SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:56 P.M. ET:

OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST – FROM CAMPUS REFORM:   Students at the University of Pennsylvania removed a portrait of Shakespeare from a prominent location in the school’s English department after complaining that he did not represent a diverse range of writers.  In fact, the chair of the department confirmed in a statement that the portrait was stripped from the wall by his students as “a way of affirming their commitment to a more inclusive mission for the English department,” The Daily Pennsylvanian reports.  Additionally, Department Chair Jed Esty explained that the portrait was “delivered” to his office and replaced with a photograph of Audre Lorde, a celebrated African American feminist and author, in a move that was intended to send a message to Esty, whose department agreed to replace the portrait several years ago.  This is an Ivy League school.  It rejects far more applicants than it takes in.  I wonder how those rejected despite outstanding qualifications will feel about this story.

CHILLING – FROM THE TIMES OF LONDON:  A fifth of the population is responsible for four fifths of crime, two fifths of obesity, three quarters of fatherless families and for claiming two thirds of benefits. What’s more, scientists say, you can identify this troublesome group at the age of three.  A 45-minute test rating children on IQ and self-control, combined with information about deprivation and maltreatment, allowed researchers to predict “with considerable accuracy” which would go on to be the greatest burden on the state. The 38-year study may be useful in designing ways to help such children before it is too late.  It might also be useful in predicting liberalism.  Imagine, no more Hillarys.

BABIES – FROM BBC:  According to US news website The Wrap, Trump's inaugural committee is scrambling to find stars who are willing to play at his swearing in ceremony on 20 January 2017.  "They're calling managers, agents, everyone in town to see who they can get and it's been problematic," an unnamed source told the site.  Grammy-winner John Legend, who has been a guest of the Obamas several times, says he is "not surprised at all".  "Creative people tend to reject bigotry and hate," he told the BBC.  "We tend to be more liberal-minded. When we see somebody that's preaching division and hate and bigotry, it's unlikely he'll get a lot of creative people that want to be associated with him." "I would never do it," agrees  Swedish star Zara Larsson, speaking at the BBC Music Awards.  "A lot of artists out there have been very pro-Hillary and anti-Donald. So I would never do it and most other smart people wouldn't do it."  Most other "smart" people?  What a magnificent self-compliment.  The problem isn't so much with Trump.  The problem is with the immature little brats who dominate what used to be show business.

December 12, 2016