Thursday, February 16, 2012

Interracial marriage in US hits new high: 1 in 12

Interracial marriages in the U.S. have climbed to 4.8 million — a record 1 in 12 — as a steady flow of new Asian and Hispanic immigrants expands the pool of prospective spouses. Blacks are now substantially more likely than before to marry whites.

A Pew Research Center study, released Thursday, details a diversifying America where interracial unions and the mixed-race children they produce are challenging typical notions of race.

"The rise in interracial marriage indicates that race relations have improved over the past quarter century," said Daniel Lichter, a sociology professor at Cornell University. "Mixed-race children have blurred America's color line. They often interact with others on either side of the racial divide and frequently serve as brokers between friends and family members of different racial backgrounds," he said. "But America still has a long way to go."


Read more

Monday, October 10, 2011

Get To Know The Girls - Advice From A Breast Cancer Survivor

In every culture, the woman is responsible for taking care of the household. Duties range from nurturing the children, preparing the meals in a healthy manner, begin the chauffeur, nurse, counselor and all around “World’s Greatest Mom.” Women have taken the task of keeping everyone they are responsible for, seriously. They will sacrifice in order for others to have, with no expectation of return or gratitude.


One rule needs to be reinstated in the woman’s handbook of existence – take care of yourself first! Because the home and many business run under the direction of a woman, her being in good health is of the utmost importance. In the very least, your physician would suggest an annual physical. Yet many don’t.


One of the easiest things to do in keeping yourself healthy is a self breast exam. “I’m not old enough,” Cancer doesn’t run in my family.” Cancer does not discriminate. CBS news reminded the world of that January 2011, when little Aleisha Hunter of Ontario, Canada, told her story of recovery. She was 4 years old at the time.


Your body is your temple, keep it in good repair. Don’t let your breast health take a back seat. Get to know “the girls” - it could save your life.

Here are six tips to help you stay healthy

  1. Know your risk factor. Talk to family members about your family’s overall health level.
  2. Get screened. If you find that your risk level is high, your testing will begin earlier. For early breast cancer detection, The American Cancer Society recommends women age 40 and older, to have a mammogram screening every year, and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
  3. Know what is normal for your breasts. Self detection is one of the best tools.
  4. Make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat right, keep stress levels down and exercise.
  5. Maintain a good spiritual life. Spend quite time in prayer and meditation everyday. Whatever a woman thinks, so is she.



Here’s to great breast health today and everyday!

Peace and Blessings.


Thursday, September 22, 2011

Long Beach 2011 Interfaith Blessing of the Animals

LONG BEACH | 10TH ANNUAL
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
Interfaith Blessing of the Animals for Household Pets & Some Exotic Animals
< More than 300 animals to be blessed

blessing of the animals long beach justin ruddBRING YOUR PETS
WE
WILL BLESS THE PETS, Sat., Oct. 1, 2011 at sunset. The Interfaith Blessing of the Animals presented by Haute Dogs and Justin Rudd is free to the public and their pets.

Seniors, families, singles, and children, are encouraged to bring their dogs, cats, birds, lizards, rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, fish, tortoises and turtles and other well-behaved pets.


WE WILL ALSO HAVE a moment of blessing, silence and vigil at the beginning of the service for pets who are unfortunately involved with sport dog fighting and other inhumane, unethical treatment.

birds at blessing of the animals long beachAfter brief words from each of the faith leaders (listed below), the menagerie of participants will have the opportunity to line up single-file to be blessed by the faith leaders who will be dressed in traditional garb.
Olive branches and holy water will be available. Choose one, or get blessed by all of the clergy (listed below).

THE EVENT will last approx. 45 minutes. It's important to recognize and honor the great bond and relationship between pets and their people. The religious leaders will talk or pray briefly on the interconnections among all living beings.


SPONSORS
Justin Rudd's nonprofit 501c3 Community Action Team (C.A.T.) and Haute Dogs.

2011 FAITH LEADERS, so far

* Rev. Msgr. Sean Flanagan - St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Belmont Shore

* Rev. Suzanne Shipp - Ordained with the Universal Life Church, Long Beach

*Rev. Susan Bjork - Associate Minister at Bay Shore Church, Belmont Shore

*Lady Deberah - Naiad Priestesses, Goddess Temple of Orange County

* Rev. Msgr. Chris Carpenter - pastor of the Reformed Catholic Church Community of the Resurrection

* Rev. Angela Butts-Chester - Blessings All Around; Non-denominational Minister, Downtown Long Beach