The fallout over the recent decision by the Susan G. Komen Foundation not to fund Planned Parenthood spread far and wide like wildfire in very short period of time.
The outrage expressed by women has now forced executives to do an about face. Here is a letter from our Komen NC Triangle Affiliate:
We know it has been a very difficult week for our supporters. The news has been full of stories about the National grant policy.
TODAY, we are pleased to announce that Susan G. Komen National headquarters revised its GRANTS POLICY.
We heard the concerns from many of you and hundreds of community members and shared the messages with National. As an Affiliate, we were just as distressed as you were over the lack of clarity and facts originally given by National headquarters concerning the grant policy. We are continuing to work hard every day alongside our volunteers and community health grantees to educate, save lives, and support breast cancer survivors.
The policy change means that all eligible agencies may apply for health grants. Our grants process must be free of political influence.
The NC Triangle Affiliate LEADS with its MISSION to improve lives and end breast cancer through empowering women and ensure quality of care for all.
In 2011, through support from the Race for the Cure, individual and corporate philanthropy, and other fundraising events, the NC Triangle Affiliate was able to invest $1 million in community health grants to fund 18 organizations throughout our 20 county service area.
Local community support helped to provide:
• 5,168 Mammograms
• 902 Diagnostic services
• 479 Clinical breast exams
• 95 Patient navigation services
• 85,782 Touched through outreach about breast health, symptoms, risk factors and regular screenings.
Thank you for your continuing support! We would not be able to accomplish everything we do without the support of our volunteers and donors. It is with you by our side that we move forward and continue toward our mission of a world without breast cancer.
Please help us spread the word and bring back those who left us over this issue.
Best regards,
Kathy Burns, Interim Executive Director
Showing posts with label "boomer world". Show all posts
Showing posts with label "boomer world". Show all posts
Friday, February 03, 2012
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The Impact of Social Media on Baby Boomers
In case you haven't heard, the baby boomer generation has taken social media by storm. According to a CBS News report, half (47 percent) of internet users aged 50-64 use social media now, an 88 percent growth from the previous year. The number of Facebook users in the U.S. aged 55 and older grew from around 1 million in early 2009 to 10 million in early 2010, according to istrategy.com, a website that tracks Facebook data.
Social Media is having a tremendous impact on just about every aspect of our lives. Check this out:
1.Social Media has overtaken porn as the #1 activity on the Web
2. More than 1.5 million pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) are shared on Facebook…daily.
3. 1 out of 8 couples married in the U.S. in 2008 year met via social media with baby boomers leading the charge to the altar or Justice of the Peace.
4. 2009 US Department of Education study revealed that on average, online students out performed those receiving face-to-face instruction.
5. 1 in 6 higher education students are enrolled in online curriculum. By getting an online degree baby boomers are discovering they can stay where they are and attend school anywhere they want.
6. Percentage of companies using LinkedIn as a primary tool to find employees….80%
7. The fastest growing segment on Facebook is 55-65 year-old females.
8. Generation Y and Z consider e-mail passé…so if you want to reach out and touch your grandchildren, you better learn how to TEXT MESSAGE.
Social Media is having a tremendous impact on just about every aspect of our lives. Check this out:
1.Social Media has overtaken porn as the #1 activity on the Web
2. More than 1.5 million pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) are shared on Facebook…daily.
3. 1 out of 8 couples married in the U.S. in 2008 year met via social media with baby boomers leading the charge to the altar or Justice of the Peace.
4. 2009 US Department of Education study revealed that on average, online students out performed those receiving face-to-face instruction.
5. 1 in 6 higher education students are enrolled in online curriculum. By getting an online degree baby boomers are discovering they can stay where they are and attend school anywhere they want.
6. Percentage of companies using LinkedIn as a primary tool to find employees….80%
7. The fastest growing segment on Facebook is 55-65 year-old females.
8. Generation Y and Z consider e-mail passé…so if you want to reach out and touch your grandchildren, you better learn how to TEXT MESSAGE.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Suicide Rates are Up for Baby Boomers
Suicide rates for middle-aged people are on the rise-- particularly for white men without college degrees -- and a combination of poor health and a poor economy may be driving it, according to a new study.
Sociologists from Rutgers University in New Jersey and Emory University in Atlanta found that suicide rates have climbed since 1988 for males aged 40-49 years, and since 1999 for females aged 40-59 years and males aged 50-59 years.
Men and women with a high school degree or less are more likely to commit suicide. Rates in men with a high school diploma went up 11.7 percent in the 40 to 49 age group and 27 percent in the 50 to 59 age group. Women in those groups saw their suicide rates increase by 15 and 17 percent, respectively.
In 1979 the suicide rate for men aged 40 to 49 was 21.8 per 100,000. It rose to as high as 24 per 100,000 in 1996 and to 25 by 2005. For men 50 to 59 it was 23.9 in 1979, fell to 20.4 per 100,000 in 1999 and rose again to nearly 23.8 in 2005.
Another interesting note is the fact that the study seems to indicate the risk of suicide was substantially larger for unmarried than for married people, with unmarried middle-aged men 3.5 times as likely to commit suicide as married middle-aged men.
Personally,I would've thought just the opposite.
Sociologists from Rutgers University in New Jersey and Emory University in Atlanta found that suicide rates have climbed since 1988 for males aged 40-49 years, and since 1999 for females aged 40-59 years and males aged 50-59 years.
Men and women with a high school degree or less are more likely to commit suicide. Rates in men with a high school diploma went up 11.7 percent in the 40 to 49 age group and 27 percent in the 50 to 59 age group. Women in those groups saw their suicide rates increase by 15 and 17 percent, respectively.
In 1979 the suicide rate for men aged 40 to 49 was 21.8 per 100,000. It rose to as high as 24 per 100,000 in 1996 and to 25 by 2005. For men 50 to 59 it was 23.9 in 1979, fell to 20.4 per 100,000 in 1999 and rose again to nearly 23.8 in 2005.
Another interesting note is the fact that the study seems to indicate the risk of suicide was substantially larger for unmarried than for married people, with unmarried middle-aged men 3.5 times as likely to commit suicide as married middle-aged men.
Personally,I would've thought just the opposite.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Time Flies in Boomer World
Today is Ringo Starr's birthday. The oldest of The Beatles turns 70. Hard to believe that the drummer of the young English rock group that took America by storm in the 60s is a member of the post boomer generation.
In my mind, The Beatles have never aged. I still see them as four handsome young musicians with the bowl-type haircuts playing for millions of screaming, adoring fans. I was seven years old when I sat glued to my TV set watching them on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Ringo's birthday is a reminder that I, too, am getting older.
They say time flies when you're having fun. I say time flies whether you're having fun or not. Ask Ringo.
By the way, what was your all-time favorite Beatles' song?
To learn more about what Ringo is doing on his birthday, click on the title of this blog post.
In my mind, The Beatles have never aged. I still see them as four handsome young musicians with the bowl-type haircuts playing for millions of screaming, adoring fans. I was seven years old when I sat glued to my TV set watching them on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Ringo's birthday is a reminder that I, too, am getting older.
They say time flies when you're having fun. I say time flies whether you're having fun or not. Ask Ringo.
By the way, what was your all-time favorite Beatles' song?
To learn more about what Ringo is doing on his birthday, click on the title of this blog post.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Hey, I Like Your Baby Boomer Smile
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and what do people find most attractive in others? The smile. A national survey from the American Dental Association and Crest® and Oral B® finds that the smile outranked eyes, hair and the body as the most attractive physical feature.
Yet men and women differ when it comes to taking care of their teeth and gums. The nationally representative survey of 1,000 Americans ages 18 and older found 86 percent of women brush their teeth twice or more a day, yet only 66 percent of men do so.
The survey also found that women say they change their toothbrush or power toothbrush head every 3-4 months on average, yet men hang on to theirs an average of 5 months. The ADA recommends replacing toothbrushes every 3-4 months or when the bristles become frayed since frayed and worn bristles decrease cleaning effectiveness.
Sadly, all Americans need to do a better job of flossing their teeth. Only half of those surveyed (49 percent) say they floss their teeth once a day or more often. And 1 out of 3 people surveyed think a little blood in the sink after brushing their teeth is normal, yet it’s not—it could signal gum disease or another health problem.
Oral health is an important part of overall health. Regular dental check-ups are important not only to diagnose and treat gum disease and tooth decay, but also because some diseases or medical conditions, such as oral cancer, have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.
Growing research indicates there may be an association between oral health and serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, underscoring the importance of good oral hygiene habits.
Dental experts say brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist regularly can help keep your smile healthy.
Yet men and women differ when it comes to taking care of their teeth and gums. The nationally representative survey of 1,000 Americans ages 18 and older found 86 percent of women brush their teeth twice or more a day, yet only 66 percent of men do so.
The survey also found that women say they change their toothbrush or power toothbrush head every 3-4 months on average, yet men hang on to theirs an average of 5 months. The ADA recommends replacing toothbrushes every 3-4 months or when the bristles become frayed since frayed and worn bristles decrease cleaning effectiveness.
Sadly, all Americans need to do a better job of flossing their teeth. Only half of those surveyed (49 percent) say they floss their teeth once a day or more often. And 1 out of 3 people surveyed think a little blood in the sink after brushing their teeth is normal, yet it’s not—it could signal gum disease or another health problem.
Oral health is an important part of overall health. Regular dental check-ups are important not only to diagnose and treat gum disease and tooth decay, but also because some diseases or medical conditions, such as oral cancer, have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.
Growing research indicates there may be an association between oral health and serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, underscoring the importance of good oral hygiene habits.
Dental experts say brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist regularly can help keep your smile healthy.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Raising Children: Grandparent Style
I hear it all the time: “You don't look old enough to be a grandparent." As a 51-year-old baby boomer, I am among a growing trend of women who are not only wives and mothers---we are also grandmothers.
Gone are the days when you saw gray-haired women wearing their hair in buns and dresses near their ankles. We are no longer stay-at-home grandmothers relaxing in our rocking chairs. Today’s grandmothers are, more than likely, still in the workforce or entrepreneurs. They are probably also more likely to take an active role in their grandchildren's day-to-day lives.
There are an estimated 80 million grandparents in the U.S. today. By 2012, that number is expected to reach around 115 million. These grandparents essentially are taking on a second parenthood due to the fallout of their children’s divorces, financial problems or, increasingly, drug addictions.
Marketers are taking notice of these baby boomer grandparents. Retailers have begun targeting boomer grandparents, using pop hits from the 1950s and ’60s in commercials and reviving some of the old-fashioned toys like Etch-A-Sketch.
It’s working. A U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey predicted that grandparents spend nearly $30 billion a year on their grandchildren – but not just on toys.
• Nearly 20 percent of all travel involves grandchildren with grandparents, with or without the grandchildren's parents.
• Boomer grandparents want to leave a legacy, either of wealth, education or shared interests.
• Many of boomers' purchases are influenced by their grandchildren.
It is not all rosy though. Boomer grandparents are more likely than older generations to raise their grandchildren and, for the first time in many generations, grandparents are heading multiple-family households as their Generation X offspring suffer from foreclosures and distressed sales of homes and widespread layoffs.
And in my case, I'm taking on the role of Ma for my two-year-old grandson while his mother pursues her college education in another city.
Gone are the days when you saw gray-haired women wearing their hair in buns and dresses near their ankles. We are no longer stay-at-home grandmothers relaxing in our rocking chairs. Today’s grandmothers are, more than likely, still in the workforce or entrepreneurs. They are probably also more likely to take an active role in their grandchildren's day-to-day lives.
There are an estimated 80 million grandparents in the U.S. today. By 2012, that number is expected to reach around 115 million. These grandparents essentially are taking on a second parenthood due to the fallout of their children’s divorces, financial problems or, increasingly, drug addictions.
Marketers are taking notice of these baby boomer grandparents. Retailers have begun targeting boomer grandparents, using pop hits from the 1950s and ’60s in commercials and reviving some of the old-fashioned toys like Etch-A-Sketch.
It’s working. A U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey predicted that grandparents spend nearly $30 billion a year on their grandchildren – but not just on toys.
• Nearly 20 percent of all travel involves grandchildren with grandparents, with or without the grandchildren's parents.
• Boomer grandparents want to leave a legacy, either of wealth, education or shared interests.
• Many of boomers' purchases are influenced by their grandchildren.
It is not all rosy though. Boomer grandparents are more likely than older generations to raise their grandchildren and, for the first time in many generations, grandparents are heading multiple-family households as their Generation X offspring suffer from foreclosures and distressed sales of homes and widespread layoffs.
And in my case, I'm taking on the role of Ma for my two-year-old grandson while his mother pursues her college education in another city.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Baby Boomer Happiness
Despite what some may think, money cannot buy you happiness. It may help ease some of the burdens associated with growing older and retirement, but money is not the end all---be all---of the rest of your life.
Believe it or not, age, genetics and a sense of purpose are significant factors in happiness according to some happiness research.
Here are some of the highlights of that research:
Midlife crisis: This plunge is real, no matter where you live or what your circumstances. According to a study of about 2 million people in nearly 80 countries, mental distress peaks at midlife. In the United States, this typically happens for women at around age 40 and for men at around age 50.
Golden years glow: Contentment swings up later in life. People in their 60s and 70s tend to be as satisfied as younger people. No one knows for sure what causes the upswing. It could be acceptance of weakness, more maturity or more appreciation for life as friends and loved ones die. And, happier people may live longer, affecting the data.
Genetics: Numerous studies have shown that genetics accounts for up to half of individual differences in both well-being and positive personality traits, which are closely linked. And women tend to be slightly happier than men.
Life circumstances: Regardless of genetics, people respond to life events, and long-term levels of happiness may change after major life events such as marriage, divorce or the death of a loved one.
Higher levels of education boost happiness. Social connectedness also increases happiness. This factor may explain why women are happier (and commit suicide less) than men, who are more likely to be socially isolated, especially after they retire.
Health: People in excellent health are almost twice as likely to be happier than those in merely good health. Poor health makes 70 percent less likely to be happy, compared with those in good health. And, a sense of well-being is linked to greater longevity and less risk of disease.
A happiness boost: Some researchers suggest focusing on intentional activities, the ones you choose to engage in mindfully and actively, as a good way to boost long-term happiness.
Believe it or not, age, genetics and a sense of purpose are significant factors in happiness according to some happiness research.
Here are some of the highlights of that research:
Midlife crisis: This plunge is real, no matter where you live or what your circumstances. According to a study of about 2 million people in nearly 80 countries, mental distress peaks at midlife. In the United States, this typically happens for women at around age 40 and for men at around age 50.
Golden years glow: Contentment swings up later in life. People in their 60s and 70s tend to be as satisfied as younger people. No one knows for sure what causes the upswing. It could be acceptance of weakness, more maturity or more appreciation for life as friends and loved ones die. And, happier people may live longer, affecting the data.
Genetics: Numerous studies have shown that genetics accounts for up to half of individual differences in both well-being and positive personality traits, which are closely linked. And women tend to be slightly happier than men.
Life circumstances: Regardless of genetics, people respond to life events, and long-term levels of happiness may change after major life events such as marriage, divorce or the death of a loved one.
Higher levels of education boost happiness. Social connectedness also increases happiness. This factor may explain why women are happier (and commit suicide less) than men, who are more likely to be socially isolated, especially after they retire.
Health: People in excellent health are almost twice as likely to be happier than those in merely good health. Poor health makes 70 percent less likely to be happy, compared with those in good health. And, a sense of well-being is linked to greater longevity and less risk of disease.
A happiness boost: Some researchers suggest focusing on intentional activities, the ones you choose to engage in mindfully and actively, as a good way to boost long-term happiness.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Baby Boomer Happy Feet
Most people get concerned about the health and appearance of their feet during the summer months. But by the time winter rolls around, feet are all but forgotten, shoved back into boots and heavy sneakers.
James McGuire and Howard Palamarchuk, podiatrists at Temple University’s School of Podiatric Medicine, say it’s just as important, if not more so, to be vigilant about foot care during colder months, when falling temperatures, drier air, ice and snow and closed-toe shoes can contribute to foot problems.
Here they offer five tips to keep you on your feet this winter.
Invest in some good shoes
You may need to cough up the extra cash to buy some decent winter shoes. Trying to put thick socks into thin summer sneakers isn’t the way to go. A good winter shoe should be waterproof, have enough room to fit two pairs of socks to insulate feet and prevent moisture buildup, and have a gripping sole to prevent slips and falls.
And socks, too
You should have one pair that is a light synthetic ‘wick’ sock, to transfer moisture to a thicker wool outer sock, where it is absorbed and evaporated to the outside. Cotton socks absorb moisture and make for a soggy environment, which ultimately makes the feet cold and wet and sets them up for frostbite.
Keep feet pretty
Just because you can’t see your feet doesn’t mean their appearance should fall by the wayside. Both doctors recommend keeping toenails trimmed to avoid ingrown toenails, and to keep slathering on the lotion. Feet tend to dry out in the winter, which can cause cracks and peeling. Use hypoallergenic lotion at least once a day to prevent irritation or infection from dry skin.
Walk softly
Cold weather leads to slippery surfaces and cracks in the sidewalk, therefore it is recommended that you keep an eye on the ground while walking. Clear pavement can be covered in ice you may not be able to see. You need to pay attention, because a good shoe alone won’t be able to protect you.
Also, don’t make sudden moves on slippery surfaces. Even if you don’t fall, you could pull or tear something that will take several days to heal.
Don’t get cold feet
Staying out in the cold too long can lead to numbness and pain in the lower extremities, which could mean the beginnings of frostbite. Warm towels and water should be used to warm the affected area at the first sign of numbness and then be sure to see a doctor immediately to be sure there’s no tissue damage.
James McGuire and Howard Palamarchuk, podiatrists at Temple University’s School of Podiatric Medicine, say it’s just as important, if not more so, to be vigilant about foot care during colder months, when falling temperatures, drier air, ice and snow and closed-toe shoes can contribute to foot problems.
Here they offer five tips to keep you on your feet this winter.
Invest in some good shoes
You may need to cough up the extra cash to buy some decent winter shoes. Trying to put thick socks into thin summer sneakers isn’t the way to go. A good winter shoe should be waterproof, have enough room to fit two pairs of socks to insulate feet and prevent moisture buildup, and have a gripping sole to prevent slips and falls.
And socks, too
You should have one pair that is a light synthetic ‘wick’ sock, to transfer moisture to a thicker wool outer sock, where it is absorbed and evaporated to the outside. Cotton socks absorb moisture and make for a soggy environment, which ultimately makes the feet cold and wet and sets them up for frostbite.
Keep feet pretty
Just because you can’t see your feet doesn’t mean their appearance should fall by the wayside. Both doctors recommend keeping toenails trimmed to avoid ingrown toenails, and to keep slathering on the lotion. Feet tend to dry out in the winter, which can cause cracks and peeling. Use hypoallergenic lotion at least once a day to prevent irritation or infection from dry skin.
Walk softly
Cold weather leads to slippery surfaces and cracks in the sidewalk, therefore it is recommended that you keep an eye on the ground while walking. Clear pavement can be covered in ice you may not be able to see. You need to pay attention, because a good shoe alone won’t be able to protect you.
Also, don’t make sudden moves on slippery surfaces. Even if you don’t fall, you could pull or tear something that will take several days to heal.
Don’t get cold feet
Staying out in the cold too long can lead to numbness and pain in the lower extremities, which could mean the beginnings of frostbite. Warm towels and water should be used to warm the affected area at the first sign of numbness and then be sure to see a doctor immediately to be sure there’s no tissue damage.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Top Weird Stories of 2008
1) A Beverly Hills doctor faces accusations that he turned fat removed via liposuction from his patients into biodiesel for his Ford SUV and his girlfriend's vehicle. Some patients have filed lawsuits, alleging he allowed his assistant and his girlfriend to perform the liposuction surgeries with a medical license.
2) 42-year-old Michelle Duggar of Arkansas delivered her 18th child, a baby girl by Caesarean section. The baby, named Jordyn-Grace Makiya Duggar, weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces. Michelle and her husband Jim Bog Duggar’s other children are: Joshua, 20, Jana, 18; John-David, 18; Jill, 17; Jessa, 16; Jinger, 14; Joseph, 13; Josiah, 12; Joy-Anna, 11; Jeremiah, 9; Jedidiah, 9; Jason, 8; James, 7; Justin, 6; Jackson, 4; Johannah, 3; and Jennifer, 1.
3) A defense lawyer says an Ohio woman dubbed "the Granny Robber" in several bank heists was trying to support a grown son who had fallen on hard times. Sixty-eight-year-old Barbara Joly has admitted she robbed a bank in March and investigators suspect her in as many as three other holdups. Police say the former bank teller from Middletown, Ohio, probably got away with less than $10,000 total. Attorney Chris Atkins said in court Tuesday that his client wanted to send money to help her only child.
4) Eau Claire, Wisconsin police said a man accused of stealing a soda worth $1.57 chose to go to jail rather than pay up, even though he was carrying more than $70. Police responding to the report of a theft recently say the 27-year-old man appeared drunk. An employee told officers the man had taken a cup from the counter, filled it and began drinking. When employees told him he had to pay for the drink or leave, the man refused to do either. A police officer told the man he could pay $1.57 or go to jail, and the man chose jail. The officer handcuffed and searched him, finding the money in his pocket.
5) A 33-year-old Indian farmer married a female dog to atone for stoning two other dogs to death and stringing them up in a tree 15 years ago. He believed the act cursed him and he had been suffering ever since. After he stoned the dogs he said his legs and hands got paralyzed, he lost hearing in one ear, and his speech was impaired. With doctors unable to help him, Selvakumar turned to an astrologer who told him he was cursed by the spirits of the dogs he had killed. He could undo the curse only if he married a dog and live with it. Family members chose a stray female dog who was then bathed and clothed for the wedding occasion.
6) A Canadian man has built an android to fulfill a man’s fantasy. Her name is Aiko. Talk dirty to Aiko the android, and she will talk dirty back. She's five feet tall, with brown eyes, and cost $20,000 to develop. She has breasts, nipples, and other lady parts. Aiko is a 32-kilogram female android built by Le Trung. She is just under five feet tall, has brown eyes that can distinguish 300 faces per second and speaks 13,000 English and Japanese phrases. Her skin is made of silicone and her insides are made of an expensive collection of wires, motors and various sensors.
7) A man in Mary Esther, Fla., at the DRS Technologies building, got his arms stuck in machinery that resembled an elevator and he saved himself by dialing 911 with his big toe. Police pried him free and he was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital.
8) Steve Kruescher, a 57-year-old school bus driver from Illinois, has won the right to change his first name to "In God" and his last name to "We Trust." The father of four says God pulled him through a painful divorce, and he's worried atheists might succeed in having "In God We Trust" removed from U.S. currency.
What were your picks of 2008?
2) 42-year-old Michelle Duggar of Arkansas delivered her 18th child, a baby girl by Caesarean section. The baby, named Jordyn-Grace Makiya Duggar, weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces. Michelle and her husband Jim Bog Duggar’s other children are: Joshua, 20, Jana, 18; John-David, 18; Jill, 17; Jessa, 16; Jinger, 14; Joseph, 13; Josiah, 12; Joy-Anna, 11; Jeremiah, 9; Jedidiah, 9; Jason, 8; James, 7; Justin, 6; Jackson, 4; Johannah, 3; and Jennifer, 1.
3) A defense lawyer says an Ohio woman dubbed "the Granny Robber" in several bank heists was trying to support a grown son who had fallen on hard times. Sixty-eight-year-old Barbara Joly has admitted she robbed a bank in March and investigators suspect her in as many as three other holdups. Police say the former bank teller from Middletown, Ohio, probably got away with less than $10,000 total. Attorney Chris Atkins said in court Tuesday that his client wanted to send money to help her only child.
4) Eau Claire, Wisconsin police said a man accused of stealing a soda worth $1.57 chose to go to jail rather than pay up, even though he was carrying more than $70. Police responding to the report of a theft recently say the 27-year-old man appeared drunk. An employee told officers the man had taken a cup from the counter, filled it and began drinking. When employees told him he had to pay for the drink or leave, the man refused to do either. A police officer told the man he could pay $1.57 or go to jail, and the man chose jail. The officer handcuffed and searched him, finding the money in his pocket.
5) A 33-year-old Indian farmer married a female dog to atone for stoning two other dogs to death and stringing them up in a tree 15 years ago. He believed the act cursed him and he had been suffering ever since. After he stoned the dogs he said his legs and hands got paralyzed, he lost hearing in one ear, and his speech was impaired. With doctors unable to help him, Selvakumar turned to an astrologer who told him he was cursed by the spirits of the dogs he had killed. He could undo the curse only if he married a dog and live with it. Family members chose a stray female dog who was then bathed and clothed for the wedding occasion.
6) A Canadian man has built an android to fulfill a man’s fantasy. Her name is Aiko. Talk dirty to Aiko the android, and she will talk dirty back. She's five feet tall, with brown eyes, and cost $20,000 to develop. She has breasts, nipples, and other lady parts. Aiko is a 32-kilogram female android built by Le Trung. She is just under five feet tall, has brown eyes that can distinguish 300 faces per second and speaks 13,000 English and Japanese phrases. Her skin is made of silicone and her insides are made of an expensive collection of wires, motors and various sensors.
7) A man in Mary Esther, Fla., at the DRS Technologies building, got his arms stuck in machinery that resembled an elevator and he saved himself by dialing 911 with his big toe. Police pried him free and he was airlifted to a Pensacola hospital.
8) Steve Kruescher, a 57-year-old school bus driver from Illinois, has won the right to change his first name to "In God" and his last name to "We Trust." The father of four says God pulled him through a painful divorce, and he's worried atheists might succeed in having "In God We Trust" removed from U.S. currency.
What were your picks of 2008?
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Hold Firmly without Waivering
I was one of more than 38 million viewers who saw the first TRUE African-American give his acceptance speech as the official democratic candidate for President of the United States.
To be perfectly honest, I never thought I'd see this moment in my life time because America still has issues with race. The other issue is white males don't want to see black males achieve real positions of power. But that's not what this post is about.
The whole speech was captivating but it was Obama's last paragraph that drove me to tears. He said:
America, we cannot turn back. We cannot walk alone. At this moment, in this election, we must pledge once more to march into the future. Let us keep that promise, that American promise, and in the words of Scripture, hold firmly, without waivering, to the hope that we confess.
Check out the last sentence: Hold firmly, without waivering...
That sentence (which comes straight from Hebrews 10:23) is a reminder to all of us that no matter what obstacles we may face in life, we are to hold firmly, without waivering ...
Business may not be going as well as we'd like but hold firmly, without waivering...
We may have challenges in our personal lives with our family members, our health, finances, friendships, etc but hold firmly, without waivering
We may not be where we think we ought to be in life but hold firmly without waivering...
And do you know why?
Because the rest of Hebrews 10:23 says: for the one who made the promise is faithful.
Amen!
To be perfectly honest, I never thought I'd see this moment in my life time because America still has issues with race. The other issue is white males don't want to see black males achieve real positions of power. But that's not what this post is about.
The whole speech was captivating but it was Obama's last paragraph that drove me to tears. He said:
America, we cannot turn back. We cannot walk alone. At this moment, in this election, we must pledge once more to march into the future. Let us keep that promise, that American promise, and in the words of Scripture, hold firmly, without waivering, to the hope that we confess.
Check out the last sentence: Hold firmly, without waivering...
That sentence (which comes straight from Hebrews 10:23) is a reminder to all of us that no matter what obstacles we may face in life, we are to hold firmly, without waivering ...
Business may not be going as well as we'd like but hold firmly, without waivering...
We may have challenges in our personal lives with our family members, our health, finances, friendships, etc but hold firmly, without waivering
We may not be where we think we ought to be in life but hold firmly without waivering...
And do you know why?
Because the rest of Hebrews 10:23 says: for the one who made the promise is faithful.
Amen!
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