I would be remiss if I didn't note the passing of an extraordinary Catholic priest, Gerry Clenahan who died in Ireland September 20, 2011 at age 89. I just learned of his death. Born in Ireland he joined the Oblate Order and was ordained June 29, 1947 as a priest. He assisted the Oblates of St George Canada in establishing Catholic schools there. Later he went to Alaska to act as pastor at villages where he often traveled by boat…
An update about my medical situation for my friends. I had knee replacement surgery in June of this year to replace a previously implanted knee joint that wore out. Unfortunately, it became infected and in July had to be removed with an antibiotic rod inserted. I then went through antibiotic therapy until October 6th of this year when another surgery to determine if the knee joint could be inserted was performed. However, there was still infection so another antibiotic rod was…
A short note about people who died this month and who had a connection to me or my wife. Toni Hrvatin died October 7, 2005. 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 Antonia Theresa Hrvatin (Toni) at the age of three arrived in America from Yugoslavia in the early 1920's with her non-English speaking mother. When they arrived in Tacoma her father met them at the station and took them to their home in Alder. Later…
In the 1976 movie by Paddy Chayefsky, Network, actor Peter Finch plays the role of an ex-TV anchor whose mentally ill ravings are exploited by the network for their own profit as he unravels on the air mentally. Finch’s character, Howard Beale, raves into the camera: “Howard:I don't have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. It's a depression. Everybody's out of work or scared of losing their job. The dollar buys a nickel's worth. Banks…
Our companion and friend for fifteen years, Napoleon, died October 4, 2008. Everyone thinks their dog was special, but this one was special. He really understood what we would say him, was very bright and intuitive as well as a great companion to my wife Lita and Julie who takes care of the house for us. We all were very attached to him and him to us. I was on a trip when he got sick. Lita and Julie had…
There will be a delay in posting to this blog over the next few weeks while I undergo my third knee surgery this year next week. God willing I will resume on my recovery.
I have just finished reading a book, Flory, a story of survival, by Flory Van Beek. It is truly a miraculous account of survival of a Jewish woman and her family in occupied Holland during World War II. I have previously written about Edith Velman’s book describing her survival as a Jew in occupied Holland. https://paulluverajournalonline.com/weblog/2007/01/edith_velmans_s.html Both stories are extraordinary tales of courage on the part of all the Dutch people, Jews & non-Jews during the German occupation. Van Beek’s story is one of courage …
Here are some viewpoints about President Obama from last Sunday's New York Times which I think reflect the views of a growing number of people. Michael G Brautigam wrote the paper a letter which I thought was insightful. He wrote: “The headline and the art for Dr. Willenbring's letter suggested that our cerebral and detached president is playing political chess, but I see it more as high stakes political poker. For this vastly different game, the president is ill suited. In…
Recent Republican and Tea Party debates have revealed much about the lack of compassion of it's members. In the Tampa CNN Tea Party Express debate, moderator Wolf Blitzer asked Ron Paul a hypothetical question about a young man who elects not to purchase health insurance. The man has a medical crisis, goes into a coma and needs expensive care. “Who pays?” Blitzer asked. “That’s what freedom is all about, taking your own risks,” Paul answered. “This whole idea that you…
On September 10, 1931 the Anacortes newspaper (the Mercury I assume) ran an article: “A drive to net $2,500 for the aid of the unemployed in Anacortes this winter will be launched Monday morning when committees headed by chairman Paul Luvera call on business houses and individuals in the city from whom donations are expected. A check for $100 from Father Gustave Treunet will start the campaign. Others will get in the act. Al Stellenthin will donate $5 and one…
