British actress Emma Thompson once called her home country a “cake-filled misery-laden gray old island.” That playful characterization, conforming to every stereotype of the U.K., has gotten a harder edge in the past year as a Brexit Britain mentality takes hold and metaphorical gates close with only the promise of a lucrative jam industry and the obviously empty promise of empire to warm those sunless days.
'I never saw my mom's face, but...'
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do."
-- Pele
By Alex P. Vidal
FAIRFAX, Virginia -- Polly Binuag was teenager when recruited to work as babysitter in the orphanage of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in Manila.
In 1989 or after 14 years of taking care of new-born babies and up to six-year old tots, Sister Marietta, the orphanage superior, sent Polly to Michigan, USA to work for the family of one Dr. Jamora, the nun's brother.
GOP Senators Far From United on Health Care
Let the healing begin. After the Senate bill to replace Obamacare was unveiled Thursday, Sen. Ted Cruz doubted “it has the votes to pass.” He’s joined four colleagues opposing the current language, including Sen. Rand Paul, who complained it’s like “keeping Obamacare.”
THE FESTIVAL IN A WATERFALL ONLY LOCALS KNOW ABOUT
Under a canopy of trees, it’s a magical moment. A DJ booth, lit from below with a heavenly soft glow, vibrates on a platform in the middle of a cascading waterfall. The turntables are surrounded by a pool, accessible by a natural row of stepping stones. And on the shores, blissed-out listeners, either sitting or dancing, are mesmerized by this otherworldly experience.
If Voters Won’t Help Democrats, There’s Always Russia
They’re back to square one. Democrats failed to chip away support from President Donald Trump and the GOP Congress in Tuesday’s special election in Georgia, falling four points short of victory.
HOW THE 'LIQUID CHEF' MIXES LA'S BEST COCKTAILS
Matt Seigel
Los Angeles
I like to be one of the first people in the building when I’m running a bar. Part of that is my work ethic and part is I just like the time to be alone with my own thoughts. Even if all I’m doing is restocking bottles and glassware, it’s about getting the place spotless and perfect by the time the first guests arrive.
The Curious Decline of Neoliberal Britain
They’re letting laissez-faire be. As anger over growing inequality in the U.K. begins to move voters, a struggling Conservative Party appears to be shedding the small-government, free-market ethos popularized during the Margaret Thatcher era. With its confusing “neoliberal” label, the philosophy that helped privatize British railroads and other government services now seems a liability.