Monday, December 23, 2024

Splendid: A Rarely Heard Philly Christmas Song!

What We Hope They'll Find Under The Tree

For Whoopi Goldberg and The View:  A cancellation notice from ABC.

For Joe Biden: A lifetime supply of Depends.

For Elon Musk: MSNBC and/or CNN.

For Jill Biden: A copy of The Caregiver's Guidebook.

For Pete Hegseth: The US Department of Defense.

For John Fetterman: A fitting at Moroni Custom Clothing for a tailored suit, tie, etc. and sartorial lessons from Jay Wright. 

For all The Kelces: One year confinement to a cloistered monastery.

For Alejandro Mayorkas: Deportation to Cuba.

For Tucker Carlson: Fox News.

For Nancy Pelosi: An introductory seminar on Reverse Plastic Surgery.

For NJ Governor Phil Murphy: A gift certificate to get his teeth fixed.

For Professor Allan Lichtman: A permanent sabbatical.

For all Philadelphia sports fans: A supply of valium.

For Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro: A gift certificate to Chamaripa Shows.

For Governor Ron DeSantis: Designation as a Cavaliere of the Italian Republic and the deed to Phil Murphy's Italian villa.

For Frank Lutz and Nate Silver: Each other.

For Martha Stewart: A complete pardon.

For the New Jersey Republican Party: Scott Presler. 

For Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker: Copies of Buzz Bissinger's A Prayer For The City and Ed Rendell's A Nation of Wusses

For Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel: Johnny Carson's complete video archives.

For Dan Bongino: The US Secret Service.

For Lee Grenwood, Kelsey Grammer, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone: Kennedy Center Honors.

For Taylor Swift: Kid Rock.

For President Donald J. Trump: Our undying gratitude.

Merry Chrtsimas, everybody!

OMG! The Big Moment Is Almost Upon Us!


 

Trump Yesterday: Boundless Energy; Jubilant!

Sunday, December 22, 2024

In Which We Ask: What's Next For Chris Christie?

Whither Chris Christie?
Why did he take the course he's taken and, now that Donald Trump has won decisively, where does that leave him?
When people ask us these questions, the first thing we tell them is don't worry about Chris Christie. In fact, he would never want you to worry about him or look upon him as someone in need of solace. 
This man doesn't flinch. He always has his wits about him and, again and again, he's proved to be durable and tireless. Not only can he take the slings and arrows that have come his way but, win or lose, he's always gained strength from such assaults and invariably emerges stronger. 
Translation: never, ever count Chris Christie out.
For one thing, the guy doesn't need politics to survive. 
In fact, Christie's most recent financial disclosure statement showed that he racked in more than $4 million over a two year period from his law firm income, consulting fees, investments, corporate director positions, speaking engagements, royalties and his ABC TV News gigs. Yes, those TV commentator appearances alone generated $475,000. 
That's not exactly chump change and it reminds us that even if Christie had become a Trumspter this time around and landed a cabinet post, he actually would have had to absorb a massive salary cut.
Oh, we know -- Christie was once an avid (and indeed, passionate) Trump booster. You will recall that Chris Christie was one of the first to abandon his own 2016 presidential race and support Trump. 
And after Trump won the first time around Christie was originally in charge of Trump's 2016 transition team and was justifiably set to play a key roll in choosing Trump's cabinet. But then, apparently at the behest of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner (who blamed Christie for the prosecution and incarceration of his father when Christie was U.S. Attorney for New Jersey) Chris Christie was abruptly jettisoned from Team Trump. 
Still, relations between Trump and Christie remained cordial and cooperative (if not exactly chummy) until election night 2020 when Trump launched an election denial effort that culminated in the infamous January 6 march on the nation's Capitol. All this apparently did not sit well with Christie. 
Yes, Trump has been able to put aside differences and welcome previous foes back into the fold. And the same can be said for Christie as both men have proven to be practical politicians when push came to shove. But not now. Not this time. 
Still, no one knows what twists and turns the future may take and in politics, it's wise to never rule anything out.
One thing's for sure: whether or not fences with Trump are mended, Christie continues to have much to offer. He remains a national figure and he's hardly one to shun the spotlight much less take a sabbatical to lick his wounds. No way!
Indeed, Christie's now in many ways liberated, as his future does not depend on Trump or his coterie. What's more, at 62 Christie's still young compared to Trump and many of those in leadership roles in Washington right now. In fact, next to many in Congress, he's a virtual teenager! God willing, he's got many years ahead of him.
On a personal note, our warm memories of time spent with Chris Christie on the campaign trail here in New Jersey resonate with us at this time of year. He was always kind to us -- affable, caring and generous with his time. He was funny, human and fun to be with. So, this Christmas we wish Chris Christie and his family all the blessings of a bountiful, healthy and happy life with many triumphs yet to come. 
Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo!

Saturday, December 21, 2024

January 20 Can't Come Soon Enough!




 

This Is Great News: Just What The Vatican Needs!




 

Surviving The Dreadful Dreariness Of WINTER!

Today, the first official day of winter is also the shortest day of the year - the day with the least amount of daylight . . . . .
Which means it will seem like the l-o-n-g-e-s-t day. And it's icy cold. And there's already snow on the ground. And tomorrow will be even colder!
Okay, maybe you'd like to live in Florida or California or Arizona where it's (presumably) warmer. And maybe you do live there already. If so, good for you.
But maybe you're stuck here where it's cold and you're not able to move anytime soon.
And maybe you'd like to head for a tropical island but you can't. Maybe you just can't afford it and/or can't get time off from work.
Which means you have to hang around and endure the cold weather which has already (forget climate change!) made its wintry debut.
Here's how to get through the rest of December and the two dreadful months that lie ahead. Remember that starting tomorrow, it's all downhill to summer.
Each day that follows the winter solstice (December 21) will have more daylight. From that standpoint, each day will be a little bit nicer. And each day will have less darkness.
We've about reached the low point. Soon, we're on the way back up again.
So, even though winter is technically just beginning, winter's demise is already underway.
In other words, the dead of winter is really the beginning of the death of winter. Hooray!

2024 Debacles: Dumb, Complicit Media; Outrageous!

Friday, December 20, 2024

It Used To Be The Joizee Skeeter, But Now . . .


 

Christmas In Italy: Lustrous, Spiritual, Unforgettable!

On Christmas Eve in Italy, Christmas trees are decorated, but the focal point of decoration is the Nativity scene. Italian nativity scenes are noted for their exquisite detail and elaborateness. Indeed, Italians take great pride in the creation of the manger, which was thought up in 1223 by St. Francis of Assisi, who wanted to involve the peasants in celebrating the life of Jesus. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City possesses a presepio from Naples that contains figurines carved from wood and dressed in garments of satin, along with 30 gold-trimmed angels of the Magi, all framed by majestic columns.

Interestingly enough, bagpipes are the most common Italian Christmas sound. The zampognari, the shepherds who play the bagpipes, come down from their mountain homes at Christmas time and perform in the market squares. The playing of bagpipes is popular in the regions of Calabria and Abruzzo, and in the piazzas of Rome.

The melodies played are adapted from old hill tunes. Modern zampognari wear the traditional outfits of sheepskin vests, leather breeches, and a woolen cloak. 
The tradition of bagpipes goes back to ancient Roman times. Legend says that the shepherds entertained the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem.
On Christmas, the zampognari perform their own private pilgrimage, stopping before every shrine to the Madonna and every Nativity scene.

Children in Italy believe in a female version of Santa Claus called La Befana, an old woman who flies on a broom and brings presents. 
According to Italian legend, Three Wise Men asked La Befana for directions to Bethlehem. La Befana was asked to join them but declined three times. It took an unusually bright light and a band of angels to convince La Befana that she must join the Wise Men, but she was too late. 
She never found the Christ child and has been searching ever since.

On January 6, the Feast of Epiphany, La Befana goes out on her broom to drop off stockings filled with treats to all the sleeping children of Italy.
Just as children in America leave milk and cookies for jolly Santa Claus, La Befana collects messages and refreshments throughout the night.

Christmas in Italy is truly wondrous and is celebrated with great fanfare and typical Italian demonstrativeness and great spirit. 

Buon Natale e tutti!

A Powerful New Figure Emerges!




 

Broadway's Ten Best Christmas Songs

Broadway musicals and Christmas have been going together for a long time.

And a good Christmas song is usually a sure way to brighten most any Broadway show. But, not all Broadway Christmas songs are bright and cheery. Some are a bit more gloomy.

Here are ten* of the best:

1) It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas from Here's Love.
2) We Need A Little Christmas from Mame.
3) Be A Santa from Subways Are For Sleeping
4) Hard Candy Christmas from The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas



5) Turkey Lurkey Time from Promises, Promises
6) Christmas Is My Favorite Time of Year from Catch Me If You Can
7) Lovers on Christmas Eve from I Love My Wife
8) I Don't Remember Christmas from Starting Here, Starting Now
9) A Greenwillow Christmas from Greenwillow
10) Christmas Child from Irma La Douce

*Note that we have not included songs such as White Christmas or Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas as these were written not for Broadway but for movie musicals.

Hey Everybody, Spend Two Minutes Watching THIS!

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

VIDEO: An Expert's Take On Those Scary Drones

Aeronautics expert Brian Fitzherbert gives Dan the lowdown on those drones that have been appearing above New Jersey and other states. What's really going on up in the skies and how concerned should we be? This chat is an eye-opener. Don't miss it!

With Trump Victory, Catholics In Ascendency

 An important statement from CatholicVote:


Do you remember CatholicVote’s book from 2024: For God, Country, and Sanity?

Remember the subtitle: “How Catholics Can Save America.”

Well, here we are…

This past weekend left-leaning POLITICO published a big story on Catholics and the new Trump administration. The title: “The Catholics in Trump’s administration could take GOP in whole new direction.”

By their count, President Trump has already nominated a dozen Catholics to prominent positions. From J.D. Vance, to Marco Rubio, to Sean Duffy, Tom Homan, Karoline Leavitt, RFK Jr., and more.

Normally, political reporters treat faithful Catholics like lab specimens in a petri dish. 

But Sunday’s article was fair…and important.

When the reporter called me, I explained that Catholics in the new administration are not interested in identity politics or some sectarian agenda. For Catholics, the purpose of politics is to create the conditions for people to flourish – the common good. 

And right now, too many people in our country are not flourishing – especially families.

Which is why the coming Trump era represents a massive opportunity…

Roe v. Wade is gone. Our country voted overwhelmingly to restore order to our border, to invest in American workers, and to rebuild the ties that bond – faith, family, community and country. November’s election was directional. Americans pulled the emergency brake. They sensed something was deeply wrong with the road we were on – and they voted to change course.

Let’s face it, the packed MAGA rallies were not about tax cuts. Or tinkering with trivialities. They were about renewing the foundations of our country that are now frayed and withering after years of so-called progressive dominance (often bipartisan) that sought to remake the country and our culture.

Everything is now on the table. 

Every golden calf of government, partisan politics, and every assumption about policy and personnel should be examined – and transformed if necessary. From education policy, to family policy, to government waste and abuse, to economic priorities – to making marriage, children and religion great again. 

We have no other choice.

And here’s where the “Catholic” part becomes critical.

In politics they say that “personnel is policy.” It’s not enough to have the right ideas – you need people of conviction who will fight for those ideas. People with courage and creativity to re-imagine what politics is all about. 

Like what?

  • Massive investments in families having children. Nations on our birthrate trajectory are dying. We need a new baby boom. One way to help: Increasing the child tax credit to $5,000 or more (as Sen. Hawley just proposed this week).

  • Real schools, real choices – everywhere. The Department of Education should be eliminated, along with the woke bureaucrats that have ruined the lives of too many children. Huge tax credits should be offered to parents to send their children to the best schools – of their choice.

  • A secure border that ends the exploitation of migrants and protects American workers.

  • Economic policies that end unfair tariffs, create a massive energy boom, make gas more affordable, make American industry competitive, and yes, create a government surplus that can begin paying down our massive debt.

  • Make America moral again. Restrict pornography. End transgender experiments on kids. Create unprecedented new support for pregnant women to help them choose life.

  • Make America healthy again. Protect conscience. Stop the bullies trying to destroy Catholic healthcare. Tell the truth about COVID, vaccines, food, and more. Put our children first.

  • Celebrate America’s 250th birthday – and the role of faith. Starting next year, President Trump has promised to launch a year-long celebration in anticipation of July 4, 2026 – America’s Semiquincentennial Celebration. Parades, festivals, a world's fair in Iowa – even a religious revival highlighting the role of faith in American history.

This isn’t just a wish list. All of this is possible.

And this is just the start.

Near the end of the POLITICO article, I said this:

 “...[F]or Catholics, we say, well, wait, no there’s something much richer and deeper and more profound about what it means to be human that we need to recapture.”

President Trump has put together an all-star team that understands this.

Together with them – and YOU! – CatholicVote is ready to get to work.

Brian Birch, President, CatholicVote

OMG! Congress Is Up To Its Same Old Tricks!



 


Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Hope He DOES Become Prime Minister Of Canada!

One Of The Great Things That Happened This Year!



We So Need This Exactly Right Now!

Monday, December 16, 2024

So, Exactly What Do We Call This Tree, Huh?

Philadelphia and other cities have decorated trees in their town squares this time of year that they are calling "holiday trees" or "giving trees" or some other term.

Do you have your tree up? Is it all decorated? Lit as well?

Do you call the tree by its proper name? Do you?

It's called a Christmas tree.
Please don't call it a holiday tree or a seasonal tree or a family tree or just a tree, or whatever.

And remember that the best Christmas trees reflect the caring attention of those who lovingly decorated them. So, every Christmas tree should be unique and should express something about its owner or owners -- their lives, experiences, hopes and dreams. Since none of us are perfect our tress needn't be perfect either.

In fact, a tree that is too perfect - too symmetrical, too new, too staged - somehow doesn't look quite right.

A Christmas tree needs to exhibit some character; something that gives it its own special identity.
So, do take some time decorating it -- even if it takes several days to finish the job.
But don't worry if the garland doesn't loop quite right or if a few of the ornaments seem scruffy or if the lights don't seem perfectly even.

It's OK. It's Christmas. Let it be.

OMG! Van Jones Makes A Startling Admission!

Now, THIS Is What Justice Looks Like . . .





 

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Romney Completely Cedes GOP To Trump/Vance

Let's Not Ever Forget What They Did!




 

Testa On NJ Drones: Why More Qs Than As?

Saturday, December 14, 2024

NO, 'My Favroite Things' Is Not A Christmas Song!

“My Favorite Things.” 
I'm sure you've heard it on the radio or online a million times by now.
I don’t know who first decided that this Rodgers and Hammerstein ditty from the saccharine “Sound of Music” might be a Christmas song but whoever it was has now inflicted raindrops on roses and cream-colored ponies on us for the rest of our lives.
As much as I try, I cannot discern the connection between wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings and Christmas.
In fact, this song is dumb and tiresome any time of the year.
And, while I'll truly love the song "What A Wonderful World" (particularly the Louis Armstrong version) I've lately heard it played as a "Christmas" song as well. 
It's not, and it shouldn't be.

VIDEO: A Not-To-Be-Missed Moment!

Watch Vice President Elect Vance in this clip during the National Anthem at today's Army-Navy game. He clearly has a lump in his throat; he takes a deep breath and his eyes water as he is so overwhelmed with the moment. What an astounding journey he has made. ONLY in America. God bless!

The Words Are Inspiring; The Time Is Now!


 

Friday, December 13, 2024

Now THIS Is Very, VERY Promising!

And With This, We Completely Agree .







 

Senator Testa: Time To End The Drone 'Madness'

Finally, Some Badly Needed Jelp For Joizee!


 

Actors Who Have Passed On, So Far, In 2024

So, Yeah: We'll Just Leave This Here For Now


 

Thursday, December 12, 2024

WOW! Drones Have South Jersey's Own Brian Fitzherbert In N'tl. Spotlight!

Not Just Pro Business; He LOVES US Businesses!

Oh, The Things That Happen In Joizee!


 

Now THIS Is The Way To Do It . . .

Has Anybody Seen Her Around Lately?




 

VIDEO: Now 80 Golden Years, Still Rockin’ Christmas!

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

NJ Senate GOP United: Demand Action On Drones!

Today, the New Jersey State Senate Republican Caucus released the following statement regarding the unexplained drone sightings in various parts of New Jersey:

“First and foremost, our top priority is the safety and security of New Jersey residents. Unfortunately, today’s briefing provided no additional clarity, leaving us frustrated and with no further information regarding these troubling incidents since they began. New Jersey State Police and local law enforcement have done an incredible job with the limited information they have, but their efforts to intervene have been severely hampered by the Federal Government’s jurisdiction over engagement with these aircraft. This restriction, along with the Biden Administration’s slow-rolled response, has fueled growing concerns and left residents to speculate the worst-case scenario as they await answers.

“It is irresponsible for federal representatives to assert that there is no threat to public safety while simultaneously asserting they have no information about who is operating the drones, where they originate, or where they are going. This contradiction is eroding public trust and only deepens the sense of uncertainty that many of our constituents have expressed.

“We share the frustrations of our constituents and feel the same urgency to act. That is why we are calling on Governor Murphy to demand, in the strongest terms possible, the full support of the Federal Government. He must insist that the Biden Administration immediately provide the tools and resources needed to safeguard our state—up to and including authorization to neutralize any drone that poses a threat to our residents. New Jerseyans deserve swift and effective action to ensure their safety and the security of our nation.”
 








A Little-Known Christmas Gem From Nat King Cole!


Little Christmas Tree

No one to buy you, give yourself to me
You're worth your weight in precious gold, you see
My little Christmas tree

Promise you will be
Nobody else's little Christmas tree
I'll make you sparkle, just you wait and see
My little Christmas tree

I'll put some tinsel in your hair
And you'll find that there's a strange new change
That you have never seen
I'll bring my boy a toy
He'll jump for joy
To see his bright new queen

With me you will go far
I'll show Saint Nick the tree you really are
And there'll be peace on Earth when Daddy lights your star
My little Christmas tree

With me you will go far
I'll show Saint Nick the tree you really are
And there'll be peace on Earth when Daddy lights your star
My little Christmas tree
You're big enough for three
My little Christmas tree

State Rep Fantasia Reports On Drone Briefing

From NJ State Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia:

I just left the New Jersey State Police HQ following the briefing of New Jersey State Legislators relating to the unexplained drone sightings in New Jersey. Might I add - was not present. My notes are organized following my take below on the situation. 1. We know nothing. PERIOD. To state that there is no known or credible threat is incredibly misleading, and I informed all officials of that sentiment. 2. State authorities, including the NJSP, are shackled with what they are able to do. Any interception or takedown of any UAS is under the strict jurisdiction of the federal government. 3. At this point, I believe military intervention is the only path forward. There will be no answers in the absence of proactivity. 4. The US Coast Guard seems to be the most likely to intervene based upon our briefing, but even that component was shrouded in mystery. Here is my summary of the briefing : Overview of the Issue: First Sightings: Reported on 11/18, with sightings occurring every night since then, from dusk until 11 PM (6–7 hours). Frequency: Reports range from 4 to 180 sightings per night. Description: Large drones (up to 6 ft in diameter). Operate in a coordinated manner. Lights are turned off, making them difficult to detect. Appear to avoid detection by traditional methods (e.g., helicopters, radio frequencies). Not identified as hobbyist drones or related to DHS. Investigation and Response 1. Agencies Involved: FBI: Designated as the lead agency for investigations. New Jersey State Police (NJSP): Coordinates with the FBI on follow-ups. Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP): Provides training and situational awareness. U.S. Coast Guard: Involved in determining steps under their jurisdiction (details not disclosed). 2. Federal Involvement: FAA: Made night flights legal in 2023, but require operators to maintain line of sight, which is not being observed in these cases. Lack of Federal Legislation: Existing bills on drone regulation remain stalled in Congress. 3. Detection Challenges: NJSP deployed helicopters over Raritan Bay but could not detect drones, even with infrared cameras. Current radio frequencies do not pick up drone signals. Col. Callahan expressed concerns about potential danger, leading to a halt in helicopter deployments. 4. Training and Preparedness: In-person Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training starts in Monmouth County in January and will expand statewide. A UAS Dashboard is being developed for tracking and managing drone sightings. Key Concerns Unknown Origins: Authorities do not know where these drones take off or land. Capabilities: Drones maintain flight for extended periods (6–7 hours) and over distances of 15 miles, raising questions about their technology and intent. Airspace Regulation: Most sightings are in unrestricted airspace, but their behavior is unusual and potentially nefarious. Unlike manned aircraft, these drones appear to operate without lights and evade detection. Public Safety: Possible threats remain unconfirmed, but the lack of detection capability is a significant concern. See Something, Say Something campaigns encourage the public to report sightings to local law enforcement and the FBI. Statements from Officials: Laurie Doran (Director of OHSP): There is no known or credible threat at this time. (I DISAGREE) Urges continued reporting to law enforcement. Colonel Pat Callahan (NJSP): Suspended helicopter flights to investigate drones over safety concerns. Emphasized the rapid pace of technological development in drones. Brent Cotton (DHS Counterterrorism): Highlighted challenges in threat prevention and the need for improved technology and protocols. Next Steps 1. Enhanced Surveillance: Use of infrared cameras and additional Coast Guard resources. 2. Legislation and Policy: Advocate for advancing federal drone legislation stalled in Congress. 3. Public Engagement: Encourage reporting via the See Something, Say Something initiative.
Image