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
Is the future of NBC’s Meet the Press uncertain?
Is the future of NBC's Meet the Press uncertain? It's ratings have been falling as reliably as an actor's pants in a porn film and now, amid big cutbacks at NBC, some are wondering if the third-place show's future could be in doubt. Mediaite: As we head into 2014, the fate of the longest-running news program on television is starting to look uncertain. According to a new … [Read more...] about Is the future of NBC’s Meet the Press uncertain?
How Italy turned mafia food into a hit Christmas gift
How Italy turned mafia food into a hit Christmas gift (via The Christian Science Monitor) It’s a Christmas gift with a difference, combining Italy’s rich gastronomic heritage with the protracted, often violent, fight against the Mafia. As Italians scramble to finish the last of their shopping this festive season, they can choose a rather… … [Read more...] about How Italy turned mafia food into a hit Christmas gift
America’s Delegation to Sochi: A Boycott By Any Other Name (Yezhednevniy Zhurnal, Russia)
For Russians who consider themselves part of the modern world, the debacle over Russia's 'gay propaganda' laws is a source of tremendous humiliation. For Russia's Yezhednevniy Zhurnal, columnist Anton Oryekh writes that Russia's ham-handed lawmakers, thinking such laws were for domestic purposes only, never imagined that they would blow up in their faces in such spectacular … [Read more...] about America’s Delegation to Sochi: A Boycott By Any Other Name (Yezhednevniy Zhurnal, Russia)
The Singing Sergeants: ‘Jingle Bells’
On the second day of Christmas, the Singing Sergeants gave to thee... an upbeat arrangement of "Jingle Bells" -recorded from Historic Hangar II, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, From AmericanMusicPreservation.com: One of the most popular songs heard during the Christmas season began not for that holiday but as a winter song with the title, "The One Horse Open … [Read more...] about The Singing Sergeants: ‘Jingle Bells’
My Jaw Drops at the Stupid
I just couldn't think of a better title for this post. Justine Sacco, whose job is corporate communications director at IAC tweeted a really, really bad racist attempt at "humor". It's not like there haven't been enough examples recently of how dumb things like that are and how quickly unemployment will generally follow. … [Read more...] about My Jaw Drops at the Stupid
John Eisenhower, Ike’s Son, Dies
John S.D. Eisenhower in 1990 AP photo ABC News has just announced that 91-year-old John S.D. Eisenhower, the son of President Eisenhower, has died. The retired brigadier general and military historian had resided on Maryland's Eastern Shore in the community of Trappe, Md. No cause was given for his death Saturday. John Sheldon Doud Eisenhower was born in Denver in … [Read more...] about John Eisenhower, Ike’s Son, Dies
A Discussion We Need To Have
There is a debate going on about extending long term unemployment benefits. This is the wrong debate. In this age of globalization and industrial robots there are simply not going to be enough jobs for everyone who needs one. And it's not just manufacturing - with thousands of fiber optic cables circling the globe everything from software development to accounting and … [Read more...] about A Discussion We Need To Have