Star-Spangled Banner Origins

The first lines of the Star-Spangled Banner poem were penned by Francis Scott Key, a thirty-five year old lawyer/poet, on September 14, 1814, after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, in the war of 1812.

Key’s poem/song became a big hit almost immediately. Within a week of the battle, it was printed under the title of “Defense of Fort McHenry” in newspapers all over the U.S.  A music printer soon took the liberty of changing the title to “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The song remained popular throughout the 1800’s and was often played at military ceremonies. In 1931, Congress passed a bill adopting it as our National Anthem and President Herbert Hoover signed it into law.

Interestingly, Francis Scott Key put the words to a familiar drinking song at the time, “The Anacreontic Song“, also known by its incipit “To Anacreon in Heaven“. The lyrics are credited to “British” lyricist, Ralph Tomlinson (1744-1778), and the tune is commonly attributed to “British” composer John Stafford Smith (1750-1836). The song, also known as “The Drinking Song”, was written  sometime between 1773 and 1776 and was the official song of the Anacreontic Society, an 18th-century gentlemen’s club of amateur musicians in London. Anacreon’s songs often celebrated women, wine, and entertaining.

The World’s First Radio Broadcast

Reginald Fessenden sent the World’s First Radio Broadcast on Christmas Eve in 1906

Penny Postcard of Reginald Fessenden’s Brant Rock, Massachusetts radio tower

Fessenden accomplished the first voice and music broadcast to ships from Massachusetts. “Oh Holy Night” was played and a few passages from the Bible were read during this magical night. Unfortunately, many scientists today believe that this story is only a wonderful myth.

 

 

 

 

Advertisement for the National Electric Signalling Company which appeared on page 14 of the April 14, 1905 issue of The Electrician magazine

The U.S. government began requiring radio operators to obtain licenses to send out signals in 1912 and the broadcasting pioneer Charles Herrold was on the air daily before World War I interrupted operations.

In other countries, especially in Europe, experiments and developments progressed. The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) was formed in 1922 and in Germany, the first radio program was on the air in October 1923.

Reginald Fessenden (1866 – 1932)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World’s Oldest Audio Recording

On April 9, 1860, 17 years before Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, Parisian inventor Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville made a recording on a “phonautograph,” which worked by tracing sound waves onto paper blackened by smoke. Unplayable for more than a century, the recording was recently brought to life by new audio technology. On the recording, Scott is heard singing a snippet from the French folk song “Au Clair de la Lune.”

Do You Ever Have Difficulty Articulating Your Thoughts?

I was appalled by grown men appearing in the nude where children were present during Seattle’s gay pride parade. As a test of Chat GPT’s abilities;

I instructed Chat GPT to:

Write an article speaking out against people being nude in public where children are present.

Chat GPT wrote the following article in a couple of seconds!

Title: Respecting Boundaries: The Importance of Modesty in Public Spaces for the Well-being of Children

Introduction

In a society that values personal freedom and individual expression, it is crucial to strike a balance between individual rights and the well-being of our communities, especially when it comes to the presence of children. One contentious issue that frequently arises is the question of public nudity, specifically when it occurs in spaces where children are present. While the debate surrounding public nudity is nuanced, this article aims to shed light on the importance of respecting boundaries and advocating for modesty in public spaces to protect the innocence and emotional well-being of children.

Children’s Innocence and Emotional Well-being

Children possess a unique innocence that deserves to be nurtured and protected. Their minds are impressionable, and they are highly sensitive to the environment around them. Public nudity, particularly in spaces where children are present, can expose them to adult themes and concepts that they may not be emotionally equipped to understand or process.

Children go through various stages of development, and their understanding of nudity and sexuality evolves as they grow older. Exposure to public nudity can disrupt this natural progression, causing confusion, anxiety, and even emotional trauma. Children should be allowed to enjoy their childhood without being prematurely exposed to explicit adult content that may hinder their emotional well-being.

Respecting Boundaries and Consent

Respecting boundaries is an essential aspect of living in a harmonious society. The presence of children necessitates a heightened sense of responsibility and empathy towards their well-being. Public spaces should be designed to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of age.

While proponents of public nudity argue that it is a form of self-expression and a way to challenge societal norms, it is crucial to consider the impact it has on those who are not consenting participants, particularly children. It is unfair to expose children to situations that may make them uncomfortable or violate their sense of privacy. Respecting boundaries includes acknowledging the vulnerability of children and ensuring they are protected from situations that might compromise their innocence.

Alternative Solutions and Respectful Dialogue

Promoting modesty in public spaces does not imply stifling personal freedom or advocating for censorship. Rather, it suggests finding a balance between individual expression and the well-being of society, particularly its most vulnerable members. Establishing designated areas or nudist beaches can be a possible solution, where adults who choose to engage in public nudity can do so without inadvertently exposing children to adult themes.

Engaging in respectful dialogue is key to finding common ground on this sensitive issue. Open discussions that respect diverse perspectives allow us to work toward a consensus that respects individual rights while safeguarding the emotional well-being of children.

Conclusion

While the discussion surrounding public nudity is complex, it is essential to prioritize the well-being of children and respect their boundaries in public spaces. Children should be allowed to enjoy their innocence without being exposed to adult themes prematurely. Respecting boundaries and promoting modesty in public spaces can create a society that balances individual freedom with the protection of vulnerable members, nurturing a safe and inclusive environment for all.

I couldn’t have said it better, myself and I didn’t have to!

Try it for yourself at https://chat.openai.com/

A Very Powerful Message/Warning From Tulsi Gabbard

We MUST Act NOW, to Protect America’s Power Grid!

With the recent attacks in November of 2022, on electrical substations, we had better start stepping up our game to protect our electrical power grid! At the very least, you should make sure that YOU have a backup power system in place! It doesn’t have to be elaborate. It could be as simple as having a portable generator. You should have “something”.  Plan ahead and you wont be left in the dark when the inevitable happens.

Here is the generator that I purchased: (As of Dec. 9, 2022, ON SALE for $400.00 OFF!) Regularly $1,249.00, NOW only $849.00! GREAT PRICE!
https://grampsradio.com/index.php/emergency-preparedness/