Independence Day
Posted on July 4, 2007 - Filed Under History, Holiday, Inspirational Words, acts of valor, american idol, free speech, honor, musical favorites, my opinions
The 4th of July is a significant day to most Americans and is certainly to me. It reminds me of how much I love my country and what sacrifices were made that I might live in a place so wonderful as America. I love the picnics and parades and fireworks to be sure, but mostly I love my country. I wanted to share our national anthem with everyone in its entirety. For more info on the 4th of July go here. Happy 4th everyone - and especially to our troops who continue to stand the watch, ever vigilant. Respectfully, WC
“The Star Spangled Banner”
The Defense of Fort McHenry
by Francis Scott Key
20 September 1814
Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
‘Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep’s pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Author, Author
Posted on April 10, 2007 - Filed Under Heroes, Inspirational Words, Writers, american idol, classics, cool cats, favorites, my opinions, tribute, writing
Mark Twain was (and still is today, in my mind) one of the best authors America has ever had to offer. His agile mind never missed a trick of human nature, nor an opportunity to make fun of himself and those around him. My all time favorite book, Letters from Earth, is a must read, if you haven’t already.
Below, (editorial comment mine & in bold) what he has to say about authors:
WC
I have been an author for 20 years and an ass for 55. (I’m working on getting there myself)
- Mark Twain, a Biography
Experience is an author’s most valuable asset; experience is the thing that puts the muscle and the breath and the warm blood into the book he writes. (No argument there)
- Is Shakespeare Dead
Authorship is not a trade, it is an inspiration; authorship does not keep an office, its habitation is all out under the sky, and everywhere the winds are blowing and the sun is shining and the creatures of God are free. (Can I get a witness?)
- A petition to the Queen of England, 1887 (plea for exemption from English tax on royalties)
An author values a compliment even when it comes from a source of doubtful competency. (Yes, we are comment whores, aren’t we?)
- Mark Twain’s Autobiography
I never saw an author who was aware that there is any dimensional difference between a fact and a surmise. (Can you say, poetic license?)
- quoted in My Father Mark Twain, by Clara Clemens
There are three infallible ways of pleasing an author, and the three form a rising scale of compliment: 1, To tell him you have read one of his books; 2, To tell him you have read all of his books; 3, To ask him to let you read the manuscripts of his forthcoming book. No. 1 admits you to his respect; no. 2 admits you to his admiration; No. 3 carries you clear into his heart. (The secrets to a writer’s heart)
- Pudd’nhead Wilson
An Undeniable Force
Posted on April 8, 2007 - Filed Under Dear Readers..., Deep thoughts, Heroes, History, Holiday, I'm in awe, Inspirational Words, honor, my opinions, philosophy & politics, reflections, wisdom
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever, is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. [Philippians 4:8].
I have always believed in the lesson of Easter. The ascension of good over evil, light over darkness. To reflect on the idea that there was someone so purely good that he would die for the transgressions of the rest of humanity is staggering. Even if you don’t prescribe to Christainity or believe in any aspect of it, the story of Christ must give one pause.
I know that it is cool and hip to bash Christianity and in fact, organized religion in general these days. That depicting Christ as a criminal, a pervert or even a monster is what passes as art or edgy dialogue - but I reject that as having any validity. To disagree with something does not mean to denigrate it.
The lessons and teachings of Christ are valuable, in fact, most of the moral and belief systems in the world follow the architecture of those lessons. Ponder that for a moment.
Though I was raised as a Catholic (strong Christian attitudes there) I don’t identify myself as a Catholic. The reasons for this are not important to anyone but myself. Nonetheless, I don’t reject Christ as a saviour. Even if he was merely a man, the effect he had and continues to have on the world is worthy of respect and awe. And I can think of few who have had a comparable impact on the world, perhaps no one has.
Even if he was only a symbol of peace on Earth, that symbol brought mankind out of darkness and gave the light of hope. How could this be a bad thing? What could be a better gift to your fellows?
When I was a little girl, I always loved the stories of Jesus and his teachings - they made me feel that there was true goodness in the world. Something the world needed desperately and still does.
So over this weekend, while I am enjoying myself with food and celebration - chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs, I will reflect on how this incredible man changed the world.
Happy Easter everybody.
WC
Snappy Office Come-backs!
Posted on March 6, 2007 - Filed Under Deep thoughts, Humor, Inspirational Words, Just For Fun, Life, acts of valor, adventure, bad hair day, classics, cubicle universe, empty head, favorites, funny bone, head exploding, in my head, laughs, loving it!, that's class, tips, tricks and advice, working stiff
Hey - ever get a little tongue-tied at work? You know, somebody chaps your hide and you just sit there like a kid with an IQ of 30 or something? Then about 15 minutes later your mind kicks in again and you think of all manner of things you should have said? Well here’s a little list you can keep under your keyboard for those very occasions - you can even laminate it so coffee spills won’t hurt it. Good luck and hope it helps.
1. Never give me work in the morning. Always wait until 4:00 and then bring
it to me. The challenge of a deadline is refreshing.
2. If it’s really a rush job, run in and interrupt me every 10 minutes to inquire how it’s going. That helps. Even better, hover behind me, and advise me at every keystroke.
3. Always leave without telling anyone where you’re going. It gives me a chance to be creative when someone asks where you are.
4. If my arms are full of papers, boxes, books, or supplies, don’t open the door for me. I need to learn how to function as a paraplegic and opening doors with no arms is good training in case I should ever be injured and lose all use of my limbs.
5. If you give me more than one job to do, don’t tell me which is priority. I am psychic.
6. Do your best to keep me late. I adore this office and really have nowhere to go or anything to do. I have no life beyond work.
7. If a job I do pleases you, keep it a secret. If that gets out,it could mean a promotion.
8. If you don’t like my work, tell everyone. I like my name to be popular in conversations. I was born to be whipped.
9. If you have special instructions for a job, don’t write them down. In fact, save them until the job is almost done. No use confusing me with useful information.
10. Never introduce me to the people you’re with. I have no right to know anything. In the corporate food chain, I am plankton. When you refer to them later, my shrewd deductions will identify them.
11. Be nice to me only when the job I’m doing for you could really change
your life and send you straight to manager’s hell
12. Tell me all your little problems. No one else has any and it’s nice to know someone is less fortunate. I especially like the story about having to pay so many taxes on the bonus check you received for being such a good manager.
13. Wait until my yearly review and THEN tell me what my goals SHOULD have been. Give me a mediocre performance rating with a cost of living increase. I’m not here for the money anyway
Feel free to add any to the list that I’ve overlooked. 
WC
(PS: HT to A-Mum for the list - come back soon Moe)
My Kind of Teddy
Posted on January 30, 2007 - Filed Under Deep thoughts, Heroes, History, Inspirational Words, Pioneers, Self Esteem, acts of valor, adventure, amazing, american idol, classics, motivation, presidents, really cool shit, tribute, wisdom
“I care not what others think of what I do, but I care very much about what I think of what I do!. That is character.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
(Known both for his larger-than-life personality and his many achievements, Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest US president at age 42. He was born in 1858 in New York. He led the Rough Riders, a motley volunteer cavalry, to victory in the battle of San Juan Hill. As the “Trust Buster” president, he instigated some 40 lawsuits to break up monopolies. An ardent conservationist, he put 230 million acres under federal protection. The Panama Canal was begun under Roosevelt. He died in 1919.)
That Teddy was my kind of guy. Course today in this politically correct world, they’d probably destroy him. Thank God, he was around when it was okay for men to men and for leaders to lead. God bless his soul.
WC
To Every Thing…
Posted on December 29, 2006 - Filed Under Deep thoughts, Inspirational Words, Life, classics, favorites, motivation, wisdom
I find this rather appropriate to consider especially as one year ends and a new one begins. WC
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. 13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
Ecclesiastes 3 King James Bible
Poster Girl
Posted on October 26, 2006 - Filed Under Current Events, Deep thoughts, Heroes, Inspirational Words, Life, Terrorism, honor, our troops, support our troops, tribute
Sorry guys, I don’t usually post two videos in one week but I just had to post this one.
It’s from Aussie singer Beccy Cole who is singing “Poster Girl” in response to some of her fans who disagree with her supporting the Diggers, the Australian soldiers fighting in Afghanistan.
Really makes me tear up.
WC
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/0BZ6aqgvdFI]
Her Name Was Helen
Posted on October 22, 2006 - Filed Under Deep thoughts, Heroes, History, Inspirational Words, adventure, honor, motivation
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.” Helen Keller
Translation(mine): Go big or stay home.
If you’d like to learn more about this amazing woman, go here.
WC
Honest Abe…
Posted on September 22, 2006 - Filed Under Deep thoughts, History, Inspirational Words, american idol, motivation, philosophy & politics
“When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. And that is my religion.”
– Abraham Lincoln
Another American president who fought against the tide of disagreement. Some thought he was a hero, others thought him a traitor. I think he tried to do what he thought was best for his country. WC
A Fireman’s Prayer
Posted on September 9, 2006 - Filed Under 9/11, Deep thoughts, Family, History, Inspirational Words, country, honor, memories, tribute
When I am called to duty God
wherever flames may rage
give me strength to save a life
whatever be its age
Help me to embrace a little child
before it is too late
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert
to hear the weakest shout
and quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and
to give the best in me
to guard my neighbor and
protect his property
And if according to your will
I have to lose my life
bless with your protecting hand
my loving family from strife
343 Firemen lost their lives in the attacks of September 11, 2001. I post this prayer to honor them and the family and friends who were left behind. WC
Joseph Agnello, Brian Ahearn ,Richard Allen, Eric Allen, James Amato, Calixto Anaya Jr.,Joseph Angelini, Joseph Angelini Jr., Faustino Apostol Jr., David Arce, Louis Arena, Carl Asaro, Gregg Atlas, Gerald Atwood, Gerard Baptiste, Gerard Barbara, Matthew Barnes, Arthur Barry, Steven Bates, Carl Bedigian, Stephen Belson, John Bergin, Paul Beyer, Peter Bielfeld, Brian Bilcher, Carl Bini, Christopher Blackwell, Michael Bocchino, Frank Bonomo, Gary Box, Michael Boyle, Kevin Bracken, Michael Brennan, Peter Brennan, Daniel Brethel, Patrick Brown, Andrew Brunn, Vincent Brunton, Ronald Bucca, Greg Buck ,William Burke Jr., Donald Burns ,John Burnside, Thomas Butler, Patrick Byrne, George Cain, Salvatore Calabro, Frank Callahan, Michael Cammarata, Brian Cannizzaro, Dennis Carey, Michael Carlo, Michael Carroll, Peter Carroll, Thomas Casoria, Michael Cawley, Vernon Cherry, Nicholas Chiofalo, John Chipura, Michael Clarke, Steven Coakley, Tarel Coleman, John Collins, Robert Cordice, Ruben Correa, James Corrigan, James Coyle, Robert Crawford, John Crisci, Dennis Cross ,Thomas Cullen III , Robert Curatolo, Edward Datri, Michael Dauria, Scott Davidson, Edward Day, Thomas Deangelis, Manuel Delvalle, Martin Demeo, David Derubbio, Andrew Desperito, Dennis Devlin, Gerard Dewan, George Dipasquale, Kevin Donnelly, Kevin Dowdell, Raymond Downey, Gerard Duffy, Martin Egan, Michael Elferis, Francis Esposito, Michael Esposito, Robert Evans, John Fanning, Thomas Farino, Terrence Farrell, Joseph Farrelly, William Feehan, Lee Fehling, Alan Feinberg, Michael Fiore, John Fischer, Andre Fletcher, John Florio, Michael Fodor, Thomas Foley, David Fontana, Robert Foti, Andrew Fredericks, Peter Freund, Thomas Gambino Jr., Peter Ganci Jr., Charles Garbarini, Thomas Gardner, Matthew Garvey, Bruce Gary, Gary Geidel, Edward Geraghty, Denis Germain, Vincent Giammona, James Giberson, Ronnie Gies, Paul Gill, John Ginley, John Giordano, Jeffrey Giordano, Keith Glascoe, James Gray, Joseph Grzelak, Jose Guadalupe, Geoffrey Guja, Joseph Gullickson, David Halderman, Vincent Halloran, Robert Hamilton, Sean Hanley, Thomas Hannafin, Dana Hannon, Daniel Harlin, Stephen Harrell, Harvey Harrell, Timothy Haskell, Thomas Haskell Jr., Terence Hatton, Michael Haub, Philip Hayes, Michael Healey, John Heffernan, Ronnie Henderson, William Henry, Joseph Henry, Thomas Hetzel, Brian Hickey, Timothy Higgins, Jonathan Hohmann, Thomas Holohan, Joseph Hunter, Walter Hynes, Jonathan Ielpi, Frederick Ill Jr., William Johnston, Andrew Jordan, Karl Joseph, Anthony Jovic, Angel Juarbe Jr., Chaplain Mychal Judge, Vincent Kane, Charles Kasper, Paul Keating, Thomas Kelly, Thomas Kelly, Richard Kelly Jr., Thomas Kennedy, Ronald Kerwin, Michael Kiefer, Robert King Jr., Scott Kopytko, William Krukowski, Kenneth Kumpel, Thomas Kuveikis, David Laforge, William Lake, Robert Lane ,Peter Langone, Scott Larsen, Joseph Leavey, Neil Leavy, Daniel Libretti, Robert Linnane ,Joseph Lovero, Michael Lynch, Michael Lynch, Michael Lyons, Patrick Lyons, Joseph Maffeo, William Mahoney, Joseph Maloney, Joseph Marchbanks Jr., Charles Margiotta, Kenneth Marino, John Marshall, Peter Martin, Paul Martini, Joseph Mascali, Keithroy Maynard, Brian McAleese, John McAvoy, Thomas McCann, William McGinn, William McGovern, Dennis McHugh, Robert McMahon, Robert Madden, Terence McShane, Timothy McSweeney, Martin McWilliams, Raymond Meisenheimer, Charles Mendez , Steve Mercado, Douglas Miller, Henry Miller Jr., Robert Minara, Thomas Mingione, Paul Mitchell, Louis Modafferi, Dennis Mojica, Manuel Mojica, Carl Molinaro, Michael Montesi, Thomas Moody, John Moran, Vincent Morello, Christopher Mozzillo, Richard Muldowney Jr,. Michael Mullan, Dennis Mulligan, Raymond Murphy, Robert Nagel, John Napolitano, Peter Nelson, Gerard Nevins, Daniel O’Callaghan, Thomas O’Hagan, William O’Keefe, Patrick O’Keefe, Kevin O’Rourke, Dennis Oberg, Douglas Oelschlager, Joseph Ogren, Thomas Ohagan, Samuel Oitice, Eric Olsen, Jeffrey Olsen, Steven Olson, Michael Otten, Jeffrey Palazzo, Orio Palmer, Frank Palombo, Paul Pansini, John Paolillo, James Pappageorge, Robert Parro, Durrell Pearsall, Glenn Perry, Philip Petti, Kevin Pfeifer, Kenneth Phelan, Christopher Pickford, Shawn Powell, Vincent Princiotta, Kevin Prior, Richard Prunty, Lincoln Quappe, Michael Quilty, Leonard Ragaglia, Michael Ragusa, Edward Rall, Adam Rand, Donald Regan, Robert Regan, Christian Regenhard, Kevin Reilly, Vernon Richard, James Riches, Joseph Rivelli Jr., Michael Roberts, Michael Roberts, Anthony Rodriguez, Matthew Rogan, Keith Roma, Nicholas Rossomando, Paul Ruback, Stephen Russell, Michael Russo, Matthew Ryan ,Thomas Sabella, Christopher Santora, John Santore, Gregory Saucedo, Dennis Scauso, John Schardt, Fred Scheffold, Thomas Schoales, Gerard Schrang, Gregory Sikorsky, Stephan Siller, Stanley Smagala Jr., Kevin Smith, Leon Smith Jr., Robert Spear Jr., Joseph Spor, Lawrence Stack, Timothy Stackpole, Gregroy Stajk, Jeffrey Stark, Benjamin Suarez, Daniel Suhr, Christopher Sullivan, Brian Sweeney, Sean Tallon, Allan Tarasiewicz, Paul Tegtmeier, John Tierney, John Tipping II, Hector Tirado Jr., Richard Vanhine, Peter Vega, Lawrence Veling, John Vigiano II, Sergio Villanueva, Lawrence Virgilio, Robert Wallace, Jeffrey Walz, Michael Warchola, Patrick Waters, Kenneth Watson, Michael Weinberg, David Weiss, Timothy Welty, Eugene Whelan, Edward White, Mark Whitford, Glenn Wilkinson, John Williamson, David Wooley, William Wren, and Raymond York
God bless them all.
