New Orleans Kicks Out 2005

I suspect the people of New Orleans would really like to forget 2005. The hurricane season brought their worst nightmares to life. They lost everything, people died, and the government's slow response emphasized that they were not ready for the disaster they had predicted for decades. On December 31st, four months after Hurricane Katrina shattered their world, they find their city still very much in ruins.

Many people would throw in the towel and called it quits. What did the people of New Orleans do on New Years Eve? They partied! The events were a mixture of rememberance and revelry. Their was a Jazz funeral procession and memorials in rememberance of hurricane victims, parties, and concerts. Even the worst parts of the city where cleanup has yet to begin there was a midnight ceremony.

Participants had mixed feelings. So many people still are without homes and it's hard to find a native of New Orleans who was not touched by the death of a friend, family member, or loss of property. They share a common bonds besides residency--they've lived through the worst. 2006 will bring them so many challenges, including rebuilding their entire city. Perhaps they deserve a party. They are alive and they survived. That's enough reason to celebrate.

Willie Nelson Goes Biodiesel

Country artist, Willie Nelson, has recently started a biodiesel company called "WillieBio". His inspiration? The Iraq war. Nelson feels that this war is all about oil. He's even written a song about it.

Dependence on oil has created so much conflict in this world. Nelson feels if we remove the need for oil, we then lose the need to control it. He knew that there were alternatives but didn't really know what to do. His wife bought a biodiesel car a couple of years ago. Since biodiesel comes from such things as cooking grease and oil, it can be produced right here on American soil. This is an idea that Nelson likes. He's a huge advocate for American farmers. If they grow crops that are used for creating biodiesel fuel, then that keeps them in business. And, creating an alternative fuel source means Americans are less dependent on foreign nations for oil.

There are skeptics. Some believe that it would be too costly to grow crops for fuel. Others warn that it might raise food prices. Still others drag there feet and claim there isn't enough interest. There are also some concerns about the environment, though most alternatives carry their risks. Studies do show that biodiesel is costly to produce at this point. However, most alternatives are costly to produce. But, how costly is gasoline since prices reached peaks of $3.00 a gallon this Fall?

Nelson believes that keeping American farmers in business and helping America produce it's own fuel are important enough to give biodiesel a try. It's very clear that America needs to do something. It's worse to do nothing, so perhaps Willie Nelson is on to something.

Child of the Year

11 year old, Tilly Smith, didn't know that lessons in geography would help her save lives. Last December, she was one of many caught on the beach of Phuket Island, Thailand before the tsunami hit. She not only saved herself but at least 100 others.

Tilly had been taking a walk on the beach that day with her family. She began to notice signs of an approaching tsunami. She'd only learned the signs a couple of weeks before winter vacation. She alerted her family and hotel staff--and they took her seriously! The beach was evacuated just before the tsunami hit.

Thanks to Tilly's people found safety. Because of her quick thinking, a French children's magazine honored her as "Child of the Year".

5,400 people lost their lives that day in Thailand.

Christmas Comes to Katrina Survivors

It may have been difficult for Santa to located the children scattered across the US after Hurricane Katrina. Volunteers made sure that the children still living in a tent city at Chalmette, Louisiana, would get a Merry Christmas.

After hearing a child lament that she had to go home because Santa wouldn't find them, a volunteer at the location decided to do something about it. She got a group of volunteers together. Santa made his visit and each of the children received a gift.

The makeshift city is located downriver from New Orleans. The populace includes 1,000 Katrina survivors and 1,000 National Guard soldiers. They've been living this way since October 9th.

Christmas Eve

I would like to wish my readers a Merry Christmas Eve!

I've always seen Christmas Eve as magical. As a child, it was a day filled with anticipation and dreams. When I was young, we always went to my Grandparent's house. On the drive up, we knew when we saw the Mormon Church all aglow (which we thought was Pee Wee Golf for many years), that we were getting close. When we arrived, we were treated to a house full of relatives, delicious food, and gifts. I can remember the fake tree with the red satin ball ornaments and the rotating light that cast it's glow on the tree. There was plenty of conversation, laughter, and a little too much drinking by adults who had a long way to drive afterwards. My Uncle was off in a corner quizzing my brother with mathematical equations. And, poor Grandma was always running around fretting over the one set of hand sewn pajamas she always lost every year. We always had to leave early as my Dad worked graveyard for a major bakery. We were always afraid we would get home too late and Santa would leave because we weren't in our beds.

Now that I'm in my fourties it's taken on a different mood. I still get a little bit excited though it's a mix of anticipation and nervous energy over all the things left undone. Instead of waiting for my Christmas Eve goodies, I take joy in the presents I give to my nieces and nephew. Giving is as good as receiving!

The human spirit is alive and well on Christmas Eve. From Christmas morning to the day after Christmas, we are able to put away much of the anguish and stress of every day life. For that brief moment in time, it seems we are all a little kinder and peace is possible.

Whatever your celebrations, may they be filled with joy and laughter!

Season's Greetings to all!

Parking Ticket Santa

While Londoners were tending to their "to do" lists, parking meters were out doing their job and ticketing them. A few violaters got a secret visit from ol' St. Nick whose gift brightened their day. Drivers were surprised to find another envelope alongside parking tickets. Inside was a card from Santa and money to pay for their parking tickets. The note inside said "Don't let this ticket spoil Christmas--here's 30 to pay it off".

People were suprised but happy at this anonymous gift. It's uncertain how many individuals received the gifts. One envelope as written out to "Christmas ticketing victim numbre 14".

It's nice to buy Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa gifts for those you know. But, acts of kindness to complete strangers really exemplify the holiday spirit.

Happy 116th!

There are many ways to get into the Guiness Book of World Records. Maria Esther de Capovilla made it by becoming the oldest person on Earth. On December 9th, it was confirmed and she's now recognized by Guiness. She beats Emiliano Mercado Del Toro, of Puerto Rico, who is 114 (he's listed as the oldest man) and she stole the title from Elizabeth Bolden of the US who is a mere 115.

Born in 1889 in Ecuador, widowed in 1949, and last rites during an illness in 1989, Maria Esther has been through it all. At 100, there was not much hope that she would live after a stomach ailment. At 116, she has been pronounced in good health.

The world has changed so much in those 116 years. There have been world wars. World leaders and political movements have come and gone. Most homes have electricity, indoor plumbing, television, and microwaves. People travel by airplane and the first civilians have taken space flights. Instead of waiting months for a letter to be delivered, people can communicate instantaneously.

Maria Esther credits her longevity to her serenity. She's not one to get riled and she takes things in stride. She still goes to church and enjoys meals with her family. She likes to watch tv and read the newspaper. An assistant helps her move around--she doesn't use a cane or wheelchair! Her eyesight is failing, but her memory is still pretty good.

It appears she has passed down her secret to her children. Three of her five children are still alive. Annibal is 77, Irma is 79, and Hilda is 81. All spring chickens compared to their mother!

Christians Take on Congressional Grinches

This month the Grinch has been lending his shrunken heart to members of the House of Representatives. The House has been desperately trying to cut every program that helps the poor, elderly, and disadvantage in the name of budget deficits. Meanwhile, they find the energy to give even more tax breaks to millionaires and corporations.

On Wednesday, 200 religious activists converged on Washington, DC with signs saying "Help the Needy, Not the Greedy." They urged our representatives to show they have hearts and stop cutting benefits to those who need it the most.

A pray-in was held at the entrance to the Cannon House Office Building. Over 100 people attended. Those present were arrested. There was also a rally where several speakers put the spotlight on growing poverty in America. Barbara Lee, Representative from California, was the only member of Congress to participate.

The organizer of the protest was Jim Wallis of Sojourners. His groups' motto is "Christians for justice and peace". Wallis is dubbing the recent round of budget cuts and tax breaks as "The Christmas Scandal". He speaks in direct opposition to more visible Christian groups such as James Dobson's Focus on the Family.

According to Wallis and other Christian leaders who were on hand, terms like compassionate conservatism mean nothing when those using the phrase cut programs which benefit our neediest citizens. There seems to be a growing concern among Christians that the poor and middle class are doing all the sacrificing in America, while the rich get richer.

During the holiday season, we tend to think of those in our society who are suffering. This year there are more people teetering on the edge of poverty. The recent hurricanes in the Gulf Coast have only highlighted how wide the divide between rich and poor has become. While we argue over the phrases "Happy Holidays" and "Merry Christmas" members of the House have stolen the real meaning of Christmas right out from under our noses. We all know that in the end Grinch's heart grew several sizes up on that mountaintop. Will the members of Congress hear the voices of the poor and show a little compassion in the name of Christmas spirit?

Malcolm X Academy Makes the Grade

Two years ago, Malcolm X Academy was considered school in the San Francisco School District when it came to attendance. In 2003, only 88.4 of the students showed up on any given day. A school's goal is 90% or higher. After instituting an incentive program, attendance shot up to 95% in 2004 and is climbing in 2005.

The program centers around rewarding kids for good behavior. In this case, showing up. Kids earn up to 10 tickets a week for attendance, completing homework, and behaving. Kids can exchange tickets to buy things at the school store or they can save them for the raffles held every couple of months. The raffle winner gets a bike--not a bad prize!

There are critics of the program. Some say it teaches kids to shoot for a reward and not life skills. However, you can't knock results. Since the programs inception, attendance is up and bad behavior is done. As adults, we enjoy incentives for hard work. Why wouldn't the same apply to kids?

She Can Sing!

Last week, 10 year old Thia Megia got the chance of a lifetime. She sang the national anthem at the 49ers football game. This is quite an honor for any singer. To be asked at 10 years old is remarkable.

This is the daughter of Filipino immigrants. She began singing when she was four years old. Her parents realized she had a gift and have supported her all the way. They've paid for lessons and made long treks wherever their daughter's career takes her. Her mother loves to hear her sing though she admits that her performances make her nervous.

It's not easy for most to sing the "Star Spangled Banner". The high notes at the end send many singers over the edge. Some fake it and play prerecorded performance so as not to blunder. But, Thia sang her heart out and did a wonderful job! Not bad for a kid singing before several thousand people.

Apologies to my readers

I would like to apologize for my sporadic blogging this month. No, I haven't run out of good things to say! I have arthritisand it's decided to play havoc with my right hand. I can type one handed but it takes more patience than I have right now...LOL

After the holidays, my hand should get back to normal. I will be blogging on my good days.

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

It Pays to be Honest

Haider Sediqi is a taxi driver in Los Angeles. Most of the time he gets through his busy day with a little conversation. Nothing much special usually happens.

Two weeks ago, Sediqi was taking a break for lunch. He asked a fellow driver to check a pouch that had been left in the front seat of his cab. He couldn't have dream what the contents would be. His friend found pouch filled with diamonds--100 of the beauties in plastic cases.

Nothing else was in the bag except a cell phone bill. Sediqi called the number and inquired if the person might have left something behind. The person who answered was jewellry businessman, Eric Austein. He immediately realized he'd left behind his pouch. Fortunately, he had yet to board his flight. The two arranged a meeting whereby Sediqi handed over the diamonds. He receive a hug from a very grateful Austein.

Two days later, Sediqi received a gift. In return for the diamonds valued at $350,000, Austein sent a thank you with a $10,000 reward and a diamond bracelet. The gift was more than Sediqi ever imagined.

He gave the bracelet to his wife who is pregnant with their third child. Though the $10,000 would help the family pay off bills, Sediqi has decided to set up a fund to pay for his children's schooling. The $10,000 will certainly help get things started!

Ten Year Old Hero

Juandre Anderson's father and brother call her a hero. The family from Johannesburg have her to thank for saving their lives. They were in a severe car accident while heading to town a couple of weeks ago. The car rolled over and flung her mother and brother from the car. She and her father were trapped inside.

The quick thinking girl crawled out of a car window and managed to pull her four year old brother to safety. Her mother was killed on impact. Juandre covered hermother's lifeless body. Then she ran for help to save her father. She was able to flag down a group of farm workers who rescued her father. They had to smash the car's window to pull him out. Her father and brother were both taken to the hospital.