This is the time of year when we think about what Roman Catholics refer to as the "Holy Family." The exact composition of that family is a matter of some dispute, as we will see, but at this time of the year we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ to Mary. Now Mary and Joseph …
The Budget Deal That Really Doesn't Matter
They think it does: “I am very proud to stand here today with Chairman Ryan to say that we have broken through the gridlock,” said Murray, calling the agreement “an important step in helping to heal some of the wounds here in Congress and show we can do something without another crisis around the corner.” …
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You Can Let 'Em Play with Elves, Just Watch for the Pickup Game
Emily Brown Stone lets her kids play with elves at Christmastime (and presumably the rest of the year): One of the great debates around Christmas time for Christians is whether or not to encourage or allow the belief in Santa Clause. I have friends and family on both sides of this debate so I want …
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My Advice for a PhD Topic
One of my colleagues at the SimCenter: National Center for Computational Engineering threw out the question of what PhD topic to choose. My response was as follows (he's from Iran, thus my reference to the 1979 Revolution): The ideal of the PhD topic--which has been held in front of me ever since undergraduate days before …
Going Underground With Electrics, the Palm Beach Way
Like everyone else, it's slow: Deputy Town Manager Tom Bradford brightened Tuesday’s meeting of the Town Council’s Ordinances, Rules and Standards Committee with news that North End residents have inundated the town with requests to have power, cable and phone lines buried on their respective streets. Their interest appears to have been sparked by two …
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FoxNews "War on Advent" Isn't New
Some people will write anything to fill up server space: With FOX News seeking to expose those who refuse to say "Merry Christmas" as secular collaborators to the War on Christmas, I confess that I am confused. FOX holds itself up as the network that stands by traditional values defending America and faith from heresies …
What Happens When You Want a King
You get one and all of the servitude that goes with it: Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. …
Will The Chinese Repay the Favour on Height Restrictions?
Washington, like old Beijing, has height restrictions on its buildings: An increase in the supply of leasable square footage in the district would solve the problem. But D.C. real-estate developers are constrained by a 113-year-old federal law, the Height of Buildings Act of 1910, under which no city building can be taller than the width …
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My Problem With Catholic Social Teaching
Pope Francis' time as Pontiff has been one of misunderstanding, i.e., he says something and everyone takes his words out of context. His latest apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium is no exception to that. This time, however, instead of the usual left-wing leaping to conclusions, the opposite side has gotten into the act based on some …
The Daniel Fast: It's a Diet After All
An interesting analysis of one of Evangelical Christianity's more popular trends: Motivated by both faith and fitness, today many protestant Christians around the country are, like Daniel, occasionally limiting themselves to fruits and vegetables for 21-day increments. Several such believers told The Atlantic that while their intention for the initial fast was simply to enter …
Positive Infinity 