Fifty-Three

 

This is the week I turn 53. As usual, Facebook has been reminding harassing me to setup a charity through them. Well, I do frequently engage with their platform, perhaps more than I should. But I don't know if they've gotten any better about their fundraising fees or their actual distribution of the funds they collect. So, I won't use their platform to guilt my friends into donations. 

No, on this occasion of completing yet another orbit around the Sun, I will not have a party, not even a virtual or physically distanced one (go get vaccinated, all y'all!), nor will I seek presents. But I do have a request. If you choose to participate in celebrating my Born On date, I ask that you donate time or money to your favorite charity or not-for-profit organization. If you do not have a favorite, I happily suggest several of my own (updated since the last time I provided a list):

• School of Sacred Ministries -- Independent divinity school that offers a 27-month program of spiritual training with ordination as an Interfaith Minister upon conclusion. I was ordained here, I continue to work with them, and they can always use money to continue their programs and further the cause of interfaith dialog.
• Montgomery Theater -- A small professional theater in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Montgomery Theater is my home-away-from-home. Like many not-for-profit enterprises operating in the arts, they are in a budget crunch. Donations can help pay actor salaries or utility bills, or keep the education programs running.
• Cat Tales -- This is the animal rescue where we got Milo and Otis. When we are ready for more fur-babies, we will probably go back to them. 
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society -- My father-in-law would have celebrated another birthday on Monday (4/26) -- if he had not succumbed to cancer in March 2005. My own father was diagnosed with a recurrence of Myelodysplasia syndrome (MDS) in November 2009. He did have a successful mini transplant, but eventually passed in 2013 due to complications from a recurrence of cancer. So, yeah, I'm all for funding cancer research and treatment.
• Cleveland Clinic -- My father had his bone marrow transplants performed here. They also treated him in March 2013. This clinic has an excellent medical staff and wonderful family support programs.
• Philabundance -- The Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization. Working to end hunger and malnutrition since 1984.
• Hero Initiative -- These folks help comic book creators in all sorts of situations: emergency medical aid, financial support, help finding work, etc. Much of their work is in the sales of merchandise or features whose proceeds benefit creators in need, but they also have several donation options. 
• poets.org -- A trio of groups dedicated to poets, poetry, and poems (Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month, and American Poets Magazine). While April is National Poetry Month, they also have an ongoing poem-a-day service, and they have posted special Shelter In Poems options during this past year's COVID-19 pandemic. 
• EDF and EarthJustice -- Two organizations working for environmental protections and justice. 
• Americans United for Separation of Church and State -- With that name, it's probably fairly clear what Americans United (or AU for short) does. Help them fight theocracy in the US. 
• Life After Hate -- People who have spent much of their lives indoctrinated into hateful, dangerous lifestyles need help rejoining the compassionate, humane communities. And that's where Life After Hate picks up their work.
• Planetary Society -- Education, advocation, and exploration! Join CEO Bill Nye and the Planetary Society in their mission to "empower the world’s citizens to advance space science and exploration."
• A Woman's Place (AWP) -- Providing emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, legal assistance, and more for victims of domestic violence in the Bucks County, PA, area. 
• Human Rights Campaign -- More than ever, advocating for equal rights is necessary. Particularly with the current administration seeking to undermine hard-won LGBTQ+ protections. 
• Congressional Dish -- Operating under the value-for-value model, Jennifer Briney accepts no advertising or sponsorship for her twice-monthly podcast She works for you, not the corporate bigwigs, in covering bills, hearings, and more goings on in the US House and Senate.  
• Minnesota Freedom Fund's Suggestions -- From their webpage (as of 4/15/2021): "We ask that people turn their attention, and contributions, to groups needing our support more than ever because they are on the front lines of this fight [for racial justice and to end police brutality]. Please consider making your donations to some of these amazing Minnesota organizations instead of MFF."  
• Black Journalists Therapy Relief Fund through the IWMF -- Your gift here helps to encourage and support a more diverse, representative news media.
• Stop AAPI Hate -- Make a donation to help Stop AAPI Hate (sponsored by Chinese for Affirmative Action) track and respond to the surge in racism and xenophobia. 

Thank you in advance! Let's meet back here in another year!

---

Image Credit: 

Number 53 by Ian Barbour  

 Some rights reserved  

Change notice: Cropped the original to a 533 x 533 square

Fifty-Two

Ten years ago this week, I turned forty-two (42), the age of the "the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything." This week, I shall turn 52. There is nothing particular about this number in the H2G2, but Facebook keeps reminding me to setup a charity through them. Well, screw them. While I regularly engage with their platform, I won't use it to guilt my friends into donations, particularly when Facebook charges high fundraising fees (for anyone not a verified non-profit). And FB can delay distribution of funds to the orgs.

No, in recognition of the questionably auspicious occasion of another orbit around the Sun, I will not have a party (not even a virtual or physically distanced one), nor will I seek presents. But I do have a request. If you choose to participate in celebrating my Born On date, I ask that you donate time or money to your favorite charity or not-for-profit organization. If you do not have a favorite, I happily suggest a few of my own:

• School of Sacred Ministries -- Independent divinity school that offers a 27-month program of spiritual training with ordination as an Interfaith Minister upon conclusion. I was ordained here, I continue to work with them, and they can always use money to continue their programs and further the cause of interfaith dialog.
• Montgomery Theater -- A small professional theater in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Montgomery Theater is my home-away-from-home. Like many not-for-profit enterprises operating in the arts, they are in a budget crunch. Donations can help pay actor salaries or utility bills, or keep the education programs running.
• Cat Tales -- This is the animal rescue where we got Milo and Otis. When we are ready for more fur-babies, we will probably go back to them. 
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society -- My father-in-law would have celebrated another birthday on Monday (4/26) -- if he had not succumbed to cancer in March 2005. My own father was diagnosed with a recurrence of Myelodysplasia syndrome (MDS) in November 2009. He is currently recuperating after a successful mini transplant, but eventually passed in 2013 due to complications from a recurrence of cancer. So, yeah, I'm all for funding cancer research and treatment.
• Cleveland Clinic -- My father had his bone marrow transplants performed here. They also treated him in March 2013. This clinic has an excellent medical staff and wonderful family support programs.
• Philabundance -- The Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization. Working to end hunger and malnutrition since 1984.
• KidsPeace -- Top notch (and kind of local, for me) facility helping children and their families. Founded and headquartered in PA in 1882, they have services in "Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia."
• CBLDF -- The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is "dedicated to the protection of the First Amendment rights of the comics art form and its community of retailers, creators, publishers, librarians, and readers." They fight on behalf of all sorts of banned books. 
• Hero Initiative -- These folks help comic book creators in all sorts of situations: emergency medical aid, financial support, help finding work, etc. Much of their work is in the sales of merchandise or features whose proceeds benefit creators in need, but they also have several donation options. 
• poets.org -- A trio of groups dedicated to poets, poetry, and poems (Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month, and American Poets Magazine). While April is National Poetry Month, they also have an ongoing poem-a-day service, and they have posted special Shelter In Poems options during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. 
• EDF and EarthJustice -- Two organizations working for environmental protections and justice. 
• Americans United for Separation of Church and State -- With that name, it's probably fairly clear what Americans United (or AU for short) does. Help them fight theocracy in the US. 
• Planned Parenthood -- This group is about so much more than access to safe abortions. They provide vital health care, sex education, and information to many people who otherwise could not get they help and attention they need.
• Life After Hate -- People who have spent much of their lives indoctrinated into hateful, dangerous lifestyles need help rejoining the compassionate, humane communities. And that's where Life After Hate picks up their work.
• Planetary Society -- Education, advocation, and exploration! Join CEO Bill Nye and the Planetary Society in their mission to "empower the world’s citizens to advance space science and exploration."
• A Woman's Place (AWP) -- Providing emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, legal assistance, and more for victims of domestic violence in the Bucks County, PA, area. 
• Human Rights Campaign -- More than ever, advocating for equal rights is necessary. Particularly with the current administration seeking to undermine hard-won LGBTQ+ protections. 
• Congressional Dish -- Operating under the value-for-value model, Jennifer Briney accepts no advertising or sponsorship for her twice-monthly podcast She works for you, not the corporate bigwigs, in covering bills, hearings, and more goings on in the US House and Senate.  

Thank you in advance!

Forty-Four

Sign of the state road no. 44 in Austria (Bundesstrasse 44 Oesterreich) via Wikipedia

If you have been following my Friday 80s Flashback posts this month, you know that April is my birth month and that I shall turn forty-four (44). In fact, I might already be 44 by the time you read this. But I tend to draw out the celebration of my Born On date even while I decline to provide the specific day so it is never too late -- or too early -- to join in my revelry. Now, 44 may not be as auspicious as "forty-two (42)," but it does have its fair share of symbolism. It is part of a group of numbers known as master numbers in numerology. I don't necessarily carry a master number as my life purpose number is 4, but turning 44 could present a double-helping of the energies present in life path #4 (or some such thing), right?

Well, whether numbers pose an influence beyond bank accounts and cholesterol counts, reaching the age of 44 is an achievement. To mark my latest journey around the Sun, I will not have a party, nor will I seek presents. But I do have a request (and if you recall my Forty-Two post from 2010, you can probably guess where I'm going this time around). If you choose to participate in celebrating my Born On date, I ask that you donate time or money to your favorite charity or not-for-profit organization. If you do not have a favorite, I happily suggest a few of my own (in addition to the causes listed in my Activism tab):

• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society -- My father-in-law would have celebrated another birthday on Monday (4/26) -- if he had not succumbed to cancer in March 2005. My own father was diagnosed with a recurrence of Myelodysplasia syndrome (MDS) in November 2009. He has since had a successful mini transplant. And while the doctors are pleased if not downright surprised at his progress to date, it is still a somewhat slow recovery process. So, yeah, I'm all for funding cancer research and treatment.
• Cleveland Clinic -- My father had his bone marrow transplants performed here. They have an excellent medical staff and wonderful family support programs.
• School of Sacred Ministries -- Independent divinity school that offers a 27-month program of spiritual training with ordination as an Interfaith Minister upon conclusion. I was ordained here, I continue to work with them, and they can always use money to continue their programs and further the cause of interfaith dialog.
• Montgomery Theater -- A small professional theater in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Montgomery Theater is my home-away-from-home. Like many not-for-profit enterprises operating in the arts, they are often in a budget crunch. Donations can help pay actor salaries and utility bills, or keep the education programs running (Young Actors Workshop, Girl Scout Badge Program, Montgomery Theater Too, Artist in Residence Program).
• Philabundance -- The Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization. Working to end hunger and malnutrition since 1984.
• KidsPeace -- Top notch (and kind of local, for me) facility helping children and their families. Founded and headquartered in PA in 1882, they have services in "Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia."

Thank you in advance!

Friday 80s Flashback for November 18, 2011

[Suffering in Silence] -- Last week's flashback featured songs about children suffering from abuse (see Too Many Tears, posted November 11, 2011). At the end of that flashback post, I included linkage to organizations/agencies working to help current and prevent future victims. Well, over the course of a week, one of those organizations, via the Proud PSU for RAINN campaign, has raised over $400,000.00 (see link below)! But there is going to be more bad news before this is all over. The FBI, NCAA, and more media have descended upon State College, PA, with talk of deeper investigations, more victims, and darker cover-ups. And now the stain of sexual abuse has spread to other schools: a Syracuse University basketball coach has been accused of molesting two boys over the course of 16 years.

As all of this is still fresh in the public eye, I decided to roll over last week's theme into this week, and provide the organization links again (just in case case folks missed them and are still looking for a way to contribute in a positive manner). Here are the organizations I linked last week:

#ProudPSUforRAINN | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network

http://www.rainn.org/ProudPSUforRAINN

A grassroots network of PSU alumni os standing for victims of sexual abuse by supporting RAINN. They have joined together to mobilize the Penn State fan base – alumni, students and fans – to ensure something like this never happens again – anywhere

Get Involved in Your Community | Stop It Now

http://www.stopitnow.org/get_involved

Creating safe environments where children and teens are safe from sexual harm is everyone’s responsibility. Join us by taking steps to protect the children in your community from sexual abuse.

Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse | Childhelp

http://www.childhelp.org/

Founded in 1959 by Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, Childhelp® is a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect.

For this week's 80s songs, read and hear more after the break.

Friday 80s Flashback for November 11, 2011

[Too Many Tears] -- Full disclosure: As a Penn State alumnus and a longtime fan of the Nittany Lions this has been the most difficult week I have ever experienced as a Penn Stater. No, I'm not talking about how I, and other alumni, feel shattered and betrayed. Nor am I talking about being angry over the dismissal of JoePa. No, all of that pales in comparison to what Sandusky's victims (alleged or otherwise, and I hate using "alleged" but the man is charged, not convicted) are reported to have experienced. I have wept -- yes, wept, as I read the details in the Grand Jury Report (Warning: Graphic Content- pdf). And I died a little inside as it seemed increasingly clear that no one tried to help those children. Therefore, this week's flashback has songs about the plight of abused children. And I've included links to organizations that work to prevent and treat victims of sexual abuse. I know this is a heavy topic, but I hope you will continue after the break and check out the latest flashback tunes.

Pakistan Needs Your Help

The recent flooding in Pakistan is, by accounts, the worst that country has experienced in 80 years. Over 15 million people -- some accounts estimate as much as 20 million -- have been affected. The full effect of this disaster may not be felt or even tallied till much later. And yet, by August 12, donations to help Pakistan's relief efforts were merely one-quarter of the Haiti response (ReliefWeb.int). I'm sure there are many reasons for the huge gap in responses. One that I've read often is "donor fatigue." That makes perfect sense. There are many organizations that clamor after us for funding on a regular basis, and then we've had what seems to be one major catastrophe after another (Tsunami, Haiti earthquake, Pakistan flooding, etc.). The BBC's Ros Atkins muses over several other possible explanations. But I don't care about the reasons. I only care about changing this situation. Pakistan needs our help. No, forget that. PEOPLE in Pakistan need our help. We're talking about the average folks over there -- forget for just a moment about the government of Pakistan, and their military, or whatever you have in your head because of the war on terror. Think instead of the folks who are just trying to get buy and make do for their families. People like you and me in many respects. These are people who have lost everything and need help just to survive another day. The need clean water, shelter, medication, and a whole host of other things that many of us are quite possibly taking for granted.

[photo from tonic.com]

The best way to help them right now is by monetary donations. Later, we might be able to help with clothes drives and campaigns to collect other necessities, but right now relief efforts are hampered by a lack of funding. Here are some ways you can change that.

• Text "swat" to 50555 -- this sends a $10 donation to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees that will go toward providing tents, food, clothing, and clean water. (Reply with "yes" to confirm the gift.)
• Text FLOODS to 864233 -- this helps get relief DIRECTLY to the CHILDREN of Pakistan by sending a $10 donation to UNICEF.
• UNICEF -- If you are nervous about texting to donate money, use the form on this page, or use the info to call or print a snail mail form, to send your donation to UNICEF
• Yahoo News -- has a list of suggestions for donating money.
• Tonic -- also has an extensive compilation of ways to donate and help.

There is no concert event. There is no Bob Geldof or other celebrity taking charge and calling our attention to help. But that's OK. We are strong enough, we are caring enough, and we have it in us to help. No matter how small the donation. Please, do your part today.

Forty-Two

Forty-two (42), as I am sure many of you know, is the "the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything." This week, I shall turn 42. (In fact, I could very well be 42 by the time you read this. No matter, I tend to draw out the celebration of my Born On date even while I decline to provide the specific day). In recognition of this auspicious occasion, I will not have a party, nor will I seek presents. But I do have a request. If you choose to participate in celebrating my Born On date, I ask that you donate time or money to your favorite charity or not-for-profit organization. If you do not have a favorite, I happily suggest a few of my own (in addition to the causes listed in the right hand column):

• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society -- My father-in-law would have celebrated another birthday on Monday (4/26) -- if he had not succumbed to cancer in March 2005. My own father was diagnosed with a recurrence of Myelodysplasia syndrome (MDS) in November 2009. He is currently recuperating after a successful mini transplant. So, yeah, I'm all for funding cancer research and treatment.
• Cleveland Clinic -- My father had his bone marrow transplants performed here. They have an excellent medical staff and wonderful family support programs.
• Philabundance -- The Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization. Working to end hunger and malnutrition since 1984.
• KidsPeace -- Top notch (and kind of local, for me) facility helping children and their families. Founded and headquartered in PA in 1882, they have services in "Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia."
• School of Sacred Ministries -- Independent divinity school that offers a 27-month program of spiritual training with ordination as an Interfaith Minister upon conclusion. I was ordained here, I continue to work with them, and they can always use money to continue their programs and further the cause of interfaith dialog.
• Montgomery Theater -- A small professional theater in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Montgomery Theater is my home-away-from-home. Like many not-for-profit enterprises operating in the arts, they are in a budget crunch. Donations can help pay actor salaries or utility bills, or keep the education programs running.

Thank you in advance!

More Ways to Help Haiti

Anna Brones of the ElephantJournal [elephantjournal.com] has compiled a list of ways that people can reach out and help Haiti earthquake victims. Rather than copy the material and rob them of page views, here is the link to her post: Help Haiti: Ways You Can Help Via Organizations and Social Media

mGive Asks You to Text HAITI to 90999 to Give $10 to Red Cross

Details at their blog: mGive Asks You to Text HAITI to 90999 to Give $10 to Red Cross

Modern Day Hobbits in Wales Fought the Law ... and Won

OK. My apologies to Mr. Tolkien and his fans. The villagers in this story are not really Hobbits. But they have been living in straw and mud huts that appear to be perfectly suited to the tiny denizens of Tolkien's fantasy classic. Unfortunately, these folks had to go up against their own version of a dark lord bent on their destruction. In 1993, Julian and Emma Orbach set up an eco-community on their 180-acre farm in the Preseli mountains of west Wales was set up. They thought they had waved their final goodbye to the rat race, let alone judicial issues. But that changed when a survey plane spotted a a bit of sun glinting off a solar panel. Officials were baffled -- they could find no records for this village. No planning permissions had been granted for this green haven. So it was ordered to be torn down.

But, after enduring a decade of inquiries, court cases and planning hearings, the 22 villagers are celebrating a victory. Take a look at the full story, which includes a few photos of the village's buildings. This might be what some Heathens mean when they wistfully speak of getting back to the land.

Read more: Lost middle-class tribe's 'secret' eco-village in Wales spotted in aerial photograph taken by plane | Mail Online

Architectural historian Julian Orbach in front of a village roundhouse

VOTE!

For those of you in PA who are registered as either Republican or Democrat, be certain to go out and cast a vote in the Primary. I hit my local polling location around 7:30am. I was #12!

Drepung Gomang Monks coming to Philly Area

In the spirit of pluralism and activism, I am providing information about the monks from Drepung Gomang Monastery who will be in the Philadelphia area from September 26 through October 11. This all comes from Greg Schultz (gregschultz [at] pureinspiration [dot] org), the contact person for Pure Inspiration (www.pureinspiration.org):

The monks from Drepung Gomang monastery are returning to the Phila area. Please try to attend some of the events, listed below, and we need your help in spreading the word. Please go to the web site for event details in addition to the PDF file (see below). Please print and/or send to as many people as possible. We’re trying to raise $30,000 during the three week period that they’re here, which will feed the 2,200+ monks for at least three months. We look forward to seeing you at the events. Much Tashi Delek, Greg

_____________________

Events: see comments for Event dates/locations.

_____________________

Event Flyer (click to download larger version):