Since Bernie grief, email/tarmac worries and Donald phobias have been rocking our free world way too much, thought it'd be useful to take a breather and discuss something else. And what an else...

1) recent spate of cop-on-black killings re-ignites the Ferguson riot scenes from last summer. Will we actually do something about it, will it be left to Hillary, or will it be just part of America's pastoral gun-laden backdrop?

2) Speaking of guns, still no new legislation despite Congressional sitdown. Nice symbolism, but...

[Welcome back, ArtAppraiser, even if a short visit - had thought I'd be gone long before you. Plus as response to Mike Maiello and in general thoughts on our cultural jiu-jitsu]

In answer to "People get a bit of a pass for their religion-based intolerances."  Like duh, when something's a 4000 year old tradition, it tends to carry weight. As do other long-standing traditions along with well-cemented ideas or structures, even if recent.

Recognizing that Cleveland had little chance of beating Golden State and that other teams matched up better in head-to-head contests, the NBA revoked the Cavs' league title and asked for a review to determine which team might be able to take on the formidable Warriors. Despite the Cavaliers' domination of their schedule, their collapse in the face of overwhelming Warriors' pressure in post-season play is confirmation of FiveThirtyEight's prognosis that they weren't ready to carry the torch, and it should be passed on to a more deserving team.