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
A Little Christmas History
In part three of my series of Christmas posts I thought I'd tackle a bit of the history surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. While I personally believe him to be my Savior I will be taking more of an academic slant in this post, examining the historic Jesus. Specifically I will be offering some thoughts on the origins of the Christmas Star (per astronomy) and thus offering … [Read more...] about A Little Christmas History
Only with America’s Help Can ‘Northern Civilization’ Be Saved: Gazeta of Russia
For those wondering whether U.S.-Russian relations really have been "reset", this article from Russia's Gazeta newspaper should provide food for thought. We must permit our minds to let go of our memories, tormented as we are by past grievances, and understand that only with the United States can the European Union and Russia save northern civilization. These are the … [Read more...] about Only with America’s Help Can ‘Northern Civilization’ Be Saved: Gazeta of Russia
Mary’s Boy Child
A little holiday music (trust me I'll be posting several <G>) … [Read more...] about Mary’s Boy Child
You Better Watch Out
Someone's coming to town -- and I don't mean Rahm Emanuel. It's that guy in the red suit. Here's a classic Christmas song sung in a zippy way by a classy singer: … [Read more...] about You Better Watch Out
Women Are Not Under The (Health Care Reform) Bus – They’ve Organized to Drive It
The Senate's vote on health care reform will now be at 7:00 am tomorrow morning. (See more here.) But the conference committee process that will begin after Congress takes a winter break will be contentious. A lot of attention, as many readers of The Moderate Voice know, has focused on how women fare under the House and Senate versions. One outgrowth of that attention is … [Read more...] about Women Are Not Under The (Health Care Reform) Bus – They’ve Organized to Drive It
Grand Obstructionist Party
John Darkow, Columbia Daily Tribune, Missouri This cartoon is copyrighted and licensed to run on TMV. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. All rights reserved. … [Read more...] about Grand Obstructionist Party
Are Vegetarians And Vegans Biased Against Plants?
This might sound like a bit of a needling post, but that is not the intention at all. I see it more as provoking a sense of wonder. Dr. E recently put up a Guest Voice article by Elijah Sweete, entitled "Interview With A Vegan" in which Marybeth Wosko argued passionately about how killing animals for food was inherently immoral. While I agreed with some of her practical … [Read more...] about Are Vegetarians And Vegans Biased Against Plants?
Glory Be to God in the Highest…
and on earth peace, good will toward all. ... Or maybe not. Here is Mike Potemra, at The Corner: … [Read more...] about Glory Be to God in the Highest…
Stop Whining, My Friends
I've had it with my liberal or progressive or whatever we call ourselves whiners who feel double-crossed that President Obama reneged on a campaign promise they insist included a public option in the health reform legislation. My recollection is exactly the same as reported in today's "First Read" posting by reporters for MSNBC which I will reprint in total after I offer my … [Read more...] about Stop Whining, My Friends
God & Happiness in the Poor South
A couple reports from the NYTimes tell the tale... New York is dead last in a study published this month in Science Magazine ranking the happiest places in America. Researchers focused on two sets of information: One was a survey of 1.3 million Americans done over four years by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which asked people about their health and how … [Read more...] about God & Happiness in the Poor South
Eric Massa (D-29 NY) Calls for “up or down vote” on troop funding for Christmas
I really don't understand these people sometimes. Out here in New York, Eric Massa is releasing a special video right before Christmas Eve which will likely not come as a very nice present in the Christmas Stockings of our troops overseas. Washington, D.C.- Today House member Eric Massa (D-NY 29th District) renewed his call for an "up or down" vote on funding for the … [Read more...] about Eric Massa (D-29 NY) Calls for “up or down vote” on troop funding for Christmas
Colorado Judge Deflates Balloon Boy Dad: 90 Day Sentence With Jail Time
The sound you hear is of hot air being released from "balloon boy's" dad Richard Heene's hopes to be a big star being delfated by Colorado judge who has sentenced him to 90 days, part of it to be done in work release. It's a meager sentence -- given the anguish he and his accomplice wife caused millions of viewers who agonized over the fate and what they felt could be the … [Read more...] about Colorado Judge Deflates Balloon Boy Dad: 90 Day Sentence With Jail Time
Health Care Debate: Were Medicare Savings Counted Twice?
Sen. Jeff Sessions is convinced they were ... Savings from Medicare touted by Democrats as a means to pay for the Senate health care bill were double-counted and the legislation will increase the deficit, not decrease it, a senior Republican senator said Wednesday, citing a new letter from the Congressional Budget Office. I'm not inclined to give unwarranted credibility … [Read more...] about Health Care Debate: Were Medicare Savings Counted Twice?
OLPC XO-3 Tablet: The $75 Future Computer
Forbe's Andy Greenberg spoke with One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) designer Yves Behar about an upgrade to the hundred-dollar laptop. Dubbed the XO-3 [photo gallery], it's targeted for release in 2012: "I wanted to bring the One Laptop Per Child identity to life in this new form," says Yves Behar, founder of FuseProject, which designed the both the original and the XO-3. "That … [Read more...] about OLPC XO-3 Tablet: The $75 Future Computer
Senate Health Care Bill v. Constitution: Battle Royale
It's the day before Christmas eve, and what am I doing? Am I hanging festive lights on flammable pieces of shrubbery? Wrapping last minute gifts? Sharing a cup of hot cocoa with visiting relatives? No, I'm not. I'm reading and re-reading and re-re-reading sections of this stupid, behemouth Senate health care bill which I'm quickly growing to hate just for its length and … [Read more...] about Senate Health Care Bill v. Constitution: Battle Royale
Boobs, Birthers, and Birchers
Oh, we're meetin' at the courthouse at eight o'clock tonight You just walk in the door and take the first turn to the right Be careful when you get there, we hate to be bereft But we're taking down the names of everybody turning left Oh, we're the John Birch Society, the John Birch Society Here to save our country from a communistic plot Join the John Birch Society, … [Read more...] about Boobs, Birthers, and Birchers