"These state visits and dinners are a really important part of our nation's diplomacy. Throughout history, they've given U.S. presidents -- and the American people -- the opportunity to make important milestones in foreign relations. So these dinners and events are really critical to what we do internationally. And they've helped build stronger ties with nations as well as people around the world." --- First Lady Michelle Obama, Indian State Dinner Press Preview, November 24, 2009
"These state visits and dinners are a really important part of our nation's diplomacy. Throughout history, they've given U.S. presidents -- and the American people -- the opportunity to make important milestones in foreign relations. So these dinners and events are really critical to what we do internationally. And they've helped build stronger ties with nations as well as people around the world."
--- First Lady Michelle Obama, Indian State Dinner Press Preview, November 24, 2009
Throughout history partaking (eating) food has been associated with sharing experiences; in addition to obtaining intimacy and understanding i.e. psychological bonding. It is evident through the customs and practices of soceity many people believe this process still has merit today. For example, it is becoming more common for businesspersons to hold meetings with food available for consumption, there's even the new trend of conducting interviews during breakfast, lunch, dinner. An invitation to eat is considered an honor within many cultures, specifically the Asian cultures. African-American culture is rich in the tradition of food preparation for Sunday dinners. In general, Americans have deep-rooted tradition of food preparation for holiday, funeral, and wedding dinners.
In today's soceity more individuals and organizations are emphasizing the 'family table' i.e. encouraging people to eat their meals together as a family unit. Furthermore, the association between eating and the process of obtaining understanding is eveident through the scripture, "O' taste and see that the Lord, He is good." As a final point, the origin and celebratory nature of the concept of reunions, formerly called 'homecomings', focuses on the 'bonding' effect from eating together. It is not surprising then that food is an important part of any reunion celebration.
The partaking of food is an outward expression of learning about individuals and/or organizations. The partaking of food provides an opportunity to experience and learn about individuals and/or organizations. Personally, there's an opportunity to actually live the heartwarming message in the movie, 'Soul Food' i.e. learning and caring about the soul of people, individually and collectively.
State Dinners provide an opportunity to actually learn and care about the soul of a nation.
Just have to give a 'shout out' to Mr. Darryl Finkton for his extraordinary achievements.
It's also nice to know he was a graduate from one of the best high schools in nation (and also my alma mater)
Congratulations!
************
*other notable graduates of NCHS include: Mitch Daniels, Governor of indiana; Bart Peterson, former mayor of Indianapolis; 'Baby-Face' Edmonds, singer/recording artist
By Kevin O'Neal
Posted: November 23, 2009
http://www.indystar.com/article/20091123/LOCAL/911230376/0/OPINION05
A former North Central High School basketball player has been named one of the recipients of a Rhodes Scholarship for 2010.
Darryl W. Finkton Jr., a senior majoring in neurobiology at Harvard College, is a 2006 North Central graduate. While at Harvard, he has set up a water supply system for a town in Ghana and performed infant cognition research in France.
In 2006, Finkton, the son of Stephanie Finkton, said he wanted to become a pediatric cardiologist. In a 2005 interview with The Star while still a student at North Central, Finkton said, "When I'm on the basketball court, I'm a basketball player. When I'm in class, I'm a student."
He was considered one of the best high school basketball players in the Indianapolis area, receiving an honorable mention on The Star's 2006 All-Marion County boys team and honorable mention on the Topics Newspapers team. Finkton played on the Harvard team for two years before suffering a knee injury.
Rhodes Scholars receive all-expense-paid scholarships for two to four years of study at Oxford University in Great Britain. Finkton was one of 32 in the U.S. and the only Hoosier to receive a 2010 scholarship.
A well-known Rhodes Scholar from Indianapolis is Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., a former Indianapolis mayor
There's a loss in our soceity. Its impact is evident in our homes, schools, churches, businesses, and government. The loss of Thanks.
Expressing appreciation for the actions or just mere presence of others may be so edifying for ourselves and others.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to your family: spouse, parents, children, siblings, et al.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to your school: teachers, administrators, office workers, and volunteers.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to clergy and laity.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to employees and supervisors.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to friends and opponents because opponents challenge us to think and act beyond ourselves.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to leaders and civil servants.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to God.
Just Imagine.
We take for granted the simple pleasures that peoples in other countries view as luxuries.
O' the countless times we've forgotten to express our thanks for the effforts the individuals who work 'behind the scenes' daily to make our lives just a little more comfortable. So I would like to express a simple thought to everyone: Thanks
To trigger or not to trigger.
First, the idea for the trigger assumes that the status quo is acceptable and that the trigger will only be used if things get worse. The status quo is NOT acceptable. It’s like saying that you will call the fire department if things get worse when your house is burning down.
Quoting Senator Chuck Schumer, "Any reasonable criteria for triggering a public plan has already been met."
Let’s be clear. This strategy to make the public option more palatable to blue-dog democrats is nothing more than a sham. To quote Jason Rosenbaum from HCAN:
“The trigger amendment isn’t a fig leaf. It isn’t even a co-op. It’s a plan to kill the public health insurance option outright, and give taxpayer money straight to private insurance companies.”
We must continue to remind our Senators and Representatives that health care insurance reform must be meaningful. And triggers are not acceptable. We have come this far in our fight to get the public option into the final bill.
Let’s not give up now.
Part II: America's Health ---- Recovery
[Part 1: America's Health http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/invisibilityblanket/gGx2hK ]
Let's try to offer a little understanding about the current state of affairs using an analogy familar with many people: Health. Hopefully, individuals who insist on creating distractions or adhering to pure ideological dogmas will understand that enough is enough. Skillful action is needed, now.
Prompt and deliberative actions have brought forth some improvements, namely a marked increased in blood pressure (increase in the monetary flow) from a dangerously low level. However, the status of America's health is critical, but stable.More than ever there is a need to provide affirmation of belief in American ideals, character, and way of life. Commerce through media (advertisements, news, books, movies, etc) does this like circulatory system continually provides re-oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.
There is a deficiency in nutrients, i.e. that which promotes growth. What is causing the deficiency? It's a inter-relationship of many factors and systems.One reason may be paralysis among businesses and banks. Businesses, in particular small businesses who hire ~60% of the workforce, are unable to respond because they cannot receive the desired loans from banks. Banks are not making loans because they may be gripped with fear --- underwriting the loans is a concern that looms large and the spectre of TARP still hovers. It challenges old beliefs about the role of Government and its relationship to Free Enterprise System/Captalism.
The basic framework, Capitalism, that has contributed to defining America has been affected like osteoporosis affects the bones of human body. Support has been provided to businesses to spur responsible risk and innovation (risk is not bad itself, in fact willingness to take risks is inherently involved in business) It is this combination (risk and innovation) that produces goods and services. It's similar to process whereby the bone's marrow produces red blood cells.
Contrary to popular opinion, Wall Street wants reform through reasonable regulation. Wall Street is fickle, so it's ironic that it seems to show a resistance to change. However, it's not resistant to change per se but it resists instability and uncertainty. It doesn't want another Madoff-style scandal or Sub-Prime Mortgage fiasco.
Reformation, not Revolution
Reform is needed now but must be careful, yes skillful as a surgeon, in the enactment of reform. Due to relationship between different sectors of soceity or policy areas, an action may have minimal effect in intended target area but through 'ripple effect' have a tremendous effect in another sector or policy area.
Keep in mind...America's lymphatic system needs to be examined so that it functions more efficiently and effectively (eradicate waste, fraud, and abuse; act as suitable defense) This highlights the importance and inter-relationship between immigration policies and national security and healthcare reform.
Be aware of possible growth of cancer cells i.e. extremism from BOTH ENDS OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM. The extremist rhetoric and actions from individuals and organizations actually undermines the spirit of the U.S. Constitution, if not the letter. Must be balance in considering what means should be used to remove the cancerous growth --- Radiation (like x-rays): Use of Surveillance. (e.g. FISA)Chemotherapy: Enacting new laws; Surgery: Removal. Again reminder that given integration of members/sectors in soceity, An action may have unintended effects on other members/sectors of soceity.
What is needed?
Government checks may provide some inducement but it's like being on a feeding tube or receiving nutrients in a pre-packaged pill. What is more beneficial is when nutrients come naturally from eating food. America needs to experience something that is a natural part of American way of life, yes even human existence. This is the reason why job growth is so important. To achieve productivity, in every sense of the word, there must be adherence to the The Productivity Principle. A person must believe her/his actions do matter.
While dealing w/ the paralysis cause by the reticence of small businesses and banks may emphasize not only volunteering but education to upgrade skills and knowledge. (e.g. CPR/First Aid ceritification, Continuing Education Programs) This may prepare by facilitating recruitment of personnel for the influx of new patients that will access the healthcare system when the Healthcare Reform legislation is passed.
May encourage nonprofits (secular and parochial) to function even more as a 'clearinghouse' of information and pool community resources to conduct workshops on nutrition, budgeting, or other practical life-enhancements. It may be analogous to the digestive process whereby food is taken in and transform into something that may be used by the body. Summarily, all may spur growth through building confidence required for willingness to take risks, while discovering new aptitude for innovation.
Tonight, in an historic vote, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would finally make real the promise of quality, affordable health care for the American people.The Affordable Health Care for America Act is a piece of legislation that will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality affordable options for those who don’t; and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the government while strengthening the financial health of Medicare. And it is legislation that is fully paid for and will reduce our long-term federal deficit.Thanks to the hard work of the House, we are just two steps away from achieving health insurance reform in America. Now the United States Senate must follow suit and pass its version of the legislation. I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year. http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/obamaforamerica/gGMmWn
Tonight, in an historic vote, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would finally make real the promise of quality, affordable health care for the American people.The Affordable Health Care for America Act is a piece of legislation that will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality affordable options for those who don’t; and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the government while strengthening the financial health of Medicare. And it is legislation that is fully paid for and will reduce our long-term federal deficit.Thanks to the hard work of the House, we are just two steps away from achieving health insurance reform in America. Now the United States Senate must follow suit and pass its version of the legislation. I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/obamaforamerica/gGMmWn
What would we expect from someone who quit because she could not take the heat - lies. It is sad I thought she would have time on her hands to do research before she spoke - apparently not. Mrs. Palin I am disabled yet not mindless and your lies are simply more scare tactics which some of your so-called Republican cohorts enjoy doing so much. How sad, what I find worst of all is you are using your son as a pawn for your lies - Your OWN Child. This was beyond shocking. By the way this is Patti Suarez (Mistique642@aol.com) using my son's facebook page to write, because this is simply appalling in my opinion. As well as for your death camps, there comes a time, which I do NOT wish upon anyone that we MUST make difficult decisions regarding the end of our life. If I had an incurable disease, in severe pain, no way out, etcetera, I have a right to choose what to do with MY life. I believe we should all have a choice as to what we want to do at that time. However, we MUST say it in advance with sound mind. Let me guess your children do not know what you want during that time, I guess they can cremate you and throw your ashes in Alaska so you can see Russia.Think about what you are saying before you speak. Have you ever taken care of someone with terminal cancer, aids, A.L.S., etcetera? I gather you have not...
Recently, comedians have been having a nice laugh over President Obama's supposed lack of accomplishments. While we can have a laugh over the jokes, we must also remember that the digs have no merit.
Below is a short list of accomplishments. Suffice to say, I could have gone on much longer but there are enough bullet points to show clearly and concisely that the guys done a lot.
October 16, 2009
Please strongly support the Public Option publicly now! We need to hear your voice. The People are counting on you to back up the promises you made.
Respectfully,
Roland Madore
1725 C Spring Meadows Ct.
Fort Collins, CO 80525-1164
Dear President Barack Obama,
Consistent with the above captioned award, I and all the members of our Non Governmental Organization, Change International salutes another cap that fits your head. May the same award endow your ability to impact people from various nations.
It is our prayers that your administration continues being source of hope, joy, good health and prosperity to mankind. Our generation will always remain proud of your achievements.
We hold you, your spouse and kids in high esteem.
Sincerely,
Jean Pierres Bassey
President
NGO Change International
P.O.BOX 27 BP 1044 Abidjan 27
Tel 00225 08288046
Cote d Ivoire
West Africa
