Human Rights & Climate Change Events

-- Quote of the Day --

"It is our duty to ensure that these rights are a living reality -- that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. It is often those who most need their human rights protected, who also need to be informed that the Declaration exists -- and that it exists for them."

~ Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, regarding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

-- Conscious Events --

Today is Human Rights Day - which is celebrated annually across the planet since Dec 10 1948 when the date was chosen to honor the first global recognition of human rights by the United Nations General Assembly and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.


According to the UN website (www.un.org):
"This theme for 2008, “Dignity and justice for all of us,” reinforces the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a commitment to universal dignity and justice. It is not a luxury or a wish-list. The UDHR and its core values, inherent human dignity, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality, apply to everyone, everywhere and always. The Declaration is universal, enduring and vibrant, and it concerns us all.

Since its adoption in 1948, the Declaration has been and continues to be a source of inspiration for national and international efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms."

--


The majority of the world's governments believe that climate change poses a threat to human society and to the natural world. Successive scientific reports, notably those from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, have come to ever firmer conclusions about humankind's influence on the modern-day climate, and about the impacts of rising temperatures.

Let your voice be heard. Join fellow Sierra Club members, environmentalists and concerned citizens in urging leaders of the United States to work towards a treaty to fight Global Warming in San Diego, California (USA).

Candle Light Virgil
Friday, December 11
6:30- 7:30 pm
Balboa Park on the Prado
Bring your candle to join others.

Phone Call Drive to Secretary of State Clinton
Saturday, December 12
11am -- 4pm
Horton Plaza
Bring you cell phone and make a personal call to Secretary Clinton.

-- A Note of Appreciation --

Thank you to Marty Roark who included our website in his list of recommended author links on his site: http://fishforchrist.webs.com

Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio shows & free resources & articles at www.brummet.ca

* Don't forget to enter the prize draw! (scroll thru blog posts for info below) *

Animal Rescue

-- Quote of the Day --

"If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place Take A Look At Yourself And Then Make The Change You Gotta Get It Right, While You Got The Time 'Cause When You Close Your Heart Then You Close Your...Mind!..."

~ Man In The Mirror by Michael Jackson

-- Conscious Discussions Radio --

Today we have a very special show lined up for you… Kathy Stevens, founder & director of a wonderful animal sanctuary known as: Catskill Animal Sanctuary - whose focus is to end cruelty by fostering compassion. Learn about the volunteers, the staff and all the work they and sponsors do to keep this organization afloat. Learn about their campaigns and upcoming events, issues they are addressing and how you can help.

Find the interview via the hyper-link above or look to the right side of this screen for links to recently aired broadcasts of the Conscious Discussions Talk Radio show.

*Help Dave & Lillian continue to offer fun prize contests every week, fresh interesting content in their daily blog, bi-weekly newsletter & their 2 radio shows by purchasing one of their three books that are available in paperback or e-book formats - visit www.brummet.ca for information.*

Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio shows & free resources & articles at www.brummet.ca

Conscious Holidays

-- Chatter --

Wow, I had an amazing time last night speaking with November on the Voice of the People Radio Show - she's a really talented host and I had such a wonderful experience. I just finished listening to the archive which you can find at: http://www.paranormalradionetwork.org

Today I am to finish the last of my xmas baking... WHEW! One more big batch of goodies and that is it for the season. We had to break out the snow-shovels this morning as we had about 2 1/2 inches of snow fall overnight. I know, that isn't much of anything to speak of, but we celebrate just the same! I love the snow, winter is a wonderful time for reflection, reading, cuddling, training the dogs, writing, marketing and studying. It is also a great time to get those projects around the interior of our homes completed from organizing and donations to cleaning and craft projects. We'll be talking more about some great ways to beat the winter-blues after the xmas season, so stay tuned to our blog :)

-- National Bereavement Day --

Today, Dec 6, is the National Bereavement Day here in Canada and this is when organizations like Compassionate Friends, churches and family support organizations gather forces and share skills so that we can all provide a better support system for those who have lost a loved one.

Just the other day we had featured a discussion on Trading Sorrow for Something Greater on the Conscious Discussions Talk Radio show. And coming up in a few days on the 17th we have a discussion on Pet Loss, Grief & Growth. We also have another related upcoming show on Green Funeral options will air on Jan 7, which is not yet registered on with the station.

Here are a few other archived shows you may want to check out: *just click on the titles to access the archived show:

Life Lessons from the Dying
Inner Peace thru Forgiveness
Hospice & Caregiving
Cancer and Death: A Love Story in Two Voices
Helping children deal with traumatic life issues

-- Conscious Holiday Tips --

Green, conscious gift ideas can be as simple as considering those that encourage activities such as renting bikes for an outing or giving dance and music lesson gift certificates. These gifts support your local community by encouraging sustainable service-oriented businesses that do not create much waste. A gift within this genre is really a gift of an experience, rather than a tangible item that may never be appreciated. In addition, a gift certificate is usually printed on recyclable paper; whereas gift cards consume plastics that are not readily recyclable.

Wrapping paper options include scarf, towel, or a reusable gift bag, cloth bag or gift box. Choose non-reflective wrapping paper, since this type is not recyclable. Unwrap gifts carefully so that the paper and decorations can be reused.


A great way to reuse wrapping paper and paperboard boxes is to create beautiful, and reusable, gift bags and gift boxes. The term "paperboard boxes" refers to cereal, cracker or pasta boxes and the like. To make seasonal gift bags, simply using a cereal box as a template, wrap paper around it as you would a package, leaving the top open. For a strong top edge, fold the top over about an inch and glue in place. Punch two holes at the top of the sides for the string handles. Leave the box in if you would like a stronger bag. This craft reuse idea can apply to any paperboard box.

Paperboard boxes are a fantastic material for creating gift boxes of any size to suit any occasion. Simply design the box according to the dimensions that you require – all you need is a little know-how, a ruler, pencil and a sharp craft knife or scissors and some glue. Once the box is constructed and the glue has cured, take a little craft sponge (a little sponge on a stick) and pour some glue into a recycled lid from one of old mayonnaise jars or something like that. Then, using the sponge, spread glue evenly on one side at a time - covering it with sheets of reused wrapping paper, comic strips or art that you or your children have created… – or new wrapping paper if you must. Do only one side at a time or you will find yourself having some potential issues with this.

Decorate with a little ribbon, tiny pine-cones, glitter, bows or whatever you wish, and you have just created a reusable gift box for the recipient to pass along to someone else whenever they are handing out presents. If you’ve been saving all your bits and pieces – decorations & wrapping paper - from gifts you’ve received in the past, they will come in handy now. Reusing that shiny foil wrapping paper you’ve been saving works best for this – especially since it is not recyclable. Scraps of wrapping paper work well for these crafts too, so don’t throw away those little 4-inch bits of wrapping paper anymore!

These boxes can be used as decorations in your home of office, or you can make very small boxes as tree ornaments using the very same applications as we described above, but on a miniature scale.

Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio shows & free resources & articles at www.brummet.ca

Interviews, Resources & Conscious Holidays

-- Announcements --

Owner Jennine Morales interviews award winning author Lillian Brummet today at Gathering Authors: Interview Pit this weekend. Gathering Authors is a place where authors join with their written works of art to introduce to the world.


Between 6 and 8 PM (PST) tonight (Dec 5th) Voice of the People Radio host November Hanson will interview us (Dave & Lillian Brummet) for the full two hours! This is going to be a very indepth discussion about the world of writing and making a difference as an individual. Check it out by clicking the links here. http://voiceofthepeopleradio.com

-- Recommended Resource --

An online writer friend of ours, Barbara Spring, has a new water-related podcast that we would like to recommend: The Dynamic Great Lakes

Stuff Your Rucksack (www.stuffyourrucksack.com) a site that enables travellers to help other travellers to give practical assistance to people who have the least, but often give the most.

-- Conscious Holidays --

Today is International Volunteer Day, which has been celebrated since 1985 with the goal of showing appreciation to volunteers for their efforts and increase public awareness on their contribution to society. The day is celebrated in a majority countries of the world.


Stats Canada reveals that 6.5 million volunteers were active last year, averaging 152 hours per person annually. People say it can be addicting once you start. I think this is because volunteers enjoy a more complete social life, enjoy activities and events that they may not have taken part of otherwise.

I was listening to a radio show recently where I learned that when we give, the "feel good" feeling we have is similar to the "runner's high" or that "feeling good" sensation after a hearty workout. This is because the same hormones that are released when working out, are also released when we are giving of our selves

Volunteers benefit in many ways including learning new skills. Often organizations will have training sessions ranging from a few minutes to several weeks depending on what the volunteer would like to learn next. There often a wide array of interesting volunteer positions for anyone of any skill level and any age. You could learn Falconry or earn specialty training certificates... and let's not forget that volunteering is a form of work experience and is a great way to build content for a resume.

-- Quote of the Day --

“…Individual heroes never start out their lives or careers by saying – ‘I want to be a hero’. They saw a problem, or had an experience they wanted to change; an area that they wanted to make a difference. …They just said ‘I want to make a difference – I want to help this group of people’ – and they did it. I think that often we look to people with money or people with ‘power’ - but really the people with the ‘power’ are us. You know, if we all said here’s this problem in my community I’m going to get my neighbors or family together and we are going to do something about it. …If everyone said I’m going to spend an hour a week going to the church or the community center or going to read to a child – having you in their lives can make such a big difference. Anyone can make a difference, it is a matter of deciding what you can do. Can you spare one hour a week or ten hours a week? Do you want to work with children? …You just have to have a belief that you can do something about a particular problem.”

~ Darius Graham – Feb 26, 2009

This quote was excerpted from a Conscious Discussions Talk Radio show interview that aired on February 26, 2009. You can access this archived discussion about Celebrating Heroes in Our Midst simply click on the hyper-linked show title (above).

-- Reminder: Prize Draw Contest! Enter Today! --

Prize draw (Dec 1-20th) is for the following:

Cathy Nesbitt is offering a copy of her DVD "Squirm"
&
a stainless steel water bottle (www.cathyscomposters.com)

-- Nora Weston has offered a copy of: Paranormal Pleasures Digest (www.noraweston.com)

-- Lillian Brummet's poetry e-book: Towards Understanding (www.brummet.ca)

To enter the draw all you need to do is:

Email me at: ldbrummet @ yahoo . com (**remove spaces before sending**) with the word "prize" in the subject line. Deadline: Dec 20th @ noon (pacific).

Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio shows & free resources & articles at www.brummet.ca

Showing Apprecition...& Short Story Author

-- Quote of the Day --


"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets,
so love the people who treat you right.
Forget about the ones who don't,
and believe that everything happens for a reason.
If you get a chance, take it.
If it changes your life, let it.
Nobody said that it'd be easy,
they just promised it would be worth it."

~ Bob Marley


-- Authors Read Radio --

Today we feature Nora Weston on the Authors Read Radio show - fiction writer & poet within the genres of science fiction, fantasy and horror. Today she will read from Adevar - a short story that depicts the journey of Nathan Hawkins who enters an unearthly realm to find his destiny is something only dreams are made of.

Access this live show at 9 AM (pacific) today with just a single click on the links here (or on the right side of this page) - of course you can also access the archive of todays episode at your convenience.

-- Conscious Holidays --

December is AIDS Awareness Month and you've likely seen many articles in the print media or coverage on TV. If you can, please do try and participate in the local organizations awareness activities. Ironically, Dec 2nd was "Together We Can Change the World Day" and in the case of the health issues that face the population on this little marble we call a planet - we can, we can all contribute and make this world a healthier place.

Today is National Cookie Day (USA) and this is a perfect time to consider those gifts we talked about earlier on this blog - goodie trays make for an exceptional gift option that people really enjoy. Later today, or tomorrow, in fact I plan on finishing the last of my baking duties as well. This is a great time to get together with your group (family, church group, recovery group, youth group, etc.) and have everyone do a double batch of one variety of their favorite xmas tray treat and share equally. You can then all have an amazing array of gift trays for any cause you want to raise funds for - or just to show appreciation to the amazing individuals in our lives. Consider fire crews, vet offices, paramedics, hospice workers, senior centers, the local hospital staff... charities that serve the under privileged, etc. There are all kinds of places around your community that would really love to feel appreciated and, hopefully, help rejuvinate the passion for what they do.

Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio shows & free resources & articles at www.brummet.ca

2 hours of listening & Eco-tips!

-- Conscious Discussions Talk Radio --

Back on Tuesday this week we offered Conscious Discussions Radio listeners a Positive Eco-News segment that discussed e-waste and lighting innovations like CFL's and LED's.

Today we featured Cynthia Primm - to discuss how we can Trade Sorrow for Something Greater. *Our Skype connection was giving us a little trouble so please forgive the minor sound issues for the host's line.

-- Domestic Solar Panel Sales Rise --

Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA) released its statistics for the shipping of solar panels during the first quarter of fiscal 2009, which it collected by surveying 24 Japanese manufacturers.

According to the statistics, domestic sales accounts for 29.3 percent of the total sales in that country… and this sector has increased by 82.5 percent over the last year.

-- Conscious Holiday Gifts & Celebrations --

- A reusable coffee filter and whole organic, shade-grown coffee beans. Shade-grown coffee is a method of growing the coffee berry crop with little damage to rain forests and surrounding terrain.

- If you choose to purchase electronics, consider those powered by solar or rechargeable batteries.

- For holiday photo memories, avoid disposable cameras. Instead use a digital camera and load directly to your own computer and CD burner. Alternatively, use a normal camera and have the pictures put on CD’s at the development outlet. By choosing CD’s you reduce chemicals, paper and cost. Choose 36 exposure film rolls and reduce both packaging and waste.

- Conscious jewelry choices such as: www.shangrila-jewelry.com

Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio shows & free resources & articles at www.brummet.ca

A Positive Legacy - Every Day

-- You Have A Voice --

Below is an excerpt from a press release article that was circulated to the Zero Waste San Deigo Organization members

... In the past few years, new online tools have revolutionized the way that people can get involved in the world around them, connect with the things they care about, and even organize others to truly make a difference. Of course, traditional media like TV and newspapers are still an important way we communicate. But most of us can't just go on TV or get published in the newspaper when we have something that we want to say.

That's what makes The Wall so unique. The Wall is powered by your support for clean energy and enabled by an online platform that brings together your messages from across the country in a powerful, visual display. We then amplify your messages by putting them in mass media ads targeted for your state or community. These ads are uniquely positioned to have an impact on the elected leaders who are deciding now how soon we'll take action for clean energy and climate in this country.

The Wall represents a resounding sense of urgency shared by diverse voices from across the country. It gives us the chance to organize and connect on clean energy and climate in a whole new way.

As our leaders debate issues of timing and scope related to clean energy policies, The Wall is more important than ever to make our voices heard in the fight for strong energy and climate policies.

Add your voice and grow a movement for clean energy that our leaders can't ignore:

http://acp.repoweramerica.org/wallform

Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio shows & free resources & articles at www.brummet.ca