The story about Yonkers born musician Joel Diamond will astonish you with his Yonkas speak. I had the privilege of meeting Joel in NYC a few years ago, and I adore his refreshing and direct persona. He is truly a “Diamond in the Rough.” Barbara Lloyd McMichael writes about the U.S. National Park Service and its many heritage fruit orchards. Barbara also writes about the history, legacy and current controversy surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Our July book reviews are not light summer reading, but you might find them interesting. Submission by Michel Houellebecq is a complicated rendering of what happens to a liberal culture when it is suppressed by an orthodox, reactionary leadership. DEATH AND THE BUTTERFLY by Colin Hester captures the liminal space between life and death, where the beauty of the butterfly prevails. We welcome commentary by risk management expert Annie Searle who has been writing ASA News & Notes for Seventeen Years. Do you know the difference between Social Democrats and Democratic Socialists? Nick Licata explains the schism in the Democratic Party. Happy July! –Patricia Vaccarino
