WASHINGTON -- There are really just two possible choices for person of the year. I want to say Pope Francis, but I've got to go with Edward Snowden. The spiritual leader of 1.2 billion Roman Catholics and a whistleblowing fugitive from American justice have just one thing in common: impact. Francis, by shifting his church's focus to social justice, may change the world. … [Read more...] about Person of the Year
Uruguay’s neighbors now considering legalization of pot
Uruguay's neighbors now considering legalization of pot (via GlobalPost) LIMA, Peru — Argentina has given the first sign that Uruguay’s groundbreaking cannabis reform just may have started a domino effect across Latin America. Following the momentous vote by its smaller neighbor’s senate this month — making it the… … [Read more...] about Uruguay’s neighbors now considering legalization of pot
British atheists celebrate Christmas (VIDEO)
British atheists celebrate Christmas (VIDEO) (via GlobalPost) LONDON, UK — Earlier this month, hundreds of Londoners bundled in wool hats and coats descended on an auditorium off a quiet, tree-lined square in the posh neighborhood of Bloomsbury to celebrate the third Sunday of Advent. However, inside there was… … [Read more...] about British atheists celebrate Christmas (VIDEO)
With selfies, the world turns the camera on itself
With selfies, the world turns the camera on itself (via AFP) Stuck on a ledge halfway up a 3,000-foot (1,000-meter) cliff in Oman, his climbing rope sliced in two by sharp rocks, Jimmy Chin did what anyone else would have done in his predicament. He took a selfie. "I had some time to figure out what I was going… … [Read more...] about With selfies, the world turns the camera on itself
75 bodies found in South Sudan mass grave: UN rights chief
75 bodies found in South Sudan mass grave: UN rights chief (via AFP) The United Nations on Tuesday said around 75 bodies had been discovered in a mass grave in rebel-held Bentiu, the capital of South Sudan's oil-rich Unity State, following a surge of violence in the world's youngest nation. "We have discovered a mass… … [Read more...] about 75 bodies found in South Sudan mass grave: UN rights chief
Finding The Christmas Star
With Christmas Eve upon us I thought I’d offer my annual post on the origins of the Christmas Star (per astronomy) and thus offering thoughts on when he was really born. Most of us know that Christ was not really born in December or the year zero. A number of people have tried to look first to the Bible for clues about what the star did and when, then they went outside the … [Read more...] about Finding The Christmas Star
Happy Holidays
I would like to wish my TMV friends a happy holiday season. This will be my first season since my mother passed away so it will be difficult. My brother and sister will stay in Texas so other than phone calls I will be alone but I have gotten used to that. My sister is giving a lecture at the University of Oregon in February and will be up for a few days then and I am … [Read more...] about Happy Holidays
The Singing Sergeants: ‘O Holy Night’
On the 11th Day of Christmas, the Singing Sergeants gave to thee...... "O Holy Night," A famous carol originally based on a French poem by Adolphe Adam and performed by TSgt Daniel Anderson, TSgt Hannah Rigg, and accompanied by TSgt Taylor Armstrong. Recorded at Hangar 2, Bolling AFB, DC. The strange and fascinating story of "O Holy Night" began in France, yet … [Read more...] about The Singing Sergeants: ‘O Holy Night’
Giving Back To Those Who Serve
It is important that while we celebrate the holiday season with those we love there are still thousands of men and women spending this time of year away from those they love. They stand on watch, protecting all of us. While we exchange gifts let us take some time to give to those who serve. There are of course many good military charities out there but this year I am … [Read more...] about Giving Back To Those Who Serve
Edward Snowden Declares Victory, ‘Mission Already Accomplished’ Over NSA Leaks
National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden is beating his chest, saying "mission accomplished" after he stole millions of classified surveillance documents and fled to Hong Kong. Um, the last time we heard 'mission accomplished' all hell broke loose in the aftermath. Remember former president George W. Bush landing on the aircraft carrier saying "Mission Accomplished" for … [Read more...] about Edward Snowden Declares Victory, ‘Mission Already Accomplished’ Over NSA Leaks
Discover the Least-Known Christmas Work of Art
Despite critics and commercials, movies are rarely art. Yet, one such undisputed work exists but is rarely seen in the season of Dickens and “Die Hard.” It is “The Dead,” by John Huston, an acknowledged master of craft who directed Oscar-worthy entertainments from “The Maltese Falcon” to “Prizzi’s Honor” over almost 50 years. For what would be his last, he chose a short … [Read more...] about Discover the Least-Known Christmas Work of Art
Remember Our Troops This Christmas
Every Christmas for the past six or seven years and from the warmth and comfort of my home, I have -- via Letters to the Editor or in articles here and elsewhere -- tried to convey a heartfelt message to our troops still in harm’s way and to their loved ones back home. I usually start by mentioning how many additional troops have sacrificed their lives since the last … [Read more...] about Remember Our Troops This Christmas
Duck your heads in prayer (Cartoon)
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed by Cagle Cartoons to run on TMV. Reproduction of his cartoon without licensing from Cagle Cartoons is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Duck your heads in prayer (Cartoon)
Massacre, rapes, executions carried out in South Sudan
Massacre, rapes, executions carried out in South Sudan (via AFP) South Sudanese soldiers have carried out ethnic killings, including a massacre, house-to-house killings and rapes, following an outbreak of fighting more than a week ago, a string of witnesses have told AFP. Two witnesses alleged they were arrested… … [Read more...] about Massacre, rapes, executions carried out in South Sudan
A Few More Pictures
For sheknows who was in Munich and whoever else enjoys pictures here are a few more from Southern Bavaria. The Isar river winds through Munich and is a big part of the city. On it's banks are parks and open spaces enjoyed by many. This picture taken in winter circa 1970. A monastery in Southern Bavaria with the Alps in the background. A country scene in … [Read more...] about A Few More Pictures
View from the Virgin Islands: The Ghosts of Christmas Wars Past Still Haunt Sarah Palin
By John F. McCarthy 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin professes to have at least a passing interest in slavery. But more than that, the founder of Palinism (pronounced like “Stalinism”) claims to be upset that America is borrowing money to ward off a ballooning budget deficit. Obviously Ms. Palin hasn’t read Warren Mosler’s Modern Monetary … [Read more...] about View from the Virgin Islands: The Ghosts of Christmas Wars Past Still Haunt Sarah Palin
Duck Dynasty, meet Pope Francis
WASHINGON -- If any given religion and its holy writings can be used to support diametrically opposed conclusions about how to live life and how to approach politics, why should religious faith be taken seriously? Please forgive such a stark question on Christmas week, a time when we tend to file away hard issues in the name of joy, warmth, family and, yes, commerce. … [Read more...] about Duck Dynasty, meet Pope Francis
A Man Who Changed The World Has Died
AK47 assault rifle inventor Kalashnikov dies at 94 The inventor of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, Mikhail Kalashnikov, has died aged 94, Russian officials say. The automatic rifle he designed became one of the world's most familiar and widely used weapons. Its comparative simplicity made it cheap to manufacture, as well as reliable and easy to maintain. Although … [Read more...] about A Man Who Changed The World Has Died
Poll: Support for Affordable Health Care Law at all time low
White House and Democrats: you have a problem. Support for the health care law more commonly known as "Obamacare" continues to drop -- meaning it's something politically smart Republicans will (for now) run on and politically smart Democrats will (for now) not tout using a false assumption that the law is beloved. The polls suggests the Democrats' explanation of the law is … [Read more...] about Poll: Support for Affordable Health Care Law at all time low
Merry Christmas & Happy 2014
I haven’t churned out many posts during 2013 (or in 2012 and 2011 for that matter) due to a variety of factors. I am surprised that I’m still around to post these feeble Yuletide Greetings to my TMV colleagues and readers (that wonderful handful of stalwarts). Keeping with tradition, I must review the past and look forward to the future – keeping an idiotic “positive” … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas & Happy 2014