Recovered Marcos riches to be redistributed via auction, supporting the idiom: what goes around comes around

It often takes too long, but what goes around comes around—often, in bits and pieces.

A small, yet not insignificant, amount of 'Marcos money' is about to be recovered for the Philippines' public coffers, via auction, through the recovery efforts of a Philippine government commission tasked with tracking down wealth accumulations of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos (largely stolen from their subjects).

Gen X and Baby Boomer generations will recall some of the 80s news-program broadcasts regarding the Marcos' fall.

Ferdinand Marcos won his first Philippine presidency in 1965, after gaining popularity as a political leader and accomplished lawyer who'd promised to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor by forging ahead with the goal of ridding the Philippine government of all corruption.

Marcos rode the coattails of a liberal forerunner's strong relationship with U.S. dignitaries, as well as those of his wife, Imelda, whose popularity and drive heightened his own. His country's economy, despite U.S. restrictions pertaining to competition, had been boosted by post-WWII, democratically-principled, practices that encouraged formal cohesion among various political parties of the Philippines and its trade countries. The Philippines, being the first Southeast-Asian country to gain independence after World War II on July 4, 1946 when the U.S. granted formal independence to the Philippines with strings attached, nonetheless experienced great strides in economic power.

However, being a "Nationalista" followup to a previously liberal leadership, Ferdinand did not continue to root out corruption as promised, but instead fed the cycle of rich vs. poor, primarily through a "U.S.-style" judicial system that undermined and impoverished the economically poor by catering to powerful land-holders through judgments rendered by "judges who were landlords and enforced by sheriffs and officials who were landlords".

For example, at the end of the Marcos' reign over Philippine welfare, hard questions were leveled at the matriarch regarding billions in amassed wealth being held (in the form of gold) being until such time as legal statute would run out—idea being that when the disadvantaged people ignorant of such law failed to stake claim to that fortune, the ownership of it would 'legally' revert to the Marcos. Too, all along, the Marcos had stored wealth acquired off the people in offshore accounts in Switzerland, for example,

Himself being corrupt, Ferdinand took advantage of a fascist power to control and censor media, which otherwise may have been sooner able to redirect the peoples' resolve in their own interests. Instead, the Philippine media was integrated into a machine that was used to disseminate propaganda in favor of Ferdinand and Imelda's reign. Ultimately, they would declare marshal law and use that domestic uncertainty to further establish their wealth and advantage.

Toward the end of their governance, Imelda's ostentatious preparations (and grotesque construction disaster coverups), designed to impress visiting foreign dignitaries, continued to turn people off of their negative influences. In fact, some would not take advantage of offered quarters on properties considered too lavish, only willing to stay elsewhere than where Imelda Marcos had intended.

Oft' referred to by the disparaging nickname "Marie Antoinette, with shoes", Imelda Marcos continued to be a popular inspiration to followers. She continued to win leadership positions after fleeing to the U.S. in exile with her husband in 1986 and—five years later—being allowed to return to the Philippines (without Ferdinand, since deceased) where, as of today, she continues to live.

Subscribers to Bloomberg are privy to further details regarding the auctions of some of the stolen wealth. These are public auctions: even the Marcoses may bid.

First inauguration of President Ferdinand Marcos held at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila, December 30, 1965. (PD img via Wikimedia Commons)

FURTHER READING

"Duterte hopes to hand presidency to dictator Ferdinand Marcos' son"

"With 'hero's' burial for Marcos, Duterte endorses Philippines' authoritarian past"

"International Realities and Philippine Foreign Policy Under Ferdinand Marcos" 

Garage Sale Mysteries: Can a Petition Save It?

A respectable lot of Garage Sale Mystery (GSM) fans are passionate about the show's survival regardless what may befall its lead actress after the reveal of alleged education fraud. Still, do social bystanders stand to suffer at the hands of social retaliation?

Along with all the Twitter talk about GSM and Lori Loughlin, a petition is in circulation that implores fans and compassionate observers alike to press support of GSM via social action. After all, there are an entire set of individuals involved with the show who now may be in economic limbo by no fault of their own making.

What to save, in a case of fraud against the public interest?

While many fans of the show called in great-enough number for Loughlin's downfall as a result of her reported actions, there are others who may agree but don't necessarily want to see the show's demise. As well, there are those who believe broadly that one's professional career shouldn't suffer as a result of criminal allegations. After all, one must retain an ability to defend themselves and sustain their livelihood.

However you feel, and whatever the petition may indicate, Garage Sale Mysteries could be an easy loss on the part of the industry and brands involved. Hallmark simply isn't as tied to Garage Sale Mysteries as we may have imagined; at least, it doesn't have to be. Rather, GSM is considered a "third-party" project.

In essence, the parent company of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries handed down the decision to dismiss and alienate Loughlin from any of its projects. This amounts to a kind of immediate social punishment (referring to the effect, not the motivation) for criminal allegations that can be limiting, not only to the accused but to their circles as well. Everyone must worry, it seems, how they'll be affected when one person is indicted.

Another reality that works against the salvage of Garage Sale Mysteries is that it is far from the only option at HMM, even, for family-oriented mystery genre for the channel.

Screen capture of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel Signature Mysteries

With so many projects to manage, whether or not GSM is preserved remains to be seen. While it may be true that, without enough social support, Garage Sale Mysteries may not survive, doesn't the immediate decision to pull it as much seem to punish the public—including those in Loughlin's vicinity? A decision could have been more focused on the immediate source of public upset, taking bigger actions only if necessary.

Of course, there are a great many factors and every one may not be taken into account on our parts in evaluating from afar.

For all the shock evident in media, there appears to be a bit of a lag at HMM online, if they consider Loughlin's countenance as prominently featured in at least three prime placements on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries homepage a negative. The image below shows only three out of five of these placements, on March 24. (March 12 we began receiving news in earnest regarding the indictments from the alleged admissions scam.)

URL Screen Capture 03/24/2019

As of March 27, HMM still promotes using Loughlin's image:

URL Screen Capture 03/27/2019

Ultimately, fan support may be quite meaningful as to whether production on Garage Sale Mysteries could, after all, be continued. GSM fans should reach out and sign that petition, if they haven't already.

Remember Roseanne? Her old network continues to benefit, creating what has continued to be a fantastic show despite losing her immediate presence or input.

How one copyright disagreement in comics helped establish fair use in publishing practice

Copyright and fair use are each ideas with long support among people, as well as frequent lines crossed—roots of 'behavior' exhibited on either side we might consider planted so as to retain utmost creative freedoms while securing proper credits for work done.

When we recognize the significance of economic and social opportunities in the relay of creativity and social learning, it stands to reason—especially during an era which was comparably challenged in its mass communications reach—that there would be a drive to emulate that which was successful in one city, and as such apply it in another.

Who was "Karls" (aka Ralph Hershberger) and how does his doppelganger experience in the publishing industry inform modern copyright practices? 

The "Ask the Archivist" column at Comics Kingdom touches on this idea that untended market creates space for creative offerings of the kind that are a known success yet unavailable to those in overlooked or economically-barred markets. Of note, "Karls"—aka Ralph A. Hershberger—the professionally successful cartoonist who made his start at a city daily newspaper. 

The rub? Hershberger's artistic work was based largely on the successful project of another artist. 

However, it wasn't to be considered copyright thievery. As reported in the CK Archivist article, a settlement between two parties (involved in a lawsuit that did not involve Hershberger) determined that "law allowed a doppelganger version, with minor adjustments". 

So it remains, constant line in the sand at which creatives collect like ants on a trail . . . because in isolation, only minor discovery is found. 

PD Image via Bing

In the event of death: tips on what to say, and why

The simplest deep condolences are often the best:

"I'm terribly sorry
for your loss."

There's no need to verbally follow this up with vague offers of 'anything I can do'. In too many cases, this slides by unattended.

Instead, offer a sincere, quick, no–response–necessary statement such as:

• "Contact me, if any need arises."
• "Chloe and I were great friends once."
• "Jim was a pleasure to know."

Each of these examples (or something close that you devise) carries a unique tone, one of which will be most appropriate for your relationship with the deceased. 

To be specific offers more comfort. 

"Contact me" leaves the method of contact open to they who need relief—whether to call, write, perhaps visit.

Acknowledge that needs do arise, while removing the implication of need on the part of the grieving, as they likely would reject any appearance of neediness. The idea, at this point, is to be as little intrusive as possible. Be a quiet shoulder, adding no burden.

Ambiguous passivity, awkwardness, and some predictability exist in offering "anything, if". You want to offer something, including yourself.

Authenticity is in the Follow Up

As with most any matter in effective communication, authenticity is found in caring. In due time, which could be a day, a week, a month (again, the relationship matters) check in again.

You'll have a chance in the meantime to gauge the immediate circumstances of the person(s) in mourning, and to offer specific help or company . . . whether to show up with a covered meal and a deck of cards (prepared to play or leave) or to meet up for a movie, maybe coffee. You get the idea. This is an effort to establish that you do continue to think about them and care that they're coping with their loss. 

On the other hand, when we're not an immediate family or friend, coworker perhaps, who will be present at some point during most days after a death—if it'd be a month, or three, before expecting to see them again—then it's okay to pick a time in-between for a reach-out. Too, if these were more distant acquaintances, then usually a personalized card will suffice.

Most people understand how difficult it can be to extend ourselves at all in a world where so much is misunderstood. All in all, just reach out. Go on record as the caring person that you are, and let everything else happen as it may.

"Abstract Flowers" image by Ken E, via PublicDomainPictures

Best Classic Children's Books: Literature for Kids, Book 1

Misty of Chincoteague (1947), by Marguerite Henry

An inspirational, historically-based story of wild horses, orphaned children, and intrigue, Misty of Chincoteague is an historical fiction written by a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Paul and Maureen, brother and sister, move in with their grandparents and adopt a new lifestyle centered in the training of ponies. As they settle in, the pair find adventure.

Children can identify with and will appreciate themes of:

• parental loss
• family
• being raised by grandparents
• families of different types (among humans and animals as well)
• love, including responsibility for animals
• self sufficiency 
• growth

Although it is a fictionalized dramatic work, Henry based the story on real life and entertains what can happen when kids are allowed space to lead with their fresh hearts, keen interests, and minds yet untainted by the politics of common adult struggles. Sibling protagonists offer a unique reading opportunity for kids.

This story about Misty and her family, and Paul and Maureen's, was so popular that it became first in a subsequent series of children's books (by Henry) about the horse named Misty. It also was the inspiration for the popular movie adaptation of the same name: Misty (1961).

Marguerite Henry, with Misty

Author Marguerite Henry (1902-1997), an American writer, was the writer of 59 books based on true stories of horses and other animals.

Find a copy of Misty of Chincoteague via Goodreads and begin the "Misty" series, or check your local book sellers.

.   .   .

REF:

Photo image of Marguerite Henry with her pony Misty via Wikipedia, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36625166

Best Classic Children's Books for Entertainment and Learning

During a recent visit with friends, we noticed their children were intently watching the movie version of a classic children's book about animals. Short on dialogue, the 'picture version' was big on the kind of imagery described in words throughout the original children's novel.

What was once translated on the page via author and each reader's mind—an intensely personal experience—was now adapted for a movie audience. This is a terrific thing! Yet, it's not the same kind of experience, and it's apparent that if there isn't a concerted effort on the part of adults to entertain young children with written stories, then they'll miss out on an important part of growing up well.

Our ability to read text and process it in an effective way rests on not only didactic education but on habit as well. Reading comprehension, understood by students far and wide as an irritating credit requirement, informs and molds our daily experiences. It is this largely unrecognized reality that encourages us today to begin a series dedicated to showcasing the best classic children's books.

Why "classic" titles? Because, we want to revel in the personal experience of highly appreciated stories that still make us feel today the way we did when we initially read them. We'll be highlighting stories that gripped us and took us along a meaningful journey with people and circumstances we'd otherwise never have known.

In doing so, we also want to introduce our favorite cultural stories that help growing readers understand different walks of life than that to which they're exposed on a daily basis in their own circles.

We hope you'll join us by checking out our first installment of:

Best Classic Children's Books: Literature for Kids, Book 1

.   .   .

Tell us, what were some of your favorite reads as a child?

Writer's Block: Could you have it? What to do . . .

"Even if your first novel is published by a Big 5 house and ends up on the NYT bestseller list, you can get a massive case of writer’s block. I know a wildly successful author who went through this."
—Anne R. Allen

What is Writer's Block?

Like a mirage that can't be identified, the frustration of writer's block is an almost unfathomable force. Anyone can suffer from the affliction, any time, no matter their level of experience; but, only the experienced or informed have the better chance at successfully combating the invisible oppressor.

Photo by Brandi Redd, Unsplash

We'll call it what it is, because it is possible for a sufferer to live through a block without realizing it.

There are hundred ways we tell ourselves "later", that don't seem all that serious.

It can take a serious bout of self-sabotaging procrastination, or worse, to realize a block has landed upon us with heavy ferocity. 

Think about it: that necessary book you've been putting off . . . or think about why you're not sending your short work to publishers (if you're not)—are you certain about your reasons for delay, or could there be a block upon you?

Merriam-Webster defines writer's block as "psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece". Theoretically, a writer could have situational writer's block. At the other end, a writer could find themselves unable to write at all for a period of time.

As writers, we need to take seriously any signs of a lack of motivation. The seriousness of writer's block is, first, in being unaware. Then, when you become aware that you have this problem, you may experience stress and compromised output over a perceived inability to overcome it.

Awareness is key to identifying issues related to writers block and staying ahead of the curve, lest fall behind. So, let's look at how we can
beat writer's block!

Visit: How to Overcome Writer's Block

Photo by Andy Do on Unsplash