Did You Miss the 2012 "State of the Union Address"? Here it Is

Here's the video of this address:



I was looking for the transcript of this address and I lucked on a page with the transcripts and/or videos for most of these addresses since 1945. You can take a look at these historic speeches on cspan's online page.

I really wasn't in the mood to watch the President when he gave his address but, it is important to be informed especially in an election year so I am determined to sit down and watch and maybe print out and read this speech so I can jot down notes and reference back to it prior to the election this year. I believe it is more important to be an informed voter rather than an uninformed party person or even nonvoter.

OK folks, y'all have a nice week. Take care...

I couldn't resist sharing this with you. I recently became a member on Pinterest and this was a picture that was "pinned" there. The comments that went along with the picture were hilarious and basically stated the ladies had no need to worry about anyone's lips touching theirs. Funny how times change...

Source: do-while.com via Cheryl on Pinterest

On February 2, 1887 the first Groundhogs Day was celebrated.

If the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. Punxsutawney Phil is the "official" groundhog  who gives the proclamation of an early spring or 6 more weeks of wintery weather. This year he predicted 6 more weeks of winter but that's ok since we really haven't had much of a winter to speak of. 


To see Punxsutawney Phil's official site go to http://www.groundhog.org/.


Stay warm everyone!

And the Story Telling Goes On...

For those of you (like me) who missed this year's State of the Union Address, here it is:

'Tis the Season

It's the time of year when many of our military members are not only missing their families but also the celebration of many holidays. For the deployed military members, they improvise holiday celebrations and share the spirit with each other and the peoples of many foreign lands.

The following picture is of Christmas in Thailand. Bang Pla, Thailand. Thai children greet Santa Claus upon his arrival at the Christmas party. SSG Nicolas Thomas, re-enlistment and training NCO, Co "A", 325th Sig Bn, 29th Sig Gp, 1st Sig Bde, portrays Santa. 20 Dec 1969.

This picture is from here.   To see more pictures of our military celebrating Christmas in various countries during numerous wars and conflicts visit: http://www.history.army.mil/html/reference/holidays/index.html


Amazon has Military Ornaments

In Memory of WWII

On this anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, we should remember those who gave their lives in WWII. This video is a short synopsis of this time.

A New Link to Share with You

I have just discovered a new link that may be of interest to those interested in religious tolerance in American history. The George Washington Institute for Religious Freedom offers education aids for educators, students and researchers. The following is a letter Washington wrote to the Hebrew congregation of a synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island in 1790.

Gentlemen:

While I received with much satisfaction your address replete with expressions of esteem, I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you that I shall always retain grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced on my visit to Newport from all classes of citizens. 

The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security.

If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just administration of a good government, to become a great and happy people.

The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy—a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship.

It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.

It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my administration and fervent wishes for my felicity. 

May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants—while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid. 

May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy. 

G. Washington