Side note — one of the messages being sent out is that America is no longer the "leader of the free world". We can no longer be trusted to act rationally or honor our agreements.

Hey, remember when Trump's campaign manager attacked a reporter? Then he left the campaign after being forced out by a new campaign manager?

So the "official" story is that Barron was watching TV last night and saw the picture and became really upset.

Yep — difficult to say it wasn't a dogwhistle to let his fans know that he didn't really care.

Lootcrate subscriptions seem to be a reasonable idea for political donations — a constant monthly donation stream is useful. Although it feels like podcasts would be better both for ease of expansion and as a way to push out policies and talking points.

Kind of — the story is that the people doing the prepwork just assumed that the Pope would do all the invitations. An ambassador to the Vatican from the Bush years figured out what was going on and told them they had to make the request to visit the Pope (because the Pope never invites foreign dignitaries to visits).

I'm sure that how Trump treats a loyal staffer in now way reflects how he'll treat the average American.

But why?

Q And then is the President’s tax plan incorporated into this budget?

I thought I already "witnessed the beginning of a dark universe" with Dracula Untold.

I would have settled for something nostalgic. I would have liked something interesting.

This is a sci-fi show.

Dragonlance — I remember that because it was so unusual.

Because teachers and other adults would notice a child is interested in science fiction and would recommend a famous book.

Hyperion is ok. The sequel also isn't too bad. Then again, I read them while young and without a critical eye. I also wouldn't call them important works — they are probably more interesting now as a reflection of English literature and the deliberate references to the Canterbury Tales than anything in the novels.

It's a gateway book into sci-fi for teenage readers. I think it was occasionally listed as an option for summer reading lists. If you're feeling bored, you can check off the "teenage protagonist in a dystopian sci-fi book" checklist.

I was told that if more people voted for Hillary than Donald, then the joke construction really writes itself but becomes too depressing to elicit humor.

I was told for a few months (November, December, and January) that a concept of "checks and balances" would cover up this flaw in the system. Stopped after February for some reason.

He had a press conference today.

One of the strangest things in these times of Trump is the "Oh, that was yesterday's news?".