Author Archives: Jasper John 68

POSITRACTION: ‘Santa’ Saves Man from Burning Pickup

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/santa-impersonator-saves-man-from-burning-pickup-in-real-life-christmas-miracle-7-years-after-tragedy/

Faith ‘Santa’ Saves Man from Burning Pickup — But That’s Not the Whole Story…
   Posted on December 23, 2011 at 12:00am by Christopher Santarelli Christopher Santarelli

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Incredible video caught one good Samaritan this past Tuesday pulling North Texas man out from his crashed pickup truck just before it was consumed by flames. After the rescue, the good Samaritan directed traffic around the accident until help came. What makes the rescue even more astounding is that the good Samaritan, Brad Luddeke, did it all this while wearing a Santa Claus costume on his way to deliver gifts to needy children.

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[JR: "Greater love hath no man than ...". Clearly "risking it" it not as high on the mitzvah scale as "sacrificing one's life for another". But saving a stranger, on first blush, from a burning pickup requires far greater huevos than I have. I hope all my challenges are more in line with my minuscule abilities; lest when tested, I'm found wanting. OTOH I'm sure my fellow alum can handle any size challenge. But the picture says a thousand words. Most of us don't get he chance to demonstrate physical courage. Let alone while subbing in for the real Santa. ]

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POSITRACTION: 67 years of love

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/a-daughter-keeps-her-word-as-her-husband-takes-it-one-step-further

A daughter keeps her word, as her husband takes it one step further

By Kevin Kelly

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Kansas City, Mo., Nov 24, 2011 / 01:19 pm (CNA).- Hollywood used to write love stories like this, but a cynical world stopped believing them.

It was around 2 a.m. on June 9, 1944, when 15-year-old Mary Michler and her friends, who had taken the wrong bus on their way home from the movies, walked into Pops, a Kansas City hamburger joint at 44th and Prospect.

Charles Cahill, was celebrating his high school graduation that night, fell in love. At first glance. For both of them.

“I knew the girl she was with, so I had her introduce me,” Charles said. “I told my best friend the next morning that I met the girl I was going to marry.”

What followed was 67 years of love, not just that between a man and a woman, but also between a father and daughter, that survived through hurt, torment, rejection, before finally coming to a place of acceptance and peace, and love between a people and a church always willing to welcome home.

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So he took one more step. Charles told Father Davis that he wanted to join Mary as she resumed her practice of the Catholic faith.

On Sept. 27, 2011, 66 years after they stood before a less-than-sober justice of the peace in Paola, Kan., Charles and Mary Cahill received their sacramental marriage.

On Nov. 6, 2011, Charles Cahill was baptized and confirmed during the 11:15 a.m. Mass, then he for the first time in his life, and Mary for the first time in decades, received Holy Communion.

“It’s wonderful,” Mary said. “It’s been a wonderful life with him, even before I made the promise to my father. And it’s wonderful now.”

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[JR: A great story. And, for New Year's Day, when we get a chance to restart with new beginnings, this has so many lessons for us on many levels. One of which is that you can wait 66 years to get a new start. Dona Nobis Pacem ]

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ENDNOTE: How modest human efforts are is highlighted by an old letter!

http://www.irishcentral.com/news/100-year-old-letter-to-Santa-Claus-found-in-Dublin-home-135987303.html

100 year old letter to Santa Claus found in Dublin home
Placed in chimney a century ago it comes to light
By CATHAL DERVAN, IrishCentral Staff Writer
Published Wednesday, December 21, 2011, 7:23 AM
Updated Wednesday, December 21, 2011, 9:50 AM

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A 100-year-old Santa letter written by a Dublin brother and sister has come to light – and offers a fascinating glimpse into the Christmas spirit of old.

The Irish Times newspaper has published the letter, written by the Howard family siblings to Father Christmas in 1911, and found in a Terenure house.

Builder John Byrne came across the handwritten note on a shelf behind a fireplace and the paper reports that it has been slightly scorched over the years.

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This is a good example to end the Old Year or start the New Year with.

How little what we do or think will make any difference in the long run? Be it a child’s letter or strident political speech, it’s gone in flash when you take the long view. The great principles of life — do unto others, that which you do for the least, never say ill, if you don’t have something positive to say, first do no harm, mote in thine own eye, and my personal favorite MYOB.

A lot comes to mind with this little letter. Maybe those children wrote it for me?

In any event, HNY to all my fellow alums.

And, let me share one principle that was drive home to me this year: Hug all your loved ones because “you know not the day; nor, the hour”.

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POSITRACTION: A paradigm shifting video

http://youtu.be/Gc4HGQHgeFE

LOOK AT YOURSELF AFTER WATCHING THIS.mp4

[JR: It speaks for itself. If you watch this and don't feel motivated, there's no hope.]

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ENDNOTE: “Wrong” Twin killed

http://www.lifenews.com/2011/11/23/hospital-kills-wrong-twin-in-abortion-both-babies-now-dead

Hospital Kills “Wrong” Twin in Abortion, Both Babies Now Dead
by Steven Ertelt | Melbourne, Australia | LifeNews.com | 11/23/11 6:28 PM

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A hospital in Australia making news for having killed the “wrong” twin in an abortion of a healthy unborn child when the mother of the babies wanted an abortion on her child who doctors said had little chance to live. Now, both babies are dead.

The Herald Sun newspaper reports that the unnamed woman from Victoria had already named her unborn children when doctors told her one of the unborn babies had a congenital heart defect that would requires years of operations, assuming the baby survived long enough to have them. The mother decided to have an abortion, terminating the life of one of her unborn children and allowing the other baby to live.

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[JR: This is a tragedy in thinking. The meme is all wrong. By trying "to play God", everyone involved is responsible for this disaster in miniature. And, while the best "medical minds" may have presumed that the "sick" twin would have all these troubles, how can they be sure? And, that ignores the possibilities of medical progress in knowledge, new technology, someone with better skills, someone with a novel approach, new drugs, or even just an old-fashioned miracle. And, so what if the "sick" twin has a shortened lifespan, even if it's just a day. Are we judged by how we treat everyone on this life boat called "Earth". To the best of our ability! Makes the moral choices much easier. And, "accidents" like this aren't as likely. Seems an appropriate rant for Christmas Eve. Dona Nobis Pacem!]

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JNEWS: Bessette, Russell W. [MC1964] AVP of University of Louisville

http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=318634

Russell Bessette, M.D., Named Associate Vice President for UofL Health Affairs
December 23, 2011
Targeted News Service

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 22 — University of Louisville issued the following news release:

Russell W. Bessette, M.D., former associate vice president for health sciences and director of health information technology at the University at Buffalo and a former executive director of the New York State Agency for Science Technology & Academic Research (NYSTAR) and, has joined the University of Louisville as the associate vice president for health affairs.

David L. Dunn, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president for health affairs, noted Bessette’s experience in strategic planning and use of bioinformatics to measure and health care informatics to measure and enhance the quality of health care in novel ways.

“I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Bessette to this new position at the UofL Health Sciences Center,” Dunn said. “The use of informatics is essential to allow health care providers, health systems and health insurance plans to work together to increase access to higher quality health care at lower cost. Dr. Bessette’s proficiency in this area will help us as we face a tumultuous time in health care and academic medicine.”

Bessette, who graduated from both the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the School of Dental Medicine, joined the UB faculty in 1989 as a clinical professor of surgery. Trained in general and plastic and reconstructive surgery, he has published both peer-reviewed articles and surgical textbook chapters focused in the area of reconstruction of the human temporomandibular joint.

He has been a leader in academic research for more than 30 years in the fields of science and technology. He has authored or co-authored more than 55 peer-reviewed academic publications, reports and research papers, and has authored eight textbook chapters on reconstructive surgery.

Bessette served as chairman of the New York State Public Health Council from 1996 until his current appointment. He served as executive director of the Buffalo Technology Transfer Center at Sister’s Hospital from 1997-99, and as director of the Instrument and Devices Clinical Laboratory at Buffalo’s Center for Advanced Technology from 1985 to 1989.

A graduate of Manhattan College, Bessette was trained in general surgery and reconstructive surgery, and is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He also is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His professional experience also includes an appointment as a clinical professor in the University at Buffalo’s School of Medicine. In 1976, he was recognized as the medical school’s Educator of the Year; in 1983 he was awarded the First Place Research Paper Award by the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons; and in 1987 he received the Annual Dental Alumnus Award from the University at Buffalo.

Bessette is a past president of the Erie County (N.Y.) Medical Society, the American Society of Temporomandibular Joint Surgeons and the University at Buffalo Medical Alumni Association. He is a past member of the Association of Academic Chairmen of Plastic Surgery.

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Bessette, Russell W. [MC????]

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Dear John,

I believe that Russell is am member of the Class of 1962.

Mike

[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]

Bessette, Russell W. [MC1964]

# – # – # – # – #  2011-Dec-25 @ 08:16

JOBIT: Coyne, Robert T. (MC1970) reports Dantzig, Sr. Louise [MC1955 RIP]

Coyne, Robert T. (MC1970):

“Sister Louise Dantzig, RSM is a Manhattan College graduate. From “The Long Island Catholic” edition of Wednesday December 21, 2011. http://www.licatholic.org/obituaries/sister-louise-dantzig-rsm”

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Sister Louise Dantzig, RSM
December 21, 2011 | Vol. 50, No. 33

BRENTWOOD — Sister Louise Dantzig, 91, formerly Sister Mary Claver, a Sister of Mercy of the Americas Mid-Atlantic Community, died on Dec.11 at Maria Regina Residence here. She was a Sister of Mercy for 72 years.

She entered the novitiate in Syosset on September 8, 1939 and made her final vows in 1945. She graduated from Manhattan College in 1955 with a B.A. in English and in 1964 from Rivier College with an M.A. in French.

Sister Louise gave many years of dedicated service in education and other areas to the Brooklyn and Rockville Centre Dioceses: Holy Rosary, Brooklyn (1942-45); St. Mary’s, Syosset (1945-49); St. Brigid, Brooklyn (1949-55); Catherine McAuley High School, Brooklyn (1955-61); Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Syosset (1961-67); Mercy High School, Riverhead (1967-69); and Nazareth High School in Brooklyn (1976-78).

Over the years, she also worked at the Brooklyn diocesan television station, taught in schools in France and New Jersey, and from 1983-1996 served as a missionary in Santiago, Chile. Sister Louise retired to the Convent of Mercy in 1996 and relocated to Maria Regina Residence in 2002.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Celine & James Duffy, and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at Mercy Convent Chapel in Syosset on Dec. 15. Interment followed at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.

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Dantzig, Sr. Louise [MC1955 RIP]

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JEMAIL: Flynn, Bro. Gregory (MC1967) doing OK but held up

Hello John,

As always, I want to thank you for your continuing support for our Addis Hope program despite the difficult financial times we are all facing. Your donor partnership comes at a very difficult time for the program in which the cost of living has skyrocketed. For example, for more than a year now we have been paying the equivalent of five dollars for a gallon of gas.

My original plan was to have returned to Ethiopia on November eighteenth but I’m now residing in De La Salle Hall, the Christian Brothers medical facility in Lincroft, N.J. recovering from colon cancer surgery. The surgery was successful but four to six months of chemotherapy is now required as a preventive measure of any recurrence.

Despite all that, I have been blessed with competent, caring medical personnel as well as marvelous support from family and friends.

Many thanks, again, and may you and your family have a blessed Christmas and joy filled New Year.

Fraternally,
Br. Greg

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Flynn, Bro. Gregory (MC1967)

[JR: Glad to hear that you're OK. As Addis Hope's chief fundraiser, that's going to leave a big hole. Perhaps our fellow alums can send their "best wishes for a speedy recovery" on little green pieces of "certificates of appreciation" to Addis Hope. Happy Holy Days to you and all those over at the facility.]

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JNEWS: Ventosa, John [MC1984] VP Indian Point Energy Center

http://www.4-traders.com/ENTERGY-CORPORATION-12512/news/ENTERGY-CORPORATION-
Entergy-Nuclear-Names-John-Ventosa-Site-Vice-President-at-Indian-Point-13946045/

12/22/2011 | 12:40 pm
Entergy Corporation : Entergy Nuclear Names John Ventosa Site Vice President at Indian Point

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White Plains, N.Y. – Entergy Nuclear has named John Ventosa site vice president at the Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, N.Y., effective December 19. In this position, Ventosa is the top official at the plant, responsible for its overall management.

Tim Mitchell, Entergy Nuclear’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “John brings a wealth of engineering and operational experience with him to this position and is strongly suited to continue leading Indian Point’s safe and vital operations well into the future.”

Ventosa, a 25-year veteran of the nuclear power industry, served most recently as nuclear fleet vice president of operations support in White Plains, N.Y. He began work at Indian Point in 1991 as a system engineer and has held a variety of roles with Entergy at Indian Point, including manager of operations and director of engineering.

“I look forward to working closely with the 1,100 dedicated Entergy employees at Indian Point as we continue to safely operate this important resource,” said Ventosa.

Ventosa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Manhattan College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Monmouth College. He also earned a Senior Reactor Operator Certification at Indian Point Unit 2 and a Boiling Water Reactor Certification with General Public Utilities Nuclear Corporation.

Indian Point Energy Center, in Buchanan, N.Y., is home to two operating nuclear power plants, unit 2 and unit 3, which generate approximately 2,000 megawatts of electricity for homes, businesses and public facilities primarily in New York City and Westchester County.

Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, and it is the second-largest nuclear generator in the United States. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.7 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $11 billion and approximately 15,000 employees.

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Ventosa, John [MC????]

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Dear John,

I believe that John is a member of the Class of 1984.

Mike

[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]

Ventosa, John [MC1984]

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JNEWS: Schneider, William [MC1984] Yonkers Acting Commissioner

http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2011/12/22/spano-announces-three-more-appointments/

Spano announces three more appointments
Posted by: Colin Gustafson – Posted in Yonkers on Dec 22, 2011

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YONKERS—Mayor-elect Mike Spano yesterday named his picks for housing and buildings commissioner, city engineer and veterans services director.

William Schneider, who has served as deputy commissioner of housing and buildings since 2002, will be elevated to acting commissioner. Paul Summerfield, a former deputy city engineer who has served as acting city engineer since November, will now have “acting” removed from his title. And Albert Ramsey, a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, will continue as head of the Department of Veterans Services.

All appointments are subject to City Council approval.

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Mayor-Elect Spano announces Housing and Building Commissioner, City Engineer, and Veterans Director Appointments

Yonkers Mayor-Elect Mike Spano today continued filling leadership positions for his incoming administration, announcing his appointments for the positions of City Engineer, Director of Veterans Services, and Commissioner of Housing and Buildings.

William Schneider, currently Deputy Commissioner of Housing and Buildings, will be elevated to the position of Acting Commissioner. Schneider has served as deputy commissioner since 2002, and before that spent fourteen years in supervisory positions with the Westchester County Health Department and the Bureau of Environmental Quality. A licensed professional engineer, he began his career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is a Certified Code Enforcement Professional, and holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Manhattan College.

Supervising a staff of 32 people, Schneider has been responsible for reviewing the wide variety of development in Yonkers, ranging from the downtown and waterfront, to the Cross County Shopping Center and Ridge Hill, as well as residential construction.

“Bill Schneider has dedicated his life to public sector engineering and building regulation,” said Mayor-elect Spano, “As the number two person in the department he has been involved in every aspect of dealing with construction in the city. He is absolutely ready to step up and expand his responsibilities.”

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Schneider, William [MC????]

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Dear John,

I believe that William is a member of the Class of 1984.

Mike

[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]

Schneider, William [MC1984]

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