Daily Thoughts & Issues

IN THIS ISSUE:

AUGUST 12

Days left until the next millennium 01.01.3001

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

August 12 - Truck Drivers' Week. * Day military attacks on, and mistreatment of, civilians during wartime were outlawed worldwide (1949). The Mystic's Wheel of the Year * King Phillip assassination (1676) Native American, Philip, son of Massasoit, chief of the Wampanog tribe, was killed near Mt Hope, RI by a renegade Indian of his own tribe, bringing to an end the first and bloodiest war between American Indians and white settlers of New England, a war that had raged for nearly two years and was known as King Philip's War. * Space Milestone (1960) First successful communications satellite in Earth's orbit to relay voice and TV signals from one ground station to another was launched. (1977) Reusable orbiting vehicle (space shuttle) makes first successful flight on its own within Earth's atmosphere. * Playing in Chicago on their last tour (1966), John Lennon apologizes for saying the Beatles are more popular than Jesus Christ, a comment London's Catholic Herald says is "arrogant...but probably true." * Birthdays:  Thomas Bewick, Cantinflas, Cecil B DeMille, Christopher (Christy) Mathewson, William Goldman, George Hamilton, Milton (Michael Kidd) Grenwald), Pat Metheny, Alvin (Buck Owens) Edgar, Pete Sampras, George Soros, Porter Wagoner, Antoine Walker.

DAILY THOUGHTS

Woodsman's Math: The content of a board in square feet can be found by multiplying the length times the width, then divided by 12. Example:  For a 16-foot board, 9 inches wide: 9 x 16 = 144 divided by 12 = 12 square feet.  The Old Farmer's Almanac

We suffer, I believe, from a tendency to define religion too narrowly. We tend to think that religion must include a belief in God or some ritualistic practice or membership in a worshiping group. The Road Less Traveled

Wrap your arms around me and squeeze me really tight when I'm coming - Judy, 24. What gets me off quicker than anything is the way her hair keeps brushing against my testicles when she gives me fellatio. John, 33 Best of 1001 Sex Secrets Every Man & Woman Should Know

Something happens to our thoughts and emotions when we put them in a letter. They are placed in a different, special context, and they speak at a different level. Soul Mates

Quizzical looks from children - and sometimes blank stares - mean you're talking over their heads. Start over. Then ask them to explain what you said. Dr. Buff's 365 Day Parenting Calendar

A profound change in the way we register time accompanies every major passage. But the startling new perspective on time that now characterizes the passage into the sixties and beyond may not catch up with us until we've settled down to wait for old age to descend. When it doesn't, and only then, do we wake up. New Passages

Life is a long lesson in humility. - James Barrie. Achieve Your Dreams

Things to Be Happy About:  Gardens thick with summer bloom. Free raffle tickets. A lookout point. 14,000 Things to Be Happy About

You only go down the slide head first once. Really Important Stuff My Kids Have Taught Me

Judgments are not always negative. Your judgments are what keep you from walking around like an open membrane, open and exposed to whatever information you come in contact with. At times, your judgments serve to help you decide what beliefs and thoughts you choose to let in from the outside world and help you discern what is true for you. Without your sense of judgment, you would be bombarded with hundreds of conflicting ideas which you would have no power to discriminate. If Life is a Game, These are the Rules

Transgendered blues musician Gladys Bentley, born on this day in 1907, gained fame during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s. In February, 1940, after Bentley moved to the West Coast, police forced her employer to get a permit in order to allow Bentley to wear pants instead of a skirt during her performance. Gay & Lesbian Calendar

3 & 4 years - Preschool Jitters. Experts say most 3-year-olds are ready for school and that the experience helps them develop both social and cognitive skills. But some kids find the adjustment difficult. Separation anxiety and fear of the unknown, along with the disruption caused by a change in a child's routine, can contribute to preschool jitters. Each kid separates at a different pace. Visiting the school, meeting the teachers, and even arranging a playdate with a future classmate can help make the transition less overwhelming. Parents Tips & Tricks

Slow down. Slowing down will help you keep in touch with how you fell about what you're doing and make it easier to connect with your inner self. Simplify Your Life

Having a bad day?  Pretend you're a kid and send yourself to time-out for 15 to 30 minutes. While there, nap, pray, meditate, write, read, listen to music or whatever else helps you find a sense of peace and calm.  Stress Busters

The formula for success is simple: practice and concentration then more practice and more concentration. - Babe Didrikson. Win the Day!

Esperar (ehspehRAHR) To wait. Esperamos a ver que pasa. Let's wait and see. Living Language

TODAY'S ISSUE: TRUCKIN'

Work a year before paid vacations start. Often times, that year is seven days driving for an eighth day off (called "quality home time") driving 3,000 miles a week, every week, and maybe more. (You might get a 1 cent bonus per mile if you drive over 110,000 miles per year, an average of 2,200 a week for 50 weeks, 440 miles a day for five days, driving 8 hours a day straight at 55 mph not counting the time it takes loading, unloading, gasing, repairs, etc., etc., etc.) Add to all this a cramped sleeping space (if you have a sleeper), mediocre to bad food, inconsiderate automobile drivers and little opportunity for exercise, and you've got the basics of a trucker's life.

If all the year were playing holidays.
To sport would be as tedious as to work.
- William Shakespeare.

Life isn't fun for many adults, and we communicate this to our children. We work at jobs we don't really care about, live among people who are slightly unreal to us, and play at tepid amusements. Nothing we do engages our strong feelings; nothing matters deeply enough to tap our passions. We're mildly depressed much of the time, and our pleasures don't refresh us. The good life is a satisfying life. For our children to learn this, they must have models of satisfaction. Why do we work at boring jobs when there's so much to be done? Or do we just blame our boredom on our jobs, out partners, our families?  Tedium we create for ourselves; satisfaction is also within our grasp. Whatever we do in life, whether it's keeping house or sorting mail, teaching, selling, data processing, lawyering, or carpentry, if we do it with zest we'll be rewarded with satisfaction. When we work hard, we can play creatively, refreshingly. Some of us may be seriously depressed, and in need of professional help to break through our dull preoccupations to the vibrant pulse of life. We're all in place, in a pattern larger than any of us can appreciate, and its beauty and rightness lets us join in harmony with the universe. Thought:  If I'm feeling flat, I'll look to the mountains. There are no peaks without valleys. Family Feelings

Hey Man: Did you make a difference yesterday? Let us know at Contact Us. Give truckers a brake. They keep some space in front of them for a reason. So the 20,000 to 60,000 lbs they are carrying don't crash into the back of your car. The same goes for RVs. Their brakes are much less effective. So, don't squeeze into that space just to gain a few seconds time. Editor. 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.

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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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