Category Archives: Viva!

UPDATE: 9th Circuit Rules on the Refugee Ban: Government’s Request to Block Washington State’s Temporary Restraining Order is Denied |

9TH CIRCUIT’S DECISION ARRIVES—AND THE ANSWER TO TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS: NOOn Thursday afternoon the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals announced its ruling on immediate fate of the temporary restraining order that has halted President Donald Trump’s refugee and immigration ban nationwide.The 3-judge panel of the 9th denied the government’s request to do away with the TRO. The temporary restraining order stands.

Source: UPDATE: 9th Circuit Rules on the Refugee Ban: Government’s Request to Block Washington State’s Temporary Restraining Order is Denied |

Judge Mike Erwin banned from local restaurant after calling a black customer a “fat nigger” | 3CHICSPOLITICO

Neither police officers nor management at Sammy’s Grill held Ervin accountable in any way for his words at the time, Johnson said on Facebook.That has since changed, according to Sammy’s Grill Manager Andy McKay.“I wasn’t there that night, so I can’t comment on the details, but I know police were called,” McKay told The Root. “I can also tell you that the owner Sammy Nagem has made it clear that Judge Erwin is no longer welcome here.“We will refuse his business,” McKay added.According to the website for Louisiana’s 19th District, Erwin was an assistant city prosecutor in Baton Rouge City Court from 1979 to 1981. He then served as an assistant district attorney with the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office from 1981 to 1990 before his election to the 19th Judicial District Court in 1991.This means he’s had the lives of black men and women in his hands for a very long time. While racism is both covert and overt, if Erwin will call a black woman a nigger in a crowded restaurant, his capacity for institutional, racist violence is vast—and he should not be serving on anyone’s bench.

Source: Judge Mike Erwin banned from local restaurant after calling a black customer a “fat nigger” | 3CHICSPOLITICO

Inoreader – Elderly Palestinian dies after run over by Israeli settler, Bethlehem

An Israeli settler on Wednesday afternoon had run over an elderly Palestinian man on the 60 bypass road near Al-Khader town, southern Bethlehem.The old man, Suleiman Hammad (81), a farmer, had died after sustaining severe injuries following the run over.Sources told PNN that the incident is still being investigated, to find out whether it was an accident or a deliberate crime.

“Me” Does not make any difference if accident or intentional – the man’s death is the result of occupation and evil.

Source: Inoreader – Elderly Palestinian dies after run over by Israeli settler, Bethlehem

How Nicole Kidman Puts Women First in Hollywood – The New York Times

 

“Not all big stars are as in the weeds as Nicole and Reese are on ‘Big Little Lies,’” he said. “It’s very unusual when you have a megastar who’s also a producer sitting around the table doing their homework. It’s meaningful when it comes from people who found the project, who put all the elements together and who are also going to put themselves on the line as actors.”The two women’s involvement included making decisions about locations and budgets, helping shape character arcs and taking part in script meetings. “We got to put loads of ideas on the table,” Ms. Kidman said. “As an actor, you don’t get to do that, but as a producer you have to be there.”

Coretta Scott King’s 1986 Statement to the Senate About Jeff Sessions – The New York Times

Dear Senator Thurmond:I write to express my sincere opposition to the confirmation of Jefferson B. Sessions as a federal district court judge for the Southern District of Alabama. My professional and personal roots in Alabama are deep and lasting.Anyone who has used the power of his office as United States Attorney to intimidate and chill the free exercise of the ballot by citizens should not be elevated to our courts.Mr. Sessions has used the awesome powers of his office in a shabby attempt to intimidate and frighten elderly black voters.For this reprehensible conduct, he should not be rewarded with a federal judgeship.I regret that a long-standing commitment prevents me from appearing in person to testify against this nominee. However, I have attached a copy of my statement opposing Mr. Sessions’ confirmation and I request that my statement as well as this letter ‘be made a part of the’ hearing record.I do sincerely urge you to oppose the confirmation of Mr. Sessions.Sincerely,Coretta Scott King

Donald Trump’s criticism of Nordstrom raises ethical concerns, senator says | US news | The Guardian

Trump’s web of international companies remains opaque since he has refused to release his tax returns, which experts have said would provide a clearer view of his business interests.Ethics experts have said Trump’s arrangement does little to address potential conflicts because he would still know which assets he owned, such as Trump-branded golf courses and hotels, and his family would continue to profit from them.“President Trump said he is going to have nothing to do with his family businesses,” said Robert Weissman, president of liberal watchdog group Public Citizen. “His reaction to developments with his daughter’s business line suggests that claim is untrue.”

Source: Donald Trump’s criticism of Nordstrom raises ethical concerns, senator says | US news | The Guardian

Are “Think Pieces” Hurting the Resistance Movement? | Dame Magazine

Protests are working, as are phone calls, letters, and emails to representatives. Our senators and representatives have told us as much. Every action of visible resistance, especially when constituted by a critical mass, is a message to the administration that we will fight against policies and programs that undermine human rights and constitutional guarantees. We already know that we won’t be successful in all of our efforts—the confirmation of Betsy DeVos on Tuesday was evidence of that—but it’s crucial that we re-center ourselves and our communities of resistance after disappointments and defeats. Otherwise, we’re sending the signal to a handful of privileged gaslighting bullies that we the people—millions of us—are willing to let them steamroll us and our rights. And sure, Trump’s Action A may well be obscuring an Action Z, but when Z comes to light, we’ll be ready. We know we can handle more than one idea, more than one action at a time. We’re complex. We’re capable. And we’ve got this.

Source: Are “Think Pieces” Hurting the Resistance Movement? | Dame Magazine

Pasteurization Inactivates Ebola Virus in Breast Milk 

“We needed this research on Ebola and Marburg viruses in breast milk to ensure the safety of the donor human milk pool, in North America, and around the world,” Hamilton-Spence said. “I am grateful we had the opportunity to conduct this research, and affirm the safety of DHM processed in this way, no matter where the patients call home.”Holder pasteurization is used in all non-profit milk banks governed by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). This method heats DHM to 62.5 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes while placed in a water bath, which kills harmful bacteria and makes it safe for consumption.

Source: Pasteurization Inactivates Ebola Virus in Breast Milk | Benzinga