Thoughts for the Day, April 16, 2025: My last blog until Monday
Harvard
Since the leadership of Harvard University has decided to pushback on Trump and reject his proposal, Trump has taken action to eliminate $2billion in federal grants awarded to Harvard. In addition, Trump has threatened to have Harvard’s non-profit tax status revoked by instructing the IRS to investigate Harvard to make sure they are complying IRS regulations. A president directing the IRS to take action against a political opponent has been illegal since the Nixon presidency. Former Treasury Secretary and former president of Harvard, Lawrence Summers, had this to say about Trump’s latest action.
“Selective persecution of your political adversaries through the tax system is the stuff of dictatorship. This is unconscionable and wrong but a continuation of trends we have seen in President Trump’s approach both to universities and to tax enforcement.”. This is my Quote of the Day
**********************************************************************************************************
They are not just immigrants
I have two close friends who are caught up in the immigration mess.
One friend’s husband was detained when he tried to reenter the U.S after visiting his homeland. He has legally been in the U.S. for over 20 years. They have been married for years and have two beautiful children. Our friend is an American citizen. Our friend and her husband had been working and leading very productive lives until he was detained. The cost they have incurred in legal fees has been overwhelming.
We have another friend who is recently married to an immigrant. She is an American citizen, and he is here legally. Both are working and living productive lives. Under the current environment, they are living in fear. A fear that did not exist prior to January 20.
The country as we know it was built on immigrants. Nearly every one of us comes from a line of immigrants. At one point our ancestors were foreign immigrants who were allowed into this country. Like a large majority of the current immigrants, our ancestors came here looking for a better life.
When we think about the situation of many of the current immigrants, we should remember that at some point in time, our ancestors were immigrants who were welcomed into the country and were allowed to build productive lives, just like most current immigrants want to do. Like my two friends want to do.
***********************************************************************************************************
I had no idea
Yesterday, I happened to run across an article about the WNBA draft and how fashion companies were partnering with the women draftees to show off the companies’ wears, including the clothes, jewelry, and accessories that the ladies wore on draft night. Here are excerpts from the article from the WNBA.
Future stars are using draft night as more than an opportunity to step into the spotlight for their talent on the court, but to use the moment to honor where they come from, showcase who they are beyond the jersey, and make powerful statements through fashion, family, and tradition.
Kiki Iriafen, the fourth pick of the draft, wore a custom, shimmering gold dress embellished with intricate detailing, designed by Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander — who also created Chiney Ogwumike’s wedding gown. To complete the look, Iriafen wore a traditional orange-beaded Nigerian bracelet, seamlessly blending modern glam with cultural pride. The 6-foot-3 Iriafen was not alone.
Dominique Malonga, the gifted 6-6 forward from France and the second overall pick by the Seattle Storm, brought a piece of home with her. She stepped out in a sleek suit designed by none other than Louis Vuitton — one of France’s, and the world’s, most iconic fashion houses. “A huge collaboration between them,” Malonga said. “I’m like a simple, classic person.”
Malonga wasn’t the only Storm player showcasing her roots on the orange carpet. Seattle Storm point guard and former UConn Husky Nika Muhl also proudly embraced her Croatian heritage. “I came all the way from Croatia to be here,” Muhl said. “I had to bring Croatia with me.”
Muhl was wearing a black pantsuit with a black crop top underneath, complemented by a chain of keys draped across her body. The entire look was designed by Croatian brand Y/GIA and styled by a Croatian stylist.
See my Video of the Day
*************************************************************************************************************
The Detroit Pistons
On Saturday, the Pistons will take on the New York Knicks in their first playoff series in seven years. The Pistons have not won a playoff series since 2008 when they made it to the NBA Eastern Conference finals. They have not won a playoff game since 2008 as they were swept in their three appearances since 2008.
In the best of seven series with the Knicks, the Pistons have a legitimate chance to win the series as the Pistons finished 3-1 against the Knicks in the regular season. However, everyone knows that the intensity of the playoffs is much greater than the regular season. The Knicks are an experienced playoff team, while the Pistons have the least experienced playoff roster of all the teams in this year’s playoffs.
The Piston far exceeded expectations as they were projected to only win 23 games this season after winning only 14 last year. The Pistons won 44 games this season, becoming the first team in NBA history to triple their win total from one year to the next.
It has been a long time, so I am going to enjoy every moment of the Pistons’ playoff run.
*************************************************************************************************************
No blog until Monday April 21
I will be taking time-off until Monday April 21. I have an obligation on Thursday and will be taking the weekend off.
************************************************************************************
Quote of the Day: See above from Larry Summers
Orchid of the Day: The Detroit Pistons
Onion of the Day: No onion today
Lyrics of the Day: I can't believe the things that you say everyday
If you keep on talking, baby You know you're bound to drive me away
Now you get on the telephone with your girlfriend. Your conversation, baby, ain't got no end. Yakety-yakety-yakety-yak all the time. You keep on talking, baby, drive me out of my mind
Answer to Lyrics of the Day for April 15, 2025: We didn’t Start the Fire, Billy Joel
Question of the Day: Will the Pistons win their first playoff series in 17 years?
Video of the Day: 2025 WNBA Draft Best Dressed Rookies | The Orange Carpet Paige Bueckers, Hailey Van Lith
Feel free to share my blog with others. To receive the blog in your email, please use the subscribe button or send an email to me at thomasdbiggs@gmail.com and I will start the process for you.