Christmas Tipjar

Every year, I give a little something to Christmas-themed charities. This year I am hurting the same as everyone else. It seems I am credit-rich, but cash-poor. I am tightening my belt as I type.

Yet, I still found a few pennies to send to one of my favourite organisations, Toys for Tots, run by the Marine Reserves to give toys to underprivileged children every Christmas.

Should you be able to spare some dosh, and believe me, I know it's hard, it's not too late. Help to put a smile unto some kid's face on Christmas Day!

CLICK HERE FOR DONATION

Oh, incidentally, did you read this?

This holiday season is a time to examine who’s been naughty and who’s been nice, but I’m unhappy with my findings. The problem is this: We liberals are personally stingy.

Liberals show tremendous compassion in pushing for generous government spending to help the neediest people at home and abroad. Yet when it comes to individual contributions to charitable causes, liberals are cheapskates.

Arthur Brooks, the author of a book on donors to charity, “Who Really Cares,” cites data that households headed by conservatives give 30 percent more to charity than households headed by liberals. A study by Google found an even greater disproportion: average annual contributions reported by conservatives were almost double those of liberals.

It doesn't have to be Toys for Tots, or a Catholic-based charity like I also donate moneys to at Christmas. Choose which ever one you want.

Charity shouldn't be a question of political inclination. It's just a question of doing the right thing. So, pace Spike Lee and Governor Huckabee, do the right thing.

Another Kind Of All-Star Game

Americans are currently enthralled by the two-day phenomenon that is the MLB All-Star Game. It's taking place in Yankee Stadium, the hallowed ground's last hurrah.

However, yesterday 14 July also counted with another kind of All-Star game, in nearby Briarcliff Manor, New York, at the Trump National Golf Club.

The 2008 Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation Golf Classic.

Some of the list included ex-President Bill Clinton, ex-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, current NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, perennial Yankees fan Billy Crystal, and of course the course's owner, Donald Trump.

Here is a reunion photo showing this high-octane lineup, doing their bit for charity.



The thing that most struck me is that President Clinton, who once looked fantasticly slimmed-down after heart surgery...is back to being quite paunchy.



Who can't recall him in those Daisy Duke shorts of his, "jogging"...often to McDonalds. His pasty white legs make their appearance again here, and those ankle socks just aren't helping.



I used to play golf, and though I'm probably not as good as any of these guys, I know a bad swing when I see one. Slice...



Much better, your Honour!



Catty remarks aside, it's really good to see Yankees living legend, Yogi Berra. Not sure if he played, but that he leant his old buddy, Joe Torre, his support by his presence is joy enough.



IN THE COMMENTS: Ruth Anne is beginning to see Ann Althouse's point about men in shorts:

I'm beginning to side with Althouse on the [generally] anti men-in-shorts position. This might fall within her sports/weather exception, but dang. Just dang.

For the record, I myself have no problems with guys in shorts. I actually think Mayor Bloomberg looks rather good in them, and I've seen him off the course too.

The problem is Bill's taste in shorts, and his refusal to realise how god-awful he looks in them. He's like that ugly girl everyone knew in High School, who somehow thought she was hot stuff.