Ireland's Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, in an interview in which he urges his brother to come forward to face charges of sexually abusing his own daughter, reveals a history of sexual and other abuse in his extended family. If you watch the video which accompanies the linked article, you see the heavy-heartedness in Adams. But you can also sense that he truly feels that … [Read more...] about Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams Talks About Family History of Abuse
Prepare To Welcome The New Immigrants
The British have always been a cruel people. You see it in their relations with our own country. They imposed a stamp tax here in colonial times so simple and hard to avoid, it drove American smugglers like John Adams to start a revolution in 1776. The British then burned Washington during the War of 1812, but bugled the burning so badly the city wasn't totally destroyed, … [Read more...] about Prepare To Welcome The New Immigrants
Take Time to Celebrate the Health Care Bill… Sort of
As the Senate prepares for yet another post-midnight vote under cover of darkness to pass a bill which underwent a massive revision only hours ago, observers on both sides of the aisle should take a moment to count their blessings on this score, limited though they may be. Back during the summer I took part in a panel discussion with a few people, including Rick Moran and Ed … [Read more...] about Take Time to Celebrate the Health Care Bill… Sort of
“The Christmas Song” — as a Pesky Fly Bugs Singer Frank Fontaine
Here, from the glorious black and white days of television, is a gem -- on several levels. Comedian Frank Fontaine, slipping into his singer's mode, does two Christmas songs, but when he does the second, "The Christmas Song," Jack Frost may not be nipping at his nose but a pesky fly is. Watch that second song closely and watch Fontaine's face. And note legendary comedian Jackie … [Read more...] about “The Christmas Song” — as a Pesky Fly Bugs Singer Frank Fontaine
Happy Holidays from America’s Banks (Guest Voice)
Happy Holidays from America's Banks by Michael Winship Never mind Barack Obama's Audacity of Hope. It's the audacity of the banks that takes your breath away. Mean old Mr. Potter in It's a Wonderful Life seems like Father Christmas by comparison. A recent report that Citigroup and Goldman Sachs may have received preferential treatment getting doses of the swine flu … [Read more...] about Happy Holidays from America’s Banks (Guest Voice)
Senate Stuffs Unemployment Extension In Defense Bill
In my previous post I noted that emergency unemployment was set to expire at the end of the year and was pessimistic that the Senate could follow the house in getting it passed. Apparently the Senate has passed it by cramming it into the defense spending bill, a practice that has always bothered me but in this instance there was really little choice. The extension is through … [Read more...] about Senate Stuffs Unemployment Extension In Defense Bill
Avatar Quick-Takes
I'll be seeing it later today, enticed by the words of others. All agree the plot is melodramatic and not particularly exceptional. But those special effects... Razib Khan: The special effects were very good. I have seen special effects of similar quality, but never such quality in such quantity. The detail was striking enough that I assume I stopped thinking of it as … [Read more...] about Avatar Quick-Takes
Obama Climate Change Agreement
Paul Zanetti, Australia This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to appear on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Obama Climate Change Agreement
The Fruitcake Chronicles: An Unexpected Gift (Part 2 of 6 installments)
Mildred Lurvy was known for her fruitcake in the same way the Mob is known for organized crime. Unlike the Mob, “grandma” Lurvy’s activity was not yet under FBI surveillance. Consequently, each Christmas Mildred’s neighbors were forced to fend for themselves. This year Mrs. Lurvy and her fruitcake arrived at Steve Forester’s doorstep a week before Thanksgiving. This created … [Read more...] about The Fruitcake Chronicles: An Unexpected Gift (Part 2 of 6 installments)
The Fruitcake Chronicles: An Old-Fashioned Christmas (Part one of six installments)
“Sir, I’m not going to ask you again. Put the fruitcake down and step away from the Santa.” The officer’s voice was measured and deliberate, unaffected by the disconcerting visual before him. “I can’t do that officer! If I put it down, no one will eat it. I can’t let that happen.” Steve Forester’s left arm tired under the weight of the five pound fruit laden cake. … [Read more...] about The Fruitcake Chronicles: An Old-Fashioned Christmas (Part one of six installments)
Bratwurst! Massive Healthcare Victory for Dems
German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck once famously remarked that observing the legislative process was like watching sausage being made. As I made my annual Christmas trek northward this year to the Germanic heartland of the Midwest I couldn't help but think of Bismarck's analogy when thinking of the healthcare debate. We've witnessed the entrails and the casings and the … [Read more...] about Bratwurst! Massive Healthcare Victory for Dems
Healthcare Enters Take It Or Leave It Stage
I have never claimed to be the brightest light in the room, which makes me wonder why the major newspaper websites are claiming victory for a healthcare reform bill cobbled together by Senate Democrats. With Sen. Ben Nelson finally aboard, all that does is snuff a Republican filibuster. The floor vote is scheduled Christmas Eve. A lot can happen between now and Thursday … [Read more...] about Healthcare Enters Take It Or Leave It Stage
Let It Snow, Oh Boy
Be careful what you wish for... When the weatherman said it was going to snow four inches earlier this week, I was practically giddy. Well, I just walked a 1/2 mile in it and it is up to my knees. Here is the pic... Have a great day of shopping in the snow if you live on the East Coast. … [Read more...] about Let It Snow, Oh Boy
A Christmas Message to Our Troops in Harm’s Way
During my twenty years of military service I was fortunate enough to spend only a couple of Christmases overseas, away from my loved ones. Even during those holiday seasons I was assigned to peacetime duties in friendly countries, among people who loved and respected Americans, America and our way of life. Thus, I cannot even begin to fathom the emotions that tens of … [Read more...] about A Christmas Message to Our Troops in Harm’s Way
Obama and the Benator
As Democrats worked feverishly to stuff Sen. Ben Nelson into his Christmas stocking, the President used his pre-holiday weekly address to hammer health insurer lobbyists and promise voters "the toughest measures we’ve ever taken to hold the insurance industry accountable." The price for a Nelson this season was high, starting with possible restrictions by the states on … [Read more...] about Obama and the Benator
Boxer, Murray Statement: We Were Happier With Capps, But Compromise Was Necessary
STATEMENT OF SENATORS BOXER AND MURRAY ON THE ABORTION COMPROMISE Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) today made the following statement on the abortion compromise language included in the manager’s package: “We said all along that we wanted to ensure there was a firewall between private and public funds—this compromise achieves … [Read more...] about Boxer, Murray Statement: We Were Happier With Capps, But Compromise Was Necessary
Nelson to Support Health Care Reform; Summary of Reid’s Newest Amendment; States Get Power to Limit Abortion Coverage
I don't know what fumes the folks on the Hill are living off of but Senator Harry Reid has introduced the Manager's Amendment (#3276) and word is that Senator Ben Nelson, a Democratic holdout, will support the overall health care reform bill. How they got Nelson: Mr. Reid’s amendment includes major restrictions on abortion that were intended to win support for the bill from … [Read more...] about Nelson to Support Health Care Reform; Summary of Reid’s Newest Amendment; States Get Power to Limit Abortion Coverage
Senate Democrats Reach Health Care Compromise: Nelson Reportedly Signs On
Senate Democrats reportedly have reached a compromise on the health care reform bill that should allow it to make its way through the Senate, CNN reports: U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, the lone Democratic holdout on the Senate health care reform bill, has reached an agreement with Democratic leaders, several Democratic senators said Saturday on Capitol Hill. Nelson, a social … [Read more...] about Senate Democrats Reach Health Care Compromise: Nelson Reportedly Signs On
Is High Fructose Corn Syrup Making Us Fat?
The study reported: Scientists have proved for the first time that a cheap form of sugar used in thousands of food products and soft drinks can damage human metabolism and is fuelling the obesity crisis. The report debunked: Yikes. When you see the phrase "scientists have proved," it's nearly always an indication that the writer has no idea what he or she is talking about. … [Read more...] about Is High Fructose Corn Syrup Making Us Fat?
Victoria Reggie Kennedy: Ted Kennedy Would Back Current Health Care Reform Bill
When Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy died, there was a lot of rhetoric from many progressive Democrats that essentially said, "Let's win one (health care reform) for Teddy!" Much of it centered on Kennedy's career-long passion for health care reform. And in recent weeks as health care reform began being shaped by the twin political buzzsaws known as "partisanship" and … [Read more...] about Victoria Reggie Kennedy: Ted Kennedy Would Back Current Health Care Reform Bill