Frank Chow: Asian- American Political Pundit

 This weekend is always tough for me. My mom passed away Memorial Day weekend. Or that's how I remember it. It was over 25 years ago, and yet I can still hear my grandmother cry in anguish. The color of the walls in the hotel when we received the news. My untied tie. The tears. The hugs. The wish to say goodbye. So, all these years later, I will donate to organizations my mom would've loved. I'll pack up clothes that no longer spark joy and donate them. And I will hold our kids ever tighter. Grief is weird like that. You never know when it will come back around.  Here are your highlights:   Democrats need to expand the court . It has to be part of the platform.  Batteries. Batteries will make the energy crisis boring .  Who died when Elon Musk killed USAID?   I thought the election was about the economy. Then why did so many elect the worst to run the economy into the ground?   It seems like Trump wants China to attack Taiwan .  The Broadview Six ...

 Everything is in service of Dear Leader. The Republican Party is a cult dedicated to Donald Trump, of all fuckin people. A man, any sane human, would gladly tell off. A despicable, sad sack of excrement. A dude so incapable of doing his job that he sleeps on it. Yet, if you stand up to him. You lose. MAGA is a cult, and if you have a primary kiss the ring. Or face the consequences. The midterms will be very interesting because there are sane voters out there. And as Trump continues to tank in the polls, they will show up. Will it be enough?  Here are your highlights:   Israel likes to say they don't enjoy killing and abusing dissent. Ben-Gvir said, "Hold my beer." The Ballroom Backlash . Republicans might table the funds for the ballroom.  ICE Agent surrenders to Minnesota authorities . MORE! I'm sorry. I'm over it. Swing voters are just stupid and ignorant people .  RFK Jr.'s entire schtick is making life easier for insurance companies .  Police sue DOJ o...

 I'd like to believe. I'd like to have optimism. HOWEVER, the way the Southern states reacted to SCOTUS gutting the Voting Rights Act has me down bad. SCOTUS basically said, "Do your worst." And the Southern states have acted accordingly. They saw that they were going to lose the midterms and rigged the system in a white supremacist way. It is an act of desperation as Trump is so unpopular that he might as well be the plague, yet last night Republicans showed they still kiss his ring. It has me nervous. Will Republicans call the election off? Challenge even the widest margins? Six months is a long time for them to plot.  Here are your highlights:   Bolivia is under siege. Chaos at the capital.  The Trump slush fund needs to be investigated the moment Dems get the gavel.  Asians Behaving Badly. Steven Cheung is a prick .  Cuba is the next mark . Can we do two wars at once?  Climate Change - Kansas farmers face possibly the worst crop since 1972 ....

 Summer is almost here. The kids are out of school on Friday. I'd say I'm excited, but then the summer crazies hit. Which camp? Where to drop off? Who is doing what? It's all chaotic. Any parent will attest that summer is fun. We'd also say the lack of help or the lack of providers is stressful. We end school and are like, "Parents, good luck!" I get vacation time. I don't get enough vacation time for summer. So to those fellow parents out there, good luck!  Here are your highlights:  Bessent grovels at the G7 conference for allies to go after Iran's finances.  Israel continues to ethnically cleanse Palestinians .  Shooting in San Diego at an Islamic Center . Police are treating it as a hate crime.  Nobody does it quite like JD Vance . Vote them out!  Minnesota to prosecute ICE Agents .  Prayers up. (if that's what you do) An American doctor tests positive for Ebola .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

As the US and Iran continue to "negotiate" over the war, it's good to know that Europe is on the edge of an oil crisis. I can't think of a bigger self-own in modern presidential history. Trump has not only made Americans miserable at the pump, but also everyone. Everywhere. All at once. He doesn't care. Heck, he might even start the war back up for funsies. Something tells me this isn't what the Founders had in mind... Here are your highlights: The 250th anniversary celebration in DC is turning out to be a White Christian Nationalist Rally . The very antithesis of America.  House Oversight Committee to interview Epstein guards .  "Cuba has drones!" - I guess this is the next play. Starve Cubans, then war, then what? Asteroid, please hit us . You're our only hope.  Ebola outbreak in the Congo and Uganda. WHO declares an emergency .  MAGA is upset with Trump cuz CHINESE STUDENTS ARE BAD . This is too funny.  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this mes...

 For now, women can receive health care despite the want and fervor of Alito and Thomas to control every uterus. It's clear that the Republican appointees on the Supreme Court, especially the aforementioned, have no desire to call balls and strikes. It's all about returning to "the golden era." An America that never existed. An America where Segregation and Women's Rights weren't a thing. Pollution was all the rage, and you paid $6 a gallon for gas. Out of touch has lost all meaning. Expanding the court is the only way forward for the Democratic Party. Anyone saying otherwise shouldn't be taken seriously.  Here are your highlights:   A terrible story out of NY. Children with disabilities were thrown and confined in wooden boxes at schools .  Turns out nobody, wants Data Centers in their backyard .  The John Roberts Court. A third of the Congressional Black Caucus could lose their seats .  Another Republican, another sexual harassment claim .  Update: T...

 Eggs! Gas! Inflation! Biden is old! They really "But her emails..." anything during a Democratic presidency. And now, I'm paying $5 a gallon in my small rural town, so no way I'm buying beef, cutting back on essentials, and going out less. I guess I'll have to take up gardening or composting. What hippie hobby should I pick up? I have a bandana, need gloves, and I'll need more crusty gear. Time to get dirty! Here are your highlights: China warns Trump about Taiwan . Xi is going to play Trump so badly.  While Alito wants to own every woman's uterus. Abortion providers are scrambling to stay ahead of the courts.  UK Health Minister resigns and is rumored to challenge Starmer .  AAPI Month Alert: A documentary about being AAPI!   More layoffs at Meta. The rot starts at the top .  I'm so old I remember Donald said he'd end the war in Ukraine on day one .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 Trump goes to China. I have no hopes for this visit. Xi has played Trump rather well, and he will continue to, just like Putin. My worry is that Trump will sell out Taiwan at the first mention. He is all about optics after all. He wants the pictures and videos of him and Xi; that's pretty much it. I hate this trip so much .  Here are your highlights:   Please not another COVID. Hantavirus has a French patient in critical condition .  $1.2 trillion for the golden dome .  RIP Jason Collins . A hero in the NBA.  Mamdani is proving that Democrats are better at economics than Republicans .  Gunfire at the Philippine Senate .  The case of the missing Representative .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 A Democratic president could never. Watching gas prices rise, an endless war, a wobbling economy, a pedophile ring, sleeping on the job, etc. A Democratic president could never. Yet Trump continues on his authoritarian ways with zero media accountability. Americans hate the man, and yet the headlines act as if he's independent of the current state of affairs. If Biden were still president, the New York Times would look very different.  Here are your highlights:   The cost of war .   I'm no conspiracy theorist, but most Americans doubt the assassination attempts on Trump were real.  California mayor pleads guilty to being an illegal agent for China .  Fuck Rahm Emanuel and anyone promoting him .  Deal made with the hackers of Canvas .  Starvation on the front lines in Ukraine, Russian war.  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 I got caught up with my day job and completely forgot to post. Well, I started to post and then left the tab open. It seems like the ceasefire that wasn't is at the whim of declining Trump. Remember when Biden was criticized for being on the decline?!! Ah, the good old days. Now, we have Trump visibly falling asleep during pressers all the damn time. And threatening to start the war with Iran back up. Two more years of this seems untenable. So instead of highlights today, enjoy a song.  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 As we go further down the war hole, I'd like to ask, what's a Congress? What's a law? What's oversight? I hope Democrats hammer this home for the midterms. Trump wants $1.5 trillion for more wars while your gas, groceries, and health care prices go up. Trump is and has been out of touch during both of his terms. He told you to drink bleach while your friends died of COVID. He started a war with Iran, spending billions daily, while gas went to $5 a gallon. He's not like us. Republicans don't care. Hammer it home.  Here are your highlights:  Happy 100th Birthday to the legend David Attenborough .  A data center that's "bigger than Manhattan ". Someone, please, stop these morons.  DOGE dudes should be in jail. Judge rules they had no authority to cut grants .  ICE wants to reopen the "Rape Club." Are we headed towards AI armageddon? Anthropic Mythos is the warning sign.   Maybe, just maybe, more leaders will discover that a ton of schools u...

This weekend I'm older. It's not a big to-do of a birthday, so I'm going to get dim sum, shop, and chill. Maybe I'll stop by the local speakeasy or just mow the lawn. I used to really believe that getting older would be this monumental event. That the shift from my 20s to my 30s would be seismic, and so on. Nope. I've always felt younger than my age. That might be part of it. Regardless, I will enjoy my time. No need to wallow in a number.  Here are your highlights:  Kash Patel is such a loser . He hands out bottles of customized Woodford Reserve.  Surprise! Jobs report, steady as it goes. What is the hantavirus?  I don't think I'm ever going on a cruise ship.  Two former Chinese Defense Ministers were given life sentences for corruption . Xi keeps his tight grip. Segregationists in Tennessee bully protesters .  When the FBI can attack on behalf of a president. They are no longer a viable and respectable organization. It's sickening what they did to VA S...

I hate hate RFK Jr . " In  a statement released Monday  by the Department of Health and Human Services, Kennedy announced 'action to confront our nation’s mental health crisis by addressing the overuse of psychiatric medications.” I have been taking antidepressants for years, and they've been life-altering. I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It's been a constant struggle in my life. I wake up and can't get out of bed, I oversleep, I overstimulate, I can't go outside, etc. It isn't some conspiracy or lack of trying. I am clinically depressed. RFK Jr.'s lack of empathy is the problem. Not SSRIs. Fuck him.  Here are your highlights:  Iran says it's opening the Strait of Hormuz .  FRAUD! Republicans screamed. While also taking away SNAP benefits from the poor .  Another bang-up job by RFK Jr. and his ilk. Babies are dying because parents are refusing to give their kids a shot.   I'm ashamed I ever donated to John Fetterman .  Astron...

 My oldest went to the ER last night. I'm discombulated. She's okay, but anytime any of them gets injured or has a scare, it's overwhelming. They are my entire world. You never want to see your kid in pain. I can't imagine what the people of Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran are going through. I don't want to, which is why I mention this. The lack of empathy of the "Department of War", the president, and Republicans is sociopathic. It's so abhorrent. So, so, so I don't have the words.  Here are your highlights:  But Democrats are the Extremists .  The fumble of hosting the World Cup will be studied for decades .  Can Democrats win in Ohio?  Hey, being a Nazi is bad! NYC synagogues and residences vandalized with swastikas .  AI sued in Pennsylvania for fake doctor bots .  Is Hong Kong the next Silicon Valley?  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

It's Asian American Heritage Month! To kick it off, how about some WAsian music? Yes, I know she's Icelandic, but she lives in LA and went to Berklee College of Music. Our kids love Laufey, and her sound is a lovely chill throwback. Plus, what a fun video with Asian representation. I'll try to showcase talents and remind y'all that Asians kick ass. And if you didn't notice the Asian-AMERICAN part of this video that sticks out is none other than Alysa Liu, GOLD MEDAL FIGURE SKATER FROM THE BAY.  Here are your highlights:  The Forced Birth crowd gets another win. Mifepristone restricted .  13 injured in Oklahoma Lake Party  shooting.  I can't wait for Sen. Fetterman to get the FET out of the Senate .  DRAIN THE SWAMP .  The Southern States are Segregationists . And they aren't afraid to gerrymander to show it.  China blocks US Sanctions . The Chinese are increasingly defying teh Trump.  I am Frank Chow, and I approved this message. 

 Happy Taurus Month! Or something like that. I turn one year older this month, and I probably reflect more on my last year. I won't do that today. I'll spare you the Noah Kahan lyrics of it all, for now. This weekend, I'm headed to a local festival to promote local plants, clean energy, and getting outside. One thing I will share about my last year is that touching grass can be life-altering. Hiking has become my favorite escape from this world we're living in. Even if I spend parts of it cursing the Trump administration and its terrible actions.  Here are your highlights:   May Day Shut Down . Unions have had enough.  Endless war. Republicans, the cucks, defer to Trump on Iran War.   There's an Epstein suicide note, held by his cellmate, and the DOJ left that out .  Trump's running out of Surgeon General nominees . Next one up!  What is happening in shipping waters is "dangerous". From Hormuz to Panama to the South China Sea .  Something to brigh...

 Roberts has gotten his way. His long desire to gut the Voting Rights Act is over . Allowing Alito to write the opinion only speaks to Roberts brazen cowardness. You see, racism is over. It's been over. "Why can't teh blacks and minorities move on?" I'm not surprised. The Court and the Republican Party have been clear that they are Segregationists. Many people will continue to write more eloquently about this ruling, but let's be clear: the court has declared multi-racial democracy dead. Kagan dissents .  Here are your highlights:  Jerome Powell is staying . Despite his questionable tenure, this is funny.  The cruelty is the point. 400,000 people with disabilities could lose benefits .  Since living in Central Illinois, gas prices have been the highest I can remember . This morning it was $4.69. Where's all that "Biden did that" energy for Trump?  Janet Mills drops out. It seemed inevitable. I'm still not sold on Platner. Israel kills 9 in L...

 Iran has objectively won the war. Twice Trump has tried, and twice he has failed. There's a lesson here that he has never learned in his life. Big things go boom does not mean "we win." It'll be Trump's lasting legacy, an embarrassment that exposes the limitations of America's war chest. Maybe next time, don't fire all the "DEI" generals.  Here are your highlights: The Trump FCC is going after ABC/Disney. Cuz Kimmel hurt Trump's fee fees.  OpenAI is getting sued by the Tumbler Ridge victims.   Panama Canal - China has detained 70 ships .  Two stabbed in London in an antisemitic attack .  Misinformation fuels backlash towards Solar . We see this in our town too. It's idiotic.  Is the internet dead? AI is making more slop websites.  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 Welp. Tornadoes are plentiful this year. We had to shelter at work, and then last night I was in my basement. The storms were storming. Luckily, our rural town wasn't hit, but nearby was. I don't think I'll ever get used to the sirens. They're so loud and terrifying. Does anyone have any tips? I was without power for over an hour. I had flashlights, but no way to communicate with folks. Gotta figure out a better backup plan.  Here are your highlights: Homework, what is it good for?   Florida is going to be an experiment about what happens when stupid takes over .  The Trump administration wants everyone to get cancer from Roundup .  Oil . The sooner we move to renewables, the better.  Is the AI bubble here? OpenAI struggles .  ICE is going after Cubans in Florida .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

Well, I'm tired. I hiked over 6 miles yesterday, and I'm feeling it today. The weather was lovely, the bugs were plenty, and I managed to not trip on my own two feet. It's the small wins. It's easier to forget what a shithole country we are when you can hike through nature. Head down. Onward. Forward.  Here are your highlights: White House Correspondence Dinner shooter . What we know.  Not surprising. Most Americans hate the war in Iran .  DeSantis makes a move to counter Virginia maps .  Prediction markets are going to have their day .  An O.C. actor makes a damning documentary about Crypto.   Rumors are about. ICE is coming to Champaign.  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 It's marathon weekend here. To those participating, we salute you. It's something I'll never do, so yeah, kudos. My marathon would be playing Tetris for 24 hours straight or something like that. I was never a runner. This weekend I'm planning on hiking locally. It's been quite a week, and I need to touch grass. Something about a hike is relaxing. Enjoy your weekend, folks!  Here are your highlights:   The Lebanese State is done with Hezbollah .  Welp, that didn't take long. Special Forces soldier busted for betting on Maduro's capture .  Solar backlash . I see this all the time in our local Facebook forum. Rural folks hate solar for no good reason.  Paramount takeover and a huge threat in Hollywood . Fuckin' rich people.  The Federal job cuts hurt black women the most .  China stages naval drills near the Philippines .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 It's time for Democrats to be more partisan. Enough of this "friends across the aisle" crap. "Both sides." Just state it clearly: the Republican Party is terrible for our economy, for our safety, and for our civil rights. They want to return to segregation and continue to take your hard-earned money and give it to the 1%. Elected Republicans aren't your friends, guys. No real friend shakes your hand and then passes anti-trans bills. No real friends shakes your hand and cuts SNAP. No real friends shakes your hand and eliminates US AID, leaving thousands to die. Be partisan.  Here are your highlights:  Virginia Republican activist judge blocks new redistricting .  Our healthcare system is a joke. Patients are struggling to get obesity coverage .  Senate Republicans move to fund ICE . NoT YOur FrIEnDs.  Wildfires hit Georgia as the state faces a drought .  The corruption is the point.  Eric Trump needs to be in jail.  Kash Patel is a bumbling i...

 I've been on a reading kick of late. Mostly science fiction and fantasy. I am currently reading Project Hail Mary, Shadow and Bone, and Mistborn. I don't think I've ever engaged in one book at a time, but this year I'm all over the place, so it suits me. If you have any recommendations, comment below. I will be done with these books soon and would like to keep the momentum going.  Here are your highlights:  Virginia, my home state, does the right thing . Redistricting!  Kash Patel is such a loser. But he's "never been intoxicated on the job." Separation of Church and State . Not a thing apparently... Justice Clarence Thomas hates progressivism, and he hates you, you stupid anti-American scum . He's also terrible at giving speeches and is historically ignorant.  CPAC and Hungary. Time to investigate.  The very American death of Prince. Prince could only have died in America . We miss his genius. 10 years later, and it still hurts.  I am Frank Chow, an...

When all of this is said and done, Trump will be the most unpopular president ever . He will likely be remembered as the worst president ever. The Iran War his lasting legacy of arrogance, incompetence, and ignorance. But we're not done yet, and that's the scary part. I have no clue what will come next. None of us do, as he drives deeper into madness; we're all in danger. Fun times. Someone should do a study post-Trump era about how we all have collective PTSD. I will volunteer as tribute.  Here are your highlights:   SCANDAL. Trump fires Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer . Sounds like a frat party office.  Cuba confirms meeting with the Trump administration.  It'd be nice to have folks in Cuba not suffer.  The aftermath of the deadly fire in Hong Kong .  Purdue Pharma finally has to pay .  RFK Jr. hates mRNA vaccines. Cool that mRNA vaccines can help pancreatic cancer patients .  Climate Change continues its terror . Northeast farmers deal with...

 Happy 4/20 y'all! Smoke em' if you got em'. I will not be participating. Hopefully, I'll be sleeping though. We had a run of storms on Friday, and something like 10 tornadoes touched down in Illinois. The closest to us was too close for comfort. So, I didn't sleep well all weekend. I do think about how silly our marijuana policies are in America. Federalize it already; we know both parties are profiting off the business. Let's research it with an eye on what the product does and how it can help throughout our society. It has long lost its bogeyman reputation.  Here are your highlights:  Can't have peace if you're blowing up Iranian cargo ships .  More of this! Mamdani and Obama visit preschoolers and read to them .  Tragedy in Louisiana . 8 children dead, more wounded. Guns, get the guns. Prayers for this family.  Chief Justice John Roberts - a traitorous activist judge .  Palantir is an evil company, and it needs to be stopped .  Book bans and a...

 The AI music debate is heating up. Diplo caused a stir, telling producers and musicians alike to accept that AI is here and it's not going away. He said it more crassly because he's a prick. I think he's right and he's really wrong. As someone who has produced several records (long, long ago), I did so when ProTools was talked about similarly to AI. The critics said it sounded different; they could tell the difference, and it took away the need for engineers. Well, two of those turned out to be true. You still need engineers. To this day, both Analog and ProTools still exist and co-exist. There are benefits to both depending on the sound you want. Some compare the use of AI to sampling, and while I empathize with that, I don't think that's right. Sampling was inspirational, showcased creativity, style, and sparked a revolutionary musical movement. AI music is being sold as "SEE ANYONE CAN WRITE SONGS, SINGERS AREN'T NEEDED, I DON'T NEED MUSICIANS....

 Every day I wake up, get our kids to school, and then get to work. I open up the news, and sure enough, there is something so bizarre I'm not sure how to move forward with my day. Sometimes it paralyzes me, and other times it gets me riled up. Today, I'm at a place where I'm back to "how the fuck are we here?" RFK Jr. said he cut the penis off a raccoon in front of his kids . This man is in charge of our HHS...I have no words. I can't believe this administration somehow gets weirder daily.  Here are your highlights:  Live Nation guilty of operating a monopoly . Maybe this means we can actually get tickets to see shows? Maybe.  Democrats do something! File impeachment articles against Pete Hegseth .  The World Cup is going to be a disaster. Too expensive. No tailgating. I hope every stadium is empty. What an embarrassment.  Russia and Ukraine are still at war. I thought it was going to be over day one. 16 dead in Ukraine .  Out of Oil. Europe has "may...

Trump didn't think this war through at all. It shows as we receive more news of Russian and Chinese involvement in the war.  Then there are stupid consequences like chips and medical supplies . The world needs helium, well, guess what, it ain't moving! The world needs chips, hell, our missiles need chips, guess what, they ain't coming! As Trump continues to show his ass, JD Vance has had a terribly embarrassing week. He's such a loser, he's trying to pick a fight with the Pope. Orban lost. And Trump can't wait to throw him under the bus for the Iran negotiations failing.  Here are your highlights:  Two men in Paris, IL, were  charged with attempted murder and hate crimes .  Eric Swalwell is a scary kind of predator .  Well, for the first time in a long time, I owe taxes. And I'm not the only one . Fuck Trump.  CBS continues its fall . David Ellison is scum.  Instead of a war with Iran, this administration could be helping the starving people in Su...

 AI is starting to get its push back, and it's not pretty. Sam Altman's home was attacked again, this time with a firebomb . The response by Silicon Valley is how dare we raise alarms about their technology. Yet, they themselves have warned what their tech might do. Mass unemployment, unaliving, breaking of relationships, and the robot apocalypse, to name a few. I don't condone any violence towards these tech overlords. But I find it interesting that they never considered that people might be fed up with their tech sooner or later. If your tech does more harm than good, what is it for? What's the end game? If you're only profit-driven, I'd say we're in trouble as a society. And from what I've read, that's the case. AI has potential; however, more and more people are realizing those hocking it do not have humanity's best interests in mind.  Here are your highlights:  Israel and Lebanon to meet for the first time in more than 30 years .  Mark Zucke...

 Aww, the Midwest. We get beautiful weather one day, high winds and dust storms the next, and now a tornado watch! It's that time of year when I start the week completely paranoid about Mother Nature seeking her revenge. I was watching a forecast last night, and it said some folks will get hail the size of apples. What the?! I've got a busy week ahead, so light blogging will commence.  Here are your highlights:  Eric Swalwell drops out amid sexual assault allegations . The journalists who said this was an "open secret" need to do some soul-searching.  Way to go, Hungary! Bye-bye, Viktor Orban .  Midwest soybean farmers are in a squeeze .  I like this new Pope. He has no chill .  Possible breakthrough with a pancreatic cancer drug .  It's odd, but this is where we are, I believe Iran. Iran says JD Vance and team blew up peace talks .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 It's Friday, we made it. We did it. We also witnessed the most bizarre speech by the first lady . Bringing up the Epstein files when the Iran War has been the main focus was a choice. What the what? The timing is, as the kids say, "sus." Is something dropping? Will new files be released? Who knows? But as Trump continues to lose his mind, it's an awfully weird thing to happen. This administration is one long car crash. I, for one, want to jump out of the car.  Here are your highlights:  Betting on wars , cuz fuck the dead.  ChatGPT and the chilling connection to mass shooters and violence .  Artemis II is on its way home . I sound like a little kid when I talk about this mission. It's been such a bright spot sharing the experience with my kids. Hope isn't bad even in these times.  ICE is still terrorizing innocent people. They must be stopped and defunded.  I was told the election of Trump was about the economy. If so, he sucks, and everyone who vote...

 Not really a ceasefire when Israel can commit more war crimes and take out over 200 people in Lebanon . At this point, it is safe to say Israel played Trump, read the war with Iran wrong, and is not worried about any consequences. They seem to have an expansionist mindset. Slowly pushing out their territory and using Trump to supply cover, but also bombs. This doesn't absolve Trump whatsoever. He's a bloodthirsty autocrat. And a sundowning old man whose idea of masculinity is blowing things up good. I apologize on behalf of all the stupid Americans who voted for him. We're under the eye of a lunatic.  Here are your highlights:  Pam Jo Bondi needs to be held accountable . We can't let this administration get away unscathed.  North Korea says it's testing ballistic missiles with cluster bombs .  Updated list of endangered species due to Climate Change .  I don't think Airline companies like their customers. And they definitely don't understand how folks trav...

 TACO, BURRITO, WE DON'T WANT NO CHEETO! TACO! Although the latter would have been catastrophic and a war crime...so here we are, with an administration that caved to Iran. I've seen conflicting reports on what the "ceasefire" entails, so I'll refrain from commenting until it's clear. Nevertheless, Trump's deranged war is paused for now. This is a good thing for the people of Iran. May peace prevail.  Here are your highlights: Dem Judge wins in Wisconsin , strengthening the liberal majority.  The way Wall St. reacts to Trump needs to be studied. Oil prices plunge, stocks go up .  Fuck those Buffaloes .  Artemis II has been a bright spot in our dismal world. They are set to splash down on Friday .  Super El Niño . What's a FEMA? One thing is evergreen about Republicans: they hate their constituents. West Virginia Governor vetoes help for the neglected and foster care kids while giving tax cuts to the rich .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message....

 One of my biggest fears when Trump first took office was his access to our nuclear arsenal. People called me hyperbolic, yet here we are in a war with Iran, that no one wanted, and he's threatening that a "whole civilization will die tonight." Trump is obsessed with carnage. He's obsessed with bombs, the way it makes him look masculine, and Iran is making him look like a cuck. I don't pray often, but I'm praying I'm wrong.  Here are your highlights:  Taiwan's opposition leader arrives in China .  Death panels, but for real this time .  Vance goes to Hungary . The Right has such love for authoritarians.  Democrats, wake up, don't compromise on Trans Rights .  Betting on wars .  Southeast Asia's coming food crisis .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 The Illini fell short. It was a battle, and despite their abysmal three-point shooting, they fought until the end. It was quite the run. The town was ablaze. Rooting for this team was easy. Young star in the making, an NBA All-Star's kid, a transfer from my alma mater, and a local kid. It was fun to watch, share in their achievements, and believe the impossible could happen. I can't wait until next year. I L L.  Here are your highlights:  In Lebanon, more than 50 medics have been killed by Israel . Say war crimes, Booker.  Like a scene from a movie, the airman who was shot down has been rescued .  The Private Credit Cartels .  Crimes are good and just when they're done by Republicans. Steve Bannon to walk .  Artemis crew to see the Dark Side of the Moon .  Trying on clothes virtually? AI might help retailers with returns .  Iran rejects a ceasefire . Trump is in a pickle...will he "rain" bombs on Iran? Or will he capitulate? Time is up....

 Anytime Republicans are in charge of the economy, they wreck it. Liberation Day will go down as one of the biggest failures in recent memory. A much-yelled-about, but ultimately useless move that has set the US Economy behind for maybe decades. The war with Iran is only making it worse. My only hope is that folks will realize EVs are important to our future... however, my rural neighbors will likely be among the last to adopt them. Revving their engines as they scream MAGA out of their windows. Good Friday, y'all.  Here are your highlights:  The Pope doesn't like Hegseth using God for his war in Iran.  Saturday is Illini day. First Final Four appearance in 21 years . I L L!  AOC leads the way, no aid for Israel .  IRGC threatens to hit data centers next .  It really is amazing we're headed towards the moon. I know we're not all aboard. We science geeks and kids who grew up on Space Camp, seeing the Artemis II rocket toward the moon, find it specia ...

 Endless war. Endless wars. Republicans can't help themselves. And Trump, as many predicted, is already getting bored. I refused to watch, but the reviews were not good. I wonder if Jake Tapper will call for Trump to resign, step down, or retire? Nooo, didn't think so. Just more needless deaths in Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza. How about those gas prices, huh?  Here are your highlights:  Making Veterans homeless, so rich folks can have tax cuts.  Pam Bondi on the chopping block? I am LAUGHING.  Relief for diabetics, new bill to lower insulin costs . This is a no-brainer.  Trump really screwed up royally. UK-led coalition to meet to free up the Strait of Hormuz .  Rural voter here. I cannot say "I told you so" enough to American farmers .  Hong Kong bookstore staff arrested for selling Jimmy Lai's biography . China continues to squash dissent.  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 I've been under the weather, and by under the weather, I mean depressed. Mental health days are necessary. I took two. I'm still struggling, but I made it to today. Sometimes this world just beats you down. We did, however, have a successful No Kings protest in our small town. It felt like hundreds were participating. We had laughs, shared common interests, and then enjoyed a local Speakeasy that night. There is good out in the world.  Here are your highlights: NASA's Artemis is set to launch today .    SCOTUS to hear the case of birthright citizenship . We know how this will shake out.  Iran Update: Trump admin has no clue what they're doing.   Robotaxis don't work . Just give us high-speed rail FFS.  Trump official claims he has teleported . You read that right.  Does anyone care about gas prices? Cuz I thought that was why we are stuck with Trump... I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 I've had one of those mornings where I can't seem to wake up. Not sure why. Maybe it's war exhaustion? It seems that's what Trump is suffering from since he's declared the war is already over. Tell that to Iran. As we continue on this crash course of "don't fuck with Iran," I wonder if the ground troops are a scare tactic or if they will actually deploy...fun times. No Kings protest this weekend. Take lots of pictures and make funny signs!  Here are your highlights:   Killing the Department of Education to make America dumb again.  The Anti-Vax movement is deadly .  The Senate approves to pay TSA agents, no funding for ICE .  RIP to Calculated Risk . One of the best econ blogs out there.  When he's not flying on private jets to hockey games, Kash Patel is getting his email hacked .  The warming Earth is shattering the Arctic sea . Good thing we're investing in data centers run by fossil fuels. Can't wait for a new virus to emerge from the...

 It's pretty clear no one in the Trump administration has any idea what is going on in Iran . Just making shit up. Changing course. Bombing. Then, allowing $14 billion worth of oil to be sold by Iran. Negotiations! No, negotiations! The Strait. Not so, Strait! As we burn billions of dollars to avoid consequences for the Epstein class and another Republican president tanking the economy, I'm reminded that we never need to say, "Where is the money going to come from?" Democrats need to put money towards health care, infrastructure, green projects, housing, you fuckin' name it. It's the same story: get the House back and make it happen.  Here are your highlights:  The CEO of Palantir keeps opening his mouth , and it gets weirder every time.  When we look back, this Congress (led by Republicans) will go down as one of the most ineffective bodies in history.  Wall St. gets big bonuses . Tax them all. Greedy thieves.  DOGE has made flying less safe. Air traffic ...

 We have a bunch of teenage boys overseeing a war. A war that no one wanted. Trump likes to see things go boom . He then eats his McDonald's and shits himself. Or something like that. There is no end in sight to the Iran War. It seems the Commander in Chief didn't plan for Iran to punch back. Great job! I'm sure Pistol Pete is on it. No Kings protests this weekend. Show up, y'all.  Here are your highlights: A shelter village in Bloomington, IL .  A New Mexico jury finds Meta guilty of choosing profits over child safety .  Mar-a-Lago will be represented by a Democrat .  We are running dry. The world has a groundwater problem .  The conservative wing of the Supreme Court is on a steady diet of right-wing slop.  I will never forgive the media for how they dealt with the economy leading up to the election. If Biden were still president,  Recession! Recession! Recession! would be every headline . Alas, Trump is president, and they like Trump.  I ...

 No Kings protests will pop up this weekend. Our tiny town will have one, and we're expecting a large crowd considering our size. We need people to show up and show out. This administration is an abomination. The economy is shite. We're at war. We're kidnapping kids. It's by far the worst administration in recent history. So make your signs, punch Nazis, and protest.  Here are your highlights:  ICE at airports . Doing nothing. Document, please. Take their pictures. Shame the suckers.  It's clear the Supreme Court is made up of your grandpa's Fox News buddies. Despite all evidence, they seem to want to end mail-in voting .  The Senate confirms two names .  Someone, probably Trump, is making a ton of money betting on our politics .  The consolidation of media in America is concerning .  I like to think Silicon Valley has smart people working there. But their obsession with robotaxis is really pushing it. High-speed rail. Invest in it, you morons....

 And I'm back! Spring Break was sprung. The kiddos had fun. They loved Brookfield Zoo and visiting family in Chicago. I was so tired today that I barely made it to work. Alas, we must power through. If you get busy enough, sometimes you can avoid the authoritarian blunder that is the Trump administration. The weather held up nicely for us... except for, you know, tornadoes and snow. I really will never get used to hiding in my basement as sirens go off.  Here are your highlights: Voice of America - Kari Lake is trying to make it a propaganda machine .  RIP Bob Mueller. Trump has no class.  The fall of Cuba is completely avoidable. Yet the cruelty continues.  The xenophobes are gonna xenophone. The Trump administration is going after immigrant truckers .  So, not flying anytime soon .  Trump claims there are talks with Iran to end the war. Iran says otherwise .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 Spring Break is upon us. Well, it starts Monday. Nothing big planned this year. With my recent move, we've got some unpacking and cleaning to do. A short trip to Chicago if the weather is nice. It'll be good to slow down a bit, between moving, the new commute, and life...I'm spent. Oh, and the fact that we're at war. Gas prices are still rising. And AND, we're on a Recession watch . Yeah, I need a break. Light blogging will commence next week.  Here are your highlights:  4 US soldiers confirmed dead after a fuel plane went down . What's troubling is that Bibi yesterday admitted the plan isn't working in Iran.  Gunman rams truck into synagogue in Michigan . Luckily, no children were hurt. Police say it was an attack on the Jewish community.  This war is going to make us go Green, by golly .  Pizza, pizza, and Epstein .  AI is creating more work for workers. And causing more stress in the workplace . Not talked about enough is how Israel is using the Ir...

 As the war rages on, it's ironic that we're  leaning on Ukraine on how to combat Iran's drones. We've got million-dollar missiles ready to fight a war in the 90s. I had an old friend who worked for a company that made war drones back in the day. I asked her how she felt about the tech, and she was like, "It's the future of defense." It's now here . Tiny drones flying past large tomahawks. And Iran might be planning to hit California . Great job. Mission accomplished, everyone.  Here are your highlights:  Iran conducts its first cyber attack on the US .  Energy companies hate this. Balcony solar power .  Cheese recall update . I can't recall so many recalls under the Biden administration.  Google is going to overhaul Google Maps. Why can't companies leave good apps alone?   War is making plane flights more expensive .  A winner in all of this China. And they might be helping Iran out .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. ...

 Going to war without a plan. How Republican. How Trumpian. How devastating it has already been. Reports are saying over 1,000 dead in Iran, more injured. 140 US soldiers injured, 8 dead. The entire region is a chaotic mess. Bibi played Trump, and now Trump can't make up his mind if the war is almost over or if it's gonna keep going until we obliterate Iran. My biggest fear is that the more the markets swing back and forth, Trump drops a nuke. And it could very well happen. God help us all.  Here are your highlights: The US attacks Iran at the Strait of Hormuz for laying mines .  ICE is still made up of monsters. Locking up a deaf six-year-old and taking away his hearing aids.   At least two people are dead after storms hit the Midwest.  Trust in the Supreme Court is at an all-time low . Congrats, John Roberts, you did it!  Our failing infrastructure.  We should go to war, though, and let people scoop up buckets of shit.  Project 2025 isn't done ...

 Nados. It's upon us. The first forecast of the year calls for a tornado to touch down. I think it'll just miss us and go north. We shall see. If the sirens go off, I'm glad I've got a basement. When we moved here, that was a major requirement. Can't live here without some sort of shelter. I'll be watching Ryan Hall live tonight. Stay safe.  Here are your highlights:   The real impact of Trump's cuts to SNAP.   It bugs me how much Wyoming sucks. Parents especially .  A US bishop was caught embezzling . Pope accepts his resignation.  The Iran War is extremely unpopular . Lean on it, Dems. The messaging couldn't be clearer.  The Ohio State University has some problems. President Ted Walter resigns abruptly .  Lindsey Graham. The war devil on Trump's shoulder .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 As we dive deeper into war, it seems no one in the Republican Party cares about our troops. "If they die, they die," is basically what every Republican is saying. Supporting our troops means letting them die in a bullshit war to cover up the Epstein files. How noble. It's time for Democrats to get louder about this. How many more lives? How much more money? None of this is warranted or sustainable. Here are your highlights:   Kari Lake unlawfully fired thousands of employees . Over 50% of Americans don't want war with Iran .  Oil goes wheeeee. Stocks tumble cuz war is stupid .  NYC - Act of terrorism. Explosives were found outside the mayor's residence .  Spain is one of the few European countries standing up to Trump.  We might have missed a few Alien calls .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 I had a roller coaster of a week, but now it's calming. Our youngest turns a year older on Sunday, and we plan to have some fun at the trampoline park on Saturday to celebrate. It's wild having young kids and seeing how much they grow each year. She's a talker, a ball of energy, and an extreme hugger. I love the kid so much, and it's nice to be present for her. In these tumultuous times, I remind myself that hope never dies. As cheesy as that sounds. Now, we bounce!  Here are your highlights:  Virginia lawmakers require schools to tell the truth about January 6th .  Jobs report ain't good . Recession watch continues.  Noem Out. Meet your new DHS MMA Meathead, Markwayne Mullin .  It's begun, Tornado season . "Move to the Midwest, they say..." Trump has no plan for Iran. It's rather clear . More innocent people will die, and he got played by Bibi. Nothing good will come of this.  The strike by a US Naval ship in the Indian Ocean is causing a rift in...

 Dear Democrats. Be the anti-war party. Do it. It's simple. The messaging is clear as day. The War with Iran is a terrible idea. A waste of resources. Thousands have already lost their lives. This administration has no plans, no exit strategy, and now America is less safe. No more forever wars. Fuck wars. Period. Taking away your healthcare to bomb Iran. No one wants this. It's a big L, and Democrats need to say it.  Here are your highlights:  Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales is a scumbag .  China pulls back its economic outlook . Hmmm... Is this our future? A full-blown surveillance state . The DHS needs to be investigated.  Conservatives, basically, think Iranian girls deserve to die .  Superintelligence is here .  This will end badly - Kurdish troops to enter the war in Iran .  I am Frank Chow, and I approve this message. 

 Sporadic posting will occur this week. I missed yesterday for work reasons. Tomorrow and Friday, I'll be out. Sometimes life just hits you head-on, and you've got to PIVOT. Our Dear Leader has started a war with no end in sight, no strategy, just images and videos go BOOM. Truly feels like 2003 all over again. Except this time, somehow, the president is dumber. We predicted this, yet not enough folks could vote for a black woman. This is the world we get.  Here are your highlights:   U.S evacuates embassies in the Middle East .  One thing is certain. When Republicans call Hillary Clinton to testify, she embarrasses them .  Prime Minister Starmer is a feckless weakling .  Iran's leader is dead. Now what?   Why China is staying out of the fight .  I know this won't land in MAGA world, but the images of the Iranian girls' school strike should give every normal human chills. We are the monsters we warned about.  I am Frank Chow, and I approve t...