People who know me are aware that I don’t like being out in cold weather. This picture was taken at the Wharf in Washington DC. It shows locals and visitors making the best out of the cold weather through ice skating.
Reading the article today reminded me that there is good in most anything when we use it wisely. As for visiting DC, I will wait for Spring!
I am writing this before sunrise so no one will I am taking sides for or against the outcome of whether the ground hog sees his shadow.
Groundhog Day, February 2nd, is a popular tradition in the United States. It is also a legend that traverses centuries, its origins clouded in the mists of time with ethnic cultures and animals awakening on specific dates. Myths such as this tie our present to the distant past when nature did, indeed, influence our lives. It is the day that the Groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow.
If he sees it, he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole.
If the day is cloudy and, hence, shadowless, he takes it as a sign of spring and stays above ground.
The groundhog tradition stems from similar beliefs associated with Candlemas Day and the days of early Christians in Europe, and for centuries the custom was to have the clergy bless candles and distribute them to the people. Even then, it marked a milestone in the winter and the weather that day was important.
The information in italics is copied from the web page http://www.groundhog.org/about/history/ It amazes me since the ability to predict the weather is a myth that in 2018 the day is still recognized by so many people. It shows me that traditions with lots of history behind keep living on into the future.
The purpose of sign is to inform us. We use many signs each day to guide our lives:
The sign I have posted is supposed to be advertising but, it does not tell the reader anything because it doesn’t say what merchandise is in stock. Watch for signs around you over next week, see how many signs you find that really have no informational value!
When you belong to any group, you make a commitment.
The picture above describes the commitment you make when you join a local United Methodist Church.
I am proud of the commitment I have made. Are you proud of the commitments you have made?
This picture of the cover of The New York Times is 46 years old. It is a reminder to me that we fought way too long, and lost way too many lives in that war. Our society is still feeling repercussions from that military blunder. (When I say blunder, I am not referring to the service given by the rank and file military, I am referring to the many politicians that kept is a conflict without a strategy for success.)
I am writing about it today to honor those who served and to express my prayer that none of our “international hot spots” develop into a situation that we will live to regret like we have our action in Vietnam.
This map was published by the BBC News Division. It shows what group is in control of each area of Syria. It helps me understand why violence is still breaking out each day as each group tries to expand the area it controls.
If they would negotiate instead of fight there would so many fewer people hurt and less destruction to their buildings. This is profound example of why military action is a sign of lack of success in resolving differences!
It has not been t-shirt weather for several months, but with the wonder of the internet I found this t-shirt for 21.99. Best of all this site is ran to raise money for shelter animals. I did not but the shirt, but I have made a note about the site for when the weather warms up. BTW, the site is: adogslove.com
WMHS is strongly advising persons with any symptoms of the flu, a cold, upper respiratory infection, or gastrointestinal illness to not visit patients at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center.
The image and message above came through my Twitter account today. It is a reminder that locally the flu virus is very active. I hope all who have acquired the virus get well.
The topic of today’s post is not: fun, entertaining, or pleasant. It addresses a tragic fact life in 2018.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
said that in 2015, suicide was the 10th leading
cause of death in the United States, claiming
44,193 lives. By comparison, there were
17,793 homicides.
In society we don’t like to discuss suicide. Often, we blame someone whether it be the person who attempts suicide or others in their lives. Part of the reason suicide is so prevalent is that many people still feel stigma about seeking mental health treatment. Somehow, we feel depression is a sign of weakness and want to keep the secret. If we had high blood pressure, we would not feel shame over admitting that publicly.
I have seen first hand the pain in the faces of people who lose someone they love to suicide. It is not pleasant! Many suicides are avoidable if the person contemplating it receives the proper intervention before they decision is made to implement a suicide plan. More resources need to be allocated toward mental health treatment and we must end the stigma attached to receiving mental health treatment!
CNN holds the distinction of being the oldest Cable TV 24-hour news network. I have always joked that the initials “CNN” really stand for “Chuck’s New Network”. Our President has recently been very critical of reporting by Don Lemon.
I can see where Mr. Trump might not like what is said about him, but to label it an intentional lie designed to undermine his credibility is a joke. The press has always enjoyed the freedom to report the news based on what people say and what is observed. If Mr. Trump does not like what people are saying, he should change his message or stop listening. But labeling the news as “fake” is not going to make it go away. If it did not work for Richard Nixon it won’t work for Donald Trump either!