Most of you have heard that Randy Pausch died Fri 07/25/08 - famous for "the last lecture".
A poignant speech, a moving gesture, a series of thought-provoking insight, peace and just the right amount of determination.
In case you need a reminder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo
worthy of a watch, a thought, a reflection.
Think how better the world would be if we all chose to adopt a few of his ideas, his views on the world, on life.
Here's to being a Tigger!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
What Right?
Random thoughts:
What right do I have to:
get frustrated?
feel sad?
want?
be pissed?
etc.
when
there is:
genocide
clear-cutting of rain forests
starvation (and people: it's right around the corner)
senseless murder (is there any other kind?)
people who don't recycle
people who don't pay attention to who they give their money to (money is power - shop responsibly!)
pollution
people who drive SUVs (and they don't have kids, work equipment, large dogs, band equipment etc. - i.e. the need to drive one) - just to drive themselves around
the push for off-shore drilling: HELLO???!!! this doesn't promote the advancement of clean energy: research, utilization, promotion etc. (keep in mind - any new drilling for oil will take years to produce results. in years - we better have a better answer!)
an endangered animal list
people who eat meat (ha!)
bankruptcy, foreclosure, medical bills, lack of medical insurance, lack of job security, jobs moved out of the states (and the: is this a necessary evil question? i mean if all the jobs stayed here and we had to pay American wages [and benefits] could Americans continue to afford the services/products? - don't hate me - i'm just thinking out loud)
hunting for sport
things like: pedophilia, kidnapping, abuse
bad parents
bad pet owners
neglect/abuse of the elderly
identify theft
homelessness
tornadoes
floods
hurricanes
forest fires
home invasions
the list goes on and on and frankly i'm already depressed by what i've written!
you all know what i mean - it's all about perspective!
c'mon...
i have a good job with good benefits
a great family
great friends
***i am not by any means: alone
i can pay my rent, pay my bills and buy clothes (within reason) when i need them
i can afford to go out to dinner sometimes
i have a car, an education (both of which i'm still paying for: key thing is: i can pay for them)
i have a roof over my head, food in the 'fridge
i can read, write, vote, work, volunteer: not everyone can say that
i can visit a doctor, get new eyeglasses, see a physical therapist, maintain my gym membership and go to Pilates every week
***i am not - by any means: strapped
sometimes i need to put it all into perspective
it's corny but it really isn't about what you want, what you don't have - it's truly more about what you do have and most importantly - what you have to give
What right do I have to:
get frustrated?
feel sad?
want?
be pissed?
etc.
when
there is:
genocide
clear-cutting of rain forests
starvation (and people: it's right around the corner)
senseless murder (is there any other kind?)
people who don't recycle
people who don't pay attention to who they give their money to (money is power - shop responsibly!)
pollution
people who drive SUVs (and they don't have kids, work equipment, large dogs, band equipment etc. - i.e. the need to drive one) - just to drive themselves around
the push for off-shore drilling: HELLO???!!! this doesn't promote the advancement of clean energy: research, utilization, promotion etc. (keep in mind - any new drilling for oil will take years to produce results. in years - we better have a better answer!)
an endangered animal list
people who eat meat (ha!)
bankruptcy, foreclosure, medical bills, lack of medical insurance, lack of job security, jobs moved out of the states (and the: is this a necessary evil question? i mean if all the jobs stayed here and we had to pay American wages [and benefits] could Americans continue to afford the services/products? - don't hate me - i'm just thinking out loud)
hunting for sport
things like: pedophilia, kidnapping, abuse
bad parents
bad pet owners
neglect/abuse of the elderly
identify theft
homelessness
tornadoes
floods
hurricanes
forest fires
home invasions
the list goes on and on and frankly i'm already depressed by what i've written!
you all know what i mean - it's all about perspective!
c'mon...
i have a good job with good benefits
a great family
great friends
***i am not by any means: alone
i can pay my rent, pay my bills and buy clothes (within reason) when i need them
i can afford to go out to dinner sometimes
i have a car, an education (both of which i'm still paying for: key thing is: i can pay for them)
i have a roof over my head, food in the 'fridge
i can read, write, vote, work, volunteer: not everyone can say that
i can visit a doctor, get new eyeglasses, see a physical therapist, maintain my gym membership and go to Pilates every week
***i am not - by any means: strapped
sometimes i need to put it all into perspective
it's corny but it really isn't about what you want, what you don't have - it's truly more about what you do have and most importantly - what you have to give
Top 10 Healthy Foods
Top 10 Healthy Foods - Why They Are Good For You
Main Category: Nutrition / Diet NewsArticle Date: 12 Aug 2006 - 23:00
If you could eat foods that were tasty, nutritious and helped reduce your risk of disease, what more could you want?
The August issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource offers its 10 top picks for healthy foods:
Apples: Apples are a good source of pectin, a fiber that can lower cholesterol and glucose levels. They're also a good source of vitamin C -- an antioxidant that protects your body's cells. Vitamin C also keeps your blood vessels healthy and aids in the absorption of iron and folate.
Almonds: These nuts are packed with nutrients -- fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. They're also good for your heart. Most of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated fat, which can help lower cholesterol levels when substituted for other fats. Most almonds are considered low sodium, with less than 140 milligrams of sodium an ounce.
Broccoli: Besides providing calcium, potassium, folate and fiber, broccoli contains phytonutrients -- compounds that may help prevent diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Broccoli contains the antioxidant beta-carotene and is also an excellent source of vitamin C.
Blueberries: They are a rich, low-calorie source of fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Regular intake of blueberries may improve short-term memory and reduce the cellular damage associated with aging.
Red beans: Small red, pinto and dark red kidney varieties -- are an excellent low-fat source of antioxidants, protein, dietary fiber and copper. They're also a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and thiamin.
Salmon: This fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to provide heart benefits. Salmon is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol and is a good source of protein. If possible, choose wild salmon, which is less likely to contain unwanted chemicals such as mercury.
Spinach: It's high in vitamin A, and also is a good source of calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, riboflavin and vitamins B-6 and C. The plant compounds in spinach may boost your immune system and help prevent certain types of cancer.
Sweet potatoes: The deep orange-yellow color of sweet potatoes tells you that they're high in beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes are also high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber, vitamin B-6 and potassium. And, they're fat-free and relatively low in calories.
Vegetable juice: This beverage is an easy way to include vegetables in your diet since it contains most of the same vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Tomato juice, and vegetable juices which include tomatoes, are good sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of heart attack and certain types of cancer. Be sure to select the low-sodium varieties.
Wheat germ: The germ at the center of the wheat seed is a concentrated source of nutrients. Two tablespoons provide a good source of thiamin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. Sprinkle over cereals, yogurt and salads. Or use it in muffins, cookies and pancakes.
Mayo Clinichttp://www.mayo.edu/news
Main Category: Nutrition / Diet NewsArticle Date: 12 Aug 2006 - 23:00
If you could eat foods that were tasty, nutritious and helped reduce your risk of disease, what more could you want?
The August issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource offers its 10 top picks for healthy foods:
Apples: Apples are a good source of pectin, a fiber that can lower cholesterol and glucose levels. They're also a good source of vitamin C -- an antioxidant that protects your body's cells. Vitamin C also keeps your blood vessels healthy and aids in the absorption of iron and folate.
Almonds: These nuts are packed with nutrients -- fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. They're also good for your heart. Most of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated fat, which can help lower cholesterol levels when substituted for other fats. Most almonds are considered low sodium, with less than 140 milligrams of sodium an ounce.
Broccoli: Besides providing calcium, potassium, folate and fiber, broccoli contains phytonutrients -- compounds that may help prevent diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Broccoli contains the antioxidant beta-carotene and is also an excellent source of vitamin C.
Blueberries: They are a rich, low-calorie source of fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Regular intake of blueberries may improve short-term memory and reduce the cellular damage associated with aging.
Red beans: Small red, pinto and dark red kidney varieties -- are an excellent low-fat source of antioxidants, protein, dietary fiber and copper. They're also a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and thiamin.
Salmon: This fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to provide heart benefits. Salmon is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol and is a good source of protein. If possible, choose wild salmon, which is less likely to contain unwanted chemicals such as mercury.
Spinach: It's high in vitamin A, and also is a good source of calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, riboflavin and vitamins B-6 and C. The plant compounds in spinach may boost your immune system and help prevent certain types of cancer.
Sweet potatoes: The deep orange-yellow color of sweet potatoes tells you that they're high in beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes are also high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber, vitamin B-6 and potassium. And, they're fat-free and relatively low in calories.
Vegetable juice: This beverage is an easy way to include vegetables in your diet since it contains most of the same vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Tomato juice, and vegetable juices which include tomatoes, are good sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of heart attack and certain types of cancer. Be sure to select the low-sodium varieties.
Wheat germ: The germ at the center of the wheat seed is a concentrated source of nutrients. Two tablespoons provide a good source of thiamin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. Sprinkle over cereals, yogurt and salads. Or use it in muffins, cookies and pancakes.
Mayo Clinichttp://www.mayo.edu/news
Organic Labeling: F.Y.I.
Except with fish, salt, and water - which can't be organic:
·A "100% organic" label means the product is entirely organic.
·An "organic" label means the product ingredients are at least 95% organic.
·A "made with/contains organic ingredients" means the ingredients are at least 70% organic.
·An "all natural" claim means zilch. (Yup, you read that right.)
·Organic Consumers Association - it's campaigning to keep organic standards high.
·A "100% organic" label means the product is entirely organic.
·An "organic" label means the product ingredients are at least 95% organic.
·A "made with/contains organic ingredients" means the ingredients are at least 70% organic.
·An "all natural" claim means zilch. (Yup, you read that right.)
·Organic Consumers Association - it's campaigning to keep organic standards high.
Things To Do
Here's an email I sent out 06/19/07.
I kept it because I thought I said some good stuff.
This is one of many emails that have prompted people to urge me to start a blog:
there's this absurd belief out there - someone actually said it to me recently - that 'one person can't make a difference'...
it brings to mind people like Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa, Ghandi, Beethoven etc.
one person can make a difference
and one person plus another, plus another no longer equals 'one person'...
that being said, thought i'd pass along some things everyone can do - something that everyone can do - to help themselves, their wallets and: tada! the environment, little things...
change to florescent bulbs! serious savings - they last forever (less inconvenience to go out and buy them) - side note: there is mercury in these bulbs - if you break one it is recommended that you clean it up with a wet paper towel
take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. not only are you doing yourself some good but you're not wasting electricity to carry you up and down, up and down
fill your gas tanks at night (at least after the sun sets) ok - this will probably not save you any money but more gasoline evaporates in the heat of the day and crap - it's cooler outside at night!
use cloth bags when you shop - re-use paper and/or plastic. even if you just re-use them one time - it could cut your plastic bag consumption in half in a given year! cloth is best - i use several (sometimes i need the paper and/or plastic [recycling, changing the catbox]) and totally worth it to buy one of those cooler bags - love mine. then you won't have 1/2 as many plastic bags to deal with or throw out either! side note - i can always use them, animal shelters take them; you can give them to me!! [paper or plastic]
side note: check your citys website for what to do/how to do it...
p.s. those of you in Cleveland - Cleveland does recycle, they just don't do curbside pick-up. every citizen of Cleveland lives within 1.5miles of a recycling drop off though...
remember to turn lights off when you leave the room. little things add up too: turn off your calculators, your desklamps etc.
speaking of little things - all those electronics with displays that stay on all the time - adds up! i unplug my surge protectors, microwave, alarm clocks. plug your surge protectors back in when you get home from work the next day. tada!!
one we've heard forever: turn off the water when you brush your teeth! i forgot the amount per person per year/brushing of gallons this saves but: adds up!
lastly: recycle, recycle, recycle!!
it is not difficult - you're putting things into bags and bins anyway why not sort it out - it's all going to the lawn regardless. hey - i recycle for a 14 unit apt bldg and my office. my sister has 2 kids (that go and go and go) and she recycles and saves all her cardboard and paperboard for either me or her mother-in-law because her city doesn't take it yet. it's a minor inconvenience and we all have a responsibility... (that whole: 'you can't go through life with two catcher mitts on; you've got to be able to throw something back...' idea)
soo...
that's it for now. i was just sitting and thinking; pondering it all and thought i'd share some of the things that i do that maybe some of you can do. if you all did one or two - even just sometimes then even those of you with the false idea that one person can't make a difference - well, you wouldn't be one person after all. i think it's more about one person can make a difference, that it all starts with one person...
thanks for your time
Leah
I kept it because I thought I said some good stuff.
This is one of many emails that have prompted people to urge me to start a blog:
there's this absurd belief out there - someone actually said it to me recently - that 'one person can't make a difference'...
it brings to mind people like Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa, Ghandi, Beethoven etc.
one person can make a difference
and one person plus another, plus another no longer equals 'one person'...
that being said, thought i'd pass along some things everyone can do - something that everyone can do - to help themselves, their wallets and: tada! the environment, little things...
change to florescent bulbs! serious savings - they last forever (less inconvenience to go out and buy them) - side note: there is mercury in these bulbs - if you break one it is recommended that you clean it up with a wet paper towel
take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. not only are you doing yourself some good but you're not wasting electricity to carry you up and down, up and down
fill your gas tanks at night (at least after the sun sets) ok - this will probably not save you any money but more gasoline evaporates in the heat of the day and crap - it's cooler outside at night!
use cloth bags when you shop - re-use paper and/or plastic. even if you just re-use them one time - it could cut your plastic bag consumption in half in a given year! cloth is best - i use several (sometimes i need the paper and/or plastic [recycling, changing the catbox]) and totally worth it to buy one of those cooler bags - love mine. then you won't have 1/2 as many plastic bags to deal with or throw out either! side note - i can always use them, animal shelters take them; you can give them to me!! [paper or plastic]
side note: check your citys website for what to do/how to do it...
p.s. those of you in Cleveland - Cleveland does recycle, they just don't do curbside pick-up. every citizen of Cleveland lives within 1.5miles of a recycling drop off though...
remember to turn lights off when you leave the room. little things add up too: turn off your calculators, your desklamps etc.
speaking of little things - all those electronics with displays that stay on all the time - adds up! i unplug my surge protectors, microwave, alarm clocks. plug your surge protectors back in when you get home from work the next day. tada!!
one we've heard forever: turn off the water when you brush your teeth! i forgot the amount per person per year/brushing of gallons this saves but: adds up!
lastly: recycle, recycle, recycle!!
it is not difficult - you're putting things into bags and bins anyway why not sort it out - it's all going to the lawn regardless. hey - i recycle for a 14 unit apt bldg and my office. my sister has 2 kids (that go and go and go) and she recycles and saves all her cardboard and paperboard for either me or her mother-in-law because her city doesn't take it yet. it's a minor inconvenience and we all have a responsibility... (that whole: 'you can't go through life with two catcher mitts on; you've got to be able to throw something back...' idea)
soo...
that's it for now. i was just sitting and thinking; pondering it all and thought i'd share some of the things that i do that maybe some of you can do. if you all did one or two - even just sometimes then even those of you with the false idea that one person can't make a difference - well, you wouldn't be one person after all. i think it's more about one person can make a difference, that it all starts with one person...
thanks for your time
Leah
Starting Up?
I've had several people suggest to me I should start a blog.
After some consideration: tada!
I have no idea where this is headed or if I'll even keep this.
Thought if I at least started the blog I might be more inclined to actually do something with it.
It's Sunday 11:56am/July 27: we'll see.
After some consideration: tada!
I have no idea where this is headed or if I'll even keep this.
Thought if I at least started the blog I might be more inclined to actually do something with it.
It's Sunday 11:56am/July 27: we'll see.
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