Entries by Jeffrey Ian Ross

How to Respond in These Uncertain Times

In the next few days (Tuesday, November 5), the United States faces one of the most consequential elections in its 248-year history. Should Kamala Harris win, Donald Trump and his MAGA loyalists are unlikely to concede peacefully. Trump and his Republican supporters have made it clear, and his followers expect him to challenge unfavorable results—not […]

Eleven Reasons Why Criminal Justice Practitioners Should NOT Vote for Trump in 2024

In the United States, most law enforcement, corrections, probation, and parole officers typically have conservative beliefs and tend to vote for Republican political candidates. Why? It’s mainly because of the party’s focus on law and order, support of criminal justice funding, and tougher crime policies. But this upcoming presidential election (Tuesday November 5, 2024), most […]

The evolving nature of street food?

Over the past two decades, interest in street food has grown. Articles, books, podcasts, YouTube channels, and television shows have all celebrated the wide variety of dishes that fall under this type of cuisine. When the term street food is mentioned, it typically conjures images of vendors cooking and serving local specialties in makeshift tents, […]

Wrapping One’s Head Around Iconic Musical Performances

Last week, while mindlessly scrolling through TikTok, I stumbled upon a clip of singer, songwriter, and jazz bassist Adeline Michèle (aka Adi Oasis), performing a gig wearing a white hotel bathrobe and a towel turban around her head. Just before taking the stage, she quickly told the person filming the video, and then the audience, […]

What’s Up with All the Cutesy-Wootsy Small American Towns?

Across the United States, many small rural and mountain towns have adopted a carefully curated charm that feels both nostalgic and quaint. Although these picturesque settings are appealing to some, this process often results in a loss of distinctive character. Instead of reflecting a town’s authentic history or culture, visitors are presented with an idealized, […]