Category Archives: Memorial

Rest in peace Lola Eugenia

Posted on

June 9, 1916 – January 9, 2006

My last surviving grandparent, Eugenia Santillana, passed away on Monday, January 9. Unlike my other grandparents, I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with her. She moved to the US from her native Philippines in 1980 and helped raise my sister and me for five years. After visiting California and returning to the Philippines for a brief period, she returned for a little while before moving permanently to California. The last few years of her life were difficult as she continued to suffer from a list of medical problems. She was admitted to a nursing home in 2005 and put on life support. By Monday, life support could no longer keep her going.

I have many fond memories of my grandmother. When she first came to live with my family, she already had some health problems. But that never made her stop smiling. She traveled with my family, always found time to do some exercising (even if she had to sit), managed to always cook, and sat outside to soak up some fresh air. But her accomplishments go further. I also learned that she survived the Japanese invasion during World War II, my grandfather’s untimely death in 1978, one daughter’s death at an early age, and a dictatorial president (Marcos) for many decades. She managed to bring many of her children to the US, and she saw many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

As I helped lay her to rest, I couldn’t help but notice that she was beloved by so many people. It was really sad to watch her casket lowered into the ground, but many of us also realize that her suffering was finally over. I am glad that I was able to see her and pay my final respects.

I admit that this blog is long overdue, but I dedicate it to my grandmother, her family, her friends, and everyone whose lives she touched. May she rest eternally in peace.

Remembering John Lennon

Posted on

Twenty-five years ago today, former Beatles singer/guitarist/songwriter John Lennon was shot outside of his New York home. Of all the things for a seven-year old to notice, I happened to remember watching this on the news the following morning and just somehow knowing that the world suffered a great loss. Lennon’s rhythm guitar style with the Beatles inspired me to start playing the guitar when I was a teen, but he was more to me than musical inspiration. He peacefully fought for what he believed in, voiced his opinions and stuck it to the man, and yet always managed to sneak in some folly with the English language. Although greatly remembered as one of the Beatles, he also asked us to imagine a world free from want and hate. Today, I dedicate this blog to John Lennon, his family, his friends, and his fans.

Glen Loyd receives recognition

Posted on

Glen Loyd, the “Action Man” from the Green Bay area and now consumer protection spokesman for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame in June. He was honored by his coworkers and peers yesterday during an assembly at the DATCP state office building in Madison. Division of Trade and Consumer Protection (TCP) Administrator Janet Jenkins, TCP Manager Jim Rabbitt, and DATCP Secretary Rod Nilsestuen each gave Glen tokens of their gratitude for the work that he’s done for Wisconsin’s consumers. A short video also showed how active he was during his broadcasting career and how he took seven corporations that were the worst environmental polluters in the Green Bay area to court and won. He never gained anything personally from the suit, but he forced the companies to stop polluting; according to Glen, “the air in Green Bay smells better now.”

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Glen on the DATCP web site redesign. He recognized the importance of making consumer protection information visible on the site because it received the most hits. In light of the recent gas price increases, he was right. On a more personal note, Glen is one of the nicest guys in the agency. He always has a skip in his step and a smile on his face, and he always says hello (at least he says hello to me when I see him). And I don’t think he has any desire to slow down anytime soon, especially at the age of 65. I can only hope to have his energy, drive, and dedication for as long as he has had it.

The Capitol Times article: Watchdog Loyd gets his day

Glen Loyd’s blog – Wisconsin’s consumer protection watchdog

Chief Justice Rehnquist dies

Posted on

Wisconsin native William H. Rehnquist died last night at the age of 80. During his tenure on the US Supreme Court, he served and presided over a remarkable amount of decisions that shaped both the legal and social landscapes in the United States. Like the true Wisconsinite that he was (he was born in Milwaukee and raised in Shorewood, Wisconsin), Rehnquist worked his way up the ranks to become the Chief Justice, and he continued to serve despite the announcement that he was fighting thyroid cancer earlier this year. He stated that he would continue to serve into the next session as long as his health permitted… I think this qualifies. He maintained a high standard of ethics and dignity during a time of significant change, and continued to uphold the Constitution in the most honorable fashion possible. Today’s blog is dedicated to Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, to his family and friends, and to the US Supreme Court.

JSOnline article: Rehnquist is dead at 80

Hurricane Katrina

Posted on

This week, Hurricane Katrina decimated the southern coast of the US, including Louisiana and Mississippi. New Orleans was especially hit hard. Hundreds are already reported dead, and many are trapped because they were unable to evacuate. The amount of damage is so surreal that it makes my problems seem so insignificant. Everyone in the US is also affected financially because a number of fuel refineries were also hit by Katrina. As a result, many of us are dealing with the price of gas surpassing $3 a gallon (and possibly hitting $4 a gallon by the weekend). I’ll make my prediction now and say that the economy will not handle the ripple effect of Katrina’s destructive force. Tonight, though, I’m dedicating this blog to all of the victim’s that live in the areas hit by Hurricane Katrina.

Another tragedy in India

Posted on

A few days ago, India was hit with another natural disaster. This time, a major monsoon hit the western coast of the country, dumping 37 inches of rain in many parts of the country. Over 750 are either dead or missing, including almost 400 in the major city of Mumbai (Bombay). Some died from falling buildings and landslides, while others died from electrocution due to falling electrical lines.

I have family in Mumbai, and I’m currently trying to see if they’re okay. In December, a massive tsunami hit the coasts of Ceylon and Chennai (Madras). Fortunately, my family was not home at the time, and they live several miles inland from the coast. However, my family in Mumbai are not as far from the coast (I visited them in 2001). So I hope that they are all fine.

I dedicate today’s blog to all of those in India and other parts of the world that are affected by the recent monsoon in India.

CNN: India rain death toll nears 750

AP: Finding Survivors of India Monsoon Fade

Bombings in central London

Posted on

It’s September 11, 2001 all over again, but it’s July 7, 2005. This time, the target was London’s Public Transport. At least 37 innocent victims died, and another 700 are injured. This cowardly and despicable act of shear terror angers me and makes me realize that they hate many of us carry is absolutely pointless, stupid, and just outright f***ed-up!

My relatives are all fine, and I hope that they and the millions of others in and around London can bind together as Americans did after September 11, 2001, and realize the stupidity of hate and cultural ignorance.

I dedicate today’s Web log to the victims of the London Transport terrorist attacks and to all of the United Kingdom. I hope that they all can find a glimmer of light in this dark time. I also dedicate this blog to all of those that fight hatred.

BBC News article: Massive hunt for London bombers

BBC map of London attacks

In-depth reporting of the London attacks

London Time Online in-depth articles

CNN article: Britain launches search for bombers

A poignant and altruistic Memorial Day column from Green Bay

Posted on

I just learned that the Green Bay News-Chronicle will be shut down as of this Friday. It is certainly sad to see a quality community newspaper go out of business due to lack of sales and the acquisition by a major news conglomerate. In yesterday’s column, Bill Huber wrote a Memorial Day farewell that hit home with me. It’s not just a way of saying goodbye to all of the readers, a simple way of remembering why we celebrate Memorial Day, or a means of making a point about professional athletes holding out. He says more: we should overcome our petty lives for at least just one day and remember why we celebrate Memorial Day. The sacrifices that our soldiers made over the past 230 years paved our modern ways of life, yet we continuously take our liberties and luxuries for granted. Huber is right on the money, and I hope that he and his colleagues manage to find ways to continue to contribute to the press.

I dedicate today’s blog to all of the soldiers that sacrificed their lives to protect liberty and that fought tyranny, and to all of those that never forgot their sacrifices.

Please note: since I don’t know the fate of the News-Chronicle’s web page, I’ve copied the file and converted it to a PDF. I’ve offered you the option of opening either linking to their site directly or opening the saved PDF.

Green Bay News-Chronicle’s Commentary: Out of business, but it could be worse (19.8 KB PDF)

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted on

Today we commemorate the life and work of one of the greatest civil rights leaders in American history. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the voice for all black American citizens to receive the same equal treatment as white Americans. He fought through his words and his nonviolent actions, which he adopted from Indian civil rights leader Mahatma Gandhi. His legacy lives on, and his fight continues. Today people of all races have made many great strides forward towards equal and civil rights. Yet I am constantly reminded of the bigotry that still exists in our country today because many people are so closed-minded that they act like barbarians. If we as American citizens truly believe in strong moral values, then we should look upon the words and work of Dr. King and remember that he didn’t fight for just black Americans, but for all Americans. Today’s blog is dedicated to the men and women who continue to struggle for the ideals that Dr. King fought to achieve. Let’s not remember today as just a day of remembrance, but as the first day that we will work to improve the civil liberties for all of those around us.

The King Center – The Meaning of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

Remembering Jerry Orbach

Posted on

Another tragedy has occurred in the past week. Jerry Orbach, who played Lennie Briscoe on television’s “Law and Order” died this morning at the young age of 69. I was a big fan of his character, who often made witty and cynical remarks. Orbach also played many other characters on screen and stage, including the memorable father in “Dirty Dancing” and the luminescent candelabra Lumiere in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Of course, his most memorable character was New York Detective Lennie Briscoe, and I was sad to see him leave the show last season. Today’s blog is dedicated to him, his family, his friends and coworkers, and his fans.

Reuters: “Law and Order” star Jerry Orbach dies