The 10 Least Inspiring Michael Jordan Quotes of All Time

Today is Michael Jordan's 52nd birthday, giving the NBA Hall of Famer just over a half-century in the history books. By now, you've heard everything about MJ's prodigious rise to the top of the league throughout the '80s and the '90s. You know that he won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls. You know that he won as many Finals MVPs. You know that he's a 14-time All-Star and a 10-time scoring champion. The guy is as good as advertised, and if there's one thing you know about Jordan, it's that there has been a lot of advertising.

Read More

Ash Wednesday 2015: History, Dates, Traditions Of Lent's First Day Of Fasting

Ash Wednesday is observed on February 18, 2015. The Christian holy day marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of fasting that is considered preparation for Holy Week and the celebration of Easter.

Although there is no Biblical reference to Ash Wednesday or Lent, scholars of Christianity date the tradition of a 40-day fasting period back to 325 A.D.

Lent mirrors Jesus’ own 40-day period of fasting, described in the book of Matthew. Observers have ash placed on their foreheads in the shape of the cross as the words from Genesis 3:19 are spoken: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Fasting requirements for Catholics are outlined by the Code of Canon Law, and include eating no meat on the Fridays during Lent, as well as fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. (Fasting in this case refers to eating just one full meal a day.)

Many Christians will make personal vows of abstinence during Lent, which could include anything from refraining from eating candy, meat, vowing not to gossip, or being less selfish. Others will make a vow to do more for others including volunteering and working for social justice. All are expected to spend more time in prayer and reflection as Lent is considered by many to be an opportunity for spiritual transformation.

The Catholic nun Sister Joan Chittister writes:

Lent is the opportunity to change what we ought to change but have not...Lent is about becoming, doing and changing whatever it is that is blocking the fullness of life in us right now... Lent is a summons to live anew...Lent is the time to let life in again, to rebuild the worlds we've allowed to go sterile, to "fast and weep and mourn" for the goods we've foregone. If our own lives are not to die from lack of nourishment, we must sacrifice the pride or the sloth or the listlessness that blocks us from beginning again. Then, as Joel (2:12-18) promises, God will have pity on us and pour into our hearts the life we know down deep that we are lacking.

Read More

Amber Rose and Khloe Kardashian's epic Twitter battle

Amber Rose and Khloe Kardashian had it out on social media Monday, and it was something to behold.

It all appears to have started when model Rose appeared on New York's Power 105.1 morning show and was asked about a reported relationship between reality star Kardashian's younger sister Kylie Jenner and rapper Tyga.

Rose, who is the ex-girlfriend of Kardashian's now-brother-in-law Kanye West, said she believes Jenner, 17, is too young for the 25-year-old rapper.

"She's a baby. She needs to go to bed at 7 o'clock and relax," said Rose, who is also good friends with the mother of Tyga's infant son. "That's ridiculous. (Tyga) should be ashamed of himself."

Read More

Somerset County: School closings, delayed openings Tuesday, Feb. 17

The following changes to Tuesday's school schedules had been announced by 6:15 a.m. due to poor weather conditions:

Closings
• Franklin Township
• Green Brook
• Mount Saint Mary Academy
• Rutgers Preparatory School
• Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools
• Watchung Borough
• Watchung Hills Regional High School

Delayed openings
• Academy ELCC Christian
• Bedminster
• Bound Brook
• Branchburg
• Bridgewater
• Central Jersey College Prep Charter School
• Global Pioneer Academy
• Green Brook Academy
• Hillsborough
• Immaculata High School
• Immaculate Conception School
• Manville
• Montgomery
• North Plainfield
• Pingry School
• Raritan Valley Community College
• Raritan Valley Montessori School
• School of Saint Elizabeth
• Somerset Hills School District
• Somerville
• South Bound Brook

Read More