'Quite an astonishing display of chutzpah'

An essay appeared recently in The Wall Street Journal under the headline “What Happens When a Whole Generation Never Grows Up?” Behavior that has always been understood to define what it means to be an adult is disappearing among America’s younger generations. Institutions always seen as the sinews that define and hold together a society — homeownership, marriage, children — no longer can be taken for granted. Per the essay, median age for first-time homebuyers is at an all-time high: 38. In 1981, it was 29. Around half of Americans between 30 and 40 are married, compared to two-thirds in 1990. Fertility rates — the average number of children that each woman of childbearing age can be expected to bring forth — is at a level that guarantees an aging, shrinking society. A fertility rate of an average of 2.1 children per woman will keep a population at steady state. Below this, the population shrinks. The fertility rate stood at 1.62 in 2023. It only reached 2.1 once since 1971 — in 2007. Per the Pew Research Center, as noted in the essay, “The share of childless adults under 50 who say they are unlikely to ever have kids” rose from 37% in 2018 to 47% in 2023. If all of this doesn’t offend your moral sensibilities, it should for sure offend your practical sensibilities. Absence of births means an aging population. Median age of the U.S. was 29.5 in 1960. In 2023, it was 39.2. The aging population is one major reason for Social Security’s fiscal problems. Retiree benefits are paid by those working and paying payroll tax. The system breaks down when the number of retirees per worker grows. An aging population means higher national health care costs. In 2021, the percent of the population 55 and above was 31%. But those 55 and above accounted for 56% of national health care expenditures. If the disappearance of marriage, children, families and home ownership is a problem, is there a solution? The Wall Street Journal essay has little to offer. To suggest this reflects that the financial pressure that our youth feel is no answer. For the full decade of the Great Depression, from 1930 to 1940, fertility rates never dropped below the 2.1 replacement rate. It is closer to the truth that our young people act this way because they have grown up in a culture that teaches them to act this way. Marriage and monogamy are not natural. They are religious values that are taught. In a culture that has purged religious truth, egotism and secular humanism take its place. Why let a spouse or children impinge on your personal space? A legacy of the now late President Jimmy Carter was the creation of two new federal Cabinet-level departments. He signed into law the Department of Energy and the Department of Education. Apparently, Carter, who was very public about his Christian faith, did not see a conflict in growing government and his Christian values. But as is well-known, the Department of Education initiative was, at least in part, the result of his effort to ingratiate and get support from the nation’s largest teachers union, the National Education Association. A short visit to the websites of the NEA and the American Federation of Teachers — the major teachers unions — will show that the values being advanced there are the wokeism and secular humanism that drive the collapse of marriage, family and children. It is these values that are conveyed in America’s public schools. Step one in our battle against this social and cultural destruction is to support President-elect Donald Trump’s effort to disband the Department of Education. Step two should be a nation-wide effort to change our education paradigm and create a new regime that gives parents control over where to educate and how to educate their children. Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now. To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Throughout history, Christians have adopted novel technologies to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ: codices (a precursor to the book), art and music, the printing press, newspapers, the radio, TV and film, and the internet.Now, that list includes Joe Rogan's podcast, one of the biggest megaphones today that reaches tens of millions of listeners each month across its platforms.Joe Rogan's podcast became an inadvertent evangelistic platform for the best news the world has ever known.On Tuesday, Rogan released an interview with Wesley Huff, a Canadian biblical scholar. Rogan invited Huff onto the podcast after Huff inadvertently exposed Billy Carson — a self-avowed "expert in ancient civilizations" and "spirituality," according to a blurb on his website — in a recent debate. Huff, using the winsomeness and grace of a mature Christ follower, proved in the debate that Carson lacks basic knowledge about the Bible and its theology, topics that Carson appeared to have positioned himself as having advanced knowledge of.For more than three hours, Huff and Rogan discussed ancient Near Eastern history, biblical languages and translation, textual criticism of the Bible, the canon of the Bible, the accuracy and preservation of the Bible, specific biblical stories, and Christian theology.The magic of the conversation was clear to listeners.Rogan, who is not a Christian, approached Huff with humility and openness. Huff, meanwhile, spoke with clarity, humility, and technical precision that made complicated topics accessible to Rogan and his audience.But the most impactful moment came at the end.After Rogan acknowledged that Christianity "does work" and "is true," Huff seized the moment to articulate the power of the gospel.Using Jordan Peterson as an example — saying that Peterson "misses the forest for the trees" — Huff explained why Jesus Christ cannot simply be the "archetype" of a righteous moral man."[Peterson] seems to think that the concept of Jesus as an example is more important than the actual flesh-and-blood, first-century itinerant Jewish preacher who was crucified and rose from the dead physically, which is the claim of the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament," Huff said."I actually think Jesus condemns moralism, and ultimately, what I see Peterson doing is looking at Jesus as a moral example," he explained. "If Jesus is nothing but a moral example, then you can save yourself, and you don’t actually need a savior. I think Jesus actually would have critiqued that because Jesus was very much against moralism."Thankfully, Rogan leaned into the conversation and asked Huff to elaborate.The Gospel stories, Huff explained, show Jesus critiquing the "hypocritical religiosity" of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and other contemporary Jews because Jesus believed they were missing the entire point of God's law while trying to do everything "right," citing ancient Jewish interpretations of Sabbath regulations. Next, Huff demonstrated how Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is a critique of such religiosity in which Jesus is not "critiquing the Mosaic Law, but he’s actually getting back to its intention."Huff goes on:What he’s getting to is: What's the intention? What's the meaning of the law that God gives to you? Because the law is like a mirror — it shows you how dirty you are. But his critique is like: You guys are trying to clean yourselves with the mirror. That’s stupid. If anything, it’s going to make you more messy. Get in the shower! The law is not what clears you — it reveals that you’re dirty.In that sense, if Jesus is just a moral example, it actually misses what I think Jesus actually said about what his purpose was: You can’t do enough to live up to the standard God holds you to. And so if you keep striving, you’re actually going to wear yourself out and be exhausted.The clear implication of Huff's explanation is that Jesus cleans you: He is the shower. You cannot clean yourself. You cannot save yourself. You need a savior, and Jesus is the savior of all humanity. Follow him and he will make you right with God. He will give you relationship with the creator God — Abba, the Father — and he will give you eternal life.Amazingly, Rogan not only understood this, but he immediately identified "atheists" as the worn-out strivers who attempt to clean themselves through their own power as if they are their own god.Whether Rogan will accept the good news and answer the question that Jesus posed to his followers — "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:13-16; Mark 8:27-29; Luke 9:18-20) — remains to be seen.But the tides are turning. The vibes are shifting. Aslan is on the move.Christians everywhere should rejoice that one of the world's largest platforms was used to share the gospel. In other words, Joe Rogan's podcast became an inadvertent evangelistic platform for the best news the world has ever known. May the fruit be good and the harvest bountiful.

'Dem Incompetence at Work'! NY Gov. Hochul Still Pushing the Most Counterproductive Idea EVER

‘I’m Somebody’s Son, Also!’ Michael Cohen Pleads for Preemptive Pardon Just Like Hunter Biden Got

Looters? Two Men Dressed in Black Show Up at Kamala's House During Wildfire Curfew Hours

The incoming Trump administration has been left with "an absolute dumpster fire" by President Joe Biden's lack of effective governance, according to Vice President-elect JD Vance.

A fierce wildfire swept through the Palisades area on Tuesday evening, ravaging the Palisades Charter High School (PCHS)—a location synonymous with Hollywood history. By 5:30 p.m., flames had consumed the school’s baseball field, partially destroyed the football stadium, and caused significant damage to other buildings, including the nearby Theatre Palisades. With wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph, embers spread rapidly, leaving the once-thriving campus in ruins. Fortunately, the school’s 3,000 students were on winter break and not present during the disaster. Authorities have urged families to stay away from the area and adhere to evacuation orders while the school works to reassess its spring semester schedule. Palisades Charter High School was used for a number of Hollywood films FREAKY FRIDAY, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, 2003, (c) Walt Disney/courtesy Everett Collection Since its establishment in 1961, PCHS has been more than just an educational institution; it has served as a backdrop for numerous films, TV shows, and music videos. The school was famously featured as Bates High School in the horror classic Carrie (1976) and as Beacon Hills High School in the supernatural drama Teen Wolf. In the early 2000s, it set the stage for the remake of Freaky Friday and the chaotic teen comedy Project X. Its distinctive architecture also appeared in Olivia Rodrigo’s music video for “Good 4 U,” filmed in the locker rooms and sports facilities. CARRIE, from left: Sissy Spacek, William Katt, 1976/Everett Palisades Charter High School has A-list star alumni Beyond its cinematic fame, PCHS has nurtured some of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Forest Whitaker, known for roles in Black Panther and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, once roamed the school halls. Filmmaker J.J. Abrams, Oscar-nominated actress Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Grammy-winning musician will.i.am are among its notable graduates.             View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by CBS News (@cbsnews)   Other prominent names that passed through the iconic school include Amy Smart, Adam Shankman, and basketball legend Steve Kerr. Fans have taken to social media to express their sadness at the disaster hitting the school. “I just can’t believe what’s happened… It’s shocking, terrifying, and gut-wrenching,” someone lamented. Next up: President Jimmy Carter Eulogized By Vice President Walter Mondale’s Son The post Palisades Fire Destroys Iconic High School Used In Films Like ‘Carrie,’ ‘Freaky Friday’ appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Peace A

Matthew Perry’s former house, where he died in October 2023, was caught in the Pacific Palisades fire months after a real estate developer bought it for $8.55 million. The home’s new owner, Anita Verma-Lallian, a movie producer, confirmed that her family is safe as they await updates about the wildfire. The inferno has now spread from the Pacific Palisades to Malibu and Santa Monica. The Los Angeles County fire chief revealed that at least a thousand structures have been razed down, and thousands of families have evacuated as 13,000 more buildings remain under threat. Anita Verma-Lallian hoped to preserve Matthew Perry’s home             View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Anita Verma-Lallian (@anitavermalallian)   Though based in Scottsdale, Arizona, when she purchased Matthew Perry’s home, Anita shared her plans to preserve his memory by maintaining some of the decor from his lifetime. She did not hesitate to secure the house for herself the moment she stepped in, noting that she immediately fell in love with the features. One of the items Anita kept was Matthew’s Batman logo, which he laid on the floor of his pool. It was one of the first changes Matthew made to the home when he moved in in 2020, in addition to raising it to overlook the ocean. Matthew Perry’s former home/Instagram Anita Verma-Lallian shares her heartbreaking thoughts about the California fires Anita took to Instagram to share her tribute to those affected by wildfire, including herself, as her prized property got caught in the inferno. Thankfully, she confirmed that the house is safe thanks to firefighters and kind neighbors. “I can’t stop thinking about the…destruction of a place that means so much to so many,” she wrote. Matthew Perry/Instagram Her followers empathized in the comments with a bit of gratitude that Matthew’s home was spared from getting destroyed. “Matthew did it. He takes care of her. Thank you for informing us. It’s a great relief to know. Thank you,” someone responded, while another echoed that Matthew was protecting his favorite place. Next up: Cybill Shepherd Reflects On Her Career, Including Involvement With Elvis The post The House Matthew Perry Died In Engulfed In The Palisades Wildfires appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Peace A

Sarah Michelle Gellar had fun vacationing with her husband, Freddie Prinze Jr., and their children, Charlotte and Rocky, for the New Year. The actress showed off with a photo dump on Instagram, showing herself and her family on the beach. Sarah had her own spotlight moment as she posted herself in a sweetheart neckline bathing suit. She wore a sunhat and a pair of dark glasses as she looked away from the camera. She simply captioned the post, “Vacation,” and it has received over 105,000 likes so far. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s bathing suit photo gets fans talking             View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Sarah Michelle (@sarahmgellar)   Judging by the comments, Sarah’s followers loved her bathing suit snap and showered her with compliments. “So need to know where you got those swimsuits! You look amazing in them!!” a curious fan exclaimed, while another asked Sarah to stay warm and wonderful. Many also pointed out how Sarah seemed to be aging backward and looking just as gorgeous as years ago. “You are just glowing and living your best life! You do not age!!” a comment read, while another asked for her skin and makeup routine. “Omg you’re still enchanting,” someone else gushed. Sarah Michelle Gellar/Instagram Why Sarah Michelle Gellar seems to be aging backwards Sarah prioritizes a healthy lifestyle that focuses on nutrition, exercise, and self-care to maintain her youthful looks. She believes a healthy diet is the foundation for staying healthy as it affects your energy, sleep, and your overall well-being.  Unlike most people, she majorly uses exercise to clear her mind and focus on the present. Sarah Michelle Gellar /Instagram The 47-year-old also swears by a simple self-care routine involving a relaxing bath, Epsom salts, candles, and wine whenever she needs to recharge. She also wears sunscreen every day to protect her skin from the sun’s rays, which is known to speed up aging. Sarah also grows her own food to reduce her intake of processed ingredients Next up: The House Matthew Perry Died In Engulfed In The Palisades Wildfires The post Sarah Michelle Gellar Leaves Much To The Imagination In Tasteful Leggy Swimsuit Photo appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Peace A