They're not exactly DREAMING of a White Christmas in parts of the United States today. But here's the original version of White Christmas as sung by Bing Crosby in the 1942 film "Holiday Inn": "Rat Pack" member Dean Martin, a singer who was influenced by Crosby, also recorded a beautiful version of this Irving Berlin standard: But it was Crosby's song and his version … [Read more...] about Classic Christmas Song: White Christmas Sung By Bing Crosby (Original 1942 Version)
The Baby
Cam Cardow, The Ottawa Citizen The cartoon above is copyrighted and licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about The Baby
Merry Christmas To You
by Martha Randolph Carr This may be my favorite Christmas season yet. I’ve finally gotten to the point where I’m not trying to meet anyone’s expectations, especially my own. As a child I wanted to make sure I lived up to what was expected and worried about how to get a gift for each of my four siblings, my best friend Paula and my parents. The holiday season was an … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas To You
Merry Christmas to All
The warmest, deepest "Merry Christmas" to all: to all of TMV's writers, to all of TMV's readers, and to all who don't know about or read TMV. And to all of those around the world who may not specifically celebrate Christmas, we wish you the Happiest of Happy holidays. The carto0n by Parker, Florida Today, is copyrighted and licensed to appear on TMV. Unauthorized … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas to All
Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.
As we approach the magic hour when Santa will be beginning to visit children on the East coast and make his way to the West coast, you may have a child or grandchild who is beginning to have doubts about Santa Claus---as my 10-year-old grandson is. Well, there is still time to let him or her read (or for you to read to him or her) the answer an Editor of the New York Sun … [Read more...] about Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus.
Obama Homeowner Aid Plan A Bust
The Obama administration's $75 billion program to help homeowners escape foreclosure is a failure and should be scrapped. By unintentional consequences, the government itself under the FDIC sabotages the program. The irony of this is that a private non-profit company exists that has a proven track record helping homeowners renegotiate mortgages they can afford -- for … [Read more...] about Obama Homeowner Aid Plan A Bust
Pope Unhurt After Christmas Eve Mass Incident
Maybe she was mad he held midnight mass 2 hours early: A crazed woman jumped a barrier and rushed at Pope Benedict XVI as he made his way up the aisle at the Vatican to perform the traditional Christmas Eve Mass. The woman was caught by security guards before she could reach the 82-year-old Pope, who was untouched and barely broke stride. [...] The unidentified woman was … [Read more...] about Pope Unhurt After Christmas Eve Mass Incident
You Thought 2009 Was Bad?
You thought 2009 was bad? Well, in the aftermath of the mess left behind by the previous administration, it was. And, as we end 2009, unemployment is still unacceptably high. USA Today writes in an editorial today, “2009 will not go down as a great year. Come to think of it, the whole decade has been rather wretched.” The editorial, for example, cites: The … [Read more...] about You Thought 2009 Was Bad?
Putting Health Care into Context
When I got a message on my Blackberry early this afternoon that the good folks over the pond in the US of A passed a Health Care reform bill and nonchalantly relayed the information to my friend, an immigrant from New England, he looked at me as if I was living on a different planet. “Get the F@#k out of here”, was his exact words. Then he began to tell me the story about … [Read more...] about Putting Health Care into Context
Yes Minister Christmas
One of my favorite shows is Yes Minister, a wonderful play on government with great doubletalk scenes. Here are some Christmas greetings for you. In case you wondered, here is the text. "I wonder if I might crave your momentary indulgence in order to discharge a by no means disagreeable obligation which has, over the years, become more or less established practice … [Read more...] about Yes Minister Christmas
Do Voters Owe Obama an Apology?
As he assesses his performance in 2009, Barack Obama could claim he has been the victim of a bait-and-switch by Americans who voted him into office a year ago. Elected on a platform of Change, he was immediately asked to become the first responder to an economy falling apart. He is not copping that plea, but the case should be made over the yowling from the do-nothing Right. … [Read more...] about Do Voters Owe Obama an Apology?
Jimmy Carter Apologizes to Jews
Jimmy Carter has not exactly been a favorite of many Jewish people, partially because some have charged that he didn't exactly sympathetic to some of their concerns, particularly on the issue of the Middle East. So now he has issued an apology to clear the air: Former President Jimmy Carter apologized for any words or deeds that may have upset the Jewish community in an … [Read more...] about Jimmy Carter Apologizes to Jews
A Partial Truce in the Religious Wars (Guest Voice)
WASHINGTON -- It is 2009's quiet story -- quiet because it's about what didn't happen, which can be as important as what did. In this highly partisan year, we did not see a sharpening of the battles over religion and culture. Yes, we continued to fight over gay marriage, and arguments about abortion were a feature of the health care debate. But what's more … [Read more...] about A Partial Truce in the Religious Wars (Guest Voice)
Mr. Benjamin Goes to Washington
And when he does, he never, ever comes back. Before I head out on my Christmas break to visit relatives partake in the usual holiday celebrations, there is one last Christmas present to bring to all of you. We found out earlier this month that President Obama was planning on taking some of the TARP funds which are either left over from the initial allotment or flowing back … [Read more...] about Mr. Benjamin Goes to Washington
The Words “Social Networking” Will Soon Be Anachronistic
At Forbes, Michael Noer predicts social networking will become fragmented and traffic will drop at ''one-size-fits-all'' Facebook. He cites gdgt.com, the "social gadget platform" from the guys behind Engadget and Gizmodo as an example of what comes next. His bold prediction? The very words "social networking" and "social media" will become wildly anachronistic within a very … [Read more...] about The Words “Social Networking” Will Soon Be Anachronistic
Health Care Reform: Now the Real Fun Begins
Vice President Joe Biden led the Senate this morning while his colleagues voted from their seats in favor of Senate Bill 3590 (aka "Senate Health Care Bill" aka "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act"). The vote was 60-39 along party lines, as expected. Republican Jim Bunning of Kentucky, who is retiring at the end of the 111th session of Congress, failed to … [Read more...] about Health Care Reform: Now the Real Fun Begins
Senate Passes Landmark Health Care Reform Via Narrow Partisan Margin (News and Blog Roundup) UPDATED
The Senate has passed its landmark health care reform bill along party lines -- 60 Democrats for it and 39 Republicans against it -- in a historic vote that means the House and Senate will now move to the pesky, some say politically explosive, task of trying to reconcile the two bills. But the net result: a win for Democrats and President Barack Obama in terms of getting a … [Read more...] about Senate Passes Landmark Health Care Reform Via Narrow Partisan Margin (News and Blog Roundup) UPDATED
Father and Son Reunited In Brazil (UPDATED)
As reported yesterday, on Tuesday, Brazil Supreme Court Chief Justice Gilmar Mendes ruled that Sean Goldman must be returned to his father and delivered to him by the boy’s Brazilian relatives. Yesterday, a Brazilian regional court judge ordered that Sean Goldman must be handed over to his biological father, David Goldman, today at the U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro at 9 … [Read more...] about Father and Son Reunited In Brazil (UPDATED)
The Fruitcake Chronicles: A Visit with Santa (Part 6 of 6 installments)
Portions of the police report read as follows: “Mr. Forester gave many fruitcake related reasons for accosting the Village Mall Santa. It appears Mr. Forester attempted to give Santa three garbage bags full of wrapped presents. Mr. Forester stated that the presents had been mistakenly given to his family because of a ‘rather crazy mix-up.’” “When Santa rejected the gifts, … [Read more...] about The Fruitcake Chronicles: A Visit with Santa (Part 6 of 6 installments)
Hundred-Snow Winter
There are hundreds of kinds of snow... these are but a few... ...walking over a bridge, over a river, maybe near Chicago's Water Tower; snow quiet, unshoveled, but wind so sharp-cold it feels like it will crack the bones in your face... and the slush with mud puddles ankle-deep, and your boots arent sealed well at the soles... and up near timberline in the … [Read more...] about Hundred-Snow Winter