By Bob Gaydos
The only honest thing the NIC has said since being elected is that he thought the job would be easier. He couldn’t bring himself to say it’s way too hard for him, that he’s woefully ill-prepared intellectually, emotionally and spiritually for the most important job on the planet.

By Bob Gaydos
A couple of weeks ago, I got tired of all the political angsts and anger on Facebook and wrote a column about books and synchronicity and what I was reading and asked folks what they were reading. To change the subject, you know? Here, as promised, are some of the replies I got from some nice people.

By Jeffrey Page
Sean Spicer is 45 years old. It’s reasonable to expect someone of his age would have a better handle one of the major, man-made catastrophes of the 20th century, the Holocaust,

By Jeremiah Horrigan
“Baseball’s Greatest Quotations,” by Paul Dickson, has become a catechism of the game for me — a pain-free, smile-inducing way to rediscover a love of baseball I hardly knew I had.

By Bob Gaydos
(A reprise of a 2010 column, prompted by Jeremiah Horrigan’s ode to baseball also appearing on Zest.) The best part of being a sports editor was that I also got to write a column on whatever I pleased. The bosses preferred local topics, of course, but it was Binghamton, so they let me wander off to professional sports.

By Bob Gaydos
Trump, Putin and Assad set the whole thing up. The chemical attack, the missile attack, the denials, the warnings from Trump, the threats from Putin. All according to script. Yes, it’s a morbidly depressing theory and so, in some respects, I hope I’m wrong. But I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m right.

By Bob Gaydos
I feel a sense of frustration and fatigue on Facebook, which has become highly politically charged. And so, I’m writing about books. Pay attention. I want to know what you’re reading. Also, if you could be a book, what book would it be? C’mon, folks, interface. Remember social media? I will keep posting until I get answers.

By Bob Gaydos
Today’s Republican Party is a gaggle of angry constituencies — a party of convenience for various factions who know nothing about governing.

By Bob Gaydos
Jimmy Breslin could write like hell. Chuck Berry could play the hell out of the guitar. A president straight out of hell. And Shaq thinks the earth is flat. Oh well. … That’s how it went.

By Bob Gaydos
Since all three GOP game plans are working together for separate goals, they share a mutual interest in fomenting chaos. The media have to decide daily what to focus on: The Russians? The wiretaps? The Wall? The travel ban? The budget? The conflicts of interest? The Trump/Ryan health care plan?