WASHINGTON -- Christmas remains wondrous, but it arrives at a difficult moment for Christianity in the United States. We still see Christmas trees strapped to the tops of cars, neighbors lighting up their homes and kids getting as excited as ever. And the churches will be unusually full. This last point is revealing: A relative decline of religious observance has brought … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas, Chreasters
Cartoon: Putin Christmas Present
RETURN OF THE LIGHT: O HOLY NIGHT
My Dear Brave Souls: The Return of the Light coincides closely with Winter Solstice, the nine candles lit on the Menorah... { the Cristocito is also called The Light of the World] and across the world celebrations rise up by many names as the Light we crave and love, returns in a new way, by staying longer and longer out of the darkness. So we can see, have more time in … [Read more...] about RETURN OF THE LIGHT: O HOLY NIGHT
HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS
Like most of you, I will be celebrating Christmas this week. That might not sound unusual except for the fact that I am Jewish. No, I am not part of the ”Jews for Jesus” movement, my thoughts on the subject are far from the concept of a Messiah. In my formative youth as I tried to solidify my religious understanding, I came across that thing called “the New Testament”. In my … [Read more...] about HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS
Christmas Song Classic: Nat King Cole “The Christmas Song” Done On Live TV (Video)
A classic Christmas song done live on TV by one of the classiest singers ever -- the late Nat King Cole doing his famous "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..."). A MUST VIEW video to see him perform it live, savor the lyrics, the music and the performance: He was an incredible singer and had a superb variety show which in the end couldn't get … [Read more...] about Christmas Song Classic: Nat King Cole “The Christmas Song” Done On Live TV (Video)
Crass’s Year In Review: The Best and Worst of 2018
As another year draws to a close, it's time for that bi-annual tradition. Two criteria. One, while politics and policy are not always mutually exclusive, this column was devoted to political players and happenings that were generally meant for the campaign trail. Second, in an effort to avoid a single-domination of a category(s), presidential company was excluded. And that is … [Read more...] about Crass’s Year In Review: The Best and Worst of 2018
What Trump’s Syria decision means on the front lines of the fight against the Islamic State
By DAVID IGNATIUS Washington Post Writers Group Columnist WASHINGTON -- The voice of Gen. Mazloum Abdi, the Kurdish commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces militia, is tight and controlled as he describes President's Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from the country and leave America's allies to their fate. "This was something we never expected," he said … [Read more...] about What Trump’s Syria decision means on the front lines of the fight against the Islamic State
A Christmas reminder to stay wary of the Apple Empire
A year after Apple was caught slowing down older versions of their phones, have things changed at all? Let's get it out of the way: Apple generally makes good products. They're objectively nice to look at, they make a generally decent compromise between form and function and more and more these days, they're made with sustainable materials. But that doesn't mean the … [Read more...] about A Christmas reminder to stay wary of the Apple Empire
Merry Christmas
. Not even the early firing of the Secretary of Defense, not even the government shutdown can keep NORAD from tracking Santa and I hope that nothing will keep TMV readers and their loved ones from enjoying a Very Merry Christmas and from having a Happy New Year. … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas
The Best Songs of the 1960’s (You Tube Video Links)
Last week’s TMV article on the soundtrack of the 1960’s got me thinking about some of the great music I experienced in my 1960’s youth. As promised in my comment on that article, I decided to take a chance and curate a list of great songs of the 60’s. As with any curated list there will be disagreements so use the comment section to tell me what I missed or should not have … [Read more...] about The Best Songs of the 1960’s (You Tube Video Links)
Video Magic: Michael Buble sings White Christmas “with” Bing Crosby (Video)
Contemporary singer Michael Buble, with some tech magic, sings White Christmas with Bing Crosby on Crosby's 1971 Xmas special (this ran on Buble's Christmas special. He does some excellent renditions of Sinatra classic, using orchestration close to or matching the originals in his own easy style). I love this (from Buble's Christmas special): The Canadian born Buble has a … [Read more...] about Video Magic: Michael Buble sings White Christmas “with” Bing Crosby (Video)
In One Wretched Day, All You Need to Know About Donald J. Trump
Until Republicans renounce their putrescent Piped Piper, we are all in for it. by Michael Winship As the hero croons in that classic old musical Brigadoon, what a day this has been, what a rare mood I’m in. But that guy was singing that his mood was almost like being in love. On Thursday night, the mood I was in was almost like being in complete frustration and … [Read more...] about In One Wretched Day, All You Need to Know About Donald J. Trump
Mick Mulvaney: Out of the Sandbox
Donald Trump wasn’t conservative enough for Mick Mulvaney. Mulvaney said that candidate Trump was a terrible person, and he wouldn’t vote for him. Nevertheless, he accepted the President-elect's offer to run the Office of Management and Budget. Later, he added the title of Director of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau after Obama appointee Richard Cordray was … [Read more...] about Mick Mulvaney: Out of the Sandbox
Christmas Day, Peace on Earth?
[Foreword: Whether you read this post or not, please scroll down to the bottom to listen to “One Voice,” this year’s inspirational holiday presentation by the U.S. Air Force Band, “a reminder that together we can create a better world” and to listen to some beautiful Christmas music.] Leave it to the Department of Defense to write about big military actions that have taken … [Read more...] about Christmas Day, Peace on Earth?
Mike Peters Guest Cartoon: Donald Trump’s Wall
OF RELATED INTEREST: --Mick Mulvaney says DHS can’t 'spend money from Mexico' for wall: 'We have to get it from the treasury' --Trump's Wall Shutdown Sets Table for a Risky 2020 Gamble --Coons: 'No path’ toward Trump getting $5 billion for wall --Trump Thinks His Border-Wall Bravado Can Hide His Pullout From the ISIS Fight Mike Peters is recognized as one of our nation’s … [Read more...] about Mike Peters Guest Cartoon: Donald Trump’s Wall
Why you may be more at risk for foodborne infections during the holidays
Foodborne pathogens can cause mild to serious intestinal distress. Africa Studios/Shutterstock.com Yvonne Sun, University of Dayton There’s no place like home for the holidays, many people agree, and millions of people will travel long distances to get there. Along the journey, however, you may be at higher risk of becoming infected with a foodborne … [Read more...] about Why you may be more at risk for foodborne infections during the holidays
Cartoon: Donald Claus
Joy, Wonder, Laughter Children’s Christmas Gifts to Adults
By Tom Purcell I love Christmas. I love it because my mother has worked hard to make the day magical and eventful for her family for more years than she will permit me to share! My mother has six children, 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren - and counting. Every Christmas, we, along with a mix of cousins, aunts and uncles, gather in my parents' home. … [Read more...] about Joy, Wonder, Laughter Children’s Christmas Gifts to Adults
Furious Trump Orders Resigned Mattis Gone by Jan. 1, Not Feb. 28 (FINAL UPDATE)
Final Update: At midnight tonight, Secretary of Defense Mattis will turn over the Pentagon keys (and many other keys) to his temporary replacement. Typical of this low-keyed patriot, General, Mattis did not have any kind of departure ceremony. Instead he called on the U.S. military to stay firm in its mission “to support and defend the Constitution while protecting … [Read more...] about Furious Trump Orders Resigned Mattis Gone by Jan. 1, Not Feb. 28 (FINAL UPDATE)
