A Happy Thanksgiving at least for some folks, thanks to
The First Baptist Church of Charlotte, North Carolina.
They came up with enough food to feed 5,000 people,
just like in the Bible story.
Video and story from FOX News
News Junkies with limited time on their hands are
guaranteed to get their fix of the day's Headlines with
NEWSEUM - Wash. D.C.'s most Interactive Museum.
This very useful website not only lets you click on
a city's Front Page thumbnail, but also lets you zoom in
and actually access the page in PDF format. If the
headline looks interesting enough to warrant reading of
the entire article, the link to the newspaper in question is
conveniently placed next to the PDF link. No need to type
in a newspaper name into that Google Search box and wade
through endless results for the exact URL. Just Bookmark
Newseum.org and you're on your way to all the news that's
fit to print (or view online).
Whether it's in the USA or anywhere else in the world, like
Italy
Poland
or Nicaragua 
it's all very neatly sorted and arranged by region
I really hope you enjoy this as much as I did....good web
surfing to you all.
Newseum | Today's Front Pages | Gallery View
'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home'
~ John Payne
In a somewhat hidden and deserted strip of land alongside the
busy Port of Long Beach lies a former mudflat that was turned
into an artificial island. Measuring less than 5 miles long,
officially named Terminal Island in 1918, this area was
once the Tuna canning capital of the world.
Fine, I thought to myself last October as I was being driven
through the shipyards of Long Beach to visit this place.
But where was it ? No one in sight. No Maps, Directions,
Concession stands, Museum Brochures or Restrooms. Not
a soul in the area with the exception of a lone Mariner who was
probably walking along this silent strip of land to get to his
vessel docked a few miles away.
And then it came into view, this rather large Monumental Statue
of two Issei Fishermen, cast in Bronze. Looking deep into the
distance while their hands worked instinctively, perhaps dreaming
of their old homes far away in Japan that they would in all reality
probably never see again. At once somber and mystifying and
touching. I had my fill of taking pics not realizing what all this was
about until I got back to Texas and started reading up for this post.
A large amount of the work in those Canneries was performed
by similar Japanese immigrants who took up residence there,
building lives and families in their own traditional orthodox
and naive way.
Although the older children took part in normal activities
such as Baseball, dining with friends, attending Local Catholic
schools, celebrating Christmas and New Years', enrolling in the
Boy Scouts, etc., these 'Nisei' (second-generation Japanese-
Americans of immigrant parents) still had a strong sense of
their heritage thanks to their parents who were content it
seems, to remain within the confines of their own tightly-knit,
isolated community, speaking a weird dialect of English and
Japanese words. For over two decades by all accounts it was
an idyllic existence for these families, right up until the 1941
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Within twenty-four hours, these immigrants and their families
were subjected to evacuation orders, literally banished forever
from Terminal Island. A population close to 3,000 was forcibly
and unofficially removed by the FBI and sent to internment in
Camps. Most of these Islanders wound up in Manzanar at the
foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, victims of Wartime
and Racial hysteria.
After the war, they discovered that there was no 'going back
home' since their homes and schools had been razed to the
ground by the Navy. Not a trace remained to prove they had
once lived a simple, happy life in the Cannery district.
Deeply dismayed but not willing to have a part of their lives
obliterated, these former residents banded together and formed
the Terminal Islanders Club in 1971. A club that holds
periodic Reunions, Picnics, Dances, Sports competitions, etc.,
today these folks are well into their Eighties. As concerns grew
about their unique heritage disappearing, they succeeded
in erecting the Terminal Island Monument in 2002, a memorial
to honor their parents and preserve their precious revered
memories of Furosato : their Home Sweet Home.
An almost-forgotten Memorial to an all-but forgotten time in
Japanese-American History.
Ansel Adams picture from the US Library of Congress
See more related pics at my Flickr album
or on Picasa web and explore other fascinating details of
this true story :
Furusato The Lost Village of Terminal Island
The Terminal Island Mosaic :
1290 Clickable images arranged to form
a Calligraphic Japanese word: Furosato
Related Ken Burns' PBS Video
I don't get around much any more, but when I do
you can bet you'll hear about it. Some of my pics taken
in October '09 of a truly unique place to visit when in the L.A.,
California area.
Mountains and hills, the Blue Pacific Ocean below,
Blue skies above, 365 days a year.
Well, almost....it was damp, drizzly and overcast on the
day that I re-visited this modern-day structure that
consists of a Pavilion that houses the enormous Bronze
Korean Bell of Friendship
Situated in Angels Gate Park in San Pedro, close to L.A.,
the bell was presented in 1976 by the Republic of Korea
to the American people to celebrate the bicentennial of
the United States, to honor American veterans of the
Korean War, and to symbolize friendship between the
two nations.
On the day I was there a Photo shoot was in progress
literally at the steps of the Bell.
Angels Gate Park that houses this starkly beautiful
monument has been a favorite location for Hollywood
film cast and crews due to its picturesque surroundings.
'The Usual Suspects' starring Kevin Spacey and Giancarlo
Esposito was filmed here, as were parts of The Titanic.
The secluded and peaceful area attracts people like
Johnny Depp, who is noted for hanging around the
San Pedro area. Notable area residents past and present
include actress Sharon Tate, Author Charles Bukowski,
Comedian D.L. Hughley and Art Pepper, Jazz Saxophonist.
But don't take my word for it. Just check out thisKorean Bell of Friendship Fabulous Full-screen Panoramic
Slideshow
by Carol StruyckenI consider this place an instant favorite for anyone who visits
and I highly recommend it for its serene and meditative
atmosphere.
View my pics The Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro
- a set on Flickr
A weird oldie about an implant that doubles as a gadget, one
that I wrote about during my short-lived connection with
Now Public.com....
And Now, I Give You All...The (USB) Finger ! |
The News is NowPublic.com
October is the one month in the USA that many Retail stores find
it in their hearts to give up their precious display space to promote
awareness for Breast Cancer. The color Pink is Everywhere !
Pink is the distinguishing color for hats, bracelets, mugs, shirts,
pens, cosmetics, you name it - an increasing number of products
are tied to Breast Cancer awareness, and with good reason :
" Women in the United States have the highest incidence rates
of breast cancer in the world; 141 among white women and
122 among African American women." ~wikipedia
Today there are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors, which
mean 2.5 million Survivor stories, many of which remain untold.
DOVE Chocolate Promises of Hope include special messages
of hope, inspiration and strength, written by survivors. Look for
their personal, motivational messages under each DOVE Promises
wrapper.
After eating these chocolates and reading the survivors' inspirational
messages, I sought inspiration in sharing their message in my own
little way. What I came up with is above : two pics of Dove wrappers
that I took and then uploaded to Flickr
Full size Wrapper Images: Outer Inner
I'd best let the Komen.org team tell their story :
" Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul.
Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital,
she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women
battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation.
That concern for others continued even as Susan neared the end of
her fight. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and committed
to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that
she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.
That promise is now Susan G. Komen for the Cure®,
the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having
invested more than $1 billion since inception in 1982. As the
world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer
survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives,
empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize
science to find the cures.
Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®,
and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and
fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of
nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in
the world. "
~ ww5.komen.org/
Houston Texans : Real Men in Pink
In early March, 2009, American Football Running Back
Ryan Moats's mother-in-law, Jonetta Collinsworth, died
from breast cancer. When they were informed that Ms.
Collinsworth was close to death, Moats, his wife Tamishia
(Collinsworth's daughter) and other family members
rushed to Baylor Regional Medical Center in
Plano, Texas. After driving through a red light, Moats
was stopped by a Dallas Police Department officer,
who delayed him for 13 minutes outside the hospital's
emergency room, after Moats's explanation was
corroborated by a hospital nurse. The officer drew his
weapon during the incident. By the time Moats reached
Collinsworth, she had died.
Now Moats and other members of the NFL are daring
to wear Pink during their Sunday matches, and all for the
cause of raising Breast Cancer Awareness.
~ story from KHOU Texas
Happy Thanksgiving ! Latest update Nov 2009
Flickr now has a great set of Sita-related images
including ones of Merchandise from the Sita Store.
Get Jewelry, DVDs, Posters and clothing by visiting
Happy Dassera !
.....which goes well with this Update Sept 28 '09
to include Nina Paley's Facebook Group where you will find
all sorts of goodies, and also ways to keep this unique artist's
vision alive. Lacking enough support and funding in spite of
worldwide screenings, Ms. Paley has taken an unlikely approach
to furthering this film. No one that I know of with such talent
allows the world to have FREE FULL access not only to
view the film online, but also to access the Source files and
distribute them freely via Creative Commons. This is unparalleled
generosity and intellect coming from the soul of an Artist in the
truest sense of the word !
Originally published June 2008 :
East meets West yet again but this time in an unheard-of way.
NYC animator extraordinaire Nina Paley single-handedly
envisioned and executed Sita Sings The Blues, an amazing,
animated feature based on the classic Hindu mythological tale
of Sita and Rama as told inThe Ramayana.
Romance, action-adventure and Comedy are key elements
here, but it's definitely the sense of fun possessed by the creator
that is ever-present, right from the opening sequence which
describes this as 'The Greatest Break-up Story Ever Told'.
The story in this case draws parallels to the real-life trials of
Ms. Paley in NYC, and her husband who relocated to work in India.
They were eventually divorced, and Ms. Paley's grief finds its voice
here, where the striking visuals are set to authentic 1920s
American Blues music. It all works brilliantly and entertains
wonderfully enough to justify its place as number 10 in the 2008
Tribeca Film Festival. But this is nevertheless a touchy subject
for many Hindus, since it deals with their religion and some of
them consider this work blasphemous. I can't say if there is any
need for Ms. Paley to apologize to anyone, but I do know that as
a Musician and Artist myself I appreciate the creative process
here and the intense effort that went into bringing this grand opus
to worldwide attention.
Watch the Trailer below first and then below that, Part 1 of the
YouTube HD version. Please switch to normal viewing by if
your 'net connection can't handle all the HD buffering.
The whole awesome film is available in 10 parts on YouTube.
Created by metroamv when she was a student, this
video is based on the Argentinian Political Advertisement
"The Truth" by RECREAR, and was the second-place
winner for the AARP U@50 video contest. Watch closely
as she reads the words on the board normally and
then reads the entire thing in reverse. It all makes sense,
to me at least.
Luscious Lychee Tart
While I fancy myself only an amateur Chef, concocting
in a class of my own making, I never hesitate to rouse up the
nerve to convey my thoughts about Food Blogs and Cooking
to anyone who will humor me. One such gracious and
outstanding Chef, a personal favorite, is Jyotsna Shahane
of Pune, India who maintains her own Food Blog,
'The Cook's Cottage'
on TypePad. A talented Cook, Blogger and Photographer,
she meticulously recreates many of the simple but delicious
meals that I grew up with in my old hometown of Pune.
So it's naturally a pleasure to stop by her Blog and linger, and
freely comment about the latest Recipe she so generously shares.
Time certainly has flown since I left my first Comment after
stumbling upon the Photo illustrations for her Recipes on Flickr....
five years at the very least.
The Recipes that Jyotsna blogs about are carefully researched
for their history, origins, trivia and above all ease in preparation,
utilizing the freshest ingredients available locally. Health-
conscious and leaning towards traditional Indian flavors, the
Recipes she so neatly presents have become a worldwide hit
not only with Indian expats but also with non-Indians fascinated
by the spicy, sumptuous cuisine of India. Be it Curry in a
Hurry, Hot as Hell or Just Vegetables, there's something
in her Blog for anyone with an adventurous palate.
And so, five years later as The Cook's Cottage officially
celebrates its One Millionth Visitor Click by awarding an
apron to Bharathy, I am thrilled that I missed winning
said Apron by a mere click....an Apron that I believe I
would not feel worthy of, since there have been many more
talented Chefs and Visitors who have helped Jyotsna
achieve this very personal milestone.
Read the short take on the One Millionth Click, and take
the time to see and perhaps try out the food that gets me
salivating and homesick.
The problem of Homelessness used to be generally associated
with Third-World nations in Africa, Latin America and Asia,
where poverty has been a way of life for centuries.
Born and living in India for close to 26 years I 'grew up' with
the problem and dreamed, like others still do, of a better place
where there was no such problem....a place with beautiful lawns
and white picket fences......like America, the Beautiful.
A comedian once said, "They call it 42nd Street because you're
not safe if you spend more than forty seconds on it."
As a naive and ignorant immigrant at the age of 26, I remember
the sense of shock that gripped me during my first week in
America as I walked on 7th Ave. at Times Sq. in NYC.
It was like a Sodom and Gomorrah version of the Big Top right
there in the Big Apple, even as the music of The Bee Gees vied
against Boston, Donna Summer and Parliament for one's
attention. Strolling along, taking in all the neon lights, sights and
sounds one evening, I was stopped by an Army Veteran in a
wheelchair with a battered tin cup and a cardboard sign around
his neck that simply said, 'PLEASE HELP - HOMELESS VET'.
Dazed and confused, I gave the man $5 and rushed away, because
it was not only a rude awakening but also part of the Culture
Shock that followed as I slowly learned about the real America,
the Beautiful. And what better place than 42nd St. in NYC to be
Culture-shocked and awed by my first sighting of a Homeless
person in America ? The notion of 'begging' in America was a
totally new one for me.....
Today, that Homeless Veteran still haunts me as I am faced
with the daily news of the huge numbers of Americans who are
Homeless or in peril of falling under that category due to loss
of employment and the lack of a system to support them in
their darkest hours.
I don't read much about the Blogging community, and so I
would have missed this unusual tale of an unemployed
Blogger. Technically, she is not Homeless and living nowhere
near the conditions that 'Slumdogs' face in India, since she
does have a roof over her head. That roof being a Mobile camper
that she inherited from her Father, who committed suicide !
Loss of employment followed by loss of a parent is enough
to demoralize any single young woman, but not this trooper.
Since I had CNN turned on in the background, the words
'Homeless Blogger' immediately got my attention.
As they reported, Brianna Karp was Homeless and living
in her trailer, parked in a Walmart parking lot. And from
within that trailer, picking up free Wi-Fi signals for her Laptop,
which she used for Job Searches and Blogging about her plight.
Eventually her persistent posting paid off somewhat when
she found herself Blogging for the August 2009 issue of ELLE
magazine. She is still seeking permanent employment.
Her story is related in the video below by Ted Rowlands
and also at CNN online
Former CNN Editor and Photographer among other things,
Linda Schaefer has witnessed first-hand the plight of
Homeless Orphans in Kolkata, where the world's worst
slum conditions are as stagnant as its filthy, water-logged
streets. Recently on Facebook she shared a link she received
from Photojournalist John Spink about an American lady
named Crystal Buchans who survives as a Homeless person
in downtown Atlanta, walking along the CSX railroad tracks
and under the CNN parking decks.
