AUSTIN, Texas – I recently got into a debate with an old friend of mine over the oft-stated axiom “violence should never be condoned.” His position, which I’ll freely admit is more admirable and principled than mine, is even retaliatory violence should be considered morally and...

INDIANAPOLIS – By their very nature, social media platforms like Twitter are subject to their users posting and publishing just about anything they please, including materials that clearly violate the platform’s terms of use. In Twitter’s case, even though porn (and “promotion”...

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Since it seems everybody is offering predictions concerning the Trump administration these days (Trump may fire Sean Spicer and/or Jeff Sessions soon, he’ll be impeached any day now, the investigation into Russia will uncover nothing of substance, etc.), so I...

ST. CATHARINES, Canada – If you ever find yourself employing lies to keep from getting into trouble, here’s an important tip to bear in mind: Whatever bullshit you float as you’re trying to wriggle your way off the hook, make sure it’s plausible bullshit. Another, related piece...

MENLO PARK, Calif. – The technologies behind social media platforms may be modern, but the conundrum predates the printing press: When it comes to depictions of sexuality, where is the line drawn between “pornography” and “art”? Among the intriguing details that have emerged from...

PHILADELPHIA – Here’s the thing about laughing last: Before you can be said to have done so, you first must be certain no additional chuckles are forthcoming. As the New York Post tells it, porn performer Mia Khalifa just had the last laugh with respect to former University of...

By Prudence Beecher Special to YNOT WASHINGTON – In the age of social media, it’s more important than ever for our role models and public figures to be cautious and vigilant about the ideas they express and the company they keep. If you’re not careful, even the smartest and most...

RIO DE JANEIRO – In response to his porn star ex-lover posting a picture alleged to be his penis, U.S. Swim Team member Tommy Spitzmuller Jr. has posted a photo of a bowl of mixed nuts, including almonds, peanuts, cashews and walnuts, to various accounts he maintains on several...

By Roberto Böer Special to YNOT WASHINGTON – In its ongoing attempt to counter the recruiting efforts of ISIS, the American government and its allies often have found themselves struggling to concoct a compelling counter-message. Social media efforts like the Twitter account...

By Abigail Cuthbert Special to YNOT OAKLAND, Calif. – When you’ve already made the mistake of locating your professional sports franchise adjacent to the modern equivalent of Sodom and Gomorrah, one must be very careful not to exhibit other errors in judgment that could anger a...