http://frankemerson.com/news.html Frank Emerson: News Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:54:19 -0700 http://frankemerson.com/news.html#60 Robert A. Hall is a Marine Vietnam veteran who served five terms in the Massachusetts state senate. He blogs at www.tartanmarine.blogspot.com

I'll be 63 soon. Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce, and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I've worked, hard, since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven't called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there's no retirement in sight, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth around" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy or stupid to earn it.

I'm tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to "keep people in their homes." Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I'm willing to help. But if they bought McMansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the leftwing Congresscritters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them-with their own money.

I'm tired of being told how bad America is by leftwing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers. In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the religious freedom and women's rights of Saudi Arabia, the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Gay people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela. Won't multiculturalism be beautiful?

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor;" of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers;" of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery;" of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.

I believe "a man should be judged by the content of his character, not by the color of his skin." I'm tired of being told that "race doesn't matter" in the post-racial world of President Obama, when it's all that matters in affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and fatherless children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of US Senators from Illinois. I think it's very cool that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the emancipation proclamation. I just wish the black president was Condi Rice, or someone who believes more in freedom and the individual and less in an all-knowing government.

I'm tired of a news media that thinks Bush's fundraising and inaugural expenses were obscene, but that think Obama's, at triple the cost, were wonderful. That thinks Bush exercising daily was a waste of presidential time, but Obama exercising is a great example for the public to control weight and stress, that picked over every line of Bush's military records, but never demanded that Kerry release his, that slammed Palin with two years as governor for being too inexperienced for VP, but touted Obama with three years as senator as potentially the best president ever.

Wonder why people are dropping their subscriptions or switching to Fox News? Get a clue. I didn't vote for Bush in 2000, but the media and Kerry drove me to his camp in 2004.

I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America, while no American group is allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach love and tolerance.

I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment and carpool together five miles to our jobs. We also own a three-bedroom condo where our daughter and granddaughter live. Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore's, and if you're greener than Gore, you're green enough.

I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off? I don't think Gay people choose to be Gay, but I damn sure think druggies chose to take drugs. And I'm tired of harassment from cool people treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried marijuana.

I'm tired of illegal aliens being called "undocumented workers," especially the ones who aren't working, but are living on welfare or crime. What's next? Calling drug dealers, "Undocumented Pharmacists"? And, no, I'm not against Hispanics. Most of them are Catholic and it's been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion. I'm willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person who can speak English, doesn't have a criminal record and who is self-supporting without family on welfare, or who serves honorably for three years in our military. Those are the citizens we need.

I'm tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves, or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military. They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people then themselves. Do bad things happen in war? You bet. Do our troops sometimes misbehave? Sure. Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years-and still are? Not even close. So here's the deal. I'll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo, and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon, or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found
in Iraq, or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia, because the girls were Christian. Then we'll compare notes. British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear.

I'm tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption. Read the papers-bums are bi-partisan. And I'm tired of people telling me we need bi-partisanship. I live in Illinois, where the "Illinois Combine" of Democrats and Republicans has worked together harmoniously to loot the public for years. And I notice that the tax cheats in Obama's cabinet are bi-partisan as well.

I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

Speaking of poor, I'm tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars called poor. The majority of Americans didn't have that in 1970, but we didn't know we were "poor." The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing.

I'm real tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination, or big-whatever for their problems.

Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 63. Because, mostly, I'm not going to get to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter.]]> http://frankemerson.com/news.html#60 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800 Award-winning Entertainer, Singer/Songwriter, Freelance & Copywriter, Voiceover Actor - Frank Emerson - News http://frankemerson.com/news.html#59
Frank

Xerox allows you to choose and they will send Christmas postcards, designed by school children, to servicemen and women overseas. Doesn't cost you anything. Website below

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html


Some Suggestions for Presents:

SGT Klay South, USMC founded this organization to help severely wounded (Level 1 Trauma) servicemen and servicewomen readjust to life. Donate at this website below.

http://www.veteransofvalor.org/


Challenge Coin from Kevin Barry's in Savannah. Kevin Barry's Pub Logo on one side, crests of all branches of the armed forces on the other side surround the Department of Defense crest..
$10 cost. All money goes to the Wounded Warrior Foundation. Contact them at the website below.

http://www.kevinbarrys.com/

The wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. You can order a wreath from them whether for yourself or in as part of "A Patriot Pair" like I did, wherein you get one and another is sent to rest on a soldier's grave. The link to the site is just below.

www.Worcesterwreath.com


My pals Babe Heffron and Wild Bill Guarnere of Easy Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne have a great book out about their experiences in World War II. Here's a link to their book

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?r=1&ISBN=9780425217283&ourl=Brothers-in-Battle-Best-of-Friends%2FWilliam-Wild-Bill-Guarnere


My pal and collaborator, Bob Slaughter, 116th Infantry, 29th Division has this wonderful book about his experiences from D-Day onward. Here's a link to his book.

http://www.omahabeachandbeyond.com


On a more light-hearted side, This book, "Clean Cabbage in the Bucket and Other Tales from the Irish Music Trenches" was written by Dennis O'Rourke, Harry O'Donoghue, Robbie O'Connell, Seamus Kennedy and me. It's pretty funny and mostly true. You can read an excert at my website, www.frankemerson.com or you can order it at the website below.

www.cleancabbage.com

Amy Meade is the best mystery writer I know! If your're a fan of period-piece mysteries featuring the likes of Nora and Nick Charles, Miss Marple, Ellery Queen, Hercule Poirot or even Jessica Fletcher, you've got to get to know Marjorie McClelland. You can find out more and order through her website below.

http://www.amypatriciameade.com

Of course, if you're in a jam, you might consider any of my existing records:

"Safe in the Harbour", "Dear Sarah", "There's a Story Told" or "A Christmas Postcard"

All of these can be heard, downloaded or outright purchased through my website: www.frankemerson.com]]> http://frankemerson.com/news.html#59 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800 Award-winning Entertainer, Singer/Songwriter, Freelance & Copywriter, Voiceover Actor - Frank Emerson - News http://frankemerson.com/news.html#58
Couple of quick updates:

1. The 4th Annual "Gaels of Music" Variety Concert Fundraiser to benefit the Eddie Ivie Scholarship for Study in Ireland is scheduled for 13 October at the Emma Kelly Theate in the Averitt Centre for the Arts in Statesboro, Georgia. All information including ticket prices, show time, coach fare from Savannah, meet and greet session with performers is available at the Emerald Eddie Society WebPage (www.emeraldeddie.com).

Performers include:
Gabriel Donohue
Danny Ray Cole
Harry O'Donoghue
Frank Emerson
Johnnie Kennedy
Irish Dancers of Savannah
Special Performances by Music Majors from Georgia Southern University

2. Performing that night at Kevin Barry's Pub - actually filling in for me - is our great pal and fabulous musician Carroll Brown. We'll all be heading back there after the concert to have a nightcap and maybe even sit in with Carroll, unbeknownst to him.

3. The World War II Monument, "A World Apart" to be erected just across River Street from Kevin Barry's is still in need of donations. As an attachment, I've enclosed a jpeg of an order form. The form is for an enscribed brick to be made a permanent part of the monument, honoring a World War II veteran in your family. The whole thing is sponsored by the Veterans Council of Chatham County, Georgia. You can get all sorts of information at their website (www.veteranscouncilofchathamcounty.com).

4. In remembrance of all military lives lost and altered in defense of and preservation of the United States, have a look at Honor and Remember (www.honorandremember.org).

That's about it for now. I'll be performing at Kevin Barry's on 12, 14 and 15 October.

Take care, drop a line and maybe even come see a show.

All the best,

Frank]]> http://frankemerson.com/news.html#58 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700 Award-winning Entertainer, Singer/Songwriter, Freelance & Copywriter, Voiceover Actor - Frank Emerson - News http://frankemerson.com/news.html#57
That being the case, the crux of these updates, for the foreseeable future anyway, will have to do with the goings-on around and having to do with Kevin Barry's.

With that in mind, I'd like to let you know about a special organization. Below is the blurb from the website: www.emeraldeddie.com that explains things well.

The Emerald Eddie Society was established in 2006 as an informal group with the purpose of contributing to charitable organizations. The primary beneficiary being the Eddie Ivie Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Georgia Southern Foundation and the Center for Irish Studies at Georgia Southern University

The Society is named in honor of Eddie Ivie. Eddie fostered a love for the songs and stories of Ireland and he became a talented musician, songwriter and stage performer. following his untimely death in 2005 his parents, Vic and Cheryl Power chose to endow the Scholarship through GSU

It is the Mission of the Emerald Eddie Society to host event which mirror Eddie's passions and in turn raise money to promote the ideals by which he lived his life. One-hundred % of the profits from all events will be donated to the Center for Irish Studies and the stated secondary charity for each event.

There are two events scheduled over the next two months.

1. Halfway to St.Patrick's Day Party
Friday, 18 September 7-11PM
The Harp Irish Pub
1425 Market Blvd., Roswell, GA

Music by: Carroll Brown and Danny Ray Cole

2. Annual Gaels of Music Concert
Tuesday, 13 October 7:30 PM
Emma Kelly Theater - Averitt Center for the Arts
33 E. Main Street, Statesboro, GA
(912) 212-2787

Music by: Gabriel Donohue www.gabrieldonohue.com
Danny Ray Cole www.dannyraycole.com
Carroll Brown www.carrollbrownmusic.com
Johnny Kennedy
Harry O'Donoghue www.harryodonoghue.com
Frank Emerson www.frankemerson.com
Irish Dancers of Savannah

Special appearances by: a selected musical performer from Georgia Southern, Butch Elmgren, Prof. Howard Keeley and past recipients of Eddie Ivie Memorial Scholarships

On that same evening, "Seldom Sober" - consisting of Colleen Settle and Mike Corbett. will be appearing at Kevin Barry's, to where we will all adjourn after the concert. Colleen and Mike also anchor the traditional seisuin every Sunday at Kevin Barry's from 6:30 - 8:45. Singers, players and listeners welcome.

Information on the concert and bus schedule from Savannah to Statesboro can be had at 912-233-9626 - that's the phone number of Kevin Barry's.(www.kevinbarrys.com)

ON OTHER FRONTS:

1. The Mojave Desert War Memorial Cross (www.donttearmedown.com) For their own reasons, the ACLU is seeking to have a cross removed from a rugged tor by the side of a highway in the Mojave Desert. Erected in 1934 in remembrance of World War I fallen comrades, it has come to symbolize all vets. Please read about this battle and draw your own conclusions at the website.

2. "A World Apart" is the title given to the forthcoming World War II Memorial to be erected on Rousakis Plaza, across River Street from Kevin Barry's Pub. Donations are still needed to see that this worthwhile and suitable memorial is put in place post haste. The Veteran's Council of Chatham County website (www.veteranscouncilofchathamcounty.com) as a great deal of information telling about how and in what way contributions and remembrances might be made and secured. In addition, Kevin Barry's Pub has two dedicated credit card machines whereby you can make a donation to the memorial fund any time you feel so moved while you're in the pub - usually in the midst of veterans of all ages. THE PUB TAKES NO MONEY WHATSOEVER FORM THESE DONATIONS..

3. Just finished a great book: "The Apostle" by Brad Thor (www.bradthor.com). I believe that by this book alone, he's got a lot of people "hoo-ahhing" and "oooh-rahing" him and likewise there are others who are spitting bile. This is definitely a non-fiction/fiction piece and it is right on the money.

I guess that's about it for now. I'll be heading back to Kevin Barry's for the week of 31 August - 6 September. (Although V-J day was 14 August, Formal Surrender Day is coming up on 2 September. I believe I'll sing a chorus or two of "Back in Nagasaki Where the Fellas Chew Tobacky and the Women Wicki-Wacki-Woo")

Please join me in keeping the troops in our thoughts and prayers.]]> http://frankemerson.com/news.html#57 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700 Award-winning Entertainer, Singer/Songwriter, Freelance & Copywriter, Voiceover Actor - Frank Emerson - News http://frankemerson.com/news.html#56


Have a look below at a statement read by Harry Truman on 4 July 1945. It doesn't sound arrogant to me. It sounds grateful to God - yep, Harry invoked Christianity while referencing America...how about that? - and pretty damned determined. Old Harry wasn't so bad. I believe he knew how to give'em hell and had a fair amount of experience doing it.



Below that is a short memorial in remembrance and thanks to Darrell "Shifty" Powers, a fine Southwest Virginian and member of the famous Easy Company of the 506th PIR. He passed away just the other week. He was a real good guy, an ordinary man (who happened to be a crack shot) and who did extraordinary things, while he was just - in his words -"trying to do what I was supposed to do." God bless you, Shifty. I was just talking to Babe Heffron. He and Wild Bill Guarnere miss you.



Newt Heisley obituary follows that. Don't know the name? You know his work.



I guess that's about it. Best to all of you. Happy Birthday, America.



Frank



Frank Emerson
790 E. Spiller Street
Wytheville, VA 24382
E-mail: femerson@embarqmail.com
Website: www.frankemerson.com
www.ifreelance.com/pro/4448






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Statement to the Nation Delivered by President Harry S. Truman on July 4, 1945
Again this year we celebrate July 4 as the anniversary of the day one hundred and sixty-nine years ago on which we declared our independence as a sovereign people.

In this year of 1945, we have pride in the combined might of this nation which has contributed signally to the defeat of the enemy in Europe. We have confidence that, under Providence, we soon may crush the enemy in the Pacific. We have humility for the guidance that has been given us of God in serving His will as a leader of freedom for the world.

This year, the men and women of our armed forces, and many civilians as well, are celebrating the anniversary of American Independence in other countries throughout the world. Citizens of these other lands will understand what we celebrate and why, for freedom is dear to the hearts of all men everywhere. In other lands, others will join us in honoring our declaration that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain inalienable rights--life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Here at home, on this July 4, 1945, let us honor our Nation's creed of liberty, and the men and women of our armed forces who are carrying this creed with them throughout the world.




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Darrell Powers, Dickenson County, Virginia 13 March 1923 - 17 June 2009





Veteran a part of ”˜Band of Brothers’ - E Co. 2BN 506 PIR 101 ABN U.S. Army
SSGT Darrell “Shifty” Powers, who died at age 86, was a hero on the battlefield and to his family.

By Neil Harvey

In a 2001 interview with The Roanoke Times, Darrell “Shifty” Powers talked about some of his experiences during World War II.

Powers, a United States Army paratrooper and sharpshooter, belonged to Easy Company, part of the legendary 101st Airborne Division. He recalled a bitterly cold day in the Ardennes when he was able to draw down on a German sniper, sighting his target by the misty cloud of the man’s breath. He killed him with one shot.

“Right there,” he said, touching his forehead. “Between the eyes.”

But Powers, of Dickenson County, who died Wednesday of natural causes at age 86, was also reflective about such matters.

In the second-to-last episode of “Band of Brothers,” an HBO miniseries that documented Easy Company’s wartime exploits, Powers spoke on camera about the soldiers he fought and also hinted at the intrinsic tragedy of combat.

“We might have had a lot in common. He might’ve liked to fish, you know, he might’ve liked to hunt,” Powers said. “Of course, they were doing what they were supposed to do, and I was doing what I was supposed to do.

“But under different circumstances, we might have been good friends.”

Powers, who got the nickname “Shifty” playing basketball as a youngster, served three years in the Army during World War II and later worked as a machinist for Clinchfield Coal Corp. He found renewed notoriety when his military experiences were depicted on film and in the Stephen Ambrose book of the same name.

“He actually hadn’t talked about it, his war years, until the book came out,” said his daughter-in-law, Sandy Powers. “He gets fan mail from all over the world, and calls.”

“For me and my kids, it’s just amazing that our regular, sweet uncle was such a hero,” said his niece, Cheryl Gilliland of Roanoke. “It sure changed his life in later years. He went places and met people he never would have otherwise.”

Darrell Powers met a German soldier in 2005 who had fought against him at the notoriously brutal siege of Bastogne during the winter of 1944.

According to his son, Wayne, he had in September been scheduled to travel to Iraq to meet with U.S. soldiers, but health problems prevented it.

“He was so disappointed. He wanted to meet with the soldiers so badly,” Sandy Powers said.

One of his closest friends, Earl McClung, of Colorado, in 2001 called Darrell Powers “a heck of a good soldier and a heck of a good shot.”

“And he was there every time I looked up,” he added.

“Our family had four boys and one girl, and I’m the only one left,” said Powers’ sister, Gaynell Sykes of Roanoke, on Wednesday. “He was a great brother. I know he was great at a lot of other things, too — great father, great son, great husband.”


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Newt Heisley dies at 88; veteran designed POW/MIA flag
Heisley, an Army Air Forces pilot during World War II, was a graphic designer for an ad agency when he sketched the stark black-and-white design featuring the words 'You Are Not Forgotten.'
By Valerie J. Nelson

May 20, 2009

Newt Heisley, a commercial artist who designed the Vietnam-era POW/MIA flag that came to symbolize the nation's concern for military personnel missing or held prisoner in modern conflicts, has died. He was 88.

Heisley, who was a World War II pilot, died Thursday at his home in Colorado Springs, Colo., after years of failing health, said Jim Heisley, one of his two sons.

In 1971, Heisley was a graphic designer for a New Jersey advertising agency when he sketched the stark black-and-white images at the center of the flag -- the silhouette of a man with head bowed, a guard tower and a strand of barbed wire -- and the words "You Are Not Forgotten."

His client was Annin & Co., a major flag manufacturer that had been commissioned by the wife of a soldier missing in action. She had recognized the need for a symbol to represent the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia.

"It was intended for a small group. . . . No one realized it was going to get national attention," Heisley said in 1997 in the Colorado Springs Gazette.

The flag emblazoned with POW/MIA first flew over the White House in 1988. It was installed in 1989 in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda and is on permanent display.

In 1990, Congress adopted the flag as "the symbol of our nation's concern" for those missing and unaccounted for during U.S. military action in Southeast Asia.

Congress later mandated that the flag be flown at federal buildings and military installations six days a year, including Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

The flag's popularity has expanded more quickly than any other during the last 50 years, said Edward Mooney Jr., a flag expert and author in Palmdale.

To veterans organizations, the design has come to represent all U.S. troops missing in military conflicts dating to World War II.

The words that Heisley stretched across the bottom of the flag -- "You Are Not Forgotten" -- were inspired by his acute memories of piloting transport planes on long flights across the South Pacific during World War II.

While flying, he thought about "being taken prisoner and being . . . forgotten," he said in the 2002 book "Faith Under Fire." As he worked on flag sketches, "that experience came back to me, and I wrote down the phrase 'You are not forgotten.' "

The model for the captured soldier was his son Jeffrey, then 24, who had just returned from Marine training gaunt and sick with hepatitis.

While Heisley was "extremely, extremely proud" of designing the flag, he was embarrassed by the attention that came with it, said his son Jim.

"I didn't do it for personal gain or acclaim," Heisley told the Denver Post in 2002. "I did it for the men who were prisoners of war or missing in action. They're the real heroes."

Newton Foust Heisley was born Nov. 9, 1920, in Williamsport, Pa. His mother died when he was 4 months old, and he spent much of his childhood with grandparents.

At Syracuse University, he earned a degree in fine arts and met his future wife.

After graduating in the early 1940s, he was a graphic artist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and then enlisted in the Army Air Forces.

After the war, he spent 25 years at advertising agencies in New York City and New Jersey. Tiring of the big-city commute, he drove west with his wife, Bunny, looking for "greener pastures," said his son Jim.

"They pulled into Colorado Springs in the middle of the night. The next morning, he saw the view and said, 'Bunny, we're not going any further. This is it,' " his son recalled.

After moving to the town in 1972, Heisley opened an advertising agency with Jim. One of their projects was designing a pin for the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics.

When Heisley retired in 1987, he rediscovered fine art, painting a Pawnee Indian chief and a scene from "Madame Butterfly," a favorite opera of his wife. Bunny died in 2005 at 84.

On smaller canvases -- his lapel, hat and license-plate frame -- Heisley showcased the POW/MIA image whose popularity, he once said, had gone beyond his "wildest dream."

In addition to his sons, Heisley is survived by his fiancee, Donna Allison, whom he had planned to marry Friday; a sister, Patricia Freshney; and a granddaughter.]]> http://frankemerson.com/news.html#56 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700 Award-winning Entertainer, Singer/Songwriter, Freelance & Copywriter, Voiceover Actor - Frank Emerson - News http://frankemerson.com/news.html#55
June is busting out all over - I told her to lay off the bon bons. Hope that helps everyone start off things with a smile. Sometimes it's hard to do these days, if you catch my drift.

Anyways - to quote my friend Pat Garvey, we're still getting drenched here in SW Virginia. Ireland may have its 40 shades of green but right now I think Appalachia has it beat. Trust you are all doing OK.

Kevin Barry's has its new website up and running, so that means their calendar is up to date and should be for a while at least.

Happy 234th Birthday to the U.S. Army. Below is the speech to be given on 14 June by ADM Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to commemorate the event.

JCS Speech
United States Army Birthday 2009
By Adm. Mike Mullen , Pentagon Sunday, June 14, 2009
The history of our Army is the history of America. And today, without question, our Army is the best fighting force this country has ever seen.

Whenever I have the opportunity to visit with you — our Soldiers, and our Army families — it’s hard not to feel exceptionally proud of the difference you are making as you defend our Nation and create security and stability around the globe.

It’s difficult as well to miss your fighting spirit and your remarkable resilience, which were so critical to turning the tide in Iraq, and remain indispensable as we shift our main effort to Afghanistan. Your legacy of success has always been paced by a trademark ability to learn and adapt. As you train and teach to those hard-earned lessons, you are writing the history of warfare, line by line.

Indeed, your versatility is indispensable to every facet of war — especially our efforts to prevent war itself — from building partners to defending our homeland. You know that no one can do this alone.

You also understand what eternal debts we owe our wounded, their families, and the families of the fallen. The Soldier’s Creed of “Never leave a fallen comrade” inspires a Nation to care for them with a commitment that is for life. And in this charge, as is true of so many others, you lead the way — “always fighting from the heart.”

On behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it is an honor to wish our Army and Army families a happy 234th birthday. Hoo-ah!

To that I can only add "Ditto" and maybe even "Ooh-Rah!"

I'll be back at Kevin Barry's 29 June - 5 July. Hope to see you all. In the mean time, drop a note if you'd like.

Remember our troops.

God Bless for now,]]> http://frankemerson.com/news.html#55 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700 Award-winning Entertainer, Singer/Songwriter, Freelance & Copywriter, Voiceover Actor - Frank Emerson - News http://frankemerson.com/news.html#54
We've had so much rain in SW Virginia recently that the ghost of Joe Penner kept showing up around the town asking people, "Wanna buy a duck?" At which point the ghosts of all the Marx Brothers - minus Uncle Karl - answered that question with a question,"Why a duck?" Sorry about those. I guess I've been watching too many late late movies.

Recently got back from a fine week's stay at Kevin Barry's (www.kevinbarrys.com) in Savannah. (Here's a recent review from a Mississippi Writer http://potsandplots.wordpress.com/. Just scroll down from the two recipes) I know; their calendar and all still isn't up. They are working on it. I've seen it and the whole site is going to be different. I'll let you know when it's back in service. Anyway, I had a great time at the pub and got to meet and re-meet some friends. This was the week when the Legends of Golf Tournament was held at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort and Spa (oh yeah, there's a golf course there too) just across the Savannah River on Hutchinson Island. had a chance to meet and have some chatter with some of the people involved. I had met Butch Wilhelm a few years back in the pub. He is a PGA Tour Caddie - and a scratch handicap by the way. We had a couple of drinks with some of the other fellows and Butch very generously slipped me some complimentary duckets to the event. What a nice thing to do. I wasn't able to attend, but I passed them on to some friends who told me that they had a great time. Those Legends guys are high class and show it.

I got a chance to meet and spend a couple of evenings with the mystery writer Amy Patricia Meade (www.amypatriciameade.com) and her husband Steve Snider, the graphic designer. Talk about two very pleasant, charming people. Amy's work is well worth looking into. If you're a fan of 1930's-type whodunnits, Agatha Christie, Alfred Hitchcock maybe even Jessica Fletcher, you're sure to get a charge out of Amy's work. Her novels consistently receive rave reviews - deservedly so. Have a look at her Snider-designed website for all sorts of information about Amy and her alter ego, Marjorie McClelland.

The 3rd Infantry Division - Audie Murphy's old outfit which is otherwise known as " The Rock of the Marne" and "The Dog Faced Soldiers" had their formal ball at the Westin. There were a ton of them came into Kevin Barry's afterwards along with their wives and dates. It's always a thrill for me to be breathing the same air as these people who continue to stand up for all of us. Bless 'em all. You who else feels that way? The actor D.B. Sweeney. He was all dickied up in a tuxedo and attended the event and came back to spend the rest of the evening at Kevin Barry's. He conducted himself as a gentleman and rightfully appeared to be as much of a fan of the soldiers as they were of him. He cheerfully chatted and posed for pictures with anyone who asked. He's done some pretty good stuff on film and his career stretches back nearly 25 years and continues great guns - as it should. He's definitely OK.

Got a note from Walt Harper, Commander Post #1943 of the Catholic War Vets. The Savannah World War II Memorial is about to get the go-ahead from the City Council. Looks like all roadblocks have been cleared and it will be erected just across River Street from Kevin Barry's. The ground breaking will be at 3:00 PM (1500) on Memorial Day and the dedication will be on Veterans' Day 11 November 09, according to Bill Quinan Chairman of the Savannah-Chatham Veterans Council.

I guess that's about it for now. As you can probably tell, for a while now, my engagements have been somewhat limited. That's partially by choice. I play regularly at Kevin Barry's - there's a news flash - and wouldn't give it up for all the tea in China. The rest of the time, I'm doing the odd festival or concert and even a pub here and there and continue to do some writing - some magazine articles - some of which see the light of pages, some routines and toasts, maybe even a song and for an SEO company out of California which is more like indentured servitude...but educational, challenging and educational. As a consequence, I'm always looking for work.

Take care for now. I'll be back at Kevin Barry's 18-24 May (Covering Memorial Day Celebration) and then again 1-7 June (Covering 65th Observation of D-Day)]]> http://frankemerson.com/news.html#54 Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700 Award-winning Entertainer, Singer/Songwriter, Freelance & Copywriter, Voiceover Actor - Frank Emerson - News http://frankemerson.com/news.html#53
I guess I recuperated enough to write this and you've recuperated enough to read it.

Had quite a craic over the week-or-so-long preparations and festivities for the paddy's Day goings on in Savannah. Carroll Brown, Harry O'Donoghue and I had quite the time holding forth with Vic Power and his terrific crew at Kevin Barry's. Glad to have shared the upstairs stage on Paddy's Day itself with Mike & Colleen Settle, who anchor the Savannah Ceilidh Band during the Sunday evening sessions at Kevin Barry's.

All through the time we got to see old friends from the police departments and fire departments of cities and states as far afield as The Big Apple, NY/NJ, Philly, Beantown, Chi, Cleveland, DC, FLA, and of course GA from Savannah to Atlanta to Augusta to Statesboro and beyond. Got to meet people from just about every state in the union as well as British North America (read: Canada). We all sang and laughed and had a couple of drinks and, as my old friend Michael Joyce - The Roving Galway Boy - used to put it, "schwetted to beat the band"!

This was the 185th St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah and the Grand Marshal, Fr. Patrick O'Brien, and his Aides frequented the pub on several occasions over the time. I think they might have been checking to see if we were all still compos mentis. We were - more or less.

Gratified to see so many locally stationed soldiers from the 1st Ranger BN , the 160th AVN BN and 3rd ID since they weren't deployed in numbers as they have been over Paddy's Days in recent years. Also got visited by the US Coast Guard by was of the USCGC Tarpon and USCGC Sea Dragon who were in port over the time. We also had contingents from the Air Force, Navy and Marines - (including a couple of Sr. DIs from San Diego MCRD, 2nd BN. They're very pleasant fellows....now)

The Concert at The Pulaski Theatre that I played along with Fire in the Kitchen went over very well. What a beautiful venue. The board of directors and volunteers are going to have quite a showcase before too long. I mean it's nice now, but it's getting better and better. I was indeed playing in a piece of history. The theatre was built as a vaudeville house in 1911. I felt right at home.

The Savannah World War II Memorial is scheduled to break ground on Memorial Day this year. it will be located on a platform on Rousakis Plaza on the Savannah River, just outside Kevin Barry's. If you'd would care to make a donation, you can contact the Savannah Veterans' Council or click here to buy a commemorative, inscribed brick.

Got this from the Navy League:

Vets can now salute the flag
For years, Veterans have wanted to salute the U.S. flag during the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem instead of just placing their hand over their heart. Now they can. A Congressional Amendment sponsored by Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 specifically states that “members of the Armed Forces and Veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.” Veterans can salute the flag during the National Anthem as well as during “the hoisting, lowering and passing of the flag.” “The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one’s military service,” said Inhofe. “Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. The U.S. Code is now consistent for Veterans and all service members in regards to the symbolic gesture of the military
salute.”

I guess that's about it for now. Kevin Barry's website is still in the midst of reconstruction, so the calendar is inoperable at the moment. I'll shoot you a note when it's up and running. Just so you've got the skinny, I'll be there next 20-26 April.

Take care and please join me in keeping our troops in prayer and mind.

Drop a line when ever you like.]]> http://frankemerson.com/news.html#53 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700 Award-winning Entertainer, Singer/Songwriter, Freelance & Copywriter, Voiceover Actor - Frank Emerson - News http://frankemerson.com/news.html#52
Trust everyone is doing well and anticipating the oncoming Spring. It's just around the corner. I know because I have my doubts about that whole groundhog bit. I don't think it has any real basis in scientific fact. I could be wrong, but that's nothing I'm not used to. Just ask my wife.

A couple of things.

1. Daylight savings time: 8 March this year. I'll probably get up to speed with it a week or six later - like that damned Punxatawney Phil.

2. My friend Danny Costello: of the Washington DC - based band, Shannontide, has just released a new novel: "The Rag Tree". It's doing quite well and is a joy to read. You can find out more information about it at that website or you can write Danny : dannycostello@gmail.com.

3. I heard from my friend Lisa Kirstein, founder of Treats for Troops. I thought I should pass this information on to you. There's going to be a big event at P.J.Whelihan's Pub in Cherry Hill, NJ on 5 April starting at about 1900. Featuring Blackthorn. It's a big concert and more titled "Rock the Troops Benefit for the USO of Southern New Jersey". Lots of information about all the things associated with this honorable undertaking at the USO website.

4. Do to family commitments, I'll be unable to perform at this year's Long Island Irish Festival. last year was a great time and I'm sure this year will be a gas altogether as well. Charlie McKenna and his people pull out all the stops and know how to throw a time. I wish them all the best and hope I can join up with them again down the road.

5. Paddy's Day is lumbering toward us. I'll be in Savannah along with a lot - a lot- of other people - including many many troops who have been busy in recent years. There is all sorts of information at www.savannahsaintpatricksday.com as well as at This Savannah Site. I'll be performing a great deal with Carroll Brown and Harry O'Donoghue at Kevin Barry's Pub. Although the performance times will be kind of funny and very long, here's the way the schedule is:

Monday -Tuesday: 9-10: Carroll
Wednesday,Thursday, Friday: 11,12,13: Frank
Saturday: 14: Carroll & Frank
Sunday - Monday: 15, 16: Carroll, Harry & Frank
Tuesday: 17: Carroll & Frank

6. The Sunday sessions at Kevin Barry's have been doing well. They start at around 6:30-7:00 and go til about 8:45 on Sundays. All players are invited. It's chaired by the Savannah Ceilidh Band. Sessions will be on hiatus, I understand, on 15 March.

7. On 21 March, I'll be performing in concert with Fire in the Kitchen at the Pulaski Theare. Fire in the Kitchen is a quartet which specializes in Appalachian and Celtic Music, and then, well - you're familiar with what I do. Some call it confused. I prefer to think of it as eclectic. I actually got reviewed as that once. I'm still waiting to be called 'olio'. There's all sorts of information about the gig at the Pulaski Theatre website, including directions. The theatre is newly renovated and is positively beautiful. It's style is not too busy or anything. It's just right.

I guess that's about it for now. That's enough, right? Take care for now and please join me in thanking and keeping our troops in thoughts and prayers.

God bless]]> http://frankemerson.com/news.html#52 Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800 Award-winning Entertainer, Singer/Songwriter, Freelance & Copywriter, Voiceover Actor - Frank Emerson - News http://frankemerson.com/news.html#51
First of all, Happy New Year to everyone. I hope that 2009 proves to be peaceful for you as well as economically sound - and getting sounder daily.

A couple of interesting events have taken place in the area of Kevin Barry's in Savannah.

1. I've been asked to convey apologies about the nature of the website. The calendar is blank and the thing generally not up to date. That should be - as Rocky Graziano used to say - a temporary condition. It's being worked on and with luck will be back up to the mark in jig time.

2. Initiated at the turn of the year, there is a live session in the listening room of Kevin Barry's every Sunday evening from about 6:00 or 6:30 until about 8:45. Hosted by the Savannah Ceilidh Band, the session - or sesuin - is sort of a Celtic jam session. It's pretty traditional in nature, everyone is invited to bring along your instrument and join in. They'll brief you on the protocol so that you shouldn't feel uncomfortable. It's not only fun but it's interesting and enlightening as well. Of course if you'd just like to come by and listen that would be fine too. After they finish, the entertainer for the week takes over for a regular Sunday night show. You can get more information at 912-233-9626 or at contact@kevinbarrys.com.

3. After considerable negotiation, the Veterans Council of Chatham County has reached an agreement with the City Council of Savannah to erect a World War II Memorial in honor of all those who served during that seminal event of the 20th century. The memorial is going to be erected on the table top plaza on the west end of what many refer to as Rousakis Plaza. It's just west of the Hyatt and just east of Kevin Barry's - pretty much katty corner out the door of the pub. Vic Power, proprietor of Kevin Barry's, is trying to work out an arrangement where donations to the memorial will be able to be made by some sort of credit card set up at several locations in the pub itself. The details of this set up look very promising, but are still in the planning stages. Please contact Kevin Barry's at 912-233-96626 for more information. If you'd like to make a tax deductible donation, a ;check made out to the Veterans Council of Chatham County - World War II Memorial can be mailed to Kevin Barry's 117 W. River Street, Savannah 31401 or to the Veterans Council of Chatham County, P.O. Box 16561, Savannah 31416. In addition, The Council is selling bricks at $100 each that will take 20 characters ( 2 lines of up to 10 letters each) http://www.veteranscouncilofchathamcounty.com/pdf/wwii-brick-app.pdf.

I guess that's about it for now. My show at the Heritage Center in Wytheville, Virginia on 5 February is sold out. My next engagement will be at Kevin Barry's 16 -22 February.]]> http://frankemerson.com/news.html#51 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800 Award-winning Entertainer, Singer/Songwriter, Freelance & Copywriter, Voiceover Actor - Frank Emerson - News