Q’s News evolved from a conversation about the value of books, articles, videos, documentaries, and other media that Dr. JQ Adams has cultivated and shared with educators, colleagues and audience members over the past five decades. Every two weeks, CCC will provide a short video release of a concept, news item or media snippet that is relevant to unfolding contemporary issues and the mission of Cultivating Compassionate Coexistence.
Documentary Film Review
The American Revolution (2025)
The American Revolution is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App. It is also available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon
Directors: Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, David Schmidt
Platform: PBS
A sweeping retelling of the American Revolution that foregrounds marginalized voices and interrogates national mythmaking. Burns and his team present a narrative that highlights the tension between democratic ideals and the realities of exclusion, offering a powerful resource for understanding civic identity, historical memory, and the contested meaning of freedom.
Book Review
Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age (2026)
Chain of Ideas is published by One World a division of Penguin Random House (www.penguinrandomhouse.com).
Author: Ibram X. Kendi
Publisher: One World
Kendi traces the intellectual roots of contemporary authoritarianism, mapping how ideas about race, power, and hierarchy have shaped political culture. The book offers a rigorous historical analysis and a warning about the narratives that sustain illiberalism. Essential for justice-centered leadership, civic literacy, and democratic resilience.
Lecture Review
AI has hacked the code of human civilization (2026)
Lecturer: Yuval Noah Harari
Event: The Tanner Lecture, July 3, 2026
Harari argues that artificial intelligence has begun to rewrite the foundations of human meaning, identity, and governance. He explores how AI systems influence narrative, belief, and decision-making, raising urgent questions about autonomy, ethics, and democratic stability. A critical resource for understanding the intersection of technology and civic life.
Feature Film Review
Disclosure Day (2026)
Disclosure Day is currently available to rent or buy on Prime Video and YouTube.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Studio: Universal Films
Spielberg’s film examines the cultural, political, and psychological implications of a fictional mass-disclosure event. Blending spectacle with moral inquiry, the film explores fear, trust, and the fragility of shared reality. Useful for discussions of narrative, public imagination, and the ethics of storytelling.
Location Review
National Comedy Center, Jamestown, NY
The National Comedy Center is celebrated for its interactive exhibits and dedication to preserving the art of comedy. It serves as a cultural hub that highlights the historical and social significance of humor, engaging visitors with immersive experiences that connect comedy to broader societal themes.