Daily Thoughts & Issues

IN THIS ISSUE:

DECEMBER 26

Days left until the next millennium 01.01.3001

December 26 - Kwanzaa traditional African harvest festivals Dec 26-Jan 1 Seven-day festival celebrating positive African traditions stressing unity of the black family in American, with a harvest feast (karamu) on the first day and a day of meditation on the final day. Kwanzaa means "first fruit" in Swahili. The Mystic's Wheel of the Year * Boxing Day, Canada the day when Christmas gift boxes were "regularly expected by a postman, the lamplighter, the dustman and generally by all those functionaries who render services to the public at large, without receiving payment therefore from any individual." * National Whiner's Day: a day dedicated to whiners, especially those who return Christmas gifts and need lots of attention. People are encouraged to be happy about what they do have, rather than unhappy about what they don't have. * Doug Jarvis, 31, sets a National Hockey league record for skating in his 916th consecutive game since 1974 (1986). * Birthdays: Charles Babbage, Laurent Clerc, Juan Lovera, Mao Tse-Tung, Steve Allen, Gray Davis, Carlton Ernest Fisk, Alan King (Irwin Kniberg), Henry (Valentine) Miller, Marcelo Rios, Osborne Earl (Ozzie) Smith, Phil Spector, Richard Widmark.

DAILY THOUGHTS

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by professor Maulana Karenga "to restore and reaffirm our African heritage and culture."  Moja (unity) To strive for a principled and harmonious togetherness in the family and community, nation, and world African community. African American History

Give yourself a gift and take the day to rest from all the holidays hustle and bustle. Stress Busters

I don't have to be fully erect to have an orgasm. - Matt, 30 Best of 1001 Sex Secrets Every Man & Woman Should Know

However difficult you imagined child rearing would be, you wind up wishing it had been that easy. Dr. Buff's 365 Day Parenting Calendar

As long as we constantly try to relieve old hurts, escape old fears, and impose control over the uncontrollable, we will continue to accumulate stress and accelerate the aging process that chronic stress chemicals produce. New Passages

Boxing Day (Canada)  Boxing Day is a workers' holiday for postal carriers, delivery persons and other workers whose services make daily life a little easier. Gifts or tips are given in recognition and gratitude. The Old Farmer's Almanac

One way or another, these concepts have been set forth before - by Buddha, by Christ, by Lao-tse, among many others. The originality of this work results from the fact that I have arrived at their same meaning through the particular individual byways of my twentieth-century life. If you require greater understanding than these modern footnotes have to offer, then by all means proceed or return to the ancient texts. Seek greater understanding of these spiritual concepts, but do not expect greater detail. There are many who, by virtue of their passivity, dependency, fear and laziness, seek to be shown every inch of the way and have it demonstrated to them that each step will be safe and worth their while. This cannot be done. The Road Less Traveled

It isn't easy to live with the power and mystery of another person's soulful personality. For one thing, you can't depend on the person's promises, since soul isn't willing to be chained to intentions. Soul Mates

Don't fight the problem. Decide it. - George C. Marshall.  Achieve Your Dreams

Things to Be Happy About:  Homemade turkey pot pie. No returns to make. Concise introductions. 14,000 Things to Be Happy About

Little crayons still make bright marks. Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me

You will most likely experience feelings of guilt or remorse that will serve as a clue to you that the lesson of ethics needs to be learned. Whether or not you are discovered and punished for wrong behavior does not matter. You will instinctually know that you behaved wrongly. You may have only yourself to answer to, but isn't your conscience a powerful teacher, if you listen to it?  If Life is a Game, These are the Rules

Trust is the highest form of human motivation. It brings out the very best in people. But it takes time and patience, and it doesn't preclude the necessity to train and develop people so that their competency can rise to the level of that trust.  Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Take some time today to figure out what you liked and what you didn't like about your holidays. Then plan for next year to eliminate as many of the things you didn't like as possible.  Simplify Your Life

Finding a Spiritual Home. Parenthood prompts many people to review their religious commitment (or lack of it), and leads some to redefine it entirely. What works for us as individuals, or even couples, doesn't always fill our needs or desires for our children's upbringing. Parents affiliate with an organized religion for varied reasons: to ensure the continuity of their tradition; to give children a moral and spiritual grounding; to emphasize identity and heritage; and to find a larger community. Parents need to think through what they want from their religious commitment. If getting your children to church or synagogue each week s a battle, try creating rituals that make the experience more fun, like going out for breakfast beforehand or taking a bide ride afterward. Parents Tips & Tricks

For the Kids: Perform a play - especially if you're visiting relatives for the holidays. Write a short play. Give each cousin a part, and practice together. Then get all the adults together, and act out your play. To Do Today

Presence is more than just being there. - Malcolm Forbes. Win the Day!

La turquesa (toorKEHsah)  Turquoise. El cielo es color turquesa. The sky is turquoise. Living Language

TODAY'S ISSUE: UNITY

Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday based on the African winter harvest festival that celebrates the best in people of African-American descent and their cultures. Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday and does not supplant Christmas. The word Kwanzaa means "first fruits of the harvest" in Swahili. Kwanzaa is not an African celebration, either. It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, who is currently chairman of Black Studies at California State University in Long Beach. Dr. Karenga synthesized various African philosophies and harvest festival ceremonies into the ritual of Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba or seven principles of Kwanzaa. Each night families talk about one of the seven principles. The first day is "umoja" (unity). To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

What do you need to celebrate Kwanzaa:  1. A straw place mat - the mkeka, which symbolizes tradition, the foundation on which all else stands. A common variation on the straw mat is a piece of African fabric. 2. A seven-branched candleholder - the Kinara. The central symbol of Kwanzaa, the kinara stands for the continent and peoples of Africa. 3. Seven candles - the mishumaa saba. Each candle symbolizes one of the nguzo saba, or seven principles black Americans should live by daily and which are reinforced during Kwanzaa. The candles are comprised of a black candle, which is placed in the enter of the kinara, three red candles placed on the left and three green candles places on the right. However, there is much variation among people who celebrate Kwanzaa in the placement of the green and red candles. The black candle stands for people of African descent, the red candles strand for the blood of struggle, the green candles stand for the fertile each, hope and the future. 4. Fruits and vegetables - the mazao, which stand for the product of unified effort. 5. An ear or ears of corn - muhindi or vivunzi, which symbolizes each child in the family. A childless couple might use two ears, symbolizing the male and female principles. 6. The unity cup - kilombe cha umoja. A communal cup for the libation to honor blacks of the past, although you could also reflect on blacks of the past, present and our hopes for the future generation in your celebration. 7. Gifts - zawadi, preferably simple or handmade. Remember the idea is culture not consumerism. The emphasis here is on children. It's best if the gifts are related to education or things African, African-derived or African influenced. Each night, light a candle and recite and explain the principles. On the first day, you might pour a libation of wine, water or juice from the unity cup onto the floor (or simply raise the cup to eye level and acknowledge your forebears. A family member lights the middle candle, discusses the meaning of Kwanzaa and the principle of the day, umoja or unity. They might read a story illustrating the principle or talk about its place in their family tradition, or talk about its relevance in the work place or classroom. Then, put out the candle. Gifts are traditionally exchanged on the last day of Kwanzaa.

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BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Dumbest Generation: How the digital age stupefies young Americans and jeopardizes our future (0r, don't trust anyone under 30) by Mark Bauerlein. Do the digital diversions of the young cut kids off from history, civics, literature, fine art? Does mounting screen time dumb them down? The author thinks "Yes." And this book was designed to open debate for sober skepticism. It was to counter the sanguine portraits of informed and agile teens at the keyboard with dismaying survey results and illustrations of youth insulation and ignorance, kids shunning books and vaunting their digital nativity. We won't know the full intellectual impact of text messaging, Web 2.0, Facebook and the rest for many years and it will show up in distant measures such as the money firms spend on writing coaches for employees, the number of students in remedial classes, popular demand that politicians elevate their rhetoric, and whether the vocabulary level of newspapers inches downward or upward. This book is definitely a wake-up call. Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin, 2009, ISBN 978-1-58542-712-3

 

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

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

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

* Means a Presidential Proclamation has been made.

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