" What you do makes a difference."

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."- William James, American philosopher, psychologist

https://info.ecosia.org/

     Want to help plant trees in Africa or South America without leaving the country or even the office?  Simple. Do an online word search. Go to Ecosia and search Ecosia.org. Ecosia is a search engine similar to Google or BING.   This inspiring and empowering search engine has been featured in news stories on noted websites such as Scientific American, Upworthy and The Guardian for its unique features. By searching the web with Ecosia ads generate revenue. With the income earned Ecosia plants more and more trees. Brilliant? Indeed. In fact over 3 million trees have been planted around the globe including Burkino Faso in Africa which is featured in the video above (courtesy Ecosia & YouTube )

     Drought stricken areas recover much more quickly when trees are planted allowing people, vegetation and animals to return. A healthier environment allows for economic growth which depends upon the renewal of resources. With people and livestock sustained opportunities grow such as children attending schools and job creation.

    Did you know that planting trees reduces global warming? Trees create oxygen which we need to stay alive. Trees are renewable, biodegradable and recyclable. The more trees we plant the more chance we have of reducing the air pollution humans have created. Trees are the natural habitat of birds and animals. Ensuring the survival of animals and plants allows human beings to survive. Think of Ecosia as the circle of life beginning with a simple search.

A little curiosity goes a long way to helping people around the world.

 Try it out. https://www.ecosia.org/

   
      

"With eyes opened "

"The practice of science happens at the border between the known and the unknown. Standing on the shoulders of giants, we peer into the darkness with eyes opened not in fear but in wonder."

- Brian Cox, physicist

              Physics is fascinating to most curious minds even if we fail to fully understand a gravitational wave or the theory of relativity. One of the most  amazing discoveries of the decade was made by an international team of scientists this week at twin LIGO  https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/ or Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory's, one in Livingston, Louisiana and the other in Hanford, Washington(US). On Thursday, February 11th physicists and astronomers reported that gravitational waves were detected generated by cosmic collisions or the merging of two black holes. The black holes are 1.3 billion light-years away and about thirty times the mass of the sun. (Audio "chirp" and commentary courtesy of LIGO &YouTube )
        Why is the discovery such a tremendous breakthrough?  A century ago one of the most incredible thinkers in modern academic history, Albert Einstein explained in his  General Theory of Relativity (1915-16) that the force of gravity arose from the curvature of space and time. Matter and energy such as the earth and other planets distort the shape or geometry of the universe similar to how our bodies leave an impression or distort the shape of foam padding.  Now one hundred years later the theory of interweaving space-time is vindicated with the latest information expanding on a much greater and complex understanding of galaxies and stars.
      Where can you learn more about this latest historic discovery? Visit  LIGO  athttps://www.ligo.caltech.edu/
 Scientific American  http://www.scientificamerican.com/

NOVA http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/

HowStuffWorks http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/

NASA https://www.nasa.gov/

Popular Science http://www.popsci.com/



       

"We are far from done..."

"When you've worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back and give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed."-  Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States of America

        

       "Gender equality is your issue too." states British actress, Emma Watson, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. In her now highly praised speech in the video.above form 2014, Watson refers to "all of us"- men and women. Anyone who believes in equality for men and women is a "feminist". The negative connotations associated with the "word" are harmful because equality as a women's movement is far from over and encompasses much more than  mere words and labels. Women and men of all ages in the United States who suffer under the delusion that women and men are treated equally are denying reality. The failure to admit and recognize that Americans still have a long and painful journey to travel together is threatening our democracy. Inflexible, self-righteous rhetoric destroys human rights and our ability to make informed choices. When we become so uncompromising and so indignant we can't tolerate anyone else's opinion but our own, we lose our ability to act as human beings or continue to see others as human. Our lack of compassion prevents us from feeling or trying to understand  what others are feeling. Our lack of empathy is passed down to our children and a cycle of hatred, bigotry and misogyny continues. We are allowing our humanity to be eroded by problems we are creating for each other.  If we consider ourselves leaders in human and civil rights protections we must realize other countries in the world look to us for guidance.

      On February 8th's Kelly File, FOX News corespondent Megyn Kelly stated:
 "This is where the feminist movement goes wrong. What does pro-choice or anti-abortion, or whatever, have to be a part of the feminist platform? Do you know how alienating that is?"

    Really? It's alienating for every woman to want autonomy over her own body? It's alienating to want to make your own choices and plan your career or family? It's alienating to want to be financially able to take care of your own health or the health or your child? It's alienating to want economic security and not watch your children starve or die?  At a time in this country when women are still fighting to keep their reproductive rights and the majority of women around the world have no rights to their own body, are dying from child birth or unsafe medical treatments that's a damn arrogant and irresponsible judgment for Megyn Kelly or anyone else to make. So unless the majority of  Americans believe that women and girls should be uneducated, misinformed baby makers who keep their mouths and legs shut then I'm sorry Ms. Kelly,  choice has EVERYTHING to do with the feminist platform.
   

"There is no cure for curiosity."

"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity."

- Dorothy Parker, writer, poet, activist

 
      In the vast and varied world of sports, arts and entertainment every one has a personal weakness. Some individuals follow college football or fantasy leagues with the feverish addiction of a Vegas casino troll while others vote more religiously on reality programming like Dancing With the Stars and American Idol than in an election primary. No judgment. Personally, I have a curious fascination with late night talk shows. Each evening is a new adventure with interesting guests, book reviews, movie trailers, music, current topics but most importantly after a long stressful day- much needed laughter. It all started in early 2000 with Comedy Centrals The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and later Stephen Colbert's multiple award winning spin off, The Colbert Report.
     My grandparents never missed their beloved Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. My father was a devoted David Letterman fan. Like most women and a few men I know my niece has an adorable infatuation with the irresistible Jimmy Fallon. The current fraternity competing for America's time and attention is The Late Show's Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show's Trevor Noah, Conan O'Brien, Larry Wilmore, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Myers and British sensation James Corden. Although fans would love to catch every episode of their favorite program it's impossible without DVR's or Hulu. Now insomniacs and late night talk show enthusiasts can add longest running Daily Show correspondent Samantha Bee's Full Frontal to their wishful watch list. Full Frontal debuts Monday, February 8th at 10:30PM ET and according to a recent press release will be simulcast across five networks including TBS, TruTV, HLN, TNT and Adult Swim.
      Samantha Bee is a Canadian American actor, producer, comedian, writer and mother of three who is married to actor, writer and former Daily Show contributor Jason Jones. In 2010 she published her first book (Gallery Books) I Know I Am, But What Are You?  Bee has appeared in episodes of Bounty Hunters, Game On, The Electric Company and Sesame Street. In a late night league of her own, she can continue to Bee as creatively curious, fearless and distinct as she wants to Bee.

  For more up to the minute information check out the
 Full Frontal website  http://fullfrontalsamanthabee.com/?sr=+full%20+frontal#our-story
     
   

" We must examine our conscience when we allow animals to suffer."

"The man who kills the animals today is the man who kills the people who gets in his way tomorrow."- Dian Fossey, American scientist, anthropologist

        The owners of a Hoke Country, North Carolina no-kill animal shelter will face multiple animal cruelty charges. On Wednesday, January 27th a search warrant was served on Havens-Friends for Life following numerous public complaints. Linden Spear, 59 and Stephen Joseph Spear, 67 have been under investigation since reports of animal neglect by local visitors and other agencies began to surface. Details ranged from open wounds, malnutrition and lack of food or drinking water. The shelter housed over 600 animals  270 dogs, 250 cats, 40 horses and pigs making this one of the largest rescue operations in ASPCA history. The outdoor shelter had no protection from snow or rain where animals were left to roam outside or forced to live in filthy overcrowded wire cages. Many animals were suffering from upper respiratory distress and starvation. The entire ASPCA rescue mission video can be seen here at their official website.    

https://www.aspca.org/news/breaking-aspca-assists-rescue-nearly-600-animals-neglect-unlicensed-nc-facility

     As an animal lover allowing animals to needlessly suffer is incomprehensible when all of us have an obligation to protect our domesticated pets as well as those in the wild. Neglect is just as much a part of animal cruelty as violent abuse. Neglect is knowingly allowing an animal to die slowly from starvation, exposure or disease. As human beings we need to enact more measures to control the pet population with spaying and neutering programs and eliminating puppy mills forever. Euthanasia isn't something animal shelters want to perform but given the alternative which is life locked in cages or constant physical suffering we need to choose what's best for an animal. Neglect, starvation, leaving pets outside to freeze and other forms of cruel abuse is a slow, agonizing, painful death for any animal. As a society with the means to do so, we have to do better.

" Our constitutional right without restriction."

"Voting is like alchemy- taking an abstract value and breathing life into it."

- Sharon Salzberg, American author

                    Voter suppression.- if  some state governments can't find a way to eliminate rights they will find a way to make exercising your rights more difficult.  Take for example the 288 restrictions created by lawmakers from 2011 to 2015 imposing greater hardship on a women's right to a safe and legal abortion. Roe v. Wade ensures protection of a woman's legal right to control her own reproduction. It's a  human right that  many conservative lawmakers want to restrict so much it has become an emotional and economic burden for the majority of women. In Texas lawmakers have devised so many restrictions some woman may be forced to drive over 300 miles or be required to wait days in order to receive medical attention to exercise their legal right. Economic and emotional hardship is almost no right at all, as lawmakers intended. See research and statistics here :(http://www.guttmacher.org/media/inthenews/2016/01/13/index.html

              The right to vote in the United States is the most fundamental right we have guaranteed by our constitution. Those eligible to vote should have every barrier removed in order for their voice to be heard and counted yet once again restrictions are being placed on many citizens based on their state, district and skin color. State leaders are needlessly imposing restrictions on citizens voting rights with over 30 states adding roadblocks to the polls. At one time the state of North Carolina https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trial-to-start-over-north-carolinas-voter-id-law/2016/01/24/fac97d20-c1d1-11e5-9443-7074c3645405_story.html  making headlines again for questionable voter restrictions had one of the lowest voter turn out rates in the country. In just a few years after civil rights groups expanded measures such as same-day registration and provisional ballots for African-American and Latino voters the turn out peaked at 68% in 2012.

     The Voting Rights Act which is discussed in the video above (courtesy YouTube, Young Turks) complicates matters especially since federal approval isn't needed before states enact more obstacles for voters. Not all state lawmakers want to suppress or impede voters by any means. In fact many state and federal representatives are constantly fighting for the protection of our voting rights. Be sure to research your state and find out what you can do to make voting as uncomplicated and convenient as it should be for every single eligible US citizen.

      Check information regarding your state: https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote
      Residents of Ohio : http://www.ohio.gov/government/elections/
                 

"No woman can call herself free who does not control her own body."

"No woman can call herself free who does not control her own body."- Margaret Sanger, activist , nurse, writer.

                 Out of 534 members of the United States Congress only 104 are women. In the United States there is a 1 to 1 ratio of men to women. The majority of laws regarding women's reproductive health care are written by men. Can we proudly call ourselves the " land of the free and the home of brave " when half of the populations rights are constantly under attack? When women emphatically state there is a  "war on women" in this country it's the truth and men need to listen. As citizens we all need to understand  there are some conservative state representatives and law makers in Washington DC trying to deny  or restrict a women's right to control her own body. Mothers, sisters, daughters, girlfriends and wives economic future and right to privacy are being eroded by a group of men who have never experienced tampons and pads taxed as a luxury item, a menstrual cycle, birth control pills, pregnancy, miscarriage or abortion which is legal in every state. Imagine if women had the right to restrict a man's right to food, masturbation or sex?  There would be protests and rioting in the streets. Birth control would be free and over the counter at every local convenience store. But women continue to face increasingly restrictive legislation by men who will never experience what a women experiences with her own body. Land of the free and home of the brave? "No woman can call herself free who does not control her own body"- Margaret Sanger. Why do women have to keep fighting against men to keep their own reproductive rights?
             The most important measures women can take for themselves and other women is ensuring they vote. Make sure every women you know votes. Vote to empower our sister's, mothers, girlfriends and daughters now and in the future. Encourage men to support women by voting for representative's who help not hurt women emotionally, medically, socially and economically which in turn hurts us all.  Vote for strong representatives who will take a stand and fight to protect women's reproductive rights. Find out how your state representatives are voting on key legislation. Many men and women in the US aren't paying attention to what law makers are doing until it's too late. Below are links to a few outstanding organizations who help protect, educate and serve women, men and children in the United States and around the world.

Center for Reproductive Rights
http://www.reproductiverights.org/

NARAL
http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/?referrer=https://www.google.com/

Lady Parts Justice
https://ladypartsjustice.com/

Planned Parenthood
plannedparenthood

Emily's List
http://emilyslist.org/

NOW
http://now.org/

"The things that matter."

 "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter."

- Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

            As a  public elementary school fourth grader the thought never entered my head that I should  hate, change or disrespect my best friend Jane Ann because she attended one of the four Catholic schools in our small Northeastern Ohio town. Our neighborhood playmates occasionally teased her about high knee socks, drab uniforms, abusive nun stories, rosaries and the intimidating portrait of Jesus hanging above her bed. We had yet to be exposed to intentional contempt. Along with a dozen or so children on our block we rode our bikes, played street football and acted out scenes from the musical Grease on backyard picnic tables. The only thing we argued about was who would play Danny or Sandy next. We were different sizes, colors and shapes but we didn't care.
           Years later Jane Ann moved to another city. Adolescence slowly matured to teenager. Right in the middle of a semester a young man from a local Catholic school transferred to our public junior high. He was bullied for being gay. Even his teachers reminded him he was going to hell. Heaven and Hell was and still is a foreign concept to me. In my mind he wasn't a sinner who would spend eternity in a fiery pit of torturous demons. He was a young kid like any young kid except he was getting the shit kicked out of him for being "different".  I was a quiet, diplomatic introvert who tried to get along with everyone. He was loud, straight forward, creative and made me laugh so immediately I adored him. We listened to the same music. We loved art, animals and movies. We wrote silly, slutty notes to each other in study hall. We were band geeks. We were best friends.
      During high school some students continued to taunt him but he knew who had his back. One of our teachers felt ridiculed after my friend challenged him on the answer to an open question. The class was really enjoying the exchange. Both sides offered up valid commentary. We were captivated by the thoughtful ideas flying back and forth like an intense intellectual ping pong match. The debate became so heated our teacher completely lost his composure screaming, "Go to hell you smart ass little faggot." in front of the entire class. Frozen in time, our collective gasp. My friend grabbed his book bag, walked out into the hallway and waited for me until the bell rang. Without a word, side by side we walked to the office where my friend asked the secretary's permission to use the phone. He called his parents to tell them what happened.
      "They're on their way." he reassured. Tears filled my eyes as I imagined the pain he might be  feeling. "That teacher is an asshole." I sobbed.
       " You are so freaking sensitive. You need to toughen up." he laughed.
       " You don't deserve to be treated like this." I said snapping back." And yes, I'm sensitive. Tough shit. That's why we're still friends."
         Smiling, he looked directly into my eyes, "Yeah, I know." he whispered.hugging me,
       "  I love you too."
     
     




 http://universaltolerance.org/

" The deep secrets within us."

"We think we are seeing the world just fine until it's called to our attention that we're not."

- David Eagleman, neuroscientist, author of Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain

                Neuroscientists on the forefront of fascinating discoveries in their field understand there is so much information about the human brain that's been uncovered but much more remains unknown. A few years ago NOVA http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/, one of the most watched science series in America featured the documentary " How Does the Brain Work?" hosted by the worlds favorite personal astrophysicist,http://www.startalkradio.net/ Dr.Neil deGrasse Tyson for PBS. http://www.pbs.org/  This may have been your initial introduction to a pioneering neuroscientist who runs the Laboratory of Perception and Action at the Baylor College of Medicine, David Eagleman.
             If you happened to miss "The Brain with David Eagleman" a series which aired on PBS October 14 to November 18th, 2015  you can now check out clips of the series on the PBS website or even order the complete DVD. Eagleman is one of the neuroscientists featured in the documentary above, author of  The Brain: The Story of You and Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain. http://www.eagleman.com/  

           Our brains shape our own reality. Our brains should boggle our minds. Brains are as unique as our own fingerprints yet still one of the greatest mysteries of nature.  Research in neuroscience is still in its infancy but will prove to be one the most important areas of study in our future especially as it applies to psychology and cognitive sciences. Despite what we scroll through on Facebook and Twitter each day, human beings are actually quite endlessly amazing.

           
           

"The important thing is not to stop questioning."

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day."- Albert Einstein from the memoirs of William Miller, editor quoted in Life magazine, May 2, 1955.

         How does it work? Why did that happen? Who created this machine? When did that start? How do I find out? Could I do that too? The barrage of questions we aimed at parents,siblings and teachers when we were children seemed mysterious and infinite. The questions we have as adults haven't lessened or disappeared. We are born complex inquisitive creatures who despite our need for security crave fun and spontaneity. Getting lost in thought or lost in an adventure is one of the greatest aspects of being alive. We want to know the answers to things whether they prove productive, useful or even beneficial to humanity. Before our easy access to the internet kids jumped on their Schwinns for a ride to the local library or checked out a stack of books each week from school. Now the majority of Americans have the ultimate library at their fingertips 24/7. With so much information online it can be intimidating and confusing especially when you're trying to discover the most reliable sources of factual information. If a love of learning rivals or equals your weekend Netflix  binge watching addiction there is a subscription streaming service to check out - CuriosityStream, video on demand.

     CuriosityStream is the brain child of John S.Hendricks, Founder of the Discovery Channel. CuriosityStream's  content is divided into four main categories Science, Technology, Civilization and Human Spirit. CuriosityStudios has produced several short-form original documentaries and features such as Destination Pluto featuring Alan Stearn and A Curious World. CuriosityStream has acquired incredible programs featuring world renowned theoretical physicists, Michio Kaku and Jim Al-Khalili. Enjoy the introduction video previews above.

     Get a free preview of Curiosity Stream at their website :https://app.curiositystream.com/

     

    

        

       

     

  

"Music connects."

"You may be poor,  you may only have a ramshackle house,  you may have lost your job, but that song gives you hope." - Nelson Mandela,  former president of South Africa

        As we celebrate a brand new year we are often inspired to create resolutions.  Allow 2016 to be 365 days of discovery beginning with opening a space in your life for more understanding, beauty and forming deeper connections with our fellow human beings.  "Musicians without Borders" is an incredible non-profit organization that allows communities around the world to heal the wounds of war through the power of music and song.

 Please read more at their website below. The video above may introduce you to the brilliant opera singer and "Musicians without Borders" Ambassador, Eva- Maria Westbroek https://www.musicianswithoutborders.org/#ourwork


 Love and peace to my family and friends in America and across the globe. Happy New Year! 

"Change happens now."

"The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long....America cannot resist this transition, we must lead it."- Barack Obama, President of the United States

               Did you know power plants are the number one source of carbon emissions in the United States, accounting for more than one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions?  Since 2009 the U.S has been on a strong forward  track of reducing harmful emissions by enacting clean energy initiatives. Under President Barack Obama's administration solar electricity has greatly increased and the use of wind power has tripled. Public and private accountability will allow us to stay on the edge, developing even more crucial technologies in order to sustain our future economy.
               The U.S is leading the way to combat global climate change. Fighting for our planets survival by restoring our ecosystems, ensuring clean air and water for generations to come is our moral responsibility. The big picture of climate change includes all of the smaller ways we as individuals affect the Earth every single day. How are shifting weather patterns and the increase of flooding and powerful storms impacting your local communities? The choices we make right now not only determine our own health and welfare but the life cycles of thousands of animal and plant species we cannot survive without. What can you do right now?

 Going Green is more than just recycling-  Be aware of the emissions in your daily commute, the processed foods you purchase and the energy sources you use in your home. We are all personally accountable for the resources we waste.

Contact politicians-  With email and social media city,state and federal government officials are more assessable than ever before. Let them know reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a priority for healthy communities, inspiring scientific innovation and job creation. Companies who fail to comply with emission standards should be taxed, fined or both.

Support Education  and Human Rights Around the World- If we fail to recognize the relationship between overpopulation, pollution, hunger, disease and loss of resources we are doing ourselves and future generations a grave and tragic injustice. There are simply too many people on the Earth. Every nation on our planet should have free access to birth control measures and fully support women's reproductive rights. Helping women and children move beyond poverty should be a global priority,

 Stay informed-  Check the top web resources for additional information. Here is a link to 101 of the best educational websites on climate change and the environment.

 http://www.environmentalsciencedegree.com/climate-change/

 Video "Who Cares About Climate Change?" courtesy of Vice News and YouTube

"Wage peace."

Peace always to family and friends around the world.

Who is looking up
on this silent night of stars?
Infinite wonder......




Christmas haiku by Lisa More
       December 2015

"You must travel it by yourself."

"Not I, nor anyone else can travel that road for you.
You must travel it by yourself.
It is not far. It is within reach.
Perhaps you have been on it since you were born, and did not know.
Perhaps it is everywhere - on water and land.”
― Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass     

       Once during my elementary school years I relentlessly begged my parents to buy me the Police's album Ghost in the Machine. The first time "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" came on the radio, my love affair with Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland began. Seldom if ever being a demanding child my parents thankfully relented and the album became a Christmas/ early birthday gift. Along with my first drum set and a brand new pair of skates, listening to the album over and over has been a vivid, beloved childhood memory. You could say the intense fascination with the Police and wanting a drum set was comparable to Ralphie Parker's overwhelming mission for a Red Ryder BB gun in the classic holiday movie A Christmas Story.
     The album features the songs, " Invisible Sun", "One World", "Demolition Man" and " Spirit's in the Material World". The title, Ghost in the Machine was inspired by the book of the same name written by Hungarian-British journalist, Arthur Koestler. Many years later I purchased the CD Ghost in the Machine along with the Police's incomparable anthology and most of my early music history is safely stored on an iPod.
     Another powerful track from Ghost in the Machine is featured in the video above called "Secret Journey". The footage for the video was taken from the 1992 documentary film Baraka -A World Beyond Words directed by visionary artist Ron Fricke (Samsara -2011). The entire film is an incredible photographic journey of human life and religious ceremony. Although the song" Secret Journey" isn't featured in the film the images and music created for the video above complement and enhance a surreal experience.
       Sting called " Secret Journey" -" a quasi-mystical song, stating in a press interview," You have to do something, go somewhere, to get outside yourself. I read the book "Meetings with Remarkable Men"(G.I Gurdieff)  which says you have to make a journey. It doesn't have to be a real journey, it can be a mental journey."

         During the holidays, it's especially easy to become nostalgic or fondly reminisce of "better days".  Although we do adhere to traditions of the past we should also recognize and respect change. It's human nature to adapt and aspire, to take on challenges and study new ideas. So instead of lingering too long on Memory Lane feeling regretful or sad, recall all of the difficult twists and turns you've survived on your own unique path. Remind yourself of the knowledge, courage and strength you've gained. No one else has or ever will travel that road for you. Honor it.

" The only other sounds."

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening 

  by  Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village, though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sounds the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

     The human brain has amazing capacities bursting with unimaginable mysteries. Two people will read the exact same book passage or poem and come away with two entirely different interpretations. Among us this can create profound connections or result in tragic consequences. Poet, Robert Frost completed "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" in 1922  after being up all night writing a longer poem called "New Hampshire " which later became part of a Pulitzer Prize award winning collection. Despite being one of the most successful poets of his generation he was deeply in debt for most of his life. When I contemplate the last lines of the poem;
 " The woods are lovely, dark and deep." it reminds me of those deliciously rare moments when we are captivated by observing what we believe is beautiful. The concept of time seems to melt away. Being "lost in the moment" feels magical. But few who recite the poem will come away with the same view. When composing poetry, music or song lyrics that's the point. Recall the famous quote of author Anais Nin, "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."

     Imagine Frost standing with his gallant horse whom like all trusted animals we love so much remains wordless.  Looking over the expanse of a snow covered field he was in absolute awe. Sure his neighbor owned a lot of property he couldn't enjoy while Frost struggled to keep his own home but do we really know if he was envious or grateful? Dark and peaceful, the chill in the air was probably exhilarating to an exhausted writer. Those of us who grew up in frigid climates discover that even the most soot stained, industrialized city transforms into a winter wonderland following a snowfall. It gives us the illusion our dirty, smog filled cities are sweetly sugared or Frosted.

"But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep."

   Perhaps  Frost was savoring his solitude, awake and alive before returning to work. One perfect moment of beauty and clarity was finally his to enjoy. And then suddenly...  cutting through the gorgeous silence.....bzzz, bzzz, bzzz  bzzzzzzzzzzz. Frost rolls his eyes as he scrolls over a few texts from his wife. "Robert, don't forget to pick up some Stella.", "You are out of coffee." Sad face emoji. "Where are you? It's late!" Okay, no he didn't. It was 1922. Read the poem yourself. However, a spouse must be kept happy, bills paid, children fed, a house cleaned, obligations met.  But all of us LIVE for those silent moments of beauty and clarity. We live for them.

"Don't let fear rule your life."

"How to defeat terrorism? Don't be terrorized. Don't let fear rule your life. Even if you are scared."-  Salman Rushdie, author

 

           Terrorism isn't a modern phenomenon. It has always existed with varying tactics to strike fear in the hearts and minds of citizens who want to live in a free society. For a brief moment terrorists may appear to be formidable. The violent acts employed by ISIL, Boko Haram, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups lack real political power or relevant sustainable ideas. Like any gang or cult,  ISIL uses enticing recruitment rhetoric. ISIS produces slick Hollywood style movie trailer propaganda videos glorifying the perverted "illusion" of camaraderie or the bonds of unbreakable brotherhood. A terrorists organizations primary objective is to obtain power by fear, attempting to destroy what people in a true democracy live and die for- freedom. As a way of life given the choice between blind allegiance, constant oppression, violent threats, rape and murder or equality, education, art, dancing, music, love and freedom of expression which would you choose? And  yes, we do get to choose in this country. Choice is part of our United States Constitution and our universal human rights. Democratic principles have and always will allow human beings to live with the greatest sense of dignity, liberty and justice.
        Currently, the panic that many politicians, media outlets and religious groups are promoting across our country is dangerous and incomprehensible. Intimidation and fear play directly into the hands of what terrorists want to accomplish. Suggesting a preference of Christian over Muslim refugees, the immediate closure of mosques, Muslim data bases, torturing family members of suspected terrorists, a gun in every day care goes against everything this nation represents. Irrational fear mongering puts every American life at home and abroad in jeopardy including those in our armed services.
      Keeping proper perspective is essential especially if you have children. Why would you teach them to be afraid? Last time I checked we are still the land of the free and the home of the brave. Know the facts.There are many reliable resources to consult if you don't understand our own laws, a regions history, a religion or political philosophy. Don't assume or allow other people to influence your ideas about countries and customs they know absolutely nothing about. Education and diplomacy is the greatest weapon we have against terrorist ideology. We must work together in our communities and across the globe with strength, courage, compassion and understanding. What do terrorists fear most? Terrorists are threatened by education, equality and peace. Knowledge is truly the ultimate power.
   

"Everyone has the right to freedom."

     “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”  United Nations, Universal Declaration of Human Rights

     December is Universal Human Rights Month with December 10th designated as Human Rights Day. How do we define "human rights"? What laws protect all of us? What do we do when our rights are violated? We may think we know our rights as citizens of our native countries or the world but what exactly constitutes our "human rights"? 

     Human rights are basic rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to regardless of nationality, sex, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, language, or other status. Human rights include political  and civil rights, the right to life, liberty and the freedom of expression. Human rights include social, economic and cultural rights. The right to participate in culture, the right to food, the right to education and the right to work are all included in the definition  of human rights. Human rights are protected and upheld by national and international laws and treaties.

   The universality of human dignity is the cornerstone of international human rights law. At first emphasized in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948, the principal of universal human rights has been restated in a number of international human rights resolutions conventions, and declarations.  For example, The 1993 Vienna World Conference on Human Rights, reiterated that it is the duty of States(countries) to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems. But how do we make these statements a reality for billions of men, women and children  worldwide who continue to suffer horrible atrocities each day? How do we turn words into reality? It is imperative that we understand our human rights in order to protect ourselves and protect the rights of human beings all around the globe. 

     December 10th has been designated Human Rights Day commemorating the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”  The Universal Declaration of Human Rights clarifies 30 basic human rights:

Article 1.

    

• All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2.

• Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3.

       

• Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person

 Please continue Articles  4-30  here:  http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/

  

"Global challenges require global solidarity."

"Climate change does not respect border; it does not respect who you are-rich and poor, small and big. Therefore, this is what we call 'global challenges' which require global solidarity." 
-Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations

            Following the most recent terrorist attacks in Paris, Lebanon, Nigeria and Mali there is a  growing sense of solidarity among many formerly conflicting countries in the world. Prior to the tragic events on November 13th in Paris the COP 21 Conference was the greatest opportunity for governments and global leaders to unite for a common interest. Terrorist threats and  the fate of millions of refugees are now the priority. Another equally devastating issue related to global instability is human created climate change which affects every man, woman, child and animal species on the planet. Extreme weather events, rising sea levels, melting glaciers and the threat of coastal flooding has and will continue to cause damage, destruction or death.
              The goal of  COP 21 which is an abbreviated form of 21st Conference of  Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, sometimes referred to as CMP11 is for the first time in years allowing these negotiations to establish universal binding agreements among all countries. Each nation will present their plan for lowering carbon emissions, sustainable energy, conservation, issues of flooding, drought, starvation and prevention of further animal extinctions.             After years of uncompromising frustration with talks ending in stalemate the time has come to finally institute a crucial concrete course of action. Despite the horrific attacks on the courageous, resilient residents of Paris, Friday November 13th, President of France, Francois Hollande will host nearly 50,000 delegates from 195 countries including two of the largest contributors to CO 2 emissions, USA and China. The international conference is the most notable ever organized by the French government. COP 21 begins Monday, November 30th, ending December 11th, 2015.


             

"Envoi de l'amour"

Clouds come from time to time-
and bring to men a chance to rest
from looking at the moon.

-Basho (Matsuo Munefusa 1644-94)