New celebrations, Hispanic Heritage, and trivia items

Maybe some of you still receive Me TV from Little Rock which shows old programs. I watch when current TV is too political or too loud. “Murder She Wrote,” with Angela Lansbury, is an occasional choice. She accompanied a “Birding” enthusiast early one morning. There was a sound of someone else in the woods, and she asked, “Was that naked woman who rushed by a member of your Birding group?” He replied, “Yes, and I wish she would stop doing that, it scares the birds.” I found this funny and I needed a laugh. Do birds see in color? Would they recognize naked from clothed?

The pandemic has created new celebrations and recently not much has been said of older ones. An article in the Military Officer magazine, Oct. 2018, Hispanic Heritage Month, chronicled the history, culture, and contributions of U.S. citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. This began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded it into a monthlong event. He remarked: “Few others can claim the patriotism demonstrated by our Hispanic citizens. They have received awards for heroism and bravery far in excess to their proportion of the population.” This 30-day observance coincides with the independence events of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate within days. This also includes Columbus Day (or Dia de la Raza.)

I find Trivia items informative, plus they usually don’t require any political, religious, or choosing-sides decisions. “People are inclined to think that range wars occurred mostly in the great Southwest. The first range war was waged on Manhattan Island where the early Dutch settlers built a wall to keep the Indians of Upper Manhattan from stealing their cattle. It later became Wall Street!”

In early Southern times, peanuts were called “Earth Chocolate.” Later, George Washington Carver, the great scientist, found many new and important uses for this highly nutritious food.

It is not necessary to understand things in order to argue about them. Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais.

French author and dramatist (1732-1799).

The University of Texas has reported that the school song “The Eyes of Texas” has no racist intent, but athletes and band members will not be required to sing or participate when the song is played at games and campus events. (The song was first performed as a minstrel show, most likely with performers in blackface). It was written in 1903 and sung to the tune of “I’ve been working on the Railroad,” and is an old standard in Longhorns country and is a sing-along at weddings and even funerals. The title was taken from a favored saying of a school president who reportedly mimicked remarks by General Robert E Lee.

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” John Bunyan.

Donna Lee Jackson, 78, was predeceased by parents, Charles and Primmie Grigsby Bingham (of the Beaton Community), by sisters: Frances Sutton, Maureen Diechmaster (Frank), Margaret Sanders (Henry), and Pauline Pasley (Sonny); brothers: Lindsey Sutton (Jackie), Melvin Bingham (Patricia), and a grandson. Survivors are her husband of 58 years, Carrol E Jackson, children: Cynthia E Wilton (Marty), Casey E Jackson (Candy), grandchildren. Services were held on March 13 at the Antioch Assembly of God Church, burial was at the Upper Antioch Cemetery. Regency.

Edward “Lukie” Henson, 94, Hot Springs, was preceded by his parents, Eric H and Eldy Talley Henson, of the Lambert/ Marcus Community, his wife of 59 years, Dorthy Henson in 2020, grandsons, five siblings. Surviving are four sons: Luke (Debora), Morris (Gwen), Eric (Malinda) and Davey Henson (Julie); two daughters: Mary Minton (Larry), Lisa Isaac (Robert), many grandchildren. Services were March 18, Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Hot Springs, with burial in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bismarck.

Most local cemeteries have notices in the Malvern Daily Record that donations are needed. Valley Cemetery: Norma Burk, 224 Plains Court, Bismarck 71929; Prairie Bayou, Elderie Efird, 20233 Highway 84, Malvern 72104. Others are listed in the MDR, March 13th, page 3: Lono, Magnet Cove, Damascus, Pleasant Hill/Donaldson, Ouachita, Malvern Masonic, Antioch, Social Hill, Perla, Mt. Pleasant/Friendship, Clear Creek, Lindsey-Poyen, Tulip. You may call me 501321-9878.