Lady Liberty Weeps

Lady Liberty Weeps

BLOG SESSION

October 16th, 2017

Good Evening Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors ~

Welcome back to another interesting Blog Session.  If you are new here to the Blog, we welcome you!  You'll find all of our diverse discussions to be of interest to you in one way or another.  We do tend to focus on writing, journaling, and keeping daily diary entries, and we think you will enjoy taking notes in your Journal and writing about your emotions, feelings, life events, and thoughts in your Diary.

Today, we are going to turn your attention to the Image at the top if this Blog entitled, "Lady Liberty Weeps".  Here is the point where you grab your ink pen and Journal so that you can take notes...

Journal Notes

Let us start our Journal Notes off with today's date, Monday, October 16th, 2017.  And, next we'll write a short description of how we are feeling about our life at this time.  With that lead-in, many of us will focus on different things that intertwine with our lives, such as family, responsibilities, job duties, business matters, health issues, or a particular situation or circumstance that just so happens to be on our plate at this time.

Your description will be longer depending upon how passionate you are about what you are writing about.

Next, we are going to think about what we feel within us.  Do we feel comfortable or uncomfortable about our status in life?  Do we feel at ease or are we uneasy about the state of the country we live in?  Is our spirit at peace or alarmed?  Do we feel that we are doing what we are purposed to do in life or not?

After you have thought about the questions above, please write your answers in your Journal.  Now, let all of that material just sit in front of you in your Journal as you read on. . .

Because the Readers of our Blog are from all over the world, each of us will have a different perspective about the country that we live in.  Even if some of us live in the same country, our thoughts may be different about the state of our country, and our feelings about different issues connected to our country may also be different.  Although, on many moral issues, people will feel the exact same way no matter where they may reside.

We've seen a lot of devastation this year with wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, mudslides, cyclones, heatwaves, and avalanches.

April floods and landslides in Colombia that claimed 329 lives were the deadliest single event.

According to Frankfurt am Main (AFP) some 3,200 people lost their lives to disasters between January and June, the German group, reinsurer Munich Re found that the numbers were well short of the 10-year average of 47,000 for the period or the 5,100 deaths in the first half of 2016.

The most costly single event was flooding in Peru between January and March, which killed 113 people and inflicted damage worth around $3.1 billion, followed by Cyclone Debbie's toll of 12 lives and $2.7 billion in Australia.

Elsewhere, an April-June heatwave in India killed 264 people, while floods, landslides, and avalanches claimed around 200 lives in Sri Lanka, 200 in Afghanistan and 200 Bangladesh.

"The high number of severe thunderstorms in the US is presumed to have been at least partially influenced by a natural climate phenomenon," the reinsurer said.

As many are aware who have an eye outside of the four walls they live in -- one of the things that happens to be on our plate right now is the aftermath of damages incurred from Hurricane Maria that affected Puerto Rico . . .

Puerto Rico Aftermath from Hurricane Maria

Another devastating event that is still having an impact on lives is the California wildfires...

California Wildfires

As of Sunday, October 15, 17 large fires still burned across the northern part of California, with more than 10,000 firefighters attacking the flames using air tankers, helicopters and more than 1,000 fire engines.

At least 40 people have been killed and at least 5,700 homes destroyed in the wildfires that have been burning for nearly a week. 

Santa Rosa, California — The fire-ravaged North Bay on Monday began to confront the long and arduous task of resuming life after the deadliest set of wildfires in state history, as evacuees returned to their neighborhoods, some to intact homes and others to their worst fears...

(Pictured above) ~ Alex Mathiesen, 9, sits on a curb in front of the remains of his family's home in Mark West Estates north of Santa Rosa, California, Monday, October 16, 2017.  His family all escaped with their lives when the Tubbs Fire swept over their neighborhood. (Karl Mondon/ Bay Area News Group)

And, there's much more going on around the world...

Today Storm Ophelia is battering Scotland and northern England after leaving several people dead and hundreds of thousands without power in Ireland.

The former Atlantic hurricane downed trees and power lines, sent waves surging over coastal defenses and disrupted transport again Tuesday, a day after making landfall on Ireland’s south coast with gusts of almost 100 miles an hour (160 kilometers an hour).

Porthleven, Cornwall, southwestern Britain

(Pictured above) ~ Large waves crash along sea defenses and the harbor as storm Ophelia approaches Porthleven in Cornwall, (south west Britain, Oct. 16, 2017.)  Photo: Toby Melville/Reuters)

Britain’s Met Office weather service said Scotland could see heavy rain and gusts of up to 70 mph (113 kph), with winds gradually diminishing through Tuesday.

Parts of southern Norway reported a smoky smell on Tuesday morning, which the local meteorological institute said it was likely carried there by Ophelia from the wave of forest fires in Portugal and Spain that killed at least 41 people over the weekend.

In Sweden, people in the capital of Stockholm and elsewhere launched a flurry of calls to authorities, saying the skies were much darker than usual Tuesday morning.  The reason the skies were darker is probably due to Ophelia’s strong winds, which carried a mix of red sand from the Sahara and tiny particles from the Iberian forest fires across western Europe. (AP)

Galway, Ireland

(Pictured above) ~ The Galway Atlantaquaria National Aquarium of Ireland building is seen submerged in floodwater during Storm Ophelia in Galway, Ireland, Oct.16, 2017. (Photo: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters)

We must count our blessings, help others when and where we can, and remain prayerful.

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

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

C O N C U S S I O N

C O N C U S S I O N

BLOG SESSION

October 14, 2017

And, we're back!

It is time for another Blog Session, and today you may need to get your Journals out to write down your thoughts, your feelings, and take serious notes about the topic that we will be discussing today.

We're going to be discussing an important issue that those who love sports, and those who have had the injury that we will be discussing will be able to relate to.  We're going to be dealing with the topic of . . .

C O N C U S S I O N S

What is a "concussion"?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. Although there may be cuts or bruises on the head or face, there may be no other visible signs of a brain injury.

You don't have to pass out (lose consciousness) to have a concussion.  Some people will have obvious symptoms of a concussion, such as passing out or forgetting what happened right before the injury.  But other people won't.  With rest, most people fully recover from a concussion.  Some people recover within a few hours. Other people take a few weeks to recover.

It is important to know that after a concussion the brain is more sensitive to damage.  While a person is  recovering, they must be sure to avoid activities that might cause injury once again.

Concussions and Football

In rare cases, concussions cause more serious problems. Repeated concussions or a severe concussion may lead to long-lasting problems with movement, learning, or speaking.  Because of the small chance of serious problems, it is important to contact a doctor if you or someone you know has symptoms of a concussion.

Symptoms of a concussion range from mild to severe and can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. If you notice any symptoms of a concussion, contact your doctor immediately.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT

Is it worth it to play football knowing that there is a risk of possibly incurring a concussion?  Is there enough money to compensate you for your injury if you do in fact receive a concussion?  Do you want your sons playing football?  Would you like for your husband, spouse, or relative to play football for a living?  Do you know someone who has had a concussion or is at risk of a concussion?  Have you ever had a concussion?

RECOMMENDED FOR VIEWING:  "Concussion" - The MOVIE...

Will Smith stars in Concussion, a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known.

Get more details about the Movie "Concussion" here...

Movie Link Details "Concussion"

Starring Will Smith

You may also want to refer to the following Article about the Movie "Concussion" . . .

Six things ‘Concussion’ the movie won’t tell you

(but brain experts will)

Your thoughts on this topic would be appreciated.  You may leave your comments in the "Comments Section" here on the Blog (at the bottom of this Blog post).

I'll leave you with this to end today's discussion . . .

Concussions in American football.  Concussions and other types of repetitive play-related head blows in American football have been shown to be the cause of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which has led to player suicides and other debilitating symptoms after retirement, including memory loss, depression, and dementia.
[Reference Link (click here for more information)].

OUR NEXT BLOG SESSION:

More on Concussions

&

Why we kneel

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

California Wild Fire Report ~ OCTOBER 2017

California Wild Fire Report

BLOG SESSION

Friday

October 13th, 2017

Good Evening Diary Writers, Journalists, Historians, Blog Readers, Followers & Visitors...

Welcome back to the Blog.  If you are new here to the Blog, just to fill you in, we have been discussing the California wildfires for the past few Blog Sessions.  The devastating wildfires are making history in the worst possible way.  We are going to be discussing the latest news on the wildfires that are raging in the state of California.

Please grab your Journals and your Diaries for this Session.  We are going to be filling you in on some of the issues in connection with the relentless wildfires in California.

First, we'd like to make sure that everyone is aware of the fact that many of the fire victims are elderly.  At least 400 people are reported missing in Sonoma County alone, where a fire wiped out many homes in Santa Rosa, a city of about 175,000 people some 50 miles northwest of San Francisco.

The Elderly in times of Disaster

Please note that Sheriff Giordano advised that Deputies are having to wait for houses to cool before they can enter in to look for the missing.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office identified ten (10) victims Thursday, October 12th, 2017, and most of them were over 70 years of age.  The youngest was 57 years old, and the oldest was 95 years old.

Sonoma, Mendocino and Napa counties have been among the hardest hit by the fires.  Nearly 20% of the population in those counties is over 65, according to US Census Bureau data.

We must look after our Seniors.  If you are a resident living in the United States, you may remember what happened in Hollywood, Florida when Hurricane Irma came through and wiped out the electricity in a nursing home.  This caused the air conditioning to be knocked out, raising fears about the safety of Florida's four (4) million senior citizens amid power outages that could last for days.

Unfortunately, eight (8) patients at a sweltering nursing home died after Hurricane Irma knocked out the air conditioning.  The deaths at the Rehabilitation Centre were heat-related, and the building was immediately sealed off and a criminal investigation was conducted.

In light of those eight (8) deaths, Governor Rick Scott called on Florida emergency workers to immediately check on all nursing homes to make sure patients were safe, and he vowed to punish anyone found culpable in the deaths.  Governor Scott stated, "This situation is unfathomable."

California Wildfires

Currently in California ~

More than 20,000 people have been driven from their homes in Northern California.  The fast-moving wildfires continue to spread devastation and desperation.  Dozens are now dead.

There are ways that you can help those dealing with the fires, and ways you can get help if you're in need.  Organizations are on the ground providing emergency supplies to those affected.  If you live in Northern California, you can volunteer and donate aid through the Facebook page (Tubbs Fire - Info, Housing, Pets, Food (Lake/Sonoma/Mendo) - Public Group.  Facebook has also activated a safety check-in page.

Home Care Assistance is offering to help seniors in Napa and Sonoma evacuate safely and to transport their belongings.  Call (925) 817-0416.

The American Red Cross is also seeking volunteers to assist evacuees.

Wine County Animal Lovers is offering pet supplies to help evacuees keep their animals with them.

There are many other organizations offering assistance.  Check online for more information.  Connect with Impact Your World on Facebook and follow CNN on Twitter @ CNNImpact.

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