today’s news and information gleanings from here and there!

Quote for today … ““History is always written by the winners. When two cultures clash, the loser is obliterated, and the winner writes the history books-books which glorify their own cause and disparage the conquered foe. As Napoleon once said, ‘What is history, but a fable agreed upon?’” – Dan Brown, author of the DaVinci Code. [And that’s the droning on by the Central Intelligence Agency director in this New York Times article. You know, director Brennan, the speed of communications in the world today, renders your scripted drivel as drivel. Human rights violations are not part of the composition of the United States; embracing any reason to justify them just adds more embarrassment and shame on us.]

Another quote for today … “We don’t have to become bad guys to fight bad guys.” – Senator John McCain, in this New York Times opinion column.

• The 2007 “Report to the President: On Issues Raised by the Virginia Tech Tragedy” included this harbinger and reminder: “There was universal recognition that the issues are complex and that they represent critical, sensitive, and long-standing societal questions of balancing individual liberty and privacy with safety and security. All agreed that in a country of more than 300 million people, it is impossible to eliminate all risks. We can not maintain a free and open society and eliminate the possibility that violence in schools, offices, or malls will happen again. The focus of the meetings, therefore, was on how to minimize appropriately the possibility that these situations may occur in the future.”

• County drug arrest round up includes several from Columbia – Lancaster Online

PHOTO SOURCE: Columbia Borough Website

• The next function at the Trail Services Building/River Park? The Columbia Borough Christmas Luncheon!

• Gotta’ love those “fundies” – “Bob Jones University Blamed Victims of Sexual Assaults, Not Abusers, Report Says” – The New York Times

• Those “patriots” (not) – those elected “public servants” in DC avert a government shutdown – The New York Times

• Euphemisms = EIT = Enhanced Interrogation Techniques and (more euphemisms) = Torture Techniques = banned by Geneva Convention

• The Partners in Thyme “December meeting Christmas Luncheon” was at the home of Barbara Ann de Leon in Seven Valleys. Our program was a stunning performance by Mary Ellen Graybill of Columbia, Pa. who performed on the piano Christmas songs and other favorites. This special entertainment was followed by an exquisite luncheon prepared by the members who brought their holiday specialties and desserts. Hospitality chair, Suzanne Mease, was in charge of the faire. Mulled cider, cinnamon sticks,  hot coffee and tea permeated the air. Gifts with an herbal theme were exchanged after the luncheon.  A short business meeting was held afterwards announcing the programs for the 2015 meetings. The club still has room for new gardeners. Just contact Barbara Ann de Leon at (717) 428-2210 or e-mail  paroyalty639@yahoo.com to find out more about the club’s activities and programs. The club meets the first Friday of each month (Sept/-June) at the Glenview Alliance Church in Glen Rock, Pa. 17327. SOURCE: news release