Sandy – Google

The (current) preponderance of 1 star reviews here should, to the informed observer, highly recommend this program as one hated by the rabid far right (or the rabidly uninformed). Though, as with all information sources, one must "sift for the truth", here one gets the impression that the production would like nothing more than to help, not impede that effort, or cover it up. At least there is always information there, with truth left when the sifting is done. I have applauded the production's shunning, recently, the use of "the standard" of a "panel" of all-too-familiar faces to repeat what they have already said in their columns and on two other programs. FTN manages to get in more than twice as much "grit" without this otherwise-obligatory "fluff". One needs to realize that the current moderator Ms. Brennan is much more a journalist than a "TV Personality". Her mood seems mostly to range from "just the facts" to downright terse. I'm a man who has learned a lot, from keen observation, about what it takes for a woman to fight one's way to the top in her field. Her ambition seems to be to do so on the merits of what she reports, not how well she manages to sugar coat it with "femininity". I can appreciate all approaches, but can see how many, especially among us "older Americans", may prefer that more usual approach (the feminine touch) of bygone years. Feminine as she is, Ms. Brennan (I believe) tries to be a reporter first and foremost. She may seem to overdo it at times, but I believe it is sincere, not an act. Through the covid-19 pandemic of 2020 the program has serially presented THE constant, absolute-best source for information thereon, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA director, whose laser focus even exceeds that of Ms. Brennan. I have been very grateful for that. He may present information that is somewhat esoteric at times, but he does so in a form so well condensed that it doesn't drag on. For my own purposes, I am quite comfortable with a straight-to-the-facts approach by all concerned. I can do very well without the empty mental calories, thank you.

Regarding the documentary film "The Singing Revolution (2006)". This film gives a concise summary of the momentous events surrounding the collapse of the Soviet Union, in the final decade of the 20th century, into its constituent, independent country-elements. The story is told from the viewpoint of the people of one of those countries, Estonia. The triumph of peace in Estonia during this upheaval, over the constant threat of violence from elements wishing to maintain the USSR, and the reflection of the success of a peaceful revolution as it is plainly splashed across the faces of the lovely people of this nation is most uplifting in the end. It makes one wish he or she were from there. If only peace and freedom broke out more often in this fashion! One of only a few rays of hope from a 20th century during so much of which humanity spent mired in bloody conflict. Beautiful faces, beautiful people, beautiful song. Inspirational! My thanks for the efforts of by the Tusty's et. al. to bring this story together on film, and a great big THANK YOU, ESTONIA!