October is Filipino American History Month

Fifteen Memorable Facts About Filipino-American History by Kevin Nadal

To celebrate Filipino-American heritage in honor of AAPI Heritage Month, I asked Fil-Ams from all over the country to share what they want the world to know about Filipino-Americans — what makes them memorable rather than forgotten.  This article reminded me of my recent article on Carlos Bulosan.

https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2019/10/an-update-have-you-heard-of-carlos.html

I am listing # 15 first, since I could identify with it during my employment with Food and Drug Administration from 1990 to 2002. I also added my own #16 at bottom of page.
  
15. And while May is Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, October is Filipino-American History Month!

Me pointing at my photo during Asian-American Week Celebration in FDA, 1998

Because of the unique experiences of the Filipino-Americans, Fred and Dorothy Cordova of the Filipino American National Historical Society declared October as Filipino-American History Month in 1988.

In 2009, both the U.S. Senate and Congress declared October as Filipino-American History Month. In 2015, President Obama recognized the month at a celebration at the White House.

1. Filipino-Americans are the second largest Asian-American group in the United States.

Courtesy of Liz Casasola

There are over 3.4 million Filipino-Americans in the country, the 2010 U.S. Census reported. That's about 20% of all Asian-Americans in the country!

2. Filipino-Americans are the largest Asian-American group in 11 out of the 50 states.

Courtesy of Greg Cendana

Filipino-Americans are the second largest Asian American group nationally, but they're the largest Asian-American group in 11 states, including California (which has the largest total population of Asian-Americans).

3. Filipino-Americans are one of the fastest growing immigrant groups in the United States.

Filipino-Americans are one of the largest foreign-born groups in the U.S. — about 5% of all immigrants in the country.

4. Filipinos were the first documented Asian people to arrive in the United States.

The first Filipinos landed in Morro Bay, California, in 1587, three decades before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. These Filipino men escaped Spanish galleon ships en route to Spain. Some Filipinos migrated in similar ways and settled in the bayous of Louisiana in 1763, giving Filipinos deep roots in the U.S.

5. The Philippines is the only country in Asia to have been fully colonized by the United States.

After the Philippines gained independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, it was then colonized by the United States. The country did not regain its independence until July 4, 1946. As a result, American English is the second national language of the Philippines, and the U.S. has since maintained a military presence in the country.

6. A quarter of a million Filipino-Americans are veterans of World War II.

More than 250,000 Filipino soldiers fought under the American flag in World War II. They agreed to fight in the U.S. military on the promise that the government would grant these soldiers American citizenship and full veteran benefits. However, these promises were not granted until President Obama took office in 2009, and hundreds of thousands of Filipinos did not receive the benefits they were promised.
Today, activists are working for Filipino-American veterans to be recognized with the Congressional Medal, as they are the only ethnic group who served in World War II yet to receive this honor.

7. Filipino-Americans contributed significantly to the American labor movement, particularly with the United Farm Workers movement in the 1960s.

• While Cesar Chavez and Mexican farmworkers are often credited with leading the Delano grape strike of 1965, Filipino-American farmworkers were the first to strike. Filipino-American leaders Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz reached out to Cesar Chavez to fortify the union.

While internal power struggles resulted in Filipino-Americans distancing themselves from the United Farm Workers, many historians and activists like Dolores Huerta credit Filipinos with being the first to strike.

8. Filipino-Americans have been a part of many advocacy movements throughout U.S. history.

In the late ’60s, Filipino-Americans were at the forefront of the fight for ethnic studies in San Francisco. In 2015, Filipino-Americans fought for the Alvarado Middle School to be renamed the Itliong-Veracruz Middle School after the Filipino-American labor leaders. The school was the first school in the country to be named after a Filipino-American. In 2016, Filipino-Americans successfully attained historical recognition for the South of Market (SoMa) district of San Francisco to be renamed SoMa Pilipinas.

9. Filipino-Americans have a significant presence in the arts and in hip-hop culture.

Lea Salonga was the first Filipina to win a Tony Award. Filipino-American musicians include Bruno Mars, Vanessa Hudgens, and Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas. In hip-hop, many Filipino-Americans have excelled as DJs and beatmakers, like DJ Neil Armstrong, DJ Q-Bert, DJ Icy Ice, as well as b-boys and dance crews — including members of groups featured on America’s Best Dance Crew like the Jabbawockeez, Super CR3W, and Quest Crew.

10. Filipino-Americans are more likely than other Asian-American groups to marry outside of their race.

• Contemporary studies find that racial identity may influence Filipino-Americans who are in interracial and interethnic romantic relationships, in that those who are married to non-Filipino Asian-Americans tend to identify more as Asian-American, whereas those who are married to black Americans or Latinos are more likely to view Filipino-Americans as a distinct ethnic group and feel more connected with black and Latino communities.

11. One-fifth of the Filipino-American population is multiracial.

• Nearly 22% of Filipino-Americans identify as biracial or multiracial — much higher than the 8% of the entire Asian-American population who are multiracial. This phenomenon, scholars have argued, may be due to shared histories of colonialism, experiences with colorism and racial discrimination shared with black Americans, and shared American values, customs, and language with white Americans.

12. Filipino-Americans identify as members of many different religions.

• About 90% of people in the Philippines identify as Catholic, thanks to Spanish colonialism. Four to five percent practice another form of Christianity, and another 4–5% percent identify as Muslim.

13. Many Filipino-Americans also choose not to identify as Asian or Asian-American, often due to a history of exclusion.

• Research supports the idea that many Filipino-Americans do not identify as Asian or Asian-American. Potential reasons for this include having a darker skin color (or identifying as “brown”), having similar experiences with racism, or feeling excluded or marginalized in the larger Asian-American community.

Scholars have described how Filipino-Americans have historically felt marginalized in pan-ethnic Asian-American organizations, particularly given their lack of representation or leadership opportunities in these groups. Other researchers have found that many Filipinos identify more with Latinos than with East Asian-Americans.

14. Filipino-Americans have unique experiences with racism.

• Studies have revealed that Filipino-Americans experience a range of racial microaggressions, including that they are misperceived to be members of other racial groups like Latino, multiracial, black, or Pacific Islander. Further, many Filipinos report being told that they are not “Asian enough” — by both Asian-Americans and non-Asian people.

Discrimination from other Asian-Americans results in a unique racial and ethnic Filipino identity: Filipino-Americans might reject a pan-ethnic Asian-American identity and develop a strong, ethnocentric, purely Filipino-American identity.

Source:  https://www.buzzfeed.com/kevinnadal/fil-am-history-facts
Meanwhile here's a short video summarizing Filipino-American history for your information:
https://youtu.be/7JlbyP3irNY

Allow me to add my #16:

16. Filipino Americans are involved in Science, Education, Health,  Public Service and Politics:  (See my Pinoy Pride List)

https://hubpages.com/business/caste-system-in-the-philippines

Only in the Philippines...

https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2019/08/only-in-philippines.html

Filipino Business Signs of Wit

A decade ago I received an e-mail from a Filipino friend listing 25 business signs in the Philippines. Most of them are still funny and humorous. The author was not listed. If you know the author please let me know so I can acknowledge his work.

1. The sign in a flower shop in Diliman called Petal Attraction.

2. Anita Bakery.

3. A 24-hour restaurant called Doris Day & Night

4. Barber shop called Felix The Cut;

5. A bakery named Bread Pitt

6. Fast-food place selling 'maruya' (banana fritters) called Maruya Carey.

7. Then, there was Christopher Plumbing.

8. A boutique called The Way We Wear.

9. Two butcher shops called Meating Place and Meatropolis.

10. A restaurant in Cainta district of Rizal called Caintacky Fried Chicken.

11. A local burger restaurant called Mang Donald's.

12. A doughnut shop called MacDonuts.

13. A shop selling 'lumpia' (egg roll) in Makati called Wrap and Roll.

14. Smart travelers can decipher what may look like baffling signs to unaccustomed foreigners by simply sounding out the 'Taglish' (The Philippine version of English words spelled and pronounced with a heavy Filipino accent)such as:

15. At a restaurant menu in Cebu:"We hab sopdrink in can an in batol" [translation: We have soft drinks in can and in bottle].

16. Then, there is a sewing accessories shop called "Bids And Pises" - [translation: Beads and Pieces--or-- Bits and Pieces]

There are also many signs with either badly chosen or misspelled words but they are usually so entertaining that it would be a mistake to 'correct' them like....

17. In a restaurant in Baguio City,the 'summer capital'of the Philippines: "Wanted: Boy Waitress"

18. On a highway in Pampanga: "We Make Modern Antique Furniture"

19. On the window of a photography shop in Cabanatuan: "We Shoot You While You Wait!"

20. And on the glass front of a cafe in Panay Avenue in Manila: "Wanted: Waiter, Cashier, Washier".

Some of the notices can even give a wrong impression such as:

21. A shoe store in Pangasinan which has a sign saying: "We Sell Imported Robber Shoes" (these could be the 'sneakiest' sneakers);

22. A rental property sign in Jaro reads: "House For Rent, Fully Furnaced" (it must really be hot inside)!

23. Occasionally, one could come across signs that are truly unique - if not altogether odd. A city in southern Philippines which said: "Adults: 1 peso; Child: 50centavos; Cadavers: fare subject to negotiation" .

24. European tourists may also be intrigued to discover two competing shops selling hopia (a Chinese pastry) called Holland Hopia and Poland Hopia - which are owned and operated by two local Chinese entrepreneurs, Mr.. Ho and Mr. Po respectively - (believe it or not)!

25.. Some folks also 'creatively' redesign English to be more efficient. The creative confusion between language and culture leads to more than just simple unintentional errors in syntax,but in the adoption of new words,says reader Robert Goodfellow who came across a sign... "House Fersallarend" (house for sale or rent).. Why use five words when two will do?

According to Manila businessman, Tonyboy Ongsiako,there is so much wit in the Philippines because we are a country where a good sense of humor is needed to survive. We have a 24-hour comedy show here called the government and a huge reserve of comedians made up mostly of politicians and bad actors.

A Recent Visit from My Nephew from Australia

Photo from Dave Recent Visit, May 2019. Macrine with the 3 David Katague.

Dave and His Family- Dave's Dad is my younger brother, Efren.

Last week my nephew from Australia, my name sake visited us. He was in LA on a business trip, but placed us in his busy schedule just for an overnight visit. He flew from LA to SFO and drove from SFO to Sacramento.

Macrine, David III and I enjoyed his short visit. The following is one of his videos about his family in Sydney Australia. The video is mesmerizing and fun to watch.


I like to share with you, the following video taken by my nephew from Australia who happens to have the same name as myself. Enjoy!

Visiting The Aquarium | "Turtle!" from Dave Katague on Vimeo.

Dave Katague, the only son of my younger brother is a Sydney( Australia) based Motion Designer. He has the passion for anything related to 3d / motionography, cinematography, photography, motion control time lapse, film, illustration /animation, typography, branding and special effects. You could see other samples of his work on his website, davekatague.com

The Wife-An Award-Winning Movie about Writing and Writers

We saw this movie on Netflix just recently. We enjoyed the movie so much as it reminded me of my article in my blog wondering if good writers are born or made. **(https://myarticlesfromviewshound.blogspot.com/search?q=born+writers, 12/11))

One sentiment in the movie that all writers should know: No matter how good or accomplished is your writing, if no one reads it, it will just rot in the book shelves.

Here's the trailer:

https://youtu.be/d81IM0loH7o

If you have not seen it, it will be worth your time. Here's what Wikipedia says:

The Wife is a 2017 drama film directed by Bjõrn L. Runge and written by Jane Anderson. It is based on the novel of the same name by Meg Wolitzer. It stars Glenn Close, Jonathan Pryce, and Christian Slater. The story follows a woman who questions her life choices as she travels to Stockholm with her narcissistic husband, who is set to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.

The film premiered on September 12, 2017, at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, and was released in the United States on August 17, 2018 by Sony Pictures Classics. It received generally positive reviews from critics, with Close's performance garnering high praise. Close won the Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award and Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actress for her performance, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress and the BAFTA Award for Best Actress.

**Excerpts from my article on my blog about writers( born or made) and writing:

Most writers that I know write because they love writing. To them writing is just like breathing. These born writers do not work hard to create an excellent article, because their writing comes from the heart and their soul. Others write with a lot of work, training and pain. Good writers run in the family as exemplified by the family of Stephen King. Most writers however are made and only become good writers through hard work and constant practice. The most common traits of good writers are patience and persistence, whether their writing talent is inborn or just developed.

Allow me to quote Jan Bird from her recent article, The Writing Bug. "Writing for me right now, is like love. It isn't something I do, it happens to me. It takes me completely by surprise when I least expect it and then it absolutely refuses to let go until it wants to. It's intoxicating and irrational".

The Days Prior to Our 62nd Wedding Anniversary

Macrine enjoying a beautiful spring day in our patio-April 26, 2019

This coming May 8 ( a Wednesday-work day) will be exactly 62 years when Macrine and I got married in the Philippines. Two weeks ago, I had planned a get-together of relatives, friends and neighbors to join us in this memorable event in our life. Because May 8 is a work day, I asked our relatives and friends of two possible days that may be convenient for the majority. At first, I decided on May 12. With a few exceptions all of my future guests responded they will not be able to attend since it is Mother's Day. So I decided that May 5* ( Cinco de Mayo-big Mexican-American Festivities) is the day. As of this writing date, only ten are planning to attend.

The other day, I also received some bad news from the Philippines. Macrine's sister, Sister Guia( Cenacle) is seriously ill. Macrine's two other sisters here in the US are going home to the Philippines to be by her side on her last days of life.

I am a little bit disappointed that only half of my invited guests are coming. Macrine and I will celebrate our 62nd wedding anniversary with honey-baked ham, Pancit, Kare-kare and a few other Pinoy dishes. I have ordered the cake from our local French Pastry Shoppe. It is an orange-chiffon cake decorated with fresh fruits. The orange-chiffon cake was a significant item and was a catalyst in our May 8, 1957 marriage( sixty two years ago) as discussed in my autobiography (https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2013/05/today-is-our-56th-wedding-anniversary.html).

The following five photos: Our Wedding Day, 25th Wedding Anniversary, 50th Wedding Anniversary, 55th wedding anniversary and 60th wedding anniversary.

Wedding Day, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, May 8,1957

Silver Wedding Anniversary, Pinole, California,USA, May 8,1982

Golden Wedding Anniversary, Boac, Marinduque, May 8, 2007

Macrine and I, May 8, 2012.-Our 55th Wedding Anniversary-Fair Oaks, California

Our 60th Wedding Anniversary-May 8, 2017

*https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2013/05/cinco-de-mayo-celebration-and-sales.html

Fears of Retirement

Last week, one of my FB friends and Macrine's relative posted a big headline on her page that Preparing for Retirement is Not for Sissies. Her posting reminded me of my own retirement fears seventeen years ago.

I retired from the Food and Drug Administration in 2002 when I was 68 years old. Prior to my retirement my plan was to retire three years before( when I turned 65). However, at that time I had feared that retirement will ruined me financially. Retirement will make me feel useless and that my Social Security will not be enough. I also feared that I will miss the social and intellectual interaction of my colleagues and coworkers.

However, one month after my retirement all the above fears disappeared. How did I do it? I followed the suggestion in the article below. If you are in the process or near retirement, the following article is a must read.

https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/the-3-greatest-retirement-fears-and-how-to-feel-more-confident-about-them/

Fearing retirement is a normal reaction, although it will change your lifestyles. Enjoy your retirement years dear friends and relatives!

Have You Heard of Manila, Arkansas or California?

Manila, California
I believe a majority of Filipinos or Filipino-Americans have never heard of the two towns above. I did not know about these two towns until just recently, when one of my friends in the Philippines mentioned that he has a relative in Manila, California. So I went to Google and here's what I found.

Manila, California is a census-designated place in Humboldt County. It is located 3.25 miles (5.2 km) north of downtown Eureka, at an elevation of 13 feet (4 m). The ZIP Code is 95521. The population was 784 at the 2010 census. The town was founded at the end of World War II, and named after Manila in the Philippines.

The 2010 United States Census reported that Manila had a population of 784. The racial makeup of Manila was 686 White, 14 African American, 25 Native American, 5 Asian, 12 from other races, and 42 from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 30 persons.

Manila, Arkansas

There is another town called Manila in Arkansas. The original name of this town was "Cindy". There was a WWII war hero who hailed from the town of Cindy. He was serving in Manila, Philippines when he won a purple heart and saved his whole platoon. His town, Cindy, was so proud of him they renamed the city after the city in which he became a war hero, Manila, Philippines. There is also a life-sized statue of him on the corner of the highway and the business district that happens to be the smallest state park in the State of Arkansas. The population was 3,055 at the 2000 census. It was the hometown of World War I sniper Herman Davis. A park in the town honors his memory today. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.2 square miles (8.4 km²), all of it land.

Interesting indeed!

Are You Aging Gracefully?

I received this e-mail today. I do not know the author, but has been circulating in the Web. I can identify with the sentiments of this article. If you are retired this is a must read for you. If not passed it on to your older friends and relatives. An encouraging suggestion.....to share. Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 60 years of age. Or 70! Or 75! Or whatever is your age now! Life can begin now, it is all in your hands! Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, owing to the diminishing importance given to them and their opinions. But, it need not be so, if only we understand the basic principles of life and follow them. Here are ten encouraging thoughts to age gracefully and make life after retirement pleasant.

1. Never say I am ‘aged': There are three ages, chronological, biological, and psychological. The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is determined by the health conditions; the third is how old we feel we are. While we don't have control over the first, we can take care of our health with good diet, exercise and a cheerful attitude. A positive attitude and optimistic thinking can reverse the third age.

2. Health is wealth: If you really love your kith and kin, taking care of your health should be your priority. Thus, you will not be a burden to them. Have an annual health check-up and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Do take health insurance coverage.

3. Money is important: Money is essential for meeting the basic necessities of life, keeping good health and earning family respect and security. Don't spend beyond your means even for your children. You have lived for them all through. If your children are grateful and they will take care of you, you are blessed. But, never take it for granted.

4. Relaxation and recreation: The most relaxing and recreating forces are a healthy religious attitude, good sleep, music and laughter. Have faith in God, learn to sleep well, love good music and see the funny side of life.

5. Time is precious: It is almost like holding a horses' reins. When they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that every day you are born again. Yesterday is a cancelled check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash - use it profitably. Live this moment; live it fully, now, in the present time.

6. Change is the only permanent thing: We should accept change - it is inevitable. The only way to make sense out of change is to join in the dance. Change has brought about many pleasant things. We should be happy that our children are blessed.

7. Enlightened selfishness: All of us are basically selfish. Whatever we do, we expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful to those who stood by us. But, our focus should be on the internal satisfaction and the happiness we derive by doing good for others, without expecting anything in return. Perform a random act of kindness daily.

8. Forget and forgive: Don't be bothered too much about others' mistakes. We are not spiritual enough to show our other cheek when we are slapped in one. But for the sake of our own health and happiness, let us forgive and forget them. Otherwise, we will be only increasing our blood pressure.

9. Everything has a purpose: Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as you are and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique and is right in his own way.

10. Overcome the fear of death: We all know that one day we have to leave this world. Still we are afraid of death. We think that our spouse and children will be unable to withstand our loss. But the truth is that your life on earth is not eternal, earth is not your home perpetually. Your love ones will miss you but the memories live on, you can be an example for them to carry on! Last but most important, you have a God who loves and cares for you! You have a future and a hope in Him....you have a choice...life can begin NOW..... So, are you aging gracefully or miserably?

First Posting: 2012

The Perils of Casino Gambling

Just recently I was reading an article on gambling addiction written by Daniel Bortz and published in the US News and World Report. In the article he reported that more and more Americans of both genders are seduced by the casinos due to accessibility. This is indeed true based on our personal experiences. Prior to the construction of Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln , California, my wife and I go to the Casinos may be twice a year since we have to drive more than one hour to the nearest Casino from our residence. With the construction of Thunder Valley and Red Hawk, we go to the casinos every other week. Both Casinos are only about 30 minutes drive from our residence. Besides gambling we patronized all the restaurants inside the Casino. We have a budget that we followed strictly. Besides playing the slots, my wife and I partake the delicious buffet offered by the Casinos at a reasonable price.

I have a relative who was addicted to Poker. His wife divorced him. If you think you are addicted to gambling, call 1-800-555-1212 and asked for the number of Gambler Anonymous (GA). I hope GA can help you.

The report mentioned that about 2 million adults meet the criteria for “pathological gambling or addiction.” and 4 to 6 million are considered “problem gamblers”. This is due to the fact that the number of casinos in the US is growing not including gambling online. Gambling addiction affects both men and women from all socioeconomic classes, according to figures from the National Council on Problem Gambling.

The gap between the number of male and female gambling addicts is closing. As more Indian and local casinos with slot machines are added, the number of female problem gamblers increases throughout the country, says Sam Skolnik, author of "High Stakes: The Rising Cost of America's Gambling Addiction."

However, Skolnik says betting behaviors vary by gender. He says men are more likely to be "action gamblers," meaning they prefer games that involve skill (e.g., poker or blackjack), while women tend to be "escape gamblers," meaning they're more drawn to machines that are based on luck (e.g., slots or bingo) and gamble to distract themselves from problems in their personal life.

Personal Note: My wife and I go to the Casino every other week with a definite budget. We also partake the reasonably price food besides playing the slot machines. I believe we are not addicted yet. We used to go to the movies, Broadway plays/musicals and eat at expensive restaurants as part of our monthly entertainment budget. Again, may I reiterate, if you are a gamboholic, call 1-800-555-1212 and asked for the number of GA.

First Posting:2016

Music of IL Divo

Time for some of my favorite musical pieces from Il Divo.


Il Divo ("divine male performer" in Italian) is a multinational operatic pop vocal group created by music manager, executive, and reality TV star Simon Cowell. Formed in the United Kingdom, they are also signed to Cowell's record label, Syco Music. Il Divo is a group of four male singers: Spanish baritone Carlos Marín, Swiss tenor Urs Bühler, American tenor David Miller, and French pop singer Sébastien Izambard. To date, they have sold more than 26 million albums worldwide

Four Stars for Aura Dental Care of Citrus Heights, California

Typical Tori of the Lower Jaw.

I have both upper and lower dentures made in the Philippines about four years ago. Both dentures have been working with no problems since then. However, three months ago, I broke 4 front teeth. I postponed having it removed as it did not bother me. However, last month, one of the tooth started to ache. I have no choice, but to see a dentist. My Federal Medical insurance do not cover dental work, so I started inquiring for a reasonable dentist in our neighborhood. I talked to four dental offices in our neighborhood. One office a private group of dentist ( Citrus Heights Dental) offered a free X'ray and Examination for new patients. I decided to visit the office and have the full mouth X-ray and examination.

The dentist refused to fixed my lower denture and recommended new dentures (upper and lower). This will require removing the 4 broken teeth as well as the two teeth that anchors my lower and upper partials. I have also toris in my lower jaw and this has to be removed by an oral surgeon before a new denture is made at a separate expense. Tori are simply bony growths in the upper or lower jaws. Tori may interfere with dental appliances in which case they must be removed or the appliance modified to fit around the tori. If the partial denture covers the tori and the tori continues to grow, the partial may not fit as well over time. If a major portion of a dental appliance covers a tori it may not be able to be modified sufficiently to allow continued wear of the appliance.

CH Dental give me an estimate of $6000( with 10% discount) for both new upper and lower dentures which included the extraction of my 6 remaining teeth. The removal of the tori has to be done by an oral surgeon at extra expense. Needless to say I got out of the office in a hurry when I saw the estimate.

In the meantime, my 4 front broken teeth started to ache again. This time, I called CH and asked for the owner/manager of the office. After talking to her she said that the estimate is just a recommendation, and will assign me another dentist and can extract the 4 front teeth for $1000. I had no choice. The new dentist was good. The office again reiterated they will not fixed or add 4 teeth to my old denture. A new lower denture is recommended and before they can do it, I should have an oral surgeon removed the tori in my lower jaw.

In the Internet, there is an 800 number to help you look for dental offices that do repair of dentures. I called the 1-800-dentist number and they refer me to Aura Dental Care of Citrus Heights(ADC). They advertised that repair can be done in one day. I made an appointment and was able to get one the next day. ADC has also a free X-ray and Exam for new patients promotion. The dentist (Dr B) saw me and ask why I came to his office. I told him I need my lower denture repaired with the addition of 4 new teeth that was just extracted 3 days ago. He looked at my denture and said the dental lab may be able to do it for $720. They took an impression of both my upper and lower dentures. Prior to the impression, an X'ray technician took X'ray of my whole mouth which I believe was not necessary since I have only 2 teeth. The rest of my mouth are gums. She agreed but she said taking X-ray of the whole mouth for new patients is standard procedure and she is just following instruction. Stupid Indeed!

After the impression, I was told I will get a call before 4PM ( I was in the Office at 9:30AM). I will know whether a repair of my old lower denture is possible or not. At 3:30PM , ACD called me that my denture has been repaired with 4 teeth added. The repair work was good. I have my denture repaired without my tori operation. Evidently, my denture was made and modified avoiding the tori in my lower jaw. The repaired denture felt good after a minor adjustment. I went home happy and $720 poorer. I am rating ACD a 4 star. I could have given them a 5 star if the unnecessary Xray of the whole mouth was not done.

Personal Note: My dentist in the Philippines is really good because he was able to make my lower partial fit around my tori. The dentist at CH Dental refused to repair my partial unless I have my tori first removed by an oral surgeon, which will be traumatic and painful and will cost a lot of money. Shame on you CH Dental-for just thinking of money instead of the welfare of your patients.

Still Enjoying a Few Spring Blooms in Mid-Winter

One of the advantages in living in Northern California is still enjoying spring blooms in mid winter. This year we have not experienced a hard freeze yet, so a few of my ornamentals protected by the walls of the house are still blooming. Expecting a hard freeze before the end of the month. Enjoy the following photos in my front patio and side yard.

My Ganzanias and mini-Begonias are still in bloom -January 9, 2019

My Ganzanias and begonias are still blooming in mid winter in my front Patio.

The few lemons left after I harvested more than 150 lemon fruit this year

A few ice plant blooms(yellow).

One rose bush is still blooming

A few rhodondendron blooms

Ditas New Boss-Governor Gavin Newsom

Today, is the inauguration of California's 40th governor-Gavin Newsom. He is now Ditas new big boss. Here's an article from the San Francisco Chronicle published one hour ago.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Gov-Gavin-Newsom-governor-inaugural-speech-brown-13514913.php

For more information on Newsom read his bio on Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavin_Newsom

Book Review: Bataan Death March-Tears in the Darkness

Let's start 2019 with reading memorable historical books: The Bataan Death March-Tears in the Darkness

The Bataan Death March and Its Aftermath-Tears in the Darkness is one book that I will never forget. I will always remember this book because I have also childhood memories of that war. My father was also in the Philippine guerrilla resistant movement at that time. I recommend this book not only to history enthusiast but to all serious readers of World War II and its aftermath.

It is a major book about World War II. It is compared to books such as All Quiet in the Western Front and Hiroshima. The ordeal of sufferings and cruelty suffered by Filipino and Americans prisoners of war has to be read, so you can believe it. I have sleepness nights after reading this book, but as a lover of history and growing as child in the Philippines at that time makes reading this book a worthwhile endeavor. I can also personally relate to this book since my father served in the Philippines-American guerrilla forces in Panay Island.

This world II book was written by husband and wife team, of Michael and Elizabeth Norman published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, New York, 2009. After reading the book, I have nightmares remembering the suffering, horrors and cruelty sufferred by both Filipino and Americans prisoner of war by the Japanese. It discussed in detail the Battle and Fall of the Bataan Peninsula resulting in the surrender of 76,000 Filipinos and Americans, the single largest defeat in American military history.

The book also discussed in painful detailed the prisoners of war sufferrings from April, 1942 to August 1945. It described the the forty-one months of cruelty and savagery, starvation, dehydration, hard labor, deadly disease, torture, murder and the journey on "hell ships" of the prisoners to Japan.

This book was compiled from interviews of hundreds of war prisoners that survived the ordeal. The main hero of the book is Ben Steele, a young cowboy form Montana. Steele recounted the horrors of the war through his drawings and paintings, which is currently exhibited in the Museum of
Art, at the Montana State University in Billings.

Ben Steele Drawing of Himself.

The following article is about Ben Steele - the central character in the book, Tears in the Darkness by Michael and Elizabeth Norman. It was written by Joe Nickell Missoulian and posted in Mtstandard.com on Monday, October 3, 2011. Ben Steele died on September 24, 2016 at the age of 98.

There is the Bataan Memorial Death March which is an annual commemoration of the Bataan Death March attended by many of the survivors of the march, along with thousands of supporters from around the world, held at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. Held annually since 1989, this is a full marathon, or a 15 mi (24 km) route for those who do not wish to complete the full course. Covering paved road and sandy trails, it is regarded by Marathon Guide as one of the top 30 marathons in the U.S

"Ben Steele remembers it all. He vividly recalls the faces of the dead and dying along the roadside as he marched with thousands of other American prisoners of war from the Bataan Peninsula to the city of Capas in the Philippines. He remembers the bits of fire-pit charcoal that he squirreled to his prison cell and used to draw pictures of his beloved Montana on the floor. He remembers the coal mines of Japan, and even his hazy visits to death’s doorstep. Of course, it helps that he has pictures of those experiences from that dark period of World War II. But unlike today’s soldiers, who often travel through war zones with cameras strapped to their bodies, Steele’s photographic record is his sharp memory, and his pictures all flowed from his hand.

I have very vivid memories of what went on, because it was a gruesome and difficult situation,” says Steele, at 94 one of the last remaining survivors of the infamous Bataan Death March in which Japanese soldiers forced more than 75,000 malnourished, exhausted, injured and sick American and Filipino prisoners of war to march more than 60 miles over the course of less than a week, leading to the deaths of thousands of prisoners. “I have lots of images in my head,” Steele adds. “I could paint them for the rest of my life. I don’t have trouble recalling anything in there; I can recall dates in the camp that I can’t remember in my normal life since. I was impressed very deeply by it.”

In the decades since World War II ended, Steele’s memories — translated to 11 oil paintings and 78 stark charcoal drawings — have taken on a fame of their own, not only because they are among the only images that exist of the march, but also because of their raw emotional power. A number of the images were featured in “Tears in the Darkness,” a best-selling 2009 book about the march by Elizabeth and Michael Norman, which also features Steele as a central character. Now, the vast majority of Steele’s images from the Bataan Death March are on display at the University of Montana’s Montana Museum of Art and Culture, where they have come to reside as part of the state-owned museum’s permanent collection.

“These images form such an important part of Montana’s cultural history,” said Brandon Reintjes, curator at the MMAC. “They have almost a mythic back-story to them, they convey such a powerful and important lesson in history, and they’re truly a reflection of a powerful artistic vision that I think inspires everyone who encounters them.” Something of a miracle. Indeed, the mere existence of Steele’s paintings and drawings is something of a miracle. After entering the U.S. Army Air Corps at age 22, Steele found himself caught up in one of the first and most protracted land battles of the war in the Pacific, as U.S. and Filipino forces attempted to defend the peninsula of Bataan in the Philippines.

The 99-day battle ended with the surrender of 76,000 U.S. troops, including Steele. It was one of the worst defeats in American military history. Steele survived the legendary Death March, and ultimately spent three-and-a-half years as a prisoner of war in the Philippines and Japan. Crippled by a combination of dysentery, pneumonia, malaria, blood poisoning and Beriberi, Steele came so close to death that he was read his last rites by priests on two occasions.

Drawing to maintain sanity:. To maintain his sanity, Steele began drawing — first employing nothing but a charred stick on the bare concrete floor, and later on paper that fellow prisoners supplied him. Reached earlier this month at his home in Billings, Steele said that those drawings literally saved him. “I was awful sick and I thought I was going crazy, so I had to do something to occupy my mind,” he said. “So I started to draw on the floor.” At first, Steele drew images of cowboys and mountain scenes from his home state of Montana. In an earlier interview with Reintjes, Steele described the depth of his longing for home during that time. “I used to dream about Montana more than anything else, more than I did food — and I used to dream about food all the time,” he said. Then, as other prisoners began to take notice of Steele’s pastime, they suggested he draw what he saw around him. So Steele began creating depictions of life in the camp - at first on the floor; then on paper, with pencils that were smuggled to him.

Steele was later transported to Japan, where he worked as a forced laborer in coal mines. During that time, he was kept too busy to draw. >In 1945, he was finally liberated. But his drawings were lost. Drawings lost, then re-created “When I went to Japan in ‘44, I left the drawings with a chaplain, thinking he would get out when the Philippines were retaken,” says Steele. “But when he did get out, the ship he was on was sunk by the American Navy, so the drawings went down in the China Sea.” So, during his yearlong recuperation at a hospital in Spokane, Steele re-created the lost drawings and several paintings. “I hated to lose those drawings, but I was lucky to get home in one piece myself,” he says today. “So it didn’t bother me all that much, and it gave me something to do during my recovery.” Following his recovery, Steele pursued a degree at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where he studied with noted artists George Grosz, Hans Mueller and Clarence Van Duzer. After receiving teaching credentials from Kent State University and a Master of Art degree from the University of Denver in 1955, Steele became a professor of art at Montana State University-Billings.

Emphasis on realism: But despite all that exposure to the ever-transforming art trends of the 20th century, Steele continued to devote himself to a creative aesthetic that emphasizes realism, brutal as it may be. Over time, he created several more images from the Death March — images which he considers his most important works. “I kind of felt an obligation to the guys who went through that, to illustrate what went on over there,” he says. “I wanted to tell the story.” In that sense, Steele knows he is different from many World War II veterans, who on the whole were notorious for their reticence about speaking of what they had experienced on the battlefields of the Asian and European theaters.

But, he says, opening up about his experiences was an important step in his own life. “I didn’t talk about my experiences for years; and I have friends who won’t talk about it still,” he says. “But when I did all these artworks, it kind of opened me up because I had to explain them. It got me to talk about it very freely. I didn’t have any choice but to talk about it after I did the artwork. I think it helps you to talk about it. Some people ask me how I can draw that stuff, but it’s very easy because it’s so vivid in my mind.”