From the page: "Common Tables provides a resource for our members to celebrate those things we have in common, while respecting the traditions, beliefs and cultures that are different from our own. Members pay a $35 annual fee to be "seated at a Table" of up to eight members with different religious, spiritual and/or philosophical beliefs. We believe that establishing a greater understanding of and respect for each other will result in a global alternative to bias, bigotry, racism and religious intolerance..." [more]
We need efforts like this now more than ever, in my opinion. You can follow these guys on Twitter, also. Any of you Stumblers in to Tweeting? Look for me! :) - Suzanne Reed
From the page: "MEMPHIS, TN -- Police say a McDonald's cashier was held at gunpoint at the drive-through window.
According to investigators the robbery happened at the McDonald's in the 4200 block of Summer Avenue, at 11:05 p.m., Sunday, November 16, 2008.
Police say the man demanded that the cashier hand over the money in the cash register. Investigators have not said how much money was taken in the robbery..." [more]
Anyone ever hear of the term "DUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"? Just sayin'... - Suzanne Reed
From the page: "...The demonstrations -- from a sun-splashed throng in San Francisco to a chilly crowd in Minneapolis -- came 11 days after California voters narrowly passed a ballot measure, Proposition 8, that outlawed previously legal same-sex ceremonies in the state. The measure's passage has spurred protests in California and across the country, including at several Mormon temples, a reflection of that church's ardent backing of the proposition. On Saturday, speakers painted the fight over Proposition 8 as another test of a movement that began with the riots at the Stonewall Inn in New York in 1969, survived the emergence of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, and has since made enormous strides in societal acceptance, whether in television shows or in antidiscrimination laws. "It's not `Yes we can,' " said Tom Ammiano, a San Francisco city supervisor, referring to President-elect Barack Obama's campaign mantra. "It's `Yes we will.' " Carrying handmade signs with slogans like "No More... - Suzanne Reed
No matter what your views on war, this is a good idea.
From the page: "Holiday Mail for Heroes
From the front lines to the home front, the American Red Cross provides service members, their families and veterans with the care and assistance they need.
The Red Cross is partnering with Pitney Bowes this holiday season for the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. For the second year in a row, we're collecting holiday cards to distribute to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Pitney Bowes is generously donating technology, resources and postage to make this holiday card program possible.
Our goal is to collect and distribute one million holiday cards to spread holiday cheer and facilitate thanks to these brave individuals and families.
Please send cards to this address, following the guidelines listed below:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456" [more] - Suzanne Reed
From the page: "...Volunteer at a soup kitchen. By helping out at a local soup kitchen, you can give a wonderful holiday to the people who need it most. Call the soup kitchen several weeks in advance to let them know that you'd like to contribute, and offer to do whatever they need help with. Serving food isn't the only way to help--you may also be enlisted to help pick up donations, prepare food, or clean up after the meal. ...Send a phone card or care package to a soldier. Soldiers stationed overseas don't have the opportunity to come home and spend Thanksgiving with their families, so it's a tough time of year for them. Help a homesick soldier celebrate the holiday by shipping a care package through a group like Any Soldier or Treats For Troops. If you want to really make it a day to remember, sponsor a phone call home by donating money or an old cell phone through the Cell Phones for Soldiers program..." [more] As usually a good and timely message from the fabulous Razoo.org. I... - Suzanne Reed
See that lady up there? That lady represents me, and how I feel right now. I guess if you're going to feel crappy, it's good to do it on a cold dreary day, so that staying inside and vegging doesn't feel quite so much like I'm missing something. Though, I did miss one of my all-time favorite 2 year old's birthday party -- and, dammit, there were cupcakes involved!!! Oh well -- nice fire going in the fireplace, lots of hot tea to drink, and a pirate documentary on TV. Life is good. :) - Suzanne Reed
From the page: "...In a world economy tilting on its axis, in times of illness and uncertainty, shiny, distracting things lose their luster. What we may have defined as precious a few months ago is gathering a film of tarnish. Things are revealing themselves for what they are... just things. The category labeled "precious" by our minds shrinks. The category of the same name found in our hearts expands. Right now, in the only "now" there is or ever was, my list of what I hold precious is simple, but not short. Mostly, it includes aspects of the living and breathing. Like the sound of his voice. Like the tears of my Mom over the phone. Like the sweet and supportive gestures of my friends Lynn and Don and Sue and Janet. Like the happy sack of cat slung over my shoulder while typing. Like chocolate, like tea, like hot mushroom soup. What is precious? The little details of relationships..." I have long been a fan of this lovely lady. I subscribe to her blog in my feedreader, in fact. I... - Suzanne Reed
