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Tuesday Trajectories

Executive Summary: U.S. Federal Fiscal Trends This analysis, supported by visualizations of U.S. federal fiscal data from 1970 to 2024, reveals an alarming trajectory of escalating government spending, persistent budget deficits, and a rapidly growing national debt, alongside a highly progressive yet insufficient federal income tax system. Federal outlays have surged from $195.6 billion in 1970 to an estimated $6.8–$6.9 trillion in 2024, driven by mandatory programs like Social Security ($1.46–$1.5 trillion) and Medicare ($912 billion), as well as soaring interest payments ($882–$949 billion) on a national debt exceeding $33 trillion. The trajectory of deficits has worsened, growing from $2.8 billion…

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Easter Sunday

Dateline: He is Risen! Let’s embark on an exploration of Easter Sunday, the radiant pinnacle of the Christian calendar, where the triumph of Jesus’ resurrection bursts forth in joyous celebration. Anchored in the Gospel accounts of the empty tomb and Jesus’ victory over death (Matthew 28:1–10, Mark 16:1–8, Luke 24:1–12, John 20:1–18), this day invites believers into a vibrant space of hope, renewal, and communal worship. Known as the cornerstone of Christian faith, Easter Sunday transforms the silence of Holy Saturday into a chorus of “Alleluia!” Across Christian traditions, it unfolds through a vivid array of practices-liturgies, feasts, and proclamations-that herald…

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Standing by Saturday

Dateline: Holy Saturday Let’s embark on an exploration of Holy Saturday, a poignant pause in the Christian calendar that rests quietly between the raw grief of Jesus’ crucifixion and the radiant hope of His resurrection. Anchored in the Gospel accounts of Jesus lying in the tomb (Matthew 27:57–66, John 19:38–42), this day invites believers into a sacred space of waiting, reflection, and anticipation for Easter’s promise. Often called a liminal moment, Holy Saturday captures the tomb’s stillness while whispering of the resurrection to come. Across Christian traditions, it unfolds through a vibrant array of practices-vigils, fasting, and preparation-that bridge Good Friday’s…

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It’s Friday, But Sunday’s Comin’

Dateline: Good Friday It is Finished On this Good Friday, we stand in the quiet ache of Jesus’ crucifixion, our hearts pierced by the Gospels’ vivid tableau-His bloodied steps to Golgotha, the cross’s brutal weight, and the tender cry, “It is finished” (John 19:16–30, Matthew 27:32–56, Mark 15:21–41, Luke 23:26–49). Dust clings to the air, heavy with grief, as we fast and pray beneath a splintered cross that holds both sorrow and salvation. Judas Iscariot, with his silver coins and betraying kiss, haunts this sacred day, his story a mirror to our own faltering hearts (Matthew 26:14–50). Yet, woven through Gospel…

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The Last Pub Crawl

I spent so much time in Arlington in the early 90s that I decided to move to Arlington and return to school at UT Arlington. The genesis of my adult life was formed in the back corner table at J.R. Bentley's pub on Friday nights. Some weeks we were down a man and some weeks we were a full complement with all of our semi-regulars and guests joining us for the fun, but almost every week was our regular crew. And what a squad we were. Sometimes in the moment you realize you are playing out a part somewhere between The…

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Thursday Tradition

Dateline: Maundy Thursday Holy Thursday Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday, marks a solemn moment in Holy Week, centering on the Last Supper, Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, and the Eucharist’s institution. The term “Maundy” derives from the Latin mandatum, meaning “command,” reflecting Jesus’ directive to love and serve others (John 13:34). It also recalls his agony in Gethsemane (John 13–17, Matthew 26:17–46). Christian traditions observe this day with reverent liturgies and acts of humility, each branch weaving its distinct practices into the shared narrative of Christ’s Passion. All traditions emphasize the Last Supper, Eucharist, and servanthood, yet their approaches diverge. Eastern…

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Wink Wednesday

Dateline: Wholly Wednesday I was wondering what to write for Wednesday when two of our today today fell into my lap. Sometimes you write and sometimes a post writes itself. And with that, let's get get into Holy Hump Day. Holy Wednesday Holy Wednesday, sometimes called "Spy Wednesday," is a quiet, heavy day in Holy Week when we remember Judas slipping away to betray Jesus for a handful of silver (Matthew 26:14–16). It’s a moment that stings because it’s not just about Judas-it’s about all the times we’ve let Jesus down, too. Across churches, this day is for looking inward, thinking…

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Taco Tuesday

Dateline: The Breakfast Edition Federal income taxes are due today, but nobody likes theft and taxation is theft. But everybody likes tacos, especially breakfast tacos. So with that, let's get picante and the Tabasco. 🌶️ Holy Week Traditions: Holy Tuesday On Holy Tuesday, Christians pause to reflect on Jesus’ powerful teachings in Jerusalem, like His warnings about betrayal and His end-times messages in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25). It’s a day that feels heavy yet hopeful, as we think about Jesus preparing His followers for what’s coming-His sacrifice on the cross. Whether it’s through deep prayer or quiet reflection, believers across…

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Monday Minutes

Dateline: Holy Monday Edition Holy Week Traditions: Holy Monday On Holy Monday, the second day of Holy Week, Christians across various branches commemorate key moments from scripture, such as Jesus’ anointing at Bethany (John 12:1–11) or the cleansing of the temple (Mark 11:15–19), with practices that emphasize spiritual preparation for the Passion. Eastern Orthodox churches observe structured, mystical services like Bridegroom Matins, focusing on repentance and fasting, while Catholics blend liturgy-through Masses and penance-with regional traditions like Mediterranean processions, fostering reflection on Christ’s humility and sacrifice. Protestant denominations exhibit a range of observances, from the formal liturgies of Anglicans, featuring scripture…

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A Sobriety Story

Io no bev' I don't drink. Not anymore. After five years of chronic drinking, I've been sober for 16 months. My journey to sobriety has been per Aspera ad Inferi. Prior to that, I was sober for four years. Prior to that, I binge drank for three years. It was like drinking at Bob's Country Bunker. I had both kinds, chronic and binge. .385 is a great batting average, but it's a terrible measure of your life and how the way you are living affects those around you. I've weighed whether to share this story, but it is my nature and…

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