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May 25, 2012
Mark Clayton: Is Hillary's State Dept. hacking Al Qaeda? Not quite
Erika Bolstad: Temple cancels Wasserman Schultz speech
The Kosher Gourmet by Ethel G. Hofman: The former president of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, whose members included the likes of Julia Child, is back with contemporary Shavous cuisine: Ruby Fruit Soup, Sweet Noodle Kugel with Cheese, Key Lime Curd, Calsone Casserole Frittata with Wild Mushrooms, Sun-dried tomatoes and Olives, Baked Tilapia with Pepper Cheese Cream and Brown Sugar Shortbread
May 24, 2012
Jeff Jacoby: The peace process battered Israel's reputation
Michael Muskal: 'Pro-choice' position hits record low, according to poll
Chris Farrell: Are We in a Tech Bubble?
The Kosher Gourmet by Penelope Wall: PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS --- hold the steak!
May 23, 2012
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Mary Beth Franklin: How to Choose the Right Annuity for You
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The Kosher Gourmet by Emma Christensen:A simple way to do fish right
May 22, 2012
Warren Richey: Can US group challenge overseas surveillance act? Supreme Court to decide
Thomas M. Anderson: Walking Away From a Mortgage
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: Enjoy a celebration of the most rich and layered flavors: Black bean, sweet potato and quinoa chili
May 21, 2012
Mark Clayton: Cybersecurity: How US utilities passed up chance to protect their networks
Howard LaFranchi: NATO summit: Who will foot the bill for long-term Afghanistan security?
Chris Farrell : Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Stephen Whiteside, Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Social anxiety disorder --- or just shy?
Guy Jackson : Victim's father regrets death of Lockerbie bomber
The Kosher Gourmet by Mario Batali: Famed chef's veal shoulder farsumagru: A festive meat course for late spring
May 18, 2012
Rabbi Berel Wein: Striving: The People of the Book's Book for (All of) the People
Steven Goldberg: 5 Great Stock Picks and the Exchange-Traded Fund that Owns Them
Mary Pickett, M.D.: Ask the Harvard Experts: Don't be forced into gluten-free lifestyle based merely on a doctor's false-positive test
The Kosher Gourmet by Carolyn Malcoun: DIY healthy lunchbox treats: HOMEMADE FRUIT BARS for kids and brown-bagging adults alike
May 17, 2012
Warren Richey: Teacher fired for being unwed and pregnant can sue religious school, court rules
Josh Mitnick: Netanyahu's 'centrist' coalition is already proving it's anything but
Steven Goldberg: Earn Dividends in Emerging Markets with This WisdomTree ETF
Amina Khan: Research links coffee to lower death rates
The Kosher Gourmet by Faith Duran : Cheesy Potato Breakfast Casserole with Cheddar and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
May 16, 2012
Carmen Terzic, M.D., Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: A variety of exercises can help improve balance
Melissa Healy: National strategy on Alzheimer's disease aims to halt it by 2025
The Kosher Gourmet by Joyce White : GOODNESS GRACIOUS: GREENS! 4 winning recipes that are no longer just for down-home folks (Includes expert tips & techniques)
May 15, 2012
Kristen Chick: Obama administration resumes arms sales to Bahrain despite serious unresolved human rights issues. Activists feel abandoned
Pat Mertz Esswein: Homes are now affordable again and mortgage rates are low. What you need to know before you buy
Kathy Kristof: Our Practical Investor Fights Inflation with These 6 Investments
Sue Hubbard, M.D.: The Kid's Doctor: Lactose intolerant young child? Check again
The Kosher Gourmet by Kathy Hunt: Spread a Little Excitement with EXOTIC CONDIMENTS (4 RECIPES)
May 14, 2012
Lisa Gerstner: How to Protect Your Identity, Finances If You Lose Your Phone
Harvard Health Letters: Heart disease and dementia
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: MANGO COCONUT OAT MORNING MUFFINS are a bright but hearty delight
May 11, 2012
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Jett Stone: Forget face-lifts and fake knees. Scientists have seen the fountain of youth --- and it's broccoli
The Kosher Gourmet by Chef Mario Batali: The famed chef's vegetable dish that tastes true to the season: FAVAS AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS WITH POTATOES AND TARRAGON
May 10, 2012
Sergei L. Loiko: Putin sends warning to U.S., NATO in Victory Day speech at Red Square
Mary Rourke: How being a 'mentch' got Vidal Sasoon his start and fighting in Israel's War of Independence provided him with confidence and a strong sense of his own identity
Jeff Bertolucci: Get Home Phone Service for Less Than $10 a Month
The Kosher Gourmet by Betty Rosbottom: Gleaming with its golden, crimson, and snowy white hues, this silken smooth and creamy STRAWBERRY ORANGE TRIFLE looks impressive, but is easy to prepare
May 9, 2012
Sharon Palmer, R.D. How you can reduce your risk -- or delay -- chronic diseases associated with aging
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Jewish World Review
August 5, 2011
/ 5 Menachem-Av, 5771
Heroes
By
Greg Crosby
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
The word "hero" is freely used today, so much so that it has become a trite catchphrase in the same way that anything that is remotely famous is now automatically called an "icon" or the way that the designation of "star" is given to almost any 20-something actor who has appeared in more than two movies.
Hero has its roots in mythological Greek heroes such as Hercules, legendary characters with superhuman powers. That kind of hero has been reincarnated in our folklore and popular fiction. Comic books, television, and movies have created heroes by the dozens; Robin Hood, the Lone Ranger, Flash Gordon, Superman, Indiana Jones, X-Men, etc.
We have our sports heroes; men who play ball well, drive cars fast, or shoot hoops a lot. And movie heroes; men who look good as they pretend to be brave and honorable up on a movie screen. Pop culture figures are certainly stars, but do they really qualify as heroes? Does acting talent or physical ability by and of itself equal heroism?
To my way of thinking, a hero is a special person, a person worthy of admiration and respect and the word should be reserved for those who have truly earned it. A hero is first and foremost brave. You can add honor and virtue into the mix as well. And I want to put selflessness in there too. Physical strength can help, but it doesn't necessarily make one a hero. The hero possesses an inner strength that can't be perceived from the outside.
The true American hero is the man who quietly goes about doing the right thing. The right thing for his family, his country and his G0d. He is noble, but not in the way of having title or rank or aristocracy, but noble in having fine personal qualities and high moral standards. He doesn't expect (nor does he usually get) riches for what he does, that's not his motivation. It's not about himself; it's not about winning medals or loving cups, or winning any kind of awards. It's not even about winning per se. He does what he does because it is the good and right thing to do, period.
America is fortunate to have been blessed with millions of true American heroes though the years. Gentle, soft-spoken men who have risked life and limb to protect American liberties and way of life. They are all around us; they can be found standing behind us in line at the market, they might work in the next cubicle at our office, maybe they run a small business downtown, and many times they live just down the street. One such hero is William B. Mitchell.
Mr. Mitchell is a retired Commander in the US Navy. Born in Minnesota he came from a long line of proud newspapermen. When things started to heat up in the world, he joined the Navy in 1940 and served in both World War II and in Korea. His service included duty on battleships and destroyers throughout the Pacific Theater, including the USS Halloran and the USS Crane. He saw plenty of action in Okinawa and Iwo Jima, including a kamikaze attack when his ship, the USS Halloran, was hit killing several crew members.
After the war with Japan was won, Commander Mitchell retired from active duty but was called back when Korea began. After Korea, he stayed in service as a reservist on call until 1977 when he finally retired from the Navy.
I had the honor of meeting Commander Mitchell and his wife, Lorraine, recently at their home in Burbank, California. The same house they have been living in for decades, where they raised their three kids. They are the parents of my sister Debra's good friend, Melissa. I knew Melissa, but had never met her mom and dad until just last week.
I sat and chatted with the Mitchells for a time, and then Commander Mitchell took me into his office and shared some of his service memories with me. As he spoke proudly but humbly of his time in the US Navy, my eyes scanned the citations, ribbons, medals and photos which graced the wall over his desk. There were personal letters, newspaper clippings, and commendations signed by the Secretary of the Navy. This was the first time I ever met a serviceman who had received the Bronze Star. It was a great honor for me and something I will never forget.
The Criteria for receiving The Bronze Star are as follows:
"The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party."
Did you catch that key word? Heroic. I don't know if Commander Mitchell was ever any good at playing baseball. I doubt whether he ever acted in a movie. And I don't think he was ever able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but one thing I am absolutely sure of - Commander William B. Mitchell is a real American hero.
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JWR contributor Greg Crosby, former creative head for Walt Disney publications, has written thousands of comics, hundreds of children's books, dozens of essays, and a letter to his congressman. A freelance writer in Southern California, you may contact him by clicking here.
Greg Crosby Archives
© 2008, Greg Crosby
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