THE WAR IS OVER: Official message.

Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn

They [Soldiers] will cross the border out of Iraq with their heads held high. One of the most extraordinary chapters in the history of the American military will come to an end. Iraq's future will be in the hands of its people. America's war in Iraq will be over.

President Obama, 14 December 2011

The magnitude of what this Nation and our Soldiers have accomplished in Iraq is unprecedented. We have never been more proud of our Army – our Soldiers, Civilians and our Families. You freed over twenty-five million people from tyranny and given hope when hope was forsaken. Our Army provided new opportunity for the people of Iraq. No other Army in the world could have accomplished what you have done - Only American Soldiers.

Throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, our Soldiers embodied physical and mental toughness and courage under fire. Over the past eight years, the quality of our Soldiers has stood in stark contrast to the desert sands. Just as the WWII generation defeated tyranny across the globe, a new generation - galvanized by the attacks of September 11th - bravely defeated tyranny once again. Even during the darkest days in Iraq, our Soldiers never wavered in the face of growing doubt. They continued to risk life and limb for a cause larger than themselves. For their heroic action, they received nearly 9,000 awards for valor including two Medals of Honor, 16 Distinguished Services Crosses, and 408 Silver Stars.

We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, our Wounded Warriors, our Gold Star Families, and all of our loved ones who have been touched by the horror of war. Their sacrifices have given meaning to our values and ideals. For that, we thank them. A grateful Nation will always remember, respect, and appreciate these heroes as the Next Greatest Generation.

We are extremely proud of all of our Soldiers, Civilians, and Families. Our Army has once again proved that it is America's Force of Decisive Action. Thank you for a job well done. Army Strong!

//Original Signed//

Raymond F. Chandler III

Sergeant Major of the Army

//Original Signed//

Raymond T. Odierno

General, United States Army Chief of Staff

//Original Signed//

John M. McHugh

Secretary of the Army

Booth Saved Lincoln's Life

Close relatives of the Booth and Lincoln most people associate with the names had their very own twist of fate. And on one occasion Booth saved Lincoln's life.

One night at a railway station in Jersey City, NJ. Edwin Booth saved the life of a young man who had been pushed into the small space between the train and it's loading platform. As the man fell the train also began to move...twisting him into a position that he could not recover from.

Realizing the man's peril and without regard for his own safety, Edwin quickly snatched the collar of the man's jacket and yanked him from death's grip back onto the platform. The man turned to face his rescuer and to his astonishment he saw that it was none other than the famous actor Edwin Booth.

Edwin came from a family of actors, including his younger brother John Wilkes who later assassinated President Lincoln. Ironically the young man Edwin saved at the train station that night was none other than President Lincoln's son Robert Todd Lincoln.

Edwin is reported to have said that saving Robert was the only thing that comforted him after learning that his brother murdered the President. The event devastated Edwin to the end of his days.

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Edwin had a friend travelling along with him the night he saved Robert Lincoln. Ironically it was John T. Ford, the owner of the theater where John Wilkes committed treason.

Although Edwin Booth had been born in the South he was a Lincoln sympathizer. It was a fact that tore the relationship between him and his younger brother. After Edwin saved Robert Lincoln's life he had befriended the Lincoln's...a fact which only made the assassination all that much harder to bare.

Another interesting fact was that one of John's conspirators fled the US after the assassination and joined the Swiss guard whose duty it was to protect the Vatican in Rome (of all places). He was later found out and shipped back to the United States. He was charged with treason.

Cut Military Entitlements?

You greedy GOP bastards! How about cutting your own UNEARNED retirement before you cut the entitlements of people who quite literally put their lives on the line for YOU every day for 20 years!

Bess and Sir Walter's Head

"Would you like to speak with Walter?" - Raleigh's wife to visitor's postmortem.

It is famously known that Sir Walter Raleigh was a court favorite of HM Queen Elizabeth I. It was a shock for Elizabeth when she learned that Raleigh had secretly married one of her own ladies in waiting "Bess" Throckmorton. He was jailed by the jealous queen, the first of many trials the marriage endured.

After Elizabeth died, Raleigh was tried for treason. Not for marrying a lady in waiting, but because he was implicated in a plot to overthrow the new King James I. He was sentenced to death and taken to the ominous Tower of London where he wrote, "The History of the World". He was eventually released in 1616.

After Raleigh's release he set sail for South America in search of the lost city of gold, El Dorado. His son, Walter Jr.,  was killed during their attack on the Spanish settlement San Thome. Walter senior had also been captured. The Spanish Ambassador appealed to an already disgruntled King James I of England to reinstate Raleigh's death sentence. It was approved and Raleigh's head rolled.

Through it all, however, Bess and Raleigh remained steadfast in their devotion to one another. Even in death Raleigh was with Bess. In a red leather bag Bess kept his embalmed head. She frequently asked guest's if they, "would like to speak with Walter?" (I think in any century that would have been a little odd.)

It was only when Bess died decades later that she finally parted with Walter's head. This is where the story is unclear. One account says that the head was then reunited with the rest of its body in Raleigh's tomb. But another states that after Bess's death  it then passed to Carew, their only living son. Carew in turn kept the head until his own death in January 1668 and it was placed inside the casket with him. This would have been fifty years after the beheading.

Either way...that's one strange, but loyal family!

Why Are Mad Hatters Mad?

"Why is a raven like a writing desk?" - The Mad Hatter

Lewis Carroll introduced us to the quirky "Mad Hatter" in his 1864 novel, "Alice's Adventure in Wonderland." The Hatter, the Dormouse, and the March Hare are perpetually having tea because they are stuck in time precisely at 6:00 pm.

They move around the table using new cups and saucer's because they don't have time to wash the ones they were using. They do "curiouser and curiouser" things like asking riddles and putting various un-complimentary items in their tea like butter and the Hatter's pocket watch.

After dozens of letters asking Mr. Carroll for the answer to the Hatter's most famous riddle, "why is a raven like a writing desk?," he later admitted that there was no pre-thought-out answer to it. His best answer was, "because it can produce a few notes, though they are very flat; and it is never put with the wrong end in front!"

Want to know the answer to my riddle, "why are Mad Hatter's mad?" It's because they are slowly poisoned by the fumes of mercury that are let off during certain stages of the hat making process.

FACT: Mercury poisoning was a hazard of hat making in the 1800's. The process has evolved since then and is not as dangerous an occupation as it once was.

Using true historical facts in a story only makes it that much more fascinating to me.

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In 2010's movie version the Hatter's hatband held a note which read, "In this style 10/6." It meant the price of the hat was 10 shillings, 6 pence in old British currency.

The Royal Sacred One: Princess Ka'iulani

"I, a poor, weak girl, with not one of my people near me and all of these statesmen against me, have the strength to stand up for the rights of my people. Even now I can hear their wail in my heart, and it gives me strength.” -  Princess Victoria Ka'uilani.

Princess Victoria Kaʻiulani Kalaninuiahilapalapa Kawēkiu i Lunalilo Cleghorn was born on 6 October 1875 to Scottish Statesman Archibald Scott Cleghorn and Hawaiian Princess Miriam Kapili Kekauluohi Likelike in Honolulu, Hawaii. Victoria was the only child born of the Kalakaua dynasty and was second in line for the Hawaiian throne (after her mother's death) following her Aunt Liliuokalani.

Growing up she led a fairy tale life and enjoyed the privileges that came with being royalty. On her estate, called Ainahau, she adored the free roaming peacocks and loved riding her little white pony, Fairy. She rode Fairy all over the island visiting family and friends, including Robert Louis Stevenson.

When she was thirteen her father Archibald and Uncle King David Kalakaua decided she should sail to Britain to attend a private school and experience different cultures via traveling Europe. She initially refused to go because her heart was in Hawaii and it was where her mother had died. But she had no choice. She spent the next eight years overseas. Speculators insist that her lengthy stay abroad was intended to keep her safe from the ever present rebel threat on the island.

While Ka'iuloni was away the Hawaiian monarchy suffered great turmoil. Weakened by several revolts and the death of King Kalakaua, the monarchy was barely holding on. The final blow came on 17 January 1893 with the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, King Kalakaua's sister.

At that time the Hawaiian Islands for both their profitable exporting industry and their strategic military position in the Pacific. The United States simply could not let Hawaii fall into control of a rival super power. It was for these reasons that the United States sponsored the final rebellion.

When Ka'iuloni heard of the takeover she grieved for her country and vowed not to stand idly by. She would appeal to President Grover Cleveland and the people of the United States directly.

Though she had always been shy, her royal lineage and dual heritage brought attention to her wherever she went. Her beauty, grace, and intelligence won her many admirers and she would now use them to her full advantage. Even her name, Ka'iuloni means "royal sacred one." Everyone loved her.

Before her arrival in America it was assumed that she was a dark skinned, barefoot barbarian woman who knew little of literacy and even less about hygiene. Ka'iuloni proved them wrong.

The newspapers compared her to an angel from heaven...noting not just her aesthetic appearance and intellect, but also the sincerity and conviction in which she spoke about her cause. She touched the peoples hearts. But her real goal was to use the press as a means of scoring an invitation to the Whitehouse.

It did not take long for President Cleveland to grant the Princess's wish. He and Mrs. Cleveland made Ka'iulani feel welcome by inviting her to breakfast. They enjoyed polite conversation as was custom for the time period. While there, Ka'iulani advocated for her nation's plight and gained the President as a strong ally in the process. He vowed to bring her case before Congress.

President Cleveland sent Former Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, James Blount, to Hawaii to investigate its government takeover. After several months Blount agreed the takeover had been conducted under false pretenses, thus making it illegal.

Upon hearing the evidence President Cleveland ordered the usurping government to relinquish control of the islands and reinstate Lili'uokalani's authority of the Queen. They refused. Unwilling to use military force, Cleveland appealed to Congress. His influence did little to sway its members.

In 1898, under the term of President McKinley, who was in favor of the annexation of Hawaii, the U.S. signed the Newlands Resolution making Hawaii a US territory. Ex-President Cleveland felt America shamed itself. 

By this time Ka'iulani realized her dream of restoring the monarchy was futile. She had returned to Hawaii where she lived with the remaining members of the royal family. She and Queen Lili'uokalani's new cause was fighting for the voting rights of their people.

Sadly, in January 1899, Princess Ka'iulani was caught in a rainstorm and fell ill. Instead of getting better her cold became worse due to her compromised immune system; she had not yet fully recovered from a previous illness. She died of pneumonia two months later. She was 23 years old.

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Hawaii remained a territory for 60 years until March 1959 when Eisenhower signed the Hawaii Admission Act officially making Hawaii a state.

Cooper Skyjacking Solved ?

On November 24, 1971 a man boarded a Northwest Airlines Boeing 727 using the alias Dan Cooper. He was nicely dressed and carried an attache case in which he informed the stewardess he had a bomb. He demanded $200,000.00 in unmarked bills or he would blow up the plane. He tied the 22 lb. bag of ransom money to himself, donned a parachute, and jumped.

A thorough search of the drop zone located in the forest of the Cascade mountains yielded no clues. With no further information to guide them, the FBI presumed the jumper to be dead. Yet they had no body and no bag of money to verify this. The case went cold.

A new investigation has revealed what seems to be solid evidence against one man named Kenny Christianson. He had the training and the motive to pull of such a stunt.

Kenny Christianson was a paratrooper in the United States Army. He learned how to jump under all types of scenarios. He learned how to land in trees, how to handle bad weather conditions, and even how to jump with heavy equipment attached to him. He served for two years and then got a job with Northwest Airlines refueling airplanes.

The airline industry has a history of layoffs and strikes. Kenny was no exception to this and he became disgruntled. It is possible that Kenny masterminded the plan as a way to stabilize himself financially, but also as means to get back at the airlines for the years of job insecurity.

Kenny's own brother is convinced it was him. He told the FBI that Kenny had no money before the skyjacking, but was spending plenty after it. He also never again wore his toupee.

Then there is the photo. It shows Kenny with the right style coat, attache case, and bag (like a money bag) walking through a door way. His appearance resembles exactly what was described by witnesses.

In the attic of his house investigators found a cubby hole/trapdoor that looks as if it was intended to hide something...something about the size of a money bag. Years later a boy found a cache of money behind Christianson's house. The lucky kid got to keep half of it.
Even with all this new information, the FBI remains steadfast in their belief that the jumper died that day and are reluctant to consider Christianson as a prime suspect.

It has been dubbed the perfect crime and for now the case must officially remain an unsolved mystery.
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Several changes in airline industry came as a result of the 1971 Thanksgiving skyjacking. Modern airplanes have a lock on the cargo door so that it can not be opened from the inside. Metal detectors and other scanning equipment were introduced as a direct result of the event.

The question remains... could someone survive jumping out of an airplane at 10,000 ft. in the freezing rain with a 22lb weight attached to him? The answer is yes. Another skyjacker jumped from a plane 6,000 ft. higher and survived.

An experienced skydiver, with Christianson's same military training, verified that a successful jump can be made with a much  heavier weight attached and in practically any weather condition.
The jumper ordered the captain to stay below 10,000 feet and set the flaps at a 15 degree angle. It was clear that the jumper had a vast knowledge of airplanes and used that knowledge to his advantage.

Could Christianson's friend Bernie have been an accomplice? Bernie says no, but there are several holes in his story. Why was he late for Thanksgiving dinner and why won't he answer about the location of his camper? I think he knows more than he is saying.

Treacherous Aaron Burr

"He is a dangerous opportunist; I feel it is my religious duty to oppose his career!" - Alexander Hamilton

Aaron Burr is best known as the American Vice President who got away with murder. Serving under Thomas Jefferson from 1801-1804, he shocked the nation by mortally wounding his prominent political opponent Alexander Hamilton in a duel; Hamilton died a few days later.

Hamilton detested Burr. When Burr ran against Jefferson in 1800 for the presidency, it was Hamilton's vote that cost Burr the victory. The two vehemently disagreed with one other over many topics, but it was Hamilton's unfavorable statements to the public that ignited Burr's fury.

Insulted, Burr demanded restitution. Their encounter, which could have ended with a simple apology, escalated to tragedy. Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel.

A sad irony was the fact that the ground chosen for the "affair of honor" happened to be the exact same place where Hamilton lost a son two years before. Burr shot Hamilton in the stomach; the bullet lodging next to his spine. Although undeniably guilty of murder, Burr remained untouchable by the law as long as he was serving as Vice President.

After yet again losing a bid for the presidency, Burr plotted to create an independent empire out of the Louisiana Territory...whereas he would immediately assume the role of emperor. But before he could put his traitorous plan in to action, he first had to find a powerful ally to back him. He looked to the British Empire.

When England denied him assistance, Burr found a co-conspirator in Col. Wilkerson, the leader of the U.S. Army. Wilkerson led a band of rebels toward New Orleans, but soon thought better of it. Attempting to save his own skin, Wilkinson turned on Burr exclaiming, "it was all his idea."

Burr was captured in the Louisiana Territory and sent to Virginia to be placed on trail. Miraculously, Burr was acquitted of all the charges due to a technicality and was subsequently set free. He then fled to Europe where he continued to solicit support for his self-righteous revolution.

With no one to back him, Burr eventually returned to New York and resumed his occupation as lawyer. And although all the charges against him had been dropped, including Hamilton's death, his reputation remains forever tainted.

His greatest sadness, however, was the death of his daughter Theodosia whose ship had been lost at sea. From that time forward Burr said he felt "severed from the human race."

Bomb Detecting Plants?

Move over bomb sniffing dogs, now we've got plants to do the job.

Researchers at Colorado State University are bio-engineering a new species of plant specifically designed to detect bombs and odorless fumes. The hope is that we can use this new science to aid in the fight against terrorism and for more domestic use (i.e. airport security, private home gas leak detection, and etc.).

Their theory is based on the idea that they can manipulate a plants natural defense mechanism through its DNA to create a desired effect. When a plant senses danger it naturally reacts by releasing chemicals specifically designed to ward off bugs or whatever else might be threatening it. Researchers believe all they have to do is tweak the DNA responsible for controlling the chemicals. The plant's new reaction is to visibly change color. And already results are promising.

Reportedly leaves turn from green to white when in contact with certain specific substances. Only, at this stage the change takes time to occur and at its present speed would not be very helpful in identifying any immediate danger. But researchers are confident that with each new generation of plant they come closer and closer to reaching their goal.

The Grattan Massacre and the Birth of Crazy Horse

Sometimes the greatest happening's are born from the most trivial of circumstances.

In the days when white settlers were looking for a new start on the west coast, travel across country was harsh. If the elements didn't get you then hunger would, it seemed. Food was scarce and that made livestock a valuable commodity. A single cow could mean the difference between life and death.

One day in 1854 a cow wandered away from his wagon train and into the lair of the Brule' Lakota (Sioux) Indians. The owner of the cow went to the camp to reclaim his property and found that it had already been devoured. The furious owner then demanded that whoever killed the animal be handed over to pay for his crime. The chief refused. The chief then offered several fine horses as payment for the cow, but the cow's owner refused to negotiate. The situation was reported to the military at Ft. Laramie, Nebraska.

A young military officer named 2nd Lt. John L. Grattan had been looking for a way of making himself stand out among his peers. This was just the opportunity he had been waiting for and he arrogantly decided to handle the situation himself. He took a company of armed men to the camp and yet again asked the chief to surrender the offender. When the chief would not submit to Grattan's request a soldier took aim and shot him. This was the moment that forever changed history.

In that instant any restraint there had been between the two societies vanished. Bullets flew wildly and dead bodies lay all around. Enraged warriors immediately retaliated. Ninety percent of the soldiers who accompanied Grattan were wiped out. The cold blooded event was later labeled the Grattan Massacre and resulted in a war that lasted nearly thirty years.

There was no doubt that the situation was handled badly, but to kill a military man was to take on the entire establishment...and the establishment had been embarrassed. There was no other option for the military but to impose greater restrictions on the Lakota and force them into submission.

The Grattan Massacre was seen through the eyes of a young native boy which forever imparted on him the determination to be a great leader among his people. He trusted no white man and became a relentless thorn in their side. He was the mighty Crazy Horse.

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There is no official picture of Crazy Horse. He stood out among his own people not just mentally, but also physically. He was fairer skinned, and had lighter brown curly hair. And he had a vision that he could not be killed during battle.

It is believed that Crazy Horse was the first warrior across the river when Custer's troops attacked at the battle of the Little Big Horn and that he is responsible for the regiments complete annihilation.

Crazy Horse didn't have a legitimate title of chief, though, warriors eagerly followed him. He had an intense warrior's spirit, lethal skill with a weapon, and natural leadership abilities.

He wore an embellished buckskin shirt that his people gave to him to symbolize his value in their society (the shirt had previously been taken away from him for irresponsibly taking another man's wife).

Crazy Horse realized that the situation between his nation and the white man was dire. He understood that he may have won battles, but was ultimately losing the war. It was with a heavy heart that he made his way to Fort Robinson, Nebraska to talk of peace. And although he knew there was little chance of his return, he risked his life for the good of his people.

The long anticipated meeting convened as planned, however, a disgruntled interpreter intentionally miscommunicated Crazy Horse's words; Crazy Horse felt something was terribly wrong and that he was being led into a trap.

Just short of the guard house, Crazy Horse bolted. Caught and detained by one of his own, Crazy Horse was bayoneted in a kidney by a soldier. He died a painful death with his father at his side. It was his vision come true.

Crazy Horse died not on the battlefield, but in the midst of betrayal. Tragic though it was, he died a hero to his people and as an inspiration to others. Long live the memory of Crazy Horse.

Play Polo, Not War!

In 336 B.C. Alexander the Great was busy making the world his empire. Knowing that time to defend his homeland was drawing near, Persian Emperor Darius III sent Alexander a polo mallet and ball along with a note saying, "Play polo, not war!" It is not known if the match was ever played, but Alexander did indeed take over Persia.

Why Bad Things Happen?

Why does God let bad things happen?"

This is a topic that has left most of us confused or at least questioning our Christian beliefs in some way. I know my human brain can not fully comprehend it entirely, but here is a Christian answer.

In the beginning the system that God had put in place did not include pain and suffering. It was only when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit did sin (evil, pain, suffering) enter the world. It is not God but humans who are to blame for this.

You may ask, "if God is so powerful then why can't he step in?" "Why did this child have to die?" "It's not fair!" Well...the answer is yes he could intervene in times of tragedy, but in order to do so he would have to take away our free will and we would become like robots. This is not what he wants.

More than anything else, God wants to know us in our fullest capacity. If he takes away our freedom to choose and we become like robots he can not truly know us and we can not truly know him. So He endures our pain along with us...and probably even more so.

The next best thing was to send his son to die for us on the cross. Blood is Life. When Jesus sacrificed himself for us His blood symbolically washed over all of us...giving us a clean slate with which to start over.

There is still pain on the earth, but at least we have another chance to develop an intimate relationship with God and eventually be with Him in heaven. For this I am grateful.

Florida's Coral Castle

In Florida there exists a true love story come to life. Although the story doesn't end as ideally as we often would like, it is possible to experience part of the grandeur for ourselves.

In 1921 Latvian immigrant Edward Leedskelnin decided to build a castle on the coast of southern Florida designed to impress and win the heart of his beloved Agnes. Constructed entirely out of coral harvested and transported from the ocean floor about ten miles away, it took him twenty-eight years or nearly three decades to complete.

Working only under cover of darkness, Leedskelnin claimed to have unlocked the mystery behind the building of the pyramids and used that technique to maneuver the massive blocks into place. He told no one how he did it. Once he died, the secret died along with him. Architects and engineers have been unable to duplicate his technique even today.

Unfortunately Agnes was resolute in her decision not to marry Edward, but his structural masterpiece still stands as a monument of his love and devotion to her.

Thousands of tourists flock to take in this enchanting coastal atmosphere every year.  The castle's coral majesty and timeless fairytale-like origin lends a romantic yet tragic effect to every imagination.

Understandably Leedskelnin was extremely proud of his work and loved to show it off. While he was still alive he led private tours and charged no more than twenty-five cents per person.

Unfortunately, the one person for which the castle was built never laid eyes on his creation.

Exhuming Leonardo's Muse

She has been heralded as the most famous painting in history. Her enigmatic smile casts a spell on all who view her. But ...who is she?

The identity of the lady who posed for Leonardo's famous Mona Lisa painting has been a subject of debate for centuries. New evidence brought forward in 2005 suggests that she is Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo, a one-time neighbor of Ser Piero da Vinci, Leonardo's father.

Lisa Gherardini was born in 1479 and after marrying Francesco di Bartolomeo di Zanobi del Giocondo at age 16 she moved with him to various places around Italy...including Santa Croce where da Vinci lived. They were a middle class family who aspired to up their rank in society.

It is speculated that Francesco had commissioned the painting of his wife when she was 24 and pregnant with their 2nd child. In the painting Lisa is portrayed as a faithful and virtuous wife as was the custom in that time period. Her clothes are that of a noble woman, perhaps suggesting a higher station than the life they truly led.

Lisa was descended from a line aristocrats, however, the family had lost most of their power and influence over the years. Although not considered wealthy, she and her family lived a good life off the profit gained from their farm's bountiful harvest.

Francesco, who was a silk merchant by trade, later became a local official and member of the Priori. For this the fearful Italian government accused him of siding with the banished Medici clan who had previously ruled over the region. He was sent to prison. The Medici's did return to power, however, and subsequently set him free. Their exact relationship remains open to debate, but scholars suggest it could have been for political reason's and commercial gain.

After his release, Franceso fashioned a will for his beloved wife intending to take care of her after his death (exact details of his death unknown). He wrote that throughout their long marriage Lisa had been a good and faithful wife of noble spirit and simply wanted to provide for her future. He is thought to be in his early 80's at the time of his death.

One of their daughters, Marietta, who became a nun and adopted the name Suor Ludovica while serving the Lord at Sant'Orsola convent, cared for Lisa after Francesco's death.  According to a note on her death certificate Lisa was buried in a crypt below the convent.

In May 2011 scientists began the search for underground chambers using ground penetrating radar; in the 1980's the floor had been completely cemented-in during a renovation attempt. So far ancient bricks have been discovered in a location consistent with a stairway shown on the old church's floor plan. The plan shows a staircase leading down to burial chambers.

Once accessible DNA samples will be taken from bones and compared to DNA belonging to Lisa Gherardini's children. Further analysis will include reassembling facial bones using a combination of sculpture and forensics to re-create the likeness of the person lying in the crypt. With luck it will resemble that of the remarkable woman in the painting.

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Did you know that the Mona Lisa painting was a prized object enjoyed for 200 years by the Kings of France from the reign of Francis I through Louis the XIV; it hung in the royal bath house. The painting was also on intimate terms with Emperor Napoleon Boneparte having hung for several years in his bed chamber.

Joke: What do you charge a pirate?

What do you charge a pirate who wants his ears pierced?

Buccaneer!

The Promised Land and Politics?

I was sent this observation in an email. I thought there were some pretty intriguing similarities. Read on.

      Over five thousand years ago, Moses said to the children of Israel , "Pick up your shovels, mount your asses and camels, and I will lead you to the Promised Land." 

      Nearly 75 years ago, (when Welfare was introduced) Roosevelt said, "Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a Camel, this is the Promised Land."      

      Today, Congress has stolen your shovel, taxed your asses, raised the price of Camels and mortgaged the Promised Land!

Regardless of your political affiliation you have to admit that it's pretty much true!**********************************************************

Check out my online greeting card store!

Hi, I just joined a site called Greeting Card Universe that helps me sell my greeting cards online.

Click here to check it out: my storefront address is at http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/WCSphotos.

Note: WCS stands for Wildflower Country Studio, which is where I create my masterpieces.

Enjoy your visit; tell your friends!

Regards,
Susan

Celebrating MLK Jr. - His Time On The Farm

In the summer of 1944 a young black southern college student spent time on a tobacco farm in Connecticut. Unacustomed to seeing colored people treated with respect, the trip north openned his eyes to new possibilities. 


King worked the fields in the sweltering June heat. He worked hard, but was treated very well and earned $4.00 an hour...which was not bad for a student working to pay off his tuition in those days. At times he also worked in the kitchen where he had all the food he could possibly want.

On his time off the clock he had the chance to see what complete freedom was like. He went to fine restaurants, saw grand shows, and no one asked him to leave the building or give up his seat for a white man. He was treated with respect and dignity and he liked it.

During that same time frame his peers elected him as their religious leader. He even earned the nickname "tweed" because he wore nice suits to church. One person recalled how nice a voice he had. King had thought about several different career paths, but this was the first time he considered preaching.

As all good things do, his time on the farm came to an end. Re-enterring a world filled with racism was as harsh as brass knuckles to the face and he resented it. This time, though, he couldn't just sit back and do nothing about it.

Armed with the new belief that people of all colors were capable of living together in harmony...he went on to become a great civil rights leader and helped end segregation in the south. He became reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who lived and died for his cause.

Starting Over.

In the last eight months I have had many changes in my life. I am thankful that I found a good job, but it is hours away from any friends and family. I am also going through a divorce which has hurt me deeply.

I also worry a lot about my parents emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing due to unfortunate circumstances that have occurred in their lives recently as well. When I am dealing with all these frustrations combined it is easy to feel overwhelmed. I would love a shoulder to cry on. (I must thank my cousin Jill for allowing me to vent to her over email. Even though we can't be together in person, her patience and support online has helped give me strength.)

Sometimes I feel very alone in the world and it seems that in those instances I remember that the dark cloud hovering over me always seems to lighten up when I go to church. Somehow, hearing the word of God and being around God's followers helps me to feel less frustrated or scared...and I even feel more protected in some way. I believe it must be an innate connection to my creator that causes me to seek him out or look for Christian support especially in difficult times.

Because of everything going on in my life and because I know there are huge holes in my religion I feel I must make a renewed effort to get to know God. I feel that having a solid spiritual foundation is the best way for me to start over at this time in my life.

I have tried different churches around Carlisle, but I haven't found any that really said to me "you belong here." Today I tried out a new church called Carlisle Bretheren in Christ. I had held off going there for months because I was scared of the word "Bretheren" in the name. A co-worker of mine who had gone to the church said that the name doesn't imply any specific religion and that it is really non-denominational.

She felt strong that I would like it and that it may just be the church I have been searching for. She knew from past conversations that I have a hard time finding a church where I feel comfortable; I have certain requirements I look for (even though I don't think you are supposed to be quite as picky as I).

So I went and although I am not going to say that I was onehundred-percent comfortable, because I am always nervous around a large group of people I don't know...it was as close to comfortable as I believe I am going to come for a first visit. And although, I am usually a very traditional person, I felt the urge to join the contemporary group in the auditorium; it had a very friendly and inviting atmosphere.

The room was comprised of stadium seating, to which almost every seat in the house had someone occupying it... and all seemingly happy to be there. There was a band mixed with guitars, drums, a viola, a violin, and three singers leading the congregation in song, and three big screens so the people in the top rows could see them better. I also like the mix of dim lighting with lit candles along the edges of the stage creating a beautiful atmosphere to receive Gods word. Curiosity won me over.

I found my seat between two familes who were very inviting and as I took my seat I realized that the speakers were not raised so loud that they caused my ears to ring like in so many other places; the volume was just right. It also didn't hurt that both the band and congregation were on key to boot. But I would have to say that the biggest plus of all was the fact that the pastor was extremely well spoken and I "got" the message.

The pastor created in me a longing to know more and I didn't even notice how much time had past until he asked us to bow our heads in prayer. This is my single biggest requirement in my search for a church...to keep my attention and do it in a way that allows me to easily "get" the message. I actually enjoyed myself.

I also feel that this church is a good place for meeting other people around my age. Chances are that I'll make some new friends here and/or join one of their many "group" offerings. There seems to be hope here.

In anycase - at the end of the Sermon the pastor mentioned some books that were available to all newcomers which help explain "what they believe" and "why they believe" the way they do. I picked up three. I just finished the first and shortest book with 94 pages by Andy Stanley called, "How Good is Good Enough?" Essentially he makes us realize that it is not how good or bad you are that gets you into heaven. It is accepting Jesus as your savior and accepting forgiveness for your sins through his sacrifice that gets you into heaven.

It is a basic message every Christian should understand, however, I feel that it is very relevant to my current situation. This was impeccably good timing and I can't help but believe that this is yet another example of divine intervention. God always seems to be there for me when I need him. Thank you Lord.

I am confident I am starting my new life right and I finally feel a positive outcome is waiting for me. I look forward to going back to the Carlisle Bretheren Church next week.

Auction item offends brother of Oswald.

Last week the coffin that once held the body of Lee Harvey Oswald was sold to an anonymous bidder for the sum of $87,469.00.

Robert Oswald, older brother of the man accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy, say's he bought the wooden coffin himself upon Lee's death in 1963. He believes the object legally belongs to him and that he does not want the coffin to be sold for monetary gain. He would rather see the item destroyed than be regarded as some kind of morbid souvenir with shameful historical significance. Robert attempted to stop the coffin from being sold by contacting the auctioneer, but his calls were never returned.

Lee Oswald's body was exhumed in 1981 to prove to conspiracy theorists once and for all that without a doubt it is his body in the coffin. Testing proved conclusive; DNA samples were a match for Oswald. His remains were then put into a new coffin and once again laid to rest.

Note: Although it is generally accepted that Lee Harvey Oswald killed JFK, technicially he is still only a suspect because he was never convicted of the crime. He never got the chance to stand trial because he was fatally wounded by Jack Ruby as he was being transfered by police to a new location.

During a quick jail visit Lee told Robert not to believe all the "so-called" evidence against him, but never got to the chance to clarify what he meant by that. Robert beleives that Lee is guilty and acted alone, but to this day is not sure of the motive.

Fast Fact: Robert Oswald claimed he never considered changing his last name because he is proud of his heritage. He went on to say that he and his brother Lee shared names with famous distant relative Confederate General Robert E. Lee. No, he is not ashamed of their names.