Friday, September 11, 2015

Today's Remembrance

Okay, kids... pop quiz!
What do terrorists want?
I bet it's terror... or panic.
Dread is even acceptable.
Terrorists want people to be forever nervous and afraid. It keeps those people from thinking.
Psychological reinforcement of terror is quick, cheap and easy.
Don't give in to it.
Remember the event. Remember that it caused pain, suffering, and turmoil.
But, for sanity's sake, leave the pain, suffering, and turmoil in the past where it belongs.
Do not fear. Do not dread.
Do not give in to rage or hatred.
Show terrorists how a free people conduct themselves... unflinchingly, with grace and dignity.
Remember the bravery and unselfishness of those who helped. Remember those who fell.
Honor their memory by going about your daily business... calm and unafraid.
This is the best way to spit in a terrorist's eye.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Gem Society Hosts Presentation on Amber at Mt Clemens Library

The Mount Clemens Gem and Lapidary Society welcomes Patty C. Rice, Ph.D. to their monthly meeting at the Mount Clemens Public Library on Thursday, April 2nd, at 6:30pm.

Dr. Rice, a long-standing member of the Society, is author of the book, Amber: Golden Gem of the Ages and (according to the Society website) "has graciously volunteered to tell all she knows about this beautiful material."


The Society would like the public to know that they are not only welcome, but encouraged to come join them and enjoy this FREE presentation!

Excerpts from the Amazon listing: "Dr. Rice received her Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Her extensive amber collection has received numerous trophies and first-place awards in mineral shows through out the U.S. and Canada. She has traveled extensively to observe first-hand the amber industry and mining techniques, is a popular amber lecturer, has authored many articles in professional gem and mineral journals, and is an expert appraiser of amber holdings. Her work as a jewelry designer has received wide recognition."

The Mt Clemens Library is located at 150 Cass Avenue, Mt Clemens, MI 48043 Parking and entry is at the rear of the building. Here's a map: https://goo.gl/maps/Giqsv

Check out the Mt Clemens Gem & Lapidary Society Facebook page.

The Amber Room, Catherine Palace, Russia. Dr. Rice visited it in 2003.
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Photo by jeanyfan (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons




Sunday, January 25, 2015

Small & Local: Meditation!

If you are curious about meditation or wish to learn different methods of meditating, you may find the English Dhamma Night at the Buddhist Meditation Center in Sterling Heights very helpful. It is a quiet and tranquil place. The monks are cheerful, friendly, and enjoy answering questions. Also, be aware that this is not a worship service... whatever religion you might have on the way in, you will have on the way out. The Buddha was a man, not a god. This is about mindfulness, respect, kindness, and compassion. You will also learn something about Theravada Buddhism from Thailand. The teachings are called the Dhamma and, as the event implies, there will be English-speaking people to help you understand the concepts. In fact, you have a pretty good chance of catching me there, as well. I enjoy the place.
The address is 8500 Plumbrook, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 and it is located just north of 17 Mile Road.
Their Facebook page is Buddhist Meditation Center - Watpaknam Michigan
The website address is http://www.watpaknam.com/ and some of the information is in Thai, but they have been steadily working English into it, as well. 
Here is a link to the Guidelines for Visitors in English.