Daily Thoughts & Issues

IN THIS ISSUE:

AUGUST 9

Days left until the next millennium 01.01.3001

Photo of the Week
Didier Givois/Adventure Photo & Film
Achieve Your Dreams

August 9 - Independence Day in Singapore. * On this day in 1936, Jesse Owens wins four gold medals in track and field events at the Berlin Olympics. African American History. * The treaty delimiting the eastern section of the Canadian-American border was negotiated by the U.S. Secretary of State Daniel Webster and Alexander Baring. (1842) * Nagasaki, Japan is destroyed by an atomic bomb (1945) Several days before, Hiroshima was destroyed by the first atomic bomb. * President Nixon resigns and Gerald R. Ford is sworn in as the 38th President of the U.S. (1974). * International Day of the World's Indigenous People (1995). This marks the anniversary of the first day of the meeting in 1992 of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. inquiries@un.org. * Birthdays:  William Thomas Green Morton, Izaak Walton, Robert Joseph (Bob) Cousy, Brett Hull, Rodney George (Rod) Laver, Kenneth Howard (Ken) Norton, Sr., Deion Sanders, David Steinberg, Sam Elliott. And a special birthday to David Shackleton. Jerry Garcia dies in his sleep of a heart attack, 1995.

DAILY THOUGHTS

They who provide much wealth for their children but neglect to improve them in virtue are like those who feed their horses high but never train them to be useful - Socrates. Dr. Buff's 365 Day Parenting Calendar

As human beings grow in discipline and love and life experience, their understanding of the world and their place in it naturally grows apace. This understanding is our religion. The Road Less Traveled

Depending upon the persona we present to the world - the spring or drag in our step, the lusty laughter or cynical sneer, the lively curiosity or the curmudgeonly indifference we express in conversation - we signal to people how "old" we are, much more than any chronological number. New Passages

Keep an open mind. Achieve Your Dreams

Things to Be Happy About:  Just missing the downpour. Tolerable temperatures. The shade of a willow tree. 14,000 Things to Be Happy About

Open your eyes under water.  Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me

Make a list each day of all that you are grateful for so that you can stay conscious daily of your blessings. Do this especially when you are feeling as though you have nothing to feel grateful for. Or spend a few minutes before you go to sleep giving thanks for all that you have. If Life is a Game, These are the Rules

Henri III (1551-1589), King of France from 1574 until his death, wore both male and female clothes and frequently appeared in make-up. One famous etching shows the kind wearing earrings, a womanly hairstyle, and a hat decorated with a brooch and fathers. Gay & Lesbian Calendar

Effectiveness lies in what I call the P/PC Balance. P stands for Production of desired results - the golden eggs. PC stands for Production Capability - the ability or asset that produces the golden eggs.  Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Take a vacation at home and get caught up on your reading list. If you want to take a break from reading, watch videos of movies you've been wanting to see.  Simplify Your Life

Heart Disease starts in Childhood. Researchers recently confirmed that atherosclerosis - hardening of the arteries - has its roots in lifestyle and dietary choices, some of which begin in childhood. Until age 2, a child needs fat and cholesterol to fuel his rapid development. But after his second birthday, you should gradually change his diet until he gets no more than 30 percent of his day's total calories from fat, and no more than 10 percent from saturated fat. Parents Tips & Tricks

Eat adequate protein to maximize the body's ability to withstand stress. Protein, which contains essential amino acids, helps maintain healthy functioning of the body. Healthy sources of protein include fish, poultry (without skin), lean meat, peas, dried beans, nuts and seeds, grains, tofu and skimmed milk products. Animal proteins should be kept to no more than 15% of your total diet. Stress Busters

Box up a friendship. Have each child fill up a box with photos of themselves, any letters or poems about their friendship, and the things they like. Seal the box with a happy-face sticker and note. Leave the box on their doorstep.  To Do Today

Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow. - Dwight D. Eisenhower. Win the Day!

Hacer realidad (ahSEHRrrehahleeDAHD) To accomplish. Has hecho realidad tu ambicion?  Have you accomplished your goal?  Living Language

SPECIAL  BIRTHDAY: David Shackleton (1953) is a thinker and writer on gender, advocate for real gender equality, and editor and publisher of Everyman: the only Canadian journal of men's issues. www.everyman.org or E-Mail

TODAY'S ISSUE: TRANSFORMATION

We are born Princes and the civilizing process makes us frogs. Eric Berne. The Chinese sages say we come into the world like an uncarved block. Throughout our lives, everyone we meet - parents, teachers, heroes or friends - has a part in shaping who we are. Now as adults, we have the challenge of becoming more active in that shaping process. We keep what has served us, and throw out what hasn't worked. This is creative masculinity., To participate in this creative act requires courage, support, self-love, time, and most of all, patience. We are all princes, some better disguised, we strike out to find our rightful home: the kingdom within ourselves. Today I will make some effort - big or small - to release the froggish, untrue parts of myself so that the majestic can be revealed. A Quiet Strength: Meditations on the Masculine Soul

Life goes around in circles - Robert Westbrook. The behavior we learn in our original families forms the basis of the way we act with our own partners and chidden, for better or worse. It was in our families that we learned the patterns we believe are adult or childish, parental or filial, masculine or feminine. Many of us believe our families taught us some bad lessons, useless or destructive behaviors, and we vow never to repeat them in our new families or relationships. Yet we may find we echo our upbringing without wanting to. We can't help it; that's who and how we are. Are we doomed to go around in circles forever, programming our children to teach their children the mistakes our parents learned from our grandparents? Let us transform the image of a circle to that of a spiral. We can't change everything about ourselves, but we do have the power to let go of the anger, fear, and self-doubt that undergirds such old behaviors as prejudice and violence. We'll always have strong feelings, but by spiraling upward we can transform fear into nurture, and violence into the energy needed for change. The spiral dance can help me reach as high as I want to go. Family Feelings

I realized that if what we call human nature can be changed, then absolutely anything is possible - Shirley MacLaine. When I look at the miraculous transformations in the lives of my family and friends, and in my own life, I agree that anything is possible. People with grave sicknesses of the spirit, addictive disorders that controlled their lives -alcoholism, drug dependency, eating disorders - have been able to reach recovery Through surrender, faith and love, they have been able to remake this lives creatively. The first step toward positive change is letting go - letting go of the attitudes and beliefs that keep me stuck and admitting I'm not in control When I can wipe clean my spiritual slate, I have prepared myself for miraculous change. All I need to do is open myself, and the miraculous is simple. If I truly let go of my old behaviors and ask for help from my source of spiritual comfort and nourishment, I'm sure to succeed. Life will reward me with growth and change. I can't predict the direction of this change, but I can receive it gratefully, in the knowledge that in its turn, it too will change. "Human nature" describes an infinite range of possibilities. I can choose how I'll live and I choose miracles. Family Feelings

Hey Man: Did you make a difference yesterday? Let us know at Contact Us. Use the one-day-at-a-time approach to change habits. What Every Man Needs to Know Want to make a difference but you don't know where to start?

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Courage to Be Free: Discover your original fearless self. by Guy Finley. When you realize that no one else on this earth can be like you - that no other soul can know the beauty, sorrow, light, and darkness you alone are given to see - then you will no longer want to be like anyone else on this earth. You will, at last, be the fearless individual your heart of hearts has called you to be. There is a world of wisdom in this small gem of a book and the author is a master at opening our eyes, ears, and hearts to the plain and simple truths of this life. gunfinley.com, 2010, Weiser Books, www.redwheelweiser.com, ISBN 978-1-57863-475-0

 

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

August is Admit You're Happy, Black Business, Cataract Awareness, Children's Eye Health and Safety, National Immunization, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness, Children's Vision and Learning, Family Fun, National Back-to-School, National Inventor's, National Win with Civility, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month. Aug 1-7 Simplify Your Life, World Breastfeeding, International Clown Week, Simplify Your Life Week. Aug 1-11 - World Breastfeeding Week. Aug 2-6 - Psychic Week Aug 8-14 - National Resurrect Romance, Thanks for All the Gifts Week. Aug 12-19 - Truck Drivers' Week. Aug 15-21 - National Health Center, Reduced the Clutter, Weird Contest Week. Aug 16-22 - National Avidatoin Week. Aug 22-29 - National Save Your Smile, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Aug 1 - National Kids, Respect for Parents, National Night Out Day. Apr 3 - Nation Night Out, Coast Guard day. Apr 6 - National Fresh Breath, National Pamper Yourself day. Aug 7 - National Mustard Day. Aug 8 - Admit You're Happy Day. Apr 9 - UN International Day of the World's Indigenous People. Apr 11 - Presidential Joke Day. Apr 12 - UN International Youth, Vinyl Record Day. Apr 14 - International Nagging, National Garage Sale Day. Aug 15 - National Relaxation Day, World Day of Keiki. Aug 16 - Stay Home with Your Kids, National Airborne Day. Aug 17 - Sandcastle Day. Aug 18 - Bad Poetry Day. Aug 19 - National Avidation Day. Aug 21 - Children's, Poets, Sandcastle and Sculpture. Southern Hemisphere Hoodie-Hoo, Vinegar Day, National Homeless Animals Day and Candlelight Vigils. Aug 22 - Be an Angel, National Punctuation Day. Aug 24 - Vesuvius Day. Aug 25 - Kiss and Make Up Day. Aug 26 - Women's Equality Day. Aug 28 - Race Your Mouse Around the Icons Day. Aug 29 - According to Hoyle Day. Aug 31 - Love Litigating Lawyers 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