Changing more than just a year

Tomorrow we begin writing 2016 on all of our documents, but at midnight tonight, we can be changing a whole lot more than just a year. Has 2015 been less than you had hoped for? All the more reason then to make 2016 even better. No, we don't control the world, and we certainly don't even control much of what goes on around us, but we do control how we will react and what we will contribute. We can moan and groan about everything going to hell in a handbasket, or we can get involved and see some real change happen.

Again, I'm not going to say there is some kind of magic answer. There have been a lot of negative things in the news this year, but there has been a lot of good too. We can celebrate that good and let it inspire us to work for more.

Time magazine always comes out with a Person of the Year. Some television programs do that too. How about if each of us does likewise? Was there someone who got you motivated in 2015? Did somebody really inspire you this year? Think about it. Choose your own Person of the Year, in your mind, and then, following their example, see what change you can bring about that might make you someone else's Person of the Year in 2016. If we all live our lives in a way that inspires others and encourages people to contribute and to make a difference in this world, imagine all the good that can come from that.

Yes, in just a few hours we will be changing the year, but let's change a whole lot more. Let's change the world .    .    . for the better!

Hats off to Lacuna Giving Circle

The year is almost over. People trying to take advantage of tax deductions, are making last minute donations to worthy organizations. One that I can suggest is Lacuna Giving Circle, because they really are more than just an organization and the circle is a key. It's been almost two years since I said anything here about Lacuna, so I think now is a good time.

Lacuna Giving Circle is a collective action fund, so when you give to them, you are really giving to more than just them. How much do you want to do in this world? Are you doing all you want to do? What if a like-minded friend joined you? Could you then do more? How about if two friends joined you, or three, or four? That's the basic idea here. When something is missing, let's fill that gap - let the circle be unbroken. More can be accomplished this way. This particular circle is for the Asian American/Pacific Islander communities.

You can click HERE to go to their website and find out more. You can see the organizations that have benefitted from them and you can even donate yourself.   This is a model I would love to see others follow.  Hats off to Lacuna Giving Circle.  What a great concept.

No groaning allowed

A couple were walking in Saint Petersburg Square, Russia last night, and as they walked, they felt a slight precipitation. 

The husband said, "I think it's raining."

"No, it's snowing," replied his wife.

"How about we ask this communist officer here?  He's always correct!" exclaimed the man.  "Officer Rudolph, is it raining or snowing?

"Of this most certainly is rain." Officer Rudolph replied before walking away.

The husband then turned to his wife with a smile.  "See?  Rudolph the Red, knows rain, dear."

Hey I said not to groan!  By the way, this wasn't my pun.  It's been floating around a long time, but I thought I would trot it out to wish you all a very merry Christmas!

Brighten a little girl's Christmas

Yesterday, the incredible dancer/entertainer Harry Shum Jr tweeted the story of a little girl in Upstate New York who suffered severe burns two years ago, and lost her family at the same time, during a horrific arson. Harry's tweet said that he and his wife Shelby Rabara were sending a Christmas card to this girl, Sa'fyre Terry - now eight years old, and suggested that others do so too.

Well, this morning I searched for some more information Sa'fyre, and found dozens of stories from numerous news outlets. How did I miss this before? There seems to already be an outpouring, and that warms my heart! This little girl has gone through so much, and apparently still needs additional surgeries. Despite all the damage done to her young body though, she still manages a smile, and from all of the reports, doesn't seem bitter at all. When asked what she wanted for Christmas, she had one simple wish: to "fill her card tree with cards from all across the world."

One simple wish.  Cards.  How about that!  I'm heading out right now to pick out something unique. I hope you'll take a minute or two to send her a card too! Such a simple gesture can mean so much. Brighten a little girl's Christmas, The address is Sa'fyre Terry, P.O. Box 6126, Schenectady NY, 12306. Share this with your friends too. (Remember, that's how I found out about it - because someone shared).

Thanks to Harry and Shelby for making this known. Thanks Harry for so often making a difference. The world needs more people like you!

Getting to Zero

Waking up on this World AIDS Day, I'm remembering those days when I went to a funeral five or six times a week, or made trips to Ward 86 at San Francisco General Hospital, or stood in the cold night air with hundreds of others, holding a candle. I'm remembering the rallies, the marches, the speeches, the quilt panels, and the meetings. I'm also remembering the work of Vito, Kelly, Cleve, Jason, Bill, Brownie Mary, and so many that don't come to mind immediately. Energized by how far we have come. Determined to make it to zero!

Reading a lot of online posts leading up to today, I noticed that a lot of people were asking questions. A very good thing. Information and education is so important. I have seen a number of people ask about PrEP (which means Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), and what it is briefly is the use of anti-HIV medication that keeps HIV negative people from becoming infected. Testing? Yes indeed. It's still very important. Know your status!

Today is also #GivingTuesday when donations to non-profits are encouraged, and because it is also World AIDS Day, I would suggest that AIDS-related organizations would be a good place to begin.

Reporter and writer Randy Shilts is also on my mind on this World AIDS Day. Randy was one of the very first people I met when I moved to San Francisco. At the time he was working in television and later moved on to the morning newspaper where he covered GRID, later called AIDS. Randy gave us the book and movie, AND THE BAND PLAYED ON.

Toward the end of that film, Matthew Modine's character says "This didn't have to happen. We could have stopped it." Ian McKellen's character then asks "Can you still?" The answer is of course a resounding YES! And, we must keep at it. We can't waste our time on what should have already happened, but we must move forward and make sure it does happen.

I'm recalling one more thing this morning - the words of another activist who battled this disease and then lost his life to it. Vito Russo was one of those wonderful people I like to talk about, because he truly made a difference. His words should urge us onward:

"Someday, the AIDS crisis will be over. Remember that. And when that day comes, when that day has come and gone, there'll be people alive on this Earth, gay people and straight people, men and women, black and white, who will hear the story that once there was a terrible disease in this country and all over the world, and that a brave group of people stood up and fought and, in some cases, gave their lives, so that other people might live and be free. So I'm proud to be with my friends today and the people I love, because I think you're all heroes, and I'm glad to be part of this fight. But, to borrow a phrase from Michael Callen's song, "all we have is love right now. What we don't have is time."”

a slice of pie

Pie. I love pie. Here in San Francisco, where I am visiting, there are so many places where I can get some good pie! My favorite is strawberry-rhubarb, but a nice cherry pie is good, and pumpkin is quite satisfying too. Now I know this blog is not about me. It's about making a difference in the world, so what does pie have to do with that?

Happiness is one of the greatest things we can experience, and different things make different people happy. Pie is one of the things that makes me happy. Do feel free to tell us about some of the things that make you happy. I remember an old time television program where the maid was always giving slices of pie, or sometimes fresh homemade cookies, to people. It made them happy. I had some wonderful neighbors once who did the same thing. There would be a knock at my door, and one of them would be standing there with something delicious for me to eat. My mom's landlady did it with bread. She was always baking bread, and there would always be an extra loaf for Mom. If you haven't tasted fresh hot bread, straight out of the oven, you are missing out.

Do you bake? Think about sharing with someone. Bring cookies in to school or to work. How about that deliveryperson who is always doing extra things for you? A slice of pie (or even a whole pie), can be quite a reward. You get the idea.  You can easily make someone's day with very little effort.  A slice of pie might not change the world all by itself, but what a delicious way to start! 

Baby it's cold outside

Although winter doesn't officially come to the US until next month, the temperatures have already dipped in a number of places. Here in Arizona where I live, it's been down in the 30s every night this week, and we even had a significant snowfall already. Now is a good time to remember your farm animals or pets and to especially remember the homeless who are outside all the time.

Nice clean warm socks, sturdy shoes, and warm blankets to cover yourself, and of course a good sturdy overcoat are all so very helpful to those in need. A Texas organization called Project Warm Us can use donations and volunteers. Find out more at http://www.projectwarm.us/ A Nashville based organization called Soles4Souls distributes shoes to needy people and, I'm told is also now distributing coats. Their website is https://soles4souls.org/ There are churches and other organizations in communities across the country that do collections and give these things to the needy. Check around where you live, and if you don't find anything, consider beginning a program of your own. The thanks you get back will warm your hearts!

When I lived in San Francisco, we had an annual memorial for people who died outside on the street. Many of those died because of the cold. Most of those deaths could have been prevented. Let's step up and do something.

Keeping Bonnie Franklin alive

These days we can regularly see her talent on reruns of One Day At A Time, and videos from Applause are available HERE. Bonnie Franklin was a brilliant talent with a zest for life. A few years ago, when she passed away, I wrote about her here and what a giver she was. Death didn't put an end to that.

 

Bonnie Franklin lives on in so many ways: the performances I just mentioned and also in a splendid charity she founded a few years before her death, that brings theatre to schoolchildren in Los Angeles. It's called Bonnie Franklin’s Classic and Contemporary American Plays, and I hope you will take a few minutes to check it out.

Now in their 15th season, this incredible idea continues to be a reality thanks to wonderful volunteers and generous donors. One of the reasons I am bringing this up, is because we all can help. One of her old tv co-stars has begun an online fundraiser and donations of any size will help. Click HERE to go to that fundraiser and donate or just get more information. You can also visit the organizations homepage at http://bfccap.org/

The National Endowment for the Arts, Pico Playhouse, The Broad Stage, the Friends of Bonnie Franklin's CCAP, and wonderful individuals like you are all helping to keep Bonnie Franklin alive. Such a wonderful program. Do share it with others, too!

Red

There's a pretty incredible book on the shelves, that is aimed at children, but which I think we all can relate to. On a quick read through, you just might think it is about gender identification, but not necessarily. It's about finding our true selves, and that can mean a number of different things. The book is called Red, and it is written and illustrated by Michael Hall.

Book reviews here these days? Not usually, but this is too good to ignore. I hear this author is pretty good each time out, so I am going to check out his other books too including It's an Orange Aardvark! and My Heart is Like A Zoo. I'm not saying Michael Hall is changing the world, but there certainly are many ways to do that, and children's books is as good a place as any!

The basic story in Red, I must confess is a pretty simple and straight-forward one, but it brought tears to my eyes. I can highly recommend it!

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day

Today is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, chosen to be October 15th back in 2003 because this is the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month. My Hispanic sisters and brothers are certainly impacted by AIDS (we ALL are), and so it is important to reach out and make sure that the message is being received.

Material in English and Spanish is being sent out into communities with large Latino populations and there is a blitz on social media. You even find bloggers like me saying something. Of course I say something a lot. AIDS awareness is something very important to me every single day, and I would again encourage all of my friends to help spread the word.

Two years ago, the rate of HIV diagnosis among Latinos was nearly three times that of caucasians. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "An estimated 220,000 US Latinos are living with HIV, and 15% of Hispanics infected with the virus do not know." It is so important to get the word out!

There is an official website foe National Latino AIDS Awareness Day: http://www.nlaad.org/ - check it out. There are numerous resources there. Help spread the word. Also, get tested and urge others to also. Seek treatment when necessary. We can do this!

It keeps happening

I was awakened today with the distressing news of another campus shooting, this one much closer to home. In the wee hours this morning, at Northern Arizona University’s Flagstaff campus, a gun left one person dead and three others hospitalized after a student opened fire on the others. We don't have a lot of information yet, but I can already hear the water cooler conversations and the chat on social media. When are we going to do something about this?

When indeed. It keeps happening. It isn't just some never-in-your-lifetime event. The Columbine High School massacre‎, Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting‎, the Stockton schoolyard shooting, the shooting at Virginia Tech, the Umpqua Community College shootings which we just wrote about, and the list goes on and on. After each shooting there is sadness, there is outrage, there is deeply divided discussion about what to do, but in the end, no real changes are made, and tragically there are more shootings.

I don't have the answer. I really don't. I do know that we need to do something. This mass shootings on school campuses don't occur in other countries, so why here in the US? What are we doing wrong? Can we agree to come together and put an end to this loss of life? It keeps happening because we are doing anything about it, and while I don't have all the answers, I am absolutely certain that there is enough wisdom in our country to make a difference. I am sure we can end this. We just need to come together and do it.

She is NOT a costume

Those distasteful Caitlin Jenner costumes began appearing several months ago. That sort of thing happens every year. Some people don't even realize they are being offensive, but they are. She is NOT a costume. (I've actually seen a couple of different costumes and they are both offensive.  They make fun of her, rather that celebrate her). The same thing is true when you put on that China doll outfight or dress in blackface. Native American costumes are offensive as well.  If you are mocking a person or a race or a culture, it isn't a good thing. That should be obvious.

There are tons of wonderful dress up ideas that are fun and send a positive message. Dress as the old standbys - ghost, witch, cowboy, fireman. Dress as your favorite performer, but choose someone that has similar characteristics so that you are giving a tribute, instead of making fun of them. Masks can be helpful.

There is never a good time to wear blackface or yellowface. Doing a zombie of a recently deceased person is in poor taste. Dressing nicely as that person is a much better idea.

I can already anticipate that some of you will think I have gone in the wrong direction on this one. Usually I give suggestions for positive things to do, instead of urging you NOT to do something. Am I being way too sensitive? It’s not a political event or a formal gathering at work. It's only Halloween. Indeed. But is there really any time when you should NOT be sensitive to others? Is being rude and offensive ever good? I don't think so. Oh and don't even get me started on those misogynistic costumes.

 

There's still plenty of time to plan a fun outfit.  What I'm suggesting is that you take a few minutes to think about others and how your look will effect them.  Halloween is supposed to be fun.  Let's keep it that way! 

pink

Pink. We are going to be seeing a lot of pink in October. This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a yearly campaign to increase awareness of breast cancer and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, support, and cure of the disease. You will see public service announcements, magazine articles, fundraisers, and just a whole lot of attention given to the important health issue. Oh and because male breast cancer is generally overlooked, the third week of October has become "Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week."

I urge you to be aware. I've had too many friends stricken with breast cancer. A very dear women I knew battled it for three years, before passing away from the disease earlier this year. Awareness included having facts and being knowledgeable about your own body. Feel a lump? Get yourself checked! Have a pain or uncomfortable feeling that doesn't go away? Get yourself checked! Does breast cancer run in your family? Get yourself checked!

There are numerous online places for information. The American Cancer Society is always my go-to source for any cancers. They are a good trusted organization. Click HERE for their website.  Remember that your own doctor and your county health department are always good information sources.

 

How about the fundraisers?  Again, there are a number of them.  You might want to do something that has personal significance, such as donating to an organization that cared for a friend or family member with breast cancer.  Look in your local papers for events near you too.  You'll find some more ways to get involved HERE.

 

One more thing:  wear pink.  A pink shirt, the pink folded ribbon, a pink scarf around your neck - these all can help getting people thinking about breast cancer, and help raise awareness.

quiet, serene, and peaceful no more

The quiet, serene, peaceful campus that was Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, is quiet, serene, and peaceful no more. That beautiful tranquil setting was shaken to its core yesterday with another tragedy. Ten people were killed and seven injured in a shooting there, and according to Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin. the 26-year-old gunman, is included among the ten fatalities.

How many school shooting have there been this year? How many have there been in my lifetime? When is this going to end?  Today people are angry and people are sad, but in a few days, they will seem to forget all about this, until it happens again. That's been the pattern anyway. We never seem to really act. It's not happening like this in other countries. Why is it happening here, and why won't we make it stop?

Now some people will quote the Second Amendment to the US Constitution which says we have a "right to keep and bear arms."  It does not however give us a right to go to school campuses and randomly shoot anyone in our path. Oh and does "arms" refer to full-auto machine guns, modern rifles, grenades, rockets, and handguns? How could that possibly have been the intent, since those "arms" had not yet been invented?

In so many parts of our country now, it is perfectly legal for someone to openly carry a gun on the street or in public places like stores and restaurants. Is this necessary? Time was, if you saw a person enter a business with a gun, you could be pretty sure he was up to no good. How can we tell now, before it is too late? I recently saw an elderly man on a motorized scooter paying for his groceries in the supermarket. His hand was shaking as he counted out his money. On his lap was a handgun. I'm no expert, but with the amount of shaking he was doing, I doubt if he would be a very good aim. That gun could cause some real harm.

Ban guns? Well, I'm not saying that. The argument will come back that criminals will find ways to get them anyway. Do something. Yes, I AM saying that. We MUST do something and we must come together and come up with some answers soon. We can't afford even one more shooting.

are you ready for October?

Where I live, the weather gets a lot cooler this time of year, but there are plenty of chance to warm up in October. Think of the hot apple cider, the cocoa, and how about a nice bowl of jook? We have to wait all the way until the end of the month for Halloween, but the costumes and the parties will take some planning time!

Of course there is a lot more to the tenth month of the year. This is Down syndrome Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and Breast Cancer Awareness month. It's also National Bullying Prevention Month, Breastfeeding Awareness Month, National Pharmacy Month, Polish American Heritage Month, Pastor Appreciation Month, and Vegetarian Awareness Month. That's only a very small part of it too. There are tons of opportunities to get involved in things during October, and make a difference!

A bunch of food gets promoted this month. Today for example is National Homemade Cookies Day and tomorrow is National Fried Scallops Day. This Sunday is both National Taco Day and National Vodka Day. Now there's a combination! October 8th is National Fluffernutter Day! If you don't know what a fluffernutter is, look it up, and thank me later.

Oh and remember the movie Back to the Future Part II? Marty McFly (the Michael J Fox Character) travels to the future and arrives on October 21, 2015. Expect a lot a events on that day geared to the movie.

 

Have fun.  Do some great things.  Make a difference.  May this October be a great one for you!

Where in the world is Wilson Fang?

Budapest, Montreal, Washington, Kyoto, Boston, Dublin, Prague, and dozens of other places all over the world played host to a guy who loved to travel. I only saw him in San Francisco, his home, and the place where so many shared adventures with Wilson Fang. His love for travel was part of his zest for life and his kind heart and warm spirit. Waking up to news this morning that he had lost his battle with cancer, is devastating to say the least. Remember when Reader's Digest had a regular feature where folks wrote about the most unforgettable character in their lives? For me, that would be Wilson.

 

This blog, as the name says, is not about me, and by extension is also not about my family or friends, but occasionally I have broken that rule, and today there is nothing else on my mind. What I write about here is making a difference in this world, and Wilson certainly did that. That horrible thing called cancer, which has claimed so many lives, came and took away Wilson when he was only 42, but he had already touched more folks and accomplished more than many folks who live twice as long.

 

Folks in San Francisco will of course know him for his work in the community, on the board of the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance, and ten years ago as Mr GAPA, but his friends and family also know him as a fun loving, warm, compassionate man of great faith. One of my most treasured possessions is a book of daily devotions he gave me several years ago. He an excellent gift-giver. Presents were always items of significance to the recipient, not a gift card or random piece of junk he had hurriedly picked up. When he said he carried about you, he truly did.

 

His loveable sheepdog made him smile from ear to ear. So did happy moments with friends. A very happy moment for him was just a couple of years ago when he finally received the sacrament of Confirmation in his church. He was like a kid in a candy store! Perhaps the proudest moment came just a month ago when he traveled to Southern California and walked his sister down the aisle at her wedding.

 

Although we have close to a hundred friends in common, many of the folks in his life I have never met, and this morning I am hearing moving tales from many of them, all saying the same thing. Wilson could tell his story much better than I. He was always a much better reporter. He was larger than life. I miss him already. Wilson was an incredible human being and I am fortunate indeed that he came my way. My deepest sympathies to Zonie, his mother, and to his beloved partner, and his siblings, and all who loved him.

 

Where in the world is Wilson Fang? Today he is in paradise. Today he is in the tender embrace of Our Lord.

Grouchily Retired Cancer Warrior Passes

Over the years, I have been fortunate to know many great leaders who are giving back to our world and truly making a difference. Yesterday, I received the sad news that one of those marvelous people, the Reverend Karen Johanns, had passed away. Saying that Mother Karen was a marvelous leader, is really an understatement.

By the time I met her, she had already moved from an earlier career in restaurant management and was pursuing ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. If ever there was someone suited for ministry, it was Karen Johanns. I had the privilege of being present when she became a deacon and from her active participation in church events, along with Claire Dodds, the woman who would become her wife, it was obvious she was going to make a difference. I'd love to give some examples here, but I invite you also to share any stories you know about her in the comments section below.

She ministered at a number of parishes and was loved by those congregations, but then along came cancer. Some would give up, but not Mother Karen. She waged an all out war against the invader with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and for more than two years thought that she might win, but it kept spreading. Just about a year ago, she retired on medical disability, but she kept telling her friends and all who would listen, that her fight was continuing. All along the way, she showed courage, grace, and love.  She referred to herself as a grouchily retired cancer warrior.

I heard her speak out against injustice on so many occasions and I heard her urge people to get involved. Back in July, she indicated that her days were numbered, and she activated her "bucket list" saying she wanted to give and raise as much money as possible to restore Black churches that burned earlier in the year. On her twitter account, she gave the URL where we can all do something: https://cccathedralstl.dntly.com/campaign/2571#/  In her memory, what could be a better thing to do?

An online memorial, which includes service information and also photographs, is available HERE. What a great joy it was to know this woman. May she rest in peace.

Grocer to the Lower Ninth

Hurricane Katrina formed as Tropical Depression Twelve over the southeastern Bahamas, ten years ago today. Five days later, shortly after Katrina was upgraded to a Category Five storm, New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin ordered the first-ever mandatory evacuation of that city. He called Katrina "a storm that most of us have long feared." The devastation was unbelievable, in several regions, but especially in New Orleans. Some estimates say that 80% of New Orleans evacuated, and in the Ninth Ward, return has been slow. Until recently, there were no stores in the Lower Ninth, and with no place to shop for simple groceries, it was difficult to attract residents.

Meet Burnell Cotlon and his wife Keasha. They wanted to make a difference, and so using their life savings, and with the help of a GoFundMe campaign, they opened up a market last fall. It was an immediate hit! There was nowhere else to shop in the neighborhood, and many who life there don't have cars or enough money to pay taxi fare every time they need to buy basic items like milk, bread, or rice. The Coltons have filled a need and they aren't finished yet. They want to expand their store and fill it with just about anything their neighbors might need. They even ask for suggestions. Oh and they want to open a Laundromat too, since there is no place for people there to wash their clothing. They are hoping that the success of their business will cause others to want to return to an area that the rest of New Orleans seems to have forgotten.

When I first heard about these wonderful people I couldn't help but smile. It's always nice to see neighbors helping neighbors. It's great to see a business with a heart! That they keep wanting to do more is so encouraging too. It is costly to start such an endeavor though and so they have set up a new GoFundMe campaign, specifically so they can expand and bring in refrigerators for more food, as well as washers and dryers. You can help. Click HERE to go to that campaign and donate any amount. Let's all pitch in and help the "Grocer to the Lower Ninth," do even more!

A very real debt we can't ignore

Debt. Nobody likes it. It becomes particularly hard to get out of debt. We all need to live within our means. In this case, we need to live within the earth's means. Today is a commemoration, but not a day of joy and celebration. Today instead should be a day of action. Today is Earth Overshoot Day.

So what's it all mean? Well, each year our planet is only able to produce a certain amount of natural resources — trees, wetlands, lakes, and such. Today we go in debt to the Earth. Yes, today is the approximate time when our consumption for the year exceeds the earth’s capacity to regenerate those resources this year. Yikes! That to me sounds pretty scary! Of course we don't run out, because we borrow from what we don't even have yet, from our future generations.  Of course if we end up borrowing too much, then they end up with nothing!  The idea of course if to consume less so that we don't exceed what the earth is capable of producing, and also to replenish by helping out our planet and cleaning up our waterways and planting trees.

When scientists first started computing this, the overshoot date was in December, but the past few years it has been in August, and it gets a little earlier every year. The still is time to do something though. There still is time to get out of debt, but we have to want to. We have to get involved. Become more aware. A good place to start is the World Wildlife Fund: http://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/overshoot-day

 

This is a very real debt we can't ignore folks.  We need to do something today and I urge you to get others involved as well.  Talk to your family, friends, and coworkers.  Write to your government officials.  Help save the earth!

The Guitar Song

Bill Anderson III is a beloved songwriter, country music singer, and television personality. Some forty years ago I had the great pleasure of seeing him perform at the Grand Ole Opry back when I lived in Nashville, Tennessee. Anderson did a lot of game shows back then too. You may recall seeing him on Match Game or Password. Oh and he also appeared for several years on the daytime drama, One Life to Live. Well good old Bill Anderson just did something that was extra special.

It seems customer pawned a guitar a few months ago at Bell Road Pawn Shop in Phoenix and the pawn broker saw the name "Bill Anderson" etched inside the guitar's sound hole. Well he knew who Anderson is, after all, he's pretty famous. So he contacted Anderson's secretary and told her about the guitar. The guitar meant something to Anderson. It was old, but was his for may years as he was writing and singing those early hits. The pawn broker wanted him to have it too, so he simply gave it too him. How amazing in an age when greed seems to color so much of what folks do. Anderson was thrilled and flew the pawn broker and his wife to Nashville and then invited him to present the guitar on the sage of the Grand Ole Opry. For the pawn broker, it must have been the thrill of a lifetime!

One person did a good deed and another rewarded him for it. How wonderful! Of course just doing the deed can be reward enough. Seriously. What a good feeling it is to know you have done something so great for another person.

Of course Bill Anderson is already one of those special people we write about here. He's been making people happy for many years.  Oh and one more thing.  Anderson co-wrote "The Guitar Song," which he sang that night at the Opry and it's about a guitar that is gathering dust in a pawn shop!  Oh my!

You warm my heart

There have been so many heart-warming stories in the news lately, I am truly joyous! Just when you are ready to scream because of all the negativity, along comes some inspiring stories that remind you that there is a lot of good in our world. We need not give up or run out of hope. I know that it is hard, but try to see the complete picture.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show is such a great source for those "feel good" kinds of stories and I am thankful that this wonderful woman is such a giver. My local newscasts have been looking at the good side of things more and more, and I am really encouraged by that. Time was when gloom and doom was the mainstay for tv news programs. Oh and then there is Go Inspire Go. I know I have mentioned that many times here, but there is always something heartwarming from them. Check out their website at http://goinspirego.com/ and you can see on their homepage how you can also follow them on twitter and facebook.

The story I told you about country great Bill Anderson, and the news of Frank Gifford's passing and all the love in that family, and a local restaurant here in town that is helping a huge amount of people harmed by a devastating fire, all examples of things I have heard lately that have truly warmed my heart. What have you heard lately that has been heartwarming for you? Have you also noticed a lot of inspiring tales? Please share some of them with us in the comments section below!

Death of a Giant

Anyone's death is of course a sad occasion, but when we learned yesterday that Frank Gifford had passed away at the age of 84, a particular kind of sadness fell over me, because here was a man I had known about my entire life. He was an NFL superstar and then we went on to broadcasting where he also excelled, and he was a very public husband and father whom we frequently heard about from his wife. Yes there was a bit of a scandal or two, but it really wasn't our place to judge, because his family moved forward.

Everything I ever heard about Frank Gifford on the football field or in the broadcast booth, was positive. To say that what I heard about him from wife Kathie Lee or his two youngest children (he had three other children from his first marriage) Cody and Cassidy, was positive, would be the biggest understatement. People gushed with love for this man, and it seems that the feeling was mutual. Frank was also a big supporter of the Dana’s Angels Research Trust and other charities and helped create Cody Gifford House and Cassidy's Place, named for his children.

"How would you like to be remembered?" he was once asked, during an interview. His response: "First and foremost, as a good father. Who had a job to do and he did it well. A better husband this time than I was the other time. Somebody who cared passionately about playing the game, reporting it properly, kept my life in the right perspective. Never believed I was something I wasn't. And rarely believed I was what I was."

Seems like a great way for any of us to be remembered! With love to your family and friends who more, I want to say thanks for the memories Frank. Rest in peace.

Another mass shooting

It happened again last night: a mass shooting. During a showing of the comedy Trainwreck at a movie theater in Louisiana, a lone male gunman killed two people and wounded at least nine others, before turning the gun on himself. Just last week another man was convicted for the massacre during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, CO in July 2012.

 

I remember back in 1989 in Stockton, CA at the Cleveland Elementary School there, when a gunman killed five children and wounded 32 others including students and a teacher. He then killed himself. Mass shootings like that were uncommon back then. This one stands out in my mind because it was one of the first, and because my mom lived in that city at the time.

Since then there has been a very long list including the University of Iowa in 1991, the Luby's Cafeteria shootings in 1991 in Killeen, TX, and the Columbine High School massacre in 1999 where 15 died and 21 others were wounded. Every day we pick up the paper and see more accounts of hate crimes, school massacres, workplace killings, and other violent acts, including those who have died at the hands of police officers. To say that I am horrified and outraged, would be an understatement.

Nothing seems to happen.  I vividly remember the mass shooting that took place in July of 1993 in San Francisco's 101 California Street Building. I reported on it. Nine died and six were injured and scores of people were touched by fear and panic. People vowed that nothing like that would ever happen again, but of course that has not been the case. The Jack Berman Advocacy Center to lobby and organize with regard to gun control and violence reduction, was formed after this incident.  Berman was an attorney working in that building, and one of those killed.  Some laws were also passed as a result of the shooting, but they expired ten years later, through the operation of a sunset provision in the legislation.

This will be a major story in the news today, but sadly, it will likely disappear in a few weeks.  Why do people have to be killed?  Why can we not stop these mass shootings?  Now I won't pretend to have all the answers.  I do know that Americans are not stupid people.  There is a way to stop the killings.  I think it all begins with caring.  We need to get involved and stay involved until we see change.  We CAN change the world.  First though, we have to want to.

The speech of a lifetime

So much has been said already about Caitlyn Jenner, and sadly so much of it has been negative. I've even heard other members of the transgender community say things like “she is selfish and doesn't care about others.” Last night she was center stage at an awards show and to say she gave a powerful speech would be an understatement, and I've already heard people say that she changed their minds.

“If you want to call me names, make jokes, doubt my intentions, go ahead. I can take it,” she said last night in accepting her Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYS. “But for the thousands of kids coming to terms with who they are, they shouldn’t have to take it.” Caitlyn spoke after a video presentation that showed her life from her earliest days. through her Olympic victory and her decision to come out as transgender. Among the many interviewed in that documentary was her mother, who also accompanied her to the award show and who displayed the biggest supportive smile I have ever seen.

The audience in the theatre seemed to show respect, bursting into applause several times during Caitlyn's speech. World Cup champion Abby Wambach presented the award during last night's telecast which was closely watched to see the various sports awards, but also because so many had been talking about Caitlyn Jenner. I was watching and afterward closely monitoring comments in the media and on facebook and twitter. So many people have been supportive since then, and how wonderful is that?

I was the speech of a lifetime. “Trans people deserve something vital,” she said. “They deserve your respect. And from that respect, comes a more compassionate community, a more empathetic society and a better world for all of us.” Indeed. Talk about changing the world!  Thanks Caitlyn for your courage and for helping to change the world! 

WE DO

Yesterday, history was made, and it continues today. This morning's San Francisco Chronicle had a two word banner headline: WE DO. Below it was a picture (not this one, but similar) from inside San Francisco City Hall. We do can refer to the agreement that to people make, each to the other, at a wedding, but it can also refer to acceptance. We do finally accept you as a complete and equal part of society. Well, at least that's how I would like to look at it.

So now that same-sex couples can wed in North American and in much of Europe and in some other parts of the world, let's stop saying marriage equality and let's stop saying gay marriage. Let's just call it marriage.

How wonderful that such a landmark decision came on the weekend that LGBT Pride Celebrations take place in so many cities. Talk about perfect timing! That will make the events today and tomorrow that much more special. These Pride events are held toward the end of June annually throughout the world to mark the Stonewall riots which happened in New York City on June 28th of 1969. Equality has marched forward ever since with the biggest victory coming yesterday. The military ban is gone. In many states there is housing and job protection. Things have gotten better. Before we do much more celebrating though we need to work on equality for all.

Our transgender sisters and brothers are still facing a huge amount of hate and discrimination. A White House event this week drew attention to that and a courageous transgender woman who spoke up and interrupted the President, should be applauded and joined in her struggle, instead of scolded for breaking the rules of a social engagement.  It's NOT about me.  It's about all of us.  Her struggle is my struggle.

We make history every time we stand up for justice and fairness and equality. We make history every time we do good and every time we speak the truth and every time we say we want a better world. We do want to change the world! We do!

He said what?

Some folks say that any word should be allowed to be said. Isn't that partly what Freedom of Speech is all about? Does a vulgar vocabulary have a place in polite society, or should some words simply never be spoken? What about using just letters? Is WTF alright or saying "the F word," or even "the N word" when we all know what words are being referred to?

Pejorative words about individuals is not the same thing as cursing or talking graphically about sex acts, but both are types of language that have been discussed a lot lately. Are decency and respect linked to the way we talk to each other and about each other?

President Barack Obama uttered the N word in making a point yesterday, during an interview. The President was talking about racism and some outlets that carried the conversation bleeped the word, while others broadcast it exactly as Mr Obama said it. There has been a lot of discussion since.  Let's carry it a little farther - was the President wrong in using the word?  Is there ever a case when that word can be uttered?  Should folks be allowed to say anything they like?

What do YOU think?  I'd really like to hear from you.  Please leave your comments below, but please be respectful as you do so.  Thanks!

Noah's Run for Rare

Right now the state of Arizona is being crossed by a man who has come all the way across the country to bring awareness to rare diseases. That might sound a bit odd, but Noah Coughlan is really making a difference, by bringing awareness and also raising money for the 30 million Americans and affected by rare diseases.

It began when he was touched by two different people who had Spielmeyer-Vogt-Sjögren-Batten disease, a very rare, fatal brain disease.  While Batten disease is what got him running, he is now bringing awareness to any rare disease.

I've never met this guy, and all that I know about him is from television reports and the internet.  I sure am impressed though.  This is one of those situations I talk about here every day, where someone sees a need, and does something about it. Noah is a true hero.  Spend a few minutes with his website at https://www.run4rare.org/ and you will be filled with so much information. You'll also be filled with hope. Run For Rare is a documentary chronicling Noah Coughlan's transcontinental run, and two prior runs, and you can also find out more about the film on his website too.

Soon, he'll be back in California, but his amazing work is far from over. You can help him by spreading the word and also by donating. As he says on his site: Every Life Matters. We don't hear about rare diseases and so work on treating them and curing them, doesn't come as quickly and as easily as the better known ailments. Thanks to Noah's Run for Rare, that is changing.

Some late May updates

Earlier this month I wrote here about several things you could get involved in, and since some ask how things turn out, I wanted to give you a few updates this morning. Let me first go back to last month and tell you about a lady many rallied for and then a few more recent events. If you ever wonder what comes next, please feel free to add comments below, and I'll come up with some answers.

Back in April, I wrote about Joan, an active San Francisco volunteer who was about to become homeless. Well her problem is permanently solved, but things are much better. The original post is HERE. In 28 days, $4,396 has been raised in a GoFundMe campaign for Joan. Some folks took her cat in and she has been "couch surfing" (going from one home to another for a few nights at a time) thanks to members of her church. Hopefully the money will help her find something lasting, but of course she is in one of the most expensive cities in the world! Donations (any amount helps) can still be made HERE.

On May 13th, I introduced you to Mike Nguyen, an incredible guy who is soon to leave for a couple years in the Peace Corps.  He's going to be doing incredible work there and could use a bit of help for some supplies and emergencies.  It's been almost two weeks and only a tiny bit of money has been raised ($530).  The work he will be doing in Zambia is important.  Click HERE if you can help.  His blog (HERE) will give you future updates.

I recently wrote here about AIDS Walk (HERE is that original post) and I am thrilled that several donors have come forward it the past few days.  This is an important cause too, and I would be honored to have your support.  Go to https://sf.aidswalk.net/michaelfullam to donate.

My blog post from May 19th got more attention than anything I have ever written here, except for when I posted about my mother's death. It was titled What Jesus said about homosexuality and in the space where my message usually appears, there was nothing at all. I had several rude comments (which I didn't allow to be posted) saying I was against Jesus, or that I was stupid. Some folks didn't get it at all. Jesus never preached about homosexuality, at least not according to the Bible, and that was my point.

 

Thanks for reading these messages.  Now, I think we are all updated!

The greatest gift

I say this every year, but it's important to remember. Today is not about sales or races or picnics, although there is certainly nothing wrong with doing any of those things. Today though is a special day of remembrance. It is NOT the day we honor all who have served in our military. It is good and right that they be remembered, but there is a special time, Veterans Day in November which celebrates the service of all US military veterans. Today has a different purpose. Today we remember the fallen.

 

It is good and right that we should remember such a sacrifice. (By the way, this was originally Decoration Day after the US Civil War, a time for the people across the country to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers).  These days we remember them at their gravesites with flowers and flags and we remember them in our minds and in our conversations with others who knew them, and in our prayers.  We remember that they gave the greatest gift: themselves.

To serve in the armed forces is already a huge gift to our fellow citizens.  Men and women in uniform protect the security of the nation and help in times of disaster.  It isn't always a war that is being fought, but that is a part of it.  It doesn't matter is we believe in fighting or not.  This day is not a political on and it isn't about beliefs of philosophy.  This is a day of giving thanks and remembering all those people who gave their lives.  Take a moment today to think specifically about any you know who may have died over the years and remember those whose names are not known as well.  They gave the greatest gift.

The hope of Milk

The US Supreme Court will decide within the next month or so whether marriage equality will be the law of the land. Folks are hopeful. Same-sex marriage is now legal more places than ever and people are hopeful that someday all barriers will be gone. Ireland is voting right now on the matter and is poised to leave tolerance far behind and replace it with true equality. These are the hopeful things that Harvey Milk spoke about.

Today is the birthday of that American politician, Harvey Milk, who became the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California and who in death, became an lgbt icon. Because of his legacy, today in California is a day which is annually recognized as a day of special significance for public schools. Last year on this date, the United States Postal Service issued a new forever stamp featuring Milk's face. Recognition of an lgbt hero - certainly a hopeful sign.

It was way back in 1978, not long before an assassin's bullet would end his life, that Milk told crowds "you have to give people hope." There are still hate crimes and there is still discrimination, and many lgbt people might see the future as hopeless, but it is not. More and more people are standing up to bigots and haters and saying enough! Change, even though it may at times seem slow, is coming. I think Harvey Milk would be hopeful.  I think there are many positive events around the world that are indeed giving people hope!

Red Nose Day

One of the things I have said here for years, is go out and find a creative way to help other people - to give back to the world. Red Nose Day has done just that. The very first Red Nose Day is today, and it's a delightfully creative campaign dedicated to raising money for kids living in poverty by simply having fun and making people laugh. There's a tv special with big stars. Walgreens stores are selling red clown type noses to raise funds. That's only a tiny bit of it all though.

The public is encouraged to get involved. Put up a red nose picture of yourself on facebook, for example. Help raise money. Share information with friends. There's a whole bunch of ideas HERE on the official event webpage.  Of course you can donate money too.

 

If you see folks running around with red noses today, smile and be happy that folks care.  Get involved too.  This is really an easy one!  Stop by a Walgreens and get yourself a red nose - while you're at it, get one for all of your family!

What Jesus said about homosexuality

The Walks Continue

I've written here about AIDS Walk so many times and I am grateful that so many participate at AIDS Walk events all over the country. I've been very fortunate to have many personal sponsors, although there is always room for more donations!

There are some people who have forgotten about those early first days of AIDS and there are some who think there is already a cure.  No so.  That's why I walk.  That's why I write about it so often.  That's why so many caring people are passionate about this. 

Today is AIDS Walk New York, one of the biggest each year. My best wishes to everyone there in the Big Apple making a difference. If you are not near New York, you can still make a contribution to that event, of find an AIDS Walk that is nearer to you. There are several here in Arizona, the state where I now live, but I will be going back to San Francisco for the 21st time participating in their event. To sponsor me, just click HERE.

AIDS is still with us, and we need to keep on fighting.  Tomorrow is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day - to learn more, click HERE.  This Tuesday is National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.  More information on that is HERE.  Stay informed.  Do what you can.  The walk continues .   .   . until there's a cure.

Help for a hungry man

Lately I have been seeing a lot of kindness in this world, and that is such a wonderful thing! This story, reported by WTVD in Durham, NC, is one you may have already heard.  Other outlets have picked in up in the past day or so, and many are springing to action.

Here's what happened: an 81-year-old North Carolina man had been hospitalized for months of cancer treatments, and when he returned home, he hadn't even thought about the cupboards being bare. They were though - he had nothing at all to eat and nobody to turn to, so, it being an emergency, he called 911. Well in some cities they may have ignored his call, but in this case, the very operator who he spoke to, along with police officers, went to his house with food. It was very touching. Oh and that operator even made him sandwiches while she was there!

According to news reports, the Fayetteville Police Department is working with a local church to make sure the man's future needs are met. His cancer is seriously slowed him down and some reports suggest he may not have long to live. It's nice to see folks helping to make sure his end days are comfortable. The Fayetteville Police Department (at 910-433-1529) welcomes any assistance that might be offered to help.

Auctioning for Saint Dorothy's

There is a wonderful facility in Northern California, operated by the Diocese of California, that hosts all kinds of great memories. It's called Saint Dorothy's Rest, and I have written about them here before. (Click HERE for my words from last December).  I could go on and on about how great this place is and what a difference it makes in so many lives.  Check out there website at http://stdorothysrest.org/ and find out a whole lot more.

Looking for a place to support?  This is it!  There are many ways of giving as you can find HERE, including giving them items on their wish list.  There is also an online auction with a whole bunch of great things to bid on.  These fun and unique items are being auctioned to raise money in support of Saint Dorothy's Rest's Hospital Camps. Beginning today and going through June 7th, you can bid on a chance to sponsor the new stained-glass chapel windows, a weekend retreat and guided hike at Saint Dorothy's Rest, dinner for up to eight people served in your own home by Saint Dorothy's kitchen staff, a 14K Gold - 12 diamond ring with a story that is sure to warm your heart, and several other items. Check out the entire list (with pictures) and place your bid, by clicking HERE.

Saint Dorothy's Rest is amazing, truly amazing!  It's the oldest camp in California, and serves children, youth, and adults.  I have never heard anyone not be impressed.  Here is a wonderful way to help more people become acquainted with this place and it's programs.  Give them a closer look, and get involved in that auction, a truly inspired fundraising idea.  Let the bidding begin!

The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love

Remember that slogan "The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love"? It was for the Peace Corps, where nearly 220,000 Americans have served in 140 countries since President John Kennedy created the Peace Corps 54 years ago. You might have been one of them, or perhaps you wanted to signup, but just didn't. A friend of mine is about to go, and I don't know if the slogan will apply to him, but I do know he is about to do some pretty amazing things! His name is Michael Nguyen, and he has already done amazing things.

It was just after Christmas when I heard that Michael had accepted an invitation to serve in Zambia, Africa. I smiled. I know he is up to the task. It's been that way when he organized fundraisers, or parades, or HIV testing. If Mike is doing it, you know it's going to work out. Since I have faith in him, and already knew about how great the Peace Corps is, I settled back in hope of an occasional update.

Let me tell you, there is going to be a lot of information. Mike has begun a blog and has already started posting, even though he is still a few weeks away from leaving. To stay up to date, check it out at https://2yearsinzambia.wordpress.com/ and to find out more general information about the Peace Corps (or to volunteer), click HERE.  I'm sure I will have some updates here during the next two and a half years, too.

 

One more thing - and this is important.  Mike has a big expense in getting ready and could really use a hand.  He needs journals to remember this mission, a sleeping bag, some sturdy boots, a dependable hiking backpack, and various emergency supplies.  Any idea how expensive this will all be?  There's a fundraiser at http://www.gofundme.com/zambiamike to help raise some money.  Click on that link if you can donate - ANY amount (yes, even if it's just a dollar or two), and share this with your friends too!  Thanks and watch the adventure ahead.  I'm certain Mike will have some inspiring tales from Zambia!

Free Food!

Remember that peanut butter and jelly restaurant in Warr Acres, Oklahoma that I told you about last month, or the Philadelphia pizza place I wrote about earlier in the year? They are doing an amazing job of feeding the homeless, and many other restaurants are helping out. I just heard on facebook of a place in Leeds, England called Taste.

Deli owner Gary Hendrickson has a sign posted in his window which says "If anyone is homeless or otherwise and in need of a hot meal or a hot drink, please ask a member of staff inside. We guarantee total discretion." 

 

The food they show on their facebook page (such as the stuffed potato and salad shown above), looks truly delicious, but what really warms my heart is that here once again is someone who cares about others and doesn't want to see them going hungry.  Taste is a place I will definitely stop in, when I am in that area!

 

If you know of other restaurants that are helping to feed those who would otherwise be going hungry, tell us about them in the comments section below.  Oh and when you hear about these businesses with a heart, be sure to patronize them.

The Maypole

It was fun when I was just a kid. We danced around the maypole. Looking back, I realize how much work was involved just in making this thing. My teacher was like that though. She was always creating things for her students. My aunt had been in this same teacher's class many years earlier and she told me that was how it was then. My sister was fortunate enough to follow and be the beneficiary of this gifted instructor a few years later.  Letha Sines was her name. 

Of course the first day of May, which is referred to as May Day in many parts of the world, is famous for a number of things. There is some kind of commemoration on this day in much of Europe and North America. In Hawaii, this is Lei Day, celebrating island culture.

 

Somehow though, despite all the different kinds of celebrations that might occur, I always find myself thinking back to sixth grade and a teacher who made a maypole for us to dance around.  She is the only teacher that I think about often, because she truly made a difference!