Comment on China halts U.S. visits after Taiwan deal

Will the second Trump Administration greenlight Israeli annexation of the West Bank? Several of the President-elect’s recent appointments have suggested at least a friendliness to the idea. Donald Trump’s choice for U. S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who has said in the past that “there’s really no such thing as a Palestinian,” has told Israel’s Army Radio that “of course” Israeli annexation is a possibility, though nothing has been decided.

For as long as we can remember, the end of the calendar year has marked the start of America’s giving season. The holidays that light up our darkest months also invite us to celebrate (and practice!) generosity. Food banks, youth groups, arts and civic organizations and community service programs heavily depend on the support they receive in November and December. Year-end giving is big for tax purposes, but many people donate without regard to whether they’ll get a deduction.

When the wind blows hard from the left, it carries a poison that’s ready to kill the body politic. When the storm arrive from the right, it ferries aloft a nearly divine righteousness. Such is Donald Trump’s view of the country, and the world, where nothing — no policy, proposal or pronouncement — is legitimate if it doesn’t originate with him. The clarity of his vision of good versus evil gives it a strange appeal to some.

Hundreds of turtles suffering from hypothermia were stranded on Cape Cod and New England beaches last week due to plummeting temperatures in the northeast. The New England Aquarium reported it is currently treating over 250 turtles, many afflicted with pneumonia, dehydration, sepsis or injuries. Eight of those turtles made their way to Boca Raton for rehabilitation. Unlike marine mammals, sea turtles cannot regulate their body temperature.

Q: I may be old school, but I want Jimmy Butler to stay with the Heat. No trade. Jimmy Butler is Heat Culture personified. If he stayed healthy last year we beat the Celtics (prove me wrong). It’s a long season. But if the Heat end up in the top six, I like our chances with Playoff Jimmy.