MDBCs 13 Mar 2024

Jewel is a term used to refer to gemstones - precious or semi-precious and natural or man-made - and for ornaments made from these gemstones. The word comes from the Medieval Latin word jocale meaning plaything or pastime.

Coveted Throughout Human History

Jewels and ornaments have been used by humans for functional and decorative purposes throughout history. In many societies in the past and present, jewelry is worn as a way of reflecting one's status in society.

The origins of this unofficial holiday, which is also known as National Jewel Day in the United States, are unknown.

How to Celebrate?

Buy yourself that piece of jewelry that you have been eyeing forever.
Exchange handmade jewelry with your friends.
Use this day to take care of your jewels.
Learn more about jewels from different cultures and historical time periods.
Listen to the music of Jewel, the American singer-songwriter.

Did You Know…

…that the word diamond comes from the Greek word for invincible? Fitting, since diamond is one of the hardest substances known to man.

***

Some years ago, my dad, an attorney, took me to a fancy restaurant in New York City. When the bill arrived, there was a $1.50 charge for bread and butter. Dad paid the bill, including the charge for bread and butter. However, the next day, he sent a letter to the restaurant stating that the charge was uncalled for. Enclosed in the same envelope was a bill for $500 in legal services.

Someone from the restaurant called immediately and asked, "What is this $500 bill for? We never ordered any legal services."

Dad replied, "I never ordered any bread and butter."

The $1.50 was returned without delay.

***

While taking a routine vandalism report at an elementary school, I was interrupted by a little girl about six years old. Looking up and down at my uniform, she asked, "Are you a cop?"

"Yes," I answered, and continued writing the report.

"My mother said if I ever needed help I should ask the police. Is that right?"

"Yes, that's right," I told her.

"Well, then," she said as she extended her foot toward me, "would you please tie my shoe?"

***

Taking advantage of a balmy day in New York, my brother and three other priests swapped their clerical garb for polos and khakis and time on the golf course. After several horrible shots, their caddy asked, "Are you guys priests?"

"Actually, yes," one cleric replied. "Why?"

"Because," said the caddy, "I've never seen such bad golf and heard such clean language."

***

My five-year-old, Matt, worked with a speech therapist on the ch sound, which came out k.

The  therapist asked him to say chicken. He responded with kitchen. They tried again and again, but it always came out kitchen. Undeterred, she pushed him for one more try.