Can’t Live Without Coffee? Thank This Pope.

 

I can't live without my coffee. My all-time favorite comes from the Philippines. It's rich, robust and smooth with no acid taste, just coffee taste and smell.

Coffee is one of the most consumed drinks in the world, second only to water, enjoyed by millions every day. The drink was not always so ubiquitous, only becoming popular relatively recently during the 16th century. If you can’t start the day without first having your morning cup of coffee, then you should probably thank Pope Clement VIII.

Coffee was first introduced around the 9th century when Muslim shepherds noticed wild coffee beans were having a stimulant effect on their flocks of sheep. Clerics learned the techniques to cultivate the beans, and the drink quickly spread throughout the Muslim world.

When it inevitably found its way to Europe, the majority of Catholics treated it with a great deal of suspicion because it was the popular beverage of Islam, which Catholicism had been at war with for centuries. Because of its reputation, it gained the moniker “Satan’s drink.”

As the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome, and coffee was first brought to Pope Clement VIII around the year 1600.

Initially, the pope’s closest advisers tried to get him to ban the drink, proclaiming it was “the bitter invention of Satan.” However, the pope wished to try it himself before issuing a papal decision.

After tasting it, the pope enjoyed it so much he declared that “This Satan’s drink is so delicious that it would be a pity to let the infidels have exclusive use of it. We shall cheat Satan by baptizing it!”

Allegedly, he formally blessed the coffee bean because the drink was deemed less harmful than alcohol. After his blessing, it quickly spread throughout the rest of Europe and eventually the world, becoming a chief crop and the most popular beverage. Next time you enjoy your favorite brew, thank God for Pope Clement VIII.

Kilroy Was Here

 

Kilroy Was Here: The Story Behind the Iconic WWII Graffiti

WHO WAS KILROY?

 

For many, especially those born between 1913 and 1950, the name "Kilroy" brings back a flood of memories. This piece of American history is immortalized in stone at the National War Memorial in Washington, DC, hidden away in a small alcove.

 

So, who was Kilroy?

 

In 1946, the American Transit Association sponsored a nationwide contest through its radio program, "Speak to America," to find the real Kilroy, offering a prize of a real trolley car. Almost 40 men claimed to be the genuine Kilroy, but only James Kilroy from Halifax, Massachusetts, provided the necessary evidence.

 

James Kilroy was a 46-year-old shipyard worker during WWII, employed as a checker at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy. His job involved counting the rivets completed by the riveters, who were paid by the rivet. To prevent double counting, Kilroy marked the inspected rivets with semi-waxed lumber chalk. However, riveters would erase his marks to get paid twice.

 

To combat this, Kilroy began writing "KILROY WAS HERE" in large letters alongside his check-marks, eventually adding a sketch of a chap with a long nose peering over a fence. This made it difficult for the riveters to erase his marks, and soon, his graffiti began appearing on ships leaving the shipyard.

 

With the war in full swing, these ships often went unpainted, leaving Kilroy's markings visible to thousands of servicemen who boarded them. The troops, amused and intrigued by the mysterious graffiti, began spreading the "Kilroy was here" message across Europe and the South Pacific, claiming it was already there when they arrived.

 

Kilroy became a symbol of the U.S. service-men's presence, appearing in unlikely places such as atop Mt. Everest, the Statue of Liberty, the underside of the Arc de Triomphe, and even in the dust on the moon. The legend grew, and it became a challenge for troops to place the logo in the most improbable locations.

 

In 1945, during the Potsdam Conference, Stalin used an outhouse built for Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill. After emerging, he reportedly asked, "Who is Kilroy?"

 

To prove his authenticity in 1946, James Kilroy brought officials from the shipyard and some riveters to the contest. He won the trolley car, which he gifted to his nine children as a Christmas present, setting it up as a playhouse in their yard in Halifax, Massachusetts.

 

And so, the tradition of Kilroy continues, a testament to the spirit and humor of the WWII generation. 

 

The Tradition Continues...Details occurred from Groton historical Society Newsletter

War and Misunderstandings of Those who Weren't There

I was talking to a friend about her Dad and WWII. She said he never talked about it. My Dad was also in WWII, When he passed away I received his WWII awards and medals. I never new it but he was a Master Shot with pistol, rifle and machine gun. He was also one of the first to hit the beach at Attu. He helped lay down fire for the rest of the invasion. I didn't know any of this until he passed away. 

Vietnam was different from most of our previous wars. In Vietnam, everyone was the enemy, the enemy did not wear uniforms, a little child could be carrying a loaded pistol in the bag he carried as he walked past you. When we came home, we didn't see all the grandeur that our fathers saw when they come home. Young people, collage age through their garbage at us as we walked through airports and train stations. In my case, my own family called me a failure; partly because of the things I did in the war, but also because I voluntarily participated. My family said I offended all the people who did not volunteer only to wait to be drafted. If you are offended by those who voluntarily lay down their life for their country, maybe you should leave and live in another country. 

There are many misunderstandings about wars like Vietnam. 

 

 Some of you may remember this image.

It is a grisly, iconic, Pulitzer Prize-winning photo from the Vietnam War that shocked the world.

My eyes were always strangely drawn to the Executioner, General Nguyen Ngoc Loan. The blend of his menacing face, the nonchalance in shooting the man, one must wonder, what leads a person down this path to villainy?

How could one so quickly kill a bound, unarmed prisoner? Upon my further investigation - this might be one of the most misunderstood photos in history. The plainly dressed victim might resemble a normal pedestrian - but he was no ordinary prisoner. He was the leader of a Vietcong death squad, that had infiltrated Saigon with the express purpose of assassinating a long list of people. He had personally executed several military officers and their entire families.

He was found standing over a grave with 34 bodies in it, that included women and children that had been killed execution style.

Following this famous photo, Loan continued fighting in the war for several years. He was later injured, losing one leg.

Loan and his wife eventually escaped to the US. Where he had 5 children and owned a restaurant in Virginia.

 

But his life was haunted by the photo that was taken of him as he was held up as a standard bearer for the evils of war. Loan's property was frequently vandalized and he was targeted by various outlets over the years.

The photographer, Eddie Adams, was deeply regretful of ever having taken the picture. He knew Loan well and stated that he was a good man and misrepresented. Adams felt he captured two deaths in that photo: that of the victim and that of Loan.

And - to be clear - this is not an attempt to absolve this man of all blame. This is dark stuff. However, what Loan did was not far beyond the bounds of what other soldiers were doing.

War is and has always been hell. To pretend it is anything less is to pretend fire isn't hot. So before making demons of men, remember: given the wrong circumstances, we are all capable of terrible things.

After all, we are human.

Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

 

On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was, How many steps does the guard take during their walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns? ------ All three missed it ---

 

The Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is really an awesome sight to watch.

Guard Duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

1. How many steps does the guard take during their walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? ...21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

 

2. How long do they hesitate after their about face to begin their return walk and why?...21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1,

 

3. Why are their gloves wet? ...Their gloves are moistened to prevent losing their grip on the rifle.

 

4. Do they carry their rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not? ... They carry the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After their march across the path, they execute an about face and move the rifle to the outside shoulder.

 

5. How often are the guards changed? ... Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

 

6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to? ... For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, they must be between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and their waist size cannot exceed 30.' Other requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty.

 

They cannot swear in public and cannot disgrace the uniform or the tomb in any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only a little over 600 presently worn.

 

The guard must obey these rules while serving as guards or for the rest of their lives if they choose.

 

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.

 

There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform.

 

Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.

 

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV.

 

All off-duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis (the boxer) and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, (the most decorated soldier of WWII) of Hollywood fame.

 

Every guard spends five hours a day getting their uniforms ready for guard duty.

 

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

 

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington , DC , our US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. 

They respectfully declined the offer, 'No way, Sir!' Soaked to the skin, marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person.

 

The tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7, since 1930.

 

God Bless and Keep the Guards of the Unknown Soldier.

We can be very proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

 

Duty - Honor - Country

 

IN GOD WE TRUST

 

 

In May 1864, one month prior to its establishment as a national cemetery, the first military burials took place at Arlington National Cemetery. The four burials took place in Section 27 (pictured), the oldest section of the cemetery:

 

  

 

Private William Henry Christman, 67th Pennsylvania Infantry: first military service member interred at Arlington.

 

Private William Reeves, 76th New York Infantry: first draftee.

 

Private William Blatt, 49th Pennsylvania Infantry: first battle casualty.

 

Private William H. McKinney, 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry: first to have family present at his funeral.

 

Learn more about the history of Arlington National Cemetery.

Nuclear Energy - Here's Where it all Started

 

Under the stadium seats at University of Chicago (my hometown!).

Ten intriguing facts you might not know about the world’s first controlled release of nuclear energy:

1. The world's first self-sustaining controlled nuclear chain reactor took place at the University of Chicago on December 2, 1942. 

2. Chicago Pile-1 was the world’s first nuclear reactor to go critical.

3. 49 scientists led by Enrico Fermi, were present for the event. Leona Marshall was the lone female researcher.

4. The reactor was built with graphite blocks, some of which contained small disks of uranium.

5. Scientists monitored the reaction on instruments named after Winnie the Pooh characters—Piglet, Tigger and Pooh.

6. Scientist George Weil withdrew the cadmium-plated control rod unleashing the first controlled chain reaction.

7. The reactor had three sets of control rods. One was automatic and could be controlled from the balcony. Another was an emergency safety rod. The third rod (operated by Weil) actually held the reaction in check until it was withdrawn the proper distance.

8. The group celebrated with a bottle of Chianti that was poured into paper cups. Most of the participants signed the wine bottle’s label. This was the only written record of who had taken part in the experiment.

9. In the lead up to this experiment, a letter from Albert Einstein to President Franklin D. Roosevelt helped lead to the Manhattan Project—a government research project that produced the first atomic bombs. It was also the seed that grew into the modern U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory system.

10. The Energy Department’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is named in honor of Enrico Fermi for his contributions to nuclear physics and scientific success at nearby University of Chicago.

Links to more information about the birth of nuclear energy:

The first nuclear reactor, explained

Chicago Pile-1

Chicago Pile 1: A bold nuclear physics experiment with enduring impact

Manhattan Project

Chicago Pile-1 - Manhattan Project History

 

 

 

 

 

Harlem Nocturne

This is one I will never ever forget. I just heard it, after 50 years I still remember where I was and who I was with when I first heard it. <sigh> I was wishing I knew how to dance at my High School prom. My date Barbra wanted to dance to this tune soooooo bad. 

Hearing it again brought back that same feeling...Wish I could dance.

Harlem Nocturne long version by The Viscounts

"Harlem Nocturne" has been recorded by many diverse artists, but this version by the The Viscounts is by far the best.

 

“Harlem Nocturne”  - “Harlem Nocturne” is a saxophone-saturated song born in 1939 that has had a long shelf life –a song that found pop fame 20 years, and again nearly 50 years, after its first release.

 

A Symphony Of The City -  Duke Ellington‘s “Mr. Cotton Club” in Harlem connection to “Harlem Nocturne” is a fascinating tale of musical inspiration and cross-pollination in the jazz world. 

 

“Harlem Nocturne” (1940) Ray Noble and (1969) Ted Heath - Swing & Beyond

 

... Wonder if my Physics teacher remembers who he danced with while this played? 

North Carolina History

 

On April 12, 1776, North Carolina’s Fourth Provincial Congress approves the Halifax Resolves. After the Patriot victory at Moores Creek Bridge, the Fourth North Carolina Provincial Congress met in Halifax, NC. Members unanimously adopted the Halifax Resolves on April 12, 1776. The Resolves were simply entered into the Congressional minutes, and as such, are not "signed" documents. After adoption, the secretary of the Congress, James Green, sent copies of the Resolves to the North Carolina delegation assembled with the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia for execution.The decision was about as close to declaring independence as the state could come without actually doing so.

The colonial assemblies desired self-governing status within the British Empire in early 1776. However, North Carolina was an exception. The Halifax Resolves ordered North Carolina's delegation to the second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, not only to form foreign alliances, but also to seek and vote for independence from Great Britain. This action made North Carolina the first of the colonial governments to call for total independence. As such, it became a factor leading to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on July 4, 1776.

North Carolina’s delegates to the Continental Congress were now authorized to vote for independence!

The state had changed its mind—drastically—in a relatively short period of time. Only seven short months earlier, the state’s Third Provincial Congress had approved a message to British citizens. That letter scorned the concept of independence:

“We have been told that independence is our object,” that Congress wrote, “that we seek to shake off all connection With the Parent State. Cruel suggestion! . . . We again declare, and we invoke that Almighty Being who searches the recesses, of the human heart, and knows our most secret intentions, that it is our most earnest wish and prayer to be restored, with the other United Colonies, to the state in which we and they were placed before the year 1763 . ."

That letter was written in September 1775. But matters moved quickly, and a battle was soon fought early in 1776. The Battle at Moore’s Creek Bridge has been called the “Lexington and Concord of the South.” The story concludes HERE: https://www.taraross.com/post/tdih-halifax-resolves

North Carolina Provincial Congress

The Halifax Resolves

Halifax and the Revolution

Continental Congress

Second Continental Congress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas in the Philippines

Simbang Gabi

Christmas in the Philippines is celebrated through the Church with family and friends. Although most in the Philippines are very poor (at or under the poverty line as described in America) it is a time of festival and feasting. Families gather in the barrios decorated with lanterns and Nativity scenes to feast and attend Mass together. Everyone is invited.

Although, like in the US, many malls and businesses in the Philippines begin decorating in September, the Christmas season does not begin in earnest until December 16, nine days before Christmas. In Tagalog (Philippine native language) it is called Simbang Gabi (Night Mass); it is also called Misa De Gallo (Rooster's Mass).  This practice is a devotional nine-day series of Masses (called a Novena) held at dawn; running from December 16 through December 24, leading up to the Christmas Eve Mass.  

Simbang Gabi is a spiritual and joyful preparation for the birthday of our Lord and Savior. It is a way of requesting blessings from the Lord. To welcome Church goers during this novena, the Churches are decorated with the Nativity scene and colorful Christmas lanterns. 

The tradition of Simbang Gabi started during the days of Spanish rule in the Philippines. Mass was scheduled in the early mornings to enable farmers to attend Mass before going to work in their fields. The Masses usually took place between 3 and 5 AM. Shortly after the Mass delicacies awaited the Church goers. Food stalls outside the Church were available with coffee or tea. 

Over the years, this tradition has evolved. Some parishes now celebrate Simbang Gabi Masses between 6 and 9 PM to accommodate a more modern work schedule. 

Christmas Lanterns

Hanging colorful Christmas lanterns is another Christmas tradition in the Philippines. Called a "Parol" in Tagalog, it is usually in the form of a 5-point star, with two decorative tails. 

                                    

It represents the star that the three kings followed when they searched for the infant Jesus. It is also an expression of light over darkness and shared faith and hope. 

The materials commonly used in making a lantern are bamboo and Japanese paper. In the past, lanterns were created by hand in different forms; such as: fish, lambs (representing the Lamb of God), doves (representing the Holy Spirit), angels and animals of the Nativity. The lanterns were usually illuminated with candles, oil lamps, or carbide lamps.

Modern lanterns are normally made of steel frames with plastic bodies and illuminated with electric lights. 

Lechon  

Lechon is a whole pig, spit roasted over charcoal and flavored with oil and spices. It is a dish used to celebrate special occasions such as, baptisms, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and Holy Day celebrations (the first time I went to Lolly's barrio to meet her family they served Lechon). The whole pig is used. It is normally strung up in a tree by it'd hind legs. A large bowl is placed below it's head. An artery in the pig's neck is severed and the blood is drained into the bowl. The pig's blood along with it's internal organs are used to make a soup called diniguan (not sure of the spelling). 

Lechon is known for it's skin. The perfect skin is cooked evenly, smooth, golden brown, shiny and crispy - from the pig's snout to the tip of it's tail.

For Filipinos, the love of their traditions, the culture they grew up in, transcends physical boundaries. It travels with them to America and other countries and reminds them of home, no matter how far away they are from their loved ones.  

Simbang Gabi Links 

Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simbang_Gabi

The Significance and Origin of SIMBANG GABI - https://www.filcatholic.org/the-significance-and-origin-of-simbang-gabi/

 Simbang Gabi is Filipino Advent tradition honoring the Blessed Mother - https://www.archstl.org/simbang-gabi-is-filipino-advent-tradition-honoring-the-blessed-mother-1387

In PH’s oldest stone church, Simbang Gabi brings Catholics back to 16th century - https://www.rappler.com/nation/metro-manila/san-agustin-church-simbang-gabi-brings-catholics-to-16th-century/

Tradition of Marian Simbang Gabi novena lives on - https://asiacarolinas.org/culture/simbang-gabi 

A Cultural Celebration of Philippine “Simbang Gabi” - https://asiacarolinas.org/culture/simbang-gabi

 

 

 

Opposits Do Attract!

 

We met just after my 35th birthday, This year (2021) November 15 will be our 35th wedding anniversary. That means I have known Lolly for 1/2 my life (I just turned 70). 

Every once in a while I get philosophical and look back on my life. I'm not looking for anything special, I just want to make sure that I'm going forward in the right direction, making the right choices. I have made many mistakes in my life, especially when I was younger. It seems that I learn more about life from my mistakes than from academics. I always pray that the lord will help me spot them and show me what I can learn from them. ... One thing that was not a mistake was stepping out one morning and buying a newspaper.  

We were complete opposites. We were born and raised on opposite sides of the planet. Different cultures, environments, societies, ways of life. There wasn't one common thread between us. 

The first thing I remember Lolita doing was, she made the sign of the cross. Not the habitual gesture that I see many Catholics make, Hers was a prayer. The ugliness of war and the society I came home to had all but erased any memory I had of God, religion and church. It wasn't that God didn't exist, He existed, but I felt he just wasn't paying attention to me. I tried to quell the memories of a war that no one wanted and blamed on me, with alcohol for almost 10 years.

She was very well educated, she just received a Doctorate degree in education. I just barely made it out of high school, and I HATED school. She was very organized and meticulous, I was very unorganized and messy. 

Although we were opposites, I felt comfortable sitting across a table from her in a restaurant and walking around all the tourist spots in San Diego with her. Much later I felt more comfortable sitting next to her at Mass than I did sitting alone in a Protestant church. 

As I learned about Lolita, I also learned about myself. I had become very different than I was at age 18, and now because of Lolita, was becoming very different than when I was at 30. 

When I graduated from High School I enlisted in the Navy. The Navy turned me into an adult, the war ripped my soul from me. I was lost to God and lost to the world around me...Well, to everyone and everything except Lolita.

Unknowingly at that time, I was learning from Lolita. Through the way she lived her life I was learning what Jesus meant when he talked of "love." A lot of things go into love. Acceptance, respect and caring are all a part of the Love that Jesus talked about. Lolita and I were very different, from birth! But we accepted our differences and respected them, whether we agreed or disagreed with it, we accepted and respected each other's lives - totally. From acceptance and respect comes caring. I was beginning to feel Lolly caring for me (she was the ONLY woman...person to ever get me to go to a Dentist...TWICE!!!!). Being a part of Lolly's life, watching how she handles the good and the bad stuff of daily life helped me to gain my soul back. 

Today I thank God for every day I have with Lolly and I thank Lolly for all she has done for me.    

Obama Who?

The Speech That Made a President

When Barack Obama launched into his address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, he was still an obscure state senator from Illinois. By the time he finished 17 minutes later, he had captured the nation’s attention and opened the way for a run at the presidency.

I really didn't know it at the time, but Obama couldn't speak, I mean, he was the type of speaker that would put a crowd to sleep...Until THAT speech. There is a great article about his speaking skills - Obama’s 'Overnight Success' In 2004 Was A Year In The Making

 

Closest Finish in Indy History

The Freedom 100 was an automobile race held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, as part of the Indy Lights. The event was a support race for the IndyCar Series Indianapolis 500, and since 2005, it was held on the Friday preceding the Indianapolis 500, the day known as "Carb Day". The Freedom 100 was the second race annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the other being the Grand Prix on the combined road course. Wikipedia

Carb Day kicks off the Memorial Day weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with the final Indianapolis 500 practice, a pit stop challenge and a concert. It's a perfect day to get into the spirit of the race (and blow off work).

But, Carb Day? What's that about? Sure, a lot of fans will ingest a lot of carbs at the track, but that's not what we're talking about.

Decades ago, the track hosted Carburetion Day, when race teams had their last chance to tune the carburetors on their gasoline-powered cars. The cars that race at IMS haven't used carburetors in decades, but at a facility steeped in tradition, the name stuck.

Carburetion Day was held on a random day the week before the race and wasn't open to the public until the mid-1950s. From 1969-2004, the event was held on Thursday of race week. In 2005, Speedway officials moved it to Friday and started the party.

Venue Indianapolis Motor Speedway First race 2003 First Lights race 2003 Last race 2019 Distance 100 miles (160 km) Laps 40 Previous names Firestone Freedom 100 (2008–2013), Futaba Freedom 100 (2004–2005) Most wins (driver) Wade Cunningham (3) Most wins (team) Sam Schmidt Motorsports (7)