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Retrospective of Geeta Rao
Curator Tony Knox
An Exhibition at Wigan & Leigh School of Art
Parsin’s Walk, Wigan, WN1 1RS
Tuesday, 19th November - 19th December 2008.
This is a touring show that highlights the art of Geeta Rao a former student of Wigan &Leigh School of Art in Photography and also a popular life model. Geeta went on to study at the University of Central Lancashire, where she completed a BA honours in Photography. She was tragically murdered in February 2008, during a year’s sabbatical from an MA in Fine Art at the UCLAN.
Geeta was one of those people with an infectious smile. As a daughter, mother, artist and friend, she wore many hats and was a classic multi-tasker, with effortless enthusiasm for life. She had the ability to touch the lives of many people and make them feel as though they where the only person in a room.
This exhibition at the Wigan & Leigh school of Art is funded by UCLAN. The aim of this show is to celebrate Geeta’s achievements, her contribution to the world as an Artist, and to mark the loss of one so bright and selfless.
This exhibition was first shown in October 1st -10th 2008 at the PR1 Gallery Preston. It has evolved through working closely with her family, and a selection of her friends and associates has supported the project in various ways: as such, they were instrumental in the success of the project. As a personal friend of Geeta’s, I have tried to honour her in my own small way by acting as the curator of this show.
Thanks to: UCLAN, Wigan College, Mike Hesketh, John Roberts, Darren Beatty, Kim Rigby, Dave Core, Joe Baker, Stuart Gray, Anna McDade , Turnpike Gallery, etc. for their help and support.
A retrospect of Geeta Rao is dedicated to her mother Leela Rao, 73, who passed away early this August. She survived the attack on her life in February that claimed her daughter, but never recovered from the trauma and loss.
Curator Tony Knox
Happy Mothers' Day to all the mothers out there. Most especially to my mama .
Mothers are always a great inspiration and reminder of how good life is.
I believe only a mother (and father) 's love can be called selfless...
Riviera Zushi Marina
Zushi, Kanagawa, Japan
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Major, United States Army Air Corps
Horace Seaver Carswell, Jr. was born on July 18, 1916, to Horace S. and Bertha Rea Carswell of Fort Worth. He attended North Side High School where he excelled in athletics. Graduating in 1934, Carswell entered Texas A&M College and later transferred to Texas Christian University, where he lettered in football and baseball and graduated with a degree in Physical Education in 1939.
In 1940, Carswell enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Flying Cadet. He undertook Primary Flight Training in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and at Randolph Field (San Antonio), and Advanced Flying Training at Kelly Field (San Antonio). Upon receiving his wings in November 1940 he served at Randolph Field and Goodfellow Field (San Angelo) where he met and later married Virginia Ede in October 1941. Two months later the U.S. entered World War II.
Carswell served in stateside assignments until April 1944, when he was transferred to the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations and to the 374th Bombardment Squadron, 308th Bombardment Group. Major Carswell commanded a unit of radar-equipped B-24J bombers at Liuchow, China. On October 26, 1944, he led a nighttime interdiction mission over the South China Sea. While attacking an enemy convoy, his aircraft was severely damaged by Japanese anti-aircraft fire. Carswell nursed his aircraft to the China coast where he ordered his crew to parachute to safety. When two of his crew could not bail out, he selflessly remained with his aircraft, searching for a spot to land until the damaged plane crashed into a mountainside. Carswell was posthumously awarded the medal of honor, which was presented to his wife and young son. In 1948, his remains were repatriated and buried in Fort Worth. That same year, Army Air Field was renamed Carswell Air Force Base in his honor. Its airstrip is still officially named "Carswell Field."(2016)
Marker is Property of the State of Texas
On October 2nd, 2018, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) recognized the off-duty actions of Engineer Danny Lynch who selflessly saved multiple homes in his neighborhood during the raging Thomas Fire in Ventura County. Also present for the recognition was Captain Dennis Cameron of the Torrance Fire Department, who was on a Thomas Fire Strike Team that Engineer Lynch teamed up with.
The incident took place Dec 3rd and 4th, 2017. Captain Cameron’s Engine company arrived in the city of Ventura around midnight to Engineer Lynch’s neighborhood that already had multiple homes burning and civilians evacuating. Fortunately Danny had his turnouts with him. He approached Captain Cameron on the street, identified himself as an off-duty LAFD firefighter, and asked if he could help. Several houses were burning on both sides of the street and resources were spread very thin, so Captain Cameron gave Mr. Lynch some quick direction. Danny then took off with a hoseline to a house that was just starting to light off and swiftly went to work. He came back a few minutes later saying flames were in the attic and wanted a pike pole, then took off again. A few minutes later he returned again asking for a chainsaw and ladder. This time Captain Cameron went with Engineer Lynch to check on his progress.
At this point he had already pulled ceiling and knocked down the bulk of the fire from inside the house, but recognized that the roof needed to be opened up to fully extinguish the fire and save the house. Both members went to the roof, Danny cut several holes and then brought the hoseline to the roof to complete extinguishment. Engineer Lynch spent almost an hour by himself making sure this house didn’t burn down. His actions continued...
At this point he pulled his hoseline down the street to assist Firefighters battling other burning homes, and continued to work with the Strike Team through the night until the water supply was lost and all companies had to retreat.
It is important to mention that the Thomas Fire was the largest wildfire the State of California had ever seen at that point, and approximately 240 homes were threatened in Danny's neighborhood alone. Fire resources were stretched to their max, therefore Danny was required to at times to act alone, however he made calculated operational decisions based upon safety and situational awareness, while wearing full personal protective equipment, and maintaining close communication with the Strike Team Captain.
Due to his courageous actions, Engineer Lynch was responsible for saving several homes, and is worthy of formal recognition.
LAFD Event - 100218
Photo Use Permitted via Creative Commons - Credit: Alex Gillman
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Camp Zama's annual volunteer recognition ceremony hosted by U.S. Army Garrison Japan honored the many volunteers who support and contribute to the community April 21
at the Camp Zama Community Club. The ceremony revealed the youth and adult Outstanding Volunteers of the Year as well as the Outstanding Volunteer Family of the Year.
Yuki Furakawa, nominated by the American Red Cross, was named the Outstanding Volunteer of the year, and Royce Brown, nominated by Boy Scout Troop 34, was named Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year. (U.S. Army photos by Alia Naffouj)
By The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
On September 11, 2001, a bright autumn day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. Thousands of innocent men, women, and children perished when mighty towers collapsed in the heart of New York City and wreckage burned in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. They were family and friends, service members and first responders -- and the tragedy of their loss left pain that will never fade and scars our country will never forget.
More than a decade later, the world we live in is forever changed. But as we mark the anniversary of September 11, we remember what remains the same: our character as a Nation, our faith in one another, and our legacy as a country strengthened by service and selflessness. In the spirit that moved rescue workers and firefighters to charge into darkness and danger that September morning, we see the same sense of moral responsibility that drove countless Americans to give of themselves in the months that followed. We offered our neighbors a hand and lined up to give blood. Many helped our Nation rebuild and recover long after the dust had settled, donating and volunteering and helping survivors who had borne so much. We were united, and the outpouring of generosity reminded us that, through challenges that have spanned from acts of terrorism to natural disasters, we go forward together as one people.
Today, as we remember the victims, their families, and the heroes who stood up during one of our country's darkest moments, I invite all Americans to reclaim that abiding spirit of compassion by serving their communities in the days and weeks ahead. From volunteering with a faith-based organization, to collecting food and clothing for those in need, to preparing care packages for our men and women in uniform, there are many ways to bring service into our everyday lives -- and each of us can do something. To get involved and find a local service opportunity, visit www.Serve.gov, or www.Servir.gov for Spanish speakers.
Even the simplest act of kindness can be a way to honor those we have lost, and to help build stronger communities and a more resilient Nation. By joining together on this solemn anniversary, let us show that America's sense of common purpose need not be a fleeting moment, but a lasting virtue -- not just on one day, but every day.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day," and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized "National Day of Service and Remembrance."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2012, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. I invite the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance. I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
BARACK OBAMA
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Big E Honors Victims of 9/11 Attacks
USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- When most Americans rolled out of bed Tuesday morning, Sept. 11, 2001, it probably never crossed any of their minds that the entire geopolitical world would be shaken to its very core that day.
The terrorist attacks that occurred in New York City and Washington, D.C. 11 years ago changed the world, and the effects of those attacks were felt in the hearts of Americans around the globe.
On the 11th anniversary of the attacks, Sailors and Marines aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) took time to honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, in a ceremony held in the carrier's hangar bay, a fitting tribute given the Big E's history.
Eleven years ago, Enterprise was beginning her voyage home from the Persian Gulf, following her 17th deployment, when the attacks occurred. Without orders, the carrier returned at flank speed to the waters off Southwest Asia near the Persian Gulf, outrunning her escorts, and becoming one of the first carriers to launch attacks against the perpetrators of the attacks.
Enterprise Commanding Officer Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr., opened the ceremony with remarks about the impact the attacks had on not only the military, but all Americans.
"Eleven years ago, today, our nation was devastated by the harsh reality of terrorism," said Hamilton. "It was one of those days that we will always remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard of the attack."
Hamilton's speech was followed by a rendition of "Amazing Grace," sung by Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Ralph A. Oliver.
In closing, Sailors and Marines observed a moment of silence to honor the lives lost during the attacks. The moment of silence was followed by a benediction, led by Lt. Cmdr. Henry F. Holcombe, a chaplain aboard Enterprise.
The ceremony was coordinated by the Enterprise chief selects.
Chief (select) Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Johann E. Tonnessen, who assisted with coordinating the ceremony, was present in Lower Manhattan during the attacks.
"It was a great honor to be a part of this [ceremony]," said Tonnessen. "Not only because I was actually in Manhattan when the attacks happened, but also because there are many serving aboard this ship who were also there. On top of that, there are also many Sailors and Marines who either lost a loved one that day or know someone who did."
Though some Sailors and Marines currently serving on Enterprise may have been too young to realize the substantial effect that the attacks had upon the American way of life, they see the after effects of that day in September in everything they do.
Today, the crew of Enterprise pushes on with its mission - on its 25th, and final, deployment - remembering those who lost their lives on that day in September. More than a decade later, the crew of Enterprise is still vigilant in taking the fight to the enemy - playing a vital role supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
"On the eleventh anniversary of that dreadful day, we continue to stand the watch and take the fight to those who would do us harm," said Hamilton. "This morning we remember the victims of [9/11] through song, silence and prayer. We must remain vigilant; keep the fight off of our shores and at the enemy's door. [On this day] we remember the victims and pledge to remember their sacrifice - always."
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
Made with polyester satin. Full blogpost here sewamysew.com/2013/10/13/selfless-sewing-and-a-box-of-vie....
The Gift of Life
"How dare you start on this journey, without taking a ticket from Me? Come down; do the task allotted to you. I order you to come to the Prayer Hall this noon and carry on with Arathi, as usual."
"That was the command, the divine command of the Lord to Sri Seshagiri Rao, whose body and mind were 'ready steady set' for the last journey.
Baba did sound harsh. Yes, He appeared so unkind not only to the people around but also to the subject in question, Sri Seshagiri Rao, who was more than willing to shed his mortal coil after a fall and subsequent ill health, and had even started declaring aloud the eternal truths: "This body composed of the five elements is disintegrating into its components; I am being liberated!"
But Swami had different plans for this sage-like servitor who for 14 long years had tended the shrine at the old Mandir and later at the Prashanti Nilayam Sanctum Sanctorum with great dedication and love. Sri Seshagiri Rao just obeyed Swami's order and in the evening he was seen attending the shrine - the signs of illness were gone.
Six months later, this pious person fell ill again. His condition became worse and you could see that he was indeed suffering. His brother rushed in panic from Bangalore and requested Swami that Sri Seshagiri Rao be allowed to be taken to the Victoria hospital in Bangalore.
But, Swami had this to tell him, "Do not worry at his present plight. I am allowing him to work out the suffering he has to undergo. After this, he has the chance to die peacefully and quite happily. Otherwise, I could have despatched him months ago, when he had a fall." And that is exactly what happened.
Sri Seshagiri Rao recovered quite mysteriously in a month. He was hale and hearty and spent six weeks in bliss doing his chores in the shrine and spreading happiness around. And then suddenly one day, his health deteriorated and he took to bed. One evening Swami went to his bedside. Along with Swami was Prof. Kasturi, a great devotee and the first editor of Sanathana Sarathi. For what happened that momentous evening, let's hear from Sri Kasturi himself:
"Swami asked me to bring a cup of hot milk. Spoon by spoon, He fed him the entire cup, calling on him by name and telling him that it was his Baba that was feeding him! Then, He rose and moved; turning back while at the door, He looked at him and said, 'Now you can go!' And, Seshagiri Rao obeyed within an hour! Baba knew when he had to come down and when he had to 'go'."
Baba with the Cowans
This is not one isolated incident in the life of Baba. We all know of what happened to Walter Cowan, the oft-quoted story of resurrection recorded beautifully by Dr. Hislop in My Baba and I. We will not go into details here about that incident because there are many more. For every incident we know, there are hundreds and thousands that we do not know. Sai's power has been working silently, selflessly and relentlessly all-round the clock, all-round the globe transforming people, uniting families, enlivening spirits and resurrecting lives, for He is the master of Time and destiny.
In the first week of August, 1953 in Puttaparthi, there happened another incident which, as Howard Murphet describes in Sai Baba: Man of Miracles, was as dramatic in its way as the Christ's raising of "Lazarus" from the dead. The "Lazarus" here was Mr. V Radhakrishna, about sixty years of age, a factory owner and well-known citizen of Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh.
He was in Puttaparthi with his wife, daughter, Vijaya and son-in-law, Sri Hemchand. The Dasara celebrations were on but he was there in Puttaparthi with a different mission - to ask Baba to cure him of his frightful gastric ulcers.
Two days had passed by in Puttaparthi and when Mr. Radhakrishna found Swami taking a stroll in the hall one day, he ran to Him and fell at His feet imploring Him thus: "Swami, I prefer to die. I cannot bear this pain anymore. Let me be merged in Your Feet." Swami lifted him up by his shoulders and in a comforting tone said, "It is alright. The pain will soon subside," and sent him back.
Sometime later, Mr. Radhakrishna was attacked by fits, fell down and bit his tongue. Swami came immediately and placed Vibhuti on his forehead. His stomach was bloated. Swami sat by his side for sometime, patting his stomach. Before He left, He reassured everybody saying, "Do not worry. Everything will be alright."
The next day was truly a nightmare. The patient could not pass urine and his stomach became even more bloated. He was unconscious. A male nurse brought by Mr. K S Hemchand, the son-in-law, pronounced him near death after failing to find any pulse and making other examinations. There was no way of saving him, the nurse opined. And by evening the patient became very cold. The three anxious relatives heard what they thought was the "death rattle" in his throat and watched him turning blue and stiff. His stomach looked full enough to burst at the slightest touch.
Vijaya, and Mrs. Radhakrishna, went to see Swami. They told Him that Radhakrishna seemed to be dead. (Those days, devotees were very few and they had much greater access to Swami). But Swami just laughed and walked away into His bedroom. Crestfallen, the mother and daughter returned to the 'dead' man's bedside and waited and prayed. As if listening to their prayers, after a while, Swami came and looked at the body but did not say or do anything. The whole of the second night passed with the three fervently praying and anxiously waiting for any signs of life. But that was not to be. There were no signs. Yet, nothing could disturb their rock-like faith in Baba.
When the Venkatagiri Raja, a longtime devotee of Baba, offered to take Mr. Radhakrishna in his car to a bigger hospital in a town some distance away, Mrs. Radhakrishna firmly said, "We cannot do anything unless Swami commands us. Everything depends on Swami's will." She completely believed that somehow or other Baba would save Radhakrishna as He had promised that everything would be alright.
The whole body turned black. His nails turned blue. The night passed. No one slept. At about four in the morning of the third day, all the people around went away wiping their tears and all the three relatives began to weep silently. The body was more than ever like a corpse - dark, cold, quite stiff and beginning to smell. Other people who came to see and sympathise told Mrs. Radhakrishna that she should have the corpse removed from the ashram. But she replied, "Not unless Swami orders it". Some even went to Baba and suggested that, as the man was dead and the body smelling of decomposition, it should either be sent back to Kuppam or cremated at Puttaparti. Swami simply replied, "We'll see."
Radhakrishna with his Saviour
When Mrs. Radhakrishna went to see Swami again - to tell Baba what people were saying to her, and to ask Him what she must do, He answered: "Do not listen to them, and have no fear; I am here." And further, He reassured her saying that He would soon come to see her husband.
Mrs. Radhakrishna returned and waited along with her daughter and son-in-law by the body. 10 minutes, half an hour, an hour passed, but there was no sign of Swami. There seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel and just when they were about to give up totally, the door opened and there stood Baba in His red robe, copious hair, and shining smile. It was then about half past two in the afternoon of the third day.
As soon as she saw Baba, Mrs. Radhakrishna broke down completely. Vijaya was also crying. They were like Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, weeping before their Lord who, they thought, had come too late. And Swami, as if there was nothing serious to it, said jokingly, "Is Radhakrishna having labour pains?" Everyone was silent.
"Let's see what the matter is," He said and walked into the room.
At what point is a person dead? Can anyone say? There are instances where suddenly a 'corpse' will move; in fact, when Jesus received word that Lazarus was dead, He said to His disciples, "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go that I may awake him out of sleep."
Anyway, to continue with the story, Baba gently asked the tearful women and sorrowful Mr. Hemchand to leave the room. There were only Swami and the dead man in the room and what happened inside only He knows. A few minutes passed, and the door opened and Swami beckoned all the three in. As they nervously walked in, they could scarcely believe their eyes! Was it true? Or, was it an illusion?
There on the bed Radhakrishna was looking up at them and smiling! Amazingly the stiffness of death had vanished and his natural colour was returning! All the three clasped Swami;s Feet and washed them with their tears. Baba went over, stroked the patient's head and said to him, "Talk to them; they are worried."
"Why worried?" asked Radhakrishna, puzzled, "what happened to me?"
With a loud laugh, Swami replied, "Delivery."
Everyone laughed. It was a strange scene, laughter in the midst of tears.
Mr. Radhakrishna looked at Swami who was sitting near his head and said, "I'm all right. You are here."
Swami then turned to Mrs. Radhakrishna and said, "I have given your husband back to you, now get him a hot drink."
When she brought a tumbler of Horlicks, Swami Himself fed it to Radhakrishna slowly spoon by spoon. For another half an hour He remained there, gently touching Radhakrishna and strengthening the man He had 'raised'.
Swami then asked Vijaya, "How old is your father?"
"Sixty years," she replied.
Then, Swami reminded them how, four or five years ago, Mrs. Radhakrishna once had told Him, "Swami, in my husband's family, all his brothers died in their sixtieth year. Kindly save my husband." And how Swami had promised her then that He would save her husband. Swami then turned toward Mrs. Radhakrishna and said, "You have forgotten that conversation. But I have not. Today, I have given the gift of life to your husband."
Then Swami placed His hand on Mrs. Radhakrishna's head, blessed the whole family and left the room.
After two hours, He was back. He asked Mr. Radhakrishna, "Radha Krishnayya! Where did you go?" He replied, "That place was very peaceful, very comfortable; very, very nice, Swami. Why did you bring me back? It was heavenly there."
It seems later, Swami confided to Sri Kasturi, "His children are still young. He did not even write a will. He has yet to perform the marriages of his children. That's why I saw to it that he was brought back. The extra years of life that I have given now I shall deduct from his next birth." What meticulous attention to correct the calculation of life span!
Next day, Mr. Radhakrishna was strong enough to walk to Bhajan. On the third day he wrote a seven-page letter to one of his daughters who was abroad in Italy . The family stayed a few more days at Prashanti Nilayam, then with Baba's permission returned to their home in Kuppam. The gastric ulcers and complications had vanished forever.
Aeons have passed by. Civilisations have emerged, grown and perished. Man, Nature, Science - everything has changed. But if there is one thing that has remained constant it is God. His love, His compassion for humanity, His concern and His impeccable glory. Another startling episode that amply demonstrates this happened in Prashanti Nilayam, just two decades back and it stands as a testimony to the inscrutable and infinite power of Sai. This time it was a young student, a research scholar staying in the hostel in Prashanti Nilayam.
One person who was a witness and totally involved in this whole incident was Mr. Narasimha Murthy who was the warden of the hostel then. And this is what he narrated in the Divine Presence of Baba in Sai Kulwant Hall on the 1 st of November 2004:
It was the month of October, 1985, the sixtieth birthday celebrations year. In the early hours of morning, I was woken up. One of the PhD Scholars was a chronic asthma patient. He was unable to breathe.
Click here to listen to Mr. Narasimha Murthy's voice.
We rushed him to the Puttaparthi General Hospital . The boy's name was Narayan Sharma. He was from Bombay , a classmate of the current warden of the hostel, Sri Shiva Shankar Sai.
By the time we took him to the hospital, the body had become cold and blue. There was a lady doctor who attended on him. There was no pulse, no breath. Dr. Chari, the Medical Superintendent of the hospital then, rushed from his home. He also checked him up and informed all of us present there, 'He is no more. The boy is dead.'
It was approaching six in the morning. You could imagine the plight of the warden when such a thing happens. I did not even dare to go to the Mandir and submit to Swami what had happened. It was Dr. Chari who walked to the Mandir and submitted to Swami the whole episode. Swami said, "Nothing will happen to him. He is fine".
Swami, then materialized Vibhuti and gave it to Dr. Chari and said, "Apply it on his chest and put hot-water bags on his back." Dr. Chari returned and the Vibhuti and hot water bags were applied.
Yet, we were in a state of fix. We did not know what to do as there was no pulse, no breathing still. The body was still cold and blue. For all practical purposes, he was dead. The doctors then told me, 'Mr. Narasimha Murthy, now it is your turn to go and report to Swami.'
Sri Narasimha Murthy narrating the incident on Nov 1st 2004
It was 6.30 in the morning. I walked up to the Mandir. I reported to Swami. Swami said, "Nothing has happened to him." In fact, He gave me a thermos flask filled with hot coffee and said, "Go and give it to him." I was bewildered.
I returned with this flask to the hospital. When I reached the hospital, the lady doctor looked at me with the flask and asked, 'For whom is this coffee?' I could barely say anything. I just very reluctantly showed the patient.
Her face became completely expressionless. But there was a sense of, "Mr. Warden, you have lost your brain." These were her unspoken words.
I did not know what to do with the coffee. The body of Narayana Sharma was covered with a white sheet. Only his toes were seen. And then suddenly, we saw movements! His toes were moving!
We were overjoyed. And then the lady doctor, with great joy, went up to the boy. The boy could not open his eyes, but the toes were moving. And she put her finger at the nose. Slowly, the breathing was coming back. And then, she whispered these words into his ears, "See boy, Swami has sent coffee for you. Please take it." One spoon of coffee was fed into his mouth and he took it in! Then, slowly spoon by spoon coffee was being fed into his mouth. The lady doctor checked him again. The pulse was returning. Confident that the boy is back, she was connecting the BP apparatus to the boy's arm and just then Swami arrived with late Sri V. K. Narasimhan, the editor of Sanathana Sarathi at that time. Hearing Swami's voice, the boy slowly tried to open his eyes. Swami came near the boy and said, "What boy! Everybody said you are dead. Still you are alive!" The boy looked at Swami. His face was expressionless. Then Swami asked all the three doctors present there, Dr. Chari and two lady doctors, "Was he dead?"
All of them said, "Yes, Swami. He was dead."
Then He asked one of the lady doctors, "How do you say that he was dead."
"Swami, according to us, there was no pulse, no breathing, no heartbeat; the body was cold and blue. Going by medical science, that is death."
"Then how did he come back," He asked.
"Swami, You are God. You can do anything." The lady doctor replied.
The drama of Lazarus was re-enacted. Only the venue was different.
There were about 50 classmates, who had assembled outside the General Hospital . They had come hearing that their friend has made his exit from the world. Swami looked out of the window. All the boys looked very sad.
Swami then looked at me and said, "Go and tell them what has happened here." Swami confirmed that He had brought back the boy to life.
And then Swami materialized a kind of brownish chocolate and gave it to the boy. The boy immediately put it into his mouth. After returning to the Mandir, Swami materialized three bottles of tablets and sent them to the hospital with detailed instructions as to how these tablets are to be administered.
The boy was soon in the hostel busy with his research. And he completed his PhD.
For an incarnation, it is sheerly His powers, His inner strength which achieves everything and nothing else. Instruments are only superfluous. There is nothing that is impossible for him", the warden concluded.
Now let's move on to something which happened in the nineties. It is the story of Mr. Venkateswaran, a long-time devotee of Bhagavan who now resides in the Prashanti Nilayam ashram. This is what he has to tell about his miraculous 'return':
"It happened on the afternoon of 1st October, 1994 . Along with students and some guests, I was inside Trayee Brindavan (Swami's residence in Bangalore ). While Swami was speaking, I felt a sudden tightness in my chest. I began to sweat profusely and felt strangely breathless.
Three quick pinches of Vibhuti from my pocket, followed by a chant of 'Sai Rama' three times was all I could muster before leaning on the person in front of me. I was slipping into darkness. I then saw an orange robe in an ocean of light.
This was followed by a vision of my inert body lying on the floor. I could not believe it! I felt so free, so utterly free.
Then a voice in the distance echoed, 'Get up! Your Sai Rama has come, get up!'
My hazy memory does not recall what happened next, but I was informed later that immediately after I had passed away, a physician sitting nearby had examined me and found no vital signs. With some difficulty this was conveyed to Swami who was sitting on the jhoola [swing] in the front. Our Merciful Lord stood up immediately, picked up His silver tumbler, and walked to where my body was.
He poured some water on His fingers and let it trickle into my mouth. Then, He said the words that I have just quoted: 'Get up! Your Sai Rama has come!'
Mr. Venkateswaran with his 'Sai Rama' before his operation
My inert body jerked and my eyes opened to see Bhagavan. Looking at all those seated around, Bhagavan firmly asked, 'What other miracle do you want? Venkatesh was gone, and I brought him back.' I was helped back into my room."
In fact, Swami gave him another lease of life when in 1999, a full five years after his resurrection, He blessed him to undergo a heart surgery at the modern temple of healing, the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences. Not only that, He made a special visit to the Hospital, materialized Vibhuti and blessed him profusely before his surgery.
Mr. Venkateswaran is still doing fine and dedicates his time in the ashram doing Swami's work.
Resurrections may not be as common a phenomenon as Swami creating Vibhuti, rings, chains, etc., but time and again, Swami has brought people back to life whenever the situation demanded it. We know how Swami 'raised' Subbamma just to keep His promise and fulfill her last wish. For those, who have not read this thrilling episode in
' Sathyam Shivam Sundaram', here is a brief account:
"Subbamma was the person most anxious about Swami's 'health' when He was a young boy and most worried about the hundreds of pilgrims who gathered at Puttaparthi. Baba even now says that the grinding stone in her house was always busy, preparing chutney (an Indian dish) out of the heaps of coconuts that the pilgrims offered. She was grinding almost eight hours of the day! She had immense love and devotion to the Lord and Baba had said that He would satisfy her one desire... to have the Darshan of Baba in her last moments. And this is how he fulfilled it.
It was in the fifties. Subbamma fell ill and was taken to Bukkapatnam. But in spite of her illness, she came over one day in a bullock cart to see the Prashanti Nilayam (the new Mandir), which was then under construction. She was soon bedridden and could not move; her condition worsened and Baba was away in Bangalore !
Subbamma, in her delirium, talked about Baba and the vision of Shirdi Sai Baba which she had been privileged to see, of the manifold Leelas of the Krishna she had witnessed, and, when she came to, her talk was about the same incidents and the same Person. She was in the midst of relatives who did not have much sympathy with these sentiments, for they felt that her love for the strange little miraculous Boy had taken her away from attachment to her kith and kin. So, they told her that her Baba was a hundred miles away, and it would be better for her to concentrate her failing attention on men and matters nearer and closer. But, her Faith did not falter.
Meanwhile, Baba left Bangalore for Tirupathi, where He spent some time with a few devotees. Of course, Baba knew that Subbamma's soul was struggling to free itself from the mortal coil, and that she was rolling in her deathbed at Bukkapatnam. The people around her announced that she had breathed her last.
But, some peculiar glow on her face, made them nervous to take the body to the cremation ground. A few wiser persons shook their heads when it was suggested that she had died. They advised patience, and admonished the relatives; 'The bird has not flown yet,' they said.
How could that bird fly, even though the door of the cage was lying open? She must have the Darshan and she must wait until Baba comes. And, Baba too was hurrying towards her bedside. He left Tirupathi by car, and arriving at Puttaparthi, proceeded to Bukkapatnam, three full days after the first announcement of Subbamma's end!
Her eyes had lost the glint, she was placed on the floor and people were evincing an uneasy impatience. Baba sat by her and in a low voice called out, "Subbamma," "Subbamma," just twice and no more! Then, to the wonderment of everyone crowding around, Subbamma opened her eyes!
She extended her hand towards Baba and grasped His palm firmly and began to stroke it lovingly; Baba put His fingers to her lips; her mouth opened a little, as if she knew that Baba was giving her something to slake the thirst of the soul.
From the fingers of Baba there poured into her mouth the Immortal Ganga and Subbamma joined the ranks of the Released!
What a deliverance! Can anything better that! Swami knows who deserves what and when.
Some people might ask why does Swami resurrect this individual and not another? Why does He save some people from serious illnesses or from near-death situations and not others? Why does He use His powers only for some and not others?
Raising Lazarus
To this, Howard Murphet gives a beautiful explanation in Sai Baba: Man of Miracles:
"Perhaps, in the same way one might ask why Christ did not cure all the sickness around him in his day. And why was Lazarus the only one He called back from the tomb? Did Jesus - and did Sai Baba later - make a special effort against the power of death for a greatly loved family of close devotees? Maybe, but I think there is more to it than that.
When Jesus was informed that Lazarus was sick he made the enigmatic remark: 'This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby'. So what would normally, under ordinary conditions, be a death-dealing disease may be an occasion for the glorification of God through the works of a God-man.
Then, too, there is the profound and complex question of karma. To what extent is the specific ailment or the approach of death karmic, and how far should the Godman interfere with the patient's karma?"
So, that probably gives the answer. The bottom line is this: God is Omnipotent and Omniscient. He can do anything. He is not in the business of displaying His powers at every opportunity. There must be a very sound reason for Him to do anything. He knows our past, present and future. He knows what is good for us. And He makes no mistakes.
Unaware of anything beyond the present and the past of the current life, we sometimes complain. But the solution does not lie in complaining but surrendering everything at His lotus Feet. Because He is ever ready to help. He stands at the doorstep of our heart waiting for a small opening just like the sunlight which eagerly enters a dark room and brightens it by way of even a small slit at the door.
So let us open our hearts to Him. Let us Trust Him. For, with Him by our side, nothing is impossible."
Source: Radio Sai E-Magazine, June 2005
Moira Kelly.
Moira's nomination story
Born in 1964, Moira commenced her selfless contributions to the less fortunate at the very young age of 13. At 20 years old, she left home and went and worked with Aboriginal children in Western Australia.
At 22, Moira worked alongside Mother Theresa in Calcutta. After working in Calcutta Moira returned home to work with AIDS sufferers and establish a special unit for boys with behavioural problems at Sutherland Homes.
At 26, Moira left Australia again for Botswana where she worked with the Kalahari bushmen on a self help project. She then travelled to Johannesburg and then New York. Whilst overseas, Moira worked with some of the world's least fortunate people. She has carried out large-scale humanitarian projects and has been there to assist desperate and sick individuals in Johannesburg, the Bronx (USA), Romania, Bosnia and Albania. She has set up soup kitchens, refugee camps, dental clinics, schools, managed an AIDS hospital and adult education programs.
Moira has been recognised with many community, national and international awards for her humanitarian work. In 1989, at just 25, she was awarded a Queen' Trust Achiever Award and the Victorian Young Achiever Award for Community Service.
In 1994, Moira was awarded the inaugural Sir Edward Dunlop Award for humanitarian service and in 1995 Moira's efforts in Bosnia were honoured by a meeting with the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
In 2001, Moira received a number of national and international awards for her incredible work. She was awarded the White Flame Award given by Save the Children to recognise outstanding service to disadvantaged children. She was also was one of 10 people recognised internationally for their contribution to the world. In Australia, Moira received The Prime Minister's Award for outstanding community service and was made an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in recognition of her outstanding service to the Australian community
Dylan Van Rooyen, a selfless volunteer in Surrey, is presented with BC’s newest honour on May 31st, 2016. Van Rooyen is a firefighter whose inspirational leadership and involvement with many organizations and events centres on helping Surrey youth and families. His service to community includes countless hours volunteering at organizations like the Child Development Foundation of British Columbia, Tong Louie Family YMCA, Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society as a director and committee member of its charity golf tournament and Leave a Legacy group.
Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016IGR0014-000857
“Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life's deepest joy: true fulfillment.”
~ Anthony Robbins
------------------------
Oh, I love feeling joy, it's so happy! Everybody should feel it on a daily base, 'cause it's too nice to waste those feelings. :-)
So I wish you all as many joy as possible, may all your wishes come true.. <3
Since yesterday I am addicted to the music of the band called 'Vampire weekend'. The name is genius, just as their music, because it makes me happier than I've ever felt before, and I really needed that with my situation at school right now. So now I go through life while moving my head from left to right and right to left, because it's crazy to do, and the craziness makes it even more nice.
February Alphabet Fun: J
PS: Thanks to mom, without her I wouldn't have got those stars above!
The spirit of service and selflessness we see in our troops, veterans, and their families represents what is best about America. Their strength and commitment to our country inspire us all, and this holiday season we celebrate the contributions of these heroes and honor their sacrifice.
The centerpiece of the Blue Room is the official White House Christmas tree—a breathtaking 18-foot-6-inch balsam fir from Neshkoro, Wisconsin—which features holiday cards from military children. Collected from United States military installations around the world, these thoughtful and poignant cards honor their parents serving in uniform. medals, badges, and patches from all of the military branches are displayed on ornaments, and ribbons inspired by the armed Forces colors represent the brave women and men who protect our nation and defend our freedom. In communities all across our nation, our service members and their families are heroes living among us.
The BLUE ROOM
The Blue Room is the center of the State Floor of the White House. Over the years, the Blue Room's oval shape and breath-taking view of the South Lawn of the White House has captivated many visitors. The Blue Room has been the traditional place for presidents to formally receive guests. From entertaining kings to shaking hands with the masses, the business of democracy and the social graces of diplomacy have taken place in the Blue Room.
Preferences for oval rooms date to the time of George Washington. At the president's home in Philadelphia, Washington had two rooms modified with a bowed end and used them for hosting formal receptions called levees. As his guests formed a circle around him, Washington would stand in the center to greet them. With no one stuck in a corner, everyone was an equal distance from the president. The circle became a symbol of democracy, and Washington likely envisioned the oval Blue Room as the ideal place to host a levee.
This room is not quite 40 feet by 30 feet. The "elliptic saloon," with the Yellow Oval Room above and the Diplomatic Reception Room below it, formed the most elegant architectural feature of James Hoban's plans for the White House. The Blue Room has always been used as a reception room except for a brief period during the administration of John Adams when it served as the south entrance hall. During the Madison administration, architect Benjamin Latrobe designed a suite of classical-revival furniture for the room, but only some working drawings remain; the furnishings were destroyed in the fire of 1814.
abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/12/michelle-obama-hono...
Photo Credit Cutty McGill
Jay Heritage Center (JHC) Founder Catherine "Kitty" Aresty and New York Preservation Advocate, Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel were recipients of the 1st Annual "John Jay Medal for Service" awarded at JHC's 20th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 13, 2012. In keeping with the legacy of one of America's greatest Founding Fathers, the John Jay Medal recognizes individuals who demonstrate a selfless spirit of commitment and engagement with their community.
As an early member of the Jay Coalition, Catherine "Kitty" Aresty helped harness the energy of thousands of volunteers and citizens to save the Jay Property when it was threatened by commercial development in the early 1980s. She was one of 5 dynamic women who formed the vanguard for preservation of the site, finally securing a victory in 1992 but her total commitment to seeing the property restored for public use extends more than 30 years including 22 consecutive years on the JHC Board.
Similarly, Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel's career spans more than 40 years. She has been a pioneering champion of preservation and the arts, credited with bringing the first public art to Bryant Park and the first public performance to Central Park. The first Director of Cultural Affairs for New York City, she was the longest term Landmarks Commissioner in the city’s history, spanning four mayoral administrations from 1972 to 1987. Her expertise and advocacy of historic preservation has garnered her countless honors and prestigious appointments from nor fewer than 4 US Presidents. Dr. Diamonstein-Spielvogel is the current Vice Chair of the New York State Council on the Arts.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino served as Honorary Co-Chairs of the evening which drew over 170 people from Manhattan, Westchester and Greenwich to the National Historic Landmark site. While the event also marked an important 2 decade milestone for the organization, adding to the festive feeling was the recent announcement of a public private partnership between JHC, New York State Parks and Westchester County to manage and restore the entire 23 acre Jay estate as a historic park and educational resource.
See the announcement here:
www3.westchestergov.com/news/all-press-releases/4358-asto...
The site has been a member of Westchester County's African American Heritage Trail since 2004 and was added to the prestigious Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area following its nomination in 2008 by County Legislator Judy Myers.
JHC President Suzanne Clary commended the men, women and coalition of non-profits that first saved Jay's home but also emphasized the "new coalition" they are forming with other museums and preservation groups like the NY Preservation League, The Landmarks Conservancy, Audubon NY, the World Monuments Fund and more. Congresswoman Lowey recognized the power of bi-partisan support that continues to guide JHC's success. Ken Jenkins, Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators presented a proclamation to both honorees and added his strong words of support for the Jay Heritage Center's mission to revitalize one of Westchester's premiere heritage destinations. Steve Otis, former Mayor of Rye brought accolades from Sen. Suzi Oppenhiemer and personally congratulated the two medal awardees on their vision and tenacity; he reminded the audience how dilapidated the Jay site was when first acquired and how miraculous its transformation had been under JHC's trusted stewardship. Both honorees gave moving remarks and thanks and underscored the continued need to stay "passionate" about preservation.
The theme of the night was Roaring 20s - guests dressed in everything from raccoon coats and spats to flapper dresses and boas made for an evening that was simply "the bees knees!" Proceeds benefit JHC educational programs.
Jay Heritage Center
210 Boston Post Road
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 698-9275
Email: jayheritagecenter@gmail.com
Follow and like us on:
Twitter @jayheritage
Facebook www.facebook.com/jayheritagecenter
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www.instagram.com/jayheritagecenter/
A National Historic Landmark since 1993
Member of the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County since 2004
Member of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area since 2009
On NY State's Path Through History (2013)
“There will always be exceptional children like Owen who selflessly help others.
“It’s entirely in keeping with this young man’s personality that his immediate response was to warn others to help carry those who were struggling and enter the water himself. This was incumbent on his selflessness.”
Giving a statement on behalf of the family after the inquest, Ruth Hyde of Broxtowe Borough Council said: “We have the happiest memories of Owen, who was a young, caring, lively and affectionate son of whom we are immensely proud.
“His enthusiasm for life meant he put his heart and soul into everything he did.
“He was sweet, innocent and selfless, and it is consistent with his character that he risked his own life to help save others who got into trouble in the water at Beeston weir.
“Owen tragically lost his own life, but we are so proud of what he did; of the young man that he was; how he lived his life to the full; and how he related to others.
“He was a wonderful son and he will be in our hearts forever.”
Retrospective of Geeta Rao
Curator Tony Knox
An Exhibition at Wigan & Leigh School of Art
Parsin’s Walk, Wigan, WN1 1RS
Tuesday, 19th November - 19th December 2008.
This is a touring show that highlights the art of Geeta Rao a former student of Wigan &Leigh School of Art in Photography and also a popular life model. Geeta went on to study at the University of Central Lancashire, where she completed a BA honours in Photography. She was tragically murdered in February 2008, during a year’s sabbatical from an MA in Fine Art at the UCLAN.
Geeta was one of those people with an infectious smile. As a daughter, mother, artist and friend, she wore many hats and was a classic multi-tasker, with effortless enthusiasm for life. She had the ability to touch the lives of many people and make them feel as though they where the only person in a room.
This exhibition at the Wigan & Leigh school of Art is funded by UCLAN. The aim of this show is to celebrate Geeta’s achievements, her contribution to the world as an Artist, and to mark the loss of one so bright and selfless.
This exhibition was first shown in October 1st -10th 2008 at the PR1 Gallery Preston. It has evolved through working closely with her family, and a selection of her friends and associates has supported the project in various ways: as such, they were instrumental in the success of the project. As a personal friend of Geeta’s, I have tried to honour her in my own small way by acting as the curator of this show.
Thanks to: UCLAN, Wigan College, Mike Hesketh, John Roberts, Darren Beatty, Kim Rigby, Dave Core, Joe Baker, Stuart Gray, Anna McDade , Turnpike Gallery, etc. for their help and support.
A retrospect of Geeta Rao is dedicated to her mother Leela Rao, 73, who passed away early this August. She survived the attack on her life in February that claimed her daughter, but never recovered from the trauma and loss.
Curator Tony Knox
After seven years of loyal and selfless service, our man Randall is moving on to greener pastures. Or, he is moving on to New Orleans anyway. He is one of the kindest and most thoughtful guys I have ever known and it has been a pleasure to work with him. Last night was his final shift at the Red Star. The usual cast of characters showed up to wish him well. Shots were taken, stories were swapped, fun was had by all. But, it is a testament to his uncanny ability to befriend everyone that several of the cast members from Twilight showed up to wish him well. These folks are shooting the newest installment of the ever popular vampire saga in Baton Rouge and we are honored that they have taken to Red Star as one of their regular haunts (no pun intended). But, I think we were all touched that they took the time out of their busy lives to show up and and say goodbye to Randall. Rami Malek, Omar Metwally, Billy Tangradi and the rest of the folks that I didn’t get to talk to, let me say that you are class acts and are welcome back anytime. And to Randall, best of luck in all your future endeavors. I am sure that your native goodness and joyful approach to life will take you far.
Check out more at my blog, Lemons and Beans, for lots of photos, recipes, travel writing and other ramblings. I appreciate any feedback but, please do not post graphic awards or invitations in your comments.
Only days before Ryan Reynolds begins shooting his role of the “merc with the mouth” in X-MEN spinoff DEADPOOL, the first trailer has arrived for visionary director Tarsem Singh’s seductive and sinister science-fiction thriller SELF/LESS. The film sees Reynolds’ ...
The Mahavatar Babaji celebration started with evening prayers, which was then followed by abhishekam and Guruji's satsang.
Mahavatar Babaji day commemorates the selfless service this mystical yogi gives to all mankind, and his promise to continue this service on the planet until all are awakened. He gives continually to all of humanity, however, Guruji reminded us all during His satsang that we should do our part and strive to awaken from the deep sleep state we have carried with us for countless lives. (The saints are never in a state of sleeping, regardless of how they might look on the outside.)
Guruji continued by saying that when the satguru comes into one's life, he breaks the conditioning of the mind where we think the outside relationships are real. The outside is just a formality. What matters is the true, sincere, burning of the heart for God, just like Mirabai had, for example.
The role of the satguru is to unlock the way of love. He reveals himself through that Prem and infuses one with that grace and gives himself to the bhakta. It is only through Prem, that ultimate love, that one can enter the domain of Sri Hari. Guruji reminded us to live our lives as if God is present every day with us (because He is)!
bhaktimarga.org
paramahamsavishwananda.com
Amanda Walton: Acceptance Speech
2002 NCAA Inspiration Award
January 12, 2003
Thank you, NCAA, for giving me this award…what an honor! While my circumstances are unfortunate, I feel proud to be here and want to thank those who’ve helped me along the way.
Thank you to my mom, who has been nothing short of incredible… having selflessly devoted her life to all seven of her children. Thank you, mom, for everything, but most especially for reminding me of the importance of hope!
Without you, there is no way I could have made such gains since that tragic day in 2000.
Thanks also to my family who has dug deep --no matter how painful &endash; and FOUND my smile!
To my twin sister, Hilary, who has, and always will be my best friend &endash; we’re still riding together on that bicycle built for two - thanks for guiding me along this path of life! A huge thanks to my field hockey coaches &endash; Ainslee, Pam and Pokie &endash; who’ve treated me as if I were still a physical part of the team and who’ve given so much of themselves to me. I am blessed to have you in my life.
And to my athletic director, Tom Beckett, thank you for always believing in me. You’ve been a guiding light and an amazing friend!
Finally, thanks to all my friends who have been supportive teammates and have refused to let me quit! I am grateful for all of you.
As my accident has forever changed my perspective on life, I also wanted to take this opportunity to throw you all a challenge. I want to challenge you to live life as if you were playing a game! As fellow athletes, you’ve heard this before, but only now, after my accident, do I truly understand the power of this metaphor. It is my game mentality that I need and use every day on my road to recovery.
Goal cages exist for me on every street corner. Whether or not I am struggling to stand at the sink to brush my teeth, or am attempting to swing both legs onto the bed to lie down, I recognize that these are my goal cages now and I must try my hardest to score if I want to win.
Recently, I was told I needed a series of casts on my left arm in order to stretch my shortened tendons that are a complicated result of my brain injury. There have been many times when it has been extremely painful and I have been tempted to get them removed. But, instead, I see this as another goal cage in which I have the opportunity to score. I keep asking myself if this pain would take me out of a field hockey or a lacrosse game. The answer always is, “No Way!” By relating my situation to the most difficult and important game that I’ve ever played, I am better able to rise to this challenge and bring myself one small, but meaningful step closer to winning.
But while these are my goal cages and my recovery is my win, each of you plays your own game and has your own struggles to overcome and dreams to reach for. What we all have in common are those attributes that make us the best of athletes -- hard work, perseverance, determination, teamwork, and courage. Cherish, hold onto, and develop these skills. By putting on our game faces every day, we will all be one step closer to winning our games of life and reaching our dreams.
THANKS AND GOOD LUCK IN SPORTS AND IN LIFE!!!
Persimmon Dinner," in Memory of Norman Bethune" ...and healers around the world who selflessly devote their lives to the health and happiness of others...
Organized by the Peace Plus One - World Sustainability Project, World Sustainability Organization.
In attendance:
Tiffany, Paul, Xue Mei, Sophia, Jason, Tony, Ivy, Tanna, Luke, Echo, Vicky, Grace, Stephanie, Frederick, Alina, Eric, Philip, Mr. Li and staff of the Vegan Hut restaurant in Beijing.
U.S. Forces Korea honors and recognizes all U.S. military veterans who selflessly served our great nation and defended freedom with a Veterans Day ceremony held on USAG-Humphreys, Nov. 11, 2021.
Veterans Day, historically known as Armistice Day and officially recognized as a U.S. federal holiday beginning in 1938, celebrates the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month and signaling the official end of World War I in 1918.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
Throughout history, our veterans have served with patriotism and professionalism while defending and preserving our freedoms. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Kris Bonet)
Selfless Acts Change the World
Medium: Pen and Ink, Illustrator, Photoshop
client: Selflesstee
Design for Selflesstee
Interesting New Scientist focus this week. Self-promotion comes naturally to narcissists. It leads with an image of George W Bush thumbs up.
Emma Young: HUMILITY. Empathy. Selflessness. These are qualities most of us associate with being a “nice person”. But being nice doesn’t often help you in the fierce competition to get that job, win a project or secure a promotion. No one likes an egocentric big-head but if, as they say, “you are your own brand”, perhaps in this modern world it pays to be a bit narcissistic."
Again my mind leaps to the incomprehensible success of Trump over the past 6 months. Many people appear to be enthralled by him. I'm afraid it doesn't work in any measure for me. Maybe that's because I too am narcissist! Always worth asking ourselves but it doesn't mean we want to take on the mantel of that other sick sense.. that of self-loathing! What else but mutual need must bring about prevailing unease in every walk of life we know as celebrity culture? What may work in football or music clearly doesn't feel right in politics. Politicians of all persuasions need their sheep.
Fresh report. 2nd Tesla car crash being investigated. Tesla is the autonomous car that has an autodrive setting... a driver-less setting!
Retrospective of Geeta Rao
Curator Tony Knox
An Exhibition at Wigan & Leigh School of Art
Parsin’s Walk, Wigan, WN1 1RS
Tuesday, 19th November - 19th December 2008.
This is a touring show that highlights the art of Geeta Rao a former student of Wigan &Leigh School of Art in Photography and also a popular life model. Geeta went on to study at the University of Central Lancashire, where she completed a BA honours in Photography. She was tragically murdered in February 2008, during a year’s sabbatical from an MA in Fine Art at the UCLAN.
Geeta was one of those people with an infectious smile. As a daughter, mother, artist and friend, she wore many hats and was a classic multi-tasker, with effortless enthusiasm for life. She had the ability to touch the lives of many people and make them feel as though they where the only person in a room.
This exhibition at the Wigan & Leigh school of Art is funded by UCLAN. The aim of this show is to celebrate Geeta’s achievements, her contribution to the world as an Artist, and to mark the loss of one so bright and selfless.
This exhibition was first shown in October 1st -10th 2008 at the PR1 Gallery Preston. It has evolved through working closely with her family, and a selection of her friends and associates has supported the project in various ways: as such, they were instrumental in the success of the project. As a personal friend of Geeta’s, I have tried to honour her in my own small way by acting as the curator of this show.
Thanks to: UCLAN, Wigan College, Mike Hesketh, John Roberts, Darren Beatty, Kim Rigby, Dave Core, Joe Baker, Stuart Gray, Anna McDade , Turnpike Gallery, etc. for their help and support.
A retrospect of Geeta Rao is dedicated to her mother Leela Rao, 73, who passed away early this August. She survived the attack on her life in February that claimed her daughter, but never recovered from the trauma and loss.
Curator Tony Knox
A tribute to these selfless-heroes and to all the unsung heroes becos of whom we are living a free life.... Happy 70th Birthday my dear country... :)
a stained glass window at Thich Nhat Hanh's Deer Park Monastery in California...
“Having a selfless attitude will uplift us. By helping others we are, in fact, helping ourselves. On the other hand, every time we do a selfish action, we are harming ourselves. Learn to bless everyone. Don’t ever curse anyone, because a human being is not just a bundle of flesh and blood. There is consciousness at work within everyone. That consciousness is not a separate, isolated entity; it is part of the whole, a Supreme Unity. Whatever we do is reflected in the Whole, in the one Universal Mind – and it returns to you with the same intensity. Whenever you do a good or bad action, it is reflected in the Universal Consciousness. Therefore, learn to be selfless and learn how to send blessings to everyone. Pray for everyone, because we need the support and blessings of all of Creation for our upliftment. When we pray for others the entire universe prays for us; and when we bless others the whole universe blesses us, because man is one with the cosmic energy.”—Amma , “Awaken Children”, Vol. VIII
LION MD. GANI MIAH BABUL, A SELFLESS SUCCESSFUL FIGURE
Lion Md Gani Miah is a well known and enlightened name to the media, media worker, education sector and the common people of Bangladesh. He has special contribution and recognition in the different aspects of society. Though a teacher he is recognized to all as a successful organizer, writer and columnist. He was engaged in writing from his student life and was active in politics being inspired by Bangabandhu to implement the cause of our liberation. During his engagement in politics he actively advocated for the welfare and fundamental rights of the students rather than being a sycophant of the political party. He was the VP of the Student parliament of Agriculture Training Institute, Sherpur and the Chairman of Bangladesh Agriculture Diploma Endeavor Council. He was also the Central Chairman of Bangladesh Diploma Agriculturist Association. He was a meritorious student. Lion Md Gani Miah Babul has obtained BA, BAGEd, Dip-in-Agri degrees. Besides his research on agriculture, he conducted extensive research on religion. He earned name and fame by his writing on contemporary affairs, social problem, public awareness and feature as well as by his spiritual writing and research. Personally, Lion Gani Miah Babul is actively involved in social, cultural, sports and religious organization. From his passion for writing from student life he worked for different national and regional papers remarkably of which Daily Khabar, Daily Ganamukh, Daily Muktasangbad, Dainik Janasangbad where Lion Gani Miah Babul worked as a journalist. At present Lion Md Gani Miah Babul has continued his work from the first class dailies to the weekly magazines irrespectively. Lion Md Gani Miah is working as a silent social worker in love with the people and the land. He is always a smiling face in standing by the poor community. He helps the father burdened with an unmarried daughter and provides the poor students with educational materials. He has already established school, madrasah, masjid, Islamic library and other quality institutions in his area to disseminate the light of knowledge. He has written many educative books. Lion Md Gani Miah Babul, son of Md Ismail Hossain and Ayesha Khatun, came of an aristocratic family in village: Tepirbari of Upazila: Sreepur of Gazipur district, not far from Dhaka. He has 1 daughter and 2 sons and a successful man in also family life. Lion Md Gani Miah has long involvement with Lionism in which he already was awarded MJF award. Through this club he has provided eye treatment to a large number of people in different areas including own area. Lion Gani Miah Babul is now a well known poet of the country whose poem has caught attention of the society both home and abroad. His writing about social awareness has already been popular online crossing the boundary of the country to the Bangali living worldwide. Lion Md Gani Miah is involved in many social, cultural and sports organization. Of them he is now the Chairman of Bangabandhu Research Council, Kabi Sangsad Bangladesh , Kasm Ali National Ideal School, Sreepur, Bangladesh Sarkari Maddhyamik Sikkhak Samity ( Krishi ), Late Kasm Ali Bari Jame Masjid of Tepibari Pacchimpara of Sreepur under Gazipur district, Masjid based library in Tepirbari West Para Jame Masjid. Lion Gani Miah Babul is also Central Joint Secretary of a well known social organization ‘Nirapad Sarak Chai’ and also he is advisor of Nirapad Sarak Chai of Gazipur district branch. He is now involved with a number of newspaper and related organization of whom Sangbad Sangstha and Online Daily, Fair News Service Ltd FNS of which he is executive Director, Chief Advisor Sahitya Online Anyadharadotcom, Chief Advisor, Weekly Nabajagaran and Weekly Lokaloy. Besides journalism he also has made involvement with reporters union such as he is the executive Chair man of National Journalist Union, Chief Advisor, Gazipur District Reporters Club, Advisor, Rural Journalist Foundation (RJF). He is not only known as a poet rather he has played important role in organizing the poets and he is the Chairman of Poet Council. He is also the member of Jatiya Kabita Parishad, Advisor of Gazipur District Branch, executive member of Poet Gobinda Academy. He is playing important role to accelerate the lionism of which he is the Region Chairman of Lions Club International, 315 B-2, Bangladesh, President, Lions Club of Dhaka, Paltan. He is the advisor of Social, Environmental and Human Rights Implementation Organization, Executive Member, Diploma Krishibid Institution, Chief Advisor, Kasm Ali Sriti Sangha, Sreepur, Gazipur, Publicity Secretary, Gazipur District Public Welfare Association, Dhaka, Auditor, Bangladesh Govt Secondary Teachers Association. He has been given numerous awards remarkably: Honorary Gold Medal-2002 in social work, Human right medal -2005 as the best organizer, Nawroz Honorary medal-2006 as the best organizer, Chitrolok Honorary medal-2006 as the best organizer, Jhumur Honorary medal-2006 as the best organizer, Gazipur District Reporters Club Honorary medal-2006, Swadhinata Dibos Honorary medal-2007 as the best organizer, Juba Sakti Honorary medal-2007 as the best organizer, Sachetan Nagarik Samaj Honorary medal-2007 as the best organizer, Jubashakti Sammanana Honorary medal-2007 as the best organizer, RJF Honorary medal-2007 as the best organizer, DHR Honorary medal-2007 as the best organizer, Head International Award Honorary medal-2008 as the best organizer, Shabdashilan Sahitya Honorary medal-2008, Weekly Aparadh Bichitra Honorary medal-2008 as the best organizer, Kabi Shamsur Rahman Sriti Honorary medal-2009, Bangladesh Sangbadik Kalyan Samity Honorary medal-2010 as the best organizer, Asia Chhinomul Human Rights Honorary medal-2011 as the best organizer, Maulana Akram Kha medal-2011 as the best organizer, Lions Club Governor medal-2011 as the best organizer, Lions Club International MJF medal-2012 as the social worker, Shishir Bindu Anti Drug Honorary medal-2012 as the best organizer, Falguni Honorary medal-2012 as the researcher, Palli Barta Honorary medal-2012 as the best organizer. Lion Gani Miah Babul has caught attention of the public and the govt by his roundtable discussion of which some are remarkable such as, Price hike of essential, how can the suffering of people can be lessened, Powerful local govt is the bearer of development, Our duty to defend our liberation and sovereignty, Hope and reality about liberation war, Role of Police and public media in human rights development, Role of mass media for a free, fair and neutral election, role of freedom fighters in overcoming the present political crises. Books written or edited by Lion Gani Miah Babul: Children education rhyme and story, Nimantran, Shuvrata Chale Gache, Ekti Kabita, Bhalobaste baste, Sidar-biddhasta Bakultala, Nil Jale Prem, Ekti Baktriter Pangtimala, Agriculture book for class nine, Kichhu Kotha, Assisting book for admission to Agriculture Diploma.