The Local Strip Club

"There are 27 million people sold across borders into bondage today. 50% of the victims are minors, roughly 80% are girls and women. That's about twice the combined population of London and New York. Human beings are trafficked from 127 countries to be exploited in 137 countries around the world. We are committed to see this change for the better." ~Justice&Care

I was chatting with someone not too long ago and they were commenting on how they went into a local strip club that lost it's liquor licence. The person made a joke about how the bartender told him that he had to buy an apple juice or a pop before the girls would dance for him, at which point he walked over to the girls (3 of them standing against a wall), looked each one up and down and then proceeded to tell the bartender that these girls were not worth and apple juice or a pop and walked out.

Funny? Not really. Sad it more like it. I had forgotten all about this strip bar and I wondered how many of the girls within were there due to human trafficking. I also wondered if they heard that disparaging comment made about their "worth" and the repercussions of the lack of customers.

I did proceed to reprimand this person for his behaviour and comments made; however, the words and plea I made on behalf of these women fell upon apathetic ears. What does he care about the mental, emotional, physical, let alone spiritual well-being of these women? He doesn't. He doesn't care. These women are for his enjoyment...if he chooses. They are nothing more than objects. Toys to his fantasy. He forgets that they are human. That they think and feel. That they too want to dream, to succeed, to be valued and cherished...to be safe and to be loved. Loved not abused. Loved.

This got me to thinking about what I could do. How can I make a difference in these girls' lives...I am thinking and praying about it...Consider the strip clubs around your area and how many of the girls involved have been sold into that business. What can you do to help them? They need someone to stand up for them, defend them...they need community, they need to be set free. How can you help? How can I help? It is not a matter of just shutting the strip clubs down, it is a matter of relationship. Authentic Life giving, God honouring relationship...what can we do to help? What will we do to help?

A Must See

Go Here and watch the video in the bottom right hand corner TO THE END!!! PLEASE!

Please.

Look Into Her Eyes and You'll Know Why

My heart has been greatly burdened for a while now about human trafficking. I have been praying about what to do about this...about getting more involved. I cannot stand apart any longer.

I have seen some very powerful videos presented by various organizations who are attempting to put an end to human trafficking and slavery and over the next little while, I would like to share a few.

This issue is not just going to go away. People need to know this is happening all over the world including Canada and the United States! I challenge you to get informed and do something to help put a stop to this horrid injustice. Help save a child, a woman, a man...Help save society!



http://www.love146.org

Swine Flu Returning?

Though the Swine Flu or H1N1 Virus has been downplayed in media in the past couple of weeks, it is still a major focus in Japan where is it causing many to mask up to help prevent exposure to this illness. And, even though we are putting this virus to rest here in North America, we should be careful not to become over confident that we have survived the worse of it. Flu season is over here, but the virus is still around and as we approach autumn, we will be reminded to be vigilant with hand hygiene and getting the flu shot. Keep in mind that the Spanish Flu came in waves, the 1st wave mild and the 2nd wave devastatingly strong. I don't mean to be alarmist or pessimistic, rather, I want people to remain alert so as to keep themselves and their loved ones as protected as possible should this virus return.

hothttp://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE54H1XO20090518?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true

Compassionate Company

In this time of economic distress, many having lost their jobs, we are looking for ways to save money and compassionate companies are also looking out for your needs...honest...at least one big pharmaceutical company is...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30743074/

It is all about priority man...priority...

Swine Flu

Well, is this the virus the world has been waiting for to erupt? Media has given it a fair amount of attention as of late and it is interesting to note that some of the attention, particularly from the States, is to downplay the potential severity of the Swine Flu, stating it is too early to panic.

My first thought is better safe than sorry...remember SARS?

The other thing to consider is the economic impact this could have on the world's already flailing economy. The idea of a deadly virus entering our present with massive force and the potential to basically slow to a near stop all tourist travel is hardly a welcome thought. Something like this could transform countries that depend on tourism into proverbial ghost towns, not to mention the huge detrimental effects on the food and trade industries. The stock markets have already a hit, though it would seem that the message the "powers that be" are trying to project is, once again, that it is too early to panic.

The flu timeline thus far carries enough concern with it for the World Health Organization to issue a level 4 in measuring the severity of this virus. The world is to prepare for the worse. Stockpiling of zanamivir and oseltamivir has begun in serious and a strategy to use the zanamivir as the front line treatment has been implemented for now.

So, what can you do to help prevent the spread of this flu or any other flu?

WASH YOUR HANDS

Avoid crowded environments.

Sneeze into your elbow or a tissue (and then wash your hands).

Stay away from others if you are not well.

Avoid travelling to infected areas.

Otherwise, keep up adequate sleep, exercise, and eat healthy.

And if you do suspect that you may have contacted the flu. Be smart. Call your local health care provider, before you rush to the hospital, to seek direction. Also, avoid public transportation if you can; otherwise use a mask or a scarf to cover your nose and mouth and minimize all unnecessary contact with others.

Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day...though every day should be celebrated as we do on this day...

In schools around the city, kids will be outside picking up trash and sorting and recycling what they find. Five years ago, when we arrived at the school where my kids attend, the garbage in the playground and fields was a disgrace to the point where a person could not take 15 steps without stepping on garbage, thus we would take some bags and pick up the garbage on the weekends. I was always taught not to litter and to take care of your property. I had also learned that leaving the work for someone else to do, usually results in the work never getting done. So, when I see garbage that could be picked up, I usually pick it up. (This is my Earth too.) These lessons I have tried to pass on to my kids (and whoever else hangs with us;) ) and for the most part, they get it. In fact, with the heightened awareness in our community around being responsible and being "green", the amount of garbage in and around even just our school has dropped dramatically - to the point that I wondered what exactly the kids will be doing after they pick up the (less than20?) pieces of garbage...5 years ago there would have been easily over a hundred pieces of garbage to pick up! There has been vast improvements and the children are transferring their learning to their home environments also.

Ever heard of "litterless lunches"? The school here encourages all students to bring these litterless lunches to school and you take home whatever garbage (packaging) you brought your food in. This lightens the amount of garbage the school collects and it also challenges families to really think about what they are eating. My kids this morning, asked me if we could start making our own yogurt so we wouldn't have to buy the packages of yogurt and reduce our recycling and waste that way...I am still considering that one...

In earnest, I find it very challenging to eat healthy, organically, and minimize waste simply because of the convenience factor that I have become so accustomed to. Though in my youth, I ate far healthier/organic, non-commercial-packaged foods. The role of my grandmother was such that, she spent most of her day preparing the meals. There is no way she would have been able to work outside of the home with a full time job and provide the meals that she provided - or at least, I would find it hard to believe that she would not exhaust herself to an early death if she had of had a full time job and the gardening/canning/cooking - plus all the other necessary activities that were accomplished through out the day! (Side note: cooked for at least 6 everyday.)

Off on a bit of a tangent there...

That being said, what I am suggesting is that these days, it is necessary to rethink how we live and eat. Times have changed, our lifestyles and environment have changed, and it is necessary for our own well-being and for the well-being of the Earth to seriously look at how we exist - I am not preaching anything you don't already know... And thankfully, the developed world is starting to wake up to this reality - corporately and individually. It is a challenge, but with resolve, it is possible. I have no doubt.

So, on this Earth day, as I consider making homemade yogurt, I challenge you to consider what you can do to make a positive, healthy change in your lifestyle and environment. Every little action does make a difference.

Smiles and Blessings!
~mp:)

The American Form of Government

So, I came across this video via "The Old Adam Lives" by Steve Martin. I found it very interesting as I have never really considered this breakdown of government before. In the West, we boast of being a democratic society; however, after viewing this video, I am not sure that I would be quick in the future to brag about being a democracy. It has also challenged me to research further, democracy versus republic governments and the implications of each.




So, what do you think? Do you consider a democratic government superior to a republic? Is there another type of government you believe is superior?

Primal Fusion

A new extensive internet search tool....Check it...
https://www.primalfusion.com/

Dr. Fish

WHAT THE.....??~!?

Hugo Bonjean

A fiction book that you need to read...

SEEDS...OF GERMINATION...OR TERMINATION by Hugo Bonjean

This book is somewhat prophetic as even today, seed companies are denying impoverished nations the ability to sustain their people without annually buying more seeds. You see, seeds sold to many countries, impoverished and otherwise, are modified to not reproduce if you were to try to germinate the second crop. Perhaps you have heard of Monsanto they are a major power in genetically modified organisms - Some would conclude that GMO's are a good thing enhancing many qualities of food products in particular, but much research needs to be done as the consequences of tampering with nature could (and usually does) have catastrophic consequences that would threaten not only our environment, but our health as well.

In Bonjean's story, "Nayla, a top scientist and respected board member of the mighty Carsanto Corporation becomes the country's most wanted fugitive when she impulsively steals the company's only germinator seeds to protect the planet and her daughter's future."

Seeds is a great story, a relevant read. I encourage you to check it out for yourself.

Other interesting links:

Global Issues - Terminator Technology: http://www.globalissues.org/article/194/terminator-technology

Monsanto buys 'Terminator' seeds: http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=3082

The World According to Monsanto, a film: http://www3.nfb.ca/webextension/monsanto/

Organic Consumers Association: http://www.organicconsumers.org/monlink.cfm

Is Bio Fuel Really the Answer?

Soybean Skies 3
Originally uploaded by eScapes Photo

When we think of Bio Fuels, we think of a new future that secures an environmentally friendly option that still appeases the senses of the capitalist investor. However, is Bio Fuel all that we make it out to be or is it just another threat to society and the environment with a different face?

Check out this link to a video report from AFP on the reality of Bio Fuels and the effect they have on our friends in the southern hemisphere...

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=11731616

Green energy

This was taken from Brian Mclaren's site and I am just passing it on....:)

Israel Hits Gaza and Shministim?

I have got to say, writing on issues is more difficult than I thought it would be. All of a sudden, I am wondering how accurate my facts are, whether I have all the info, should I really write certain info - I get into an internal moral debate as I contemplate topics/issues to write...this is not fun.

I do not envy journalists. And unlike a journalist, I am not paid to write about specific goings-on and I have no deadline (which can be a good or bad thing). I do; however, have an acquaintance who is a journalist who writes for a major Canadian paper. He has been living in the Middle East for a couple of years, reporting on the people and the fighting in Israel in particular. Not an easy job to say the least. He has learned many things about both sides (the Israelis and the Palestinians) and has been shown the goodness of the human spirit from both sides (- that should keep a good journalist objective in their reporting...). In days of late, the ceasefire between the Israelis and the Palestinians has ended (over a week ago) and the Palestinians have been conducting random hits upon Israel; meanwhile, Israel has decided they have had enough and threw some bombs at Gaza killing over 200. Fight war with war, right?

In another area of action, there has been a movement happening amongst Israeli students. You see, when you finish high school at 17, you automatically enter into military training and service for a 2 year period before you continue on with your life (should you live through that 2 years, and to be fair, most do). At any time after this 2 year training period, you can be called into military service. If you refuse to participate in the military training, you can be placed in jail for 7-28 days and if you refuse to wear the military uniform during that jail time, you spend the your time in jail in solitary confinement. If at the end of this time you continue to refuse to enter into service, you can end up in jail again...and again...

As I am writing this, I have just received a letter from Jewish Voice for Peace - ironic...

Anyhow, this refusal of service is also known in Hebrew as "Shministim".

Now, one might wonder, when you get to thinking about things, that perhaps, this mandatory enlisting into military service does less to bring peace to this war torn area so much as it offers fuel to the Minds of war. Think about it. Is a constant stream of guaranteed recruits the answer or is there a better way? That is what this movement is about. Change for Peace. And certainly you cannot blame these high school students from wanting to create a better way. What kind of life is it that you are surrounded by war day in and day out? Never knowing if someone is going to blow themselves up or an air strike is going to hit you as you are walking down the street...

About 6 years ago, I had the privilege of meeting a Jewish family from Haifa who was in town (in Canada) visiting family and teaching some dance classes. They had a daughter that was 13 at the time and she was very quiet. Outside, she would look no one in the eye as she walked quickly to wherever she was going. Inside at the dance studio, we had balloons for the kids. One of the balloons popped and this girl jumped and immediately looked for her mom. Even before the scraps of the first balloon could be picked up another balloon popped. That was it. The girl broke into tears and clung to her mother begging her to leave...right then, to go someplace safe. This was a 13 year old girl! She was traumatized! Apparently a few weeks before they arrived in Canada, her father and her sister were late getting to the bus they would normally take home from the school that he worked at and she attended. That bus that they take everyday to and from their home was blown up by a suicide bomber that day. They were blessed to have been late that day. The family can hear the gunshots and bombings fairly regularly, and it is enough to leave such an impact on a 13 year old that she cannot even find any sense of peace in knowing it was only a balloon that popped. Can you imagine living like this day in and day out?! War. Fear.

So, when I hear of these students who want to change how they address the unrest in Israel, I can only offer my support and my prayers.

What do you think? Is this movement a realistic solution towards bringing peace to Israel?

i am back...

I took a break and now I am intending to write regularly....watch for postings:)
Look below for the latest YouTube video...

The Big Ask: Climate change,

Find Out What Your Ecological Footprint Is...

What is your Ecological Footprint?

Find out what you can to do to become more environmentally friendly.

Alberta Tar Sands

The Alberta Tar Sands. Have you heard of it? A massive area about the size of Florida, containing more oil than Saudi Arabia, and the largest environmental disaster in progress...In the production of oil, water is used to separate the bitumen from the Tar Sand and for every barrel of oil produced, five barrels of water are used. That water comes from the Athabasca River. The waste water left over from the separation process is too contaminated to return to the Athabasca, in fact, giant tailing "ponds" (which should more appropriately be called "lakes") are created to hold this contaminated water. These tailing "lakes" are filled with toxins such as benzene, naphthenic acid, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, paraffin, naphtha, bitumen, other heavy metals and chemicals. In April of 2008, 500 migrating ducks were found dead in a tailing pond. These tailing lakes are lethal! And in some spots there is only a few meters separating the edge of the tailing lakes from the Athabasca river.

As this environmental time-bomb silently explodes, I would like to point out that there is a group of people who are in the center of these mining operations that are suffering great consequences. These people are the Mikisew Cree First Nation in Fort Chipewyan.

In this community, the rates of cancer have risen to numbers that have given rise to great alarm. The suspected source: the Tar Sands, or rather, the irresponsible mining process of the Tar Sands. The connection between water contamination and the health of these people is no mistake.

Mutant fish - fiction:

Above picture by Matt Groening from the Simpsons

or fact:

The Alberta Tar Sands are a great concern to not only the people of Alberta, but the world. The impact of this mining project has great stakes: financially, environmentally, and health-wise. The money to be made by mining and processing the Tar Sands is phenomenal for many interest groups and there are many power houses that want a piece of the pie, including China. But at what cost? Where is the responsibility to the public? to the Mikisew? to the environment? When all is said and done, the promise to restore the land is broken...they have no viable solution to reclaim the land at this point (only bandage answers); the cancers and illness that take the quality of life from the Mikisew and any others in this path of destruction cannot be reversed, and the environmental impact? Where do you start? CO2 emissions, acid rain, deforestation, contaminated water, mutated animals, not to mention the effects that have yet to be manifested in the world because of the lack of responsible planning and greed.

What I have presented is just the tip of the iceberg. This call to awareness and action is not just the latest trendy environmental issue, the development of the Tar Sands is a burden for the entire world. Please go to the different links for more information and PLEASE MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD - SIGN THE PETITIONS BELOW TO SHOW SOLIDARITY AGAINST THE CONTINUED DEVASTATION OF THE TAR SANDS!

PETITIONS
1. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/no-new-approvals-on-tar-sands-developments?page=108

2. http://www.canadians.org/action/2008/27-Aug-08.html

3. http://www.tarsandstimeout.ca/index.php?option=com_petition&task=view&topic=37&Itemid=62

Add your thoughts by clicking on "comments" below.

Check out the "Links of Interest" on the sidebar for more information.

New Post in the works...hang on...will arrive soon...

The Upcoming US Election

Well, welcome. I am feeling a need to express and wander in the world of issues....

I am pondering how to organize this post, bear with me...I am thinking interactive; however, I may be best to head into the city core to sip coffee and converse with the locals for that....

~

I guess, to start, I will comment on this upcoming (which has been upcoming for what seems like years!) election in the US. Why they can't convince a nation in a few months versus spending all that they have over the few years, I don't understand...can you imagine what they could have done with all that excess money!! Anyhow, the choices are Obama and McCain. New versus old, untried versus riding on a track already groomed....I heard Joe Biden say that (and I am paraphrasing) If you vote for McCain, you are voting in another Bush government. And I have got to say, that is something to consider, on the other hand, it is reported that Focus on the Family is not endorsing Obama whatsoever, Obama being too liberal minded....

The question for me, if I were American, would be who has the best plan to straighten my country and our people for a healthy future. I use the word "healthy" strategically, meaning whole health - economics, environment, policy, physical/mental health, etc. Without this in mind, there is no future for the US, rather the future will be bleak. I know, I know, bold words from a non-American...it is what I see looking on from the outside though.

As a Christian, I would be in fervent prayer if I wasn't convicted one way or the other as of yet. This is a very important time in history, this next president has a lot of damage control and house cleaning to do to re-establish a secure nation. Not fun, and personally I think these two men are gluttons for ...well, let's just say, their source of motivation for becoming the next president is intriguing.

I do not have television (quick get the smelling salts!), so the only time I actually get to watch these men in action is when I am treading at the gym, I don't bother much with video on the Internet either. So, their charismatic presence and stage performance is lost on me. I am looking to their words written to educate me on their platforms. However, that being said, there is much a person can glean from unedited camera presence...

I am very interested to see how this plays out...the next government could really do some great good....it could also do some great bad. I pray each American will exercise their right to vote, that's what democracy is for; don't let others determine your future - be a part of the decision making, and do vote with God's guidance and with conviction!