Honoring Our Fallen Soldiers- Video

A tribute video to our fallen heroes.

Song: "If Heaven Was Needing A Hero" by Jo Dee Messina.

Remember- Memorial Day 2012

We often forget what the true meaning of Memorial Day is. It's about honoring those brave warriors who fought for our freedoms and never made it home. It's also about honoring the families of those fallen heroes.

Iraq Veteran Alex Horton's blog post says it all:

I hope civilians find more solace in Memorial Day than I do. Many seem to forget why it exists in the first place, and spend the time looking for good sales or drinking beers on the back porch. It’s a long weekend, not a period of personal reflection. At the same time, many incorrectly thank Vets or active duty folks for their service. While appreciated, it’s misdirected. That’s what Veterans Day is for. Instead, they should take some time and remember the spirit of the country and the dedication of those men and women who chose to pick up arms. They never came home to be thanked, and only their memory remains.

Read the rest here.

Source: Spirit of America.

Happy Mother's Day To Stay-AT-Home Moms

Not that Republican mothers don't work, but those who choose to stay at home with the kids- we salute you. That goes for mothers who happen to be members of other political parties.

Mother's Day 2012

This is a wonderful ad for the 2012 Olympic Games about motherhood.

Happy Mother's Day to all who happen to be mothers.



Cross Posted at Mind, Body and Spirit

2010 a New Year, a New Decade- May it bring 'real' hope and change, because miracles DO happen!

2009 was a rough year and, admittedly, I will be happy when it's finally over. When I lived in Ecuador (for 2 years during high school), on New Year's eve they had a major block party on one of the major drags. Up and down Amazonas boulevard, live bands played music and effigies representing the old year were burned. I haven't thought about that in a long time, but this year I might do something similar as a symbolic gesture for out with the old, because it really sucked.

The economy has taken its toll on many, including me. Arts funding is usually the first to go in challenging economic times, so many theatres have shut down, the work has dwindled, and it might be time to search for another career. I also battled health problems for the best part of the year, and am only just starting to feel normal again, if that's possible when you have 2 chronic ailments. I have been sick since March, but since the beginning of May (when I finally decided to go to a doctor) I have been trekking to MDs and acupuncturists anywhere from 2 to 4 times a week. Because of lack of work, I did not get enough weeks to qualify for my union health insurance, so I will be paying over $2,000 per quarter in Cobra payments. At least I have that option. But 2010 is a new year and the start of a new decade, and I am ever hopeful- because miracles happen.

On the national level, we saw the election of our first black president, which would have been wonderful had it been the "right" black president. I blogged about what a disaster it would be to vote for Obama, and how a no vote or a vote for a 3rd party candidate was essentially a vote for Obama. People did anyway, and now many regret the decision. I'd like to say I told you so, but what would I gain from that. I just hope people remember, and vote the right way in 2010 and 2012. And though it seems that Obama could lay waste to this precious country in 4 short years, 2010 is a new year and the start of a new decade, and I am ever hopeful that things can change, for the better. And not Obama's vacuous claims of "hope and change." Real hope and change- because miracles happen.

We've seen more violence and more craziness around the world, with an increase in radical Islam (and the ultimate goal of global domination by extremists), but on the other hand we've also seen Muslims against terrorism and shariah become more vocal in their condemnation, both here and abroad. We are also witnessing that there are those in the Middle East who truly want democracy and will fight to achieve that goal, and so we need to pray for the Iranian people who are fighting on their own for freedom. All they want is moral support. Let's give it to them. Maybe more will follow suit, though that's highly unlikely. So, in spite of the mess our sad little world is in, 2010 is a new year and the start of a new decade, and I am ever hopeful that 'good' will win over 'evil'- because the good guys always win, and miracles do happen.

And if you don't believe in miracles watch this




Wishing everyone a blessed, prosperous and Happy New year. May it bring many miracles into all of our lives.

GOD bless this country and all freedom-loving people of the world.

Cross posted at Mind, Body, Spirit

Allah But No Jesus In Indiana School Holiday Show

Children at Lantern Road Elementary School in central Indiana were set to sing "Allah is God", in their 'all-inclusive' holiday production, until the reference was removed after much hoopla. What Christians took offense to was the fact that "Allah" was the only deity mentioned throughout the programme. So some parents, with the help of American Family Association (AFA), lobbied for its removal. This, naturally, offended the Muslim Alliance of Indiana:

“It’s unfortunate if that was removed from the program just because of Islamophobic feelings,” Shariq Siddiqui told the Indianapolis Star. “Schools are a place where we should learn more about each other rather than exclude each other based on stereotypes and misconceptions.”

Siddiqi's anger would be totally justified if the school had altogether removed the Muslim section of the show- which included Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas and Ramadan- which it did not. And I think no-one would have had any problems with a song mentioning 'Allah', if they had mentioned 'Jesus' during the Christmas portion of the programme, which they did not.

The principal of the school stated that the holiday production was a means of teaching inclusiveness to the children, which is a wonderful concept, as long as you are being inclusive. I have no problem with inclusiveness. Celebrating and learning about other people's cultures and religions teaches us respect and tolerance of others. But singing:

"Allah is God, we recall at dawn,

Praying ‘til night during Ramadan

At this joyful time we pray happiness for you,

Allah be with you all your life through.”

and then

“I didn’t know there was a little boy at the manger. What child is this?

I’m not sure if there was a little boy or not.

Then why did you paint one on your nativity window?

I just thought if there was a little boy, I’d like to know exactly what he (sic) say.”

That's not quite equitable. Micah Clarke of the Indiana AFA had this to say of the inequity

“(This show) affirmed Islam and negated Christianity. I wouldn’t have had a problem if it had been equal to all faiths.”

Which is what it all boils down to. Had there been any mention of Jesus which is what Christmas is all about, I don't think there would have been any problems.

Giving Thanks On Thanksgiving And Every Day

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." Cicero

Food usually becomes the centerpiece for most of our celebrated holidays, and we forget about the true meaning of these occasions. Though there is no consensus about the actual history behind the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, we do know it was a day to give thanks to God and the bounties of the harvest. They had gone through challenging times, losing half the Pilgrims during the first harsh winter, but eventually prospered. But even through the hard times, they gave thanks for God's blessings.

We too are going through difficult times, and as challenging as it might be to find something positive to be grateful for, we should be thankful for what we do have, even if it's not much. If you look close enough at your life, you can always find something to be grateful for.

But Thanksgiving shouldn't be the only day to give thanks for our blessings, we should find things to be grateful for every day. In fact, there have been studies proving that gratitude and giving thanks brings health and happiness to those who do so on an ongoing basis.

WAYS TO GIVE THANKS:

Journaling is one way to to take stock of our daily blessings. Before you go to bed, make a list of all the positive things that occurred, that you can give thanks for. Even if it's finding that one last parking spot in the mall parking lot. Or the fact that you didn't get angry at the slowpoke in the fast lane.

Thank someone if they have been helpful or kind and then return the favor.

In spite of the current political climate, we have much to be thankful for. We still have our freedom and the ability to fight to maintain it. We have people willing to join the military to protect those hard won freedoms. There are still good people in this world who are willing to help those who are less fortunate and to stand up for what's right, even at their own peril.

A very Happy Thanksgiving, and God bless you all!

AFA's Christian Boycott of The Gap Goes Too Far

The pro-family Christian organization American Family Association (AFA) has issued a temporary boycott of The Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic stores because, according to their website, they're pissed off that the Gap has refused to use the word 'Christmas' in its TV ads.

Problem is, this isn't quite true, since the following ad features dancers singing a ditty that clearly contains the word Christmas, and given top billing, to boot.

"Go Christmas, go Hannukah, go Kwanzaa, go Solstice... do whatever you wannukah, and to all a cheery night."

Personally, I don't find anything offensive about the ad, though I know there will be some who take issue with the fact that it includes other holidays. I will be the first to criticize how pc this world has become, but there is a difference between being pc and being inclusive. Christmas is not the only celebrated holiday during the December 'holiday season', and it's not as if the Gap was excluding Christmas or calling it something it isn't. Yes, it's stupid to call a Christmas tree a Holiday tree, that indeed is being pc, but to wish someone Happy Holiday's is not pc, since not everyone is Christian.

Let's all be more charitable during this Holiday Season. Since that's what the season is all about. Isn't it?

Happy 'Eid al-Adha' on Best Buy Thanksgiving Day Sale Sunday Ad Insert

I'm in the market for a new laptop, since mine seems to be on its last legs. And, as always, prior to a major purchase I do my research; and though I haven't quite settled on which one to buy (it has to be good for my photography) I decided to check out the Sunday advertising inserts today.

So, I'm checking out Best Buy and smack dab on the front page, right on top of the "Shop Thanksgiving Day at BESTBUY.COM" is Happy Eid al-Adha. Odd, methinks, since nowhere does it say Happy Thanksgiving, just shop Thanksgiving Day.

Happy Eid al-Adha? On a Thanksgiving Day advertising circular? Now, I thought Eid ended the month of Ramadan, but it turns out Muslims celebrate 2 Eid festivals. This one occurs after the completion of Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca). This year it is celebrated from November 27th through November 30th, though the dates fluctuate from year to year.

Interesting how things have changed, of late. Now, I'm pretty open-minded and I have no problem with being inclusive of other religious holidays, as long as it doesn't co-opt the original one, like Tyson Farms attempted to do with Labour Day and Eid al-Fitr, the other Eid holiday.

And since when do companies start honoring the lesser known holidays of the major religions of the world? They don't even honor the well known ones. Anyone seen Happy Diwali (Hindu) on a Best Buy insert? And forget any of the Buddhist holidays.

It just would have been nice to see Happy Thanksgiving somewhere on the insert, considering the sale is a Thanksgiving Day sale, not an Eid al-Adha sale.

Happy Halloween 2009- Obamazombies Trick or Treat

BOO! Scary enough for you!

From Zack's Diversity Lane

Memorial Day, 2009

Please take time today, amidst all the Memorial Day festivities, to contemplate the true meaning of Memorial Day and honor the brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives over the decades so that we can be free.

And pray for those who are still alive and still fighting for our freedom!

God Bless them all!

With Wishes For Peace In The New Year!

The fireworks, last night, sounded like the crackle of gunfire and it saddened me to think that in so many parts of our world, this disturbing sound is probably a daily occurrence, and I wondered what it must be like to live in constant fear.

2008 was a turbulent and troubling year with violence erupting throughout most regions of the world; from the Middle East to India to our own back yard. I'm not just referring to the bloodshed that's perpetrated in the name of religion or politics, but also to the violence that occurs in our cities, inner cities, suburbs or rural areas because of drugs or family disputes or whatever pathetic reason that drives someone to harm another. In today's society people (like possessions) have become disposable and it seems, for many, that the easier option is to kill rather than deal with whatever negative situation they happen to be in, or think they might be in. So mothers suffocate their babies and dump their newborns in canals, rather than give them up for adoption; husbands kill wives because it's simpler than a divorce; daughters kill parents because the parents disapprove of their boyfriends; brothers kill sisters because of disputes over their inheritance; criminals and drug dealers kill for an easy buck (or revenge), because they're too lazy to work, pedophiles give in to their sick lust, rather than seek help. People choose the easy way out (whether through lack of conscience or ignorance or both) regardless of the consequences, and as a result, the innocent suffer.

But, in spite of the daily barrage of bad tidings we call 'news', I still harbor hope! Hope for a world in which people can live in harmony and peace. Where freedom (our greatest gift from GOD) is something that is cherished and encouraged and allowed to flourish.

Every New Year brings, with its birth, the possibility for transformation and renewal and evolution. We start each year with a clean slate, and it is up to us, as individuals, to make the necessary changes within ourselves to move forward as enlightened beings. If we purge our hearts and minds of hatred and all negativity and replace those feelings with Love we can make a difference, because Love does truly conquer all.

God bless this country and all those in the world who embrace freedom, and God bless our troops and allied troops, who make that possible!!

Happy 2009 and God bless you all!

Merry Christmakwanzukkah To All!

I have been rather slack with blogging these days, but will start back at it shortly.

In the meantime, I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Kwanzaa!

With Love,

Incog

Taking The Stress Out Of The Holiday Season- Or, Don't Buy Johnny That X-Box!

The holiday season is upon us, and along with all the excitement and joy that this time of year brings for many, comes the inevitable stress (and depression) for many others. It's that Bah Humbug time.

Stress, other than during times of danger, is not our friend, and can lead to many health issues- from stomach troubles to colds, and pretty much everything in between. If chronic, it can cause major health problems including heart disease and a weakened immune system. It's all those chemicals, but specifically cortisol, released during the 'fight or flight' response to some environmental or social stressor, which can have a negative impact on our bodies, particularly if it remains in our bloodstream for prolonged periods of time.

More often than not, we create our own stress during the holidays by having unrealistic goals and expectations, of both ourselves and others. We rush around, frantically trying to figure out what gifts to buy for family, friends and coworkers, most of which won't be appreciated, and are more than likely unneeded. Getting nasty and mean-spirited when parking spaces become a premium at the malls, or trampling someone to death at a Walmart trying to get a bargain on Black Friday. Feeling obligated to go to all the parties and the feasts that we're invited to, we overindulge in unhealthy foods and drink, which leads to unwanted weight gain, and that extra tire, and I'm not talking about the one in the trunk of your car.

American consumerism, bolstered by a retail industry that encourages it- by now extending the Christmas season to way before Halloween- has become a major problem . We overspend and overeat, when we can least afford to. We get all tied up in the hype and commercialism, and we forget the true meaning of this time of year, and what the spirit of giving truly means. During simpler times, kids were happy with a couple of toys under the tree - a doll, legos maybe a bike; now if they don't have a truckload of gifts under that tree, including the latest X-Box, the kids go ballistic.

But, there are ways to handle all the stress that is part and parcel of this time of year, particularly those things you do have control over.

SOLUTIONS

JUST SAY NO- Pick a few parties you want to go to and decline the others. With all the people that are invited to these shindigs, no-one is going to miss seeing you, believe me. Spend time with the people you enjoy, not the one's who cause you grief.

GIFT GIVING/LESS IS MORE- When it comes to gift giving, tell your family and friends you are not exchanging gifts this year. Or offer to give a gift of time. Offer to babysit one night for your brother, or pull the weeds at your parent's house. Tell your kids they are getting one nice present and one small gift, and that they have to choose some toys from their collection to give away to charity. And if you do decide to get a gift for an adult, rather than stressing about what to give them, why not donate to charity in that person's name. In fact, if you are having a party, suggest people do that instead of bringing you a gift. Opt out of the Secret Santa's. How often have you liked what you received, anyway?

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD: Instead of stressing over cooking a huge feast for a slew of people, eat out. Or, go simple and have a pot luck. Make sure everyone helps with the cleanup. If you go to a party, limit your alcohol and food intake, your body and waistline will thank you.

DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE- I'm the queen of procrastination, but there's nothing that causes stress more than waiting until the last minute to do something, including any shopping you might have. So make your list, check it twice and head out for the shops with plenty of time. The closer to Christmas it gets, the fuller the parking lots will be and the nastier you and others will get. It's not worth the added stress.

DON'T FRET OVER THINGS YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER- If you can't find what you want, find a substitute or move on, cross it off your list. Nothing is worth fretting over, especially if you have no control over it, which is pretty much everything other than our opinions and how we react to the circumstances in our lives. According to Stoic philosopher Epictetus, to be happy we must know what is and isn't within our control. The only things we have control over are our opinions "and our impulses desires and aversions - in short whatever is our own doing." (Encheiridion C1). Wanting to control things that are not within our control can only cause unhappiness and stress: "Do not seek to have events happen as you want them to but instead want them to happen as they do happen, and your life will go well" (Encheiridion C8).

SLEEP/REST/MEDITATE/BREATHE- This is the time when our bodies and minds rejuvenate, heal, recuperate and recharge. Make sure you don't skimp. Get enough sleep at night, and nap or rest, if you can, even if it's to shut the mind down for a few minutes.

Meditation can also help with stress, as can deep breathing.

When you feel very stressed, take a deep, slow breath. Inhale fully, a long deep breath, through your nostrils. Fill the lungs. Hold for about 10-15 seconds and then exhale. As you exhale, think of all the stress flowing out of your body. Do that a few times.

HERBS/VITAMINS ETC- Instead of a cup of coffee, try a nice hot, relaxing, cup of chamomile tea. That should calm you down. Passion Flower, Oatstraw and Valerian are also calmatives. Ashwaghanda, is an Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) tonic which also has a calming effect. Siberian Ginseng enhances the immune function, strengthens the adrenal glands and helps the body adapt to stress. And don't forget the Vitamins and Minerals: B Vitamins are quickly depleted during times of stress, so shore up on your Bs. What the body doesn't use, it will eliminate. Stress also depletes Vitamin C, which supports the adrenal glands, a healthy immune system and inflammatory response. Stress also depletes magnesium, which is a very important anti-stress mineral that helps promote relaxation by helping the body utilize various antioxidants and vitamins. And for a mood enhancer, try Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids. Omega-3 is not produced in the body, so you have to get it from foods or supplements, and most diets are sorely lacking.

For more information on herbal remedies for stress check here , and here.

When taking herbs, please check to make sure you are not allergic to anything, and that you do research before combining or embarking on any herbal regimen.

Cross posted at Mind, Body Spirit.

11/11/08- Veteran's Day

In honor of our veterans-

"You gave for peace with courage

That families may be free

So children could grow strong

And safe they'd ever be.

In giving for the sake of peace

You may have suffered loss

Your body may still show its wounds

From taking up the cause.

May remembrance of your time away

Your sacrifice for peace

Spur us on to strive more strongly

For freedom, that there'll be release.

From causes that sent some away

To fight that we may freely live

With gratefulness we thank you, veterans

For all you gave and give!"

by Susan Helene Kramer

And for those who want to help.

Treats for Troops
Freedom Alliance
America Supports You
Any Soldier
Operation Gratitude
Troops Support

To send e-cards:
Military E-Cards
Hallmark
Let's Say Thanks

DEMOCRAT HALLOWEEN

Some cartoons for your enjoyment. Happy Halloween to all!





and from Zack over at Diversitylane.

Tyson Chicken Plant Swaps Labour Day For Muslim Eid al-Fitr

Here we go folks, it's starting! The Tyson Chicken plant in Shelbyville, TN will now celebrate the Muslim holy day Eid al-Fitr instead of Labour Day! At least the union employees will; even those who don't happen to be Muslim! Thanks to the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union's new 5 year contract, union employees will no longer get a paid day off on Labour Day; that all-American, U.S. federal holiday that marks the end of summer. They will now have to take their day off on October 1st, this year, with all their Muslim co-workers celebrating the end of Ramadan. Of the 1,200 employees at the poultry plant, 700 are Muslim (many of Somali descent), though who knows how many of those are union members. And although some workers don't seem to mind, others do:

Nineteen-year plant veteran William Pentecost doesn’t agree with the decision. "I don’t think it's right. I really don't think it's right," he said.
"It shouldn't happen. I mean, I think, we're in America, you're in America, I think that they should go with our holidays," Pentecost said

Since when does a union have the right to replace a federally-mandated holiday with a religious holiday, because a slight, but vocal majority demands it? Have the Jews ever demanded concessions and accommodations? They get the same holidays every other American gets, with no complaints. And when did Muslims become the majority? Last I heard Christians still are a majority, with approximately 2.1 billion adherents, followed by Muslims with approximately, 1.5 billion, and growing rapidly.

Apparently, Tyson has also built a prayer room for Muslims. Would they also build ones for any Hindus, Buddhists, Jews or Christians that might happen to work there, if asked? I sincerely doubt it, although they claim it has never been requested. Would Saudi Arabian authorities allow a company to build a prayer room for Christians? I think not. They don't even allow Churches there.

And since when does industry cater to religious groups? Religion should be a personal, private matter, not part of the workforce, unless it happens to be a religious organization. Why are we giving into Muslim pressure? The more we give in the more they will expect,and the more this country will become Islamicized. The United States was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, it is NOT an Islamic country. Yes, they are free to practice their religion, but why should others suffer because they demand their holiday replace one that has been in existence since 1894!

Is this where our country is headed?

UPDATE: Looks like Tyson reinstated Labour Day as a paid holiday! Just proves that when enough people balk, things get done. I know that Tyson paid a visit to this blog, via google, soon after I published this post. They must have visited other blogs complaining about their decision.