Nathan Pacheco “Oh Holy Night” Thanksgiving Day 2011

Nathan Pacheco “Oh Holy Night” Thanksgiving Day 2011

200 Countries * 200 Years * 4 Minutes

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Who knew statistics could be so interesting?

200 Countries * 200 Years * 4 Minutes

Nathan Pacheco Sings for HRH Prince Charles

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Nathan Pacheco at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.

 

Nathan Pacheco Sings for Prince Charles at the British Embassy

Disney Artist Sings for Prince Charles

“Weird Duck” on eFolkMusic Volume Six: 106 Song CD/MP3 Sampler

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eFolkMusic’s New Look

I’m not sure why I looked today, but I just looked at the eFolkMusic home page. The look is different, but the great music continues. They even have some videos of a few of the featured artists.

Volume Six: 106 Song CD/MP3 Sampler

Near the right lower corner of the page, there is information about the newest cd sampler:

All true, and you can have one! Get one of these CD/MP3s delivered 1st class snail-mail when you make a $30 or greater donation – 106 songs from 75 different artists, over SIX HOURS of music.

This is our ‘editor’s pick’ from the exceptional music we promote every day of the year, a great way to sample a unique collection of under-heard songs and artists, plus rare tracks from some of your better known folks including George Winston, Freebo, the Red Clay Ramblers, New Lost City Ramblers, Don Dixon & Marti Jones, Malcolm Holcombe, Mary Z Cox, Ola Belle Reed, on and on. Here’s a complete list of the songs.

Weird Duck is on the New 106 Song CD/MP3 Sampler

How great is that? 🙂 I clicked the link  for the complete list of the songs, and much to my happy surprise, my “Weird Duck” song is there.

List of Songs and Artists on the New eFolkMusic Sampler

Here’s the complete list:

Sampler Six Song List

Sampler 6  —  106 songs, 6.4 hours, 499.2 MB; No downloading needed, just make a tax-deductible donation to this nonprofit and we’ll send you the physical CD with these 106 songs in MP3 format!

Click here to make a donation right now!!!

While You Sleep … Almond Greenway
Blackberry Jam … Andy May
Sweetest Story Ever Told … Andy May
Beg, Steal or Borrow… Art Gomperz Band
Court In Session ... Art Gomperz Band
Advertisements Tell Me … The Bards of Balance
Scorpio and Me … Bennett Brier
Baby, You’ll Only Do Good… Bennett Brier
Sail Away Ladies … Bethany and Rufus
Death Don’t Have no Mercy … Bethany and Rufus
On the Road… Bill Hudson
Boulevard of Broken Dreams… Bill Hudson
Long Way From Water … Bill Jackson
Journey Home… Birdy
John Brown’s Dream… Booger Holler String Band
Marmaduke’s Hornpipe … Booger Holler String Band
The Best Years… Bryan Gorsira
Searching …Bryan Gorsira
Melancholia .… Chris Frank
The Feng Shui Song…Christopher Prim
Three Score and Ten …Circus Envy
Jeanne’s Melody … Dan Crace
Máire Bheag Ó … Dark Patrick
Chaotic (Under Control)…Darynyck
I Remember It Well... David Porteous
A Day In The Life … David Porteous
Weird Duck … Deborah L. Hord
Out of Chaos Came Victory … Donald DePoy (Me & Martha)
Another World...EASE
Carved In Stone … EASE
Goodbye Angel… Elisa Di Napoli
When I Am Gone …Elisa Di Napoli
Bright Red Road… Ellsworth
Standing Ovation … Freebo
When There’s No Place Like Home… Freebo
Odyssey …Geoffrey Hansplant
Swimming To The Sun … Geoffrey Hansplant
Twenty …George Cuthbertson
Time for Love …. George Winston
Burning Coal … Ghost Of a Dog
Walk Towards the Pain … Ghost of a Dog
I Can’t Settle Down … The Gordons
Blackjack Davey… The Gordons
Take Care Of My Brother… J Peter Boles
When They Ask… Jan Hauenstein
Lord Franklin… Jan Hauenstein
Give In To This Life… Jann Klose
Mindchange … Jason Bennett
Stormy Weather Coming Down… Jason Bennett
The Landlord (feat. Nels Cline) … Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls
Anarchist Girl (feat. Wayne Kramer)… Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls
America, Its You… John and Rachel Nicholas
People Like Us…John and Rachel Nicholas
Our Town …John Lefebvre
Painted Pony… John Lefebvre
Missing You … John Morrison
Hold Me Up … Josh Bass
From Is to Was … Jugalbandi
Oh Baby Lie Down … Kendel Carson
Cherish the Day… Kristina Stykos
This I Know…Kristina Stykos
If I Bcome Rich …Kyota Sugai
Sundays … Maggie Walters
Another Living Room … Maggie Walters
A Bigger Plan …Malcolm Holcombe
Blue Martini & Belly Dancer …Malcolm McKinney
Dead or Alive… Martha Ann Brooks
Little Mama … Martha Ann Brooks
Trouble Is As Trouble Does…Marti Jones & Don Dixon
John Bowlin’s Groundhog Strut ... Mary Z Cox
Haggard Had It Right … McAdoo Perkins
The River …McAdoo Perkins
Over the Waterfall … Me & Martha
Blues and the Highway… MBIRD (Megan Birdsall)
Spy Hill Jail …Mick Daniel and the Raynmen
Born To Try … Mike Kotulka
Selfish Avenue … Mike Kotulka
Shake It … Mike Whellans
Smiles of Summer Love … Moira Nelson
Crow Black Chicken … The New Lost City Ramblers
Pretty Little Miss … The New Lost City Ramblers
Look Down That Lonesome Road … Ola Belle Reed
Green Paper Black Lines …Orion Walsh
The Last Walk … Paul Grimwood
Clouds and Gold Buttons… Paul Grimwood
The Wild Faery … Phil Holland
The New Land/Toda Una Vida … Pratie Heads
The North Carolina Toast and Breakdown.….The Red Clay Ramblers
Neighborhood… Rick Wales
Pommier, Rideau, Portemateau … Robert Lamont
Tantos Anos …Rojos Calientes
Corazon… Rojos Calientes
Wishing Well… Roosevelt Dime
Come Back …Rosie and Me
Bonfires… Rosie and Me
Coon in the Corn …Scott C. Brooks
Blues Concerto for Slide Guitar … Scott C. Brooks
Goodbye...Shantel Bolks
Where the Last Tide Runs …Sheila K Cameron
Apparition...Steve Palmer
Sweet Escape …Sunflower and the Seeds
Things A Man Needs to Say … Todd Berry
Together We’ll Be… Walt Cronin
Yet I Dream…Walt Cronin
Airport Goodbye… John Zambricki
Where Was Your Mind? … John Zambricki

When to Buy Organic

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Avoid Pesticides on Fruit and Vegetable Skins

A post from Shine.com

10 dirty fruits and veggies

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/10-dirty-fruits-and-veggies-2451593/

By Ashley Macha 

Are the fruits and vegetables you buy clean enough to eat?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) studied 100,000 produce pesticide reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to create a list of 49 of the dirtiest and cleanest produce.

So before you hit the grocery store, see how some of your favorite fruits and veggies measured up.

Did one of your favorites make the list? Don’t worry, the EWG recommends purchasing organic or locally grown varieties, which can lower pesticide intake by 80% versus conventionally grown produce.

Celery
This stalky vegetable tops the dirty list. Research showed that a single celery stalk had 13 pesticides, while, on the whole, celery contained as many as 67 pesticides.

Chemicals fester on this vegetable as it has no protective skin and its stems cup inward, making it difficult to wash the entire surface of the stalk. It’s not easy to find locally grown celery, so if you like this crunchy veggie, go organic.

Peaches
Peaches are laced with 67 different chemicals, placing it second on the list of most contaminated fruits and vegetables. They have soft fuzzy skin, a delicate structure, and high susceptibility to most pests, causing them to sprayed more frequently.

Strawberries
This red, juicy fruit has a soft, seedy skin, allowing easier absorption of pesticides. Research showed that strawberries contained 53 pesticides. Try to buy strawberries at a local farmer’s market for a sweet dessert.

Apples
Apples are high-maintenance fruit, needing many pesticides to stave off mold, pests, and diseases. The EWG found 47 different kinds of pesticides on apples, and while produce washes can help remove some of the residue, they’re not 100% effective.

Blueberries (domestic)
These antioxidant-rich berries have a thin layer of skin that allows chemicals to more easily contaminate the fruit. Domestic blueberries were loaded with 13 pesticides on a single sample, according to the EWG. Imported blueberries also made the list at No. 14 for the dirtiest produce.

Sweet bell pepper
This crunchy, yet thin-skinned, vegetable is highly susceptible to pesticides. According to the EWG, sweet bell peppers showed traces of 63 types of pesticides. While some pesticides can be washed away, many still remain.

Spinach, kale, collard greens
These leafy green vegetables are on the list, with spinach loaded with 45 different kinds of pesticides and kale 57.

In 2006, Dole recalled bagged baby spinach after multiple E. coli illnesses associated with the vegetable made their way across the country.

Grapes (imported)
These tiny fruit have extremely thin skins, allowing for easy absorption of pesticides. And think twice before buying imported wine. The grapes that go into the wine could be coming from vineyards that use too many pesticides.

Potatoes
Have you ever indulged in a potato skin at your favorite restaurant? You might want to think twice before eating the skin. This spud was highly laced with pesticides—36, according to the EWG—that are needed to prevent pests and diseases.

Cherries
Cherries, like blueberries, strawberries, and peaches, have a thin coating of skin—often not enough to protect the fruit from harmful pesticides.

Research showed cherries grown in the U.S. had three times the amount of pesticides as imported cherries. Because cherries contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant that neutralizes carcinogens, it’s worthwhile to buy organic or seek imported ones.zz

Happy Foods (from askdrmao.com)

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Eating for Happiness

Foods that Promote Happiness

By Dr. Maoshing Ni
Jan 21, 2011

If you’re feeling as blue as the skies above, you will be happy to know that a few spoonfuls of the right foods may turn that frown upside down! Whole foods contain vital nutrients that provide both physical and psychological benefits. Read on to discover which foods contain those mood-boosters to help you smile your way to longevity.

 

 

 

 

 

Fun with Folate

Eat folate-rich foods: Leafy greens like kale, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, bok choy, legumes, sunflower seeds, oranges, melons, beets, and fortified whole grains

Why? Folate, also know as folic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for cell division, DNA synthesis, and healthy blood cell production. Research at the University of York and Hull York Medical School has found a link between depression and low levels of folate. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for men and women is 400 micrograms and 600 micrograms for pregnant women. To keep you smiling, increase your intake of folate-rich foods. A cup of cooked lentils provides 90% of the RDA of folic acid. Plus, the fiber and protein will satisfy you longer, stabilize blood sugar, and also promote a better mood. Additional bonuses: Folate can also decrease homocysteine, an amino acid that is linked to heart disease. Low levels of folate can cause anemia, while pregnant women must increase their folate levels to prevent fetal neural tube deficiencies. 

Boost Your B6

Eat B6 foods: bananas, chicken breast, garlic, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, sunflower seeds, broccoli, red bell peppers, watermelon, avocados, and potatoes

Why? Vitamin B6 plays a role in red blood cell metabolism, protein metabolism, and synthesis of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It also helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and increases the amount of oxygen carried to your tissues. Low levels can lead to an increase of homocysteine, anemia, headaches, and depression. The RDA for adults from age 19 to 50 is 1.3 mg/day and approximately 1.6 mg for individuals over 50. The next time you’re feeling down, grab a banana and munch your blues away! 

Go Fish!

Eat omega-3-rich foods: fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and herring, flaxseeds, walnuts, and algae

Why? DHA omega-3 essential fatty acid maintains healthy brain function and is vital for fetal brain and eye development. Current research also demonstrates the association between intake of omega-3 fatty acids and depression. A meta-analysis study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that depression was significantly improved in patients with unipolar and bipolar disorders after taking three daily fish capsules for eight weeks. Eat the oily fish listed above — a 3-ounce serving of salmon contains between 1.1 – 1.9 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementing with high quality fish oil capsules may be an alternative if you don’t consume fish on a regular basis. Vegetarian sources of omega-3 can be found in flaxseeds, walnuts, and algae. Toss a tablespoon of sunflower seeds or walnuts into a creamy cup of unsweetened low-fat yogurt for a mega mood boost! 

Good Carbs, Bad Carbs

Eat good carbs: whole grains, fruits, vegetables

Why? Not all carbohydrates are created equal. Whole grains, fruits, and veggies supply us with prolonged energy, fiber, and multiple nutrients that our bodies need for optimal health. Good quality carbohydrates can also trigger serotonin synthesis. Recognized as the “happy hormone,” serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that affects our mood and sleep. The next time you feel blue, instead of reaching for that bag of chips or sugary cookies, opt for unrefined, unprocessed carbohydrates that will provide you with sustained energy and an improved mood. Toss that muffin and enjoy a whole grain cracker with a tablespoon of natural nut butter for a delicious and uplifting snack!

You can find many more ways to live to 100 in Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle. Also, check out my new book Secrets of Longevity 8-Week Program, a journal that offers the best healthy habits to live to 100.

You can find many more ways to live to 100 in Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle. Also, check out my new book Secrets of Longevity 8-Week Program, a journal that offers the best healthy habits to live to 100.

I hope you eat foods for many long, happy years. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

—Dr. Mao

This blog is meant to educate, but it should not be used as a substitute for personal medical advice. The reader should consult his or her physician or clinician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.

12 Common Pet Myths (from PawNation.com)

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12 Common Pet Myths

by Amy D. Shojai (Subscribe to Amy D. Shojai’s posts)

Jan 21st 2011 @ 11:00AM Filed Under: Cats, Pet Health

 Alamy

Amy D. Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books, including “Complete Care for Your Aging Cat” and “Complete Care for Your Aging Dog.”

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For centuries, people created fanciful stories to explain puzzling animal antics. Many of these myth-understandings about cat and dog behaviors linger on, even though modern veterinary and behavior experts have uncovered scientific explanations for these issues. Here we lay 12 common myths to rest.

Myth 1: Dogs and cats enjoy being hugged. People are by nature touchy-feely creatures. Dogs and cats on the other hand, grab and hold prey, and “hug” during mating or fighting. Pets may enjoy nuzzling and getting affection akin to hugging, or there may be a reason why they should be sensitized to being hugged, but it is good to remember that your pet may also confuse a hug with aggression.

Myth 2: Cats seek out people who hate cats. It can seem that way. A cat lover’s admiring stares and “kitty, kitty, kitty” calls can be off-putting. So in a crowded room, a cat often seeks the only person ignoring her. Besides, cat lovers may already smell like strange cats, so she’ll be more attracted to the cat-free-zone human.

Myth 3: Dogs that are aggressive are showing dominance. Actually, it is fearful dogs that most often aggress to make a scary situation go away. A top dog rarely aggresses because other dogs accept he’s the boss. You do however see pushy dogs learn to use snarls to get their way, or clueless adolescent dogs act up because they’ve gotten too big for their furry britches and want to challenge the real boss.

Myth 4: Dogs and cats are jealous of the phone. The phone rings and suddenly your pet demands attention. This can certainly be annoying but their behavior is logical when you realize why they’re doing it. From you pet’s perspective, you’re talking and there’s nobody else around — so you must be talking to your pet!

Myth 5: Dogs wag their tails when they are happy. Not always. Dogs wag when excited, when fearful, when happy or even to signal imminent attack. The position of the tail, and frequency of wags, is a better indicator of happiness. Low-held tails with slow, loose wags usually signal, “Come closer; I want to be friends.”

Myth 6: Dogs and cats learn only if you punish them.
No. Punishment actually can interfere with pets’ ability to learn. Punishment can make behaviors worse and can cause fear aggression. Instead, you need to teach an alternative to bad behavior.

Myth 7: Dogs catch on to house training more quickly when you rub their noses in their accidents. Absolutely not. But this does teach the dog that humans sometimes go nuts and seemingly want them to eat their poop! Talk about confusing. Punishing for a normal behavior like going to the bathroom encourages dogs to hide it better the next time. Instead, catch your dog in the act of targeting the right spot and reward with praise or treats for the most effective lesson.

Myth 8: Cats always land on their feet. It is true that cats have balance organs in the inner ear that allow a cat to contract and flex the spine, shoulders and flanks to land on her feet in amazing ways. But there are many factors involved. Falls from too short a distance — being dropped by a child, for example — won’t allow enough time for a paw landing. Conversely, landing feet first from a fall from a great height can break bones and seriously injure the cat.

Myth 9: Cats purr when they are happy. Often they do. But think of the cat’s purr as a feline smile — do you smile only when happy? Purring soothes kitty emotions (and humans as well), and the vibration relieves pain and speeds healing, so purring can happen when a cat is happy, injured or just needs to comfort himself.

Myth 10: Cats wet the bed and dogs destroy furniture and other items in the house because they are angry. There are many possible physical, emotional and/or instinctual reasons for these normal behaviors — none having to do with anger or vengefulness. Items that smell like you (bed, shoes, purse) are targeted because your scent comforts the pet. Consider that a back-handed compliment, not spite.

Myth 11: Cats suck the breath from babies. Yes, this old wives tale is still around. Curious cats may check out milky-smelling infant breath or be attracted to a warm crib. They are not trying to harm the baby, but pets should always be supervised around infants.

Myth 12: Dogs alpha roll each other. A study of captive wolves (later debunked) gave rise to this theory. Dogs roll onto their backs to expose their tummies to other animals — or people — and signal deference and nonthreat. Dogs willingly show their tummies to people or other dogs they want to placate or acquiesce. But even alpha dogs show their tummies to invite puppies and subordinate dogs to play. Dogs do not force other dogs onto their backs to prove leadership. Alpha rolling your dog may confuse or frighten him and some dogs even fight back. Don’t risk it!

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In addition to being a certified animal behavior consultant, Amy also appears on Animal Planet’s “Cats-101” and “Dogs-101,” and lives in North Texas with a senior citizen Siamese and smart-aleck German shepherd who have their share of behavior myth-takes. Read Amy’s blog on Red Room.

Emma’s Revolution, Tulsa, OK, Feb 5, 2011- Benefit Concert + Non-Violent Advocacy Discussion

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Emma’s Revolution + Discussion – Feb 5, 2011

 

 

 

Award-winning, Activist Songwriters
Tulsa, February 2011

L-R: Sandy O & Pat Humphries. Photo: Tom Wolff

emma’s revolution

Saturday, February 5th
Fellowship Congregational Church
2900 S. Harvard Ave.

7pm: Benefit Concert for Open Table UCC in Owasso
$18 in advance/$20 at the door

2pm: Non-Violent Advocacy Discusssion
Free and open to the public

Advance concert tickets at
emmasrevolution.com
opentableucc.com

Info:
Rev. Melinda Foster at
918-609-6292
918-693-0458   

 

“Following the wave of suicides of young people who have been bullied and the links between hate speech and the tragic Jan. 8 shooting in Tucson, an Owasso church dedicated to social justice and peace is teaming with an internationally-known folk music group to work on solutions.

Emma’s Revolution members Pat Humphries and Sandy O bring a sense of humor and hope to their music. They are inspired by Pete Seeger and others as they continue the legacy of music for social change. The award-winning folksingers from the Washington, DC area have toured internationally. The concert is a benefit for Open Table UCC in Owasso, a new open and affirming community of faith.

Pat Humphries and Sandy O use the power of music to promote peace and justice, the environment, human rights, and women’s and LGBTQ issues. They will lead a discussion and workshop on how to advocate for change without resorting to violence. Tulsa area experts from the following organizations will join them to describe their efforts to work for change in such areas as bullying prevention, local food insecurity and community development in North Tulsa:

A Third Place Community Foundation
Children’s Consortium of Tulsa
Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma
Community of Hope United Church of Christ
Fellowship Congregational Church
Oklahomans for Equality
Open Table United Church of Christ
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays-Tulsa
United Campus Ministries at the University of Tulsa.”

about emma’s revolution

Smart, funny and informative. Like Rachel Maddow and Jon Stewart with guitars.

With hauntingly beautiful harmonies and powerful acoustic instrumentals that deliver the energy and strength of their convictions, emma’s revolution creates new standards in the art of social justice. Their songs have been sung for the Dalai Lama, praised by Pete Seeger and recorded by Holly Near.

emma’s revolution is the duo of activist musicians, Pat Humphries & Sandy O. Based in the Washington DC area, the duo won Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for
“If I Give Your Name”, “Peace, Salaam, Shalom” is sung around the world and has been called the “anthem of the anti-war movement.” emma’s revolution’s music has been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and Pacifica’s “Democracy Now!”

In the spirit of Emma Goldman’s famous attribution, “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution,” emma’s revolution brings their uprising of truth, hope and a dash of healthy irreverence to concerts and peace & justice, labor, human rights, environmental, LGBT and women’s rights events around the world. Touring over 200 days a year, emma’s revolution has performed at hundreds of events from Canada, Chile, Korea, Scotland, England, Israel/Palestine, Nicaragua, Cuba and throughout the US spreading their message of peace and justice. emma’s revolution consistently delivers performances that are an uprising of hope and harmony so powerful audiences leap to their feet.

 

Status Update

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Ages Since My Last Post

It seems like I’ve forgotten this blog. I haven’t, but I’ve not posted much lately. There used to be frequent written content, then I posted quotes, then photos. Then, nothing.

Why So Little Content?

My computer died. It must have been months ago. I was left to ‘borrow’ computer time from a family member in another residence. So, I have had very little time for posting.

Why Did I Not Get A New Computer?

I discovered that I accomplished so much by not having a computer! I had no excuse to stay awake if I could not sleep. I had no excuse not to start my day right away when I woke up. And, I had no way to spend hours online and lose hours I might be doing other things. Hmmmm.

So, What’s Been Going On?

Well, I started a new job (before the computer died, I think). I enjoy it more than I might have imagined, enough to work even more than my usual scheduled hours. I also spent  a few summer months playing in the yard, creating my ‘magic garden’ (also known as ‘the enchanted forest’).  It is still a work in progress, but it is further along than the posted photos show.

Now It’s Cold Outside!

I lost the past month, in many ways, by working lots of overtime. It was fun, but I realized too late (a few days ago) that I missed the last good days for working in the yard. Even so, I’m thinking of getting out again this afternoon! Yippee for sunny afternoons and days off work. 🙂

What Is The Focus?

It is hard to say what the focus is. I started this blog to talk about music, my songs. Then, I talked about Country Bunny Bath and Body products which became Jordan Essentials Bath*Body*Spa. Then, I talked about stained glass, and equality issues for LGBTQ people. After ‘meeting’ Carol Boltz and her blog, and learning about Ray Boltz’s coming out story, I wrote about the two of them often.  And, I wrote on occasion about politics. A year or so ago, I wrote about Nathan Pacheco and his beautiful voice. I hope you have had the opportunity to hear him sing! More recently, I’ve posted photos and recipes and quotes. There does not seem to be any one single focus!

Talking to Myself

I used to write, because I felt like I had something to say to people who might be interested in the same things. I’m not feeling that need to speak out as much right now. Or maybe, I’m just too busy with other things.  There are so many important issues in the world. There are so many sources of information. I think most of what I write about can be found elsewhere. But, I will still write now and then.

So, What’s Next?

Since, I don’t seem to have much time for blogging these days while I’m caught up in non-blogging activities, it looks like I’ll probably just keep the door open with quotes, photos, and recipes, and links to people, places and issues.

I appreciate the people who have visited this blog, read and left comments,and those who have read and not left comments. It’s been fun. I hope you will check back now and then to check out photos, quotes, recipes, and links. And, I’ll enjoy it if you leave a comment now and then.

Lt. Dan Choi

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Lt. Dan Choi, Openly Gay And Excited To Rejoin Military In Face Of Possible DADT Repeal (VIDEO)

Wearing Purple for Spirit Day

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Spirit Day

It’s the end of the day, and I just learned about wearing purple for Spirit Day.  My life is so busy these days I’m out of touch with most things, but this is worth mentioning (in case someone else has not heard of it). 

What Is Spirit Day?

‘Spirit Day’: Americans Don Purple To Raise Awareness About Anti-Gay Bullying

Today is Spirit Day, the day that the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is asking people to “Go Purple” to call attention to the deaths of six teenagers who committed suicide after reportedly being taunted because they were gay.

Read the whole story: CBS News 

People are wearing purple today for Spirit Day, the grassroots event to honor LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) youth and show them that life is worth living even in the face of bullying.

The movement began with high schooler Brittany McMillan in the wake of multiple teen suicides and gained support from GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and Facebook, which also launched an anti-bullying campaign.

Nearly 67,000 people said they were ‘attending’ Spirit Day on the event’s official Facebook page.

Find out more about this day, how it can make a difference to millions of teenagers and which celebrities are participating.

More About Spirit Day

Top Searched Spirit Day Questions:
1. Why are people wearing purple today?
2. Who created the October 20 Spirit Day?
3. What does today’s Spirit Day support?
4. Who does Spirit Day honor?
5. What should Spirit Day show LGBT youth?
6. Who did GLAAD partner with for Spirit Day?
7. What is the idea behind today’s Spirit Day?
8. What celebrities are celebrating Spirit Day?
9. Does purple represent ‘spirit’ on the LGBT flag?
10. Why is Facebook working with a gay advocacy group?
11. How can I turn my Facebook and Twitter pictures purple for Spirit Day?

Pear Tree

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Pond Plants

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Where Is The Pond?

What I should ask is, “Where should it be?” I have a few plastic ‘ponds’, but I don’t know where to put them. At this point, I’m thinking I’ll try to incorporate them into my ‘enchanted forest’ somehow. I just don’t know how or where to set it up.

Fish and Flowers

Pond plants produce some of the most beautiful flowers. And, a well-kept pond can be home to fish, too.  I want both. I just need to figure out where to place the pond, and how to pump the water. (My preference is to use a solar-powered pump.) Do you have any suggestions?

Stop Bullying Now

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Ellen speaks about bullying.

Giant Mushrooms. UFOs?

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