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
Duck Dynasty (Cartoon)
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed by Cagle Cartoons to run on TMV. Reproduction elsewhere without licensing is strictly prohibited. … [Read more...] about Duck Dynasty (Cartoon)
They Are Ours
“Spirit, are they yours?” Scrooge could say no more. “They are Man’s,” said the Spirit, looking down upon them. “And they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased. Deny it!” … [Read more...] about They Are Ours
Pensions and the Urban Financial Crises
While only a small number of American cities have declared bankruptcy, many have significant financial problems along with a number of counties and states. In terms of bankruptcy, Detroit is best known, but the list includes San Bernadino and Stockton, California, Central Falls, Rhode Island, and Jefferson County, Alabama. Other cities have requested bankruptcy protection and … [Read more...] about Pensions and the Urban Financial Crises
At Year’s End, the Best American Business
With the economy struggling slowly upward, many families across the country are reminded these days of the most recession-proof business of all. After weeks of supplication, they are being told whether or not they will be permitted to pay as much as $200,000 or more (mostly in loans with interest over years to come) for a four-year product with no guarantees. College … [Read more...] about At Year’s End, the Best American Business
The Singing Sergeants: ‘Carol of the Bells’
On the 10th Day of Christmas, the Singing Sergeants gave to thee...... "Carol of the Bells," a song based on a Ukrainian folk chant which was traditionally used to celebrate the New Year. Recorded at Hangar 2, Bolling AFB, DC. Wikipedia: "Carol of the Bells" is a popular Christmas carol, composed by Mykola Leontovych with lyrics by Peter J. Wilhousky. The song is … [Read more...] about The Singing Sergeants: ‘Carol of the Bells’
The Man Who Saved Christmas
Even if you never played with an erector set you were certainly familiar with the product. The set was the invention of a man named Alfred Carlton (A.C) Gilbert. It would take pages to list all of the toys that he helped to invent but they include virtually every type of educational toy from chemistry sets to some of the most popular versions of model trains. He was also a … [Read more...] about The Man Who Saved Christmas
P.R. person Justine Sacco fired after racist Tweet on AIDS in Africa, issues apology
When will people learn? It truly boggles the mind. One "given" in the 21st century is that if you put something on Twitter it could get around. In fact, that is (duh!) the goal of most people on Twitter to have their tweets get around. Yet, here we have another instance of someone who put something on the Internet that was truly inappropriate and in the end she lost her job. … [Read more...] about P.R. person Justine Sacco fired after racist Tweet on AIDS in Africa, issues apology
A Victims’ Christmas Angel
Every town and city across America has its unsung heroes who perform exemplary community service. This is the story of one such citizen whose selfless, unwavering dedication and hard work have immeasurably helped thousands of victims of violent crime across the State of Texas. Christmas is an appropriate time to herald this person whose tireless efforts have helped thousands … [Read more...] about A Victims’ Christmas Angel
Behind The Golden Doors
This one is for Heather and Nancy, with love ... And now let me tell you about an IMPORTANT story that was shoved into near obscurity by these trivial Duck Bigots, because it is a very personal story to me. Let me tell you about the Golden Doors ... The building itself, we are told was built during the Depression, by FDR: … [Read more...] about Behind The Golden Doors
All Rise: Somebodies, Nobodies, and the Politics of Dignity (Introduction)
This is the first part of the serialization of All Rise: Somebodies, Nobodies, and the Politics of Dignity (Berrett-Koehler, 2006). The ideas in this book are further developed in my recent novel The Rowan Tree --currently free on Kindle. INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS RANKISM? Why do you smile? Change but the name, and it is of yourself that the tale is told. -- Horace, … [Read more...] about All Rise: Somebodies, Nobodies, and the Politics of Dignity (Introduction)
The Story Behind A Christmas Carol
Few of us pass the holiday season without at least one viewing of a Christmas Carol. But what many do not know is that there was a story behind the story, and the influence that it had on the author. In Dickens time it was quite common for one man to support not only his own family but the families of his and/or his spouses siblings. Dickens had a great burden on his back … [Read more...] about The Story Behind A Christmas Carol
(Updates) Ground Fire Injures Four U.S. Troops in South Sudan
Update III: Obama is considering taking additional steps to protect U.S. citizens, personnel, and property in South Sudan. The president, who is in Hawaii for his annual vacation, was updated today on the situation in South Sudan, according to a White House official. The aircraft and U.S. service members that were fired on yesterday in South Sudan were on a mission … [Read more...] about (Updates) Ground Fire Injures Four U.S. Troops in South Sudan