Daily Thoughts & Issues

IN THIS ISSUE:

NOVEMBER 23

Days left until the next millennium 01.01.3001

Photo of the Week
David Madison/Tony Stone Images
Achieve Your Dreams

November 23 - The first issue of Life magazine debuts, picturing an obstetrician slapping a baby's bottom with the caption, "LIFE begins." (1936) * First play-by-play football game broadcast (1919) Texas A&M blanked the University of Texas 7-0. * The US Second Marine Division took control of the Gilbert Islands after fierce fighting on the heavily fortified Tarawa Atoll (1943) In the 76-hour battle the Marines beat back a "death charge" in which the Japanese ran directly at the American guns. American troops sustained 3,500 killed and wounded. The Japanese suffered 5,000 killed and 17 wounded and captured. (The Gilbert Islands are the westernmost of the Polynesians, midway between Australia and Hawaii.) * Birthdays: Vic Baker, Jerry Bock, Krzysztof Penderecki, Maurice Zolotow, Billy the Kid, Boris Karloff.

DAILY THOUGHTS

Thanksgiving Traditions:  Folklorists believe that our Thanksgiving pumpkin pie may derive from the pumpkin as a solar symbol (gold and round) and emblem of the harvest (big and bountiful). The football has similar solar references, dating back to the Mayans (ca. 2000 B.C.), when the games were also associated with ritual thanksgivings for harvest bounty. The Old Farmer's Almanac

Think about your blessings with a thankful box. Ask your family to write notes about what they're thankful for and stick them in a box. At Thanksgiving dinner, open the box and read all the notes. It's a fun way to count your blessings. Then, tomorrow, start the box all over again. Anyone can add to it any time during the year. To Do Today

What good are you doing today? Achieve Your Dreams

Skunks Hibernate Today. In Ozark lore, skunk oil was considered a great cure for throat ailments and especially croup. The aromatic fat was rendered from skunks trapped during the winter months. Evidently these skunks hadn't hibernated hard enough, we'd venture, and many a sore-throat victim would probably have agreed. The Old Farmer's Almanac

Pounding like a hammer on a nail or doing push-ups on your partner isn't sex. - Valerie, 33 Best of 1001 Sex Secrets Every Man & Woman Should Know

I make a distinction between aloneness and loneliness. Loneliness is the unavailability of people to communicate with on any level. Powerful people are surrounded by others only too eager to communicate with them; hence they are seldom lonely and may even yearn for loneliness. Aloneness, however, is the unavailability of someone to communicate with at your level of awareness. The Road Less Traveled

From the erotic point of view, especially if we see eros as a "guide of the soul," our culture's fear of sex and our anxious controls on sex are at bottom a mistrust of the soul. Soul Mates

Things to Be Happy About:  The happy swirl of setting the table. Cooperative cooking and baking. A favorite carving knife. Eating dessert without gaining weight. 14,000 Things to Be Happy About

Always try at least one bite. Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me

Cultivating awareness is a lifelong process. Every moment presents you with the opportunity to remain awake or to slip into unconscious behavior. We can walk through life on "automatic pilot" or we can pay attention and behave in a conscious manner. The key to learning awareness lies in tracing the root of your behavior so you can identify the beliefs that cause you to repeat the same patterns. Once you identify the patterns, you can then work on releasing them through willingness. If Life is a Game, These are the Rules

Which bisexual athlete was the first woman to be named Sports Illustrated's "Sportsperson of the Year," in 1973? (Answer below) Gay & Lesbian Calendar

A life of integrity is the most fundamental source of personal worth. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Get into the habit of taking a few minutes at the end of each day to make a list of all the things that happened that day for which you can be grateful. You'll find, if you haven't already, there's a self-expansion aspect of gratitude. Very possibly it's a little-known law of nature: The more gratitude you have, the more you have to be grateful for.  Simplify Your Life

Hosting the Sleepover. Some ideas to make it through the night. Keep the guest list short. In general, no more than six children. Keep the menu healthy: While you'll want to serve some kid-pleasing favorites like pepperoni pizza, too much party food will lead to sick tummies late at night. Rent some fun tapes, but no horror films. Kids may squeal with delight while watching them but be fearful for the rest of the night. Have every child's home phone number handy in case parents need to be notified of overwhelming homesickness or other maladies. Plan on an easy, buffet-style breakfast, and be sure that all other parents are aware of the morning pickup time. Parents Tips & Tricks

When everything seems to be falling apart around you, make a list of what's going right in your life - of those things you have to be thankful for. Dwell on the good things and you may find that you've regained a proper perspective on your life.  Stress Busters

It's easier to go down a hill than up it, but the view is much better at the top. - Arnold Bennet. Win the Day!

El pavo (PAHvoh) Turkey. Se te sube el pavo por cualquier cosa!  You get embarrased at the slightest thing!  (Lit. The turkey rises in you fo anything!) Living Language

Answer:  Tennis star Billie Jean King

TODAY'S ISSUE: SELF IMPORTANCE

Self-importance is our greatest enemy. Think about it - what weakens us is feeling offended by the deeds or misdeeds of our fellowmen. Our self-importance requires that we spend most of our lives offended by someone. - Carlos Castaneda. Were we offended by someone today? Do we harbor resentment for remarks, oversights, or unpleasant mannerisms? Do we feel tense or uneasy about how someone else has treated us? We can probably make a good case to justify our reactions. Perhaps we are in the right and they in the wrong.

Yet, even if we are justified, it doesn't matter. We may be puffying ourselves up and wasting energy. When we are oversensitive, we take a self-righteous position which leads us far from our path of spiritual awakening. Our strength is diminished.

How much better it is to let go of the rightness, let go of our grandiosity, and accept the imperfections in others. We need to accept our own imperfections too. When we do, we are better men and our strength and energy can be focused on richer goals. Family Feelings

Hey Man: Did you make a difference yesterday? Let us know at Contact Us.. I will accept others' imperfections; I do not need to be right. Family Feelings Want to make a difference but you don't know where to start?

 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

11/22-28: (47) Why Men Die First: How to lengthen your lifespan,, Marianne Legato. It is a universal fact that men die before women, and until recently we have accepted this trend as normal. In this book the author examines the reasons that men are more susceptible to illness and explains what they need to do to live longer. She tackles the everyday health problems that assail men. Marshaling the latest research, and wisdom gleaned from thirty years of treating patients, she delves into problems that both men and women care about, including: How men's reluctance to speak frankly to their physicians can kill them. The hormonal shift called "andropause" the male menopause, and therapies that alleviate its painful symptoms. Men's biological predisposition to infection and how best to protect against it. The real causes of male depression and how to treat it. The risks inherent to the male heart, and ways to correct coronary disease - even late in life. Warm, groundbreaking, and informative, this book will irrevocably change the way we think of men's lives, health and happiness. Palgrave Macmillan, www.palgrave.com, 2008, ISBN 0-230-60517-6

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 - Your Wise Brain - 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
  • Tom Matlack - Tom Matlack - Good Men Project - www.menstuff.org/columns/matlack/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

November is International Impotency Awareness Month. We provide background information on this new drug and alternatives to Viagra. Impotency, Viagra and other solutions as well as Books on the subject. National Diabetes Awareness, Lung Cancer Awareness, Native American Heritage, Aviation History, Diabetic Eye Disease, Dummies for Tummies, Epilepsy Awareness, International Drum, *National Adoption, National Alzheimer's Disease, National American Indian Heritage, National Family Caregivers, National Child Safety and Protection, National Life Writing; National Marrow Awareness; National Sleep Comfort; Orphan Disease; Peanut Butter Lovers; Vegan Awareness 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. 11/27-12/26: Ramadan. 11/1-7: Vegan Awareness; World Communication. 11/5-11: Pursuit of Happiness, National Chemistry Week. 11/6-10: Kids' Goals Education Week 11/6-12: Random Acts of Kindness; Shallow Persons Awareness Week 11/8-14: Pursuit of Happiness Week. 11/9-13: Goodwill Annual Used Book Sale. 11/12-18: *American Education; National Geography Awareness, Operating Room Nurse Week. 11/13-19: National Children's Book Week. 11/17-19: National Donor Sabbath. 11/17-23: *National Farm-City Week. 18 -25 November 2000: International Herpes Awareness Week. 11/18 -25 International Herpes Awareness Week 11/19-25:  *National Family; National Family Caregivers; National Game and Puzzle Week. 11/19-26: Bible Week. 11/1-2: Day of the Dead. 11/1 is All Saints Day, National Authors; National Family Literacy. 11/2: US Elecetion Day - Vote Absentee Ballot. All Soul's Day; National Men Make Dinner; 11/3: Culture Day. 11/3-5: Great American Warm-Up; 11/4: Sadie Hawkins; Sweden All Saints. 11/5: Guy Fawkes Day. 11/6: Halfway Point of Autumn. 11/8: Punsters; Abet and Aid Punsters; Cook Something Bold and Pungent; National Young Reader's Day. 11/10: USMC Birthday, Veterans Day (Observed); Lung Cancer Awareness; 11/11: Veterans Day; Remembrance Day; Vox Populi Day. Cook Something Bold Day. 11/12: America Recycles Day. 11/13: World Kindness Day. 11/14: Children's Day (India); National American Teddy Bear; National Community Education Day. 11/15: Gypsy Condemnation Order Anniversary, Shichi-Go-San (Japan); National Educational Support Personnel Day. 11/16: *Great American Smokeout; World Harvest, International Day for Tolerance; 11/17: World Peace Day. 11/19: World's Men's, Have a Bad Day; 11/20: Universal Children's; UN African Industrialization Day. 11/21: UN World Television; World Hello Day. 11/22: National Stop the Violence Day. 11/23: *Thanksgiving Day (US) 11/24: Sinkie Day; Buy Nothing; "What Do You Love about America Day; 11/25: You're Welcomgiving Day. 11/29: UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. 11/30: Computer Security; Stay Home Because You're Well Day.

* Means a Presidential Proclamation has been made.

 *    *    *
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.
Contact Us | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement
Menstuff® Directory
Menstuff® is a registered trademark of Gordon Clay
©1996-2023, Gordon Clay