Around the Ides of March, a universe ended. It was not a spectacular end-of-the-world event. The exit did not go out with a bang but more like a whimper that barely registered on any radar. In a flash of a nanosecond, it was irrelevant. The universe that failed was the much hyped metaverse—a virtual space … Read more
When the current session of the British Parliament ends this spring, the nation will abruptly bring to a close a 700-year institution. On March 10, the House of Commons voted to abolish the hereditary lords in the House of Lords. The effort ends a process started in 1999 by then-Prime Minister Tony Blair. His Labour … Read more
A tragic and dramatic event passed almost unnoticed in Europe and much of the world. Yet one more, indeed the second, country took the infamous step of enshrining procured abortion into its constitution. On March 1, the tiny duchy of Luxembourg joined France and became the second nation in the world to make abortion part … Read more
The debate over the hiring of Prof. Susan Ostermann as director of Notre Dame’s Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies is over. It triggered a massive uproar that surprised many by its intensity. In the end, the appointment was a carefully managed and measured defeat for the school’s administration, which was forced into damage-control … Read more
Some tragic things are so symbolic that they demand a commentary. Remaining silent is not an option. Such is the case of a new trend among well-heeled women suffering from the pains of divorce. They have taken to making “divorce” rings to celebrate their newfound “freedom.” Wearing one is a form of therapy that helps … Read more
I recently read an article in a local paper about the desperate situation in Venezuela. It told the doleful tale of an economy in crisis with shortages, blackouts and widespread corruption. At a certain point, the article mentioned that the average worker’s wage was about one dollar… a month! I did a double-take at the … Read more
As millions of pages of the Epstein files become available, many are shocked by their sheer volume and the extensive network maintained by the notorious sex offender. Many notable figures among the elite had at least some contact with him. These leaders in society are now falling from favor because of these ties. The scandals … Read more
After the fall of the Soviet Union, many believed the Russian Orthodox Church experienced a revival, evoking memories of “Holy Mother Russia.” The outward signs of official government policies favoring orthodoxy and the rebuilding of churches were offered as proof of positive change. However, recent findings and statistics, especially those involving an emerging Islam in … Read more
The Trump administration’s threats to take over Greenland make no sense. Whether by pressure or invasion, the acqusition of the thinly populated island would be a brutal act of aggression that is morally impossible to justify. Granted, the Arctic region is a place of growing strategic importance. However, the matter is not a national security … Read more
The New Year entered with a blaze. In the early morning of January 3, American forces penetrated a Venezuelan security compound and whisked away President Nicolas Maduro and his wife to face drug trafficking charges in America. What opposition forces have tried to accomplish for years, U.S. special forces achieved in less than three hours. … Read more
