Causing a commotion

Trump's actions, Oscar picks, olive burgers—and (yikes!) a new Tyler Perry film

Well, we’ve said goodbye to another Black History Month. Of course, with it being in February, they all go by quickly.

—And I quote: “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those differences.”—Audre Lorde

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

—Tool party: I guess it’s safe to say that President Trump and Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy won’t be exchanging holiday cards down the line.

Zelenskyy left the White House soon after their very public row without signing a rare critical minerals deal with the United States that Trump has said is the first step toward a ceasefire agreement that he is seeking to broker between Russia and Ukraine. It sounds like Trump wasn’t willing to broker a peaceful solution without some form of payment.

And why shouldn’t Zelenskyy be cautious of a deal involving Russian leader Vladimir Putin after he has already breached deals before? Trump and Vice President JD Vance felt that Zelenskyy should’ve shown more gratitude; well, maybe the U.S. leaders should’ve shown more grace. I do love that CNN almost immediately came out with an article with the headline “Fact check: 33 times Zelensky thanked Americans and US leaders.” But Trump didn’t help things by trying to belittle Zelenskyy as soon as they met, joking about the Ukrainian’s choice of attire.

But whether you side with Trump or Zelenskyy in this matter, it was a very bad day for foreign policy.

—Calendar alert: For something different, you might want to check out this event: Chicago’s National Hellenic Museum presents the next installation of its popular Trial series with “The Trial of Themistocles” on Tuesday, April 1, at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. (Despite the date, it’s the real deal.)

Judges presiding at The Trial of Themistocles are Justice Joy V. Cunningham (Illinois Supreme Court), Hon. Georgia N. Alexakis (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois), Hon. Anthony C. Kyriakopoulos (Circuit Court of Cook County) and Hon. Jeffery Chrones (Circuit Court of Cook County). Audience members will cast their votes to decide the final verdict: Was Themistocles a hero or traitor?

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

—A serious matter: The first transgender suicide hotline is up; it’s at 877-565-8860. As someone posted on Facebook, I’m thankful for its existence, but heartbroken for its necessity.

—Inquiry: Do you think Diddy is looking at getting A$AP Rocky’s legal team?

—Not this again: I know some people are following every step of this “conflict,” but it’s gotten to the point that I instantly delete any email that has “Lively” and/or “Baldoni” in the subject line.

—Chop, chop: Saltburn actor Jacob Elordi has people swooning (more than usual) over the muttonchops he’s (probably) growing out for his role in the upcoming Wuthering Heights movie.

And Elordi is one of the few people who can pull off the look. Like a high-wire act, most people should probably steer clear of this.

—Oscar prior: And the day before the Academy Awards ceremony, I’m unveiling my acting Oscar picks. (BTW, for those aching for a repeat of what happened with John Cena last year, something tells me that won’t take place—at least not with host Conan O’Brien, I hope.)