Farewell, Walter
Walter Cronkite, legendary news anchor for the CBS Evening News, passed away yesterday evening surrounded by family in New York. He was 92.
Although the continuous reportage by him in the CBS Newsroom of the JFK assassination while pulling his heavy-frame glasses from his face to wipe the tears from his eyes was a classic moment, I merely viewed reruns of that moment in time. I recall watching, with my siblings, on our home television the moment of the first walk on the Moon...(Armstrong: "That's one small step for man.....One giant leap for mankind.") We saw him reporting so many groundbreaking events that we voted him in a poll the "most trusted man in America" in 1972.
And, true to form, as Mr. Cronkite himself said, "Old anchormen, you see, don't fade away, they just keep coming back for more," and we now see video feeds, images, and accolades to him today on the Internet websites, just as we would on the AP and UPI wires in the old days.
Yes, Dan Rather was right in saying that Walter Cronkite set the standard for television news reporting. And Brian Williams was correct in saying that there was no clay model, no mold for television anchoring before Walter Cronkite.
An objective, steadfast personality whom we welcomed into our living rooms night after night during my formative years---Walter Cronkite, the iconic news anchor and beloved by his wife and family, passed into the gentle night. "That’s the way it is."
Labels: American history, farewell, international culture, NASA, Peace, politics, TV
Lunch with Beatrice and Solomon
Thursday after work William, Marissa, Beata, Solomon, and I dined at People's Indian buffet in Bloomfield near the new Children's Hospital. We had fun, enjoyed our meal as well as dessert...
Beata said, "I want dessert."
Her daddy stated, "That is dessert. Rice pudding is dessert."
(she was referring to the fried milk dough balls in honey syrup--gulab jamun, which she saw me eating with my rice pudding)
Since we didn't want her in sugar orbit, we enjoyed rice pudding together.
Beata joyfully danced in the restaurant...
"Beata, here is not the place for dancing, as there are [people] carrying hot food," her parents reminded.
What a nice treat after a long morning at work.
~~~~~
Stopped by the Thomas Merton Center on the way back to the car. It was great to meet the three staff and "Lemon" the doggie there.
Labels: Beatrice, dance, dining, dog, family, international culture, niece and nephew, Peace
More Flowers
Jo Ann I. had a beautiful Peace Lily plant delivered to me today...fifteen to twenty-five white flowers/leaves, each with an anther. The deep green leaves are shiny and beautiful. I cherish this plant now.
I spoke with Jo Ann after dinner (of pizza) tonight. It turns out that she knows my physical therapist! I am so fortunate to have all these caring people around me in this time of post-surgery.
Right now, I am so tired I cannot keep my eyes open to type....Must brush teeth...go to bed....
Labels: BAD, dining, excited, exercise, friends, garden, health, neighbors, Peace, surgery, surprise, thankfulness
Peace Rally, March 2008
Dad and I went out to eat down the street for lunch today. When we exited the restaurant, we heard the strains of the Peace Rally in front of the Software Engineering Institute in front of St. Paul Cathedral. People had gathered, there were several police cars to ensure a peaceful demonstration.
Labels: celebration, dining, Peace
Five Years Later
we are still at war. As expressed in the recent WTAP interviews of our family friends, war affects us, whether we are aware of the efforts by our servicemen and -women far away. Chris expressed that he has felt that his efforts have made an impact when he recalls the people, and particularly the children, in Iraq.
Labels: friends, Parkersburg, Peace, TV
Manila November 2007
Yesterday in Manila
there was an attempted coup by disgruntled soldiers, who took over the Peninsula Hotel in Manila. The military stormed the hotel, causing surrender by the dissidents. They were expressing discontent with Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's government.
Labels: Peace, Philippines, Pilipino culture
Day to Make a Difference 2007; Lunch; Anti-War Rally Sept 2007
This morning I helped to wrap lumpia for our lunch with William and Marissa's family. I then joined Natalie, Kelly and Bill, Erica, and Marian to prepare brunch for the residents of Family House. I was a two-fisted, double-panned scrambled egg short-order chef.
Lunch with Mom, Dad, Les, Cherie, William, Marissa, and Beatrice was wonderful. We had pot roast, fried and white rice, homemade lumpia with sauces, fruit, lemon cake with icing, and iced teas. The lumpia was a family effort; with mom making the filling, I rolling them, and dad frying them up. William and Marissa will go back next weekend for his high school reunion. There will be a dance, which Beatrice plans to attend, too. He is looking forward to seeing Steve and Denver.
A little before three this afternoon there was an anti-war/peace rally marching down Fifth Avenue with multi-car police escort. They were accompanied by a band. (How grand!)
Labels: Beatrice, dining, family, family-Marissa, friends, Marietta, Peace, tea
