What is Yiddish?

One of the many things I learned during my residency here at THD now for over a year, are Yiddish words I have never heard before. THD have a few residents whose parents and grandparents spoke Yiddish, so they know Yiddish.  During our conversation at Bridge Games, I would hear a Yiddish word I have never heard before, thus aroused my curiosity and this posting.  

What is Yiddish, watch this video!https://youtu.be/DZa3rHXy0b8

In the bottom of the page are twenty-two popular yiddish words most of you probably already know.    Here are six examples. 

Bissel (bisl)— A little bit, as in “I just want to eat a bissel right now.”

Bubbe (bubby) — Grandmother

Chutzpah —Nerve, extreme arrogance, brazen presumption, confidence, as in “It took real  for him to ask for a raise when he kept showing up late for every appointment.”

 — To pray

Klutz — A clumsy person

Kvell — To experience pride in someone else, typically one’s children, as in “David decided to go into oncology, and I’m just kvelling.”

I have used chutzpah and klutz in my blogs, but not too often. 

For the remaining 18 other words visit the website below: 

https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/yiddish-words/

Here are some more yiddish words worth knowing (using the colloquial translation, not the literal). 

• zei gesundt == for your good health
• mazel tov == congratulations (technically this is a Hebrew phrase, not yiddish)
• schlep == lug around
• schep nachas == derive a sense of pride in someone else's accomplishment
• mentchlichkeit == personal refinement, dignity, chivalry
• oy gevalt == oh great! (usually in the negative -- as in oh terrible.)
• chutzpah == nerve or brazen and unbecomingly bold behavior
• kibitz, schmooz == chatyente == talkative woman, gossip
• nosh == to graze or eat, junk food
• chotchkes == kniknaks
• tuchas == rear end
• tzoros == problems, anxiety
• shpiel == a play, skit, or act.
• shnohr == beg, mooch
• kvetch == complain
• gornish == nothing
• bissle, kliene == little, small
• scheine == pretty

Yiddish is very expressive language full of colorful and cultural idioms, mainly those from a time mostly lost. It is a language pidgin that is derived from German and Hebrew -- and depending on the style might also have influences of Polish, Lithuanian, and Aramaic.

Meanwhile here's a photo of a dual-shade pink rose in my apartment for your viewing pleasure.

Good Day to All!

Sculpture Appreciation 101- The Farnese Atlas Sculpture

In my previous postings, I talked about Music and Art Appreciation 101, but have not mentioned another art form that must be appreciated. Again, I have never had a formal class on Sculpture Appreciation, But have attended a lecture on Sculpture and Paintings during my college years. I was lucky to have Dorm mate who was majoring in Fine Arts and was invited to a lecture by one of the most famous Filipino sculpture during my college years, Napoleon Abueva💚. 

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/napoleon-abueva-the-artist-who-created-modern-filipino-sculpture

  This posting is about the Farnese Atlas Sculpture. 

"The Farnese Atlas, housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, is a marble sculpture standing 1.85 meters tall, dating from the 2nd century AD. This statue, part of the Farnese collection, was discovered in 1546 at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome and was transferred to Naples in 1787 when it was inherited by Charles III of Bourbon. The sculpture depicts the Titan Atlas supporting a globe on his shoulders, which is detailed with representations of 43 constellations.

The uniqueness of the Farnese Atlas lies in its status as a Roman copy of an earlier Hellenistic prototype. The Farnese Globe is the most complete representation of the celestial sphere as conceived by Greek-Hellenistic culture. This iconography was preserved through the centuries, reaching the Renaissance via the works of Ptolemy, and provides a detailed view of constellations and ancient cosmic understanding."

Visit the site below for Additional Details:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farnese_Atlas

Finally, here's the history of the Lesher Center for Arts-3 blocks from the Heritage DownTown, where THD residents have enjoyed the presentations on arts and music for several years.    

https://www.walnutcreekmagazine.com/2020/10/06/331329/a-look-back-opening-night-at-the-lesher-center?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3MDcpQ58rlJmpWfwey9BPkGckpXYh2hulW43ZT45UUBfYy0MFsiBmyxBk_aem_nfp5UoL8glu8MYx32IQQoA#:~:text=Now%20in%20its%2030th%20year,%E2%80%9CThanks%20for%20the%20memory.%E2%80%9D

💚Napoleon Abueva, Blood Compact

Art Appreciation 101- David and Saul ( 1885)

Some of us are lucky to have taken Art and Music Appreciation Classes during our formative and younger years. But most of us have not been exposed how to appreciate Art and Music that sometimes touches our spirit, mind and soul. Thus allow me to share with you this painting of David and Saul by Julius Kronberg.

From My Facebook Page The Other Day

"David and Saul" (1885) by Julius Kronberg

The Story Behind the Painting

Julius Kronberg's David and Saul, painted in 1885, beautifully captures a poignant biblical moment between the young David and King Saul. This scene is inspired by the story from the Book of Samuel, where David, a young shepherd who would later become King, plays his harp to soothe the troubled King Saul, who is tormented by an evil spirit. The painting reflects the complex relationship between the two figures—David's innocence and talent juxtaposed with Saul's growing paranoia and despair. Kronberg, known for his detailed and emotive works, brings this narrative to life through his use of vivid colors and dramatic lighting, emphasizing the psychological tension between the two characters.

Hidden Details

In the painting, Saul is depicted reclining on a luxurious couch, draped in regal attire, yet his posture and expression suggest deep melancholy and inner conflict. David, seated at his feet, is focused intently on playing the harp, his bare skin and simple attire contrasting with Saul's opulence. The use of light in the painting highlights David's youthful energy and purity, while Saul is partially shrouded in shadow, symbolizing his mental and spiritual darkness. The background, adorned with ancient Egyptian motifs, adds an exotic element to the setting, reminding viewers of the historical and cultural distance of the biblical narrative.

Why It Matters

Kronberg's David and Saul is more than just a depiction of a biblical story; it is an exploration of the themes of jealousy, mental anguish, and the power of music to heal or soothe troubled souls. The painting resonates with viewers not only for its artistic mastery but also for its deep emotional and psychological insight into the human condition.

Where to See It

This masterpiece is housed in the National Museum in Stockholm, Sweden. It remains one of Julius Kronberg's most celebrated works, continuing to captivate audiences with its rich narrative and striking visual impact.

Lastly, in my blogs, I have been posting that I love to write, dance and sing, but never had the talent for painting/drawing. I also mentioned that my late Father, Dr. David Jamili Katague was an excellent caricaturists/painter and my youngest daughter inherited this artistic talent, Grieving Thru Glee. For Ditas Paintings visit her website/video as follows:  

http://www.grievingthruglee.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txBtqoHNIhI

Good Day to ALL!

Memories of MY College Life-The UP Chapel and the Miracle of Prayers

I was Praying with my Fellow UPSCANS that Day: The Miracle of Prayers

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2019/04/my-undergraduate-college-years-in-up.html

 · 

The above chapel is known for its architectural design, and  the church is recognized as a National Historical Landmark and a Cultural Treasure by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and the National Museum of the Philippines respectively. It was designed by the late National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture, Leandro Locsin, one of four National Artists who collaborated on the project. According to a post from the UP Diliman website, it is the only structure in the country where the works of five national artists can be found. Alfredo Juinio served as the structural engineer for the project.

***************************************************************************

"Yes, go ahead. You do the pouring. I will do the praying."

On this day in August 25, 1955, Engr. David M. Consunji started the construction of the iconic dome of the Church of the Holy Sacrifice or the UP Chapel despite stormy skies and the looming threat of rain.

The chapel features the Philippines' first thin-shell concrete dome, designed by structural engineer Alfredo L. Juinio. Engr. Consunji, founder of the DMCI Group of Companies, pioneered the techniques required to mix and deliver the 3,000 psi concrete needed to build the structure.

In his memoir “A Passion to Build,” Engr. Consunji shares the memorable moments leading up to the dome’s construction and his important conversation with Fr. John P. Delaney, S.J., the first chaplain of the UP Diliman Catholic community and the guiding hand behind the chapel's creation:

"Work on the chapel began in May 1955. By July, we had begun work on the dome. We made the form, laid the steel bars, and built the scaffolding and the runway. Then we had a dry run of the pouring system until we were confident we could do it perfectly.

The crucial part about this was that the concrete on the dome had to be poured continuously: that was non-negotiable. I estimated the job would take not less than 18 hours. So the weather had better cooperate with us. By then it was August 1955, already well into the rainy season and always a stormy month.

The day before the scheduled concrete pouring, I told Fr. Delaney we were ready to pour except that it looked like it was going to be stormy. We could not risk being rained on because too much water would ruin the concrete. He said: “Just come here early in the morning and we'll see what the weather will be like.”

I clearly remember that day, the 25th of August, 1955. I woke up at 4 o’clock in the morning. It had started to rain and I could see the beginning of a storm. When I arrived in UP, the rain and the wind had started to come in as well.

I went straight to the chapel. Fr. Delaney was preparing for the 5 a.m. Mass. I asked him if we should proceed in spite of the weather. He said, “Yes, go ahead. You do the pouring. I will do the praying.”

I could do nothing but obey. With a heavy heart. I went to see my workers, who were all ready to go home. To their surprise, I said: 'We will do the pouring today, so let's start."

At 5 o’clock, everything was set. The concrete mixers were humming and the workers were ready to pour concrete around the base of the roof. I looked up once more and saw the dark skies. There were rain showers all around the UP campus-but not on the site itself. It didn't look good to me, but I gave the go-ahead just the same.

We started pouring. After an hour, the weather turned for the worse. The entire morning, we saw UP students running from building to building drenched, their umbrellas blown all over by the strong wind. It seemed to us that the entire campus was experiencing a storm. But, miracle of miracles, not a single drop of rain fell on the spot where we were working! The entire jobsite was dry.

I went to the old chapel to see Fr. Delaney and have breakfast. There I saw many students, all members of the UPSCA (UP Student Catholic Action), praying in relays. They were storming the heavens with prayers! No wonder the storm never hit the jobsite.

The above three photos are some of the UPSCANs that were involved with Prayer Relay at the old Chapel that Day, August 25, 1955. I am proud to participate at the Prayer Relay that Day.

Three hours into the work, the entire periphery of the dome, about a meter high, was concreted. It was going to be a lot easier from then on. My workers stopped worrying about the rain and just kept working on and on, moving the buggies around on the runway, loading, pouring until at last, the entire dome was covered.

It was already 11 o’clock in the evening when the last buggy of concrete was emptied, 18 hours since we started. In the next hour, we did the finishing touches — smoothening out the rough edges, making sure the contour of the dome was perfect. At 12 midnight, a rain shower began to fall on the dome, as if on cue, curing the concrete in the process. By then, all our anxieties had vanished. The dome had been built.”

From: David Consunji Book of Memoirs, The Passion to Build

Last but Not Least:

The wedding cake decor of our wedding-1:1000 miniature of the UP Chapel, May 8, 1957

Odor Shaming During International Travel- The Science of Smell

Some of the comments I received from a few of my readers here at THD is the fact that my blog encompasses various topics. The subject in today's blog will probably elicit a comment that David is running out of ideas. The answer is, No, I am not running out of ideas. This topic is just interesting to me because I have personal experiences related to this article. If the title of the blog does not interest You, I have no problem, just don't read it.

In my younger and professional years, I have experienced international travel several times, thus have experienced the following article, which to some of you may not be a topic you want to read about. However, I felt compel to discuss it. If you feel queasy on the subject, please do not read.

ODOR SHAMING IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL- From My FaceBook Page The Other Day

"I was one of many Filipino travelers who used to odor-shame other travelers and even the local people of a host country. I used to think that we Filipinos smelled so good. Then, I too was odor-shamed. To them, all Filipinos smell like stale fish.

Odor shaming, a subtle but pervasive issue in international travel, occurs when travelers are judged for their body odors or scents associated with their native cultures. This often stems from cultural differences in scent perception, where what is considered normal or pleasant in one culture may be deemed offensive in another. This lack of understanding can lead to discomfort and insecurity for travelers, exacerbating feelings of alienation in a foreign environment.

As much as I would like to call for an end to odor shaming, I’d also like to share what made me realize the benefits of embracing people’s natural odor or scent:

1. If you’re a joiner in a multi-race group tour with people who aren’t easily offended, “cultural” odor can actually be a fun icebreaker.

2. Smell fatigue is real, and the more you are exposed to a certain odor, the more you’ll get used to it, which can prepare you to deal with similar scents in the future.

3. Lovemaking is more enjoyable when you can smell your partner’s natural scent, as long as the body is clean with odor-neutralizing soap, eliminating the need for deodorant, which can taste bitter, chemical-like, and unnatural when licked.

4. Embracing natural scents helps break down barriers between people, allowing for more genuine connections based on authenticity rather than superficial standards of cleanliness or beauty.

5. Appreciating natural odors can also heighten your sensory awareness, making you more attuned to the subtleties of different environments and enhancing your overall travel experience".

Personal Notes: In general body odor is a result of a person's diet. It is also related to how we do Our Personal Hygiene Practices. Some of you take a bath or shower Daily. Others just do TAPA clean-up. Daily Showers or Bath is not good for your skin, but daily TAPA will completely removed body odor. It is better than masking it with cologne or perfume💚. If you read this, do you shower daily, use perfume or cologne or just do TAPA with showers in between? 

If you do not know the abbreviation of TAPA, here's the Hint- T is for your teeth, A is for armpits and P is for -----( 5 letters word in both genders) and A ---( 3 letters). Did you get it?  

In the Philippines, when I was growing up, the use of cologne/perfume is considered not a masculine activity and was not be encourage, so many Filipinos are reluctant to use colognes/perfumes. But deodorants and shaving creams are popular. I remember , my mother would shout to us kids to do TAPA, before we run out from the house to school.  Comments any one? Here's the list of the top 5 Men's cologne available today! 

💚https://gentlemantoday.co/the-5-best-colognes-for-men-in-2024/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GT_purchases&utm_content=topcolognes24

Here's my favorite but not in the List above.

Lastly, The sense of smell, or olfaction, is the special sense through which smells (or odors) are perceived. The sense of smell has many functions, including detecting desirable foods, hazards, and pheromones, and plays a role in taste. In humans, it occurs when an odor binds to a receptor within the nasal cavity, transmitting a signal through the olfactory system.

An Escapade to the Napa Valley Country Club and the Musical Sol

Last Night I attended A Filipino-American Musical at the Napa Valley Country Club💚 after eating Dinner in downtown Napa. The Dinner and Musical was a treat from my son Dodie and Daughter-in-law Ruth Carver. Thank You,  Ruth and Dodie for a much welcome escape from my Gilded Cage. 

💚https://www.napavalleycc.com/

The cast of the musical were 99% Filipino-American. Dodie acted as the grandfather, Felipe with a few solo parts and of one of the top 4-leading actors of the musical ( reading, singing and narration). The music was composed by Charlene Alberto and assisted by Melody Habib.   The program is attached below. I also took photos of the Country Club and its beautiful surroundings, swimming pool area and the club house all -around decks with the Napa Mountains in the background. It was an atmosphere of opulence and class. The club house reminded me of our younger years when we were attending the various activities of the Sportsmen Club of Stanislaus County ( SOS) in Modesto California in the late 1970's.   

Dodie and I before the performance, Napa Valley Country Club House

Me Between Song Writer Charlene Alberto💜 and Collaborator Melody Habib. Notice the almost non-Filipino Audience/Patrons  

Ruth informed me this was the second and last performance of the musical. The first performance was in Vallejo. It was also well attended and majority of the audience were Filipino-Americans.   

The Napa Valley Country Club Performance was attended by 90% non-Filipino audience. I was surprise that the humorous and comical episodes of the show written for Filipinos was also well received by the non-Filipino audience mostly country club members. I enjoyed the musical number very much. However the dialog and script needed to be shorten as the musical was over 2.5 hours long with a 15-minute intermission between Act 1 ( Philippines) and Act 2 ( California).  The comical parts acted by grandfathers of the heroine was well acted and well received from the sold-out audience.   

I took some photos of the restaurant in the Club House and all-around decks with a panoramic view of the Napa countryside.

The Back of the Swimming Pool Area from the Deck of the Club House

Parking Lots and Driveways and the well-manicured lawns and Trees

Club House Members enjoying Refreshments from the Bar 

The Entrance of the Club House with Exquisite Landscaping Featuring the Light Pink Crepe Myrtle

💜Hi! For those of you that don’t know me my name is Charlene, aka Cher, and I am a singer-songwriter and playwright in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2020 I created an original musical called “SOL” and this past Summer was able to complete all composition of the music, which has a mix of sounds from the 80s along with origins of Spanish folk music. From a very young age, I’ve always been very moved by music and storytelling and within these last few years I’m beyond grateful of coming into realization that pursuing creative projects such as this is really a dream come true. I was inspired to create this musical to tell a shareable and relatable story including themes of immigration, overcoming family hardships, and representing Island life vs American culture. While creating this project I was able to really get in touch with my roots and create new voices to be heard. This project also represents minorities in theater, and speaks to this moment of AAPI and BIPOC representation and empowerment - a movement we should all embrace.

Meanwhile: Can someone tell me what happened to the Food Truck Dinner Last Night? I know it was Greek Food and I saw the Menu on the Truck before I left for Napa? Was the Food Ok?

The Stayman and Jacoby Transfer Bidding Conventions in Bridge

Warning: If you are not a Bridge Player This will Not Make Sense to YOU!  

I am posting this for the benefit of New and Intermediate Bridge Players. If you are an advanced player you probably know all these by heart. My apology and skip reading until the end of the article.    

Responses: Yellow-Forcing for One More Round, Blue-Non Forcing and White- Game Forcing

Notice the current trend now is you can open a bid with 12 points minimum instead of 13 specially if you have 5-CARD major.  In the past I do not open with only 12 points.  

I have been playing bridge since 1960 both party and duplicate.  I played Party and Duplicate bridge from 1960 to 1990 both in home as well as in tournament settings.  I have accumulated more than 100 junior IMPs playing Duplicate in Tournaments as well as at the El Cerrito, Ca Bridge Club. Then there was HIATUS years from 1990 to 2023. When I moved to THD last year, I started to play bridge again.   Needless to say, my knowledge of the Game has not been erased in my memory after a hiatus of over 33 years. 

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2017/11/i-started-playing-duplicate-bridge-on.html

Here at THD I play party bridge 4 days per week. We have a number of good players here at THD but also a few beginners and intermediate players. The convention we used  is the Standard American Bidding System with its minor variations. The most common conventions we used are the Stayman and Jacoby Transfer.  

A lot of confusion to some players is the response after the Jacoby Transfer.  To Clarify see the mark statement below.💚 

1. Stayman is a bidding convention in the card game contract bridge. It is used by a partnership to find a 4-4 or 5-3 trump fit in a major suit after making a one notrump (1NT) opening bid and it has been adapted for use after a 2NT opening, a 1NT overcall, and many other natural notrump bids.

The convention is named for Sam Stayman, who wrote the first published description in 1945, but its inventors were two other players: the British expert Jack Marx in 1939, who published it only in 1946, and Stayman's regular partner George Rapée in 1944.

The convention is used if the responder ( to INT) has at least 10 points and has a 4-card major. 

2. Jacoby Transfer (used whenever Responder has 5 or more of a major):

To use this transfer technique, you must have 5 cards (or more) in a major suit and any number of points, even 0. Yes, even with 0 points you will demand that your partner bid your suit! Usually, it is a better option to insist on a trump suit than to leave your partner in No Trump when you have a 5-card major. Jacoby Transfer is a demand bid. Responder is telling the Opener to bid a major and Opener must do as told!

With 5+ hearts, Responder bids 2♦. Opener immediately says, “Hearts” so everyone knows that this transfer refers to hearts. As soon as the next player bids or passes, Opener must bid 2♥ (one rank up from Diamonds). With 5+ spades, Responder bids 2♥. Opener immediately says, “Spades” and bids 2♠ (one rank up from Hearts) after opponent’s turn.

💚After transferring, Responder rebids as follows: (yes, you should memorize this) Pass with 0-7 points, bid 2NT with 8-9 points, or bid 3NT with 10+ pts. 

Explore Small slam - Think of small slam if you have also 15-17 pts ( ask for Aces and Kings- Blackwood( 4NT) or Gerber( 4Clubs) and Grand Slam if you have 22 points.  The total deck card points is 40 and distributional points may be added. Distributional Points: Doubleton=1, Singleton=2 and a Void=3.

A single Ace is counted as 4-5 distributional points.  Also you may add one point after your 5-card  major, that is if you have 6 add one more point and 2 points if you have 7 in one suit.  

With the minimum responding hand (0-7 pts), you cannot give your partner any options. You are better off in a trump suit, even if partner has a doubleton in that major. You do not have enough points together for game, so keep the bidding low. With a medium hand (8-9 pts) or a maximum hand (10+ pts), you can give your partner the option of staying in NT or choosing the major suit. You’ve already told your partner you have 5 in a major; now tell the Opener point count.

How does the opener decide? If the opener has only 2 cards in Responder’s suit, a NT contract can be a better choice, so they can pass. If the opener has 3-4 cards in that major suit, they have the choice to bid the suit, since you have shown 5 cards in that suit and they will know there is an 8-card fit.

Also, by bidding 2NT, you are showing 8-9 pts, so opener can bring it to game level if they have 17 points (maybe even 16, though that is a gamble if Responder has just 8 points).

By bidding 3NT, Responder is showing 10+ points and opener can pass or bid 4♥ or 4♠ with 3 or 4 cards in your major suit

https://www.bridgebum.com/jacoby_transfers.php

Meanwhile Here's a List of other Bidding Conventions Worldwide.

https://www.bridgebum.com/bridge_bidding_conventions.php

“One advantage of bad bidding is that you get practice at playing atrocious contracts.” 

“The real test of a Bridge player isn't in keeping out of trouble, but in escaping once he's in.”

 “Bridge is too important to take seriously.” 

“Old Bridge players never die; they just lose their finesse.”