimes unlocked. My crime could take place behind that gate. The perpetrator could then either walk back to Bourbon or choose a parallel street and make his way down to one of two streetcar lines.
Earth. Don’t misunderstand me; I don’t think it’s a substitute for a real visit. I plan to return soon, to walk the streets my characters walk, peek into doorways and stop into shops, ride the streetcar again and sit in Jackson Square on a sultry afternoon eating a beignet. I need to smell the velvety air, feel the humidity settle on me like a sweater and absorb the uniquely mystical, magical, musical atmosphere that is the Big Easy. When the schedule clears and the airfare drops, I’ll be there. In the meantime, Earth to Google: let’s go for a walk.
I’ve been nominated for a Liebster Award. The award is given to bloggers by other bloggers. The nomination might be the award or at least the point. It’s a “pay it forward” chain letter to promote other bloggers. The blog I visited to read about it suggested that everyone who blogs knows about the award unless he or she is a newbie. I’ve been blogging for at least a decade, even before web log morphed into blog and I didn’t know about the Liebster Award. I lead an insular life.