Daily Thoughts & Issues

IN THIS ISSUE:

FEBRUARY 1

Days left until the next millennium 01.01.3001
 

Photo of the Week
Dugald Bremner/Tony Stone Images
Achieve Your Dreams

February 1 - Day the Constitution's 13th Amendment went into effect, outlawing all slavery (1865). * Ethnic Equality Month - Time to honor all peoples and their positive traditions; time to meditate on the equality of all peoples, on the respect due to them, and on God-Goddess manifesting as African, Asian, Oceanic, Middle Eastern, European, Latin and Native American. * In 1950, Frank Sinatra records with the Tommy Dorsey Band in Chicago and becomes the lead singer. * Insurance issued the first car against accidents with horses (1898). * The Supreme Court of the US met for the first time in New York City (1790). * Greensboro Sit-In (1960) for commercial discrimination against blacks and other minorities provoked a nonviolent protest. At Greensboro, NC four students sat down at a Woolworths store lunch counter and ordered coffee. Refused service, they remained all day. Before the week was over they were joined by a few white students. The protest spread rapidly, especially in southern states. More than 1,600 persons were arrested before the year was over. Civil rights for all became a cause for thousands of students and activists. In response, equal accommodation regardless of race became the rule at lunch counters, hotels and business establishments in thousands of places. * Birthdays: Clark Gable, John Ford, Clark Gable, Langston Hughes, Don Everly, Sherman Hemsley, Rick James (James Johnson), Bob Jamieson, Terry Jones, Garrett Morris, Bill Mumy, Pauly Shore, Stuart Whitman.

DAILY THOUGHTS

This day marks the Feast of Saint Brigit - a celebration originating in the Celtic festival of Brigid, goddess of maidens, which evokes the movement into spring. This is a period of turning outward from the inward focus of the winter months. We are celebrating the return of the light to the world, and the beginning of growth toward light of that which has thus far been blossoming in the dark. We can use this month as a time of paying attention to how we manifest ourselves in the world. A Man's Book of the Spirit

It is possible to see our complaints about feeling stuck, or of not being able to get past the latest trauma, as the work of the soul binding us to our given existence. Soul Mates

Down Time. Having a massage isn't just hedonistic, it's healthy. This is especially true for parents who tend to put their needs last. Find a time when you can really clear your mind and relax. And always use a licensed massage therapist who can provide references. Parents Tips & Tricks (Editors note: In some states like California, they aren't "licensed" which implies local or state procedure, they are certified by a state approved massage training program. It's not terribly difficult to get and there is no re-certification program over time. References are the best policy. Check with your doctor, pediatrician, etc. Massage therapists are often used form outpatient work, especially on sports injuries.)

There are no shortcuts to achieving worthwhile dreams. Achieve Your Dreams

Resolutions still being pursued, ginger cookies. 14,000 Things to Be Happy About

It is not necessary to search for your inner power, since t is already within you. It is something you were given the moment you were born, as essential to your survival as the ability to breathe. Your power is what propels you forward day after day, what sustains you in dark moments, what gives you the ability to do whatever you feel driven to do. It glows within you like a light, beamed outward into the world as needed. If Life is a Game, These are the Rules

Each of us has many mental maps which can be divided into two main categories: maps of the way things are (realities); and maps of the way things should be (values). We interpret everything we experience through these mental maps. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Keep a broom, dustpan, and sponge handy for small messes and teach your kids to clean up their own spills and mishaps. Simplify Your Life

Winter Blahs Remedy: Get out all the old slides, home movies or photo albums, pop up a bowl of popcorn, and reminisce with family or friends about favorite moments from the past. (You might also want to consider this for a quieter, change-of-pace, stay-at-home birthday, anniversary, or New Year's Eve event.)  Stress Busters

Hum when you're board!  My doughtier and I turned humming into a game. One of us hums a song and the other tries to guess what the song is. It sounds easy, but sometimes it's tough. We always end up laughing! To Do Today

Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz Win the Day!

Anthropologist Margaret Mead's early advocacy for bisexuality can be seen in her 1974 piece "Bisexuality:  What's It All About?"  After Mead's death, her daughter wrote about her mother's relationships with both men and women. Gay & Lesbian Calendar

When negotiating, never lose your composure. Anger is the worst reason to miss a deal. Life's Little Instruction Calendar

Damp walls and pipes are your best clue to a condensation problem in your basement, especially in humid weather. You could see rusty hardware, mold or mildew, and you may smell a musty odor. To verity the problem, tape a piece of foil to the dampest wall. Check it after a day or two, and, if the outer face of the foil has fogged up or shows droplets of water, your basement has a condensation problem. To solve the problem, install a dehumidifier, improve the ventilation, or wrap your cold pipes with insulation. Then apply a damp-proofing compound to the walls.  Stanley do-it-yourself Handyman Hints

Fun. We live in a society obsessed with having "fun." Generally that means distracting ourselves from life, from relationships. We're addicted to watching meaningless TV, partying, being otherwise unconscious and out of touch with ourselves and each other. And we call that "fun." No wonder so many people are depressed, caught up in chemical addictions, wondering what they're missing. Real fun occurs when you are living your passion. When you find work you love. When you contribute to society in some way that expresses your joy, your concerns, your talents. Real fun comes with using yourself, not avoiding yourself. Real fun in your marriage can mean fulfilling your passion together. What do you and your spouse really care about? What can you do that would be deeply satisfying and expand the joy and meaning of being together - as well as benefit society? Today, commit yourself to having more real fun in your life and in your love. Following my passion is fun. "I believe that God put us here to have fun. Which doesn't mean going to discos. It means leading a fulfilled life." - Max Kennedy Opening to Love 365 Days a Year

El nombre (NOHMbreh) - name. Living Language

TODAY'S ISSUE: VALENTINE'S DAY

Yes, Valentine's Day. We're talking about it here, because it is a very meaningful day for many people and to wait until February 13 or 14th to think about it may be a bit too late. So, you've got 14 days to go.

One of the things a great little book called Romantic Mischief talks about is to look at Valentine's Day a bit differently. You are "expected" to do something romantic on that one day of the year, like that will make-up for doing nothing on most of the other 364 days. It's like Going to church on Easter because it's expected. Or working in a soup kitchen over the holidays. "I did my bit in the holiday spirit." You're expected to be in the holiday spirit then. but those people still need to eat the other 364 days a year. Were you really thinking of them and wanting to feel good yourself? Do what isn't expected, it may mean a lot more to others.

Here's a different way to think about Valentine's Day and we quote: "Instead of actually being romantic on Valentine's Day, why don't you use the day as a chance to rededicate yourself to the ideals of love? Make a Valentine's Day Resolution. You could resolve to call more often. Be more considerate. List better. Give more of your time. Stop making excuses. Reserve weekends for each other. Give or send your lover fourteen Valentine's Day cards: one-a-day starting today."

"Love is timeless-and to prove it, cover-up all the clocks in your house for the entire weekend before Valentine's Day. Because, romance resides in the everyday."

If you must do the expected and be "romantic" on Valentine's day, here are some other suggestions from Romantic Mischief.

"Give your lover one card every hour."

"Send a dozen roses. Make sure there are eleven red roses and one white rose. Here's the note: "'In every bunch there's one who stands out. And you are that one."

"Buy piles of those little candy conversation hearts. Fill the sink with them. Fill your lover's purse or briefcase. Fill their favorite cereal box with them."

"Call your lover every hour on the hour...all day long!...just to say 'I love you!.'" (Casio makes a watch that you can set to go off every hour. - Editor)

"Learn to say 'I love you' in Japanese ("Ai shite imasu"); in Russian ("Ya lyublyu tyebya"); in Eskimo ("Nagligivaget".)" (If you know your lover's heritage, learn how to say it in their ancestral language. - Editor)

"Some romantic inscriptions for notes and gifts:

A.A.F. (Always And Forever)

G.M.F.L. (Geese Mate For Life)

A.T.S.B.O. (And They Shall Be One)

T.L.Y.T.I.E.T.T.L.Y.M. (Ask a Beatles fan. Hint: From Abbey Road)."

Here's to doing the unexpected. Imagine how your life might be different if, everyday, romance was part of it.

Hey Man: Did you make a difference yesterday? Let us know at Contact Us. Get to know the parents of your children's friend. What Every Man Needs to Know Want to make a difference but you don't know where to start?

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Dork Diaries: Tales from a not-so-fabulous life by Rachel Renee Russell. New school, new mean girl, new crush, new diary. So, Nikki can spill about all of it. Aladdin, simonsayskids.com 2009 ISBN 978-1-4169-8006-3 2009

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
  • Forrest Craver - Spirituality & Social Change - www.menstuff.org/columns/craver/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
  • Rick Hanson - Just One Thing - www.menstuff.org/columns/hanson/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

February is Heart Disease Prevention (Healthy Heart), National Children's Dental Health, Ethnic Equality and *National African-American History Month - a time to honor all peoples and their positive traditions; time to meditate on the equality of all peoples, on the respect due to them and God-Goddess manifesting as African, Asian, European, Latin, Middle Eastern, Native American and Oceanic. The Mystic's Wheel of the Year 2000, AMD/Low Vision Awareness; *American Heart; A Day of Hearts: Child Awareness; International Boost Self-Esteem; International Expect Success; Library Lovers', Marfan Syndrome Awareness; National Children's Dental Health; National Sign Up for Summer Camp; National Weddings; National Wild Bird Feeding; and Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month.

Jan 29-Feb 4: *National Consumer Protection Week. Jan 30-Feb 3: Mid-Winter/Candlemas. Feb 2-9: I Hate Financial Planning Awareness Week. Feb 3-9: Cardiac Rehabilitation Week. Feb 4-10: International Personal and Business Coaching: National School Counseling Week. Feb 6-13: Art of Communication Week. Feb 10-16: Celebration of Love; Enabled Entrepreneurs; Freelance Writers Appreciation; Heart Failure Awareness; Home for Birds; Materials Testing; National Child Passenger Safety Awareness; National Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; National Resurrect Romance Week. Feb 1-17: International Flirting Week. Feb 12-19: National Condom Week. Feb 16-23: National FFA Week. Feb 17-23: International Friendship Week. Feb 18-22: Brotherhood-Sisterhood Week. Feb 19-26: Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Feb 22-24: Second Honeymoon Weekend. Feb 25-Mar 1: Read Me Week. Feb 25-Mar 3: Telecommuter Appreciation Week. Feb 1: Candlemas; Ground Hog Day. Feb 2: National Men's Grooming Day. Feb 3: Torture Abolition Day. Feb 4:  Weathermen's Day. Feb. 5: Dump Your "Significant Jerk"; Pay-a-Compliment Day. Feb 6: National Girls and Women in Sports; Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbors Day. Feb 7: Laugh and Grow Rich Day. Feb 8: National "DAV" Day. Feb 10: Be Electrific; Motivation; Satisfied Staying Single Day. Feb 11: Lost Penny Day. Feb 12: Black Love; Get a Different Name Day. Feb 13: Race Relations; Read to Your Child Day. Feb 14: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness; National Have-A-Heart; Heart 2 Heart; St.Valentine's Day. Feb 15: Remember the Maine Day. Feb 16: Who Shall I Be Day. Feb 17: National PTA Founders' Day.. Feb 18: President's Day. Feb 19: Student Volunteer Day. Feb 24: Children's Day. Feb 25: For Pete's Sake Day. Feb 27: Spay USA; Paczki Day. Feb 29: Bachelors' Day

* 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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