Romantic for a History Lover

200-year-old love letter found in chair

“A 200-year-old love letter has been found in the arm of a chair at a furniture upholsterers in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, England. The note, written in French, was in the chair bought in a house clearance in France. “‘When I started to work on the arm”, said Graham Simpson of Theocus Furniture, “I could see a small note, tightly folded up, about the size of a penny. When I opened it, to my amazement it was a note written in pencil, in old French.”

“The style of language suggests the letter was composed about 200 years ago. It was written from a man to a woman and sent from the town of Mercurol in the Alps:

“The translated letter: “‘My dear small love, do not be worried, do you seriously believe I would tell anything to these people, who don’t understand anything about love?

“‘If someone insists that I say something, it will be anything but the dear love acquired by you, which is the great treasure hidden in my heart.

“‘I didn’t tell you to come yesterday because I didn’t have the opportunity, but do come every Tuesday around 5:30, and Fridays as well; I count/hope on you tomorrow.

“‘At the moment I write this letter, I can hear my aunt yelling, who else annoys us all day long, today and tomorrow.

“”My dear, I cover you with kisses and caresses until… I need you in this moment of desire. I love you.”

Man Up For Japan

Japan has been good to all of us present and previous ALTs. It has given us a home, many new friends and more opportunities than we can possibly count. And the country needs ...our help now, so please 'MAN UP FOR JAPAN'

Cheers!

Cat Survived Earthquake and Reunited with Family

A woman returned to her house that was devastated by the earthquake and tsunami to look for her cat.

She was shocked by the damage in the house as she was rummaging through the rubble. While she was talking to the reporter, a miracle happened. Her cat came out from the stairs and started meowing. Non-non the cat was hiding upstairs when the tsunami hit. The little one survived. Though the kitty was still a little shaking and overwhelmed by the whole disaster and afraid to come back downstairs, it was absolutely heart-warming and hopeful to know that Non-non made it safe. Rough Translation: Woman told the reporter “That’s my house.” She was wondering where her cat is. The reporter followed her into the house. They saw a large tree trunk in the room through the window. Later the reporter heard the woman saying “The cat is alive!” She said that she heard the cat meowing upstairs. Her cat’s name is Non-non.

Gaga's wristband raises $250,000 for Japan victims

Pop star Lady Gaga has collected $250,000 from the sales of a wristband she designed to raise money for Japan's earthquake victims. 'Monsters (fans): in just 48 hrs you've raised a quarter of a million dollars for Japan Relief. It's important we help. X (sic),' Gaga posted on her Twitter page. The singer urged her twitter followers to buy the $5 red and white accessory, which has a message 'We pray for Japan' both in English and Japanese. Japan suffered widespread devastation as a result of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake on March11. Gaga is among many stars to raise donations through the social networking website.

NOLA Irish Parade

Marching in its 62nd year, the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Committee boasted a record participation for 2011, with more than 1,400 members.

Amid the roaming face-painters and cotton-candy vendors, the crowd of thousands presented a proud blur of green. Whether displayed by a hat, a wig, a crown, body paint or an entire elaborate costume, the Irish spirit was out in full force.

Cheered on by the sunshine and pleasant breeze of a perfect March day, the streets along the Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Parade route provided evidence Saturday that, even though Mardi Gras was just four days earlier, New Orleans most definitely had one more parade left in it.

And those who stayed home this year because they had worn themselves out during Carnival can take heart in knowing that Mardi Gras will not fall this close to St. Patrick’s Day again until 2038, when Fat Tuesday is on March 9.

Annual parade route is along Magazine St. around New Orleans' Irish Channel.

Parade goers will be able to grab cabbages and other vegetables from Mardi Gras-style floats and trucks, as well as beads and flowers.

Lady Gaga's Japan Earthquake Relief Wristband

I DONATED!!

Show your support for Japan with this "We Pray For Japan" wristband! Choose your price to add an additional donation with your wristband. All proceeds go directly to Japan relief efforts.