‘Amazing’ Comes In Little Packages Too
Posted by Michelle Moquin on January 25th, 2010
Mechanical failures. That’s been our lives lately in this household. First our dvd player broke down, then a potato caught on fire in the microwave leaving a burnt smell every time we use it, and about 3 weeks ago our wide-screen Visio television went on the brink. All that can be seen is a ‘red X’ in the middle of the screen. Oooh….that does not look good. So it sits – this big blank black screen – useless and taking up space.
At first I was pretty upset about it, even though I don’t watch much TV, and even though we downgraded to the most basic cable, which I didn’t realize at the time meant that we would be losing the channels that we enjoy the most; MSNBC and the Discovery Channel. Thankfully, I have my computer. We have now resolved to watching movies on my Mac, and the news, my only source of getting information these days. I decided to try and leave the radio off when driving. It is my time for peace and quiet, and whatever reflection I can fit in, in the drive between home and work.
So…while perusing my one source to the outside world, :) the net, this morning…the screen still splashes with news on Haiti. I think it is so wonderful how the world has come together to help support the people in Haiti. Every time I read on-line, there is something new being done to raise money. It’s amazing how we can all come together in time of need.
As grateful as I am that people come together, as they have and do, in circumstances such as Haiti, I just wish that people didn’t have to be dying or near death from a terrible disaster for our world to reach out and become one. The power of the people is truly amazing.
My mind questions. Do we have to witness devastation, the shock & awe drama of it all, before something drastic is done? We have so many deaths daily, here, right here in the United States, from lack of health insurance. Because people aren’t bleeding and dying, crying and homeless in the millions, all at once, doesn’t mean they aren’t experiencing their own personal disaster, their own living hell, in the solitude of their own homes, or out in the ‘camps’ of Darfur, or the Congo, or…where millions have already died, and will continue to die unless something is done.
I do not make this statement lightly or without sympathetic thought toward the Haitians. This is not to downplay the recent disaster in Haiti – it is truly horrific. My point is that I am so moved by the amount of money and provisions that are being donated to help…so moved by people: The flood of money from individuals. The focused fundraising events that are organized in record time to assist the Haitians. The urgency that is created. Like I said, the power of the people is truly amazing.
My wish is that it didn’t have to reach that level before people came together, before people respond in such a huge way to help. I wish that this type of urgency to give, this camaraderie that is created so instantaneously, could sweep the world in support of health reform, in support of women, in support of equality for all, in support of global warming, in support of…
Do you know what I mean?
I got a little sidetracked in my passion and thoughts. What I really wanted to share this morning is a little article that I found….speaking of people being amazing. A young boy in London was so upset by the disaster in Haiti, that he decided to raise money by taking a 5-mile bike ride around his local park.
LONDON — A young British schoolboy has raised nearly 100,000 pounds ($160,000) for Haiti’s relief effort.
Seven-year-old Charlie Simpson was so upset by the devastating images of Haiti’s deadly earthquake that he asked his mother if she could help him set up a sponsored bicycle ride around his local park in west London.
Charlie originally hoped to raise 500 pounds ($800) for UNICEF’s Haiti appeal with Sunday’s 5-mile (8-kilometer) bike ride, but his Internet page was flooded with donations.
He raised nearly 50,000 pounds in a single day and money is still flooding in after Charlie’s story was splashed on the front page of Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper Monday.
His mother Leonora Simpson says she can’t believe the public response.
Peter: I ran out of time the other day but I wanted to respond to your comment. I can feel your angst and I believe it is totally warranted. It doesn’t take much for the whites, nor very many, to infiltrate your beloved island and take over. Your fear is justified. What to do?
Peace out…
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
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January 25th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Thanks for that story. It is inspiring to see children create such goodness, and parents that believe in their children and are they to help and encourage their successes.
January 25th, 2010 at 11:03 am
The Secret to Looking and Feeling Younger
Paul D’Arezzo, MD
You can take years off your appearance and ease pain in your muscles and joints without expensive surgery, cosmetics or even highly demanding exercise routines.
All you need to do is spend a few minutes a day focusing on one of the most important — and neglected — aspects of a youthful appearance and an optimally functioning body… posture.
Think of your body as if it were a stack of building blocks. If the blocks are lined up unevenly, the structure is weak and is more likely to collapse. If they’re carefully lined up one on top of the other, the structure is strong.
When the body is misaligned, it fails to function as efficiently as possible. Bad posture contributes to arthritis, muscle pain and injuries. These aches and pains cause us to avoid activities that we once enjoyed.
What went wrong? Modern society has evolved in such a way that we’re no longer required to move as much during our day-to-day activities. And when we do move, we do so in the same repetitive ways, not utilizing all of our muscles or our full range of motion. Certain muscles get strong while others get weak — and we lose correct alignment.
WHAT IS BAD POSTURE?
• A rounded back and/or shoulders.
• A pelvis that is tilted too far forward or backward.
• Too much or too little curve in the lower back.
• A head that droops or protrudes too far forward.
• A shoulder, hip or other body part that is higher or more forward than the same part on the other side of the body.
• A foot, knee or ankle that points to one side.
BETTER ALIGNMENT
By performing the following simple exercises to correct and maintain posture, you can begin to achieve maximum physical function as you age. The following four exercises strengthen and stretch unique muscles in the body that hold us upright and stabilize us — muscles that usually aren’t worked by standard aerobic and strength-training exercises.
Ideally, this alignment program should be practiced at least every other day as an adjunct to your usual aerobic, stretching and strength-training regimen.
Although it can take weeks to change posture, you will feel a difference in your alignment after doing the exercises only once.
GROIN STRETCH
Purpose: Stretches and aligns the groin muscles. Over time, it will align your hips and allow your shoulders and back to return to a more anatomically correct position.
What you need: A chair, coffee table or ottoman that is the right height so that when you lie on the floor on your back, one leg can rest on top of the object and form an approximate 90-degree angle.
What to do: Lie on your back, bend your left leg and place it on top of your “platform.” Your left calf muscle should be resting on the platform. Stretch your right leg straight out on the floor, toes pointed toward the ceiling. Place your arms out to the sides, palms up. Rest in this pose for five minutes, allowing gravity to do the work, relaxing the body and letting the muscles stretch. Repeat with your right leg.
TABLE STRETCH
Purpose: Counteracts the tendency to hunch and roll shoulders forward.
What you need: A table, desk, counter or back of a chair.
What to do: Stand a few feet from the table, with feet hip-width apart and pointing straight ahead. Lean forward and rest your hands, palms down, on the table so that your legs and torso form a 90-degree angle. Relax. Let your head fall forward between your shoulders, and let gravity do the work. Hold for one to two minutes.
CATS AND DOGS
Purpose: Increases flexibility and movement in the pelvis and lower back.
What you need: A carpet, exercise mat or other comfortable floor surface.
What to do: Get on your hands and knees so that your back forms a small table. Place your hands directly below your shoulders, fingers pointing forward. Knees should be in line with your hips. Exhale and slowly arch your back upward like a cat, pressing your chin toward your chest. Hold for five seconds.
Then arch in the opposite direction (the way dogs do when they stretch), pulling your head and neck upward and your upper and lower back downward and lifting your buttocks into the air. Hold for five seconds. Smoothly transition from “cat” to “dog” for 10 complete cycles.
FACE THE WALL
Purpose: Stretches and aligns the muscles of the chest, shoulders and pelvis.
What you need: A wall.
What to do: Stand facing the wall with feet hip-width apart, toes turned inward and touching (pigeon-toed). Your chest and nose should almost touch the wall.
Lift your arms straight above your head, shoulder-width apart. Place the backs of your hands on the wall. Hold for one minute, eventually working up to three minutes. You will feel a stretch in your pelvis and shoulders.
At first you only may be able to reach the wall with the sides of your hands. As your muscles align and stretch, you will be able to work up to reaching the wall with the backs of your hands.
Helpful: This may be uncomfortable at first, but after a minute your shoulders will begin to relax.
Health interviewed Paul D’Arezzo, MD, a board-certified emergency physician and a posture-alignment specialist practicing in Colorado Springs,posturealignment.com. He is the author of Posture Alignment: The Missing Link in Health and Fitness (Marcellina Mountain).
January 26th, 2010 at 3:44 am
Hi Mischa, I’m thinking it’s your birthday this week, am I right?? I think it’s maybe Tues/Weds so – Happy Birthday!! – Zen Lill
Be back for commenting on some of your writes on Weds, busy with Spring collection launch week, clothes clothes and more clothes : ) I liked the ‘just noticing’ post, I observe and notice lots, things areore interesting when you pay attention… in the moment…
January 26th, 2010 at 3:46 am
That was ‘are more’ interesting…
Oh and what a cutey kid : ) I love when kids show that kind of compassion. – ZL
January 26th, 2010 at 7:34 am
Hafa adai
The church of the butt rustlers is at it again. Since they don’t feel they have frightened the people of Guam with the fear of God, they have resorted to the money angle. The republican strategy reversed.
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Catholic church in Guam questions the potential costs of civil union bill
Posted at 08:17 on 26 January, 2010 UTC
Guam’s Catholic church has called for more clarity on the potential impact of the controversial civil union bill which the legislature is expected to discuss next month.
The bill would allow same-sex couples to enter into civil partnerships with each other, providing those within that partnership many of the rights and benefits given to married couples.
The Church has submitted to lawmakers a petition signed by almost 8,000 people who oppose Bill 185.
However the Nation Chamorros indigenous group has accused the Archdiocese of Agana of pressuring people into opposing the bill.
But Deacon Jeff Barcinas, a spokesman for the Archdiocese, says the church believes allowing civil unions would have negative social consequences.
“We are very serious about making sure the senators weigh up the major, what I call, costs associated with that issue. Because they’re not really looking at what really are some of the real fundamental issues that may be affected by passing such legislation.”
Jeff Barcinas
News Content © Radio New Zealand International
PO Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand
____________________________________________________
When will these sick anti-christs quit?
Peter
January 26th, 2010 at 7:40 am
Howie
How do you know this. I have been reading Michelle’s blog for about six months. I am an avid UFO enthusiasts.
Jack
January 26th, 2010 at 7:48 am
Thanks Michelle for thinking of us here on Guam. I work for an company that supports the government. It seems that they have decided to steal several items heading for Guam. They were on a container ship heading for there.
I don’t know what was on or in the containers. Perhaps some of your readers may have more information.
January 26th, 2010 at 7:51 am
Howie
I couldn’t get in yesterday. I wanted to ask you how Azza got involved in the first place. And what was she doing way out there, I thought she was interested in becoming a human. I have been reading your comments for almost a year.
I think you could really enlighten us if you chose to. So spill the beans.
a fan
Charles
January 26th, 2010 at 7:59 am
Tell us more Howie. I am sad for the people who have to be a part of a war not of their choosing. Will Azza be able to stop it?
January 26th, 2010 at 8:00 am
Michelle
I like the idea of just observing. I have decided to join you. One day a week I will spend just observing.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:08 am
Michelle
You have stated what I have found to be too true in my country. The religious and political leaders have proven to be liars. But those that pick one or the other to support do so with the big claim to integrity.
You have stated the big truth. They are without any concept of what it means to have integrity.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:13 am
I am a gay girl on Guam. What right does the catholic church have to interfere in the political process of Guam? I am sick of churches using the bible to deprive us gays of equal rights.
Peter, thanks for standing up to the church. You are so right they need to get their own house in order. The priests here on Guam often proposition the flock for sex. The stories about some of the priests here is scandalous.
Charo
January 26th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Michelle
I noticed that the neighbor who is so vociferous about the political integrity of his political party is the one who allows his little dog to shit all over his neighbors lawns and he doesn’t pick it up.
We the neighbors have decided that we will pick it up for him and throw it back unto his lawn.
Ted
January 26th, 2010 at 8:22 am
Charo
I am a gay girl on Guam too. I agree. The catholic church on Guam is full of sick perverts. They have propositioned my older brother so much that he left the church. He now hates religion. My parents are in denial about the those sick bastards.
Did you read this stuff about the church’s latest involvement?
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Guam Catholics fight proposed gay marriage law
Print Email
Updated January 26, 2010 09:41:26
The Catholic Church in Guam has submitted a petition opposing plans to legalise same-sex civil unions in the US territory. The controversial Bill 185 on civil unions was due to be discussed this week, but has been delayed again until next month, giving the church more time to garner support for their argument that legalising gay unions will promote homosexuality.
Presenter: Corinne Podger
Speakers: Benjamin Cruz, Guam Senator; Deacon Jeff Barcinas, Spokesman for Guam’s Catholic Archbishop
Listen: Windows Media
PODGER: Bill 185 aims to give people in committed same-sex relationships the right to enter into civil unions, thereby enjoying the same responsibilities, rights benefits and protections as marriage. Guam Senator Benjamin Cruz, who tabled the proposed legislation late last year, says it’s unfair to deny homosexual citizens in long-term relationships the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts.
CRUZ: It is a civil rights issue. You’re denying individuals the right to unions that they should be able to get into. But more importantly you’re denying them the equal protection of the law. A professor at the university who, like 100 other professors at the university, paid his bi-weekly dues for retirement; when he retires his significant other will not be able to receive the retirement survivor benefits after he dies. But one of his other fellow professors could marry some 18-year-old girl that he meets online from some foreign country and, after one year, die and she would for the rest of her life be able to receive the benefits.
PODGER: Guam’s Catholic Archbishop, Anthony Sablan Apuron, doesn’t see it that way. The Church-organised petition against Bill 185 has nearly 8,000 signatures and more are coming in. The Archbishop’s spokesman, Deacon Jeff Barcinas, says the position of the church on Guam is in line with the approach to civil unions taken by Catholics all over the world.
BARCINAS: The church teaching is consistent and uniform throughout the universal church, and with Guam we have to share the truth in terms of what the church stands for with regard to civil union and with regard to what this legislation is putting forward as an issue for Guam. Now that does not mean that we’re not sensitive nor compassionate to the issue surrounding persons of same sex attraction.
PODGER: Deacon Barcinas says the petition reflects a concern that conferring legal status on gay relationships could undermine one of the purposes of marriage: the procreation of children. There are also fears that it could promote homosexuality.
BARCINAS: I think it is. That is a very high likelihood, yes.
PODGER: But Bill 185′s sponsor, Senator Cruz rejects that suggestion and says faith communities should stay out of civil matters.
CRUZ: There has to be a distinction between marriage and matrimony. Marriage is a civil responsibility, the civilian government is responsible for that. That’s why I purposefully just addressed this as a civil union. I didn’t use the word “domestic” because it has different connotations, but more importantly I wanted to underscore that this is a civil action, that I’m trying to address. I’m not addressing the sacrament of matrimony, which is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. They have control over their sacraments. I insist that I have control – or the legislature has control – over marriage.
PODGER: Catholic spokesman, Deacon Barcinas, insists faith communities have a moral obligation to oppose what they regard as inappropriate civil l.
BARCINAS: The church is very clear that this is of a bigger moral issue. and because of the moral issue, this sort of makes the Church, Christians, question the very actions of our senators, and this is why we’re asking each of our senators to be very responsible and accountable, because there are costs that need to be weighed. And these are not personal costs, these are costs that could be psychological, could be emotional, could be affecting community, affect society, and the overall common good.
PODGER: And Deacon Barcinas says Catholics are not alone in opposing Bill 185.
BARCINAS: There are also other religious denominations and other concerned citizens that are doing their own personal campaigns of calling, emailing and writing with regard to this issue.
PODGER: Senator Cruz says he’s by no means hopeful the legislation will pass, but says it’s important Guam’s politicians be allowed to address the issue, rather than yielding to public pressure.
CRUZ: This has to be done by legislature, because as we’ve looked through history, we cannot allow the tyranny of the majority to dictate and deny the civil rights of the minority. If we were to do everything by referenda, or by popular consensus, we’d still have slaves in this country, women wouldn’t be able to vote, women probably wouldn’t be able to work, there’d be all kinds of things that legislatures and Congresses over the last 40 to 50 years, or even 100 years, have addressed, but it would not have passed popular muster had it gone to referenda.
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This goes to your integrity statement Michelle. It seems those with the least make the greatest claim to importance of having it.
Hafa Adai
Eugenia
January 26th, 2010 at 8:26 am
Q: Because we recently lost a lot of money in the stock market, we need additional income. I have an opportunity to work near my home, but only part time. Can I still get my Social Security checks?
A: The answer depends upon your age and how much you will earn annually from the part-time job. If you have reached “full retirement age,” then you can earn any amount and not lose a penny in Social Security benefits. Full retirement age is defined as 65 years and 10 months for those born in 1942 and 66 for those born in 1943 up to 1954. (For those born before 1942 it varies — before 1938 it’s 65 years… between 1938 and 1941, it’s 65 years and two, four, six and eight months, respectively.)
If you have not reached full retirement age, your part-time income could affect your Social Security check. You can earn up to $14,160 this year (2009) without it changing your benefits, provided that you don’t reach your full retirement age in 2009. But for every $2 that you earn over the $14,160 cap, you lose $1 in benefits.
I recommend that you visit your local Social Security office and go over the numbers with an adviser. Before doing so, arm yourself with the key details by reading the information at the Social Security Administration Web site (www.ssa.gov). Click on “Retirement,” then on “Already Receiving Benefits” and finally on “Working After Retirement.”
January 26th, 2010 at 8:39 am
Thanks for the shoutout Michelle. I too am surprised when people label me a leftist or liberal. I am a “whiteboye” frpm Utah.
When I started reading your blog, it opened my eyes to some things I used to take for granted. Like me as a white man (24) I have many more privileges than the rest of my fellow americans.
The difference is in that integrity thing that you mentioned. I’m not saying that your friends that pointed out your “feftist” leanings have less of it, but it is interesting that they like mine who now say that about me refuse to acknowledge that they benefit from being white in this country.
Considering another of your suggestion about observing. If one practices that with a bit of opinion, he will discover that those who call others liberals usually take for granted that it is okay for us whites to be at the top of the food chain in america.
Being there makes it easy for us to call others liberal for believing others should be up there with us.
Keith
January 26th, 2010 at 8:44 am
Michelle
You had the water cooler buzzing on Monday about that “speeding up” thing. We polled each other and most of us admitted to doing it. Hilarious.
My observation at work is those who make it a point for others to notice that they come in early do less work.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:58 am
Michelle
If I may combine two of your observations in my comment I would like to say as modestly as possible I am a beautiful white girl. I say that because I turn heads in public and because I get hit on all the time. Plus I have no problem getting jobs as office sects or waitresses at major restaurants.
The one I work at presently hired me a six months ago. The tips are huge. I often make 6 to $800 dollars on holidays. I was hired because of my looks because frankly I am a very fair waitress.
My point, the black guy who had been here for over a year was let go when there was a slow down. The bosses who made the decision came to me and said he was sorry but “they” understand that “they” will be the first to be let go in a crisis. Then he, the one who leads us in prayer each evening before the customers are let in 4:45 PM propositioned me for a date.
I said “what would your wife say?” He said “what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” Then I asked him what would that god that he throws at us every evening say. He smiled and walked away.
Fuchsia
January 26th, 2010 at 9:11 am
Michelle
My daughter called me about that little boy. She said that it was stuff like that that give her hope that the world can live as one.
On the subject of “liberals,” I am often amazed at the people who use that term. Some of my dearest white friends use it. How insulated from the indignities that others suffer daily because of their race, sex, religion, or sexual orientation does one have to be to consider it “liberal” to suggest that others should enjoy the same creature comforts that she/he does?
My friends are not bigots, but they are white and subconsciously accept the “right” to the benefit position they enjoy in their society.
I confess I have not had the courage to speak up. Perhaps it is because I know on that same subconscious level, it would only offend them and what purpose would it serve.
I understand my daughter’s accepting the things that give her hope better now.
Thanks for the article.
Ruth
January 26th, 2010 at 9:13 am
Michelle you are liberal.
January 26th, 2010 at 9:19 am
Peter, hafa adai.
I’m with you about the church interfering in political matters. Why don’t they make an issue about the increasing numbers of homeless people I see on the Island.
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Counting Guam’s homeless
Posted: Jan 25, 2010 8:07 PM
Updated: Jan 26, 2010 1:06 AM
Video Gallery
Coalition works to assess island homeless
2:12
by Heather Hauswirth
Guam – Guam is not immune to the global financial crisis. With unemployment on the rise, it should not come as a surprise that the number of homeless people on island is also escalating. This year the Guam Homeless Coalition is sponsoring the homeless count. Enumerators are starting their field work on January 29.
Nearly 1,000 men and women don’t have a place to sleep or food to eat. The last comprehensive homeless count was conducted by the Salvation Army and the Guam Housing Urban Renewal Authority two years ago. This year the Guam Homeless Coalition is taking the lead and executing the count.
First Lady Joanne Camacho, “I’m hoping it will go down, but given the current economic situation, it will probably be a little higher. I want to remain positive. It is important to do the count to have a handle on exactly how many homeless we have on Guam and then from there reach out.”
Camacho says for the last several years she has been involved in the homeless count. Field volunteers or enumerators are tasked with collecting the data needed to prove how dire the situation is getting – as it’s the only way to secure enough funding for programs designed to reduce or end homelessness.
Amor Say is a planner at GHURA spearheading the count. “We have 30 to 35 teams that go around the area. We have identified different sites where the homeless congregate,” said Say. Say says volunteers must first undergo extensive training, adding, “We actually have conducted six sessions of training and are still having one come Tuesday the 26th. We train the enumerators, our volunteers how to approach the homeless and have a survey instrument where there is a set of questions they have to ask the homeless and the questions are the data that we compile when we apply for grants.”
However, if residents are interested in helping out – there is still an opportunity to get involved. “We need people with qualities of leadership and compassion with the homeless. Social workers at that and even those people who speak different languages because we have some who are from different islands and wouldn’t be able to express what they want or answer the questions that we ask,” said Say.
On January 29 the Coalition and volunteers will go across the island from 5 to 9am and again from 4 to 8pm.
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Humanitarianism is a role that the Catholic church should be in on Guam. Helping the homeless would be a good place for them to start.
Parker