Cathy Burnham Martin's Blog, page 66
November 10, 2023
The Few! The Proud! The Marines!
Happy 248th Birthday to the Marines! On November 10, 1775, the US Marine Corps was officially established by the 2nd Continental Congress to strengthen naval forces during the Revolutionary War. Recruitment headquarters immediately opened in a popular spot… the Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia.
Official funding did not follow until 1798, when President John Adams approved a bill placing the organization under the Secretary of the Navy. The premier elite fighting force in the world continues to this day. To all who serve and who have served, we thank you for your service and sacrifices over so many years.
November 9, 2023
This Is World Freedom Day!
November 9, 1989, is the day that the Berlin Wall, which separated East and West Berlin, was breached, ultimately leading to its demolition. An ABC news affiliate anchor at the time, I was honored to cover the events along with videographer Jim Linsky.
Dubbed World Freedom Day, that date marked the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of freedom and unity.
And yet, even then, we observed pockets of hatred amidst the celebrations.
With the heinous Hamas murders and kidnapping of civilians in Israel and ongoing wars elsewhere, such as Ukraine, we are reminded daily of exactly how fragile freedom can be. Pray for a new World Freedom Day… every day.
November 8, 2023
Happy Harvey Wallbanger Day!
Looking for a wild and crazy boat drink? Or perhaps an Italian spin on a classic cocktail.
Consider a Harvey Wallbanger… but be prepared. Sure, it’s just a kicked-up screwdriver, but the Galliano “kick” delivers 42.3% alcohol. Created in the 1950’s by California bartender Donato “Duke” Antone, the Harvey Wallbanger didn’t get popular until the 1970’s. Galliano is made with vanilla and various herbs and spices, including star anise, juniper, lavender, and cinnamon.
Keep It Super Simple if you make one:
1¼ oz vodka
3 oz orange juice (fresh is awesome)
½ oz Galliano
Pour the vodka and oj over ice in your glass and stir. Then float the Galliano on top. Garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry for traditional perfection.
November 7, 2023
You Are Tough Enough
(Photo by Natalie Runnerstrom)
“Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles.”
— Alex Karras (1935 – 2012)
American football player;
NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame 2020
November 6, 2023
Action
“You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do.”
— Henry Ford (1863 – 1947)
American industrialist; founder of Ford Motor Company
November 5, 2023
Choose Success
“It’s the person who has done nothing who is sure nothing can be done.”
— Sam Ewing (1921 – 2001)
American journalist, author, and humorist
November 4, 2023
Powerful, Heart Wrenching & Raw
Destiny of Daring: Never Forget has been blessed with another wonderful 5-star review! This comes from Mr. N at N.N. Light’s Book Heaven.
“This is the book that was needed to complete the story of this Armenian family’s past, present and future. Another important book that puts light on one of the most forgotten genocides of the 20th century. The world needs to stand up and demand Turkey once and for all admits their crimes against Armenia in World War One.
“This story fills in the last part that was missing. The story of Cassie’s other relatives who survived and managed to get through their own horrific stories. If this was a fictional book, it might seem unbelievable. That this is a true story simply makes Emine and Toros story amazing.
“While this book isn’t as long as the first two, it carries a large weight with it. Many in this decade of this century will not believe that just over 100 years ago there were actual alleged humans who had harems. The despicable nature of the behavior of Turks in 1915 is offensive to the core.
“The book is a well written piece that brings the story together. It is important that a person reads all three books. This book is important enough to read on its own first. Powerful, heart wrenching and raw…this book brings a dark page of history to light. A very well-done book as part of a very well-done series.
My Rating: 5 stars
November 3, 2023
Dialogue, Please!
Photo by Daniel Lonn
“Two monologues do not make a dialogue.”
— Jeff Daly
American podcast host of the Daly Dose of Veterans Intel
November 2, 2023
Myths, Lies, and Other Lunacy
Photo by Craig Manners
Following the 50-day military conflict in 2014 between Israel and Hamas, Professor Alan Johnson delivered a powerful speech entitled, “Six Myths About Hamas” to give the audience some historical context. He is a senior research fellow at the Britain Israel Communications and Research Center and Editor of its publication, “Fathom.”
Following the October 7, 2023 deadly Hamas attacks on civilians in Israel, the unedited transcript of that speech was printed in “Fathom.” It has since been picked up and reprinted (with some edits for historical clarity) by The Free Press in the US.
With so much information and misinformation fanning flames, I like to research and learn for factual understanding and perspective. I invite you to read either or both for both enlightenment and clarity.
Fathom: https://fathomjournal.org/archive-six-myths-about-hamas-2014/?highlight=Six%20Myths
Free Press: https://www.thefp.com/p/six-myths-about-hamas
November 1, 2023
My New Book Launches Today!
When we open unknown doors, are we ready for what we may find on the other side? How do we bring harmony out of absolute chaos? Can we forgive after heinous atrocities?
Questions we may find ourselves asking today, interestingly ride in the underlying themes in Book 3, “Destiny of Daring: Never Forget.” As it launches today in both paperback and digital formats, I shake my head as I recognize that very little in our human progress has changed in 100 years.
A 5-star Goodreads review by Anthony Avina clearly notes the “shocking connection to the modern-day horrors of the Middle East.”
In the trilogy’s finale, I finish the telling of the Armenian saga through my own family’s story at the hands of the waning Ottoman Empire. After families were ripped apart and usually massacred, glimmers of hope and resilience flickered into full light. Stories of hope and survival can overpower hatred and evil.
In the end, prejudice, bigotry, distrust, and hatred must be overcome… so much like today. If you do choose to read a copy of “Destiny of Daring: Never Forget” please do try to leave a review on any site, from Amazon to Goodreads. The chance for hope and love to prevail always needs a boost.
