Former N.Y. Governor Eliot Spitzer, Wife Announce Split (via Repost Video News) In a statement released Christmas Eve Elliot Spitzer, who admitted to seeing prostitutes during his time as governor, is splitting from his wife. … [Read more...] about Former N.Y. Governor Eliot Spitzer, Wife Announce Split (Video)
The Power of Christmas (Guest Voice)
The power of Christmas By MICHAEL GERSON Washington Post Writers Group WASHINGTON -- 'Tis the season for creche display controversies and public school decoration debates and First Amendment argumentation, when all the ideologues get a little extra outrage or victimization in their stockings. The holiday is observed across the nation with injunctions and festive … [Read more...] about The Power of Christmas (Guest Voice)
Fournier: Obama = Bush
Andrew Sullivan fisks Ron Fournier's argument that Obama's second term is like Bush's on The Daily Dish. And the truth is: nothing this president has done compares even faintly with the damage wrought by his predecessor. Bush exploded the deficit in a time of growth; Obama has cut it dramatically in a time of near-depression. Bush gave us two disastrous wars; Obama has largely … [Read more...] about Fournier: Obama = Bush
Merry Christmas !
As many of us enjoy the day with family and friends I want to take the time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. For those who share my faith in celebrating the truly amazing blessing granted to mankind may your day be rich in deep spiritual significance. For those who do not share that faith, may you have a wonderful day with those you love and those who love you. For … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas !
“Take Heaven, Take Peace, Take Joy”
I can’t gift-wrap this, but it’s a Christmas treasure I have to share. Decades ago, I published it twice in different magazines. Eric Sevareid was a talented writer who spent most of his life as a radio and TV journalist working with Edward R. Murrow during World War II as part of “a band of brothers” and later at CBS-TV in its glory days. He was a hero and a role model to … [Read more...] about “Take Heaven, Take Peace, Take Joy”
A Christmas Treat from Doctor Puppet
Mashable gives us a link to a wonderful video of a Doctors' Christmas. Enjoy. Cross posted at The DemiGeek … [Read more...] about A Christmas Treat from Doctor Puppet
Huntsman on Gay Marriage
Jon Huntsman earns an Yglesias nomination (for those who actually criticize their own side, make enemies among political allies, and generally risk something for the sake of saying what they believe) on The Daily Dish. While serving as governor of Utah, I pushed for civil unions and expanded reciprocal benefits for gay citizens. I did so not because of political … [Read more...] about Huntsman on Gay Marriage
Our Ninth Annual Christmas Podcast!
Welcome to his vorpal sword‘s NINTH annual podcast of our original old time radio drama, performed live (in front of an invisible audience of, potentially, trillions.) Click for the radio play For a special treat, The KOPT Radio Theater Players appear herein in the 2005 production of “The St. Nick Case,” in wide-spectrum, full color stereo. The radio play was broadcast … [Read more...] about Our Ninth Annual Christmas Podcast!
Person of the Year
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