president's day

photo by Joye~

Poor babies in Los Angeles.  We still don't have Hamilton playing in our theaters!  Onward and upward.  Let's celebrate Presidents' Day nonetheless!   Really, officially George Washington's birthday.  Thank you, General Washington.  You'da man!    link

Principle in the type:  "Even today we really do follow the model of the executive, from what Washington established so many years ago. . . . Allowing everyone to have their own influence in policy is, uh, is pretty significant."        Christopher Jackson    (Hamilton's original cast George Washington)

NIXATOPIA

photo by Adam Jones

First opened 26 years ago, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library "was dismissed by many historians as more of a whitewash than a faithful retelling," of the Nixon presidency years.  Recently redesigned, reworked, and reopened, the Library has been lauded now as a far better and more honest representation of the Nixon story.  (Oh, silly Watergate.   It was a simpler time in Presidential warfare.  You should see us now!)     news        
 

Principle in the type:  "O, what a tangled web we weave/When first we practice to deceive!"   Sir Walter Scott

THE HUMANITY OF IT

photo by Rex Hammock

The long awaited opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, happened in September.   It is a beautiful building, and likely the last of anything that will be built on the National Mall in Washington.  In a Smithsonian interview, Architect David Adjaye said the "primary spirit behind" his plan was one of "praise."  He envisioned it as "a human posture.  It's the idea that you come from the ground up ... the form of the building suggests a very upward mobility."     story        

Principle in the type;  "I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart; I am, I am, I am."     Sylvia Plath

RESTING AND LABORS

photo by Kevin Dooley

I listened to this Ray Charles version during our fireworks display last July 4th.  It hit my sweet spot.  Enjoy.  And Happy Labor Day Weekend, you Americans you!!




                                  

Principle in the type:  "The truth is there is no perfect industry.  There are great people and great opportunities for all of us in whatever line we are in."     Rob Lowe

REMEMBER

photo by The U.S. Army

Did you know Memorial Day was originally created to honor soldiers--of both sides--who died in the Civil War?   Happy Memorial Day.  What to do?  This Huffington Post article offers "How to Celebrate Memorial Day" with over a dozen ideas, all for under $30.  A couple activities even have something to do with Memorial Day.   That's aces.     story

Principle in the type:  "True courage is not the absents of fear, but the willingness to proceed in spite of it."     Jonathon G. Sandberg

FAB.ULOUS

photo by lifescript

Sorry 'bout the blurry picture - but do you know this guy?  It's Fabio.  He was a big deal in the 90s with the ladies.   Fabio modeled and acted and whatnot, and just recently at the age 57 became a naturalized American citizen, saying it was "one of the happiest days of his life."   Happy days are the best.   story

Principle in the type:  "Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale of all.”       Hans Christian Andersen

          

POPE MOBILE

photo by CT M

For his first ever visit to the States, "Pope Francis . . . chose to ride in a tiny Fiat 500. . . . "  Surrounded by bigger security vehicles (which I am sure are necessary) and President Obama's own gigantic ride that dwarfed the Pope's wheels, "there was no fancy limousine," for him.  news           Modest is hottest?

Principle in the type:  "Being humble means recognizing we are not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others."    Gordon B. Hinckley