More on Concussions & Why we kneel

More on Concussions

&

Why we kneel

BLOG SESSION

October 15, 2017

Good Morning Sports Fans, Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors ~ We're back for another interesting Blog Session.  We welcome all of our new Followers to our fascinating Blog!

If you were here for our last Blog Session, then you already know that we touched on the topic of Concussions, the movie, "Concussion" starring Will Smith, as well as the definition of what a concussion is.  If you missed the last Session, you can find it by simply scrolling down after you have read this Blog Session.  You can also opt to "Follow by Email" by filling in your email address over in the far right-hand column, and then click the "Submit" button when you're done.  You'll receive each Blog Session as soon as it is published in your email box, which will make it convenient for you if you are in your emails frequently.

If you've been here with us in the past, then you know that we take notes every Session in our Journal.  We also write in our Diaries on a daily basis -- or at least seek to do so in order to keep in touch with our feelings, emotions, and life events in relation to our personal lives.  If you have not yet purchased a great looking Journal for your notes, make it a point to get one.  You'll be so glad that you did.  You'll also be amazed at how useful the notes in your Journal turn out to be.

Some of the Blog Readers and Followers here use their Diary to take notes as well.  And, a lot of us use both our Journals and our Diaries.  A few of us have a Journal/Diary that functions as both -- like the one that you see below...  

Journal/Diary

Now is a good time to pull your Journal and ink pen out.  It's note-taking time!

The business of football has always been the topic of discussion in the news, at Sports Bars, coffee shops, and in discussions at the office.  Many of us love a great football game, and we have our favorite teams.

Colin Kaepernick

"The Perilous Fight"

TIME Magazine

NOTE:  Free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick's jersey he wore while protesting the National Anthem in 2016 has been donated to the Smithsonian.

Lately, football has been in the spotlight, not just for the love of the sport itself, but because of what's been going on mainly with the American NFL in relation to the protest initiated by former San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (who is currently a free agent).  Kaepernick first sat on the bench during the national anthem for a preseason game last August in 2016.  Kaepernick was quoted as saying that he was "not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color."  Needless to say, Kaepernick kept to his word all season long, and later shifted his protest to taking a knee during the national anthem instead of sitting on the bench.

Taking a knee has taken off, and I can see why.  Half the people standing during the national anthem have no idea of what is really being said, nor what it really stands for, nor do they realize the oppression it also represents.

In fact, just to enlighten those who don't know, headlines read, "German soccer team takes a knee in solidarity with NFL players" . . .

Hertha BSC stands for tolerance and responsibility!

For a tolerant Berlin and an open-minded world,

now and forevermore! #TakeAKnee

In addition, High School Football team players are taking a knee, College Football Players are taking a knee, and many other Sports Teams are taking a knee.  You'll find Cheerleaders taking a knee, and so many other people.  You see, taking a knee is about justice.

#TakeAKnee

#TakeAKnee

#TakeAKnee

Not only in the USA does this Take a Knee happen, but also Internationally.  It would do everyone well to see the protest as doing a job to help spark a national as well as international discussion that is long overdue about social inequality.

Grey's Anatomy cast taking a knee

on the set to support NFL players

Brave Colin Kaepernick files a collusion grievance against NFL owners.

Colin Kaepernick, who has not been able to find another job in the NFL since opting out of his 49ers contract earlier this year, has reportedly filed a collusion grievance against NFL owners.

Colin Kaepernick's goal has always been, and remains, to simply be treated fairly by the league he performed at the highest level for and return to the football playing field.

The 29-year-old quarterback has hired attorney Mark Geragos to assist him.  Geragos released the following statement Sunday night...

We can confirm that this morning we filed a grievance under the CBA on behalf of Colin Kaepernick.  This was done only after pursuing every possible avenue with all the NFL teams and their executives.

OUR NEXT BLOG SESSION:

Lady Liberty Weeps

F R I E N D S

Until Our Next Blog Session ~

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2017 - All Rights Reserved

RACE ~ Gender ~ EQUALITY ~ Justice ~ PART III

RACE ~ Gender ~ EQUALITY ~ Justice

PART III

BLOG SESSION

September 30th, 2017

What a month it has been!  No matter where you are located, we are about to step into a new month ~ The question is, what will the month of October bring for us?

If you have been here for our last few Blog Sessions, then you were shown lots of video clips on issues that are happening at this present time.  We discussed the devastating hurricanes that have taken place and the leadership responses.  We also discussed protests going on relative to the meaning of the National Anthem of the United States of America and public opinion in relation to the NFL, President Trump's remarks, and public opinion.

You may or may not have an opinion on the topics of Race, Gender, Equality and Justice, but chances are you definitely have something to say about each issue, especially if it affects you, your family, your friends, or your loved ones.  If you care about people (even if you do not personally know them), then you should definitely have something to say, or you have something that you can share about how you have helped people who do have concerns.

If you feel that none of those issues affect you, then you are among a small percentage of the world.  And, if that is the case, then we would definitely appreciate your thoughts about why none of those issues affect you.

On the topic of "EQUALITY"

Equality is the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

Equality steps into the zones of fairness, equal rights, equal opportunities, impartiality, evenhandedness, and justice.

If you feel that you are privileged, meaning that you have special rights, advantages, or immunities, then good for you!  Who  have you helped?

Here is a link to where you can go to SEE who the 250 richest people in the world are . . .

Richest 250 People In The World

In all fairness to the 250 people in the world on the list, they may have helped thousands of people and done great things for others.  It is worth looking into.  Maybe they can help you.  Maybe they can teach you how to be just like them.  Maybe.

Back to the topic of equality . . .

Is it fair for a handicapped person not to have access to public restrooms or public facilities?  Should there not be handicapped accessibility and compliance with accessibility guidelines?

What about deaf individuals?  Shouldn't a deaf person be able to hear television broadcasts and radio broadcasts?  Shouldn't there be plenty of schools for the deaf and hard of earing?  When there are events, shouldn't there be someone there who can sign?  Are there Sign Language classes in your child's school?

Here's something to think about:  If you are not handicapped, deaf, or hard of hearing do you even think about others who are?  Are you concerned when you take up a handicapped parking space or use a handicapped restroom?  Or better yet, that there is not a handicapped accessible bathroom for a handicapped person to use in the public restroom that you step into?  Do you have any concern for others who can not hear what you hear at events when speakers are talking?

What about healthcare . . .

There are people who can not afford their medicine.  There are also people who do not have access to proper healthcare facilities and doctors.  Do you care?

Take a moment to look at the following statistics, and take time to research healthcare where you live . . .

Here is another interesting survey that was done concerning Healthcare Costs and access among adults age 65 or older that was done in 2014... 

While there are plenty of issues to talk about, please take a moment to attempt to be open-minded about the welfare of others.  Take time to listen to the concerns of your friends and those you come in contact with.  Sometimes it is not just about YOU.

Until our next Blog Session . . .

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2017 - All Rights Reserved

RACE ~ Gender ~ EQUALITY ~ Justice PART II

RACE ~ Gender ~ EQUALITY ~ Justice

PART II

BLOG SESSION

September 29th, 2107

Good Afternoon Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors ~ We are back to continue our discussion about RACE ~ Gender ~ EQUALITY ~ Justice . . .

Today, we are going to go into one specific issue that came to light from the protest involving not standing during the National Anthem of the United States of America initiated by Colin Kaepernick.  On August 29th, 2016, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick explained why he is refusing to stand during the National anthem.   Rather than me explain his viewpoint, I'll let you hear it directly from him...

Colin Kaepernick explains why he won't stand during National Anthem

Colin Kaepernick's stance took off and struck chords with others ~ those part of the NFL, other professional athletes, concerned individuals, celebrities, Leaders of the community, News Anchors, Talk Show Hosts, and men and women like yourself.

Harry Belafonte gave his views about the Kaepernick's stance in a televised interview with TV One show host Roland Martin.  Please take a moment to view the clip . . .

OMG!!!WTF!!! - Harry Belafonte speaks on Colin Kaepernick's PROTEST

On Steve Harvey's Morning Show, Steve Harvey spoke about Kaepernick's stance.  Take a listen . . .

Steve Harvey Speaks: Colin Kaepernick and the National Anthem Protest

In a Presidential Town Hall Meeting (published last year ~ September 28, 2016) in Fort Lee, Virginia, President Barack Obama spoke on Kaepernick's stance.  President Barack Obama said at a CNN Presidential Town Hall Meeting that he respected Colin Kaepernick's decision not to stand during the National Anthem.  Please take a moment to listen in . . .

Obama discusses Kaepernick's anthem protest

 

Here is another take on Kaepernick's stance...What did  former NFL football player Charles Woodson have to say about Kaepernick's stance?  [ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown] ~ Shown on Jimmy Dore Show with commentary...Please take a listen . . . 

Powerful Remarks On Colin Kaepernick Will Make You Rethink The National Anthem

   

Those clips are placed here in this Blog Session to give you various viewpoints about Kaepernick's stance regarding not standing for the National Anthem.  You are welcome to leave your thoughts here on the Blog in the "Comment's Section" at the bottom of this Blog Session.

Personal Story

Here is a personal story that I'd like to share with everyone about the National Anthem...

When I was in elementary school, we would stand and recite the National Anthem.  Well, one day, when we came into class, one little girl (age 7) ~ a neighbor and friend of mine ~ would not stand up (I will refer to her as "she").  So the teacher told her that she had to stand up.  All the other children in the class looked at her sitting in her seat.  She told the teacher that she would not do it.  The teacher told her that she had to stand like everyone else.  She told the teacher once again, "I will not do it".  So the teacher asked her why she would not stand and recite the National Anthem?  She told the teacher, "Because I am a Native American Indian and I will not do it."  Well, naturally all the heads in the classroom turned from our little friend and turned to look at the teacher.  The teacher was speechless.  So we all said together, "We will not do it either.", and we promptly all sat down.  Expecting to be paddled, we were shocked when the teacher told us, "Well fine.  We will not do it."  We never had to stand to recite the National Anthem, because our teacher was also a Native American Indian.

OUR NEXT BLOG SESSION:

RACE ~ Gender ~ EQUALITY ~ Justice

PART III

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2017 - All Rights Reserved

RACE ~ Gender ~ EQUALITY ~ Justice

RACE ~ Gender ~ EQUALITY ~ Justice

BLOG SESSION

September 28th, 2017

Good Evening Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors!

We're back here on the Blog to discuss an issue that is difficult, (for some reason), for people to have a candid and honest conversation about.  It is a worldwide issue, and is not limited to the location of where you live.  It is a very important issue for many reasons.

Race, gender, equality and justice ~ What do those terms mean to you?

In order to bring our topic of discussion into view, we are going to dive into a few important incidents that have happened this year.  We will be focusing specifically on the topic of Bad Leadership, which is what our previous Blog Sessions have been about.  You be the judge...

Let's start with the United States and the current President...

Anderson Cooper's Brilliant Reaction To Trump's Statements - EXPOSES His Bad Leadership

What are your thoughts about the above clip?  You are invited to leave your thoughts and comments in our "Comments Section" at the end of this Blog.

Next, we will show you another video clip that will be of interest in relation to our topic of discussion.  Please keep in mind that we are pointing out World Leaders and their viewpoints in addition to their words relayed to the world.  The following clip will start with a commercial ~ please keep viewing...

Anderson Cooper's Magnificent Reaction To Trump's U.N. Message - "Rocketman"

What about the Hurricanes that took place recently?  How has the response been?  What do people think about the response by Leadership?  Let's take a look at a few clips with input by some known Celebs...

Celebs SLAM Donald Trump For Response To Puerto Rico Hurricane Aftermath

What was the response to President 45 of the United States jumping into NFL Business?  I'd like to point out that reactions by the public at large have been very strong (to put it mildly).  While I personally do not condone vulgar language, everyone needs to be mindful of how they appear when speaking in the public eye -- including in the media, social media, and online.  Strong feelings, sometimes elicit strong language.  Please take a look at this clip for the reactions from NFL Players (caution vulgar language)...

NBA players, Celebs and more Reactions to Donald Trump comments on Stephen Curry

If you are wondering what is all of the uproar about, you are not alone.  There are many more clips, but for now, the question for all Blog Readers is this ~ What are your feelings about Race Relations where you live?

Please note that the video clips are in response to actions/words/media clips/social media posts by the 45th President of the United States.

Journal Notes

Please pull your Journals out and make your notes on today's Blog Session.  You may also leave your comments here on the Blog in the "Comments Section".

Do you think that the responses to what has been said and done by the 45th President of the United States would have been if he did not make it a habit of posting everything he thinks on Twitter?

Do you think it is appropriate for World Leaders to use Social Media to voice their personal opinions when they are responsible for cities, regions, countries and world relations?

~ We'll be back for more on our current topic ~

OUR NEXT BLOG SESSION:

RACE ~ Gender ~ EQUALITY ~ Justice

PART II

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

©Copyright - René Allen - 2014-2017 - All Rights Reserved

What does this image say to you?

What does this image say to you?

BLOG SESSION

September 22nd, 2017

Good Morning Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors ~ Today's Blog Session is meant to invoke thought. The question being asked today is related to the visual image that you see at the top of this Blog.

We welcome all new Blog Readers to our delightful Blog!

If you are new to our Blog Sessions, please take a moment to Bookmark our Blog.  You may also receive each Blog Session in your email box by submitting your email address over in the right-hand column where it says, "Follow by Email".  Once you have entered your email address in, then simply click the "Submit" button.  Your Blog Sessions will be delivered promptly to you by email.

Now is the time where we pull out our Journals to take notes . . .

Journal Notes

All Blog Readers here come from various parts of the world.  For those Readers who are familiar with the NFL (National Football League) and the current protests that are taking place, the image at the top of this Blog will immediately strike a chord with you.

If you are not familiar with what is going on with the NFL and the current protests, the following link will take you to background information so that you will be informed...

FROM THE NFL:  Players discuss why they took action during anthem

However you may feel about the protests, the question is simply related to the image that you see at the top of the Blog today.

In your Journal, please write your thoughts about the image.

After you have fully read the material from the link provided and viewed the video clips included in the link, please add any additional thoughts that you may have in connection with the Image at the top of this Blog.

You are also able to leave any comments, thoughts, questions or suggestions here on the Blog about this Blog Session at the bottom of this Blog in the "Comments Section".

Have a wonderful day today, and don't forget to check out our next upcoming Blog Session!

Until our next Blog Session Diary Writers ~

Peace, Love & Light

By René Allen

© Copyright - René Allen - 2014 - 2017 - All Rights Reserved