Working for the Common Good

Commonwealth 2007
Respecting Difference, Promoting Understanding

53 countries, from Asia, Africa, North America, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific form a partnership dedicated to co-operation and governed by mutual respect. On Commonwealth Day, there are events celebrating equality, justice, and freedom. The Commonwealth grew out of Britain's imperial past and Queen Elizabeth II is Head of the Commonwealth.

Every member joins in six affirmations:

Human Worth
Stewardship of the Earth
Equality, Justice and Peace
The Primacy of Love
Unity in Diversity - Service and Sacrifice
The Sixth Affirmation changes based on the Year's Theme

A large celebration is a multi-faith, multi-cultural event to take place in Westminster Abbey. Since 1930, the Commonwealth Games have attracted international competitors in a relaxed atmosphere known as the Friendly Games, next scheduled in 2010 in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Nehru of India said the Commonwealth could bring "a touch of healing" to the world's population. Sounds like a path to peace to me. Read details here. Be sure to check the end of the document for the many related websites.

MS Awareness Week Ends

MS Awareness Week ended yesterday. It is still National MS Month, so there is still time to Join the Movement.

When I first looked at the wall, there were about 700 marks. Now there are more than 2000. Search for the name Garry and see my favorite upright's marks.

Johnny's Apples

Have you had your apple today? If no, why not? If yes, thank John Chapman.

Some of the story may be legend, but it is based on truth. Chapman walked barefooted planting millions -- yes, millions -- of apple seeds between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, earning him the nickname of Johnny Appleseed. Most people knew him by no other name.

He also sold seedlings to pioneers headed west, so he is probably responsible for the orchards in the Northwest.

Today is his day. Happy Johnny Appleseed Day.

March is National Women's History Month

This month is about women making history.

March is National Women's History Month and the theme this year is Generations of Women Moving History Forward. The theme recognizes two important anniversaries: 50 years ago, Central High School in Little Rock was successfully integrated; 30 years ago the National Women's Conference was held in Houston.

Both of these historic events marked the beginning of changes in government policy and our daily lives. Look at today's political arena -- the top democratic presidential contenders include an African American and a woman. Women and African Americans have run before, but these candidates are TOP contenders for the TOP political office.

The thirteen women honorees this year begin with Mathilda Joslyn Gage, an early suffragist, and end with Monique Mehta, who works with compelling problems such as immigration and homelessness. These women are all inspirational in their accomplishments and their daily lives.

We can all learn from these heroes.

technorati tags: vickisblog, homeless, immigration, national, women's, history, month, presidential, candidates, suffragist

Ring . . Ring

Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone on this day in 1876.

His goal was to improve the telegraph, and his result was the telephone. Could he imagine what would evolve over the next 131 years -- that telephones could transmit pictures along with the voices?

Well, yes he could. Actually Bell used mirrors to develop the photophone.

Be Aware of MS

Tomorrow is the beginning of MS Awareness Week. Join the MS Movement.

Help us move toward a world free of MS.

Here's an interesting side note -- I subscribe to Visual Thesaurus who sends a word of the day to my email. Today's word - locomotion, the ability to move under one's own power - coincides with the MS Movement. Well, it made me smile.

Hug a Soldier Today

Today is Hug a GI Day.

It sounds like a good idea -- support the troops one troop at a time.

And let's expand the sentiment:

Hug a Veteran
Hug a GI's Spouse
Hug a GI's Child
Hug a GI's Parent
Hug a Cadet

If you aren't close enough to actually hug a GI, hug a GI in spirit. Send good wishes, say a prayer, think good thoughts. A GI somewhere will feel the hug.

It has been brought to my attention that this 'holidate' was created by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith as she wrote in her blog Koopersmithin' Mar. 4, 2008. She gives a good background and some interesting tidbits. Take a look.

March -- Good Time for Good Health

Every month is special for one reason or another. March must be a time to think about health. First, in order to be healthy, we have to eat well. March has been designated as National Nutrition Month.

Several diseases and health concerns have also chosen a day, a week, or even the entire month to raise awareness for their cause.

National Kidney Month
National MS Month
American Red Cross Month
Save Your Vision Week
Mental Retardation Month
National Patient Safety Awareness Week
National Poison Prevention Week
World Tuberculosis Day
American Diabetes Day

Visit these sites to learn about the diseases and the patient care programs. Take special care of yourself, and make March a good health month!

Technorati tags: goodhealth, nutrition, kidneymonth, msmonth, redcrossmonth, visionweek, mentalretardationmonth, patientsafety, poisonprevention, tuberculosis, diabetes, vickisblog