Jankenpon

Happy Haunting!

David on October 30th, 2009

Peggy and Lucy send their best wishes for a Happy Halloween!

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Loma Prieta at 20

David on October 17th, 2009

On October 17, 1989 at 5:04 PM, local time, the Loma Prieta Earthquake, a 6.9 mangnitude quake along the San Andreas fault, struck the San Francisco Bay Area.  The tremblor, which lasted about 10-15 seconds, caused the death of 63 people, injured more than 3,000 people, and resulted in property damage of more than $6 billion.

In a joint study performed in 2008 by Geological Survey, the Southern California Earthquake Center and the California State Geological Survey, it was reported that there is a 99-percent probability that one or more of the major faults in California will rupture and trigger a quake with a magnitude of at least 6.7 within 30 years.  An even more damaging quake with a magnitude of 7.5 or larger, is at least 46-percent likely to hit one of California’s active fault systems within the next three decades.

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Today’s Quote

David on October 14th, 2009

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

–J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring” (1892-1973)

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Today’s Quote

David on October 13th, 2009

“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.”

   –Marian Wright Edelman (B. 1939)

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Today’s Quote

David on October 12th, 2009

“All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man’s life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom.”

   –Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

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Saint Damien

David on October 11th, 2009

The people of Hawaii and Belgium are celebrating the canonization of St. Damien by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome today.  Father Damien de Veuster, a much-beloved and revered figure in Hawaiian history, was elevated to sainthood in a ceremony at St. Peter’s Square, culminating a campaign for sainthood that began shortly after his death in 1889 and was formalized in 1955.

St. Damien gained worldwide recognition for his selfless efforts to help residents of Hawaii with Hansen’s disease who were forced to live in isolation on the remote and wind-swept Kalawao settlement on the Kalaupapa peninsula on the Island of Molokai.  From 1873 and until his death from complications from Hansen’s Disease in 1889, St. Damien worked to improve the living conditions and quality of life for individuals with Hansen’s Disease who were forcibly moved to Kalaupapa in an effort to contain the spread of the disease.

Today, St. Damien’s pioneering efforts are viewed as an example in terms of helping address and lift the social stigma associated with disease, including HIV/AIDS.

To go to a previous post with additional details about the life and work of St. Damien, click here.

To read more about St. Damien, visit the official St. Damien of Molokai website from the Diocese of Honolulu, by clicking here.

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Today’s Quote

David on October 10th, 2009

“I wish to express my deep admiration for the life of Blessed Damien de Veuster, who will be canonized on Sunday by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. I also want to convey my best wishes to the Kingdom of Belgium and its people, who are proud to count Fr. Damien among their great citizens.

Fr. Damien has also earned a special place in the hearts of Hawaiians. I recall many stories from my youth about his tireless work there to care for those suffering from leprosy who had been cast out. Following in the steps of Jesus’ ministry to the lepers, Fr. Damien challenged the stigmatizing effects of disease, giving voice to the voiceless and ultimately sacrificing his own life to bring dignity to so many.

In our own time as millions around the world suffer from disease, especially the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, we should draw on the example of Fr. Damien’s resolve in answering the urgent call to heal and care for the sick.

I offer my prayers as people of all faiths join the Holy Father and millions of Catholics around the world in celebrating Fr. Damien’s extraordinary life and witness.”

–President Barack Obama, speaking on Blessed Damien de Veuster, who is being canonized as Saint Damien by Pope Benedict XVI on 10/11/09, in a ceremony at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

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Blue Angels

David on October 9th, 2009

San Francisco welcomes the Blue Angels, who will be performing in the skies above the City By the Bay on October 10 and October 11, 2009, as part of annual Fleet Week.  Welcome, Blue Angels!

NBC11, the Bay Area NBC affiliate, estimated that up to 1 million Bay Area residents would be watching the Blue Angels during their aerial demonstration over San Francisco skies this weekend.

To learn more about the Blue Angels, go to the U.S. Navy’s official Blue Angels website, by clicking here.

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Pink Ribbon

David on October 8th, 2009

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) organization is a partnership of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services.

To learn more about the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, go to their official website by clicking here.

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Today’s Quote

David on October 5th, 2009

“Animals are such agreeable friends– they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.”

– George Eliot (1819-1880)

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Today’s Quote

David on October 4th, 2009

“Anything is possible.  You can be told that you have a 90-percent chance or a 50-percent chance or a 1-percent chance, but you have to be believe, and you have to fight.”

– Lance Armstrong (B. 1971)

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