theblaze--2020-12-25--Here are the 10 worst Christmas songs of all time. Careful, they just might kill your holiday spirit

Here are the 10 worst Christmas songs of all time. Careful, they just might kill your holiday spirit.

Here are the 10 worst Christmas songs of all time .
Careful , they just might kill your holiday spirit @

One of the greatest things about the Christmas season is the music. In our house, we have a hard and fast rule that no holiday tunes may be played until after we finish the Thanksgiving meal.
If you put on the right song, it can lift your spirits, put a spring in your step, and make wrapping gifts tolerable.
But the wrong song can send you in to an emotional spiral causing you to regret your life choices and wish for Boxing Day to arrive so you can just be past it all.
Last year, I got a lot of kudos — and even more gruff — for my list of the definitive recordings of the 35 best Christmas carols. It truly was a perfect list, despite the claims from naysayers.
Apparently I'm a glutton for punishment. This year, at the risk of being labeled a Grinch, I've compiled the 10 worst Christmas songs of all time. And because I play fair, you can listen to each song below so that you, too, can judge each song for yourself ... and then acknowledge my obvious correctness about the awfulness of each.
Just don't let it ruin your Christmas.
#1: LAST CHRISTMAS — Wham! This song is just objectively bad and an obvious first choice. There is not an American alive with two working ears and any sort of taste in music who would disagree that this is the world's worst Christmas tune. It's everything that is wrong with '80s music — from the bad vocals, obnoxious keyboards, sulky attitude, and goofy lyrics. And as if the song wasn't bad enough, Wham! thought it would be a good idea to create this video to go with it.
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#2: MERRY CHRISTMAS, DARLING — The Carpenters I post this one at great personal risk. There are friends who will leave me and family members who will disown me for this, but honestly, the only redeeming quality for this Carpenters disaster is that it isn't "Last Christmas" by Wham! Sentimental Carpenters fans who long for Karen's resurrection need to understand that there are not enough Christmas miracles in the world to keep this song from its placement at No. 2 on the all-time list of terrible songs. From dreaming of "Christmassing with you" to being filled with desire based on seeing logs on a fire, there is no saving this song from the weight of its own silliness — and lousy instrumentation and background vocals.
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#3: WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME — Paul McCartney and Wings C'mon, Paul. You're better than this. You're a Beatle for crying out loud. Yes, I know it charted bigly. Yes, I know lots people have covered it. No, that does not make it a good song. As Craig Outhier wrote for the Phoenix New Times in his list of the worst Paul McCartney songs, this tune "torments" the public, and its chorus likely "is at least partially responsible for the yearly spike in holiday suicide rates."
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#4: THE CHRISTMAS SHOES — NewSong I'm probably going straight to Hell for this one. But it had to be included. Though it has a nice message about a boy buying fancy shoes for his dying mother and a stranger paying for the footwear when the young lad winds up not having enough money, it's a depressing song that has no business being in anyone's holiday playlist. All of that, combined with the sappy vocals, super-awkward video, and the fact that it is overplayed on Christian radio and 24-hour Christmas stations, make this song nausea-inducing and obnoxious.
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#5: MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS — NSYNC Justin Timberlake is one of the greatest entertainers of our generation: He can write, sing, act, and do comedy. Surely if there are any regrets he has in his career, this song has to be near the top of his list. The song is like a poorly conceived musical number for a sub-par network holiday special. Speaking of sub-par, the video, featuring "Diff'rent Strokes" star Gary Coleman, is really ... something.
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#6: DOMINICK THE DONKEY — Lou Monte Dominick is supposed to be the hero of the song, having saved Christmas by helping Santa because the reindeer can't climb the hills of Italy. Instead, this silly song attempts a "Funiculi Funicula" vibe, but even for a novelty song — a genre that is typically given a lot of leeway when it comes to criticism — it is just painful. Hee haw. Hee awful.
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#7: HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER) — John Lennon It's a sad day when two songs written by Beatles make a "worst songs" list, but such is life. You write a bad song, it doesn't matter who you are, you're going to get called out. I know I'll get raked over the coals by Beatles fans who feel Lennon could do no wrong, but this is a terrible Christmas song. The music is well done and everyone knows Lennon was a peacenik, but this tune has no business invading the joy of the holiday.
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#8: A HAND FOR MRS. CLAUS — Idina Menzel & Ariana Grande You know who the real hero of the North Pole — and therefore Christmas — really is? No, not St. Nick. Nope, not the elves or Rudolph. The real hero is Santa's ball-and-chain. She does all the real work up north — and Idina Menzel and Ariana Grande really want you to understand that in this badly written, poorly performed (particularly Ariana's portion), and inferiorly produced pile of feminist nonsense.
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#9: DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS? — Band Aid This song was created with the most talented artists alive in 1984, and that stable of amazing musicians makes this a tough one. And anyone with a soul can appreciate their efforts to help the people suffering in Ethiopia. But that does not make it a good Christmas song. Despite the talent involved, the tune is mediocre at best — some took to calling the supergroup "Bland Aid" after the record's release. And the words, again, do not capture the joy and magic of Christmas — which is what holiday songs are supposed to be about. When the song came out, NME called it a "turkey" and ripped the song as "Millions of Dead Stars write and perform rotten record for the right reasons" — which, honestly, was a pretty generous review.
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#10: WARM AND FUZZY — Billy Gilman Yes, only a monster would mock a record cut by a kid, and this is probably enough to get me labeled Mr. Potter reincarnated, but seriously ... This song serves no purpose, tells no story, and contains zero originality. It isn't even cute. There's nothing about this song that should give it any acclaim, yet here it is — every stinking year.


theblaze--2020-12-25--For unto us a child is born

For unto us a child is born

For unto us a child is born

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:69
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. - Matthew 2:9-110
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. - John 1
Merry Christmas, from all of us at TheBlaze to all of you.


theblaze--2020-12-26--The 8 best Christmas movies that aren't really Christmas movies

The 8 best Christmas movies that are n't really Christmas movies Add these fine films to your Christmas movie traditions

Every year, you enjoy traditional Christmas classic movies, such as "Miracle on 34th Street," "A Christmas Story," "It's A Wonderful Life," "The Grinch," "Home Alone," "Elf," "The Santa Clause," "The Muppet Christmas Carol," "A Christmas Carol," and "National Lampoon Christmas Vacation."
However, there are a handful of Christmas movies that aren't really Christmas movies that you should enjoy during the holiday season. We count down the movies that might not be Christmas movies per se, but have enough holiday jeer that you are compelled to watch them during Christmastime.
Here is the list of the eight best Christmas movies that aren't really Christmas movies.
8.) Lethal Weapon
This is definitely not your prototypical, run-of-the-mill Christmas movie. Los Angeles detective Roger Murtagh (Danny Glover), a devoted family man, is teamed up with a new partner – a suicidal loose cannon Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson). The film kicks off with the Christmas classic "Jingle Bell Rock." Then there is a drug bust that goes down in the middle of a Christmas tree lot, plus a carton of eggnog – that gets shot. In the end, Murtagh and Riggs spend Christmas together. ''
7.) Meet Me in St. Louis
Set in 1904, "Meet Me in St. Louis" features Judy Garland singing the iconic Christmas anthem "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Garland's character Esther Smith gets engaged to John Truitt (Tom Drake) at the Christmas Eve ball during the 1944 MGM musical, but her father announces they're moving after Christmas.
Meet Me In St. Louis (1944) – Judy Garland – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas www.youtube.com
6.) You've Got Mail
This rom-com takes place from October to the spring, but the romance blossoms during the holiday season when Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) discovers that Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) will likely lose her store. There is plenty of Christmas tree-trimming and carol singing.
5.) Holiday Inn
This movie from 1942 features Bing Crosby, arguably the greatest Christmas crooner of all-time. As smooth as Tennessee whiskey, Crosby splendidly sings "White Christmas," which is the best-selling single of all-time. The film, which also stars Fred Astaire, features a total of 12 songs written by celebrated composer Irving Berlin.
Holiday Inn | Bing Crosby Sings "White Christmas" www.youtube.com
4.) Batman Returns
Sure this comic book movie has Danny DeVito as the Penguin villain, but it also has a visually-pleasing winter wonderland thanks to innovative director Tim Burton. Michael Keaton as Batman kisses Catwoman, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, under the mistletoe and warns her that "mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it." A huge Christmas tree is the backdrop where Christopher Walken, who looks like a character straight from "A Christmas Carol," throws out Christmas gifts to the crowd. Not before a ginormous red and green Christmas present rains terror on Gotham.
Batman Returns - Max Shreck Christmas Speech www.youtube.com
3.) Gremlins
If you're a struggling inventor and you're searching for that perfect Christmas gift for a loved one, try not to purchase an illegal wild animal from a shop in Chinatown that could cause widescale pandemonium. Instead, simply purchase a $50 gift certificate to Applebee's and call it a day.
Don't buy a Mogwai as a Christmas present; nothing good comes from doing so. But you don't have to take my word for it... you can ask Billy Peltzer, who made the mistake feeding Gizmo after midnight and allowing it to get wet. The Gremlins even love to go around the neighborhood to sing Christmas carols.
2.) Trading Places
A holiday tale about greedy people losing in the end that is set during the holiday season, which includes the second-worst Christmas bonus after the "Jelly of the Month Club" featured in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." Dan Ackroyd attempts to undermine a hoity-toity corporate Christmas party where he smuggles smoked salmon into his stained Santa suit.
Trading Places - Security, Merry Christmas www.youtube.com
1.) Die Hard
Yes, "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie. Even John McTiernan, the director of the classic Christmas movie that isn't really a Christmas movie, admitted that "Die Hard" is indeed a Christmas movie. NYP and LAPD have acknowledged that "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie.
"Die Hard" takes place during the holiday season, specifically a company Christmas party. John McClaine's wife is coincidentally named "Holly" Gennaro McClane. One of the dead terorrists wears a Santa hat with a shirt reading: "Now I Have a Machine Gun. Ho Ho Ho." Feeling jolly yet?
Plus, what's more Christmas than saving your family by foiling a terrorist attack orchestrated by Hans Gruber on the Nakatomi Plaza? Instead of shimmying down a chimney like Santa Claus, St. McClane travels down an elevator shaft and air vents.
Argyle, pump up Run-DMC's "Christmas in Hollis."


theblaze--2020-12-25--Psst. There's a way to combat our isolation problem. Pass it on.

Psst .
There 's a way to combat our isolation problem .
Pass it on .
The greatest gift some @ @ @ @ @ a reminder

When I was in grade school, kids would circulate handwritten notes to communicate. If a message was intended for an individual, we might even fold it intricately like some sort of origami. It was an art that, as far as I know, has been largely lost along with teaching children cursive.
Sometimes, the notes would be used to gain advocates or rally a class for a common cause. In such instances, the message would end with the directive: pass it on.
Take this as a "pass it on" message for 2020, from a grown-up:
Dear reader,
There are people in your life who need to be reminded that they matter, especially during the holiday season.
This has been true for as long as I've been alive, but this year has robbed many of steady companionship due to a pandemic and effects of it that are beyond their control. Those folks — in particular — need to hear from us, and so do those that we think of every now and again but don't often get to chat with.
Before the pandemic hit, there were already articles raising flags about isolation. With lockdowns ongoing in many parts of the nation and fears about the spread of a disease that can be fatal, the elderly have been ostracized, the young have been stunted, and countless across the board have lost more than they thought they could bear.
While we might not imagine that they have troubles, some of those we care about would never let it be known and others won't admit it to themselves.
But from those of us who wish we could reach out to someone who is no longer with us, I suggest you say what you can in this life.
We don't all have the gift of gab, but it never hurts to spend our time on Earth connecting to people the Lord put in our lives. After all, the son of God — whose birth we celebrate on Christmas — asked us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Now seems like as good a time as any to touch base with the people in our lives to remind them that they're important. That's part of our job here on Earth.
I challenge you to make a few phone calls, sends some texts, or even write a letter this Christmas that you would not have, otherwise. Who knows, the person who might get the most out of it is, well, you.
Could be that you are the one who needs a chat, or you could be the connection that someone else needs — a gift neither of you were expecting.
So, for the sake of old times, send some sort of personal message. You might begin with the words, "Merry Christmas!"
Pass it on.


theblaze--2020-12-25--American generosity during the pandemic shows the Christmas spirit is alive and well

American generosity during the pandemic shows the Christmas spirit is alive and well Americans have taken it upon themselves to @ @ @ @ @ businesses in need

To embrace the Christmas spirit is generally to be generous, kind, forgiving, and, of course, joyful.
Yet if there were ever a time that would seem to run counter to that spirit, it is here and now in 2020. This Christmas season is difficult for far too many Americans facing economic hardship because of the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Millions of Americans and small businesses have suffered without relief as state governments prohibited them from earning a living while Congress took eight months to negotiate a $900 billion relief package that will compensate every American for months of economic uncertainty with just $600.
As Axios reported on Monday, the outlook for the country at first seems bleak. Jobless claims rose to 885,000 last week, a full 85,000 claims more than economists had predicted. The U.S. poverty rate is up to 11.7%, jumping 2.4% since June, which according to the Washington Post is the largest increase since the government began tracking that data. Some 12 million renters will owe an average of $5,850 in back rent and utilities by January, again according to the Washington Post. Retail sales decreased 1.1% in November, according to the Associated Press. And as a report from earlier this month showed, a staggering 1 in 6 restaurants have been forced to close forever because of the lockdown policies instituted by several states.
But there is cause for good cheer. For hope. Because while it seems the American government has failed its people, the American people, in a spirit of great generosity, charity, and patriotism that is all too fitting for this time of year, have done wondrous good works to help small businesses in need.
TheBlaze has covered some of these stories. BlazeTV host Glenn Beck last week established a fundraiser to aid small businesses across the nation, sharing the stories of struggling business owners with his audience and encouraging those who can afford to do so to donate money to help them stay afloat. Beck's initial goal of raising $50,000 was demolished as over 3,000 donors raised more than $200,000 in under one week.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy launched a similar effort, beginning with a personal donation of $500,000 to what he named the "Barstool Fund" for small businesses that continue to pay their employees. More than 30,000 supporters quickly raised nearly $2 million to get money to businesses that need extra help to pay their rent, tax bills, or whatever overhead costs they face to keep employees working and earning a living for their families.
Then there's celebrity chef Guy Fieri, who raised $21.5 million after creating the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, a charity that provides $500 grants to restaurant workers in all 50 states and has served over 43,000 restaurant workers nationwide.
Critically, Americans are also showing that you don't need to be a celebrity or have a platform with millions of followers to make an impact. A GoFundMe page linking to various fundraisers for small businesses affected by the coronavirus shows that ordinary, everyday people have set up more than 17,000 fundraisers to save businesses in their communities. Just a quick look through these GoFundMe pages shows tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars raised for each one, totaling millions of dollars that will keep the American dream alive for these business owners and their employees.
For those interested in donating to multiple businesses, GoFundMe has created a Small Business Relief Fund to provide micro-grants to qualifying small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the generosity of so many, the fund has provided over $2.4 million to help businesses afford rent payments, supplement staff wages, pay for PPE, transition to online business, and more.
No matter how difficult times may be, what these efforts demonstrate is that each and every American should be confident that we all have countrymen who are willing to lend a hand to those in need. That's the epitome of the Christmas spirit. What's more, it's the American way.


theblaze--2020-12-25--I no longer feel the 'magic' of Christmas, but that's OK

I no longer feel the 'magic ' of Christmas , but that 's OK As the magic of Christmas fades @ @ @ @ @ clear

This December marks my 27th celebration of the Christmas season, and I can say quite definitively that with each passing year, the euphoric buzz, the nervous excitement — the "magic" — I once experienced around the holidays fades a little more.
I first became tangibly aware of the steady depletion of Christmas magic when I was in high school, and honestly, for years it kind of depressed me. I thought, "Is something wrong with me? Will I ever get that feeling back?"
As a child, my Christmases were filled with wonder. I can still flash back to the feeling of having weeks off of school and sleeping until noon before watching movies and playing video games all day. I remember how the anticipation would grow as the day approached. It was like an emotional sugar rush that was sure to come crashing down.
On Christmas Eve, as with many families, we'd convene at my grandma's house for games, conversation, and delicious food. Then that night, I would hardly be able to sleep. The excitement of what awaited me in the morning was far too great.
Less magic, more meaning
Nowadays, it can run well into December before it hits me that Christmas is right around the corner. If I don't consciously remind myself, I might even forget to order gifts or make party arrangements before it's too late. Occasionally, I'll feel a slight tinge of that old Christmas magic when a certain song comes on the radio or when snowflakes start to fall. But beyond that, Christmas rarely feels magical in the way it once did. In fact, it often feels incredibly regular.
The thing is, that's OK, because I've realized something else. Each year, even as Christmas becomes less and less magical, it also becomes more and more meaningful to me. It's an inverse relationship I never thought I'd be thankful for, but I assuredly am.
These days, I find myself tearing up more in church services when my pastor delivers a powerful Christmas message. I quietly reflect more on what, or rather who, the season is all about. I find more joy in gift-giving than I do in gift-receiving. When I spend time with family now, I am more aware of all of our flaws, so though it may not be as magical, it's every bit as meaningful.
What it's all about
I've come to realize that deep-seated convictions and long-term relationships are ultimately what Christmas is about, not fleeting feelings of magic. My relationship with Jesus Christ and my deep-seated conviction that he was born in a manger 2,000 years ago to live a perfect life, die for my sins, and be raised again to launch a new creation is what's paramount to me. And I love celebrating that every day of every month with the family of believers who trust in the same thing.
You know something else? The magic never lasted anyway. Inevitably, as a child, Christmas Day would come and go, and I'd be left with a sort of sinking feeling. In a flash, the magic would vanish and give way to nothing but a pile of material things, not lasting joy.
The meaning of Christmas, however — the fact that God became man to destroy death and redeem sinners — well, that never changes.


theblaze--2020-12-25--Amid Christmas — and COVID — the most important lesson remains: Jesus shows up

Amid Christmas — and COVID — the most important lesson remains : Jesus shows up Time and time and time @

Like many other people across the planet, I've had my ups and downs this year amid the COVID-19 crisis.
A natural quasi-hermit, I had no issue remaining inside my home under lock and key. After all, being under semi-lockdown was my normal state of existence.
However, I'd be remiss if I didn't admit that there were times where I wished things were back to "normal," whatever "normal" might have been for that particular instance: Sitting on a jammed beach blanket watching fireworks on the Fourth of July as the salt and sand played havoc with my hair, which sports more silver stripes this year than ever before; standing in a snaking Starbucks line patiently waiting for my highly anticipated first pumpkin spice latte of the season; queuing up in a long line to take an overcrowded trolley through a wonderland of Christmas lights on a cold night, with my children's mittened hands securely fastened in my own.
These were a few of my favorite things, and I missed them, but that didn't mean that there weren't other events that would take precedence over my personal comforts and joys.
Pestilence, political division, police brutality, and even more marked 2020 with an indelible stain of human desperation.
Though media, politicians, activists, entertainers, and armchair warriors were louder than perhaps ever before, the world, this year, seemed quieter — and more divided — than it's ever been.
And then came the Great Conjunction.
The Great Conjunction. What a thing to happen this year of all years, right? The alignment of Saturn and Jupiter, appearing as one bright, shining star just days before Christmas — it was too good to be a coincidence, too planned to be serendipity. The Great Conjunction was more kismet than anything else. For many if not all believers, the Great Conjunction was the very Christmas star that appeared more than 2,000 years ago with Jesus' birth.
"Conjunction" by its very definition is a word to connect clauses or sentences — and what greater a phrase to describe what Jesus Christ himself did for his creation, time and time again: to connect us to our Heavenly Father by coming to Earth and eventually becoming the ultimate sacrifice.
The Great Conjunction in 2020 was more than just a celestial anomaly — it was a message of Jesus's unfailing, unflinching promise that He is here, and He will come no matter how ugly humankind's ugly gets. And it has doubtless gotten very ugly this year.
The Great Conjunction was Jesus' eternal message that He will always show up, wherever we are and throughout whatever has happened.
More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus showed up when the world needed him most.
"After listening to the king, [the wise men] went on their way," Matthew 2:9-11 says. "And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh."
Time and time again, the promise remains the same: Jesus shows up — and while many of us sat around pondering the fate of the world this year, Jesus showed up more than ever. We simply needed to take a pause and look up to the skies to remember whose we are and whose world this really is.
Merry Christmas and the happiest of new years to come.


theblaze--2020-12-25--My Uncle Joe, his riveting stories from Vietnam and hippie-era San Francisco — and four classic rock

My Uncle Joe, his riveting stories from Vietnam and hippie-era San Francisco — and four classic rock albums he gave me for Christmas

My Uncle Joe , his riveting stories from Vietnam and hippie-era San Francisco — and four classic rock albums he @ @ @ @ @ I could n't go back in time — but my uncle 's stories about concerts @ @ @ @ @ vibe of the culture at that point in history helped me feel like I was @

Whenever my Uncle Joe enters a room — or more particularly a conversation — I'm hooked.
From the time I was a kid, his engaging presence, sense of humor, and one-of-a-kind storytelling left me wide-eyed and quickly embarking with him as he described in vivid detail numerous adventures, sometimes scary incidents, and often hilarious encounters that left indelible imprints on my consciousness.
Whether he was navigating jungles as a soldier in Vietnam, braving whitewater rapids without a raft in Colorado — "the thrill of my life," he told me — or finding himself amid a wild cast of characters in hippie-era San Francisco, my Uncle Joe's generous narratives grabbed me by the collar and wouldn't let go.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
When I was in tears as a grade-schooler after losing a valued drawing I'd labored over for some time, Joe helped me gain perspective, telling me about an artist who worked on his beloved project for 20 years — after which it was stolen. But instead of spending time feeling sorry for himself, he said the artist started over on his project and finished it after another 20 years — and made it better than ever. That tale of tenacity has stayed with me — and reminded me to never give up.
During college, my love of music quickly deepened, and I got heavy into great singers and songwriters and bands — and I even took up the guitar myself. When my Uncle Joe caught wind of this metamorphosis, boy did he ever have more stories for me.
Oh, to have been a music fan like him from the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s, arguably — scratch that, definitely — the greatest-ever popular music era. Unfortunately I couldn't change my birth date — but Joe's stories about concerts, musicians, and the vibe of the culture at that point in history helped me feel like I was there.
I mean, he saw shows at the Fillmore West. He witnessed Led Zeppelin's debut performance in Philadelphia — at a brand-new venue called the Spectrum — as part of the 1969 Summer Pop Festival alongside Johnny Winter, Jethro Tull, and Buddy Guy.
Joe loved to listen to albums, too, and enthusiastically pointed out sonic details and anecdotes about the artists. He saw most of the important acts of the day — and knew about all of them. Elton John, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Janis Joplin, the Beatles. And it all rubbed off on me.
So, during my sophomore year, my uncle and his family paid a visit to the East Coast, and during a big Christmas get-together, Joe surprised me with a gift I'll never forget: Four classic rock albums from his vinyl collection — the Rolling Stones' "Aftermath," Rod Stewart's "Gasoline Alley," T.Rex's "Electric Warrior," and the debut from the Velvet Underground and Nico. I hadn't heard any of these albums but vaguely knew of them. How cool that Joe seemingly had a sixth sense that I'd benefit from a deeper musical dive as opposed to simply wading in the shallow end surrounded only by the hits.
But the best part is that he wrote me descriptions of each album: What the artists were known for, the best songs, and aural characteristics I ought to keep in mind as I listened — not unlike what a music reviewer would do. And how interesting that I would end up doing just that in the years to come.
While I offloaded many of my LPs over the succeeding years, I made sure to hang on to the albums Joe gave me that Christmas. (The image you see below this story's headline is of those actual LPs, still alive and kicking.) And now that vinyl is back with a vengeance, I can proudly pull out Joe's albums again and play them on my new turntable — the first one I've owned in forever.
So, Joe — thank you for taking the time to share your unforgettable stories with me, for making me laugh, and for piquing my interest in living a life of adventure.
And, of course, thank you always for the music.


theblaze--2020-12-25--This year has been unstable, but Christmas reminds us of the secure place worthy of our hope

This year has been unstable , but Christmas reminds us of the secure place worthy of our hope

Today is Christmas. But for hundreds of millions of people around the world, today is the the pinnacle of a season of expectation, reflection, and intentional slowing down. Over the 24 days preceding today, Christians have celebrated the season of Advent, remembering the promises of God and how the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remained faithful to those promises.
The climax of the story, of course, is the life of Jesus, whose arrival we celebrate today.
Three years ago, I wrote about how "Christmas in our part of the world is wrapped in consumerism and traditions that frankly don't represent who Jesus is." I continue to believe this is true.
However, this year, in the spirit of Advent, I would like to briefly reflect on hope.
This year, of course, has been widely unpredictable between the global pandemic, racial unrest, and the chaotic election season. The foundations of our society have at times felt unstable, revealing an overabundance of uncertainty.
But today, as on Easter, we are reminded that time and truth are grounded in the realized promises of a faithful God.
The biblical story explains how God worked with the family of Abraham, remaining faithful to them — and his promise to restore all of humanity through Abraham's family — despite their unfaithfulness to him. Every time the Israelites turned away from God, revealing their need for heart circumcision, God moved toward them. No amount of rebellion or hard-heartedness could prevent God from being faithful to his covenant promises.
And so it is with us.
God has moved toward you in the person of Jesus, extending to you an invitation of hope — that the promise of God, realized in the life and death of Jesus, is a promise in which you get to participate.
Amid the uncertainty of our times, there is eternal certainty in the creator of the universe, the one who created you in his image and wants relationship with you. That is the security in which you want to place your hope. Put your hope in the God who remains faithful despite everything.
Ann Voskamp writes, "I don't want a Christmas you can buy. I don't want a Christmas you can make. What I want is a Christmas you can hold. A Christmas that holds me, remakes me, revives me. I want a Christmas that whispers, JESUS."


theblaze--2020-12-25--Watching the kids' reaction to Santa's gifts was the best present

Watching the kids ' reaction to Santa 's gifts was the best present It 's a Christmas memory we 'll @ @

Christmas is all about the kids.
Watching their faces light up with excitement is always the best part as they open the neatly wrapped presents from under the Christmas tree. Some kids open them so fast the wrapping paper never had a chance.
Others start playing with their presents and ignore the fact that there are more gifts to open.
The warmth and spirit with family members is incredible. These days, especially with a pandemic, you really can't get everybody together.
Back when our kids were young, they would squeeze and shake the gifts that had their names on them. They were always trying to figure out what they were getting. They would guess what it was if they heard movement in the box. They could figure out which boxes were clothes and which ones weren't.
At our house, my wife Mary and I taught our three kids to believe in Santa Claus. As the saying goes, we told them they needed to be good or Santa wouldn't bring them anything.
But our biggest challenge was leaving the unwrapped toys out by the tree. Sometimes, we even left cookies and milk. In those days, we attended midnight mass at our local church. We got to church early to get a good seat. But somehow, I forgot something at home or I needed to step away for a few minutes. That was my time to go home, which was about 10 minutes away, and get out the unwrapped toys.
I'm lucky I wasn't stopped for speeding. There was one time when we parked in the back of the church when we arrived, but left out the front of the church after mass. It was the only parking space I could find.
So when we got home from church, the kids were so excited because Santa had come by and left them presents next to our beautiful Christmas tree. Santa even ate the cookies and drank the milk. The kids wanted to open more presents, but we waited until the next morning. Mission accomplished.
One year, Santa's gift was a swing set. Mary and I put it together on Christmas Eve and somehow kept it a secret from the kids.
When it was time for midnight mass, we left through the front door. When we came home, we parked in the back, where they could see the swing set in the back yard. The kids couldn't believe Santa brought them a swing set. Yeah, we couldn't believe we put it together in one afternoon. The kids went outside the next morning to play on the swing set. That swing set lasted a long time.
Eventually, the kids got older and wiser. They also learned from their friends that Santa is not real. But for our kids, getting them to believe in Santa Claus was fun. It's a memory we'll always cherish.
Merry Christmas!


theblaze--2020-12-25--Major explosion rocks downtown Nashville in apparent 'intentional act'

Update , 2:10pm ET : Nashville police say that they were responding to a report regarding shots fired in the area when a recording began playing from the RV stating that a bomb would detonate in less than 15 minutes .
It is still not clear whether there was anyone inside the RV when it detonated .
Police are still not sure of the bomber 's motive or whether the placement of the bomb was intentional .
The bomb , which exploded near the iconic AT & T building ( dubbed `` the batman building '' because of its distinctive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knocked out cell service to many customers in the Nashville area ; AT & T says they are working to restore service to everyone in the area .
President Trump has been briefed , and according to a statement from a White House spokesperson , `` The president is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured . ''
The FBI is asking for help from the public to identify anyone who might have information about the bombing , including pictures of the area that might have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the Metro Nashville Police Department , an explosion that shook the downtown area of Nashville , Tennessee appears to have been an `` intentional act , '' although authorities still have not named any suspects .
As of press time of this article , no deaths or critical injuries have been reported .
Although details of the incident are still hazy , police say that they received a call about a suspicious RV parked near the tourist district on 2nd Avenue downtown and hazmat teams were en route to the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas morning .
The explosion appears to have devastated sections of Second Avenue and caused fires .
Three people have been reportedly been transported to the hospital , but none with critical injuries .
The blast shook the entire downtown area and was reported on Twitter by numerous Nashville residents .
Nashville police department spokesman Don Aaron told CNN that the incident is being investigated by multiple agencies , including the FBI and BATF .
Numerous Nashville residents took to Twitter to document the Christmas morning scene of destruction .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Update, 2:10 p.m. ET: Nashville police say that they were responding to a report regarding shots fired in the area when a recording began playing from the RV stating that a bomb would detonate in less than 15 minutes. It is still not clear whether there was anyone inside the RV when it detonated.
Police are still not sure of the bomber's motive or whether the placement of the bomb was intentional. The bomb, which exploded near the iconic AT&T building (dubbed "the batman building" because of its distinctive silhouette in the Nashville skyline) has knocked out cell service to many customers in the Nashville area. AT&T says they are working to restore service to everyone in the area.
President Trump has been briefed, and according to a statement from a White House spokesperson, "The president is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured."
The FBI is asking for help from the public to identify anyone who might have information about the bombing, including pictures of the area that might have been taken before or after the explosion.
****** End update ******
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, an explosion that shook the downtown area of Nashville, Tennessee, appears to have been an "intentional act," although authorities still have not named any suspects. As of press time of this article, no deaths or critical injuries have been reported.
Although details of the incident are still hazy, police say that they received a call about a suspicious RV parked near the tourist district on Second Avenue downtown and hazmat teams were en route to the area when the explosion occurred around 6:30 a.m. Christmas morning.
The explosion appears to have devastated sections of Second Avenue and caused fires. Three people have been reportedly been transported to the hospital, but none with critical injuries.
The blast shook the entire downtown area and was reported on Twitter by numerous Nashville residents.
Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron told CNN that the incident is being investigated by multiple agencies, including the FBI and BATF.
Numerous Nashville residents took to Twitter to document the Christmas morning scene of destruction.
This is a developing story and will be updated.


theblaze--2020-12-25--The Christmas tree and new blessings from old memories

The Christmas tree and new blessings from old memories The cornerstone of happiness is gratefulness

One of the better joys in life is looking back at your memories and finding new lessons and blessings to appreciate that you hadn't realized previously.
I had one such blessing brought to light by a simple question from my children.
"Did you have Christmas trees as a kid?"
They ask because they have figured out that I didn't have the standard American family upbringing. My parents were immigrants from Mexico, and not all the customs were held in common from the old country to the new. Some of this was accidental, and some of this was on purpose.
So this made me think.
We did have Christmas trees. And I hadn't thought of it before, but it wasn't because of my father. It was because of my mom.
My mom worked hard at home to take care of her children, and she also took up small side jobs outside the home to bring in extra money so that she could buy us the creature comforts that my dad wouldn't. My dad worked hard, but they both came from a very poor and austere life in Mexico. He refused to indulge our high standards of American comfort, but she spoiled us.
And she tried as hard as she could to assimilate us into American culture as much as she could.
So we had Christmas trees, and we had presents, as much as she could buy on her meager earnings.
And we had wonderful holidays, and it didn't matter how much she spent on presents or that our tree wasn't the biggest of all the families on our block. All that mattered was that we were together and Mom did all she could to make us happy. And we were very happy.
In fact, it was a long time before I realized that we were considered "poor" by American standards, financially. By all other, more important measures, we were very wealthy.
Every day I would come home from school and immediately run out to play baseball with my neighborhood pals, and we would yell "car!" when a car drove through, and for many blessed hours, it was just us with a baseball bat and a baseball playing our muscles sore. And when it got dark, I came home and my mother had an incredible home-cooked meal ready for us. We all sat down and prayed to God for our blessings. Together.
It wasn't perfect; there were a lot of shortcomings I could dwell on, but as I grow older, I realize that being an adult means focusing on the good and forgiving the bad.
So embrace your blessings. The good that God gives you is always greater than you realize, and the more you look for it, the more you will find.


theblaze--2020-12-27--University of Michigan's 'Words Matter Task Force' says the words 'picnic' and 'brown bag' are offen

University of Michigan's 'Words Matter Task Force' says the words 'picnic' and 'brown bag' are offensive

University of Michigan 's 'Words Matter Task Force ' says the words 'picnic ' and 'brown bag ' are offensive

The University of Michigan has a "Words Matter Task Force," and the organization has declared that certain words such as "picnic" and "brown bag" are offensive.
The Words Matter Task Force has "evaluated the terms and language conventions that may hinder effective communication, harm morale, and deliberately or inadvertently exclude people from feeling accepted to foment a healthy and inclusive culture." The group, which is a part of Michigan's Information and Technology Services, advises that people should avoid using so-called problematic words such as "privileged account," "handicapped," "blacklist," "crazy," "grandfathered," and "dummy."
The Information and Technology Services, a "trusted enabler of technology for the U-M community," created the Words Matter Task Force. The group claims that by "using inclusive language, ITS is able to design and build better tools and services to meet customers' needs."
"Given the importance of communication and the ITS core value of inclusivity, the Words Matter Task Force was formed and charged with identifying terms used within ITS that are, or can be construed to be, racist, sexist, or non-inclusive," the Words Matter Task Force states in the 10-page document that was updated on Dec. 8.
Inclusive language means not using sayings such as "long time no see," "crack the whip," "low man on the totem pole," "off the reservation," and "sold down the river."
Despite the word "picnic" being labeled as offensive by the Words Matter Task Force, a Reuters fact-check article stated that the word "picnic" is "not racist" and "does not originate from the lynchings of African Americans."
"The word picnic derives from the 17th century French word 'pique-nique,' a term used to describe a social gathering in which attendees each contributed with a portion of food or another useful item," according to Dr David Pilgrim, author of several books on the history and cultural symbols of the Jim Crow era.
Despite being the "Information and Technology Services," tech terms such as "master" and "slave" are prohibited. Technopedia defines "master/slave" as a "model of communication for hardware devices where one device has a unidirectional control over one or more devices."
The guidance also advises people to not use the term "preferred pronouns" and to simply call them "pronouns."
The Words Matter Task Force wants to "create educational animations/short videos for ITS staff" with three purposes:
To encourage empathy for how others may feel when words have negative connotations.
To spur curiosity about why words matter, and direct people to other educational resources.
To provide a non-threatening, quick resource that is easily shared/disseminated.
The "educational" short videos would use "neutral characters" such as "stick figures."
In September, the University of Michigan-Dearborn apologized for organizing a virtual cafe event for students that was segregated by race.


theblaze--2020-12-27--Republican congressman lashes out at Trump, GOP colleagues for challenging Joe Biden's win: 'An utte

Republican congressman lashes out at Trump, GOP colleagues for challenging Joe Biden's win: 'An utter scam'

Republican congressman lashes out at Trump , GOP colleagues for challenging Joe Biden 's win : 'An utter scam' 'No @ @ @ @ @ temper tantrum and crazy conspiracies '

Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) blasted President Donald Trump on Saturday for continuing to challenge the legitimacy of President-elect Joe Biden's election victory last month.
Kinzinger was specifically responding to remarks that Trump made Saturday morning in which he called out the Justice Department and FBI for having "done nothing about the 2020 Presidential Election Voter Fraud, the biggest SCAM in our nation's history."
What did Kinzinger say?
Kinzinger accused Trump of attempting to dismantle critical American institutions for being unable to "handle losing."
"My God. Trying to burn the place down on the way out because you can't handle losing. No evidence, nothing but your temper tantrum and crazy conspiracies. Embarrassing," Kinzinger said, adding the hashtag "#RestoreOurGOP."
Kinzinger, who has served in Congress for 10 years, also targeted his Republican colleagues who continue to support Trump's election challenge.
"All this talk about Jan 6th from @realDonaldTrump and other congressional grifters is simply explained: they will raise money and gain followers by blaming everyone else knowing full well they can't do anything. It's sad, and an utter scam," Kinzinger said.
What's important about Jan. 6?
Some of Trump's Republican allies in Congress, like Rep.-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), have pledged to force debate about alleged election fraud on Jan 6., the day Congress meets to certify Biden's win following the Electoral College vote earlier this month.
According to Fox News, "The long-shot effort is designed to force a prolonged debate on election fraud and respond to concerns from the base who believe, without evidence, that the election was stolen."
More from Fox News:
Congressional rules require a House member and senator to simultaneously challenge a state's electoral slate when they jointly convene on Jan. 6. Greene said some senators are on board, though she declined to name them publicly.
The group intends to object to electors of at least six states -- Michigan, Georiga, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Nevada -- all states that Biden carried. That could force a two-hour debate on the election results in each of those states and then a vote on accepting that state's slate of electoral votes. Republicans not backing the effort will face consequences at the ballot box, Greene said.
However, contrary to claims from Trump and his supporters, there has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud, despite dozens of legal challenges in state and federal courts.
The Justice Department came to the same conclusion after investigating claims of election fraud.
"To date, we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have affected a different outcome in the election," now-former Attorney General William Barr said on Dec. 1.


theblaze--2020-12-26--Nashville explosion: FBI conducts raid, person of interest named in report, FAA restricts airspace

The latest on the Christmas Day explosion in Nashville

A day after the explosion that rocked downtown Nashville, law enforcement revealed that they have received over 500 investigative leads. FBI special agent in charge Doug Korneski said on Saturday that more than 250 employees are currently on the investigation into the Christmas Day bombing, including a behavioral unit from Quantico to create a profile of the person or people responsible.
Korneski stated, "There are a number of individuals we are looking at," but added, "At this point we're not prepared to identify any single individual."
A law enforcement source told CBS News that a "person of interest" has been identified in the RV bombing of America's country music capital. "Multiple sources confirm that Anthony Quinn Warner, a Nashville area resident, had a similar make and model RV as the one in photos released to the public," the report stated.
CBS News reporter Jeff Pegues said, "Anthony Quinn Warner, a Nashville area resident, had a similar make and model RV."
CBS New York reporter Nick Caloway posted an alleged photo of a Google street-view image featuring an RV camper that appears very similar to the vehicle involved in the Nashville explosion, which authorities have labeled as "an intentional act" and had a chilling audio message.
At 11 a.m. on Saturday, the FBI, ATF, and the Metro Nashville Police Department conducted a raid at a duplex home in Antioch, Tennessee. Korneski confirmed the FBI investigation in the suburb of Nashville, but would not elaborate any further.
Neighbors told The Tennessean that an RV similar to the one seen at the scene of the explosion was parked at the home within the last two weeks.
Darrell DeBusk, an FBI public affairs officer, said information provided led to Saturday's "court-authorized activity." He said no arrests have been made.
"We will find out who did this," FBI special agent Matt Foster said during a Friday news conference. "This is our city, too. We're putting everything we have into finding who was responsible for what happened here today."
CBS News correspondent David Begnaud said a law enforcement source claimed investigators are entertaining the "possibility that AT&T may have been the target or some other building or infrastructure in the area of the explosion."
"The blast caused considerable damage to AT&T, which apparently is a communication switch hub, knocking out internet & cell phone service throughout a wide area from Nashville to Alabama," Begnaud said.
The explosion caused an AT&T outage, which affected 911 operations and residential services. Nashville Fire Department chief William Swann said restoring services could take days, according to The Tennessean.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency stated in a report released on Saturday that tissue samples found at the scene were determined to be human remains.
Authorities said there is no indication of additional threats. "Nashville is safe," Nashville Metro Police chief John Drake said Saturday. There are "no known threats" against the city.
The Federal Aviation Administration has classified airspace over Nashville as "National Defense Airspace" in the aftermath of the bombing.
The order states, "Pilots who do not adhere to the following procedures may be intercepted, detained, and interviewed by law enforcement/security personnel." The temporary flight restriction that is in effect until Wednesday declares, "The United States government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft, if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat."
Nashville Mayor John Cooper issued a State of Civil Emergency for the affected area and a curfew through Dec. 27.
On Saturday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee requested emergency aid from the White House because of the "severity and magnitude of the current situation."
"This morning I toured the site of the bombing," Lee wrote in a tweet. "The damage is shocking and it is a miracle that no residents were killed."
The Christmas Day blast injured three individuals, all of whom were in stable condition. There were at least 41 businesses that were "materially damaged."
Six Nashville police officers are being lauded as heroes for evacuating people from nearby buildings of the explosion.


theblaze--2020-12-26--Democrats panic that COVID could prevent Pelosi's return to speaker — and even result in a GOP speak

Democrats panic that COVID could prevent Pelosi's return to speaker — and even result in a GOP speaker

Democrats panic that COVID could prevent Pelosi 's return to speaker — and even result in a GOP speaker Could @ @ @ @ @ speaker despite the Democratic majority ?

Democrats are reportedly panicked over the possibility that the coronavirus pandemic could hinder House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's expected re-election as House speaker, possibly even resulting in the top House Republican being elected speaker despite the Democratic majority.
What are the details?
To protect lawmakers vulnerable to COVID-19, the House adopted emergency rules in May that allowed House members to vote by proxy, which meant they were not required to be on the House floor to cast votes.
However, the emergency rules expire at the end of the 116th Congress, which could complicate Pelosi's expected re-election as speaker.
The Hill explains:
[T]he proxy-voting rule expires with the new Congress, requiring lawmakers to be in the Capitol in person if they want to participate in the Jan. 3 floor vote for Speaker. The House will adopt a new rules package governing the 117th Congress just after the Speaker vote. That makes physical attendance tantamount to Pelosi's success, since Democrats are on track to have a razor-thin majority of 222 seats, and at least three moderate members of the caucus are already on record saying they don't intend to vote for Pelosi on Jan. 3: Reps. Conor Lamb (Pa.), Jared Golden (Maine) and Elissa Slotkin (Mich.).
In fact, House rules dictate that a speaker candidate must receive an absolute majority of votes cast during the speaker election to become speaker of the House.
This means the combination of a slim Democratic majority and Democrats opposing Pelosi could give the speakership to the Republican Party if several Democratic members are unable to attend the speaker vote because they are sick with COVID-19.
What are Democrats saying?
If more Republicans than Democrats are present at the vote, Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) explained that Kevin McCarthy, the top House Republican, could be elected speaker.
"Let's say, just theoretically, we had six or eight people out with COVID and the Republicans have none. They probably could elect McCarthy," Yarmuth told the Hill.
Other House Democrats anonymously told the Hill:
"We're in a health care crisis, right? No one can get sick. That's the X-factor here. We need everyone to be healthy. ... That's the big fear."
"Obviously, the concern is that with 435 people going all over the country, it's hard to imagine that not one of us will have the virus on Jan. 3."
Despite pledges from some moderate Democrats to oppose Pelosi's speaker re-election, the Democratic Party has internally communicated that this year is not the time for advancing personal political prerogatives.
"There's the usual suspects who make it part of their brand to vote against her. But I think there's an awareness — and there's certainly a message coming from within the caucus — that this may not be a year for the usual branding," Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) told the Hill.


theblaze--2020-12-26--Apparently, wishing someone 'Merry Christmas' is now 'white supremacy culture at work'

Apparently , wishing someone 'Merry Christmas ' is now 'white supremacy culture at work '

In our culture of progressivism and political correctness, nothing is safe.
Now, apparently, even wishing someone a "Merry Christmas" is "white supremacy culture at work." At least, that's according to Jen Bokoff, a Chicago woman who made the astonishing claim on Christmas Day.
"This is your annual reminder that not everyone celebrates Christmas! The default to 'Merry Christmas' as a normal greeting is also white supremacy culture at work. If someone celebrates, then by all means. But so many people don't," Bokoff tweeted.
Bokoff's claim is dripping with irony. That's because Christmas is one of Christianity's two major holiday seasons (the other being Easter, of course). And Christianity is, in fact, the largest global multiethnic religion, which means Christmas was celebrated on every continent and nearly every country on Friday.
Bokoff's message generated a tsunami of backlash, resulting in Bokoff "locking" her Twitter account.
One person responded, "My best friend's Muslim family, our black neighbors, my Jewish college roommate - ALL celebrate Christmas and no one gets pissed when they say 'Merry Christmas.'"
Another person said, "Who wants to tell her that hundreds of millions of Christians who celebrate Christmas worldwide are something other than white?"
One person pointed out, "This isn't a racist white thing. Jesus was Middle Eastern. This is a, 'I follow Christ thing' Bless her heart."
Another person said, "I was walking on the sidewalk today a Muslim lady was going the other direction, she said Merry Christmas to me. I was thrilled. I wished her Merry Christmas, we both smiled and kept walking. It was a great moment for me. The real person should give it a try and get real."


theblaze--2020-12-26--Elderly man with COVID bludgeoned to death by roommate for praying

An elderly California man dealing with COVID-19 was bludgeoned to death by a roommate for praying.
An 82-year-old Latino man was being treated for coronavirus at the Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster in Southern California. The elderly man was sharing the hospital room with a 37-year-old man who was also diagnosed with COVID-19.
The older hospital patient "leaned on his Catholic faith and began to pray," according to The Washington Post. The BBC reported, "Jesse Martinez became upset when the 82-year-old man sharing his hospital room started praying, according to Los Angeles police."
Martinez allegedly used an oxygen tank to beat to death the elderly man in his hospital bed on Dec. 17, at approximately 9:45 a.m. The victim died the following day.
"He then struck the victim with an oxygen tank," according to the statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau.
The two men did not know each other before being assigned to the same hospital room, and authorities did not know why Martinez murdered the man for praying.
Martinez was arrested and charged with murder, a hate crime enhancement, and elder abuse. His bail is set at $1 million. He is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility. Martinez is scheduled to appear in Antelope Valley Court on Dec. 28.
The investigation is on-going.
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris (R) was " shocked and saddened" to hear about the man's death, and said in a statement, "These families were already experiencing a hardship and now this — it's senseless."


theblaze--2020-12-26--Homeless man bashes Andrew Cuomo staffer in the head with cinder block; video shows moments before b

Homeless man bashes Andrew Cuomo staffer in the head with cinder block; video shows moments before brutal attack

Homeless man bashes Andrew Cuomo staffer in the head with cinder block ; video shows moments before brutal attack The @ @ @ @ @ on Christmas Eve

In broad daylight on Christmas Eve, a homeless man reportedly used a cinder block to violently bash the head of a female staffer for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The moments before the sadistic attack were captured on a disturbing video.
Lisa Cavanaugh, a 51-year-old staffer for the New York governor, was walking on Third Avenue near East 48th Street near a construction project around 2:15 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Chilling footage, obtained by the New York Post, shows a man stalking Cavanaugh from behind. In the last frame of the video, it shows the alleged attacker pursuing Cavanaugh before hoisting the large cinder block over his head with two hands in what was purportedly the seconds before the savage drubbing.
Cavanaugh was smashed in the back of the head, and temporarily knocked unconscious. Two bystanders who witnessed the incident alerted NYPD officers. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital.
The Post reported, "The Cuomo staffer, who helps with recruitment and appointments for the governor's office, needed stitches to close the 2-inch-deep wound on her head. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries, sources said." Cavanaugh was in stable condition, according to the Daily Mail.
Cavanaugh had just left Cuomo's Manhattan office, which is six blocks away from where the barbaric attack took place, and was reportedly on her way home. Officials said the brutal assault was unprovoked.
Police identified the alleged attacker as 28-year-old Christopher Guzman, who told cops that he lives at a homeless shelter on West 35th Street in Manhattan. Guzman was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.
In the 11 months of 2020, violent crimes have surged in New York City. For the year, shootings are up a whopping 95% compared to the same time period in 2019. Homicides are also up this year, jumping 38% to last year. Burglaries are up 30% and carjackings are up 36%.
Of all of U.S. states, New York had the most people migrate to another state between July 2019 and July 2020.


theblaze--2020-12-26--Neil deGrasse Tyson claims Rudolph, Santa's red-nosed reindeer, is 'misgendered' — the backlash is s

Neil deGrasse Tyson claims Rudolph, Santa's red-nosed reindeer, is 'misgendered' — the backlash is swift

Neil deGrasse Tyson claims Rudolph , Santa 's red-nosed reindeer , is 'misgendered ' — the backlash is swift 'Yes @ @ @ @ @ thing about the story '

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson was criticized this week after claiming on Christmas Eve that Rudolph, the fictional red-nosed reindeer who leads Santa Claus's sleigh, has been "misgendered."
What did Tyson say?
According to Tyson, Rudolph cannot be a male reindeer because male reindeer lose their antlers before Christmas.
"Santa doesn't know Zoology: Both male & female Reindeer grow antlers. But all male Reindeer lose their antlers in the late fall, well-before Christmas," Tyson tweeted.
He continued, "So Santa's reindeer, which all sport antlers, are therefore all female, which means Rudolf has been misgendered."
While Santa's zoological information may be lacking, Tyson did explain that Santa's knowledge of physics seems to be adequate.
"Santa Knows Physics: Of all colors, Red light penetrates fog best. That's why Benny the Blue-nosed reindeer never got the gig," Tyson said.
What was the response?
Tyson's message triggered swift criticism, which included accusations that Tyson was "ruining things that are supposed to be fun."
"Neil deGrasse Tyson doesn't know fiction: Both male and female reindeer are earth bound creatures and don't fly at any time, not even Christmas. So Santa's reindeer, which all fly, are therefore fictional creatures which means who gives a d**n?" one person replied.
"So you're saying a magic reindeer can have a red nose that lights up but not antlers at Xmas unless it's male. Man, I'm so glad we have you science people to explain stuff like this to us," another person sarcastically responded.
"Why ruin this magic for children with your reddit-tier haha i'm so smart bulls***, this isn't funny, you aren't clever, and nobody cares, let them have this magic in their lives, you sound like an adolescent," another person said.
"hear tha tsound? Thats the sound of Dr Tyson sucking the fun out for everyone on Christmas," one person replied.
"Hey. Science dude, supposedly... they FLY. One has a luminous NOSE that navigates blizzards. They stand on rooftops. Stop trying to apply science to magic folklore. Serouosly, Just take a day off, do it for the kids," another person said.
"Yes, this is the implausible thing about the story," one person mocked.
"they also cant fly in real life. this santa guys a real fraud. thank you for always telling us the truth neil," another person mocked.
"They're magic reindeer a**hole. The normal rules don't apply. Quit trying to s*** on Christmas," one person replied.
As many other critics pointed out, Tyson's message about Rudolph doesn't make climatological sense considering that the North Pole, which is where Santa Claus is headquartered, is a tundra climate and does not experience the autumn season.


theblaze--2020-12-26--Far-left journalist among group charged in BLM firebomb attacks on police vehicles in Arkansas

A far-left journalist was among four suspects who face federal charges in relation to firebombings of police vehicles in Arkansas. The anti-police attacks happened during a Black Lives Matter protest in August.
A large group of BLM protesters gathered at the Little Rock Police Department's 12th Street Substation on Aug. 25. Rioters slashed the tires of police vehicles and threw Molotov cocktails. Authorities reviewed surveillance footage that showed two people lobbing Molotov cocktails at the fenced police parking lot.
Then on Aug. 28, an Arkansas State Police vehicle was vandalized and burned at the Arkansas State Police Headquarters in Little Rock. "One vehicle had been set on fire, one had been vandalized with spray paint, and several others had punctured tires," according to the Department of Justice.
One state trooper cruiser was spray-painted with the message: "STOP KILLING US." Investigators also discovered a detonated Molotov cocktail that was constructed from a bottle of brandy.
Three individuals were caught on surveillance video "entering the vehicle storage area wearing dark clothing and backpacks." The complaint reads, "The video shows them bending down in a motion consistent with slashing vehicle tires as well as throwing a lighted object into a police vehicle."
Federal search warrants were executed to obtain cellphone data, which showed that the suspects were in the location of Arkansas State Police Headquarters during the time of the attacks.
There was a monthslong investigation by the ATF, Arkansas State Police, North Little Rock Police Department, and Little Rock Police Department. On Dec. 17, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas announced that Brittany Dawn Jeffrey, 31, Emily Nowlin, 27, Aline Espinosa-Villegas, 24, and Renea Baek Goddard, 22, had been arrested.
Federal investigators allege that Goddard, Nowlin, and Espinosa-Villegas orchestrated the attacks and "conspired together, aided and abetted one another." The group utilized encrypted applications to communicate with each other "in an attempt to thwart law enforcement detection of the group['s] criminal activities," as reported in the Post Millennial.
Law enforcement interviewed several cooperating witnesses who alleged that the incendiary devices were assembled at Jeffrey's residence.
Jeffrey livestreamed her arrest on Facebook, according to the report.
"She at first refused to exit her car until arresting officers explained what the federal warrant was for. The video ended when police confiscated her phone. She has since been released from police custody," the report said.
Jeffrey was previously arrested on July 12 for criminal trespassing at a Black Lives Matter protest at a frozen custard restaurant, where an employee had been fired for allegedly "making racist comments in the presence of a black co-worker."
Goddard was previously arrested and charged with obstructing governmental operations while violating curfew at a BLM protest on June 2.
Goddard is a far-left journalist from Little Rock, who has contributed to KUAR Public Radio, Arkansas Public Media, and Autostraddle, a "digital publication and real life community for multiple generations of LGBTQIA+ humans" that is "run by a team of progressively feminist queer and trans folks." Her bio states she "enjoys writing commentary on issues like mass incarceration, U.S militarism, and identity politics."
Espinosa-Villegas and Nowlin were also arrested at the June 2 protest.
For the Molotov cocktail attack, suspects have been charged with malicious destruction of property belonging to an entity receiving federal funding, conspiracy to commit those acts, and possession of a destructive device.
"Today's arrests send a message that violence targeted toward law enforcement will not be tolerated," U.S. Attorney Cody Hiland said in a statement. "Breaking into a police compound and fire bombing a police vehicle with a homemade explosive device is clearly not a peaceful protest. Those who would target law enforcement with violent acts will not do so in the Eastern District of Arkansas without the full resources of the federal government being deployed to assist our state and local partners in bringing those responsible to justice. They will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."


theblaze--2020-12-26--Chilling audio played just moments before Christmas explosion in Nashville, possible human remains f

Chilling audio played just moments before Christmas explosion in Nashville, possible human remains found

Chilling audio played just moments before Christmas explosion in Nashville , possible human remains found ' ... if you can @ @ @ @ @ now '

Authorities in Nashville, Tennessee, revealed late Friday that possible human remains had been discovered near the site of the explosion that rocked Nashville early Christmas morning.
Nashville Metro Police Chief John Drake said authorities "had found tissue they believe could be connected to human remains near the site of the explosion," CBS News reported. However, law enforcement did not know whether the tissue belonged to a human, let alone an innocent victim or someone connected to the crime.
Nashville police said that officers were responding to a shots fired call early on Christmas morning when an RV parked in the heart of downtown Nashville began playing an eerie message that warned a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes.
"...if you can hear this message, evacuate now," the message said.
Police were evacuating nearby residents after calling the bomb squad when the RV exploded around 6:30 a.m.
Three people were transported to the hospital for injuries sustained by the explosion. Fortunately, they were in stable condition by Christmas evening, Mayor John Cooper (D) said.
The RV was parked near an AT&T transmissions building, which meant the blast knocked out critical infrastructure like telephone and internet communications. Investigators are probing whether the RV was strategically placed near the AT&T equipment to interrupt telecommunication services.
More from the Associated Press:
AT&T said the affected building is the central office of a telephone exchange, with network equipment in it. The blast interrupted service, but the company declined to say how widespread outages were. The AT&T outages site showed service issues in middle Tennessee and Kentucky. Several police agencies reported that their 911 systems were down because of the outage, including Knox County, home to Knoxville about 180 miles (290 kilometers) east of Nashville.
AT&T said that it was bringing in portable cell sites and was working with law enforcement to get access to make repairs to its equipment. The company noted that "power is essential to restoring" service. The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted flights out of Nashville International Airport because of telecommunications issues associated with the explosion.
The FBI is leading the investigation into the explosion.
Both President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden have been briefed about the crime.


theblaze--2020-12-28--FBI identifies Nashville bombing suspect, says he perished in the explosion

FBI identifies Nashville bombing suspect , says he perished in the explosion The FBI is still looking for a motive

Federal investigators have confirmed the identity of the man said to be responsible for the Nashville bombing, and also claimed the suspect died in the Christmas Day explosion.
"Anthony Warner is the bomber. He was present when the bomb went off, and he perished in the bombing," U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Don Cochran said during a Sunday news conference.
John Drake, chief of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, also confirmed the bomber's identity, "We can tell you Anthony Warner is the man believed to be responsible for this horrible crime."
Investigators used forensic testing to match the human remains found at the scene where the RV camper was detonated in downtown Nashville. Agents were able to collect the human tissue at the blast site and match it up with DNA samples from relatives of Anthony Quinn Warner.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol confirmed the RV's VIN was registered to Warner, a resident of Antioch, Tennessee. Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in a raid of Warner's home in the suburb of Nashville on Saturday.
FBI agents visited the Fridrich & Clark Realty's Green Hills office on Saturday evening, which is where Warner previously worked, FBI Special Agent Jason Pack told The Tennessean. Owner Steve Fridrich said Warner was hired four or five years ago as a contract laborer for computer consulting for the company, but he quit this month via email.
"He didn't have a computer or office here. If a computer went down he would fix it or if we got a new one in he'd put it together for us," Fridrich said. "He'd come by once a month to the office to do work. But there were also months we went without seeing him. He also worked for other companies doing computer work."
Officials believe that Warner, 63, was the lone perpetrator of the bombing near the AT&T transmission hub based on hours of surveillance footage. Douglas Korneski, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Memphis field office, said there was no indication that anyone else was involved in the attack and that there are no further threats to the public.
Authorities believe the RV was parked in front of an AT&T building at 1:22 a.m. on Friday, but were not certain if the telecommunications company was the target of the explosion. FBI is investigating if Warner was paranoid of 5G technology, and if that was a possible motive in the bombing.
Korneski said his team is "are aware of certain things online and we're looking at every possible motive."
The RV played an eerie message warning that a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes, and blared the 1964 song "Downtown" by Petula Clark song early Christmas morning.
Warner had been rumored as a "person of interest" on Saturday in several media reports.
"These answers won't come quickly and will still require a lot of our team's effort," Korneski said. "None of those answers will ever be enough for those who have been affected by this event. We still have work to do."
The FBI said Warner wasn't on the radar of any law enforcement agencies before Friday morning's explosion.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with any information about Warner to utilize the FBI's tipline.
"I cannot truly describe all the hard work that has gone into this investigation since Friday's explosion," Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake declared. "Nashville is considered safe."


theblaze--2020-12-28--Fauci doubles down after being confronted over startling admission that he deceived the public about

Fauci doubles down after being confronted over startling admission that he deceived the public about herd immunity 'Then , when @ @ @ @ @ or more would take it , I thought , `` I can nudge this up @ @ @ @ @ I went to 80 , 85 '

Dr. Anthony Fauci is defending startling comments he made last week in which he admitted he was not completely honest about the number of Americans who needed to get the coronavirus vaccine before the American population can achieve so-called herd immunity.
Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a key member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
What's the background?
Fauci admitted in an interview with the New York Times that he moved the goal posts on herd immunity percentages partly based on public polling data to covertly encourage more Americans to get vaccinated.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Fauci stated publicly that 60% to 70% of the American public would need to be inoculated with a vaccine to achieve herd immunity. But Fauci slightly increased his percentages as the pandemic raged on, suggesting in his interview with the Times that achieving herd immunity would require 90% of the American public to receive the vaccine.
The Times reported:
In a telephone interview the next day, Dr. Fauci acknowledged that he had slowly but deliberately been moving the goal posts. He is doing so, he said, partly based on new science, and partly on his gut feeling that the country is finally ready to hear what he really thinks.
"When polls said only about half of all Americans would take a vaccine, I was saying herd immunity would take 70 to 75 percent," Fauci told the Times. "Then, when newer surveys said 60 percent or more would take it, I thought, ʻI can nudge this up a bit,' so I went to 80, 85."
"We need to have some humility here," he added. "We really don't know what the real number is. I think the real range is somewhere between 70 to 90 percent. But, I'm not going to say 90 percent."
What did Fauci say on Sunday?
Speaking on CNN's "State of the Union," Fauci denied that he was not being straight with the American people.
"The reason I first started saying 70, 75, I brought it up to 85 -- that's not a big leap to go from 75 to 85 -- it was really based on calculations and pure extrapolations from measles," Fauci said. "Measles is about 98 percent effective vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is about 94, 95 percent."
"When you get below 90 percent of the population vaccinated with measles, you start seeing a breakthrough against the herd immunity," he continued. "So, I made a calculation that COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is not as nearly as transmissible as measles. Measles is the most transmissible infection you can imagine. So, I would imagine that you would need something a little bit less than the 90 percent. That's where I got to the 85."
When show host Dana Bash confronted Fauci over his admission that public polling played into his public statements, he initially denied that — then admitted that polling did contribute "a bit."
"I want to encourage the people of the United States and globally to get vaccinated, because, as many as we possibly get vaccinated, we will get closer to herd immunity. So, the bottom line is, it's a guesstimate," Fauci said.


theblaze--2020-12-27--7-year-old boy went back into raging house fire to rescue baby sister: 'I didn't want my sister to d

7-year-old boy went back into raging house fire to rescue baby sister: 'I didn't want my sister to die'

7-year-old boy went back into raging house fire to rescue baby sister : ' I did n't want my sister @ @ @ @ @ up and I know it was God , ' the mother said

A family lost their home during the holiday season, but thanks to brave 7-year-old Eli, they didn't lose something even more precious — the family's youngest member.
Dec. 8 was like any other night. Chris and Nicole Davidson fed their three children dinner and tucked them into bed by 8:30 p.m. However, the Davidsons were awakened in the middle of the night to the smell of smoke in their home in New Tazewell, Tennessee.
"And about 11:30 someone woke me up and I know it was God," Nicole told WLTV-TV.
Nicole said Chris, who is a former fireman, "grabbed the fire extinguisher trying to buy me time to get the kids, and I grabbed the boys because they were closest to the fire."
They ran outside, but their 22-month-old daughter was still inside the burning home.
Nicole Davidson said the living room was engulfed by the inferno and prevented her from accessing the bedroom where her 22-month-old daughter was sleeping.
"The scariest moment of my life was when I couldn't get her," Nicole said.
"The smoke and fire was so thick there was no way I could get to her," Chris told CNN. "We went outside to get to her from the window, but there was nothing for me to stand on to reach up there."
Young Eli reminisced about saving his sister in the dire situation, "Dad busted the window and then I said, 'I can't do it,' like two times, and then I said, 'I got her dad'. And when we went down there I said, 'I was scared but I didn't want my sister to die."
Chris said he "picked up Eli, who went through the window and was able to grab her from her crib."
"We couldn't be more proud of Eli," Chris Davidson said. "He did something a grown man wouldn't do."
While the baby was rescued, the Davidsons' home couldn't be saved from the devastating fire. There were 20 firefighters on the scene battling the blaze, but New Tazewell Fire Chief Josh Miracle said, "nothing was left."
The Davidsons have fostered 34 children, including Eli, and adopted two others. But now they don't have a roof over their heads.
"We lost everything that we have ever had," Chris Davidson said. "Our entire lives were in that home. Our three cars were also damaged in the fire."
"It's devastating. We have nothing," he said. "You have never been as humble as you are when you don't even have your own underwear to wear."
A GoFundMe account was launched to help the family financially and has raised over $270,000.
Nicole thanked those who gave donations to the family.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I could never repay anyone for their kindness that they've shown my family," she said. "Please know that it will always be with me, it's not something you forget about. I am beyond grateful."
Nicole told an anecdote about Eli's newfound fame, "I read several of the comments to him, and his reply to me this morning was 'Mom I'm gonna be famous.' I still don't think at his age he grasps what he has done and how phenomenal that is."


theblaze--2020-12-27--Kamala Harris gets blasted for 'most epic pandering' over Kwanzaa celebration video

Kamala Harris gets blasted for 'most epic pandering ' over Kwanzaa celebration video 'She was born in 1964..Kwanzaa was created @ @ @

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was accused of political pandering over the weekend after posting a video celebrating Kwanzaa.
What did Harris say?
In her video, Harris claimed that she grew up celebrating Kwanzaa. In fact, Harris, said that "multiple generations" of her family celebrated Kwanzaa, an African holiday that was first celebrated in 1966.
Harris said:
You know, my sister and I, we grew up celebrating Kwanzaa. Every year our family would – and our extended family, we would gather around, across multiple generations, and we'd tell stories. The kids would sit on the carpet and the elders would sit on chairs, and we would light the candles, and of course afterwards have a beautiful meal. And, of course, there was always the discussion of the seven principles. And my favorite, I have to tell you, was always the one about self-determination, kujichagulia.
And, you know, essentially it's about be and do. Be the person you want to be and do the things you want to do and do the things that need to be done. It's about not letting anyone write our future for us, but instead going out and writing it for ourselves. And that principle motivates me today, as we seek to confront the challenges facing our country and to build a brighter future for all Americans. So, to everyone who is celebrating, Happy Kwanzaa from our family to yours.
Happy Kwanzaa from Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff www.youtube.com
What was the response?
The video generated a significant reaction on social media, where Harris was accused of the "most epic pandering."
The criticism centered on several key details about Harris' background, including the fact that Harris was born in 1964 before Kwanzaa existed, the fact that neither of Harris' parents are African — she is the daughter of a Jamaican-born father and an Indian-born mother — and the fact that Harris spent a significant portion of her childhood in Canada.


theblaze--2020-12-27--Nashville explosion: Hero cop praises divine intervention for saving his life: 'I heard God tell me

Nashville explosion: Hero cop praises divine intervention for saving his life: 'I heard God tell me to turn around'

Nashville explosion : Hero cop praises divine intervention for saving his life : ' I heard God tell me to @ @ @ @ @ what got me to see my kids and my wife on Christmas , '' a @ @ @ @

A hero cop is praising divine intervention for saving his life by shepherding him away from the powerful Nashville explosion.
Metro Nashville police officer James Wells is one of the six cops being heralded as heroes for putting their lives in danger to warn people to evacuate the area near a suspicious RV camper. Wells and fellow Metro Nashville police officer Amanda Topping were both at the end of their shifts on Christmas morning when fellow cop Tyler Luellen called in for back up to a report of "shots fired."
The officers discovered the RV that blared British singer Petula Clark's 1964 chart-topping song "Downtown." The recreational vehicle also played a chilling audio message that notified people that the camper was going to blow up in 15 minutes, "If you can hear this message, evacuate now."
During a Sunday press conference, Wells explained how he was walking toward the doomed RV camper, but then received a message from God.
"This might not be politically correct, but this is my truth," Wells said as he fought back the tears. "I literally heard God tell me to turn around and go check on Topping, who was by herself down on Broadway."
As he was walking away from the RV around 6:30 a.m. on Christmas morning, the bomb detonated in the vehicle — causing him to lose his footing and suffer temporary hearing loss from the massive blast.
"I just tell myself to stay on your feet, stay alive," Wells said as he got emotional while reliving the terrifying situation. "And I just take off in a full-out sprint. And I'm running toward Topping and make sure she's okay. And we kind of meet in the middle and we just grab each other."
Topping said the explosion was "the biggest flames" she had ever seen in her life, as reported in WCSC-TV.
"I don't know how I kept my footing but...I couldn't see him for a second, I just lost it and I just took off in a sprint towards him," Topping said. "And, like he said, I've never grabbed somebody so hard in my life."
Wells, who describes himself as a "spiritual" person, said his faith is what safely returned him to his family on Christmas.
"I'm not gonna shy away from that because that's what saved my life," Wells said. "And 'good to see you' has a completely different meaning for me now."
Nashville Explosion Updates
The explosion, which has been called an "intentional act" by authorities, wiped out telecommunications services as it damaged 41 buildings, including an AT&T hub.
Several news outlets, including CBS News and Fox News, have named Anthony Quinn Warner, a Nashville area resident, as a "person of interest" in the explosion.
The FBI is investigating the possibility that Warner was paranoid about 5G technology spying on Americans, and a possible motive for the potential bombing near the AT&T transmission station.
Several law enforcement agencies raided the homes of Warner in nearby residential Antioch on Saturday.
Davidson County records show the 63-year-old Warner deeded his Tennessee properties to a Los Angeles woman on Nov. 25, according to WBIR-TV. Michelle L. Swing, a University of Tennessee graduate, told the Daily Mail that she had no idea that she was gifted the properties worth $409,000.
"In the state of Tennessee you can deed property to someone else without their consent or their signature or anything," Swing said. "I didn't even buy the house he just deeded it over to me without my knowledge. So this all very weird to me, that's about all I can say."


theblaze--2020-12-27--Biden attacks Trump for not signing COVID relief, gov't funding bill: 'Abdication of responsibility'

Biden attacks Trump for not signing COVID relief , gov't funding bill : 'Abdication of responsibility' Trump is asking for @ @ @ @ @ government waste

President-elect Joe Biden took aim at President Donald Trump over the weekend for not yet signing the $2.3 trillion bill passed by Congress that combines government funding and coronavirus relief.
What did Biden say?
"It is the day after Christmas, and millions of families don't know if they'll be able to make ends meet because of President Donald Trump's refusal to sign an economic relief bill approved by Congress with an overwhelming and bipartisan majority," Biden said in a statement.
"This abdication of responsibility has devastating consequences," Biden continued, adding:
Today, about 10 million Americans will lose unemployment insurance benefits. In just a few days, government funding will expire, putting vital services and paychecks for military personnel at risk. In less than a week, a moratorium on evictions expires, putting millions at risk of being forced from their homes over the holidays. Delay means more small businesses won't survive this dark winter because they lack access to the lifeline they need, and Americans face further delays in getting the direct payments they deserve as quickly as possible to help deal with the economic devastation caused by COVID-19.
Why hasn't Trump signed the bill?
One day after bipartisan negotiations resulted in Congress passing the bill, Trump announced on Tuesday that he would not sign it, calling the bill a "disgrace" because lawmakers stuffed it with "wasteful spending" that "has almost nothing to do with COVID."
"Despite all of this wasteful spending and much more, the $900 billion package provides hardworking taxpayers with only $600 each in relief payments, and not enough money is given to small businesses and, in particular, restaurants — whose owners have suffered so grievously — they were only given a deduction for others to use," Trump said.
"Congress found plenty of money for foreign countries, lobbyists, and special interests, while sending the bare minimum to the American people who need it," he continued.
Instead of $600 stimulus payments to Americans, Trump demanded $2,000 payments.
"I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2,000, or $4,000 for a couple," Trump said. "I am also asking Congress to immediately get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation and to send me a suitable bill or else the next administration will have to deliver a COVID relief package — and maybe that administration will be me. And we will get it done."
However, Trump was even criticized by Republican Sen. Pat Toomey (Pa.) on Sunday, who said Trump should sign the bill.
"Look, if it were just a freestanding government funding bill, I would almost certainly be voting against that," Toomey said on "Fox News Sunday."
"But I think the COVID relief measures are really, really important," Toomey added. "And, you know, in my state, as in many other states, we have governors who are closing down businesses again. People are out of work, certainly through no fault of their own."


theblaze--2020-12-27--Armed man tries to rob Chicago cell phone store — gun owner with concealed carry ends him

An armed robber expected to walk into a cellphone store in Chicago and saunter off with wads of cold hard cash and merchandise, but little did he know there was also a gun owner ready to protect himself and others.
An armed man reportedly attempted to rob a Metro by T-Mobile cellphone store in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood around 7 p.m. Saturday. During the intense robbery, a 29-year-old gun owner with a concealed carry permit allegedly opened fire on the thief. The would-be robber was struck with at least two gunshots in the chest and abdomen, according to a news report by WFLD-TV.
The suspect was transported to the local Stroger Hospital in critical condition, but was later pronounced dead.
It was not immediately known if the legal gun owner was the business owner, an employee, or a concerned customer. The shooter did possess a valid Concealed Carry License and Firearm Owner's Identification Card. Police confiscated both firearms from the parties involved in the attempted robbery, according to the news report.
The incident remains under investigation by detectives.
This is just the latest example of a bad guy with a gun receiving their comeuppance from a good guy with a gun.


theblaze--2020-12-27--Top New York Democrat fires warning shot at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over rumors she will run for Se

Top New York Democrat fires warning shot at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over rumors she will run for Senate Rumors are swirling @ @ @ @ @ Chuck Schumer in the 2022 Democratic primary

Just days after the 2020 election, Democrats operatives began suggesting that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) should challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in the 2022 Democratic primary.
However, a top New York Democrat is already warning Ocasio-Cortez from launching such a challenge.
What are the details?
Jay Jacobs, chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee, told the New York Post on Saturday that Ocasio-Cortez should slam the brakes on any idea of challenging Schumer for his seat.
"I think it would be a primary driven by ambition more than by need," Jacobs told the Post.
In fact, Jacobs predicted that Ocasio-Cortez would "absolutely" lose a head-to-head battle against Schumer.
"Chuck Schumer has been a progressive force in the state for decades," he explained. "She has a constituency that admires her and supports her, and they're in her community, and I think it would be a loss for them if she were to do that."
What has AOC said?
When asked about her political aspirations in October, Ocasio-Cortez told Vanity Fair that she does not plan to remain in the House.
"I don't know if I'm really going to be staying in the House forever," she said. "I don't see myself really staying where I'm at for the rest of my life."
Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez told The Intercept earlier in December that the Democratic Party needs new leadership in Congress, a direct shot at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Schumer.
Pelosi has served in Congress for more than three decades, and Schumer has been in Congress for four decades this January. They have spent a combined three decades in Democratic congressional leadership.
Anything else?
While progressives would love to see Ocasio-Cortez advance their agenda in the Senate, the Democratic Party has become increasingly outspoken against Ocasio-Cortez's brand of far-left politics.
After the 2020 election, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), a moderate Democrat, blasted far-left politics, attributing the progressive agenda, which includes items like "defund the police," to Democrats' election losses.
"We need to be pretty clear," Spanberger reportedly said. "It was a failure. It was not a success. We lost incredible members of Congress."
"We have to commit to not saying the words 'defund the police' ever again," she said. "We need to not ever use the words socialist or socialism ever again."
"If we run this race again we will get f***ing torn apart again in 2022," Spanberger predicted.
House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) agreed, saying that if Democrats "are going to run on Medicare for All, defund the police, socialized medicine, we're not going to win" future elections.
Meanwhile, House Democrats recently snubbed Ocasio-Cortez from a seat on the prized House Energy and Commerce Committee, which would have allowed her to promote her health care and climate policy goals. Democrats chose Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.), a moderate Democrat, for the seat instead.