"Pathways to understanding...."

"What would happen if we spoke the truth."- Alison Bechdel, author, cartoonist

              Contrary to media reports overheard or nonchalantly glanced at trending on social media this week, Duke University students are not being forced to do anything. As part of the  incoming freshman summer reading program a graphic novel by New York Times best-selling author, Alison Bechdel (photo shown above) was chosen among other literature because it is likely to spark open conversations about life, death and sexuality. Topics that all sincere adult students pursuing higher education should be comfortable contemplating. Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic was first published in 2006 and has since been made into a highly successful Broadway musical. Summer reading is entirely voluntary but Fun Home offers a rich opportunity for discussion, especially about discrimination and human rights. What most people don't understand about the Duke dilemma is how students who haven't read the novel automatically dismiss it as violating their moral beliefs.


 To clarify, in a statement by Michael Schoenfeld, VP for Public Affairs and Government Relations at Duke University  

Like many universities and community, Duke has had a summer reading for many years to give incoming students a shared intellectual experience with other members of the class (you can see the most recent selections at https://studentaffairs.duke.edu/new-students/common-experience).  

The reading is selected by a committee of students, and staff, who then solicit feedback from other members of the Duke community.  Fun Home was ultimately chosen because it is a unique and moving book that transcends genres and explores issues that students are likely to confront.  It is also one of the most celebrated graphic novels of its generation, and the theatrical adaption won the Tony Award for Best Musical, and four others, in 2015.  As we have every year, we were fortunate to have the author join us on campus for a lively discussion of the book during orientation week.

The summer reading is entirely voluntary — it is not a requirement, nor is there a grade or record of any student’s participation.  With a class of 1,750 new students from around the world, it would be impossible to find a single book that that did not challenge someone’s way of thinking.  We understand and respect that, but also hope that students will begin their time at Duke with open minds and a willingness to explore new ideas, whether they agree with them or not. 

"Those without a voice can be heard."

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” ― Malala Yousafzai

                       


                 This month many schools in the United States are welcoming back students from summer break. Children raised in America have access to free public education.from kindergarten to grade 12. Fortunate public school systems provide books, paper, pencils, computers or individual tablets for their students. Increasingly in the States, parents or classroom teachers are purchasing these items  out of their own pockets. Having attended and worked in public schools as well as being the sister of a dedicated public school teacher, I can assure you this is true. Public school teachers and parents care enough to realize the value of giving every child an opportunity for a good education. Many under funded schools must request grants or raise their own money to provide essential classroom materials. As one of the most prosperous nations in the world we are still unable to provide adequate supplies for all of our girls and boys: our future citizens, our future leaders.
      Despite failing federal standards and unrealistic mandatory curriculum's we are still financially head and shoulders above most countries. We provide equal opportunities for both male and female pupils which is not the case in many areas of the world. As a native of Pakistan, author, Nobel Prize laureate and education advocate, Malala Yousafzai has endured the unimaginable to speak out for the rights of women and girls to be educated. At just 18 years of age, Malala continues to risk her life standing up to religious and political extremists who attempt to silence her voice forever. “The extremists are afraid of books and pens, the power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women.” stating perceptively with a wisdom beyond her years. Education is power.  Education gives us the tools for survival. Whether we choose to attend public, private or home school, having access to books, library facilities or the internet develops our sense of empowerment. The most meaningful aspects our of lives come from learning, sharing and expressing our own ideas. Education is a human right.


 For more information about becoming a Global Citizen  https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/

"That light inside that drives you..."

“Creativity is connected to your passion, that light inside you that drives you. That joy that comes when you do something you love. That small voice that tells you, “I like this. Do this again. You are good at it. Keep going.” That is the juicy stuff that lubricates our lives and helps us feel less alone in the world.” ― Amy Poehler-actor, comedian, author of Yes Please

       Author, actor and comedian, Amy Poehler recently developed a new science web series for her highly successful Smart Girls project. "Experimenting with Megan " is hosted by writer Megan Amran  who is the author of a clever satirical textbook,  Science...For Her!  Her host character has been described as the female scientific researcher equivalent of Stephen Colbert of the Colbert Report's narcissistic political pundit. What 's really happening before our eyes is an entertaining, educational guide to scientific knowledge and step by step experiments. Learning with laughter. Is there any better way? In the episode above Megan welcomes her guest, CalTech engineer and aeronautics professor, Dr. Beverly Mc Keon. Watch a new episode every Monday at amysmartgirls

     Amy's Smart Girls was co-created by Poehler,  current director, Meredith Walker and composer, performer and teacher, Amy Miles.(see full bio's on the website)  In addition to earning two Emmy Award nominations for her comedic role in NBC's Parks and Recreation, Amy Poehler is a humanitarian, active in women and girls issues and serves as Ambassador for the Worldwide Orphans Foundation. Amy's Smart Girls website is informative, entertaining and allows girls of all ages to contribute their own unique voice. Men and boys are encouraged to check out the site too. Find out how you can support girls in your schools and communities who are “changing the world by being themselves."


http://amysmartgirls.com/shows/






Happy Anniversary to Les & Chuck on August 15th. Wishing you more love & happiness to come.

"Masters of daydreaming.."

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” ― John Lubbock, The Use Of Life

        https://cloudappreciationsociety.org/


               As a child I remember lying on soft snuggly blankets in the backyard lazily looking up at  slightly overcast afternoon skies. Few things are as relaxing or set our imaginations free as when we allow ourselves to discover shapes and new forms in the ever changing clouds. Many times we are surrounded by beauty but our awareness has tuned it out like when we are texting our friends at the beach or snapping Instagram photos of a sunset we should be absorbing in real time. We are a society obsessed with our smartphones, social media, held captive by the constant flickering flame of our own thoughts. Cloud appreciation goes far beyond childhood or adolescent daydreams, it is a practice all of us are encouraged to continue at any age. Why?
            Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society stated the reason perfectly,
"I find that sometimes by paying attention to something outside of yourself, it's just enough to find yourself centered again." In his presentation above Pretor-Pinney discusses how letting our imaginations go is a necessary part of creativity and human nature.

"No waves, no wind."

"midnight- no waves, no wind."

midnight - no waves, no wind
the empty boat is
flooded with moonlight

                - Dogen

" Share your strength. End child hunger."

"One of the greatest feelings in the world is knowing that we as individuals can make a difference. Ending hunger in America is a goal that is literally within our grasp."
-- Jeff Bridges, anti-hunger activist and advocate for children.

                                             

                           
           Over 16 million children in the United States or 1 in 5 struggles with hunger each day. American kids aren't getting the food they need. Hunger compromises a child's ability to focus, properly develop and maintain overall health. What's even more tragic is that the United States is one of the most prosperous countries in the world and we are allowing some of our children to starve. According to research conducted by Children’s Health Watch,  lack of food or what is now commonly termed "food insecurity" is linked to increased hospitalizations, developmental issues, headaches, stomachaches and colds. The truth is it's costing our country more to ignore hunger than to take actions to resolve the root causes. And at least in the United States we do have the ability and resources to help. So why are we allowing hungry children to suffer?


       Consider the following important points proposed by legal clerk and consumer activist,
 Erin Brocovich,

      "Most of our citizenry believes that hunger only affects people who are lazy or people who are just looking for a handout, people who don't' want to work, but, sadly, that is not true. Over one-third of our hungry people are innocent children who are members of households that simply cannot provide enough food or proper nutrition. And to think of the elderly suffering from malnutrition is just too hard for most of us. Unlike Third World nations, in our country the problem is not having too little – it is about not caring enough! Write your elected representatives and promote support for the hungry."  http://endhunger.com/assets/Celebrities/brockovich.html


 Here are the facts:

             Almost 50 million Americans which includes 16 million children are living in homes with  insufficient incomes. These households lack enough resources to consistently provide nutritious meals. At some time during a school year millions of children are going without food.

             Food insecurity is most common in large cities but still exists in rural areas, suburbs and other outlying areas around large cities.

             25 % of households with children living in metropolitan areas are food-insecure.

             Federal nutrition programs play one of the most important roles in helping parents and children build and maintain health.


            So what's it going to take to eliminate hunger in the United States besides Federal programs and local food banks?  Advocate and spokesman for No Kid Hungry, Jeff Bridges stated,

 "Public charities, food banks and church pantries are doing more than ever before, but they can't keep up with the need. We can never end hunger only through the wonderful work of local charities. Like other Western democracies, we must end our national problem of hunger through national and political leadership. Charity is nice for some things, but not as a way to feed a nation. We don't protect our national security through charity, and we shouldn't protect our families and children that way either."

  For additional resources, stories, action plans, research and more visit the
  No Kid Hungry website   https://www.nokidhungry.org/the-problem

         
           

"One of the most beautiful.."

"Until we have the courage to recognize cruelty for what it is--whether its victim is human or animal--we cannot expect things to be much better in this world."-- Rachel Carson, American conservationist

            "He was one of the most beautiful animals to look at." stated Johnny Rodrigues, head of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force. Cecil, a gorgeous majestic male lion was well known by park guides and tourists for his demeanor and distinctive dark mane. After living in the national park for thirteen years Cecil was lured away from the protected grounds and viciously killed. Cecil was first injured with a bow and arrow and later found shot to death.  According to the Zimbabwe Professional Hunter and Guides Association, bow hunting is permissible in private hunting concessions or communal hunting areas only but NEVER in a national park or government-controlled safari area. Zimbabwean conservationists have emphasized recently that hunting by bow and arrow is on the increase. Bow hunting is silent, allowing unethical or illegal hunting to go undetected by authorities.
           American dentist and avid trophy hunter, Walter James Palmer from Eden Prairie, Minnesota is now being sought and held accountable for illegal hunting. In a statement he made to authorities earlier this week, Palmer said "I had no idea that the lion I took was a known, local favorite, was collared and part of a study until the end of the hunt. I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt."  The GPS collar which Cecil wore for research tracking purposes was destroyed before his beheaded remains were found.
           According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare,  60% of the African lion population has been destroyed in the last three decades alone. The poaching and trophy hunting deaths of lions, elephants, rhino's and tigers has reached critical levels. Trophy hunting and poaching are big business in Africa resulting in international crimes. Hunters will pay as much as $300,000 dollars to track and kill an animal with legal permits to make it appear an ethical sport. What most people, conservationists and animal advocates want to understand is- why? Unbridled greed, ego-driven violence and an arrogant photo opportunity seem senseless in the face of so many beautiful animals being endangered. Poaching contributes to the corruption and intimidation of government officials and local communities, increases the sale of illegal fire arms and drug distribution where the activities take place. Taking full responsibility for their part in cruel and pointless poaching crimes is long overdue for the United States. Laws need to change now.

"The moment you think of a joke.."

"The moment you think of a joke is the best moment."
- writer, producer, director, comedian, Judd Apatow

             How well do you know writer, producer, director and comedian, Judd Apatow?  You may not immediately identify his face but you will certainly recognize his extensive body of work. He is the creative genius behind the movies The 40-Year Old Virgin whom he co-wrote with the films star, Steve Carrell, Funny People featuring Adam Sandler and Eric Bana, and the memorable Knocked Up with Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl. He is the producer of Bridesmaids, Superbad and currently HBO's Girls.

            Apatow's latest offering is Trainwreck, in theaters now, starring comedians Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, with a special appearance by Akron, Ohio's own Cleveland Cavalier, LeBron James. As if that were not enough, in June, Apatow released a new book titled, Sick in the Head: Conversations About Life and Comedy ( Penguin Random House 2015). Beginning with transcripts from 1983 when he was a mere 14 years old, Apatow documents a surreal  interview with a young Jerry Seinfeld. (Apatow discusses some of the comedians in the video above). The entire book contains brilliantly entertaining, insightful excerpts with the most successful comics of a generation.  If you're looking for a summertime read with large doses of thoughtfulness and incredibly amusing anecdotes,  your prescription is staying "Sick in the Head".


Read a preview of the book here:

http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/247242/sick-in-the-head-by-judd-apatow/

" Life among the stars."

"To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit."- Stephen Hawking

http://www.breakthroughinitiatives.org/



                       The search for extraterrestrial intelligence  has always been a part of human  contemplation. Since the dawn of existence we have turned our gaze upward towards the stars. What lies beyond the spectrum of the human eye and telescopes? Our search and understanding of space is one of the most fascinating areas of human study. We were made for exploration. For scientific and historical purposes SETI or the Search for Extraterrestrial  Intelligence officially began with astronomer Frank Drake in 1960. Drake used an 85-foot radio telescope in the first attempt to detect interstellar radio transmissions sent by beings outside our solar system.  

          Today, July 20th 2015,  a major announcement was made regarding a new global science initiative by Russian entrepreneur Yuri Milner, along with the internationally renowned physicist, Stephen Hawking.  The link below provides detailed information: 

 http://www.breakthroughinitiatives.org/News/1

 The video above is narrated by the multi-talented writer,  Seth Mac Farlane who produced the highly successful series, Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, hosted by astrophysicist,  Dr.Neil deGrasse Tyson.   
 http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/cosmos-a-spacetime-odyssey/  

" Please, don't let this happen..."

"The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity, but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his.” ― James Thurber, author

      It may seem like common sense but with the most sizzling days of summer approaching pet owners are repeatedly reminded not to leave dogs in cars. Several petitions circulating on Change.org are specifically geared to enact laws which will make leaving pets in vehicles during sweltering temperatures illegal. Why do senseless pet deaths continue to happen?  Do pet owners realize how deadly hot the temperatures are in a vehicle even with windows cracked? Do pet owners understand the full effect this type of stress places on an animals system and how quickly this stress can escalate to death? 

 Important facts to know about vehicle temperatures and your pet:

 A dog’s normal resting body temperature is between 101 to 102.5 degrees. Imagine lying on a Florida beach at noon in the middle of July wearing a fur coat and stocking cap. Dogs can only tolerate a high body temperature for a few short minutes before suffering heatstroke, heart and nerve problems, liver failure, brain damage or even death. 

        Research studies have determined that cracking a window has little effect on a car’s internal temperature.  Check out the videos above. A study at Stanford University showed that  even when it's 72 degrees outside, a car’s internal temperature quickly rose to 116 degrees within an hour. 

    What should you do if you see a dog in distress inside a vehicle? Call 911. Wait for an officer to arrive unless the dog is in obvious panic which includes excessive panting or near collapse. If the vehicle is parked outside of a store go inside and ask the manager to make an announcement. Don't allow any animal to suffer this summer. Breaking the glass of a vehicle to remove a child in heat distress is legal. Animal advocates and responsible dog owners would like to extend laws to include compassion for all suffering. If dogs could speak they would plead with their owners, "Please, don't leave me. I wouldn't leave you."

"One step closer to a dream..."

"If I wanted to take a more activist or journalistic slant in work, I should probably just go be an activist or a journalist. But I'm happy being a comedian"

John Oliver, comedian and host of  Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/johnoliver563250.html#UVZod2PPzlMWY7kF.99

                                          http://www.omaze.com/experiences/john-oliver

            If you're a fan of comedian, John Oliver, Last Week Tonight  http://www.hbo.com/last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver or just want to support the amazing Team Rubicon http://www.teamrubiconusa.org/organization, dream makers Omaze has an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity for you. Join John Oliver in New York City, who will be flying you and a friend to enjoy all the backstage antics at Last Week Tonight.  You and your guest will stay at a four star hotel and be the VIPs for a taping of the show which includes a commemorative photo at John’s desk to prove  it wasn't all a dream. What do you need to do? Simply enter to win or donate the amount of your choice for entries.

http://www.omaze.com/experiences/john-oliver

     Each entry donation will benefit Team Rubicon. $10 dollars gives you 100 chances to win. The more you donate the more opportunities to make a dream reality and more importantly support Team Rubicon. TR unites the skills and multi-dimensional experiences of military veterans with first responders by rapidly deploying emergency response teams. TR is providing disaster relief during our most crucial times, the moment a disaster happens Their mission is not only to help disaster-stricken areas, but assist the entire veteran community. Read more about their story here: http://www.teamrubiconusa.org/         Be a force for good in more ways than one.  

" What kind of future are we giving children? "

"We need to save the Arctic not because of the polar bears, and not because it is the most beautiful place in the world, but because our very survival depends upon it."

Lewis Gordon Pugh- author, environmentalist

                                             

     Without sea ice, we lose an entire ecosystem and losing that sea ice ecosystem results in losing polar bears. Arctic temperatures are increasing at least twice as fast as the global average and sea ice cover is diminishing by almost 4 % each decade. This is not just fear mongering among scientists and environmentalists. A disturbing new report from the US Fish and Wildlife Services warns that unless greenhouse gas emissions are decreased significantly polar bears may cease to exist in the next 35 years. Primary habitat for polar bears are ice shelves and ledges covering the Arctic Circle, Melting has destroyed a large portion of polar bear habitat in recent years. Unbelievably, The US government, under the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, has recently given preliminary approval for Royal Dutch Shell to conduct exploratory drilling in an area where polar bear populations are suffering most. An oil spill could mean the extinction of not only the polar bear but an entire sea ice ecosystem our planet depends upon. Even without the threat of oil spills, the projected future sea ice losses means a stunning two-thirds of the world’s polar bear population could disappear within this century. Our current generation of children may never get to see or understand the life cycle contributions  of a polar bear. Many more animal species are next.

      According to Polar Bear International http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/our-work polar bear habitat loss and reduced access to primary prey due to climate change is the primary polar bear conservation issue. Polar bears also face increased pollution, disease, commercial activities, and inadequate habitat protection. Most polar bears live north of the Arctic Circle to the North Pole with some populations south of the Arctic Circle in Hudson Bay, Manitoba, Canada. Polar bears live in Greenland, Russia,and Alaska as well as islands in the north owned by Norway. So what is being done globally to prevent them from extinction? With polar ice melting population sizes are decreasing, ice platforms are moving farther apart creating hazardous swimming conditions and fewer hunting opportunities results in increased scarcity of food. The Office of Naval Research said the past eight years have had the eight lowest amounts of summer sea ice on record. In order to save the sea ice ecosystems we must reduce our greenhouse emissions. Governments need to do more. Corporations need to be held accountable. If not for ecosystems and our planet then for your children and your children's children who will suffer most. Demand action.

 For more information about how all of us can reduce greenhouse emissions visit :

http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/polar-bear

"United we stand."

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--

                     How well do you know the history of the Declaration of Independence? 

                                                  No cheating. Answer key is below.

 A. How many signers of the Declaration of Independence were born in America?

 B.  How many copies of the Declaration of Independence exist?

 C. Who was the oldest  person to sign?

 D. Which two future presidents signed the document?

 E. In what year was the 4th of July declared a Federal  holiday?

 F. Where did the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence take place?

 G. Who is credited with writing the documents?

 H. Earn a 1,000 bonus points if you can name the Committee of Five 

 I. Earn another 1,000 bonus points if you can describe what being an American means to you.

 J. Who was the first woman to sign the Declaration of Independence?

 A.(0 - Not one signer of the Declaration was technically born in the United States. The USA didn't even exist until after it was signed.) 

 B. ( 26- John Dunlap who was a printer from Philadelphia was asked to create 200 copies. 26 have

   since survived.)http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

 C. (Benjamin Franklin, 70)

 D. (Thomas Jefferson, John Adams)

 E. (1941)

 F. (Philadelphia, PA  July 8th, 1776) 

G. (Thomas Jefferson)

H. ( The Committee of Five composed the Declaration of Independence consisted of:

 Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Benjamin Franklin

 I. ( Congratulations.You are correct)

 J. (Can't fool you! Women weren't allowed a say or vote let alone a signature on a proclamation.)


                                                            Progress and change are beautiful.


                                         

"When we focus on others, our world expands."

“Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection - or compassionate action.” ― Daniel Goleman, Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships

                Without the feeling of empathy most of us would have died in infancy. Luckily, our mothers felt enough compassion, caring and connection to allow us to survive childhood. Without  empathy, our ability to understand suffering, fear, happiness, joy and  especially trust are nearly impossible. Empathy is the cornerstone of morality. Unless we can relate to other human beings as truly human like ourselves, we have no problem hurting, oppressing, torturing or killing them. Until we hear or read another persons story or relate to their personal journey they remain apart from us, "other".  People who refuse or have an inability to see themselves in others are often inflexible, intolerant, arrogant, hypocritical, insecure or bullies. Taking the perspective of others not only allows us to perform heroic deeds such as saving the lives of abused children or animals, feeding the hungry, clothing the poor or providing shelter for the homeless, compassion increases our understanding of inequality. Seeing someone or something as less than ourselves is inequality. Inequality stems from feelings of privilege, power and superiority to other human beings, animals or even the environment, whether its a feeling of moral, cultural or income entitlement. Until we meet face to face, eye to eye, right where we are without judgement, and listen to each others stories in the present moment, we will continue to fail at creating the kind of "Utopian" communities we feel we deserve.

       Empathy has the ability to narrow the chasm of injustice and in many cases of inequality it's our last hope. Empathy encourages us to reach out, support and help others rather than exploit, hold back, hold down or victimize. When we see ourselves in others, we come to realize that we are connected in the most intricate ways imaginable in our every day ordinary existence. Who sewed the buttons on the shirt you're wearing? Who assembled the smart phone you're texting with today? Who paved the road you traveled to work? Who designed the subway car you're riding? Who picked the strawberries in the cereal you're eating for breakfast? Who picked the coffee beans for your latte? Who drives the ambulance to our home when we dial 911?  Who cares for the sick and dying patients in hospitals? Who protects our countries borders while we sleep? Who teaches our children to read and write?  If  as a society we truly desire peaceful action, harmony and positive change, "How would it feel to be you?" is a question we should  reflect upon every single day of our lives.   

"We have no one but ourselves to blame."

"We are effectively undoing the beauty and the variety and the richness of the world which has taken tens of millions of years to reach."- Elizabeth Kolbert, author of The Sixth Extinction

                 In the last 100 years scientists worldwide concur extinctions would not be taking place without human activity. The extraordinary acceleration of species extinction rates is far from a natural occurrence. The Holocene or Sixth Extinction includes a  large number of  families of plants and animals such as birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods. The International Union for the Conservation of  Natural Resources   http://www.iucn.org/   confirms the vast majority of 875 extinctions occurring between  the years of 1500 and 2009 were undocumented. The present rate of extinction may rise to a phenomenal 140,000 species per year.


    The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History  is a  Pulitzer Prize  winning general non-fiction (Henry Holt & Company 2014) book written by American journalist,  Elizabeth Kolbert. Recently Kolbert stated in a National Geographic interview:   http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/06/150623-sixth-extinction-kolbert-animals-conservation-science-world/

 "We are now changing the climate, very, very rapidly, by geological standards. We are changing the chemistry of all the oceans. We are changing the surface of the planet. We cut down forests, we plant mono-culture agriculture, which is not good for a lot of species. We’re overfishing. The list goes on and on."

When asked if its possible for human beings to slow down the damage Kolbert bluntly expressed,

"The sort of fundamental question is, can 7.3 —going toward 8, going to 9 billion people —live on this planet with all of the species that are now still around? Or are we on a collision course, in part because we consume a lot of resources that other creatures also would like to consume? That’s a question I can’t answer."       
         But our own survival depends on the survival of these species which is the greatest cause for alarm.  Researchers at Stanford University, Princeton and Berkeley, affirmed vertebrates were disappearing at a rate 114 times faster than any time in recorded history. Such a loss would normally be seen over a period of up to 10,000 years, scientists say. Their findings replicate those found in a report published by Duke University last year. Stanford University professor Paul Ehrlich, who can be seen in the video above declared,

      "There are examples of species all over the world that are essentially the walking dead. We are sawing off the limb that we are sitting on."

 *A special wish goes out to my brother Steve on the 26th. Yes, I inadvertently managed a monkey card for your birthday. Love you.*

"Out beyond ideas..."

...I'll meet you there.

         Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,

                               there is a field.                                                                                                  I'll meet you there.

                  When the soul lies down in that grass,
                         the world is too full to talk about.
                              Ideas, language, even the phrase                                                              "each other" doesn't make any sense.




                                                         Rumi-                                                                                                                                       Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi - 13th century poet, philosopher

" The greatness of a nation...."

"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

   -Mahatma Gandhi

             This is not an easy subject to write about. We don't want to see photo's of tortured or mutilated animals. Being aware of  intense suffering and injustice for most people is too difficult.to process. Psychologically, it's easier to deny such terrible acts occur or we try to justify torture. As an animal advocate who absolutely loves and respects dogs with all my heart, a dog meat festival where 10,000 animals are brutally murdered horrifies me. The "Yulin Dog Eating Festival" is a yearly tradition in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang which is an autonomous region of China. The summer solstice celebration follows an ancient ritual beginning June 21, 2015. Despite what we may believe in the United States regarding the Chinese festival, torturing animals is not "cultural". Rounding up hundreds of stray dogs, stuffing them into crude wire cages, stealing dogs from their families, skinning, boiling and burning them alive is not "cultural" or just "accepted" behavior among modern Chinese students and citizens. Some dogs are transported into Yulin from the countryside in unsanitary overcrowded shipment trucks increasing the likelihood the dying animals will carry contagious diseases or even rabies. Human beings consume this meat at great risk to their own health. If children are fed contaminated meat they could die. World health organizations are ready to step in as well.There are millions of Chinese citizens who are passionately protesting and trying desperately to put an end once and for all to the atrocities in Yulin. Thousands of native protesters are outraged and ashamed that this sickeningly cruel event continues to take place in contemporary Chinese society.

Please, if you are against all forms of animal torture, sign the petition from Change.org which will support a worldwide ban on Yulin's barbaric animal cruelty. WARNING: This link contains a video that is not suitable for children. Adults please use caution, Note subject matter is disturbing  .https://www.change.org/p/mr-chen-wu-yulin-governor-please-shut-down-the-yulin-dog-meat-festival-in-guangxi-china

    For many people our disbelief  that dogs can be treated with such unimaginable cruelty stems from our deep understanding and knowledge of what dogs are capable of doing for human beings. Dogs are not only trusted affectionate, loyal companions, hunters and field workers, they are keenly intelligent therapists, intuitive healers and protective guardians. Dogs are family. Premiering next Friday, June 26th look for Max in theaters near you. But this Max is far from being "Mad".  Max is a "Best Friend, Hero and a  Marine,"  Written and directed by Boaz Yakin (Now You See Me, Safe )  with Sheldon Lettich, the film revolves around the  heroic story of a military canine that assisted US Marines in Afghanistan. The dog returns Stateside to his adopted handler's family after suffering trauma. The official Max movie trailer is approved for all audiences.

"Before we make music, music makes us."

" At the root of all power and motion, there is music and rhythm, the play of patterned frequencies against the matrix of time. We know that every particle in the physical universe takes its characteristics from the pitch and pattern and overtones of its particular frequencies, its singing. Before we make music, music makes us." 

Joachim-Ernst Berendt, The World is Sound

               Music lovers deeply immerse themselves in the mysterious oceans of sound. Music can be a form of escape. It gives us a voice when words fail. Music is the universal language that allows people to see themselves in others. Through music we validate suffering, pain and joy. Legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix once proclaimed, "Music is my religion.".  It is a tonic for the mind and a salve for the soul. Whatever makes us feel good has healing properties. But to what extent does music really affect our brain and body chemistry?  

       A  recent study by Oxford University  found classical music compositions matching the rhythms of our bodies can be used to control the beating of our hearts. Research presented to the the BCS-  British Cardiovascular Society  conference in Manchester, UK suggests that listening to music with a 10-second rhythm directly coincided with a drop in blood pressure. The findings show significant heart rate reduction. Beethoven's 9th Symphony adagio was one of those selections. (listen above) Compositions used in the Oxford study with similar heart rate effects include Franz Shubert's Ave Maria in Latin, Nessun Dorma by Giacomo Puccini and Va Pensiero by Giusuppe Verdi,

     The study seems to indicate soothing music calms us regardless of whether we prefer the Foo Fighters or Franz Liszt. So it's not surprising heavy metal, rock music and even classical compositions with pulsating beats and quick tempos increased heart rates. But that doesn't mean rock music is harmful to our health either, It's not the 1950's. In fact more research will be done to examine the effect of music on our resting heart rates and blood pressure. Some day soon your cardiologist may be writing you a prescription for Dvorak instead of Diuril.

       Many scientific studies have concluded or are still in progress evaluating different aspects of music and music as therapy. Instinctively, we may know that music heals, gives us happiness and finds a way to connect us to people who lived hundreds of years ago and those who live a thousand miles away. 

This blog post is dedicated to my musician nephew, Drew celebrating a birthday, Saturday June 13th. Like many families, friends and strangers we have formed a bond by our love of music. So for those about to rock or Bach, we salute you.

      

"Free speech is the bedrock of liberty..."

"Free speech is the bedrock of liberty and a free society. And yes, it includes the right to blaspheme and offend." — Ayaan Hirsi Ali, activist, author, Nomad: From Islam to America

      

            For four years 31 year old, Raif Badawi ran the Liberal Saudi Network, a medium open to
 the exchange of ideas, encouraging online debate and discussing religious and political issues. On June 17th, 2012, Badawi was arrested on a charge of insulting Islam by electronic channels. In December of 2012, he was also cited for apostasy (the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief) a conviction which carries an automatic death sentence. During that same month, a General Court in Jeddah decided to proceed with the apostasy ruling however, the higher court refused to hear the case and referred it back to the lower court. After receiving 50 lashes in January it was announced on Monday, June 8th that Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court had upheld the sentence for Badawi of 1,000 lashes and 10 years of imprisonment for blogging his beliefs. Foreign outcry has been intense off and on. Human rights groups worldwide such as Amnesty International  have been campaigning on Badawi's behalf since his original arrest. Full details can be seen here:  https://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions/saudi-arabia-free-raif-badawi-flogged-blogger

        Raif Badawi's blog the Saudi Free Liberals Forum  (sometimes interpreted  as Saudi Arabian Liberials’) championed free speech and self-expression. In many of his writings he urges the importance of separating religion from the state. The following is taken from a recent article in The Guardian which printed and analyzed many of Badawi's blog posts.  http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/14/-sp-saudi-blogger-extracts-raif-badawi

 "Secularism respects everyone and does not offend anyone ... Secularism..... is the practical solution to lift countries (including ours) out of the third world and into the first world."

      Freedom of speech is the United States most important Constitutional right. Freedom of speech and expression is considered a universal right of birth. Yet it's also the right we take most for granted. Imagine if your local police department or the FBI showed up on your doorstep because you posted on Facebook or Twitter. "Secularism respects everyone and does not offend anyone ...Secularism ...is the practical solution to lift countries (including ours) out of the third world and into the first world." 
     It's almost beyond our comprehension that even speaking about  progressive movements or understanding the depths of secularism is cause for a jail sentence or even the slightest bit of outrage. But this is what bloggers and free thinkers like Raif Badawi and millions of Saudi Arabian men, women and children face every day. This type of unjustified censorship and persecution occurs in hundreds of countries around the world. Saudi Arabia is not an enemy. They are our allies. It's time American citizens become more conscious of our freedom of speech and start using it.

“The moment you say that any idea system is sacred, whether it’s a religious belief system or a secular ideology, the moment you declare a set of ideas to be immune from criticism, satire, derision, or contempt, freedom of thought becomes impossible."
[Defend the right to be offended (openDemocracy, 7 February 2005)]”
― Salman Rushdie, author

"Deep ocean, vast sea."

"Our past, our present, and whatever remains of our future, absolutely depends on what we do now."

— Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer

                     Friday, June 5th is World Environment Day,  Monday, June 8th has been designated World Oceans Day and the entire month of June is dedicated to education and awareness of our deep oceans and vast seas during National Oceans Month.

     World Environment Day (WED) is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging immediate worldwide action for the environment. - See more at: 

http://www.unep.org/wed/

     Be an agent of change. Start today. The 2015 WED theme  is "Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care."   In order to sustain life as we know it, we need to take immediate action for the well-being of our environment, the world economy, and the health of humanity. Our planet’s natural resources.are being consumed far more quickly than the Earth can possibly provide.  We are killing animal species at an alarming and frightening rate. Our air is polluted and toxic. Our oceans, rivers and lakes are now garbage dumps. We have a limited amount of time to make serious sweeping changes- worldwide governmental reforms, corporate responsibility, education and innovation are crucial. It has to happen right now. Time is running out to ensure there is enough water, food, and energy to meet the demands of  rapidly rising populations.

    70 percent of our Earth is water so it's little wonder the entire world celebrates the oceans and seas  which links us all. On June 8th and during the entire month of June there are numerous ways to honor our beautiful, life giving oceans. Any one who has ever been fortunate enough to visit or live along our worlds oceans understands the depth of our connection to the water. Our beaches and aquatic wildlife need to be cherished and protected. It is our collective responsibility,   For more information and ideas to help honor and heal our waters go here : http://www.worldoceansday.org/2015-celebrations/

 The fascinating documentary  "Light the Ocean" provides us a glimpse of the immense mysterious world beneath the sea. The film was produced by National Geographic and can be seen in the video above.

    "With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you're connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live. Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere is generated by the sea."

— Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer