The Jackson Five

I came upon this clip on YouTube and it reminded me that the first time I heard of this group was their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Looking back its pretty amazing how many legendary artists made their USA TV debut on that show. 

I mean, check this out, here are just a few of the artists that made their debut on the Ed Sullivan Show: Elvis, The Beatles, The Jackson Five, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Supremes, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Dusty Springfield, The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, The Mamas and the Papas, The Lovin' Spoonful, Herman's Hermits, Dionne Warwick, Barbra Streisand and many more! All of this broadcast on a variety show that aired on CBS from June 20, 1948, to March 28, 1971 from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. 

My Flesh and My Heart May Fail . . .

"Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.

For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek.

They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.

Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment . . .

The Tartan Army Takes America (by Peggy Noonan)

This last in a series on July Fourth themes is about a small sweetness that was gratefully received. As we near our 250th birthday, let us never forget the gift of the Scottish national soccer team and its followers, the famous Tartan Army—the pleasure and delight they gave as they marched through America, drank our cities dry, sang their songs and said: We love you. They brought something out in us; they moved us and helped reveal something we’d stopped noticing. They allowed us to see our battered old country whole, and through fresh eyes.

No one knows exactly how many global visitors have come and are coming to the U.S. for the World Cup. Oxford Economics predicted a surge of 1.2 million international tourists for the games, peaking in June. The U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg said as many as 10 million would come to the 11 host cities.

However many there are, we are hearing from the young ones as they fan through the country to venues down South, out West, in Texas and Utah. They are seeing an America they never imagined and have made now-famous videos about how shocked they are—in the most positive sense. They expected a dark and brooding nation; they discovered a sun-filled magnificence. It’s so big, so spacious, has such wondrous shops, the best food and absolutely wonderful people. The videos have flooded TikTok, Instagram and X, and they speak with the wonder of 18th-century explorers who discovered an unknown indigenous people on a brilliant new continent.

His Love Endures Forever

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:

His love endures forever.

To him who alone does great wonders,

His love endures forever.

Who by his understanding made the heavens,

His love endures forever.