http://www.jasperjottings.com/2010/jj2010W52.html
Dec 19, 2010 POSITRACTION: Amish apology; a lesson for allhttp://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2010/11/amish_representatives_fly_to_i.htmlNovember 29, 2010 Amish representatives fly to Israel Phil Boehmke *** begin quote *** The Jerusalem Post brings us a heart-warming story of a group of delegates from the Amish communities in America and Switzerland who made an inspiring journey to Israel. Leaving centuries of tradition behind, the Amish representatives boarded airplanes for their trip to the Holy Land. On Saturday night the group paid a visit to Jerusalem’s Western Wall where they asked the Jewish people for forgiveness for their silence during the Holocaust. *** end quote *** [JR: Asking for nothing, but promising to atone for a past omission. Good example goes a long way. Maybe they are Jaspers at heart? Don’t have the haircuts for it, but maybe kinda 60’s-ish!] # # # # # |
Dec 19, 2010 JOBIT: Gaynor, Robert W. [MC1949 RIP]http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ctpost/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=147179850Robert W. Gaynor GAYNOR Robert W. Gaynor, age 89, of Stamford, passed away on December 17, 2010. He was the son of the late William and Mary (Faber) of Shelton. He honorably served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945 serving in Iceland, India and China during World War II. He then went on to graduate from Manhattan College and received his MBA from NYU. He was a certified public accountant. He retired as Director of Operations for the New York State Insurance Rehabilitation Bureau. He was a member of St. Leo’s Parish from its inception and a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus with the St. Augustine Council. He was predeceased by his wife, Helene, and his sister, Eleanor Didsbury. He is survived by his children, Robert T. Gaynor of Stamford, William J. Gaynor of Silver City, N.M., Mary G. Kennedy (Daniel) of Oxford, Dennis J. Gaynor (Deborah) of Monroe; and five grandchildren, Colin, Kerry and Kaela Kennedy, Ryan and Sean Gaynor. His family will receive friends at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2010. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday 10 a.m. at St. Leo Church, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford. Published in Connecticut Post from December 18 to December 19, 2010 #-#-# Gaynor, Robert W. [MC???? RIP] Guestbook: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/ctpost/guestbook.aspx?n=robert-gaynor&pid=147179850&cid=full ##### John, I believe he is a member on the class of 1949. Ed McEneney Edward J. (MC1959) [JR: Thanks, Ed. Much appreciated.] Gaynor, Robert W. [MC1949 RIP] # # # # # posted 2010-12-19 17:05 |
Dec 19, 2010 JEMAIL: O’Connell, Bill (MC1959) swaps email addressesJohn,This is Bill O’Connell, A.B. class of 1959. I am already on the Jasper Jottings email mailing list at another address ({Privacy Invoked}). I have a new email provider hence my request to have email sent to the above address. After I get all my stuff moved from my old email address I will cancel my JJ mailings there (or you can do it now if that is convenient). Thanks as always for your efforts in keeping your readers up to date on matters Manhattan. All the best. Bill O’Connell, ’59 Williamsburg, VA [JR: No, thank you, Bill the older, for providing a "teachable moment" to all the youngsters. I may be presuming to "teach" anyone anything. See, changing emails is deceptively easy. The problem is: oversights and third parties. IMHO, "oversights" are those people we would have like to have know our email, but forgot to have told. They are effectively "lost" until another way to reconnect is found. "Third parties" are people who have the old email address that we don't know about. Now, changing is a good way to temporarily lose the spammers, at the cost of losing forgotten old friends and those we don't know, like executive search or old classmates who got our address from someone else. Of course, Jasper Jottings will pass along email to anyone from anyone without disclosing the new address. But, there are better solutions to the problem presented by email change. (1) "Forever email addresses" like the "alumni@manhattan.edu" or "@alumni.manhattan.edu" is pretty reliable. (2) But, my preferred solution is for folks to buy their own domain name for about $10/year. Then you OWN your address. Now teaching "old dogs" new tricks, while possible, is annoying to the "old dog", but our younger fellow alums should do it immediately. Based on my "feel" for the data, folks change email address a little less frequently than they change jobs. Of course, it goes without saying that one should NEVER use an employer's email account for personal email or for things like registering with FACEBOOK or LINKEDIN. Any way thanks for an opportunity to lecture the audience on the "evils of email changing", "employer's email", and strong drink. I did mention the strong drink; didn't I? Here's my stock advice.] *** begin quote *** May I suggest that you have your own domain? The common wisdom, or is that common whizdumb, is to own your own name as a domain name. I own “reinke.cc”. (I like saying “sea sea me at reinke.cc”! spam_me @ reinke.cc will actually work!) It gives one quite a bit of control. And, it’s very cheap. I know three solutions: at 15$/year using wordpressdotcom with gmail; 25$/year email only with 1and1; 60$/year for domain+email+webspace also at 1and. http://www.1and1.com/?k_id=911325 My point is not that you should use 1and1. I could care less which one you use. It’s that getting on to your own domain with email is cheap and easy. And, it’s not hotmail, yahoo, or gmail. It IS your own “personal brand”. *** end quote *** # # # # # |
Dec 19, 2010 JEMAIL: Fitzgerald, Peter H. [MC1961 RIP] ided by Gearity, John (MC1961)RE: JOBIT: Fitzgerald, Peter Hopkins [MC???? RIP]Pete was a member of the Class of 1961. He received a BA degree. RIP John Gearity (also a member of the Class of 1961) [JR: Thank you. I'm sorry for your loss. I always am rocked by OBITs from my own class. College class is bad, but high school is worse. Makes me feel that "cold breath" on the back of my neck. And, a sadness for a lost story. I guess it's like Rodney Dangerfield reciting "Dying of the Light" in the farce "Back to School"; it's one redeeming scene that really touched me. Argh! I'm getting maudlin in my old age. Thanks.] # – # – # Gearity, John (MC1961) Fitzgerald, Peter Hopkins [MC1961 RIP] # # # # # |
Dec 19, 2010 MOBIT: Blumberg, Joel [MCxstaff RIP]http://www.newsday.com/sports/radio-man-blumberg-dies-at-64-1.2552362Radio man Blumberg dies at 64 Originally published: December 18, 2010 7:32 PM Updated: December 18, 2010 9:33 PM By JEFF WILLIAMS jeff.williams@newsday.com *** begin quote *** As he had done a thousand times before, Joel Blumberg boarded a Long Island Rail Road train in Merrick on Friday afternoon, headed for Madison Square Garden. Blumberg, a longtime radio broadcaster, producer and engineer from East Meadow, was going to work for a Miami Heat radio broadcast of the Knicks game. But while on the train, he was stricken with what appears to be a heart attack, and he was pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital. He was 64. Blumberg had engineered and produced radio broadcasts for virtually every local professional and college team. He worked for the Islanders, Rangers, Knicks, Jets and St. John’s. He had been the play-by-play man for Manhattan College basketball games for many years and had done NFL and NCAA broadcasts around the country. *** end quote *** Blumberg, Joel [MCxstaff RIP] [JR: Staff — current and past — are recognized, remembered, and prayed for. We are mindful of the service of these good men and women that comprise the Jasper “forge” that making us what we are.] # # # # # |
Dec 19, 2010 JLINKEDIN: Gatens, Kathie [MC1993] Director of Investigations at HSBChttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/kathie-gatens/25/504/617Gatens, Kathie [MC1993] Director of Investigations at HSBC Greater New York City Area Financial Services # # # # # |
Dec 19, 2010 JEMAIL: Lawrence, Richard A. (MC1968) explains the robot to meRE: Anyone else find the logo “yucky”? Jaspers are robots. Stiffs. Pre-programmed?Hi John, The robot is the StatSheet logo. It appears StatSheet is generating web “fan” pages for the Division 1 schools and simply sticking the NCAA approved school logo on the StatSheet robot. To answer the rest of your questions, come out to one of the basketball games and draw your own conclusions. Regards, Rich [JR: Ahhh, now I get the symbolism. (You only have to explain stuff several times using little words for me to catch on.) Like those "do not reply" email addresses that every business seems to be fond of! I don't understand how either the robot or the "do not reply" that adds value. But, to each their own. Hope they didn't pay a lot for that "service". So now we have TWO sources of sports info GOJASPERS and JASPERFAN. Any bets on when the Athletic Department spawns another? One of these days I'll get back to the gym. Probably for my ashes to be scattered!] Lawrence, Richard A. (MC1968) # # # # # |
Dec 19, 2010 JOBIT: O’Melia, Charles R. [MC1955 RIP]http://www.waterworld.com/index/display/news_display/1325302228.htmlCharles O’Melia, Leading Water Treatment Researcher and Long-Time Johns Hopkins Professor, Dies at 76 Targeted News Service December 17, 2010 Johns Hopkins University issued the following news release: *** begin quote *** Charles R. O’Melia, one of the world’s leading water treatment researchers, who also mentored more than 100 environmental engineering graduate students during almost three decades at The Johns Hopkins University, died Dec. 16, at age 76. Mary O’Melia, his wife of 54 years, said her husband was diagnosed with brain cancer shortly after Thanksgiving and died in his sleep while receiving hospice care at the family’s home in Timonium, Md. “It was a very peaceful passing,” she said. In recent weeks, many friends, former students and professional colleagues had sent postcards, sharing favorite memories. “It meant a lot to him,” Mary O’Melia said. At the time of this death, Charles O’Melia was a professor emeritus in the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering in the university’s Whiting School of Engineering (http://engineering.jhu.edu/). O’Melia, known to family and friends as “Charlie,” left behind a highly respected body of work. In 2005 the journal Environmental Science and Technology paid tribute to O’Melia in a special issue, calling attention to his studies of how particles behave in water and how best to remove them. A commentary piece in the journal said, “His work has inspired scientists and engineers worldwide and has made a profound impact on the design and operation of water treatment plants.” In a joint message to the Whiting School, Nick Jones, dean of the school, and Edward Bouwer, chair of the department, said, “A true scholar and gentleman, Charlie embodied the best of Johns Hopkins. His generosity and warmth of spirit were matched by a terrific dedication to his work as a researcher, educator and scholar. Charlie had a tremendous impact on the department, the university, and the field of environmental engineering, and his passing is a terrible loss to generations of his colleagues, students, friends and leaders throughout the water industry and academia.” In an interview, Bouwer added, “Charlie’s impact to the profession of environmental engineering, especially in the area of water and wastewater treatment, has been immense. He did pioneering work on removal of particles from water. His models and methodology have really stood the test of time and are still being used today.” O’Melia was considered one of the world’s foremost experts in filtration and coagulation. In recognition of his water treatment expertise, he was chosen a decade ago to chair an advisory committee that reviewed the management of New York City’s water supply. His many honors included election in 1989 to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. In 2000, he was the recipient of the Athalie Richardson Irvine Clarke prize, one of the top awards in the field of water-related research and technology. The Clarke honor came with a gold medallion and a $50,000 prize. In an interview when the award was announced, O’Melia, known for his humble demeanor, said, “I’m going to keep the medal and give away the money. If I’d won the lottery, I wouldn’t give all of that money away. But this was an award associated with some of the work I’ve done, and I didn’t want to profit from it. I wanted to recognize some of the places that have helped my wife and me to get here. It was a team effort.” O’Melia donated some of the prize money to Manhattan College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1955. The gift was designated for an endowment honoring Donald J. O’Connor, a professor who introduced O’Melia to environmental engineering. The remaining funds were donated to Fontbonne Hall, a New York Catholic girls high school that his wife had attended. O’Melia maintained lifelong ties to New York City. He was born in Manhattan in 1934 to a mother who taught elementary school and a father who was an accountant for a construction company. He grew up in the Bronx and Brooklyn and attended his father’s alma mater, Manhattan College. His fascination with the city’s bridges, tunnels and tall buildings initially led him to study civil engineering. But gradually he was drawn to the emerging field of environmental engineering. “It just seemed more intellectually challenging at the time,” he said in a 2000 interview with the Johns Hopkins University Gazette. “It also allowed me to do something that involved serving the public.” In 1956, O’Melia earned his master’s degree in environmental engineering at the University of Michigan, then returned to New York City, where he took an engineering job with a consulting firm. Also in 1956 he married Mary Curley, starting a family that grew to six children. The consulting job was short-lived, however, as O’Melia opted instead to return to Michigan to pursue his doctorate in environmental engineering, which he completed in 1963. Afterward, he taught at Georgia Tech, did further research at Harvard University, and then served on the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During these years, he developed a love of teaching and research that remained with him throughout his career. At UNC in 1971, O’Melia collaborated with his first doctoral student and a third researcher to produce a paper called “Water and Wastewater Filtration: Concepts and Applications.” The highly influential paper detailed particle activities in the water filtration process: interception, sedimentation and diffusion. O’Melia’s rigorous research on these processes eventually influenced U.S. Environmental Protection Agency filtration rules for removing harmful particles and microbes from water. In 1979, The Johns Hopkins University reestablished a separate engineering school. O’Melia was recruited for a faculty post in the rejuvenated Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering and was hired in 1980. He spent 27 years with the department, including two terms as department chair, and mentored numerous master’s and doctoral students, many of whom went on to become prominent professors at other schools and leading figures in government and private engineering posts. “As a teacher, Charlie was simply extraordinary,” said William C. Becker, one of O’Melia’s former doctoral students who is now vice president and director of water process technology and research at Hazen and Sawyer, a New York consulting firm. “He had a way of explaining very complex material in terms that were understandable. More importantly, he taught his students to always look at problems in terms of first principles, but to also always keep an eye on the big picture. As an advisor he demonstrated creativity, clear vision, and true excellence.” Becker also described O’Melia as “a phenomenal role model” and “perhaps the most humble person I have ever met, always giving credit to others. In summary, Charlie embodies all of the characteristics of a true mentor.” During his years at Johns Hopkins, O’Melia saw his home department rise in stature. “It’s been remarkable to see the growth of environmental engineering in the department from almost non-existent in 1980 to a program that’s consistently ranked among the best in the country,” O’Melia told Johns Hopkins Engineering magazine in 2007, when he announced his retirement. During his years on the faculty, he also served on national advisory panels and in water research organization positions, while continuing to conduct important studies in aquatic chemistry, environmental colloid chemistry, water and wastewater treatment, and modeling of natural surface and subsurface waters. In 1999, he was named the university’s Abel Wolman Professor of Environmental Engineering, established in honor of a renowned Johns Hopkins faculty member who pioneered modern water supply chlorination methods. O’Melia also continued to be the subject of tributes for his teaching and his research. One of the most noteworthy events occurred in 2004, when he was honored with a symposium and dinner at a national meeting of the American Chemical Society, held in Philadelphia. Over a three-day period, 44 oral presentations were delivered, and a poster session was held, all in honor of O’Melia and his research. Shortly after the event, O’Melia told the Johns Hopkins Gazette that he had been reluctant to be the focus of such attention. But he also said that he had attended every scholarly presentation at the meeting and was delighted by their content. “I was impressed,” he said. “Everyone I talked to felt that the level of research was very high. To me, the good thing was to see more focus on this area of research — particles, pollutants and interfaces in water.” Regarding the tribute dinner, he added, “They showed a lot of playful old pictures that neither my wife nor I knew existed. There was a lot of mirth and laughter and camaraderie.” Outside of the lab and the classroom, O’Melia’s favorite avocation was basketball. Until an injury sidelined at him at age 60, he was known as a fierce competitor on the court in pickup games with his students and colleagues. He was also devoted to his family. Mary O’Melia said he had a chance to visit with all of his children and grandchildren in the weeks before his death. In addition to Mary O’Melia, he is survived by his daughters Kathleen O’Melia of Timonium, Md.; Mary Margaret O’Melia of Chapel Hill, N.C.; Anne Marie O’Melia O’Conor of Cincinnati; his sons Charles “Chuck” O’Melia of Atlanta; John O’Melia of Towson, Md.; and Michael O’Melia of Chapel Hill; his sister, Anne Francis O’Melia of Chappaqua, N.Y.; and 11 grandchildren. A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at St. Joseph’s Parish, 100 Church Lane in Cockeysville, Md. The university’s Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering also is planning a service in honor of O’Melia in the coming months at a time and place not yet determined. #-#-# O’Melia, Charles R. [MC1955 RIP] Guestbook: None cited ##### |
Dec 20, 2010 JEMAIL: Gorman, Ken (MC1954) publishes his fourth bookI’m pleased to announce the release of my fourth novel since retiring to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. COMPELLED tells of a wounded vet, suspected of PTSD, who returns from Iraq and gets his life back together. A synopsis can be found at: http://www.kengormanbooks.com.I guess the Humanities course in the Business School had a delayed impact on me. Thanks. Ken Gorman, ’54B [JR: Very impressive. Patterson better watch out.] # # # # # posted 2010-12-20 07:07 |
Dec 20, 2010 JEMAIL: Stebbins, Donald M (MC1961) tells us poor people are easy to findDear Jasper John,Just about every Christmas Season my wife and I watch the 1951 version of “A Christmas Carol” to help get into the spirit of the holiday. I have often wondered if people of the libertarian / conservative / Republican / Tea Party stripe secretly root for the pre-Christmas Ebeneezer Scrooge, as he denounces the poor of his day. His mean-spirited nature seems to be echoed daily in the rants on talk radio and FOX News just to name of couple of rightist outlets. Certainly rightists / libertarians of today resent Scrooge paying more than the going wage just because his conscience was awakened by a few scary ghosts. My suspicions were confirmed by your response to my letter about the American poor. Your belief that poor Americans are not really poor compared to the third world poverty stricken could have been used by Scrooge himself. I’m certain that Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim were much better off than residents of parts of Asia and Africa in the 19th century. If FOX News had been around during Scrooge’s time he probably would have had no problem shrugging off the appearances of ghosts and went on with business as usual. Bob, and even Tiny Tim, look pretty healthy to me in the movie version. And couldn’t Tim have gone to the equivalent of an emergency room and received “free care” Mervyn Johns, who played Bob Cratchit, was described as a stocky, benevolent-looking Welsh character (actor). Though overweight he lived to the ripe age of 93. I suggest you watch a version of the film this holiday season, sit back. and see where your sympathies lie. Maybe you will be visited by the spirit of Christmas and feel a little more empathy for the poor among us. Regarding the American poor and color TV’s an article in the New York Times observes that, with the number of mobile subscriptions exceeding five billion, more people today have access to a cell phone than to a clean toilet. Leaving aside the relative value of these two appliances, the surge in cell phones in Africa—some 94 percent of urban Africans are near a GSM signal—is transforming the continent. Farmers in Niger use cell phones to find out which market is giving the best price; people in Kenya pay their bills and send money home using M-Pesa. Do you infer from this that there is no poverty in the world? Just ask yourself how many meals one can buy or how many month’s rent can be paid for the price of a color TV or a cell phone. BTW if you don’t know any real poor people here I suggest you get around a little more. I have no problem finding them. Sincerely yours, Donald M Stebbins BS 1961 [JR: We'll have to just keep agreeing to disagree agreeably. (1) I think good old Ebenezer, pre Ghosts, is very misunderstood. When you read my Christmas ENDNOTE make sure you've take your blood pressure medicine. (Yes, I write the POSITRACTIONS and ENDNOTES a few weeks in advance.) (2) There is a difference in poverty in different places. We should differentiate between "poverty" caused by poor choices and "poverty" that results from other people's choices. We should differentiate between starving and "poverty farmers". I see a big difference between the two. And, the Gooferment is, imho, in many cases, if not all, the cause of or exacerbates it. (3) Didn't some wise person once say "the poor you will always have with you"? In any statistical distribution, you'll always have "rich" and "poor". The question is what's the difference between "poor" and "poverty". I've been poor as has my wife. It's not fun. But, in some ways, liberating and motivating. (4) Having a cell phone or color TV doesn't make one "not poor". But, you can't compare "not having a color TV" poor to "starving" poor. (5) I know several poor people And, I'm busy helping. Both in their thinking and financially. Even though sometimes, I feel "poor" myself. Especially when the Gooferment spends what they have stolen from all of us. (6) Seasonal greetings as always.] Stebbins, Donald M (MC1961) # # # # # |
Dec 20, 2010 JEMAIL: Orgon, Edward A. (MC1967) cites “network fan-centric sports sites”Here’s the basketball link: http://jasperfan.com/Orgon, Edward A. (MC1967) # – # – # About Us Jasper Fan is a proud member of the StatSheet network of online, fan-centric sports sites covering every college basketball team in the country. Our goal is to provide you, the Manhattan fan, with the most comprehensive, insightful, real-time analysis and statistics on Manhattan basketball. Other local and national sports outlets provide basic analysis on Manhattan basketball. Only Jasper Fan gives you up-to-the-minute detailed analysis and previews based on real time stats and historical trends. We give you unique insight on every player, every game, every opponent, every coach, even the referees! And unlike other sports sites who rely mainly on local bloggers and part-time sports analysts, Jasper Fan utilizes advanced technology to ensure that you are getting the most accurate analysis possible. We hope you bookmark Jasper Fan and make it your #1 destination for Manhattan basketball! # – # – # [JR: Don't understand the difference or the value. But, it's a resource, if anyone is interested.] # # # # # posted 2010-12-20 11:25 |
Dec 20, 2010 JLINKEDIN: Bachowski, Alyssa [MC2011] Intern at MTV Networkshttp://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssabachowskiBachowski, Alyssa [MC2011] Intern at MTV Networks Greater New York City Area Marketing and Advertising Blog http://alyssabachowski.tumblr.com/ Summary: My name is Alyssa Bachowski and I am a senior Marketing major at Manhattan College. I am currently looking for a full time entry level position upon graduating in May. Marketing has been one of my main interests all throughout school. Working at Urban Outfitters has given me vital experience in promoting products to customers, superb time management, and positively contributing to the success of a thriving company. Assisting customers with ideas for outfits allowed me to be creative and put together one-of-a-kind ensembles that specifically met the customer’s desires. Playing for my school’s collegiate varsity soccer team has also given me moralistic values that have bettered me as a person in many ways. I learned how to stay calm and perform under pressure and that the team as a unit is more important than the individual. This past summer I interned for Conversation, LLC, a small marketing agency in Manhattan, NY. There I was given the position of the Brand Development Intern. I assisted my supervisors with various projects for clients including Svedka Vodka, The Children’s Place and Tom Ford. I helped with creating PowerPoint presentations, conducting thorough research on potential clients and their competitors, compiled outreach lists to contact for promotional campaigns and contributed my personal ideas for campaign pitches. At Conversation, I was also given the task of writing daily entries for their company blog. This helped me fine tune my writing skills and to express my own unique voice. # # # # # |
Dec 21, 2010 JOBIT: Daly, Thomas J. [MC1965 RIP]http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Thomas-Daly&lc=1354&pid=147326240&mid=4482393Thomas J. Daly Thomas J. Daly of Scarsdale passed away on December 18, 2010. Thomas was born on June 12, 1943 in New York to James and Mary Daly. He attended All Hollows High School in the Bronx and graduated form Manhattan College. Thomas was a CPA, practicing in Westchester for over twenty years. Thomas is survived by his wife Mary Ellen, his children Shannon and James and his sister Susan Cahill of Greenwich, CT. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Visiting Hours Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9PM. A Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday 10AM Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Interment to follow Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) in his memory #-#-# Daly, Thomas J. [MC???? RIP] Guestbook: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/DignityMemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=thomas-daly&pid=147326240 # # # # # posted 2010-12-21 09:11 John, I believe Thomas J. Daly is a member of the class of 1965. Ed McEneney Edward J. (MC1959) [JR: Thanks, Ed. Much appreciated.] Daly, Thomas J. [MC1965 RIP] # # # # # posted 2010-12-21 12:28 22 DEC 2010 Dear John Reinke, I called the funeral home in New York to check, but the Manager was not certain. All they had was the obituary. Anyway, the Thomas J. Daly, that I knew, was on the Varsity Swimming Team with me. Thomas J. Daly was listed as being born in 1943, which would make him the correct age for Class of 1965. Thomas J. Daly received a B.E.E. in 1965, as did I. If I hear anything more from the Funeral Director, I’ll be certain to contact you. Merry Christmas! Yours, John Peter Rooney EE 1965. [JR: Thanks, you're going beyond the call of duty. McEneney Edward J. (MC1959) called it as '65. So, you both probably correct. Merry and Happy to you and all our fellow Jaspers.] [JR: Careful, Ed, I think Rooney is after your coveted assignment in the VIRTUAL JASPER JOTTINGS NEWSROOM! ROFL.] # # # # # posted 2010-12-22 20:14 |
Dec 21, 2010 MFOUND: Photos of girl purporting to be from MChttp://nyc.barstoolsports.com/hot-gallery/barstool-ny-smokeshow-of-the-day-cassandra/?pid=31826*** begin quote *** Introducing Cassandra from Manhattan College. You know whats great? I usually start drinking heavily Thursday night after the last smokeshow of the week goes up and I dont stop till Mondays. So by the time 5pm Monday rolls around and I put up another banger like Cassandra here, its like there was never even a break in between. Just feels like its back to back 10s. Its Christmas week folks. And Santa ain’t bringing me <synonym for excrement>. So its up to Stoolies to hook me up this Christmas with some smokeshow nominations. Send first and last names to *** end quote *** [JR: I "carefully" examined the proffered photos but could find no evidence that "Cassandra" has any connection with "our" MC. God's beauty is certainly evidenced in the photos. And, there's nothing nasty about them. I do wonder what the flag on the wall in the second one is. Submitted for your consideration. Of the flag, that is.] # # # # # posted 2010-12-21 09:37 |
Dec 21, 2010 JHQ: Video Clip from Christmas Concerthttp://home.manhattan.edu/collegerelations/Liz/FestivalofLessons/festivaloflessons.htmlSee a Video Clip from Christmas Concert Take a look at a short video from Manhattan College’s Festival of Lessons and Carols on Dec. 5. The Manhattan College Singers and Orchestra, the Packer Collegiate Institute String Ensemble, alumni from the Manhattan Singers and the College’s glee club participated in the holiday concert. Click here to see the video. # # # # # posted 2010-12-21 12:22 |
Dec 21, 2010 JLINKEDIN: Ryan, Patricia [MC1987] Biologics Project Manager at Merckhttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/patricia-ryan/10/a99/318Ryan, Patricia [MC1987] Biologics Project Manager at Merck Greater New York City Area Pharmaceuticals # # # # # |
Dec 22, 2010 JOBIT: Walsh, Robert V. [MC1943 RIP]http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/obituaries/bs-md-ob-robert-walsh-20101221,0,3004366.storyRobert V. Walsh, advertising executive, dies He had appeared in local playhouses and in films and was a Center Stage founder By Jacques Kelly, The Baltimore Sun 3:36 p.m. EST, December 21, 2010 *** begin quote *** Robert V. Walsh, a retired advertising executive who won critics’ praise for his performances at local theaters over the past five decades, died of a respiratory ailment Dec.14 at Gilchrist Hospice Care. He was 89 and lived at Roland Park Place. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of Irish immigrants. He won a New York Regents Scholarship and earned a history degree at Manhattan College. He also debated, was yearbook editor, participated in dramatics and competed in track and field. He later received a master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University. *** and *** “He had a deep, magnificent voice,” said a friend, Ralph Piersanti, who lives in White Marsh. “He was cast when someone was needed to sound like the voice of a god or a senator or judge.” *** and *** He retired from the firm in 1982 as senior vice president for marketing and a member of the company’s board of directors. He and his wife appeared together at Vagabond Players performances at the old Read Street playhouse. They became associated with the Johns Hopkins Playshop, later named Theatre Hopkins, where they acted together and separately in plays on the Homewood campus. He performed in “Queen After Death,” “Charley’s Aunt,” “The Cocktail Party” and “The Seagull,” among other productions. He and his wife appeared together in a 1991 production of “The Cocktail Hour.” *** and *** In the early 1960s, the Walshes joined a group of theater lovers who became the founders of Center Stage. He served on its first board of directors. He and his wife were also supporters of the 1981 Baltimore International Theatre Festival and later attended Everyman Theatre performances. *** and *** A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 29 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 120 Allegheny Ave., Towson, where he was a former vestry member. In addition to his wife of 62 years, survivors include two sons, Dr. Eric Walsh of Portland, Ore., and Mark Walsh of Chevy Chase; and four grandchildren. *** end quote *** #-#-# Walsh, Robert V. [MC???? RIP] Guestbook: None cited ##### John, I believe that Robert V. Walsh is a member of the class of 1943. Ed McEneney Edward J. (MC1959) [JR: Thanks, Ed. Much appreciated.] Walsh, Robert V. [MC1943 RIP] # # # # # posted 2010-12-22 21:13 |
Dec 22, 2010 JHQ: Manhattan Men’s Basketball Yearbook on Salehttp://www.gojaspers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=12500&ATCLID=205058381# # # # # posted 2010-12-22 12:26 |
Dec 22, 2010 JNEWS: Murphy, William G. [MC1978] Mgr Urban Engineers Hartford CThttp://www.conntact.com/mainstreet/10949-whos-what-where-.html*** begin quote *** William G. Murphy, PE, has been hired by Urban Engineers to manage the firm’s New England regional office in Hartford. Murphy, who has 30 years of experience, is a registered professional engineer in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. He holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut, a master’s in civil engineering from Northwestern and a BS in civil engineering from Manhattan College. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers, International Society of Soil Mechanics and Foundations Engineers, the New England chapter of the American Public Works Association and the American Water Works Association. *** end quote *** Murphy, William G. [MC????] # # # # # posted 2010-12-22 12:28 John, I believe that William G. Murphy is a member of the class of 1978. Ed McEneney Edward J. (MC1959) [JR: Thanks, Ed. Much appreciated.] Murphy, William G. [MC1978] # # # # # posted 2010-12-22 21:15 |
Dec 22, 2010 JLINKEDIN: Cuomo, Jonathan [MC2007] Mech Eng I at Syska Hennessy Grphttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/jonathan-cuomo-eit-leed-ap/10/a92/779Cuomo, Jonathan [MC2007] Mechanical Engineer I at Syska Hennessy Group Greater New York City Area Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Summary: Long Term Goals: PE Certification Specialties: ACAD MEP 2008, 2010, Excel, Word, Bluebeam Revu, Prolog # # # # # |
Dec 23, 2010 JOBIT: Shea, Arthur Patrick [MC1960 RIP]http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/app/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=147360284Arthur Patrick Shea M.D. (Asbury Park Press) ARTHUR PATRICK SHEA, M.D. POINT PLEASANT BEACH Arthur P. Shea died peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010. He was born to John and Julia Shea on September 5, 1938 in The Bronx, New York. The youngest of five boys, he graduated from Manhattan College in New York and later earned his medical degree from U. C. Galway, Ireland. After completing his residency at Hartford Hospital, Connecticut he was called to serve in the United States Naval Corp. Arthur served as a medic in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 where he earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander. During his service, Arthur was decorated with the Navy Commendation Medal and a Bronze Star. After Vietnam, Arthur moved to Point Pleasant Beach New Jersey and worked at the Point Pleasant Hospital as an anestheologist, later becoming the head of that department. During his time at Point Pleasant Hospital, he came to meet the love of his life, Judy. They married in 1980 and began 30 years of togetherness: bike rides, books, laughter and love. Arthur, also known as “Doc” to many of his family and friends was extremely humble and known to be quiet but had a great mind and a quick wit. In 1992, he retired to begin his new life of playing golf with Pat, John and Bernie. He also continued to take vacations with his lifelong friends, David and Nancy Lopez. Arthur was predeceased by his brothers, James and Edward. And he is survived by his brothers, John and wife, Francine, Brother Richard and Edwards wife Lori. Arthur leaves behind nine loving nephews and their families. Judy’s brother, Bruce, wife, Diane and family will also miss “Doc” dearly. Arthur had a loving relationship with step children and adored his grandchildren, Albert, Kimberlee, Kyle, Andrew and Cameron Barnes as well as Richard, Kathryn, RJ, William Otto and Emily and Jennifer Wells. Visitation will be Sunday, December 26, 2010 from 5-8 PM at the Van Hise & Callagan Funeral Home, 812 Arnold Ave, Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ. A funeral mass will be held Monday, 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s RC Church, Pt. Pleasant Beach. Cremation will be private. Published in Asbury Park Press on December 23, 2010 #-#-# Shea, Arthur Patrick [MC???? RIP] Guestbook: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/app/guestbook.aspx?n=arthur-shea&pid=147360284&cid=full ##### John, I believe that Arthur Patrick Shea M.D. is a member of the class of 1960. Ed McEneney Edward J. (MC1959) [JR: Thanks, Ed. Much appreciated.] Shea, Arthur Patrick [MC1960 RIP] # # # # # posted 2010-12-23 17:09 |
Dec 23, 2010 JTWITTER: Mulligan, Sarah [MC2009] didn’t like the address labelsREPORTING LIVE FROM THE TWITTER NEWS DESK IN THE VIRTUAL JASPER JOTTINGS NEWSROOM … 2010-12-23http://twitter.com/smulligan/statuses/17736183308095488 Ugh, Manhattan College. Please learn to market yourself to your alumni better than complimentary address labels with your two logos on them. by smulligan (Sarah Mulligan) # – # – # [JR: Hey, at least someone tried something.] Mulligan, Sarah (MC2009) # # # # # posted 2010-12-23 12:19 |
Dec 23, 2010 JLINKEDIN: Wood, Joanna [MC2007] Brand Manager at Michael Korshttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/joanna-wood/16/b45/400Wood, Joanna [MC2007] Brand Manager at Michael Kors Greater New York City Area Marketing and Advertising # # # # # |
Dec 24, 2010 JOBIT: Conkling, Robert L. [MC1939 RIP]http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nytimes/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=147367629ROBERT L. CONKLING 1918 – 2010 ROBERT L. CONKLING, 92, died at home on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, in Larchmont, NY. The cause of death was prostate cancer. Bob was married for 53 years to Sylvia Hoban Alexander Conkling, his true love, who died in 2000. Bob and Sally met by chance one stormy night on a night train from Pennsylvania Station to Philadelphia during WWII (a story he loved to tell) and were married in East Hampton, NY in ‘47. They established their home in Larchmont, NY, in ‘54 where they raised their six children. Bob graduated from Manhattan College in ‘39, was a member of the men’s track team, became it’s captain, and was inducted into the Manhattan College Hall of Fame in ‘91. Bob served in the United States Navy from ‘42-‘46 on the U.S.S. Tattnall and on the U.S.S. Amick. He participated in the Invasion of Southern France, was awarded numerous decorations, including two bronze stars. He graduated from Fordham Law School in ‘49 and was admitted to the New York State Bar in ‘50. Bob spent his entire career at the Manhattan law firm of Bleakley, Platt, et al., rising to managing partner. He was a member of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York; National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel (President, ‘76-‘77); past president of the Larchmont Babe Ruth League and the University Club of Larchmont. Bob is survived and deeply missed by his family: Robert, Jr., Peter (Nancy), Christopher (Ms. Simon McQueen), John, Jamie (Lillibeth), and Elise Galgano (Al) and his four grandchildren: John Granata, James Granata, Heather Conkling, Peter Conkling and one great grand-daughter: Jessica Conkling. Viewing at Fox Funeral Home in Larchmont, 12/27, 2-7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Augustine’s, Larchmont, 12/28, at 10 a.m. Donations can be made in his memory to Hospice and Palliative Care of Westchester, NY. Published on NYTimes.com from December 23 to December 24, 2010 #-#-# Conkling, Robert L. [MC1939 RIP] Guestbook: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/nytimes/guestbook.aspx?n=robert-conkling&pid=147367629&cid=full ##### |
Dec 24, 2010 JOBIT: Santorelli, John Anthony [MC1956 RIP]http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/staugustine/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=147371950John Anthony Santorelli John Anthony Santorelli, 77, of St. Augustine, Fla., passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010 after a three-year fight with ALS. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rosalie; his children, John, Ben, Annmarie and Rosann; his grandchildren, Zachary, Amber, Christopher, BJ, Brandon and Jordon; and his great-grandchildren, Austin, Isabelle and Chandler. John was born in Flushing, N.Y., in 1933 to John and Marie Santorelli. He earned his degree in civil engineering from Manhattan College, in Riverside, N.Y. With his degree, he worked for the City of New York as a project engineer, as well as with the federal government as a civil engineer, where he traveled all over the U.S, including working for a period of time in the Pentagon. In 1959, John suggested requiring seat belts in all federal government vehicles. In 1967, he ran for Congress in Queens, N.Y. In 1968, he transferred to Jacksonville, Fla. with the Corps of Engineers, and discovered St. Augustine, where he and his wife settled down, and have lived since. While residing in St. Augustine, John was active in the community. He served as the president of the Parent and Teacher Organization of the Cathedral Parish School, as well as on the Port Authority of St. Augustine. He was actively involved in Right to Life, served as the chairman of the pool committee for the Elk”s and served as the Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. John hosted a local television interview show called “Profiles of Success” for eight years. John was a devout Catholic, always striving for Sainthood. He contributed to maintaining the religious calendar program, consulted on plans for St. Joseph Academy and St. Anastasia Church, as well as the seawall at the Mission grounds. John had a passion for travel and meeting new people. He traveled all over the world, including England, Ireland, France, Italy, Russia, Australia and South America. Everywhere he went he made several new friends. For John, there was no language barrier. He asked everyone he met where they were from. John loved to tell stories and jokes. He loved to go to the Italian-American Club and socialize. There will be viewings at the Craig Funeral Home on Monday, Dec. 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with prayers at 6 p.m. ELKS service at 6:30 and K of C at 7 p.m., all at Craig Funeral Home on Tuesday. The funeral service will be held at the Basilica Cathedral of St. Augustine on Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the ALS Association, 3242 Parksie Center Circle, Tampa, FL 33619, www.alsa.org. Arrangements by Craig Funeral Home. Published in St. Augustine Record on December 24, 2010 #-#-# Santorelli, John Anthony [MC???? RIP] Guestbook: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/staugustine/guestbook.aspx?n=john-santorelli&pid=147371950&cid=full ##### Dear John, I believe that John is a member of the Class of 1956. May He Rest In Peace. Mike McEneney, Mike (MC1953) [JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.] Santorelli, John Anthony [MC1956 RIP] # # # # # posted 2010-12-24 12:01 |
Dec 24, 2010 JHQ: Manhattan Magazine Gets a Makeoverhttp://www.manhattan.edu/*** begin quote *** Manhattan Magazine Gets a Makeover Starting with the fall 2010 issue of Manhattan, Jaspers will notice a big difference in their alumni magazine. The College has redesigned the magazine, which officially launched in mid-December. Check out the new trim size, improved sections, feature stories and more. *** end quote *** # # # # # posted 2010-12-24 12:00 |
Dec 24, 2010 JLINKEDIN: Horan, Michael J. [MC1967] Staff Physician at FEDhttp://www.linkedin.com/pub/michael-j-horan-md-scm/12/a34/b46Horan, Michael J. [MC1967] Staff Physician at Federal Reserve Board Washington D.C. Metro Area Medical Practice Summary: At Johns Hopkins I did an internship and two residencies, one in Internal Medicine and the other in Preventive Medicine/Public Health, through a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars fellowship. After a few years on Hopkins’ faculty, I spent the next several years at the NIH in cardiovascular medicine and research. I managed human and capitol resources to advance knowledge and insight into cardiovascular health and diseases. I planned and developed cardiovascular research initiatives for preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This included the design, planning and monitoring of large, multi-site, clinical trials (TIMI, ACIP). I also authored publications on cardiovascular diseases and research; was the senior advisor to two NHLBI educational programs (National High Blood Pressure Education Program; National Heart Attack Alert Program); and authored multiple clinical practice guidelines (Heart Attack Alert, Hypertension, and Obesity). Currently, I am the Staff Physician at the Federal Reserve Board. Among my responsibilities, I am in charge of developing protocols for the B in CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive) threats against the security of the Federal Reserve Board. However, the most satisfying aspect of my current work is sitting down with highly motivated outpatients–not under the insurance gun to greet, treat and street them quickly–but rather, to take time to tell them a story in which I integrate information from their history, physical exam and laboratory studies and give them preventive medical advice, oftentimes centering around dietary and exercise counseling, and if necessary, recommending additional diagnostic studies and/or medical therapies. While I enjoy this work very much, it occupies only 60 % of my time. I am looking to compliment my current position with some consulting work, or if a full time exciting opportunity arose, I would certainly give that serious consideration. Specialties: • Internal Medicine • Preventive Medicine • Occupational Medicine • Health Services Research • Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) # # # # # |
Dec 24, 2010 JOY: Kurtoglu, Muriel [MC????] weds Rountos, Konstantine [MC2005]http://www.ctpost.com/entertainment/article/How-They-Met-It-s-all-about-family-919654.phpHow They Met: It’s all about family Carolyn Mueller, Staff Writer Published: 04:16 p.m., Friday, December 24, 2010 *** begin quote *** In just a few short days, Muriel Aylin Kurtoglu, daughter of Ali and Suzanne Kurtoglu of Bethel, will be marrying Konstantine John Rountos at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Danbury. The Rev. Peter Karloutsos will solemnize their marriage. They’ve planned a New Year’s Eve ceremony, with more than 300 friends and family coming from all around the globe to celebrate with them. Muriel and Konstantine spend plenty of time in Manhattan, where both are finishing up advanced degrees, but find they are frequently back in Connecticut, attending family events. Muriel grew up in Bethel, and Konstantine is from Danbury. In Konstantine’s case, he may sometimes be found helping out at the Windmill Diner on Mill Plain Road, which his parents, John and Valerie Rountos, own and operate. *** and *** Both Muriel and Konstantine got their undergraduate degrees at Manhattan College. They’ve known each other for seven years and have dated for four years, Muriel explained. “We started off as friends and evolved into the relationship we have now,” Muriel said. “I’m of Turkish background, he’s of Greek background. Such an unpredictable couple.” Muriel was impressed by Konstantine’s passion for everything he does. “He’s got ambition and is working toward a Ph.D. in marine sciences and ecology. He was a Fullbright Scholar,” she noted. No slouch herself, Muriel got her bachelor’s degree in economics and is finishing a master’s in mathematics education. She’s worked for Morgan Stanley for three years and plans to become a middle school math teacher. *** end quote *** Kurtoglu, Muriel Aylin [MC????] Rountos, Konstantine John [MC????] # # # # # posted 2010-12-24 23:06 Dear John, I believe that Konstntine is a member of the Class of 2005, but I do not find a year for Muriel in my “stuff” Mike McEneney, Mike (MC1953) [JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated. Have to get you better "stuff". You'd think that the Alumni "stuff" would be in a wiki somewhere. Maybe I should do that?] Kurtoglu, Muriel Aylin [MC????] Rountos, Konstantine John [MC2005] # # # # # posted 2010-12-25 10:10 |
Dec 25, 2010JBLOGGER: Marmbrandt, Malin [MC2011] completes the requirementshttp://manhattangirl.blogg.se/*** begin quote *** I can not believe it’s true! I am a College Graduate! How on earth has time passed so quickly? Was it all four years since I moved to New York? Huh? Totally unbelievable! The fact that I got through the first semester without going home is inexplicable;) That I since graduating four years later with almost perfect scores are almost even more incredible. But oh, I have struggled! It has not been easy. But mostly it’s been fantastic fun. What an experience! I can not imagine four more years elsewhere. I have seen so much, met so many wonderful people, have seen large parts of the United States, learned a lot about myself, and to take care of myself. I’m really a completely different person now than the super-nervous little girl who sat on a plane to New York much crying in January 2007. I have developed enormously as a person. I am independent, more understanding of different männsikor, I am stronger within, and above all courageous. I have a setting that (almost) nothing is impossible. (Yes, there are certain things that are impossible, eg I can not be America’s president, but it is MUCH more than you think). I have become better at speaking out, to work with different kinds of people, better (fluent) in English, better in the long jump, yes, I have improved all of these four years. Unbelievable what I’m happy to got this chance, that during the four years to live in New York, get a university degree FREE, received food and shelter for FREE, and got to know all my good friends. I am forever grateful to all who were involved in my college experience. Everyone who helped with all the paperwork that would be fixed before I was here, all that mentally and financially supported me over the years, and the coaches who helped me to success. I can not write everyone’s name because I’m afraid not everyone would come up with, but you know who you are! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I just want to hug everyone! KRAAAAAAAAAAAAM! My graduation ceremony will not be held until May, so there will be a trip with family (and friends who want to hang on;) to New York in mid-May when I finally get to throw my black graduation hat like that as we see in movies! Love / Mallan *** end quote *** Marmbrandt, Malin [MC2011] [JR: It has ben a hoot to read her blog. Written in Swedish, it's taught me that Google Translate is an amazing contribution to the web. It's funny the effect that MC has on folks. I hope MC survives the coming shakeout. And, I wish our fellow alum "good fortune" in all her endeavors. I know my reading will be a lot more boring without her high energy posts about MC.] # # # # # posted 2010-12-25 09:06 |
Dec 25, 2010JLINKEDIN: Cicogna, Patricia Felice [MC1997] Psychotherapist Private Practicehttp://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciafelicecicognaCicogna, Patricia Felice [MC1997] Psychotherapist at Private Practice Naples, Florida Area Mental Health Care Summary * Licensed Psychotherapist * Licensed Clinical Social Worker * Insurance Accepted Specialties: Counseling Services for Adults, Children, Adolescents & Families. Specializing in Anxiety Reduction, Trauma Resolution & Women’s Issues. # # # # # |
Dec 23, 2010 Comment on JTWITTER: Mulligan, Sarah [MC2009] didn’t like the labelsby Rich KaufmannI thought the address labels were a good idea. A good way to get the college’s name out there. Rich Kaufmann, MC’68 # # # # # |
Dec 24, 2010 Comment on JTWITTER: Mulligan, Sarah [MC2009] didn’t like the labelsby Sarah MulliganWhile a nice gesture, I think address labels are a little dated. I don’t know of anyone within my age group–the class that Manhattan College is currently reaching out to–who actively sends out mail that isn’t digital. I, for one, really have no use for them. There are other, more relevant (and, environmentally friendly) ways to get Manhattan College’s name out. # # # # # |
Dec 25, 2010ENDNOTE: Call me “Ebenezer”http://dumpdc.wordpress.com/2010/12/05/ebenezer-scrooge-and-economic-freedom/Ebenezer Scrooge and Economic Freedom *** begin quote *** The Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens, is one of the classics of literature. This short story has been made into plays and motion pictures. God only knows how many people have either read Dickens’ own work or have seen the work performed onstage or on the screen. *** and *** Poor Ebenezer Scrooge! Earned his wealth honorably, spent his wealth carefully, saved his wealth frugally. Yet that wasn’t enough for Charles Dickens. Scrooge had to be strong-armed into the Christmas spirit. Scrooge had to be forced into the mold that Western Civilization tries to push all of us through. And with the annual telling of ”A Christmas Carol,” every new generation is assaulted with the same litany of lies about Christmas and Free Enterprise. So it is with a doffed hat to Ebenezer Scrooge that I say to you all… Christmas? Bah Humbug!! *** end quote *** For those that don’t have time to read the short essay and think about a hard topic: • Scrooge’s firm provided a valuable service in the free market … didn’t derive his income from taxing others at the point of a gun. • He had every right to control the temperature in his own office. • Cratchit was working for Scrooge voluntarily. • Americans pay for Christmas with their credit cards, borrowing money from the future. • American savings rates are near zero, so they are no richer than last year. • Merchandising is King of Kings in December. • After Scrooge is tortured by Marley and the three Ghosts, he finally gives up to the overwhelming societal pressure. Sorry, but handouts, even at Christmas, are not true charity. The poor we will always have with us. But, we only have the Christian obligation to help them help themselves. I go nuts when I see folks begging for a handout. When they plead with politicians and bureaucrats, that sends me over the moon. The Gooferment, with its high taxes and welfare, pretend to help. In actuality, all they do is imprison people on the new Gooferment “plantation”. Argh! Merry Christmas, but remember Old Ebenezer wasn’t such a bad guy! Neither am I. # # # # # |