San Antonio artists describe the world ‘All Around Us’ in new children’s book By Steve Bennett November 17, 2017 Updated: November 17, 2017 5:48pm Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 1of/4 CaptionClose Image 1 of 4 San Antonio artist Adriana M. Garcia and writer Xelena Gonzalez teamed up to write “All Around Us,” a children’s book about Native American and Mexican American culture. San Antonio artist Adriana M. Garcia and writer Xelena Gonzalez teamed up to write “All Around Us,” a children’s book about Native American and Mexican American culture. Photo: Courtesy Photo Image 2 of 4 “All Around Us” is a children’s book dealing with mestizo culture by the San Antonio creative team of writer Xelena Gonzalez and artist Adriana Garcia. “All Around Us” is a … [Read more...] about San Antonio artists describe the world ‘All Around Us’ in new children’s book
Us
Carolyn Hax: Mom is very negative — but wants us all together for the holidays
(Click here if you are having trouble viewing the video on your mobile device.) DEAR CAROLYN: I come from a large family, and my mother cares very much about having us all together for the holidays. My siblings and I and our partners and children usually make it happen, and we have fun together. The problem is that my mom is a constant negative force during and/or after nearly every interaction. She has driven relatives to tears with personal attacks, and she constantly criticizes our parenting decisions and warns our children about possible dangers. I don’t feel comfortable leaving her out of gatherings, but our children are starting to think of her as a negative person. I also worry her ways are rubbing off on the grandchildren, when they seek to place blame on others. Attempts to broach the topic make things worse because she turns the tables on the speaker publicly and finds flaws with that person. Any ideas? She is this way in smaller gatherings, too, but less so. Fighting … [Read more...] about Carolyn Hax: Mom is very negative — but wants us all together for the holidays
Letter: The US has lost credibility on the global stage
By unanimous decision, the UN General Assembly has voted in favor of a resolution calling for the US to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. One hundred and twenty-eight countries chose the moral high ground instead of subjugating themselves to President Donald Trump’s threat to cut off their financial aid. Yet another example of US and Israel bullying its way through the Middle East. As Trump has said, ”It reflects the conditions on the ground,” i.e. the United States has never been an honest broker in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By our unquestioning support of Israel’s brutal suppression of the Palestinians, we have lost credibility on the international stage as a champion of human rights. Shameful. Forrest J. Cioppa Moraga Submit your letter to the editor via this formLetters to the Editor … [Read more...] about Letter: The US has lost credibility on the global stage
Hard conversations let us listen and connect
0 View Comments Can I tell you a story? Once upon a time..Hmm, that won't work. This is no fairytale. Back in mid-September I was driving in downtown Colorado Springs. I looked across the street and then I saw quite the sight. I stopped my car and stared. In fact, some angry driver behind me honked his horn as a signal for me to move. So I found a parking space and walked back a full block to stand in awe (or was it horror?) of this sight. It was a Confederate flag. The flag was on a pole. The pole was attached to a truck. In fact, the truck - a Ford 4x4 - had two poles. On one pole flew Old Glory. On the other pole flew the Confederate stars.Being my wild self, I broke out my phone and took pictures. I reached for a good angle that included both flags. All of a sudden the door opened and a man climbed out of the vehicle. First thing I noticed about the man was that he was armed. You know - strapped! The gun was visible on a shoulder holster. I gathered my courage and asked the … [Read more...] about Hard conversations let us listen and connect
US to send anti-tank missiles, other lethal weapons to Ukraine
0 View Comments WASHINGTON — Ukraine will soon have more lethal American-made weapons to help it fight Russian-backed separatists. U.S. officials said Friday that the Trump administration approved a plan to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine, in a long-awaited move that deepens America's involvement in the military conflict and may further strain relations with Russia. The new arms include American-made Javelin anti-tank missiles that Ukraine has long sought to boost its defenses against Russian-backed separatists armed with tanks that have rolled through eastern Ukraine during violence that has killed more than 10,000 since 2014. Previously, the U.S. has provided Ukraine with support equipment and training, and has let private companies sell some small arms like rifles. The officials describing the plan weren't authorized to discuss it publicly and demanded anonymity. The move is likely to become another sore point between Washington and Moscow, as President Donald Trump … [Read more...] about US to send anti-tank missiles, other lethal weapons to Ukraine
EDITORIAL: Tax bill could help us all
"We the people" will receive the most substantial tax cut since 1986, when President Ronald Reagan signed a bill that unleashed one of history's longest and most broad-based economic expansions. Holiday gifts cannot get better than the tax bill the House and Senate will finalize this week, assuming assurances by the majority in Congress and President Donald Trump play out. "On February 1st, look at your paychecks," said Rep. Kevin Brady, a Texas Republican and chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. "You'll see the tax relief we delivered today. And on April 15 you will, for the last time, file your taxes under this horrible, terrible tax code that we're putting behind us." Speaker of the House Paul Ryan declared "we're giving the people their money back." Ryan promised the typical family making the median household income will get $2,059 in tax relief next year alone. "For all those millions of men and women in America who are living paycheck to paycheck, who are struggling … [Read more...] about EDITORIAL: Tax bill could help us all
Women who inspired us in 2017
Women who inspired us in 2017In the perfect, poignant words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”The gallery below features 10 women (nine women and one girl, actually) that Balancing Act columnist Heidi Stevens met in 2017 who are inspiring beyond measure. Below that, read womens' responses to questions about what 2017 meant for women and what they predict 2018 will bring.After the Women’s March kicked off 2017, so many wondered, “What next?” Since then, women in the U.S. and around the globe have made great strides. From politics to sports, we've rounded up 17 moments women persisted in 2017. Read the full list here.The Chicago Tribune asked women activists, organizers and politicians two questions: What moved or shaped you the most this year? and What's next for women in 2018?Shannon M. Shepherd, Chicago immigration attorney: I … [Read more...] about Women who inspired us in 2017
Whicker: Those who left us in 2017
By Mark Whicker | [email protected] | Daily NewsDecember 27, 2017 at 7:08 pm They left us in 2017: DON BAYLOR, 68: The Angels’ first Most Valuable Player drove in 139 runs in 1979. Baylor went on to manage Colorado to its first postseason appearance in only its third season of existence. He went to World Series three consecutive years with three different teams and ended his career with 2,135 hits and 338 home runs. He held “kangaroo courts” in the clubhouse to hold teammates accountable and was known for his intense clubhouse presence. “Like no man I ever knew, he had an aura about him.” – Walt Weiss DICK ENBERG, 82: Enberg entered the basketball, football and baseball Halls of Fame and won 13 Emmy Awards for his enthusiastic, reliable broadcasting. Enberg was the voice of John Wooden’s glory years, Nolan Ryan’s no-hitters and Deacon Jones’ sacks, and was also known for his Wimbledon broadcasts and for narrating the Michigan … [Read more...] about Whicker: Those who left us in 2017
Retail gasoline prices in Texas, US increase this week
Retail gasoline prices in Texas, US increase this week December 28, 2017 Updated: December 28, 2017 9:10am COPPELL, Texas (AP) — A greater demand for gasoline during the busy holiday travel season has contributed to an increase this week in retail gas prices in Texas and the rest of the country. AAA Texas on Thursday reported the average price at the pump statewide increased by 4 cents to $2.21 per gallon. The Laredo area saw the largest jump, with regular unleaded prices jumping by an average of 15 cents per gallon. The average national retail price increased by 3 cents to $2.46 per gallon. Of the major metro regions in Texas, drivers in San Antonio are paying the least at $2.11 a gallon, while motorists in Midland are paying the most at $2.50. Alabama is home to the nation's lowest prices while Texas ranks among the top five. Texas Comebacks and surprises highlight best games of 2017 Activists to copy Illinois 'gay panic defense' ban elsewhere … [Read more...] about Retail gasoline prices in Texas, US increase this week
The Abyss Between Russian and US Media Just Got Wider
The US Department of Justice (and the mainstream US media following its lead) gave a royal gift to the “ideological hawks” in the Kremlin, one that even the boldest propagandists dared not dream of. The Russian television channels Russia Today (RT) and Sputnik have been forced to register as “foreign agents”; the stormy (and completely unsurprising) reactions have escalated the information wars, whose consequences are difficult to predict.Russian lawmakers reacted to the DOJ’s decision emotionally and quickly: In just a few days, amendments were passed without discussion on the media law, adding paragraphs on foreign media and “foreign structures distributing information.” The law regulating non-commercial organizations can now impose on them the status of a foreign agent. “This is a very broad formulation,” says Galina Arapova, director of the Mass Media Defence Centre, media lawyer, and member of the board of Article 19. “It … [Read more...] about The Abyss Between Russian and US Media Just Got Wider