from Writer's Almanac (Garrison Keillor, American Public Media):
April 6 is the birthday of the Shoshone woman Sacajawea, born in Idaho (sometime around 1789). She was kidnapped at age 10 by the Hidatsa tribe, sold into slavery, and bought by a French-Canadian trapper who made her one of his two wives.
When Lewis and Clark hired the trapper to guide them to the Pacific, Sacajawea -- a teenager with her two-month-old baby on her back -- was part of the package. She accompanied the party to the Pacific Ocean and back, acting as their interpreter. She could speak half a dozen Indian languages, she told them which plants were edible, and, William Clark said, tribes were inclined to believe that their party was friendly when they saw Sacajawea because a war party would never travel with a woman, especially one with a baby.
When the trip was over, Sacajawea's husband got $500 and 320 acres of land. She died on December 1812, of a "fever," at the age of 23. Clark legally adopted her two children -- the boy who had been a baby on the expedition, Jean Baptiste, and an infant daughter, Lisette.
[more information about her at MANATAKA American Indian Council:
http://www.manataka.org/page80.html
Friday, April 6, 2012
Local Easter Egg Hunts -- 11 a.m. for kids ages 3 - 8 and dogs all ages (Sat. 4/7/2012)
The City of Buchanan, Michigan is hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids and dogs at 11 a.m. April 7, 2012 at The Common. Age groups are 3 and under; 4 to 5; 6 to 7; and 8 and above. All groups start together and prizes for each group will be awarded. The Easter Bunny will also be on hand.
The Dog Easter Egg Hunt will start at 11:30 a.m. at The Common.
The Dog Easter Egg Hunt will start at 11:30 a.m. at The Common.
Bingu wa Mutharika (Malawi's President) -- died April 4 -- heart attack
from www. globalpost dot-com (online article)
Malawi's President Bingu wa Mutharika is dead after suffering a heart attack, according to reports. The 78-year-old was rushed to a hospital in Lilongwe, the capital, on Thursday after collapsing at a meeting, but was dead on arrival (according to REUTERS, international press agency). A brief statement read on state radio and TV late Thursday said Mutharika would be traveling to South Africa to receive treatment, but gave no mention of what was wrong. BBC sources also say Mutharika is dead, his body was taken to South Africa while the government decides who should take over. Ministers have reportedly been in emergency meetings all night.
Malawi's government has yet to make an official announcement about Mutharika. Independent newspapers have criticized the government's handling of the situation, with the Nyasa Times periodical is saying that that senior officials agreed to fly the president to South Africa in an attempt to buy time. Hospital and government officials in Johannesburg have refused to comment on Mutharika.
Under Malawi's constitution, the vice president – currently Joyce Banda – must take over if the president is too ill to serve. This represents a "huge shake-up" in Malawian politics since Mutharika expelled Banda from his party in 2010 after they dramatically fell out. (sources in BBC and Nyasa Times reports). Banda, after news broke that Mutharika was in hospital, asked Malawians to pray for the president. "When I first heard the state president had been taken ill, I quickly wished him quick recovery," she said.
Mutharika's brother Peter, the country's foreign minister, is usually deputized in the president's absense.
Malawi, a peaceful southern African nation praised for its democratic system since shedding the dictatorship of Hastings Kamazu Banda in 1994, had under Mutharika slid backwards towards authoritarianism. Mutharika had been president of Malawi since 2004. He faced violent protests against his rule last year, in which at least 18 demonstrators died.
Malawi's President Bingu wa Mutharika is dead after suffering a heart attack, according to reports. The 78-year-old was rushed to a hospital in Lilongwe, the capital, on Thursday after collapsing at a meeting, but was dead on arrival (according to REUTERS, international press agency). A brief statement read on state radio and TV late Thursday said Mutharika would be traveling to South Africa to receive treatment, but gave no mention of what was wrong. BBC sources also say Mutharika is dead, his body was taken to South Africa while the government decides who should take over. Ministers have reportedly been in emergency meetings all night.
Malawi's government has yet to make an official announcement about Mutharika. Independent newspapers have criticized the government's handling of the situation, with the Nyasa Times periodical is saying that that senior officials agreed to fly the president to South Africa in an attempt to buy time. Hospital and government officials in Johannesburg have refused to comment on Mutharika.
Under Malawi's constitution, the vice president – currently Joyce Banda – must take over if the president is too ill to serve. This represents a "huge shake-up" in Malawian politics since Mutharika expelled Banda from his party in 2010 after they dramatically fell out. (sources in BBC and Nyasa Times reports). Banda, after news broke that Mutharika was in hospital, asked Malawians to pray for the president. "When I first heard the state president had been taken ill, I quickly wished him quick recovery," she said.
Mutharika's brother Peter, the country's foreign minister, is usually deputized in the president's absense.
Malawi, a peaceful southern African nation praised for its democratic system since shedding the dictatorship of Hastings Kamazu Banda in 1994, had under Mutharika slid backwards towards authoritarianism. Mutharika had been president of Malawi since 2004. He faced violent protests against his rule last year, in which at least 18 demonstrators died.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Prayer Breakfast (Remarks by Barack Obama) - April 4, 2012
from http://www.whitehouse/ dot-gov as well as www.obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the White House. It is a pleasure to be with all of you this morning.
In less than a week, this house will be overrun by thousands of kids at the Easter Egg Roll. (Laughter.) So I wanted to get together with you for a little prayer and reflection -- some calm before the storm. (Laughter.)
It is wonderful to see so many good friends here today. To all the faith leaders from all across the country -- from churches and congregations large and small; from different denominations and different backgrounds -- thank you for coming to our third annual Easter prayer breakfast. And I’m grateful that you’re here.
I’m even more grateful for the work that you do every day of the year -- the compassion and the kindness that so many of you express through your various ministries. I know that some of you have joined with our Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. I’ve seen firsthand some of the outstanding work that you are doing in your respective communities, and it’s an incredible expression of your faith. And I know that all of us who have an opportunity to work with you draw inspiration from the work that you do.
Finally, I want to just express appreciation for your prayers. Every time I travel around the country, somebody is going around saying, we’re praying for you. (Laughter.) We got a prayer circle going. Don’t worry, keep the faith. We’re praying. (Laughter.) Michelle gets the same stuff. And that means a lot to us. It especially means a lot to us when we hear from folks who we know probably didn’t vote for me -- (laughter) -- and yet, expressing extraordinary sincerity about their prayers. And it’s a reminder not only of what binds us together as a nation, but also what binds us together as children of God.
Now, I have to be careful, I am not going to stand up here and give a sermon. It’s always a bad idea to give a sermon in front of professionals. (Laughter.) But in a few short days, all of us will experience the wonder of Easter morning. And we will know, in the words of the Apostle Paul, “Christ Jesus...and Him crucified.”
It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on the triumph of the resurrection, and to give thanks for the all-important gift of grace. And for me, and I’m sure for some of you, it’s also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured -- not just as a Son of God, but as a human being.
For like us, Jesus knew doubt. Like us, Jesus knew fear. In the garden of Gethsemane, with attackers closing in around him, Jesus told His disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” He fell to his knees, pleading with His Father, saying, “If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” And yet, in the end, He confronted His fear with words of humble surrender, saying, “If it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
So it is only because Jesus conquered His own anguish, conquered His fear, that we’re able to celebrate the resurrection. It’s only because He endured unimaginable pain that wracked His body and bore the sins of the world that He burdened -- that burdened His soul that we are able to proclaim, “He is Risen!”
So the struggle to fathom that unfathomable sacrifice makes Easter all the more meaningful to all of us. It helps us to provide an eternal perspective to whatever temporal challenges we face. It puts in perspective our small problems relative to the big problems He was dealing with. And it gives us courage and it gives us hope.
We all have experiences that shake our faith. There are times where we have questions for God’s plan relative to us -- (laughter) -- but that’s precisely when we should remember Christ’s own doubts and eventually his own triumph. Jesus told us as much in the book of John, when He said, “In this world you will have trouble.” I heard an amen. (Laughter.) Let me repeat. “In this world, you will have trouble.”
AUDIENCE: Amen!
THE PRESIDENT: “But take heart!” (Laughter.) “I have overcome the world.” (Applause.) We are here today to celebrate that glorious overcoming, the sacrifice of a risen savior who died so that we might live. And I hope that our time together this morning will strengthen us individually, as believers, and as a nation.
Welcome to the White House. It is a pleasure to be with all of you this morning.
In less than a week, this house will be overrun by thousands of kids at the Easter Egg Roll. (Laughter.) So I wanted to get together with you for a little prayer and reflection -- some calm before the storm. (Laughter.)
It is wonderful to see so many good friends here today. To all the faith leaders from all across the country -- from churches and congregations large and small; from different denominations and different backgrounds -- thank you for coming to our third annual Easter prayer breakfast. And I’m grateful that you’re here.
I’m even more grateful for the work that you do every day of the year -- the compassion and the kindness that so many of you express through your various ministries. I know that some of you have joined with our Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. I’ve seen firsthand some of the outstanding work that you are doing in your respective communities, and it’s an incredible expression of your faith. And I know that all of us who have an opportunity to work with you draw inspiration from the work that you do.
Finally, I want to just express appreciation for your prayers. Every time I travel around the country, somebody is going around saying, we’re praying for you. (Laughter.) We got a prayer circle going. Don’t worry, keep the faith. We’re praying. (Laughter.) Michelle gets the same stuff. And that means a lot to us. It especially means a lot to us when we hear from folks who we know probably didn’t vote for me -- (laughter) -- and yet, expressing extraordinary sincerity about their prayers. And it’s a reminder not only of what binds us together as a nation, but also what binds us together as children of God.
Now, I have to be careful, I am not going to stand up here and give a sermon. It’s always a bad idea to give a sermon in front of professionals. (Laughter.) But in a few short days, all of us will experience the wonder of Easter morning. And we will know, in the words of the Apostle Paul, “Christ Jesus...and Him crucified.”
It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on the triumph of the resurrection, and to give thanks for the all-important gift of grace. And for me, and I’m sure for some of you, it’s also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured -- not just as a Son of God, but as a human being.
For like us, Jesus knew doubt. Like us, Jesus knew fear. In the garden of Gethsemane, with attackers closing in around him, Jesus told His disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” He fell to his knees, pleading with His Father, saying, “If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” And yet, in the end, He confronted His fear with words of humble surrender, saying, “If it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
So it is only because Jesus conquered His own anguish, conquered His fear, that we’re able to celebrate the resurrection. It’s only because He endured unimaginable pain that wracked His body and bore the sins of the world that He burdened -- that burdened His soul that we are able to proclaim, “He is Risen!”
So the struggle to fathom that unfathomable sacrifice makes Easter all the more meaningful to all of us. It helps us to provide an eternal perspective to whatever temporal challenges we face. It puts in perspective our small problems relative to the big problems He was dealing with. And it gives us courage and it gives us hope.
We all have experiences that shake our faith. There are times where we have questions for God’s plan relative to us -- (laughter) -- but that’s precisely when we should remember Christ’s own doubts and eventually his own triumph. Jesus told us as much in the book of John, when He said, “In this world you will have trouble.” I heard an amen. (Laughter.) Let me repeat. “In this world, you will have trouble.”
AUDIENCE: Amen!
THE PRESIDENT: “But take heart!” (Laughter.) “I have overcome the world.” (Applause.) We are here today to celebrate that glorious overcoming, the sacrifice of a risen savior who died so that we might live. And I hope that our time together this morning will strengthen us individually, as believers, and as a nation.
Happy 84th Birthday to Maya Angelou (poet - writer - visionary - professor)
as noted in Writer's Almanac (Garrison Keillor, American Public Media) --
April 4 is the birthday of Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri (1928). She was a dancer and actor, lived in the early 60s in Ghana as part of an African-American expat community, got involved in the civil rights movement, and wrote about it in her six-volume autobiography starting in 1970 with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
her personal website is www. mayaangelou . com/
"On the Pulse of the Morning" (Jan. 20, 1993 inaugural poem delivered at Washington, D.C.) -- YouTube video =
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDtw62Ah2zY
April 4 is the birthday of Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri (1928). She was a dancer and actor, lived in the early 60s in Ghana as part of an African-American expat community, got involved in the civil rights movement, and wrote about it in her six-volume autobiography starting in 1970 with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
her personal website is www. mayaangelou . com/
"On the Pulse of the Morning" (Jan. 20, 1993 inaugural poem delivered at Washington, D.C.) -- YouTube video =
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDtw62Ah2zY
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Landmine Awareness Day
from Building Peace dot-org /
April 4, 2012 is the International Day for Landmine Awareness. The day is sponsored by the United Nations and has been observed every year since 2006.
Landmines are explosive weapons placed under or on the ground, designed to activate when someone steps on or passes over them. Once they are planted in the ground, they are hard to find and they are very dangerous to anyone in the area. The presence of landmines continues to be one of the most persistent problems that countries face in the aftermath of war.
Global efforts to address the problem of landmines have made a big difference in recent years. Now, more landmines are being removed than are being put in the ground, and new programs are available to support landmine survivors and to educate others about the risks.
United States Institute of Peace -- www.usip.org/
April 4, 2012 is the International Day for Landmine Awareness. The day is sponsored by the United Nations and has been observed every year since 2006.
Landmines are explosive weapons placed under or on the ground, designed to activate when someone steps on or passes over them. Once they are planted in the ground, they are hard to find and they are very dangerous to anyone in the area. The presence of landmines continues to be one of the most persistent problems that countries face in the aftermath of war.
A U.S. Army Sargeant removes the fuse on a landmine in Iraq to make it non-functional while clearing a mine field.
Long after the fighting has ended, landmines remain in the ground and cause injuries and death, mainly to ordinary people trying to rebuild their lives. The countries worst affected by landmines often lack the resources needed to de-mine their land after conflict to ensure that it is safe for farming, new construction, and development. Every 30 minutes around the world, a person is killed or injured from a landmine; many of the victims are children.Global efforts to address the problem of landmines have made a big difference in recent years. Now, more landmines are being removed than are being put in the ground, and new programs are available to support landmine survivors and to educate others about the risks.
United States Institute of Peace -- www.usip.org/
Monday, April 2, 2012
What is "Autism Speaks"? -- organization for Light It Up Blue (April 2 annually)
from www.lightitupblue.org/
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $173 million to research and developing innovative resources for families.
The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks has created resources and programs including the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, Autism Speaks' Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, which Autism Speaks celebrates through its Light It Up Blue initiative.
Also, Autism Speaks award-winning "Learn the Signs" campaign with the Ad Council has received over $316 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a Grandparent's Guide to Autism, and a community grant program. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments in 29 states thus far, with legislation continuing to advance in more states.
Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 85 cities across North America.
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $173 million to research and developing innovative resources for families.
The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks has created resources and programs including the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, Autism Speaks' Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, which Autism Speaks celebrates through its Light It Up Blue initiative.
Also, Autism Speaks award-winning "Learn the Signs" campaign with the Ad Council has received over $316 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a Grandparent's Guide to Autism, and a community grant program. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments in 29 states thus far, with legislation continuing to advance in more states.
Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 85 cities across North America.
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