Friday, June 22, 2012

Hitler's Pawn the Margaret Lambert Story (review by Jeffrey Schrembs)

Nazi Germany.

These words conjure up a plethora of emotions, reactions, images, and thoughts. The reality that true evil bred true discrimination and the killing of millions of innocent people, and devastated millions more and I believe took from the World sacred souls that were among the best in every profession known to man, was able to rise to power and (truly) threaten the World is something that the World should NEVER FORGET…and never allow to be repeated.

From the ashes of the death bestowed upon the Jewish people, by Hitler and the fanatics loyal to him, comes the beautiful redeeming documentary entitled “Hitler’s Pawn” which tells the true story of Margaret Lambert.

The grace, beauty, talents, and integrity of Margaret Lambert is evident in each frame in which she is present as well as in her story as a whole. This documentary moved me for many reasons and I am thankful for having come across it, quite by accident, tonight.

I would encourage others to seek out this documentary, and others like it as well as read books with similar subject matter, and to support those who allow the pains of their lives to be broadcast to the World not for personal gain but because their story is deserving.

The magnificence of the Jewish people, and the brave men who fought and gave their lives to defeat Nazi Germany, should never be forgotten. Should never be “simplified”. Should never be negated.

Their sacrifices, and their lives and their deaths, have benefited every generation afterward and future generations need to know what really happened and not have it “spoon fed” to them with portions of political correctness.

Not all heroes are nationally, or internationally, recognized. Not all heroes seek the limelight. True heroes go about their daily lives focusing on the needs of others while trying to improve the quality of lives of those around them.

In my opinion Margaret Lambert is the best of heroes because she never forgot her family left behind in Germany. She never forgot those who lost their lives to unspeakable horrors just because Jewish blood ran through their veins. She never forgot what she lost and she never forgot who she was regardless of what name she choose to use.

Such fortitude, honor, and grace I pray will not be lost to this generation or those to follow. It is not enough to learn history in compliance with the old adage of “those who know not history are bound to repeat it” but to learn history where it counts the most…in ones heart…in ones soul and in ones passing along the truth of what occurred vowing to not be silent while discrimination – hatred – inflammatory rhetoric - and evil rears it’s ugly head even in corners of the World far removed.

To those who do not stand united against true evil (i.e. philosophically, politically, personally and professionally) do a disservice to themselves and to all of humanity. If one is not strong enough to recognize, and acknowledge, true evil then one is (sadly and truly) blind.

It is documentary’s such as these, even in the timeframe of (approximately) one hour, that lessons can be learned and compassion/understanding can be seeded.

Here is the HBO link: http://www.hbo.com/sports/hitlers-pawn-the-margaret-lambert-story/index.html

Take care and may God bless you.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Happy Father's Day 2012 (by Jeff Schrembs)


Father’s Day 2012.

For me it is a bittersweet day.

I can recall the moment in which the pregnancy was confirmed for each of my children. I can recall the months of praying, hoping, and dreaming that the child (and their mother) would both be…safe and healthy. I can recall the joy in seeing my children for the first time and the beauty of seeing them in their mother’s arms, while tears streamed down the mothers face, where they belonged.

I love, have loved, and always will love each of my children. Not a moment of a day goes by that I don’t think about them – pray for them – miss them – love them – and a thankful for them. They are each (truly) beautiful in all areas (the mind, body, spirit, and soul) and I thank God for each of them.

I hope that on this day, and the other 364 days of the year, that my children (and every child) is acknowledged and given love and support. I hope that they are encourage and accepted. That they are appreciated and given the tools to achieve. I hope that they pursue the talents bestowed upon them from God and that they are never afraid, or ashamed, to…try. Even when it is the darkest hour and all seems lost that they continue to try and remember that God created them for a reason…and he doesn’t make mistakes.

Whatever I am doing. Wherever I am. I will be thinking of my children.

Father’s Day 2012 will come and go but true love is eternal.

The love that I have for each of my children will never waiver nor will it be diminished by time or distance. No matter how “grown” they become they will always be my children and their mothers deserving of my respect.

To some it will be a day just like any other.

To some it will be a day of reflection of those who have left this World having passed away.

To some it will be pain knowing that the relationship is strained and so much pain has come that the scar tissue keeps binding the wounds…but not healing.

To some it will be that contact is limited by a glass pane or bars or both.

To some it will be the silence that exists whether it is caused by Court orders, lies, truths, or the actions/inactions never knowing the path they were on would end up in an abyss surrounded by darkness and tears.

To others it will be a meal shared by family members and the exchange of cards or presents. Cameras will record the events and videos and photographs sent wirelessly or email or via mail.

To far too many it will be a time when the reality of War takes those far away and the hope of a safe return triumphs the novelty of the day.

Regardless of which, or a combination of, of these examples are applicable the point is that without Fathers (and being a Father is not limited to just whose genetics brought life to each child). Being a Father means sacrifice, unconditional love, and eternal prayers for good health – happiness – and a long life (for all of God’s children).



Father’s Day 2012 would otherwise go “unnamed”, and thus Father’s not having a special day of their own, and more importantly without Fathers life itself would cease to exist. It remains my hope, and prayers, that Fathers everywhere are afforded the respect – love – appreciation – understanding – and forgiveness that brings upon us the honor as ordained by God…and is deserving.

May this day be one of happiness, beloved memories, and a commitment that life is not about forgetting the days that have come before but the promise of better days ahead.

Lastly, to those whose Fathers have passed away I wish, and pray for you, that this day is one of peace and remembrance.

May God bless you all. Jeff Schrembs



PS: This video makes me laugh so I attached it.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Why does it have to be this way?

Looking back I should have know It wasn’t your age but you hadn’t grown Into the woman you would come to be Emerging from the darkness unwillingly You kept your secrets and you planned a day When all of our world would cease to be Torn apart and thrown away With conviction yet carelessly What was left behind can’t be recognized Through the tears that have long left these eyes Worst of all is the written and spoken lies That one day will be uncovered, analyzed But what about today? Will they ever heal? Hearing your mantra of truthful denial So easily dismissed the oath before God Have all your dreams now come true? All that you sought? The pages of life continue to turn When you look in the mirror does it burn? With the knowledge of all you have done and said Hurting the innocent leaving them scarred Do you pray that time will take me away? That I will cease to be, in a box to decay Then you’ll be the victim and your lies fulfilled My silence ensured…your webs finally killed May God have mercy and hear my prayers For nothing else matters but to truly care For those who I love and miss everyday Kept apart I pray…temporarily As I cherish them truly each day since their birth Nothing means more, nothing on earth They will know that I love them so In their true hearts…into their soul For truth has a ring that one only has to hear True love has the power to sustain…and to heal For it took both to bring them to life And it takes both now... no longer husband and wife I pray you’ll find your way to do what’s right To cease all the drama, put a stop to the fight I was wrong in so many ways My God I’ve paid a price each second of everyday Maybe one day you’ll stop being blind To the pains they suffer today, and in time I never would have allowed the tables to be turned For you are deserving, even after you burned The one who was lost by sickness and depression That could never be cured by dishonorable sessions I write these words knowing I truly loved But love wasn’t enough; I’ve learned…I’ve heard Mistakes I’ve made I’ll never make again For this is now, and that was then The steps I’ve taken to improve and to better Are evident in my heart, and that’s what truly matters And to those I’ve loved and longed for each day I pray for the opportunity to make the hurt…go away I don’t regret falling in love and all those years Spent by your side, sharing hopes – dreams – and fears But that time has gone and to what will take its place? For me it will be to love them…and to see their face Not just in pictures or through space or walls Built up internally, in the mind, or in laws But to do for them what needs to be done For them to be happy and loved by; Father to daughter…Father to son Whatever you were, whatever you are, whatever you’ll be I will always wish you well and hold specific memory Wherever my children go, whatever they do I will love them, pray for them, not taking from you Maybe one day you’ll realize that no one can take my place For they are ours by blood, my name and my face The time draws near when decisions are to be made That will determine the path, determine their fate No matter what happens, or what happened in the past My love will never leave them, it will…ever last Why does it have to be this way? Who’s to know, who’s to say? If it was up to me after true reflection and care The answer is simple…the answer is to share For without one they are missing the other They shouldn’t have to choose between their Father and Mother There is room in their hearts and lives for both I will do what’s right…I give them my oath To focus on their healing, to love and support Through all of the madness this is what I’ve sought I ask you now to stop, to give them time to recover Your last name is irrelevant for you are their Mother And if you can’t see what is right and what should be Then you are too blind and you’ll never see Please take their hand and show them the way To truly forgive, to start to heal, beginning today For tomorrow is uncertain and it will always be For they are what is important, not I…not we

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Update on www.ElvisCollector.info & Jeff Schrembs



ISSUED:     May 16, 2012


We are pleased to announce that www.ElvisCollector.info is being converted from Office Live to Office 365 and should be fully converted by May 30, 2012. This conversion has caused interruptions in our website page viewing, the content being visible, the audio and video files disabled, and access to our email accounts to be denied. Nonetheless progress is being made along with enhancements, and improvements, which we believe will make us the premier Elvis Presley Collector, and Fan, Website on the Internet.

 Also, www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org is in the beta testing phase and should be fully operational by the fall of 2012. You can become a member for free and start sharing, posting, listening to audio and video files, etc. right now. Individuals who become members now, and refer ten people who themselves become members, will receive numerous benefits including an 8 x 10 limited edition numbered certificate that is not only beautiful but will be highly sought after. We encourage everyone to take advantage of becoming a member now.


On a personal note concerning Mr. Jeff Schrembs he asked us to convey his deep felt appreciation, thanks, love, etc. to everyone who has; written, emailed, posted words of support and encouragement, etc. these past few weeks We are all hoping that Jeff will be feeling well enough to return and share his unique insights. He has been humbled and deeply moved by each and every one of you so please continue to keep him in your thoughts and your prayers.


Webmaster of:
www.ElvisCollector.info
www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

Friday, April 20, 2012

Praying for Sonny West's complete recovery April 20, 2012

There are (sadly) reports that Sonny West’s medical condition has deteriorated and that he is in the hospital for heart related issues and is not doing well.

Please join us in offering your; condolences, prayers, thoughts, support, etc. for Sonny West – his family – Sandi Pichon – Red West – etc.

We wish Sonny West a full recovery and offer our support, and prayers, to everyone involved.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeffrey Schrembs
2012 All Rights Reserved

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Basking in the greatness of Kentucky (by Jeffrey Schrembs)

Basking in the greatness of Kentucky (by Jeff Schrembs)By Jeff Schrembs


Congratulations to the University of Kentucky Mens Basketball Team who won the 2011-2012 NCAA Championship. Kentucky fans have been waiting a long time for this and should take pride in the teams accomplishments.



Because Kentucky does not have any professional teams it is left to the college teams (i.e UK, UL, Western Kentucky, etc.) to fill the sports fans void. The success of these college teams should be acknowledged, and appreciated, but I wish (selfishly) that Kentucky would get more “positive press” and that the World would come to know the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and it’s history, as more than the stereotypes that (sadly) have been portrayed in various movies/books/articles/etc.



Besides Kentucky winning it all my admiration for the University of Louisville Head Coach (Rick Pitino), and this players, were gracious in defeat and wished Kentucky “well” in their bid to win it all. UL held it’s head high when they had just lost to UK and had to come to terms with the reality that their season was over. There is a lesson there about grace and sportsmanship that should be acknowledged.



Growing up in Kentucky I, and many people, took the landscape (beauty, majesty, etc.) and natural resources for granted. The fact that the landscape, and the priorities and wealth, (generally speaking) varies depending on where you are headed. From the legacy of horse breeding/racing in Lexington to the Belle of Louisville to the coal mines and to the furthermost western part of Kentucky such as Bowling Green which is a scant (approximately) 60 miles from the County Music Capital of the World…Nashville.



There is a lot of diversity in Kentucky (i.e. education, religion, family values, ethnicity, etc.) even though Kentucky has produced individuals, and teams/organizations, that have excelled in their fields of expertise/professions. From Cassius Clay (i.e. Muhammad Ali) to Stephen Foster to Alanna Nash to John James Audubon to Moneta J. Sleek Jr. to Edgar Cayce to Daniel Boone to the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and to modern day celebrities such as Johnny Depp (yes he was born in Kentucky) to George Clooney to the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln it goes on and on.



Oh, I forgot to mention Colonel Harlan Sanders who kind of made a name for himself concerning chicken and (last time I went through the drive thru) over charging for “side dishes” (almost $4 for mac and cheese????).



I hope that there will come a day, and a time, when the accomplishments and hard work of those in and from Kentucky garner as much “positive press” and accolades as Kentucky’s’ sports teams. I know it is asking for a lot but there are so many people of (true) quality in Kentucky and I for one have always believed in “quality over quantity” (except when KFC runs a 20 piece special for $10).



I would WELCOME the outside world getting to know the people of Kentucky in an earnest and respectful way. I believe that for every “well known Kentuckian” there are (literally) tens of thousands of everyday people, in and from Kentucky, who are honorable – hard working - and honestly just want the best for their fellow man and for their families. Hence, there is a beauty and an honor in that and (sadly) is far too often lacking in these United States.



I am proud to be from Kentucky and though I have spent a great deal of my life in the Washington DC area (who would have ever thought that would happen?) what I have learned is that greatness is not found in monuments, material things, or the latest trends/fashions. True greatness is found in giving of ones self and using ones’ talents to their fullest. In that context Kentucky, as a Commonwealth and as a people, are true CHAMPIONS in every aspect. Congratulations.



Jeffrey Schrembs (2012 All Rights Reserved)