Oh, Say Can You See

Jacqueline Allen Trimble Poet Lore
Alabama poet Jacqueline Allen Trimble points to the slave origins of the Star Spangled Banner linking the song to today’s Black Lives Matter and other protests.

Message from Portside: There's a Storm Ahead

Portside moderators Portside
We'd like to say that everyone can breathe easier after the midterm elections, which delivered an emphatic judgment on Trump and Trumpism. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this achievement in any way.

Capernaum |Movie

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, Nadine Labaki's Capernaum ("Chaos") tells the story of Zain (Zain al Rafeea), a Lebanese boy who sues his parents for the "crime" of giving him life. Full review.

Walking to America with the Migrant Caravan

Thousands of migrants Central America have trekked across Mexico as part of the wave after wave of caravans fleeing persecution, violence, and poverty in their home countries. A Vice News Special Report (HBO).

Jon Batiste Performs 'Saint James Infirmary Blues'

The pride of the Late Show, Jon Batiste, performs the song from his album 'Hollywood Africans' that earned a Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Performance. 'Saint James Infirmary Blues.'

Yes, There Is a War Between Science and Religion

Jerry Coyne The Conversation
In the end, it’s irrational to decide what’s true in your daily life using empirical evidence, but then rely on wishful-thinking and ancient superstitions to judge the “truths” undergirding your faith.