IF DIOGENES WERE ALIVE, HE’D STILL BE SEARCHING FOR AN HONEST PERSON

IF DIOGENES WERE ALIVE, HE’D STILL BE SEARCHING FOR AN HONEST PERSON

You've read about Diogenes, the Greek philosopher, also known as Diogenes the cynic." He wondered around ancient Greece carrying a lantern searching for an honest man because he believed there was no such person. Current history, especially political history, makes me worry that Diogenes could be right. We expect honesty and truth from others, but especially our leaders, both political and religious.We read in the Bible: "But, that your yes be yes and you're no, no. For whatever is more…

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POLITICS AND SPORTS – SHOULD THEY BE MIXED TOGETHER?

POLITICS AND SPORTS – SHOULD THEY BE MIXED TOGETHER?

In early September 1814, Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer and amateur poet, accompanied Col. John Skinner to negotiate a prisoner release with several officers of the British Navy. During the negotiations, he and Skinner were informed the British intended to attack the city of Baltimore and Fort McHenry. They were not permitted to leave until the attack was over. They watched the bombardment with apprehension. Inspired by seeing the American flag flying in the morning, after the attack, Key…

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FRIENDS I’VE KNOWN WHO WERE PART OF MY LIFE

FRIENDS I’VE KNOWN WHO WERE PART OF MY LIFE

A short note about people who died this month and who had a role in my life or Lita's.  Toni Hrvatin died October 7, 2005. She was the nanny for the Barnett children and cared for Lita while working for Lita's parents Hollis and Betty.  I've published about her before for her role in my wife's family. https://paulluverajournalonline.com/weblog/2010/12/elizabeth-catherine-barnett-1910-1985.html  Her full name was Antonia Theresa Hrvatin (Toni) at the age of three arrived in America from Yugoslavia in the early 1920's with…

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“IT’S HELL GETTING OLD, ISN’T IT?”

“IT’S HELL GETTING OLD, ISN’T IT?”

That's what the man said to me. At first I didn't hear him as I stood waiting to use the cash machine, but I turned and he repeated it. He was older than I was, but was in good shape.  "Yes, " I said. "How old are you?" he asked. I said "Eighty Two." "I'm ninety four" he said and walked into the bank. I'm at a point where I have gradually learned to accept the fact that I am…

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POLITICS AND RELIGION – A BAD MIX FOR AMERICA

POLITICS AND RELIGION – A BAD MIX FOR AMERICA

In honor of National Day of Prayer, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order entitled "Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty" that will, among other things, fulfill his campaign promise to “get rid of and totally destroy” the Johnson Amendment. That was a rule, passed in 1954, and proposed by then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson, barring 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including churches and other religious entities, from “directly or indirectly” promoting political views in a political campaign. That restriction has been lifted…

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WRITERS IN OUR FAMILY

WRITERS IN OUR FAMILY

My daughter Susan luvera Chiabai has written a self published book: Dear Nick – Letters From the Edge. She explains the title by saying that the contents are letters to her brother Nick which she says were written during bouts with insomnia in the early morning hours, but not actually mailed. The contents deal with her experiences from the year 2000 through 2012 involving her children and family. Her description of life with her husband Ron over 26 years and…

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SAVE ME FROM THE RELIGIOUS SELF RIGHTEOUS

SAVE ME FROM THE RELIGIOUS SELF RIGHTEOUS

We had a wonderful time with our children on our cruise to Alaska. We left from Vancouver and sailed to Anchorage, returning a few days ago. Three children were unable to make it, but it was a great family adventure for all of us anyway. Hubbard Glacier was beautiful and we had calm seas the majority of the time with only a little rain. While on the trip I read The Political Brain by Drew Westen. It discussed, in part,…

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MY GRANDMOTHER Marija Mattia Vulic’ BABAROVICH 1863 – 1953

MY GRANDMOTHER Marija Mattia Vulic’ BABAROVICH 1863 – 1953

My maternal grandmother Marija Vulic was born on September 9, 1863 in Splitska Brac, Croatia and died on August 8th, 1953. She died the year I graduated from high school in Anacortes, Washington. Her life story is one of great courage and sacrifice involving immigration to America while not being able to speak English. I've previously talked about that in writing about my mother. https://paulluverajournalonline.com/weblog/2010/07/mary-thelma-luvera-.html.html I remember her vividly. A tall erect woman with hair piled high on her head, she looked…

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LaDainian Tomlinson Hall of Fame Speech

LaDainian Tomlinson Hall of Fame Speech

LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is a former professional American football player who was a running back in the National Football League for eleven seasons. He played the majority of his 11-year career with the San Diego Chargers, who selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. Tomlinson was selected to five Pro Bowls, was an All-Pro six times, and won two rushing titles. At the time of his retirement, he ranked fifth in career rushing yards, seventh…

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A POLITICAL COMMENTARY ABOUT PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP

A POLITICAL COMMENTARY ABOUT PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP

Warning: If you are a Donald Trump supporter you won't like this blog posting.  My friend Mark D. Swendsen, Sr. and I have shared ideas including those dealing with politics. Mark has been a California attorney for four decades and a former hostage negotiator. He has published books and lectured. He has monitored the presidential campaign and Donald Trump. I asked him to comment on the Trump election and here are his views which I share: THE SECOND COMING Donald…

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