...be safe

On this day in 1747 the first venereal diseases clinic opened at London Lock Hospital.
A sexually transmitted infection is an illness that has a significant probability of transmission between humans by means of human sexual behavior. In recent years the term sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been preferred, as it has a broader range of meaning; a person may be infected, and may potentially infect others, without showing signs of disease. Some STIs can also be transmitted via the use of IV drug needles after its use by an infected person, as well as through childbirth or breastfeeding. Sexually transmitted infections have been well known for hundreds of years.
I have included a photo today of a poster used in WWII.
"My wife wants sex in the back of the car and she wants me to drive."
Rodney Dangerfield

...Tapestry at 40

...definition: "Something felt to resemble a richly and complexly designed cloth: the tapestry of world history."
On this day in 1971,Carole King's "Tapestry" album was released. It would become the longest charting album by a female solo artist and sell 24 million copies worldwide.This album contained the songs "It's Too Late", and Song of the Year "You've Got a Friend". Three songs from the album, "I Feel The Earth Move", "It's Too Late", and "You've Got A Friend", all reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 after Tapestry's release. Altogether, four songs on the album were at one point #1 hits, all of which were written or co-written by King. King wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the album, several of which had already been hits for other artists such as Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (in 1967) and The Shirelles' "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" (in 1960). Thank you God and Ms. King for your remarkable talents and the willingness to share them with the world. I am not sure that this is fact, but I have heard that Carole King needed some nudging to sing her own songs. It may have been James Taylor, so kudos to him also. That is something that a true friend would do. Check out this version of "You've Got A Friend".

"I didn't want to be an artist." Carole King

...antithesis and alliteration

Don't judge a book by its title! Many in the corporate world hunger for titles. There can even be a cast system of sorts which is, I guess, how that world operates. I have experienced people treating others less than decently until they learn of a specific title, degree or experience and then BINGO! the attitude changes. So can be said about the title of a book or a CD. On this day in 1813 Pride and Prejudice was first published in the United Kingdom. It has sold approximately 20 million copies worldwide. This may explain the McMansion in which Ms. Austen resides.
Though the story is set at the turn of the 19th century, it retains a fascination for modern readers, continuing near the top of lists of most loved books. It has also become one of the most popular novels in English literature, and receives considerable attention from literary scholars. Modern interest in the book has resulted in a number of dramatic adaptations and an abundance of novels and stories imitating Austen's memorable characters or themes. Anyway, after the success of 'Sense and Sensibility' the commercial aspects kicked in, the editors thinking the title a good one for selling purposes. Ahhhhh, titles! What would the neighbors think?

"Every man is surrounded by a neighborhood of voluntary spies."
Jane Austen

...proinhibitions

It is snowing here in Chester County, PA. Last evening I had a most wonderful phone conversation with a wife, and then her husband; both now owners of a beautiful new sofa. But they don't want to pay for it! Seasoned as well as I am, I didn't let it fluster me when the old bat told me to 'take a walk' and then hung up on me. What did I do? Called them right back. Then the husband called me a f*cking idiot! Who is truly the idiot? Methinks it is the side who think that they don't have to pay for received goods. I need a martini! Speaking of which, on this day in 1838 Tennessee enacted the first prohibition law in the United States. I was of legal drinking age that year and, as luck would have it, my friend Kristen was making her own hooch from a bathtub in her Grandmothers' room. Lucky us! The hardest part about prohibition was finding olives and telling the shopkeepers that they were for a Greek Salad. Sometimes it is good to lose ones inhibitions, but don't try to cheapen anyone's day.

'Be faithful to that which exists within yourself.' Andre Gide

...no fear.

Around the world in 80 days? How about 72? On this day in 1890, Nellie Bly completed her round-the-world journey in as many. 'Nellie Bly' was the pen name of American pioneer female journalist Elizabeth Jane Cochran. She remains notable for two feats: a record-breaking trip around the world in emulation of Jules Verne's character Phileas Fogg, and an exposé in which she faked insanity to study a mental institution from within. In addition to her writing, she was also an industrialist and charity worker. What will you do on this day? I can't promise to travel the world, and 'faking' insanity may be a stretch but I can promise that I will do my best and give it my all.

"Go forth a conqueror and win great victories." Virgil

...eccentricity

In popular usage, eccentricity refers to unusual or odd behavior on the part of an individual. Hmmm. I spent the greater part of yesterday in a Senior Care Facility in Haverford. The objective was to take as many items from a large space and condense them into a much smaller one and make it feel like home. Apparently I did, because MF was more than happy in her new surroundings. While waiting for technicians to fix the telephone I met a woman who was looking for her husband. He had passed years ago and yet she waited. She began to cry so I suggested a cup of strong tea. I knew that it wouldn't bring him back, nor she, but it helped. On this day in 41, Gaius Caesar (Caligula), known for his eccentricity, was assassinated by his disgruntled Praetorian Guards. Thankfully today we don't do that sort of thing. Earl Grey goes a long way. "Money, like vodka, turns a person into an eccentric." Anton Chekhov

...feeding the family

Sometimes it is a challenge to keep everything and everyone going in these questionable times.
Keep the faith, work hard and be thankful for all that you have, not disappointed in what you don't. On this day in 2002, Kmart became the largest retailer in United States history to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Along with Sears, they are now stronger and seem to be doing very well. Family oriented and aware, KMart does not sell either guns nor cigarettes.
This involves my stopping at other places, but I digress. This isn't all about me. Speaking of families, this limerick comes to mind!

There was a young girl from Rabat,
who had triplets, Nat, Pat and Tat;
It was fun in the breeding,
But hell in the feeding,
When she found she had no tit for Tat.

"All happy families resemble one another, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
Leo Tolstoy

...Roosters

This is Inauguration day when necessary. An inauguration is a formal ceremony to mark the beginning of a leader's term of office. Since we are currently in a term at the moment, no need to inaugurate. Todays photo is a Rooster Tassel. Roosters symbolize:
Pride
Honesty
Courage
Vigilance
Arrogance
Strength
Watchfulness
Flamboyance
These adjectives also define pretty much every person who was been voted as president. Nothing cocky about that! For those of you still waiting for the Ribbon Blue Rooster Tassel, here is the replacement. They are no longer making the original. More snow arrives tonight here in Chester County, PA. We will need courage, vigilance, strength and watchfulness. Maybe even a little flamboyance...why not?
"Each day provides its own gifts." Marcus Aurelius

...let there be light

Our morning walk involved dealt with black ice and lack of light. One smart dog walker had a flashlight in his free hand. Smart fellow. I have no free hand luckily so we felt our way. This time of year, in certain geographic areas, people suffer from a lack of natural sunlight. The easiest way to cure this is to book a flight to somewhere warm and sunny. If you aren't in the mood to fly, stare into a light bulb. On this day in 1883 the first electric lighting system employing overhead wires, built by Thomas Edison, began service at Roselle, New Jersey. Unfortunately it was the first performance of Cirque de Soleil and they should have paid more attention to the location of these wires. The audience was none the wiser tho', as Jacques Deschamps looked as though he was on a trapeze. Have fun today, see the light and avoid electrical wires being used as jump ropes. Talk about light, on this day in 19**( her publicist advised me against using all four digits) Dolly Parton, American singer and the actress, known for her very large uhm, collection of wigs, was born.
"I look just like the girls next door... if you happen to live next door to an amusement park." Dolly Parton

...sheets of ice

We awoke to an ice covered Chester County and what a walk we had! The boys have built-in 4WD so they led the pack and I slid behind. Friends called me from Naples and it was great to hear how sunny and warm it is down there. On this day in 1778 James Cook was the first known European to discover the Hawaiian Islands, which he names the "Sandwich Islands". Smart fellow. Sounds like a great place to be just about now. Just draw a tiny picture of yourself, cut it out and place somewhere on the map to the left. Have fun, and skate through your day.

"A woman at 20 is like ice, at 30 she is warm and at 40 she is hot."
Gina Lollobrigida

...can you take me high enough?

Just yesterday I was having lunch with M,E,J,G & M W. Part of our discussion was listing retail venues that have gone out of business including Bonwit Teller, Wanamaker's, etc all having been in our own back yards. I learned tho' that Yang Ming, also in our back yard, was voted Best Chinese restaurant in the US, or something like that. That is something to be proud of. On this day in 1983 the tallest department store in the world, Hudson's, the flagship store in downtown Detroit closed due to the high cost of operating.I personally only like to hear success stories, but reality then sinks in. One of my favorite songs is "High Enough" which I have linked in case you need to hear it. Have a great day, don't get too high ( remember Hudson's) and give it your best shot. And like JO said, if there is an irritation in your life, be like an oyster and turn that irritation into a pearl. Good luck with that!

'Pleated Balloon Valance' shown today. Hang it high enough to create a sense of height in your room.

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
Martin Luther King, Jr.

...image is everything

I'm sure you have all heard about that dastardly stunt pulled by Kate Perry's husband. Russell Brand posted a photo of his beloved wife Katy Perry on his Twitter account, without any make-up. Almost as bad, on this day in 1947 the brutalized corpse of Elizabeth Short ("The Black Dahlia") was found in Leimert Park, Los Angeles. As our Pop Culture seems to need, this American woman and the victim of a gruesome and much-publicized murder, acquired the moniker posthumously by newspapers in the habit of nicknaming crimes they found particularly colorful. Short was found mutilated, her body sliced in half at the waist. Heinous by any standard, at least 'stars without makeup' doesn't result in death...well, maybe to his/her career.
Gotta run now. I am still in my jammies and my apparently "visually offensive" ski cap with ears still adorns my head and I swear that I hear the click, click, click of a camera. Shown today is the photo for Karen Carpenters solo album. This album was purposely styled to help get Karen out of the ridiculous wholesome good girl image that ultimately aided in ruining her life. Note how the record company chose to put her head in a 'square'? Even in death she could not win that battle.

"Time, which changes people, does not alter the image we have retained of them."
Marcel Proust

...making records

What is it like to make a record? What is it like to break one? I believe that humans are wired for competition, even couch potatoes. They like to win on Atari, right? On this day in 1973 Elvis Presley's concert 'Aloha from Hawaii' was broadcast live via satellite, and set a record as the most watched broadcast by an individual entertainer in television history. Not sure how OJ's car ride ranked.
Also on this day, but in 1989 The NAACP 21st Image Awards were aired. Michael Jackson won Best Male Artist and Best Album Of The Year (for "Bad"). On this day in 1514 Pope Leo X issued a papal bull against slavery.I won't get into Papal briefs on here. We have an entire Universe to help us. Isn't that almost surreal? Get out there, or stay in and make a record of your own. If you feel the need to break one, find a vinyl copy of 'Milli Vanilli' and break that one.
"We know what we are, but know not what we may be."
William Shakespeare

....plebiscite

...is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. Examples: voting on where the company Holiday party will be held, which color jackets should be worn in certain real Estate offices, or who wants to be a Nazi! On this day in 1935 a plebiscite in Saarland showed that 90.3% of those voting wished to join Nazi Germany. In all fairness, except for the ethnic cleansing part, this plebiscite sounded good.
The Nazis promised strong, authoritarian government in lieu of effete parliamentary republicanism, civil peace, radical economic policy (including full employment), restored national pride (principally by repudiating the Versailles Treaty), and racial cleansing, partly implemented via the active suppression of Jews and Marxists, all in name of national unity and solidarity, rather than the partisan divisions of democracy.
Have a good day, fight for what is right and shower daily, no matter what your ethnicity.

"He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future." Adolf Hitler

...Queen Of The Sea

And you thought that this was folklore! Well, it isn't. The "Queen Of The Sea" is very much alive as you can see from her latest Press Release photo. Holding a pink fishing rod brought to her by none other than Santa Claus, she has reigned over the waters for centuries. Way back, on this day in 1899 13 crew members and 5 apprentices were rescued off the coast of England by the Lynmouth Lifeboat. Yes, Nolah led the brigade and while doing so enjoyed a chocolate milk. As recently as 2004, on this day of course, the world's largest ocean liner, RMS Queen Mary 2, made its maiden voyage. Understandably pissed off due to the name change of the vessel, (it was originally supposed to be called The Queen Of The Sea Too!) our brave young lady took it in stride. Only in a few photos can it be seen that the logo on the boat was scribbled out in pink crayon.
"I have laid aside business, and gone a'fishing." Izaak Walton & Nolah L. Pie

...got milk?

I ran short yesterday, an it was a first. Even at my advanced years I love to drink it, although at this stage of the game it is of the fat free variety. The exact components of raw milk vary by species, but it contains significant amounts of saturated fat,unless it is fat free, protein and calcium as well as vitamin C. Cow's milk has a pH ranging from 6.4 to 6.8, making it slightly acidic. Adding chocolate to it makes it slightly yummier. On this day in 1878 milk was first delivered in bottles. A teen aged Joan Rivers was standing at her front door when the first milk delivery truck pulled up. Without milk, we would also be without cream, butter, yogurt, kefir, ice cream, and especially the more durable and easily transportable product, cheese. Kefir, by the way, is a fermented milk drink. Thanks but no thanks. I will now give credit where credit is due. The "Got Milk?" campaign was designed and implemented by the ad agency "Goodby Silverstein & Partners" for the California Milk Processor Board in 1993.

"There's nothing like sitting back and talking to your cows."
Russell Crowe

...measure twice, cut once

This rule applies to carpenters, seamsters, wallpaper hangers and probably every other career in the world. You may have to adjust the words a little. No one is perfect, but the more detail oriented we are, the better the outcome. On this day in 2005 CBS fired four executives following the release of an independent investigation about a "60 Minutes Wednesday" story.It dealt with U.S. President George W. Bush's military service. The investigation said a "myopic zeal" led to the story being aired that was neither fair nor accurate. Forged documents had been used for proof in the story. Ouch.
My Grass cloth hallway job became more interesting. The vendor changed the length of a double roll from 8 yards in length to 6.5 yards in length. Surprise! Now how many rolls will it take if you need 29 8'cuts? Get out your calculators everyone! I originally ordered ten rolls. I will start the clock. Measure twice, cut once, plan accordingly and hope for the best.

"The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have."
Vince Lombardi

...crystal gale

Crystal Gayle is an American country music singer best known for her 1977 country-pop hit, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue". Actually it was the contact lenses. An award-winning singer, she accumulated twenty number one country hits during the 1970s and 1980s. She is also famous for her nearly floor-length hair and was voted one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world in 1983. She is the younger sister of singer Loretta Lynn (19 years younger) and a distant cousin of singer Patty Loveless. Crystal Gayle has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, near Loretta Lynn's star.
On this day in 1880 the Great Gale of 1880 devastated parts of Oregon and Washington with high wind and heavy snow. Chester County, PA has had lots of snow already this year making the green grass white. AA, UD, BJ and GD are in Naples, Florida missing all of the fun! Stay warm, enjoy the changes in season and if you feel the Winter Blues coming on...give one of the aforementioned initials a call. They would be happy to have you.

"On life's vast ocean diversely we sail. Reasons the card, but passion the gale."
Alexander Pope

...Daylesford Abbey & Candy Man

I don't understand all of the pedophilia within the Catholic Church. It is a revered institution, and yet it is fraught with stories, and facts concerning sexual acts of impropriety. I know that the church is one of the largest profit-making institutions and remains tax exempt. Lucky them!
I did not attend Catholic School. I did go to Catechism. There was a Priest who used to give me unwarranted attention. He was a freak. His name was Father Hagan. I remember it to this day. It is something that one gets used to, but never forgets. He used to taunt me in front of the class and try to 'handle' me in private. I pushed him away back then and probably would have cut him if I had been older.

One day, and this is going waaaayyy back I called him on his shit. He would refer to me as Mr. Clancey, purposely misnaming me. I called him Father Heathen, ( please keep in mind that I was a mere tot, but thankfully with survival instincts) and wouldn't you know...my parents were called in. I never went back.
What I do not understand is why, after all of these years, this kind of thing can still happen. I also do not understand how, with the huge financial profits brought in by this big business, how they cannot afford to compensate the people whose lives they have ruined by reporting a 'lack of funds.'
These past few years have been monetarily tough for many, but geez. If you want to play with a young boy or girl, and make a major, negative effect on their lives forever, show some compensation...oops....I meant compassion.
"Forgive me Father for I have sinned." Oh, wait. It wasn't me, it was you.
Please read on...


On this day in 2010...well, I have cheated to copy and paste an article from snapnetwork.org:

Victim of pedophile priest speaks publicly for first time

Cleric known as “the candy man” taught in local school

Catholic officials have deemed allegations “credible” but won’t act

Group will try to hand deliver fliers to parents & a letter to school staff

Religious order, claiming poverty, offered man $2,000; he may file civil lawsuit

Self help organization wants principal to “reach out” to others who may have been hurt

WHAT
Holding childhood photos and signs at a sidewalk new conference, a clergy sex abuse victim will, for the first time, disclose and discuss the child molestation he suffered at the hands of a Catholic priest.

He will also try to
-- hand deliver a letter to school officials asking them to use their resources to reach out to others who may have been assaulted by the priest, and
-- hand out leaflets to adults around the school urging them to ask friends and relatives about the predator.

And he’ll beg local Catholics and current and former school staff to ask friends & family if they were hurt by this cleric, and come forward and get help if they were injured.

WHEN
Thursday, January 7 from 1:45 - 3:00 pm (as students leave school)

WHERE
Outside Sts. John Neumann & Maria Goretti Catholic High School, 1736 South Tenth Street (215 465 8437) in Philadelphia

WHO
A Florida man who was abused by the priest, his California attorney, and two-four child sex abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)

WHY
Last year, John Katubi reported to Catholic officials that he was molested as a 10 year old by Fr. Robert W. Gaghan in the late 1950s. Gaghan’s supervisors, the Norbertines, have admitted to Katabi and his lawyer that his charges are credible, but claim poverty and have offered Katubi only $2,000. Katubi may file a civil suit.

Gaghan was the victim's uncle, pastor and teacher. Gaghan abused both of Katubi’s brothers too.

Gaghan, who died in 1989, was known as the "Candy Man” because he gave candy to kids who came to mass on Sunday at St. Gabriel and possibly St. Edmonds. Gaghan taught at Southeast Catholic - Bishop Neumann - Saint John Neumann High School from the 1950s through the 1980s. An alumni publication indicates that Gaghan was principal of Bishop Neumann (then called Southeast Catholic) in 1981.

The Norbertines have refused to turn over their ‘investigation report’ to Katubi despite numerous requests.

Some of the crimes occurred at a vacation home on the New Jersey shore near Atlantic City.

Katubi, now 64, is a Philadelphia native. He’s now divorced and works as a charter boat captain in Key West FL. He is represented by attorney Michele M. Betti of San Diego CA and New York NY (760 500 5451, mbettilaw@gmail.com).

The Norbertines operate Daylesford Abbey in Paoli PA. They are represented by Philadelphia attorney Michael D. O’Mara (215 564 8121).

CONTACT
David Clohessy 314 566 9790 cell, Barbara Dorris 314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell

...conflicting holidays

How would you like to be born on a special holiday? It is hard to top the birth of Christ. Even Moreso to get top billing over a New Years Eve celebration. How does one handle this? Answer: be especially smart, beautiful and able to eat pretty pink cake wearing an ebullient smile. Did the ball drop at Midnight? Whatever. Pink rules. And so do CD, ND and KD. Pretty in pink? Yes. Happy everything. Pass the icing. I need seconds.

"Most of us can remember a time when a birthday - especially if it was one's own - brightened the world as if a second sun has risen." Robert Lynd