Lots 'o Links

If you need something to read, visit Liz Sheld's Morning Briefing,  Larwyn's Linx, and Maggie's Farm!

Bonus: some of us have heard about this before, but you might enjoy reading the secret Jewish history of Connie Francis.

Merry Christmas Already!

Dennis Prager has the yearly eradication-of-all-things-Christmas article, and here are a few of his comments that I identify with and agree with:

"I'm a non-Christian. I'm a Jew. Christmas is not a religious holy day for me. But I'm an American, and Christmas is an American national holiday. Therefore, as an American, it is my holiday — though not my holy day — as much as it is for my fellow Americans who are Christian. It was a Jewish-American, Irving Berlin, who wrote 'White Christmas,' one of America's most popular Christmas songs. In fact, according to a Jewish musician writing in The New York Times, 'almost all the most popular Christmas songs were written by Jews.'

But even if Christmas were not a national holiday, I would want pilots to wish their passengers a merry Christmas, companies to have Christmas parties and schools to continue to have Christmas vacations. Just because I don't personally celebrate Christmas, why would I demand my society drop the word 'Christmas' when the holiday is celebrated by 90 percent of my fellow Americans?"

Exactly.  But I think kids today, who didn't grow up with the real Christmas, the reason for Christmas, the religion and the tradition, think this eerie lack of Christmas is somehow normal, and it's really too bad.  They are missing a lot. Funny how nobody was offended when I was a kid, while everyone is perpetually offended today.

Change the name to Spendmas and get it over with. If you watch TV, you'd swear that everyone gives a new car for Christmas, and if you look at your inbox, you're bombarded with sale ads. Lately I've had between 150-300 annoying messages a day! Do people really buy cannabis oil as a gift?

I'll be relieved when Greedmas comes and goes, and the roads will no longer be jammed with crazy shoppers complaining about the credit card bills they can't afford; TV will be much quieter; and my inbox will be much emptier.

Argus Hamilton Quips

Take a look at Argus Hamilton's latest amusing column full on observations on the current news, including this item:

"Kevin Hart's firing as Oscar host over long-ago anti-gay tweets brought progressive orthodoxy under scrutiny Sunday. Its double standards are glaring. Being a progressive means you're fine with rap music calling women b-tches and hoes, but you're deeply offended by Baby, It's Cold Outside."

Liar of The Year

I see that Christine Blasey Ford was actually considered as one of the nominees for Time's Person of the Year. 

She didn't win the honor, but if she had, Time should have renamed it Liar of the Year.

We Remember Pearl Harbor

What a speech -- and what a man!

Back to "Normal"

After watching the Houston part of the funeral services for President George H.W.Bush today, which like the previous days was full of grace, class, and beautiful images and comforting rituals, television seemed even louder, busier, and sleazier than ever by comparison. What a shame!

Lots 'o Links

This is the first Betsyless list of great news & culture roundups, so please visit Liz Sheld's Morning Briefing, Larwyn's Linx, and Maggie's Farm.

Respect

C-Span's coverage of the lying-in-state of President Bush is mesmerizing. While watching today, I saw these two very touching sights.

Bob Dole, struggling to his feet to salute and show respect, from one war hero to another.



Later, to my surprise, the Bush family came to the Rotunda not only to pay their respects. but to thank the visitors! W. looked less haggard today, and that adorable baby gave everyone a reason to smile. 

The Passing of The Greatest Generation

The best thing on TV today has been the honoring of George H.W. Bush. As I did when Reagan died, I've been glued to the set this evening, especially watching the lying in state in the Rotunda -- the Trumbull paintings; the changing of the Honor Guard; the silence, solemnity, and respect of the dignitaries and the public alike; the beautiful photography -- it's simply been awe-inspiring and makes you even prouder to be American.

Farewell, President George H.W. Bush

I voted for him, I always liked him and have read about his life.  This touching Marshall Ramsey cartoon touches on the most important people and events of that long life.