Open Thread – Spirit Day
Teenagers who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT) are four times more likely than straight teens to commit suicide. 9 out of 10 gay teens are bullied, verbally or physically abused. After several recent incidents of the bullying of GLBT youth who ended up taking their own lives, supporters are participating in Spirit Day by wearing purple to bring attention to this tragedy.
You can even wear purple for the day on your Twitter avatar, or your Facebook profile by going HERE!
RIP Tyler Clementi, Asher Brown, Seth Walsh, Justin Aaberg,Eric Mohat, Meredith Rezak, Raymond Chase and Billy Lucas. You are not forgotten.
“Military Law Expert: Joe Miller’s Private Guards Violated Government Regulations”
“Soldiers Spc. Tyler Ellingboe, 22, and Sgt. Alexander Valdez, 31, assigned to the 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at Fort Richardson, would appear to be in violation of this law.
“As I read the regulations, regardless of the moonlighting or whether they were being paid for it, they shouldn’t have been there performing these functions in the course of a political campaign,” said Eugene Fidell, who teaches military law at Yale Law School and is president of the National Institute of Military Justice. “Had they been mere spectators it would have been fine. But being part of the team running the event crosses the line.”…………..
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/20/joe-miller-military-guards-violated-regulations_n_770463.html
What school was that?? Did that say Yale?!?!!
I own exactly one purple sweater, and wore it out today. On my way to errands, I saw a group of middle school students on the avenue (it was less than half hour after school ended). About 2/3 of them were wearing purple.
Kids. You train ’em up the best you can, send them on their way, and trust that what you’ve tried to instill in them has ‘taken.’ You hope the ‘intangible’ things you’ve tried to model for them have been incorporated into their lives and they make concrete what you’ve attempted to give them over their growing up. Often, though, you can never be positive sure…
That said, there are times when your kids can knock your socks off by their saying or doing something that you’ve hoped would be a part of their life. They say or do things that confirm they’ve encorporated your teachings into their very core and are willing, even eager, to share them with their peers without any hesitation. That is a good thing! As a parent, what more could you ask?
Today was one of those times for me. Below is what one of my Chickadees posted on a social networking site this evening — it made my heart glad to know there is no hesitation in sharing what we, as a family, feel is important and true. It surely made me mighty proud. And pretty much made my day. beth.
“““““““““““““““““““““
…so
sad that we’re reduced to showing support by wearing a color, rather
than stepping up to the plate every day. Screw wearing purple, pink
ribbons or rainbow pride pins. Be real. Every day. Let your actions
speak so loudly no one will need to check the color of your shirt or
…read your bumper sticker. Stop whining and do something.
Hey, are these goons from Drip Zone wearing fake police badges? Look at the waist of the guy on the left . . ..
http://s1102.photobucket.com/albums/g452/akjoemiller/?action=view¤t=l_5b4cc0e37b75254b2b706cc3101580df.jpg#!oZZ2QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs1102.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg452%2Fakjoemiller%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3Dl_5b4cc0e37b75254b2b706cc3101580df.jpg%26
Good catch, slipstream. That is definitely a badge.
Sarah Palin desecrates the American flag!
http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2010/10/20/sarah_palin_american_flag/index.html
Holy Cow, little miss USA, Constitutionalist, Tea Party Patriot, Apple Pie and all that stuff, signs an American Flag. Can you imagine if a dem, any dem, had done the same? Can you just hear Glenn Beck cry and O’Reilly groan? Can’t your just hear the hate spewing from Limbaugh’s fat jowls?
Hypocrisy, thy name is $arah.
Your flag decal won’t get you into heaven anymore…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgRVNjsuycQ
Just when you thought they had sunk to the depths, they dig a little deeper…
Immigration legislation, has been introduced by FL State Rep William Snyder and endorsed by TP gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott, that exempts Canadians, Western Europeans and some Asians from scrutiny.
“The exception, first reported by the Miami New Times, says a person will be “presumed to be legally in the United States” if he or she provides “a Canadian passport” or a passport from any “visa waiver country.” Four Asian nations and all 32 Western European countries make up the visa waiver list. ”
But this immigration reform has NOTHING to do with racial profiling!!!
http://thinkprogress.org/2010/10/20/florida-immigration-law/
Oy, vey.
Any wonder some refer to us as Floridiots?!
Sheesh! Put down that shovel, fools!
and Vote Alex Sink for Governor to Restore Sanity, also, too.
Brian and I are going to see Governor-to Be Alex Sink at a rally in Pensacola tomorrow!
Take that, teabaggers!
Have you all seen this? Sick-making “political” ad from Colorado. Wasn’t Alaska the first state in the US to legislate choice?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_Os0cwpCQE&feature=player_embedded#!
I am two for two today – yay for me!
I just got a young person, who is registered to vote, to vote in the general. She said she just got pushed out by all the drama and lost interest – was not planning to vote. We talked about McAdams, and voting in general and how important this one is because we are representing Alaska in the US Senate. I told her the best way to decide (since Miller is completely out for her) and get a feel for the issues w/o the drama, is to watch the Alaska Dispatch debate this last Monday between Lisa and Scott. She was very excited, and thanked me profusely. Sending her the link right now!
And I know she’ll go for Scott – she sounded very interested in how hard he’s working all over the state to get people to listen to him and meet him
Good news for me! I am going to the “Moving Forward Rally” where President Obama will be hosting at USC in Los Angeles, this Friday, October 22, at 11:00 am! I received the invite through my email and had to RSVP. I have already RSVPed! And for all you lucky Mudpups who are going to the “Sanity Rally” in Washington, I am green with envy but I will be attending the “Sanity Rally” in Los Angeles, at the MacArthur Park that same day!!
I just hope they’ll let me out of jail on time…..
depends…..did you pack any Irich Whisky ???
Also too, have my gun and moran signs at the ready!
Got my tooth cleaned today….I’m ready for Washington! 🙂
It’s not till next week, Irishgirl, you probably had time to clean ’em all 🙂
I only have the one!
🙂
(peering closely at the smiley) Yup! there is just the one there. And a shiny, clean one it is!
Told ya!
Thought I’d share two breaking news items:
1. Joe Miller’s campaign has just reached the $1 Million dollar mark!
2. The Department of Public Safety has decided to investigate Joe
and his hired goons.
Good news day, I say!
Ok, scratch number 1. Make that Scott McAdams campaign! (My bad).
That is fantastic! Last night at the Juneau Meet and Greet he said they’d raised $955,000. That means he got a great surge. Everytime he talks to folks, they want to support him.
He’s really a great candidate – it would be a shame to waste him! We haven’t had many of those around, wanting to come up through the ranks without drama. Go Scott! Send even $5 if you can. This is so exciting.
There have been emails sent out asking for donations I would assume it is from either act blue or the dccc because I got one in my email and donated again
Yup, the McSurge ain’t slowing down! Let’s hope the momentum is strong right up until the day of the election.
Will Miller follow in palins footsteps and ask people to donate to pay for his defense if he needs one?Seems van flea knows whenhe has a money maker
Woohoo! I have been working on a cousin of mine for a week. She works for a school district, and is very smart. There are a lot of people around her who are politically active. I made it my mission. Hers was going to be a.. you know..a fear vote. I’ve been working on her steadily, nicely – openly campaigning for Scott and how we can do this if we shed the Alaskan conservative brainwash of the century (for us, half a century). Spreadsheets, links, emails…
Today:
“Martha, My friends and I are feeling the same way. I really like McAdams, from everything I’ve seen and heard about him. I have a sign for my yard. I just hope he can win. Take care, your Southwestern cousin.”
Not a week, about six weeks. Whew.
good work there Martha. you rock!!
A coworker told me today that he thot possibly McAdams did have a chance…
Last week he thot, no way, so he had planned to write in MooCowSky.
Today he is seriously reconsidering his position. This is McAdams doing. It is sheer wonder. Wonderful!
Alaskans – take a few moments to read this letter. It’s great, from the Juneau Empire this morning. The Murkowski campaign was running big banner ads at the online ADN saying “A vote for McAdams is a Vote for Miller”. And of course it’s been tossed around by all sides, all three, any of ’em, all of ’em.
This is a great link to forward or discuss with someone you know who is undecided or considering the fear vote. It’s very sensible, and heartening.
I agree with this dude – we should drop the “wasted vote” idea and work with all the great things there are to say about McAdams with people who don’t know him yet. And, in the meantime, watch Joe Militia slide into obscurifudiation after the roar dies down.
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/102010/opi_723286373.shtml
“Before the primary, conventional wisdom had Murkowski easily winning reelection. The odds against any Democrat unseating her were enormous. Those odds changed immediately when Miller was declared the winner of the primary. McAdams believed he had a fighting chance to stage another upset. It’s still quite possible even with Murkowski’s re-entrance as a write-in candidate. But to listen to some registered Democrats, McAdams can’t possibly win.
At least, that’s the opinion of Donald Craig Mitchell, an Anchorage attorney, who in a Huffington Post column wondered about the risks of remaining loyal to his chosen party. He writes that if Alaska Democrats “believe that Joe Miller is a dangerous ideologue who must be defeated” then “a vote for Scott McAdams is a wasted vote.”
Alaskan Democrats should be accustomed to watching their chosen candidate for Congress suffer the agony of defeat on Election Day. They’ve had only one winner in 35 years. So let’s stop the fear mongering and scour our conscience before we cast a ballot for a candidate who opposes our most passionately held beliefs. Shouldn’t we model such idealism if we expect our elected representatives to vote that way whenever they’re considering legislation that affects our lives?
To be fair, Mitchell didn’t declare he was voting for Murkowski to stave off a Miller win. But language about wasted votes is self-defeating. It pushes us toward disengagement and apathy, the twin eroding forces of self governance…”
Read the rest of the letter – it’s well written.
I saw a commercial with former Governor Bill Sheffield this morning out for Murky. He said he was a Democrat but is writing in his vote, why? Then he spewed the vote for this, get that, BS.
Sorry, Bill, but I don’t believe you. I’m voting for SCOTT McADAMS.
Sheffield who? He’s completely worthless. Don’t know why he even calls himself a Dem – he’s business through and through. I never trusted him.
OK…time for a bit of comic relief. I LOVE this!!!
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/10/blaming-obama-for-everything.html
I heard part of this video on the radio this morning…what a hoot!!!
Even though I don’t support Lisa, I love Halcro’s take on the Republican Herd Mentality. And he’s calling them out on it, which is awesome. This is the part about being a hard core Republican which I cannot relate to in fashion, and it hurts their party cause in a resounding way.
I don’t despise the Republican Party, just most of the Republicans because of who they have become (not).
http://www.andrewhalcro.com/the_gop_herd_mentality
‘ “Murkowski’s unnecessary write-in campaign has poisoned the atmosphere between state Republicans,” writes Mike Dunton, a GOP District Chair, on the Alaska Standard. Well, this Republican strongly disagrees and feels Murkowski’s write in campaign is not only necessary but critical.
What’s unnecessary is for the GOP, in a closed primary, to nominate someone of questionable honesty and an unqualified candidate whose views on the world can only be described as extreme. ‘
On my broken record stump speech about this being a power play with the state Republican Party…yep, I still think so big time! Chuckle. May the smartest Republican win.
And if more conservatives were smart and had the ability to reason / think for themselves like Halcro, then maybe something could get done around here.
You are right it was a good read.
I love purple. Long live the hope that our children embody, and theirs, and theirs…to learn from our errors and horrors.
a heartfelt amen to that MarthaUYS.
Purple shirt, purple-framed glasses, and Miss Mocha donning a very fine purple collar– we are off to demonstrate our solidarity with all of the world, as did Jesus. Too bad the tea baggers and right wingers don’t read the New Testament. When I was teaching, some of my favorite (and most popular) students were those who walked to a different drummer and accepted all, not matter what path they chose.
I teacher’s most important role is to model that kind of behavior. Hats off to you, Crow Woman, and those still working in the ranks-
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner – “Intoxicated Fairbanks man breaks into house falls asleep blames God”
“Anderson broke into the home on Goldhill Road, took off all his clothes and slept in the homeowner’s bed because “God had told him to,” according to Alaska State Troopers.”
I’m pretty sure this is the same God that speaks to $P and Beckerhead.
Sheesh, already.
Think Miller will be wearing purple?
An article about his clash with that blogger in pajamas
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Election-2010/Senate/2010/1019/For-Alaska-s-Joe-Miller-handcuff-incident-adds-to-mounting-troubles
The money keeps flowing in for Joe and Lisa. I just emailed the DSCC again with this link, some text, and a whole lot of capital letters to get their attention. Gave another donation last night.
http://www.newsminer.com/view/full_story/9975690/article-PACs-pump-more-cash-into-Alaska-Senate-election-?instance=home_news_window_left_top_1
PACs pump more cash into Alaska Senate election
Two more PACs — Protect Alaska’s Future and the Minuteman PAC — sent out mass e-mails in recent days looking for contributions, saying they intend to enter the race in the final weeks before the election.
Each organization claims a specific target in its plea for cash.
Protect Alaska’s Future plans to attack Tea Party-backed Republican nominee Joe Miller, calling him a “fast-talking demagogue who thinks he can fool the voters” in the fundraising pitch to raise $130,000. The PAC doesn’t mention a preferred candidate.
The Minuteman PAC, which advocates a crackdown on illegal immigration, is backing Miller’s candidacy. The e-mail skewers “leftist Sen. Lisa Murkowski,” urging donors to show “America who the REAL patriot is — help MMPAC elect Vet Joe Miller in November.”
Democrat Scott McAdams, who has largely avoided the PAC crossfire so far, isn’t mentioned in either fundraising pitch.
Neither organization returned a phone call on Monday seeking more information about their plans.
Other independent groups, including a PAC affiliated with the Tea Party Express and a PAC called Alaskans Standing Together, which is funded by Alaska Native corporations, have already spent more than $1.5 million on ads in the state.
McAdams called ‘undercovered’
Ed Schultz dubbed Democrat Scott McAdams “the most undercovered Senate candidate in the country” during the former Sitka mayor’s appearance on MSNBC’s “The Ed Show” last Friday.
Another donation to McAdams if that wasn’t clear (but I’m sure it was considering all my yelling about McAdams yard signs and all!).
Okay, MUYS, I did it again. Your enthusiam is infectious.
I donated, meaning to only put in a small one this time, then I doubled it by using my Alaska Airline Mileage Card. tee-hee, I feel like a winner.
WIN, Scott, WIN!
Yay Bretta Yard Sign! Yay!
As far as being a LGBT teenager, I am none of the above. However, I grew up as an unattractive, physically-challenged kid in an alcoholic family and amongst school mates who bullied me daily. I think I survived only because of the interest of a handful of high school teachers and librarians (caw to you, Crow Woman!) I remember in particular a camp counselor at a science camp where I worked the summer between my junior and senior years who suggested I check out a small, liberal, “hippie” college in the next state. I did, and was admitted, and within two weeks into my freshman year, I had experienced more acceptance, approval and love than I had in my first 17 years. It was a miracle. I’ve just returned from a college reunion, and the love and acceptance continue after 40 years. We ALL need to pass on to every strange, lonely, outcast kid we meet that it DOES get better. Thanks to all of you who do this.
You know, no matter what religion, or no religion, you are or ever will be, there’s something to be said for what Jesus called the second great commandment: to love your neighbor as yourself. You can’t love your neighbor without loving yourself, and you can’t love yourself without loving your neighbor. In other words, those that are having a hard time loving LGBT people, people of a different color or religion or neighborhood or . . . don’t feel good about themselves.
We spent a lot of wasted time in this country espousing self esteem among students for no reason. You can’t really have self esteem unless you’ve done something to earn it. That’s a much harder job for educators–to get everyone to achieve so they can legitimately feel good about themselves. But think what a difference it would make.
Wish our quilt squares could be purple, but I imagine that’s a lot of work. And Buf is insisting that AKM do something about all those boxes! 🙂
Palingates has an important post today on the goons Miller hired as his security, the ones who ‘arrested’ the reporter. They are linked to an Alaska Militia headed by Norm Olson, the guy who was the head of the Michigan Militia that trained Timothy McVeigh. He was thrown out of the Michigan Militia for being too extreme and ended up in Alaska. Lucky you! So these are the guys Miller likes to have around him. Would-be domestic terrorists!
I missed the memo–would a purple sharpie bracelet count? It will last longer than a day!
Good morning from me dressed in purple at the stinking practically crack of dawn. Had to have some tests done and found a lab that opened at 7 a.m.! So, off my purple self went, to see the receptionist and the nice man who stuck me too many times both dressed in purple scrubs! This is a very good day, and I sure wish we didn’t have to do this.
Thank you for the photo and updates..and yes..today I will put on an assortment of purple bracelets for my run into town today. A quick stop at the fabric store to buy a length of purple ribbon to be worn and looped..will carry the message today..loud and clear! I am the second generation in my family..to have been trained to watch for, support..those who live with blended genetics and thus living lifestyles that may seem to run counter to those around them. Instead..we see the..arc of the human spirit..in each person born with these issues..striving to be..all that their family tree..has given them as strengths and gifts..in the face of almost impossible societal ignorance..over too many years. Now..it really looks as if..the world is moving, slowly..but moving..to educate themselves as to how this happens, and how we have had a richness of humanity..waiting to be discovered, and understood..and cherished. May further education..be as the nourishing sunlight..and call us all..in this world..to our full potential.
To connect with my post at #10, the words “Freedom of Religion” do not appear in the Constitution….
A video you must see. A poster mentioned earlier Joel Burns’ testimony to gay teens – It Gets Better – Please watch this and pass it on. Young people who are bearing the brunt of bullying for whatever reason need to see this. Help stop this tragic loss of life…Please
http://www.ted.com/talks/joel_burns_tells_gay_teens_it_gets_better.html
Intent vs precise wording of the Constitution:
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_10/026211.php
President Obama’s outreach to the international community has been successful in improving the world’s opinion about the U.S. (as evidenced by numerous polls). Sadly, what he has accomplished, the Tea Party will destroy:
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/37413_Canadian_Government_Denounces_Sharron_Angles_Ludicrous_Border_Claim
But, but, he went on an apology tour and now we are weaker, right, I mean, that is the what the baggers tell me.
No, no, no! (Did I sound like a Republican?) Sadly, what he has accomplished, the Tea Party WOULD destroy. It’s up to us to motivate our troops. “They” are counting on us to be demoralized (by polls, for one thing) and apathetic. We must get every moderate, democrat, and radical we know to VOTE.
A few days ago, I was impressed by the compassion shown a Ft. Worth, TX city councilman who addressed this subject from his own gay perspective. I added it to MY Facebook page in case it traveled into the sphere of younger people via my daughter’s contacts. I’m so happy to share it here, as well as the special LGBT suicide hotline…
***
If you know a young gay, PLEASE share this with him or her…
“Joel Burns, Gay Texas Councilman, Gives Emotional Testimony Against Bullying (VIDEO)”
www(dot)huffingtonpost(dot)com/2010/10/13/joel-burns-texas-councilman_n_761260.html
Openly gay Fort Worth, Texas, City Councilman Joel Burns gave an impassioned plea to youth struggling with their sexual identity during a meeting Tuesday night, urging them not to despair in the face of intense adversity.
“I want to tell any teen who might see this, give yourself a chance to see just how much better life will get,” Burns said, fighting back tears. “And it will get better, you will get out of the household that doesn’t accept you, you will get out of that high school and you never have to deal with those jerks again if you don’t want to. You will find and you will make new friends who will understand you and life will get so, so, so much better.”
Burns began his speech with a display of a number of recent teens who have taken their own lives as a result of gay bullying from their peers. The councilman admitted that he, too, had been a victim of persecution as a high school student…
“To those who are feeling very alone tonight, please know that I understand how you feel, that things will get easier,” Burns said. “Please stick around to make those happy memories for yourself. It may not seem like it tonight, but they will.”
Burns’s testimony was met with applause from fellow councilmembers, who later commended him on his bravery.
***
And, secondarily, here’s an important site that you can pass along to any LGBT person looking for someone to talk to when suicide seems to be their only answer for dealing with their pain and with bullies.
www(dot)thetrevorproject(dot)org
Very timely, Elsie. Many thanks.
So many teens are walking around in so much pain. That’s a big reason you’ll find me in the halls during class changes, smiling, greeting my students by name (or “darlin,” “young scholar,” “sweetness,” “baby”…) and giving out compliments and encouragement. I refudiate bullies and their bullying.
Never misunderestimate the power of a small act of kindness…they make lovely ripples in our environment.
Off to my library, dressed in purple.
L’Shalom.
Teachers like you were my heroes. At 61, I can still remember my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Hamby who gave me encouragement when the kids in my Ft. Worth class made fun of my MS accent. My 9th grade English teacher, Ms. Brown taught us that we should never put up with domestic violence and my high school homeroom teacher who wanted to adopt me when my mother signed me over to my adult brother. I was the first person in my family, a very dysfunctional one, who graduated from college and I know that I owe it to the encouragement of caring teachers.
You made me cry thinking about how much good you do every day for kids! THanks.
Caw, caw!!!
Whenever they get that cloning thing perfected, I’d like to place an order for at least a million crow women…. JUST like you. And that’s just for my state, Texas.
The rest of you puppies can decide what you need where YOU are!
((((Crow))))
We had a staff meeting at my school today and one of the teachers brought up the subject of touching in connection with positive reinforcement of behavior, especially for those children who are less likeable. As educators working in today’s litigious environment, the official district policies are usually to refrain from any and all physical contact with our students.
However, working in an elementary school with many kids who get little or no affection at home, it’s nearly impossible to avoid touching them. A five-year old who just fell down usually needs a hug and I’m not going to tell the sobbing child that I’m not allowed to touch them! For my deaf students, physical contact is a necessity since that’s often the only way to get their attention. For many others, a hand on the shoulder or a pat on the back is an important reminder that someone cares about them.
The more caring we show to our students in the lower grades, the easier life might be for them when they get to middle and high school.
I’m a hugger at heart, so if students orcolleagues need a hug, I don’t hesitate.
Even the “don’t touch me” kids share fistbumps and signature handshakes with me.
(thanks to POTUS and FLOTUS for popularizing the “terrorist” fistbump. We union thugs and our impressionable young followers find it powerfully subversive, don’tcha know) 😉
Thank you, friends, for your kind words. I wrap your encouragement around me like a blankie, like my prayer shawl…such sweet shalom…
Many students call me their Library Mama. Does it get any better than that?
L’dor V’dor, Generation to Generation. My parents taught me well. Pass it on.
and also, too, Happy 79th Birthday to my dear daddy today, you betcha!
with many happy returns… 🙂
L’Chaim! To Life!
*smiling as the ripples spread*
I saw the video of Joel Burns eloquently defending and pleading for and END to bullying. It moved me to tears.
And I was wonderfully astonished to see the room give him a standing ovation. (In Texas!)
I once read a suggestion to give 3 compliments a day. I don’t always remember to do so, and now that I’m retired, don’t always have 3 opportunities a day to do so. But I can tell you that it is just terrific to see some hard-working person’s face light up to a brief statement like, “Really like your haircut/necklace/earring” (to the teenager making a statement thereby), or “That blouse is a great shade for you” (to the harried shop clerk trying to cover 3 departments at once), or “hear” a smile in their voice when I say “You’ve been very helpful – and thank you for your patience with my hearing problem” to the faceless person on the phone helping me place an order or explain something about an account (yes, even if they are clearly working in India or Canada). The American corporations may be screwing our workers by outsourcing such jobs, but these are phone people are working for low wages to make a living.
{{{{{PennLawyer}}}}}
I call the salon after a haircut and ask for the manager, then brag on my stylist.
When I used to drive through for carry out, I’d call the manager when I got home and say something nice about the “window worker.” Same for the pizza delivery guys, the young ones who carry my groceries to the car, or drivers of company vehicles who drive “friendly.”
I call parents and thank them for their child’s pretty manners when students hold the door for me or carry my bags or I notice them performing some act of kindness towards another.
Just taking a moment to acknowledge the “good stuff” helps the “good stuff” increase, eh? What a great investment in our future.
(stepping out of my Pollyanna slippers and polishing my rose-colored glasses now)
((((((((((( thatcrowwoman & thatcrowwoman’s daddy ))))))))))))
I, too, am expressive about gratitude. One of my teachers taught us to look store clerks (and bank tellers and so on) in the eye as we extend our left (receptive) hands to accept change, while thanking them. I’m particularly grateful at the greenmarket. I bring small portions of delicious dishes back to the vendor whose goods allowed me to prepare them. I often say “keep the change” when it’s a small amount. Here in NYC, where they expect everyone to handl, they’re often shocked when I say that, but I tell them (it’s true!) I love farmers; without them, I’d have to learn to drive, move off my comfortable island, and raise my own food! Happy anniversary of your beloved daddy’s birth.
He was amazing. I don’t remember who’s show ran the whole thing, but I was in tears by the time he finished.
Bullying should never be tolerated. So glad to see people remembering and honoring the memories of those victimized by bullies.
I was amazed and deeply saddened to hear so many Tea Party/Republicans stand against anti-bullying legislation and programs. How do these people live with themselves? Who do can they claim to be people of faith and/or compassion? Shameful.
However, they are diminishing in numbers as more people wake up to stand up against this discrmiination.
Have a very purple and meaningful day! Blessings to all.
Oh, dear, needing caffeine obviously — Meant to say “How can they claim to be . . . .” not whatever it was I wrote (can’t read it again – so embarrassing). sigh.
They don’t like themselves. Thats why they’re in such bad moods al the time. No, I’m not kidding. When you’re in a bad mood, do you like yourself? When you don’t like yourself because you’ve done something stupid or hurt someone, are you in some sort of bad mood? Yep. And sometimes we project the reason for the bad mood onto someone else.
When you dislike yourself all the time, it’s much easier to band together with others who feel the same way and find a mutual target to blame for the perpetual bad mood. If you blame yourself, you have to change to make things better. If you blame others, then you don’t have to change and you have an excuse to be in a bad mood because the “other” has never changed enough.
The fact is, we are always in charge of how we feel no one and no thing can put us in a bad mood unless we let it.
I have often wondered the same thing and how these people can call them selves Christians
Here in Iowa, Republican want to turn the clock back.
They are asking voters to vote against 3 judges—-http://www.sdgln.com/news/2010/09/13/will-gay-marriage-decision-cost-iowa-justices-their
Don’t think I got the web site completly—-maybe this will work:?
http://www.sdgln.com/news/2010/09/13/will-gay-marriage-decision-cost-iowa-justices-their-jobs
Holy Cow ! I need more popcorn…all this stuff about Miller, O’Donnell ..can’t keep up with it all…will be interesting to see how many voters have their heads in the sand when voting..
now.. where IS that purple shirt……
I don’t have a purple shirt. I think I shall have to wear pink today and blue tomorrow! 🙂
I’m afraid a lot of them still have their heads in the sand or some other dark place. No matter what comes out about some of these candidates, people still come to their support. Just look at all the stupid we’ve heard from Sarah Palin and there are still people who are willing to ignore all that ignorance.
Unmasking the Tea Party:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/19/AR2010101906085.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
Yes, the only “elite” aspect is their high-altitude bank account balances.
No shame for being bought out—–Hook–line and sinker!
I delayed my post a couple of hours to keep this up long enough to remind folks to dress. My daughter already has her purple shirt laid out for tomorrow. I should put one of mine on and take our picture before she leaves for school.
Yes, I’m bursting with pride 😉
What a good mother you are, and what a great daughter you have! We’d love a photo – haven’t had an update for a long, long time.
Plus, thanks for thinking about the timing of the posts so more people could participate. That’s one of the many reasons we admire you: intelligence and compassion. We’re proud of you, too.
And so you should be, Linda. 😀
Compassion and caring…like mother, like daughter! 🙂
Thanks for the reminder, Linda. For me. For my nephew, it’s purple everyday!
Dowd strikes back at Palin’s ignorance in one of her best columns to date!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/20/opinion/20dowd.html?_r=1&hp
That is a great article. Thanks!
You know, it’s that connection to the mind that the Marilyn wannabes are missing more often than not. They simply lack her curiosity, her innocent quest for answers, for meaning. They think cosmetics, push-ups bras and tight clothes are all they need. Marilyn was able to connect with a spiritual, intellectual vibration that illuminated her beauty – along with her inherent longing for appreciation and understanding. Today’s wannabes seem to lack that longing.
The only part of the article that made me choke when was Dowd referred to Sarah as a beauty. My mama’s words still ring true: beauty is as beauty does. Sarah is as far from beauty these days as she is from common sense and basic knowledge of — well, of anything.
I totally agree with you about the Palin beauty claim. She is amazingly photogenic (I should be so lucky) but the more I learn about Sarah Palin, the more vile hatred she spews, the uglier she becomes.
Beauty is as beauty does is true.
Compare pics of Sarah from 2008 campaign and now. She’s wrecking her outer beauty with a lack of inner beauty. Her inner nastiness is beginning to show outwardly. Not only is she beginning to look matronly–the matron grizzly–she’s beginning to look scraggy.
That’s not age. That’s meanness stamping itself on her visage.
Marilyn was a beauty with a sweet soundng voice. Nothing like the screech owl Sarah palin.
I will never forget when she “popped out of the birthday cake” and sang—Happy Birthday Mr. President!!!! WOW!
Great article, and I don’t always agree with Dowd. The first part about Marilyn Monroe is very sad, but I see the connection. I actually hadn’t realized she was as well-read as she was. Too bad we can’t say the same for the plethora of female political candidates and their ilk who appear to have read very little, especially the Ammendments to the Constitution.
That was a lot of spirit at 5:54 a.m. if I do say so myself!
Yeah, go, rarararah! LGBT kids!