Daily Thoughts & Issues IN THIS ISSUE: JULY 1 Daily Thoughts Book of the Week Photo of the Week Today's Issue: Families Tomorrow's Issue: Privacy Menstuff columns by Author Awareness events this month Upcoming Men's Events Days left until the next millennium 01.01.3001 Photo of the Week Achieve Your Dreams July 1 - Independence Day - Burundi, Rwanda, Canada Day - day to celebrate the union of diverse peoples, languages and cultures into one nation. * Halfway Point of 2001 (happened at 12 noon) 182 1/2 days of the year has elapsed and 182 1/2 remain. * Canada Day-Day to celebrate the union of diverse peoples, languages, and cultures into one nation. *  The day production and use of nuclear weapons became internationally controlled (1968); vigil to protest the the production and use of all nuclear weapons world-wide. * Day endangered species became internationally protected (1975), day to celebrate all the world's creatures. The Mystic's Wheel of the Year * Battle of Gettysburg (1863) General Robert E Lee invaded the North with 15,000 rebels. After the defeat, over 5,000 confederate causalities were recorded. Union General George Meade allowed Lee's army to escape across the rain-swollen Potomac River before pursuing. * President Grover Cleveland boarded the yacht Oneida for surgery to be performed in secret on a cancerous growth in his mouth (1893). As this was during the 1893 depression, secrecy was thought desirable to avoid further panic by the public. The whole left side of his jaw was removed as well as a small portion of his soft palate. He was later fitted with a prosthesis of vulcanized rubber which he wore until his death in 1908. The illness did not become public knowledge until 1917. * IRS established (1862). * Arafat returns to Palestine (1994) for the first time in 33 years. * First U.S. Postage stamp issued (1847). * The Russian Ruble becomes convertible with other currencies worldwide (1992). * Kosmos 1383 (USSR) was the first search and rescue satellite - equipped to hear distress calls from aircraft and ships - launched in cooperative project with the US and France. * Zip Codes inaugurated (1963). * The first scheduled television broadcast (1941). * First US Zoo (1874) opens in Philadelphia with 1,000 animals. 3,000 visitors traveled by foot, horse and carriage and steamboat to visit the exhibits. * Medicare goes into effect (1968). * First search and rescue satellite, equipped to hear distress calls from aircraft and ships, launched (1982) by the US and France. * Birthdays: Thomas A. Dorsey, George Sand, Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Farr (Jameel Farah), Louis Bleriot, Frederick Carlton (Carl) Lewis, Sydney Pollack, Willie Dixon, Thomas Green Clemson, Andre Braugher, Alan Ruck. Change your toothbrush every three months! DAILY THOUGHTS Bracketing and extension of ourselves is involved in listening to our children. To respond to their healthy needs we must change ourselves. Only when we are willing to undergo the suffering of such changing can we become the parents our children need us to be. And since children are constantly growing and their needs are changing, we are obliged to change and grow with them. The Road Less Traveled 1 Year - Restaurant Nightmares You Can Avoid. Although there are no surefire ways to guarantee a stress-free restaurant meal with a toddler, advance planning, precision timing, and diversionary tactics can get you through such outings relatively unscathed. Choose an eatery with lots to look at and remember that a high noise level does allow you to feel less self-conscious about the squeals and cries that a 1-year-old tends to emit. You will stack the deck in your favor if you don't descend on a restaurant during peak hours. Work around nap time and try to get a read on your child's appetite meter:  Hit the restaurant when their hungry enough to want to eat something from the menu, but not so ravenous that they disintegrate into a wailing heap at the slightest provocation. Dr. Buff's 365 Day Parenting Calendar 151 years ago today the U.S. Post Office first sold five-and ten-cent stamps with images of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington respectively. Mail was five cents an ounce. If you had only a Washington stamp but wanted to post a one-ounce letter, you simply cut it in half. The Old Farmer's Almanac We filled the bathtub with marshmallows and made love on them - Beth 32. Best of 1001 Sex Secrets Every Man & Woman Should Know In July, 1997, Harvard University became the first major university to allow same-sex couples to hold "marriage" ceremonies, in the school's main chapel. Gay & Lesbian Calendar New parenting research shows that fathers who are highly invested in their work, but who also care about their children and spend significant time with them, can still have an important effect on the emotional well-being of their sons and daughters - and, by extension, on their own emotional well being. New Passages Seeing signs of humanness. Something built by hand. Endearing names and epithets. 14,000 Things to Be Happy About The path you're on looks different when you turn around.  Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me Spend time with your children now, one on one. Listen to them; understand them. Look through their eyes at your home, at school life, at the challenges and the problems they're facing. Build the Emotional Bank Account. Give them air.  Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Learn to wake up without an alarm. As you're about to fall sleep, simply visualize yourself waking up at whatever time you choose. Simplify Your Life Multiple credit cards make charging purchases more likely and bill paying more difficult and confusing. Try to limit yourself to only one credit card. Stress Busters Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses. - George Washington Carver. Win the Day! El Libro (LEEbroh)  Book. Colgo los libros para dedicarse a la pintura. He gave up his studies to take up painting. (Lit. He hung up his books to dedicate himself to painting.) Living Language TODAY'S ISSUE: FAMILIES There was nothing like a worthless weed. Nothing was of no use. Everything was loved and cared for - Meridel LeSueur. Family are little systems in which every part works to sustain the whole. Sick families may cast their members in undesirable jobs: it's in our families that people learn how to be bullies or victims. Unlearning such roles can be difficult, indeed. When one part of the system ceases to function, however, the whole system changes. If some family member has learned the role of the "bad kid", or the scapegoat, then s/he also has the power to refuse to play that role. It is hard to change, not least because family systems reward us for keeping the system going. But when we realize that it may be unhealthy for us to play a certain role, we can summon help and guidance from our spiritual center. We have the power to initiate change, by changing the only thing under our control: our own behavior. Transformation of a sick family system to a healthier one can cause some pain, of course; all growth is painful. But people are blessedly resilient. Believing in our power to change ourselves will help us live each day to the full, discarding old habits. Loving and caring for our own spirits will show us the path to healing. Everything I do becomes part of some greater whole. Am I directing my family toward health? Family Feelings Hey Man: Did you make a difference yesterday? Let us know at Contact Us. Grown men may not cry, but growing men do. Reframe tears as a sign of strength rather than a sign of weakness. Learn to cry. First step: Give yourself permission. What Every Man Needs to Know Want to make a difference but you don't know where to start? BOOK OF THE WEEK Mr. Mean: Saving your relationshipo from the irritable male syndrome, Jed Diamond. Studies show that 50% of first marriages, 67% of second marriages, and 74% of third marriages end in divorce. As a marriage and family counselor who specializes in helping men and the women who love them, I’ve found that the hidden destroyer of good relationships is a phenomenon called “The Irritable Male Syndrome (IMS).” This book was written for the millions of women and men who want to understand how they can rescue their relationship, help their spouse, and save themselves. Vox Novus, 2010. ISBN 978-0-9842600-1-0   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 July is Freedom Month. If you enjoy the benefits this country has to offer, you might check out what kind of men it took to found this country. The Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games. Read this! July is Anti-Boredom; National Mobility; Purposeful Parenting: Recreation and Parks; The month of the Muslim new year; Hemochromatosis Screening Awareness; National Foreign Language Month. June 27 - July 4: Special Recreation Week. June 25-July 1: Deaf-Blindness Awareness Week. June 27 - July 4: Special Recreation Week. Jul 1-8 Music for Life; July 3-Aug 15: Air Conditioning Appreciation Days. Jul 4-10 - Freedom Week. July 8:-14: National Laundry Workers; National Therapeutic Recreation: Take Charge of Change Week. Jul 9-15 - Nude Recreation. July 15-21: *Captive Nations; Legal Revolution; National Plan to Promote Your Business Week. Jul 1 UN Day of Cooperation; International Joke; National Financial Freedom; National Recreation and Parks; National Purposeful Parenting, Jul 2 - I Forgot; Ducktona 500 Day; July 3: Compliment Your Mirror: Stay Out of the Sun Day. Jul 4 - Independence Day (U.S.); American Redneck; Fear from Fear of Speaking ; Independence-from-Meat Day; Sidewalk Egg Frying; Jul 5 - National Family Day, July 7: Father-Daughter Take a Walk Together; International UN Day of Cooperation. July 9: Don't Step on a Bee Day. July 10: Intern Appreciation Day. July 13: Skeptics' Day. July 14: Cow Apprecaition Day. July 15: National Ice Cream; Saint Swithin's Day. July 16: International Town Criers; Naitonal Get Out of the Doghouse Day. July 17: Wrong Way Corrigan Day. Jul 20 - Ugly Truck; Riot Act anniversary. July 21: Rat-Catchers Day. Jul 22 - Ice Cream Cone Day. July 23: Hot Enough For Ya Day. July 24: Cousins; Health and Happiness with Hypnosis Day. Jul 27 - *National Korean War Veterans Armistice; Take Your Houseplants for a Walk Day. July 29: *Parents' Day. Jul 30 - Father-In-Law Day, National Parent's 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