Columnists

I've recently experienced a set of delusional thoughts that I found compelling and very tough to nullify. I finally stopped my head-on battle with them. Instead I've been able to gently retire the thoughts and put them out to pasture. -more-

;From 1830 to 1895, the British and Russian empires schemed and plotted over control of Central and South Asia. At the heart of the “Great Game” was England’s certainty that the Russians had designs on India. So wars were fought, borders drawn, and generations of young met death in desolate passes and lonely outposts. -more-

The 2020 Democratic convention is over. Given the difficult circumstances, it might have been a disaster. Instead it was very successful. Here are 10 takeaways:

10. Better than expected. Political conventions are typically overrated. Too many speeches. Manufactured controversy. Too many talking heads.

This year's Democratic convention was all "virtual" and, therefore, more immediate. Overall, it had a better flow than any convention I've watched. Each of the four nights worked. There were many interesting cameos and powerful songs. Kudos to the organizers. Let's make this the model for all Democratic conventions. -more-

A Good Way to 'Deface' a Mural -more-

On August 20, Trump’s former adviser Steve Bannon was arrested and charged with fraud. -more-