Arranging smooth successions has been the bane of despots since the dawn of history - and today's North Korea is a perfect example. Does the death of Kim Jong-il mean the beginning of the end of the Kim dynasty? Columnist Sohn Gwang-joo of South Korea's Daily North Korea explains why contradictions in the system coupled with the inexperience of the country's new despot … [Read more...] about Why the Kim Jong-un Regime is ‘Doomed’ (The Daily North Korea, South Korea)
Deadly ‘Virus’ of Censorship Terrorizes the White House (La Stampa, Italy)
Is America's fear of terrorism putting a chill on essential scientific research? For Italy's La Stampa, columnist Piero Bianucci warns that the White House, in an unprecedented move to prevent terrorists from getting their hands on an even more deadly form of bird flu, has persuaded science journals Science and Nature to censor themselves, undermining the free flow of … [Read more...] about Deadly ‘Virus’ of Censorship Terrorizes the White House (La Stampa, Italy)
Firing an Icon, Pauline Kael
A mutual grandparent at holiday dinner confronts me with the accusation that I fired a cinema icon in the 1960s. Guilty. So I may as well share my confession with the whole world. I brought out the worst in Pauline Kael. She started irritating me the minute we met and never stopped. Looking for a movie reviewer with intelligence and style when I became editor of McCalls, … [Read more...] about Firing an Icon, Pauline Kael
Advertising Excess — A Banana Too Far
The areas of our lives touched by advertising have been growing like kudzu over the years, and have long passed the line of good sense much less good taste. Every time one leaves the house these days (or stays home for that matter) he or she seems to be assaulted by yet another way, another space, in which advertisers are peddling their wares. Promotional videos on … [Read more...] about Advertising Excess — A Banana Too Far
New Hampshire Poll: Romney Ahead, Paul Rising
A new New Hampshire poll has good news for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, not-so-good-news for former House Speaker New Gingrich and good news for Rep. Ron Paul: Romney is ahead and Paul is rising: Newt Gingrich’s surge has slowed and Ron Paul has gained momentum, but Mitt Romney remains the clear front-runner in New Hampshire with a little more than two weeks … [Read more...] about New Hampshire Poll: Romney Ahead, Paul Rising
Unleashing The Ugly
Conservatism, like Dr. Jekyll, has undergone an ugly transformation. Those who claim that mantle these days say they stand for liberty. However, they have long forgotten Edmund Burke's caveat: "But what is liberty without wisdom, and without virtue? It is the greatest of all possible evils; for it is folly, vice, and madness, without tuition or restraint." And, on the … [Read more...] about Unleashing The Ugly
Quote of the Day: Huckabee on Republican Presidential Candidates and Barack Obama
Our political Quote of the Day comes from ex-GOP Presidential contender and Fox News hit political personality Mike Huckabee on his fellow GOPers and Barack Obama: Asked whether he second-guessed himself over his decision not to run for president, Huckabee really went for it. “Republicans can’t decide what they want to be when they grow up,” he said, adding, “I know … [Read more...] about Quote of the Day: Huckabee on Republican Presidential Candidates and Barack Obama
Ron Paul Is No Longer Defining Ron Paul (UPDATED)
By not definitively repudiating newsletters that went out under his name that had racism or political Twilight Zone-ish ideas to the media's satisfaction, Rep. Ron Paul has let the newsletters and his critics define him. The issue is is lingering out there, becoming a field day for cartoons and -- if he wins Iowa -- and low hanging fruit for late night comedians. For … [Read more...] about Ron Paul Is No Longer Defining Ron Paul (UPDATED)
The Ever Inflating Higher Education Bubble
The accessibility and efficacy of a college education ain't what it used to be. Glenn Reynolds, aka, Instapundit, (who is a law professor) offers a video that looks at the issue: … [Read more...] about The Ever Inflating Higher Education Bubble
The Postal Service Is Financially Going Postal
The U.S. P0stal Service is financially going postal. John Avlon, writing in The Daily Beast, notes that it faces a grave crisis and there si a chance that the Christmas of December 2011 could one day soon be looked back as the Good Old Days -- when there was more extensive service than during the rest of the 21st century. In fact, Avlon writes, the Postal Service's survival … [Read more...] about The Postal Service Is Financially Going Postal
Obama: The Conservative in 2012
WASHINGTON -- At a moment when the nation wonders whether politicians can agree on anything, here is something that unites the Republican presidential candidates -- and all of them with President Obama: Everyone agrees that the 2012 election will be a turning point involving one of the most momentous choices in American history. True, candidates (and columnists) … [Read more...] about Obama: The Conservative in 2012
GOP Crack Up
This copyrighted cartoon is licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. … [Read more...] about GOP Crack Up
Is There A Day When They Take a Rest?
A “Blanca Navidad” to You (White Christmas in Spanish)
White Christmas is popular in many languages, particularly Spanish. To wit: My favorite version: students at a public school in Madrid. I find this somehow very touching when they sing both in Spanish -- and in English: A version for younger people: And one a bit more keeping with Bing Crosby's original concept of the song: And here is Bing Crosby doing the … [Read more...] about A “Blanca Navidad” to You (White Christmas in Spanish)
Merry Christmas !
As we all enjoy the day with family and friends I want to take the time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. As much as we may go back and forth on the issues I think we at TMV are a family and I am most appreciative of everyone. So Merry Christmas to all ! … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas !
Romney’s Rewrapped Gift
We’ve all done it, and Mitt seems like someone who wouldn’t hesitate to pass on a second-hand present. He did it to a voter the other day. Asked by a New Hampshire man who was being foreclosed by Bank of America even though he had made all his mortgage payments, a problem Romney has clearly never faced, the candidate suggested he go to court or occupy bank headquarters until … [Read more...] about Romney’s Rewrapped Gift
What We Need?
We need this: … [Read more...] about What We Need?
A Christmas Prayer for My George Bailey Friends.
A Moderately Merry Christmas
On a chilly but snowless Christmas Eve here in my corner of Philadelphia, you'll find me stretched out on the living room sofa, laptop in its proper place, Christmas tree straight ahead, glimmering in the soft light and still nearly perpendicular to the floor. My seven-year-old son is nestled snug in his bed, while visions of Lego blocks dance in his head. When I was my … [Read more...] about A Moderately Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays
Have a very happy winter solstice and what ever other holiday you chose to celebrate this time of year. … [Read more...] about Happy Holidays