Once again, the U.S. government is back in court over a hot issue related to the War on Terrorism — this time taking a case to the partly-newly-reconstituted Supreme Court: The case involves Jose Padilla, a U.S. citizen held as an "enemy combatant" for nearly four years and, aside from the specific issue stated at hand, the key issue lurking behind this case is the kinds … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Asked To Define War Powers In Padilla Case

Here's one view of the reason behind the tensions. … [Read more...] about Bush Versus The Press

Most analysts agree that President George W. Bush is on the political rebound as the year ends. Who helped shape the media-characterized political comeback? And what about the polls? Here's one take on it that suggests perhaps some of what we're seeing is due to conflicting strategies within the White House — and raises the fascinating question again about how media … [Read more...] about The George Bush Political Resurgence

As noted below, due to a glitch at Powerblogs (which seldom happens by the way) we were down for a day. But now we're back to brighten your day! Actually, today will be light blogging for TMV himself. The reason: he will be gone most of the day. But you may see a coblogger or two post some things (and TMV will try to put at least one post and some "pointer posts" on a timer to … [Read more...] about We’re Back Up But This May Be Lighter Blogging Day

While I was off at morning minyan there was yet another terrorist attack in Israel. A suicide bomber who was attempting to cross from the West Bank into Israel proper blew himself up when he was stopped by soldiers. Apparently one soldier, two Palestinian civilians and the bomber are dead. The likely culprit is Islamic Jihad. New York Times/Reuters coverage Haaretz … [Read more...] about This Must Stop!

It's the Fourth Night of Hanukkah and here is an Online Menorah for you! … [Read more...] about Happy Hanukkah!

A server problem had our site knocked-out for most of Wednesday 12/28/2005. We're glad you came back! … [Read more...] about We’re Sorry!

Maybe you never heard of her. … [Read more...] about Did You Know THIS?

Today's New York Times contains the following editorial: Time for Chemical Plant Security A Taste: If terrorists attacked a chemical plant, the death toll could be enormous. A single breached chlorine tank could, according to the Department of Homeland Security, lead to 17,500 deaths, 10,000 severe injuries and 100,000 hospitalizations. Many chemical plants have shockingly … [Read more...] about Two Opinions on Our Safety as US Citizens

Russia heads for trouble...but is it rushing headlong? The New York Times: Putin's Senior Economic Adviser Abruptly Resigns … [Read more...] about Russia Heads for Trouble…

The old phrase "you can't go home again" looks like it may be literally true for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who's engaged in a tiff with the Austrian town of his birth. Not only has it taken The Governator's name off of its stadium (as per his demand after they threatened to take it off) but now they've purged him from their website. What next? Will they ban … [Read more...] about Austrian Town Terminates Arnold Schwarzenegger

Although from the second and third paragraphs you'd THINK so. No, it's against something different... … [Read more...] about No, This Isn’t A Mothers’ Organization Against Blogging

My, how the lofty, majestic nature of Christmas cards has changed... … [Read more...] about Christmas Cards In The 21st Century

Those aren't my words. They're the words of one of the lead economists in Washington...and thereby the world... From the NY Times:As director of the Congressional Budget Office, Douglas Holtz-Eakin has been Congress's top economist, handpicked by the Republican leadership. Recently, he had some advice for lawmakers - mostly Republicans - who insist that more tax cuts will … [Read more...] about No More Tax Cuts

Oh yes...I'm being serious. Check it out. … [Read more...] about Happy Version Of “The Shining”

What's the big deal about the name of a blog? (Actually, apparently a lot given all the time wasted spent by people on the right, left and by a local talk show host this year asking us "How can you call yourself a 'moderate?'") But what happens when a blog decides to dump an unusual name and replace it with another? Is it wise? Does it matter? You read...you decide. (But he is … [Read more...] about A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose But Is A Blog Is A Blog (ETC)

More positive feedback. (TMV loves King Kong but HATES movies where they make you like someone and then kill them. For that reason he won't see Titanic, detested Old Yeller, and felt sorry for Kong in the 1933 version. But maybe he'll break down on this one — since he loves the story and special effects). … [Read more...] about More On King Kong

It broadens its horizons where it finds people are broadening theirs.. … [Read more...] about The Fitness Industry Finds A New Target

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell has taken a stand on the domestic spying controversy that is bound to upset both sides in this highly polarized nation: he says that while President Bush could have gone for warrants there was nothing wrong in doing warrantless surveillance in the kinds of instances that have sparked a political firestorm. This will likely upset those who … [Read more...] about Powell Backs Government On Domestic Spying

We interrupt my Aspen vacation to give you this appalling message. Check out Bitch Ph.D and the truly heartless actions of Ocean County, New Jersey. One spokesman for a "religious" right-wing organization, The Leage of American Families, says that the county is "obviously reflecting the values of [its] community." Either they're lying, or that is one callous community. Just … [Read more...] about This Is The Word Of The Lord