Prologue Journal – Page 40174 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Winter Showers (and Showers and Showers) Bring a Bounty of Wildflowers

New York Times The relentless succession of storms in California created conditions for a wondrous display now emerging in the state. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/16/us/superbloom-california.html

Democrats’ favorite green mode of transportation is causing explosions, death

Fox News Electric bicycles, which environmentalists and Democratic lawmakers have touted for their zero-carbon output, are facing increased criticism over the rising number of tragic incidents involving their batteries. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), so-called e-bikes are powered by lithium-ion batteries which are prone to fires or explosions. And as e-bikes continue…

Supreme Court to Consider a Postal Worker’s Claim of Religious Freedom

New York Times The justices have been receptive to claims of religious freedom and may take a broad view of a federal law that requires employers to “reasonably accommodate” workers’ religious practices. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/16/us/supreme-court-religious-freedom-postal-worker.html

Arts Calendar: Happenings for the Week of April 16

Wall Street Journal Ana de Armas proves dating as a spy is tricky, horror master Ari Aster returns with a darkly comedic film, a production of ‘Peter Pan’ goes awry and more. https://www.wsj.com/articles/arts-calendar-happenings-for-the-week-of-april-16-airdigital-3909df20

The lifting of Taiwan’s public transport mask mandate

Taipei, April 16 (CNA) Starting Monday, Taiwan will remove its mask mandate for all forms of public transportation, leaving medical facilities as the last category of venue where masks will still be required. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202304160005

G7 Foreign Ministers to meet in Japan

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. On the agenda of the meeting, as expected, the main topic will be the situation in Ukraine https://tass.com/world/1604989

‘Iran-Saudi détente fatal blow to US-Israel plot to antagonize Tehran in region’

Disclaimer: PressTV is affiliated with the state broadcasting agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is not a reliable news source. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement’s representative to Tehran says a recent reconciliation agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia came as a “major shock” to Israel. https://presstv.ir/Detail/2023/04/16/701647/Iran-Saudi-pact-major-shock-Israel-Islamic-Jihad-envoy

Sudanese army takes control of special forces bases in seven settlements

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. Army units captured the camp of the Karari Rapid Reaction Force in the city of Omdurman https://tass.com/world/1604987

Frustration With Russia Grows in Armenia

Moscow Times Many Armenians say they cannot forgive Russia for shirking its duty to protect their country from Azerbaijan. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/16/frustration-with-russia-grows-in-armenia-a80849

Zelenskyy extends Easter greetings to Ukrainians from Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

Pravda Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recorded an Easter address to Ukrainians from the premises of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. Source: Zelenskyy on Facebook Quote from Zelenskyy: “We celebrate Easter today with unwavering faith in our victory. https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/04/16/7398078/