Monday, January 21, 2013

Thank you, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King had a dream, John Lennon "Imagined" ..and I have hope






After the fight and eventual passage of the Civil Rights Acts in 1964 and 1965, Dr. King began to challenge the nation's fundamental priorities. Maintaining that civil rights laws were lacking- without "Human Rights".

Noting that at the time the majority of Americans below the poverty line were white. Dr. King began to develop the class perspective, using the income gap between rich and poor. Saying that there was a dire need for "radical change in the structure of our society" .
In the last months of his life, King crisscrossed the country, speaking and gathering a multiracial group "army of the poor". Dr. King's economic bill of rights called for massive government jobs programs to help rebuild the nation's cities. 

The "Poor People's Campaign" addressed issues of economic justice, demanding economic aid to the poorest of our country. He argued that a reconstruction of society itself was the real issue. 
         
http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/americanradioworks/features/king/work_stoppage.mp3?_kip_ipx=2074458718-1358810534

Dr. King stood for -Peace, Human Rights, Equal Opportunity, Economic Equality and Civil Rights. He was an Educator, Theologian, Mentor, Activist and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 


In speaking once about how he wished to be remembered after his death, King stated:
"I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody.I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. And I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major. Say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter"


As we observe Dr. King today, or if you feel you have no reason to show any respect for a man who fought for something that didn't pertain to you. Perhaps you will stop, think and realize that Dr. King's fight was for ALL of Mankind. Not a select group of people. 

That in the end, underneath the skin, Male, Female and Skin Color put aside....Rich or Poor..Highly Educated or Ignorant, Straight or Homosexual..what matters is our Moral Fiber. Right Vs. Wrong. What we stand for- or against. 

In today's world we tend to covet material possessions, social standing, fame and fortune. We are raising a generation of children who feel they are entitled to luxuries beyond their parents economic reach. We teach them to live beyond their means, to think about themselves before others. On a whole, children today are -ungrateful, rude, entitled, morally off kilter, self-centered and selfish. Lacking empathy in general. 

For those of us who live at or near the bottom of the economical "food chain". Raising our children is struggle that is hard to explain to the more "fortunate" parents. It's hard enough to have to tell your children you simply can't afford certain things ..like cell phones, ipads, $200.00 shoes and name brand outfits. Brand new cars for their 16th Birthday's..even a College Education is sometimes out of reach if you fall between the gaps economically. Making too much...but not enough. 

There has always been the "haves" and the "have not's". The have's give some of us something to aspire to. The have not's give the have's something to fear, so maybe..just maybe they appreciate what they have a little more. Seems like now...the classes are even further apart. The middle income families are slowly fading away into oblivion, as they slide down into middle to low income. The haves..well..they just keep climbing that ladder..and the gap between widens even more. 

It's becoming more pressing as the world slides further into debt...That we ALL stand together, take care of each other. Reach our full HUMAN potential. 

I believe that is our true purpose. We could be so much more..but society, class distinction and judgement stands in the way. 

Dr. King had a dream, John Lennon "Imagined" ..and I have hope that WE will come to our senses-turn around-and do what we were meant to do..and that is treat each other equally, to love one another, to respect our differences and not sit in judgement. Equal ...........

http://download.publicradio.org/podcast/americanradioworks/king/promised_land.mp3?_kip_ipx=1017154409-1358810374
 

Saturday, January 19, 2013

15 Surprising Pictures of Celebrities Without Makeup

15 Surprising Pictures of Celebrities Without Makeup

The Moon Diet



http://www.google.com/ig/directory?type=gadgets&url=www.calculatorcat.com/gmodules/current_moon.xml



The Moon Diet Plan

It's well known that the moon affects the earth's oceans and rivers with its gravitational pull. It is less known that the moon also affects the water contained in the human body. The moon diet takes advantage of the moon's power to help you cleanse your body and lose weight. On certain days you can lose up to 6 lbs in a single 24-hour period!

The Moon's Effect on the Body

Human knowledge and mythology throughout time have spoken of the moon's effect on the earth and the human body. The moon's gravitational pull dictates the action of the ocean's tides. A woman's menstrual cycle runs in parallel to the cycle of the moon. Some believe the moon affects the emotions—for example, the full moon stimulates aggressive behavior.

In addition, the moon can affect the water contained in the human body. The human body is 60% water. When the moon reaches its full phase and new phase, its gravitational pull combines with the sun for the greatest gravitational effect. This period of increased effect lasts about 24 hours.
Two Plans

There are two moon diet plans—basic and extended.
The basic moon diet plan consists of a 24-hour fasting day in which you consume only water and juice. It must take place during either the full moon or the new moon. During the fasting day your body is cleansed of toxins, and you can lose up to 6 lbs of water weight in one day.

The extended moon diet plan begins with a fasting day on a full moon, as described by the basic moon diet plan, then provides additional guidelines for weight loss and healthy eating during each of the major phases of the moon.
In addition, each of these plans is compatible with many other diet programs. Combining the moon diet with another diet program can give you an extra boost in your weight loss efforts. The fasting days of the basic moon diet plan can be implemented in many weight loss programs. A single day of consuming only water and fresh juice simply detoxifies your body, and the lack of toxins makes further weight loss even easier.

The moon diet also helps you decide when to start a new diet plan. The period of the waning moon that immediately follows the full moon is often the best time to start dieting, due to the corresponding decrease in the body's appetites and cravings.

For example, if you are familiar with the very popular HCG diet, here's how it would work: The loading days would begin during the two days immediately prior to the full moon, when food cravings are at their height. The low-calorie phase would begin on the first day after the full moon, when due to the waning moon, cravings begin to decrease and the body enjoys a natural detoxifying stage. While on the HCG diet, you might also choose to enjoy a fasting day during the next new moon or full moon (it is allowed on the protocol because you are not required to consume the full allotment of calories). You can also follow almost all of the guidelines for the waxing and waning phases of the moon (see extended moon diet) during the HCG diet.

Benefits of the Moon Diet

Besides the potential to lose 6 lbs in a single day, the moon diet is also a great way to detox your body and improve your immunity. Furthermore, it can also be used to lose additional weight throughout the moon's cycle and to boost the effectiveness of other diet plans.

If your hectic lifestyle makes it hard for you to cook special foods or stick to lengthy, demanding schedules, the moon diet can be a great way to lose some weight and help you feel lighter and healthier. 

Many women worldwide have seen positive results from the moon diet, and it poses no health risks; however, it is always recommended that you speak to your doctor before starting a diet. Note that fasting is not recommended for women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding a baby.


Moon Diet Plan: Extended Version

The extended moon diet plan covers all phases of the moon. As the light and power of the moon waxes and wanes, it exerts different forces and effects on the human body. In addition to the fasting days during the full and new moon (basic moon diet), there are other guidelines you can follow during these other phases to take full advantage of the moon's influence.

You can use the moon phase calendar on this site to help you know when to begin each stage of the moon diet. Use a software program such as QuickPhase Pro for best accuracy.

Full Moon

The best time to start the extended moon diet plan is with the full moon. The period of the waning moon that immediately follows the full moon is the easiest part of the moon diet due to the easing of the moon's influence and looser dieting restrictions. You will progress more rapidly during this time, which will make it easier to continue your diet later on.

During the 24 hours of the full moon you must follow the fasting procedure described in the basic moon diet plan. Eat no solid foods, but drink as much water and freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juice as you like! In addition to exercising your self control, you can lose up to 6 lbs of water weight and eliminate unhealthy toxins during this time. This gives you a wonderful jump start to the moon diet.

Waning Moon

Following the full moon comes the waning moon, when its light slowly decreases. This is a period of elimination for the human body as the moon encourages detoxification and the flushing of any extra water from the body. In addition the body's cravings tend to decrease and weight is easier to maintain.

During the waning moon you must be sure to drink plenty of water to stimulate further removal of toxins and replace the water being pushed from your body by the moon's influence. In general, it's recommended to drink about 8 glasses of water each day of the waning moon. In addition, follow a balanced diet of solid foods during this period.

New Moon

When the light of the moon is completely gone from the night sky, the new moon has a great influence on the human body. Following the trend of the waning moon, the new moon is the greatest period of elimination.

As with the full moon, during these 24 hours you must follow the guidelines explained for the basic moon diet plan—fluids only, no solid food. In addition, detoxifying teas have the greatest effect during the new moon. Try drinking more sage, dandelion, or metabolism-boosting green tea to maximize the new moon's cleansing influence. This is your best opportunity to flush toxins from your body and lose additional water weight.

Waxing Moon

After the new moon, the period of the waxing moon begins and the moon's light grows in the night sky. During this time food cravings tend to increase, eventually leading to their peak at the full moon. Your self discipline will be brought to the test during this time.

While under the influence of the waxing moon you must eat less than usual. You don't have to starve yourself, but you need to be sure to stop eating your meals as soon as you begin to feel full—don't overeat and don't give in to cravings! Especially avoid thickeners (sweets, fats, etc.) in this phase. Most importantly, you shouldn't eat after 6 p.m., when the moon's light starts to become more visible. Wait until morning to eat again. Drinking more fluids between 3 and 5 p.m. will help you feel more full and control any cravings that strike in the evening hours before you go to bed.

Although this period leading up to the full moon can be more difficult than other phases, you can look forward to the relatively easier guidelines of the waning moon after that.

By following the guidelines above for the extended moon diet, you can reap many weight loss / weight management benefits. Best of all, it is easy to do and natural, something you can do every month of the year.




Friday, January 11, 2013

Be Here, Not There

“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.”
― Henry David Thoreau


                                                     you must be "here" ...not "there"




So, Today while surfing some of my favorite Google+ Communities, I ran across this quote. 

I do try to live in the present. Not because my past is all so horrific that looking back evokes painful memories. Well..let's just say that I doubt my past is any better or worse than the majority of people walking around on this planet today. 


The past defines who we become in our future. However, we always have the free will to make our own choice. Which in turn, leads us down a path of our own choosing. Good, Bad, Happy or Sad...in places where we wanted to be, in places we never dreamed we would be, in places we wish we had never been to or in. 

I suppose in the end, each choice leads us to a lesson we need to learn, or an experience we must live through,  meeting people along the way. People who we learn to love, learn to hate, keep, lose track of...or suffer the loss of ....all choices..all choices made by the sum of each past experience ..




with the hopes of a better tomorrow.






Quotes for Today


“The word "happiness" would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. ”




“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters.” 
― Audrey Hepburn












“Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.” 
― Christian D. LarsonYour Forces and How to Use Them









“Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it.” 
― Elizabeth GilbertEat, Pray, Love










“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” 
― George Eliot





“This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, somg go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And babve, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up becuase if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.” 
― Marilyn Monroe








                                                      “Turn your wounds into wisdom.” 
                                                                 ― Oprah Winfrey

Recipes of the Day

              ~BAILEY'S Irish Cream White Chocolate Cheesecake ~ Recipe | Just A Pinch Recipes]



                                      Lemon Glazed Cookies! Recipe | Just A Pinch Recipes



                                              Candy Cane Syrup Recipe | Just A Pinch Recipes


                                               Orange Bars Recipe | Just A Pinch Recipes



                    Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe | Just A Pinch Recipes


                              Cream Cheese Cake Mix Cookies Recipe | Just A Pinch Recipes



                               Rich 'n Creamy Hot Chocolate Recipe | Just A Pinch Recipes




                                                Rum Punch Recipe | Just A Pinch Recipes



                                                    DIY marshmallow (or ice cream!) hearts


                                               Lick The Spoon: Raspberry Lemonade Slice