Frank Chow: Asian- American Political Pundit

 Last day of work for the year. Blogging will be sporadic or consistent, who knows? Depends on what vile and terrible things the Trump administration does. It has been quite a year, and I'm still not sure he'll make it through the entire term. One thing I know is we won't stop. That counts for something. Nothing pisses off authoritarians more than not submitting. So, no matter what, I'm here. Thanks for the support and for continuing to check in. Time to cuddle with the kiddos.  Here are your highlights: Trump likes killing people. Biden stopped the executions of 37 men; Trump wants to punish them .  US drops plans to deport Chinese whistleblower.   Is the DOJ breaking under pressure? More Epstein files drop . Trump was on Epstein's plane more than reported.  The Empty Suit . Kash Patel undermines the FBI.  The Tariffs hurt Bourbon . Canadians are not messing around.  Some cool news. An ancient Egyptian boat will be assembled in real time at the Grand ...

 Christmas is nearly here. Times are rough, but the girls will still have a lovely holiday. They're lucky to have a family that spoils them. Santa will make it after all. I'm sensing I'll be under the weather this holiday. I woke up with a cough, a dry throat, and a headache. 'Tis the season.  Here are your highlights:  No surprise here. The Epstein files were heavily redacted . Bondi must be held accountable.  Bari Weiss halts 60 Minutes report on deported men to El Salvador.  Great start to her likely short-term at the helm.  Flooding in Cali. Illinois has one of the highest concentrations of data centers. People are starting to notice that, nationwide, it is harmful to the environment .  Vice President JD Vance is a-okay with bigots. A Russian general was killed in a car bomb.  - Ukrainian special forces? Maybe.  I am Frank Chow, and I approved this message. 

We're almost at the end of the year. Still no Epstein files. Yes, today is supposed to be the release of the files. I don't think that's happening. As more pictures are released , there is hardly anything funnier than David Brooks being captured hanging out with Epstein. The guy who literally wrote a "don't bother me with the Epstein files" article. Now, we know David to be a questionable man with his age gap marriage, look it up, it isn't normal, but damn, that photo is hilarious. It goes to show that rich folks knew and didn't care. Those with access knew and didn't care. This should motivate you even more to seek justice for the victims.  Here are your highlights:  China's chip rally . Trump is getting played.  What's a Climate Change? Warm weather is hitting ski resorts .  MTG and the Transphobic Mask is Off . This is why Dems can't capitulate or moderate. Trans rights are human rights.  United Healthcare is awful.  Russia, Russia,...

 There are no words. Trump is truly an embarrassment to our nation.  Here are your highlights:  RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz go after gender-affirming care.  Podcaster discovers an actual FBI job is difficult. Bongino out.   Mike Johnson and Epstein files . What does he know?  Trump Derangement Syndrome is the call from within .  Rural schools are struggling to make up for the loss of grants .  Sudan is in turmoil.   If we had a decent president, this humanitarian crisis would be front and center. But boats.... I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 I find it funny that Republicans are now fighting in the open about healthcare . It seems Speaker Johnson is losing the reins of his caucus. Obamacare is popular, works, and once you give someone something better, it's tough to take it away, especially from millions of Americans. It's been 15 years, and Republicans haven't come up with a better plan. I say let them fight. Here are your highlights: Tragedy in Australia. The Bondi Beach shooting leads to 15 dead . Antisemitism has no place in a civil society.  Climate Change research is being dismantled . Russ Vought is a sick zealot.  Student loans are about to hit millions . I bet it'll do wonders for the economy.  Venezuela is starting to sound like "WAG THE DOG." The Vanity Fair article with Wiles is funny because they're all such terrible people. And Vance is as weird as we've said.  ICE threw thousands of kids in detention.  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 There was a little debate yesterday about going back to Twitter. We must engage the right wing to sway them to our side. I call bullshit. The reason a lot of us left Twitter is that it became a Nazi-fested tool for Elon Musk and his toadies. The environment was and is unbearable. You can't convince those who have been converted to the cult. You can't win them over to be good people. I've sat with that long enough. If someone is willing to vote for Trump, they aren't willing to hear you.  Here are your highlights: Bari Weiss, a known grifter, is also bad at running CBS News .  Pritzker signs the end-of-life bill .  Alligator Alcatraz is an abomination.  DeSantis belongs in jail.  The "Peace" president still has no deal with Ukraine and Russia .  What's a Congress? More boat killings .  The failure of Ford and EVs will be studied for years to come . China continues to make US manufacturers look dumb.  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this messag...

 It's cold! It's so cold, you can't feel your face! We got a bunch of snow this weekend, and then today it's "feels like -2." I hate it here. The Midwest is not my friend. I used to think those who let the weather affect their mood were suckers, but this THIS IS DIFFERENT. I don't know how to function. I don't want to function. I'm here, but I'm without. Okay, enough complaining.  Here are your highlights:  Gunman remains at large . Brown University shooting.  RIP Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle . One of the best storytellers and advocates we had. Tragic.  Someone needs to do a documentary about Fetterman. The dude has lost his mind.   RFK Jr. is the worst appointee of all time.   Something weird is happening in the metals market. Copper soars .  Trump is ruining Christmas .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 We got snow! Yet, the school is still open. So I traversed country roads, followed a few snow plows, and almost slid to my death when I got too comfortable. Luckily, the kids were already dropped off, and no one was harmed. My SUV hates snow. We purchased it in California after all. As the holiday season approaches, I'll be posting sparingly over the last two weeks of the year. I have some significant changes coming in my life over the next couple of months and need to prepare both mentally and physically. In the meantime... Here are your highlights:  Indiana Republicans tell Trump to suck it. Vote down the new gerrymandered maps .  Historic floods hit Washington . "The American Dream wiped out in a day." Justice for Kilmar-Abrego? Judge blocks government from re-detaining him .  RFK Jr. is comparing COVID-19 vaccines to opioids . Truly deranged.  Dems release more Epstein photos . Nothing incriminating, but Trump is in them, and um, he can't run from them....

 As we creep toward war with Venezuela, I still have to ask why? I can't recall a single campaign promise that mentioned any of this. Not sure what this has to do with "making America great." I've seen explanations, yet none of them play out. It is one of Trump's odd obsessions turned into conflict. Kind of like when he suggested we all start drinking bleach. Only this is different because it's escalated, and we know the "peace" president won't stop. War crimes have almost certainly already been committed. What comes next after hijacking an oil tanker? A Tom Friedman "suck on this" article. Here are your highlights:  Republicans are scrambling to come up with a health care plan . All these years, and they still have nothing better than Obamacare.  FIFA corruption. The way Infantino likes to suck up to dictators is truly embarrassing .  Denmark next to axe social media for kids? Let's hope so.  When all of this is over, I really hop...

 As we slide into more authoritarianism, it's important to know not everything is bad and terrible and awful and shitty and miserable. I could go on. Trump is getting older every day . He falls asleep during meetings. And even the feckless NYT is pushing back a bit. I know everyone is worried about a third term, but I'm not so sure he makes it.  Here are your highlights:  Democrat wins Miami mayor , first time in 30 years.  Climate Change: Ancient lake reemerges in Death Valley.   Illinois passes law protecting immigrants near hospitals, courthouses, and colleges .  Let's make this a movement. Millions of Australian kids lose social media .  Handing China the AI wars .  Hundreds of thousands at risk in Gaza as Storm Byron looms.  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 I was listening to Offline on the commute home last night. On it, Noah Smith made a compelling case that we, as a society, will survive the AI Boom and AI takeover. I'll admit, I'm rather negative on AI. I haven't seen it do what every evangelist claims it'll do; however, Noah has me rethinking my disdain. AI is happening, it's here, and it's not going away. So, how do we as a society frame it to our benefit? How do we use it and then utilise it? Will the robotpocalypse come?! For now, I remain a Skeptic, mainly because those in charge of the AI are the same folks who destroyed the internet.  Here are your highlights: 7 killed in Thailand-Cambodia crisis.  Thousands displaced. Trump creates a problem for farmers. Trump bails out farmers . Farmers are welfare queens.  Years of underfunding threaten our ability to protect fishermen , cargo ships, and wildlife.  Judge allows Ghislaine Maxwell's case materials to be released .  Mark Zuckerberg has no idea wh...

It's too cold to think. I admit I wish I had more to say. Being in the Midwest is a marathon. We wake up, check the weather, and have to decide whether to get out of bed and face this nonsense. I did it today. So that's a win. In other news, killing people on boats is apparently patriotic. It's what America was meant to do all those years ago. If you disagree, you must be a traitor.  Here are your highlights:  China is kicking our butts on Climate Change . I'm not sure we ever recover.  Stephen Miller, as Rep. Ilhan Omar says, is a Nazi .  It's the economy, stupid.  The "new" Democratic strategy.  The Trump administration has gone full Kremlin .  SCOTUS takes up birthright citizenship. The fact that they're taking it up is proof that they want to take it down .  Drone strikes on a kindergarten . Sudan is our most urgent humanitarian crisis.  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 Another week, and still no Epstein files. I believe there's a whole lotta bad in there. Worse than we think. It's the only thing that makes sense now. I want every dirtbag in those files to rot. Amazingly, they all voted, Trumped signed the bill, and then poof, they thought it would magically disappear. I guess we have to go to war with Venezuela.  Here are your highlights: Libraries and museums get money back .  The Roberts Court does it again. Rigging elections .  Satellite boom a threat to NASA telescopes .  World Cup Draw is this afternoon . Can you believe we're going to have a World Cup? It feels doomed.  Mike Johnson's power is floundering. Republicans are starting to get nervous .  200.000 children will die because of cuts to AIDS funding . Elon should pay for this.  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 As the cold continues to ruin my spirit and my health, I'm trying to muster the strength to be properly outraged. I do feel like the "flood the zone" analogy is proper. The Trump administration literally does nothing good. It's meant to beat us into submission until we're apathetic. Until enough of us stop caring and accept "our fate." The level of corruption in this administration has no bounds. The level of incompetence is staggering. We have to whoop them in 2026.  Here are your highlights:  How Minnesota became a hub for Somali immigrants .  Maybe this is why Majorie Taylor Green has changed her tune? FBI arrests suspect in Jan. 6th pipe bomb case.   (I kid, but it's one of my favorite conspiracy theories) Epstein Island photos are as creepy as you'd suspect .  ICE is at it again. This time it's New Orleans and the Twin Cities .  Over a million layoffs in 2025 . America is so great. Democrats, here's your messaging. You don't hav...

 I got hit by a stomach bug yesterday. Still not 100%, but we soldier on. Speaking of soldiers (see what I did there), throw them all under the bus! Hegseth, Trump, and their ilk clearly didn't commit war crimes. They gave the order, but the double strike was the Admiral. Actually, let's walk everything back, including those photos and videos. Nothing to see here . This administration is full of such false bravado losers. I'm not sure when the stupid will end.  Here are your highlights: Trump administration halts immigration for 19 nations .  The total is now 159 dead in the Hong Kong fire . 30 still missing. RFK Jr. continues to try to kill babies. New findings on COVID-19 and pregnancy.   The economy isn't collapsing , but it doesn't look good either.  APs Photos of the Year. Donny the Dealmaker strikes again. Russia says there's no peace deal .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 It's December 1st, which means the annual game of avoiding "All I Want for Christmas is You" has begun. Who will be the first out? How will I avoid the torturous tune? I dodged it fairly well last year. I'm hoping it wasn't a fluke. There are over 20 of us participating this year. It's a fun way to enjoy the holiday spirit. What are some of your traditions? Let me know!  Here are your highlights: Deadly shooting in Stockton, CA . The shooter is still on the loose.  The Trump administration loves shooting itself in the foot. Presidential HIV council warns of cuts .  Ukraine and Russia . There's no peace deal in sight.  Bitcoin sell-off resumes.   Sen. Mark Kelly is calling it as he sees it. Hegseth is committing war crimes.   Pope Leo pro-Palestinian state .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 I'm off next week. I don't know if I'll post my regular schedule. I don't have plans, though, just me chilling with the kiddos. A hike, a visit to a pumpkin patch. Who knows? Lowe's? Portillos? Endless suburban possibilities. Chicago at the tail end of the week. I said that yesterday, didn't I? Ahh, Fridays. Whatever you do, I hope it's with people who appreciate you and are grateful for your friendship.  Here are your highlights: Dark Days . The president is sending death threats to members of Congress. There is no low for this man.  Fugees rapper Pras is sentenced to 14 years for conspiracy charges . He'll probably be pardoned by Trump cuz his administration does this shit daily.  Russian hacking suspect caught in Thailand .  Someone explain to me what a Peace Plan is.  Israel keeps bombing Gaza .  I'm not sure it's a good sign that Google wants to " double its compute capacity every six months ." AI is quickly sounding untenable.  T...

 Almost to the holiday week. Almost there. I can almost taste the turkey and stuffing! This year I'm headed to Chicago, if everything works out. I plan to be with my cousins and talk politics, sports, and art. Then walk about the city neighborhoods, weather permitting. As the leaves fall and the sky darkens, it's getting awfully depressing out. Walks will help, Mother Nature, are you listening?! Here are your highlights:  Some good news! Smaller nations have qualified for the World Cup . Thousands of toxic sites are at risk of flooding .  Resistance. Charlotte residents are fighting back against ICE. A mediocre jobs number dropped, and of course, Trump is getting positive headlines. All the while, foreclosures are on the rise. Is this another sign of things to come? Sudan is now a "priority" for the Trump administration . And it took MBS to do it. This is the most odd timeline. Ukraine is a corruption mess. And they'll have to concede some ground .  I am Frank Cho...

 The rehab of MBS and Saudi Arabia has been completed. Nothing matters anymore but money. Corruption is not real. Laws aren't either. I've struggled this week because in the industry I work in, the mental gymnastics people have done to justify similar actions is quite a feat. MBS is a corrupt, blood-hungry goon, and Khashoggi deserves better from our president. The problem is our president is Donald Trump. A man so eager to be an authoritarian, he buddies up with the Saudis like he owes them his shirt. Yesterday will be put in a time capsule. The fall of America was welcomed by gold-plated toilets.  Here are your highlights:  The House and the Senate vote to release the Epstein Files . I'm sure Bondi has a trick up her sleeve.  If more of the files are released. I hope scum like Larry Summers disappear.   South Carolina is debating whether women should go to jail for having an abortion . Instead of autonomous cars , can we please get high-speed rail?  I am...

 We're getting to that time of year. Year-End Lists! I'm catching up on all the albums I missed. Movies, I'm way behind. Books? Who reads these days? As I compile my list of best songs and albums, I will post them here. Judge all you like. My taste is impeccable.  Here are your highlights: The House is set to vote on releasing the Epstein files. Let's see how much Pam Bondi scrubbed.  Climate Change - releasing disease-spreading mosquitoes .  Cloudflare outage.  I'm concerned that we use the same stuff, and once it breaks, everything goes to crap.  WAR! WAG THE DOG! Trump is ramping up his war with Venezuela . No big deal.  Republicans claim they want to combat antisemitism. Tough to do with Nazis in your party.   Is Bitcoin bursting? It has given up all 2025 gains .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 Another weekend passed, and Epstein ain't going away. My hunch is that Trump will push for the files to be released and then call everything a hoax. Just like he did with Russia, the elections, and so on. This one, though, isn't going to play out the same way. His supporters were hellbent on exposing the Epstein files. It must be a Democrat conspiracy after all. Trump is a lame duck and we're about to find out how lame he is. Here are your highlights: Republicans have brain rot. Election monitors in Michigan .  Polish railway "sabotaged." Not Russian to any judgments here. Lead pipes are a problem. Don't tell the Trump administration that.   Spotify has some explaining to do .  Palestinian deaths in Israeli custody are on the rise .  It's the guns, stupid. RFK Jr. wants to blame antidepressants for mass shootings.   I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 The cover-up is not going well for Trump and his cronies. Epstein named him in multiple emails. Now, clearly, Epstein had a bone to pick with old Donny, but I think back to a 2015 (?) a Daily Kos article that explained Epstein and Donny went from friends to rivals. Whether it was a land deal (supported by Russia) or the stealing of young girls. Something went south. The thing that is bothering a lot of folks, including myself, is, what was the FBI doing about all of this? In upper circles , everyone knew about Epstein, Trump, and their transgressions. Some say Mossad...I'm not sure we'll ever know.  Here are your highlights: The BBC needs to stand up to Trump's frivolous lawsuit threat.   The way in which Larry Summers was chummy with Epstein is gross . Can we cancel this man already?  Kristi Noem, Secretary of Corruption . Putin won't stop. Russia attacks Kyiv, killing at least five .  Starbucks strike . It's shitty coffee. Support unions. The holidays are qui...

 The government is no longer shut down. BUT it's still dysfunctional with Republicans in charge. In all my years covering Congress, Mike Johnson might be the worst Speaker of the House I've ever seen. Unless you take into account that he thinks Trump will bring about the End of Times, then it makes sense how he operates. Divine blah blah blah. Weird dude. I know most folks will rabbit hole this shutdown, but I think it's our job to make sure they don't. Republicans shut down the government to protect our pedophile president. That's the truth. It should haunt the Republican Party forever.  Here are your highlights:  The Chicago Raid that led to nothing . An abuse of force. ICE agents must be arrested. 1,000 musicians to boycott Israel: " No Music for Genocide ." The New York Times and the entire media conglomerate are complicit in Epstein's crimes. The "But Her Emails..." meme is evergreen.  One step closer to Skynet - OpenAI's Open-Weigh...

 The Great Caving is continuing to face backlash. It's important to note how negotiations with Republicans work these days. They intend to shoot the hostages. They have no intention of giving in without extracting something far more extreme. Like, say, abortion . The Democrats who caved now open the door for more pain, more suffering, and further deterioration of civil rights in our country. This isn't a master class by Republicans or anything; it's the same playbook. Wait it out, knowing the media wants to give Trump a win. Vote every Dem who votes "yes" out .  Here are your highlights:  Epstein Knew . Dems release more damaging evidence, our president is a pedo.  Remember the biggest bombing ever?! The destruction of Iran's nuclear program? About that... Live explosives on the ground in Gaza .  Texas is quickly becoming the Hot Zone of states. Anti-vax propaganda is sickening our population .  Hundreds were reported killed in Tanzania during the protests....

 To all who have served, we thank you. On Veterans Day, our kids sing to local veterans and have a nice meal with them. It's a sweet and sentimental gesture. The kids were practicing last night. It was pretty cute and a reminder of how grateful we are for our troops, despite Trump using them for his racist agenda.  Here are your highlights:  Dick Durbin's legacy will be pissing off everyone in Illinois . What a coward.  Yesterday it snowed. This weekend, it's supposed to be back to 60. Hooray for Climate Change .  Speaking of the environment. Trump's war on EVs is setting us back .  The "Big Short" guy is saying what I've been worried about : AI companies are cooking the books.  Flock dystopian surveillance sold as "safety." No, Douchehat, Women did not ruin the workplace .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 One thing that is not surprising is that Senate Democrats and Blue Dogs will always disappoint. They believe they have "friends" across the aisle. They believe locker room talk and lunches equal honesty and integrity. Lucy doesn't need a football with these fools. And Chuck Schumer is the leader of them all . He needed to resign years ago. Now is the time to demand he does, ESPECIALLY after Dems recent election results. We need fighters, not quitters.  Here are your highlights: Trump pardons the January 6th Coup Crew . Even though "they did nothing wrong." Air travel ran so much better under Mayor Pete .  Still no agreement in Gaza. All the pomp and circumstance was fake .  The head of Palantir is certifiably insane .  Is Parenting in America too hard? Yes . For two parties that say they care about the American family, they make it really difficult to raise kids here.  SCOTUS saw the election results and said, "LET THE GAYS MARRY."  Somewhere, Mrs. Al...

 I'm off today. Kids don't have school. Don't trust MTG. Here are your highlights:  The Subway Sandwich thrower is acquitted! Viva La Sandwich! No surprise, but frightening. Food is less safe under the Trump administration .  Multi-divorcee Kim Davis wants SCOTUS to end same-sex marriage. Good luck to anyone traveling over Thanksgiving .   Thinking about Rome again. Roads of Ancient Rome were 50% longer than previously thought .  The White House continues its attack on the free press .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

Winter is coming. We've been blessed with warm weather this week, but it's about to turn. And I'm not ready. I'm ill-prepared this year. It's been a particularly tough year, personally. A lot has changed. AND ON TOP OF THAT. It's dark too early now; the seasonal depression is creeping in. I need to pick a list of shows and movies, as well as some hot chocolate, to cope. Send flowers.  Here are your highlights: Nancy Pelosi will not be running again . The best Speaker of the House of my lifetime, but also an example of not knowing when to retire. She and her crew stuck around too long.  Dems are feeling the Blue Wave. Ask for Trump to cave . I think this is smart. Trump hates looking bad more than anything. He seems willing to throw Republicans under the bus .  Maine passes "red flag law" to prevent mass shootings.   Ruh-roh. Layoffs soared in October .  *taps mic "Guys, Climate Change is still a thing." The UAE is supporting the RSF in Sudan ...

  BLUE WAVE!!! I don't want to get overly optimistic, but damn, it feels good. We won everywhere we needed to win. The message has been sent. It seems the No Kings protests weren't just paid actors. This should also send a message to Centrist hacks that there are more ways to win. We don't have to compromise and move to the center on every issue. Run good candidates that fit their districts, states, and areas. I'm going to let myself feel good today.  Here are your highlights:  ICE to Urbana . More harassment is expected from the goons.  California didn't disappoint. Prop 50 passes . The potential to have 5 more seats is promising.  UPS cargo plane crashes in Louisville.   Mamdani wins, as expected, and declares a mandate . Every Dem should declare one.  Virginia elects its first female governor. Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger . I've followed her career for some time. She has star quality like Mamdani. We can run a diverse set of candidates.  ...

 I'm back from a fantastic weekend in Chicago. Despite Ireland losing, we had fun, laughed, and did the touristy things. I will definitely be attending another rugby match in the future. One thing that Chicago isn't is a war zone. I'm convinced Trump's handlers have been feeding him AI footage of the great city. That or old footage from foreign conflicts. Either way, it was safe, relatively clean, and friendly. Of course, with a side of no bullshit.  Here are your highlights:   Donald Trump's popularity is at an all-time low .  Israel is shutting down the truth by  arresting a military lawyer . ICE shoots a U.S. citizen trying to protect kids.  More layoffs. I fear the AI boom will bring even more .  Terrorist attack at Harvard Medical School.   NYC, do your thing. Elect Mamdani and tell Cuomo to fuck off forever .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 Chicago, I'm coming for you. And I'm ready to throw down and watch some rugby. If anyone is headed to the match, hit me up. Would love to meet fellow "resistance libs" at the tailgate. I'll be with Paddy K and his Irish mates. I assume tomfoolery will be had.  Here are your highlights: King Charles is stripping Prince Andrew of his titles and kicking him out . America?  Furloughed employees are visiting food banks.   We're not built for the ongoing Climate Crisis. NY reports 2 dead.   Ruining Halloween to own the Libs .  Ukraine is rattling Russia with drone strikes .  John Roberts betrayed America .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 This weekend I'm headed back to Chicago. Ireland vs. New Zealand rugby match at Soldier Field . It will be epic. The last time I was at Soldier Field, the Commanders (then the Skins) played the Bears. And if I remember correctly, Jay Cutler, known MAGA loser, threw a bunch of interceptions, and the Commanders won. This will be more fun because I'm an amateur rugby fan, and I'm sure the Irish will show out. Plus, Paddy K from the old Trans-Atlantic Throwdown days will be there. The old band is getting back together.  Here are your highlights:  Justice for Sonya Massey . It's a rare win, but it feels good to know cops can be tried and convicted.  ICE is a criminal organization. They've come for Kat Abughazaleh .  The majority of Californians support Prop 50 .  Trump will claim victory over China. The truth is different .  No big deal. The president, suffering from mental decline, will play with nukes .  What is happening in Sudan is horrifying. ...

Trump is in major decline. He has been for a while, and if he were a Democrat...well, you know how it goes. As Steve Bannon tries to get Trump a third term, I'm not so sure Trump makes it that long. One could hope. His showing in Japan has been bleak. Yet as the government continues to be shut down, he parades about Asia, soon to sell out Taiwan. It's all so blah.  Here are your highlights: Right-wing figures are drumming up more fake election controversies .  Powell to cut rates as the Fed is worried about the economy.  Israel breaks the ceasefire, then says it won't break the ceasefire. There was never a peace deal .  Jamaica devastated by Hurricane Melissa .  Bari Weiss at CBS, it's a problem, not sure how big yet, but it ain't starting out great .  NYC to pick its mayor today. Mamdani looks to win handily. Let's see how he can change the biggest city in the United States.  Nvidia becomes the first $5 trillion company . I don't know why, but somet...

 SNAP benefits are about to expire . All because Republicans think it's only the Blahs that use the benefits. Republicans could fix this; there is a way around the shutdown to still supply necessary benefits....BUT they won't. I know of folks in our rural town who are on SNAP. All of them are white. Nearly 40% of SNAP recipients are white. Companies could, you know, pay a living wage. We could, you know, have a functioning economic system. But Republicans... Here are your highlights:  Trump is declining quickly now . It's beyond obvious.  Jeff Bezos spent over $50 million on his wedding. Amazon to lay off 14,000 people .  Texas AG Ken Paxton, yes THAT Ken Paxton, is suing Tylenol cuz of autism .  Tear gassing Halloween. Border Patrol is made up of idiotic thugs .  No one in these big tech companies learned anything from iRobot .  Prayers up for Jamaica. Melissa is a Category 5 hurricane .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 I suggest everyone buckle up. It's about to get really bleak. Everything we warned about. Everything we said would happen has happened, and it will get worse. I'm not being a Debbie Downer here; it's the facts. Republicans have no desire to open the government. They want King Trump to do his bidding. They want chaos, starvation, and unemployment. Cruelty. Mike Johnson thinks Democrats are terrorists. Trump thinks every boat in the water should be "killed." The media is complicit. So yes, buckle up. But don't stop fighting.  Here are your highlights:  The truth about SNAP.  "...the most mass hunger suffering since the Great Depression." Anti-abortion zealots killed Trump's promised IVF investment .  What's up with the Navy? More crashes.  Trump had an MRI. "It was perfect." Look, we all see the signs. Maybe his cabinet is finally concerned.  Hurricane Melissa is headed toward Jamaica .  Hey, what was the 2024 election about? I cou...

 It's Friday, and in this rural town, we scare kids while they ride around in a tractor. I'm still not used to this. It's been five years now. I'm still not used to this. The hay, the corn, the soy beans, and the Coors Light. When people romanticize the Midwest and rural towns, I have to laugh.  Here are your highlights: Trump administration is going to open up sacred land to oil drilling . Such a waste. So gross. Grifting. It's all about the Grift .  Make this make sense. ICE is buying chemical weapons .  Jack Smith is ready to testify .  With all the tough-guy stuff, the National Guard is a bunch of babies. A man was detained for playing Star Wars music .  China was prepared for Trump and is leaving the US behind .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 Had some early meetings, a little late posting. One thing that's bothering me about this shutdown is the lack of empathy. Hardworking folks are without their jobs because Republicans want to cover up the Epstein files. Mike Johnson continues to keep the government closed when he could easily open it, and the media keeps playing along. No mention of the people out of work. Our services are slowing. And our healthcare prices are likely to rise. Have some fucking heart.  Here are your highlights: JD Vance goes to Israel, and Israel slaps him around .  More voter gerrymandering, this time in North Carolina .  We're essentially at war with drug boats .  Mamdani is going to win , and it's not going to lead to millionaire flight.  Elon Musk and Tesla are failing again. When will the house of cars fall?  Many have said this, but the Supreme Court is made up of segregationists.  And now black enrollment is down at elite colleges , as the Supreme Court des...

 And just like that, winter is coming. Frost warning for tomorrow. Dropping temps. It was humid and sunny a couple of days ago. But this winter, I'm prepared to beat the seasonal depression. Not sure how yet, so if anyone has any ideas, let me know. It's Wednesday, which means it's another day Trump fleeces our country, our taxpayer dollars for his own gain. The swamp is in the White House, and it's literally destroying it.  Here are your highlights:  Dog Whistles for White Nationalists.   Mike Johnson won't be happy. The AZ District Attorney is suing . Taxation without representation.  Peru's president calls for a state of emergency .  The RENT IS TOO GODDAMN HIGH . The Bailout of Argentina is wild. Any other president and Trump would be impeached...how many times have we said that? But even crazier is that US farmers are fed up .  Hundreds of anti-science bills have flooded states . It's a coordinated effort to kill people, and it's utterly stupid....

 The conservative justices on the Supreme Court think racism is over, and if you call someone racist, you're the bad guy. That's what it's looking like as they are set to destroy the Voting Rights Act. The real victims are white people. Especially white conservative men. It's not racist to gerrymander, and it's not racist to do it egregiously like Louisiana is arguing. It's simply making things fair cuz woke. Here are your highlights:  The Trial of Sean Grayson . The cop who killed Sonya Massey.  Insurance premiums are set to increase . I don't think people remember how bad insurance used to be.  The internet is crap. We all know it. Here's an explanation of why .  Mass shooting averted at Atlanta airport .  Destroying the historic White House to own the Libs .  I don't want to sound alarmist, but  it might be concerning that Amazon controls   so many things we use.   I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message.

 Went to Chicago and had a great time protesting the Orange Menace. It was peaceful. Full of joy and love. But also resolve. This was the biggest crowd I've ever seen in my life. By the time we arrived, the event was at capacity. "War-torn" Chicago showed up. We're not backing down. The evening ended with a great comedy show by the Accountants of Homeland Security. The show was titled "Billionaires in Space." I literally laughed out loud, a lot. Onward, forward.  Here are your highlights:  Gaza violence continues as Trump does a "peace" victory lap.  No shame. It'd be nice if shame came back. George Santos is already on TV after receiving his pardon .  Trump was clearly upset by the No Kings protests . He made a weird AI video.  OSU shooting, 3 injured .  The continued failure of Elon Musk. SpaceX's pursuit to reach the moon is not working out .  Good news! The folks overseeing our nuclear program have been furloughed .  I am Frank Chow, a...

 No Kings tomorrow in Chicago. I'll be driving up in the morning and meeting up with my fellow ANTIFA members. One silly thing the Republicans keep doing is acting like being anti-fascist is a bad thing. Doubling down on it. Please continue, brave ones. We see you for who you are: pro-fascists. That's not a compliment.  Here are your highlights: More than 170 citizens have been detained by ICE . Kavanaugh Stops.  The Senate might just do its job. Stopping the war against Venezuela .  John Bolton indicted , this is bad cuz no president should weaponize the DOJ; however, it's John Bolton, and fuck that guy.  Nazi Barbie went a little crazy. She uses "Democrat" like she's ready to say the n-word.   Again, the ceasefire was no peace deal . Trump warns Hamas he'll kill them all.  "Jobless growth," AI might be the worst thing ever .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 Trump is giving money to Argentina while his party is trying to take away your healthcare. There Democrats. Attack away. I know it's not that simple, but any other group of politicians would hammer this home until the horse is not only dead, but in the center of the earth. It's a massive scandal, and so far, I've only seen Warren hit the mark.  Here are your highlights:   The Supreme Court is made up of white supremacists who are tired of your Civil Rights . Didn't we elect Obama? Problem solved .  China is kicking our ass .  Tucker Carlson says everyone on Capitol Hill is having orgies .  "Operational Efficiency" Nestle to lay off 16,000 folks . And of course, their stock price went up. I hate this move so much, and it's all too common.  The Pope has spoken . JD Vance is evil.  What if Aliens aren't visiting us because they're limited like we are? None more advanced than us.   I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 When people show you who they are, believe them. As for Republicans, they broadcast their white supremacist and Nazi selves all the time . Believe them. Time and time again, the Republican Party has revealed itself to be full of problematic, hateful racists. It isn't inflamed rhetoric or something made up. It's real. And the sooner the media, the Democrats, and everyone else in denial see them for what they are, we'll be better off. I won't hold my breath.  Here are your highlights: Despite the fanfare. There is no plan for the ceasefire in Gaza .  Visas revoked for saying mean things about Charlie Kirk . God forbid we call Charlie what he was.  Twitter has let the Proud Boys back on their hateful platform .  In rural America, it's challenging to be a doctor . I live in rural America, and this doesn't surprise me one bit.  Mike Johnson is struggling to delay the swearing-in of Rep-elect Adelita Grijalva . Release the Epstein Files, Mike.  The rich kee...

 We're not going to talk about the Commanders' game.  Here are your highlights:  The Trump administration is gutting Special Education .  RFK Jr. is stupid, and it's annoying that we have to do this. Debunking the Tylenol claims .  Trump is losing the tariff war vs. China.   Early credit warnings in the auto industry . EU makes an expected move. Ukraine is set to receive $140 million in support from frozen Russian assets .  Dutch seize China chipmaker .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 No Kings this week in Chicago and across the country. Who will be there? I'm hoping my health holds up and I can go. I've been battling not only a cold, but also seasonal allergies. This has been the worst season thus far. I wake up with bloodshot eyes and a cough. Why did we move to the Midwest? Why am I here? Oh, biscuits, as my kiddo says. Let's protest this authoritarian government and do it peacefully! Here are your highlights:  Get your measles! Get your measles! We live in a very stupid country .  Fluoride in water . The debate originated on internet forums.  The Supreme Court continues to attack the Voting Rights Act . Why? Cuz racism is over, duh.  Trump is getting credit for the release of hostages in Gaza . It's gross, but I'm glad they're home.  Climate Change is reaching a tipping point .  Is food addiction real? Studies are showing that, yes indeed, we can be addicted to certain foods .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message....

 I'm in the middle of my Alien movie marathon, and so far, it all holds up. There are some weird choices here and there, but it's entertaining. After watching Alien: Earth, I wanted to revisit everything in chronological order. Tonight I'm watching Aliens. Is it my favorite? We shall find out. With the themes of being controlled by large corporations, the series is relevant to our current oligarch-run country.  Here are your highlights: Circumcision and Tylenol . RFK Jr. is a crackpot and a danger to all .   Nobel Peace Prize goes to Venezuela's opposition leader , Maria Machado.  Republicans want to protect Trump from the Epstein files. That's why health premiums will go up .  RIP to a real one. Sister Jean made March Madness even better .  First Comey, now Letitia James . Trump goes after his enemies with baseless accusations.  It's coming. A recession of some kind. A crash or boom of some sort. The problem is that there will be no information or sig...

 I was under the weather yesterday. Still not 100%, but better. I swear, living in the Midwest, the moment the weather changes, you get sick. It happens every year. Just a bug creeping through your windows. The brain fog is something else. I'm barely present. Fun times.  Here are your highlights:  A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel . We shall see. From what I've read and heard, there isn't much left of Hamas. Bibi could've ended this long ago, but any progress is welcomed.  Are we going to war? It appears Trump wants war with Venezuela .  Bitcoin ATM scammers . It's baffling that Congress hasn't taken action on this.  To the banks! Rep. Raskin asks for Epstein's bank info.   America is "too risky" to visit .  Scientists are developing a vaccine against food poisoning .  I am Frank Chow and I approve this message. 

 I'm debating whether to go to Indy for a concert or to Chicago for the No King protest. Thoughts? I'm still in recovery, so a protest is supposed to be out of the question, but also fuck this administration. Speaking of recovery, today is not it. I'm in pain. I'm tired. And blah blah blah whining.  Here are your highlights: Trump wants to tear down our beautiful forests .  Texas is sending its National Guard to Chicago. Uninvited.   Fishermen live in fear of being killed by the US . Why is no one stopping this?  We have a houseless problem in America. Investors don't care and are buying up more homes .  Hate loud commercials . CA is doing something about it.  Russ Vought. Evil piece of shit .  I am Frank Chow and I approve this message. 

It's October. Does anyone else think it should be December? Not weather-wise, but the length of this year. It's been exhausting. Thing after thing. Chaos after chaos. SCOTUS after SCOTUS. As we continue on this collective journey of the downfall of our democracy, SCOTUS is aiming to put it all to bed. What's the over/under on them destroying the 14th Amendment? I'm not optimistic.  Here are your highlights:  We're way past a constitutional crisis.   The administration admins keep "sneaking" in white supremacist memes .  Medicaid cuts. Red states hate taking care of their people.  Illinois files lawsuit to deter the National Guard in Chicago .  The fall of CBS continues with the appointment of Bari Weiss . Journalism means nothing anymore.  ICE will be "all over the Super Bowl". Noem's Nazis think immigrants can afford tickets .  I am Frank Chow and I approve this message. 

 I'm a little behind today. We had an early school function for the kiddos. I decided to take the day off because, why not? The world is only ending. The Cubs are moving on in the playoffs, which hopefully means they win it all and reverse the curse of this godforsaken timeline. One can hope. Here are your highlights: Jane Goodall's final message to us all.   Trump want sword. He no get sword. Bad. Angry. Fire someone over it .  Remember when a degree meant you had a better chance at getting a job? The Supreme Court wants everyone to shoot everyone else . Freedom!  Project 2025 is the biggest failure of our media . We knew they'd do it, and now Trump is bragging about it.  Protests in Broadview, IL. Fuck ICE .  I am Frank Chow and I approve this message.

 The government is shut down. The Republicans fail to govern once again. Which is their thing. If your goal is to "drown the government in a bathtub", the best thing to do is not do anything. That, and put off releasing the Epstein files. They must incriminate Trump pretty convincingly. Cuz, man, they find every way not to release those files.  Here are your highlights: Russ Voght has to be one of the worst people on this planet .  At least two killed in synagogue attack in the U.K .  RIP Jane Goodall . You were one of the good ones. Thank you for teaching us about our world.  Nazi Barbie gets pwned for defending Trump's AI slop .  Google layoffs . One thing to watch in the months ahead is the potential layoffs of larger companies. They tend to start the ball rolling. Anti-trans activists are hoping the zealots on the Supreme Court will uphold "conversion therapy." I am Frank Chow and I approve this message. 

Invade our own states! Portland is Waterworld! Chicago is Mad Max! Memphis is Mexico! The utter insanity of these hyperventilating toads continues. I was in Chicago last month for two weeks and not once was I in danger. Portland is fine. Memphis is fine. Interestingly, no city in the Deep South has been mentioned. It's all segregation (y). I'm glad the generals didn't clap. I'm less glad they had to show up. Regardless, the Trump administration is drumming up another distraction from their failing economy, Bitcoin scams, and the Epstein files. It's pathetic.  Here are your highlights:  DOJ escalates its ramp-up of voter suppression . If there's no voter fraud, we will manufacture voter fraud.  Coal is coming back. In one of the weird obsessions of the Right, the US will spend over $600 mil to give men black lungs .  Headlines aside, cuz they want Republicans to win, the Republicans are to blame for the shutdown .  MORE EPSTEIN FILES . What was going on in New Me...

 Baseball is here. Yes, I know the season has been going on since the Jurassic Period, but playoff baseball is something different. And the Cubbies are in it! It's been too long, and I will enjoy it as long as it lasts. If you see ICE at a game, give them hell. Boo them into embarrassment. Record them on your phones and tag their cowardice. Go Cubs and Fuck ICE!  Here are your highlights:  "Kavanaugh Stops" - Atrios with a good one Speaking of the playoffs, sports betting in America is out of hand and needs regulation .  Hegseth leads the Department of WTF . A truly unhinged, Starship Troopers-type speech.  The impending government shutdown is NOT a "partisan standoff." The Republicans control Congress. It is on them. Yet our media can't help but frame it this way. Mitt Romney is a piece of garbage . He wanted Biden to pardon Trump.  The Supreme Court is back. And Roberts and his band of zealots aim to deliver the final blow to democracy. Hold onto your...