Reflections on the End of an Era: Goodbye to President Joe Biden

As the final days of Joe Biden’s presidency draw to a close, I find myself reflecting on the weight of the office he has held and the legacy he leaves behind. To serve as the leader of the most powerful nation on Earth is no small feat, and like his predecessors, President Biden’s tenure has been marked by its share of triumphs, controversies, and challenges.  

History will remember Biden as one of the most polarizing (nice intended) presidents in recent memory. His approval ratings have often been a subject of debate, and his policies have sparked fierce reactions from supporters and critics alike. Controversy, it seems, is an inevitable companion to those who occupy the Oval Office. From the days of Bill Clinton to the present, each administration has faced its battles, its scandals, and its defining moments. Leading a nation as vast and complex as the United States is no easy task, it’s a burden few can truly comprehend.  

Among the historical footnotes of Biden’s presidency is his record-breaking number of pardons, including a controversial pardon for his son, Hunter Biden. This decision, like so many others, has drawn sharp criticism and polarized public opinion. Yet, it also speaks to the human side of leadership: the deeply personal decisions that intertwine family, duty, and the expectations of a nation.  

As President Biden prepares to leave Washington, I wish him peace and fulfillment in his retirement. Delaware awaits him, a more quieter life, far from the glare of the political spotlight. For all the debates, the disagreements, and the controversies, I choose to wish him well.  

May God bless you, Mr. President, as you step away from the stage and into the next chapter of your life.  

I remain,  

Pal Ronnie

Martin off to School

It was a busy week in the family. God is good.

This's Martin headed to medical school. Dear God,  guide and protect him for us. He will be great in his stewardship to You. 

God bless 

Her First Week of School

This is lovely Anne

Her first week of school. She looks intelligent already 

Jersey City is Beautiful

 

Greetings from Jersey City

Hello friends,  

As many of you know, I’ve been preparing for a new travel assignment in Jersey City, in the great State of New Jersey. And today marked the beginning of this journey. It's almost three months long.  

I started the day bright and early, well aware that navigating the Tri-State traffic requires vigilance and preparation. Thankfully, my early start paid off handsomely. I arrived at Jersey City more than 40 minutes ahead of schedule. While we were initially promised a free parking lot, that didn’t turn out to be the case. However, the situation worked in our favor today as our tickets were valeted free of charge at the end of the day. Will let tomorrow worry about itself.

The day itself was focused on onboarding and tackling the intricacies of the hospital’s software systems, computers, training modules, and policy reviews. For someone like me who thrives on challenges, it was an engaging experience, my delight.  

It's a beautiful facility. You could actually see the status of liberty on Ellis Island, NY.

One standout aspect of the day was my visit to the Employee Healthcare Department. It was refreshing to encounter such a welcoming atmosphere. The young lady at the front desk was so helpful and patient-almost Saint-like. Unlike other facilities I’ve been to, there was no attitude or impatience directed toward us newcomers without our documents in order. The team’s kindness in that department left a strong first impression, and I am optimistic about working here.  

Tomorrow, the real work begins: hands-on training and immersion in the units. I am staying on South Street here in town. It’s a nice area, but parking is going to be my biggest challenge. I did find a place to park later in the evening but have to move that baby (Ava) by 10am-No worries, I will be long gone. As someone transitioning from a more country environment to a bustling city, adapting will take some effort. But adjustment, adaptation and learning are what I do best, and I’m ready to tackle whatever comes my way.  

So pals, this piece is to new beginnings, growth, and making the most of every opportunity.  

Until next time, I remain Pal Ronnie  

Outgoing President Joe Biden Criticizes Mark Zuckerberg Over Meta’s Fact-Checker Termination Decision

In recent days, President Joe Biden has expressed frustration with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg following Meta's decision to remove fact-checkers' power to censor content on Facebook and Instagram. Biden criticized the move, claiming it undermines truth and contradicts American values. Mr. President, what about Hunter, your son’s laptop story pre 2020 elections?

"The truth matters," Biden emphasized during a press conference. "To think millions of people could read things that are simply not true is shameful. It’s contrary to everything America is about."

While Biden’s comments reflect concern over misinformation, critics argue the president misinterprets the fundamental principles of free speech. America, they contend, is founded on the First Amendment, protecting the right to free expression—even for controversial or false ideas.

Meta’s announcement to scale back the role of fact-checkers has reignited debates about content moderation. The decision came after years of criticism that these organizations disproportionately silenced independent, conservative, and libertarian voices.

Zuckerberg’s critics argue this move could worsen the spread of misinformation. Supporters, however, see it as a win for free speech. They point out that fact-checkers often acted as de facto censors, flagging and limiting the reach of content deemed false or misleading.

Meta’s partnerships with organizations like FactCheck.org allowed these groups to influence what users saw. Lori Robertson, managing editor of FactCheck.org, stated, “Any decisions to remove content were Meta’s.” However, critics contend this claim downplays the role fact-checkers played in guiding Meta’s policies.

According to Business Insider, these partnerships were highly lucrative, with Meta being the “predominant revenue stream” for many fact-checking organizations. The International Fact-Checking Network even held an emergency meeting following Meta's decision, underscoring the gravity of the situation for these groups.

While proponents of Meta's new approach applaud the focus on open dialogue, others remain wary of the potential consequences. Instances of misinformation causing real-world harm, such as during natural disasters, highlight the stakes. False reports during Hurricane Helen, for example, hindered emergency response efforts as first responders battled misleading narratives online.

Critics argue there’s a distinction between fostering debate and spreading deliberately harmful content. Supporters counter that political and scientific discussions often flagged as misinformation—such as debates about climate change or COVID-19’s origins—should remain open for public scrutiny.

As Meta pivots, questions remain about the platform's direction. Zuckerberg has signaled interest in restoring Facebook’s focus on meaningful interactions, though its current state is far from its heyday. Many users lament the platform's decline, citing its shift toward AI-driven content and away from personal and political engagement.

“If Zuckerberg wants to restore the platform to its former glory, I say that’s great,” remarked one commentator. “And if the fact-checkers won’t be along for the ride—even better.”

For now, the debate continues, with Biden, fact-checkers, and free speech advocates all weighing in. Zuckerberg’s recent appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast hints at further changes, ensuring this discussion is far from over.

What are your thoughts on Meta’s decision and its implications for free speech and misinformation? 

I have written about this and you can see that post in my earlier pieces. I do believe that Zuck is making this move because of this shift in the current political climate. 

What do you think? Share!

I remain your pal,

Ronnie Law

Baptism of Our Lord: A Homily Reflection

This evening in church, the Gospel reading was centered on the baptism of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It was a moment of profound revelation and significance.  

The reading highlighted the scene where people began to wonder if John the Baptist was the Christ. However, John humbly clarified that he was not. He proclaimed, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). This humility set the stage for what was to come, a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus.  

When Jesus approached John to be baptized, He did that under His own request. After His baptism, a miracle occurred: “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased’” (Luke 3:21-22). In that moment, Jesus’ divine identity was revealed to all who were present.  

As we reflect on this sacred event, we are reminded of our own baptisms. Do we remember the significance of the day we were baptized? Through baptism, we became part of the mystical Body of Christ. 

It marked the moment we were spiritually reborn, cleansed of sin, and became children of God.  

In truth, our baptismal day holds even greater spiritual importance than the day we were physically born. While our physical birth brought us into a fallen world, our baptism gave us new life in Christ, freeing us from the stain of original sin.  

It’s worth noting that Jesus Himself did not need baptism. He was sinless and perfect. Yet, He chose to undergo baptism for our sake, modeling the path we are to follow. Just as a mother never ceases to be a mother, we, too, will always be children of God, connected to Him through the sacrament of baptism.  

Let us carry this reflection into the week ahead, cherishing the transformative power of baptism and the eternal bond it creates with Christ.  

God bless you, and may you have a wonderful week!

Go and be a blessing 🙌 

I remain your pal, 

Ronnie Law 

It was a Busy Week in Global and Local Events

This past week was filled with significant events both globally and in the United States, capturing headlines and sparking discussions.  

Back home in Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama's inauguration took center stage. The event was a moment of pride for many, but what stole the spotlight was the attendance of Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré. Dressed in military attire and carrying his service weapon, his bold appearance became a hot topic of conversation across the African continent, sparking debates and admiration on social media.  

Adding to the joy, my little cousin, Martin, received an admission to medical school in Ghana—a proud moment for our family. 

Meanwhile, tragedy unfolded in the West Coast of the United States as wildfires devastated the Palisades region in California, with the inferno spreading into Los Angeles. The destruction has been catastrophic, with over ten lives lost and billions of dollars in damages recorded so far. As the fires rage on, the prayers of many are for mercy and relief for those affected.  

In Washington, D.C., the nation bid farewell to former President Jimmy Carter at a service held at the National Cathedral. The solemn occasion was marked by a surprising moment: Donald Trump and Barack Obama were seen sharing smiles and camaraderie, appearing as old friends despite their contentious history during past election campaigns.  

While some appreciated the civility, others criticized the perceived friendliness, especially after years of political name-calling and division.  

 In a separate development, Donald Trump was formally convicted in New York over his hush money case, solidifying his status as a convicted felon. Despite attempts by Trump and his legal team to shake off the label, it remains on the record. 

This time, Mr. Trump didn't even have to show up in New York, he appeared along side his lawyer in what is like a zoom remote session. It was discharged unconditionally by the judge. Many people are calling it injustice and are upset how the law can be so selective. I say welcome to America, pal.  

Even with all this legal setback, one thing is certain: Trump will return to the White House in just nine days. Whether as a felon or a leader his presence continues to command attention and controversy. 

Then we also had Mark Zuckerberg's appearance on the most-listened podcast on YouTube, the Joe Rogan Experience this week made waves as he publicly criticized the incumbent government, revealing the pressures Meta (formerly Facebook) faced to censor free speech. His announcement that the company would no longer fact-check posts underscores a significant pivot, one that may signal his attempt to step out of the shadow of government influence—or to deflect public scrutiny.  

It's worth noting that Zuckerberg has long played a complex role in politics. He was among the first batch of visitors to Donald Trump’s Palm Beach residence post elections and contributed $1 million to Trump’s presidential inauguration fund, decisions that raised eyebrows then and are even more intriguing now in light of his current positioning. That is how legalized corruption looks like in these United States.

Some might call him a snake, adept at slithering through the maze of political and social pressures to protect himself and his staggering wealth. Others might view him as a shrewd strategist, someone who understands the art of self-preservation in the face of public and governmental scrutiny. Regardless of where one stands, Zuckerberg’s moves highlight the delicate dance billionaires perform to maintain influence, control narratives, and protect their empires in an era of increasing polarization and accountability. Let that sink in.

As you can see, from political milestones in Africa to personal achievements, natural disasters, and significant moments in U.S. politics, Mark confession on JRE this week has been eventful. May the week ahead bring more peace and positivity amidst all the challenges. 

I'll be heading to Jersey City-stay tuned. 

I remain your pal,

Ronnie Law 

The Human Brain 🧠

Today I'm going to talk about the human brain, its structure and function. 

The brain and nervous system was one of my favorite systems second only to the cardiac system. The brain is the human version of the computers CPU. It's the organ responsible for who we are. It's extremely complex and the limits to its complexities is beyond the mind-no pun intended.

Study it so next time we get together, we can talk about it. 😃😃

Please remember, structure is what it's made up of, and function is what it does. We sometimes refer to this as anatomy (structure or anatomy) and physiology (function or physiology). The cool thing is that we're going to go through seventeen different structures in the brain, laying out its basic plan. But you're also using your brain to process this! If you do a good job, by the end, when I review all the parts, you should be able to tell me both their structure and function. 

So, what type of organisms have brains? Animals. Animals use nerves and muscles to move around, so they need a brain to organize that movement. If we look at the two basic body plans of animals, some are radially symmetrical—in other words, built around something like a tire. Others are bilaterally symmetrical—for instance, a lion, where you could draw a line down the middle, creating a clear right and left side, as well as a clear front and back. As we became bilaterally symmetrical, we had to organize that movement. 

This is a simple animal body plan. As the animal moves, it takes in sensory information using neurons. For example, you're currently taking in sensory information from your eyes and ears. Inside your brain, you're integrating this information—making sense of it—before figuring out how to act. This forms a loop: sensory neurons bring information in, and motor neurons send information out. This basic loop is also important for understanding how our brain works. 

If we look at primitive brains, we see a consistent structure: four "humps." These are the spinal cord, the hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain. This structure is found in all animals. For instance, a shark’s brain still resembles this primitive plan. The spinal cord brings in information, while the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain manage other functions. The closer we are to the spinal cord, the more basic the functions. For example, the hindbrain keeps the heart beating and controls digestion, while the forebrain governs emotional responses, like when a shark decides to attack.

When you were an embryo, your brain also followed this primitive plan. Over time, however, it grew and developed into the complex adult brain. While the spinal cord, hindbrain, and midbrain remain, the forebrain has expanded significantly, housing emotions, memories, and higher-level thinking.

Now, let's explore the anatomy of the brain. There are 17 parts to review, and for each, you should ask: What is the structure? Where is it? What is its function?

Basic Brain Plan

The brain can be divided into four main components:

1. Brainstem

2. Cerebellum (located at the back of the brain)

3. Thalamus and Hypothalamus

4. Cerebrum (the dominant, upper portion of the brain)

Brainstem

The brainstem has three parts:

- Medulla oblongata

- Pons

- Midbrain

Its functions include managing basic life functions like breathing, circulation, digestion, and swallowing. It also routes sensory and motor information.

Cerebellum

The cerebellum is responsible for motor control and motor memory. It coordinates actions like riding a bike or playing sports.

Thalamus and Hypothalamus

- Thalamus: Acts as a data router, sorting and directing information.

- Hypothalamus: Manages homeostasis, including body temperature, osmolarity, and circadian rhythms. It also oversees hormone release via the posterior pituitary gland, which secretes antidiuretic hormone (water balance) and oxytocin.

Cerebrum

The cerebrum integrates sensory data, with billions of neurons and synapses processing information. It's divided into two hemispheres, connected by the corpus callosum. Each hemisphere specializes in different functions, though these are plastic (changeable).

Below the cerebral cortex is the basal ganglia, a group of nuclei responsible for motor control. Dysfunction here, as in Parkinson’s disease, disrupts movement.

Four Lobes of the Cerebrum

1. Frontal Lobe: Governor's executive functions, emotional control, and decision-making.

2. Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory input and environmental interactions.

3. Occipital Lobe: Manages vision.

4. Temporal Lobe: Handles language, hearing, and memory.

Specialized Areas

- Somatosensory Cortex: Processes sensory input.

- Motor Cortex: Direct motor output. 

The brain dedicates more neurons to sensitive areas like the fingers or lips than to less sensitive areas like the back.

Functional MRIs are helping us map the brain's activity, allowing us to uncover more about its structures and functions down to the neuronal level. 

Fading Technologies, Libraries, and the Passage of Time

In my free time, two activities usually compete for my attention: a trip to the gym or a visit to the library. Today, I chose the latter and revisited a place that holds a special significance in my life, the very first library I ever visited when I arrived in this country.  

When I first stepped into that library years ago, my initial library card felt like a treasure. It symbolized opportunity and access to a wealth of knowledge. Back then, I eagerly checked out books and DVDs. Later, when I got my first car, a Toyota Avalon, I expanded my library use to include audiobooks. It was a simple yet profound joy. I consumed information like one would never imagine. 

Today’s visit brought back memories, but it also held a surprise. While exploring the catalog, I discovered that the library still had DVDs, audiobooks, and even some cassette tapes available for checkout. It felt like a time capsule from another era. I hadn’t thought about those formats in years, and I was astonished they were still there.  

Why was this surprising? Because the world has moved on. My current car doesn’t even have a CD player, and in many households, DVD players are a thing of the past as everything is now digital and subscription based. Those weren’t thought of just ten years ago. This shift made me wonder: Who is still consuming these formats in 2025?  

The sight of those outdated items sparked a larger reflection. Technology evolves at an incredible pace, rendering what was once indispensable almost obsolete in the blink of an eye. DVDs and CDs, once ubiquitous, are now relics, replaced by streaming services and digital downloads as stated earlier above.  

What’s the takeaway from this? It’s a stark reminder that nothing is permanent. Trends, tools, and even cherished technologies can fade away, often faster than we expect. In a world of rapid innovation, adaptability is key, and nostalgia can serve as a gentle reminder of how far we’ve come.  

I saw and checked the bus schedules for the various routes around the county. These buses are incredibly reliable, and I know this because I relied on them to get to college during my first year and a half in the country. It's been at least ten years since I last used them. God is good.

As I left the library, I couldn’t help but marvel at the impermanence of it all. The world moves fast, and so must we. But perhaps, amidst this change, places like libraries remain constants, adaptable, evolving, yet still grounded in their mission to serve as keepers of knowledge, past, present and future. 

I remain your pal,

Ronnie Law