Mark Stuart ELLISON
I have worked as a lawyer, reporter, and freelance writer. My award-winning first novel, Dear Mom, Dad & Ethel: World War II through the Eyes of a Radio Man, was published in 2004 and reissued in 2006. Please visit me at http://www.momdadandethel.com.
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Displaying Results 1 - 84 (of 84) for Yahoo! Voices
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Newt Gingrich and Wolf Blitzer: Barking at the MoonThe January 26, 2012 Republican presidential debate questioning opened with a distracting squabble between Newt Gingrich and CNN moderator Wolf Blitzer, making both men look foolish.
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Newt Gingrich: The Most Dangerous Man on EarthThe victory of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich in the South Carolina Republican primary threatens to make him the most dangerous man on Earth.`
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Bin Laden. Been Dead. AmenOne day Col. Shaw told my class: "I think the good Lord will forgive me for rejoicing in the death of another human being. In 1953 something absolutely delightful happened: Stalin died." My sentiments exactly regarding the death of Osama bin Laden. -
An Open Letter to Judge Paul G. Feinman on Nager V. Teachers' Retirement SystemIncreased pension benefits are scheduled be paid to class members in Nager v. Teacher's Retirement System beginning this fall. But after a two-year delay, one has to wonder if this will actually happen. -
Nager V. Teachers' Retirement System: Part IIPreviously, I wrote a news article on Nager v. Teacher's Retirement System, a seemingly endless class action lawsuit involving 14,000 retired New York City teachers. Here, I take off my journalist hat and speak as an advocate for my fellow class members.
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Aboard the USS New York: Proud Symbol and Demonstration of American ResolveAlthough I've never been in the military and was only indirectly affected by September 11, my afternoon aboard the USS New York was heart-warming and poignant. -
Mike Bloomberg and Bill Thompson: New York City's Dreadful Mayoral ChoiceOn the eve of the mayoral election, polls indicate that New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg enjoys a double-digit lead over his Democratic challenger, New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson. But neither man deserves to occupy Gotham's highest office. -
In Promoting Ashley Dupre, New York Post Trashes Traditional ValuesEx-prostitute-cum-celebrity Ashley Dupre has recently become the darling of the New York Post. It is a supremely sad commentary on the current state of American culture. -
New York Barking Beach Nannies Waste Time and MoneyEver since the Giuliani administration, New York City authorities have been cracking down on off-hours beach bathers. This activity has intensified under New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Most of it is a waste of time and money. -
CVS 45+ Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide: Great Protection, Low PriceCVS 45+ Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide is effective, economical, and easy to use. -
Nager v. New York City Teachers' Retirement System: A 21st Century Jarndyce v. JarndyceWe all know complex litigation can drag on forever, but have you ever heard of a lawsuit in which plaintiffs haven't recovered a dime years after a settlement has been reached? Nager v. New York City Teachers' Retirement System is such a case. -
The Top Ten Patriotic Films of All TimeMany great films capture the patriotic spirit. Here are my top ten. -
The Michael Jackson Tragedy: Enough Already!When "King of Pop" Michael Jackson died at age 50 on June 25, 2009, it seemed that a president, prime minister, or pope had passed away. This national obsession is both understandable and unwise. -
Money-Saving Estate Administration Tips for New York FiduciariesServing as an executor or administrator of an estate can be daunting. Here are some tips to make your life easier and save money. -
She's Got the Look: TV Land's Guilty Pleasure"She's Got the Look" is one of the dumbest shows I've ever seen, but it's perversely entertaining. -
Long-Lost Squadron Record Shows Why Cold War Began in World War IIWhen Winston Churchill warned of an "Iron Curtain" during a speech in 1946, his admonition was greeted with skepticism. Yet a little-known experience of an air corps lieutenant suggests that the Cold War actually began during World War II. -
Remembering World War II Verviers and Stembert on Memorial DayI recently received an email message from a woman who witnessed Belgium's liberation nearly sixty-five years ago. Her undying gratitude for American sacrifices on behalf of her countrymen is worth remembering on Memorial Day. -
Barry and Abe on the Mall: The Lincoln-Obama Nocturnal RapOne evening in late January, President Barack Obama, to the consternation of the Secret Service, sneaks out of the White House. He winds up at the Lincoln Memorial -
Birthday Reflections on "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"A birthday is a good time to assess one's strengths and weaknesses, to think about where you've been and where you're going. My birthday was an excellent time to see the movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
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Why My Pleasant Childhood Car Memories Beat Today's Big Three AutomakersThe 1963 Impala produced my first strong automobile memories, and it occupies a mythic place in my mind. The contrast with the repulsive behavior of today's "Big Three" automakers couldn't be greater. -
Die, Die Detroit: Why the Big Three Bailout Stinks to High HeavenOn December 19, 2008, President George W. Bush announced a $17.4 billion bailout of the Big Three automakers, a deal whose sulfurous stench will permeate the nostrils of every American. -
The Election of Barack Obama Encourages the Better Angels of Our NatureOn November 4, 2008, America resoundingly elected Barack Obama the first black president of the United States. This historic event will help remove the ugly stains of racialism and hyper-partisanship from the American landscape. -
How Bill O'Reilly Lied to Me About High-Profile Conservative Hatred of Barack ObamaWhen I called Bill O'Reilly about high-profile conservatives' hateful questioning of Barack Obama's patriotism, he said that such individuals never appeared on his program and do not exist. Those are bald-faced lies. -
Colin Powell: Rare Voice of ReasonOn Sunday, October 19, 2008, former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama on "Meet The Press." Although this endorsement can only help the Obama campaign, Powell's measured tone was more important than his message. -
George McGinness: Franklin & Marshall's Coach's CoachGeorge McGinness isn't famous, yet he is a great man. George was my swimming coach at Franklin & Marshall College for two seasons. Nearly 30 years later, I had the pleasure of seeing him honored at the College's "Celebration of Swimming Dinner". -
Sarah Palin Passes Debate Test but Character Issues Dog John McCainBy exceeding low expectations, Alaska governor Sarah Palin won her vice presidential debate against Delaware senator Joe Biden. But that victory won't make people forget John McCain's erratic behavior during the current economic crisis. -
Protecting Your Money with FDIC and SIPC InsuranceDuring this time of economic crisis, it is more important than ever to insulate your assets from the effects of a bank failure. You can do so by making sure that your accounts are fully covered by FDIC and SIPC insurance.
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The Palin-Biden Debate: A PreviewVice Presidential debates are usually a snoozer, but the October 2nd Palin-Biden oratorical slugfest will be prime-time entertainment. Here's a sneak preview. -
Sarah Palin: Unfit for CommandJohn McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate is being touted by conservative cognoscenti as a brilliant political maneuver, but it could wind up biting the maverick Arizona senator on the bottom. -
Ted Kennedy: A Profile in CourageOn August 25, 2008, Ted Kennedy risked his life to address the Democratic National Convention in Denver. This supreme act of courage is a fitting capstone for his prolific and controversial career. -
Why I Won't Watch the Beijing Olympics: Performance-Enhancing DrugsI used to be an Olympics nut, but this year I'm tuning them out. The erstwhile gold standard for amateur sports competition has become a multi-billion-dollar entertainment enterprise fueled by performance-enhancing drugs. -
Why the New Yorker Cover of Barack Obama is Not SatireMany people have expressed outrage over an illustration which appeared on a recent New Yorker cover depicting Barack Obama as an anti-American radical. The New Yorker has defended it as satire, but it's really hate speech. -
Two and a Half Growls for "The Incredible Hulk"The latest "Hulk" film is a vast improvement over Ang Lee's 2003 cinematic monstrosity.
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Is Barack Obama "A Face in the Crowd"?There are eerie similarities between Barack Obama and the demagogic Lonesome Rhodes character in the film "A Face In The Crowd." -
Why I'll Miss Tim RussertWith his unique blend of toughness and warmth, Tim Russert single-handedly transformed "Meet The Press" from a stuffy weekend television news program into a fascinating probe of Washington's elite. He will be succeeded but never replaced. -
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Oil-Free Sunblock Lotion SPF 45I've been using Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 45 Sunblock Lotion for the past year and am quite happy with it. -
Hillary Clinton's Dangerous Assassination TalkHillary Clinton's musings about the assassination of Robert Kennedy paint a portrait of a deeply disturbing character. -
Obama and Hillary's Battle for Presidency Hurts Both Candidates in the EndThe riveting, brutal brawl between Democratic presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will probably result in the nomination of the loser of the general election. -
The Immortal Charlton Heston: An Iconic Father FigureSunday morning's paper arrived with the sad news of Charlton Heston's death. Charlton Heston was an iconic Hollywood star who will be justly revered for his superb acting skills. But I never could warm up to him. -
Five Questions for Hillary ClintonDuring a March 26, 2008 interview on "On the Record," Greta Van Susteren was way too easy on Hillary Clinton. Here are some questions that Greta should have asked. -
Barack's ConundrumBarack Obama's March 18 address on race was eloquent and disturbing. Obama's remarks demonstrate elements of greatness but settle nothing. A frank, reasoned discussion of race is a laudable undertaking, but it is inappropriate for a presidential campaign.
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The Extraordinary "John Adams"The extraordinary television drama "John Adams" made its stunning debut last night on HBO. This seven-part series should not be missed. -
The Fall of Governor Eliot SpitzerLike most New Yorkers, I was shocked by the March 10 revelations of Governor Eliot Spitzer's involvement in an international prostitution ring. I had voted for Spitzer, but soon after his election, I got the feeling that my governor was nuts. -
How Barack Can Get on TrackAfter being bloodied by Hillary Clinton in Ohio and Texas, Barack Obama has a unique opportunity to stage a comeback of his own: run as the first energy president. -
The Peculiar Evil of Hillary ClintonHillary Clinton isn't evil, but she's leaving an insidious poison in her wake that may irreparably harm America. -
A Mighty White VerdictAnother internet hoax has ended in tragedy. This one has the stench of a teenage Ku Klux Klan rally supported by a cast of "Twelve Angry Men" characters.
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My Cancer Nightmare:Why I Watch and Don't WorryA routine skin checkup turned into a nightmare when a dermatologist told me that I had precancerous lesions all over my body. But a little digging proved him dead wrong.
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Why I Won't Listen to ImusOn December 3, 2007, Don Imus returned to the airwaves. I'm not listening, and here's why.
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Bad Day at Dardenne PrairieThe death of Megan Meier is a stark example of how far our laws lag behind internet technology. Immediate Federal intervention is required to prevent similar tragedies. -
Hill Shill Debate FraudThe most striking performance during the November 15 Democratic Presidential debate was not given by any of the candidates. Audience participation was the dominant factor, and it was heavily tilted in Hillary Clinton's favor. -
Black Watch Rocks"Black Watch", which chronicles the vaunted Scottish regiment's final tour in Iraq, is an extraordinary play that shouldn't be missed. -
Rudy and Hillary: Halloween HoneymoonersAlthough America faces many daunting issues, some levity is in order during this political season. And Presidential front-runners Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton are providing plenty of comic relief--just in time for Halloween. -
Fall TV: Smallville Off to a Strong Seventh SeasonThe seventh season of "Smallville" opened with all kinds of tantalizing plot twists, but after the better part of a decade on the air, how much juice does this "Superman" prequel have left? -
Fall TV: Bionic Woman is Good"Bionic Woman" is sure to be a hit, especially among the male, Gen-Y crowd, but leaves older viewers nostalgic for the old Lindsay Wagner series.
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Fall TV: The WarKen Burns has done it again. "The War", a 14-hour PBS documentary airing over the next two weeks, is a unique, up-close-and-personal look at the world's most horrific global conflict.
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Fighter Command and Control: Greatest Secret of Allied Air PowerFighter Command and Control won the Battle of Britain, ensured America's mastery of the skies, and gave my father a terrific job in the Air Corps. -
World War II Through the Eyes of a Radio Man: The VideoThis video is a mini-documentary about wartime Belgium narrated by Mark Stuart Ellison and distributed in cooperation with of Circle of Seven Productions. -
Remembering Dad On Father's DayMy father, Eli Ellison, died in 2004 at age 81. Some of his memory lives on in these photographs. He was a beloved father and friend, a dedicated teacher, a World War II radio man, an athlete, and an eternal optimist. -
Honoring Lost Airmen of World War IIArmy Air Corpsmen Murray Weiss and Leo Mustonen were honored over 60 years after they were lost. Many thousands of others remain missing.
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Paris Hilton and the Hollywood AristocracyParis Hilton was freed after serving only three days of a forty-five day jail sentence. Thank God she was ordered back behind bars. When law enforcement authorities treat people of wealth and power differently from ordinary citizens, our democracy becomes imperiled. -
Why I'm Glad Imus Got the BootShock jock Don Imus has finally been fired by both CBS and MSNBC for his on-air idiocy, and good riddance to him. But such behavior will continue to be with us for at least generations, and may very well remain a permanent fixture in our culture.
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The Five Presidents You Meet in PurgatorySometime in the future, five reviled American Presidents meet in Purgatory, where they have to expiate their sins. Alas, they're having a tough time of it. This quarrelsome quintet consists of Warren Harding, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.
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Rush Limbaugh Falls for Valerie PlameIt's amazing how lust affects men. Love-stricken conservative commentators throw caution to the wind, as did Rush Limbaugh when he got a good look at Valerie Plame last week.
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The Sad Case of Anna Nicole SmithWhy should we care about Anna Nicole Smith? Because this woman's very sad and predictable demise is a wakeup call to the Paris-Lindsay-Britney crowd and all other would-be bimbos who worship out-of-control celebrities.
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Oprah's Snake Oil: Interview With Missouri Kidnapped Child Shawn HornbeckReality TV sunk to an all-time low when traumatized Missouri teen Sean Hornbeck appeared with his family on the January 19 edition of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" only days after being freed from monstrous captivity. Tawdry spectacles like these gnaw at society's foundations.
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Christmas in Verviers, 1944My father was a sergeant in the 327th Fighter Control Squadron, the first American unit to bed down in Verviers after Belgium's liberation in September 1944. Christmastime would be wonderful and terrifying for him and his Belgian sweetheart. -
Letters from Iwo Jima"Letters from Iwo Jima", Clint Eastwood's film companion to "Flags of Our Fathers", is destined to be a war classic. But "Letters from Iwo Jima" is much more than "Flags" from a different point of view.
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The Real Tragedy of Sean BellThe November 25th police shooting of Sean Bell at a Queens nightclub is far more tragic than the death of a single unarmed man. The aftermath of this sad incident speaks volumes about our inability to have a rational conversation about race.
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Why I'll Miss Gerald FordAs a teenager, I thought of President Ford as a caretaker President, but he was much more than that. Ford was an incredibly honest, decent, and unpretentious politician whose lodestar was the best interest of the people he served. -
Rocky Balboa: Forever Youngt's odd that a movie about two guys beating the hell out of each other would open during a season associated with peace and goodwill. Yet this film is places a mighty capstone atop the vaunted "Rocky" series.
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An Anorexic ThanksgivingThe holidays should be festive occasions when family and friends revel in each other's company, but too often they bring out the worst in us. And when someone at the table has an eating disorder, things are guaranteed to go south.
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My Best 2006 AudioAs 2006 draws to a close, I look back fondly on the national radio campaign for my 90-percent -true novel, Dear Mom, Dad & Ethel: World War II through the Eyes of a Radio Man, which was co-authored with my late father, Eli Ellison, the guy who lived it. -
My Prostate Biopsy HorrorMy prostate biopsy was supposed to be a routine test, but it nearly cost me my life.
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Why I'm Glad O.J. Simpson Got MuzzledOrange Jumpsuit Simpson was at it again. He tried to capitalize on the brutal murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and Brown's friend, Ronald Goldman, which the disgraced gridiron star is widely believed to have committed. Thank God he was stopped.
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Flags of Our FathersFlags of Our Fathers is a moving character study of the men who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima. It also explores how the politics driving the war bonds campaign badly distorted the real story of that epic battle.
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Why You Should Visit St. Paul's ChapelSt. Paul's Chapel, a small, unassuming structure located at Broadway and Fulton Street, is a stone's throw from the World Trade Center's footprints. And St. Paul's storied history now includes 9-11. -
Why Jim Thorpe is the Best Athlete EverThere have been many great athletes in sports history, but Jim Thorpe was the greatest of them all. To this day, no person has matched the scope and versatility of his achievements.
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Top Amusement Sites in BrooklynLabor Day marks the end of summer, but many of Coney Island's landmark attractions operate nearly year-round. My favorites are Astroland, the New York Aquarium, Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, and the Coney Island Batting Range. -
NAFTA SuperhighwayThere's a story just below radar that's poised to explode onto front pages all over America: the NAFTA Superhighway. And it should scare the hell out of everyone. -
What Everyone Should Know About Illegal ImmigrationIllegal immigration poses a mortal threat to America. While Congress is paralyzed on this issue, the problem will only get worse.
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World Trade Center: Fitting Tribute to September 11 HeroesAn excellent way to mark the fifth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks is to see Oliver Stone's "World Trade Center". But beware. This emotionally wrenching, PG-13 film is not for the squeamish. -
Superman Returns: Just in the Nick of TimeIf you want a break from the bad news that's been spanning the globe lately, go see the latest Superman flick, "Superman Returns". It combines many elements of previous efforts in new ways reflecting 21st century sensibilities.
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Remembering September 11A few weeks ago, a second September 11-style attack was narrowly averted by British, American, and Pakistani authorities. For New Yorkers in particular, it reopens painful memories of the mass murder of nearly three thousand people five years ago. -
Fighter Control: World War II Technology that Saved Us AllAfter Independence Day, when all the barbeques, fireworks, and movie marathons are over, take a moment to reflect on a little-known technology that probably saved us all from Adolf Hitler: fighter control.