Broadcast from Interlochen, Michigan (Weekly Radio Variety - Music program) - July 7, 2012

as announced by way of Michigan LIVE! -- www.mlive.com/

In Radio Personality (American Public Media) Garrison Keillor’s Lake Wobegon, the women are strong, the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.

At Interlochen Fine Arts Camp (state of Michigan), it goes without saying that Keillor’s observation about children is as true as anywhere else.

Sage DeAgro-Ruopp, a vocalist from Traverse City and an Interlochen Arts Academy student, will perform along with Academy alumnus, trumpeter Theo Van Dyck, sharing the microphone on July 7, 2012 with Guy Noir, Private Eye, and Dusty and Lefty in The Lives of the Cowboys.

A string octet of four Interlochen faculty – violinists Susanna Perry Gilmore and Timothy Shiu, violist Leonard Schranze and cellist Astrid Schween – and four students – violinists Rachel Gravels and Andrew Cheshire, violist Anders Cornell, and cellist Harry Wilde Greer.

A Prairie Home Companion

The 6-foot, 3-inch tall Keillor has appeared frequently in Michigan, most recently in January in Saginaw’s Temple Theatre, though that show was just for locals, featuring Keillor by himself.
Keillor, who turns 70 in August 2012 , toyed with the idea of retiring in 2013, but in January he said his plans are on hold. debuted in 1974, and, apart from a short hiatus in the late 1980s, Keillor has been delivering the news from Lake Wobegon , the little town that time forgot.
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/06/garrison_keillors_a_prairie_ho.html#incart_more_entertainment

Nora Ephron (who died June 26, 2012) -- Family's Memorial Service plans

from CBS "Celebrity Circuit" posting at www.cbsnews.com/ (posted as of Wednesday June 27th):

Nora Ephron's son, Jacob Bernstein, said Wednesday that details about the Monday July 9, 2012  service are still being determined.

Ephron died on Tuesday in New York - Presbyterian Hospital at age 71. The author and Oscar-nominated filmmaker had been battling leukemia.

Ephron was one of Hollywood's most prominent figures and was known for movies including "Heartburn," "You've Got Mail," "Sleepless in Seattle" and her last, "Julie & Julia." As a screenwriter, she was nominated three times for Academy Awards.

She also was an acclaimed author.

FURTHER INFORMATION =

In addition to her son Jacob Bernstein, a journalist who writes frequently for the Styles section of The New York Times, Ms. Ephron is survived by her third husband, Mr.Nicholas Pileggi; another son, Max Bernstein, a rock musician; and her sisters Delia Ephron; Amy Ephron, who is also a screenwriter; and Hallie Ephron, a journalist and novelist.

NOTE: Her NY TIMES obituary written by Charles McGrath (June 26) is found at --
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/27/movies/nora-ephron-essayist-screenwriter-and-director-dies-at-71.html?pagewanted=all

Federal Transportation Legislation (2012) - passed by House -- Upton (R - 6th District) comments

as posted in M LIVE dot-com (Kalamazoo Gazette online posting) Friday June 29, 2012 afternoon:

Congress approved a new highway bill today without a Keystone XL pipeline provision championed by Sixth District Congressman Fred Upton (R - St. Joseph, MI).

And the St. Joseph Republican said he doesn't see the 1,500-mile pipeline becoming a reality while Barack Obama is president.

"They've done a good job in the last three-plus years of slowing us down," Upton said in an interview with MLive/Kalamazoo from the House floor before the vote. "It will probably take a change in November to see the project go forward."

Upton said language to approve Keystone XL was ultimately not included in the highway bill because the White House said it would veto the bill.

Environmentalists have raised safety concerns over the pipeline, which would carry 500,000 barrels a day of Canadian diluted bitumen to the Gulf of Mexico. Republicans have tried to get the pipeline approved by tacking it on to different bills, but none have passed. Obama said he would veto a bill, citing that more time is needed to study the enviormental impact of the pipeline.

10 a.m. Supreme Court announced 5 - 4 approval of the Constitutionality of Affordable Care Act

Some religious figures are acclaiming the opinion from the majority (Roberts, Breyer, Ginsberg, Kagan, Sotomejor):

In response to the June 28, 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act, Faith in Public Life executive director Rev. Jennifer Butler issued the following statement:

The Supreme Court did the right thing for American families by upholding the Affordable Care Act. Faith leaders worked tirelessly to pass this legislation because ensuring that all Americans have quality, affordable healthcare is a moral responsibility. The religious right needs to halt their misguided campaign to repeal this law. Human life is too sacred to be jeopardized by partisan crusades.

http://www.faithinpubliclife.org/blog/

Who teaches the literature of memory and exile? Andre Aciman (CUNY dot-edu) does (2012 required author)

One of our Summer Semester required journalists - novelists - essayists is Comparative Literature Professor Andre Aciman of New York, NY.  He wrote for the NORTON READER an essay about "A Double Exile" and has a well-received memoir about growing up in Alexandria, Egypt.  Here's his faculty bio in part:

Andre Aciman

---

André Aciman received his Ph. D. and A.M. in Comparative Literature from Harvard University and a B.A. in English and Comparative Literature from Lehman College. Before coming to The Graduate Center, he taught at Princeton University and Bard College. Although his specialty is in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century English, French and Italian literature (he wrote his dissertation on Madame de LaFayette's La Princesse de Clèves), he is especially interested in the theory of the psychological novel (roman d'analyse) across boundaries and eras. In addition to teaching the history of literary theory, he teaches the work of Marcel Proust and the literature of memory and exile. André Aciman is the Executive Officer of the Doctoral Program in Comparative Literature and the Director of The Writers' Institute at the Graduate Center.

"Art for a Cause" Show & Sale (Second Annual in memory of Ira Clark, Niles, MI) - Saturday June 30, 1 p.m. LMC

A second annual "Art for a Cause" show -- in memory of WW II and POW veteran Ira Clark of Niles, Michigan -- features ten artists and their work (pottery, acrylics, fiber arts, jewelry, photography, mosaics) from Michigan, Indiana, and Texas.
It will be held at Bertrand Crossing Campus, 1905 Foundations Drive, LMC -- Niles, Michigan from 1 - 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2012.
From items sold that day 30 percent of proceeds will be earmarked for children's home ministry in India, "Men of Honor" in Elkhart, IN, and "Feeding the Nations" in South Bend, IN.
Phone Jim Ellis and the campus staff at (269)-695-1391 for further details and directions to the campus off Route 12 and the 31 Bypass.

Summer Olympic Games - "Olympic Day" (Global celebration) June 23 -- White House plans with First Lady

Ahead of “Olympic Day,” a global commemoration of the birth of the modern Olympic Games on June 23, 2012 President Barack Obama on Friday (June 22) announced that First Lady Michelle Obama will lead the Presidential Delegation to the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England, U.K. She'll be accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom and five U.S. medalists, including Phoenix Suns legend/Men's Basketball gold medalist Grant Hill and Brandi Chastain, two-time gold medalist in Women's Soccer.

Women's gymnastics gold medalist Dominique Dawes, two-time women's swimming gold medalist Summer Sanders, Paralympic javelin gold medalist Gabriel Diaz de Leon, and Ambassador Louis B. Susman have also been tapped to be part of Team Obama.

“This summer I’ll be cheering on Team U.S.A. at the Olympic Games in London with this distinguished group of champions who truly represent the best of our country,” Mrs. Obama said. “Olympians and Paralympians are true American heroes and role models for all of us, especially our young people."

The Presidential Delegation will attend the Opening Ceremony on July 27, meet with members of Team USA, and use the visit to promote Mrs. Obama's Let's Move! campaign, encouraging children to get more healthy and active.

"I know that this delegation will help inspire a generation of young people to get into the Olympic spirit by getting active and healthy so they can reach their fullest potential and reach their dreams," Mrs. Obama said.
from Obama Food-o-rama Blog story -
http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/2012/06/president-obama-announces-presidential.html

Yes, these are notable books - writings (authors used in LMC Course for Summer Semester 2012):

Benjamin Franklin, "Poor Richard Improved" (1758) and "The Way to Wealth"
As a writer, Benjamin Franklin was best known for the wit and wisdom he shared with the readers of his popular almanac, "Poor Richard," under the pseudonym "Richard Saunders." In 1758, Franklin created a clever preface that repeated a number of his maxims, framed as an event in which Father Abraham advises that those seeking prosperity and virtue should diligently practice frugality, honesty and industry. It was reprinted as "Father Abraham’s Speech" and "The Way to Wealth."

Frederick Douglass, "The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" (1845)
Frederick Douglass’s first autobiography is one of the best-written and most widely read slave narratives. It was boldly published less than seven years after Douglass had escaped and before his freedom was purchased. Prefaced by statements of support from his abolitionist friends, William Garrison and Wendell Phillips, Douglass’s book relates his experiences growing up a slave in Maryland and describes the strategies he used to learn to read and write. More than just a personal story of courage, Douglass’s account became a strong testament for the need to abolish slavery.

Nathaniel Hawthorne, "The Scarlet Letter" (1850)
"The Scarlet Letter" was the first important novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of the leading authors of 19th-century romanticism in American literature. Like many of his works, the novel is set in Puritan New England and examines guilt, sin and evil as inherent human traits. The main character, Hester Prynne, is condemned to wear a scarlet "A" (for adultery) on her chest because of an affair that resulted in an illegitimate child. Meanwhile, her child’s father, a Puritan pastor who has kept their affair secret, holds a high place in the community.

"Books that shaped America" -- LOC exhibit June 2012 -- 88 titles displayed, more to be noticed & discussed

From LIBRARY of CONGRESS (loc dot-gov) notification - web announcement --

The Library of Congress--the world’s largest repository of knowledge and information--is beginning its multiyear "Celebration of the Book" with an exhibition, "Books That Shaped America," opening Monday, June 25, 2012. The exhibition is part of a larger series of programs, symposia and other events that explore the important and varied ways that books influence our lives.

The "Books That Shaped America" exhibition will be on view from June 25 through Sept. 29, 2012  in the Southwest Gallery, located on the second floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. This exhibition is made possible through the support of the National Book Festival Fund.

On view in the exhibition are many rare editions from the Library’s Rare Book and Special Collections Division, as well as other related items chosen from various parts of the Library.

"This list of ‘Books That Shaped America’ is a starting point. It is not a register of the ‘best’ American books--although many of them fit that description. Rather, the list is intended to spark a national conversation on books written by Americans that have influenced our lives, whether they appear on this initial list or not," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "We hope people will view the list and then nominate other titles. Finally, we hope people will choose to read and discuss some of the books on this list, reflecting our nation’s unique and extraordinary literary heritage, which the Library of Congress makes available to the world."

http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2012/12-123.html

http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2012/12-123.html

On this day in 1633 (Vatican inquisitors declare Galileo's heresy) : verdict on cosmology

from Writer's Almanac (American Public Media, Garrison Keillor):

On the date of June 22 in 1633, the Vatican ruled that Galileo Galilei was "vehemently suspect of heresy." Galileo supported Copernicus's theory of heliocentrism: namely that the Sun, not the Earth, was the center of the universe. All his books were banned, and he was placed under house arrest for the rest of his life.
Of course, Galileo's theory wasn't quite right either. We do revolve around the Sun, but the Sun is just one little yellow star on the arm of the spiraling Milky Way galaxy.

Senate leaders (Judiciary Cmte.) beseech Chief Justice to make TV - Live announcement (pending Health Care Act Constitutionality) - Monday June 18

from SCOTUS Blog (Supreme Court of the United States) dot-com :

The leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee have asked the Supreme Court to permit live television coverage of the Court’s announcement of its ruling on the constitutionality of the new health care law.  In a letter dated Monday June 18, 2012 to Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (Vermont Democrat) and Ranking Member Charles Grassley (Iowa Republican) stressed the importance of the decision and the opportunity that TV would provide for wide viewing of the release of the ruling.
The decision is expected before the end of this month (June 2012).  The Court has never allowed live TV coverage of any of its official proceedings, and the prospect that it would agree to do so in this instance seems remote at best.

posted by blogger Lyle Denniston -- 10:30 a.m. Tuesday June 19, 2012
http://www.scotusblog.com/

On June 19, 1945 -- Nobel Peace Prize Laureate born in Rangoon, Burma -- this month released from House Arrest for decades

Collected material about Aung San Suu Kyi at  www. I M D B dot-com/

Earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her efforts as a Burmese human rights activist, writer, and cofounder of the National League for Democracy, the country's most powerful opposition party. For her "treasonous" political activities, which consisted of journeying (sometimes by bullock cart or boat) the length and breadth of Burma to speak out against the dictatorship, she was placed under house arrest in July, 1989. When the Nobels of 1991 were announced, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said: "She became the leader of a democratic opposition which employs nonviolent means to resist a regime characterized by brutality. Suu Kyi's struggle is one of the most extraordinary examples of civil courage in Asia in recent decades."

Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was again put under 'protective custody' after clashes between her National League for Democracy and government forces in May 2003. Her detention has caused international concern. The United Nations, Australia, France, Japan, Sweden, Thailand and the United Kingdom have called for her release.

She was awarded an honorary A.C. (Companion of the Order of Australia) on May 24, 1996 for her services of her outstanding leadership and great personal courage in the struggle to bring democracy to Burma.

Personal Quotes

[on her father, Aung San, former Burmese nationalist leader who is known as the father of modern Burma:] "It was only when I grew older and started collecting material on his life and achievements that I began to learn what he had really been like and how much he had managed to achieve in his thirty-two years. Not only did I then conceive an admiration for him as a patriot and statesman but I developed a strong sense of empathy as I discovered many similarities in our attitudes. It is perhaps because of this strong bond that I came to feel such a deep sense of responsibility for the welfare of my country."

On personal power: If you give in to intimidation, you'll go on being intimidated.

On success: At the root of human responsibility is the concept of perfection, the urge to achieve it, the intelligence to find a path towards it, and the will to follow the path, if not to the end at least the distance needed to rise above the individual limitations and environmental impediments.

Juneteenth (almost 150 years ago) still marks Emancipation

from American Public Media (Garrison Keillor, Writer's Almanac):

This date (June 19) marks Juneteenth, also known as "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day." It's a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It was on this date in 1865 that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to spread the word that slavery had been abolished. Of course, the Emancipation Proclamation had gone into effect some two and a half years earlier, in January 1863; most Confederate states ignored it until they were forced to free their slaves by advancing Union troops.
From the balcony of Galveston's Ashton Villa, General Gordon read the contents of General Order Number Three: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere."
Galveston's former slaves celebrated that day, and formal Juneteenth festivities were held in other parts of Texas on the first anniversary. Celebrations of the holiday have waxed and waned over the years; today, Juneteenth is celebrated in communities all over the country, and as of earlier this year 2012, it's officially recognized as a holiday by the governments of 42 of the United States. Observances often include a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and performances of traditional African-American music, dancing, and literature.

When is the Summer Solstice 2012? -- Old Farmer's Almanac data (page 103)

The Summer Season is to begin June 20, at 7:09 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

In the Northern hemisphere, the summer solstice marks the beginning of summer and occurs when the North Pole is tilted toward the Sun.

This also marks the longest daylight periods of the entire year.

www.almanac.com/

Blogger endorses "Old 2 Gold" (Notre Dame resale of unclaimed Bikes, TVs, dorm items left by student residents)

the posting with official web site comes from "365 Things to do in South Bend" blogspot dot-com:
[you can also follow this blogger's 365thingssouthbend activity list at his Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/SouthBend365
He blogs about every week over the year (14 times since Jan. 1, 2012) ]


Old 2 Gold

I find it interesting to think about the things that bring out 'the crazy' in different people.  For some, it might be their beloved sports teams; for others, their cats.  Some people drive hundreds of miles for a comic book convention...or a road race.   And for some, a good bargain is worth waking up for, worth fighting crowds and inclement weather.

Tomorrow morning (Saturday June 16, 2012) marks the annual "Old 2 Gold sale", a sort of Black Friday for second-hand goods in the area.  Notre Dame collects and sells off unwanted and forgotten goods gathered from its students at the end of the academic year.  The piles and piles of stuff are then sold off at rock bottom prices, like $5 bike and $15 TV cheap.  Goofy college t-shirts?  Four for a buck.

The perk is that this stuff is usually of decent quality. . . In years past, the sale was held in the ND football stadium concourse, and people could line up at 5 a.m. for the Early Bird sale.  This year, things are being done a bit differently due to construction in the stadium.  It will be held at the old Target building near Double T's.  The sale starts at 9:00 a.m., and there will be no Early Bird admittance.

There is a fee to enter, but at $5, it's still a bargain.  And besides, I think the people-watching will be well worth the entry fee.

When: Saturday, June 16, 9 AM - Noon
Where: former "Target Building" (has Steve & Barry's signage) at Hickory and McKinley Avenues, in Mishawaka, Indiana -- in the same neighborhood at Bethel College
Cost: $5.00
Website: http://old2gold.nd.edu/

http://365southbend.blogspot.com/2012/06/260-old-2-gold.html

What year did Father's Day become "official"? -- Presidential signing into official national holiday

from "Fatherhood" at about dot-com --

An early driving force behind the establishment of Father's Day was Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd. Her father was William Jackson Smart, who reared his six children in Spokane, Washington as a single father. Although she initially suggested setting Father's Day on June 5 in Spokane (which was her father's birthday), the other people involved did not think they would have time enough for a fitting celebration. So the first Father's Day was held instead on the third Sunday of June.

The first June Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1908, in Spokane, WA, at the Spokane YMCA.

 

Orator and politician William Jennings Bryan embraced the concept immediately and began sharing his support broadly. President Woodrow Wilson was the first U.S. President to celebrate Father's Day in June of 1916, a party hosted by his family. President Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924.

 

In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson by executive order made Father's Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was not officially recognized until 1972, when it was formally acknowledged by a Congressional Act setting it permanently on the third Sunday in June nationwide.

 

http://fatherhood.about.com/od/fathersdayresources/p/fd_history.htm

Detroit - Ontario Bridge deal signed by Gov. Snyder and Canada authorities

from Michigan Live (http://www.mlive.com/) -- reporter Dave Eggers at Detroit, Michigan

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Canadian Transport Minister Denis Lebel on Friday June 15, 2012 signed an agreement to build a bridge over the Detroit River between Canada and the United States, as hundreds of dignitaries looked on in Detroit's Cobo Center.

Cobo is about 4 miles from the site of where the New International Trade Crossing is to be constructed. The existing options to cross between the two countries are the privately owned Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

"Today represents a major step in Michigan’s reinvention," Snyder, who has made the bridge a top priority in his year-and-a-half in office, said in a news release before the signing.

Speaking on behalf of the business community, Jim Nicholson, president and CEO of Detroit-based PVS Chemicals, said during the ceremony: "We are all in on this bridge. This will be a game changer for our state, for our city, for the people of Delray and for the people of Canada."

http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/06/michigan_gov_rick_snyder_canad.html#incart_river_default

Flag Day -- measure on flags to be flown in state of Michigan (Gov. Snyder signs bill)

from M Live (Web posted stories - news - analysis) -- www.mlive.com/

Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday June 14, 2012 signed legislation requiring that the state buy American when it comes to flags - and give homeowners and builders more time for their wetland and other permit requests to be processed.
American and Michigan flags flown at state buildings will have to be made in the United States under one bill,  sponsored by Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Township.
According to an analysis from the Senate Fiscal Agency, surveyed state agencies already report that the flags they buy are made in the U.S. But the new provision puts requirements for flag purchase into state law so they cannot be changed without further action by the Legislature.
Flags currently bought by the state range in price from $13.95 to $65.98, depending on the size.
The measure does not apply to local governments or schools.
http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/06/gov_rick_snyder_signs_bills_to.html#incart_river_default
___________________________________________________________________________________________

Evolution of "Flag Day at Three Oaks, MI" -- 2012 observation on June 17

from South Bend Tribune reporting of Lou Mumford (www.southbendtribune.com/ )

Initially, Raising of the American Flag took place the evenings of the actual Flag Day (June 14 annually) observance, which this year falls on Thursday. Flick and his fellow legionnaires would gather afterwards at the legion, 204 W. Linden St., to conduct a flag-raising ceremony and serve sandwiches to parade participants.

Today, the general idea's the same even if the schedule isn't. Gail Freehling, chairwoman of the 2012 Flag Day Committee, said the flag-raising ceremony is back this year, with the Post 204 honor guard performing the ritual at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 17, 2012  at the Three Oaks, MI Legion Hall.

"It's a reminder of why we actually do it," Freehling said.

At 1:30 p.m., when spectators normally begin to line the downtown parade route, a fly-over will take place. Ninety minutes later, parade units, one a 100-plus drum and bugle corps from Milwaukee, Wisconsin will step off.

Among the other weekend activities will be lumberjack shows set for 6 and 8 p.m. Friday and 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday. Also on Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m., kids are bound to enjoy carnival rides and games and perhaps a free train ride on Linden Street. Mix in baseball, softball and volleyball games, live music, a beer garden at the Featherbone Restaurant, "Art in the (Carver) Park," such food as "Italian beef 'n stuff" and wine-tasting and it's clear there's something to like for everyone.

But the parade's the main attraction, with the evidence the 10,000 or more who turn out for it, Freehling said. Parade participants alone top 2,000. . .

1812 Anniversary (British capture Michigan Fort Mackinac) - July

from official website -

Fort Mackinac (1780-1895) was captured by the British on July 17, 1812. 

Two years later, August 4, 1814, the Americans attempted but failed to retake Fort Mackinac. Following the battle the British also captured two American vessels blockading the harbor.


Visit this important site that hightlights decades of colonial American history.
Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States.

www.visit1812.org/

Interested in visiting a War of 1812 heritage site?  Click on the weblinked sites to find out more about the roles these heritage sites played during the War of 1812.  You will also find several museums with War of 1812 collections and websites that include War of 1812 background information.

June 9 Washington Mall "World's Largest Gathering" of Girl Scouts (near Wash. Monument)

from WASHINGTONPOST dot-com (local AP coverage of event, 6 p.m. Eastern, June 9, 2012):

Girl Scouts from across the country gathered on the National Mall to celebrate the organization’s 100th anniversary with celebrities including Mandy Moore.

Organizers say they expected 200,000 participants Saturday for the largest gathering of Girl Scouts in history. They were hoping to set a Guinness World Record. Girls from every state are expected to attend.

The crowd was also contending with high temperatures. Authorities say dozens were treated for heat-related illnesses, and at least 15 people were transported to hospitals.

3 p.m. June 17, 2012 -- Flag Day PARADE - Berrien County's Three Oaks, Michigan

from www. threeoaksflagday . com

The nation's Largest Flag Day Parade started in 1953 in Three Oaks, Michigan. In 2012, you won’t want to miss the excitement of celebrating 60 years of the Three Oaks Flag Day Parade! The parade honors the American Flag, Veterans, Service Men and Women, The United States and Freedom. The parade averages over 100 units of Veterans, Color Guards, Musical Marching Units, Clowns, Equestrian Groups, Drill Teams, Antique Cars & Trucks, Drum & Bugle Corps, and Antique Tractors all display and honor the American Flag in the grandest tradition that only this iconic parade has been exhibiting for six decades.

Parade Day Information:
Check In: Will be on the corner of Elm and Walnut Street
Line-up: 1:30 p.m. (Elm Street will be closed at this time)
Start: The 2012 parade will begin at 3 p.m. at the corner of Buckeye & Elm St.
Direction: The parade will go South on Elm Street and turn East on Linden Street, ending at the American Legion.
Media Coverage: The Parade will be broadcasted live on 106.7- LP WRHC Radio Harbor Country. 
Judges: Will be located in front of the Three Oaks Library.

Want more information about any of our events or to donate?

Contact us at threeoaksflagdaycommittee@gmail.com

For immediate help please contact
Gail Freehling, Flag Day Chairman, at (269) 612-0441

Live Video Feed available June 10 -- Upton - Hoogendyk debate -- WMUK 102.1 dot-org website

WMUK 102.1 FM and Mlive/Kalamazoo Gazette are hosting the 6th Congressional District Republican debate this Sunday June 10th from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m.  The one-hour debate between Congressman Fred Upton, and his challenger in the Republican primary, former State Representative Jack Hoogendyk will be held in the Schneider Hall Auditorium on the Western Michigan University campus. The event is free, there are about 300 seats available to the public on a first-come first-serve basis.

We ask that you be in the auditorium by 7:00. We will be closing the doors at that time and no one will be allowed in while the debate is in progress.

Audience members will have an opportunity to submit questions for the candidates. Suggested questions will also be accepted before the debate on through our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

A link to the live video feed of the debate will be available on our website on Sunday. The audio will be available on our website later Sunday evening and will be broadcast on WMUK Monday night at 8:00.
http://wmuk.org/news/select/290143/Sixth_Congressional_District_Republican_debate_on_Sunday

Who is Bowe Bergdahl (subject of ROLLING_STONE article in current issue)? Afghanistan P.O.W. of Taliban

here is the family's statement (August 10, 2009):

Although the public was notified on 02 July 2009 that PFC Bowe R. Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban, the actual date of capture was early in the morning of 30 June 2009. In order to prevent any undue discussions or questions that may arise from the disparity of the two dates, I offer this narative.

As noted by the media in many articles, details surrounding a captured, or even missing, soldier are often kept secret for a time. The reason behind this is not an act to keep the American public out of the loop, as it may seem sometimes. Instead these details, if kept secret, can aid in the recovery of the captured soldier. Due to this need for secrecy the American public and even the family of PFC Bergdahl were not privy to many of the details of his capture. In fact, for the first two days the family was simply told that Bowe was missing, not that he was captured. Not until June 2nd did the military inform the family that Bowe was indeed captured. The difference in dates can appear to some as details that prove the Bowe was wandering the desert for days prior to being captured. However, much to the chagrin of the conspiracy theorists, the answer is much more innocent than that. It is simply the difference in time between proactive operations to recover Bowe and the backfill of information to the Amercian public.

Bowe was indeed captured on the morning of 30 June 2009. The Army performed an 100% accountability check at 0900 local time in Afghanistan on the 30th. A scant 2 and a half hours earlier Bowe had completed his guard duty and retired to his bunk, where he prepared for a little shut-eye. What happened in the next 2 hours are pure speculation until we can ask Bowe himself, when he is returned. I do not intend to offer any details to prove or debunk the myriad of theories that led to Bowe's capture as I, nor anyone else, can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt any factual details supporting their theory. The bottomline is that within approximately 2 hours after Bowe was released from his guard duty the military had indications that a service member was captured. There was no indication as to who the service member was prior to the 100% accountability muster.

I hope this clears up at least the date of Bowe's capture. Please refrain from speculation, but instead pursue truth. Allow the military the freedom to do their job as the professional men and women that we know they are.

Most of all, continue to pray. Pray for Bowe's strength to endure the mental, and possibly physical hardship and pray for Bowe's swift rescue. Pray for our service men and women who are actively involved in the rescue effort that they will also remain from harm. Pray for our service men and women who are deployed to fight for freedom from terror. Pray for the families who wait at home, hoping that their loved one will return quickly and unharmed.

Very respectfully,

Michael, Bowe Bergdahl's brother-in-law

http://www.supportbowebergdahl.blogspot.com/

June 2012: World Blood Donor Day (American Red Cross information)

from June 8 list serv sent by American Red Cross online:

In a complicated world, it’s nice to know you can make a difference through the simple act of giving blood through your American Red Cross. Every minute of every day, people worldwide need blood to help save their lives. When you give blood this June, you’ll join blood organizations everywhere in recognizing that universal need through World Blood Donor Day on June 14. With the 2012 theme “every blood donor is a hero”, organizers of World Blood Donor Day are working to boost the number of people on every continent who give blood on a regular basis. Will you join the global community of blood donors and make an appointment to give blood? --Your American Red Cross

World Blood Donor Day World Blood Donor Day on June 14 recognizes the need for a strong and stable blood supply around the world. Through World Blood Donor Day, organizers are working to boost the number of people around the globe who give on a regular basis. According to the World Health Organization, more than 70 countries have blood donation rates that are considered less than necessary to meeting basic blood needs.School is out, but we still need donors! Did you know that high school and college students account for about 20 percent of the blood supply Steady and consistent donations are key to a strong blood supply.

　

Parable, Providence, the Poor: June 25 conference, 7 p.m.

as advertized on Dickens 2012 dot-org:

Oliver Twist: Parable, Providence and the Poor

25 June 2012
Royal Wootton Bassett Library, Boroughfields, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon (UK)

Join us at the library for a bicentenary illustrated talk with Dr Keith Hooper whose work has recently appeared in the leading international Dickens journal, The Dickensian. The talk commences at 7 p.m., admission is free but please book a seat at the library.

Sunday following Pentecost -- to remember the Saints to numerous to be held singularly

from Religion & Ethics Newsweekly (PBS series: Lilly Foundation sponsored program): Calendar

June 10, 2012
All Saints (Orthodox Christianity)

In the Christian church, days were specified to commemorate important martyrs and saints. But after certain persecution periods, the number to be remembered was so great that a special day could not be named for each. The feast of All Saints Sunday commemorates all the saints of the church who have remained anonymous. It falls the Sunday after Pentecost. Orthodox Christians pray to the saints for help of various kinds.

Michigan Sixth Congressional District: GOP Debate on June 10: Upton (incumbent) vs. Hoogendyk

from Sunday June 3 coverage in Herald-Palladium front page -- www.h-p.com/

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton and challenger Jack Hoogendyk have agreed to hold at least one debate, set for June 10 at Western Michigan University.

In a Friday press release, Hoogendyk's campaign director, Steven Mobley, said his campaign has been pressing "for a series of debates around the district," but "the Upton staff would not commit to more than one, citing the uncertainty of the Congressman's House schedule. They did say they wanted to 'Get one on the books,' and we appreciate that they have started to discuss having debates, but time is running short."

Joe Wicks, campaign manager for Upton for All of Us, said: "Fred looks forward to discussing his efforts to strengthen our economy and repeal the government takeover of health care in the June 10th debate. We are working on scheduling other debates."

Upton, R-St. Joseph, and Hoogendyk are contending for the 6th District nomination in the Republican primary election in August. The winner will face Democratic and other party opponents on the ballot in November 2012. . .

http://www.heraldpalladium.com/articles/2012/06/02/local_news/10196432.txt

Watching the heavenly spectacle of planet Venus track across the Sun -- June 5, beginning 10 a.m.

"Celebration of the Transit of Venus" (details included in IN_THE_BEND dot-com May 31, 2012: Southbendtribune's local entertainment "magazine"):

PLACE: Buchanan Michigan Art Center, 117 W. Front Street, Buchanan, MI

AGENDA: Free popcorn, drinks, and Venus-related items for sale, all-day observation of the transit of Venus (269-697-4005 or buchananartcenter.org/

Telescope and eye-shielded viewing of the rare celestial event. The last time the planet passed directly between the earth and the sun was 2004 and before that in 1882 and 1874 as well as 1761 and 1769.  After the transit happens on June it won't occur until Dec. 11, 2117 and Dec. 8, 2125.

Who was Dante Aligheri Rossetti? Born on this day in A.D. 1265

from Writer's Almanac (American Public Media, Minnesota Public Radio, Garrison Keillor):

June 1 is the day we celebrate the birth of Dante, born in Florence, Italy, in 1265. No one knows for sure the exact date. What is known about the poet is that he met his great love and muse, Beatrice, when he was about nine years old; it was love at first sight. Three years later, he was promised in marriage to another girl, but that didn't stop him from writing about Beatrice in his poetry, where he referred to her as his main reason for living.
Dante had political aspirations, and because the law held that public officials had to be a member of one of the professional guilds, he became a pharmacist. He had wanted the Vatican to have less influence over Florence -- but opposing forces came to power, and he was exiled to Rome. With his fortunes left behind and his great love Beatrice now dead, Dante had nothing but time to devote to his poetry; it was then, toward the end of his life, that he began work on his Divine Comedy.
Dante chose to write the poem in colloquial Italian rather that Latin, which had been the language for Western literature for more than a thousand years. It was also the first epic poem in Western literary history in which the author served as the main character.
He was 55 when he died of malaria, shortly after completing Paradiso, the third and final part of Divine Comedy, following the Inferno and Purgatorio. In the years after his death, as the influence of his work helped establish Italian as the world's accepted language of great literature, his hometown of Florence came to regret having banished Dante, and requested that his remains be transferred back for burial, but it wasn't until 2008 that the city officially rescinded his sentence of perpetual exile.