Happy Labor Day's Disturbing Thoughts!
Wish I could say it better than Scott McKay writing for R.I.'s N.P.R. As goes the Union movement, so go all of us- like it or not.
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Sunday, September 01, 2013
Wish I could say it better than Scott McKay writing for R.I.'s N.P.R. As goes the Union movement, so go all of us- like it or not.
Sunday, September 02, 2012
Happy Labor Day, Siemens, North East, Maryland!
*** The results of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election at Siemens in North East Maryland, USA: 15 workers voted Yes and 24 voted No. 2 workers did not vote.
Hello, Cecil Whig- where the heck are you? You covered sucessful unionizing efforts at the IKEA warehouse recently here in Perryville. WHASSUP? That one was peaceful (thumbs up to Ikea) & this one is not. Could that be the difference? You got me!
The conflict at Siemens (a German electronics & engineeringineering company) has made national & international news. The problem is being discussed on Facebook- with photos no less! It's in North East, Md. and has 42 production employees.
In a nutshell: "It [Siemens] even just signed an agreement with labour organizations committing to respect workers’ rights around the globe. So what does Siemens do within days after signing this agreement? It launches a vicious union busting campaign. In Maryland, USA, Siemens has hired a top-dollar anti-union consultant and waged a campaign that’s included intimidation, surveillance, threats involving termination, and prohibiting Siemens employees from even talking about the union." source
Exactly what do the union busting tactics involve? Well... you'll get fired!
Final vote to join the United Steelworkers is Sept. 6. The Union has filed unfair labor charges against Siemens with the NLRB.
Oh, BTW: HAPPY LABOR DAY!
Hello, Cecil Whig- where the heck are you? You covered sucessful unionizing efforts at the IKEA warehouse recently here in Perryville. WHASSUP? That one was peaceful (thumbs up to Ikea) & this one is not. Could that be the difference? You got me!
The conflict at Siemens (a German electronics & engineeringineering company) has made national & international news. The problem is being discussed on Facebook- with photos no less! It's in North East, Md. and has 42 production employees.
In a nutshell: "It [Siemens] even just signed an agreement with labour organizations committing to respect workers’ rights around the globe. So what does Siemens do within days after signing this agreement? It launches a vicious union busting campaign. In Maryland, USA, Siemens has hired a top-dollar anti-union consultant and waged a campaign that’s included intimidation, surveillance, threats involving termination, and prohibiting Siemens employees from even talking about the union." source
Exactly what do the union busting tactics involve? Well... you'll get fired!
Final vote to join the United Steelworkers is Sept. 6. The Union has filed unfair labor charges against Siemens with the NLRB.
Oh, BTW: HAPPY LABOR DAY!
Friday, July 03, 2009
Happy Fourth!
Expect light postings for awhile. I'll try & keep the calendar up-to-date with activities.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Happy Fathers' Day! And quit your bellyaching, for crying out loud!
My dad was Walter James Rice. His mom had wanted to name him Finbarr. Luckily in those days mother's didn't go to the christening, and so his two step-sisters took him & named him Walter. His bro didn't fare quite so well with the middle name of Aloysius.
My father died suddenly of a heart attack in 1973. He had chronic heartburn & spent the night thinking that he was having a really bad case of it. He wasn't. Saying this was a shock is an understatement! He owned the only tool & die shop in Middletown. He was 53 & is buried in St. Columba's.
He was born in Worcester from an Irish railroading family. A childhood illness & a lousy doctor left him deaf in one ear. This rendered him 4F for WWII but also enabled him to be the first in his family to attend college on a scholarship - Worcester State Teachers' College. He kept trying to enter the service, but always failed the physical. Even though he knew this was inevitable, he tried every branch, inc. the merchant marine.
He didn't teach for long (no money in it). He worked for the R.R. until it basically died, then managed a small steel co. in Sparrows Pt., Md. next to Bethlehem Steel. When my uncle died, he came up here to manage his tool & die shop & bought it. He was an Industrial Engineer, before an entire career was outsourced.
What I learned from my Dad:
How to float, keep your ice cream cone from dripping, the names of local trees & flowers, and how to scratch yourself on the rough bark of a tree when you get mosquito bites. I learned how to grow gladiolas & no matter how matter varieties & colors that you grow, they all eventually end up the same color unless you buy new bulbs.
A glass of beer periodically is a good thing, along with telling jokes & singing songs. I learned the meaning of "Erin Go Bragh," that wearing orange on St. Pat's day was an insult (and justifiably punishable with a good beating), & I'm still wondering who put those foolish trousers in Mrs. Murphy's Chower.
I learned how to appreciate classical music and opera and how to wink. Operating electonics is fun & inputs & outputs aren't all that complicated. You should peel your skin when you get a sunburn. Learning to snap your fingers takes practice - a little spit can be helpful.
I learned how to change a tire, clean & gap spark plugs, & jump an engine. I also know how to remove an air filter, & open a stuck butterfly valve with a screwdriver while standing a respectable distance away as there could be a rather surprising & sudden start-up (ka-pow!).
I learned how to play baseball, shoot hoops, love the Red Sox (even when they ALWAYS broke your heart), and how sleeping while watching sports on t.v. is good. But even better is going to sporting events.
For crying out loud, when you're playing the outfield, quit foolin' around & pay attention! He'd played semi-pro ball & could hit a baseball to every player in the field during practice. He'd point his bat at you ("Heads up!") & could hit the ball low, high, or right at you. I've never seen anyone else who could do this.
Standing up for yourself is important even if it means socking someone in the stomach. No one has the right to insult you because you're Irish or Catholic (or anything else).
Work is good. Sleeping late isn't. Family is important as are friends. Give them a hand without questioning if they ever need it. And if anyone ever gives you a backstab, be creative & smart making sure they never do it to you or anyone else ever again.
Try to avoid courts & lawyers. But if you can't, fight until the end & hire a shark!
Fast cars are good! Birthday cakes can also be lemon meringue pies or whatever strikes your fancy. Find something to do! It's not my job to entertain you.
Sports are fun & teaching kids to play them is even more fun. Spitting watermelon takes practice. Whistling also takes practice & you can whittle your own whistle with a jacknife. Armpit farts are hilarious, but you need a little sweat there first.
If you break a neighbor's windows with a baseball or bb shot, ain't no big deal. Just be careful! Do you know how to think? Don't give me any of that backtalk!
Kids matter. Stand-up for them even if it means going to magistrate's courts because a neighbor doesn't like them playing ball in the street. A neat back yard is good, but a baseball diamond is better. Play fair.
Dinner just isn't complete without dessert. Money isn't everything, but it helps. Give the stock market a whirl & start a savings account. Have life insurance. Buy a house & try to pay your mortgage down early. When you have a business, keep your workers going, even if this means reaching into your own savings until owers pay their bills.
Going barefoot is good. Don't bellyache or whine, for cryin' out loud. A Worcester accent is quite different from my mom's Prov. accent. Who knew? Go to Church on Sun. It's okay to sleep through a sermon, but don't snore. And No talking! Don't forget to make a donation.
Scouting is a good thing. Have a hobby & switch them around. Oil painting is hard & takes practice. Learning is never-ending. Volunteer to help others without being asked.
Unions are good (but not perfect) and Democrats are even better. We're all the same. We want a comfortable home, good food including ice cream, a job that pays decently, and better lives for our kids that we are willing to sacrifice for. We want our parents to be safe, happy, & have what they need to enjoy their life.
Teachers aren't always right & math is easy (personally, I never got this one & figured that God gave me those 10 fingers for a darn-good reason).
My Dad was always right & looking out for me. Doggone, he was the smartest man I've ever known & I NEVER caught him on a mistake. Learning about & seeing history is fun. Vacations are family affairs, necessary, & full of laughs. Take them.
He taught me to play poker for pennies (or paper clips), but I could never keep what beat what straight unless he wrote it down.
Quit fighting with you brother. And if he EVER touches you, tell me. He'll never do it again!
Girls are every bit as good boys and there is no such thing as "appropriate work" for either. Share with your brother & sister & watch out for them. Read. Endlessly. Making movies with 8 mm & Super 8 takes practice but is well worthwhile. Running a projector & splicing are simple. Silent movies are hilarious (& free from the library)!
Developing film takes time, a dark space, & a red bulb. Be careful with chemicals. Miniature railroading is downright entertaining. Be careful when soldering & a grinding stone is quite useful. Tape recorders- no problem!
Respect your elders but sometimes they're full of baloney. Just because someone tells you that something is true, doesn't mean that it is. God gave you two ears for a reason- let it go in one & out the other. Eileen, you'd cut off your nose to spit your face.
Life is short with no guarantees, so enjoy it every chance that you get! Do it yourself. Have you got two broken arms?
Archery is a good sport & golf doesn't make a whole lot of sense (but a good club collection is worthwhile). Kind of like fishing. A lot of nothing for a few seconds of thrills.
Don't use bad language. Gasoline powered mowers are better than push. Don't ever raise your own turkey because you'll never be able to kill it for Thanksgiving.
Practical jokes are great fun and short-sheeting a bed is easy. If someone is deaf, learn what they're weak side is so that you're not ignored with a blank stare when you ask a question. Conventiently-deaf goes along with being actually deaf. Learn to tell the difference.
Dads almost always say yes. Don't EVER make them mad! Stay away if they are mad.
You don't have to tell your mother everything. Just agree with her & do what you want if you think it's right.
Don't smoke (he did)! Don't always believe Doctors (he died a month after a major physical at the Mayo clinic). Be nice to those who work for you. Without them, you don't have a job yourself. Not a bit of difference between management & labor. We're all just trying to earn a living. So be fair & generous! Give labor a voice & a chance to make decisions. Give a guy a break. You're not so perfect yourself.
So everybody doesn't like you. Who cares? Get over it. Don't be afraid to take a chance. Hey, it might work.
Don't back-talk your mother & do what she tells you the FIRST TIME.
Learning to drive a stick-shift is hard. Shouting usually doesn't do any good, but patience does.
Liver doesn't taste that good and you don't have to eat it. Manure is good for the grass but really stinks!!! If you're a guy, keep your hair cut!
You can't always win, so what? Quit your crying & wipe that puss off your face. Try your best. So what if everyone is watching you? What do you care what people think? You don't have to be perfect.
Riding a bike takes lots of practice. When you fall off, get back on. Buy ice skates larger than you need, wear thick socks, & you'll grow into them (this was lousy advice - my feet never grew bigger).
The most important thing in a car accident, is not the car, it's You & other people. A car can be fixed. That's why you have insurance. You didn't mean to do it. That's why it's called an accident. Always remember to turn your head around when you are backing up & go slow!
Enjoy a good boxing match. Wrestling is fun to watch on t.v. or live, but it's all fake. Live baseball & football are the best! Have a glass of beer once-in-awhile. Laugh!
Use PLENTY of lighter fluid on that charcoal. But remember to stand back.
My father died suddenly of a heart attack in 1973. He had chronic heartburn & spent the night thinking that he was having a really bad case of it. He wasn't. Saying this was a shock is an understatement! He owned the only tool & die shop in Middletown. He was 53 & is buried in St. Columba's.
He was born in Worcester from an Irish railroading family. A childhood illness & a lousy doctor left him deaf in one ear. This rendered him 4F for WWII but also enabled him to be the first in his family to attend college on a scholarship - Worcester State Teachers' College. He kept trying to enter the service, but always failed the physical. Even though he knew this was inevitable, he tried every branch, inc. the merchant marine.
He didn't teach for long (no money in it). He worked for the R.R. until it basically died, then managed a small steel co. in Sparrows Pt., Md. next to Bethlehem Steel. When my uncle died, he came up here to manage his tool & die shop & bought it. He was an Industrial Engineer, before an entire career was outsourced.
What I learned from my Dad:
How to float, keep your ice cream cone from dripping, the names of local trees & flowers, and how to scratch yourself on the rough bark of a tree when you get mosquito bites. I learned how to grow gladiolas & no matter how matter varieties & colors that you grow, they all eventually end up the same color unless you buy new bulbs.
A glass of beer periodically is a good thing, along with telling jokes & singing songs. I learned the meaning of "Erin Go Bragh," that wearing orange on St. Pat's day was an insult (and justifiably punishable with a good beating), & I'm still wondering who put those foolish trousers in Mrs. Murphy's Chower.
I learned how to appreciate classical music and opera and how to wink. Operating electonics is fun & inputs & outputs aren't all that complicated. You should peel your skin when you get a sunburn. Learning to snap your fingers takes practice - a little spit can be helpful.
I learned how to change a tire, clean & gap spark plugs, & jump an engine. I also know how to remove an air filter, & open a stuck butterfly valve with a screwdriver while standing a respectable distance away as there could be a rather surprising & sudden start-up (ka-pow!).
I learned how to play baseball, shoot hoops, love the Red Sox (even when they ALWAYS broke your heart), and how sleeping while watching sports on t.v. is good. But even better is going to sporting events.
For crying out loud, when you're playing the outfield, quit foolin' around & pay attention! He'd played semi-pro ball & could hit a baseball to every player in the field during practice. He'd point his bat at you ("Heads up!") & could hit the ball low, high, or right at you. I've never seen anyone else who could do this.
Standing up for yourself is important even if it means socking someone in the stomach. No one has the right to insult you because you're Irish or Catholic (or anything else).
Work is good. Sleeping late isn't. Family is important as are friends. Give them a hand without questioning if they ever need it. And if anyone ever gives you a backstab, be creative & smart making sure they never do it to you or anyone else ever again.
Try to avoid courts & lawyers. But if you can't, fight until the end & hire a shark!
Fast cars are good! Birthday cakes can also be lemon meringue pies or whatever strikes your fancy. Find something to do! It's not my job to entertain you.
Sports are fun & teaching kids to play them is even more fun. Spitting watermelon takes practice. Whistling also takes practice & you can whittle your own whistle with a jacknife. Armpit farts are hilarious, but you need a little sweat there first.
If you break a neighbor's windows with a baseball or bb shot, ain't no big deal. Just be careful! Do you know how to think? Don't give me any of that backtalk!
Kids matter. Stand-up for them even if it means going to magistrate's courts because a neighbor doesn't like them playing ball in the street. A neat back yard is good, but a baseball diamond is better. Play fair.
Dinner just isn't complete without dessert. Money isn't everything, but it helps. Give the stock market a whirl & start a savings account. Have life insurance. Buy a house & try to pay your mortgage down early. When you have a business, keep your workers going, even if this means reaching into your own savings until owers pay their bills.
Going barefoot is good. Don't bellyache or whine, for cryin' out loud. A Worcester accent is quite different from my mom's Prov. accent. Who knew? Go to Church on Sun. It's okay to sleep through a sermon, but don't snore. And No talking! Don't forget to make a donation.
Scouting is a good thing. Have a hobby & switch them around. Oil painting is hard & takes practice. Learning is never-ending. Volunteer to help others without being asked.
Unions are good (but not perfect) and Democrats are even better. We're all the same. We want a comfortable home, good food including ice cream, a job that pays decently, and better lives for our kids that we are willing to sacrifice for. We want our parents to be safe, happy, & have what they need to enjoy their life.
Teachers aren't always right & math is easy (personally, I never got this one & figured that God gave me those 10 fingers for a darn-good reason).
My Dad was always right & looking out for me. Doggone, he was the smartest man I've ever known & I NEVER caught him on a mistake. Learning about & seeing history is fun. Vacations are family affairs, necessary, & full of laughs. Take them.
He taught me to play poker for pennies (or paper clips), but I could never keep what beat what straight unless he wrote it down.
Quit fighting with you brother. And if he EVER touches you, tell me. He'll never do it again!
Girls are every bit as good boys and there is no such thing as "appropriate work" for either. Share with your brother & sister & watch out for them. Read. Endlessly. Making movies with 8 mm & Super 8 takes practice but is well worthwhile. Running a projector & splicing are simple. Silent movies are hilarious (& free from the library)!
Developing film takes time, a dark space, & a red bulb. Be careful with chemicals. Miniature railroading is downright entertaining. Be careful when soldering & a grinding stone is quite useful. Tape recorders- no problem!
Respect your elders but sometimes they're full of baloney. Just because someone tells you that something is true, doesn't mean that it is. God gave you two ears for a reason- let it go in one & out the other. Eileen, you'd cut off your nose to spit your face.
Life is short with no guarantees, so enjoy it every chance that you get! Do it yourself. Have you got two broken arms?
Archery is a good sport & golf doesn't make a whole lot of sense (but a good club collection is worthwhile). Kind of like fishing. A lot of nothing for a few seconds of thrills.
Don't use bad language. Gasoline powered mowers are better than push. Don't ever raise your own turkey because you'll never be able to kill it for Thanksgiving.
Practical jokes are great fun and short-sheeting a bed is easy. If someone is deaf, learn what they're weak side is so that you're not ignored with a blank stare when you ask a question. Conventiently-deaf goes along with being actually deaf. Learn to tell the difference.
Dads almost always say yes. Don't EVER make them mad! Stay away if they are mad.
You don't have to tell your mother everything. Just agree with her & do what you want if you think it's right.
Don't smoke (he did)! Don't always believe Doctors (he died a month after a major physical at the Mayo clinic). Be nice to those who work for you. Without them, you don't have a job yourself. Not a bit of difference between management & labor. We're all just trying to earn a living. So be fair & generous! Give labor a voice & a chance to make decisions. Give a guy a break. You're not so perfect yourself.
So everybody doesn't like you. Who cares? Get over it. Don't be afraid to take a chance. Hey, it might work.
Don't back-talk your mother & do what she tells you the FIRST TIME.
Learning to drive a stick-shift is hard. Shouting usually doesn't do any good, but patience does.
Liver doesn't taste that good and you don't have to eat it. Manure is good for the grass but really stinks!!! If you're a guy, keep your hair cut!
You can't always win, so what? Quit your crying & wipe that puss off your face. Try your best. So what if everyone is watching you? What do you care what people think? You don't have to be perfect.
Riding a bike takes lots of practice. When you fall off, get back on. Buy ice skates larger than you need, wear thick socks, & you'll grow into them (this was lousy advice - my feet never grew bigger).
The most important thing in a car accident, is not the car, it's You & other people. A car can be fixed. That's why you have insurance. You didn't mean to do it. That's why it's called an accident. Always remember to turn your head around when you are backing up & go slow!
Enjoy a good boxing match. Wrestling is fun to watch on t.v. or live, but it's all fake. Live baseball & football are the best! Have a glass of beer once-in-awhile. Laugh!
Use PLENTY of lighter fluid on that charcoal. But remember to stand back.
You don't have to take that kind of crap! Speak up for yourself & your brother & sister. What's the worse they can do to you? Who do they think that they are? Who do you think you are? TURN THAT MUSIC DOWN! Did you hear what I said? Quiet down in there, I'm trying to read the newspaper!
Speak up for yourself! Be generous. Quit being a crybaby. Who cares if they don't like you? Tell them you don't like them either. Tell the truth but the occassional fib doesn't hurt.
If somebody asks you, go out with them once. You don't have to go out with them again & you don't have to marry them. There are plenty of fish in the sea! College should be fun. And yes, you are going. You need to be able to earn a living for yourself.
Teaching is a great profession for a woman & mother. You get the summers off!
Get to bed - now! Are you deaf?
You kids are lucky.
Darn right. I'm still laughing! I'm still here (and so are my Mom, my bro, & sis)! And I'm still a Democrat! My first rally was a whistle stop for Adlai Stevenson sitting on my Dad's shoulders.
Oh, and when the train whistles, get off of that track! Are you stupid? Haven't you got any common sense?
Happy Fathers' Dad to all the Dads out there! And quit your whining!
Saturday, June 06, 2009
D-Day Thoughts from a Young Irish Girl
This is written by my husband, Frank Spillane who is a Vietnam-era veteran. His mom was a young girl who after finishing school in Sneem, County Kerry and was sent to live with her sisters in England so that she could find work. She remembers the Americans coming to England to help fight the war. Britain was almost finished. Women were working in the gasoline stations as the men were all gone. Betty Spillane is still around & now lives at Blenheim.
June 6 is here and my thoughts go back to the D-Day invasion. I wasn't in the Second World War but my mother was. She was a nurse-in-training in Birmingham (large industrial port), England during the Battle of Britain. When I was a small boy she told me of the air battle that took place overhead in the skies of England. During night duty on the hosptial wards, nurses wore combat helmets and gas masks. The sounds of the different planes overhead indicated to people below what type of plane it was and if it was German or English. A heavy drone sound in the early evening hour usually meant that it was a German bomber. These bombers would follow the Thames River to establish direction and time.
Then one day there were thousands of American soldiers there. Boy, were they happy to see them! At one point there was a dance to which all the young women were invited by the soldiers. There was food!!! Roast beef, potatoes, coffee, liquor... They hadn't had some of these foods in years & were close to starvation. Then came apple pie and wonder of all wonders- ice cream. She had never seen to much ice cream in her life! It was vanilla & she rec'd two scoops on top of her pie. It was heavenly! God bless all those Amercians. God bless all of the food. Maybe Britain wasn't done for yet. Maybe someday she'd get back home.
June 6 is here and my thoughts go back to the D-Day invasion. I wasn't in the Second World War but my mother was. She was a nurse-in-training in Birmingham (large industrial port), England during the Battle of Britain. When I was a small boy she told me of the air battle that took place overhead in the skies of England. During night duty on the hosptial wards, nurses wore combat helmets and gas masks. The sounds of the different planes overhead indicated to people below what type of plane it was and if it was German or English. A heavy drone sound in the early evening hour usually meant that it was a German bomber. These bombers would follow the Thames River to establish direction and time.
Then one day there were thousands of American soldiers there. Boy, were they happy to see them! At one point there was a dance to which all the young women were invited by the soldiers. There was food!!! Roast beef, potatoes, coffee, liquor... They hadn't had some of these foods in years & were close to starvation. Then came apple pie and wonder of all wonders- ice cream. She had never seen to much ice cream in her life! It was vanilla & she rec'd two scoops on top of her pie. It was heavenly! God bless all those Amercians. God bless all of the food. Maybe Britain wasn't done for yet. Maybe someday she'd get back home.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day
This one's for you, Uncle Budd, John Aloysius Rice, former Master Sergeant who served in the Battle of the Bulge & was a member of the OSS.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Best Mothers' Day Ever!
FROM LAST YEAR & the Year Before- SAME OLD- SAME OLD (unfortunately)
Mother's Day - A Call for Peace
Each year the president issues a Mother's Day Proclamation. The original Mother's Day Proclamation was made in 1870. Written by JuliaWard Howe, perhaps best known today for having written the words to "TheBattle Hymn of the Republic" ... the original Proclamation was an impassioned call for peace and disarmament. In the years following the Civil War her political activism increased, as did her condemnation of war. Here are the words to the original Mother's Day Proclamation:
"Arise then, women of this day! Arise all women who have hearts,whether your baptism be of water or of tears! "Say firmly: 'We will not have questions decided by irrelevant agencies. Our husbands shall not come to us reeking of carnage forcaresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy, and patience. We women of one country will be too tender to those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs. From the bosom of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own, it says "Disarm!Disarm!" The sword of murder is not the balance of justice. Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession.'
"As men have forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel. Let them meet first as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, each bearing after histime the sacred impress not of Caesar, but of God.
"In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask that a general congress of women without limit of nationality be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace."
Gee, wouldn't it be wonderful if the flowers, candy, dinners, etc. were foregone to accomplish this. It's not going to happen until we mothers say, you can't have our kids. And dads. And grandparents. And aunts & uncles. You just can't have our kids.
Margaret Chase Smith:
Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.
Mother's Day - A Call for Peace
Each year the president issues a Mother's Day Proclamation. The original Mother's Day Proclamation was made in 1870. Written by JuliaWard Howe, perhaps best known today for having written the words to "TheBattle Hymn of the Republic" ... the original Proclamation was an impassioned call for peace and disarmament. In the years following the Civil War her political activism increased, as did her condemnation of war. Here are the words to the original Mother's Day Proclamation:
"Arise then, women of this day! Arise all women who have hearts,whether your baptism be of water or of tears! "Say firmly: 'We will not have questions decided by irrelevant agencies. Our husbands shall not come to us reeking of carnage forcaresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy, and patience. We women of one country will be too tender to those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs. From the bosom of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own, it says "Disarm!Disarm!" The sword of murder is not the balance of justice. Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession.'
"As men have forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel. Let them meet first as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, each bearing after histime the sacred impress not of Caesar, but of God.
"In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask that a general congress of women without limit of nationality be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace."
Gee, wouldn't it be wonderful if the flowers, candy, dinners, etc. were foregone to accomplish this. It's not going to happen until we mothers say, you can't have our kids. And dads. And grandparents. And aunts & uncles. You just can't have our kids.
Margaret Chase Smith:
Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Live! Bunnies!
I'm putting this back at the top. It's surprisingly addictive & fun to watch. Ever see them do the bunny hop outside? I don't know if it's a mating ritual or just a happy dance. They jump really high with each other & seem to have a great time doing it! What a treat to watch!
Who could resist? My sister-in-law who is NOT fond of animal pets, has one. They make great pets.
So why not adopt one? I'd love to but my cat... Here are some real cuties from the Middletown Potter Shelter.
"The camera is at Found Animals in San Pedro, Calif.. At that link a live chat accompanies the video, and sometimes volunteers (typing in hot pink) answer questions about the bunnies."
Thanks to http://shenews.projo.com/
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's Day! with music!
Begosh & begorrah, today's the day. Jim McGrath & the Reprobates and others will be performing from 7-11 at the Fastnet Pub- 1 Broadway, Newport. Good food there. I haven't seen these guys in years. One of my first dates with my hubby was to see them downtown at One Pelham East. There was a bouncer & lines waiting to get it AND a cover charge. Ah, the good old days. It was wild in downtown Newport & this was one of the action places. I never paid any cover.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44RDtfX_mvk (another version of below with better sound)
When I was in h.s. those damnable IRA blew up Lord Nelson's statue standing in the middle of O'Connell St. in Dublin. It had been a target before, but these fellows put an end to that symbol of English tyranny & colonialism standing in the midst of its capital. Tommy Makem & the Clancy Bros. wrote a song about it. Praise to all of them! Without them who'd know a darn thing about "real" non-Paddy (Irish-Amer.) music. Up the Republic!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44RDtfX_mvk (another version of below with better sound)
When I was in h.s. those damnable IRA blew up Lord Nelson's statue standing in the middle of O'Connell St. in Dublin. It had been a target before, but these fellows put an end to that symbol of English tyranny & colonialism standing in the midst of its capital. Tommy Makem & the Clancy Bros. wrote a song about it. Praise to all of them! Without them who'd know a darn thing about "real" non-Paddy (Irish-Amer.) music. Up the Republic!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Remembering MLK Day
I remember working for the NSA at Ft. Holabird in 1966. That was when the fed'l gov't actually had summer jobs for students. Later, this job kept me out of the Peace Corps. It seems that foreign countries might think that I was a spy or something. As there was a recession when I graduated from college in 1970 and NO JOBS ( sound familiar?), I was not a happy camper, although my parents likely were. I worked in a dept. which handled security reports & came across various records on MLK- like Army Intelligence, FBI, etc. They were following him & bugging his rooms. But then, they were keeping a lot of records on Americans at that point-in-time. I could tell you more but then, as they say, I'd have to kill you.
I recall the riots in Baltimore shortly after his death. I woke up one morning with the Nat'l Guard in the streets in jeeps with machine guns. There was a curfew which we needed to ignore in order to return to college on the Eastern short. I'll never forget smelling the smoke, seeing the glow of the flames, & our driver explaining to the police why he was out & where we were going. When I ret'd to Washington College, we held a memorial rally. Those were crazy times. Student strikes, riots, raids, and blockbusting. Interesting and dangerous times.
My husband recalls his aunt & uncle, Hannah & Michael Harrington (Irish immigrants & a former IRA member), marching in an improptu parade down Broadway with the local NAACP. They knew what discrimination was all about. I recall the race labels on drinking fountains, bathrooms, and waiting rooms in the South. Interesting times is being generous, I think.
I recall the riots in Baltimore shortly after his death. I woke up one morning with the Nat'l Guard in the streets in jeeps with machine guns. There was a curfew which we needed to ignore in order to return to college on the Eastern short. I'll never forget smelling the smoke, seeing the glow of the flames, & our driver explaining to the police why he was out & where we were going. When I ret'd to Washington College, we held a memorial rally. Those were crazy times. Student strikes, riots, raids, and blockbusting. Interesting and dangerous times.
My husband recalls his aunt & uncle, Hannah & Michael Harrington (Irish immigrants & a former IRA member), marching in an improptu parade down Broadway with the local NAACP. They knew what discrimination was all about. I recall the race labels on drinking fountains, bathrooms, and waiting rooms in the South. Interesting times is being generous, I think.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Times Square. Yes, I've been to this crazy place and it was FUN!It was a good year for my family and we're looking forward to even better. I wish the same to you & yours!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
WHITE OUT!
It's in the high 20's & has been snowing for awhile. It's light & fluffy- makes for easy shoveling & great snowmen!
The stuff is coming down fast! I've come my milk, breat, & holiday goodies. Even if I don't make it out tonight or tomorrow- we're celebrating! Oops, forgot the hats & noisemakers. Maybe I've still got some oldies around.
Newport's First Night
This is a family-friendly activity in Newport on New Year's Eve. http://www.firstnightnewport.org/
I love it & I don't even have any little kids! It's $10 with those under 5 free. There's a venue for teens & even a party for those who want to stay up till midnight. The older I get the harder this is. Last year I think that it was just me & the dog. Activities begin at 6. I've never seen the parade or fireworks- too darn cold for me. But maybe this will be the year!
Sandra Flowers will be there along with the D'Amicos of "Lou's Hotdogs." Transportation is free. Aw, c'mon. I'll bet you've never seen the Newport Artillery Museum after having lived here all these years. Now's your chance! Isn't this why you live here after all?
Now, honestly, would I steer you wrong?
New Year's Plunge at First Beach
Check out: http://www.newportpolarbears.bravehost.com/Click here fand here for webcam views.
Nothing to do every Sunday around noon? Want to meet a fun group of people? High tolerance for pain? Interested in raising funds for charity? Boy, have I got a group for you!
This used to be a small, local community event on every New Year's Day. Not so any longer! Come early for parking on New Year's Day. BTW, I test the water weekly. Don't buy the 47 degree water temp. that they mention below Think around 40! So come already!!! It's a hoot! And have some $ in your pocket if you please.
THE NEWPORT POLAR BEARS
Easton's Beach
Newport, Rhode Island
Sunday's Newport Beach Weather Report
Beach report --December 14, 2008
Air temp 34 Water temp 47
Beach closed - no swimming per city of newport
Everyone's welcome to join us at - Easton's Beach - Newport
Come on in! The water is great this time of year - -Join us any Sunday at noon, show up with your bathing suit and towel and let's go for a swim!
2009 NEW YEARS DAY SWIM
This Year Will Benefit Ellary Rose Kinnane. Ellary is one year old and has been diagnosed with a 1 one in 50,000 births neuromuscular disorder. Please read the full story here Ellary bio
"A WISH COME TRUE"
Your contributions will help a child's wish TAKE OFF!!!! All Donations go to; A Wish Come True, Inc. 1010 Warwick Ave. Warwick, RI 02888 401-781-9199
email awish@awishcometrue.org Web http://www.awish.org/
A Special Thanks To Roz Rustigian for Rustigian Rugs generous donation of extremely beautiful rugs and a beautiful ships pillow to the RAFFLE at the Atlantic Beach Club
The Newport Polar Bears (a rather loose knit group) are winter (brrrr) swimmers at Easton's Beach in Newport, RI. Every Sunday, at NOON sharp, there are anywhere from 4 to 12 of us nuts that go for a dip into the Atlantic Ocean.
Come join us, because no matter what the weather, we still go for a swim. Now you may ask, is it cold, let me tell you, there have been some bad days!
But right now some of the nicest swimming water is available. So you couch potatoes, male or female, get up, grab your bathing suit and a towel; (no wet suits allowed).
Try something really different, come on down to Easton's Beach in Newport and jump in the ocean. We do have a place to change......
e-mail for more info: cwwright@cox.net
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Little Compton Holiday Winner
Projo is running this great story about a mom who bought two of her sons $20 Mass. Lottery tickets. The oldest son (18) opened his on Xmas & won a million bucks stretched out over 20 years! What a gift! No-go for the 17 yr. old son.
He's already $35,000 richer. Both he & his Dad are carpenters.
C'mon. A nice gift for Mom (Anita Couto who works in the Clerk's office) is definitely called for!
Thanks to reporter C. EUGENE EMERY JR. It's a great read!
He's already $35,000 richer. Both he & his Dad are carpenters.
C'mon. A nice gift for Mom (Anita Couto who works in the Clerk's office) is definitely called for!
Thanks to reporter C. EUGENE EMERY JR. It's a great read!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Happy Christmas!
Happy Hannukah!
Peace on earth to men of good will.
A special thanks to my fellow bloggers across the State, readers, commenters, and most especially the other posters - Dr. Sandra Flowers, Tom Kalinowski, Tony Spiratos, & commenters who surprise, engage, & inform me.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Old Newport at Christmas
The article was in yesterday's Projo & I just got around reading it today to my husband who I knew would enjoy it- it's pre-Newport's Pell Bridge. By the time I moved here in the early 70's, Newport had already changed from these times, but not greatly- the Navy was still here in full force.
Read it- you'll enjoy it. I'm not familiar with the writer- Charles Pinning, but thanks for writing it. It's a gem!
My husband is now remembering "The Boston Store" (mostly clothes) at the fleet landing. His mom would point out that the landing was where his (great?) aunt's had had Ryan's Restaurant & various barrooms (they were bootleggers, God blem 'em). Going to Middletown was like visiting Siberia- all farms.
I remember the fleet being all lit up. They had contests among themselves & were grand to behold! I also remember going down to the "Big Pond" which the police had roped off for ice skating. What are your local memories?
Read it- you'll enjoy it. I'm not familiar with the writer- Charles Pinning, but thanks for writing it. It's a gem!
My husband is now remembering "The Boston Store" (mostly clothes) at the fleet landing. His mom would point out that the landing was where his (great?) aunt's had had Ryan's Restaurant & various barrooms (they were bootleggers, God blem 'em). Going to Middletown was like visiting Siberia- all farms.
I remember the fleet being all lit up. They had contests among themselves & were grand to behold! I also remember going down to the "Big Pond" which the police had roped off for ice skating. What are your local memories?
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