Mankind's War of Liberation

THE WAR OF HUNGER IS TRULY
MANKIND'S WAR OF LIBERATION.

~John F. Kennedy

Of Note: No doubt, President Kennedy was speaking of physical hunger here. It was a hot topic then and remains one even today. But there is another war raging even with those whose bodies are sated. Place the word spiritual in front of the word hunger, and a picture is then presented of the battle currently being fought by Humanity as a whole. When the lessons learned through the recognition of the rights and needs of all, a true spirit of cooperation, and a sense of personal responsibility result in service to the common good, the aching spiritual hunger experienced by mankind will subside. Humanity may then claim its divine legacy, the peace that passes understanding, and move on to its next evolutionary challenge. Onward and upward always.

Today's Weather Report: Clouds and more clouds. I thought this was supposed to be December, the month of sunshine and cold. Well, we have the cold--so, we have at least one of the two. Lately, my sister, Marie, must supply pictures from Texas because cloudy days do not create good photographic opportunities for an amateur like me. Thanks, Marie!

Watch For Change Snippet: Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, who runs Columbia's Earth Institute, has been a man of clear vision and steady voice for quite some time on the issues of global poverty and disease. In May, he penned an insightful article in TIME magazine: "Act Now Eat Later: The world saw it coming but did little. Now the global food shortage has become a crisis. Here's how to end it." Dr Sachs lists three steps, including specific objectives, to fix the world food crisis: give farmers in poor countries access to high-yield seed and fertilizers; stop the biofuel nonsense; and help farmers protect crops from drought and other disasters. This vocal server believes that "practical solutions to the world's food woes do exist, but we'll have to start thinking ahead and acting globally." At the same time, the Secretary General of the United Nations stepped up to the plate by naming a top-level task force to develop a comprehensive plan. This work should continue even in the wake of falling commodity prices according to experts like Dr. Sachs, who fear that the needs of the developing nations will be forgotten during the tumultuous, on-going financial crisis. He would probably agree with JFK that if we get this right, we will most likely free ourselves from much misery while liberating mankind for bigger and better things.

Expect Nothing

Expect nothing.
Live frugally on surprise.

~Alice Walker

Of Note: The current financial situation has hurt the pockets of many folks. These tales can be heartbreaking as unfortunates are turned out of their homes and left with huge medical bills after their plants suddenly close and leave them with no jobs and no health insurance. The bigger story, however, is the psychological impact the downturn is having on the general population--even though we may not have been touched personally. Even though we have had many downturns and recessions since World War II. Even though we have a new political administration which said it will fix everything. This is translating in different ways for different people, and the market is taking notice. Comfortable over-stuffed sofas are coming back, replacing the cardboard-like minimalist versions so popular not too long ago. Card companies are replacing pictures of Christmas trees surrounded by a multitude of colorful packages with more austere shots such as a couple holding hands sauntering down a snowy country lane. Meaningful words and deep colors are in; short catchy phrases and pinks are out. Thrift Shops are full of customers from all walks of life. The international, traveling Millionaire Fair wants for attendees to view its luxury items as the rich pull back from ostentatious exhibits. It might not be a coincidence that the baking company which creates Wonder Bread and Twinkies is just now exiting bankruptcy. Could it be that humanity as a whole is waking up to simplicity as a way of life? If that proved to be true, oh what surprises might be in store for the "astonished onlookers," to quote an old man watching from afar.

Today's Weather Report: Very cloudy morning with temps below zero early on. Our outside wood burner has yet to be fully connected again after being moved in September. So, we've been burning wood in our large fireplace to keep parts of the house warm. Space heaters are taking care of other areas of the house. The wood burner installation dude is set to return next Tuesday. That's good because our patience for his return had run out. We certainly hope he keeps the appointment as the house gets a wee tad colder every day. Marie, who is a lot warmer than we are, took this minimalist shot last week in east Texas where the leaves have now fallen, providing an appropriate background for today's austerity theme.

Watch For Change Snippet: Muslims in India have a hard time of it generally. They have few opportunities in the caste system and are viewed below the "untouchable" Dalit caste. Pogroms have often decimated this population, though at 150 million the group has proved resilient. But a current trend in modern education among the Muslim youth is encouraging. In an article about the recent Mumbai affair, The Wall Street Journal noted: "The desire to learn English is ubiquitous as is the fascination for computers. Even in the disgruntled valleys of Kashmir, a press survey found that the iconic founder of India's most respected software company was a greater hero among Muslim students than the founder of Al Qaeda."

How Beautiful the Leaves

How beautiful the leaves grow old.
How full of light and color are their last days.

~John Burrough

Of Note: At www.thehungersite.com you can help several great causes by clicking on CLICK HERE TO GIVE--IT'S FREE at each of the tabs. What's amazing is the act of clicking is the donation. It's simple, and did I emphasize enough yet, it's FREE. What's more, from each tab, e-cards that donate even more can be sent to friends. One I sent around the other day donated seeds to African farmers when a friend just opened the card; another from the literacy section donated a book. That effort ended with over 30,000 books sent to children in need. There's something for everyone with sites for hunger, child health, the rainforest, breast health, animals and literacy. Quotes like the one above from the rainforest section will inspire. Go ahead--try it out. Make it a habit every day. You will be glad you did.

Today's Weather Report: I opened the blinds this morning to see at least 4 inches of new snow on the ground. It was beautiful and looked like a warm, white blanket across the landscape. The perennials underneath do consider snow a blanket. Without it, many would likely die when the 30 below temps hit in January. One year with no snow and temps like that, we lost 50% of our plants, even the hardy ones that are never supposed to die. As my husband says, never say never, especially in the far north woods of Wisconsin. Fall finally came to north Texas this past month, trailing us by a good 6 to 8 weeks, and Marie snapped these two stunning photos of autumn leaves gracefully dying in her neighborhood.
Watch For Change Snippet: It will be with little fanfare that on Monday, December 8, the Great Lakes Compact will go into effect. However, there should be at least a marching band and drum roll. This unprecedented international agreement between two Canadian provinces and the eight states that border the Great Lakes, which comprises one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water, will "usher in a new era of conservation and cooperation." Specifically, the compact prohibits long-distance and large-scale diversions of water from the Great Lakes while encouraging conservation. Speedy passage of the measure in less than three years was prompted by threats to the supply including mass diversions for water bottling plants, manufacturing and irrigation as well as rumbles from the Western USA and China about piping or shipping the water out. The Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources proclaimed: "This is a great day for Wisconsin, the Great Lakes Region and the world community. The Great Lakes is an international treasure. The compact assures they'll be the foundation for a healthy economy and a healthy environment for generations to come."

Paradox: The Path To Freedom

Although we have been made to believe
that if we let go we will end up with nothing,
life reveals just the opposite:
That letting go is the real
path to freedom.

~Sogyal Rinpoche


Of Note: Paradox is a part of life as are the lessons thus revealed. The heart will follow the inquiring mind to new vistas previously unexplored.

Today's Weather Report: It must be winter--or at least it feels like it even if the date has yet to be officially reached. That fact was confirmed today when we awoke to zero degrees outside (thankfully not inside) with temps still hovering there. The sun is out just to prove it can be at these temps.

Watch For Change Snippet: Even with plummeting gas prices, the push for alternative energy vehicles has not lost steam. The first solar powered car to traverse the world arrived yesterday in Poznan, Poland where UN delegates from 190 countries are working toward a new treaty on control of climate change which will replace the Kyoto Agreement set to expire in 2012. The world tour was the brainchild of a Swiss school teacher and began 17 months ago in Switzerland. The noiseless car, which reached speeds of 55 mph and covered 185 miles on one battery, traveled 32,000 miles through 38 countries while giving rides to over 1,000 influential people along the way. The intrepid traveler was quoted as saying: "Here at the conference we are talking about reducing emissions by 10 or 20 percent. I want to show that we can reduce emissions by 100 percent - and that's what we need for the future." Along the same line, India has introduced an innovative solar rickshaw that is touted as solving India's horrific traffic woes, chronic pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. 8 million cycle-rickshaws currently navigate the streets of India but are being replaced by cars at an alarming rate. A solar model will fill a need between the rickety rickshaw and a modern version that more people may find acceptable. Along this same line, the State of Hawaii signed up with Better Place, Inc. to create 70,000 to 100,000 recharging points by 2011 aided by Hawaiian Electric Company. Better Place is the outfit founded in 2007 to promote electric cars and is pursuing similar arrangements in Australia, Israel, Denmark and the San Francisco area. This initiative fits Hawaii's comprehensive energy plan to cut its oil dependence 30% by 2030. Oil, all of which is imported at great cost, currently comprises 90% of fuel to the island. Seems the cat is out of the bag as far as alternative energy vehicles--we have only to watch as the innovations are rolled out.

Future Missions to Mars

Mars was a habitable world
at some point in its history.
We don't know exactly when,
and we don't know precisely where.

Future missions will have
to figure that out.

~Jim Bell, Cornell University

Of Note: No, this is not a shot of Mars. Marie captured this photo of the moon in an apparent triangle with Jupiter and Venus earlier this week. She said that this alignment would not recur until 2050. You can't miss this showy threesome in the night sky. A red Mars made a similar trek across our skies a few years back, and I remember thinking that all the people had gone a little nutty at the time with fighting and other less than exemplary behavior. Could it be that the planets and constellations have an effect on us as explained by the science of astrology? Given the persistence of the interest in horoscopes, it would appear that there is a there there--somewhere. We can only stay tuned because currently consideration of astrology only brings raised eyebrows from those who regard themselves as serious scientists. Could be, however, that the current astrologers have only scratched the surface of this ancient knowledge base and that scientists may be in for a surprise once they turn to investigate.

Today's Weather Report: It was snowing to beat the band this morning when I awoke. Little flakes with quite a wind according to my husband who runs every morning in whatever weather presents itself....including below zero. I always thought it was only fanatics who would run at 30 below, but he's actually done that a time or two. (I'm sure he'd correct me and say "The word is eccentric, not fanatic.") All dressed up in boots and pants and a jacket can't make running at those temps very fun, but the endorphin high must be worth the extra effort.

Watch For Change Snippet: Mr. Michael Chertoff, the Secretary of Homeland Security, has had a flash of insight as he prepares to leave office. He said that he'd been a little busy since taking office in 2005 with some huge endeavors such as integrating 22 agencies and 200,000 employees into a cohesive unit. Crackdown on illegal immigration and airport security were other overriding issues. However, Mr. Chertoff explained that he has just gotten the chance to actually think about "big picture challenges." He now believes that "a lasting victory in the safeguarding of the country can be achieved only by marrying traditional security with winning a contest of ideas, and a battle for the allegiance of men and women around the world" through education, scholarships and other outreach efforts. This is called "soft power" and will be a key approach of the new administration. Maybe the soon-to-be former Secretary is looking for a job.

To Those With Eyes To See

For humanity, the notion of its fondest
desires reaching their climax in heaven
must be supplanted by a sense of wonder
of all that surrounds us in this world
and which reveals the nature of Divinity
to those who have eyes to see.

Triangles Bulletin, March 2008

Of Note: One has only to look at a sunset to understand God. Paradoxically, one has only to look at the destruction of an earthquake to understand God as well. Both can be viewed with a sense of wonder at all that surrounds us in this world. Building up and tearing down--two fundamental forces of the All in All--create the necessary balance that drives the evolution of consciousness forward. The eyes to see the true nature of Divinity begin to function only slowly but when they do, all is revealed to a sometimes astonished onlooker: "The mud and slime of this world then become 'celestially fair,' yielding their hidden potential." Check out www.lucistrust.org and click on "Triangles" to read the March bulletin and in particular "The Art of Reverence" from whence this quote came. You may get so engrossed you may not leave this splendid Website for awhile.

Today's Weather Report: Mostly cloudy with the sun peeking through occasionally, but not enough for a person to get accustomed to. It's December now so sunny days should be more prolific, or at least that's what they say. The temps are in the high single digits. Burr! Marie, who took this fabulous shot last week, doesn't have to worry about such things in Texas, though it was chilly there the other day as well. The weather station had Dallas at 38 degrees.

Watch For Change Snippet: 100 corporate CEO's have made an extraordinary commitment. In a full page ad Monday in the Wall Street Journal, these men and women vowed to fight HIV/AIDS discrimination in their workplaces. Make that "our" workplaces because the corporations span the spectrum of global companies, including Dell, Johnson and Johnson, Gap, Unilever, Rio Tinto, Reuters, AstraZeneca and 93 more. These CEOS are members of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. We are all invited to join their efforts to stop the stigma associated with these dreaded diseases because it stops those afflicted from getting tested and treated. Check out www.gbcimpact.org for more information on this groundbreaking advance in corporate cooperation and service to the common good.

Think Happiness, Be Happiness

Remember, happiness doesn't depend

on who you are or what you have;
it depends solely upon what you think.

~Dale Carnegie

Of Note: Thanks to the World Wide Web, we are able to track down any minute piece of information that we want, need or just covet. Hours can be spent in our chairs surfing this way and that, all the while enjoying whatever music, videos, ads, junk, blogs, or games cross our paths. Isn't it a great world we live in? But separating the wheat from the chaff can sometimes be difficult without a recommendation from friends. So, it is good news that those interested in Ageless Wisdom have a comprehensive source of information at www.lucistrust.org that is beyond compare. One stop shopping at its best. For many years, the organization broadcast programs on Inner Sight Radio. In an exciting development, these shows are now available on YouTube at www.youtube.com. Put "Lucis Trust" in the search box and you will be ready to chose from a long list of available videos. CDs of the programs can be ordered from Lucis Trust as well. Check it out. They've kept the light on.

Today's Weather Report: A friend and I went to Spooner today for lunch then some light shopping down Main Street. I used to live a block off Main Street and was glad to be back for a visit. Tell you the truth, we were having so much fun, the weather was our last concern.

Watch For Change Snippet: What happens when an American-trained husband and wife physician team returns to their homeland of India and commence to recruit the lowest cast Dalit women as community health care workers in a poor rural town? Amazingly, the health of the community improves ten-fold and the self-esteem of the healthcare workers improves to such an extent one is elected mayor. National Geographic magazine tells the incredible story of an organization called Jamkhed that was founded in 1970 to deliver preventative care to the poor and slowly expanded to serve 300 villages and 500,000 people, including the not-so-poor. Along the way, many Dalit women, some of whom suffered from disfiguring leprosy when younger, were trained to make daily house calls, treat disease and deliver babies. However, before that was possible, the first part of the education program included transformation of the Dalit women themselves. When asked who is more intelligent--a woman or a rat? The women answered, "The rat." But that was then and this is now. These trained healthcare workers have since earned the respected of their communities and hold their heads high. One even holds the town's gavel. All because of two physicians with a vision.