King of sparta

May 7, 2007 was among the most memorable days of my life — the day I met Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip , the Duke of Edinburgh. With the duke’s passing on Friday at age 99, the world lost an iconic figure — a constant for nearly a century. So, too, we lost a connection to another era and a leading example of the lessons of the “Greatest Generation,” the merits of duty and honor. In the early 2000s, I advised the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on U.K. affairs and founded the Congressional United Kingdom Caucus. In connection with these duties, I was thrilled to receive an invitation to the British Embassy Garden Party in honor of the royal couple’s 2007 State Visit . Like other attendees, I was awestruck to meet this pair, but the duke broke the ice by asking, “Young man, what is your affiliation here today?” I replied, “Sir, I founded a congressional group called the United Kingdom Caucus.” With the timing of a great comedian, Prince Philip shot back, … [Read more...] about Prince Philip exemplified a greater generation of service and duty

AMERICUS, Ga. — At first, many schools announced it would last only a couple weeks. A year later, the unplanned experiment with remote learning continues for thousands of students who have yet to set foot back in classrooms. Comfortable homes and private tutors have made it easier for those with access. Expectations are higher at some schools than others. And growing numbers of students are being offered in-person instruction at least part time. But students of all backgrounds have faced struggles with technology, the distractions of home life, and social isolation. The Associated Press followed four students on a typical day to find out how they’re coping a year into the coronavirus pandemic. It’s not quite 9 a.m. and Kristen King is on her living room couch, a Chromebook propped on a TV tray. “It’s been challenging,” says the 17-year-old junior at Americus-Sumter High School in Georgia. “I like hands-on help from my teachers. We can’t really see our friends, like our … [Read more...] about “It’s exhausting.” A year of remote learning wears thin

March 22 will forever be seared into Boulder’s collective memory as the day 10 community members were killed by a gunman at the King Soopers in south Boulder. Now, with approval from Boulder City Council, the day will be known as the Boulder Day of Remembrance. Mayor Sam Weaver in the Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday read a declaration naming it such. “It has been said that there are three deaths: The first is when the body ceases to function. The second is when the body is returned to the earth. And the third is that moment, sometime in the future, when the person’s name is spoken for the very last time,” the declaration reads. By naming March 22 the Boulder Day of Remembrance, the city hopes that the third death will never happen, that every year the community will pause and remember the 10 people who died: Denny Stong, Neven Stanisic, Rikki Olds, Tralona Bartkowiak, Teri Leiker, Officer Eric Talley, Suzanne Fountain, Kevin Mahoney, Lynn Murray and Jody Waters. “As … [Read more...] about March 22 named Boulder Day of Remembrance