Answering the call

What a tragedy,..Can you imagine, .. its almost dusk, the ground opens up beneath you, your world begins to crumble around you, literally, and you have no governmental infrastructure, no equipment, little food, no clean water. Night falls, and now, there are no lights. Imagine the long and frightening night of aftershocks, fearful that the next one could be even more devastating than the last. The cries for help and the prayers permeate the dust laden air as you begin to realize that even the closest assistance is countries away. Imagine this at the end of your day. After making your dollar. Its only a matter of where you were born that separates the "developed" world from underdeveloped nations. Only a matter of geography that even the poorest of the poor are faced with even greater physical devastation. On this planet of almost 7 billion, we are called to help our neighbors, regardless of location. In Haiti, as with those victims of Tsunami's in Asia, the call is among this planet's loudest. Will you ignore the weeping of the desperate?... Would Jesus? An organization based in Philadelphia, PA is answering the call, as many are. Visit the website of "Lamp for Haiti" to learn how you can help you neighbor. Will you answer the call? http://www.lampforhaiti.org/

Is it Spring yet?

Ok, Ok, ready for the cold to end? If you want to know what's hot today,.. its not Philadelphia, nor Florida or even L.A. where its currently 53 degrees F. But even that's a heatwave compared to Philly where its 17 degrees F. But hey,. its all perspective,.. In Duluth, MN its 2.5F with wind chills of -13F.. (wonder what that is in Kelvin?),.. some serious cold. Brrr!!!! Do prarie dogs have space heaters?

Meaning of Intelligence

The Meaning of intellegence,... an insightful discussion presented on NPR's "Speaking of Faith" concerning the multitude of educational classifications in our society,.. many of which speak of the "social predestination" described by social commentator John Lewis. An interesting analysis of education in America and the "No Child Left Behind" legislation has been written by Mike Rose. Check it out in "Speaking of Service" side panel.

Can you understand this?

Just found a comprehensive link describing the current health reform debate and legislation. Trying to understand it all. Roses to anyone who beats me to it. See Kaiser Family Foundation in Health Links in side panel

So when was this written?

Dateline Egypt, Jan 7, 2010,.. The Egyptian Ambassador to UAE, Tamir Mansour, conveyed the congratulations of Egyptian President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak to the coptic living in the UAE and his appreciation of the UAE religious tolerance, security and stability the Egyptian community - both Muslims and Christians - are enjoying. Addressing the Mass, Religious and Judicial Advisor at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs Ali Al Hashemi said both teachings of Islam and Christianity promote noble values of good, love and peace. He also highlighted the religious and moral approach the UAE is following in its domestic and foreign policy. Seems ironic and antithetical since at the about the same time, if not earlier, a Muslim was killing coptic Christians at a Christmas service. Now its true that one act of violence doesn't a pattern make, or doesn't define a people,.. but,.. when Muslims don't act like Muslims according to the Koran, and Christians don't act like Christians according to the Gospels, where are we headed?.. What do you think? Read about it in Voice of America (Middle East) in the side panel.

Watching your health

So, 2010 promises to be a busy year for health events. Already the NAACP and Greater Philadelphia Health Alliance (GPHA) are kicking off their year with two health fairs. Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Glucose Screening will be conducted on January 28th at 5000 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, and February 4th at 1919 Hunting Park Ave also in Philadelphia. Gotta know your numbers and watch your health. Startin' the New Year right.
---NP

What's in a name?

Habari Asubui,.... Kiswahili for 'Good Morning',... and the access name for this blog. So, the other day, my wife Pat, asked me, "Will anyone know what that means?" To which I responded, "Probably not, or maybe a few will, but all will pay attention and ask the same question." So maybe in our discussions with each other the challenge is to stimulate each other to pay attention. The world is changing, and sometimes through paying attention to those aspects of life which may make little or no sense, or that require interpretation, or hmm, maybe some thought?,.. we learn something.... about the changing world, ourselves, where we're going,.. you get the picture. Pretty trite stuff. But important stuff. Do you pay attention to that which all too often doesn't command your attention? So, what is in a name? Habari Asubui.

Oh by the way, check out the side panel, Article for the week,... What if Jesus meant all that stuff?