For all 3 people that still read this, don't worry, this blog won't turn into one of "those", but I thought this was a pretty good read.
http://www.purposefairy.com/
Showing posts with label Instant Karma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Instant Karma. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Happy People
No one has ever accused me of being one of these so-called "Happy People", but I'm trying...
For all 3 people that still read this, don't worry, this blog won't turn into one of "those", but I thought this was a pretty good read.
http://www.purposefairy.com/
For all 3 people that still read this, don't worry, this blog won't turn into one of "those", but I thought this was a pretty good read.
http://www.purposefairy.com/
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Amit
Earlier I posted "Give a Spit about Cancer". I only felt it right to provide a follow up. I know most of you don't know this guy, and honestly I don't either. But what better thing can anyone do than try to save another's life? I'm happy to do even my smallest part and thank all of you for the same.
http://tumblr.amitgupta.com/post/16079119166/many-of-you-have-asked-so-heres-whats-going-on
http://tumblr.amitgupta.com/post/16079119166/many-of-you-have-asked-so-heres-whats-going-on
Monday, December 5, 2011
Don't Give Up, Don't Ever Give Up
I am no televangelist and I don't want this blog to turn into anything nearing "preachy", but it is that time of year....
Anyway, not all of my readers are sports fans and many may have never seen this. But, on so many levels, it really is that good.
Thanks Matt D for reminding me!
Anyway, not all of my readers are sports fans and many may have never seen this. But, on so many levels, it really is that good.
Thanks Matt D for reminding me!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Give A Spit About Cancer!
Read this: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2011/11/22/want-to-make-a-difference-occupy-amit-today/
Watch this:
Join this: https://www.facebook.com/#!/amitguptaneedsyou
Think about this: The big picture!
Check out this: http://www.marrow.org/
Thank you!
Watch this:
Join this: https://www.facebook.com/#!/amitguptaneedsyou
Think about this: The big picture!
Check out this: http://www.marrow.org/
Thank you!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Yellowcard - Believe
There is so much to say today and yet I can't seem to say any of it as eloquently as I think is necessary. For this I apologize. Still, I write.
10 years ago I was a freshman in college. Barely. I hadn't been away from home for much more than a few weeks. I hadn't even adjusted to my new class schedule or getting up in time for my 9am class. Most days I slept through my alarm and found myself rushing out of bed, slipping on my rollerblades (class was a good 25 minute walk and I take pride in how quick I could run up 4 flights of stairs in my skates) and speeding to class still in my pajamas - never turning on the TV. For some reason, on September 11, 2001 my alarm actually did it's job. But instead of the Sportscenter that morning you all know what was on the television.
And while most of the world watched for hours stunned and unable to look away I spent those hours on my dorm room phone (I didn't yet own a cell phone) trying to reach my mother. My mother who worked just a few blocks from the Twin Towers. To this day few things infuriate me more than the automated words "all circuits are busy, please try again". After racking up quite an expensive phone bill (dorm room calls were like $0.10 per minute) I learned that my mother had been picked up by an amazing cab driver and had walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and though shaken, she was OK. The day after 9/11 I got my first cell phone. And it wasn't long after that my mother quit her job in the city. And to this day she won't take the subway.
Anyway, that's my story. But today I think of those who didn't make it home. I think of the bravery of the "Heroes of 9/11" and the kindness of strangers towards one another. I think of those who've lost their lives in the ongoing fight to keep this country and the world a safer place. I think of those families who've endured the loss of loved ones throughout it all.
I can't believe it's been 10 years. It feels like a lifetime ago. I can't believe it's been 10 years. It still hasn't ended.
10 years ago I was a freshman in college. Barely. I hadn't been away from home for much more than a few weeks. I hadn't even adjusted to my new class schedule or getting up in time for my 9am class. Most days I slept through my alarm and found myself rushing out of bed, slipping on my rollerblades (class was a good 25 minute walk and I take pride in how quick I could run up 4 flights of stairs in my skates) and speeding to class still in my pajamas - never turning on the TV. For some reason, on September 11, 2001 my alarm actually did it's job. But instead of the Sportscenter that morning you all know what was on the television.
And while most of the world watched for hours stunned and unable to look away I spent those hours on my dorm room phone (I didn't yet own a cell phone) trying to reach my mother. My mother who worked just a few blocks from the Twin Towers. To this day few things infuriate me more than the automated words "all circuits are busy, please try again". After racking up quite an expensive phone bill (dorm room calls were like $0.10 per minute) I learned that my mother had been picked up by an amazing cab driver and had walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and though shaken, she was OK. The day after 9/11 I got my first cell phone. And it wasn't long after that my mother quit her job in the city. And to this day she won't take the subway.
Anyway, that's my story. But today I think of those who didn't make it home. I think of the bravery of the "Heroes of 9/11" and the kindness of strangers towards one another. I think of those who've lost their lives in the ongoing fight to keep this country and the world a safer place. I think of those families who've endured the loss of loved ones throughout it all.
I can't believe it's been 10 years. It feels like a lifetime ago. I can't believe it's been 10 years. It still hasn't ended.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Plastic in the Pacific
I have a smart, well-educated and socially aware audience so this is probably nothing you aren't already aware of, but yet, I thought it worth sharing.
Thanks Belle P. for sharing with me!
Thanks Belle P. for sharing with me!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Gift's Rules to Live By
I don't have a child. I don't have one on the way. But, here are some rules I try to live by and some things I definitely plan to pass along to any male heirs (or nephews).
Note: I put this together over night. It is obviously a work in progress and it's sure to change. I will try to keep you all updated. Suggestions completely welcome!
Note 2: I'm a guy. This list is shifted towards boys/men. If any of my females readers would like to submit their own version, I'd be glad to post it!
In reverse order:
20) Always open and hold doors for women. Chivalry really does never go out of style.
19) Use your turn signal, damn it.
18) Spacing. The key to driving is good spacing.
17) Clothes don't make the man... but they sure help with first impressions.
16) Never throw the first punch… But always throw the last! Unless someone of authority is coming. Then play innocent.
15) Work hard, Play harder.
14) Learn to cook. You’ll never go hungry and you might just impress a girl or 2.
13) Your family are the people you love. The people you care about. The people that care about you. Sometimes that has nothing to do with blood.
12) Gifts are not just for special occasions. Neither are kind words.
11) Respect not fear.
10) Make it count… whatever you do go all in or don’t bother…
9) Friendships are 2-way streets.
8) Quality over quantity when it comes to friends.
7) You'll make millions of memories in your life... let the bad ones go.
6) Make mistakes. Make lots of mistakes. Learn from them.
5) Regrets are natural. Letting them define you is not.
4) Never lie to yourself.
3) Don’t put the “P” on a pedestal. But worship the woman to whom it belongs! (this is unisex, by the way.)
2) If you ever feel alone or that no one in the world can understand what you’re going through, turn on the radio. There’s someone singing about it right now.
1) Religion is choice... being a good person is not!
* I'm not going to lie and say I fully live by these "rules", but I try. And at the end of the day I'm pretty proud of the man I've become! A huge thank you to all those who've helped me understand and helped make me who I am.. Noteably my parents and one Ryan L. (my personal positivity coach).
Note: I put this together over night. It is obviously a work in progress and it's sure to change. I will try to keep you all updated. Suggestions completely welcome!
Note 2: I'm a guy. This list is shifted towards boys/men. If any of my females readers would like to submit their own version, I'd be glad to post it!
In reverse order:
20) Always open and hold doors for women. Chivalry really does never go out of style.
19) Use your turn signal, damn it.
18) Spacing. The key to driving is good spacing.
17) Clothes don't make the man... but they sure help with first impressions.
16) Never throw the first punch… But always throw the last! Unless someone of authority is coming. Then play innocent.
15) Work hard, Play harder.
14) Learn to cook. You’ll never go hungry and you might just impress a girl or 2.
13) Your family are the people you love. The people you care about. The people that care about you. Sometimes that has nothing to do with blood.
12) Gifts are not just for special occasions. Neither are kind words.
11) Respect not fear.
10) Make it count… whatever you do go all in or don’t bother…
9) Friendships are 2-way streets.
8) Quality over quantity when it comes to friends.
7) You'll make millions of memories in your life... let the bad ones go.
6) Make mistakes. Make lots of mistakes. Learn from them.
5) Regrets are natural. Letting them define you is not.
4) Never lie to yourself.
3) Don’t put the “P” on a pedestal. But worship the woman to whom it belongs! (this is unisex, by the way.)
2) If you ever feel alone or that no one in the world can understand what you’re going through, turn on the radio. There’s someone singing about it right now.
1) Religion is choice... being a good person is not!
* I'm not going to lie and say I fully live by these "rules", but I try. And at the end of the day I'm pretty proud of the man I've become! A huge thank you to all those who've helped me understand and helped make me who I am.. Noteably my parents and one Ryan L. (my personal positivity coach).
Monday, February 14, 2011
1001 Rules for My Unborn Son
This blog recently came to my attention and it's pretty good... More importantly though, it's pretty inspiring.
I don't agree with everything on here obviously so I've been working on a list of my own. It likely won't have 1001 things (more like 20), but I'll get that up as soon as possible.
In the mean time you know I always give credit where it's due, so before I throw out my list I wanted to give you the "original" (I'm sure this isn't the first list of it's kind, but it's the one that inspired me).
http://rulesformyunbornson.tumblr.com/
I don't agree with everything on here obviously so I've been working on a list of my own. It likely won't have 1001 things (more like 20), but I'll get that up as soon as possible.
In the mean time you know I always give credit where it's due, so before I throw out my list I wanted to give you the "original" (I'm sure this isn't the first list of it's kind, but it's the one that inspired me).
http://rulesformyunbornson.tumblr.com/
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tupac - Smile
"Literally" is a word often misused. Too many times do people use 'literally' as a descriptive word for emphasis. No, it isn't literally hot as hell. No, you didn't literally die from laughter.
On the other hand, this song did literally change my life - for better or worse. From when I first heard this song as a freshman in college I can track its impact on my life right up until today. This song has directly led to friendships and "romantic' relationships. It has led to joy I couldn't imagine and heartache I never wanted to. Though I'm sure it's not written for the problems of a white kid from suburbia, this song has helped me through some bad times and given me hope that they'll be more good ones.
I often talk about the Butterfly Effect on this blog - because I think it's fascinating - and this is a perfect example. One silly little 4 minute song by a guy I've never met has altered my life is immeasurable ways.
What songs have had a real effect on your lives?
The video has a pretty long intro. If you're short on time skip ahead to about the 1 minute mark. Also, if you get the chance I highly recommend VH1's Rock Doc on Tupac.
Thank you (??) Nick L. for introducing me to this song and apparently changing my life forever.
On the other hand, this song did literally change my life - for better or worse. From when I first heard this song as a freshman in college I can track its impact on my life right up until today. This song has directly led to friendships and "romantic' relationships. It has led to joy I couldn't imagine and heartache I never wanted to. Though I'm sure it's not written for the problems of a white kid from suburbia, this song has helped me through some bad times and given me hope that they'll be more good ones.
I often talk about the Butterfly Effect on this blog - because I think it's fascinating - and this is a perfect example. One silly little 4 minute song by a guy I've never met has altered my life is immeasurable ways.
What songs have had a real effect on your lives?
The video has a pretty long intro. If you're short on time skip ahead to about the 1 minute mark. Also, if you get the chance I highly recommend VH1's Rock Doc on Tupac.
Thank you (??) Nick L. for introducing me to this song and apparently changing my life forever.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Fresh Air Fund
I like promoting things I believe in, whether music, products, services, or in this case not-for-profits... As people prepare to recieve their tax refunds it seems time for another one of my 'Instant Karma' posts.
“THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877.
Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2008, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. The Fund’s year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.
FRESH AIR CHILDREN
Children are selected to participate in The Fresh Air Fund Friendly Town program based on financial need. Children are from low-income communities. Fresh Air youngsters are registered by more than 90 social service and community organizations in all five boroughs of New York City.
FRESH AIR FUND FRIENDLY TOWN PROGRAM
Fresh Air children, boys and girls from six to 18 years old, visit 300 Fresh Air Friendly Towns in the summer. Fresh Air children on first-time visits to Friendly Town host families are six to 12 years old and stay for up to two weeks. The program also has a special one-week option for New York City families who would like to host children on their summer vacations in the country. Over 65 percent of all children are reinvited to stay with host families, year after year. Reinvited youngsters may continue with The Fund through age 18, and many spend the entire summer in the country. Fresh Air children and volunteer families often form bonds of friendship that last a lifetime.
FRIENDLY TOWN HOST FAMILIES
Fresh Air Fund volunteer host families open their homes to inner-city children for two weeks or more in the summertime. Each Friendly Town community is supervised by a committee of volunteers. Committee members select host families after reviewing their applications, visiting them in their homes and checking their personal references. There are no financial requirements for hosting a Fresh Air child. Most hosts simply want to share their homes with inner-city youngsters. Host families are not paid. The Fund has a program for placing children who have special physical or emotional needs.”
The Fresh Air Fund is always looking for host families, volunteers, and of course monetary donations.
To learn more check out their website or their fanpage on Facebook.
“THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877.
Nearly 10,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund programs annually. In 2008, close to 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. 3,000 children also attended five Fresh Air camps on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. The Fund’s year-round camping program serves an additional 2,000 young people each year.
FRESH AIR CHILDREN
Children are selected to participate in The Fresh Air Fund Friendly Town program based on financial need. Children are from low-income communities. Fresh Air youngsters are registered by more than 90 social service and community organizations in all five boroughs of New York City.
FRESH AIR FUND FRIENDLY TOWN PROGRAM
Fresh Air children, boys and girls from six to 18 years old, visit 300 Fresh Air Friendly Towns in the summer. Fresh Air children on first-time visits to Friendly Town host families are six to 12 years old and stay for up to two weeks. The program also has a special one-week option for New York City families who would like to host children on their summer vacations in the country. Over 65 percent of all children are reinvited to stay with host families, year after year. Reinvited youngsters may continue with The Fund through age 18, and many spend the entire summer in the country. Fresh Air children and volunteer families often form bonds of friendship that last a lifetime.
FRIENDLY TOWN HOST FAMILIES
Fresh Air Fund volunteer host families open their homes to inner-city children for two weeks or more in the summertime. Each Friendly Town community is supervised by a committee of volunteers. Committee members select host families after reviewing their applications, visiting them in their homes and checking their personal references. There are no financial requirements for hosting a Fresh Air child. Most hosts simply want to share their homes with inner-city youngsters. Host families are not paid. The Fund has a program for placing children who have special physical or emotional needs.”
The Fresh Air Fund is always looking for host families, volunteers, and of course monetary donations.
To learn more check out their website or their fanpage on Facebook.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Kitty Update 3
It's been a while since I posted about our friend Emma.
Currently she is in a foster home where they are watching her and making sure she is adjusting to life. She has over 2000 'fans' on facebook and has recieved support and donations from all types of sources. There are currently several applications in process for her adoption and she looks to be on her way to a new life with loving parents.
For more updates please check out her facebook page. There are videos and pictures and tons of updates for you.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/New-York-NY/Emma-her-long-journey-back/231516941351?ref=ts
Thank you all again for your support.
If there are other causes that The Gift can get behind please feel free to send me a note and I'll be glad to get involved as best I can.
Currently she is in a foster home where they are watching her and making sure she is adjusting to life. She has over 2000 'fans' on facebook and has recieved support and donations from all types of sources. There are currently several applications in process for her adoption and she looks to be on her way to a new life with loving parents.
For more updates please check out her facebook page. There are videos and pictures and tons of updates for you.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/New-York-NY/Emma-her-long-journey-back/231516941351?ref=ts
Thank you all again for your support.
If there are other causes that The Gift can get behind please feel free to send me a note and I'll be glad to get involved as best I can.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Kitty Update 2
I know many of you are anxious for an Emma update.
"She has had an additional surgery on her jaw, is out of her collar, purrs loudly, uses her litter box, grooms herself and loves human attention. She will still need some additional surgery but her progress has been amazing and moving. We are hoping she will begin eating on her own and be rid of her feeding tube, but I haven't heard an update on that."
To date there are 1100 + people who have become 'fans' of her cause on Facebook and together we have raised nearly $5000.
"She has had an additional surgery on her jaw, is out of her collar, purrs loudly, uses her litter box, grooms herself and loves human attention. She will still need some additional surgery but her progress has been amazing and moving. We are hoping she will begin eating on her own and be rid of her feeding tube, but I haven't heard an update on that."
To date there are 1100 + people who have become 'fans' of her cause on Facebook and together we have raised nearly $5000.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Kitty Update
As promised here is an update of that beloved kitty - now named Emma.
While she still has a lot to go through, she looks better. She still has a hard time moving, but she is very affectionate and has been as sociable as can be expected.
Emma is still not eating and an esophageal tube will be placed later today so that she can get the nourishment she needs to recover. She also does not yet use her litter box.
More surgery is definitely in her future and donations are still very much welcomed.
A facebook fan page has been created to help her cause and to keep everyone connected. Please join and spread the word. http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Emma-her-long-journey-back/231516941351?ref=nf#/
While she still has a lot to go through, she looks better. She still has a hard time moving, but she is very affectionate and has been as sociable as can be expected.
Emma is still not eating and an esophageal tube will be placed later today so that she can get the nourishment she needs to recover. She also does not yet use her litter box.
More surgery is definitely in her future and donations are still very much welcomed.
A facebook fan page has been created to help her cause and to keep everyone connected. Please join and spread the word. http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Emma-her-long-journey-back/231516941351?ref=nf#/
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Let's Make a Difference
This year money has been tight for almost everyone and it's become just a little harder to find the money for a good cause. Though large organizations (like the American Cancer Society, etc.) do great things, it's often hard to see the results of your donations. You give what you can, and you maybe get a thank you card and a request for a future donation, but you don't really see the worth of your donation. That good feeling you have when you the mail the check quickly dissipates.
It's much more powerful when you can see the result of your goodwill and when you can experience that feeling of benevolence regularly. This year as the season of giving nears I offer you that chance.
Below is a cause that was brought to my attention today. If we can save the life of this poor cat I will use this blog to post regular updates and pictures so we can not only feel good about giving today, but hopefully for years to come.
"A volunteer picked up the below cat yesterday from the Euthanasia list, initially, the ACC believed she had been hit by a car- she had severe head injuries, trauma to her jaw and her nasal passage was completely shattered.
A volunteer brought her to a personal vet who removed her eye which was hanging from the socket and cleaned the rest of her head wounds. She is being kept there for monitoring and made it through the first surgery but will need a lot more extensive reconstructive surgeries to live.
The vet said because there weren't any injuries to her body it was unlikely she was hit by a car. The surgeon actually confirmed that she was most likely severely abused using a baseball bat. They also believe she had recently given birth to a litter- how many they don't know and the babies haven't been found yet (they believe they are dead).
While the damage is extensive, the surgeon felt that she could have good quality of life after some more work. As of now, however, she is out of the woods (there was concern she might not survive surgery), and is resting after her long ordeal. We have some donations that have been given specifically for her medical expenses, but given that she will need two more surgeries, they will sadly not be nearly enough. We contacted the Picasso Foundation but they are unable to help at this time.
She has further surgeries that will total about $7000. We have raised about $2000 in the past two days but have a bit to go. I know things are tight with the holidays but if you could even spare $5 it would be a big help in saving this little ones life. If she gets better there are already people discussing fostering/adopting her.
Below is where you can donate to Anjellicle Cats (Tax Deductable) and make a note that it's for: the unnamed severely injured kitty 12/8/09. (she will be named when she gets a bit better)
Please click the below site and scroll down to their "Donate" button. It will bring you right to their paypal page:
http://anjelliclecats.homestead.com/index.html
Anything you can spare would help! Thanks so much! Happy Holidays!"
It's much more powerful when you can see the result of your goodwill and when you can experience that feeling of benevolence regularly. This year as the season of giving nears I offer you that chance.
Below is a cause that was brought to my attention today. If we can save the life of this poor cat I will use this blog to post regular updates and pictures so we can not only feel good about giving today, but hopefully for years to come.
"A volunteer picked up the below cat yesterday from the Euthanasia list, initially, the ACC believed she had been hit by a car- she had severe head injuries, trauma to her jaw and her nasal passage was completely shattered.
A volunteer brought her to a personal vet who removed her eye which was hanging from the socket and cleaned the rest of her head wounds. She is being kept there for monitoring and made it through the first surgery but will need a lot more extensive reconstructive surgeries to live.
The vet said because there weren't any injuries to her body it was unlikely she was hit by a car. The surgeon actually confirmed that she was most likely severely abused using a baseball bat. They also believe she had recently given birth to a litter- how many they don't know and the babies haven't been found yet (they believe they are dead).
While the damage is extensive, the surgeon felt that she could have good quality of life after some more work. As of now, however, she is out of the woods (there was concern she might not survive surgery), and is resting after her long ordeal. We have some donations that have been given specifically for her medical expenses, but given that she will need two more surgeries, they will sadly not be nearly enough. We contacted the Picasso Foundation but they are unable to help at this time.
She has further surgeries that will total about $7000. We have raised about $2000 in the past two days but have a bit to go. I know things are tight with the holidays but if you could even spare $5 it would be a big help in saving this little ones life. If she gets better there are already people discussing fostering/adopting her.
Below is where you can donate to Anjellicle Cats (Tax Deductable) and make a note that it's for: the unnamed severely injured kitty 12/8/09. (she will be named when she gets a bit better)
Please click the below site and scroll down to their "Donate" button. It will bring you right to their paypal page:
http://anjelliclecats.homestead.com/index.html
Anything you can spare would help! Thanks so much! Happy Holidays!"
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