Daily Thoughts & Issues

IN THIS ISSUE:

OCTOBER 8

Days left until the next millennium 01.01.3001

Photo of the Week
Scott Spiker/Adventure Photo & Film
Achieve Your Dreams

October 8 - National Coming-Out Day. * The Vanderbilt Cup, the first organized automobile race, is held on Long Island, NY (1904). * St. Triduana's Day - the patron saint of those suffering visual infirmities. * Great Chicago Fire (1871) began, according to legend, when Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over the lantern in her barn on DeKoven Street. The fire leveled 3 1/2 sq. miles, destroying 17,450 buildings and leaving 98,500 people homeless and about 250 people dead. Financially, the loss was $200 million. On the same day a fire destroyed the entire town of Peshtigo, WI killing more than 1,100 people. * Birthdays: Edward Rickenbacker, Heinrich Schutz, Chevy (Cornelius Crane) Chase, Matt Damon, Paul Hogan, Rashaan Salaam, Jesse Jackson. 

DAILY THOUGHTS

Sometimes no talking is better than the dirtiest talk in the world. - Jasmine, 23 Best of 1001 Sex Secrets Every Man & Woman Should Know

Remember that a child's performance on any test is like a snapshot - a measure of his or her performance at one point in time. No decision should ever be based on a child's one-time performance. Dr. Buff's 365 Day Parenting Calendar

How do you bring back the cancer defense system?  By making a concrete commitment to change things in a way that will rebuild the enthusiasm for your life. Make this something you worry at, like a dog with a bone. You're saying to your own organism: "I am important, I am worth fighting for."  - Lawrence LeShan author of Cancer as a Turning Point. New Passages

Ancient Wisdom:  If you shouldst lay up even a little upon a little, and shouldst do this often, soon would even this become great - Hesiod (Ca. 899 B.C.) The Old Farmer's Almanac

Original sin does exist; it is our laziness. It is very real. It exists in each and every one of us - infants, children, adolescents, mature adults, the elderly; the wise or the stupid; the lame or the whole. Some of us may be less lazy than others, but we are all lazy to some extent. No matter how energetic, ambitious or even wise we may be, if we truly look into ourselves we will find laziness lurking at some level. It is the force of entropy within us, pushing us down and holding us all back from our spiritual evolution. The Road Less Traveled

The way we exercise caution is crucial. If inhibition comes from fear of love's power, and if it is made up only of rational thoughts whose purpose is to keep us from moving into life, then both the desired love and safety will be out of reach. Soul Mates

Things to Be Happy About: University quads. Classical mythology. Knowing " the sky's the limit." 14,000 Things to Be Happy About

Wander. Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me

It is of immense importance to learn to laugh at ourselves. - Katherine Mansfield. If Life is a Game, These are the Rules

Born in Dresden, Germany, in 1867, writer and historian Edith Hamilton became well know for her study of mythology. Her works include the highly acclaimed 1842 book Mythology and a translation of Euripides's The Trojan Woman, upon which a 1971 film starring Katharine Hepburn was based. Hamilton had a sixty-year relationships with Doris Fielding Reid. Gay & Lesbian Calendar

The key to effective communication is the one-on-one relationship. The moment we enter into this special relationship with another person, we begin to change the very nature of our communication with them. We begin to build trust and confidence in each other. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Mudpuddle Dip: Place 1 bar (4 oz.) milk chocolate, broken into small pieces, and 2 Tbs. milk in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium (5o percent) for 30 seconds. Stir mixture. Microwave on medium 30 seconds more. Cool sauce slightly. Serve with pear wedges for dipping. Parents Tips & Tricks

A Finnish study of 16,000 healthy men and women showed that people who take a 30-minute brisk walk at least 6 times a month can lower their risk of premature death by 43% over non exercisers and by 29% over less frequent exercisers.  Stress Busters

El pepino (pehPEEnoh) Cucumber. Me importa un pepino!  I couldn't care less!  (Lit. I care a cucumber!) Living Language

TODAY'S ISSUE: NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

In the world there are different and still more different people. Sit and mix with everyone, the way a boat joins the river - Tulsidas. Boats join the river from different launches. They come in many varieties - canoes, ketches, trimarans, dinghies, speedboats, barges - and a river pilot learns to steer among them. People need the chance to meet diverse others. Parents do their children no favor by shielding them from experience, making sure they meet only people like themselves. The world may sometimes be cruel and difficult, but no one achieves wisdom or compassion while retreating from it. People of different colors, people with different abilities, people from Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths; rich people, poor people, people speaking different languages, eating different foods - these are all people we want our children to feel comfortable with. And more - we'd like our children to have open hearts, so they can learn from all, for all have something to teach. Fear puts up walls between people that love and understanding can breach. Let us take pride in our own culture, but never at the expense of another's; ours is only one of many. Differences can only enrich our experience, and the absence of difference impoverishes us. Family Feelings

A national non-profit educational project of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, promotes positive images of gays, lesbians and bisexuals to non-gay Americans since 1988. Today events are happening around the country that encourage gays, lesbians and bisexuals to be honest about their sexual orientation to friends, family members and coworkers, to show how diverse we really are. Local community groups sponsor activities and events which in the past have included "coming out" dances, rallies and demonstrations, educational films, fairs and workshops, literature drops, fundraisers and religious blessings of lesbian and gay couples and families. For a recorded announcement call 800.866.6263 or ncop@hrc.org

And now, an edited message from Candace J. Gingrich, (a familiar father) NCOP Associate Manager

I have met and spoken with hundreds of gay, lesbian and bisexual people across the country-- many of them feel that their own coming out processes would have been easier if they had somewhere to go for accurate, supportive information. NCOP's public education and outreach programs promote the values of honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay or bisexual on campus, in the workplace and at home. Whether filling out a credit application, striking up a conversation on the bus, or being asked what we did over the weekend--there are opportunities almost daily to come out through National Coming Out Day celebrations, the Resource Guide to Coming Out, public service announcements and grassroots visibility and education projects, NCOP works toward the day when one's coming out is celebrated rather than hidden.

If you are going through the coming out process yourself, remember that you are not alone. The NCOP resources will hopefully provide direction on this incredible journey. Coming out is still the single most important thing you can do to turn ignorance into understanding. Not only are you empowering yourself but you are helping to educate those around you and enable them to become "straight but not narrow."

If you are visit the web site (www.hrc.org) as a counselor, friend, parent, advisor, clergy, teacher, social worker -- a big thank you for realizing the importance of helping others through the coming out process. There are numbers I could cite here with which you are probably all too familiar -- gay youth suicides, drop outs, runaways. There are also parents and grandparents who don't realize or accept that they are gay until much later in life, and it is important to make sure that they have the support and resources that they need. As an ally, you are one of our most important resources and a lifeline to those you are assisting.

I am grateful to those pioneers who had the vision to create a yearly celebration of coming out and those who continue to assist us on that journey. I hope that you will join me, NCOP and the Human Rights Campaign in marking a decade of helping people take their next step with pride.

In pride, Candace J. Gingrich canadce.gingrish@hrc.org

800.866.6263 or www.hrc.org or ncop@nrc.org

See related information on Hate Crimes

Hey Man: Did you make a difference yesterday? Let us know at Contact Us. The highest result of education is tolerance. - Helen Keller. It may be time to increase your level of education. Want to make a difference but you don't know where to start?

BOOK OF THE WEEK

2010 State of the World: Transforming cultures from consumerism to sustainability, The Worldwatch Institute. Like a tsunami, consumerism has engulfed human cultures and Earth's ecosystems. Left unaddressed, we risk global disaster. But if we channel this wave, intentionally transforming our cultures to center on sustainability, we will not only prevent catastrophe but may user in an era of sustainability - one that allows all people to thrice while protecting, even restoring, Earth. In this year's report, 50+ renowned researchers and practitioners describe how we can harness the world's leading institutions - education, the media, business, governments, traditions and social movements - to reorient cultures toward sustainability. W. W. Norton, www.worldwatch.org, 2010, ISBN 978-0-393-33726-6

SPECIAL URLs

 

MENSTUFF COLUMNS BY AUTHOR

  • The Advice Diva - The Advice Diva - relationship and sexuality issues discussed - www.menstuff.org/columns/advicediva/archive.html
  • Peter Alsop - Song of the Month - www.menstuff.org/columns/alsop/archive.html
  • Reid Baer - A Man Overboard - Interview of the Month - www.menstuff.org/columns/overboard/archive.html
  • Reid Baer - Poetry - poetry read on YouTube - www.menstuff.org/columns/baer/archive.html
  • Molly Barrow - Shrink About This - www.menstuff.org/columns/barrow/archive.html
  • Peter Baylies - At Home Dads - on at-home-dad issues that impact fathers who stay at home to raise their kids - www.menstuff.org/columns/baylies/archive.html
  • Tom Blake - Middle-Age Relationships - from an expert on dating after 50. www.menstuff.org/columns/blake/archive.html
  • Mark Brandenburg - Great Fathers - on fathering issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/greatfathers/archive.html
  • Ted Braude - BoysWork - a columnist in the The Detroit Free Press "Body and Mind" section www.menstuff.org/columns/braude/archive.html
  • Armin Brott - A Father's Guide - hosts "Positive Parenting" on radio www.menstuff.org/columns/brott/archive.html
  • Dan Bulf - Get Real - weekly pod cast on men's issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/bulf/archive.html
  • Ken Byers - Transition - on men's life transitions - www.menstuff.org/columns/byers/archive.html
  • Sandra L. Caron - Sex Talk - college students get answers to their questions - www.menstuff.org/columns/sextalk/archive.html
  • Neil Chethik - Relationships - www.menstuff.org/columns/chethik/archive.html
  • Otto & Susie Collins - Susie and Otto - relationship issues discussed - www.menstuff.org/columns/susie&otto/archive.html
  • David Copeland - How to Succeed with Women - www.menstuff.org/columns/howtosucceed/archive.html
  • Forrest Craver - Spirituality & Social Change - www.menstuff.org/columns/craver/archive.html
  • Layne & Paul Cutright - Powerful Partnerships - relationship issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/cutright/archive.html
  • Ron DesMarais - Cavemen in the Kitchen - great recipes for men - www.menstuff.org/columns/desmarais/archive.html
  • Jed Diamond - Irritable Male Syndrome - www.menstuff.org/columns/diamond/archive.html
  • Doc Love - Women Don't Lie, Man Don't Listen - answers to relationship issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/doclov/archive.html
  • Barry Durdant-Hollamby - Creating Change - creating change in your life - www.menstuff.org/columns/durdant/archive.html
  • Irv Engel - The Real Deal - www.menstuff.org/columns/engel/archive.html
  • Nancy Fagan - Expert Dating Advice - with Nancy Fagan - www.menstuf.org/columns/fagan/archive.html
  • Warren Farrell - Men's Issues: Facts and Perspectives www.menstuff.org/columns/farrell/archive.html
  • Leonard Felder - Wake Up or Break Up - www.menstuff.org/columns/felder/archive.html
  • Marty Friedman - Strong Men, Strong Marriage - www.menstuff.org/columns/friedman/archive.html
  • Kim Garretson - Mansgland - using humor to encourage prostate exams - www.menstuff.org/columns/mansgland/archive.html
  • Lion Goodman - How to get Women to Love You - www.menstuff.org/columns/goodman/archive.html
  • Liz Halliday - In a Man's World - www.menstuff.org/columns/halliday/archive.html
  • Rick Hanson - Your Wise Brain - www.menstuff.org/columns/hanson/archive.html
  • Tim Hartnett - Daddyman Speaks - being a father www.menstuff.org/columns/daddyman/archive.html
  • John Hershey - Blood, Phlegm & Bile: Parenting with Humor - He writes a syndicated biweekly humor column about parenting and family life. www.menstuff.org/columns/hershey/archive.html
  • Gary Hoeber - Psychotherapy as Soul Work, www.menstuff.org/columns/hoeber/archive.html
  • Patrick Houser - Fathers Make a World of Difference, www.menstuff.org/columns/houser/archive.html
  • Paul Joannides - The Guide to Getting It On - on sex - www.menstuff.org/columns/getiton/archive.html
  • Jack Kahn - NOMAS Boston - www.menstuff.org/columns/kahn/archive.html
  • Patrick Kennedy - Seniors - www.menstuff.org/columns/kennedy/archive.html
  • Joe Kort - Gaydar - to increase understanding between gay and het men - www.menstuff.org/columns/kort/archive.html
  • David Kundtz - David Kundtz - presents seminars, workshops, retreats, and conference presentations in the areas of men's emotional health, stress management, and spirituality. www.menstuff.org/columns/kundtz/archive.html
  • Bruce Linton - Dr. Dad - on fathering - www.menstuff.org/columns/drdad/archive.html
  • Ron Louis - How to Succeed with Women - www.menstuff.org/columns/howtosucceed/archive.html
  • Tom Matlack - Tom Matlack - Good Men Project - www.menstuff.org/columns/matlack/archive.html
  • Wendy McElroy - Wendy McElroy on Feminism, www.menstuff.org/columns/mcelroy/archive.html
  • Robert N. Minor - Minor Details - on GBT sexuality - www.menstuff.org/columns/minordetails/archive.html
  • Robert L. Moore - Man & Mythology - www.menstuff.org/columns/moore/archive.html
  • Dennis W. Neder - Being a Man - general questions about men's lives - www.menstuff.org/columns/neder/archive.html
  • Marty Nemko - Worklife - general questions about men and work - www.menstuff.org/columns/nemko/archive.html
  • Eli Newberger - Eli Newberger - general information on men's lives - www.menstuff.org/columns/newberger/archive.html
  • Linda Nielsen - Embracing the Father - working with the father/daughter relationship. www.menstuff.org/columns/nielsen/archive.html
  • Kathy Noll - Bullies and Youth Violence - working with schools, teachers and parents to end school violence - www.menstuff.org/columns/noll/archive.html
  • Mark Phillips - Stay-at-Home-Dads - helping men maintain that which makes us men, instead of becoming hairy Mom-substitutes - www.menstuff.org/columns/phillips/archive.html
  • Carey Roberts - Socialism & Feminism - is a social commentator on political correctness. www.menstuff.org/columns/roberts/archive.html
  • Perry Rose - Dating, Relationship, Sex
  • Glenn Sacks - His Side - on fathering - www.menstuff.org/columns/sacks/archive.html
  • Trudy Schuett - Domestic Violence - serving the under-represented www.menstuff.org/columns/schuett/archive.html
  • Carl J. Schutt - Circumcision - social commentator on circumcision - www.menstuff.org/columns/schutt/archive.html
  • Hugo Schwyzer - A Pro-feminist's Response - www.menstuff.org/columns/schwyzer/archive.html
  • Michael Shaffran - Men's Issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/shaffran/archive.html
  • Judith Sherven - Judith & Jim - discussion and answers regarding relationship issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/judith&jim/archive.html
  • Judith Sherven - The New Intimacy - www.menstuff.org/columns/newintimacy/archive.html
  • George Simons - Bellicose Veins - is a US specialist in intercultural and gender communication who hangs out in Mandelieu - la Napoule, France, as well as in Santa Cruz, CA. www.menstuff.org/columns/simons/archive.html
  • Andy Smith - Hard Hat Brotherhood - www.menstuff.org/columns/hardhat/archive.html
  • David B. Smith - Fighting Father Dave - www.menstuff.org/columns/smith/archive.html
  • Jim Sniechowski - Judith & Jim - discussion and answers regarding relationship issues - www.menstuff.org/columns/judith&jim/archive.html
  • Jim Sniechowski - The New Intimacy - www.menstuff.org/columns/newintimacy/archive.html
  • Reena Sommer - Custody - is an internationally recognized relationship and divorce consultant. www.menstuff.org/columns/sommer/archive.html
  • R. Don Steele - Don Steele - relationship questions answered -
    www.menstuff.org/columns/steele/archive.html
  • David Steinberg - Comes Naturally - on sexuality - www.menstuff.org/columns/steinberg/archive.html
  • Mary Lou St Lucas - A Mother's Love - www.menstuf.org/columns/stlucas/archive.html
  • Surprise - Surprise Author - From a new columnist every month - www.menstuff.org/columns/surprise/archive.html
  • Steven Svoboda - Fatherhood, Activism and the Law www.menstuff.org/columns/svoboda/archive.html
  • Michael Taylor - A New Conversation with Men - www.menstuff.org/columns/taylor/archive.html
  • Bruce Van Horn - Yoga for Men - issues around the health benefits of yoga for men - www.menstuff.org/yoga/archive.html
  • Michael Webb - Secrets of Blissful Relationships - on relationship - www.menstuff.org/columns/bliss/archive.html
  • Stuart Wilde - Spirituality - www.menstuff.org/columns/wilde/archive.html
  • Dr.Williams - Sex Health - on sexual health - Dr. Williams, www.menstuff.org/columns/sexhealth/archive.html
  • KC Wilson - On Gender Politics is a social commentator and author. www.menstuff.org/columns/wilson/archive.html

Plus

  • Health Tips - on general health - www.menstuff.org/columns/healthtips/archive.html
  • Independent Means - resources for raising financially fit kids - www.menstuff.org/columns/independentmeans/archive.html
  • Numbers - www.menstuff.org/columns/numbers/archive.html
  • Questions - www.menstuff.org/columns/q&a/archive.html
  • Surprise - from a new columnist every month - www.menstuff.org/columns/surprise/archive.html
  • Words Can Heal - helping children grow up healthy - www.menstuff.org/columns/wordscanheal/archive.html
  • Wuzup?! - National or international events happening this month - www.menstuff.org/columns/whassup/archive.html 

AWARENESS EVENTS THIS MONTH

October is Adopt-a-Shelter Dog; Alternate History; Auto Battery Safety; Campaign for Healthier Babies; Celiac Sprue Awareness; Child Health; Computer Learning; Diversity Awareness; Dryer Vent Safety Awareness; Energy Management is a Family Affair-Improve Your Home; Family History; Family Sexuality Education, Fantasy; Gay and Lesbian History; Health Literacy; International Fired Up; Listen to Your Inner Critic; Lupus Awareness; National AIDS Awareness; National Animal Safety and Protection; *National Breast Cancer Awareness; National Car Care; National Crime Prevention; National Depression Education and Awareness; *National Disability Employment Awareness; *National Domestic Violence Awareness; National Family Health, National Family Sexuality Education; National "Gain the Inside Advantage"; National Home Inspection; National Orthodontic Health; National Pharmacy; National Physical Therapy; National Pizza; National Popcorn Poppin'; National Roller Skating; National Skin Care Awareness; National Spinal Health; National Toilet Tank Repair; Pediatric Cancer Awareness; Rett Syndrome Awareness; Sarcastics Awareness; Substance Abuse Prevention; Talk About Prescriptions; Unmasking Halloween Dangers; Vegetarian Awareness Month.

9/15-10/15: Hispanic Heritage Month. 10/1-7: Mental Illness Awareness; *Minority Enterprise Development; National Health Care Food Oct 8-14: *Fire Prevention; Home Based Business; National Adult Immunization Awareness; *National School Lunch, National Walk to School Week. 10/9-13: Pet Peeve, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Week. 10/10-16: Wildlife Week. 10/14-20: Ally, Pharmacy Week. 10/15-21: Getting the World to Beat a Path to Your Door; *National Character Counts; Teen Read Week. 10/16-22: National Health Education Week. 10/22-28: National Massage Therapy Awareness, National Save Yur Back Week. 10/23-31: Red Ribbon 10/25-31: Peace, Friendship & Goodwill Week. 10/1: World Vegetarian Day. 10/2: World Habitat Day, 10/3: Techies Day. 10/4: Toot Your Flute Day. 10/8 Global Learn Day; National Children's Day. 10/9: Indigenous Persons Day; *Leif Erikson Day, Yom Kippur, Canadian Thanksgiving Day. 10/11: Coming Out; Teddy Bear to Work Day; 10/12: Oktoberfest. 10/13: Blame Someone Else; Scream, Train Your Brain Day, Friday the 13th. 10/14: Sukkot. Be Bald and Be Free Day. 10/15: National Grouch; *White Cane Safety Day. 10/16: Dictionary;  Boss' Day, Intl. Librarians World Food Day. 10/17: Black Poetry, International Eradication of Poverty Day. 10/18: Canadian Persons;  Boost your Brain Day. 10/19: Evaluate Your Life Day 10/21: Sweetest Day. 10/22: Mother-In-Law; National Scientific Literacy Day. 10/23: National Mole Day. 10/24: United Nations Day. Black Thursday. 10/25: Cartoonists Against Crime Day. 10/26: Horseless Carriage; Mule, Intersex Awareness Day 10/27: Frankenstein Friday, Navy Day, Ugly Pickup Contest. 10/28: Make a Difference; Wild Foods Day; Day of Meditation. 10/29: Daylight Savings Times Ends. 10/31: Halloween; National Magic; *National Unicef Day. 11/2 is Election Day. Vote Absentee Ballot.

* Means a Presidential Proclamation has been made.

Domestic Violence Prevention Month - See Issues. Also, see books on anger, violence-general, violence-domestic, violence-rape, violence-sexual, women's violence, sexual harassment plus Q&A Slide Guide on Gangs and Safe Dating in Merchandise and Alternatives to Violence programs. - resources for male and female perpetrators and male and female victims. Got some information to add, send it to mailto:violence@menstuff.org

* Means a Presidential Proclamation has been made.

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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.
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