They’re often-unsung heroines. Let’s remember them today.
Tag Archive for service
Be Aware
Christians sing “Here I Am, Lord.” Jews call to mind the example set by the Levites who were called to serve God. Muslims know that the word “Islam” means “submission,” serving the will of Allah. All people, even atheists, have that feeling deep within them that, whether a higher power is involved or not, we have an obligation as part of the human race to watch out for each other. Of course, Believers know that God isn’t going to text us with instructions. But how often do we look around to see if, just maybe, opportunities are presenting themselves around us?
There’s that out-of-work man you keep running into, and an opening where you work. There’s the ill neighbor, and you do go to the grocery store weekly anyway. There’s the lonely stranger in the room you pass on your way to visit your dad at the nursing home, and you really do have an extra fifteen minutes. The City Council is about to pass a harmful resolution, and you have the ability to speak convincingly.
Just look around. Be aware of chances to serve–if not God then your fellow travelers on this Earth.
Honoring Our Military
Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day. President Harry S. Truman ushered in this day in which we recognize and honor the military women and men who have, do, and will protect our country and way of life. The observance became official on Aug. 31, 1949, replacing days honoring the different branches of the service now that they were all combined under the Dept. of Defense.
Let’s stop and think what these people and their families give up for us and express our gratitude in some small way. “Thank you for your service” has become an automatic response, often with little or no feeling behind it. Say or do something different. Buy a current or ex military person a cup of coffee, visit their family and help with household repairs, or take care of their kids while the parents have a “date night.” I’m sure you’ll think of something that will let them know how much you appreciate them.
Thank You & HB, Navy
This week, some 243 years ago (1775), the U.S. Navy came into being. Today,300,000+ men and women are active duty Navy service members.
I didn’t serve in the Navy, but my husband did. He served two tours as a submarine sailor, with a stint on land and in the air over Viet Nam installing and servicing the radios that broadcast to the Vietnamese people. That’s where he was exposed the Agent Orange that likely was the cause of his cancers and, later in life, the antibiotic-persistent lung disease that killed him.
The Navy gave him much that was positive, though. Lifelong shipmate-friends. Experience and training that led him to a career in electronics. Stories of near disaster on a nuclear sub. Long, lonely months at sea brightened by letters from home. The awesome vastness and power of the sea. Dolphins jumping over the bow of their ship, greeting them as they sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge. And, yes, a bar fight or two (this IS the Navy, after all!).
I salute all of you Navy personnel, and thank you for your service.
And to the U.S. Navy–happy birthday!
Thank You & HB, Navy
This week, some 243 years ago (1775), the U.S. Navy came into being. Today,300,000+ men and women are active duty Navy service members.
I didn’t serve in the Navy, but my husband did. He served two tours as a submarine sailor, with a stint on land and in the air over Viet Nam installing and servicing the radios that broadcast to the Vietnamese people. That’s where he was exposed the Agent Orange that likely was the cause of his cancers and, later in life, the antibiotic-persistent lung disease that killed him.
The Navy gave him much that was positive, though. Lifelong shipmate-friends. Experience and training that led him to a career in electronics. Stories of near disaster on a nuclear sub. Long, lonely months at sea brightened by letters from home. The awesome vastness and power of the sea. Dolphins jumping over the bow of their ship, greeting them as they sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge. And, yes, a bar fight or two (this IS the Navy, after all!).
I salute all of you Navy personnel, and thank you for your service.
And to the U.S. Navy–happy birthday!
Hope for Defeating Robo-Calls
Next year, plan on half your phone calls being from robo-callers. That’s according to a recent report.
There’s a solution to this–maybe. A program called Stir/Shaken lets your phone company verify the number of your caller, identifying if it’s a valid number or from a robo-caller, then block it. It’s to be larger and more effective than NoMoRobo, which has been great for me. Sounds good.
Not right now, though. It’s supposed to kick in next year. The problem is, nobody knows who will pay for it. Will we have to subscribe to it and pay a big fee, or will the phone companies incorporate it into our current service? And which phone companies will actually choose to use it?
I’m going to contact my phone company and tell them I expect them to add this to my service but not to my bill. I suggest you do the same.
Some Tax-Day Humor
If you tried to put your taxes together yourself, you’ll appreciate this one. If you went to a tax service, see how much fun you missed? Happy Tax Day!
IF THE IRS MADE A GPS
A Whopper of an Explanation of Net Neutrality
Many of us are confused by what difference net neutrality makes. If you’re one of them, take a look at this Burger King video comparing Whoppers with Internet service. It’s clever and gives a good, clear picture of how much the Internet will cost us unless we have net neutrality, and how, once again, the rich and powerful benefit and the rest of us (especially those with limited finances) are taken advantage of.
If this bothers you, sign the Daily Kos petition to Congress for them to destroy the FCC’s plan to stop net neutrality.
There’s a “Service Dog” in Every Home
I felt like starting the week on a lighter note. No message or moralizing. This is just about dogs who perform services for us every day. But you just need to be an animal-lover in general to enjoy it. (If it doesn’t play right, go to https://www.facebook.com/thepetcollective/videos/1804173109597486/.)
A Film Experience Not to Miss
Beautiful new IMAX movie now playing to celebrate the 100th birthday of our National Park Service. For a taste, watch this short trailer, narrated by Robert Redford. Then watch for the movie in a theater near you. I plan to do just that…and continue to enjoy the gift of our parks.