THE CONVERSATION — Over a decade ago, a United Nations report described the Gaza Strip as virtually unlivable, adding that it would require “Herculean efforts” to change that. Today, after six months of bombardment, mass displacement and siege by Israel, the task of rebuilding Gaza seems practically unimaginable. I’m a scholar and a systems engineer who, as research director of […]

THE CONVERSATION — The fraying relationship between the U.S. and Israel over the latter country’s conduct of its war in Gaza got even worse on April 4, 2024, several days after Israel killed seven aid workers in a drone strike. President Joe Biden spoke to Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and warned him that the U.S. would put conditions […]

The political guesswork is that the presidential and congressional elections this year will be settled by narrow margins. Speculation focuses on several swing groups that could play key roles in the races. Will the abortion issue bring a large turnout of women to support the Democrats? Will President Biden’s lingering support for Israel in the […]

“Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the Earth.” Matthew 5:5. Really? Oh, were this to be true, how awful I would feel for the meeks if they had to inherit our globe the way it is today. What could they do with it? No matter how many romantic songs we hear about our […]

My father, who was a highway safety engineer, used to talk with me often about drivers and highway safety. He told me that the two terms really don’t belong together anymore. That is even more on target today. I saw my life pass before my eyes the other day as a driver drove rapidly through […]

A few months ago, we decided to move to Thornton Oaks to start the next chapter of our lives. Moving is never easy, and we needed some big-time help. Some friends recommended we hire SimplySized Home, a brilliant suggestion. Kim, the company’s founder, and Eva, one of her trusty assistants, were amazing at every step […]

Wise and witty thoughts are the only things that bring me any solace during tax-filing season — thoughts, such as these: “The best way to teach your kids about taxes is by eating 30% of their ice cream.” (Bill Murray) “What is the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist takes only […]

The awesome power of state initiative-and-referendum questions was on display this week via two rulings released by the Florida Supreme Court on the same day. In response to a six-week abortion ban enacted by the Legislature, as requested by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, the seven-member court – all appointed by DeSantis – ruled 6-1 the […]