Splendor in the Grass revisited

I say “Splendor in the Grass revisited” revisited as this is the second post on the same topic, the case of Natalie Wood’s mysterious death is being re-opened and the re-run of the movie.

On August 10, 2010 on a post about Natalie Wood’s movie, “Splendor in the Grass”, I wrote,

“I like Natalie Wood. Her mysterious and tragic death about 20 years ago still puzzles many to this day; the yacht from which she fell off and drowned bore the name of “Splendor”.  The post compares the beauty of the English and Chinese poems.

http://doctorjytsai.blogspot.com/2010/08/splendor-in-grass.html

Little did I know it actually will be 30 years on November 29.  The news is out that Natalie Wood’s mysterious death is being re-investigated.  And by coincidence or not, the movie of “Splendor in the Grass” will be aired again at the Turner Classic Movies tonight. 

(You can read the report on the link to WSJ or New York Times on my Facebook page, but not here; almost all the major newspapers have a link to FB by now)

 

Katy’s report to World Journal (世界日報): Pitt Chinese Nationality Room Scholarship

Katy’s dispatch to the World Journal (世界世界世界世界世界日報) reporting the fund-raising event of Pitt Chinese Nationality Room Scholarship was published today (November 18).

You may read the online version of Katy’s report at the World Journal (世界日報)

http://www.worldjournal.com/view/wjnjpanews/16478174/article-%E5%8C%B9%E5%A4%A7%E5%AD%94%E5%AD%90%E6%95%99%E5%AE%A4-%E5%8A%A9%E5%AD%B8%E7%94%9F%E8%B5%B4%E5%85%A9%E5%B2%B8%E5%AD%B8%E4%B8%AD%E6%96%87?instance=nj2

The fund-raising dinner of the joint Chinese / Japanese Scholarship was held at Pittsburgh Sheraton Station Square Hotel on November 13, it was organized by the Chinese Nationality Room Committee, University of Pittsburgh.  Plan is to send students to China or Taiwan to learn Chinese and experience Chinese culture and way of life as well.

The scholarship was established in 1993 and has sent many students to China for a summer learning experience.  Many Chinese Americans in the greater Pittsburgh area, such as Karen Yee (余月紅)、Edward & Mei Hwang (黃呈昌伉儷), and Dali Lee (李大立), have spared no effort in this fund raising event over the years.

Dorothy Lee (魏白蕙) of OCA presented and praised the honoree guest, Hilda Pang Fu (彭潤仙, who is the president and executive director of Luminari and for-profit and non-profit entrepreneur).  Mrs. Fu’s devotion to the family raising admirable children is exemplary.  She is very active in public service; whenever a need arose from the Chinese American community or charitable organizations; she always helped out and did it without hesitation and without seeking recognition.  In her talk, she encouraged all to accept the challenge, using her diving experience, to do more meaningful things for the community.

學生們表演日本太鼓 (Japanese Taiko)。（張瓊月／攝影）

The entertainment was provided by the students of  謝家碧 (Chia-Pih), the dancing performance (feather fan dance 羽扇舞, ribbon dance 彩帶舞 and water sleeve dance 水袖舞) earned warm applause.  The Tzu-Chi Humanity School students and children from the Three Rivers families with children from China also participated in the performance.  In addition, all were amazed by the lively and energetic performance of Japanese Taiko by seven Taiko students and enthusiasts.

There are four students from the University of Pittsburgh awarded the scholarship to China this year.  They gave interesting and inspiring reports using the Power Point presentation.

Jim Baraldi (金智明) went to Wuhan University (武漢大學) to learn Chinese this summer.  He also went to University Hospital to study the difference between the western and the traditional Chinese medicine.  Although he knew little about Chinese language before the trip, he was curious enough to venture to sing Chinese Kara OK (卡拉OK) and taste pearl milk tea (珍珠奶茶).  He showed many amusing signs that depict the inaccurate English translation.  There is a sign of “Hand Make” (should be Hand Made) in front of an embroidery store. 「遊客止步」(no visitors allowed beyond this point) is translated into “Out of visitors”.  A sign of “Urgences” (should be Emergency) is seen in a hospital emergency room.  He tried to help to amend, but to no avail.

榮譽來賓彭潤仙( Hilda Fu) 與夫婿 Dr. 傅浩強。(Honoree Hilda Fu and husband                            Dr. Fu) （張瓊月／攝影）

潘燕珍 grew up in Philadelphia, knew little about Chinese despite having Chinese parents; she was determined to make amend and went to Beijing Normal University to improve her Chinese.  She also took a part time job in an American company in Beijing.  She did some translation job and familiarize herself with the Chinese business situation.  She said she benefited greatly during her three-month stay.

Katherine Darensbourg (凱瑟琳) applied for the Harbin (哈爾濱) for intensive study of Chinese for three months.  She forced herself to speak nothing except Chinese.  It was a one-to-one individual teaching.  She learned many Chinese customs and folklore by watching TV.  The most unforgettable is the Chinese wedding.  She regretted that there were no photos or slides to show her memorable stay at Harbin as she lost the camera before coming back.

Kelson Law (羅樂俊) went to Hong Kong to study the effect on Chinese daily life of Confucius thought (孔子的儒家思想).  He likes the classic Chinese music; he visited the musician making the ancient seven-string musical instrument (七弦琴 or lyre); he was hoping that he would have chance to learn to play lyre in the future.

All these four students expressed their sincere and deep appreciation for the Chinese Nationality Room (also known as Confucius Room) scholarship that made their summer studies possible.  (Katy Tsai 張瓊月)

獲得孔子教室獎學金的學生們暢談到中國的愉快經驗 (Scholarship recipients talk about their experiences in China)。 (張瓊月/攝影)

(The following is Katy’s dispatch.)

匹大孔子教室 助學生赴兩岸學中文

【賓州匹茲堡訊】 世界新聞網 北美華文新聞、華商資訊

November 18, 2011 06:00 AM

匹茲堡大學中國孔子教室與日本教室日前聯合舉辦獎學金募款晚宴，主要目的是為明年暑假資助匹茲堡大學學生赴大陸或台灣學中文，並實地瞭解當地生活與文化。

該計畫自1993年開辦至今，已為17名匹大學生提供獎學金到大陸暑期學習。多年來，匹茲堡華人余月紅、黃呈昌伉儷及李大立等人，均為募集獎學金不遺餘力。

美華協會會員魏白蕙當晚在餐會上稱讚榮譽來賓彭潤仙 (Hilda Fu)，除了相夫教子外，非常熱心公益，只要華人或慈善團體有任何需要能幫的地方，她就伸出援手默默行善。彭潤仙鼓勵大家接受挑戰，為社區做更多有意義的事情。

謝家碧帶領她的學生表演羽扇舞 、彩帶舞與水袖舞等，博得熱烈掌聲。慈濟人文學校學生包括美國家庭領養的大陸孩童在內，為晚會帶來精采表演。另有七名學生表演日本太鼓，贏得大家激賞。

匹大今年共有四名學生申請到大陸學中文的獎學金，他們透過幻燈片，為當晚來賓作精采報告。

匹 大學生金智明 (Jim Baraldi) 今年暑假到武漢大學學中文，並到武大醫院認識中西醫療體制的異同？他行前不識半句中文。在武漢期間，他好奇地與武大學生去唱卡拉OK和喝 珍珠奶茶。他說，大陸許多中英文標誌，英文寫得不正確。例如店前標示「手工刺繡」寫成 Hand Make (應該是 Hand Made)，「遊客止步」英文寫成 Out of visitors。醫院急診處標誌寫成 Urgences。他想幫忙改正，卻苦無門路。

在費城長大的潘燕珍是匹大商科四年級學生，她被人取笑身為華裔，卻中文說寫不佳，下定決心到北京首都師範大學加強中文，並到美商駐北京分公司打工，翻譯和實地瞭解中國商務情況，在北京逗留三個月獲益良多。

凱瑟琳 (Katherine Darensbourg) 申請到哈爾濱密集學中文三個月，每天強迫自己用中文說話，老師一對一教學。從電視中學到許多民風習俗。最令她回味的是參加中國婚禮。此行最大遺憾是她最後在大陸遺失相機，無法向人展示在哈爾濱的美好記憶。

羅樂俊 (Kelson Law) 則到香港見習孔子的儒家思想對中國人生活的影響。他喜歡國樂，在香港專程造訪製造七弦琴的音樂家，希望以後有機會用七弦琴表演國樂。

上述四位受惠學生，均對中國孔子教室獎學金基金會幫助他們實現心願深表謝意。(張瓊月)

Katy’s report at World Journal (日報): Splendid performance by Beijing Dance Company (北京舞蹈團)

Katy’s dispatch reporting the news of a splendid performance by the Beijing Dance Company at Pittsburgh on November 15 was published at World Journal (世界日報) on November 17.

You may read the online version of Katy’s report at the World Journal (世界世界世界世界世界日報)

http://www.worldjournal.com/view/wjnjpanews/16465024/article-%E5%8C%97%E4%BA%AC%E8%88%9E%E5%9C%98%E5%B7%A1%E6%BC%94-%E3%80%8C%E5%8D%83%E6%89%8B%E8%A7%80%E9%9F%B3%E3%80%8D%E5%90%B8%E7%9D%9B?instance=nj2

The Beijing Dance Academy Dancing Company (also known as Beijing Dance Company, 北京舞蹈團), the most prestigious and renowned in China, is currently touring four cities in American East Coast.  After the debut at Boston on November 12 and 13, it had a splendid performance at Pittsburgh on Nov. 15.

Next stops will be at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Nov. 17-19) at Washington, D.C. and at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (Nov. 23, 25 & 26) at NYC.  This is the first time that Beijing Dance Company visits the East Coast, aiming to promote cultural exchanges between the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America.  The Chinese Americans or ethnic Chinese represent only 10-15% of the audience at Pittsburgh, partly may be due to the publicity issue among the Chinese American community.  It is hoped that the attendance by the ethnic Chinese will increase in Washington, D.C. and the New York City. This is truly a dancing performance one doesn't want to miss.

令人叫絕的「千手觀音」(The Thousand Hands of Bodhisattva)。（圖：北京舞蹈團提供, provided by Beijing Dance Co.)

WQED and Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh are the official media sponsor for the performance at Pittsburgh. During the pre-show lecture, the deputy director of the Beijing Dance Co., Xu Hang, (副團長徐航) stated that about 50 top professional dancers and Beijing Dance Academy students are chosen for the American Tour.  The reputation of their arduous and disciplined practice is well known.  It is a majestic show blending the traditional, classical and contemporary Chinese dancing art; the audience are thoroughly pleased and amazed.

The Beijing Dance Company was founded in 1987 and has quickly emerged as a powerhouse in the Chinese dance scene.  It is associated with the historic Beijing Dance Academy (founded in 1954), China’s only professional accredited institution of higher education in dance. 

The American East Coast Tour boasts many magnificent dances that include Emperor Qin’s Soldiers (秦王點兵) and Flying Fairy (飛天), choreographed by Chen Weiya (陳維亞) of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics fame; The Butterfly Lovers (梁山伯與祝英台) and The Spirit of Bamboo (蘭亭修竹), choreographed by the renowned Zhang Jamming (張建民) of the opening scene of the House of Flying Daggers fame.  The new generation choreographers, such as 張羽軍 and 姚勇 whose work of modern dance, The Yellow River, is adapted from a famous musical.

舞蹈「梁三伯與祝英台」(The Butterfly Lovers)。（圖：北京舞蹈團提供 provided by Beijing Dance Co.)

In addition, the stunning The Thousand Hands of Bodhisattva (千手觀音) and 踏鼓相和歌 add the magic and splendor to the program.  The superb and graceful dancing skill, the bright and colorful costumes, the elegant and pleasing music, all the splendor, pomp and color earn high praise from the audience who are left with an unforgettable memory of the vivid imagery that will be cherished for years to come.

After the performance at Pittsburgh, the Beijing Dance Company left for Washington D.C. where there will be four performances beginning November 17 and another four performances at New York City beginning November 23.  This American East Coast Tour was made possible by the coordinated effort of Chinus Cultural Productions, China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG) and various Chinese official cultural departments.  A special thank to Robert Russo for his dedication, perseverance and steadfast belief in this project.  For more details please visit www.beijingdance.com  (Katy Tsai, 張瓊月)

北京舞蹈團部分舞者與觀眾合影。(Dancers with the audience)（張瓊月／攝影, photographed by Katy Tsai)

(The following is Katy’s dispatch)

北京舞團巡演 「千手觀音」吸睛

【賓州匹茲堡訊】 世界新聞網 北美華文新聞、華商資訊

November 17, 2011 06:00 AM 

在中國舞蹈界頗享盛譽的北京舞蹈學院舞團（簡稱北京舞蹈團），目前正在舉行2011年美東四大城市巡演，15日從波士頓轉來匹茲堡獻藝。

這次巡演是舞團首次亮相首都華盛頓甘乃迪表演藝術中心和紐約林肯表演藝術中心，也是北京舞蹈團初訪匹茲堡，旨在中美文化交流。匹茲堡的美國人觀眾約占85%以上，華裔觀眾出席率並不高。主辦單位希望接下去的華府和紐約兩地，有較多華裔觀賞。

匹茲堡地區的表演，由WQED教育電視台和溫翰旅館（Wyndham Grand）贊助表演。副團長徐航開幕前與觀眾見面時表示，這次訪美挑選頂尖舞者與學生共50人，每天練習五小時，帶來膾炙人口的中國古典和現代舞蹈專場。

北京舞蹈團1987年成立，迅速崛起成為中國舞蹈界一支勁旅。

在這次巡演中，美東觀眾除了可以欣賞到編導陳維亞的經典作品「秦王點兵」和「飛天」，以及著名編導張建民的「蘭亭修竹」與「梁山伯與祝英台」等，還有新一代編導張羽軍、姚勇根據冼星海著名音樂改編的現代舞蹈「黃河」等。

此外，令人叫絕的「千手觀音」、「踏鼓相和歌」等也十分耀眼。演出者舞藝精湛，服飾亮麗，音樂優雅，留給觀眾難忘的舞姿儷影，大家讚不絕口。

北京舞蹈團結束匹茲堡演出後，17日將前往首都華盛頓，最後一場將於23日在紐約表演。這次美東巡演，是由美國中美文化創意公司和中國對外文化集團聯手推出，詳情可上網 www.beijingdance.com 。（張瓊月)

Flying Fairy (provided by Beijing Dance Co.)

Emperor Qin's Soldiers (provided by Beijing Dance Co.)

Butterfly Lovers (provided by Beijing Dance Co.)

Katy’s report at 日報: Free clinic in Pittsburgh November 7, 2011

Katy’s dispatch to the World Journal  (世界日報) reporting the free clinic  was published today (Nov. 9)

The annual free clinic sponsored by the Overseas Chinese Association (OCA) was held on November 7.  It served nearly 60 persons mostly the recent immigrants from China and their family.  In addition to many enthusiastic ethnic Chinese physicians, there were many American physicians from UPMC participated in the free clinic.

The free clinic was held at the Internal Medicine Department locates at 9th floor of UPMC Montefiore Hospital.  It began at 6:30 PM and ended at 10:30PM; quite a busy night.

OCA Pittsburgh Chapter has sponsored this free clinic for twentysome years.  The immigrants from China have significantly increased in Pittsburgh area over the recent years; some came to visit or help out their children who are either busy with their study or work.  Regardlees the time of their stay, many are without healthcare insurance owing to the economic or other issues.

In addition to OCA, many organizations helped out, including Tsu-Chi Foundation, Pittsburgh Chapter, University of Pittsburgh medical and dental students, UPMC internists and Chinese American physicians from greater Pittsburgh area.

Many University of Pittsburgh Medical and Dental School students also played important roles to this event; some speaks fluent Chinese act as translators, the others brought the patients to the right rooms at the right time depending on what medical problems they presented.  Their selfless participation enabled them to observe the delivery of patient care.

The free clinic provides care in many fields of medicine that include family medicine, internal medicine, dentistry, dermatology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, urology, allergy, cardiology, pediatrics, gynecology, rehabilitation, rheumatology, acupuncture, and otolaryngology.  A psychiatrist providing the consultation for depression is the new service this year.

Most of the persons came to the free clinic are immigrants from Beijing or Hubai.  There are 52 persons registered in advance and some requesting to see as many as eight different specialists.

The Free clinic aims for health maintenance and certain Lab tests.  Medical professionals are available for medical inquiry and Chinese translation.  Services provided also include blood pressure checking, eyes and prostate examinations, dental examination and recommendations for dental care.  The available Lab tests are lipid profiles, liver and kidney functions, anemia, diabetes and serology tests for hepatitis B, etc.  In addition, breast cancer screen and pap smear are also provided by gynecological service,

 

For chronic diseases that need long term care, the cases will be referred to local physicians who are well versed in Chinese.

Lee Dali (李大立), one of the persons in charge of the free clinic, stated that all the expenses of doing the Lab will be paid by OCA and the results will be mailed to the examinees.  Tzu-Chi volunteer, 陳靈芬, stated that internal medicine has the most registrants.

Dr. Victor Yu (余令凱醫師) calls for young physicians to participate.  Because of the unexpected larger number of registrants in the eye care, Dr. Yu  invited two non-ethnic Chinese physicians to help out.

Gynecologist Dr. Beatrice Chen has participated in this free clinic for the past eight years and often invited her American colleagues to help.  Breast cancer screen and pap smear services were offered.  The participating doctors all had a busy day and began the free clinic without a break until 10:30 PM.  Exhausted though they might be, they felt it was a gratifying and meaningful work.

Mrs. Chow of Hubai province stated that her front teeth fell off while biting a hard object, making eating and chewing difficult.  The youngest one was a four-year-old girl who suffers from a chronic skin condition with terrible itch.

All were very appreciative of this free clinic.  Many elders from China were accompanied by their children doing all sorts of tests.   (Katy Tsai)

(The following is Katy’s report)

義診! 醫科生見習愛心行動

【賓州匹茲堡訊】 世界新聞網 北美華文新聞、華商資訊

November 09, 2011 06:06 AM 

由匹茲堡美華協會主辦的美華義診，7日舉行，服務民眾近60人，主要為近年來的華裔移民及家屬，除了許多熱心的華裔醫師之外，眾多匹茲堡大學醫院(UPMC)的非華裔醫師也都參加義診服務。

美診在匹茲堡大學蒙蒂菲洛醫院(UPMC，即Montefiore Hospital)九樓內科部門舉行，自晚間6時半開始到10時半，方告落幕。

20幾年來一直提供義診。匹茲堡地區近年來由大陸來的華裔移民倍增。有很多人的父母由內地來探訪或幫忙子女，無論居留長短，因為身分或經濟問題，絕大多數的人都沒買醫療保險。

這次美華義診聯合了慈濟匹茲堡聯絡處、匹茲堡大學醫學院醫科及牙科學生、UPMC一般內科協會、匹茲堡華人醫師公會等共襄盛舉。

匹茲堡大學醫學院醫科及牙科的華裔學生，在義診處充當助理。幾個由加州來的學生華語流利，不約而同擔任患者的翻譯，有些中文不夠流利的學生，則負責帶患者到所要看的各科醫生的診療室。

這次義診是一般檢查項目分家庭科、內科、牙科、皮膚科、 眼科、骨科、泌尿科、過敏科、心臟科、小兒科、婦科、復健科、關節科、針灸、耳鼻喉科等。今年的義診，還多了一項特色，就是特別安排有專家輔導「憂鬱症」病患。

大部分前往利用義診服務的華人，是由北京、湖北等內地來的移民，有52人預先掛號。有不少人一次就在八個科別掛號登記。

美 華義診是以保健篩檢為主的診療，由醫療人員提供免費醫療諮詢和中文翻譯，並提供免費血壓測試、眼睛檢查、前列腺檢查、牙齒檢查及牙科護理的建議，也提供免 費的膽固醇檢測、肝臟的功能測試、腎功能測試、貧血、糖尿病、B型肝炎篩選等等。此外，婦科提供乳腺腫瘤檢查和子宮頸抹片檢測。

對於一些無法提供慢性病的長期護理，醫護人員也會介紹當地會說中文的醫生。

義診主要負責人之一李大立表示，所有檢驗材料費用都由美華協會支付，事後並寄發檢驗結果給受診患者。據慈濟的義工陳靈芬表示，最多人掛號是一般內科。

余令凱醫師(Victor Yu)都會呼籲年輕醫師來參與。今年由於眼科需求較多，所以他臨時多邀請兩位非華裔醫師來幫忙義診。

華裔婦產科陳醫師(Beatrice Chen)表示，她八年來都參加義診，並邀請美國醫師同事一齊參加義診。這次婦科提供一般婦女乳腺腫瘤檢查和子宮頸抹片檢測。參加義診的醫師白天上班忙碌，接著沒休息又馬上參加義診到晚上10時多才休息。雖然累，卻都覺得很有意義。

自湖北來探親的趙女士表示，自己咬硬物令門牙脫落，感到涼風吹透。從老人中心得知美華義診就叫女兒陪她來。年紀最小的求診者是四歲的陳小妹，因為皮膚發癢抓破流血。

大家非常感謝有這義診。有不少大陸內地來的長者，由兒女陪同來做各項檢查。      (張瓊月)

Katy’s report at 世界日報: The happy meeting of children from China and Chinese foster grandparents

Katy’s dispatch to the World Journal (世界日報) reporting the news of adopted children from China was published on Nov. 8, 2011.

A joint luncheon was held at the City Buffet on November 5.  This was co-sponsored by the Three Rivers Families with Children from China (TRFCC), established 15 years ago, and Overseas Chinese Association (OCA).  The occasion provides the opportunity of sharing the lunch for the children from China and their foster Chinese grandparents.  A BINGO game was played and prizes distributed.

Many American families adopted baby girls from China and they wish these adopted children can have chances exposing to Chinese culture growing up.  Thus came the activity of Chinese foster grandparents sponsored by OCA members; they get together on special occasions that are relevant to Chinese culture.  It is also the best opportunity practicing the Chinese they learn at the Pittsburgh Chinese School.  魏白蕙and 余婉齡 are the most popular Chinese foster Chinese grandparents.

Some of the American families still adopted children from China even though they already have had children of their own, extending their love to the abandoned baby girls, thanks to the “One Family One Child” official policy in China.  Mr. and Mrs. John & Barbara Schiavone first adopted a girl Rebecca, then a boy Gregory who had cleft lip, thus abandoned.   They brought Gregory back to the United States and had the corrected surgery done successfully.  The sister and brother now live a happy life growing up in a loving American family.  (Katy Tsai)

(The following is Katy’s dispatch to世界日報)

收養華童 與「華人祖父母」相見歡

【賓州匹茲堡訊】 世界新聞網 北美華文新聞、華商資訊

November 08, 2011 06:00 AM

在 匹茲堡成立已15年的「三河收養華童美國家庭」(TRFCC)， 會長金庫恩(Kim Kuehn)與美華協會(OCA)匹茲堡分會會長艾元方(Andy Ai)，11月5日在市區自助餐廳共同主辦聚餐活動，讓被美國家庭認養的華童及其認領的華人祖父母共享中餐，並玩自選贈禮的賓果遊戲。

美國很多家庭 到大陸領養女嬰，他們渴望小孩在中國文化的環境長大，所以和美華協會匹茲堡分會成員舉辦「認領華人祖父母」活動。逢年過節相聚或平時有任何中國文化活動 時，華人祖父母就提供幫助，讓華童有機會和華人互動，同時在匹茲堡中文學校學的中文也有機會真正會話練習。此間華人魏白蕙和余婉齡，就被孩子們公認是熱門 的「華人祖母」。

有的美國家庭已經有親生小孩，仍然去大陸領養女嬰，把愛心分給這些因中國「一胎化」政策與「重男輕女」 觀念而被遺棄的女 嬰；有的美國家庭不僅是領養一個中國小孩，如約翰與芭芭拉夫婦，先領養一個中國女孩名Rebecca，再領養一個男嬰名Gregory，他因生下來就有兔 唇而遭棄養，芭芭拉夫婦把他帶回美國，並替他修復兔唇，兩姊弟現在每天快樂過日子。     （張瓊月)

Did Churchill have a heart attack in December 1941?

As a medicine man and a history buff I always wonder whether Winston Churchill had a heart attack, as his doctor, Sir. Charles Wilson, suspected.  While visiting FDR (yes, he stayed inside the While House like a family) in December 1941, about two weeks after the Pearl Harbor attack.  One night (December 26) he tried to open the bedroom window as it was very hot (air conditioner was not invented yet).  “It was very stiff” and that he had to use “considerable force and I notice all at once that I was short of breath.  I had a dull pain over my heart.  It went down my left arm.  It didn’t last very long, but it has never happened before.  What was it? Is my heart all right?” so Churchill asked Dr. Wilson.

The description certainly fits the diagnosis of a heart attack or at least angina pectoris.  Dr. Wilson kept this as a secret for the next 24 years until after Churchill’s death when he published his diary.

During the course of conversation next morning, Churchill told Dr. Wilson, “Now, Charles, you’re not going to tell me to rest.  I can’t.  I won’t. Nobody else can do this job. I must.  . . . My idea is that strained one of my chest muscles.  I used great force.  I don’t believe it was my heart at all.”  I do believe that nobody can do his job—mobilizing English language to fight Hitler.

Churchill went on to travel to Ottawa, Canada on December 28 as scheduled and returned to the White House on the New Year Eve.  But, he did take a vacation at Florida for five days relaxing on the balmy Florida beach, “Winston basks half-submerged in the water in the winter like a hippopotamus in a swamp” (according to his doctor).  I also read it somewhere that once Churchill fell on the water raising both feet making a large “V” sign.  It is too bad that no digital camera was around to shoot it.

Being a reputed heavy smoker, Churchill must have been very lucky to live beyond 90 years of age if he indeed had a coronary artery event in December 1941.  There was no such thing as “statins” [cholesterol-lowering drugs] and I bet he was not giving the “life-saving” aspirin.

Or Churchill might not smoke as much as he wanted the public to perceive. In Harry Butcher’s My Three Years with Eisenhower (his diary of August 26, 1942, London), one read,

“Asked [Ike] if the PM [Churchill] drank as much as is reputed. Was told he had only a glass of sherry. He smokes a terrifically long and big cigar, but plays with it more than he smokes. After dinner, he lit one of these, and during the evening, it burned about an inch, dying out frequently.  Ike had the impression that the PM rather relishes his reputation as a heavy smoker and drinker, but actually is much more moderate than rumor would indicate.”

Or may be his “moderate” alcohol consumption protected him from the ill-effect of his cigar smoking.

 

But the evidence of Churchill being a chain smoker also abounds.  His secretary not only endured his constant dictation at wee hours, say 3 AM, but worse yet endured the fume/smell of his constant cigar smoking. 

On January 14, 1942 when Churchill left Washington for London, flying from Norfolk, VA. We read the captain pilot’s account,

“When he [Churchill] entered the control deck the Prime Minister was smoking a cigar.  There is no danger therefrom.  He did, however, ask if it was safe to strike a match when his cigar went out while he was sitting in the controls.  I assured him it was quite safe and that smoking could safely be indulged in anywhere throughout the aircraft. . . .” (see photo.  Churchill was at the controls for about 20 minutes during the flight.

I still cannot tell whether Churchill had a heart attack or not in December 1941.

The Steelers-Ravens game tonight is not just a game

At the end of my letter-to-the-editor (see Photo) on Jan. 11, 2011, I said “but the Steelers and Ravens are working on it,” and that is quite relevant to the game tonight. I on purposely used Shakespeare's poetic play [Romeo and Juliet] to force the editors to say "Reverse on verse" (The editors previously advised readers not to use poetry when writing letters as they are 'boring').  Steelers (6:2) and Ravens (5:2) are fighting to control the AC North Division.

In the ignominious defeat of Steelers at the hand of Ravens (35-7) on the opening game of this season, there were seven turnovers by the Steelers.  Hopefully the Steelers will “Remember the Alamo” and returned the favor in kind to the Ravens, who, like Edgar Allan Poe’s poems, can be eerie and scary; her coming from behind win with more than 20 points deficit last Sunday against Arizona Cardinals attested to it.