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)
Cartoon: Santa RBG Live Forever
The humble origins of ‘Silent Night
This undated score, written by Joseph Mohr and titled ‘Weynachts Lied’ (‘Christmas Carol’), is the earliest known surviving copy of ‘Silent Night.’ Salzburg Museum Sarah Eyerly, Florida State University One of the world’s most famous Christmas carols, “Silent Night,” celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. Over the centuries, hundreds of … [Read more...] about The humble origins of ‘Silent Night
Trump has forfeited America’s Cold War victories
By DANA MILBANK Perhaps the timing of George H.W. Bush's death last month was merciful. This way he didn't have to see America lose the Cold War. Bush presided over the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991. But the triumph he and others earned with American blood and treasure over 71 years, defeating the Soviet Union and keeping its successor in check, has been squandered by … [Read more...] about Trump has forfeited America’s Cold War victories
Chalk One Up for a Parkland Survivor
David Hogg (far right), along with other Parkland survivors, receiving the 2018 International Children’s Peace Prize presented by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Remember the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., that left 17 dead? Remember the Never Again MSD (Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School) movement the young students organized … [Read more...] about Chalk One Up for a Parkland Survivor
Brett McGurk Resigns. How Many More?
Exactly one week before Trump got up on the wrong side of bed (again) and conveyed via a snap tweet to the world, “We Have Won Against ISIS” and casually ordered the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, Brett McGurk had updated the press on the ISIS Campaign. Mr. McGurk happens to be the Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS. He has been in … [Read more...] about Brett McGurk Resigns. How Many More?
An older Brenda Lee Sings “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (Video)
The one and only Brenda Lee in a more recent performance of her 1950s hit (she sounds the same). Why not take her advice? This was video-ed in 1994. THIS is showmanship. NOTE: Turn your volume up real loud to hear this video (low audio): This post was originally published in 2007. … [Read more...] about An older Brenda Lee Sings “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (Video)
The Messiah’s Birth Benefited Everyone
Messianic Jews call him Y'shua (his Hebrew name). Others call him Jesus (his Latin name). Whatever name he is called by, the Messiah's birth two millennia ago benefited everyone, including agnostics and atheists. To understand how, we need to consider the following words of Saul of Tarsus: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, … [Read more...] about The Messiah’s Birth Benefited Everyone
Cartoon: Trump Shutdown
Of the trillion photos taken in 2018, which were the most memorable?
Nicole Smith Dahmen, University of Oregon What makes some images memorable and others easily forgotten? It’s a question I’ve been studying for nearly 20 years. Estimates suggest that more than 1 trillion photos were taken in 2018. With so many in circulation, it’s difficult for any single photo to capture our attention and become a famed iconic image. In the … [Read more...] about Of the trillion photos taken in 2018, which were the most memorable?
The loyal soldier reached his limit
by David Ignatius Washington Post Writers Group Columnist During the past year, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has sometimes seemed to be running the Pentagon with clenched teeth. He kept quiet when President Trump made decisions that Mattis thought were wrong; he sat steely-eyed in White House meetings, refusing to indulge in the idolatry toward Trump of other Cabinet … [Read more...] about The loyal soldier reached his limit
Mattis Salutes (Cartoon, Column and Video)
General James Mattis opposed the withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal. He believes budget cuts would hamper the ability to monitor the impact of climate change. He believes in supporting our NATO allies. He’s against a military withdrawal from Syria. He doesn’t believe the United States should cozy up to dictators and authoritarians. He’s against military collaboration with … [Read more...] about Mattis Salutes (Cartoon, Column and Video)
CNN’s Don Lemon: If you are worried, you should be (Video)
CNN's Don Lemon on the resignation of Secretary of Defense James Mattis and what it means. … [Read more...] about CNN’s Don Lemon: If you are worried, you should be (Video)
Trump is about to repeat Obama’s mistake in the Middle East
by Marc A. Thiessen Washington Post Writers Group Columnist WASHINGTON -- During his time in CIA custody, 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed told his interrogator something prophetic. The United States may enjoy some fleeting battlefield successes, Mohammed declared, but in the end "we will win because Americans don't realize ... we do not need to defeat you … [Read more...] about Trump is about to repeat Obama’s mistake in the Middle East
What’s the economic impact of a government shutdown?
Will Congress avert another shutdown? AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite Scott R. Baker, Northwestern University President Donald Trump and Congress are once again on the verge of a partial federal government shutdown. If they fail to reach an agreement, it would be the third shutdown in two years. The immediate and most visible impact of a shutdown is … [Read more...] about What’s the economic impact of a government shutdown?
Cartoon: Shutdown Grinch
Cartoon: A dirty President
Groundhog Day in Israel
I chose to title this article after one of my favorite movies – Groundhog day. The plot of the movie is the main character is forced to repeat Groundhog day, every day, until he makes it better. I kept thinking this sure is true of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Year after year, nothing changes. Lately, the news is Gaza militants swarm the wall with Israel and are shot … [Read more...] about Groundhog Day in Israel