Delco Daily Top Ten

Top 10 Female Singers with Style

2012-02-10T04:30:00.000-05:00

You can be a fan of their singing ability and maybe not like their personality but one thing you have to say is these ladies have style. It may not be to your liking but we always look at what they are wearing. They wear it well and they do know how to work it. These ladies work hard. Am I right?

1. Vogue "Strike a Pose" Madonna

2. Lady Gaga Judas

3. I Feel Like A Woman Shania Twain

4. True Colors Cyndi Lauper

5. Strong Enough Cher

6. Moves Like Jagger Maroon 5 with Christina Aquilera

7. I'm Into You Jennifer Lopez

8. Love on Top Beyonce

9. Glitter in the Air Pink

10. I'm Comin Out Diana Ross

Of course there are many more these are the first ones that came to mind.

My all time FAVORITE is Tina Turner making 70 look sexy. I aspire to be just like her when I grow up. It is all attitude. She is just amazing!
Anyone have a favorite I failed to mention?

Top 10 Fashion Cities in the World

2012-02-09T04:30:00.003-05:00

Fashion week begins today in New York City

According to wikipedia the Top 10 Fashion Cities in the World in 2011

1. London, UK

2. New York City

3. Paris

4. Milan

5. Los Angeles

6. Hong Kong

7. Barcelona

8. Singapore

9. Tokoyo

10. Berlin

Click on this link to see a complete list and how the cities have ranked in the past.

As far as I am aware, the 2012 rankings still rest upon the runways around the world.

Top 10 Fashion Window Shopping in the US and Europe

2012-02-08T04:30:00.001-05:00

Fashion week begins in New York City on February 9th with all the latest styles. Here I will show some of previous years styles I have seen. Perhaps they will now be on sale.

1. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California is the mecca shopping area for the stars. So we are told. Ever wonder what it looks like? The streets were not crowded.

A sculpture sits in the heart of Rodeo Drive, the name Torso, the artist, Robert Graham. Need I say more.

A dress was on display at a prominent Beverly Hills store. I could tell, I could only afford to look. However, if I were to be invited to the ball, I would summon my fairy godmother to stitch one of these babies up for me. It was beautiful and fit for a princess.

Men without a doubt have a tougher time window shopping. They have to decide which color suit will give them that cleaned up look, sparkle and maybe drop by the barber for a little trim. I just pity them.

2. The Brits do seem a little tall and casual. The ones at Harrods anyway. He probably didn't like my outfit either. Looking back perhaps heels would have helped. We almost matched.

The British women seem to dress a tad fancier in short hemmed dresses, smart little jackets and the slimmer in the middle style. Perhaps that would be proper dress for High Tea at the Ritz. I would need a little wiggle room for dessert.

3. In Amsterdam a bicycle, shades and a blue tooth ear piece is all the fashion statement a man needs to be noticed. Accessorizing with a laptop case proves you are successful and have a job, sneakers also complete the outfit.

4. Scarves are also the fashion all over Europe. I didn't buy enough (sigh) now I have to go back. I first spotted them in Amsterdam. The other fashions in the photo were not for me.

5. Paris without a doubt is one of the four top fashion cities. Shoes for 10 euro? I don't even like shoes but for that price I could do some damage. Stop the bus!

Here is the 2011 Bride to Be collection in Paris, France. The dresses are pretty vogue if you ask me but I already have one. Mine is tucked away in the attic. No need to do a price check.

Again, a phyically fit man in a suit, can make a woman weak in the knees even if he doesn't have a fancy car. Am I sensing a trend in Europe along the Seine River in Paris?

6. In Florence, Italy we were given a first hand look at a real leather coat at Peruzzi. It had a beautiful fit and feel to it. They have a video on Youtube on how they tan the leather and how they make the leather boxes. Many of the goods made here are sent to Milan another mega fashion area. If you need a leather jacket, coat, shoes, wallet anything leather this would be the place to buy it. We purchased a Peruzzi belt, they engrave your intials for free and cut it to size. They are not cheap but neither is their product.

Our tour guide through the city of Florence was the most put together fashion wise woman I saw in all of Europe and you could tell, she shops at Peruzzi. The next time I tour Europe and want to made a fashion statement I might have to start my shopping in Florence first. Without a doubt, she had fashion sense and knew how to wear it.

7. You never know what will catch someone's eye. For the record, I was sashaying a newly purchased scarf around my neck. Who knew it was working for me? I think I might get this photo in poster size. Thank you Romeo in Rome, you made my day. Actually his name is Francesco and he flattered all the ladies. Bless his heart. That is just Italian.

8. Austria appears to be a country with very beautiful women. The men? Not so bad, not that I was looking. In my own defense, I just came out of the rain or no doubt my tresses would be just as stunning.

Austrian models seem a little too friendly and I had to steer this bull in another direction and remind him that is my baggage he has on his back.

9. Chinatown has what I would call smart looking outfits, tailored just so. Who doesn't like the sleek and shiny look and feel of silk?

10. I am not sure where this will fall in the ranking but here are the seletions at the beach that I frequent in New Jersey half way between Philadelphia and New York City. I would have to say given the choice I might pick the hat, the rest of the outfit is just not age appropriate. My daughter seems to score high with fashions at the beach though. I try to keep her outta those stores.

I personally have an issue with jeans manufacturers. We ladies have curves and most days we are proud of em. What is with the promoting those low muffin top situations? You might sell more if you cater to flattering designs.

Top fashion cities. Can you name them? I was actually surprised.

Disclaimer: This list is merely for fun. I do not profess to be a fashion guru.

Top 10 Today is Raise All Your Fingers at Your Neighbors Day

2012-02-07T04:30:00.004-05:00

Just another zany holiday, that someone has created. Can you think of creative ways to raise your fingers?

1. A greeting of hello, a salutation, goodbye.

2. A respectful salute.

3. Thumbs Up a good sign.

4. Sign Language an extenstive dialog.

5. Doin the hand jive.

6. Speak up and ask a question, raise your hand.

7. Volunteer, me I'll do it.

8. Touchdown! Sorry NE I was rooting for you.

9. Bid Wars. Sold to the highest bidder!

10. The handshake, we can agree or disagree let's shake on it.

As far as the recent Super Bowl display, I think that should qualify the performer to be M.I.A. on the list of invited back or anywhere else on national television any time soon. Nice try but no one can out perform the Material Girl. I thought she gave an awesome performance. Thumbs up!

Top 10 Specials Out and About in Chinatown

2012-02-06T04:30:00.033-05:00

1. The Chinese New Year began on January 23rd this year and the celebration typically lasts for about 15 days from New Year's to the Chinese Lantern Festival. Today is the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese New Year.

2. This Year the Chinese celebrate the Year of the Dragon. It is considered a very special and lucky year. During the Chinese New Year and the opening of shops and residences, festivities often include dancing with dragon puppets. These are "life sized" cloth-and-wood puppets manipulated by a team of people, supporting the dragon with poles. They perform choreographed moves to the accompaniment of drums and music.

3. Chinatown in Philadelphia can be found by arriving at 10th and Arch and you have reached the welcome entrance into Chinatown known as Friendship Gate. This many-colored arch ornamented with fire-breathing dragons and Oriental lettering was a joint project between Philadelphia and her Chinese sister city Tianjin. Chinese artisans completed the Friendship Gate in 1984 with materials brought from Tianjin. After years of wear and tear the gate received a little TLC and was rededicated in 2008. The lettering in the center on both sides, I am told reads Philadelphia, Chinatown.

4. Walking just a few steps down 10th street on the right hand side you will see the Chinese Y.M.C.A built in Philadelphia in 1955. It is now a Chinese Cultural Center. It is a very unique architectural design that makes you feel you are very much in the heart of the Chinese community.

5. A good part of my Sunday morning was spent trying to track down the artist of the mural on the wall at the corner of 10th and Cherry Streets, House of Dragon Salutes Chinatown Engine 20 Ladder 23 in Philadelphia. I found two interesting educational websites that mention the mural but I cannot distinguish who the artist is. I apologize to the artist or artists and will gladly acknowledge them if I find more information.

6. New York City is said to have the highest ethnic population of Chinese outside of Asia with 7 Chinatowns with the original being in Manhattan. I can not give you the exact location of this mural but the photograph was taken in the late 70's back in the day when graffiti was more the norm then mural art. We were lost driving around in New York City somewhere in Chinatown. I would love to know where this is or was located and if it and the building are still there. I never saw it again. It was merely happenstance but I never forgot it and remembered it was in my collection.

7. The first, and one of the largest, most prominent and highly visited Chinatowns in the Americas is San Francisco's Chinatown. The welcome arch is referred to as Dragon's Gate.

Live and free Chinese Music can be heard on the Streets of San Francisco, whether or not this is common place or not I do not know. It may have been merely the luck of the Irish to have been in Chinatown at the right place and the right time during their performance. I felt genuinely fortunate.

8. In San Francisco's St. Mary's Square across from the church is a statue of Sun Yat-Sen sculpted by Beniamino Bufano. Sun is referred to as the "Father of the Nation" in the Republic of China (ROC), and the "forerunner of democratic revolution" in the People's Republic of China.

You can also find this tribute to the Chinese Americans that fought in World War I and World War II for the United States military.

9. Here you have it for $495.00 in a gift shop in San Francisco you can buy your own Lion Puppet costume and lead the way to chase away the evil spirits. Of course, first you must have the qualifications to perform this time honored tradition. Lion dance costumes are considered to be spiritually protective when used as they are traditionally blessed before usage.

This year my timing was off I was in Philadelphia Chinatown one day before the parade, last Saturday. From what I can recall, a business hangs lettuce outside their establishment and offers the Lion a monetary gift to bring prosperity and good fortune to the business in the coming New Year.

Buddha will enter the place of business and collect the gift usually in a red envelope. There were also firecrackers and a lot of smoke involved again I am recalling an experience back in 2000. There is plenty of time to now plan to experience this cultural event next year. It is really something to see.

10. How can I not include the Chinese cuisine? I can not recommend any restaurant in particular because I have never had any Chinese food I didn't like. It make no sense at all to visit a Chinatown in any state in the United States, there are quite a few. I used to be pretty basic won ton soup and egg roll, and perhaps a dollop of pork fried rice and I was full. I have expanded my horizons and I am looking at the more exciting selections on the menu. I like it spicy, baby. It is good for the sinuses and lets you know you are alive.

Bring on the food I am a fan. My tea cup is up!

Happy Chinese New Year!

A photo walking tour of the Chinatown in San Francisco

Strolling down 10th Street in Philadelphia's Chinatown.

Top 10 Things to Look Forward to on Superbowl Sunday

2012-02-03T04:30:00.026-05:00

1. This year the Super Bowl will betelevised on NBC at 6:30pm. I prefer an afternoon game but what are you goingto do?

2. Brady vs. Manning both incredibletalents. Who will get sacked first?

3. Will there be a flyover of theNavy? Last year there was a big hubbub about the cost. As of yet, there hasbeen no announcement to my knowledge. If you blink you can miss it, but Ialways thought it was cool. Being there, I imagine must be better than"super".

4. I heard there is a wager pool onhow long it will take Kelly Clarkson to sing the National Anthem. Who will havethe exact lyrics in hand double checking she gets it right? Someone is alwayswaiting on the sidelines and ready to pounce on a mistake. I shudder to thinkwhat will be said if she does it all correct?

5. The toss, does it matter? It is amajor wager. Can it predict the outcome? There is a 50/50 chance.

6. Commercials are always the best.I always look forward to the new E*TRADE ones. They can all be found on YouTube if you needto a smile. Commercial airtime is the most expensive of the year due toviewership.

7. The Halftime Show with Madonna,will the Material Girl have a wardrobe malfunction? She isn’t one to haveanybody TOP her, so her performance may be something to watch.

8. The Food is prevalent whether youare going to a Super Bowl party or are having one of you own. It is all aboutthe food. It is the 2nd highest food consumption day in the UnitedStates next to Thanksgiving Day. Food and Football seem to go hand and hand. Iwager a lot of pizza and wings will be on the menu.

9, If you are watching the SuperBowl, you are not alone. Last year’s Super Bowl drew 111 million viewers.Socially speaking, according to nielsonwire/online the Patriot's website has hadmore visitors yet the Giant have more buzz on social media.

10. Who will be saying the mostfamous post game advertisement, XLVI, you just won the Super Bowl. "Whatare you going to go now?' "I'm going to Disney World!"

These twoteams have met in the Super Bowl rather recently and there is cause to even thescore.

Enjoy yourfriends, the fun and the food.

Beresponsible and do not drive and drive under the influence and that means angeras well if the team you want to win does not.

Top 10 Climate Change and Ground Hog Day

2012-02-02T04:30:00.005-05:00

My nephew asked me a contemplative question. Do you think global warming is real? I think something ain't right when in January the spring bulbs are popping up out of the ground and February 1st we are sitting at 65 degrees at 2:30 in the afternoon but I will take it!

1. Wiki says....Weather forecasting is the application of science and technology to predict the state of the atmosphere for a given location. There are many ways to predict the weather if you are considering a career in this field.

2. A weather vane tells the direction of the wind.

3. A thermostat can give you the exact temperature.

4. A Galileo thermometer is a clear cylinder of glass with other floating smaller weighted glass containers with different colored liquid inside, sometimes they are all blue. Wiki has a picture of a Galileo thermometer and a better explanation of what these instruments foretell. I always wanted one.

5. Red sky in the morning is a sailor's warning, red sky at night is a sailor's delight.

6. Green head flies on the beach means there is a west wind and you have no shot of enjoying the beach that day. I could be wrong now, I stumbled across this information on How Stuff Works. "Why Flies and Water Bags Just Can't Get Along". I think I need to test this theory.

7, Menacing clouds, especially if you happen to be on the beach means head for the hills something wicked this way comes. Exception to the rule if it happens to be a funnel cloud head to the basement and stay away from windows. If you do not have windows a centrally located room with no windows.

8. There are many qualified people that predict the weather but it is a tough science. We should all heed the warnings. If your mother yells out the door to take an umbrella...99 percent of the time if you don't listen you will get wet.

9. I wait with bated breath the prediction of Punxsutawney Phil. if he sees his shadow he predicts six more weeks of winter. We have had a fairly mild winter so that may not seem so bad if the trend continues. Results are in: Phil saw his shadow.

10. As far as answering my nephews question, I am probably the wrong person to ask because whereas I question the Easter bunny, I do believe in Santa Claus and I couldn't possibly conceive that mankind in good conscious would create and continue to destroy the environment which is so critical to our survival merely for their own financial gain. Check out the EPA website, every body pounds on the EPA but there is mention of something I never knew about called Climate Leaders. Even if you don't believe in global warming it is something to know.

For the record, I don't believe in fairy tales but I do like to read the good ones, they inspire hope.

Top 10 February Awareness

2012-02-01T04:30:00.001-05:00

Here is the Februaury list with links to sites that you can find further information about the topic.

1. Black History Month

2. American Heart Month

3. National How to Mend a Broken Heart Month Have you ever heard of that one? Me either but it led me to an interesting site mystuffbags.org.

4. Burn Awareness Month

5. Aggressive Driving Month

6. National Youth Leadership Month and National Parent Leadership Month

7. National Wedding Month

8. National Time Management Month Take a Time Management Quiz at Mind Tools.com

9. Library Lovers Month

10. Marfan Syndrome Awareness Month and Rare Disease Day is the last day in February.

Top 10 Comfort Zones

2012-01-31T04:30:00.002-05:00

We all have them and they aren't all the best choices. There are alternatives, to get you in the right zone.

1. Food

2. Alcohol

3. Smoking Tobacco

4. Drugs (prescription and non-prescription)

5. Social Networking

6. Hobbies

7. Meditation

8. Glued to the Tube (watching television)

9. Participating in sports or watching (coaching from the armchair)

10. Exercising

Top 10 Congratulating the XLVI Super Teams

2012-01-27T04:30:00.008-05:00

Just because our team is not in the Super Bowl, we can still sing their praises.
(I am embarrassed to admit I know fans that say "no" we can't, but I can.)

Congratulations to the New England Patriots and the New York Giants making it to the big dance Superbowl XLVI. Best of Luck!!!

Here are a few links to area specific songs.
1. I Am A Patriot Jackson Browne

2. New York State of Mind Billy Joel

3. Massachusetts Bee Gees

4. A Heart in New York Simon and Garfunkel

5. We Will Rock You starring the Cheers cast on Youtube

6. In a New York Minute Don Henley

7. Please Come To Boston Kenny Loggins

8. I'll Take New York Tom Waits

9. More Than a Feeling Boston

10. I Love New York Madonna

Top 10 Noteable Obelisks Around the World

2012-01-26T04:30:00.055-05:00

Vatican Obelisk

An obelisk is a tall foursided stone structure that slants in on the sides and is topped off with apyramid shape. Ancient Egyptians were known to carve these building creationsout of one piece of stone right at the quarry. Obelisk can containhieroglyphics inscribed on the sides telling their story. See the unfinished obelisk link.It is the largest obelisk in the world and you can see how it was formed. It is located in Aswan, Egypt.

The tallest standingEgyptian obelisk known to exist resides in Rome at St. JohnLateran Basilica. It is knownas the Lateran Obelisk it weighs approximately 455 tons. Originally itwas commissioned by Thutmose III and it was erected by Thutmose IV before thegreat Karnak temple of Thebes, Egypt. It was requested by Constantine I to beshipped to Constantinople, but he died before it was sent. Constantius II hadit shipped instead to Rome, where it was re-erected in the CircusMaximus in 357. At some time it broke intopieces and was buried under the Circus. In the 16th century it was located anddug up, and Pope Sixtus V had it re-erected on a new pedestal on August 3, 1588on this location. You can click on this Vatican link whichbrings up an aerial map click on #12 and use your mouse or arrow keys to bringthe obelisk into view. Obbserve the special thanks on this page to VillanovaUniversity in Villanova, Pennsylvania for their contribution to the virutalreality tour.

InParis, France at the Placede la Concorde is a giantEgyptian obelisk decorated with hieroglyphics exalting the reign of the pharaoh Ramses II. It is one of two the Egyptian governmentgave to the French in the nineteenth century. This obelisk once marked theentrance to the Luxor Temple in Egypt. TheOttoman viceroy of Egypt, Mehmet Ali, offered the 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk to France in 1829. King Louis Philippe had it placed in the center ofPlace de la Concorde, where a guillotine used to stand during the Revolution.If I have my facts correct this is the same location that Louis XVI and MarieAntoinette lost their heads.

Luxor Obelisk

The obelisk at St. Peter's Squareoutside St. Peter's Basilica has quite a reputation and you can read additionalinformation about it on Wikipedia and also on saintpetersbasilica.org. This obelisk which comes fromHeliopolis, Egypt, was commissioned by Pharaoh Mencares in 1835 BC in honor ofthe sun. It is an authentic Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome by EmperorCaligula in 37AD. It was transported by sea erected at the circus of Gaius andNero. It was moved to Saint Peter’sSquare in 1586. The cross on top was added then and the urn just below thecross was rumored to contain the ashes of Julius Caesar. The cross is said tocontain remnants of the “true cross”. Itis also said this obelisk was standing and witnessed the upside downcrucifixion of Saint Peter. The obeliskalso serves as a sundial which is not something you would immediately noticeif you are not privy to an aerial view. Tolook up more information you can google the Vatican Obelisk. There is a great photograph the shows thesundial effect at Wikipedia.

Vatican Obelisk

The obelisk at Narvona Plaza in Romea copy according to wikipedia was erected by Domitian after the fire which had destroyeda large part of Rome in 80 AD. In AD 309 Maxentius moved the obelisk to the Circus Maximus. The obelisk fell inthe twelth century and it broke into five pieces and was buried. In 1648 the obelisk wasdug up, repaired and in 1649 it was erected on top of the fountain designed by GianLorenzo Bernini, the Fountain of the Four Rivers for Pope Innocent X.

Domitian Obelisk

A memorial for the Dover Patrol a Royal Navy Command during WorldWar 1 was set in July 1921, the memorial at Leathercote Point near StMargaret's Bay can be found atop the Cliffs of Dover. Similar memorial obelisksstand at Cap BlancNez on the French Coast and at FortHamilton, overlooking New York harbor. This is a modern obelisk structure.

Dover Patrol Memorial

The earliest temple obelisk still in its originalposition is the 20.7 m / 68 ft high 120 tons red granite the Obelisk of Senusret I of the XIIthDynastyat Al-Matariyyah part of Heliopolis. He also rebuilt the important temple of Re-Atum in Heliopolis which was the centre of the sun cult.

The Obelisk of Buenos Aires is a national historic monument andicon of Buenos Aires. Located in the Plaza de la República, in the intersectionof avenues Corrientes and 9 de Julio, it was built to commemorate the fourthcentenary of the first foundation of the city. Construction began on March 20,1936 and was inaugurated on May 23 of the same year. It was designed byarchitect Alberto Prebisch (one of the main architects of theArgentine modernism who also designed the Teatro Gran Rex, in Corrientes and Suipacha). Theconstruction, cost 200,000 pesos moneda nacional, 680 m³ of concrete and 1360m² of Olaen white stone from Córdoba were used.

Obelisk of Buenos Aires Photo courtesy of J. Acree

The most recognizable structure inWashington D.C. the Washington Monument is an obelisk near the west endof the National Mall. It was built to honor the first U.S. president, GeorgeWashington and is one of the most visited tourist sites in the United States.The monument is made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss, from the top itoffers views of over thirty miles. It is considered a modern shaped obelisk. Itis both the world's tallest stone structure and the world's tallestobelisk, standing 555 feet 5+¹⁄₈inches (169.294 m). Taller monumental columns exist, but they are neither allstone nor true obelisks. A difference in shading of the marble, visibleapproximately 150 feet (46 m) or 27% up, shows where construction was haltedfor a number of years. If you have been flowing news reports in the last fewdays, philanthropist David M. Rubenstein has donated 7.5 million dollarstowards the repair ofdamages done to the monument when anearthquake struck Washington, D. C. and surrounding areas in August 2011. Ithought this was interesting, The Washington Monument was originally intendedto be located at the point at which a line running directly south from thecenter of the White House crossed a line running directly west from the centerof the Capitol.Pierre (Peter) Charles L'Enfant's 1791 "Plan of the city intended for thepermanent seat of the government of the United States ..." designatedthis point as the location of the equestrian statue of George Washington thatthe Continental Congress had voted for in 1783. However, the ground at the intendedlocation proved to be too unstable to support a structure as heavy as theplanned obelisk. At that site, 390 feet (119 m) WNW from the Monument, therenow stands a small monolith called the JeffersonPier. I have probably passed this smaller monument onseveral occasions on my many trips to Washington. Has anyone ever seen it? The next time I am there I will have to find it.

In Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., anobelisk stands in front of the Luxor Hotel, a pyramid-shaped hotel along TheStrip. This is not an authentic ancient Egyptian obelisk but I include this inthe list because of some of the other unique features and structuressurrounding it and prior to seeing the one in Rome and Paris it was th closestI ever got to an almost official obelisk, Sphinx and pyramid. The casino ispretty cool inside too.

The hotel is marked by a 140-foot(43 m)-high obelisk and a 110-foot (34 m)-tall re-creation of the Great Sphinxof Giza. The tip of the pyramid contains a fixed-position spotlight that pointsdirectly upward and is claimed to be the brightest beam in the world at over42.3 billion candle power. The tip of the pyramid hiding just behind the Sphinxcontains a fixed-position spotlight that points directly upward and is claimedto be the brightest beam in the world at over 42.3 billion candle power.

Researching and searching theinternet I came across another obelisk at this Earth and Science website.The Penn State obelisk wasconstructed in 1896 as a learning model. It consists of stones from all over the state of Pennsylvania and otherneighboring states. It is one of theoldest landmarks of the Penn State Campus. Check out this this website link. I think it is one of the coolest interactiveexamples of an obelisk. It states thelocation the rock came from, the probable geological era it came from and thetype of rock. Does anyone remember beingable to write to the state of Pennsylvania for a sample of rocks that are knownto be native in Pennsylvania? I rememberdoing it in my younger years and getting them in the mail in a plasticcontainer all partitioned and label. In was many, many years ago but it wasfree. You didn’t even have to payshipping and handling. It was much laterthe 1896 though. It was such a big dealto get the packet in the mail. I don’tknow what ever happen to mine but I still have a passion for rocks even theones in my head.

Symbolism: According the Seminarians guide atsaintpetersbasilica.org forpagans, the obelisk was a solar symbol that represented a vital flow betweenheaven and earth, a way of communicating to the divine. As a pagan monument in the greatest Christiansquare, it is a symbol of humanity reaching out to Christ.

Top 10 Things You Use a Key For

2012-01-25T04:30:00.004-05:00

Keys are tools and should be used with caution and responsibility.

1. Unlock a door

2. Undo a padlock

3. Open a Safe deposit box.

4. Roll top desk or filing cabinet

5. Unlock a car, turn the key to start it.

6. Key to the city

7. Key to someones heart, touching their emotions.

8. Key to solving the puzzle

9. Key ingredients make up the core of any recipe

10. Figuratively speaking a keystone is something that holds things in place.

Has anyone ever found a key and wondered what it was for and never found out?

Or have you lost a very important key?

Troubling, isn't it?

Top 10 When Did Snow Days Stop Being Fun?

2012-01-24T04:30:00.004-05:00

1. When your number wasn't called on the radio or running across the bottom of the teleision screen?

2. The dilemna do you take a personal day or take your life in your hands? Not everyone can work from home.

3. When you look out the window at all the pretty white stuff and your car is buried under it. UGH!
You have to shovel a path to your door and to your car BEFORE you clear the driveway and dig out your car.

4. When the excitement that you are excercising and burning off calories wears off, this stuff is heavy!

5. When you know you better taken tylenol or ibuprofen now cause you are gonna be hurting later.

6. When the car in front of you makes it half way up the hill and stops, you are stuck.

7. When you get out of work early due to road conditions, yet it takes at least that extra 15 minutes to clear your car and double the time to drive home because every body is getting out early.

8. When you spend all that time clearing every speck off your car and the snow from the car across the lane from you who forgot to clear their roof suddenly slides onto your windshield and youtemporarily can't see driving down a four lane, which is now only two lane highway..

9. Arrive home and either there is no parking space on the street and or you have to dig your driveway out to get in. There is no guarantee the space you dug out this morning belongs to you. People can get shot for moving trash cans.

10. Normal exercise gets hampered you can't walk safely in the street and running especially if it is icing is not the wisest thing to do.

Days like this global warning doesn't sound all that bad!

Sorry kids it is always just a little bit better for adutls if snow falls over the weekend IF you ar not on the schedule.

Top 10 We Are........ "saddened"

2012-01-23T04:30:00.024-05:00

1. Sorry to hear of the passing of Joe Paterno, Joe PA to the inner circle.

2. Sorry that cancer takes so many lives.

3. Sorry that such a horrific scandal came and tarnished an impeccable reputation of honor.

4. Sorry that he will not be able to stand and defend himself at a trial where he did what he thought was the right thing to do.

5. Sorry that the accused actions of one man can bring down another.

6. Wondering if these allegations helped to advance his condition.

7. Wondering how many more victims will be affected before this case is solved.

8. Wondering why he seemed to be the hardest hit with the exception, of course of the children involved in the scandal.

9. Wondering if some one is out there gunning for every one or just the popular ones, looking for a scapegoat or a deflection.

10. Wondering how a lifetime of great achievement and reputation can be shattered by a mistake made by someone else.

We are, of course sorry for the loss to the Paterno family and the entire Penn State family and alumni that lost one of their own. Joe Paterno now is to go down in history as an "unsung hero". There still remains quite a volume of people that will sing his praise. To many Joe Paterno put them on the map and on the path to recognition and greatness.

He was Penn State. I guess he is a lesson to us all. At the end of our days, who is our support system. Those are your friends and the ones that matter,the ones that will stand by you. Shame on us all, really. How often do you see or hear about an injustice, make a comment about it, maybe mention it to a few people and shrug and say "what could I do'? Turns out we are all capable of doing a lot of damage by doing nothing.

Top 10 Songs About Clouds

2012-01-20T04:30:00.002-05:00

We get a lot of information from clouds nowadays. It just used to be the weather.

Hey You Get Off Of My Cloud Rolling Stones (such a classic)

Both Sides Now (Clouds) Joni Mitchell

Heavy Clouds No Rain Sting

Clouds in My Coffee (You're So Vain) Carly Simon

From the Clouds Jack Johnson

I Can See Clearly Now Jimmy Cliff

Cloud Nine Temptations (Concert alert, The Temptations are playing at the Keswick Theater May 10, 2012.) The Youtube link says March but I double checked it's May.

Cloudy Average White Band

Obscured by Clouds Pink Floyd

Secrets/Far Above the Clouds Mike Oldfield

Top 10 Reasons To Go See Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

2012-01-19T04:30:00.004-05:00

1. It is a film about one family dealing with "the worse day ever", September 11th.

2. There can not be enough of these stories told. Each family has their own unique story.

3. You can not even fathom how these people feel or felt but you can feel for them.

4. It is a chilling story and one that will bring you to tears.

5. It is a story of disconnects and connections.

6. Tragedy very often happens from a senseless act of violence that is incomprehensible, yet we struggle to try and understand.

7. We all possess our own key. Every one must find their own key and unlock the door

8. Many times the things you keep to yourself only do more harm.

9. You must forgive yourself to allow others and yourself to move on. There many relationship lessons.

10. Superb acting performance from the immediate family and the tambourine. Thomas Horne who plays Oskar does a tremendous job as the only child of one of the people who lost their life on September 11th. It is based on a book by Eric Roth. It easily could be the true of any one of the many families that lost loved ones that day. It is very moving. Be prepared to cry. It just means you border on the side of a person with feelings and that is a good thing.

Top 10 Views of Twilight (not the movie)

2012-01-18T04:30:00.004-05:00

Nine times out of ten, when you look up at the sky and say, that is beautiful, it is Twilight.

1. Twilight Time by the The Platters is a little mood music. Without a doubt the colors radiate a beauty that emulates love and a peacefulness at this time.

Twilight, as a backdrop to a bridge across the Seine River in Paris, France.

2. Twilight Time by The Moody Blues reminds me of my routine at beach week. I'll read the local newspaper for the sunrise times and give myself 10 minutes to get there. The pre-game show can be just a spectacular.

Long Beach Island, New Jersey just before the sun came up

3. Twilight is the time between dawn and sunrise. It is a very contemplative time, especially on a beach with hardly a soul around.

Another beautiful day about to begin on Long Beach Island, New Jersey.

4. Or it can be between sunset and dusk, during which time the sunlight in the upper atmosphere illuminates the lower atmosphere. The surface of the earth is neither completely lit nor completely dark.

The sun has set overlooking Toms River in New Jersey.

5. The sun is not visible because it is below the horizon.

Ships and barges become visible on the horizon just before the sun appears.

6. Twilight has long been popular with photographers and painters, who refer to it as the "blue hour", after the French expression l'heure bleue.

A view of the next bridge down from Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy. It was here that I realized just how beautiful twilight can be and how much we take these free views for granted. I paused for quite a while. It has a feel all it's own.

7. Morning civil twilight begins when the geometric center of the sun is 6° below the horizon (civil dawn) and ends at sunrise.

8. Nautical twilight is the time when the center of the sun is between 6° and 12° below the horizon.

9. The Twilight Years, I believe are often referred to as the later years in life, just as the sun has passed over the horizon. After reading further at wikipedia a valuable source to me, I am glad to know Twilight is also just before the sun rises again and the new day begins.

10. I've read at wikipedia that Twilight is sacred in Hinduism. Hindus believe that this time is ideal for study and education.

Cellini statue in the center of Ponte Vecchio with twilight as the backdrop is an ideal time to study the beauty of Florence, Italy.

It is always a good thing to tune into what is happening in the world around you or without your knowledge you could enter the Twilight Zone.

Today January 18, 2012, the English wikipedia will be blacked out globally in protest against the proposed SOPA Stop Online Piracy Act, pending legislation in the United States. It is something we should all be aware of, read about, pay attention to and voice our opinions.

Top 10 January Awareness Month

2012-01-17T04:30:00.005-05:00

1. Blood Donor Month

2. Financial Wellness Month

3. Cervical Cancer Awarness Month

4. National Birth Defects Prevention Month

5. Thyroid Awareness Month

6. Family Fit Lifestyle Month

7. National Poverty in America Awareness Month

8. National Glaucoma Awareness Month

9. National Radon Awareness Month

10. National Soup Month, no links here for I have never met a soup I didn't like. There are tons of recipes in cookbooks, online, family hand me downs, neighbor and friend suggestions but I always find the best ones are the ones you just make up yourself with what you have on hand. It is also International Creativity Month. What a better way to celebrate both, get in the kitchen and let your Julia or Julian Child shine.

Top 10 Holiday for The Man Who Would Be King

2012-01-16T04:30:00.003-05:00

1. Martin Luther King was born on January 15th, 1929. He would have been 83 years old. His birthday is celebrated every year on the third Monday in January. This year, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 16th. It is a United States federal holiday.

2. The Martin Luther King Commemorative Mural that resides at 1616 West Second Street in Chester, PA near the Calvary Baptist Church. was dedicated on June 20, 2009. Paul Downie lead artist along with community volunteers painted it at Widener University on Martin Luther King Day 2009. The project was lead by the MLK Commemorative Committee of Chester and Vicinity, Calvary Baptist Church, and the Community Arts Center in Wallingford, PA.

3. Stevie Wonder was one of the main figures in the campaign to have the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. become a national holiday. His song Happy Birthday was used to promote the campaign. Wonder was the headliner at the first official commemoration concert in 1986 and also performed October 16, 2011 at the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D. C.

4. Martin Luther King Jr had very definitive ties to the city of Chester and it's community. During the three years he attended the seminary school in Upland, he was associated with the First Calvary Church in Chester through Pastor Rev. Barbour a former student and mentor at the Crozer Theological Seminary. Pastor Barbour would allow the students to preach and he would critique them. Martin Luther King was also a Sunday school teacher there.

5. The Crozer Theological Seminary was a multi-denominational religious institution located in Upland, Pennsylvania. The schools most famous student was Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. He graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree.

6. Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Nobel Peace Prize lecture and “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” are among the most revered orations and writings in the English language. There is a link on YouTube US National Archives March on Washington. you can view the speech in full. It is powerful. The speech was made August 28, 1963 at the March on Washington on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The 1963 march was an important part of the rapidly expanding Civil Rights Movement. It also marked the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln. Singer, songwriter Bob Dylan, Joan Biaz and gospel singer Mahalia Jackson were on hand to lend their support. Charlton Heston, Marlon Brando, Harry Belefonte and Sidney Poitier were also in attendance.

7. King spoke in an interview of hearing Howard University President, Mordecai Johnson speak in Philadelphia after returning from a visit to India and seeing Gandhi. This engagement prompted him to go and purchase several books on Gandhi and Gandhian technique and the power of passive and non-violent resistance.

8. Dr. Martin Luther King was the youngest person at 35 years of age to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was just 39 years old when he was assassinated. The National Martin Luther King Day of Service began in 1996. Since 1996, the annual Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service has been the largest event in the nation honoring Dr. King.

9. The King Center Imaging Project goes live today. It will contain thousands of never seen before documents. Today January 16th, 2012 a wreath lying ceremony will take place at the Washington D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial to honor his birthday. The event is free and open to the public.

10. In 2010, the city of Chester unveiled a bronze bust of Dr. King. It is located in an open air park at 6th and Engle Streets. The five foot statue was created by renowned sculptor Zenos Frudakis at his Glenside studio. The eyes are deep and intense, a true likeness.

Martin Luther King JR. made huge strides in this country against social and civil injustice but we still have a long road to go, hopefully someday "we shall overcome".

Top 10 Music Alert James Maddock live in Newtown Square January 21

2012-01-13T04:30:00.006-05:00

James Maddock is coming to town.................

I first mentioned James Maddock in one of my first blogs in March of 2010 "Top 10 Indie Artists To Be On the Lookout For". Here is your opportunity, he will be appearing at Burlap and Bean in Newtown Square, PA on Saturday, January 21st. Good stuff. You can reserve tickets at the Burlap and Bean website link.

A sampling of some of his songs.....

1. Chance

2. When the Stars Align James Maddock with David Immergluck of Counting Crows

3. Too Many Boxes

4. When You Go Quiet

5.When the Sun's Out

6. Fragile

7. Prettier Girls

8. Sunrise on Avenue C

9. Together

10.Never Ending

Wake Up and Dream selected as #13 Album of the Year 2011 by Listeners of wfuv.org in New York City.

http://jamesmaddock.net/
http://www.jamesmaddockstore.com/
http://twitter.com/jamesmaddock

You can also follow James Maddock on Facebook. He has a fan page.

January 14th, 2012 at the Light of Day Concert, Asbury Park on stage with Willie Nile, Joe D'Urso and Bruce Springstein!!!

Top 10 True Uses for Baking Soda

2012-01-12T04:30:00.002-05:00

1. "Baking soda", is primarily used in cooking (baking), as a leavening agent. True Not to be confused with baking soda, both produce carbon dioxide when added to baking items and cause them to rise. Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate, baking powder is a mix.

2.Baking soda can put out grease fires. True but you need a lot, read more to the story at firstaid.about.com Sodium bicarbonate powder may be used to smother a small fire, as heating of sodium bicarbonate releases carbon dioxide.

3. Sodium bicarbonate can be added as a simple solution for raising the pH balance of water (increasing total alkalinity) where high levels of chlorine (2–5 ppm) are present as in swimming pools and aquariums. True http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

4. Make a paste with baking soda and water and put it on minor burns and bee stings to take the sting out. That's what my mother used to do when we were kids. Can't remember how we got the burns tho!! But that was the remedy!!" Mayoclinic agrees about the stings and Sunburn magazine agrees with the minor burns.

5. Sprinkle a little in your shoes for a little freshening up! True it is an odor eater. Askville.com also says it helps with cat liter odor.

6. Years ago I spilled a mixture to make home made ice cream all over the rug in my car. Milk can leave a nasty smell in an enclosed space especially in the summer. I tried a lot of things and baking soda was the final solution. True verified at ehow.com

7. Whitens Teeth with a demonstration from wikihow My dentist once recommended baking soda and peroxide for brushing your teeth. There is a toothpaste like this on the market now. In order to get the exact combo I would either purchase that or talk to your dentist about it.

8. Deodorize in the refrigerator, True, open a box of baking soda, tear off the lid and leave it in the refrigerator no longer then three months, date the box. It absorbs the odors.

9. I take the same box and dump it down the drain but maybe I have been doing it wrong all these years. This link has a few other suggestions, housekeeping.about.com.

10. Without a doubt and the winner is and I have been saving the best for last. "1950's Rice Krispies giveaway, Submarine fill the bottom with baking soda it sank to bottom of the tub baking soda melted then the submarine would rise! I can provide a picture!!" I didn't need a picture but I found a bunch of links, check these two out. Kellogg's.com facts and Torgo.com

Source: Facebook Friends, Shirley, Lesile, Patty, H.J.,Joanne, Lauren and Mary and verified on the web. Recommendations just for fun use caution with everything you read on the internet and always do your own research.

ArmandHammer has a most extensive and informative website on the uses of baking soda. Check 'em out.

Top 10 Famous Last Words

2012-01-11T04:30:00.004-05:00

1. Nothing soothes pain like human touch.

Who: Chess Grandmaster Bobby Fischer
Note: Said while dying of kidney failure.

2. I've had a hell of a lot of fun and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

Who: Errol Flynn

3. One never knows the ending. One has to die to know exactly what happens after death, although Catholics have their hopes.

Who: Alfred Hitchcock

4. Die, my dear? Why, that's the last thing I'll do!

Who: Groucho Marx

5. I give my soul to God, my body to the earth, and my worldly possessions to my nearest of kin, charging them to remember the sufferings of Jesus Christ.

Who: Michelangelo

6. The taste of death is upon my lips…I feel something, that is not of this earth.

Who: Mozart

7. Tomorrow, I shall no longer be here.

Who: Nostradamus

8. Drink to me, drink to my health, you know I can’t drink any more.

Who: Pablo Picasso
Note: Paul McCartney paid homage to Picasso in the song Picasso's Last Words (Drink to Me), which can be found on the Band on the Run album.

9. I have not told half of what I saw.

Marco Polo, Venetian traveller and writer

10. Good bye. If we meet-

Who: Mark Twain
Note: Spoken to his daughter Clara.

More quotes can be found at wikiquote/lastwords

Top 10 Animals Used in War

2012-01-10T04:30:00.004-05:00

The first time I saw the Animals In War Monument in London, I thought it was peculiar but it certainly made me think and the latest box office release, War Horse has made me think again.

The inscription under "Animals in War"

"This monument is dedicated to all the animals
that served and died alongside British and allied forces
in wars and campaigns throughout time"
The second, smaller inscription simply reads:
"They had no choice"

How many can you name without looking at the list first?

1. Domesticated animals such as dogs, pigs, oxen, camels and horses are used for functions such as transport and bomb detection.

2. The horse was the most widely-used animal throughout the recorded history of warfare. Early mounts could pull a chariot or carry lightly armored skirmishing forces. With the appearance of heavier mounts and the invention of the stirrup, the horse-mounted cavalry became the most prestigious military arm in Europe for several centuries. A knight's warhorse was trained to bite and kick. The combination of the horse-mounted warrior armed with a bow made the steppe people's armies the most powerful military force in Asian history. With the appearance of modern ranged weapons and motorised vehicles, horse use for military purposes fell into decline. However, the horse and the mule are still used extensively by various armies today for transport in difficult terrain.

3. Elephants can be trained to serve as mounts, or for moving heavy loads. Sanskrit hymns record their use for military purposes as early as 1,100 B.C. A group of elephants was notably employed by Hannibal during the Second Punic War. They were employed as recently as World War II by both the Japanese and Allies. Elephants could perform the work of machines in locations where vehicles could not penetrate, so they found use in the Burma Campaign. War Elephants were used by India, Burma, Persians, the Hellenistic kingdoms, Carthage, the Numidian Kingdoms, and Rome and Carthage

4. Camels have typically seen use as mounts in arid regions (Camel cavalry). They are better able to traverse sandy deserts than horses, and require far less water. Camels were employed in both world wars. Camels are used by the Indian Army and Border Security Force for patrolling in the desert regions of Rajasthan.

5. Mules were used by the U.S. Army during World War II to carry supplies and equipment over difficult terrain. Pack animals that are innately patient, cautious, and hardy, mules could carry heavy loads of supplies where Jeeps and even pack horses could not travel. Mules were used in North Africa, Burma, and in Italy. They are also used for transporting supplies in mountainous regions.

6. Oxen have been used widely in war as beasts of burden, especially to transport heavy or siege artillery through heavy terrain. Oxen are commonly castrated adult male cattle; castration makes the animals more tractable, this I did not know.

7. Dogs were used by the ancient Greeks for war purposes, and they were undoubtedly used much earlier in history. During their conquest of Latin America, Spanish conquistadors used Mastiffs to kill warriors in the Caribbean, Mexico and Peru. Mastiffs, as well as Great Danes, were used in England during the Middle Ages, where their large size was used to scare horses to throw off their riders or to pounce on knights on horseback, disabling them until their master delivered the final blow. More recently, canines with explosives strapped to their backs saw use during World War II in the Soviet Army as anti-tank weapons. In all armies, they were used for detecting mines. They were trained to spot trip wires, as well as mines and other booby traps. They were also employed for sentry duty, and to spot snipers or hidden enemy forces. Some dogs also saw use as messengers.

8. Pliny the Elder wrote about the use of war pigs against elephants. As he relates it, elephants became scared by the squeal of a pig and would panic, bringing disaster to any soldiers who stood in their path of flight.

9. As living bombs, the Soviets used dogs to carry explosives to tanks and armored vehicles. During World War II, Project Pigeon (later Project Orcon, for "organic control") was American behaviorist B. F. Skinner's attempt to develop a pigeon-guided missile. Bat bombs were bomb-shaped casings with numerous compartments, each containing a Mexican Free-tailed Bat with a small timed incendiary bomb attached. Dropped from a bomber at dawn, the casings would deploy a parachute in mid-flight and open to release the bats which would then roost in eaves and attics. The incendiaries would start fires in inaccessible places in the largely wood and paper construction of the Japanese cities that were the weapon's intended target. According to Pr. Shi Bo, in "Trente-six Stratagèmes Chinois" (in French, ISBN 2-911858-06-9), monkeys were used in the beginning of the Southern Song Dynasty, in a battle between rebels of the Yanzhou province and the Chinese Imperial Army, led by Zhao Yu. The monkeys were used as live incendiary devices. The animals were clothed with straw, dipped in oil and set on fire. They were set loose into the enemy's camp, thereby setting the tents on fire, and driving the whole camp into chaos.

10. In 1871 during the Franco-Prussian War, when Paris was surrounded by Prussian troops, the French military used hot air balloons to transport homing pigeons past enemy lines. Microfilm images containing hundreds of messages allowed letters to be carried into Paris by pigeon from as far away as London. More than one million different messages travelled this way during the four month siege. Pigeons

Without looking this up in wikipedia, I would have said, horses, pigeons, mules and camels strictly from my recollections of movies. It was definitely something I have overlooked and never even took into consideration. It seems, we owe a lot to these creatures who were our allies and in many cases saved a lot of lives.

Top 10 What's Happening in 2012

2012-01-09T04:30:00.006-05:00

Astronomically speaking, January 9th will be the first full moon of the year, followed by February 7, March 8, April 6, May 6, June 4, July 3, August 2, August 31, September 30, October 29, November 30 and December 28.

If you are star struck, meteor showers, weather permitting are scheduled for January 3,4 Quadradtids. The skies were clear, but the early morning was cold in the Northeast United States. I only lasted about 10 minutes outside and I saw nary a one. I hope to catch, Lyrids April 21-22, Eta Aquarids, May 5-6, Southern Delta Aquarids, July 28-29, Persids, August 12-13, Orionids, October 21-22, Leonids, November 17-18 and finally Geminids, December 13-14. Best advice: Be patient and just keep looking up! Google it!

The 1st Winter Youth Olympics will be held in Innsbruck, Austria, 13 to 22 January, 2012. Viel Glück an alle. The Medals Plaza and Music Festival will be take place at Maria Theresian StraBe.

Maria Theresa Street Innsbruck, Austria

This year, 2012 is a leap year. A leap year occurs every four years most of the time. One day, February 29th is added to the calendar. Depending on your perspective, it could be a long year or you have been granted an extra day to get it right. A year that is not a leap year is called a common year, so this one is special. Leap year is a human invention to keep the calendar on track with the seasons. A person born on February 29th is known as a leapling or leaper. There are a few folk traditions that women may propose marriage on leap years, Sadie Hawkins day is unofficially February 29th.

Relax fellows this one is married. You are safe!

Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea the next World's Fair (Korean: 2012 여수세계박람회) is an International Exposition recognized by the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) to be held in Yeosu, South Korea from May 12 to August 12, 2012. The theme of the Expo is “The Living Ocean and Coast” with subthemes of “Preservation and Sustainable Development of the Ocean and Coast,” “New Resources Technology,” and “Creative Marine Activities.” The Yeosu Expo is anticipating participation of more than 100 countries and international organizations, and 8 million visitors.

The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II will be a forth coming international celebration. It will mark the 60th Anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne. The official celebration will take place over June 2, 3, 4, and 5. More information is available at direct.gov.uk

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXX Olympiad or "London 2012 Olympic Games", are scheduled to take place in London, England, United Kingdom from 27 July to 12 August 2012.London will become the first city to officially host the modern Olympic Games three times, having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948. More information is available at london2012.com.

Queens Gate an entrance to Hyde Park. This venue will host the triathlon and the 10 km open water swimming events. The park is also planning on holding the 2012 Iron Man competition.

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) is a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) mission with the aim to land and operate a rover named Curiosity on the surface of Mars. Currently in transit to Mars, it was launched November 26, 2011 and is scheduled to land on Mars at Gale Crater on August 6, 2012 (about 10pm in the evening of August 5 PDT, the time used by the mission controllers in Pasadena, California). You can follow with Curiosity on Twitter.

The United States presidential election of 2012 is the next United States presidential election, to be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. It will be the 57th quadrennial presidential election in which presidential electors, who will actually elect the President and the Vice President of the United States on December 17, 2012, will be chosen. Barack Obama, who is eligible for a second and final term as President, has announced that he will seek nomination to be the Democratic Party's candidate in this election. The Republican candidate is yet to be decided. Originally, 10 candidates were vying for the position, to date there are 6 interested candidates. Third Party and independent candidates can be viewed at the United_States_third_party_and_independent_presidential_candidates,_2012 wikipedia link.

The 2012 phenomenon comprises a range of beliefs according to which cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on December 21, 2012. NASA addresses 2012: Beginning of the End or Why the World Won't End? You can follow the link. A New Age interpretation of this transition is that this date marks the start of time in which Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation, and that 2012 may mark the beginning of a new era. Personally, I like the sounds of door number 2 "the new age" where Earth's inhabitants will undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation, they both sound good.

Things are looking up!

Top 10 Favorite Songs for New Beginnings

2012-01-06T04:30:00.004-05:00

1. Brand New Day Sting

2. From the Beginning Emerson, Lake and Palmer

3. Beginnings Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire (great combo)

4. Start Me Up! Rolling Stones

5. Starting Over John Lennon

6. Revolution The Beatles

7. Accentuate the Positive Bette Midler and Bing Crosby

8. Unwritten Natasha Bedingfield

9. I Can See Clearly Now Jimmy Cliff

10. Reach Gloria Estefan

Any inspiration songs to add to the mix?

Top 10 Philadelphia "Center City" Restaurant Weeks

2012-01-05T04:30:00.001-05:00

Plan ahead you can make reservations now!

1. Philadelphia "Center City" Restaurant Week #1 January 22 - 27.

2. Philadelphia "Center City" Restaurant Week #2 January 29 - February 3rd.

3. Restaurant Week cooking demos at The Market and Shops at Comcast Center Demos begin at 12:30pm.

4. Jan 10: Olivier Desaintmartin, Caribou Café and Zinc

5. Jan 12: David LaForce, El Vez

6. Jan 17: Jason Goodman, The Farmers' Cabinet

7. Jan 19: Erin O’Shea, Percy Street Barbecue

8. Preview recipes compiled by the participating chefs of Restaurant Week. You can find a downloadable print version and other delicious ideas at this link, Center City Cooks.

9. Link to participating restaurants, official website, mobile website m.centercityphila.org

10. Follow on Twitter Philadelphia Center City Restaurant Week presented by TD Bank events throughout the year follow the Twitter feed- @PhilaRestWeek.

Top 10 It's the Law or soon will be.

2012-01-04T04:30:00.001-05:00

1. Pennsylvania recently enacted ban on texting, scheduled to take effect this spring. Talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving is banned in 10 states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Utah, and Washington) and the District of Columbia. Utah has named the offense careless driving. Under the Utah law, no one commits an offense when speaking on a cell phone unless they are also committing some other moving violation other than speeding. Click on this link for laws by state on cell phone use.

2. Legislation passed by Congress last week to extend Social Security tax cuts and federal unemployment benefit programs raises insurance fees on new mortgages and refinancing backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration by 0.1 percent beginning Jan. 1.
That covers about 90 percent of them and effectively makes a borrower's monthly payment on a new $200,000 mortgage or refinancing about $17 a month more than it would have been if obtained before the first of the year. according to an msnbc article.

3. Four states – Louisiana, Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia – passed laws requiring businesses to enroll in the federal E-Verify program to determine whether their employees are legal residents and eligible to work in the United States. They followed in the footsteps of 17 other states, including Arizona and Mississippi, that require public and private employers to use the Internet-based system.
But California took the opposite route. Starting Jan. 1, city and county governments in the state will be barred from requiring private employers to use E-Verify, unless it's required to receive federal funds or is mandated by the federal government.msnbc

4. In his last official act of business in 2011, President Barack Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act.

5.In New Jersey, a toll increase enacted in 2008 takes effect Sunday, and travelers using the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike will feel it in their wallets. For example, driving a car the full length of the turnpike, from the Delaware Memorial Bridge north to the George Washington Bridge, will rise from $9.05 to $13.85.

6. New laws in Delaware and Hawaii make same-sex couples eligible for civil union recognition and grant them the same rights and benefits as married couples under the law. Delaware SB 30, Hawaii SB 232 A new law in Delaware will require people who become members of the Delaware Pension Fund on or after Jan. 1, 2012, to make larger contributions than earlier members. It also will require those new members to be older or to work longer than current members to earn a pension benefit. Delaware HB 81. ncsl.org.

7. Whether they use Facebook, Twitter or a blog to do it, students who make online threats against other students or school staff face suspension or expulsion under a new Illinois law that took effect Sunday. House Bill 3281. huffington post. People 18 and under in Illinois will have to wear seat belts while riding in taxis for school-related purposes. app.com

and just for fun found at dumblaws.com

8. It is illegal to have over 16 women live in a house together because that constitutes a brothel. I say more then two is just asking for a fight.

9. It is contrary to Pennsylvania law to discharge a gun, cannon, revolver or other explosive weapon at a wedding. Good idea but I suppose that still allows for the shotgun wedding to take place as long as you don't shoot?

10. It is illegal to sleep on top of a refrigerator outdoors in Pennsylvania. Why? If you are that flexible I say why not? I think an amendment should be made. However, it is most dangerous to small children to have a refrigerator outdoors, so I have changed my vote. Keep up the good work.

Top 10 New Buzz Words

2012-01-03T04:30:00.001-05:00

1. "Occupied" a hole new meaning. Yes, I spelled hole right, I am referring to the gap.

2. "National Debt" has gone international.

3. Social Health an Apple a Day, IPad, IPhone, ITunes. Are you getting enough?

4. Y2012 the new Y2K in Mayan Years.

5. Resolutions? drop the re: we just need solutions.

6. Anonymous is a title that gives anyone the right to say Anything About Anyone without conscious. It used to be the author of a brilliant quote that made you think, who said that? Now you think, who would say that?

7. "On" most of us are constantly "on". We are on the computer, on the phone, on Facebook the rest are a little off. Am I on to something?

8. Sustainability, okay that one has been around a while and it means the capacity to endure, of course you have to be around a while to know what that means.

9. Nothing at all, if you don't have anything good to say, say nothing at all, but you are going to have to do something about it because "every one knows", actions speak louder than words. That to me is the difference between say and do.

10. UGH and Really are like bogo's and go hand and hand. Very often they are both found in the same sentence.

These of course are not the official "buzz" words. I am not sure who makes them up, these are just the ones I have come across.

Top 10 January Observances

2012-01-02T04:30:00.003-05:00

1. Ratification Day in the United States refers to the anniversary of the ratification of the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784 at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland by the Confederation Congress. This act officially ended the American Revolution and established the US as a sovereign entity

2. January 15 is known as Wikipedia Day to Wikipedians. On this date in the year 2001, the wiki-based Wikipedia project went public after spending five days on Nupedia.
Wikipedia Day has been celebrated, both online and offline, for several years. Last year, there was a big worldwide celebration of Wikipedia 10, and it is hoped that this tradition can be continued with diverse local meetups and wiki-events for Wikipedia Day on Sunday 15 January 2012.

3. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King's birthday, January 15.

4. Blue Monday is a name given to a date stated, as part of a publicity campaign by Sky Travel, to be the most depressing day of the year, in 2012 events will occur on January 16. It is also appreciate a dragon day and national nothing day. I am not sure how related these events are but The Hunt for Happiness week begins on January 14, "there is a Facebook" page.

5. National Religious Freedom Day commemorates the Virginia General Assembly's adoption of Thomas Jefferson's landmark Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on January 16, 1786. This vital document became the basis for the establishment clause, and led to freedom of religion for all Americans as protected in the religion clause in the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment.

6. National Hug Day January 21st. Whether you hug a family member or a stranger, the mental and physical health benefits are the same.

7. Chinese New Year. This year January 23rd will begin the Year of the Dragon

8. International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27, is an international memorial day for the victims of the Holocaust, the genocide that resulted in the annihilation of 6 million European Jews and millions of others by the Nazi regime. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/7 on 1 November 2005 during the 42nd plenary session. January 27 is the date, in 1945, when the largest Nazi death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, was liberated by Soviet troops.

9. Data Privacy Day is an international holiday that occurs every January 28. Data Privacy Day's educational initiative originally focused on raising awareness among teens and young adults about the importance of protecting the privacy of their personal information online, particularly in the context of social networking.

10. The School Day of Non-violence and Peace (or DENIP, acronym from catalan-majorcan: Dia Escolar de la No-violència i la Pau), is an observance founded by the Spanish poet Llorenç Vidal Vidal in Majorca in 1964.It is observed on January 30 or thereabouts every year, on the anniversary of the death of Mahatma Gandhi, in schools all over the world. Season for Nonviolence was established by Arun Gandhi as a yearly event celebrating the philosophies and lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Today, he co-chairs the Season along with Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith of the Agape International Spiritual Center. It is convened by the Association for Global New Thought. The "season" begins with the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination on January 30 and ends with the anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination on April 4. It is anchored by a mission, statement of principles, and commitments by participants towards living in a nonviolent way.

Top 10 Looking Back Favorite People, Places and Things I Have Seen in 2011

2011-12-31T19:00:00.001-05:00

1. The crew that I took a European Whirl Trip with in May 2011. We had never met any of the people on this trip before. This collection of characters spans over 5 continents, 6 countries and 3 states in the USA. We traveled along several rivers in Europe, crossed the English Channel together and rode long rides in between destinations together on a bus driven by Enzo. We saw some of the most spectacular sites this world has to offer. We had a glimpse. We were a united, cooperative group led by Simon says. I wish that opportunity on every one. I feel blessed by the experience.

2. Unfortunately, I was remiss and did not take a photograph but I had the opportunity to attend a party on December 30th and get together with some old friends from my past, some that I have not seen for over 30 years. It is a good thing to know that sometimes those circles reconnect.

3. The Royal Wedding may have been all the buzz in London this past year but we missed it by one week. I am quite impressed with the royal couple, over 1 million pounds were contributed to the Royal Wedding Charitable Gift Fund and distributed to 26 charities personally chosen by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. London as a whole treats all its guests with the royal treatment, they are a most friendly lot and speak our language.

The English Channel however, had my eyes wide. Funny thing about this photograph, I took it because this guy looked so relaxed and I thought to myself, he knows how to travel. He turned out to be our guide throughout the remainder of our trip through Europe. Each day we were able to count on his direction and follow the steps that Simon said. I had no idea how important this man would become to the success of our trip.

4. An ordinary landscape along the highway in Belgium. I was mystified as soon as I saw it. I was reminded of the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh and could see the colors he put to canvas. They just shout out at you, it was a lush yellow carpet of flowers.

5. Being trusted by Hanz and handed over the reins to steer the horses and wagon in a small village in the Alps on a beautiful sunny afternoon in Switzerland.

Being invited to Hanz's home for wine, homemade cheese and dessert made by his wife was also special.

I also made my international debut as a singer in Lucerne, Switzerland, my 15 seconds of fame. I remain a one hit wonder.

Yodel Lay Hee Hoo

7. Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore or the Duomo, an extraordinary church in Florence, Italy a town that was once home to some of the most famous names in art and architecture.

8. The Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) is a rather ordinary looking church in Florence, Italy until you are told that it is the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Ghiberti, Alberti, Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Gentile and Rossini, thus it is known also as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell'Itale Glorie). Then it becomes aglow with spectacular.

9. The Fort Worth, Texas cattle herd drive, here they come....

and here they go.

10. Seeing the sparkle of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France in the evening after a cruise down the Seine River has a very special feel to it.

It has been a very good and blessed year!

Top 10 New Year Superstitions and Traditions

2011-12-31T09:30:00.000-05:00

1. Kissing at midnight to ensure those affections and ties continue throughout the next twelve months. Failing to do so could cause a year of coldness.

2. Black eyed peas on New Year's Day will attract general good luck and financial good fortune.

3. Eat pork because cows stand still, poultry scratches backwards and pigs root forward, move forward into the new year.

4. Do not do laundry on New Year's Day lest a family member be washed away.

5. Making loud noise at midnight scares all the evil spirits away.

6. If the wind blows from the south there will be fine weather and a prosperous year ahead, from the north it will be a year of bad weather, from the east famine and calamities, from the west plentiful supplies of milk and fish but the death of an important person. If no wind a joyful and prosperous year will be had by all.

7. Open all the doors at midnight to let the old year out. He must leave before the new year can come in.

8. The New Year should not begin with debt, pay off all debts before the new year arrives. Checks should be written and mailed off before the first of the year.

9. Nothing is to leave the house on New Year's Day not even the garbage or recycles. If you allow something to leave you are opening the gates for loss through the year.

10. Lobster should be avoided on New Year's day because a lobster walks backwards and may result in a financial backslide.

Here is a link to a black eyed peas recipe you can find at about.com. I myself have never made it but it sounds good. Lentils are also said to be lucky. Opening a can of lentil soup is simple enough.

Top 10 Websites Visited 2011

2011-12-30T04:30:00.004-05:00

According to Alexa in December 2011

1. Google.com
2. Facebook.com
3. Youtube.com
4. Yahoo.com
5. Baidu.com
6. Wikipedia.org
7. Live.com
8. Blogspot.com
9. Amazon.com
10.Twitter.com

Compared to the November 2010 list. There have been a few changes.

1. Google
2. Facebook
3. Yahoo!
4. YouTube
5. Amazon.com
6. Wikipedia.org
7. ebay.com
8. Blogger.com
9. Twitter.com
10. Craigslist

Delcotopten.blogspot.com traffic is ranked at 7,773,562 December 2011. I have no idea what that means but it looks like I have quite a challenge ahead of me to get to the top. One blog at a time.

Happy New Year and thank you for reading my blog. I wish every one a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Top 10 Some of the Other Percents

2011-12-29T04:30:00.008-05:00

1. Zillow, a real estate tracking company, reported that 28 percent of all homeowners currently have a home that is worth less then they owe. This came out in May 2011. You can find different sources on the net. I read it in a New York Life pamphlet.

2. An AARP Poll on saving and spending, In the past year, have you/your spouse or partner started saving more or cutting back on spending? Yes, started to cut back 65 percent in both age categories (ages 25-49 and ages 50-plus).

3. Source: National Institute of Health. One study found that 90 percent of people with type 2 diabetes were vitamin D deficient. I read this in the Erickson Tribune. I am still trying to qualify that number but was unable to find it on the NIH website.

4. Americans 48 percent say they've skimped on needed health care, including medications, to save money. Yet just 5 percent say their doctor talks to them about the price of prescriptions. Source: Consumer Reports National Research Center. I read this in Parade magazine.

5. "Heroes" 20 percent of people who qualify as heroes because they helped a stranger in an emergency or took other selfless action. I was impressed with this number found in the 2012 Farmers Almanac.

6. Step relatives 40 percent of adults that say they have a step relative. 2012 Farmers Almanac. Imagine the numbers that don't even know.

7. Almost every day 71 percent of people who say they make the bed everyday or almost every day. 2012 Farmers Almanac.

8. Believers 71 percent of people who are "absolutely certain" of God's existence. 2012 Farmers Almanac.

9. In November, the number of job losers and persons who completed temporary jobs
declined by 432,000 to 7.6 million. The number of long-term unemployed (those
jobless for 27 weeks and over) was little changed at 5.7 million and accounted
for 43.0 percent of the unemployed. (See tables A-11 and A-12.) Found at National Bureau of Labor and Statistics website. The December numbers come out on January 6th.

10. Resolutions 40-45 percent of American adults make one or more resolutions a year. Source:proactivechange.com/resolutions

The following shows how many of these resolutions are maintained as time goes on:

- past the first week: 75%
- past 2 weeks: 71%
- after one month: 64%
- after 6 months: 46%

People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't explicitly make resolutions.

Top 10 It Ain't Over Yet All These Festivities Are Still to Come

2011-12-28T04:30:00.009-05:00

1. Today, December 28th is the last day of Chanukah this year. Happy Chanukah to all who celebrate. I found a very good website that explains the customs celebrated during Chanukah for those who are interested. www.chabad.org The content in this page is produced by Chabad.org, and is copyrighted by the author and/or Chabad.org. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further, provided that you do not revise any part of it, and you include this note, credit the author, and link to www.chabad.org. If you wish to republish this article in a periodical, book, or website, please email permissions@chabad.org.

2. Kwanzaa began on December 26th. It is a week long celebration that honors the Afro-American culture and heritage. Each day follows the seven principles, Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.

3. The Twelve Days of Christmas begin on Christmas, December 25th also know as Christmastide. The Twelfth Night of Christmas is always on the evening of 5 January, but the Twelfth Day can either precede or follow the Twelfth Night according to which Christian tradition is followed.^[1] Twelfth Night is followed by the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January. In some traditions, the first day of Epiphany (6 January) and the twelfth day of Christmas overlap. It all sounds confusing to me but it is when my Christmas tree comes down.

4. The Times Square Ball is a time ball dropped each year during the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square, Manhattan, New York City. The ball is made by Waterford Crystal^[1] and electric lights is raised to the top of a pole on the One Times Square building at 6:00 pm^[1] and then lowered to mark the coming of the New Year. The ball descends 77 feet (23 m) over the course of a minute, coming to rest at the bottom of its pole at midnight, and a sign lights up with the digits of the new year, as the ball's lights turn off. Fireworks are then lighted from the building to signal the arrival of the New Year. Toshiba's Times Square advertising screen directly below the ball counts down to midnight as well alongside several other billboards in the area, including the Budweiser and Coca Cola signs.
Every year up to one million people gather in Times Square to watch the ball drop, and an estimated 1 billion watch the video of the event, 100 million of them in the United States.

5. The Tournament of Roses Parade, better known as the Rose Parade, is "America's New Year Celebration", a festival of flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians and a college football game on New Year's Day (but moved to Monday if New Year's Day falls on a Sunday), produced by the non-profit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. The annual parade was first held January 1, 1890 in Pasadena, California. The maker of Wrigley's chewing gum, William Wrigley Jr.'s, stately Italian Renaissance-style mansion was offered to the city of Pasadena after Mrs. Wrigley's death in 1958, under the condition that their home would be the Rose Parade's permanent headquarters. Tournament House is the name given the former home where the organization is headquartered.^[4]

6. The Mummers Parade according to mummers.com dates back to 400 BC and the Roman Festival of Saturnalias where Latin laborers marched in masks throughout the day of satire and gift exchange. This included Celtic variations of “trick-or-treat” and Druidic noise-making to drive away demons for the new year. Reports of rowdy groups “parading” on New Years day in Philadelphia date back before the revolution. Prizes were offered by merchants in the late 1800′s. January 1, 1901 was the first “official” parade offered about $1,725 in prize money from the city. The Mummers parade is a celebration of the New Year but is serious business in Philadelphia. Parade results can be found at this link, mummers.com

7. Timeanddate.com is a cool website where you can look up who is celebrating New Year's at what time around the world. Here is the link to Philadelphia, just in case you lose track of time that day another clue is usually the banging of pots and pans and or fireworks at the start of the new year. The time and date link is universal.

8. Here is a fun link to one of my favorite websites snopes.com New Year's superstition's. I check this website all the time when I get one of those FW: emails that just seem to be far fetched. Check out the link it has some interesting stuff. I can't verify it is true though.

9. The NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic will be held at Philadelphia Citizens Bank Park this year on January 2nd. The Philadelphia Flyers Alumni will play the New York Rangers Alumni.

10. Many cities in the United States as well as around the world celebrate ringing in the New Year this wiki link mentions a few perhaps that are closer to home for you.

In 2000 for the new millennium, London constructed the London Eye Ferris Wheel.

and in Paris

Fireworks center around the Eiffel Tower.

In the UK (exception Scotland) clocks symbolize the transition that occurs at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, with the celebration in London focusing on the clock housed in the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster, recognized worldwide as "Big Ben".

You still have a little time to make your plans. I suppose there is a bucket list in here somewhere.

Pay safe the rest of your life is ahead of you Arrive Alive!!

Don't Drink and Drive

Top 10 Movie Recommendations

2011-12-27T04:30:00.001-05:00

Some of these movies are new and others came out early in the year, you may be able to catch the older ones on cable or rent. These films are in no particular rating order. I think they all offer something unique. I'm not a spoiler.

1. The Artist is a silent film with a few printed words here and there but you can follow the film just from the actor's actions and reaction. It begins with a black and white introduction and from there transports you back in time before the talkies. After I saw this, I felt who needs words, especially some of the more off color words used in films today.

2. My Week With Marilyn is a film about Marilyn Monroe. Michelle Williams does a superb job playing Monroe allowing a glimpse into her life. I don't like to jinx anyone but this has to be an Academy Award nomination for best actress. She was just awesome.

3. Midnight in Paris takes you to the sites and sounds of Paris through the lives of its great artists. Who wouldn't want to go and experience that?

4. The Descendants is about decisions people make and how they affect the lives of others closely related and some not so close. I thought it was interesting to watch how each character was affected by certain events and their response.

5. War Horse is based on a Broadway play. I would love to see how they pull that off. Spielberg without a doubt can show the horrors of war like no other director in my lifetime so far but he also always allows you to see the human emotions of both sides. For me the most pivotal moment in the film involved wire cutters. I thought it was a very powerful scene.

6. The Ides of March is about politics and the lies people tell and the secrets they keep to get ahead. Ryan Gosling has an award winning performance. He got my attention.

7. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy was a complicated film and I tried to follow it and become confused. I still Soldier or Spy is. One this one I think I need to read the book.

8. The Conspirator is a true story of Mary Surrat hanged with conspiracy in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It is directed by Robert Redford.

9. Jane Eyre is a film based on the classic novel by Charlotte Bronte. I have always been a fan of these classic period pieces.

10. Oranges and Sunshine is a unbelievable "how could that have actually happened in our lifetime" and I think the next week after I saw this film, the Penn State scandal broke. This film is shocking and an embarrassment to two countries who have just recently released apologies for this cover up and they are not third world countries.

Top 10 Views Inside Saint Peter's Basilica - Vatican Treasures

2011-12-24T22:40:00.005-05:00

The center focal point of St. Peter's Basilica is Saint Peter's baldachin a large Baroque sculpted bronze canopy, technically called a ciborium or baldachin, over the high altar of Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, Rome, which is at the centre of the crossing and directly under the dome. Designed by the sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, it was intended to mark, in a monumental way, the place of Saint Peter's tomb underneath. Under its canopy is the High Altar of the basilica. The Papal altar, under the celebrated Canopy by Bernini (1633) was made of bronze taken from the Pantheon.

The Chair of Saint Peter by Bernini is a throne in which fragments of acacia wood are visible, which could be part of the chair of St. Peter, encased in oak and reinforced with iron bands. It sits behind and elevated behind Saint Peter's baldachin. Pope Alexander VII commissioned Bernini to build a monument which would give prominence to this ancient wooden chair. Bernini built a throne in gilded bronze, richly ornamented with bas-reliefs in which the chair was enclosed: two pieces of furniture, one within the other. On January 17, 1666 it was solemnly set above the altar. Two angels bearing the tiara and keys, symbols of the Roman pontiff's authority float above. At the base the two outer statues are figures of two Doctors of the Latin Church: St. Ambrose and St. Augustine; the two inner statues, with bare heads, are of two Doctors of the Greek Church: St. Athanasius and St. John Chrysostom. Februaury 22 is the celebrated feast day of the chair.

Bronze statue of Saint Peter facing the baldachin by Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century.

The Gloria takes center stage once you get a glimpse of the fantastic gilt and stucco. A host of angels are among rays of light and gigantic billowing clouds. In their midst is the precious window of Bohemian glass, divided into twelve sections as a tribute to the Twelve Apostles. It reminds me of a clock in sections. A brilliant dove stands out against it, the symbol of the Holy Spirit, the soul of the Church which never ceases to help and to guide.

The dome of St. Peter's Basilica was designed by Michelangelo. Many artists worked on the interior decorations. Along the base of the inside of the dome is the inscription of Matthew 16:18-19, in letters 8 ft. (2.5m) high:

TV ES PETRVS ET SVPER HANC PETRAM AEDIFICABO ECCLESIAM MEAM. TIBI DABO CLAVES REGNI CAELORVM (You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.)

Near the top of the dome is another, smaller, circular inscription:

S. PETRI GLORIAE SIXTVS PP. V. A. M. D. XC. PONTIF. V. (To the glory of St. Peter; Sixtus V, pope, in the year 1590 and the fifth year of his pontificate.)

The Pieta by Michelangelo was completed by Michelangelo when he was only 24 years old. After a vandal defaced a portion of the Pieta (he, Laszlo Toth broke the nose off the Virgin Mary with the entire left arm at the elbow on May 21, 1972), the sculpture was put behind bulletproof glass for protection. Also, the Pieta is the only work that is signed by Michelangelo. His signature is on the breast band that goes over Mary's shoulder. The Pietà's first home was the Chapel of Santa Petronilla, a Roman mausoleum near the south transept of St. Peter's, which the Cardinal chose as his funerary chapel. The chapel was later demolished by Bramante during his rebuilding of the basilica. According to Giorgio Vasari, shortly after the installation of his Pietà Michelangelo overheard (or asked visitors about the sculptor) someone remark that it was the work of another sculptor, Cristoforo Solari, whereby Michelangelo signed the sculpture.^[2] Michelangelo carved MICHAELA[N]GELUS BONAROTUS FLORENTIN[US] FACIEBA[T] (Michelangelo Buonarroti, Florentine, made this) on the sash running across Mary's chest. It was the only work he ever signed. Vasari also reports the anecdote that Michelangelo later regretted his outburst of pride and swore never to sign another work of his hands. The sculpture was shipped to New York in 1964 in order to become the main draw for the Vatican pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair, where it was viewed by millions. I was very young but I was among the millions and I never forgot seeing it. I knew exactly what it was when I saw it again. When you see it, it becomes etched in your mind forever. It is not only beautiful but it is also moving. The Chapel of the Relics also contains a precious Medieval wooden Crucifix by Cavallini (13th century).

The Baptistery chapel was designed by Carlo Fontana. The main altarpiece (1722) is from an original painting by Maratta (1698), which is now part of Sant' Mariadei Angeli. The gilded cover rests on a porphyry sarcophagus cover used by Emperor Otto II, and believed to derive from the tomb of Emperor Hadrian (Castle San Angelo). In the center is the baptismal font (fountain), still used on Sundays to administer the sacrament of baptism.

The Presentation Altar, painting by Romaneli and the mosaic altarpiece by Cristofari is the Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple by her parents. Below the altar is the body of St. Pius X, the last pope to be canonized.

Crepuscular rays (sunbeams) are regularly seen in Saint Peter's Basilica at certain times each day. I never knew they had a name. I love when I see the rays in the sky. I have always called them the "Staiway to Heaven".

This bell is not inside the Basilica it is part of the Vatican Museum, I believe. I am sure it has a special story and history but I have yet to discover it. If anyone knows its origin or history I would be most obliged. I do know that many churches still ring their church bells and hold prayers in the evening before holidays. This bell may have been a participant. I now look forward to watching the Christmas Eve celebration in Rome, Italy at Saint Peter's Basilica.

Sources:

sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-st-peters-basilica

saintpetersbasilica.org

stuardtclarkesrome.com/vatican.htm

Top 10 Classical Christmas Songs

2011-12-23T04:30:00.002-05:00

You can click on any of the following links on Youtube and enjoy these classical Christmas song but if you want to feel the full impact of this music, go to on Christmas eve or Christmas Day and sing along, guarenteed one of these songs will be played and it will stir your soul.

1. Handel's Hallelujah Johann Strauss Orchestra and the Harlem Gospel Choir.

2. Adeste Fideles O Come All Ye Faithful Traditional Christmas Concert at Konzerthaus with the Vienna Boy's Choir.

3. O Holy Night Mormon Tabernacle Choir Typically I do not have much time for the harsh and negative comments made on youtube or anywhere else on the internet but I saw this one on this link and feel it bears repeating. Will you people please stop with the nasty religious bickering? It's a video about a group of people singing. If you are so riled up about nothing that you just have to scream at each other, there are THOUSANDS of videos on YouTube set up for back-and-forth between people just like you who have nothing better to do than stick your nose in other people's religious affairs. "They're not Christian because herpa durpa durp!" WHO CARES?!

4. Amen written by Jester Hairston sung by Sidney Poitier in the film Lillies of the Field one of the best renditions of the song I ever heard from a great film. Hairston wrote the song "Mary's Boy Child" in 1956, possibly the only popular Christmas song written by an African-American.

5. Ave Maria sung by Andrea Bocelli magnifico. It was written by Franz Peter Schubert.

6. Fantasia on Greensleeves by Ralph Vaughan Williams performed by La Sierra University

7. Joy to the World by George Frederic Handel José Carreras, Diana Ross and Placido Domingo perform Joy To The World by George Frederic Handel as part of Christmas in Vienna.

8. Carol of the Bells Celtic Woman music originally composed by Mykola Leontovych; original traditional Ukrainian lyrics are of pre Christian origin; English adaptation of text by Peter Wilhousky, 1936.

9. Hark the Herald Angels Sing music: Felix Mendelssohn, words: Charles Wesley, amended by George Whitfield and Martin Madan sung by Choir of Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland.

10. Silent Night Gregorian Monks

Top 10 People You Meet On the Street George W.

2011-12-21T04:30:00.015-05:00

Imagine, you just finished a fabulous meal at a popular restaurant in New Hope, Pennsylvania and you have 15 minutes left on the meter and a 10 minute walk back to your car.

1. You are window shopping quite briskly as you cruise past the ice cream shop, and then you spot 'em...revolutionary soldiers, about five of them. I have a very distinct reason now why I am hanging around outside waiting for them to come out.

2. Besides the fact that I am a blogger, for the first time in my life on my way to New Hope on Saturday, December 17th, I asked my husband to take a detour, just a block or two off our normal route and stop at Washington's Crossing. It was a pretty cold afternoon and I wondered how the temperatures were on the date of the official crossing. I found George's tent.

3. Right next to the tent is a large barn structure and inside the barn are two boats that look like large canoes to me but they are actually replicas of the boats that Washington and his troops took on December 25th. The Durham boat was designed to transport products across the Delaware River and specifically requested by Washington during the American Revolution when he made the first surprise attack on the Hessian Troops on Christmas Day 1776.

4. I wasn't exactly sure where the crossing took place so I just took a picture of the river between Pennsylvania and New Jersey with the bridge in the background. Nor am I sure how wide the river was at the time compared to 245 years later. Both sides of the Delaware River where the crossing took place have been preserved, in an area designated as the Washington's Crossing National Historic Landmark. In this district, Washington Crossing Historic Park in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, preserves the area in Pennsylvania, and Washington Crossing State Park marks the New Jersey side.The two areas are connected by the Washington Crossing Bridge.^[46]

5. I am sure however that this is McCockney's Ferry Inn, the tavern that General Washington and his troop's visited prior to the crossing. It is the original building.

6. I could not believe my luck, the soldiers finally emerged from the ice cream store and I back tracked just a little and ask if I may take a photograph of them. Being dutiful soldiers they all lined up for a photograph....except for one. He stepped aside.

7. I questioned him, "Wouldn't you like to be part of the picture?" He said, "No I don't need my picture taken", in an almost snippy, cantankerous fashion. He was dressed slightly different from the rest of the group so it would have been nice to have him too but I didn't push him and I took the picture of the rest of the troop.

8. We proceeded down Main Street and are now part of the brigade with who I was soon to find out was led by General George Washington. My husband, he's so smart, recognized him from the uniform and he asked the general, "why are you dressed up tonight", "are you practicing"?

9. Yup, he spoke to General George Washington, eventually to be the first President of the United States just like that....the cantankerous guy. In a very dignified manner, George declared they were in uniform tonight to fire the cannon. I'm guessing this is a normal thing to do in New Hope one week prior to one of the most significant battles and turning points of the American Revolution. I, now started conversing with George, doing a little name dropping, because you see I happen to have worked for several years with a American Revolution soldier who reenacts crossing that river every year as an officer. So I asked George if he knew him. Here I go, questioning authority. You would think I would know better. He was very gracious and did not recall the name but offered his in return. We were now friends and he agreed to be part of the next picture.

10. General Washington proceeded to tell us that each year on December 25th, the crossing along with, and he shuttered to use this word. "theatrics" begin about 1pm. He asked if we were attending. I think if I agreed this leader would have put us in a boat, using any soldier he could get to win that battle. We told him the event is definitely on our list but Christmas Day is a tough time to commit to. He remarked, that some people are appalled that they actually reenact the event on Christmas, the actual day it took place. Typically, 12,000 people attend this yearly event. General Washington offered us a tip. The second week of December there is a dress rehearsal doing the same exact thing that is done on December 25 and the crowd is far less in numbers, only a mere 3,000 people and he did caution, if you were to come on either of these days, just because it begins at 1pm, you should still arrive earlier. The spectators begin to congregate around 10:30am to get into a good viewing area. We soon parted ways without much pageantry and I wished the general a good evening and a good crossing and he in turn wished us a good evening and a good holiday.

I guess the moral of my story is treat everyone you meet on the street with respect. You never know who you are talking to and they may be on their way to making history. I felt deeply fortunate to be walking along with such greatness even if it were 245 years later. History is history no matter when you witness it.

God Bless America.

Top 10 Christmas Getting Into Trains

2011-12-20T04:30:00.136-05:00

Christmas just seems to bring out the appreciation and fascination of trains.

1. Brandywine River Museum Model Railroad " A Brandywine Christmas" through January 8th. If you have never been to this museum it is worth the trip, great local artists and artwork, as well in our own backyard.

2. Santa's Paradise Express ended December 18th in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. A regular train schedule is opened December 26th through December 31st.

Photograph of the cog wheel trains heading into the mountain that travel up and down the Alps in Switzerland delivering milk to the locals and affording tourists spectacular views as seem in the next photograph.

3. North Pole Express New Hope and Ivyland, Pennsylvania. I was just there this weekend, unfortunately I did not ride the train but I should have another interesting experience to share about New Hope later this week.

4. Ft. Worth, Grapevine, Texas Vintage Train. This train runs from Fort Worth to Grapeview, Texas both great towns to visit if you are even in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

5. Eight Engine Train Carrying Coal in the Allegheny Mountains. Yikes! Are there that many bad kids getting coal this year?

Train running along the Rhine River in Germany.

6. Pere Marquette 1225, the Real Polar Express (used partially in the movie) The Polar Express.

7. Minatur Wunderland World's Largest Miniature Model Railroad in Hamburg, Germany.

8. The Acela Express is Amtrak's high-speed rail service along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) in the Northeast United States it can reach speeds up to 150 mph.

9. France with the V150 is the current world record holder in speed in the world on conventional rails with a speed of 574.8 km/h (357mph).

Heading for the train in Paris

Paris Trains

10. I would be completely remiss if I did not mention the London Underground. You can not properly travel around the city without the use of the Tube.

London Tube

Hanukkah begins at sunset December 20th and ends at sunset December 28th. Happy Hanukkah to all those of the Jewish faith.

Top 10 Is This Time of Year Too Commercial?

2011-12-19T04:30:00.005-05:00

(follow the links to some classics old and new)

1. I'dlike to Buy the World a Coke ahhh those 70's.

2. PhillipsNorelco Tis the Season to Upgrade and here's to the old Norelco in basic blackand white.

3. OldSpice MANta Claus

4. Heineken"Open Your World"

5. N E S T L E S

6. Duncan Hines TurtleBrownies

7. Campbell'sSoup

8. Hershey'sKisses

9. TheClapper

10. The Digital Storyof the Nativity (there are several versions on Youtube I chose this link).

Do you think Christmas is too commercial or clever advertising?

Top 10 Christmas Songs and Artist's on Spotify

2011-12-16T04:30:00.003-05:00

I am new to Spotify but I kinda like it.
search Christmas results in popularity.

1. Last Christmas Wham

2. It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas, All I Want For Christmas Is You, Holly Jolly Christmas,White Christmas(duet with Shania Twain) all the rest Michael Buble

3. Christmas Lights Coldplay

4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Chrismas, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),Blue Christmas Michael Buble (again).

5. All I Want For Christmas Is You Mariah Carey

6. I'll Be Home For Christmas Michael Buble

7. Blue Christmas Elvis

8. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Michael Buble

9. Jingle Bells Michael Buble featuring the Puppini Sisters

10.Santa Baby, Silent Night, Cold December Night, Ave Maria, Mis Desoes/Feliz Navidad (duet with Thalia) all the rest Michael Buble

This is not a personal preference or an advertisement for Michael Buble but it seems if he is not in your collection, you are missing something, Santa baby?

Don't throw the fruitcake but Justin Bieber came it at #27 with Christmas Love.

Top 10 Holiday and Festive Things to Do December 2011

2011-12-15T04:30:00.013-05:00

1. Macy's Grand Court Light Show and Dickens Village 13th and Market Streets Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

2. A Longwood Christmas the Garden Railway transforms into the Christmas Railway through January 8th 2012.

3. Christmas Village In Philadelphia at Love Park.

4. Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights The trees will be lit nightly from 5:30 -9:30pm.

5. The Best of Yuletide Past at Winterthur 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807

6. A Brandywine Christmas Brandywine River Museum Railroad through January 8^th.

7. Go ice skating at the Blue Cross River Rink. New Years Eve Party with Fireworks on the River!

8. Pennsylvania Ballet The Nutcracker at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

9. A Christmas Carol at the Hedgerow Theatre 640 Rose Valley Road, Media, Pennsylvania also playing at limited time as part of the Children's Series, A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail.

10. Have you gotten your tree yet? pickyourChristmastree.org Is it decorated? Presents wrapped? Cookies baked?

The countdown begins...................................are finals over yet?

Give yourself a round of cheer and enjoy the holiday season.

Additions :
The Players Club of Swarthmore, Crazy For You through December 17th

The Friends of Thomas Leiper House are hosting a Colonial Christmas Open House on Sunday, December 18th to celebrate the birthday of Thomas Leiper at his 1785 country home at 521 Avondale Road, Wallingford, Pennsylvania from 1 - 5 PM.

Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
December 16th, Dinosaurs 7:30PM
December 18th, A Victoria Christmas 3PM

The Media Theatre The Sound of Music now thru January 15th and Jack Frost Saves Christmas thru December 24th in Media, Pennsylvania.

Voices of Christmas at Theatre Horizon at the Centre Theater in Norristown, Pennsylvania thru December 31st.

Disney on Ice at the Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania thru January 1st.
Independent Seaport Museum 2nd Annual Parade of Lights along the Delaware River December 17th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The display can be viewed all along Penn's Landing. The Buccaneers Ball is December 31st.

Top 10 Creative Christmas Cupcakes

2011-12-14T04:30:00.000-05:00

You too can be a creative cook by following these links on Youtube.

1. Holiday Snowman Cupcakes

2. Santa Christmas Cupcakes

3. Christmas Tree

4. Elf Cupcakes

5. Reindeer Cupcakes

6. Christmas Wreath

7. Mini Pointsettia Cupcake Training

8. Edible Ornament Cupcake from Family Fun

9. Boozy Button Chocolate Cupcakes "For Adults Only" Responsible Ones

10. Gluten-free Chocolate Cup Cakes

And then there is always the "local bakery" and to all a good night.

Top 10 Holidays These Are the Best Of Times and the Worst Of Times

2011-12-13T04:30:00.011-05:00

1. Lets cut to the chase, there is the Thanksgiving meal. Here is the rundown, turkey, mash potatoes, gravy, stuffing, corn, peas, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, cole slaw and of course the cranberry. Am I missing anything? That is only because I could not jam any more on my plate. Dessert comes later and no photographs were available. It went too quick!

2. A lot of "c" words and we all know that begins with calories but it is just one day right? But.... That one day can turn into a lifestyle if you are not careful over the next month. There are lots of goodies coming into the house if you let temptation win.

3. Indigestion, stomach, acid, gerd, the little purple pill. Luckily for me, I do not suffer from any of these conditions. The turkey does however, make me a little drowsy and want to take nap and I might miss an important inning of the football game. Yawn, I mean quarter.

4. This year and almost every year, since I know this is an issue, I skip the football game and remain in the kitchen. After dinner, the women take over the kitchen and the men can have their football. The kitchen is the happening spot.

5. This is undoubtedly the moment when I pause for a brief moment and think of those that are not with us for some reason. Some years it is more noticeable then others. We have lost more but we have two honorary guests in the dining room at all times. I am not sure if anyone notices but they are there, at Christmas we have elves.

6. I choose the kitchen because of other "c" words. Number one, we clear the air and curse the calories. Someone has to be blamed. Then comes the very best of the holiday, the "company and the conversation".

7. The girlies gather round the kitchen table and drink the wine, no leftovers, and solve the world's problems.

8. This year the conversation took an interesting turn, technology. My sister-in-law has an IPhone, the latest and greatest. This thing will do anything, she told us. So you know women, we said, "prove it". It was my turn and I said, What is my horoscope, am I going to have a good day? You are not just talking to yourself. Well in a way you are but this person, place or thing you are addressing has a name, Siri. Forget the old Simon says now it is Siri says....

9. Siri lives in the clouds and it seemed I stumped Siri with the question. Very quickly, he she or it started with an attitude. Since it was my sister-in-laws phone, she was addressed directly by name. Granted, we (wasn't me), were starting to have a little fun with the mechanism and when she couldn't come up with the answer immediately, we did a little razzing, we said "What are you stupid?", "Not smarter then a fifth grader huh?" "Computer got your tongue?" We were just having fun, wine makes you do that. Siri went ballistic. At first she kept repeating, I don't understand, I don't understand and then well, he she or it spewed out a big long message scolding us. "Why are you talking to me like this?" A complete meltdown, we were in shock.

10. Lesson learned, if you are going to talk to the clouds be careful how you phrase your question, you could hurt someones feelings. Sorry Siri. I apologize, lets clear the air and clean our plate. It is a holiday and maybe it just wasn't a five star day for either of us.

Has anyone had any trouble with their IPhone and Siri? I do not own a smart phone for obvious reasons. I am not sure we would get along. I just may be out smarted all the time.

Holidays are suppose to be about joy and happiness but inevitably something terrible or tragic happens to someone that is purely unexpected. No one plans or sets out to hurt or harm anyone. It is truly sad when these events come around and it only leaves you questioning why.

Why can't every one have a Merry Christmas? Is that answer in the clouds?

Special mention this Wednesday at delcotimes.com "Live" in the Newsroom, blogger at Cucina Chatter and radio host, Lorraine Ranalli and guests will be discussing "The Feast of the 7 Fishes".
I always wanted to be Italian at Christmas, just for the food. Maybe this Irish lass can learn something. I am going to check them out and you might want to as well.

Top 10 Sounds of the Season

2011-12-12T04:30:00.005-05:00

Do you hear what I hear?

1. Impatient people beeping horns, many times followed by flailing arms andunfriendly gestures.

2. Salvation Army ringing their bells for charity. Not many people seem tobe listening.

3. Standing in line, "who's next?"

4. Christmas music is everywhere, to pressure, encourage or to soothe. Morepeople appear to be singing, I am.

5. The crackling of the fire in the fireplace. I do not have a fireplace, Ijust imagine that one.

6. Snowplows driving up the street to remove the snow that arrived quietlyovernight. They are coming.

7. Rustling of the wrapping paper and the slide of the scissors taking offon their own and you don't even have to cut the paper. You mumble where's thetape?

8. The clang of the cookie sheets as you place them down gently unless theyare very hot, then it is more of a bang or BAM!

9. Doorbells are being rung more often. It may just be Fedex or UPS. It is agood time to get together with family and friends and turn down the hustlebustle. Just chillaxing. Ring my chimes.

10. Sometimes sirens are not a scary sound. They can mean Santa Claus iscoming to town. This weekend and possibly next in neighboring towns, cities,townships and boroughs, the local fire department escorts Santa Claus up anddown the streets to give all children the opportunity to sit on his lap.

Everyone beats to the sound of a different drum. These are just some of thethings I hear this time of year.

How about you, what are you hearing?

Top 10 Lyrics by Lennon with Song Title

2011-12-10T04:30:00.043-05:00

1. Please remember my life is in your hands....Woman.John Lennon

2. Love is touch, touch is love...Love John Lennon and Yoko

3. It's easy if you try. No hell below us. Above us only sky....Imagine Herbie Hancock's The Imagine Project. Song: Imagine, featuring Pink, Seal, India Arie.

4. I was feeling insecure, you might not love me anymore...Jealous Guy Bryan Ferry

5. Chanting the mantra. peace on earth.....Mind games sung by Kevin Spacey

6. Why in the world are we here? Surely not to live in pain and fear.....Instant Karma John Lennon

7. People asking questions, lost in confusion. Well I tell there's no problem, only solutions.....Watching the Wheels Matisyahu

8. One thing I can tell you is you got to be free....Come Together

9. No one's to blame time flys so quickley....Just Like Starting Over Flaming Lips

10. Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear....Happy Xmas (War is Over) Pavarotti, Domingo Carreras

Most of us know the lyrics and can sing these songs but it doesn't sound right unless John Lennon sings them. They are all out on Youtube just search the song and you can hear John Lennon's voice.

Top 10 Lennon Lyrics

2011-12-09T04:30:00.004-05:00

Can you name that tune?

A little John Lennon (October 9th, 1940- December 8th 1980) trivia, remembering his songs.

1. Please remember my life is in your hands....

2. Love is touch, touch is love...

3. It's easy if you try. No hell below us. Above us only sky....

4. I was feeling insecure, you might not love me anymore...

5. Chanting the mantra. peace on earth.....

6. Why in the world are we here? Surely not to live in pain and fear.....

7. People asking questions, lost in confusion. Well I tell there's no problem, only solutions.....

8. One thing I can tell you is you got to be free....

9. No one's to blame, time flies so quickly....

10. Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear....

If you are stumped, the song titles will appear in tomorrow's special edition blog.

Top 10 Holiday Decorating, Are We There Yet?

2011-12-08T04:30:00.001-05:00

1. Every year the decorations seem to come out earlier and earlier and not just at the mall. I saw them at a residence the week before Halloween. I am not kidding!

2. This usually starts a chain reaction and gets the rest of the neighbors in a panic. I have to get my decorations out. Now!!

3. It depends on my mood but I don't like to be rushed, so most of the time I search for the radio station that is not playing Christmas songs, at least till the last week.

4. Not everyone immediately gets in the spirit. I was totally blown off by Santa Claus at the mall. I won't make it bad for business and mention the mall. I waved in a cheery way and he turned away from me. The only reason I can think of is he thought I was trying to be a wise guy. I was trying to be jolly.

5. What do you think about these decorations?

6. The deflated inflatables by day?

7. The lawn covered in festivities and ya wonder how they can't grow grass the next season?

8. Multi-colored, all blue, all red or all white lights?

9. The single candle in each window? I personally like this one.

10. Is it true competition is fierce between neighbors? Are the Griswold's (referring to National Lampoon Christmas vacation) alive and well or will this be a dark Christmas?

The most unique Christmas decoration I have ever seen. You can't buy this one!

I was sent this photograph taken by Maureen Fleagle in Springfield, Pennsylvania on Thanksgiving evening. I am sure this bird is not a turkey but does anyone know what it is? Is it a crane? a heron?
I think it is the most unusual Christmas decoration I have ever seen and it is totally natural and real. Pretty wild! Maybe he is staking out the territory for Santa Claus. Has anyone else seen him in the area?

How cool is that?

Top 10 Ways to Support the Military

2011-12-07T04:30:00.012-05:00

December 7th is Pearl Harbor Day. I take this opportunity to once again say "thank you" to our military and offer ideas in which to support them.

1. USO

2. Operation Mom

3. Hugs for Heroes

4. Operation Holiday Stockings

5. Cell Phones for Soldiers

6. Warriors Watch

7. Books for Soldiers

8. A Million Thanks

9. American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes

10. Short on Cash this Holiday Season? Shake the hand of a women or man in uniform and just say thanks!

Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday December 10, 2011. If you are interested in donating or going check on a location near you.

Due to the impeding holiday season, some of these organizations have a time limit but I am sure there is something on this list that fits your budget. Check the list, check it twice.

Top 10 Meryl Streep Movies

2011-12-06T04:30:00.006-05:00

Have you ever seen a Meryl Streep film you didn't like? I don't believe I have. She is my Hollywood IT girl. If she is in a movie, I want to see it. I will try and limit ....in my humble opinion, her Top 10. Meryl Streep was honored for lifetime achievement at the Kennedy Center along with Yo-Yo Ma, Barbara Cook, Sonny Rollins and Neil Diamond the show will air on CBS December 27th.

1. Heartburn with Jack Nicholson

2. Out of Africa with Robert Redford.

3. It's Complicated with Steve Martin and Alex Baldwin

4. The Seduction of Joe Tynan with Alan Alda

5. Silkwood with Kurt Russell and Cher

6. Postcards from the Edge with Dennis Quaid and Shirley MacLaine

7. Sophie's Choice with Kevin Kline and Peter MacNicol

8. Bridges of Madison County with Clint Eastwood

9. The French Lieutenant's Woman with Jeremy Irons

10. The Deer Hunter with Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and John Cazale. Although Streep was not one of the major characters her role was just as significant especially behind the scenes. This film was the last film her fiance at the time was in. John Cazale died in New York City of terminal bone cancer, on March 12, 1978, shortly after completing his role before the film was completed. He was 42 years old. Al Pacino and John Cazale lived in a communal house in Provincetown, Massachusetts early in their careers. "I've hardly ever seen a person so devoted to someone who is falling away like John was," said Pacino. "To see her in that act of love for this man was overwhelming."^[3]

Meryl Streep was born in Summit, New Jersey, the daughter of Mary Wolf (née Wilkinson), a commercial artist and former art editor, and Harry William Streep, Jr., a pharmaceutical executive.^[5]^[6]^[7] She has two brothers, Dana and Harry.^[8] Her paternal ancestry originates in Loffenau, Germany, from where her second great-grandfather, Gottfried Streeb, emigrated to the United States, and where one of her ancestors served as mayor. Another line of her father's family was from Giswil, a small town in Switzerland. Her maternal ancestry originates in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Her eighth great-grandfather, Lawrence Wilkinson, was one of the first Europeans to settle Rhode Island. Streep is also a distant relative of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, and records show her family were among the first purchasers of land in Pennsylvania.

She received her MFA from Yale University and has received and been nominated for countless awards. I am a big fan of her work and obviously not the only one. I have never seen her perform on the stage. Sounds like an addition to my bucket list and I look forward to her upcoming films. She is so versatile and talented.

Streep married sculptor Don Gummer on September 15, 1978.^[75] They have four children: Henry "Hank" Wolfe Gummer Mary Willa "Mamie" Gummer , Grace Jane Gummer and Louisa Jacobson Gummer (born June 12, 1991). Both Mamie and Grace are actresses.^[6] Hank is a musician who performs under the name Henry Wolfe.^[76]

Top 10 December Awareness Events

2011-12-05T04:30:00.001-05:00

1. AIDS Awareness Month

2. Seasonal Depression Awareness Month

3. Safe Toys and Gifts Month

4. Identity Theft Protection and Awareness Month

5. National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness

Interesting advertisement at a rest stop near Lugano, Switzerland. Translated from Italian. I enjoyed running.
Today I was amused because I live. Safer roads.

6. Universal Human Rights Month

7. National Hand Washing Awareness Month

8. Learn a Foreign Language Month (there are many links, you can google it and also search YouTube to learn a new different language.) If you ever plan on doing any international travel, it can make a world of difference.

German for Good Ride!

9. International Mountain Month.

The Alps look like a painting, they are breathtaking.

10. Procrastination Awareness Month Interesting point about this "awareness". I found it listed under several months. I'm guessing it got postponed. Perhaps it can be started again in January, next year.

Many countries and cultures celebrate holidays and festivities this month.

Joy to the World!

PEACE ON EARTH