3. On podcasts and videos. Scott Greenfield, the acerbic criminal defense blogger whose perspective is progressive (like about 90% of trial lawyers) but astute, writes in part,

One of the first things I read in the morning is the op-eds in the New York Times….What I do not do is listen to them, which has become the new Times’ gimmick to appeal to people who find reading too challenging… people who prefer to listen to a podcast rather than read a blog post, willing to dedicate the time needed to listen without the burden of actually having to think about the topic….when I read the transcript of Times’ videos, I am appalled at their superficial content, their rambling, often incoherent words that could never survive thoughtful scrutiny. Reading is hard work. Thinking, even harder. Putting one’s reasoning into writing makes it available for scrutiny, for criticism and critical thought. Many times, I start a post here with one thought in mind, and as I write my way through the post, I realize that my reasons fall short and fail to support the conclusion. I’m left with no choice but to change my view, which might have made it through the gloss of a shallow chat, but could not survive the rigors of writing. I don’t know whether the New York Times figured out that they can promote cheap and easy conclusions without the burden of providing factual and reasoned justifications, or they’re just playing to an audience of people unwilling to do the hard work of reading or thinking…”

I know: both. My only disagreement with Fred’s post is the title: “With Videos, The New York Times Cheapens Itself.” The Times can’t cheapen itself: it’s a temple of unethical, biased journalism.

4. Certain to be a hit with my Trump Deranged Facebook friends...this headline, from The Guardian: “Is Trump to blame for Americans getting explosive diarrhea?” No previous President ever was the target of such relentless, targeted hate, and all while accomplishing an astounding number of his policy objectives. The article concludes, “In short: if you thought the diarrhea-inducing lettuce was bad, then I’m afraid things only look likely to get worse. If Trump isn’t reined in at the midterms, the whole country is going down the toilet.” The author is a Palestinian-American. I’m sure she is completely objective…

5. The ABS pitch call-challenge system, which was finally introduced this baseball season after years of my appeals for MLB to use available technology to fix blatantly wrong ball and strike calls that have scarred games, careers and seasons since 1901, was a massive success and added another dimension to an already fascinating sport. Robot umpires overturned 54% of challenged calls in the first ABS season. There were 10,557 challenges, an average of 4.35 per game, and 5,686 led to overturned decisions, the majority in crucial at bats and game situations. Interestingly, Cincinnati’s 62% success rate led MLB, followed by the Athletics and Diamondbacks (60%), Cubs (59%), Rangers (58%), Tigers and Phillies (57%), and Marlins (56%)…only one of them teams that made the play-offs.

6. “Would you support or oppose an Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Called ‘Keep Nine’ Which States: ‘The Supreme Court of the United States shall be composed of nine justices?’” A new poll —I know: polls-–asking that question found that nearly 64% supported the amendment while nearly 18 percent opposed it. Forty-six per cent of Democrats support the Keep Nine Amendment and 54% of independents support it. But the public is willing to put the party in control that wants to pack the Court and eliminate its ability to fairly monitor the other two branches of government as designed by the Founders. After all, gas prices are high while the U.S. makes sure that a nation calling for Death to America over the last 45 years doesn’t get a nuclear bomb….