Thursday, November 30, 2017
Well, Just Mull This One Over For Awhile . . .
Pelosi now says Conyers should go. But what about Franken? Should the black guy go while the white guy stays & gives sermons on repentance? pic.twitter.com/i2cSoC7pgO— Dinesh D'Souza (@DineshDSouza) November 30, 2017
Taking Action Now On A Vital Issue!
The New Jersey State Senate Higher Education Committee has advanced legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean that seeks to improve how New Jersey prevents and responds to campus sexual assaults.
“We must be cognizant of how dangerous patterns of behavior that later plague our workplaces often first appear when students are in college,” said Kean. “It’s critical that we prevent the development of predatory patterns early and demonstrate to victims the value of coming forward to share their stories.”
Kean’s legislation, S-3414, establishes a Campus Sexual Assault Commission in the New Jersey Department of State.
The commission would continue the work of a prior Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault, which engaged a diverse selection of expert stakeholders to create a comprehensive report released in June to help guide the legislative process in New Jersey.
The new commission would allow for the ongoing study and evaluation of emerging issues, policies, and practices concerning campus sexual assault, and for the issuance of new recommendations as needed.
“We’re experiencing a national awakening that I hope will discourage and prevent future abuses like those that have been reported recently in the news and entertainment industries and in the halls of government,” added Kean. “I’m proud of all of the victims who came forward. Their strength now empowers our efforts to a fight a toxic culture on our campuses and in our workplaces that has protected predatory behavior for too long.”
Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation seeks to improve how New Jersey prevents and responds to campus sexual assaults. (SenateNJ.com)
Kean said that measure has added significance given the current national conversation surrounding alleged predatory sexual behavior by powerful men like Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, and Roy Moore.“We must be cognizant of how dangerous patterns of behavior that later plague our workplaces often first appear when students are in college,” said Kean. “It’s critical that we prevent the development of predatory patterns early and demonstrate to victims the value of coming forward to share their stories.”
Kean’s legislation, S-3414, establishes a Campus Sexual Assault Commission in the New Jersey Department of State.
The commission would continue the work of a prior Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault, which engaged a diverse selection of expert stakeholders to create a comprehensive report released in June to help guide the legislative process in New Jersey.
The new commission would allow for the ongoing study and evaluation of emerging issues, policies, and practices concerning campus sexual assault, and for the issuance of new recommendations as needed.
“We’re experiencing a national awakening that I hope will discourage and prevent future abuses like those that have been reported recently in the news and entertainment industries and in the halls of government,” added Kean. “I’m proud of all of the victims who came forward. Their strength now empowers our efforts to a fight a toxic culture on our campuses and in our workplaces that has protected predatory behavior for too long.”
Yeah, They Were For It Before They Were Against It
Democrats supported tax reform before they opposed it
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel took aim at Democrats yesterday for their opposition to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act currently making its way through Congress.
“Democrats in Congress vowing to oppose the bill should remember what they themselves once supported,” writes McDaniel in the Washington Examiner. She offers a pretty good list:
Read more of McDaniel’s op-ed here.
President Trump talks taxes in Missouri
President Donald J. Trump traveled yesterday to St. Charles, Missouri, to speak about the crucial need to pass tax reform. The President emphasized the crippling effects of overtaxation on small businesses and pushed for reform that will “usher in a thrilling new era of opportunity and growth for this Nation.”
The proposed Republican plan is the most ambitious in decades: It cuts taxes for middle-income families, doubles the amount of income that’s taxed at a rate of zero, and expands the child tax credit. It also provides relief from the estate tax and sharply reduces the corporate rate from 35 percent to 20 percent. Still not enough? How about a one-time bargain rate on corporate earnings brought home that will flood trillions of dollars back into the U.S. economy.
“This is the right plan; this is the right time,” concluded President Trump. “This is good for the country, and that’s ultimately what it’s all about.”
Watch the President’s full remarks here and learn more about his goals for tax reform.
Taking action on North Korea
Yesterday President Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping following North Korea's missile launch this week. President Trump emphasized the pressing need for China to use all available levers to convince North Korea to end its provocations and return to the path of denuclearization.
Yesterday’s call follows one between President Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-In on Tuesday. Both leaders underscored the grave threat that North Korea’s latest provocation poses not only to the United States and the Republic of Korea, but to the entire world. Such tests only serve to undermine North Korea’s security and deepen its diplomatic and economic isolation.
View the readouts of President Trump’s call with President Xi Jinping here and President Moon Jae-In here.
Tonight, the President and First Lady Melania Trump will participate in the National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House – carrying on a 95-year tradition with special musical performers and Christmas festivities. Watch LIVE at 5pm ET.
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel took aim at Democrats yesterday for their opposition to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act currently making its way through Congress.
“Democrats in Congress vowing to oppose the bill should remember what they themselves once supported,” writes McDaniel in the Washington Examiner. She offers a pretty good list:
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said last year he favored cutting the corporate tax rate to make U.S. businesses competitive worldwide.
- House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was on the same page: “It is long past time for tax reform that would lower the corporate rate.”
- Expanding the child tax credit? Former Sen. Tom Daschle and Pelosi called on President Bush to do just that in 2003.
- How about axing the Alternative Minimum Tax? None other than Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) wanted to replace it with a simpler flat rate during his presidential run.
Read more of McDaniel’s op-ed here.
President Trump talks taxes in Missouri
President Donald J. Trump traveled yesterday to St. Charles, Missouri, to speak about the crucial need to pass tax reform. The President emphasized the crippling effects of overtaxation on small businesses and pushed for reform that will “usher in a thrilling new era of opportunity and growth for this Nation.”
The proposed Republican plan is the most ambitious in decades: It cuts taxes for middle-income families, doubles the amount of income that’s taxed at a rate of zero, and expands the child tax credit. It also provides relief from the estate tax and sharply reduces the corporate rate from 35 percent to 20 percent. Still not enough? How about a one-time bargain rate on corporate earnings brought home that will flood trillions of dollars back into the U.S. economy.
“This is the right plan; this is the right time,” concluded President Trump. “This is good for the country, and that’s ultimately what it’s all about.”
Watch the President’s full remarks here and learn more about his goals for tax reform.
Taking action on North Korea
Yesterday President Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping following North Korea's missile launch this week. President Trump emphasized the pressing need for China to use all available levers to convince North Korea to end its provocations and return to the path of denuclearization.
Yesterday’s call follows one between President Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-In on Tuesday. Both leaders underscored the grave threat that North Korea’s latest provocation poses not only to the United States and the Republic of Korea, but to the entire world. Such tests only serve to undermine North Korea’s security and deepen its diplomatic and economic isolation.
View the readouts of President Trump’s call with President Xi Jinping here and President Moon Jae-In here.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
President Donald J. Trump visits Missouri to deliver remarks on tax reform | November 29, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)
POTUS TODAY
Today, President Trump will meet with the Crown Prince of Bahrain at the White House.Tonight, the President and First Lady Melania Trump will participate in the National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House – carrying on a 95-year tradition with special musical performers and Christmas festivities. Watch LIVE at 5pm ET.
COMING UP
Tomorrow, President Trump will meet with the Prime Minister of Libya to discuss bilateral engagement between the two countries and reaffirm America’s support for Libya’s unity government.
WOW! This Melodious Holiday Treat Is A Bargain!
“TWAS THE BRASS BEFORE CHRISTMAS” WITH BRAVO BRASS
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
Performs Music of the Season
St. Mark’s Church
Saturday, December 16, 2017 – 7:30 p.m.
A new selection for Bravo Brass composed by Curtis Institute of Music alum Anthony DiLorenzo, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas will resound throughout St. Mark’s Church. Paul Bryan looks forward to this concert and said, “Twas the Night Before Christmas is a charming retelling of the holiday classic story scored for brass ensemble and narrator, and our students are excited to perform it. We always draw large crowds for our holiday performances, and I hope this piece will be an instant favorite.”
General admission tickets are $15. For more information about the concert call 215-545-0502 or visit www.pyos.org.
About Bravo Brass:
Bravo Brass is the all-brass ensemble of PYO with gifted young brass musicians, ages 12-21, They are selected by audition to participate in this advanced group and receive instruction from a faculty of expert musicians in each instrument. Directed by Paul Bryan, Bravo Brass offers students the opportunity to build specialized musical capabilities as well as life skills that enhance personal growth. Many of Bryan’s students have excelled in all-state bands and orchestras throughout the Delaware Valley and gained admission into some of the country’s best universities and conservatories.
About the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra:
Now in its 78th year, training tomorrow’s leaders, the renowned Philadelphia Youth Orchestra organization, led by President and Music Director, Maestro Louis Scaglione, is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected community music education and youth orchestra performance programs, providing talented young musicians from across the tri-state area with exceptional musical training. Students go on to excel in many diverse fields, and it is with pride that Philadelphia Youth Orchestra notes that many members of the prestigious Philadelphia Orchestra are alumni. The organization is comprised of six program ensembles designed to meet specific needs and experience levels of students selected through a competitive audition process. The anchor group is the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO), conducted by President and Music Director Louis Scaglione, featuring 130 gifted instrumentalists who range in age from 14-21. Young musicians 12-18 years old are featured in PYO’s companion ensemble, the Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra, which is led by Director and Conductor Maestra Rosalind Erwin, who is Music Director and Conductor of Drexel University Orchestra. Philadelphia Young Musicians Orchestra (PYMO), directed by Maestro Kenneth Bean, is a beginning to intermediate-level full symphonic orchestra that provides most students with their first introduction to large orchestral playing featuring students age 10-17 years old. Bravo Brass, directed by Curtis Institute Dean of Faculty and Students, Paul Bryan, is an all brass ensemble for promising middle and high-school instrumentalists. PRYSM(Philadelphia Region Youth String Music) and PRYSM Young Artists ensembles provide string large ensemble and sectional master class instruction for beginning and intermediate musicians ages 6-14. The director and conductor of PRYSM is Gloria DePasquale, cellist with The Philadelphia Orchestra, and conductor of PRSYM Young Artists is Andrea Weber. Tune Up Philly (TUP) is PYO’s engagement program, directed by Paul Smith, that focuses on the creating and inspiring true community by providing children in underserved communities with invaluable opportunities to learn and perform a differentiated orchestral music curriculum. www.pyos.org.
Amidst The Rampant Madness, Connecting The Dots
Once the media courageously fought McCarthyism. Today the media are complicit in creating a new McCarthyism. And now, what they've created has come back to bite them as they are no longer immune.
Interestingly enough, the idea of a trusted, sort of deified, all-powerful media began to gain acceptance during the McCarthy era when Edward R. Murrow took on McCarthy, revealed his shenanigans and began to show that behind the curtain there was nothing but a sick, desperate, destructive little tyrant. This made Murrow a sort of media god and planted the seed for the idea that, in a complicated, noisy, sometimes corrupt modern society the media could act as a safeguard -- exposing the lies, telling the truth and even righting wrongs.
This notion was further enhanced over the following decades as the media burnished its reputation through the coverage of the Kennedy assassination and the Vietnam war, the release of the Pentagon Papers and the ultimate orgasmic media triumph, the Watergate scandal and Nixon's subsequent resignation.
That was the high point for the media.
But since then, it's really been all downhill.
And most certainly the beginning of the end came when the media climbed into bed with the
Clintons. The media's exaltation and exonoration of both Bill and Hillary released the first clear scent of the creepy culture of corruption that the media had bought into -- indeed, that it was now part of.
Americans are not dumb. They sensed what was happening. They saw it; they heard it; they sniffed it out. And be certain of this: They deeply resented it.
They resented it because they knew how unfair it was. They understood the double-standard behind it. They knew it was tawdry, cheap and phony. They knew it ate away at the moral fabric of our society.
But there was little that could be done about it. Big Media held all the cards. Big Media controlled both the messengers and the message. And Big Media held the power to keep secrets and protect some while "exposing" and destroying others. They had become precisely what they once sought to destroy -- a smug, powerful, disdainful and degenerate clique.
And then it happened. Like a sort of silent tsunami, a power emerged from the bottom, up -- a power that few had ever imagined let alone anticipated.
At first, they called it "new media" and they pretty much dismissed it as marginal, at best -- a fringe element, a place for nerds or socially-challenged techies. But it took hold faster than anyone had imagined and multiplied with breathtaking speed to the point where it finally claimed its rightful title: Social Media. It was social in the sense that it was readily accessible to practically anyone. And it was media in the sense that it could be disseminated to almost everyone.
As it grew and gained influence (and a sort of newfangled credibility) most of old media simply dug in. As its power weakened, old media feigned unconcern, then became increasingly snarky, pugnacious, abusive and even more paranoid than usual.
But few yet saw that old order as ripe and rancid as it really was.
One of those who did recognize what was happening and was able to connect the dots had been patiently watching and perhaps planning his moves for quite some time. He knew that the collapse of traditional media would not be isolated. On some level, he must have comprehended that in a big, pluralistic, interdependent society everything really is related to everything else. And having already gained a hands-on understanding of key elements of the media, he knew the implications of what was happening. Clearly, the deconstruction of information delivery systems would result in the deconstruction of power and that would leave power (aka the Whole Established Order) up for grabs.
In the end, however, it wasn't so much prescience or enlightenment that handed Donald Trump his opportunity. No, it was more a matter of intuition and good luck.
His timing was right and all of the other factors seemed to have naturally fallen into place.
And so he was propelled from the bottom up, like an elixir borne of of a zillion tiny drops into spoonfuls and then into beakers and then small pools and eventually great rivers carving up the bulk
of the nation. Such was the dramatic impact and the lightening speed of the communication revolution that took hold and opened the corridors of power to him.
 |
| Marshall McLuhan |
Now, a year later, the old order and all that it represents are still crumbling around us and each new day brings another iconic figure or another institution that has fallen on its own sword. And yet, they still don't seem to quite understand what is happening. In the language of the old media, they still don't "get it".
And so, they've taken a page from more than 60 years ago and now engaged in a sort of circular firing squad -- and this goes not just for old media but for the entertainment industry, the political establishment, academia, much of the pop culture and even parts of corporate America.
It's all unravelling!
Yes, this is the Trumpian world that we now inhabit
But don't this at the feet of Donald Trump and don't look to him for a scholarly understanding of the situation.
Instead, look to Marshall McLuhan, the great communication guru of the 1960s who declared: "At the speed of light, policies and political parties yield place to charismatic images."
Yes, it was McLuhan who understood the dynamic nature of information and the power of its conveyance; the same McLuhan who declared that "the medium is the message" and who once observed that "only puny secrets need protection. Big discoveries are protected by public incredulity."
Keep all of this in mind as the picture unfolds before you.
Then, you can start connecting the dots.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Now This Truly IS An Impressive List Of Firsts!
As the Dan Cirucci Blog continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary, we're happy to reprint this post from 2008:
The first woman ever elected to both houses of Congress was a Republican.
The landmark Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act of the 1960s were approved by the Congress with the critical support of Republicans. Democrats (who held a wide majority in Congress at the time) simply did not have enough support in their own party to approve these measures. Without Republican support these measures would probably not have been approved.
The first woman to have her name placed in nomination for the presidency by either of the two major parties was a Republican.
The first African-American elected to the United States Senate post-Reconstruction was a Republican.
The first woman ever to serve on the United States Supreme Court was a Republican, appointed by a Republican President.
The first African-American ever to serve as Secretary of State (the highest ranking Cabinet post and fourth in line to the presidency) was appointed by a Republican President.
The first African-American woman ever to serve as Secretary of State was appointed by a Republican President.
According to USA Today, "With little fanfare and not much credit, President George W. Bush has appointed a more diverse set of top advisers than any president in history. In his first term, Bush matched the record that President Clinton set in his first term for appointing women and people of color to the Cabinet, and Bush had a more diverse inner circle at the White House."
The first Hispanic ever to hold one of the powerful "big four" Cabinet posts (US Attorney General) was appointed by a Republican President.
Again, according to USA Today President Bush was the first President whose innermost circle — the people he relies on in a crunch — included women other than his wife.
Of President George W. Bush Donna Brazile has said: ""The president has done more than diversify his Cabinet. President Bush has opened new doors for minorities and women . . . "
Taxes, Jobs, A Roaring Economy In Focus!
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act moves toward the Senate floor
Yesterday just after 3:00 p.m. EST, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders released a statement commending the Senate Budget Committee for its crucial vote to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The committee’s decision clears the way for the full Senate to vote on the bill as soon as the end of the week.
“President Donald J. Trump applauds the Senate Budget Committee on taking an important step toward passing historic tax relief and reform,” said the statement. “The President looks forward to providing tax cuts for hardworking Americans by the end of the year.”
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces taxes for families and individuals of all income levels, simplifies America’s complicated and lengthy tax code, and reduces taxes on U.S. businesses to allow them to compete – and win – on the global stage.
Read the full statement and learn more about President Trump’s principles for tax reform.
A sneak peek at the President’s speech today in Missouri
Today President Trump travels to St. Charles, Missouri, to speak to Americans of all stripes about the crucial need for tax reform. The President will talk about overtaxation, a phenomenon that hits small-business owners especially hard by stifling opportunities to grow their companies. President Trump will also address the merits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which will allow more of these businesses to keep higher shares of their earnings and thrive in today’s ultracompetitive business environment.
St. Charles is a town of about 70,000 on the banks of the Missouri River. One of the oldest cities in the state, it’s the perfect place for President Trump to escape the Washington echo chamber and listen to the concerns of working Americans first-hand.
Watch the President’s remarks LIVE at 3:30pm EST.
Congressional leaders join President Trump in the West Wing
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) met with President Trump yesterday in the Roosevelt Room to discuss a plan to keep the federal government open past a looming December 9 deadline. The meeting was intended to be a bipartisan discussion, but Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) ultimately chose not to attend.
“I think it's regrettable that our Democratic colleagues and leadership chose not to join us today,” said Speaker Ryan. “We have important work to do. We have big deadlines . . . That works needs to happen now.”
Read the full remarks from President Trump, Speaker Ryan, Leader McConnell, and Defense Secretary James Mattis.
On Friday, President Trump will meet with the Prime Minister of Libya at the White House.
Yesterday just after 3:00 p.m. EST, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders released a statement commending the Senate Budget Committee for its crucial vote to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The committee’s decision clears the way for the full Senate to vote on the bill as soon as the end of the week.
“President Donald J. Trump applauds the Senate Budget Committee on taking an important step toward passing historic tax relief and reform,” said the statement. “The President looks forward to providing tax cuts for hardworking Americans by the end of the year.”
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces taxes for families and individuals of all income levels, simplifies America’s complicated and lengthy tax code, and reduces taxes on U.S. businesses to allow them to compete – and win – on the global stage.
Read the full statement and learn more about President Trump’s principles for tax reform.
A sneak peek at the President’s speech today in Missouri
Today President Trump travels to St. Charles, Missouri, to speak to Americans of all stripes about the crucial need for tax reform. The President will talk about overtaxation, a phenomenon that hits small-business owners especially hard by stifling opportunities to grow their companies. President Trump will also address the merits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which will allow more of these businesses to keep higher shares of their earnings and thrive in today’s ultracompetitive business environment.
St. Charles is a town of about 70,000 on the banks of the Missouri River. One of the oldest cities in the state, it’s the perfect place for President Trump to escape the Washington echo chamber and listen to the concerns of working Americans first-hand.
Watch the President’s remarks LIVE at 3:30pm EST.
Congressional leaders join President Trump in the West Wing
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) met with President Trump yesterday in the Roosevelt Room to discuss a plan to keep the federal government open past a looming December 9 deadline. The meeting was intended to be a bipartisan discussion, but Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) ultimately chose not to attend.
“I think it's regrettable that our Democratic colleagues and leadership chose not to join us today,” said Speaker Ryan. “We have important work to do. We have big deadlines . . . That works needs to happen now.”
Read the full remarks from President Trump, Speaker Ryan, Leader McConnell, and Defense Secretary James Mattis.
President Donald J. Trump and Chairman of the U.S. Senate Republican Policy Committee, Senator John Barrasso, at the U.S. Capitol | November 28, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)
POTUS TODAY
President Trump will travel to Missouri, where he will deliver remarks on the pressing need for tax reform to stimulate the growth and prosperity of small businesses.COMING UP
Tomorrow, President Trump will meet with the Crown Prince of Bahrain. That evening, the First Family will participate in the National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse at the White House.On Friday, President Trump will meet with the Prime Minister of Libya at the White House.
Latest Figures Show He's Defying The Odds!
The Alabama Senate poll just released has Republican Roy Moore leading the Full Term Abortion Supporter Democrat Doug Jones. We your help we are dismantling the false accusations against Roy Moore and making "The Case For Roy Moore" directly to Alabama voters.
Louisiana-based JMC Analytics and Polling released its latest Senate poll on Wednesday morning with Moore holding a 5-point edge on Jones. Moore got 49 percent support to Jones' 44 percent.
Louisiana-based JMC Analytics and Polling released its latest Senate poll on Wednesday morning with Moore holding a 5-point edge on Jones. Moore got 49 percent support to Jones' 44 percent.
BOMBSHELL: A Really Big Fish Gets Harpooned!
NBC News Chairman Andy Lack released a statement Wednesday morning about the firing of long-time Today Show anchor Matt Lauer. Below is Lack's full statement:
Dear Colleagues,
On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer. It represented, after serious review, a clear violation of our company's standards. As a result, we've decided to terminate his employment. While it is the first
Dear Colleagues,
On Monday night, we received a detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer. It represented, after serious review, a clear violation of our company's standards. As a result, we've decided to terminate his employment. While it is the first
complaint about his behavior in the over twenty years he's been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.
Our highest priority is to create a workplace environment where everyone feels safe and protected, and to ensure that any actions that run counter to our core values are met with consequences, no matter who the offender.
We are deeply saddened by this turn of events. But we will face it together as a news organization -- and do it in as transparent a manner as we can. To that end, Noah and I will be meeting with as many of you as possible throughout the day today to answer your questions.
Andy
We are deeply saddened by this turn of events. But we will face it together as a news organization -- and do it in as transparent a manner as we can. To that end, Noah and I will be meeting with as many of you as possible throughout the day today to answer your questions.
Andy
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Actually, It'll Be Here Before You Know It . . .
|
You May Be Surprised At Who They Believe . . .
Voters have only a slightly less favorable opinion of Bill Clinton, but most believe the women who have accused the former president of sexually abusing them.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that just 13% of Likely U.S. Voters do not believe the allegations by several women who claim Bill Clinton sexually assaulted them. Fifty-nine percent (59%) think the allegations are true. A sizable 28% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in Rasmussen polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on or Facebook.
The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on November 26-27, 2017 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that just 13% of Likely U.S. Voters do not believe the allegations by several women who claim Bill Clinton sexually assaulted them. Fifty-nine percent (59%) think the allegations are true. A sizable 28% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in Rasmussen polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on or Facebook.
The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on November 26-27, 2017 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
Why It's Even MORE Important THIS Year . . .
A special message for the holiday season
A few days ago, Americans counted our blessings as we sat down for Thanksgiving dinners with our families and friends across the country. Today, many will choose to go one step further in celebrating their good fortune by honoring #GivingTuesday, a global day of charitable giving.
This year’s #GivingTuesday is especially important. “Earlier this year, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria devastated communities across the southern United States and in the Caribbean, and vast wildfires ravaged California,” said President Donald J. Trump in a statement. “We saw millions of Americans lose everything, from homes to businesses . . . [to] the unbearable loss of loved ones.”
The President thanks all those who have contributed to charitable organizations this year, including our houses of worship. If you would like to take part in #GivingTuesday, please consider supporting one of the great organizations partnering with us to help communities rebuild: https://www.nvoad.org.
As the President said, “Together, we can ensure that the blessings of this holiday season are shared around the world.”
President Trump meets with members of the Senate Finance Committee
Yesterday, President Trump hosted Vice President Mike Pence and five members of the Senate Finance Committee at the White House for lunch in the Private Dining Room. The topic on everyone’s mind? “A tremendous tax cut – the biggest in the history of our country,” said President Trump.
The President reiterated his support for the tax bill proposed by Republican leadership and is pleased with the momentum it has inspired for passing crucial legislation well before the year’s end. As part of the Administration’s continued support, President Trump will join Senate Republicans today for lunch at the U.S. Capitol, where he’ll make the case for swift action.
Learn more about President Trump’s pro-job, pro-family, and pro-America principles for tax reform here.
Bonus: Read Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-KY) op-ed on why he plans to vote for tax reform.A few days ago, Americans counted our blessings as we sat down for Thanksgiving dinners with our families and friends across the country. Today, many will choose to go one step further in celebrating their good fortune by honoring #GivingTuesday, a global day of charitable giving.
This year’s #GivingTuesday is especially important. “Earlier this year, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria devastated communities across the southern United States and in the Caribbean, and vast wildfires ravaged California,” said President Donald J. Trump in a statement. “We saw millions of Americans lose everything, from homes to businesses . . . [to] the unbearable loss of loved ones.”
The President thanks all those who have contributed to charitable organizations this year, including our houses of worship. If you would like to take part in #GivingTuesday, please consider supporting one of the great organizations partnering with us to help communities rebuild: https://www.nvoad.org.
As the President said, “Together, we can ensure that the blessings of this holiday season are shared around the world.”
President Trump meets with members of the Senate Finance Committee
Yesterday, President Trump hosted Vice President Mike Pence and five members of the Senate Finance Committee at the White House for lunch in the Private Dining Room. The topic on everyone’s mind? “A tremendous tax cut – the biggest in the history of our country,” said President Trump.
The President reiterated his support for the tax bill proposed by Republican leadership and is pleased with the momentum it has inspired for passing crucial legislation well before the year’s end. As part of the Administration’s continued support, President Trump will join Senate Republicans today for lunch at the U.S. Capitol, where he’ll make the case for swift action.
Learn more about President Trump’s pro-job, pro-family, and pro-America principles for tax reform here.
First Lady gives special thanks to Christmas volunteers
Yesterday, First Lady Melania Trump held a special gathering for volunteers who helped turn this year's White House Christmas theme, “Time-Honored Traditions,” into reality. A Gold Star Family Tree honoring service members is proudly on display in the White House East Wing, and historic pieces celebrating holiday traditions – including a nod to the first White House Christmas theme, 1961’s "Nutcracker Suite" – can be found throughout.
More than 150 volunteers came together from 29 states to assist with decorating and baking. The numbers tell the story best:
• 31,000: Number of cookies baked
Yesterday, First Lady Melania Trump held a special gathering for volunteers who helped turn this year's White House Christmas theme, “Time-Honored Traditions,” into reality. A Gold Star Family Tree honoring service members is proudly on display in the White House East Wing, and historic pieces celebrating holiday traditions – including a nod to the first White House Christmas theme, 1961’s "Nutcracker Suite" – can be found throughout.
More than 150 volunteers came together from 29 states to assist with decorating and baking. The numbers tell the story best:
• 31,000: Number of cookies baked
• 53: Number of White House Christmas trees decorated
• 1,000: Feet of garland strung
• 12,000: Number of ornaments hung
The First Lady thanked the volunteers, who spent more than 1,600 hours bringing the First Family's first Christmas at the White House to life. She and the President look forward to hosting more than 25,000 visitors during the upcoming holiday season.
Watch First Lady Melania Trump unveil this year's Christmas decorations here.
The First Lady thanked the volunteers, who spent more than 1,600 hours bringing the First Family's first Christmas at the White House to life. She and the President look forward to hosting more than 25,000 visitors during the upcoming holiday season.
Watch First Lady Melania Trump unveil this year's Christmas decorations here.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
President Donald J. Trump welcomes Native American Code Talkers to the White House | November 27, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)
POTUS TODAY
In the early afternoon, President Trump will be at the U.S. Capitol to have lunch with Senate Republicans as they continue to work toward passing historic tax reform. Later in the day, the President will meet with congressional leadership at the White House.Vice President Pence will travel to New York as he prepares to keynote an event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the United Nations’ vote calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel. In the evening, the Vice President will deliver keynote remarks and receive the Herman Kahn Award at the Hudson Institute’s 2017 Herman Kahn Award Dinner.
COMING UP
Tomorrow, President Trump will travel to St. Charles, Missouri, to discuss the crucial need for tax reform for all Americans.On Thursday, the First Family will participate in the National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse at the White House.
A Unanimous Endorsement; He's On His Way!
The Luzerne County (PA.) Republican Committee’s Executive Committee unanimously voted to endorse Scott Wagner for Governor and Jeff Bartos for Lieutenant Governor.
“The Luzerne County Republican Party is proud to be the first county party to endorse Scott Wagner and Jeff Bartos,” said county Chairman Ron Ferrance following the vote to endorse. “Tom Wolf has been a complete disaster for Pennsylvania. Scott Wagner as Governor and Jeff Bartos as Lieutenant Governor are the right team at the right time to get Pennsylvania back on track.”
Wagner said that he was honored to have the Luzerne County GOP’s endorsement adding, “The members of the Republican Party recognize that in order for Pennsylvania to win, we need to put leaders in office that know how to win. Jeff Bartos and I are the only candidates in this race who will challenge the status quo and turn Pennsylvania around by creating jobs, fixing our education system and restoring government to the citizens of our commonwealth.”
“I am honored to receive the support of the Luzerne GOP so shortly after announcing that Scott and I will be running as a team,” Bartos said of the endorsement. “The energy and leadership of the county parties will be the fuel that feeds the engine of our campaign, and Luzerne County is critical to winning Pennsylvania. Indeed, as Luzerne County goes, so goes Pennsylvania and, as we saw in 2016, so goes the nation.”
“The Luzerne County Republican Party is proud to be the first county party to endorse Scott Wagner and Jeff Bartos,” said county Chairman Ron Ferrance following the vote to endorse. “Tom Wolf has been a complete disaster for Pennsylvania. Scott Wagner as Governor and Jeff Bartos as Lieutenant Governor are the right team at the right time to get Pennsylvania back on track.”
Wagner said that he was honored to have the Luzerne County GOP’s endorsement adding, “The members of the Republican Party recognize that in order for Pennsylvania to win, we need to put leaders in office that know how to win. Jeff Bartos and I are the only candidates in this race who will challenge the status quo and turn Pennsylvania around by creating jobs, fixing our education system and restoring government to the citizens of our commonwealth.”
“I am honored to receive the support of the Luzerne GOP so shortly after announcing that Scott and I will be running as a team,” Bartos said of the endorsement. “The energy and leadership of the county parties will be the fuel that feeds the engine of our campaign, and Luzerne County is critical to winning Pennsylvania. Indeed, as Luzerne County goes, so goes Pennsylvania and, as we saw in 2016, so goes the nation.”
Monday, November 27, 2017
A Beautiful Moment That Will Warm Your Heart!
“Are you the First Lady!?” a boy asked as he embraced Melania Trump during the White House Christmas event.
“She seriously looks like an angel,” another child said.
The First Lady unveiled Christmas decorations at the White House on Monday. Via NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt
'Crazy', You Say? Well, You'd Better Think Again!
Dr. Keith Abelow is a renowned psychiatrist with impeccable credentials. Listen to what he has to say.
What A Christmas Present THAT Would Be!
Tax reform in time for Christmas
With the holiday season upon us, President Donald J. Trump is working hard with Congress to cut taxes for middle-income families and fix our Nation's broken tax code in time for Christmas. The new bill – currently making its way through the Senate – will slash taxes by some $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years and is projected to boost household incomes significantly after nearly two decades of stagnation. The new code will allow families to spend more of their hard-earned dollars toward the success of their children, while restoring America's competitive business edge and stimulating job growth.
Today, the President is meeting to discuss the bill with Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Tim Scott (R-SC) and John Cornyn (R-TX) of the Senate Finance Committee. The Administration is pleased with the growing momentum behind passing these historic tax reforms, and it looks forward to continuing to support the Senate in getting this important work done as quickly as possible.
President visits with service members on Thanksgiving
On Thanksgiving Day, President Trump traveled to Station Lake Worth Inlet in Palm Beach County, Florida, to visit Coast Guard service members and hosted a video teleconference with U.S. military personnel on missions abroad. The President spoke with members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard gathered on the video conference from bases in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Turkey, as well as from ships in the middle of the ocean. President Trump expressed his gratitude on behalf of the American people for these heroes’ dedication to our country.
“It’s an honor to speak with you all and to give God thanks for the blessings of freedom and for the heroes who really have this tremendous courage that you do to defend us and to defend freedom,” said the President.
Following the teleconference, President Trump visited with the Coast Guard and thanked them for their life-saving efforts following the recent hurricanes. “You saved a lot of people, and I just want to thank you on behalf of the whole country,” said President Trump.See more from the visit here.
With the holiday season upon us, President Donald J. Trump is working hard with Congress to cut taxes for middle-income families and fix our Nation's broken tax code in time for Christmas. The new bill – currently making its way through the Senate – will slash taxes by some $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years and is projected to boost household incomes significantly after nearly two decades of stagnation. The new code will allow families to spend more of their hard-earned dollars toward the success of their children, while restoring America's competitive business edge and stimulating job growth.
Today, the President is meeting to discuss the bill with Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Rob Portman (R-OH), Tim Scott (R-SC) and John Cornyn (R-TX) of the Senate Finance Committee. The Administration is pleased with the growing momentum behind passing these historic tax reforms, and it looks forward to continuing to support the Senate in getting this important work done as quickly as possible.
President visits with service members on Thanksgiving
On Thanksgiving Day, President Trump traveled to Station Lake Worth Inlet in Palm Beach County, Florida, to visit Coast Guard service members and hosted a video teleconference with U.S. military personnel on missions abroad. The President spoke with members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard gathered on the video conference from bases in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Turkey, as well as from ships in the middle of the ocean. President Trump expressed his gratitude on behalf of the American people for these heroes’ dedication to our country.
“It’s an honor to speak with you all and to give God thanks for the blessings of freedom and for the heroes who really have this tremendous courage that you do to defend us and to defend freedom,” said the President.
Following the teleconference, President Trump visited with the Coast Guard and thanked them for their life-saving efforts following the recent hurricanes. “You saved a lot of people, and I just want to thank you on behalf of the whole country,” said President Trump.See more from the visit here.
Announcing Christmas 2017 at the White House
Today, First Lady Melania Trump officially unveils Christmas season at the White House. This year’s theme, “Time-Honored Traditions,” includes a tribute to service members with the Gold Star Family Tree, historic pieces celebrating the holiday tradition of dining and hospitality, and a nod to the first themed White House Christmas, the “Nutcracker Suite” in 1961. The State Dining Room holds the famous gingerbread house, which depicts the South facade of the White House and features Mrs. Trump’s signature Christmas wreaths.
“The President, Barron, and I are very excited for our first Christmas in the White House,” said Mrs. Trump. “As with many families across the country, holiday traditions are very important to us. I hope when visiting the People’s House this year, visitors will get a sense of being home for the holidays. On behalf of my husband and Barron, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season.”
Read more about Christmas at the White House 2017 here, and watch First Lady Melania Trump unveil this year's Christmas decorations.
Today President Trump is having lunch with Vice President Mike Pence and members of the Senate Finance Committee before hosting an event in the Oval Office honoring Native American code talkers. Later in the afternoon, the President will meet with Secretary of Defense James Mattis.
Vice President Mike Pence participated in a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan this morning and later will join a meeting with the leadership of General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler.
Tomorrow, President Trump will visit the US Capitol to discuss tax reform with Senate GOP.
This week, Vice President Pence will deliver the keynote address at a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the historic United Nations vote calling for the establishment of a Jewish State. Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump is leading a U.S. delegation to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad, India, to promote female entrepreneurship.
Today, First Lady Melania Trump officially unveils Christmas season at the White House. This year’s theme, “Time-Honored Traditions,” includes a tribute to service members with the Gold Star Family Tree, historic pieces celebrating the holiday tradition of dining and hospitality, and a nod to the first themed White House Christmas, the “Nutcracker Suite” in 1961. The State Dining Room holds the famous gingerbread house, which depicts the South facade of the White House and features Mrs. Trump’s signature Christmas wreaths.
“The President, Barron, and I are very excited for our first Christmas in the White House,” said Mrs. Trump. “As with many families across the country, holiday traditions are very important to us. I hope when visiting the People’s House this year, visitors will get a sense of being home for the holidays. On behalf of my husband and Barron, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season.”
Read more about Christmas at the White House 2017 here, and watch First Lady Melania Trump unveil this year's Christmas decorations.
President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visit the U.S. Coast Guard Station Lake Worth Inlet in Riviera Beach, Florida | November 23, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)
Vice President Mike Pence participated in a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan this morning and later will join a meeting with the leadership of General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler.
COMING UP
Tomorrow, President Trump will visit the US Capitol to discuss tax reform with Senate GOP.
This week, Vice President Pence will deliver the keynote address at a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the historic United Nations vote calling for the establishment of a Jewish State. Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump is leading a U.S. delegation to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad, India, to promote female entrepreneurship.
It's Taken A Big Hit But Obsessions Are Tough To Kick
It's been estimated that the NFL has lost a staggering half billion dollars in huge ratings and attendance declines since the whole "taking a knee" controversy started. That's $500,000,000 in lost revenue!
This whole thing is a reminder of just how emotional Americans are about their flag and those who serve it and just how big an impact all this can make when it's focused and determined.
But our national love affair (some might better term it an addiction) with professional sports cannot be discounted and the obsession with football has been around for a long time.
As the Dan Cirucci Blog celebrates its 10th anniversary, here's something we wrote almost 10 years ago to the day:
This whole thing is a reminder of just how emotional Americans are about their flag and those who serve it and just how big an impact all this can make when it's focused and determined.
But our national love affair (some might better term it an addiction) with professional sports cannot be discounted and the obsession with football has been around for a long time.
As the Dan Cirucci Blog celebrates its 10th anniversary, here's something we wrote almost 10 years ago to the day:
Saturday night's game between the Patriots and the Giants was broadcast on three TV networks: CBS, NBC and the cable NFL network.
One game. Three networks.
So, let me get this straight: networks balk at covering almost any portion of the major political conventions but three networks show the same football game -- the entire game.
If you ever doubted that professional sports is absolutely out of control in this country, count to three and doubt now more.
Is This For REAL? OMG! . . . Horrifying! . . .
You sort of owe it to yourself to watch this till the end -- especially if you're a parent.
WARNING: We'll Pay For It Withe People's Lives!
New Jersey State Senate Republican Whip Joe Pennacchio (R-26) urged legislative leaders and Governor-elect Phil Murphy not to put innocent families at risk by rushing to legalize marijuana in New Jersey, in light of reports that crime rates have actually risen in Colorado since the state enacted full legalization of the drug.
In New Jersey, violent crime has dropped every year for five straight years. In Colorado, the increase in crime in 2016 was more than 11 times the average increase in the 30 largest cities in the nation. Denver Police statistics show an increase in all types of crime rates since legalization, including a 20 percent increase in drug violations and a 237 percent increase in crimes such as public drunkenness.
Law enforcement officials in Colorado have also observed an increase in organized crime since legalization. In Denver, police officers are executing between five and nine search warrants each week to tackle illegal grow operations in the area, putting innocent residents and business owners in harm’s way.
Pennacchio noted that legislative leaders should also consider the impact legalization could have on the safety of New Jersey’s children. According to the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Report, Colorado’s youth marijuana rate, the highest in the nation, is 74 percent higher than the national average.
For those concerned about how marijuana arrests are impacting minority communities, Senator Pennacchio noted that, according to the Colorado Department of Public Safety, arrests of black and latino youth have actually increased 58 and 29 percent respectively post-legalization.
Marijuana tax revenue generated a mere $156,701,018 for Colorado in fiscal year 2016, which only accounts for 1.18 percent of the state’s total tax revenue. The cost of marijuana legalization in public awareness campaigns, law enforcement, and other preventative costs remains a growing concern.
“Right now, we should be focusing on making New Jersey more affordable,” Senator Pennacchio said. “You can’t legalize marijuana without also increasing the number of police officers walking the beat. In case Democrats have forgotten, New Jersey is in the midst of a pension and health benefits crisis. How much more can we ask taxpayers to pay for public safety? Legal weed is a bad deal for the people of New Jersey.”
Senator Pennacchio was among the first to express concerns about Governor-elect Murphy’s plan to legalize marijuana for recreational use within the first 100 days of his administration. Read Sen. Pennacchio’s statement outlining the impact on New Jersey’s roadways and driver/pedestrian safety here.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio urged legislative leaders and Governor-elect Murphy not to put innocent families at risk by rushing to legalize marijuana in New Jersey. (Pixabay)
“Our first priority as legislators must be to protect the people we were elected to serve,” Senator Pennacchio said. “Crime rates in Colorado are rising faster than almost anywhere else in the country. That’s not a coincidence. We cannot allow this to happen in New Jersey. Governor-elect Murphy – don’t pay for legal pot with people’s lives. It’s not worth it.”In New Jersey, violent crime has dropped every year for five straight years. In Colorado, the increase in crime in 2016 was more than 11 times the average increase in the 30 largest cities in the nation. Denver Police statistics show an increase in all types of crime rates since legalization, including a 20 percent increase in drug violations and a 237 percent increase in crimes such as public drunkenness.
Law enforcement officials in Colorado have also observed an increase in organized crime since legalization. In Denver, police officers are executing between five and nine search warrants each week to tackle illegal grow operations in the area, putting innocent residents and business owners in harm’s way.
Pennacchio noted that legislative leaders should also consider the impact legalization could have on the safety of New Jersey’s children. According to the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Report, Colorado’s youth marijuana rate, the highest in the nation, is 74 percent higher than the national average.
For those concerned about how marijuana arrests are impacting minority communities, Senator Pennacchio noted that, according to the Colorado Department of Public Safety, arrests of black and latino youth have actually increased 58 and 29 percent respectively post-legalization.
Marijuana tax revenue generated a mere $156,701,018 for Colorado in fiscal year 2016, which only accounts for 1.18 percent of the state’s total tax revenue. The cost of marijuana legalization in public awareness campaigns, law enforcement, and other preventative costs remains a growing concern.
“Right now, we should be focusing on making New Jersey more affordable,” Senator Pennacchio said. “You can’t legalize marijuana without also increasing the number of police officers walking the beat. In case Democrats have forgotten, New Jersey is in the midst of a pension and health benefits crisis. How much more can we ask taxpayers to pay for public safety? Legal weed is a bad deal for the people of New Jersey.”
Senator Pennacchio was among the first to express concerns about Governor-elect Murphy’s plan to legalize marijuana for recreational use within the first 100 days of his administration. Read Sen. Pennacchio’s statement outlining the impact on New Jersey’s roadways and driver/pedestrian safety here.
Well, We Certainly Know Who he's AGAINST . . .
“We don't need a liberal person in there, a Democrat, Jones.
I've looked at his record. It's terrible on crime. It's terrible on the border. It's terrible on military.
I can tell you for a fact we do not need somebody who's going to be bad on crime, bad on borders, bad for the military, bad for the Second Amendment."
- President Donald Trump, 11/21/2017
WOW! Like NOTHING You've EVER Seen Before . . .
The decorations are up! @WhiteHouse is ready to celebrate! Wishing you a Merry Christmas & joyous holiday season! pic.twitter.com/d6ZuyeFvrw— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) November 27, 2017
The White House is almost ready for Christmas.
And this year it's more dazzling than it's been for a long, long time. Under the able direction of First Lady Melania Trump and the White House staff, the people's house is alive with the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas.
And now, from the White House to every corner of the land, we can all say "Merry Christmas!"
Thank you, President and Mrs. Trump!
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Person Of The Year? Is there REALLY Any Doubt?
Nah, we don't really know who Time's Person of the Year is gonna be.
And we're not exactly holding our breaths over it, either.
But we DO know the kind of cover the president has in mind -- and you're lookin at it!
A Silly, Sultry Love Affair That Knows No Bounds!
Long before Barack Obama ruled the media like an imperial press lord, the Dan Cirucci Blog nailed it when we identified the media's stupefying infatuation with the man who Oprah Winfrey came to refer to as "The One". Of course, we didn't know that the love affair with OH!bama would last an entire decade and still be going strong.
Anyway, here's what we wrote on January 7, 2008:
The media are gaga over Barack.
On the TV talkfests this morning the praise and adulation flowed like hot buttah.
Rotund Tim Russert declared Obama captivating and said the Clinton campaign is in emergency mode. BlabberinoMan Chris Matthews said Barack "is giving the best speeches any of us have ever heard." FibberinoMcGee Mike Barnacle said Barack was presiding over "The death of cynicism" and added: "There are people coming to listen to him and they have tears in their eyes. They are crying." And Self-Promoting Pollster Frank Luntz said that the emergence of Obama "Isn't just about the future; it is the future."
One of the morning shows even wired the heads of New Hampshire's undecided voters to measure brain waves and found - you guessed it - no hesitancy to vote for Barack.
OK. It's over. What the hell . . .
Let's just cancel all the remaining primaries and general election and coronate this guy.
Anyway, here's what we wrote on January 7, 2008:
The media are gaga over Barack.On the TV talkfests this morning the praise and adulation flowed like hot buttah.
Rotund Tim Russert declared Obama captivating and said the Clinton campaign is in emergency mode. BlabberinoMan Chris Matthews said Barack "is giving the best speeches any of us have ever heard." FibberinoMcGee Mike Barnacle said Barack was presiding over "The death of cynicism" and added: "There are people coming to listen to him and they have tears in their eyes. They are crying." And Self-Promoting Pollster Frank Luntz said that the emergence of Obama "Isn't just about the future; it is the future."
One of the morning shows even wired the heads of New Hampshire's undecided voters to measure brain waves and found - you guessed it - no hesitancy to vote for Barack.
OK. It's over. What the hell . . .
Let's just cancel all the remaining primaries and general election and coronate this guy.
Prayer, And Then A Week Of Awareness . . .
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has asked that all parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia focus attention on the plight of Christians and other minorities through a Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, today, Sunday, November 26, 2017.
All clergy and faithful are encouraged to express solidarity in suffering through prayer, sacrifices and financial support for Christians who suffer due to conflict and persecution in the Middle East.
This day of prayer is part of a national observance called for by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Relief Services, Aid to the Church in Need, and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association. The day of prayer will be followed by a week of awareness and education November 26th - December 2nd.
All clergy and faithful are encouraged to express solidarity in suffering through prayer, sacrifices and financial support for Christians who suffer due to conflict and persecution in the Middle East.
This day of prayer is part of a national observance called for by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Relief Services, Aid to the Church in Need, and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association. The day of prayer will be followed by a week of awareness and education November 26th - December 2nd.
Note: For more information on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, including resources for this observance, please visit http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/global-issues/middle-east/christians-in-the-middle-east/.
Honestly, A Totally Disgraceful Performance!
Nancy Pelosi today on Meet The Press -- an absolutely shameless performance and the best example of the disgraceful liberal and/or inside-the-beltway double standard that we could ever imagine. This is truly an affront to all human sensibility!
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Nothing Much Happens But You'll Be Enthralled
The following also appears on Dan Cirucci's Broadway blog (Dan On Broadway) where you can read more show reviews and get tips on where to stay and dine on Broadway and what shows to see right now.
Can you imagine a Broadway musical where it appears as if not much of anything happens?
Can you imagine s show with the bare minimum of scenery, hardly any costumes, virtually no choreography and no special effects of any sort?
Can you imagine a musical where the music at times seems merely incidental, to the point where you're tempted to call it a play with music?
If you can, then you've imagined The Band's Visit, Broadway's latest sensation.
This musical is based on a rather obscure 2007 Israeli film rejected as a candidate for a best Foreign Language Film Oscar because it contained more than 50 percent English dialogue.
Here's the story: The Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra, consisting of eight men, arrive in Israel from Egypt. They have been booked by an Arab cultural center in Petah Tikva, but through a miscommunication (Arabic has no "p" sound, and regularly replaces it with "b"), the band takes a bus to Beit Hatikva, a fictional town in the middle of the Negev Desert. It is literally a sort of no man's land. The Egyptians encounter a few Israeli townspeople, who respond with curiosity about the band, are variously friendly and wary, and provide them with shelter, food, music and companionship during their overnight visit. There is no transportation out of the town that day, and there are no hotels for them to spend the night in. The band members dine at a small restaurant where the owner, Dina (Katrina Lenk) invites them to stay the night at her apartment, at her friends' apartment, and in the restaurant. No one quite falls in love, but a sense of unspoken longing and loneliness is expressed.
This show runs about ninety minutes without an intermission.
With music and lyrics by David Yazbek and a book by Itamar Moses (adapted from the screenplay) The Band's Visit is one, continuous, unbroken thread. It's also a sustained, plaintive and anguished cry for love. And the show manages to be methodical without appearing to be in the least bit manipulative. The music, such as it is, is mostly haunting and mixes both eastern and western genres.
While waiting for Something Really Big to happen, you watch this extraordinarily precise production and you wonder how and why it's holding your attention. Well, one of the reasons is the restrained acting of the two leads, the cafe owner (Lenk) and the band's leader (Tony Shalhoub). There is so much sexual tension between these two that the space around them literally crackles without making a sound. The show's cast of 14 displaced and/or mismatched characters create a sort of lugubrious lullaby of longing. It's so obvious that these people have much more in common than we or they might have thought and yet it's also apparent that they will barely acknowledge it let alone act upon it. And yet, there is nonetheless a sense of sharing and understanding here.
Part of the appeal of The Band's Visit is that it does not preach, and we can all be thankful for that. This is a zen musical. It simply is. You are free to observe it in it's purest form, (much as you would real life) and make your own judgements -- or not make any judgements at all.
The secret of the show is that it holds back. It's as if the director, David Cromer instructed the actors to abridge every word, every sentence, every movement and every action to the point where the audience is consumed with anticipation. In this sense, it's the polar opposite of a traditional Broadway musical where exaggeration is the norm.
Of course, all of this restraint has to be released, yes? Well, maybe -- or maybe not.
There is a sort of rousing epilogue but it's not really part of the story. And that only adds to the allure of the most unique musical Broadway has seen in many years.
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