Author: webuiltitblog

The first major snow storm of the season has arrived.  Like most of us, I am sitting in my house trying to keep occupied and praying I don’t lose power.  So, what better way to pass the time than to write a blog about blizzards.

Exactly, what is the definition of a “blizzard?”  Does it require a certain amount of snow, wind speed, cold temperature?   Glad you asked .  Read on.  The US National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a severe snowstorm characterized by (1) sustained winds or frequent gusts of at least 35 miles per hour, (2) drifting snow that reduces visibility to 1/4 mile  or less, and (3) a duration of at least three hours.  A specific amount of snowfall is not required.  There is also a variation of blizzard called a “ground blizzard,” in which no new snow is falling, but loose snow already on the ground is being blown by strong winds.

Blizzards are formed when dry polar air moving south collides with warm, humid air moving north.  In the mid-Atlantic and New England states we are sometimes hit with “nor’easters,” which are low-pressure areas stationed just off the coast whose winds come from the northeast.  Normally, they produce the most severe hurricanes and blizzards in this area.

How should one prepare for a blizzard, and what are the do’s and don’ts to survive one after it has arrived.  Many of these are common sense, but, as we all know , common sense is not always so “common.”  Some, but, by no means all, of the suggestions are:

1.  Make sure you have a snow shovel and a sufficient supply of batteries, candles, flashlights, blankets and food (not perishables).  Tuna fish anyone?  Make sure your snow blower or generator has sufficient gas.
2. Don’t travel unless it is an emergency.  If you must travel, make sure your cell phone is fully charged, and you have plenty of water, food and warm clothes in case you get stuck, as rescue may be delayed.  If you do get stuck, avoid running the car’s engine.  To do so for prolonged periods exposes you to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.  CO is colorless, odorless and tasteless;  you won’t even be aware you are suffocating.  You will just pass out.
3. Don’t:

a. Go outside without taking basic precautions, such as wearing warm clothes, or knowing the area so you don’t get lost.

b.  Shovel snow using your back muscles; use your legs.  If you are overweight and/or out of shape, don’t do it at all.  In every snowstorm there are deaths attributable to shoveling snow.

c.  Drink alcohol to keep warm.  It will make you feel warm, but it has the opposite affect.

There have been many memorable blizzards over the years.  According to my research the top 10 are summarized below.  You will note they all have nicknames, which is a testament to their notoriety:

1.  “The Great White Hurricane” (March 1888) – Numero uno!  This nor’easter dumped up to 50 inches of snow in New England and the mid-Atlantic states over a two-day period.  The storm resulted in 400 deaths, including many sailors onboard boats.  The devastation was exacerbated by the fact that the storm was unexpected.  In NYC snow drifts were as high as the second story of some buildings.
2.  “The Storm of the Century” (March 1993) – This storm affected a wider area than any other in history, 26 states with roughly half the US population.  Also, it produced heavy rain, wind and tornadoes as far south as Central America.  The highest snowfall was 56 inches in Tennessee, and the highest winds were 144 mph in New Hampshire.  It was responsible for 300 deaths.
3. “The Great Lakes Storm” (November 1913) –  According to the National Weather Service this was the most devastating storm ever in the Great Lakes area.  It lasted five days, caused $5 million in damages, and killed over 200 people, many due to flooding.
4. “The Cleveland Superbomb” (January 1978) – This storm was characterized by a collision of three low-pressure systems over the Midwest, which caused a sudden, severe drop in air pressure (known as a “weather bomb”).   In some locales the air pressure dropped to readings more characteristic of a hurricane.  The storm produced snow drifts as high as 25 feet.  Indiana’s governor had to use tanks to rescue some stranded drivers.
5. “The Great Blizzard” (February 1899) – This storm hit the South where most people were prepared to deal with it.  It produced record low temperatures and frost everywhere. In New Orleans, the Port was totally iced over and the Mardi Gras parade was delayed while the snow was cleared from the parade route.  The Washington, DC area had 51 straight hours of snow.
6. “The NYC Blizzard” (December 1947) –  The impact of this storm was so severe that I actually remember it as a two-year old living in Bellmore, LI.  It dropped 26 inches on NY completely paralyzing the City for days.  It was known as a mesoscale blizzard as the storm fell squarely on NYC, rather than over a broader area.
7. “The Armistice Day Blizzard” (November 1940) – This storm dumped two feet of snow throughout much of the Midwest with drifts up to 20 feet.  It cut a swath of destruction 1,000 miles wide; its winds were so severe that one newspaper described its gusts as “the winds of hell.”  It was responsible for 150 deaths.  The degree of the devastation it caused was exacerbated by the fact that it was not predicted accurately and caught people by surprise.
8. “The Halloween Blizzard” (October 1991) – This storm devastated Iowa and Minnesota the day before Halloween.  In Iowa it left up to two inches of ice, $5 million of crop damage and 80,000 homes without power.  In Minnesota it caused damage of $11 million, and a dozen or so counties were designated as “disaster areas.”
9. “The Blizzard of January 1996” – This nor’easter pounded a wide swath from West Virginia into New England over a two-day period, causing $4 billion in damage.  The highest snow accumulation was four feet in West Virginia.
10. “The Super Bowl Blizzard” (January 1975) – Many of you probably remember this one as it occurred right before that year’s Super Bowl.  Snow drifts reached 20 feet in parts of the Midwest, and some areas of the South were hit by tornadoes.  And, in case you were wondering, the Steelers beat the Vikings in New Orleans.

CONCLUSION

Honorable mention, of a sort, goes to the “Snow Winter” of 1880-81, which primarily affected the Midwest.   As far as I could ascertain from my research, this was not characterized by any single record-setting blizzard, but by a series of them and severe cold.  It is generally considered to have been the most severe winter ever in the US.  The first blizzard occurred in October.  It was so early in the year that it took everyone by surprise.  Crops had not been harvested and were destroyed.  There were food and fuel shortages all winter, and many people and livestock starved or died of exposure.  That initial blizzard was followed up by several others and consistent bitter cold temperatures throughout the winter.  In February 1881 a massive blizzard struck that lasted nine days.  The spring thaw did not bring any relief.  It caused massive flooding and further death and destruction.  One family’s real-life struggles to survive this winter was chronicled in “The Long Winter,” a children’s book, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Snowstorms, or rather their aftermath, can be a lot of fun, especially for children (snowmen, sledding, no school, etc.), but they can also be very dangerous.  Enjoy, but be safe.

Imbedded in US history is a rich tradition of combat bravery, heroism, and patriotism exhibited by African Americans.  In fact, the heroic contributions of AAs predate the USA, itself.  Many AAs fought for the colonies in pre-Revolutionary War skirmishes against the British, and an AA named Crispus Attucks had the dubious distinction of becoming the first fatality of the War when he was killed in the “Boston Massacre” in 1770.  Below is a brief outline of the combat history of AAs and Japanese Americans in each war.

Revolutionary War

AAs fought on both sides both as freedmen and slaves.  According to renowned Revolutionary War historian, Gary Nash, approximately 9,000 AAs fought for the Patriots in the Continental Army and Navy.  For example, despite official prohibition by the Continental Congress both George Washington and Francis Marion, aka “The Swamp Fox,” relied on them heavily, even in combat.  It is estimated that, at times, as much as half of Marion’s forces consisted of freed AAs.  Noted historian and author Ray Raphael adds that many slaves also fought for the British.  Many, if not most of them, were no doubt motivated by Emancipation Proclamations issued by the military leaders of British forces in some of the colonies, notably Virginia and New York.  Although some served in combat, most, particularly on the British side, served as orderlies, mechanics, laborers and in other support capacities.

War of 1812

There were no legal restrictions with respect to the enlistment of AAs in the Navy for the very practical reason of manpower shortage.  For example, in the pivotal Battle of Lake Erie approximately 25% of the American personnel were AAs.  In addition, Andrew Jackson’s forces in the famous Battle of New Orleans, which, was actually won after the War was officially over, were supplemented by the Louisiana Battalion of Free Men of Color and a unit of AA soldiers from Santo Domingo.

Mexican War

Again, the Louisiana Battalion of Free Men of Color was an active participant.  Additionally, many AAs served as servants of or slaves to Army and Naval officers.

Civil War

Nearly 200,000 AAs participated.  Approximately 163 units, consisting of both freedmen and runaway slaves, fought for the Union.  The Confederacy utilized fewer amounts of both freedmen and slaves for labor and other support tasks.

Indian Wars

These conflicts occurred primarily between 1863 and the early 20th Century.  AAs were very active participants.  In 1866, the Army formed two regiments of all AA cavalry and four of infantry.  These were the first peacetime all-AA regiments.  For the most part they were under the command of white officers, although occasionally, there was an AA in command, such as Henry Flipper.  Their primary roles were support-related, such as building and maintaining roads and guarding the US mail.  These units were nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers” by the Native American tribes in the area, and the moniker “stuck.”

Spanish American War

The most notable battle in which the Buffalo Soldiers fought in this war was the Battle of San Juan Hill in July 1898, made famous by the participation of Theodore Roosevelt and his “Rough Riders.”   TR’s “Rough Riders” got most of the publicity and notoriety for the famous victory, but, in reality, it was the “Buffalo Soldiers” who had done most of the heavy fighting.

WWI

Approximately, 350,000 AAs served.  Again, most of them were utilized in support roles.  Perhaps, the most notable unit was known as the “Harlem Hellfighters,” which served with great distinction on the Western Front for several months, one of the longest tenured units to serve on the Front.  The “Hellfighters” were a new unit, organized in 1916 in NY.  The unit consisted entirely of AA enlisted men with both AA and white officers.  The unit earned over 100 medals, both French and American.  Two members became the first Americans to earn the very distinguished French Croix de Guerre (Cross of War).

WWII

AAs enlisted in copious amounts, however, regardless, were still not treated well or fairly.  Segregation was very much alive and well in the Armed Forces.  Approximately, 125,000 AAs served overseas primarily as truck drivers, stevedores, mess cooks, and in other support capacities.

One of the most notable units was the Tuskegee Airmen under the command of Benjamin Davis, Jr.   The derivation of the name was based on the fact that all of the approximately 1,000 pilots in the unit had been educated at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama and also trained in the area.  These pilots were widely considered to be among the finest pilots in the Armed Services.  During the War, they served with great distinction primarily in North Africa and Italy, earning a considerable number of medals.  Afterwards, following integration, many of them became officers and instructors.   Three of them became generals.  Mr. Davis became the first AA general in the US Air Force.  He was following in the footsteps of his father, Benjamin Davis, Sr., who had become the first AA general in the US Army in 1940.  Quite the family.   The unit has been the subject of countless books, movies and tv programs.

Another notable AA was Mr. Doris Miller.  Mr. Miller was a mess attendant in the Navy stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.  During the Japanese surprise attack he voluntarily manned an anti-aircraft gun against the Japanese with great distinction despite having had no prior training on the weapon.  As a result of his extreme bravery he became the first AA to earn the Naval Cross.

In 1944 thirteen AAs, aka “The Golden Thirteen,” became the Navy’s first AAs to be commissioned as officers.  One of them, Mr. Samuel Gravely, Jr., went on to become the first AA Admiral.   Also, in 1944, the Allies were suffering heavy losses of combat soldiers during the pivotal Battle of the Bulge, and there was a severe shortage of replacements.  As a result, General Eisenhower made the executive decision to integrate AAs into some white combat units.   As always, AAs fought with great distinction.   No doubt, the success of this de facto integration influenced President Harry Truman’s decision to order the integration of the Armed Forces, which he did in July 1948 by Executive Order.  In turn, many believe that the integration of the Armed Forces influenced American Society as a whole toward overall integration of AAs.

This account would not be complete without mentioning the contributions of Americans of Japanese descent during WWII.   Most of you are cognizant of the fact that because of the fear and hysteria following the attack on Pearl Harbor (not to mention racism and prejudice toward Asians in many quarters), Japanese living on the Pacific Coast of the US were placed in Internment Camps, where they suffered many deprivations and indignities.  (I have blogged about this previously.)

Despite this, many of them, being patriots, volunteered to fight for the US.  These JAs, aka “Nisei,” were second generation American citizens.  They were assigned to segregated units under the command of white officers.  They were active mostly in Italy, Southern France and Germany.  One of these units, the 442nd Regiment, became the most highly decorated unit in the entire war.  They were very brave and aggressive, and suffered very heavy casualties, earning the moniker “the Purple Heart Battalion.”  It is estimated that many of the original 4,000 men had to be replaced over three times.  The unit’s motto was “Go for broke!”

One of the unit’s most famous achievements was the rescue of a Texas-based unit that was hopelessly pinned down by superior German forces.  This became a legend known as the “rescue of the lost battalion.”  Thus, a unit comprised of “disgraced” persons, who had been considered “disloyal” and “untrustworthy,” if not out and out spies, ended up becoming heroes.

CONCLUSION

AAs and other persecuted minorities have a rich history of heroism on behalf of America in times of conflict.   They have earned more than their fair share of medals and awards.  Due to time and space, I have only recounted a fraction of their contributions.  How ironic that these persecuted minorities, time and again, have, nevertheless, risen above these circumstances to achieve greatness.  Only in America!

America is a country of immigrants.  One of the most basic of American customs and beliefs is to welcome refugees.   Perhaps, the most recognizable and enduring symbol of this is the Statue of Liberty, which rests in NY harbor.  Note the inscription on the statue:

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

For generations of refugees arriving from Europe the Statue was the first thing they saw and was symbolic of freedom and a fresh start.  Furthermore, most of us are descendants of refugees.

Currently, there is great controversy over whether or not the US should accept refugees from Syria.  According to the latest Rasmussen poll, 60% of Americans oppose accepting these refugees.  Most of them, Republican and Democrat alike, are concerned that terrorists may be imbedded among some of them.

This is not far-fetched as that is precisely what has happened in Europe.  Much, if not most, of the violence, lawlessness and terrorism that has been occurring in France, Germany, the UK and other countries can be traced either to current Muslim emigrants or the descendants of those who have emigrated over the last 70 years.  For various reasons, as delineated below, they were allowed to emigrate without sufficient vetting.  We don’t have to guess or hypothesize the result of wholesale unrestricted emigration, we have empirical evidence in Europe. It’s all there for us to see if we just pay attention with an open, objective mind.

At the very least, polls demonstrate that the overwhelming majority of Americans want to limit access to those who have survived a rigorous vetting process.  They are suspicious of the reliability of the current process (and with good reason, as we will see below).  To that point, the House has passed a bill requiring a more rigorous vetting process.  In addition, thirty-one governors have voiced strenuous opposition to any refugees being settled in their respective states.

Others feel  that the vetting process is adequate, and we should grant access.  After all, they say, “it is who we are.”  Many Administration spokespersons have implied that anyone who opposes admitting refugees is hard-hearted, anti-poor or anti-Muslim.

This issue has become very contentious and threatens to become a crucial election issue.  Let’s all take a deep breath and examine some background and facts.

Historically, Muslims and non-Muslims have generally not interacted well.  Conflicts can be traced to the 8th Century when the Umayyads, an Islamic group that claimed to be descendants of a relative of Muhammad, conquered most of what is now Spain and Portugal.  Eventually, their advance onto Europe was halted by the Franks at the Battle of Tours (France) in 732.  Over the centuries, there have been many conflicts, including, most notably, the “Crusades.”   In addition, don’t forget the Barbary Pirates.  As I described in a recent blog, they terrorized shipping in the Mediterranean from the 16th through the 19th centuries, murdering and enslaving European and American merchant sailors in the name of Allah.

Additionally, at different times, parts of Europe were conquered by the Moors and the Ottomans, among others.  The Ottomans were finally expelled for good following WWI.   Many believe that radical Muslims are still “fighting the Crusades” to this day, but that is an issue for another blog on another day.

The foregoing is the preamble of the current issue of the Muslim refugees.  Some facts:

1. It is estimated that 44 million Muslims are now living in Europe (6% of the total population).   In 2015 a Pew Research study projected that number would increase to 8% by 2030 and 10% by 2050. For the most part, they are descendants of people who have emigrated to Europe over the last 70 years.  For example:

What did inventors Wilbur and Orville Wright (airplane), Richard Drew (scotch tape), George Westinghouse (air brakes), Willis Carrier (air conditioning), Thomas Edison (incandescent light bulb), Alexander Graham Bell (telephone), Clarence Birdseye (flash freezing foods), and countless others before or since have in common?  At the risk of oversimplification I would say one word: perseverance.

Yes, there are many traits a successful inventor has to have, such as, among others, the vision to spot a need, sufficient financial backing, technical expertise to actually build or create the product or service, and marketing ability to sell it, but in my opinion the one crucial element is the ability to persevere.  One has to have the faith and confidence to overcome the “naysayers,” the doubters, those who will say it can’t be done.  “If it could have been done,” they will say, “it would have been.”  In addition, the invention will likely not be successful at first.  Typically, one must suffer through years of trial and error, failed experiments, derision, ridicule and rejection before achieving success.  Moreover, often, the doubters will include those who are closest to the inventor, such as spouses, parents and siblings.  That is why it is so uplifting to hear the tales of success.

Such is the case of Joy Mangano.  Joy was born in New York City in 1956, but she was raised on Long Island where she still lives.  She began to exhibit her flair for inventing as a teenager.  While working in a local pet store she developed the idea for a fluorescent flea collar for dogs.  However, she failed to secure a patent , and, eventually, Hartz Mountain patented and marketed it.  However, that became a valuable learning experience.

Joy’s early adult life was fairly ordinary.  She graduated Pace University with a degree in business administration;  she got married, divorced and raised three children as a single mom; and she had various mundane, non-fulfilling jobs, such as a waitress and an airline reservations clerk.

At some point,  she began to realize one major deficiency in the floor mops then in general use.  Typically, when mopping the kitchen or bathroom floor one would have to wring out the wet, dirty mop by hand several times to complete the job.  This was not only sloppy and uncomfortable, it was also unsanitary.   I am sure many others also recognized the problem, but Joy was the one who did something about it.

She invented a plastic mop with a head composed of a continuous 300 foot loop of cotton.  The so-called “Miracle Mop” could be wrung out without getting one’s hands wet and dirty.  This time, Joy remembered to file the necessary patents.  Fine, but then she had to mass produce it and sell it.  She had to overcome the “naysayers,” including some in her own family.  Eventually, she figured out how to mass-produce the mops , obtained the necessary financing and figured out how to sell it to the masses.   Along the way, she endured much ridicule and suffered through rejection after rejection.  As I said in my opening paragraph, all this took a great amount of perseverance.

Eventually, she convinced QVC to agree to market her mops.  Initially, they didn’t sell well, but she convinced QVC to let her “pitch” them herself.  This was unheard of at QVC.  They had always used professional pitchmen, but Joy would not take “no” for an answer.   Due to her enthusiasm and product expertise, Joy turned about to be a very successful “pitchman,” and she was on her way.

CONCLUSION

Joy did not stop with the Miracle Mop.  As of today, she holds patents on over 100 products, such as “huggable hangers,” Home Shopping Network’s best selling product of 2010, which are no-slip hangers with a thin profile that requires significantly less closet space, and “forever fragrant,” a line of home odor neutralizers.  Joy prefers the direct selling approach, and, as I mentioned above, she excels at it.   She  is HSN’s top salesperson with annual sales in excess of $150 million.

In addition, she has become a bona-fide celebrity.  For example:

1. She has partnered with celebrities such as Serena Williams, Frank Sepe and Rosie O’Donnell to sell their products on HSN.
2. She has appeared on television shows, such as “The View.”
3. In 2009 she opened her own restaurant, Porto Vivo, on Long Island.
4. In 1997 Ernst and Young named her “LI Entrepreneur of the Year.”
5. In 2009 Fast Company ranked her #77 on its list of “The 100 Most Creative People in Business,” and in 2010 it included her on its list of “The Ten Most Creative Women in Business.”
6. Hollywood has released  a movie about her and her successes, called “Joy.”  It stars Jennifer Lawrence as Joy and features Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Virginia Madsen and Elizabeth Rohm.  I have seen this movie and I recommend it.  Guys, it is not a “women’s movie.”  It is a “feel-good” movie with an excellent cast about achieving success against all odds.

Undoubtedly, most of you are familiar with the lyrics “the shores of Tripoli,” which are included in the “Marine Hymn.”  But, most of you may not be cognizant of the facts, circumstances and significance behind them.  If you are interested, read on.

Between the 16th and 19th centuries the northern coast of Africa was ruled by four Muslim states – Tripoli, Algiers, and Tunis, which were part of the Ottoman Empire, and The Sultanet of Morocco, which was independent.  Collectively, they were known as the Barbary States.   The Barbary States featured a fighting force known as the Barbary Pirates, and their ferocity in battle was unequalled.  It was said that they won many a battle before it even began.  The pirates would forcibly board a ship, many of which were unarmed merchant ships, with “one dagger in each hand and another in their mouth.”  At that point, it was not unusual for the merchant ship to surrender.

The  pirates would enslave their captives and either sell them as slaves or hold them for ransom.   According to Robert Davis, a noted historian and author of the book “British Slaves on the Barbary Coast,” during their four century reign of terror, the pirates captured and enslaved between one million and 1.25 million Europeans.  Most countries paid annual tribute to them to protect their shipping from attacks.  Others paid handsome ransoms to free captives.  This activity comprised the major portion of the Barbary States’ income.   European countries and their merchants were not happy with the situation but viewed it as another cost of doing business.

Before 1783 the American colonies’ shipping was under the protection first of England (prior to the Revolutionary War) and then France (during the War) and, therefore, safe from the pirates’ raiding.  After 1783 the US was on its own, and problems quickly arose.  In the late 18th and first few years of the 19th centuries the fledgling US government was forced to pay ransom to release captured American sailors several times.  For example, it paid over $1 million in 1795 alone, which amounted to 1/6 of its entire budget for that year.  Most captured seamen were virtually enslaved and suffered greatly.  They were subjected to hard labor under very trying conditions and exposed to poor diet, unsanitary conditions and disease.

In the late 18th century Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, recognizing the seriousness of the problem, became very active proponents of seeking a diplomatic solution.  They negotiated repeatedly with Barbary diplomats to no avail.  As an example of Tripoli’s intransigence in this matter, at one point its ambassador to England was quoted as declaring: “It was written in the Koran that all nations which had not acknowledged the Prophet were sinners, whom it was the right and duty of the faithful to plunder and enslave; and that every [pirate] who was slain in this warfare was sure to go to paradise…”  Sound familiar?  Things haven’t really changed much, except, perhaps, for the method of attacks.

Jefferson and Adams were against paying tribute, rightfully recognizing that it would merely invite further raids and, likely, bankrupt the country.  But, the US had little choice as it did not yet possess a navy that could protect its shipping from the pirates.  Americans had just fought a long and exhausting war and had neither the funds nor the will for another one. Finally, in 1798 the US Department of the Navy was formed with one of its primary missions being to protect shipping from the pirates.

In 1801 Thomas Jefferson was elected the third President of the US.  He was now in a position to “push” his plan to deal with the pirates militarily.  In 1804 the US Navy was finally ready for war.  The decisive battle was the capture of the Tripolitan city of Derna, which was located on the coast of present-day Libya near Alexandria, Egypt.  This was a major turning point in US military history.  Not only was it the first time the US flag was raised in victory on foreign soil, but also it earned the US much needed respect with both the Barbary States and the rest of the world.

It was this victorious battle that became memorialized in the Marine Hymn with the line, “the shores of Tripoli.”  (The reference to the “Halls of Montezuma” refers to the battle of Chapultec Castle in Mexico City during the Mexican-American War of 1846-48.)   The Marines were founded in 1775.  The Hymn dates back to the 19th century.  The author is unknown.

This war demonstrated that the US could fight as a cohesive nation, not merely as New Yorkers or Pennsylvanians.  The new country had indeed arrived.

CONCLUSION

Unfortunately, the Barbary States reneged on the treaty in 1807.  At the time, the US was distracted by its deteriorating relations with England, which ultimately led to the War of 1812.  By 1815 the US was able to refocus on the pirates.  They fought a Second Barbary war (which caused the previous war to be renamed as The First Barbary War) in which the US again earned a decisive victory.  This ended the reign of terror of the Barbary Pirates for good.

The heroes of the First Barbary War are further memorialized by the “Tripoli Monument.”   It is the oldest military monument in the US.  Over the years, it has been located in various venues, but currently it resides at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis.

In addition, Hollywood got into the act.  The Barbary Wars are depicted in the 1942 movie “To the Shores of Tripoli” starring John Payne, Maureen O’Hara and Randolph Scott.

On December 31, people around the world will celebrate New Year’s Eve. Although the specifics of the celebration may differ in various countries, it is generally a time of social gatherings, parties, eating, drinking, and merriment. The Pacific island nations of Kiribati and Samoa are the first to celebrate; Hawaii is the last.

Below please find a sampling of celebration customs in various countries:

1. In the US NYE is celebrated with parties with family and friends and other special events. For example, since 1907 people have been gathering in Times Square to watch the “Ball Drop.” At precisely 11:59 pm, a 11,875-pound Waterford crystal ball begins its descent from the roof of One Times Square down a 70-foot high pole. Exactly one minute later, at midnight, the ball reaches the roof of the building, and huge lights signal the start of the New Year. The details of this “Ball Drop” have evolved over the years, especially technologically. It has become so symbolic of the celebration of New Year’s that it draws approximately one million spectators from all over the world, many of whom stand in the cold without access to food or toilet facilities for hours just to be there. The Drop has inspired similar celebrations in other cities, such as Atlanta (“Peach Drop”) and Nashville (“Music Note Drop”). Entertainment from various venues is also featured. The most famous and enduring entertainer was Guy Lombardo, who from 1928 to 1976 entertained from the ballroom at the Waldorf-Astoria, first on the radio, then on TV. After his death in 1977 other programs became prominent, most notably “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve.”  This year’s host will be Ryan Seacrest, who has succeeded the late Dick Clark.  Traditionally, NYE is the busiest day at Disneyland and Disney World, which feature Disney character-shows and fireworks.
2. In Canada the mode of celebrations vary by region. For example, in Toronto, Niagara Falls and other areas of Ontario, there are concerts, parties, fireworks and sporting events. On the other hand, in rural Quebec some people go ice fishing.
3. In Mexico families decorate their homes in various colors, each of which symbolizes a particular wish for the upcoming year. For example, yellow would symbolize a wish for a better job, green improved finances, white improved health, and red general improvement in lifestyle and love. At midnight, many Mexicans eat a grape with each chime of the clock and make a wish each time. Some people bake a sweet bread with a coin hidden inside. Whoever gets the piece with the coin will be blessed with good fortune in the coming year. Finally, some people make a list of all the bad events that occurred to them over the past year on a piece of paper and then burn the paper to symbolize a purging of all the bad luck.
4. As you might expect celebrations in England focus around Big Ben. People gather to observe fireworks and celebrate. In addition, many celebrate in pubs or at private parties.

At the stroke of midnight it is traditional to sing “Auld Lang Syne.” I have always been curious as to the derivation of this song and why it is sung at New Year’s. The origin is murky, but it has generally been attributed to the Scottish poet Robert Burns. He wrote it in 1788, but it is likely that some of the words were derived from other Scottish poems and ballads. “Auld Lang Syne” literally translates into English as “long long ago,” “old times,” or “days gone by.” Thus, at the stroke of midnight we bid farewell to the past year and, at the same time, wish to remember the good times. In some areas the song is also sung at funerals, graduations and any other event that marks a “farewell” or “ending.” Sometimes the singers gather in a circle and hold hands.

CONCLUSION

Whatever your NYE plans may be and however you may celebrate, I urge you to be careful and drive safely and defensively. Pay particular care to watch out for the “other guy.” This is one night where too many people celebrate excessively and drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. These people should not be on the road, but, nevertheless, they are, and they are dangerous both to you and themselves. For this reason, Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson’s long-time side kick on the “Tonight Show” and a noted party-goer, used to refer to New Year’s Eve derisively as “amateur night.” New Year’s Day is the second most deadly holiday for drivers. (Thanksgiving is #1.) Moreover, a whopping 42% of the driving fatalities on NYD are the result of DUI.

Enjoy yourself, but don’t become a statistic!

Child abandonment, though not exactly an epidemic, is more common than one might think.  It is generally defined as the practice of relinquishing one’s possession of and rights regarding an infant in an illegal manner.  The practice has been traced back at least to the Middle Ages, and it was practiced by many cultures.  It has also been called “baby dumping” and “rehoming,” among other names.  An abandoned child is commonly called a “foundling” as opposed a runaway or an orphan.

There are many reasons for abandoning a baby, such as:

1. Poverty.
2. Unwanted pregnancies, notably teenage pregnancies.
3. Illness or deformities
4. Unwanted gender.

In recent years, the latter was prevalent in some cultures, notably China, in which a family was only permitted to have one child.  For various reasons, most Chinese wanted their one child to be a male.

In the Middle Ages it was not uncommon simply to abandon an unwanted baby at the side of a road or in a near-by field or woods.  These babies would soon die from exposure, hunger or attacks by wild animals.  Another popular method of infanticide was drowning.  In 12th Century Italy, for example, infant drownings in the River Tiber became so common that Pope Innocent III decreed that a device called a “foundling wheel” be installed in hospitals and churches so that mothers would have a place to leave unwanted babies.  According to Wikipedia, the first foundling wheels were used in Italy in 1198.  Their use quickly spread.   Essentially, a foundling wheel was a cylindrical device, similar to a revolving door, that was placed at the outside wall of a church or hospital.  The mother would put the baby in the outside compartment, turn the cylinder to push the baby inside and then ring a bell to alert those inside that a baby was present.   This device was a forerunner of the “baby hatch” or “baby box” that is used today.

The baby hatch or box works in a similar manner.  A church, for example, would make a hole in one of its outside walls and install a bin.  The parent puts the baby in the bin and closes it.  An electronic signal alerts the persons inside that a baby is present.   Many modern-day boxes contain bedding, blankets, pillows, and even heat to provide comfort and protection from the elements.  The hatch is also known as a “baby box,” “post box,” “window”, “cradle”, or “window of life” in different countries.

There are a plethora of examples in the Arts in which child abandonment is at least a subplot.  For example:

1. In literature, we have Snow White, Oedipus and, of course, Moses.
2. The main plot of a Charlie Chaplin movie, “The Kid,” centers around the raising of an abandoned child.
3. From the Stage, we have George Bernard Shaw’s “Major Barbara.”
4. From television, we have the “Flintstones” in which “Bamm-Bamm” was left on the Rubbles’ doorstep.
5. From the comics, we have Superman.

Abandoned babies that survived were usually not treated well by society.  In some cultures they were used as slaves, indentured labor, or military conscripts.  This was common in Medieval Europe, but it also occurred in the US.  Between 1854 and 1929 over 200,000 abandoned children were transported to the western US by railroad on so-called “orphan trains.”  The families that  took possession of them grossly mistreated them, using them as servants, maids, laborers and worse.  Eventually, the practice became so widespread and scandalous that it led to the promulgation of modern-day adoption laws, notably the sealing of records.

CONCLUSION

In general, the treatment of “hatch” or “box” babies is horrifying.  The thought that one could treat innocent babies in this manner is beyond my comprehension.  I must admit that prior to researching and writing this blog I had very limited knowledge of this topic, but now, it has captivated me.

If you want to learn more about it I recommend a documentary, called “Drop Box Babies,” which is currently available on “Netflix.”   It is not something that I would normally watch, but I did so on my wife’s strong recommendation.  Without giving away too much of the plot,  It is a very powerful true story about a South Korean couple, Pastor and Mrs. Lee, that has founded a community center in Seoul called “Jusarang” or “God’s Love Community” specifically for the benefit of abandoned children.  The Lees endeavor to ensure that the babies are treated as humanely as possible under the circumstances.

Child abandonment in Seoul has doubled in the last two years and is reaching the crisis stage.  The Lees receive about one baby a day.  Nearly 400 have passed through their care.  As of the date of the movie they were personally caring for 15.

These babies are very high maintenance.  Most have severe physical, emotional and/or mental disabilities.  Others have missing appendages and other deformities.  One, in particular, will spend his short life lying on his back in a bed.

Although I strongly recommend this movie I must warn you that it is very powerful and will tug at your emotions.   If you watch it, don’t be embarrassed to cry.

Do you feel safe and secure in your daily life?   If your instinctive answer is “yes, why not,” consider the following:

1. When you drop your kids off at their school or the bus stop do you worry about their safety?
2. When you go to the mall or the city are you hyper-aware of the presence of police or soldiers?
3. Does their presence comfort you, or does it remind you that danger could be nearby?
4. Are you apprehensive about travelling overseas?
5. Have you cancelled or considered cancelling such a trip?
6. As you walk the streets of a foreign country do you feel you “stick out” as American?  Do you feel vulnerable?
7. Are you cognizant of unattended packages, brief cases or suitcases?

For most people, the answers to some or all of the above questions would be “yes.”  At the very least, the level of unease or concern has ratcheted up substantially in recent years.  Terrorist attacks have grown in frequency almost to the point where when one occurs it is no longer a big surprise.

For instance, how many terrorist attacks would you guess there have been just since the beginning of July?   Ten? Twenty? One hundred?  Wrong, wrong and wrong.  According to Wikipedia there have been over 200 terrorist attacks since the beginning of July!  That’s more than one per day.  Furthermore, although they have been concentrated in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, there have been three in the US (Chattanooga, Colorado Springs and San Bernardino) and one in Paris.  All of the perpetrators were Islamic Terrorist individuals or groups, except for the attack in Colorado Springs by a deranged “lone wolf” American.   Furthermore, the three on American soil were perpetrated by Americans.

The list of Islamic perpetrators reads like a “Who’s Who” of terrorists: Aba Sayyaf, Al Shabaab, Boko Haram, ISIS, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, the New People’s Army, and the Taliban.   Most of these attacks have not even received widespread news coverage.

Welcome to the “new normal.”  The question is no longer if there will be another terrorist attack, but when and where it will occur and by whom.

CONCLUSION

With respect to the upcoming Presidential election, we all have issues that are important to us – the economy, unemployment, immigration, abortion, and climate change, to name a few.   For some of us, one of these may be so paramount that it has become the “litmus test” issue, and we decide for whom to vote based solely on it.

Irrespective of the foregoing, I submit that the most important issue for all of us, by far, should be our safety and security.  The most important job of our President is to keep us safe and secure, to protect us from our enemies both foreign and domestic.  Our very way of life depends on it.  If he were to fail at that, nothing else would matter.

We all have our political preferences and, by extension, our preferred candidates.  But, I submit that in 2016 we must put political ideology aside and vote for the candidate that we feel will keep us safe and secure.   This is especially crucial in this age when many countries, some of which are controlled by unstable leaders (e.g. North Korea and Iran), possess or will soon possess nuclear capability.  Personally, I have not yet decided who that person will be, but I know who it is WILL NOT be.   It will not be Hillary Clinton.

My opinion is not based on political preference.  Rather, I ask myself, as you should, is our relationship with ANY country better today than it was seven years ago?   I cannot think of one instance where it is.  Can you?  If so, I would like to know which one(s).  If you are honest with yourself, the answer has to be “no.”

It is the Obama-Clinton regime that has gotten us into the current mess.   Clinton may try to distance herself from Obama, but make no mistake about it.  She was an integral part of this Administration’s policy development and decision-making.

1. They have allowed ISIS and other terror groups to metastasize to the point where they are terrorizing the entire world.
2. They have allowed Russia to regain its former power and influence in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
3. They have pushed through a deal with Iran that will allow it to become a nuclear power soon.
4. They have allowed China to hack our computer systems with impunity and pilfer top secret information.

To paraphrase a timeworn political slogan:  Do you feel safer today than you did seven years ago?   For me, the answer is a resounding “no.”   It’s past time for a change.

With all the bad news in the world today, I thought we could all use a change of pace.  Therefore, below please find a quiz of famous movie quotes.   Some people complain my quizzes are too hard, so in order to make it easier for you, it is only necessary to name the movie, not the actor who said it.  Good luck, and no peeking at the internet.  This is not an “open book” quiz.

1.  “Surely, you cannot be serious.  I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley.”

a.  Inside Out;  b.  Airplane;  c.  Airport;  d.  The Other Guys

2.  “Plastics”

a.  Iron Man;  b.  Big;  c.  Blues Brothers;  d.  The Graduate

3.  Pardon my French, but Cameron is so tight that if you stuck a lump of coal up his a*s, in two weeks you’d have a diamond.”

a.  Ferris Bueller’s Day off;  b.  Anchorman;  c.  21 Jump Street; d.  Animal House

4.  “There’s no crying in baseball.”

a.  Bull Durham;  b. Major League; c. Field of Dreams; d.  A League of Their Own.

5.  “I’ll have what she’s having.”

a.  Romancing the Stone;  b. Get Hard;  c. When Harry Met Sally; d. Sleepless in Seattle

6.  “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”

a.  It Happened One Night;  b.  Gone with the Wind;  c.  A Fish Called Wanda;  d.  The Misfits

7.  “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.”

a.  The Untouchables;  b. The Godfather; c.  Public Enemy; d.  American Gangster

8.  “I coulda been a contender.”

a.  Bronx Tale; b.  Goodfellas;  c.  The French Connection;  d.  On the Waterfront

9.  “Go ahead, make my day.”

a.  Dirty Harry;  b.  Die Hard;  c.  Sudden Impact;  d.  Platoon

10.   “I’m ready for my close-up.”

a.  All about Eve; b.  Citizen Kane; c.  Sunset Boulevard;  d. Rear Window

11.  “You talkin to me?

a.  Taxi Driver; b. Scarface; c. The Professional; d. A Bronx Tale

12.  “Rosebud”

a.  The Good Earth; b.  Citizen Kane; c. Kings Row; d. Mildred Pierce

13.  “You had me at ‘hello.'”

a.  Mister Roberts; b.  Jerry Maguire;  c.  Romancing the Stone; d.  Sleepless in Seattle

14.  “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

a.  The Perfect Storm; b.  Kane Mutiny; c. Jaws;  d.  Moby Dick

15.  “Round up the Usual Suspects.”

a.  Murder on the Orient Express; b.  Defiant Ones; c.  Casablanca; d. Dirty Harry

16.  “One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas.  How he got in my pajamas I’ll never know.”

a.  Duck Soup;   b.  Oh God;  c.  A Night at the Opera;  d.  Animal Crackers

17.  “Here’s Johnny!”

a.  Johnny Belinda;  b.  The Shining;  c.  The Johnny Carson Story;  d.  Halloween

18.  “Is it safe?”

a.  Marathon Man;  b.  The Hangover;  c.  The Exorcist;  d.  Young Frankenstein

19. “I’ll kill you last.”

a.  Angels with Dirty Faces;  b.  The Terminator II;  c.  Commando;  d.  Tombstone

20.  “Who’s on first?”

a.  Abbot and Costello Go to Hollywood;  b.  The Naughty Nineties;  c.  Caddyshack;  d.  The Best of Abbot and Costello

21.  “Say hello to my little friend.”

a.  A Fistful of Dollars; b.  Dirty Harry;  c.  The French Connection;  d.  Scarface

22.  “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”

a.  The Godfather;  b.  The Godfather Part II;  c.  Public Enemy; d. Scarface

23.  “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.”

a.  The Great Gadsby;  b.  Trading Places;  c.  Moneyball;  d.  Wall Street

24.  “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”

a.  Dirty Dancing;  b. The Blues Brothers;  c.  Kindergarden Cop; d.  The Maltese Falcon

25.  “Win just one for the Gipper.”

a.  The George Gipp Story;  b.  The Vince Lombardi Story;  c.

Brian’s Song;  d.  Knute Rockne All American

Answers

1.  (b);  2. (d); 3.  a;  4. (d);  5. (c);  6.  (b);  7. (b);  8.  (d);  9.  c;  10.  (c);  11. (a);  12. (b);  13. (b);  14. (c);  15. (c);  16. (d);  17. (b);  18. (a);  19. (c);  20. (b);  21. (d);  22. (b);  23. (d);  24. (a);  25. (d)

Well, there you have it.  How did you do?  If you’re a movie buff, I imagine you got most of them correct.  Please let me know.