Daily Thoughts & Issues

IN THIS ISSUE:

DECEMBER 9

Days left until the next millennium 01.01.3001

Photo of the Week
Scott Spiker/Adventure Photo & Film
Achieve Your Dreams

 

December 9 -Weary Willie Day. Following the resignation of Spiro Agnew, Gerald Ford becomes the first vice president of the US to be appointed (1973). * The first formal cremation of a human body in America took place near Charleston, SC. Henry Laurens, colonial statesman and signed of the Treaty of Paris, ending the Revolutionary War, in his will provided: "I do solemnly enjoin it on my son, as an indispensable duty, that as soon as he conveniently can, after my decease, he cause my body to be wrapped in twelve yards of tow cloth and burned until it be entirely consumed, and then, collecting my bones, deposit them wherever he may think proper." He died on this day in 1792 on his plantation, and was cremated there. * Independence Day in Tanzania. * The UN unanimously approved the Convention on Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948). It took effect 1/12/51 when ratification by 20 nations had been completed. It took the US Senate thirty-seven years after its submission and after approval by more than 90 nations, to approve it by a vote of 83-11. (1986) * Birthdays: Buck Henry, Redd Foxx, Kirk Douglas,  Clarence Birdseye, Joel Chandler Harris, John Milton, Otis Lee Birdsong, Beau Bridges, Richard Marvin (Dick) Butkus, Kirk Douglas (Issur Danielovitch Demsky), Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Thomas O. (Tom) Kite, Jr., Joe Lando, John Malkovich, Michael Nouri, Donny Osmond, Dick Van Patten.

DAILY THOUGHTS

With all the TV, movie and ad images of families and couples enjoying themselves, you may feel extra stress if you're alone for the holidays. However, you don't need to be alone unless you want to be. Many social-service agencies, nursing homes and nonprofit organizations need extra volunteers and have a variety of ways you could be involved in helping others at this time of year. You may find that you receive much more than you give. Stress Busters

On this day in 1919 Roy deCarava, who will become the first African American photographer to be awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, is born. African American History

I love it when she takes off my condom and squeezes the semen out on her breasts. - Tom, 26 Best of 1001 Sex Secrets Every Man & Woman Should Know

Classic toys and when they were first invented:  Teddy bear-1902; Tinkertoys-1914; Silly Putty-1945; Erector set-1952; Legos-1954; Barbie doll-1959. Dr. Buff's 365 Day Parenting Calendar

There must be a reason that we are living so much longer. What are we meant to do with all this leftover life?  In order to continue to enjoy life and be productive, we need to know what is absolutely relevant about our lives. New Passages

No Personality. "We should take care not to make the intellect our god; it has, of course, powerful muscles, but no personality." - Albert Einstein (1879-1955) The Old Farmer's Almanac

It is because of grace that it is possible for people to transcend the traumas of loveless parenting and become themselves loving individuals who have risen far above their parents on the scale of human evolution. The Road Less Traveled

In the deepest sense, to be responsible is to honor the mystery that lies at the very heart of every situation. Soul Mates

Things to Be Happy bout:  Reconnecting with an old college friend. Making amends. A quiet evening to soothe frazzled nerves.  14,000 Things to Be Happy About

Don't argue for a later bedtime while you're wearing pajamas with feet.  Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me

Ecology is a word that basically describes the synergism in nature - everything is related to everything else. It's in the relationship that creative powers are maximized, just as the real power in these Seven Habits is in their relationship to each other, not just in the individual habits themselves. If Life is a Game, These are the Rules

After Antinous, lover of Roman Emperor Hadrian (c.110-130) drowned himself in the Nile, Hadrian distraught with grief, promoted a cult following of Antinous and the founding of the Egyptian city of Antinopolis, located near where the drowning occurred. Many sculptures depicting Antinous were crafted, over five hundred of which exist today. Gay & Lesbian Calendar

Think about the troubles you could avoid and the stress you could eliminate if you made the decision to ignore a slight offense or a minor defamation or an unintentional snub - of even an intentional one. Our reactions to the situations or our life are elective, and we get to do the electing. Simplify Your Life

7 to 10 years - Home Alone? As your child becomes increasingly responsible and self-reliant, taking them along on every errand may seem unnecessary. Even if you think they are ready to stay home alone briefly, you still have to prepare them thoroughly. A child who seems emotionally ready to stay at home alone may not be responsible enough yet. A good yardstick is whether they are able to follow directions and handle a two- or three-step task. In any event, you should never leave the house without making sure your child knows all the rules and has all the information you'd give a baby sitter. Parents Tips & Tricks

For the Kids: Give coupons again and again! Laminate gift coupons you've made or bought. Write the person's name on the coupon with a dry-erase marker. After they use it, wipe off their name and give it again.  To Do Today

I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom. - General George S. Patton  Win the Day!

El chaparron (chahpahRROHN) Downpour. Menudo chaparron nos caera!  We'll get a good telling-off!  (Lit. A downpour will fall on us!)  Living Language

TODAY'S ISSUE: SAFETY

At every step the child should be allowed to meet the real experience of life; the thorns should never be plucked from the roses. - Ellen Key.

It used to puzzle me that my children preferred workaday household objects, adults tools and equipment to toys. The most attractive, expertly designed toy clocks and games and blocks would be neglected while they fumbled the batteries out of the flashlights or stacked cans from the kitchen cupboards. It puzzled me until I figured out that children learn by imitation, and they were imitating us. We didn't play with those scientifically designed toys, either. (Small cans of tomato paste made perfect building materials.)

We found that letting them use "real" things didn't hamper their imagination at all. As long as we took reasonable care, we could let them play with many household objects. And the same held true for other experiences. We never concealed illness or death from them, or pregnancy and birth. Childhood is preparation for life, not a substitute for it. Family Feelings

Hey Man: Did you make a difference yesterday? Let us know at Contact Us. The thorniest flowers have the sweetest scent. Family Feelings Want to make a difference but you don't know where to start?

 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Dress Like the Big Fish: How to achieve the image you want and the success you deserve, Dick Lerner. To land a job these days, prospective employees need more than a strong resume. Their dress and image need to mirror their credentials. The author, a Certified Wardrobe Consultant and Certified Custom Clothier, points out, "An investment in an appropriate wardrobe is an investment in career success." In this book he offers sensible, practical advice for everyone from young people looking for their first job or to step up a rung; retiring or recently discharged military personnel who have been wearing a uniform for many years; women and men re-entering the work force; and anyone looking to land a job in this tough job market. Things considered: that sport coast that's on sale may not be such a good buy. Business casual does not mean jeans. Wear wool. When you can't afford wardrobe clothing, buy fewer pieces, but better quality. Dress for the job two levels above you. Also, a check-list for non-clothing items: hair, eyeglasses, facial hair, fingernails. www.DressLiketheBigFish.com, Bel Fir Fashions Press, 2008, ISBN 978-0-9793463-0-9

SPECIAL URLs

 

MENSTUFF COLUMNS BY AUTHOR

  • The Advice Diva - The Advice Diva - relationship and sexuality issues discussed - www.menstuff.org/columns/advicediva/archive.html
  • Peter Alsop - Song of the Month - www.menstuff.org/columns/alsop/archive.html
  • Reid Baer - A Man Overboard - Interview of the Month - www.menstuff.org/columns/overboard/archive.html
  • Reid Baer - Poetry - poetry read on YouTube - www.menstuff.org/columns/baer/archive.html
  • Molly Barrow - Shrink About This - www.menstuff.org/columns/barrow/archive.html
  • Peter Baylies - At Home Dads - on at-home-dad issues that impact fathers who stay at home to raise their kids - www.menstuff.org/columns/baylies/archive.html
  • Tom Blake - Middle-Age Relationships - from an expert on dating after 50. www.menstuff.org/columns/blake/archive.html
  • Mark Brandenburg - Great Fathers - on fathering issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/greatfathers/archive.html
  • Ted Braude - BoysWork - a columnist in the The Detroit Free Press "Body and Mind" section www.menstuff.org/columns/braude/archive.html
  • Armin Brott - A Father's Guide - hosts "Positive Parenting" on radio www.menstuff.org/columns/brott/archive.html
  • Dan Bulf - Get Real - weekly pod cast on men's issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/bulf/archive.html
  • Ken Byers - Transition - on men's life transitions - www.menstuff.org/columns/byers/archive.html
  • Sandra L. Caron - Sex Talk - college students get answers to their questions - www.menstuff.org/columns/sextalk/archive.html
  • Neil Chethik - Relationships - www.menstuff.org/columns/chethik/archive.html
  • Otto & Susie Collins - Susie and Otto - relationship issues discussed - www.menstuff.org/columns/susie&otto/archive.html
  • David Copeland - How to Succeed with Women - www.menstuff.org/columns/howtosucceed/archive.html
  • Layne & Paul Cutright - Powerful Partnerships - relationship issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/cutright/archive.html
  • Ron DesMarais - Cavemen in the Kitchen - great recipes for men - www.menstuff.org/columns/desmarais/archive.html
  • Jed Diamond - Irritable Male Syndrome - www.menstuff.org/columns/diamond/archive.html
  • Doc Love - Women Don't Lie, Man Don't Listen - answers to relationship issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/doclov/archive.html
  • Barry Durdant-Hollamby - Creating Change - creating change in your life - www.menstuff.org/columns/durdant/archive.html
  • Irv Engel - The Real Deal - www.menstuff.org/columns/engel/archive.html
  • Nancy Fagan - Expert Dating Advice - with Nancy Fagan - www.menstuf.org/columns/fagan/archive.html
  • Warren Farrell - Men's Issues: Facts and Perspectives www.menstuff.org/columns/farrell/archive.html
  • Leonard Felder - Wake Up or Break Up - www.menstuff.org/columns/felder/archive.html
  • Marty Friedman - Strong Men, Strong Marriage - www.menstuff.org/columns/friedman/archive.html
  • Kim Garretson - Mansgland - using humor to encourage prostate exams - www.menstuff.org/columns/mansgland/archive.html
  • Lion Goodman - How to get Women to Love You - www.menstuff.org/columns/goodman/archive.html
  • Liz Halliday - In a Man's World - www.menstuff.org/columns/halliday/archive.html
  • Tim Hartnett - Daddyman Speaks - being a father www.menstuff.org/columns/daddyman/archive.html
  • John Hershey - Blood, Phlegm & Bile: Parenting with Humor - He writes a syndicated biweekly humor column about parenting and family life. www.menstuff.org/columns/hershey/archive.html
  • Gary Hoeber - Psychotherapy as Soul Work, www.menstuff.org/columns/hoeber/archive.html
  • Patrick Houser - Fathers Make a World of Difference, www.menstuff.org/columns/houser/archive.html
  • Paul Joannides - The Guide to Getting It On - on sex - www.menstuff.org/columns/getiton/archive.html
  • Jack Kahn - NOMAS Boston - www.menstuff.org/columns/kahn/archive.html
  • Patrick Kennedy - Seniors - www.menstuff.org/columns/kennedy/archive.html
  • Joe Kort - Gaydar - to increase understanding between gay and het men - www.menstuff.org/columns/kort/archive.html
  • David Kundtz - David Kundtz - presents seminars, workshops, retreats, and conference presentations in the areas of men's emotional health, stress management, and spirituality. www.menstuff.org/columns/kundtz/archive.html
  • Bruce Linton - Dr. Dad - on fathering - www.menstuff.org/columns/drdad/archive.html
  • Ron Louis - How to Succeed with Women - www.menstuff.org/columns/howtosucceed/archive.html
  • Wendy McElroy - Wendy McElroy on Feminism, www.menstuff.org/columns/mcelroy/archive.html
  • Robert N. Minor - Minor Details - on GBT sexuality - www.menstuff.org/columns/minordetails/archive.html
  • Robert L. Moore - Man & Mythology - www.menstuff.org/columns/moore/archive.html
  • Dennis W. Neder - Being a Man - general questions about men's lives - www.menstuff.org/columns/neder/archive.html
  • Marty Nemko - Worklife - general questions about men and work - www.menstuff.org/columns/nemko/archive.html
  • Eli Newberger - Eli Newberger - general information on men's lives - www.menstuff.org/columns/newberger/archive.html
  • Linda Nielsen - Embracing the Father - working with the father/daughter relationship. www.menstuff.org/columns/nielsen/archive.html
  • Kathy Noll - Bullies and Youth Violence - working with schools, teachers and parents to end school violence - www.menstuff.org/columns/noll/archive.html
  • Mark Phillips - Stay-at-Home-Dads - helping men maintain that which makes us men, instead of becoming hairy Mom-substitutes - www.menstuff.org/columns/phillips/archive.html
  • Carey Roberts - Socialism & Feminism - is a social commentator on political correctness. www.menstuff.org/columns/roberts/archive.html
  • Perry Rose - Dating, Relationship, Sex
  • Glenn Sacks - His Side - on fathering - www.menstuff.org/columns/sacks/archive.html
  • Trudy Schuett - Domestic Violence - serving the under-represented www.menstuff.org/columns/schuett/archive.html
  • Carl J. Schutt - Circumcision - social commentator on circumcision - www.menstuff.org/columns/schutt/archive.html
  • Hugo Schwyzer - A Pro-feminist's Response - www.menstuff.org/columns/schwyzer/archive.html
  • Michael Shaffran - Men's Issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/shaffran/archive.html
  • Judith Sherven - Judith & Jim - discussion and answers regarding relationship issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/judith&jim/archive.html
  • Judith Sherven - The New Intimacy - www.menstuff.org/columns/newintimacy/archive.html
  • George Simons - Bellicose Veins - is a US specialist in intercultural and gender communication who hangs out in Mandelieu - la Napoule, France, as well as in Santa Cruz, CA. www.menstuff.org/columns/simons/archive.html
  • Andy Smith - Hard Hat Brotherhood - www.menstuff.org/columns/hardhat/archive.html
  • David B. Smith - Fighting Father Dave - www.menstuff.org/columns/smith/archive.html
  • Jim Sniechowski - Judith & Jim - discussion and answers regarding relationship issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/judith&jim/archive.html
  • Jim Sniechowski - The New Intimacy - www.menstuff.org/columns/newintimacy/archive.html
  • Reena Sommer - Custody - is an internationally recognized relationship and divorce consultant. www.menstuff.org/columns/sommer/archive.html
  • R. Don Steele - Don Steele - relationship questions answered -
    www.menstuff.org/columns/steele/archive.html
  • David Steinberg - Comes Naturally - on sexuality - www.menstuff.org/columns/steinberg/archive.html
  • Mary Lou St Lucas - A Mother's Love - www.menstuf.org/columns/stlucas/archive.html
  • Surprise - Surprise Author - From a new columnist every month - www.menstuff.org/columns/surprise/archive.html
  • Steven Svoboda - Fatherhood, Activism and the Law www.menstuff.org/columns/svoboda/archive.html
  • Michael Taylor - A New Conversation with Men - www.menstuff.org/columns/taylor/archive.html
  • Bruce Van Horn - Yoga for Men - issues around the health benefits of yoga for men - www.menstuff.org/yoga/archive.html
  • Michael Webb - Secrets of Blissful Relationships - on relationship - www.menstuff.org/columns/bliss/archive.html
  • Stuart Wilde - Spirituality - www.menstuff.org/columns/wilde/archive.html
  • Dr.Williams - Sex Health - on sexual health - Dr. Williams, www.menstuff.org/columns/sexhealth/archive.html
  • KC Wilson - On Gender Politics is a social commentator and author. www.menstuff.org/columns/wilson/archive.html

Plus

  • Health Tips - on general health - www.menstuff.org/columns/healthtips/archive.html
  • Independent Means - resources for raising financially fit kids - www.menstuff.org/columns/independentmeans/archive.html
  • Numbers - www.menstuff.org/columns/numbers/archive.html
  • Questions - www.menstuff.org/columns/q&a/archive.html
  • Surprise - from a new columnist every month - www.menstuff.org/columns/surprise/archive.html
  • Words Can Heal - helping children grow up healthy - www.menstuff.org/columns/wordscanheal/archive.html
  • Wuzup?! - National or international events happening this month - www.menstuff.org/columns/whassup/archive.html 

AWARENESS EVENTS THIS MONTH

December is Kidstuff month. Also check Toy Safety and Happy Holidaze. Holiday Designated Driver, Colorectal Cancer Education and Awareness; Hug-A-Week for Hearing Impaired; International Calendar Awareness; *National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention; National Stress-Free Family Holidays; Safe Toys and Gifts; Universal Human Rights Month.

11/1-12/13: Merlin's Snug Hugs for Kids, 11/27-12/26: Ramadan. 11/1/00-01/01/01: Tie One on the Safety; 11/4-12/4: Jewish Book Month. 11/26-12/25: Operation Blessing International's 30 Days of Holiday Hope. 12/1-7: National Aplastic Anemia Awareness; Tolerance; 12/10-16: *Human Rights Week. 12/15-21: International Language Week 12/16-24: Posadas.. 12/17-23: Tell Someone They're Doing a Good Job Week. 12/22-29: Chanukah. 12/25-31: It's About Time Week. 12/26-1/1: Kwanzaa. 12/1: Day without Art/*UN World AIDS Day; 12/2: Pan American Health; International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, Advent/Festival of Lights. 12/3: UN International Day of Disabled Persons. 12/5: Bathtub Party; International Volunteer Day for Economy and Social Development Day. 12/7: *National Pearl Harbor Remembrance; UN International Civil Aviation Day. 12/9: UN Convention on Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948). 12/10: * Human Rights; International Shareware; UN Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination Day. 12/12: Poinsettia Day. 12/15: *Bill of Rights; Underdog; One Day. 12/17: End Violence Against Sex Workers (International) *Pan American Aviation; Wright Brothers Day. 12/20: Louisiana Purchase; Mudd Day. 12/21: Forefathers'; Humbug; Phileas Fogg Wins a Wager; World Peace Day. 12/25: Christmas, A'phabet Day. 12/26: National Whiner's; Boxing Day. 12/28: Holy Innocents Day. 12/29: UN International Day for Biological Diversity Day. 12/31: Namahage (Japan); Make Up Your Mind Day. World Peace Meditation.

* Means a Presidential Proclamation has been made.

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Men are so competitive that we even "out-die" women in all 15 of the major causes of death in the U.S. Most of these deaths are preventable with a positive change in life-style, eating habits, and/or general health care. Let's not strive so hard to hold on to this record. See what you can change now to live a healthier life.
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