I continue to search for the perfect Theme. One that reflects me and the Advocacy work I support. I feel this is to busy with the the three column layout and may be difficult to navigate.
Please give me feedback. I’m leaning towards the old theme or a new one. Help!
BACK TO PREVIOS THEME OR THIS THEME?
ANY IDEAS?
Originally posted February 27, 2006
My grandmother passed away in 2005 from Dementia brought on by two strokes. I’m reposting for caregivers with a loved one with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. For those who have not been a caregiver, the post may help you down the road. Caregivers commit every ounce of energy to keep their loved one comfortable, take care of yourself. Your body can physically break down. Due to her lack of memory it’s hard to take an eye off her, 24/7. I was fortunate we had hospice care, allowing Gramps to play domino’s everyday until the last months. He was strong in accepting his life changed dramatically. He never complained.
A month ago my grandmother fell and broke her hip, a bad situation for any 85-year-old. Made worse with the memory loss. The hospital had the worst staff.. She’s home after a week in the hospital and another in a nursing home. That was hard on me, thinking about leaving her there and the response when Gramps wasn’t at her side. I took the grave shift and slept on floor next to her.
My mind runs to at high level by switching to what I call “caregiver mode”. I can manage tons of information, what drugs each takes, scheduling appointments, discuss test results or anything needed to take care of two people who are dying and “switch back” when at home.
Before the fall, my grandmother knew me and though our conversations were limited, I enjoyed sharing memories with her. She really enjoyed a photo book I put together that had many photos of her beloved dog, Blackie. Thinking about Blackie always made her smile and even though he died twenty years ago she remembered like it was today.
Driving to their house one day, tears rolling down my face. I could not stop crying. It took a few minutes to figure out what was causing so much pain. I switched from caregiver to granddaughter. My grandmother no longer knew me. We would not share our memories again. I knew the day would come and prayed our memories calmed her in some way. Seeing her memory fade by the days was harder than I imagined. I’m blessed being a caregiver to both grandparents
I”m miss my granny and think of her several times a day.
Xx M
The research from Harvard School of Medicine sheds light on reseach in the area of Schizophrenia. When we or a loved one is affected by Schizophphrenia, you look for answers, wanting to know how the discovery can help in the future. I hope we can take several steps forward based on the research. XxM
Biological Origin of Schizophrenia
By PAUL GOLDSMITHJanuary 27, 2016
The risk of schizophrenia increases if a person inherits specific variants in a gene related to “synaptic pruning”—the elimination of connections between neurons—according to a study from Harvard Medical School, the Broad Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital. The findings were based on genetic analysis of nearly 65,000 people.
The study represents the first time that the origin of this psychiatric disease has been causally linked to specific gene variants and a biological process.
It also helps explain two decades-old observations: synaptic pruning is particularly active during adolescence, which is the typical period of onset for symptoms of schizophrenia, and the brains of schizophrenic patients tend to show fewer connections between neurons.
The gene, complement component 4 (C4), plays a well-known role in the immune system. It has now been shown to also play a key role in brain development and schizophrenia risk. The insight may allow future therapeutic strategies to be directed at the disorder’s roots, rather than just its symptoms.
The study, which appears online Jan. 27 in Nature, was led by HMS researchers at the Broad Institute’s Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research and Boston Children’s. They include senior author Steven McCarroll, HMS associate professor of genetics and director of genetics for the Stanley Center; Beth Stevens, HMS assistant professor of neurology at Boston Children’s and institute member at the Broad; Michael Carroll, HMS professor of pediatrics at Boston Children’s; and first author Aswin Sekar, an MD-PhD student at HMS.
The study has the potential to reinvigorate translational research on a debilitating disease. Schizophrenia afflicts approximately 1 percent people worldwide and is characterized by hallucinations, emotional withdrawal and a decline in cognitive function. These symptoms most frequently begin in patients when they are teenagers or young adults.
“These results show that it is possible to go from genetic data to a new way of thinking about how a disease develops—something that has been greatly needed.”
First described more than 130 years ago, schizophrenia lacks highly effective treatments and has seen few biological or medical breakthroughs over the past half-century.
In the summer of 2014, an international consortium led by researchers at the Stanley Center identified more than 100 regions in the human genome that carry risk factors for schizophrenia.
The newly published study now reports the discovery of the specific gene underlying the strongest of these risk factors and links it to a specific biological process in the brain.
“Since schizophrenia was first described over a century ago, its underlying biology has been a black box, in part because it has been virtually impossible to model the disorder in cells or animals,” said McCarroll. “The human genome is providing a powerful new way in to this disease. Understanding these genetic effects on risk is a way of prying open that black box, peering inside and starting to see actual biological mechanisms.”
“This study marks a crucial turning point in the fight against mental illness,” said Bruce Cuthbert, acting director of the National Institute of Mental Health. “Because the molecular origins of psychiatric diseases are little-understood, efforts by pharmaceutical companies to pursue new therapeutics are few and far between. This study changes the game. Thanks to this genetic breakthrough we can finally see the potential for clinical tests, early detection, new treatments and even prevention.”
The path to discovery
The discovery involved the collection of DNA from more than 100,000 people, detailed analysis of complex genetic variation in more than 65,000 human genomes, development of an innovative analytical strategy, examination of postmortem brain samples from hundreds of people and the use of animal models to show that a protein from the immune system also plays a previously unsuspected role in the brain.
Over the past five years, Stanley Center geneticists and collaborators around the world collected more than 100,000 human DNA samples from 30 different countries to locate regions of the human genome harboring genetic variants that increase the risk of schizophrenia. The strongest signal by far was on chromosome 6, in a region of DNA long associated with infectious disease. This caused some observers to suggest that schizophrenia might be triggered by an infectious agent. But researchers had no idea which of the hundreds of genes in the region was actually responsible or how it acted.
Based on analyses of the genetic data, McCarroll and Sekar focused on a region containing the C4 gene. Unlike most genes, C4 has a high degree of structural variability. Different people have different numbers of copies and different types of the gene.
McCarroll and Sekar developed a new molecular technique to characterize the C4 gene structure in human DNA samples. They also measured C4 gene activity in nearly 700 post-mortem brain samples.
They found that the C4 gene structure (DNA) could predict the C4 gene activity (RNA) in each person’s brain. They then used this information to infer C4 gene activity from genome data from 65,000 people with and without schizophrenia.
These data revealed a striking correlation. People who had particular structural forms of the C4 gene showed higher expression of that gene and, in turn, had a higher risk of developing schizophrenia.
Connecting cause and effect through neuroscience
But how exactly does C4—a protein known to mark infectious microbes for destruction by immune cells—affect the risk of schizophrenia?
Answering this question required synthesizing genetics and neurobiology.
Stevens, a recent recipient of a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant,” had found that other complement proteins in the immune system also played a role in brain development. These results came from studying an experimental model of synaptic pruning in the mouse visual system.
“This discovery enriches our understanding of the complement system in brain development and in disease, and we could not have made that leap without the genetics.”
Carroll had long studied C4 for its role in immune disease, and developed mice with different numbers of copies of C4.
The three labs set out to study the role of C4 in the brain.
They found that C4 played a key role in pruning synapses during maturation of the brain. In particular, they found that C4 was necessary for another protein—a complement component called C3—to be deposited onto synapses as a signal that the synapses should be pruned. The data also suggested that the more C4 activity an animal had, the more synapses were eliminated in its brain at a key time in development.
The findings may help explain the longstanding mystery of why the brains of people with schizophrenia tend to have a thinner cerebral cortex (the brain’s outer layer, responsible for many aspects of cognition) with fewer synapses than do brains of unaffected individuals. The work may also help explain why the onset of schizophrenia symptoms tends to occur in late adolescence.
The human brain normally undergoes widespread synapse pruning during adolescence, especially in the cerebral cortex. Excessive synaptic pruning during adolescence and early adulthood, due to increased complement (C4) activity, could lead to the cognitive symptoms seen in schizophrenia.
“Once we had the genetic findings in front of us we started thinking about the possibility that complement molecules are excessively tagging synapses in the developing brain,” Stevens said.
“This discovery enriches our understanding of the complement system in brain development and in disease, and we could not have made that leap without the genetics,” she said. “We’re far from having a treatment based on this, but it’s exciting to think that one day we might be able to turn down the pruning process in some individuals and decrease their risk.”
Opening a path toward early detection and potential therapies
Beyond providing the first insights into the biological origins of schizophrenia, the work raises the possibility that therapies might someday be developed that could turn down the level of synaptic pruning in people who show early symptoms of schizophrenia.
This would be a dramatically different approach from current medical therapies, which address only a specific symptom of schizophrenia—psychosis—rather than the disorder’s root causes, and which do not stop cognitive decline or other symptoms of the illness.
The researchers emphasize that therapies based on these findings are still years down the road. Still, the fact that much is already known about the role of complement proteins in the immune system means that researchers can tap into a wealth of existing knowledge to identify possible therapeutic approaches. For example, anticomplement drugs are already under development for treating other diseases.
“In this area of science, our dream has been to find disease mechanisms that lead to new kinds of treatments,” said McCarroll. “These results show that it is possible to go from genetic data to a new way of thinking about how a disease develops—something that has been greatly needed.”
This work was supported by the Broad Institute’s Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research and by the National Institutes of Health (grants U01MH105641, R01MH077139 and T32GM007753).
This week offers a variety of hot tunes. We celebrate the life of Glenn Frey and his contribution to music. Gone to soon.
Xx M
I have a deep connection to song, why?
In Memory of Glenn
Josh requested Hendrix Little Wing, the videos/sound were terrible. I hope you jam to my fav artist Eric Clapton.
Travelers Take Note XxM
JAN 22 2016, 7:03 PM ET
Zika Virus Spreads to 20 Latin American Countries
by MAGGIE FOX
The Zika virus has now spread to 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including some popular tourist destinations, and it’s likely to spread farther, international health officials said.
And evidence is strengthening that the virus may cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly.
The virus can be expected to spread more, as the mosquitoes that carry it can be found across the region. It’s now spreading locally in Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname, and Venezuela. Samoa, in the south Pacific, is also reporting Zika for the first time.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday repeated its recommendation that pregnant women avoid travel to affected countries until more is known about whether it can infect unborn babies.
But a team of Brazilian researchers published early results of a study of 35 babies affected in Brazil last year that strengthen the evidence. The babies were born in August through October and all had confirmed microcephaly, which causes underdeveloped heads and brains.
Microcephaly can be caused by a range of factors and two other babies were found to have other causes of their microcephaly — one had a virus called cytomegalovirus, and the other had a genetic disorder that can cause the condition.
The other 35 babies tested negative for syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus infections. Their spinal fluid is being analyzed for Zika and other infections, but the results are not back yet, the Brazilian team reported in a CDC bulletin. They said 26 of the mothers reported having had a rash during pregnancy. A rash is one symptom of Zika, which almost always causes a very mild infection.
In a second report, a team of CDC experts said they’re still not sure about the association.
They’re also checking into reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare but serious neurological condition that can follow viral infections.
“Studies are under way to evaluate the risks for Zika virus transmission during pregnancy, the spectrum of outcomes associated with congenital infection and the possible association between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome,” they wrote.
In the meantime, the only way for people to protect themselves is to avoid mosquito bites by using repellent, wearing protective clothing and staying indoors.
No one can yet say why Zika hasn’t been associated with birth defects before, but the virus didn’t start spreading widely until 2007. The European Centers for Disease Control says there are two strains of Zika — one from Africa and one from Asia. It’s the Asian strain that’s spreading in the Americas, the ECDC said in a review of what’s known about Zika.
And last November, a team of Brazilian researchers found a genetic change in the virus spreading in Brazil. They’re trying to discover if that change has made the virus more likely to spread and whether it’s changed the way Zika affects people.
Written 12/23/2009
The post may get confusing, in one paragraph I may be talking to you and next I’m talking about what I did. If you have a questions, please drop me a line.
Many people are finding themselves in caregiver roles. I worked harder than imagined and so glad I did. The memories of being there out weights lack of sleep.
*Carry a list of your loved one’s, include all medicines, supplements and health issues. Keep one list in your wallet and a copy for your loved one in case of emergency. This is a life saver in an emergency.
*EMT’s look for answers in your wallet.
*If the first and second surgery does not work, Is there a third option?
*What is the recovery time and what type of home health services are needed. Doctor has to call in order.
*Keep a small note-book include notes about patient care and to do list.
If your family has Hillbillies, oh I meant Vultures, I have my share. I scheduled their visit’s, this house is no longer “come as you wish.” Call me first! I have to create the best environment for gramps. I kept a tight fist on people trying to stir up dust. REMEMBER, I’m in charge. No need to ask gramps, you deal with me. As gramps grew weak, I posted a sign with visiting hours. For those without a brain, use a sign on front door, OXYGEN IN USE, NO SMOKING.
I made funeral arrangements, no input needed. I play serious ball when taking care of someone I love.
Look hard at the big picture, surgery is difficult for the elderly. Will his life improve by doing the surgery? What if we do nothing? How long do think we will live? What to expect when his bladder/kidneys starts to fail? I’ve questioned myself, should a 92-year-old have surgery?
Gramps went in for a non-invasive surgery which turned into three surgeries over two weeks. The second procedure the doctor inserted a catheters one in each kidney. Imagine the pain of living with catheters implanted in your kidneys, to carry around for a week. Not to mention who’s there to empty the bags or other accidents. The catheters were inserted to make it easier for doctor go thru kidney to bladder. The last procedure included removing the catheters and completed the bladder surgery.
It’s difficult to start a conversation about death until their sick. Conversation about their wishes, what songs they want to played a service, memorial or church service, color of flowers. A birth certificate, marriage certificate and copy of will to see when it was written, an updated version might be in order. Judges don’t use the same language, example a will written 1972 is fair game for Judge to interpret as vague. If the will is over ten years or older, not a bad idea to have a lawyer look over. FOR SURE, if Vultures are on your back. It’s not fun when family members want to move you out of the loop.
I had this problem when gramps died. Their will was written while my parents were still married. Since they could have had another child, we were listed as heirs. If gramps updated the will, which is normal when a spouse dies, we could have cut the number of visits to the courthouse. Who knew? We had to prove we were the heirs and how related to gramps since his name was different than ours. What normally takes three months, took over a year. I was not prepared for the mounds of paper, legal documents, legal counsel, court dates. The same happened with Life Insurance. The policy my grandparents had did not include grandchildren, the funds went to next of kin, technically we were not his next of kin. It’s wasn’t a large amount, I had the money split with his living brothers and sister.
It’s easier to start the conversation early, while alive so they can understand what their signing or feel overwhelmed. The meetings, getting copies of all legal papers, getting yourself on their bank account, where are the insurance policies and medical HIPPA paperwork for each doctor.
Another surprise was having to notify Social Security right away.
Xx M
WHO IS NEXT?
WHAT WOULD GEORGE SAY?
I must have slept through the week, we can celebrate both days. Being at home I don’t have to know the day of week. Lyme Brain????????
Hello friends, I’m continuing to find the right Theme. Don’t be surprised when you drop by and see changes. I am trying to work WP on importing my previous blog. If you have any suggestion, I’m open for feedback.
I enjoy playing DJ with your music suggestions. We have great request this week. Keep the request coming my way. I wanted to DJ at young in life Playing your tunes brings fond memories.
One of my goals for 2016 is to learn more about friend/followers. I want to say Thank You for dropping by for Throw Back Thursdays.
Xx M
Don Henley plays a beautiful version of The Heart of the Matter
Hold on Loosely was requested by Selective Thought
A great selection this week from Hyperion Strum
Granny is little girl in front, curly hair, cross eyed, gather around her siblings. Her life was shattered when her father died in 1930. Her mother could not manage the money, it must have been hard on the kids. Back in the old days the snake oil, fuller brush and many more stopped by. She would buy everything.
Her oldest brother joined the Circus and traveled around the world. He returned home starting a career as a Concierge at upscale restaurant.
Two of her brothers wanted money and fast. One became a bank robber, He and wife spent several years in prison.The day he walking out of jail, it was business as usual with eyes to cover his back.
The older joined the local Mafia. At the time slot machines were the way to the money.The tragedy is he was murdered with cyanide. I am totally fascinated buy the Mafia. I tried not to think about him dying in what became my bedroom.
Granny had tragedy through out her life. A lesser person might have crushed under the pressure. My father wasn’t even 2 years old when they where abandoned buy here husband. Granny worked hard labor to care for her son. She remarried my gramps when my father was 10 years old.
My grandmother never gave up. She never said I don’t know, it was learn as you go.
Granny was shy by nature and passive aggressive at time. She was beautiful, a true stunner in her younger days. She didn’t want gramps talking to another women. She took photos of gramps previous girlfriends and cut them out. Her temper was a slow burn, you didn’t want her going off on you.
My grandmother taught me how to wash close, do hand washing and don’t forget the crease down the front of jeans. When I was a tot Granny would light the gas fire in the bathroom, after bathing she would wrap me in a towel and lay me on bed for baby powder.
Happy Birthday Granny, thank you for always being you.
Xx M
NBC29 News Story on Cat Dissection—Thanks to our Petition-Signers!
Tamira Thayne
Amissville, VA
Jan 14, 2016 — Thanks to the overwhelming support of Americans on the petition against cat dissection in the high school classroom—now at 103,000 signatures—Brynnan and I were invited to discuss our position on a Charlottesville, VA NBC 29 news station.
We are grateful to our signers who have made this possible—on behalf of those cats who cannot speak for themselves, and the students who are too afraid to speak out against this kind of traumatic experimentation in our school systems.
As I made clear in the TV interview, “This [cutting up of cats by high school students] engenders a lack of respect for companion animals, and that’s the complete opposite of what we should be telling our students.”
My daughter Brynnan further drives home the point in the interview: “We can’t dissect these cats, they are our companions…they are what we love, what we come home to, what we care about.”
In speaking to a reporter from Culpeper County, VA yesterday, I was asked how many signatures will be enough to create change? I told her that was exactly the question, isn’t it?
If 103,000 people are telling a school district that the practice is morally wrong, yet the school district is still passing out rhetoric like “We are following all guidelines set forth by the state of Virginia” instead of taking the concerns of parents, students, and citizens across the world seriously and making a plan to end this archaic practice, just how many people standing up WILL it take?
I guess that remains to be seen.
Let’s keep sharing the petition and gathering signatures. I hope you’ll help. Remember that even though this particular petition is directed toward Culpeper High School in Virginia, the more signatures we gather the more influenced other school districts will be to end the practice, too. Even though some counties local to us still continue this practice, others told the reporter that they ended it years ago.
This in and of itself reveals that some schools already acknowledge the inhumane message sent by this practice; if we all stand together, we can make sure cat dissection is ‘off the menu’ all across America. Thank you!
Here’s the TV interview: http://www.nbc29.com/story/30949320/mother-protesting-dissections-of-cats-at-culpeper-public-schools
Here’s the petition again (Also note, along the right hand side you can contribute a small amount to change.org to share the petition to a wider audience if you’d like, but it’s not required. Share and reshare again! Thank you.) https://www.change.org/p/don-t-force-our-children-to-skin-cats
Mother Protesting Dissections of Cats at Culpeper Public Schools
A central Virginia mother and daughter are challenging their county’s school system over an…
http://WWW.NBC29.COM
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I subscribe to The New England Journal of Medicine to stay informed with projects and successes. The link takes you to The Most notable document. I smiled seeing the number of projects dedicated to Mental Health.
I think you will find a topic of interest
Xx M
Thru music I celebrate the life of David Bowie. He was “far out” in earlier music. David remained current thru the years. His music crossed all borders.
I think of his wife Iman and his children.
Xx M
Spam is continues to devastate individuals and corporations daily. I have seen several horror stories on the news. Seniors are an easily target. I think we’ll all learn something about spam and what happens after you click the link.
Xx M
Change.org
Melinda –
Happy New Year!
As we ready ourselves for the year ahead, we’re taking stock of all that you changed in 2015.
More than 22.8 million of you were a part of the more than 4,500 victories that enacted new laws, overturned unjust convictions, and made life better for people around the world. This video shows just a handful of the amazing things our community accomplished in 2015:
http://blog.change.org/feed/you-changed-the-world-in-2015?
Didn’t contribute to one of these victories? You have more than 350 days to make your mark on 2016.
So, as you’re making your resolutions, take a moment to think about what you want to see change in the world this year. Then, start your own petition!
Starting and promoting your campaign on Change.org is simple:
Write your petition, address it to the relevant decision maker, and start sharing your campaign with family and friends.
Send your petition to your local media to get public support.
Deliver your signatures to the decision maker and urge them to take a stand on your campaign.
Change.org is a powerful tool for those who want to see change in 2016.
Make it your resolution to make change today. Start your petition now.
The Change.org team
This my first attempt to write poetry as an Adult. Words came to me like never before. I welcome your feed back. I am nervous, feedback is generous.
I haven’t written another poem since. Maybe a memory of childhood poetry or Adult desire.
Xx M
Soft music fills the room
Relaxing smell of exotic flowers
My body is enjoying the aroma
Slipping orchid in my hair
Candles reflect our body’s
Brushing your body against mine
The heat rises inside
Strong hands softly explore
I shutter as you pull my hair back, kissing my neck
Biting my lip softly eager to explore
I have something in mind for you
Anticipating you exploring my body
He carries me to bed, whispering my surprise tonight
Deeply kissing my heart beats faster
Unleash the Wolfe, I’m yours
Wrap your body around me,
Kissing, clawing, becoming one.
Squeezing me close, scratching drawing blood.
Heights of pleasure rise deep within
Kissing, laying in your arms
Xx M
Photo by Graphic Images
*I found the article interesting and will validate with The Quran. The article is the opinion of the writer. Opinions are just that, an opinion. I’m not a hater declaring a Religion is bad. Have an open mind, it’s a diverse world and we have to adapt. My opinion is terrorist misuse passages in the Quran, a Holy Book as a front for their cause not for Allah. * M
The article
Tensions in the Muslim world have risen even further in the wake of a mass execution of 47 men by the Saudi Arabian government, among whom was a prominent Shiite cleric named Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Saudi Arabia is a monarchy led by a Sunni Muslim family, while nearby power Iran is a theocracy led by Shiite Muslim clerics.
In news coverage from the region we often hear of tensions between Sunni and Shia Islam, but find that few people in the Western world have been truly exposed to the differences between these two interpretations of one of Earth’s most influential faiths. What is the difference between Sunni and Shia
Islam Around the World
For starters, most Muslims (more than 85 percent of them) practice Sunni Islam. These form the majority of the population in most “Muslim” nations (the two most notable outliers from this trend are Iraq and Iran, where Shiites form the majority).
Because these two sects must account for nearly 1.5 billion individuals around the world, it is also important to note that the spectrum of ideas within Sunni and Shia Islam is incredibly wide. There are more fundamentalist and more secular individuals in either group. Some people have argued that the differences between these two groups is analog to the difference between Catholic and Protestant Christians – among which you see a similar ideological spectrum.
History of the Sunni/Shia Split
The initial split between the two groups actually took place nearly 1,400 years ago, when the prophet Mohammed died. The sect that would become Sunni Islam argued that Mohammed’s best friend, Abu Bakr, should succeed him as the next leader of Islam. Those who would come to form the Shia sect of Islam believed that Mohammad’s son-in-law, Ali, should succeed him.
The Sunnis would eventually win that debate, but the rift never really closed (Sunni troops would later kill Ali, an event commemorated annually by Shiites). Tensions have remained high between the two groups – one Pew Research poll revealed that 4 out of 10 Sunnis don’t believe that Shiites are ‘real Muslims’.
What is the Difference Between Sunni and Shia Islam?
Both Sunni and Shia Islam share most of the core values of Islam and largely believe in maintaining similar practices. The rift between the two, at least from an outside perspective, definitely appears to be more historical/political (much of the political upheaval that has taken place in the Middle East over the last ~30 years can at least partially be attributed to Shia/Sunni conflict) than it does theological.
What’s Next for Islam?
Especially in the wake of the recent uproar in Iran, it appears unlikely that tensions between the two factions will ease anytime soon. At this point, unfortunately, it appears as though the religious conflicts we’ve seen around the world (particularly over the last year) will only increase in quantity and severity.
We want to know what you think: How can we close rifts and built peace?
*Comment Left for the Writer*
All the information that I have received over the years on Islam has led me to develop a zero tolerance for Islam. Mostly provoked by the jihad they have waged on Western culture.
The beheading of Christians and the current hostile take over of our culture and religion has put me on guard. While it is nice to know the difference between the Sunni’s and the Shi’ites it is immaterial as long as the jihad and threat to me and my family exists.
Just the fact that we 47 terrorist training camps in the United States is enough to keep us all in guard. The Federal government checks into everything else that poses a threat and have allowed these camps to exist. As long as the jihad exists and the government remains complacent I will have zero tolerance for Islam.
Xx M
I’m excited because the music came from request this week. Please the request coming, I love to hear what you like.
Xx M
Sheldon requested Queen, Here’s your surprise.
Van requested James Taylor, You’ve Got A Friend
Daniel @ Hyperion Strum requested The Stones Wild Horses
NEW CHANGE.ORG PETITION
CALLING ALL CAT LOVERS!
When my daughter Brynnan transferred to Culpeper High School in Virginia this year, she was excited that they offered an anatomy class. She wanted to learn more about the human body and how it worked, but her excitement quickly turned to shock and distress.
“Mom, they want me to skin and dissect a CAT,” she told me. “The teacher told us if we have a black cat at home, pick a white cat and vice versa. Like the color of their fur changes how I feel about ripping the fur from a cat who—no matter what—will remind me of my baby Sparta!”
I was horrified. We discussed how to handle it, and she begged me to let her home school instead. As a new student, she already felt alone, and the thought of taking a stand in a class full of strangers was something that caused her more anguish.
Whether she silently took part in skinning and dissecting a companion animal—something that would cause her immense psychological pain—or stood against the practice and further alienated herself from the other students, she was facing trauma either way.
Eventually, I decided it was best to pull her from the high school. As her parent, it is my duty to protect her, first and foremost, and I didn’t want my daughter to go through such a traumatizing event. Now, I want to make sure that other children don’t have to experience something so traumatic as dissecting a pet. I will start with Brynnan’s school district, but I won’t stop there. Will you join me in asking the Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS) to ban cat dissection in their classrooms?
Cats are the most popular companion animal in the United States, outnumbering dogs by some 15 million. To expect students to skin and cut up the very same animal that they may sleep with at night is cruel and inhumane, both to the cats and to the students forced to maim them.
There are many alternatives to dissection, including online or computer simulations and 3-D models. It’s time for CCPS in Virginia to put into practice the humane message they should be sending to all students. Please stand with Brynnan and myself to demand an end to cat dissection in the classroom.
Thank you!
Sign Tamira’s petition
Thank you for the participation. These petitions do make a difference.
Xx M
NEW CHANGE.ORG PETITION
READING MADE ME WANT TO WORK HARDER ON WOMENS RIGHTS AROUND THE WORLD.
After having lived for seven years with an abusive husband, I decided it was time to leave. I didn’t think I would survive another year if I stayed, so in 2011, I walked out the door and broke the crippling silence and isolation the abuse had made me feel. I felt empowered and free, and finally looked forward to my future. But because I left my marriage, my husband considered me “disobedient” and, therefore, worthy of punishment. So one day, when he called me to pick up my children at his house and suddenly acid was thrown at my face and body.
The next thing I knew, my face felt as if it were on fire. My skin was literally melting away.
He thought he would break my spirit, but he only made me stronger. Since my attack, I have been fighting to put an end to this horrific practice in my country of Uganda, and I need your help to do it. Please support our petition by asking H.E. President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta to sign the Toxic Chemicals Bill into law.
That is my story, but there are many more, each one as harrowing as the last. Acid violence occurs around the globe and isn’t specific to race or religion. My country, Uganda, has some of the highest rates of acid violence. In fact, since 1985, there have been nearly 400 reported cases of acid attacks here, and in just one hospital alone, they have reported 8 attacks and two deaths this year. And those are just the ones that were reported. The real statistics are likely much higher.
My name is Hanifa Nakiryowa,and my fellow acid attack survivor Gloria Kankunda and I have founded the Center for Rehabilitation of Survivors of Acid and burns Violence (CERESAV). We founded CERESAV because of our personal experiences, and because of the stories we were told by fellow victims. CERESAV’s ultimate goal is to address the issue of acid attacks and gender violence on a global level, but today we have a chance to make a difference in Uganda by helping to pass legislation that would classify products like acid as controlled substances. Cutting off easy access to acid has proven to drastically reduce the rate of attacks in other countries.
Research indicates that the most effective ways to reduce acid violence are through regulation of the sale of acid, tougher jail sentences for perpetrators, and raising awareness of the devastating impact that acid attacks have on individuals and their families. Step by step, CERESAV hopes to make all of these things a reality, but we can’t do it alone.
With collective efforts, we can end this devastating act and save the next potential victim. I know we can make a difference. When strong women and fellow victims of female-directed violence, like Jaha who fought to end female genital mutilation, or Malala who is a champion for girls’ education started Change.org petitions, great things happened.
Please join me in asking H.E. President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta to sign the Toxic Chemicals Bill into law.
Sign Hanifa’s petition
You have to see her photo to begin to understand her pain.
Xx M
Thank you for all the hugs and prayers, my heart overflows with sunshine. There is no question I will survive, a cure will come sooner than later.
Xx M
BUCKET LIST STARTED 2015
Chronic Lyme Disease has given me time to reflect on the blessings in life. To stay motivated, I think of a bright future. Thinking of travel locations and adventures left to do. I want to help my community. I’m extremely proud of my charity God’s Tree of Life Ministries. There’s an unlimited amount to learn, see, give back and baggage to let go. My first Bucket List now started and written down. I’m a strong believer, if you can feel and see the goal, you can do it.
I’ll live a full life expanding my soul and supporting others.
XO Melinda
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Learn to double jump rope
Roller Derby
Watch baby turtles hatch
Drive Hover Craft
Tango and Salsa Lessons
Dive again, I had panic attack during a dive in 1999. I have to tackle the fear.
Argentinian Wine Country
Volunteer for RAINN Advocate Speaker for Child Abuse and Rape.
Started charity, Tree of Life Ministries, focused on children’s early education, children in shelters and growing community awareness. Our first initiative was to provide underserved kids with clothes and backpacks and books.
Provide pastoral support as Ordained Minister with a focus on dying children and the elderly. My challenge is to clean my language up.
Swim with Manatees, Dolphins and Sharks, Sharks only while in cage.
Ride a Camel and Elephant in native environment, treated ethically.
See every inch of Australia. Australia is several countries in one.
Hot air balloon ride French country side.
Visit countries safe for American women traveling alone. I like to travel alone to foreign destinations. Germany, Istanbul, India, Dubai, Alaska, a good start.
Learn to rescue animals who coexist in our neighborhood, like ducks, rabbits, owls, bobcats and coyotes.
Learn how to grow Orchids.
Travel to Uganda to experience the few Silver Back Gorilla’s left.
See fine Turkish rugs being made.
Pray at Wailing Wall.
Learn how to restore antiques, know the different woods.
Restore antique tools and my antique fan.
COME BACK OFTEN, WHO KNOWS WHAT YOU’LL FIND.
:)
M
I hope to have a Lyme Update post with information on the cost of treatment. Thank you for stopping by today. I am happy to answer any questions.
Xx M
My father committed suicide in 1992 at 52 years old. After his death I questioned if I would reach 52. It’s not that I loved and missed my father, he sexually abused me. The thoughts were tied to deep depression and helping my grandmother grieve. In time the thoughts faded away until Christmas night. I don’t drink but do suffer from Chronic Lyme Disease which creates extreme pain.
I was sitting on the couch looking at the tree when thoughts of being 52 and my father’s death at 52 resurfaced. Several thoughts overwhelmed me, the most comforting was I made it to 52 years old. My father was Bipolar, suffering until the end. His mental illness and death pushed me to look in the mirror at my lifelong depression. The search for a doctor who knew how to manage Bipolar took seeing several doctors.
The memories will fade with no reason to return. I rarely look back at my life or worry about my age. Living till 52 years old haunted me. 2016 is open for me to shape, improve and focus on getting well.
Thank you for reading. If someone is suffering, please reach out for help.
Xx M
I looked at stats to find WP has already flipped to January. My clock is showing 6:19pm, nowhere near the usual 11:00pm roll over.
Maybe WP is enjoying a vacation in a much different time zone. Who is already enjoying the New Year?
Does it matter, probably not.
:) M
lookingforthelight.blog 