tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6722119349787164762024-02-20T08:52:14.000-08:00LA Turner TalkCarole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-30132346040244082262012-12-28T13:10:00.000-08:002012-12-28T13:10:41.856-08:00The unsound mind in a sound body
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother passed away a
couple of months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was advanced
in years – 96 of them actually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
sound of body, she was not sound of mind having been troubled with Alzheimer’s
disease for a very long period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My reckoning
makes it almost 20 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a very
long time to suffer from any disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This blog is not about the ravages of dementia, the lives it affects or
the stress placed on the caregivers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead
it is about the end of life itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Caroline Metzger Kulzer
Sladek, the end itself was peaceful enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was the getting there that troubles me still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the past two years, she smiled when
spoken to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She opened her mouth when
food or drink was presented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds were
omitted – words certainly but without context.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some friends went so far as to say she was happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>woman who was my mother was a private
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To know that she was the subject
of such conjecture would have been anathema to her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The woman who was my mother actually passed
from this world into another one years before her body died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, allowing that body to join her
spirit, electrical energy, soul, whatever you are happy to call our mental essence,
was difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her physical care for about
3 years was tended to by a nursing facility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Able, caring and even loving people worked there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was always clean and smelling as fresh as
is possible in such surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far
as such places go, this was top of the list. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, with life functions dwindling there
was persistence, almost insistence that food and drink be administered, that
blood tests be conducted, medication administered and that a trip to a hospital
might be a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At all costs, the
body alone should remain alive seemed to be the message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I asked why, they simply smiled and said
that she was such a lovely patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>End
of life care was never mentioned even though the end of her life was imminent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Previously created </span>documents concerning end
of life care were produced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she’s
such a lovely patient, shouldn’t we administer oxygen, antibiotics, x-rays or
whatever was the reply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, let’s let
her go as softly as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she’s
such a lovely patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enter the doctor
who agreed that it was indeed the beginning of the end, wrote some things on a
paper and left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food and medication arrived and
something in my head said hospice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A hospice organization was
selected and within only minutes the administrator arrived to take down
details, review papers, and assess the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within minutes, my mother was in the hands of
people who understood that the end of life is as much a part of living as being
born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for allowing her to
glide gently from our presence and to continue her existence in our hearts and
memories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The services offered by the
many hospice organizations in place today are there for the survivors as much
and maybe even more than for those who pass on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are a loving family, helping where and how they can, well-trained,
practical and forthright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They offered
help with paperwork – that bane of our daily lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They offered spiritual aid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They offered succor and council for those who
grieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Asking for help can be difficult
and for some, like me, almost impossible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned that not asking for help does not
mean you are stronger than Samson or smarter than Solomon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means you didn’t ask – nothing more –
nothing less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your loved one is truly
nearing the end, seek the help being offered by hospice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you wish that such a loving family were
there for you in such circumstances, write it down – now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How you get here is not up to you, but how
you leave can and should be your decision.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-75047209437367915382012-09-19T08:27:00.001-07:002012-09-19T08:27:52.898-07:00FALLING ISN'T THE TITLE OF A SHOW TUNE<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last
Sunday night, the 16<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, I went to the theatre – live and in person,
not motion pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a small
theatre, under 99 seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The evening was
devoted to the singing of…well his name isn’t really relevant only to say he is
very popular with those of us in a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">certain</i>
age group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you go to the legitimate theatre and stand
either in the balcony or in the back row, you’ll notice most of us making the
entire room look like a box of Q-Tips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All the heads are white and fuzzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Intermission
came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All but two people in the audience
needed rest rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched my fellow
theatre goers grab hold of one seat arm and the back of the seat in front of them so they could begin
the pulling struggle to their feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
switched their grip, others asked for assistance from the somewhat more abled
bodied person sitting next to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
swore quietly under my breath that I would simply rise and I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fitness class work I’m doing under the
guidance of Los Angeles Turners’ Fitness and Health Director, Mesfin Felleke,
paid off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that my not being done
with living has something to do with my determination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that aiding in the rejuvenation of
Turners here, there and everywhere helps keep my enthusiasm for fitness high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I also know that having someone encourage
me makes a whopping difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm,
sounds like Turnerism to me!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
coming Saturday, September 22, 2012, is officially National Falls Prevention
Awareness Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What has this got to do
with listening to a lounge singer and Q-Tips?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If those of us in that
certain age group actually wait until we fall to start doing something for
ourselves, we’ve lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we live by
those 10 wrong, but easy to swallow rules about falling – we’ve fallen for
sure. And I don't mean "falling in love again" as the singer intoned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">OK,
think about this:</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 46.3pt 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Falling
won’t happen to me – I’m careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The truth is that </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1 in 3 older adults—about 12 million—fall every year in
the U.S. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 46.3pt 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Falling is something normal that happens as you get
older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wrong again and wrong big-time.</span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Falling is not a normal part of aging. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do some strength and balance exercises, manage
your medications, have your vision checked and make your living environment
safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 46.3pt 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If I limit my activity, I won't fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reality is that p</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">erforming physical activities will actually help
you stay independent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from
remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 46.3pt 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As
long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not true. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over half of all falls
take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious
hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home
modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on
stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 46.3pt 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Muscle
strength and flexibility can't be regained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again, not true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we do lose
muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s
never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you've been a "couch
potato" your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many
ways—including protection from falls.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visit americanturnertalk.blogspot.com to read 5 more </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">rules about getting older and keeping fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember that keeping the body sound will
help keep your mind sound too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-83908586953959303802012-08-22T13:48:00.001-07:002012-08-22T13:48:24.231-07:00Exercise: the new wonder drug?
<span lang="EN" style="color: #282828; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>“What if there was a pill that could lower
your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol? What if this same pill gave
you more energy and made you feel less depressed? And if that weren’t enough,
what if this pill could dramatically cut your risk of heart disease, cancer,
and Alzheimer’s disease, among others? <o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<strong>
</strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #282828; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Would you ask your doctor to prescribe it?
Would you make sure to take it every day? It is hard to imagine anyone would
say no to such a wonder drug. I’m here to tell you it already exists: Exercise.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
</strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #282828; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Studies going back hundreds of years have
proven physical activity’s value to our health. It’s easy to do and comes in
multiple formulations, so you can find the brand that suits you best. And the
best part? You can get this wonder drug for free! <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
</strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #282828; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>You don’t have to take a lot of the
exercise pill to get great benefits. The dosage prescribed by Kaiser is 150
minutes per week of moderate exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This can include brisk walking as well as other forms of exercise that
also enhance balance, agility and endurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So please, take this doctor’s advice and make sure you take your
exercise pill!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<strong>
</strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #282828; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>The best place to fill your
prescription?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span><a href="http://www.laturners.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><strong>www.laturners.org</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><strong> we’ve been advocating
fitness as a component of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A SOUND MIND IN A SOUND BODY</i> since
1871.</strong></span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.7pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #282828; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-52680261366309534212012-07-30T16:49:00.000-07:002012-07-30T16:49:34.720-07:00German immigration, the Civil War and today<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The 150<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>
anniversary of the Civil War in this country is passing without much notice in
Southern California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Events detailing,
analyzing and eulogizing 4 years of horrific warfare were and are being featured
“back east.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some will continue for the
next 3 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These events are and will occur
mostly in those states where the fighting occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Herbert M. Hart, USMC (retired) is the Executive
Director of the Council on America's Military Past and written some interesting
words in his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>The Civil War in the West</u></i><sup>(1)</sup><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stating that the war in the west was fought
undercover. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">While actual names and
numbers of Germans from California have not revealed themselves during a first
search, we know there were a California Battalion and a California 100 plus
others who joined militias in many eastern states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Statistics do state that about 216,000 German
immigrants did join the fight, predominantly for the Union.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of that number, an estimated 177,000 were </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forty-Eighters" title="Forty-Eighters"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Forty-Eighters</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"><sup>(2)</sup>
who had left various German states after the defeat of the attempted 1848
revolutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Some of those Forty-Eighters came to California and Turnverein Germania
was established in Los Angeles around 1851. As we know that a vast number of
the Forty-Eighters were German Turners a conclusion can be made that some of
them went to war for the Union from Turnverein Germania.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much is available on the famous and near
famous soldiers (Turners), some of whom went on to political importance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> But that’s not what
this blog is all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about the
Los Angeles Turners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far our
historical record only tells me that in 1871 Turnverein Germania dissolved and the
Los Angeles Turners emerged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Charter
written begins with a striking list of beliefs and directives.<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>3)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></sup>Why was this written?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why was it necessary to write it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn’t Turnverein Germania believe these
principles? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that this weekend a clue to the
Charter’s creation became visible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>C-SPAN, the cable station dedicated to public service, ran some Civil
War Features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among these is one
entitled German Immigrants in the Civil War.<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>(4)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></sup>Speaking from his book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>We are the Revolutionists</u></i><sup><u>(</u>5<u>)</u>
</sup>the author and research fellow at the German Historical Institute, Mischa
Honek explored the Turners’ participation from a perspective not entirely
altruistic or complimentary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He concluded
that the Forty-Eighters (i.e. Turners) immigrated with a feeling of defeat and
viewed the Civil War as a way to prove that German manhood was brave, strong
and on the side of the good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
way to prove that they deserved citizenship in America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It caused them to have strong feelings about
those who did not join in the fighting (cowards and profiteers) and then
against those that imposed conscription into military service (indentured
servitude). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> At the War’s
conclusion, political infighting was rampant, solutions to labor challenges
overwhelming and socialization back into civilian society difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turnverein Germania may have lost members in
the fighting and those that returned probably did so with strong ideas and
ideals – possibly entirely different from those belonging to the men that
stayed behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> My overactive imagination
has fantasized a sort of Germanic Continental Congress composed of men with
tattered blue uniforms arguing with big bellied men with large mustaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the conclusion of my dream, the old
version of A Sound Mind in a Sound Body was removed replaced with a new version
- sort of like the Los Angeles Turners are doing today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(1)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.militarymuseum.org/HistoryCW.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.militarymuseum.org/HistoryCW.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Americans_in_the_Civil_War"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Americans_in_the_Civil_War</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(3)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.laturners.org/turnerprinciples1871.htm"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.laturners.org/turnerprinciples1871.htm</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(4)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="DE"><a href="http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305846-4"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305846-4</span></span></a></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(5)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.ugapress.org/index.php/books/we_are_revolutionists/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.ugapress.org/index.php/books/we_are_revolutionists/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-74806521361951332772012-07-02T09:42:00.001-07:002012-07-02T09:42:30.301-07:00Special in more ways than one Special Olympics Southern California is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. It is one of 52 Chapters within the United States and part of Special Olympics, Inc., which serves 3 million athletes in 180 countries worldwide.<br />
<br />
The Summer Games held this past month at California State University Long Beach showcased more than 5,000 Southern Californians in a myriad of Olympic Events. On Saturday, June 30th, I was honored to embrace one of those Olympians, Brittany Carlson. Brittany medaled in 4 events, taking gold in 400 M run and the 4 by 100 relay and silver in the 200 and 1500 M runs. <br />
<br />
Perfecting a physical skill does many things. It creates new <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">synapse</span></span> making the brain more powerful. It trains muscles to improve the body's ability to function better. It gives confidence to the individual who has just proven "I can do this!" <br />
<br />
Judging by the smile on Brittany's face when she displayed her medals, I am certain she had that eureka moment. I know that placing a Turner pin on her blouse made me happy and once again certain that the Los Angeles Turners motto, <em>A Sound Mind in a Sound Body</em>, does not describe one single perfection, but perfection to the maximum of ones abilities.<br />
<br />
Thanks, Brittany, for giving me that smile.Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-20564906437064474012012-05-19T08:21:00.000-07:002012-05-19T08:21:18.358-07:00<br />
LOS ANGELES TURNERS HONORED<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping true to the original
mission established by Turnvater Jahn, <em>A Sound Mind in a Sound Body, </em>we
here in Los Angeles understand that this mission covers all ages, not just
youth. To go forward with that mission we recently opened the doors and of our
beautiful new home for the 2012 Mayfest for Older Americans. Service agencies
covering assisted living, money management, and health care joined the Los
Angeles city Department of Aging, the California DMV Department for Older
Drivers, The Alzheimer's Association and many others in presenting their
services to the almost 100 Westchester residents who responded to the
invitation. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I got to MC and briefly introduce ourselves to neighbors who had not yet
visited us. Turn Lehrer Mesfin Felleke followed with a discussion about why
oldsters should exercise - even debunking the 5 great myths about why we
shouldn't. My favorite debunked myth was "we're old-what difference does
it make?" Mesfin then got us all up and we followed along remembering his
instruction to "do this only to the extent of your ability." Some
even did as much as they could while remaining seated.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Panelists that followed included
Department of Aging and the DMV. <em>A Factoid: </em>Many accidents involving
seniors as well as those close encounters titled "what's the matter with
that old (expletive deleted)-can't he/she see where they’re going" could
be eliminated by simply fitting your car better. Yes, that's right. Think about
it. As we age we change shape for many reasons. That car we bought several
years ago was lovely, we had good visibility, no bad blind spots and we could
reach the pedals easily. Today, with less butt, bad posture, loss of bone mass,
impaired neck movement as well as other obnoxious perks of aging, the car no
longer fits. DMV has an ap for that! Many adjustments can be made - sit on a
pillow, reposition the seat, move the mirrors. We all learned many things.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last speaker was Bill
Rosendahl, Los Angeles City Councilman from our 11th District,. His personal
comments about age and illness were exceptionally meaningful and very poignant.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even joked about removable teeth.
Getting more serious, the panelists were acknowledged and given recognition for
their continuing support for our growing older adult community. Mesfin Felleke
was honored with a Citation for his contribution in keeping us mobile. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, the Los Angeles Turners - a
fixture here in Los Angeles since 1871 - were recognized for our contribution
in making Los Angeles a better place in which to live. It was difficult for me
to hold back tears as I accepted the document on behalf of members present and
past. Thank you - we hope to continue in the meaningful mission established so
long ago and more important today than ever before.<o:p></o:p><br />Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-42055378958427471002012-04-15T11:12:00.000-07:002012-04-15T11:13:06.716-07:00How sound a mind? How sound a body?<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Research proves
that learning new skills, multi-tasking and keeping active builds new synapse or
pathways in the brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sort of a reverse
on “teaching old dogs new tricks.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Research also proves that physical activity including cardio and
strength work outs helps us keep our balance, improve bone density and keeps us
healthier longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course we can quote
Rita Ruder who said that the word </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">aerobics came
about when the gym instructors got together and said, "If we're going to
charge $10 an hour, we can't call it jumping up and down.“<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Writing this blog is part of my new skills
regime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming up with readable language
on subjects relative to the Los Angeles Turners and with some interest to others
requires reaching into my ethnic depths and exploring lexiconic heights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My work out regimen, while progressing
beyond the ouch stage, now produces those feel-good endorphins, but is not yet
something I have budgeted time for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While it’s making me feel taller by the day, it’s still hard to do it as
regularly as I should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All this leads up to how sound a mind in a
sound body do I really need?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I doing
too much or not enough?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is sitting down
to read for an hour or watch TV a waste of time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is spreading myself across several non-profit
boards excessive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sleeping
perfectly, my diet is quite healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am
I becoming obsessive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is sounding my
mind and body becoming addictive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course not, it’s all part of being retired – not enough time in the day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why then, did I actually pour water into
the toaster instead of the coffee pot?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-5615450297639020272012-03-26T07:52:00.000-07:002012-03-26T07:52:16.194-07:00A JOYFUL NOISE<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Sunday the 26<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> of March a joyful noise filled
the Grace First Presbyterian Church in Long Beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ordinarily and regularly, beautiful noise is
made by the choir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Occasionally and
surprisingly, hot and cool noise is performed there by parishioner, Dewey Erney
who sings the American Song Book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Extraordinarily
and only occasionally will the music of Franz Josef Haydn’s The Creation be
celebrated by the voices of the Long Beach Chorale and instruments of the Long
Beach Chamber Orchestra.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the orchestra started off a bit reedy in tone I think
that “in the beginning” there probably wasn’t as much moisture as was presented
to us during the passing storm system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first soloist began the oratorio with skill and direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the magic happened – the chorus burst
forth proclaiming “Let there be light.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seventy voices sang as one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
goose bumps which continued throughout the program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eliza Rubenstein, the Chorale and Orchestra’s artistic
director, magnificently provided this experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True to the original concept, Rubenstein even
managed to bring a fortepiano into the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In a program footnote, we were told that the fortepiano, the most
immediate ancestor of the modern grand piano, is smaller in size and lighter in
touch than today’s instruments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
particular fortepiano was built in 1825 by Broadwood & Sons piano factory
in London, the same company who rented Haydn a similar instrument for the
London premiere of The Creation in 1800.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rubenstein also provided insightful commentaries alongside the
recitatives and arias.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While George Frideric Handel’s oratorio Messiah (containing
the well-known Alleluia chorus) is probably performed more often and with a
massive number of voices and instruments; Handel composed it rather more simply
and it has taken on a new persona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Creation, however, was this weekend, performed as it was written by Haydn and the
beautiful noise resulting came from the performers’ love of the music. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you missed it, bookmark the group’s
website so you can be in line for their next joyful noise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.longbeachchorale.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.longbeachchorale.org/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For additional information on the composer, a full
description of the work and other information Wikipedia is an excellent
source:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Creation_(Haydn)"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Creation_(Haydn)</span></a><o:p></o:p><br />Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-79030817322451485152012-03-22T07:06:00.000-07:002012-03-22T07:06:35.283-07:00The loss of one...<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An acquaintance
of mine died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A young man, handsome and
talented, died by his own hand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A man
with a large circle of friends left without saying goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, in fact, he did say goodbye, but in a
silent way unheard by many and ignored by others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those of us who remain ask, silently or aloud,
why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no explanation left on
paper to tell us. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Turner
motto and mission – A Sound Mind in a Sound Body – seems to be at complete odds
with suicide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you were in sound mind you would not end
your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand, when the body
becomes so unsound that medical devices are required to keep it alive the
advance medical directive kicks in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pull
the plug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mental health
professionals believe that people attempting to end their own lives really only
wish to sleep until the problem resolves itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
religious people believe after death we awaken to a trouble and pain free experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We know our
lives are full of choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Individually
and collectively we make decisions every of every day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, for today, appreciate the beauty, talent,
love and the time we had with Johnny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the loss of one diminishes us all, we
were exceptionally fortunate to have known him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-5829298654400649082012-03-11T08:44:00.004-07:002012-03-11T08:44:57.324-07:00One year ago today<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, March 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, marks the one-year anniversary
of the triple catastrophe that struck Japan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To those that grieve, my heart aches with yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To those searching for remnants of the life
now gone, my spirit blends with yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To those looking towards the future, I rejoice with you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">American TV is showing us pictures of Japan last year and
this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it even possible for us
here to conceive of what remains to be done?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mountains exist – made of what were people’s homes and workplaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Empty
frames stand like skeletons – the remains of what were children’s schools. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The size of the Japanese islands it only 21,607 square miles
smaller than California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m imaging Los
Angeles County turning to rubble and wondering where in the state would we put all
that cannot be reused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you
recycle such devastation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Long Beach
where I live we annually collected trash – not by choice, but because the
cities up stream of the San Gabriel River allowed street debris to wash into
the sewer system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The amounts piled up
each year where the river meets the sea resulted in a major clean-up, a
tremendous expense and harm to wildlife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If that boggled my mind, dealing with the resultant waste piles in Japan
is like contemplating space – no end in sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everyday concerns are now focused on what’s safe to
eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One report I read detailed the
everyday search for food products not coming from an area that had nuclear
contamination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wonder if the field
workers washed their hands thoroughly before picking our broccoli.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last year the Los Angeles Turners were able to activate the
German-American community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The amount of
money sent, insignificant compared to the continually mounting costs, did
express our feelings and concerns for the Japanese people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, the best we can do is to remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, to two special people in Japan, Riki and
Yuki, I send love, strength and much hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To those of us here, take a moment today, please do remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-18196577970317215002012-03-05T09:11:00.000-08:002012-03-05T09:11:39.216-08:00TANGO-a new twist for a sound mind in a sound body<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Milonga:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to
Wikipedia, Milonga is <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">a term for a
place or an event where <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>tango</u></i></b> is danced. People who
frequently go to Milonga are sometimes called <i>milongueros</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose that attending one Milonga does not
qualify me to be identified as a milonguera, but I’m ready to try it again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday, Sunday 3/4, L. A. Turners and Ilona
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Glinarsky</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span lang="EN">co-hosted a Milonga at our
Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Several amazing
things evolved from this extraordinary dancing event. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, I admitted to myself that I’m more
suited to dances other than ones that require legs that go on
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A friend of mine, lovingly and
thankfully infrequently, calls me Stumpy-a sort of 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> Dwarf-ish
friend of Snow White.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, despite
the fact that stumps do not suddenly sprout, I want to learn this amazing and mesmerizing
blending of musically induced/societally acceptable body blending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music is alluring, the intensity of the
milongueros palpable and the results amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">About 100 people
were present with about 35 or 40 arriving for the first hour in which a free
lesson was given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The long legs and some
mysteriously intense-looking men arrived later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ilona put all the Tango Trainees through an initiation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The explanation of Tango being a feeling
before being a dance was a difficult concept and by the looks on many faces it’s
obvious we need another lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
amateur passion notwithstanding, by the end of the hour we were rather blended,
semi-intense but actually tango-ing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several
of us boldly proclaimed that when we purchased the right shoes we would (pick
one) have great legs, graceful gliding ability, restored youth, Latin passion and of course one of
those mysteriously intense looking partners who would magically make it all
happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the next
Milonga is scheduled at the Turner Center, I’ll be sure to blog its date and
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, you can do some homework
by watching, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Scent of a Woman, True Lies,
Evita, Assassination Tango </i>(this one is a rather unknown move in which
Robert Duval proves the exception to the rule:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>mysteriously un-intense looking men with bowed legs make excellent tango
dancers.) or any number of movies in which Tango is impassionedly performed<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">See you on the dance floor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-28037475890561354162012-02-22T09:01:00.001-08:002012-02-22T09:01:07.999-08:00CONFESSION OF A LAZY TURNER<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Difficult as it is to admit, I am a lazy Turner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure I’m involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely I try to maintain good
health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly I exercise my
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that aging body…OMG as the
youngsters say, needs more attention than it’s been getting – exercise-wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rubbing on lotion is not exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking about getting into my pool as soon
as the warm weather arrives is not exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Strolling down Main Street for breakfast at Ruby’s is not exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lotions and potions can serve a purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A one mile walk before a meal does curb the
appetite a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even that all out 2 mile
walk with the cardio work out up the hill has benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But actually focusing on specific areas for
particular reasons is another thing entirely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Monday I had one of those freak episodes, you know the
one, you bend or turn or something and the pain in your lower back knocks you
for a loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attempting to become erect
is almost impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking without
appearing to have a rod jammed up ones backside is futile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know that commercial that says, “We have an app for
that!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well guess what folks, we Turners
have an exercise for that!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only
will I enhance muscles on the other side of the ache, but improve my
balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only will I be toning and
firming, I will be creating new synapses so important to us of a certain age
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only all that, but I will be
aching elsewhere too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While our Phys Ed master, Mesfin, says all the right
things about time, benefits, pain/gain, blah, blah, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>blah, maybe Ben Gay will become the lotion of
choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am, however, committed to see
what I can do to get that sound body back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My time out is over, back to the exercises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-68421388448023743292012-02-18T07:32:00.000-08:002012-02-18T07:36:47.169-08:00Turner Action<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having introduced Physical Education and
Gymnastics to the United States beginning in about 1848, Turners across the
nation designed programs of phys. ed. and taught the instructors the correct
methods of implementing this unique concept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I suppose that, like today, people were caught up with their own lives,
felt they expended enough energy by simply working hard at their jobs and that
kids at play were active enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About
the only similarity to those times not present today is that gym classes could
not be a budget line item - after all, those classes didn't exist quite yet.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, when childhood obesity is at record
highs, sedentary yet stressful video games have replaced sport and parents are
working dawn to dusk not plowing fields but pushing paper or searching for
employment, school districts across the nation are cutting gym classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Art and music having already been eliminated,
what was left?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How about history?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh wait, some school districts are cutting
back on that too announcing that there is too much history to learn so let’s
start somewhere other than the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh wait, which beginning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
digress from the topic – Physical Education.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Los Angeles Turners have decided that it
is time to return to our own beginnings and conduct physical education again
and not only for ourselves, but for school children in Los Angeles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our pilot program will be open for students
effective February 27<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> and offers weekly 3 hour long classes for
9-1/2 to 13 year olds and 2 hour long classes for 6-1/2 to 9 year olds each
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Classes will be held at the Goethe
International Charter School as an enrichment program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When successful, we stand ready to expand into
which ever Los Angeles Public School wishes to join.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Sound Mind in a Sound Body – a great
concept, valid then and now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish to thank many individuals for
supporting this project:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>first the ever
patient and most competent Physical Education Chair of the L. A. Turners,
Mesfin Felleke; the concerned and active parents of the Goethe International
Charter School’s students along with their forward thinking principal; and members
of Los Angeles Turners who have so generously enabled the program with their
financial assistance along with our Board of Directors who have supported this
activity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Want to support this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visit </span><a href="http://www.laturners.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.laturners.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-67571974799079320112012-02-12T06:59:00.000-08:002012-02-12T06:59:22.642-08:00Connections - past and present<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Los Angeles Turners are part of a national
organization of Turner groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With its
national HQ in Louisville, KY, the American Turners keep us connected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sport fests, cultural fests and individual
competitions in most sports make people to people contact possible in this
digital age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is not to say that
cyberspace has no place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plans for WII (or X-Box) competitions are in
the works for Los Angeles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Opinions
about which system is preferable will be welcomed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Center features a 182” (4.6 meter) screen
which should be the ideal way to cyber-sport. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wonder what our Turnvater Jahn would think about cyber-sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then I also wonder what Michelangelo would
have done with power tools, Beethoven with an electronic keyboard and Elizabeth
Barrett Browning with a computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would
Mark Twain have blogged?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would the world
have followed Gandhi on Twitter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-37600689363336893812012-02-09T07:35:00.000-08:002012-02-09T07:35:39.789-08:00<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">To be a Los Angeles
Turners is to belong to a historic organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turners are as much a part of American
history as they are steeped in their German background. The word Turner is an Anglicization
of the German <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Turnen </i>(Gymnastics).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Turnvereine
</i>became the first gym clubs in this country. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Friedrich Ludwig
Jahn, a Prussian gymnastics educator and patriot, founded the Turners. As a
teacher, he developed a system of gymnastics and invented much of the gym
equipment in use today —balance beam, parallel bars, horse etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1848, the first Turners immigrated and
brought the movement to the United States, establishing Turner societies in
many American cities. Today, there are fifty-four clubs across the U.S and we
have been part of Los Angeles since 1871. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Arriving in America
during the turmoil preceding the Civil War, Turners immediately became stalwarts
of the Abolitionist movement and active in the election campaign of Abraham
Lincoln. Two Turners became Union generals in the Civil War and one became
Secretary of the Interior. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As daily life
normalized, Turners prepared gymnastics teachers in Normal schools and pushed
legislation to make physical education mandatory in American schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More about gym in L A schools later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We learn from our
past, appreciate the advantages of the present and embrace the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come visit us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See if <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A SOUND MIND IN A SOUND BODY</i></b> is for
you.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-672211934978716476.post-56612764395296150162012-02-08T09:07:00.000-08:002012-02-08T09:07:22.144-08:00What is a blog?<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wikipedia explains: “<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">A <b>blog</b>
(a portmanteau
of the term <b><i>web log</i></b>) is a
personal journal published on the world wide web consisting of discrete entries
("posts") typically displayed in reverse chronological order so the
most recent post appears first. Blogs are usually the work of a single
individual, occasionally of a small group, and often are themed on a single
subject”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or, it’s the
ramblings of a person who thinks what they have to say might be of interest to
others.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to a
news article I read this morning, Bloggers along with Tweeters, Flickers, Facebookies,
Linkedinians, U-Tubeans and multitudinous other social media posters are now under
fire from the companies and organizations to whom they are beholden for their
daily bread to not “be stupid” and to “stay in their lane.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or, it’s the
wrong time to ramble without the rumble.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This blog will
neither offend nor defend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will
instead inform and entertain. At least I hope so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my heart of heart I am a wordsmith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check back please, my first blog smithing will
be about the first immigrants who brought the Turner philosophy with them in 1848.</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Carole Kulzer Brennanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14552592490467495432noreply@blogger.com0