The LuLac Edition #5, 668, May 26th, 2026

 

TALE OF THREE  MAYORS

 

We attended the Memorial day parade yesterday in both the borough of Ashley and the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre.

Met up with Wilkes-Barre Township Mayor, Carl Kurran, and his driver Mr. Hargraves along with our Mayor Wilkes-Barre George Brown.

I had the opportunity to drive the Mayor through Ashley with a very nice turnout and a great response to Mr. Brown. 

Then went to the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre for the Memorial Day ceremonies put together by the planes lions club as well as Wilkes-Barre Councilman BIll Barrett.

 

Joining the Mayor and I in Parsons was Scranton Mayor Paige Canetti, who worked the crowd and walked the entire route of the parade.

In Ashley it was great to see old friend and former coworker. Kathleen Smith and in Parsons so great to see former Wilkes-Barre coworker of mine Eddie Postski, as well as my old political buddy from the early parts of the century James O’Meara. The men Memorial Day parades give honor to those fallen, but you have all of America’s survivors the opportunity to thank those brave men and women for making the ultimate sacrifice.

 

POPE LEO ON AI

Pope Leo XIV, in his first major teaching document, is warning that artificial intelligence is becoming a new test of human dignity, work and power. In the same document, the pontiff apologizes for the Vatican's role in legitimizing slavery.

In a document spanning nearly 42,000 words, Pope Leo XIV warned that artificial intelligence poses a growing threat to human dignity and human equality, calling for stronger regulation and a more balanced approach to developing AI technologies that keeps human dignity at its center.

Pope Leo urged technologists and political leaders to remain committed to building AI “for the common good” while embracing human limitations and weaknesses “without considering them an error to be corrected.”

The comprehensive document called “Magnifica Humanitas” or “Magnificent Humanity” touched on AI’s impact on nearly every pillar of a healthy society — equality, the environment, democracy, employment, education and parenting, among others.

Pope Leo grounded his first encyclical, officially titled “On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” in the concepts of human dignity and “the common good.” The document builds on and frequently quotes the teachings of Leo’s predecessors, including Pope Francis, Saint John Paul II and Pope Leo XIII.

In the introduction, Pope Leo framed his teaching about AI in two biblical stories. The Tower of Babel offered a warning: When human beings pursue power and self-sufficiency without reference to God or one another, the pursuit could lead to confusion and collapse. Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem shows the opposite approach: a prayerful and collaborative work where every person plays a role, with the goal of restoring relationships and community. Leo framed these examples as a choice that societies are up against when approaching the development of AI tools.

“The primary choice is not between ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to technology, but rather between constructing Babel or rebuilding Jerusalem; between a power that claims to dominate the heavens and a people who work together in the presence of God to rebuild the wall of fraternal coexistence,” Leo wrote.

In simulating a human, AI-generated communications are merely an appearance of relationships and risk turning people away from “genuine human connections.” Leo also highlighted AI’s environmental costs, warning that its enormous demand for energy and water contributes to rising carbon dioxide emissions. He called for the development of more “sustainable technological solutions.”

Emerging technologies, including AI, are not neutral, he explained. “They can either foster participation and justice or exacerbate inequality, control and exclusion,” Leo wrote. “For this reason, they must be evaluated by asking a crucial question: Do they truly help individuals and peoples to become more humane and fraternal, while respecting our common home and future generations?”

Leo’s first encyclical — a formal letter written by the pope and addressed to the Catholic church — is symbolic. Leo signed “Magnifica Humanitas” on May 15, the same day that 135 years ago Pope Leo XIII issued his first encyclical “Rerum Novarum” on capital and labor that defended workers’ rights during the first industrial revolution. Pope Leo chose his papal name partly in honor of Pope Leo XIII, whose encyclical has become the foundation of the church’s social teachingS,

Leo’s encyclical drew, too, on the social doctrine of the Catholic church and its key principles of the common good, universal destination of goods, of subsidiarity, solidarity and social justice.

Leo’s sprawling document is broken down into five chapters and details both the perils of the technology and its promises in society formation, governance, education and employment.

Leo also expressed concern about transhumanism, which envisions a “salvation” made possible by technology and apologized for the Vatican’s complicity in slavery. “It is impossible not to feel deep sorrow when contemplating the immense suffering and humiliation endured by so many in stark contrast to their immeasurable dignity as persons infinitely loved by the Lord. For this, in the name of the Church, I sincerely ask for pardon,” Leo wrote

But he warned against the new form of colonialism, in which those who hold wealth and power harvest data from vulnerable populations without consent.

To correct the course, he called for transparent supply chains and ethical standards for companies and investors and joint commitment to refuse exploitation. “Furthermore, digital platforms must cooperate responsibly with authorities and civil society to prevent communication, payment and profiling tools from becoming channels for the recruitment and control of victims,” Pope Leo wrote. (Yaho News, LuLac)

The LuLac Edition #5, 667, May 25th, 2026

 MONDAY MEMES 

The LuLac Edition 5, 666, May 25h, 2026

 

THE TRUE MEANING

OF MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces  It is observed on the last Monday of May. It is also considered to be the unofficial beginning of summer.

Memorial Day is a time for visiting cemeteries and memorials to mourn the military personnel who died in the line of duty. Volunteers will place American flags on the graves of those military personnel in national cemeteries.

The first national observance of what would become Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868. Then known as Decoration Day, the holiday was proclaimed by Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic – a fraternal organization of veterans – to honor Union soldiers who had died in the American Civil War. This national observance followed the example of many local observances which were begun between the end of the Civil War and Logan's declaration. Many cities and people have claimed to be the first to observe it, however, the National Cemetery Administration, a division of the Department of Veterans Affairs, credits Mary Ann Williams of the Ladies Memorial Association of Columbus, Georgia with originating the idea of an annual date to decorate the graves of Civil War veterans with flowers.

Official recognition as a holiday spread among the states, beginning with New York in 1873. By 1890, every union state had adopted it. The world wars turned it into a day of remembrance for all members of the U.S. military who fought and died in service. In 1968, Congress changed its observance to the last Monday in May, and in 1971 standardized its name as "Memorial Day.” Two other days celebrate those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military: Armed Forces Day, which is earlier in May, a ceremonial U.S. day of commemoration for honoring those currently serving in the armed forces, and Veterans Day on November 11, a legal holiday which honors all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

 

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 665, May 24th, 2026

 

MOVIE STARS FAVORITE FOODS

 

ANNE HATHAWAY’S DINNER

What is Anne Hathaway’s favorite dinner?

In a red carpet interview with Vogue, Anne mentioned that a meal she keeps coming back to is branzino with potatoes and a really good cooked green. She added that the dish is especially delicious with the addition of roasted tomatoes.

While Anne didn’t spell out how she likes each component prepared, this is exactly the kind of meal that gives you a clear starting point without locking you into one method. Branzino takes well to simple treatment: roasted whole with olive oil, lemon and herbs; grilled until the skin crisps; or cooked as fillets in a hot pan if you want something faster and less dramatic than presenting an entire fish at the table.

The potatoes can follow whatever mood dinner calls for. Roasted red potatoes would make the plate feel cozy and substantial; boiled or smashed potatoes would keep it a little lighter; and creamy mashed potatoes would be ideal if you’re looking for something a little more hearty.

For the cooked greens, think less “side-dish afterthought” and more something treated with care: garlicky sauteed spinach, broccolini with lemon, or green beans cooked until they’re perfectly tender-crisp.

The roasted tomatoes are an especially smart addition. Their juices bring enough sweetness and acidity to make the plate feel finished—almost like a sauce that you didn’t even have to make.

However, you prepare it, it’s easy to see why Anne keeps coming back to this dish. It’s composed enough to feel intentional, but flexible enough to be enjoyed again and again.

 

JOHN WAYNE’S FAVORITE FOODS

John Wayne, the Hollywood cowboy icon, had a hearty appetite that matched his rugged persona. His favorite foods were simple, satisfying, and often tied to his love of grilling and hearty American fare.

Steak was his top choice — especially a thick-cut bone-in ribeye, sometimes called a “cowboy steak,” grilled over an open flame and charred medium Tasting Table+1. He enjoyed steak at steakhouses like Gulliver’s in Orange County and often grilled it himself on his home’s indoor grill Mashed. Country-fried steak with creamy gravy was another favorite foodie-haven.com.

Other red meats he liked included roast beef, salami, baloney, and bacon Mashed. He also enjoyed grilled chicken, pork, and seafood, especially when fishing or on location Taste Of Home+1.

Comfort foods were staples:

Cheese grits — creamy, buttery, with sharp cheddar, often served with eggs or steak foodie-haven.com+1.

Potatoes in any form — mashed, baked, or fried — as a classic sidekick to steak takesmeback.com.

Beans — baked, refried, or campfire-cooked — a humble but beloved staple takesmeback.com.

Cornbread — a Western essential, often served with chili takesmeback.com+1.

Chili — spicy and hearty, sometimes paired with cornbread takesmeback.com.

Huevos rancheros — fried eggs over warm tortillas with salsa for a spicy breakfast foodie-haven.com.

Special dishes tied to his name include:

John Wayne Casserole — a hearty ground beef, cheese, pepper, and biscuit-like topping dish Taste Of Home+1.

Chiles rellenos souffle — a lighter, cheesy version of the Mexican classic, often made by his third wife, Pilar Taste Of Home+1.

Wayne’s meals were straightforward, focusing on bold flavors and satisfying portions, reflecting his no-nonsense, all-American lifestyle. Whether grilling a ribeye, savoring cheese grits, or enjoying a plate of chili with cornbread, his food choices were as much a part of his legend as his films.

The LuLac Edition #5, 664 May 23rd, 2026

 

GEORGE CLYMER

SIGNIFICANT SIGNER

 

George Clymer  was an American politician, abolitionist and Founding Father of the United States, one of only six founders who signed both the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. Clymer was among the earliest patriots to advocate for complete independence from Britain. He attended the Continental Congress and served in political office until the end of his life. He was a Framer of the Constitution where he attempted unsuccessfully to regulate the importation of slaves. Clymer was himself a minor slave owner, at least briefly when seven years old through inheritance.

Clymer was a patriot and leader in the demonstrations in Philadelphia resulting from the Tea Act and the Stamp Act. Clymer accepted the command as a leader of a volunteer corps belonging to General John Cadwalader's brigade.  In 1759, he was inducted as a member of the original American Philosophical Society.  He became a member of the Philadelphia Committee of Safety in 1773 and was elected to the Continental Congress 1776–1780. Clymer shared the responsibility of being treasurer of the Continental Congress with Michael Hillegas. He served on several committees during his first congressional term and was sent with Sampson Mathews to inspect the northern army at Fort Ticonderoga on behalf of Congress in the fall of 1776. When Congress fled Philadelphia in the face of Sir Henry Clinton's threatened occupation, Clymer stayed behind with George Walton and Robert Morris. Clymer's business ventures during and after war served to increase his wealth. In 1779 and 1780, Clymer and his son Meredith engaged in a lucrative trade with Sint Eustatius. Although not partial to the merchant business, Clymer continued in business with his father-in-law and brother-in-law until 1782.

He resigned from Congress in 1777 and in 1780 was elected to a seat in the Pennsylvania Legislature. In 1782, he was sent on a tour of the southern states in a vain attempt to get the legislatures to pay up on subscriptions due to the central government. He was re-elected to the Pennsylvania legislature in 1784 and represented his state at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. He was elected to the first U.S. Congress in 1789.

His abolitionist stance was well formed. Clymer is known to have been a slave owner; to what degree is uncertain, although it is known his father, grandfather and brother were minor slave owners. When his father Christopher died, George, then seven years old, inherited "a man named Ned", who died soon after. Ned was probably the only remains of an inheritance given to Christoper from his father, Richard, George's grandfather, who owned four slaves.

Clymer, as a member of the Pennsylvania delegation during the framing of the Constitution, unsuccessfully opposed the slave trade. The question of the slave trade, i.e. the import of new slaves into the United States, was one of the most contentious issues for the framers. Clymer was on the committee to draft a Slave Trade Compromise to postpone the slave trade decision until 1808. Clymer supported an "export tax" (tariff), which was a way to indirectly tax slavery, and which like the slave trade question was opposed by southern states. Nevertheless, the tariff was included as part of the compromise.

He was the father of 10 children. His wife preceded him in death. Clymer died on January 23, 1813. He was buried at the Friends Burying Ground in Trenton, New Jersey.