WHERE WISHES SHOULD LIVE...

Jillian B Hart

Hang your wishes on the star light & the moon, regrets and mistakes become the memories you made that fall away with the chasing of daylight into night. The beauty of a new day comes after darkness shares it's light.

BRING IT ON JOHN!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

John Pasko has a way about him. He’s totally involved in many amazing causes and somehow, once you've met him - “poof” you’re on the board of this cause and assisting with that one! You don’t remember how it happened or when, all you know is that you’re working with wonderful people on awesome projects and you’re happy!

That’s how I became involved with the American Police Hall of Fame, and now, with Families of the Shield.

John invited me to some fabulous events, including a golf tournament to honor my late husband and raise money for a scholarship to the police academy. The organization he founded called “Families of the Shield” organizes many such events and helps countless numbers of people, not only police families, but all first responders and military families as well. The truth is, John and Families of the Shield reach out to anyone in need! (Bikers for Babies, 9-11 Remembrance Ride, Family Fun Day, Raising funds for children with serious illnesses. The list goes on.)

My latest adventure, thanks to John, was helping to plan, shop for materials, and decorate a 9 foot Christmas tree for the Families of the Shield at the Annual Festival of Trees at the Maxwell King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne. This annual fundraiser allows the Junior League of South Brevard, Inc. to continue improving our community through financial and volunteer commitments in Brevard County.  Our tree entitled “To Protect and Serve” had to be elegant, beautiful, but most importantly, meaningful. The lady who came up with the idea of participating in the festival was Wendy. She’s a little powerhouse of energy- Tiny but Mighty!  John paired the two of us up, gave us a budget and let us go.

We each had our own idea of what we wanted as a design for the tree before we even met to talk about it. Amazingly, our sketches, color scheme, even the design for a special St. Michael the Archangel star matched up! We shopped, wired, cut, hot glued, planned and downed coffee and muffins until the day of set up came.

With the help of one of Wendy’s tall friends, our dream tree came to life.

• Cobalt Blue and silver ornaments to represent all those who wear the shield and their families.

• Cobalt Blue ribbon  woven through the tree to represent that “Thin Blue Line”(The line separating society from anarchy, the line police are sworn to uphold.)
• 141 crystal angels represent the 141 police officers who died in the line of duty so far this year.
• A chain of crystal “tears” represents the connection of all who wear the shield and the tears spilled for those we've lost.
• A crystal 3D star with a decoupage of Saint Michael the Archangel tops the tree - the patron saint of police officers overlooking all.
• A blue and silver bow with ribbon flowing down the sides like the arms of God.

Beside the tree is a coat rack with an NYPD uniform jacket and hat hung on it and a little table with a silver framed document telling the meaning as explained here. It was truly a labor of love and helped forge a new friendship for me.

What does John have in mind next? It’s anyone’s guess, but I’m sure Wendy and I will be involved as well as the many other people who are privileged to be called “Families of the Shield”.It could be a rally, a fun day for kids, a fundraiser for someone in need, a parade or some kind of extravaganza, but whatever it is -BRING IT ON JOHN, WE'RE READY!

For more information on Families of the Shield, visit
https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-A-Pasko-Families-of-the-Shield-Inc/136474126389464#!/pages/John-A-Pasko-Families-of-the-Shield-Inc/136474126389464?sk=info

MUSIC HISTORY NOVEMBER 19

1859 - Composer Mikhail Mihaylovich Ippolitov-Ivanov was born.

1954 - Sammy Davis, Jr. was involved in a serious auto accident in San Bernardino, CA. Three days later, Davis lost the ability see with his left eye.

1968 - The Supremes performed at a Royal Variety Show with Queen Elizabeth in attendance.

1970 - James Brown and Deidre Yvonne Jenkins were married.

1971 - B.B. King marked his 25th anniversary in music by opening a European tour in London.

1979 - Chuck Berry was released from Lompoc Prison, CA, after serving a sentence for income tax evasion.

1990 - Milli Vanilli was stripped of their Grammy Award because other singers had lent their voices to the "Girl You Know It's True" album.

1991 - The U2 album "Achtung Baby" was released.

1992 - The musical revival of "3 From Brooklyn" opened.

1993 - Nirvana recorded an MTV unplugged concert in New York.

1995 - Bruce Springsteen's thirteenth album, "The Ghost of Tom Joad," was released.

1996 - Prince released the 3 CD set "Emancipation." The release was on his record label NPG Records.

1996 - DJ Shadow's debut album "Endtroducing....." was released by Mo' Wax Records. It was later reissued on June 7, 2005 by Island Records.

1997 - The U.S. premiere of Sir Paul McCartney's "Standing Stone" was played in Carnegie Hall by St. Luke's Orchestra.

1998 - Motley Crue's retail store, S'Crue, opened in Los Angeles, CA.

2001 - Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots) was arrested for fighting with his wife at a Hard Rock hotel.

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!??!

Funny...but true

While on a flight from New York, the Stewardess was busy passing out peanuts and cokes to everyone. There were about sixteen flights lined up waiting to get clearance to take off. Then the other Stewardess got a message from the Pilot that the tower said the wind had changed 180 degrees and they were first in line to take off, and to have everyone buckle up. Without thinking she just announced "Please buckle up, grab your drinks and hold your nuts, we're taking off", No one saw her for the rest of the flight to Houston, and all the other Stewardesses were laughing all the way and half of the passengers.

DREADING IT?

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

It’s getting on that time of year again – no, not the holiday season, Science Fair Project time! Those words are enough to make some parents shiver in fear and anxiety. It heralds in several days and nights of whining and pleading “Why do I have to do this? It’s such a pain! I don’t want to! Do I have to?” And besides that, the kids don’t like it either!

Being a teacher, I can tell you that we probably dread this time of year more than parents. Imagine, you have to help with one project while the teacher has to write the instructions, check, guide and grade 20-28 science fair projects, and that’s just for the self contained teacher. I taught grades 3,4 and 5 Science at one time and was responsible for the projects for all 3 grade levels! Middle School Science teachers face the same situation. Anyway,  I think we can agree that few people get excited when it’s time for Science Fair.

There is something to be said for the experience for the student though. If teachers prepare students well and parents allow their children to choose a project they are truly interested in, it can be a lot of fun and a great learning experience.

Science Fair gives children the opportunity to do real research and find what scientists have done in the past. Sometimes it sparks a livelong interest in Science.  At the very least, students will learn something they never knew before, gain confidence by doing the experiment portion themselves, and pick up important organizational skills in setting up the log. Students may become more familiar with the Library (hopefully they will not limit research solely to the computer), learn how to do a chart or graph on the computer, possibly improve keyboarding skill while typing up the project information, develop artistic skills and symmetry in setting up the board and  when presenting they polish their speaking skills.

Finally, there are the awards that come with winning. Having these awards look great on a high school application and sometimes a cash prize comes along with that winning ribbon.

So, is this worth all the stress, headaches and anxiety of doing a Science Fair project?  I would say (and please don’t “BOO” me) Yes! I know my own children felt good about themselves after doing their best on a good Science Fair project, and we all learned something, including how to work together! I also learned to step back and let my kids do their thing. It doesn’t have to be pristine and perfect, it has to be theirs! I’ve served as a judge several times so I should know, the most important factor is that the child did the work themselves and understands  the science behind the project.

So, when the directions come home and you’re dreading starting yet another Science Fair project, remember this advice:

·        Let your child choose a project that he or she is truly interested in.

·        Let them “get dirty and make mistakes”, as my idol Ms. Frizzle (the Magic School bus) says!

·        Help keep them organized and supervise, but refrain from making it your project!

·        Let them take pictures, make graphs and charts on the computer and make it a special adventure rather than a dreaded assignment.

·        Show enthusiasm and interest. Make time to sit with your child and talk about the project often. Look through idea books with them to find just the right one.

·         Have fun with it! Your attitude will most definitely affect theirs. Take advantage of this quality time with your child. They’ll always remember it – and so will you!

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR???

Dawn Boyle

Over the past few weeks I have posted things about Thanksgiving and the holidays. I have also wrote about my constant bitching, and my issues I have with my kids, husband, and ass.

I have wrote about a Thankful Tree that you can make for your home so your kids can write each day about what they are thankful for. I have shared recipes and also spoke about my disdain for bullying and the apparent demise of our youth through the Internet.

After all is said and done, I wanted to share what I am thankful for and excited about for the holiday season and the upcoming year....Sometimes I come across as a jokester, not here - not now. I am going to be as serious as possible (for those who think I am funny).

In the past 12 months I turned 40. I gained back way too much of the weight I lost. I have gotten more and more in debt. I have done only one improvement to my home - a new roof, and that was a necessity, not luxury. I still can't stand my dog, who is turning 4 this month and is still peeing and crapping in the house after being out for 20 minutes. My love life needs a tune up and my kids need a tune down. I still have someone sleeping in my bed and have two cell-phones for two kids that do not use them. I installed a motherboard in my daughters computer months ago but not the battery. My closets are a mess, every room needs to be painted and I despise the 70's wrought iron railing that EVERYONE sees when they walk into my house.

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Dreams and goals have no expiration dates. The are completely renewable. No matter where you are in the journey of your life -you hold the ability to stir the untapped possibilities. Breathe it all in - The new beauty of your life is there - waiting to be born - and living it is the grandest thing in life.

Keep the promises that you make to yourself!

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Ward-Finneran and Drawn 2 Design, LLC

©  All Rights Reserved

PARANORMAL PUB:The Most Famous Ghost Story of All Time

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

by Washington Irving

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” tells the story of Ichabod Crane and his hapless attempt to win the heart and hand of Katrina Van Tassel in the context of a comical ghost story. Ichabod comes to Sleepy Hollow, New York, from his home state of Connecticut, to be the schoolmaster of the village. Sleepy Hollow is a small, very quiet town said to be under some kind of enchantment. Its residents all seem to move a little slower, daydream a little more, and be more prone to believe in the supernatural. Sleepy Hollow, maybe for that reason or maybe because its residents are almost all descended from its original Dutch settlers, has more than its fair share of supernatural occurrences, or at least stories of them.

Sleepy Hollow’s most famous supernatural phenomenon is the ghost of the Headless Horseman, said to be a Hessian soldier who lost his head to a cannon ball during the Revolutionary War. The Horseman is seen most often riding by the church, where local historians say he was buried. He is believed to be always in search of his head. Ichabod is fascinated by this story, being especially interested (and prone to believe) in tales of the supernatural.
Ichabod is a strict teacher but not a cruel one, doling out his punishment of the rod only to those who can handle it. Ichabod makes almost no money, and it is customary in the village for the farmers whose sons he teaches to feed and board him in rotation. Along with this, Ichabod makes some extra money teaching singing lessons—he prides himself greatly on his magnificent voice. This arrangement keeps him employed and gives him many opportunities to hear ghost stories from the farmers’ wives and eat meals with the farmers’ daughters. He also has an insatiable hunger and a taste for the finer things.

Katrina Van Tassel, a beautiful young woman of eighteen, is one of Ichabod’s students. She is also the only child of Baltus Van Tassel, one of the more successful farmers in the area. Ichabod is quickly taken in by her flirtatious charms, but it is when he first visits her father’s abundant farm that he considers himself truly in love with her, or at least her likely inheritance.

He quickly sets out to win her hand in marriage, coming by the Van Tassel farm frequently to woo her. Ichabod is not alone in his attentions to Katrina, however. Her beauty, charm, and wealth have entranced many other men in the village, especially the formidable Brom Van Brunt, also known as Brom Bones. Brom is notorious for his boisterous personality, love of pranks, and great skill at horseback riding—all of which make him something of a village hero.

Brom has already scared off many of Katrina’s other suitors, but Ichabod is harder to shake, avoiding physical confrontation with Brom, which is Brom’s main method of intimidation. Without that option, Brom turns to his next best skill—pranks. He fills the school house with smoke, trains a dog to follow Ichabod around howling, and sets many other pranks to frustrate and humiliate Ichabod.
One day, a messenger comes to the schoolhouse to invite Ichabod to a party at the Van Tassels’. At this party, he apparently finds himself the best man in the house, and when the party is over he stays behind. For some reason, however, Katrina disappoints him. Ichabod leaves crestfallen.

He finds the path home dark and eerily quiet. He tries to keep himself from getting too scared, but soon after he has passed the possibly haunted Major Andre’s tree, he sees a large, dark figure looming nearby. It does not respond to his call, but as he passes by, it starts to move and joins him on the path riding a large, dark horse. Ichabod is greatly disturbed and tries to shake off his pursuer, but he fails. Finally, he notices that the rider has no head on his shoulders; the head seems to be sitting on the saddle in front of the man. Ichabod tries to get his decrepit horse to run home as fast as it can, but he is not a skilled rider and the horse resists.

They end up by the church, the scene of most of the stories of the Headless Horseman, and Ichabod races to the bridge where the ghost is said to disappear and not follow. Ichabod crosses the bridge and looks back, but he sees the Horseman, instead of disappearing, hurl his detached head at him. It knocks Ichabod off of his horse.
The next day, Ichabod’s horse returns to its owner’s farm, but there is no sign of Ichabod. A search party finds hoof prints and Ichabod’s hat, with a smashed pumpkin left next to it. Ichabod is never heard from again in Sleepy Hollow, although later on it seems that he is alive elsewhere and has told his story. Some of the townspeople believe that Brom Bones pulled off a great prank—which put Brom in the final position to marry Katrina—but the old women and local folklore maintain that he was taken by the Headless Horseman.

Texting…It’s Not Just For Teenagers

Deanna Verbouwens

I love and hate texting for one reason and one reason only: Communication. Texting is fun, it’s quick, and it’s easy. I can fire off a text to make someone laugh faster than Mario Andretti at the Indy. In my youth, I’d go to any length to make someone laugh, I actually spent a full year in therapy trying to undo why I’d randomly moon my friends or drive through a toll-booth topless. With texting SWOOP it’s easy and it doesn’t cost me my dignity. On the other hand, what a frickin' distraction; I decided to make a quick stop in Target to pick up last minute baking items for the three year olds now four year olds birthday party. All I needed was brownie mix, quick and easy run in & run out, 10 minutes top, throw kids in the cart, race to the aisle as if I am on “Supermarket Sweep” and call it a day. The first mistake was not throwing the kids in the cart fell to their big blue puppy dog eyes and plea’s of “I’ll be good, I’ll hold your hand, I promise”. Now the four year old is running rampage in the baking aisle, sweat is pouring down my neck as I dodge brownie mix, my hand is numb because I’m white knuckling my phone (gosh forbid I miss a text), then as I grab the little one by the collar my hand slips and I hit the floor. As I am going down the box of brownies hits my head and my seven year old explodes laughter. While I try to recover I can see the back of the four year old I as he hightails it down the aisle towards the mini marshmallows and guess what? The phone is still in my hand. Now that’s talent.

I blame my bruised ass-bone on texting; I can’t sit for a week but guess what… I can text! Texting has definitely brought my multi-tasking skills to a whole new level – now I have even more balls in the air, balls that I am certainly not catching. Unfortunately, it’s not me who suffers, it’s my poor kids. In my defense, I figure I’m already screwing them up, might as well throw a little more on their plate, I mean they have a mother who works full time, has enough guilt to fill Yankee Stadium, can barely get out the door showered, who screams more than she likes, and now they have to have to deal with a texting addiction? They’ll be in therapy anyway, may as well lay it on as thick as I can, if I had to go to therapy they have to too, except, I’ll probably feel guilty and pay the damn bill. I also found out that besides that fact that you can raise your kids properly and text you also cannot multi-task. Believe me I’ve tried eating, drinking, and showering while texting. It does not work. I also try not to text while driving but sometimes I do. Another horrible example for my kids, it’s bad enough they think it’s okay to pick their teeth in public, and can fart on command, but this is well, really poor parenting.
 

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!?!?

A young couple got married and left on their honeymoon.
When they got back, the bride immediately called her mother.

"Well, how was the honeymoon?" asked the mother.
"Oh mamma!" she exclaimed. "The honeymoon was wonderful! So romantic!"

No sooner had she spoken the words than she burst out crying. "But mamma . . . as soon as we returned, Sam started using the most horrible language. He's been saying things I've never heard before! All these awful 4-letter words! You've got to come get me and take me home... please mamma!"

"Now Sarah . . ." her mother answered. "Calm down! Tell me, what could be so awful? What 4-letter words has he been using?"

"Please don't make me tell you, mamma." wept the daughter.
"I'm so embarrassed! They're just too awful! You've got to come get me and take me home... please mamma!"

"Darling, baby, you must tell me what has you so upset . . .
Tell your mother these horrible 4-letter words!"

Still sobbing, the bride replied, "Oh, mamma . . . words like dust, wash, iron, and cook!"

HOW TO CARVE A TURKEY

Turkeys should be carefully trussed. The wings and thighs should be brought close to the body and kept in position by skewers or chord. The ends of the drumsticks may be drawn into the body or crossed over the tail and tied firmly.

After cooking, free the ends of the drumsticks from the body and trim them with a paper ruffle. This will enable the carver to touch them if necessary without soiling his or her hands. Place the turkey on the platter with the head at the left. Unless the platter is very large, provide an extra dish, also a fork for serving. I like to place fancy greens around the platter under the turkey and place small clumps of red and green grapes, nuts and cranberries around the golden bird. I bring it to the table for everyone to “ooh” and “aaah”, and then proceed to carve. To do this, insert the carving-fork across the middle of the breast-bone. Cut through the skin between the breast and the thigh. Bend the leg over, and cut off close to the body and through the joint. Cut through the top of the shoulder down through the wing-joint. Shave off the breast in thin slices, slanting from the front of the breast-bone down toward the wing-joint.

If the family is small and the turkey is to be served for a second dinner, carve only from the side nearest you. Tip the bird over slightly, and with the point of the knife remove the oyster and the small dark portion found on the side-bone. Then remove the fork from the breast and divide the leg and wing. Cut through the skin between the body and breast, and with a spoon remove a portion of the stuffing. Serve light or dark meat and stuffing, as preferred. If carved in this way, the turkey will be left with one half entire, and if placed on a clean platter with the cut side nearest the carver, and garnished with parsley, will present nearly as nice an appearance, to all but the carver, as when first served.
When there are many to be served, take off the leg and wing from each side and slice the whole of the breast before removing the fork; then divide as required.
It is not often necessary to cut up the whole body of the turkey, but to use every scrap of the meat, proceed to carve as follows:

Put the fork in firmly across the middle of the breast-bone. Cut through the skin between the leg and body. Bend the leg over and cut off at the joint. If the turkey be very tender or overcooked, the side-bone will separate from the back and come away with the second joint, making it more difficult to separate the thigh from the side-bone. Cut through the top of the shoulder and separate the wing at the joint. Cut off the leg and wing from the other side. Carve the breast on each side, in thin slices, slanting slightly toward the wing. Be careful to take a portion of crisp outside with each slice. Shave off the crisp skin near the neck, in order to reach the stuffing. Insert the point of the knife at the front of the breast-bone, turn back the wish-bone and separate it. Cut through the cartilage on each side, separating the collar-bones from the breast. Tip the body slightly over and slip the knife under the end of the shoulder-blade; turn it over toward the wing. Repeat this process on the opposite side. Cut through the cartilage which divides the ribs, separating the breast-bone from the back. Lay the breast one side and remove the fork from it. Take the stuffing from the back. Turn the back over, place the knife midway just below the ribs, and with the fork lift up the tail end, separating the back from the body. Place the fork in the middle of the backbone, and cut close to the backbone from one end to the other, on each side, freeing the side-bone. Then divide the legs and wings at the joints. The joint in the leg is not quite in the middle of the bend, but a trifle nearer the thigh. It requires some practice to strike these joints in the right spot. Cut off the meat from each side of the bone in the second joint and leg, as these when large are more than one person requires, and it is inconvenient to have such large bones on one's plate.
It is easier to finish the carving before beginning to serve. An expert carver will have the whole bird disjointed and literally in pieces with a very few strokes of the knife.

WICKED WORLD....ASHLYNN CONNER

Dawn Boyle
We lost another child to bullying. Last week 10 year old Ashlynn Conner hung herself after being bullied in school and in her neighborhood. The Illinois family is speaking out after this tragic death in hopes that awareness will save other families from dealing with such horrific consequences.

I read the article and watched the video from CBS News. I have a ten year old myself. I know what children her age do to each other and it breaks my heart. It seems that every few weeks our country is burying another child due to the effects of bullying. When will it end?

What has to be done in school and or at home to prevent this from happening? I feel that sometimes I wish my children weren't growing up in such a world that it is all too easy to write something or text something to harm another. Why is it that our children do not feel that there is any other way of dealing with such harassment than taking their own life?

From what I read, Ashlynn had told her parents about what was going on. She begged to be home schooled. She told her mother that children were calling her names, specifically slut and ugly. A slut? How on earth would a 10 year old be a slut? Better yet, how does another 10 year old even know that word? Once more, how does a 10 year old know how to hang themselves? OVER EXPOSURE!

WE ARE LETTING OUR CHILDREN 

SLIP THROUGH OUR HANDS...

SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!!!

Sit down with your children tonight, one on one. Ask them what is going on in their lives outside of the home. Have communication with other parents and teachers if you see changes in your own child. Make sure your child has a close adult that they can confide in, such as an uncle or aunt, pastor or older sibling. Keep all lines of communication open and pray to God that the bullying stops. These tragedies can be stopped, it takes us adults to make it end! ENOUGH OF THE "NOT MY KID"!!

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Conner Family and all other children and families that have been affected by bullying.

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran

If things aren't changing or happening for you

It doesn't mean that they never going to change or happen

But perhaps.....

It means, despite what you think -  you are not yet ready for it

Look to your heart to find the way.  

When leading your intentions from that place, good things will come - in the time that they are meant to occur

Not in the time we want or even understand.

Faith keeps you believing.

It makes all things possible... it does not make it easy! 

Faith is believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe. Keep on Believing...

Keep the promises that you make to yourself!

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Ward-Finneran and Drawn 2 Design, LLC

©  All Rights Reserved

WANNA LAUGH??!?!?!?!?

A man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Thanksgiving and says,"I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.
"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams. We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the father says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her."
Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this,"
She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at her father, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.
The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "they're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own way. What are we going to do for Christmas?"

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HE SAID....PENN STATE

 

 

Tony Walker

 

I'm interested in the responses from the sports buffs to this Penn State mess. My opinion is that whatever goes on in locker rooms & the way people behave when in the locker rooms will change forever. 

Individual showers? No more patting each other on the ass, which goes on in many sports. Even the way the players talk to each other will be different. 

No one wants to be the next Sandusky.... no one wants to be the next one accused.... things will change.

I just hope this doesn't turn into another priest scandal where coaches across the Country will be exposed. Hopefully this is an isolated thing.

Did you hear Sandusky admitted he showered with the boys & touched their legs but denies being a pedophile. Is this guy kidding?? What a shame.

And Paterno!!! What a way to end a brilliant career!!! Personally I agree with his firing & think he should be held accountable for his actions... or lack of actions.

What do you think guys? Do you think the off the field ways will change? Why? Do you think Paterno & whoever else was fired deserved to lose their jobs?

Maybe someone can answer this question for me. Has there been research to figure out why these men are into boys? What's turning them on about something so sick?

WANNA LAUGH?!?!?!?!?

Things to Do to Liven Up Thanksgiving Dinner
1. Load your plate up high, then take it to the kitchen, toss it all in the blender, and take your "shake" back to the table. Announce that it's the new Thanksgiving Weight Loss Shake.
2. When everyone goes around to say what they are Thankful for, say, "I'm thankful I didn't get caught" and refuse to say anything more.
3. Bring along old recorded football games, pop them in the VCR when Dad's not looking. Make sure it is set to the last two minutes of the game. When he comes into the room, turn off the VCR and turn on the regular TV.
4. Bring a date that only talks about the tragic and abusive conditions known to exist at turkey farms.
5. During mid-meal turn to mom and say, "See mom, I told you they wouldn't notice that the Turkey was past expiration date. You were worried for nothing."

EATERY IS OPEN - BBQ QUESADILLAS

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Serves 2

4 whole wheat tortillas

6 oz chicken, grilled

1 small onion

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 oz shredded, monterey jack cheese

2 oz shredded, cheddar cheese

1/4 cup barbeque sauce

Heat a skillet on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Slice the onion, sprinkle with salt and add it to the pan to caramelize – about 10- 15 minutes. Transfer onions to a bowl when finished.

To assemble, add 1 ounce of cheddar cheese on the bottom. Top with chicken, a drizzle of barbeque sauce, caramelized onions.

Heat the same skillet you used for the onions on medium heat and spray it with cooking spray. Add quesadilla to the pan, letting cook on each side about 5 minutes, or until tortilla is crispy and cheese is melted

BLOTTING OUT BLACK FRIDAY

Marion Pellicano Ambrose
Halloween has come and gone and it’s time to celebrate the official day of being grateful – Thanksgiving. What an important a concept to teach our children and to remember for ourselves! And yet, TV, Movies, radio stations and department stores have virtually skipped right over this special holiday and jumped ahead to Christmas!

Macy's Parade in the 1950's

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas! I love to decorate and bake, wrap gifts and sing Christmas Carols, but NOT IN NOVEMBER! What ever happened to Christmas season beginning at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade when Santa walks into Macy’s? My sister and I would sit with our Dad, just waiting for that special moment. It was only after that event that we were allowed to start decorating and playing our Christmas records. (yes, I did play records - 33RPM albums of Bing Crosby, Andy Williams and Johnny Matthis!)                                                                                                                       The next day -BLACK FRIDAY! The official beginning of the frantic search for just the right gift for everyone on your Christmas list!

SOUL FOOD

Barbara Ward-Finneran

Know yourself enough to not let what you think you are not hold you back from being all that you can possibly be. 

Cast aside all that relates to being your own worst enemy and love yourself enough to be your own biggest fan!  Your future lies in the best hands possible... YOUR OWN!

Love life, be brave!  

Keep the promises that you make to yourself!

©  All Rights Reserved

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Please read and watch the video.....it will make you proud to be an American. This is a great film clip of Kate Smith singing God Bless America for the very first time publicly. The story follows, then watch the video clip.

Irving Berlin wrote this song in 1917 for use during WWI. Does anyone

know why he did not release it then? No? Well, I will tell you. He thought it "too saccharine," (sentimental) even for the horrific inferno that was WWI.

You will enjoy this and you younger folks will learn some history...

The link below will take you to a video showing the very first public singing of "GOD BLESS AMERICA."

But, before you watch, you should also know the story of the song. The time was 1940. America was still in a terrible economic depression. Hitler was taking over Europe and Americans were afraid we'd have to go to war. It was a time of hardship and worry for most Americans.

This was the era just before TV, when radio shows were HUGE, and American families sat around their radios in the evenings, listening to their favorite entertainers - and no entertainer of that era was bigger than Kate Smith. Kate was also large in size, and the popular phrase still used today is in deference to her, "It Ain't over till the fat lady sings."

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS NOVEMBER 13

1949 - Yoshimi Ishibashi, Japanese racing driver
1950 - Gilbert Perreault, NHL center (over 500 goals)
1951 - Beth Anders, Norristown Penn, field hockey sweeper (Oly-bronze-1984)
1951 - Bill Gibson, Calif, rock drummer (Huey Lewis & The News)
1951 - Janet Collins, ballerina, 1st Black dancer with Opera Co (Aida)
1952 - Art Malik, Pakistani-born English actor
1953 - Andy "the Clobberer" Ranken, English pop drummer (The Pogues)
1953 - Larry Miller, comedian (Dream On, Favor, Dream Lover)
1953 - Tracy Scoggins, Galveston Tx, actress (Colbys, Gumshoe Kid)
1953 - Frances Conroy, American actress
1953 - Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Mexican politician
1953 - Waswo_X._Waswo, American Photographer
1954 - Scott McNealy, American CEO of Sun Microsystems
1954 - Chris Noth, American actor
1955 - Whoopi Goldberg [Caryn Johnson], American actress, comedian, and singer (Color Purple, Burglar)
1956 - Aldo Nova, rocker (Blood on the Bricks)
1956 - Christopher Noth, actor (Jakarta)
1956 - Ginger Alden, American actress
1957 - Ronald Shusett, Hamburg Germany, author (Project Mankind)
1958 - Linda Jackson, Montreal Quebec, cyclist (Olympics-96)
1959 - Anne Manning, Australian walker (Olympics-96)
1959 - Rosie Jones, Santa Ana CA, LPGA golfer (1988 USX Golf Classic)
1960 - Neil Flynn, American actor
1961 - Edwin "Rick" Bakker, Dutch author: Rick's Report, AIDS Diary
1962 - Blair Rasmussen, NBA center (Atlanta Hawks)
1962 - Gaetano Orlando, hockey forward (Team Italy 1998)
1963 - Thilo Timothy Newman, Hamburg Germany, writer (Freejack, Alien)
1963 - Vinny Testaverde, NFL quarterback (Cleve Browns, Baltimore Ravens)
1964 - Ronald Agenor, Rabat Morocco, tennis player (1989 French quarters)
1965 - Kevin Gamble, NBA guard (Sacramento Kings)
1965 - Rob Natal, Long Beach CA, catcher (Florida Marlins)
1965 - Sheryl Boyle, Renfrew Ontario, kayaker (Olympics-96)
1965 - Zeljko Petrovic, soccer player (FC The Bosch/RKC)
1966 - Rumeal Robinson, NBA guard (Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons)
1967 - Randi Ingerman, Phila Pa, actress (Trade Winds)
1967 - Steve Christie, NFL kicker (Buffalo Bills)
1967 - Juhi Chawla, Indian actress
1967 - Steve Zahn, American actor
1968 - Mark Fitzpatrick, Toronto, NHL goalie (Florida Panthers)
1968 - Pat Hentgen, Detroit MI, pitcher (Toronto Blue Jays)
1968 - Tami Whitlinger-Jones, Neenah Wisc, tennis star (1995 Futures-Sedona)
1969 - Lori Berenson, American criminal
1969 - Gerard Butler, Scottish actor
1969 - Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Dutch author
1971 - Anthony Whiteman, England, 800m/1500m runner
1971 - Craig Powell, NFL linebacker (Cleve Browns)
1971 - John Francis Zingg, Boston Mass, rocker (4 Fun-Unbelievable Fun Boys)
1971 - Matthew Minagall, cricketer (S Australian lefty wrist-spinner 1991-95)
1971 - Noah Hathaway, actor (Troll, Neverending Story)
1971 - Ron Rivers, NFL running back (Detroit Lions)
1972 - Kimberlee Ann McKay, Belle Fourche SD, Miss America-SD (1996)
1972 - Shom-Rock, rocker (Young Nation)
1972 - T-Haxx, rocker (DYC)
1972 - Takuya Kimura, Japanese singer and actor
1973 - George Harris, WLAF cornerback (London Monarchs)
1973 - Samantha Riley, Brisbane Australia, breastroker (Oly-2 bronze-92, 96)
1973 - Ari Hoenig, American jazz drummer
1975 - Sarah Pitkowski, Seclin France, tennis star (1995 Futures-Koksijde)
1975 - Quim, Portuguese footballer
1975 - Tom Compernolle, Belgian athlete (d. 2008)
1976 - Hiroshi Tanahashi, Japanese professional wrestler
1976 - Kelly Sotherton, English heptathlete
1977 - Tammy Leigh Ashton, Miss North Carolina Teen USA (1996)
1977 - Chanel Cole, Australian singer
1977 - Huang Xiaoming, Chinese actor and singer
1978 - Nikolai Fraiture, American bassist (The Strokes)
1979 - Ron Artest, American basketball player
1979 - Subliminal, Israeli rapper and producer
1980 - Monique Coleman, American actress
1980 - François-Louis Tremblay, Canadian short track speed skater
1981 - Kirsty-Leigh Brown, Australia, gymnast (Olympics-96)
1981 - Mark Cardona, Filipino basketball player
1981 - Rivkah, American comic book writer and artist
1982 - Samkon Gado, American football player
1982 - Koda Kumi, Japanese singer
1982 - Michael Copon, American actor and singer
1985 - Asdrúbal Cabrera, Venezuelan baseball player
1990 - Jibbs, American rapper
1995 - Stella Hudgens, American actress
1997 - Brent Kinsman, American actor
1997 - Shane Kinsman, American actor