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224 Public Reviews Given
224 Total Reviews Given
Public Reviews
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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
First, I want to thank your son for his service to our country in the United States Marine Corps.


And thank you for a very eloquently written reminder of the 'Flag Code' and what our American Flag truly means, and especially by those who have sworn to uphold and defend that for which it represents.

The Flag Code states that the flag should not touch anything beneath it, including the ground. This is stated to indicate that care should be exercised in the handling of the flag, to protect it from becoming soiled or damaged. You are NOT required to destroy the flag when this happens.

Additionally, the flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed.

Having said the above, (should) it become necessary for Flag disposal, here are the rules:

1. The flag should be folded in its customary manner.

2. It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.

3. Place the flag on the fire.

4. The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.

5. After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.

6. Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.



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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
This story was wonderfully written -

I enjoyed the storyline and ALL the characters involved. It was a blended and balanced mix of protagonists and
the antagonist Christopher. I enjoyed the description of the dragon, especially regarding his appearance to
include his eyes.

We all recall the days as children lying on the ground watching the clouds slowly moving across a bright blue
sky, our minds reverting to imagination mode, and the rest is ... between us and the clouds -

The story begins and ends on a positive note - with a dream that begins in the clouds and comes true.

Thank you for sharing !


JBJ
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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Great story !

Reminds me of my time in the Navy. My first ship was a destroyer out of San Diego. We departed in May of 71 on a westpac deployment, stopping in Hawaii and again in Guam to refuel before departing again - this time for Subic Bay in the Philippines. From there it was "Good Morning Vietnam" to provide naval gunfire support for Army and Marine Corp personnel on the ground. Day and night we pounded enemy positions, occasionally firing star shells (at night) an explosive projectile designed to burst in the air, descend by parachute and light up an enemy's position. It was wild ! We stopped again in Guam to refuel during the return trip to San Diego after our time there was complete.

I made another westpac cruise in 74/75, this time on the carrier Enterprise. We were there when the war ended, providing air support and assisting in the evacuation our people in Saigon. I was proud to be a part of that - a lot of memories. Didn't need to stop in Guam to refuel the Big E . It was powered by eight nuclear reactors.

For the little time I spent on Guam, my impression was positive. It was small, but neat and compact. I was able to spend several hours (which is all the time we were allowed) exploring the Island with others from my destroyer, and I enjoyed what I saw. Wish we could have stayed longer, but Guam was simply a quick refueling pit-stop.

Thanks for your story - and for invoking those memories *Smile*


Jon-Blair Jacques

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Review of BEST INVESTMENT  Open in new Window.
Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
A very compelling and inspirational essay.

You are correct - you are always your own best investment.

In unison with the almighty, you are your greatest champion, your best friend, and your own most valuable asset.

Thank you for the eloquent reminder -

Best,

Jon-Blair Jacques
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Review of Black in America!  Open in new Window.
Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
This is a wonderful exposé regarding the topic - and the resultant struggle, and how to trust where our TRUE focus should ultimately be.

Thank you for your very eloquent reminder !

Best -


Jon-Blair Jacques
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Review of EVERYDAY  Open in new Window.
Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
So true, so eloquent, so heartfelt.

Your short poem are words to live by *Smile*

Thank you for sharing !


Jon-Blair Jacques
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for entry "April 17, 2021Open in new Window.
Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Thanks for your perspective - and what you're doing.

Best,


Jonblair
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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Greetings Yohanaekkytan !

Enjoyed your story *Smile*

Keep up the good work and write-on.

Best -


Jon-Blair Jacques
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Review of Toilet Paper  Open in new Window.
Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Greetings Nightstory6 !

Amusing parody regarding the subject/shortage of toilet paper we're all now experiencing. It's ironic that here in Florida, the usual 'crisis' shortage is gasoline (due to hurricanes) which presently is in ABUNDANT supply! And what specifically is plentiful during the hurricane season? A rhetorical, "you guessed it !"

Oh, and to all Toilet Paper Rolls out there - I will never look at you in the same way ever again *Meh*

Thanks for posting !


Jon-Blair Jacques
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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
This poem is written in a most inspiring and empowering manner. This author's poem renders a depth of understanding regarding those who choose to assist others by means of technical support. It is powerful and insightful regarding those professionals, the work they perform and support they provide. This ballad is thought provoking and says a very succinct "thank you" to all those who choose to assist others by way of their profession.
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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Greetings Miranda Keeting !

This was interesting post. My attention was drawn to the two paragraphs in reference to their 'descriptive' aspect. Adverbs, adjectives and gerunds. You have in effect, "painted a picture with you words."

Descriptive adverbs, adjectives, and gerunds are all critically important in terms of providing interesting development of a story, its characters, environment, and storyline, etc... It keeps readers engaged and interested; makes them feel as if they're part of the story, and most importantly, the desire to finish that which they're reading.

You did a very good job here !

Keep up the good work *Smile*


Best -


Jon-Blair Jacques
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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
A Percolating Coffee Poem





Coffee is my only vice

I do not drink or smoke

The caffeine helps me open my eyes

Before a word I’ve spoke



I enjoy the percolating

With coffee for the day

Sipped with cream and sugar

And I am on my way



I sometimes skip my breakfast

But never my coffee fix

With no food I get hungry

With no coffee I throw fits



I’d rather stand than rest

When I’ve had my many cups

It jolts me I confess

And at night it keeps me up



There are some things I do

That aren’t very healthy

Coffee may be one

But please tell me very carefully
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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
A review by paraphrase:

A deliberate sharing of huge aching,
Fuming in sharp jealousy;
An association selling out the faithfulness
Of amazing second thoughts,
Given to this noxious beast
In his tricky hardship.
What's more, life lays obligated
To the brutal affront
Of an efficient
What's more, lamentable misfortune...

God will blazingly imagine
A most frightening transformation
To that half-baked structure -
A random benevolence and insightful direct -
What's more, a facilitation of His Love
What's more, empathic degree...

What's more, with holy superiority,
Endorse this detestable rise,
This wrongdoing past mankind,
With the finesse of a divinity...

What's more, the consideration of each life
With the breath and heavenliness
Of everlasting duty...
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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Greetings Simi *Smile*

Very interesting story !

Your post jogged my memory about the couple of times in the past in which I longed (or thought I did) to be the object of a woman's admiration and affection *StarStruck* It would have made dating so much easier, LOL ! Nevertheless, I was not that fortunate. I was busy with military duty, or working once my military career was over - didn't have much time to focus on 'looking' for the right person in my life. If that was going to happen, it would simply have to happen on its own, and, as fortune might have it, it eventually did.

I won't comment on what you (should) have done, but I can tell you it might be helpful to just allow things to happen on their own - naturally. I don't subscribe to arranged introductions or marriages. In your case, I believe TIME will take care of bringing you together with the right person. Remember, there are PLENTY of fish in the sea - just roll with the waves !

Best,


Jon-Blair Jacques
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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Escargot (french for snails) are definitely not for the faint of heart - an acquired taste for sure. Heliciculture is the practice of snail farming for the purpose of producing them for human use, mostly as food, and other non-food purposes.

Here's a SNAIL limerick to balance out your poem:


A SNAIL IN TWO CITIES

Henry the snail carried a house on his back.
He could get up and leave without having to pack.
Although travel was slow,
For this Escargot,
He always made his own track.

Henry eventually left the city of his birth,
Wanting to explore more of this Earth.
His peers said he was crazy,
But they were just lazy,
And didn't much think of their worth.

Although it took him may years,
He finally made it to Algiers.
The city was so grand,
After trekking through sand,
Leaving a trail of slime, sweat and tears.
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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Reminds me (somewhat) of the last words spoken in the 1953 version of, "The War of the Worlds."

"We were all praying for a miracle."

"The Martians had no resistance to the bacteria in our atmosphere to which we have long since become immune. Once they had breathed our air, germs which no longer affect us began to kill them. The end came swiftly. All over the world, their machines began to stop and fall. After all that men could do had failed, the Martians were destroyed and humanity was saved by the littlest things which God, in His wisdom, had put upon this Earth."
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Review of Be Considerate  Open in new Window.
Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Greetings Zaty Khan !

Thank you for your posting *Smile*

Reminds me of a story I read many years ago -

A man set out on along journey, taking his best horse and his donkey. He loaded onto the donkey's back everything he needed for the trip - sacks of food, pots and pans, and blankets to sleep on. The poor donkey could scarcely move. "Please help me carry this load," he whispered to the horse. "I don't think I can manage it all alone." But the horse was very proud and thought the donkey inferior. "My dear fellow," he replied. "You were made to be a beast of burden. The only thing I carry is my master." The donkey struggled on as best he could until one day he gave a little sigh and fell dead on the road. "Most unfortunate," said the man, turning to the horse. "Now you must carry the load. You'll have to carry the donkey's body as well until we find a place to bury it." Too late - the horse was sorry for his selfishness.

Moral of the story - Don't be Selfish !
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Review of Retreating Love  Open in new Window.
Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Greetings gracejade *Smile*

This was a very interesting confessional/story !

Love at first sight? Unspeakable sparks? Exchanging gazes and asking questions? Phone calls, notes and messages? The subtle and not so subtle interactions of two people that 'seed' the beginning of friendship, of trust? Where does it go from there? What did he want? What did you want? There were hints, clues, and signs. Did too much time elapse before asking the 'right' questions?

The truth is rarely pure and never simple ........

Thank you for sharing !


Jon-Blair Jacques
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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Greetings Tim Chiu !

Interesting bit of poem/prose about about the reality of losing from the perspective of the sporting world.
Like everything else, the sporting industry cycles through periods/seasons of wins and losses, all inevitable.

How many times have I witnessed winning teams (and individual players) basking in their wins, only to see them again the following year or season struggling to maintain that past record of triumph. Owners,
coaches, fans, etc..., commit and follow in loyal fashion.

It's all part of the cycle of life - ups and downs, joy and disappointment, triumph and defeat, etc...

Sometimes, as your free verse explains, we have to accept what comes our way, and simply move on.

Thanks for sharing !


Jon-Blair Jacques
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Review of Thieves  Open in new Window.
Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Enjoyed your story !

Well, as the saying goes, "there's no honor amongst thieves." LOL ! So true as your story reminds us.

So, where did this phrase originate?

It is a phrase that means thieves have no moral conduct, and cannot trust each other. It is a common theme in American and Canadian science fiction, where criminals conducting a complex operation betray each other. The original phrase. “Quin etiam leges latronum esse dicuntur, quibus pareant, quas observant.”

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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hello Teresa !

Appears you have a pair of VERY mischievous dogs !

I especially liked the way you pretended to be the voice of the boys toward the end of the story, LOL !

They're pretty smart - they learn how to get around our efforts to contain them. Dogs are such social animals; they need to be around people and/or other dogs - they don't like to be confined or left alone, both of which may result in destructive behavior. They're trying to tell you something, LOL !

That was a very funny story (with the exception of the expense involved in replacing the damaged household items).

GREAT STORY !!

JBJ

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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Warmest Greetings Teresa !


Your story resonated. You never 'completely' get over the loss of a parent or immediate family member that you love. Although time helps to heal, the pain never goes away, not completely. Here's a letter that reflects how I felt, how I still feel about the loss of my younger brother, age 31, in 1988 -


Dear Little Brother,

I’ve been feeling quite somber the past week. Your birthday is coming up soon, and the thought of your absence, 32 years later, still fills my throat--and I’m forced to swallow hard. It never gets any easier. An all-too-familiar dip in my stomach tells me despair is rushing to overflow my banks; the rough annual kick in the gut. It’s easier to ignore the reality, but this year was not the case.

I thought I had mastered the art of ignoring my reality. Some years I had the strength to deny the incident, but this year, I couldn’t. The older I get, the absence of you in my life becomes more prevalent.

This roller coaster of emotions continued for a long time. I was often confused. I desperately wanted to ‘figure it out,’ and understand the great meaning so that somehow I could experience peace and love in my own heart again.

I am slowly understanding that it was simply time for your spirit to move on from the body you were in. Your spirit is still very much alive to this day, and I experience evidence of that regularly. The key is for me to stay open to see it.

As time passes, I also realize there is actually so much beauty in grief. It helps us realize just how enormous our love can be--which is ultimately why it can hurt so intensely to say goodbye to that person in the form that we knew them.

That is why it hurts even more for me. It’s no secret that I bottle everything up. I never wanted to talk about your passing to anyone. I also never wrote about it for the longest time, because in all honesty, I didn't want sympathy. I wanted to be alone in my pain, and to stay connected to you in any and all ways possible. The opinions and, "oh my gosh, I can’t imagine" moments were not all that welcome out of what seemed like self-preservation.

But that’s all changed now. 32 years later, I feel like I am ready--ready to talk about you, as well as talk about you with others who have tragically lost their loved one(s). I want to show you that through fragility, I have become a stronger person--more able to understand, more able to listen and to care. Because of my hurt due to loss, I've become a wiser person.

I want you to be known. I want you to be celebrated. I want you to be cherished and loved by the people I love as well, because I know you would have been a fantastic human being, and a great brother.

I write this open letter with so much love in my heart for you.

Love you to heaven and back,

Your proud older brother









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Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
I was watching "Gone With the Wind" for the umpteenth time this evening on TCM.

And yes, no question Rhett Butler loved Scarlett - quite deeply as a matter of fact. Scarlett continued to pine for Ashley, and their marriage was stormy. Scarlett ultimately realizes that Ashley loves only Melanie and that she loves Rhett, but in the end Rhett refuses her and leaves her alone at Tara with the words, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”





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Review of Hello Momma,  Open in new Window.
Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)
Happy Sunday Teresa *Hug*


Best wishes on this very pleasant and peaceful Sunday !

Beautifully written letter to your mother! You poured your heart out in a very loving and elegant way,
and I know your mom loved reading every word. I believe she oftentimes re-reads EVERYTHING
you've written, with this letter right at the top of that loving collection. You were both so very blessed
to have one another !

Best,


Jon-Blair Jacques

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Review of Dear Me  Open in new Window.
Review by jonblair Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
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