Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

The above image shows the sinking of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor.

December 7, annually, was formerly known as Pearl Harbor Day from 1942 until 1993. It was observed in the USA as a day to remember all of the lives lost during the airborne attack by the Empire of Japan on the U.S. Pacific fleet anchored at Pearl Harbor in the then-U.S. territory of the Hawaiian Islands (since 1959, the U.S. State of Hawaii). As the event occurred without a formal declaration of war, the effects of the bombardment were catastrophic and the loss of life severe.

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Southern Hemisphere Bare Salute!

As we in the Northern Hemisphere begrudgingly prepare to weather the horrors of the 2018 – 2019 Winter, I feel it is only fitting to par homage and tribute to all of our bare counterparts in the Southern Hemisphere as they joyfully prepare to frolic into their well deserved Summer-time. After all, they have been patient with me as I gloat over our past two summers – I should at least recognize their patience and tolerance and offer them their due. After all, fair is only fair when it works both ways!

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World AIDS Day, 2018

World AIDS Day turns 30 years old today. The very first global commemoration to raise awareness of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) was observed on December 1, 1988 – seven years into the struggle against HIV/AIDS. Normally, this type of anniversary would be a cause of celebration. However, the fact that humanity still suffers from this disease is no reason for jubilation. Yes, we have had a few remarkable successes in fighting this pandemic; but the fact remains that we continue to lose both lives and talent.

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Bottoms-Up! End of November, 2018

No matter what meal it is, it’s always enjoyable when accompanied by exceptional scenery. Whatever he may be searching for in his refrigerator, he would do well to lose those boots he’s wearing. All natural is the only way to go these days, buddy! That’s what we tried to do during the month of November, 2018. Now that we’re practically through the entire short month, I’ll acknowledge that whatever is chilled in the ice-box, if it is Bottoms-Up! that you seek, from now until Springtime, look inside!

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Reflections: End of November, 2018

November, 2018, was most definitely not the month I expected it to be. As those of you who read ReNude Pride regularly already know, my father died on November 11. This event happened unexpectedly following his diagnosis of stage 4 cancer of the colon, liver and one kidney on October 28. Mercifully, it wasn’t a protracted end but was swift and relatively pain-free. Which does beg the question: “How the hell do the doctors or any of us really know how painless any death truly is?” 

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Interview: Brent Pace

Over a month ago, I posted a reference and link to a post written by a blogging buddy that I follow. Immediately after I punched the “schedule” button on my computer screen, it occurred to me that I should invite my online friend to interview here. The project has now come to fruition and I’m pleased to introduce readers here to Brent Pace, (nickname: “Pacey”) the author of Pace Of Mind blog (click the link to view). To read the referenced post detailing his presence at a bare dance party, click here.

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Black Friday: The Madness Begins

Despite what the featured photograph and title may infer, the designation “Black Friday” has nothing whatsoever to do with a racial reference. Instead, the term “Black Friday” is what is known in the U.S. retail industry as the official first day of the Christmas holiday shopping season. It is the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday (always the fourth Thursday in November) which means it is always a Friday. The “Black” designation is in reference to the customary business practice of posting commercial profits in black ink and commercial losses in red ink.

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Thank You!

I am sincerely grateful and humbled by all the comments on my post from one week ago, entitled “My Father.”  (Click the link to view). The encouragement and love that inspired that post sustained me through a very difficult and painful transition in my life. I am grateful to all of you who read the post and especially those who left a message. There are no words to express the appreciation and comfort that I felt simply in knowing that others were sharing in my own pain.

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Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Veteran’s Day, 2018

One hundred years ago today, at 11:00 a.m., November 11, 1918, the Great War (World War I) came to an end as the fighting on the Western Front (northern France) ended the hostilities with the signing of the armistice (cease-fire). The Treaty of  Versailles, officially ending the war, wouldn’t be signed until June 28, 1919. The more than four years of fighting resulted in the highest number of civilian and military casualties ever recorded and continues to reverberate our history still to this day.

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Tomorrow Is USA: Election Day

In the USA, tomorrow is Election Day. In every voting district, the entire U.S. Congressional House of Representatives is standing for election. In the U.S. Senate, many Senators are also facing their constituents today. It is not a presidential election year (we could not be so fortunate), but we do have a duty and obligation to determine policies and governance for the next two years. Please, do not stand around waiting for others to decide for you. Please get out and exercise your choice for our future if you have not already done so.

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