Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser, will be sentenced on 18 December, more than a year after he pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia during the presidential transition. Flynn has been a key co-operator in Mueller’s investigation but prosecutors have yet to reveal the extent of … Read more
Novelist Gillian Flynn of Gone Girl fame is about to see her first novel Dark Objects about a serial killer, airing as an eight-part mini-series. All her books focus on female perpetrated violence and this one highlights dysfunctional families, self-harm and rage. She says: “I have always been fascinated with violence and with … Read more
Excitement amongst sky watchers as Betelgeuse, one of the brightest and best-known stars in the constellation of Orion, nearly disappeared a day ago – for seven seconds – eclipsed by an asteroid. Betelgeuse, famous for its bright red tint and unpredictable behaviour, sits at 28°45′ Gemini has an orb of 2°40′. In astrological lore it … Read more
Actress Olivia De Havilland turned 104 this week and is still riding a bicycle, well truthfully a tricycle. She was one of the leading movie stars during the golden age of Classical Hollywood between 1935 and 1988 appearing in 49 features, winning two Oscars and a nomination for her role in Gone With the Wind. … Read more
A combination of narcissistic rage at being criticised by a loathed rival and knee-jerk diversionary tactic sent Trump into a 100-a-day twitter frenzy attacking Obama, as the US virus death toll reached 80,000. He charged Obama with ‘the biggest political crime in American history’ though it’s not clear what he’s supposed to have done. Obama … Read more
Concern about Trump interfering with November election results are mounting after he went on a twitter rampage against Californian Democrats push for mail-in ballots. “They are trying to steal another election. It’s all rigged out there. These votes must not count. SCAM!” A former White House ethics director Walter Shaub responded “… and right … Read more
The Justice Department has abandoned its prosecution of Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser, one of the most prominent cases brought by Robert Mueller. Flynn confessed and pleaded guilty until William Barr was appointed as Attorney General at which point he changed lawyers and plea. The FT remarks “Dropping the Flynn case turns … Read more
John Bolton’s book disclosure that the president tied military aid to Ukraine to investigations of Democrats, undercutting Trump’s denial defence, has been described as a “bombshell with political shrapnel going in all directions.” Before it was leaked, the Senate impeachment trial was speeding to an acquittal. Now Trump lawyers and Senate Republicans are preparing … Read more
In a classic Trump distract-and-divert-attention from bad news elsewhere (Cohen, Manafort, Flynn) he has put his long suffering chief of staff John Kelly out of his misery and ended his contract. Kelly, 11 May 1950, a steady, disciplined Sun Mercury in Taurus trine Saturn and Mars in Virgo, was brought in to restore … Read more
Is the almost unprecedented firing of the FBI Director James Comey an act of Nixonian sabotage by Trump to halt the FBI investigation into links between his campaign and Russia? The reason given was Comey’s handling of Hillary Clinton’s emails, which Trump had previously praised, so it seems a feeble excuse. Especially since … Read more