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Christmas, 2018 - Remembering Cuba, 1962
At Christmas, we often hope and pray for peace - for our families, for our nation, for the world. This year I was reminded of Cuba in 1962 when the world seemed on the brink of unimaginable destruction, we waited and we prayed.
- 7
Apricot, Peach, and Apple Butter Where's the Butter?
Are you too young to remember Apple Butter? Fruit Butters have no butter in them. They are delicious & come in many flavors. They are healthy, have 1/4 the sugar, twice the fruit of jam or preserves.
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Civil Political Discussions are Possible
A former student (now in seminary) and I often engage in wide-ranging social and political discussions. We may disagree, but we are able to remain civil and express ourselves in an erudite fashion.
- 30
On a Still Afternoon
An attempt at a reminiscence, partially autobiographical, hoping to infuse prose with some of the qualities of poetry.
- 5
Pentatonix in all their Musical Glory
In 2010 three members of Pentatonix were still in High School. By December 2014 they, had won the 2011 Sing-Off, created a successful YouTube channel and released several albums.
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Christmas with PENTATONIX
My family was quite musical and we all sang in church and school choirs and loved it...but in college I joined an a cappella choir and I loved the harmony, discipline, and joy of a cappella singing..
- 17
Images of Christmas
Every year I marvel at the great variety of Christmas cards ~~ some sacred, telling the story of the Christ child, others about family, about celebrating the season. Some of my favorites,
- 36
Five Distinctive Words
We all use language all the time, most of us giving little thought to the specific words we employ. Some of us in our heart of hearts are secret etymologists and love nothing better than word-play.
- 21
Lt. Greg's Fireman's Slaw
I have never liked the idea of (and never tried) Fish Tacos. I asked my brother Greg if he liked them. Soon we were buying the ingredients and told our family we had plans for Sunday dinner.
- 32
Bopcia and Watercolos
Bopcia, my Polish paternal grandmother was an avid painter and experimented with many different mediums. For a short while she worked in watercolors, some representational, some abstract.
- 59
Trapped in a Hot Car
We are all horrified by the newspaper and television stories about babies, toddlers, and family pets who have suffered an agonizing death in a locked and overheated car.
- 19
The Christmas Story Once More
The Christmas Story is a very ancient story, but it also a new story, bringing life and hope and wonder to each succeeding generation.
- 42
Meaningful Books and Great Authors
A university colleague asked a group of friends to quickly jot down ten books that had made a real impact in their lives. Ten books was beyond me, but ten AUTHORS wasn't. :)
- 45
American GIs : Liberators' View of the Survivors
There has been disagreement about "how" American GIs treated concentration camp inmates. Careful examination of "when" soldiers worked inside camps clarifies and eliminates the confusion.
- 47
Our Soldiers Have Names
I think of myself as caring, patriotic, aware of our military losses, but how aware am I? How aware are we? Do we know these men and women who fight for our country?
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Annabel and Theresa ~~ What's Happening in Our Lives
This is a summer of change. Theresa is scrubbing and painting the Family Lake House. Annabel's Momma fell, broke her ankle, now Annabel is staying with me for three days. This is our First Hub.
- 25
The Grand Cosmos ~ Grandiloquent Words
In spite of all we have learned, all that Hubble and other telescopes have been able to show us, we continue to be dwarfed by the immensity of our universe and dazzled by its breathtaking beauty.
- 37
Memories of a Fire in February
Fires, floods, and other natural disasters can be devastating. But if we know things are replaceable, why are we so often traumatized, so grief-stricken?
- 62
Children's Holocaust Memorial: Six Million Paper Clips
There are many museums and memorials dedicated to the Holocaust in America. This is the amazing story of a memorial created by the students and faculty of Whitwell Elementary School, Tennessee.
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Depersonalizing the HubPages Experience
HP is a business, so obviously profits are very important. HP also presents itself as a Writing Platform and Community. How can HP make that claim when making very "ANTI - COMMUNITY" decisions?
- 41
Israeli Lemon Chicken ~~ Everyday Easy or Company Fancy
Israeli Lemon Chicken is a wonderful savory dish and a complete meal when paired with a tossed salad or it can serve as the centerpiece of a fancy company or holiday dinner. Very versatile.
- 50
Strawberry Soup ~~ Summertime Delight
Most of us associate "strawberries" with the pleasures of summer. Around the world many cultures serve "fruit soups" ~~ sometimes hot, sometimes cold This cold soup is perfect for hot summer days.
- 22
Earning a Doctorate in History ~~ How Many Years Does It Take?
The years it takes to achieve a graduate degree, whether masters or doctorate or both, depend on many things: the program, your time, energy and motivation, and life's unexpected circumstances.
- 42
Student Resistance in Nazi Germany ~~ The White Rose (Die Weise Rose)
Sometimes we assume that Germans passively accepted Nazi rule, when there were a number of opposition and resistance movements. Many of these courageous men and women sacrificed their lives.
- 54
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls ~~ Same Great Taste, Way Less Effort
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are quite wonderful, but honestly, they are a huge amount of work. Trust me, there is a way to get the same great Eastern European flavor with a quarter of the effort. Enjoy!
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Controlling Disease and Saving Lives in Nazi Concentration Camps
Based largely on films we assume that many people died in German Concentration Camps and that many people were liberated and rescued. The truth is much more complicated and involved Medical Care.
- 40
Greek Stuffed Bell Peppers ~~ Mediterranean Flavors
We are often exposed to Mexican, Chinese, Greek, Italian dishes which can be mild or lukewarm versions of the originals. Which is OK, but sometimes it is necessary to taste Authentic Ethnic Cuisine.
- 18
"Jacob the Liar" -- Inside a Nazi Ghetto -- A Film
Confined in the darkest night, suffering the most extreme privation, when all seems lost, which is more important,, "Truth" or "Hope?" We may not know until we are there. Thy were there.
- 50
Words and Flowers ~~ for Etymologists and Gardeners
Some of us find words useful at work and in our conversations with family and friends. But some know the joy, the pleasure, of discovering a new word, then exploring its history and derivation.
- 52
Grilled Cheese for Breakfast? Of Course!
There are lots of flavor variations for a grilled cheese sandwich. Experiment, find out what you like. Pair one with fruit for breakfast, salad for lunch and soup for dinner.
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Consuming Time and Space
Sometimes "progress" in one area leads to "regress" in another. We need to consider all the consequences of new invention and technologies, rather than thoughtlessly accepting them with open arms.
- 24
Polish Sculptor in America
My paternal grandfather, Edmund K. Ast, trained as a sculptor in Poland and emigrated to America after World War II, where he continued to design and carve gravestones, memorials, busts, and statues for a variety of Georgia clients. He was comfortable working with a variety of stones, bronze,...
- 33
Granny's Fruit Cobbler -- Easy and Delicious
Everyone has a favorite recipe from grandmother's kitchen and when that recipe is for a sweet and satisfying dessert, all the better. :) This is a delicious and incredibly easy fruit cobbler.
- 42
Music Worth Exploring: ThePianoGuys
Something for everyone. A classically trained pianist and cellist, who do magnificent renditions of both the classics and very modern pieces. Listening to and watching them is quite an adventure.
- 33
University Professors -- Beyond Classroom Teaching
Professors who teach at the college and university level must meet a set of expectations in order to remain employed. Their first priority is teaching classes and working with students. Secondly, they are expected to do a substantial amount of institutional; and community service (committees,...
- 37
Texas Painter Memorializes America's Fallen Soldiers
A retired sign painter in Texas, Ken Pridgeon, is single-handedly memorializing all the men and women from Texas who have died on active military duty in America's recent wars and conflicts in the Middle East. They and he deserve to be remembered.
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The Political Spectrum ~~ Serious and Polite Discourse ~~ James Watkins and phdast7
Politics and political language can be confusing. Perhaps we do not even define the "political right" and the "political left" in the same manner. If this is true, can we even have profitable conversations and discussions about the political issues and decisions which affect our lives and our...
- 88
Don't Think You Are Talented or Creative?
Relatively few people think of themselves as artistic or creative. Perhaps the difficulty lies in an overly narrow definition of talent and creativity. We all need to think more broadly.
- 73
Aging and Changes in Physical Abilities ~~ The Journey ~~ 12
Aging. Longevity. Decline. What are they? Are they inevitable? What is our individual role in the process? What can we control and improve? What should we learn to deal with gracefully? Aging is a complicated and multi-faceted process and so the answers to these important questions...
- 28
Change in Higher Education -- Why is Tenure Disappearing in American Universities?
Tenure is a mis-represented set of policies often used in higher education. Most people are unaware of the purpose of tenure, how it operates, or why it developed as it did in an academic setting.
- 30
Full-Ride College and University Scholarships - Great Idea or Bad Idea?
Few students can attend college without some sort of financial assistance. There are Pell grants, a variety of loan programs, and there are institutional scholarships, both need and merit based. But how much of the total cost of a college education should a scholarship cover? What if less is...
- 84
One Way to Handle Aggressive, Mean-Spirited and Divisive Comments
Conversation, discussions, debates, even fair and balanced arguments are great things. We thrive through a healthy exchange of ideas and even feelings, but what about a conversation that turns TOXIC?
- 55
Food Stamps or SNAP - Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program
You are probably familiar with SNAP; it used to be known as Food Stamps. Are you aware of the regulations that allow shameless businesses to use SNAP to promote nutrition-less junk food to children?
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Writing a World War II Veteran's Daughter ~~ 3rd Armored Division
Although many of the men, and women, who served in the U.S. military during World War II are no longer with us, their families still are. We should not forget them or the loved ones they have lost who fought in a just and necessary war.
- 97
Holocaust Denial: An Important Conversation about World War II
Academic historians and the general reading public have been quite surprised to see a resurgence of Neo-Nazi groups, Hitler sympathizers, and Holocaust Deniers in the West in the past twenty years. There are at least two types of Holocaust Deniers, and the more pernicious variety is steeped in an...
- 34
Paraprosdokians ~~ Fossils, Crystals, Igneous Rocks, or a Linguistic Term?
Any education is incomplete unless one is able to correctly identify and define the following: prehistoric and paleolithic fossils, elements from the Periodic Table existing in crystalline form, botanicals indigenous to many climates, types of bacteria, rocks of sedimentary - igneous - metamorphic...
- 16
18th and 19th Century Botanicals
Botanical illustrations represent an incredible commingling of breathtaking artistry and scientific precision. How poor our knowledge of Botany would be without these gifted illustrators.
- 25
Secondary Sources on American Veterans, the Holocaust, the Concentration Camps
Primary Historical resources are extremely useful, but they can be difficult to access. So most of us need to rely on Secondary Sources. The following is a detailed list of scholarly books which is relevant to American Soldiers during World War II, the Holocaust, and the Nazi Concentration Camp...
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Etymology -- Wonderful Word Play
Language, linguistics, and lexicons. Some of us love words, examining their meanings, exploring their derivations, leveraging their significance in a sentence. Locating the precisely perfect word is a great satisfaction and accomplishment for those who appreciate words.
- 58
Twentieth Century Atrocities and Genocides
Few well-trained historians or scholars will address questions which attempt to determine who suffered more, who lost the most, or whose government was the most oppressive? Generally, we do not find those questions terribly useful or significant. We concern ourselves with and how oppressive...
- 54
World War II -- Oppression, the Holocaust, the Nature of Terrorism
Pondering what the German people knew at the time about the Nazi goals and activities can lead to a number of questions which are relevant for us today.
- 53
Out of Focus ~~ Poetry and Poets
A poem about the changing seasons and the emotions that often accompany them or reflect them.
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World War II - Pacific Theater - Farewell to the King
There are many World War II films that address the European Theater. However, most of us do not know that much about the Pacific Theater of War, although, we all know about the bombs America dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This film, Farewell to the King, depicts the British attempt to build a...
- 28
Liberating Concentration Camps - American GIs in World War II
American GIs discovered many concentration camps as they defeated the German army in World War II. U.S. soldiers were en route to military targets and were unprepared to address the human misery they found in the camps; most stayed for a few hours and some for a day or two before being relieved...
- 48
University Professors and their Exorbitant Salaries
The cost of a college education has been rising. What about the generous salaries earned by professors? Are their salaries unreasonable? What kind of salaries do other professionals with less education and training earn? So, what are some of the causes or rising tuition?
- 49
Civilians Murdered During the Holocaust - Europe During World War II
We are all familiar with the number Six Million, representing the best estimate of the number of Jews murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. We are less familiar, some of us unaware of the total number of people exterminated by the Nazis, 22,000,000 - 26,000,0000. And we know very little...
- 47
American Soldiers Liberate Nazi Concentration Camps - I
When they first entered the Concentration camps, what did American Soldiers do? What were they prepared to do? As the liberators were ordered to move forward to their assigned military objectives, who replaced them? Essay based on government document from the National Archives and first...
- 24
University Professors and the Promotion Process
People outside of an academic setting often have questions and doubts about the meaning and utility of Tenure. And what is a university promotion process like? How and when do college faculty get promoted in rank? What is rank? The process leading to promotion in rank and, hopefully, tenure...
- 35
Ginger or Curry and Fruit ~~ Great Brunch Recipes
When the weather is cool or, even better, cold it is time to serve warm and spicy fruit alongside your Family Brunch or Company Dinner. This is so easy and requires less that 60 minutes preparation and cooking time. It is also quite delicious and you can use ginger or curry depending on your...
- 16
Get Great College Recommendations from Your Teachers
Completing applications for college and university is important Good recommendations from your teachers and professors can mean the difference between getting accepted by your last choice or your first choice institution. Where do you really want to spend the next four years of your life?
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Delicious, Easy & Healthy Date Nut Bread
This is a moist, flavorful, tender Date Nut Bread. From preparation to finished product in 50 minutes. It is a versatile quick bread and the ingredients can be adjusted to suit your family's tastes. Enjoy flavors from the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
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Why Do Professors Teach the Way They Do? How do I Teach a College Course?
How should we teach? Why do we teach? What should we focus on in high school and college? What skills do we consider important? What objectives do we have in mind as we prepare to go into the classroom? Money is not the answer, although it helps. The answer can be found in a healthy...
- 46
Three Kings in the Iraqi Desert - Movie Review and Film Essay
David Russell's film Three Kings is a fast paced action and gore packed war film with some terrific and unusual special effects...but it it much more than that. The film examines the basis for American involvement in Iraq in 1992, revealing both American selfishness, arrogance and cynicism, but...
- 55
Cinnamon Apple Butter ~~ Quick, Easy, Delicious
Old fashioned Apple Butter is a real treat, but there is a quick and easy way to produce great-tasting apple butter without the usual hours of peeling and hours of cooking. Make a small batch for your family; make a large batch to give as gifts.
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Marble and Stone - A Polish Sculptor - Edmund Ast
Edmund Ast, was born and raised in Poland, and obtained a university degree in art, specializing in sculpture and design. This was quite unusual for a young men in Poland in the 1920's. He was extremely talented and worked on many diverse designs in marble.
- 66
Island of the Colorblind - Neurologist, Dr. Oliver Sachs in the Pacific Islands
On two tiny isolated islands in Micronesia, famed neurologist Dr. Oliver Sachs, studied the largest population in the world of people who were completely colorblind. In other words they suffered from genetic or congenital Achromatopsia, an exceedingly rare condition in most of the world.
- 66
Abstract Watercolors ~~ Wanda Maria Ast
This is a selection of abstract watercolors, all done by Wanda Ast in her fifties and sixties. Mrs. Ast experimented with a variety of watercolors and painting mediums as well as a variety of painting surfaces - canvas - paper - cloth - in an effort to achieve different textural effects. Mrs. Ast...
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What Most Germans Knew about Concentration Camps - IV
This article recounts the experiences of American GI's who discovered concentration camps large and small spread through out Germany. They were so horrified and incensed by what they had seen, they rounded up German civilians, men and women, and compelled them to march through the concentration...
- 38
Greek Temples and Columns ~~ Doric, Ionian, and Corinthian
Greece is famous for its ruins, classical Greek temples, amphitheaters, fallen statuary. Small clusters of individual columns still stand, and keep watch like sentinels over the amidst the rubble of previously glorious temples.
- 86
How do Hubbers Decide What to Read and When to Comment
Writing for and reading HubPages is quite an experience. Finding the level of involvement and participation that is right for you may take a little time, but it is well worth it.
- 22
We Were Soldiers - History and Film Guide
We Were Soldiers (Mel Gibson) - Film Study Guide for a University level History course. Using historically based films builds student interest, requiring essays strengthens their analytical, composition, and grammar skills, as well as their understanding of historical events and periods.
- 57
Gladiator, the Movie - History Film Guide
In teaching history at the college level, I have found it useful to use historically based films in upper level (junior / senior) courses. Students are instructed about the “differences” between written history and historically based or connected film, as well as the meaning of bias, agenda,...
- 48
German Knowledge and Claims About Nazi Concentration Camps
American Armored and Infantry Division soldiers were among the first western individuals to enter the Nazi concentration camps. They found horrors beyond anything they might have expected: disease, starvation, evidence of atrocities and denial.
- 14
Ancient Greek Ruins - Classical Architecture
A trip through Greece is a wonderful opportunity to visit and marvel at the Classical Greek temples, statues, and ruins. They are scattered across the Greek mainland and each is worthy of a visit.
- 39
Artistic Batiks ~~ Wanda Maria Ast
A collection of abstract wax-resist Batiks created in the 1980's and 1990's by Wanda Ast, an American citizen of Polish descent, who immigrated to the United States after World War II.
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What the Average German Knew About the Concentration Camps -- II
In their oral history testimonies, letters, questionnaires, interviews, and journals American soldiers explain why they did not accept German protestations of ignorance and innocence. GIs from the 42nd, 45th, 71st, 88th, and 103rd Infantry Divisions, and the 11th Armored Division, and the 69th...
- 18
BATIKS ~~ Ancient Wax Resist and Dye Process
Batik which is patterned cloth created by using layers of wax and multiple dye baths are both extremely beautiful and time consuming to create. This essay contains general information about traditional batiks and specific information about a twentieth century Polish-American artist who created...
- 199
What Did Most Germans Know About the Nazi Concentration Camp System?
Americans often assume that most German civilians were unaware of Hitler's final solution. Concentration camps were not hidden; they served as public warnings to opponents of the Nazi regime.
- 64
Abstract and Representational Paintings - Wanda Ast, Polish-American Artist
A selection of oil paintings completed in the 1960's and 1970's by a Polish-American artist who survived the Nazi, and then the Soviet, invasions of Poland during World War II, and who subsequently emigrated to America with her husband and four children.
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Dachau - General Patton -IG Investigation
World War II veterans said little about their experiences when they came home, but later in life they gave interviewed, responded to questionnaires, and contributed letter, photographs, diaries, and journals to historical archives. A number of them speak of a little-known atrocity that took place...
- 32
Another Look at the Interaction of American GI's and German Soldiers During W W II
Most World War II GI's were horrified and morally outraged by their experience in the concentration camps, however, moral outrage did not always lead to retaliation and abuse of German soldiers. Some GIs stressed the importance of the Geneva Convention, the rules for treatment of captured or...
- 55
American GIs and German Soldiers in World War II ~~~ I
Considering that America was engaged in a war against Germany, American soldiers, with few exceptions, entertained fairly positive, even sympathetic feelings for German soldiers and civilians. After the war veterans were asked to name their favorite European country. It is illustrative that four...
- 46
Communist Czechoslovakia - Soviet Rule - Personal History
Heda Margolius Kovaly, living in Eastern Europe, survived the Nazi regime in the 1940's and the the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia during the 1950's and 1960's. Sadly, her husband and many of her friend fell victim to Stalin's terror.