Saturday, January 31, 2009

Let's dance . .


The Original Charleston (1926) Isham Jones & His Orchestra

Today we remember Isham Jones (31 January 1894 – 19 October 1956), composer and bandleader. Thank you for all the wonderful music - Happy Birthday!

You may not have heard of Isham Jones, but I'm sure you have listened to his compositions It Had to Be YouI'll See You in My Dreams and many more.

Isham Jones led one of the most popular and finest dance bands in the 1920s and 1930s.  He came a long way from the coal mines to share his musical talents and leave us a delightful legacy.  So, let's dance with Isham Jones and Band . . .

Friday, January 30, 2009

A dime for your thoughts . . .

". . . the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Today we give a birthday salute to Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945), the 32nd President of the United States. He was greatly admired for his leadership and the hope he brought the nation during the Great Depression

"Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Do you know why FDR is on the U. S. coin , the dime?

Franklin D. Roosevelt was instrumental in the creation of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (now known as the March of Dimes). His leadership in this organization is one reason he is commemorated on the dime. There is also, a poetically significant connection between FDR and the coin, if you consider the wheelchair bound FDR and the Depression-era anthem “Brother Can You Spare a Dime?”. 

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Mystery of Thomas . . .

“These are the times that try men's souls.” - Thomas Paine 

Today we commemorate the birth of Thomas Paine (January 29, 1737 – June 8, 1809), an instrumental figure in both the American and French revolutions.

“Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” - Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine's Common SenseAge of Reason and Rights of Man were best sellers of his era. It was a time of revolutions and entire governments were being shaped from his ideas. 

“We have it in our power to begin the world over again” - Thomas Paine

"Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it." - Thomas Paine (quoted by President Barack Obama in his inaugural address)

Here is the mystery: Where is Thomas Paine - where are the bones?

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Serendipitous Fantasies . . .

January 28th is Live Your Fantasies Day and Serendipity Day.

Let's celebrate with a birthday salute to the French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (January 28, 1873 – August 3, 1954), better known by the pen name Colette.  She wrote over 50 novels and many short stories that were more or less autobiographical. Colette is best known for her novel Gigi and her "open" lifestyle. She was the first woman President of the Academie Goncourt and has been referred to as the greatest French prose writer of the 20th century. Colette was given a state funeral, which was attended by thousands of mourners and buried in Pere-Lachaise cemetery in Paris.  I am sure she would have enjoyed the festivities of this day.

"What a wonderful life I've had! I only wish I'd realized it sooner." - Sidonie Gabrielle Colette

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

And now for a spot of tea . . .

Let's celebrate National Hot Tea Month (January) and Mad Tea Party Day (January 27th)!

Bigelow Tea is in Fairfield, Connecticut (USA), which is near my neighborhood, so it should be easy to pull together a tea party. Hmmm, now I just need to decide which character to be - Alice has a nice apron, the Cheshire Cat a big smile and then of course there is the Mad Hatter's hat . . .

Today is the birthday of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (January 27, 1832 – January 14, 1898), better known by the pen name Lewis Carroll. He was an English author, mathematician, logician, Anglican deacon and photographer, best known for Alice's Adventures In Wonderland.  

"Be sure the safest rule is that we should not dare to live in any scene in which we dare not die." - Lewis Carroll

"One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others." - Lewis Carroll

“If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.” - Lewis Carroll

Trivia note: 'Mad as a hatter' was also a common expression in 19th century England, probably because many hatters did go mad from exposure to mercury, which was used in the process of making felt hats. (source)

Monday, January 26, 2009

Good Luck in the Year of the Ox!


Add to your collection with a USPS Chinese New Year 2009 stamp.

Today, January 26th begins the 15 day long festivities that continue until February 9th 2009 ending with the Lantern Festival. The Chinese New Year is said to be the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays.  It is also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar Festival.

Celebrate with red  - the color red in Chinese culture symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits.  

Hmmm . . . red and evil spirits, that reminds me today is the birthday of a friend, the author of several vampire novels, Frances Nordan. (I do not believe that Frances thinks vampires are exactly evil spirits, but there are many folks that do) - Happy Birthday! May all your wishes come true.

As to luck in this New Year of the Ox, according to Chinese belief, the Ox is a symbol of wealth and success through hard work and resilience. I say, with that thought in mind, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work.

Which brings me to today's birthday salute. Do you remember the story of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates?  Today we celebrate the birthday of the American children's writer and editor, Mary Mapes Dodge (January 26, 1831 – August 21, 1905).  She is best known for her novel Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates.  Little Hans was a very hard worker.  May we all be as lucky as Hans to have a caring heart and a helping hand when needed. (Hans lets another child, that needed the money more, win the silver skates - Dr. Boekman helps Hans go to medical school and Hans becomes a very successful doctor.) 

过年好! ɡuò nián hǎo - Happy New Year!

恭喜发财!ɡōnɡ xǐ fā cái - I wish You Great Prosperity!

牛年吉祥! niú nián jí xiáng  Good Luck in the Year of the Ox!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Find me a red rose . . .

A Red, Red Rose

O my Luve's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June:
O my Luve's like the melodie,
That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o' life shall run.

And fare-thee-weel, my only Luve!
And fare-thee-weel, a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho' 'twere ten thousand mile!
- Robert Burns


It's Burns Night - let's celebrate Scotland's national poet Robert Burns (January 25, 1759 – July 21, 1796) - Happy Birthday Rabbie Burns!

Commemorate the 250th birthday of Robert Burns with a Burns Supper and toast the bard that gave us Auld Lang Syne


A Burns Supper is a memorable event, be prepared to down liberal tots of the "water of life" (uisge beatha) – Scotch whisky and recite at least one poem by the Bard of Scotland.  Seek out a Burns Club, get in the mood for a wonderful evening, listen to the bagpipes and toast the Lassies/Laddies.  

If you are in Scotland May 16th - 24th 2009 plan to attend the Burns Festival.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

A walk on the high side . . .

I enjoy many forms of music, but have a tendency to lean towards jazz and opera. In fact, one of my current projects is an animated version of Mozart's The Magic Flute with artist/writer Sarah Jumel.  We hope it will help expose young people to the pleasure of opera.

A Birthday Bravo! to Carlo Maria Broschi (January 24, 1705 – September 16, 1782), known by the stage name Farinelli. It has been noted by some opera fans that Farinelli was the most famous castrato of all castrati. I do love the drama of opera; however, I am glad that the dramatic, let's say traumatic, act of becoming a castrato no longer takes place and that women are permitted to hit the high notes now.

A birthday salute to Edith Wharton (January 24, 1862 – August 11, 1937), American novelist, famous for naturalistic novels that depicted New York high society. The saying "Keeping up with the Joneses" is said to refer to the paternal side of her family.

In 1921 she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for literature for her novel The Age of Innocence, thus making her the first woman to win the award.

"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." - Edith Wharton ("Vesalius in Zante (1564)", in North American Review (November 1902), p. 631)

If you are in Lennox, Massachusetts (USA) between May and November take the time to visit the Edith Wharton Estate and Gardens. Plan your trip when the weather is nice so you will have plenty of time for walking the gardens of the estate.

Friday, January 23, 2009

I awake too . . .



Celebrate the birthday of Jean "Django" Reinhardt (January 23, 1910 – May 16, 1953), the renowned Belgian Gypsy jazz guitarist.  "Django" means "I awake".

Django suffered a severe hand injury in a fire, but instead of giving up music due to his injury, Django simply re-invented his guitar playing. He discovered new ways to play chords and runs with his two (some say three) working fingers.

Quintette du Hot Club de France was a jazz group founded in France in 1934 by guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli. The group was active in one form or another until 1948.  It was considered one of the most significant continental jazz groups of its era.

Enjoy music clips: Quintette du Hot Club de France (Paris-Londres 1935-1938) by Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli. 

If you are in the neighborhoods during festival time, definitely go to a Django Festival (USA) and hear some excellent music.  (In Europe, the open air Django Reinhardt Jazz Festival is organized every year in May in his birth village Liberchies, municipality of Pont-à-Celles, Belgium; in the summer in Samois-sur-Seine, France, Festival Django Reinhardt; in the fall in Torino, Italy Associazione Jazz Manouche "Django Reinhardt")  You will find it a real pleasure to hear acoustical guitar.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

To wonder . . .

The world is full of wonder. As a child, I was so afraid of missing something that I would fall asleep standing up.  What is this, how is this, why is this, isn't that amazing, do you smell that, do you see that, how can that be, so much to experience, to feel, to know, and there seemed so little time.  Luckily for me I've discovered the secret journeys of dreams and no longer fear sleep; however, the awe and wonder remain.

Today we celebrate the birth of Francis Bacon (January 22, 1561 — April 9, 1626), British statesman, philosopher, essayist and oft listed as father of the modern scientific method.

"Enlightenment and a better world, Bacon insists, lie within our power; they require only the cooperation of learned citizens and the active developments of the arts and sciences." (source)

"For all knowledge and wonder (which is the seed of knowledge) is an impression of pleasure itself." - Francis Bacon

"Knowledge is power" - Francis Bacon

On that note, for all you knowledge loving power seekers, you may enjoy kartoo.com (a visual meta search engine), searchme.com and of course, the Internet Public Library

Go forth to wonder and plant the seeds of knowledge . . . enjoy!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Bittersweetness . . .

Today we mark the extinction of the Eyak language with the passing of Marie Smith Jones (May 14, 1918 – January 21, 2008).  Her name in Eyak is Udach' Kuqax*a'a'ch (wiki) which, she said, translates as "a sound that calls people from afar".

Do you hear her call? Let's not lose another language - get involved with The Rosetta Project.

A birthday salute to Robert Weston Smith (21 January 1938 – 1 July 1995) better known as the disc jockey Wolfman Jack.

Wolfman Jack died of a heart attack in Belvidere, North Carolina, on July 1, 1995, age 57. The day before his death, he had finished broadcasting his last live radio program, a weekly program nationally syndicated from Planet Hollywood in downtown Washington, D.C. Wolfman Jack said that night, "I can't wait to get home and give Lou a hug, I haven't missed her this much in years." Wolfman had been on the road, promoting his new autobiography Have Mercy!. When he got home, he entered his house, hugged his wife, said "Oh, it is so good to be home!", and died in his wife's arms. (wiki)

It is a bittersweet reminder that it is National Hugging Day.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Anything is possible . . .

It seems appropriate to acknowledge January is Anything Is Possible month with the birthday celebration of Federico Fellini (January 20, 1920 – October 31, 1993), the Italian film director and writer.  

"I make a film in the same manner in which I live a dream..." - Federico Fellini

I do believe he thought Anything Is Possible.  Buon Compleanno Signori Fellini!

Monday, January 19, 2009

While I ponder . . .

It is the Edgar Allan Poe Bicentennial!  Celebrate with the new USPS stamp.

Happy Birthday and 200th Anniversary to Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 – October 7, 1849) renown poet and mystery writer.  

Who has not quoted Poe's The Raven once discovered or his last complete poem Annabel Lee?

Experience Willem Dafoe's reading The Raven  from Lou Reed's album The Raven, a dramatization of Poe's work.  Visit the Poe Museum.

“We loved with a love that was more than love.” - Edgar Allen Poe (from his poem Annabel Lee)

Don't forget January 19th is Whisper I Love You Day.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Lexicology, words, words, words . . .

News Flash:  Researchers stay up to date, follow ResourceShelf on Twitter.

A Happy Birthday salute to:

Peter Mark Roget (January 18, 1779 – September 12, 1869) lexicographer, best known for publishing the Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases (Roget's Thesaurus). Thank you for making a writer's life simpler.

Alan Alexander Milne (January 18, 1882 – January 31, 1956) author, best known for the creation of  Winnie-the-Pooh.  You can see the original Winnie-the-Pooh bear at the New York Public Library. Once again, see why I love libraries - they are filled with surprises.

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?"" - Winnie the Pooh

"I am a Bear of Very Little Brain, and long words bother me." - Winnie the Pooh

I bet lexicology would be one of those long words for the little bear.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Noted polymath . . .

Check out zuula.com - it may bring up something new for your research.

We tip our hat to Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 - April 17, 1790) a noted polymath (a true Renaissance Man) - Happy Birthday!

"Remember that time is money." - Benjamin Franklin

Did this man ever sleep?

Friday, January 16, 2009

Book Crossing . . .

I have discovered Book Crossing,(definition from the website "n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise.") and look forward to tracking my first book.  I guess that makes me a bookcrosser. It does have an exotic ring to it - another way to experience distant places around the world.

Oh well, today we tip our glass to Susan Sontag (January 16, 1933 - December 28, 2004) - Happy Birthday!  She never bored us.
 
"Books are funny little portable pieces of thought." - Susan Sontag

"I don't want to express alienation. It isn't what I feel. I'm interested in various kinds of passionate engagement. All my work says be serious, be passionate, wake up." - Susan Sontag

On that note, it seems appropriate to mention that January is 
It's OK to be Different Month and International Get Over It Month.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Time really is an illusion . . .

It is well established that I enjoy historical research and celebrating birthdays.  Anyone that spends time delving in the past confronts the problem of accuracy with dates.  The Gregorian calendar, a reform of the Julian calendar, is the most widely used calendar in the Western world; however, over half the world population does not use it.  The Mystery of the Missing Days, what does one do with the gap in time, for example:  What happened on September 10, 1752 in the English colonies or October 12th, 1582 in Europe? Hmmm, perhaps, time is only a illusion.

Today is we salute the birthday of Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia launched January 15th 2001, may researchers around the world rejoice and participate in keeping it accurate.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Here I go on and on . . .

Continuing with the New Orleans memories, here's wishing Happy Birthday to Allen Toussaint (born January 14, 1938) an American musician, songwriter and record producer.

A birthday salute to Hugh Lofting (January 14, 1886 – September 26, 1947) a British author known as the creator of Doctor Doolittle. After being seriously injured in World War I, Hugh Lofting moved his family to Connecticut. Do take a few moments to flip thru the flipbook The Story of Doctor Doolittle keeping in mind the period it was written.   Which Dr. Dolittle portrayer is your favorite, Rex Harrison or Eddie Murphy?

I am working on another blog with Mort Walker's The Best of Times magazine.  It is a lot of fun, come join me.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Another final note . . .

I almost let it slip by, today January 13th, marks a very important event. "J'accuse" was published on the front page of the Paris daily, L'Aurore. On the 13th of January 1898, Émile Zola risked his career, his reputation and even his life. His was a life of comfort and artistic acclaim; nevertheless, he risked it all and stood up for justice. We celebrate the power of the pen and the strength of one man following his truth - "J'accuse"

"If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, I will answer you: I am here to live out loud." - Émile Zola

I hear music . . .

There is something about New Orleans that gets in your blood.  You either feel it or you don't, but if you do, it seems impossible to shake.  Oh, how I digress.  I have travelled a great deal in my life and tend to enjoy every place I land in, but there is a special spot in my heart for New Orleans.

As any serious researcher knows, the only way to have access to some collections is to become a "volunteer archivist".  It is just a sad fact that many items donated to collections (libraries, museums, etc.) cannot be accessed until they are catalogued and given accession numbers.  The sad fact is the backlog might be 10, 20, 50 years before the public has access, so you volunteer, hoping and praying that you might assist with materials that benefit your research, while speeding up the process for the public.

I have given many hours to jazz collections in New Orleans (primarily the Wm. Ransom Hogan Jazz Archive when Curtis Jerde curated, later with Bruce Raeburn and LSM Jazz Collection when Don Marquis was curator).  It was an extremely rewarding experience and I met some very interesting people along the way.

Today I salute two of those very special folks with Happy Birthday! and fond memories.  They are both from "families of musicians" that treasured music and passed the torch to future generations.  They were generous with their time and talent. They lived long lives, playing music to the very end of their days.  Danny Barker (January 13, 1909 -13 March 1994) and Percy Humphrey (January 13, 1905 - July 22, 1995).  It was a honor and pleasure to have known you, gentlemen, may your legacy be maintained. 

That is enough today for New Orleans; however, let's stay with the music theme. Here is a birthday salute for my current state, Connecticut.  Happy Birthday! to "The Last of the Red Hot Mamas" - Sophie Tucker (January 13, 1884 - February 9, 1966).  Her family settled in Hartford, Connecticut when she was a baby and it was in Hartford that she began her singing career at the family restaurant.  If the mood strikes, you can leave flowers and a note for Sophie Tucker.

Final note for the day, if you are interested in being a "volunteer archivist" in the New England area NEA might be the group for you.  If you are considering being an archivist or just want more info check out The Society of American Archivists.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Why Study Art?

Today I am celebrating the artist John Singer Sargent (January 12, 1856 - April 14, 1925) with the creation of a new blog - Why Study Art?.  

John Singer Sargent was one of the most successful portrait painters of his era; nevertheless, his quote is, "Every time I paint a portrait I lose a friend".  He was prolific and prosperous as an artist (around 900 oil paintings, over 2,000 watercolors and yes, some artists do very well during their life times).  For my serendipitous connections, there is his portrait of Madame X (Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau of New Orleans) and his meeting artist Julian Alden Weir (Weir Farm, Connecticut - Weir met Sargent in 1874).

If you are in New York I recommend viewing the painting, Madame X at the Met . Also, you might enjoy the book Strapless by Deborah Davis.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Is Life Worth Living . . .

Wow,  I have my first paperback swap request.   This is exciting in a quiet sort of way.

Today's birthday salute goes to the philosopher/psychologist  William James (January 11, 1842 - August 26, 1910).

"Be not afraid of Life.  Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact." from the essay Is Life Worth Living? by William James.

Well, Sir, I think it is.  Thanks for your insight.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Oh, New Orleans . . .

I had the good fortune to meet Stephen Ambrose (January 10, 1936 - October 13, 2002) several times at the D-Day Museum in New Orleans. Many people have high praise for him and there is some criticism; nevertheless, the D-Day museum exists due to his vision and dedication.  If you are ever in New Orleans take the time to visit the museum.

Remembering Stephen Ambrose . . . I tip my hat to you in the spheres, Happy Birthday!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Let's swap books . . .

On January 9th in 1788, Connecticut ratified the Constitution becoming the fifth state in the union. There were 128 Yes votes and 40 No votes. Do you know which state was first? Happy Birthday to the state of Connecticut!

Today's bithday quote: "One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion." - The Coming of Age by Simone de Beauvoir

I've joined paperbackswap.com and look forward to my first swap. It seems like an interesting way to meet bibliophiles, although I do prefer leather bound books (which can be hard to deal with being an animal lover). So now, let's swap books.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

NYPL . . .

Quotes from today's birthday pick, the British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking: "Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change." and "My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all." When you find out, Professor Hawking, please let us know. Come to think of it, does anyone really know what physicists do, besides physicists, and has anyone seen a quark? (no, not that Quark)

Happy Birthday Professor Hawking! Oh yes, if you want an interesting read check out two of his books: A Brief History of Time or A Briefer History of Time. You should find a copy in your local library.

Ahhhh, back to my love affair with libraries.
The New York Public Library, what a treasure.
Check out the New York Public Library Blog,
the collection of NYPL series, this NYPL photo collection,
and don't forget to look at the calendar of events while visiting the NYPL website. Perhaps one day we will cross paths at a NYPL event.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Happy Birthday to me!

Today is my birthday and it is a day of fun. I believe one should enjoy "their day" in a way that is special to them, for me, it is a joyful and reflective time. So here is to yours whenever it is: What happened on your birthday? For additional trivia: http://www.paulsadowski.com/birthday.asp

For those that enjoy wishing others "Happy Birthday" here is a list of helpers.
 
birthday alarm

birthday notices

birthday reminders

eminders.com

I am still filling my birthday calendar. One day I hope to have a birthday friend for everyday of the year. The interesting thing in my calendar seems to be the great number of birthdays in Feb/March and Aug/Sept - lots of Pisces and Virgos - a few Aquarius and Leo folks. Maybe yours will be there one day.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Art and Fear . . .

I've joined librarything.com and am building "my library". It is a small library, since only a few books made the journey with me to Connecticut. It will grow.

One small book in my library, Art & Fear deals with one of my major blocks. We all know that place, when looking at the blank canvas, the blank sheet of paper, the uncut cloth, the lump of clay and even the stranger sitting next to us on the metro. Committing . . . to quote the authors, "It is about committing your future to your own hands, placing Free Will above predestination, choice above chance". What then, why not?

Browse "my library" http://www.librarything.com/home/debra_emery.

Monday, January 5, 2009

International Film Day . . .

I do love libraries and find myself constantly delighted by their special events. This past Sunday I was fortunate to attend the 3rd Annual International Film Day at Ferguson Library. It was a mini film festival celebrating the best in short films around the world. It featured animation, art films and more. Tanghi Argentini, Le Mozart des Pickpockets, and Un Chien Andalusian were just a few of the shorts shown. I throughly enjoyed the afternoon; however, I do hope a discussion period will be added to the next festival.

I met a fellow film lover, Patti (pianist, jazz and foreign film aficionado) and hope to see her at the next Ferguson Film event.

Checked out Understanding Movies: The Art and History of Film, 14 lectures by Professor Raphael Shargel. It seemed so apropos at the time.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Oh sweet memories . . .

My second New Year's greeting was a pleasant surprise from Jyl Bonaguro, a friend and compatriot of pre-Katrina New Orleans. She is now at the Evanston Art Center in Illinois. She is very busy with her own company jbdezigns.com and she has four shows scheduled for 2009.

I miss our opera nights (our not too secret plans/dreams to rebuild the Old New Orleans French Opera House), our museum nights (will it be Ogden for live music/lecture series or NOMA for the vintage film series on Thursday?) and White Linen Night (should we wear white linen, it wrinkles so). We have had some good times together. Perhaps I will make it to Chicago to join Jyl for a night at the opera yet. Take care my friend and thanks for the memories.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Six Degrees of Separation . . .

I am always pleasantly surprised when connections are made, dots are connected, the six degrees of separation so to speak . . .

My first New Year's wishes arrived from an old friend in New Orleans, Dean Shapiro. The six degrees: His mother grew up here in Stamford, CT.

Dean is busy; he has just finished another book, The Eleventh Commandment and is teaching at UNO. My memories with Dean go back to the New Orleans Opera Association and the grand old Masonic Temple Building. The old Grand Lodge is now The Hilton St. Charles Hotel. I wonder what happened to the 13th floor auditorium/theatre and the basement pool. Does the ghost of the young DeMolay that drowned in that pool still wander its floors? Are the hotel guests aware of the JFK conspiracy link, the fabulous Anne Rice Halloween parties, etc., etc.? What a wonderful building with so much history.

Thanks Dean and once again May All Your Dreams Come True this year!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Welcome 2009

The New Year 2009 has arrived. I'm excited.

Change, as always, is in the air with its' faithful companion Fear, but as most soon realize Fear is like the two-faced Janus, its' opposite face being Courage.

The question being: Do we have the courage to care?

For the fear faced, join the long line here; not sure, remember this tale?

For the courage faced, join me on this fabulous adventure of life. Welcome 2009!