BIRTHDAY'S ASPECTS........
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Posted:Dec 15, 2016 8:55 pm
Last Updated:Dec 19, 2016 9:10 am 21262 Views
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First of all, for all those whose Birthday is today. I wish you " A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY",  . May this day be joyful for you. May it bring you the best for your Health, Happiness and Prosperity. Wishing you, accomplishment in most or all your wishes. May you be surrounded by your love ones, your friends, those who are dear to you. Even being alone or in company, here is someone wishing you sincerely, all her best for your Birthday and it's ME, Lisa.
BIRTHDAY AND ITS ASPECTS.
A birthday, as we all know, is an occasion when a person or institution celebrates the anniversary of their birth. Birthdays are celebrated in numerous cultures, often with a gift, party, or rite of passage. Many religions celebrate the birth of their founders with special holidays (e.g. Christmas, Buddha's Birthday and so on).
Cultural conventions
There is a distinction between Birthday and Birth date: The former, occurs each year, other than February 29 which occurs every 4 years. While the latter (Birth date) is the exact date a person was born (e.g., Dec.16.1940 and so on) and celebrates his Birthday. Families often mark a girl's 15th or 16th birthday with a "sweet sixteen" celebration often represented in popular culture, and/or 18th or the 21st birthday of their offspring. There are different cultures regarding Birthdays. In many parts of the world an individual's birthday is celebrated by a party where a specially cake, usually decorated with lettering and the person's age, is presented. The cake is traditionally studded with the same number of lit candles as the age of the individual, or a number candle representing their age. Presents are bestowed on the individual, appropriate to her/his age, by the guests,. "Happy Birthday to You"  is typically sung by the guests at some point in the proceeding. However, a person born on February 29 may be called a "leaping" or a "leaper". In such situations, these people would celebrate theirs every 4 years,  . In common years they usually celebrate their birthdays on February 28. For the Seniors, once reaching 60 yrs of age, it is called the Golden age  , then 100 is the centenarian  and 105 and beyond is called.....WOW!!....... The Moses-ian ,  it's just a joke of course. 
HERE IS AN ANECDOTE from my previous experience.
In Nigeria, where I've spent quite some time with my husband on his UN Mission, meanwhile I was teaching the higher level of the secondary schools. I had noticed that Nigerians have the custom of naming the according to the day of the week of the 's birth  . For example: If the , mainly boy, was born either on a Monday or Tuesday and so on, his parents give him the name of that day, then followed by his Christian or tribal name. For the muslims students, they are given their religious names, followed by their father's first name. In each of my classes, there were several students with the same first name of the day, let's say Monday, then I had to add the family name together, to make known to whom I was addressing but... with muslims students, it was a bit confusing as they bear the father's first name instead of the family name. Given that, at times the father's name was the same as the students first names, so, I had to double the names, for example: Mohamed Mohamed, Suleiman Suleiman, Syed Syed and so on. Mind you, there were still many of those bearing the same double names!! It was only their Birth dates that made the difference  . So, to make it easier for me, I asked them to use their father's 2nd or 3rd name. Then, it came to: Mohamed Issa or Suleiman Akbar or Syed Habibi, for example. 
It was fun, whenever I has a new class, I had to ask all those bearing the same double names, to stand up and to tell their names. Then I asked them to do as above. After which, I got use to them and I could differentiate who was who in my class . But they were all very obedient, respectful and devoted as well .
I hope my above blog and anecdote have given a smile for today, while giving you also an insight of different cultures and customs of other countries in Birthday celebration. I reiterate my Birthday Wishes to all and one who celebrates his Birthday or hers today.
Happy Birthday To You.
Thanks for your read and views. Enjoy a wonderful day.
Lisa.  
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SHORT STORIES with a smile.....
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Posted:Dec 14, 2016 10:14 am
Last Updated:Dec 15, 2016 8:31 pm 14323 Views
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Memories
A couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember.
Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. 'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks.
'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?'
'Sure.'
'Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks.
'No, I can remember it.'
'Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so's not to forget it?'
He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.'
'I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down.' she says.
Irritated, he says, 'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!'
Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, the old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plate for a moment.
'Where's my toast?'
Nothing enhances the good old days more than a poor memory.
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A Moral Lesson.
A little bird was flying south for the Winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field.
While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.
As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was.
The dung was actually thawing him out!
He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.
Morals of the story:
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.
(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.
(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!
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The Eagle with the rabbit.
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing?"
The eagle answered, "Sure , why not."
So the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested.
All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
I wish and hope that my above short stories have pleased you. Thank you for your read and views. Keep smiling and happy during this festive period.
Lisa,
Each collage below is relate to each above consecutive story. Thanks.
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THE CONJOINT TWINS, EVA AND ERIKA ......
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Posted:Dec 10, 2016 11:08 am
Last Updated:Jun 4, 2017 11:50 am 14854 Views
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Conjoined twins SURVIVE separation surgery to divide their uterus, digestive tract their liver and a third leg with a 7-toed foot.Two-year-old twins Eva and Erika Sandoval were attached from the sternum. The girls began 18-hour separation on December 6 after months of preparation. They were recovering in the ICU after successful operation.
'It's been a dream come true': Mother of conjoined twin sisters separated in one the riskiest ops ever weeps as surgeons explain why the procedure was so successful. Two-year-old twins Eva and Erika Sandoval were attached from the sternum. They shared a digestive system, uterus, liver, bladder, and a third leg. The girls began 18-hour separation on December 6 after months of preparation They are recovering in the ICU after successful operation. Erika, the smaller twin, was getting dangerously weak before the operation - but now she is improving faster than her sister. Both were left with one leg each; the 3rd leg was used for reconstruction. The team has explained how it worked, and released photos of the prep and op. It took a team of 50 doctors, nurses, and operating staff 17 hours to complete the separation. The twins came through in good shape. It was one of the riskiest separation surgeries ever performed.
It took a 50-surgeon team, nurses, and operating staff to divided two-year-old Eva and Erika Sandoval and to complete the separation. Just two days after the grueling 18-hour operation, the girls are still being closely monitored in the intensive care unit. However, lead surgeon Dr Gary Hartman gushed that both are doing far better than expected. Most excitingly, Erika - the smaller twin who was getting smaller, weaker, and more sickly ahead of surgery - is seeing the most significant improvements. The team has also released photos from inside the operation, and pictures of the 3D-printed models of the girls' shared body parts, which they used to practice for months. Weeping at the press conference with their father Arturo, mother Aida said: 'It's been a dream come true.'
The surgery was challenging because they shared much of their lower body and had one liver, one bladder and three legs. In the procedure conducted on Tuesday into early Wednesday, the team divided the bladder into two separate organs. It also split their liver to give half to each . 'The reconstructive guys are really the heroes. 'And the proof of that is Erika, who was and is the smaller twin. We were very concerned about her pre-surgery because she kept getting smaller. The more calories we gave her, Eva would get bigger. 'But because of the way she was reconstructed, she is getting stronger and moving faster than her sister. 'That is down to the creativeness of the reconstructive surgeons.' The girls are expected to remain in the intensive care unit at the hospital for two weeks. They are sharing a hospital room in separate beds. Aida, 46, said: 'Seeing them now in the ICU, you look at them and think 'You're missing your other half' but we know that this is the right path for them: to be independent, have the chance to succeed and explore on their own everything the world has to offer.'
Aida was urged to abort the little girls when she surprisingly fell pregnant two years ago - when she was 44 and he 49. Without hesitating, the religious couple - who already have three in their 20s - went ahead with the pregnancy.
Nonetheless, Aida told the paper she maintains her faith: 'You just have to remember that doctors tell you the worst. "I have faith in God, and I know that if it's meant to be, it will be. 'They want life, and they're going to fight for it." Their operation was one of the most complicated procedures surgeons at Lucile Packard 's Hospital Stanford have ever faced. “They did very well and I’m very pleased with the outcome.” lead surgeon Gary Hartman, MD, a clinical professor of surgery at the School of Medicine, said in a statement. They all beat the odds.
I hope the story of Eva and Erika has pleased. It proves how determined their parents were, having not other choice but to save twice, the lives of their twin daughters. Thank you for your read and views. Have a nice day.
Lisa, 
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ARE YOU AWARE OF .........
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Posted:Dec 8, 2016 12:10 pm
Last Updated:Dec 9, 2016 10:20 am 14852 Views
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THE SAD LIFE OF THE ALBINOS IN TANZANIA, MALAWI AND DURINDI.
Albinism is a genetically inherited condition that prevents the body from producing melanin, the pigment that colors skin, hair and eyes. In some African countries, albino are not regarded as humans and they are killed as their body parts are considered essential ingredients for black magic potions. Many people with albinism are living in abject fear. Some no longer dare to go outside, and with albinism have stopped attending school," mainly in Tanzania, Malawi and Burundi. Tanzania banned witch doctors, who are accused of enhancing albino discrimination by convincing people albinos' body parts must be used to make charms and bring good luck. Works to achieve fair treatment and social integration of people with albinism, lack of education and misconceptions must be addressed to successfully tackle the persecution of albinos.
Many people believe that albinism is a spiritual problem and not a genetic disorder. They believe that albinism can be separated from the body and there is a value in the albinos' blood. Some people call albinos 'walking ghosts' as they think that they don't really die, so they cannot really be killed. That's the justification for their murders. Killing albinos is not seen as homicide. Education is the key to defeat stigmatization. People who are educated are not going to kill albinos because they understand that they were simply born with a genetic condition. At least 74 albino have been murdered in Tanzania in recent years. The bloody practice of hunting albinos for their body parts is becoming increasingly common in East Africa, where their limbs can fetch thousands of dollars on the black market. And in a country where, according to World Bank data, Gross National Income (per capita) is $540, the fact such limbs can fetch up to $2,000 is a major problem.
Furthermore, some in Tanzania link albinism with a curse afflicting the family. Some also link them with ghosts. In a country still plagued by centuries-old superstition, albinos in Tanzania have to live in constant fear of being attacked and treated like walking meat freezers.In remote rural areas, such as the Mwanza region on the shores of Lake Victoria as particular hotbeds of this kind of activity and also said witch doctors were responsible for furthering the belief that potions made from an albino's legs, hair, hands and/or blood could make a person rich.
An estimated 200,000 albinos live in Tanzania, albinos fled their homes to hide from potential killers. The poverty and lack of education suffered by albinos does not stem from any mental or physical disability, but mostly as a result of discrimination, social exclusion and stigma, and in some cases the human rights abuse they suffer as a result of their skin color. People living with albinism (PWA) represent one of the largest vulnerable groups in Africa today. They suffer discrimination from their families, schoolmates and peers. As a result, many people with albinism do not have the full social or economic tools to live productive lives. Lacking the confidence to compete favorably with others in the labor market and therefore unable to reach their full human potential. Many believe it is a punishment from God or bad luck, and that their "disease" could be contagious. These misconceptions, coupled with the lack of education, are some of the key reasons that albinism is so heavily persecuted. It's a very sad life for these Albinos in Africa.
Thank you for your read and views. I hope my present blog has given you a good insight of the life of those vulnerable and unfortunate people.
Lisa,
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WILDFIRES or THE INFERNO......
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Posted:Dec 7, 2016 9:33 am
Last Updated:Dec 8, 2016 6:18 am 14101 Views
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It's really a heartfelt pity watching these wildfires ravaging recently California, Tennessee, Chicago, as well as the one Boston, and the disastrous one in Oakland and elsewhere. All these beautiful natural environments devastation and most of the loss of lives in those circumstances. Whether they were man-made, accidental or natural. It surely has its dreadful consequences. I just imagine being around or nearby or even surviving such destruction, where not only the vegetation and wildlife habitats but considerably the human habitation and the loss of lives. I think of their fear, their grieves, their desperation and their hopeless situation. All gone for those who have survived, it's only material-wise. The lucky ones still alive should be thankful to their destiny.
We have watched all live on the TV channels here in my country, as we are connected to the Satellite broadcast 24 hrs, with more than 84 international channels. From Europe, UK and USA. in English, French, German and Italian languages and there are others from Asian countries. mainly from India and China. So, we are well informed about International news through all these broadcasts. We really feel for all these unfortunate people, the environment and wildlife and those who survive other natural catastrophes as well.
However, none and nothing can replace the loss of their beloved ones in such situation. We can all pray for them, condole them in giving them hope and courage. Let them feel that they are not alone, that we are with them, that we share their griefs and pain, from wherever we are. Whatever we can do for them, be it a relative, a friend, a neighbor, those known or unknown, we'll surely be blessed by our Supreme Divine. Thank you for reading me here. Let's have a humanitarian thought for all of them.
With my kind wishes, a nice day to all of you.
Lisa,
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MY HEARTFELT THANKS TO.........
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Posted:Dec 5, 2016 8:26 am
Last Updated:Dec 7, 2016 12:34 am 13628 Views
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To all the readers and commenters on my previous blog on ABORTION.
I am really delighted for your keen participation on the issue on my recent blog. It has been a great joy to read, to express freely and to respond to each other in a peaceful, respectful and in a friendly way. And my remarkable observation was, the omission of any insult on all the posted comments, whether pro or against the opinion of one another. I heartily thank you for your read and for all your point of view. I also wish to congratulate each and all of you for the polite and friendly manner the debate had been going on.
It was my great and surprised pleasure for all the number of comments (83) and till today comments are still pouring on. I truly didn't expect it. It was entirely a wonderful debate, a good exchange and a clean argument. I had tried to respond to as many as I could till the latest of my previous night, the rest I did it the next day and today I have also responded to the new ones, as I don't like to leave any comment unresponded on any of my blogs. My immense, meaningful and worthy "THANK YOU" to all of you and I also thank those who have read the blog but for a reason or another, didn't post their comments. Wholeheartedly, I offer you these beautiful flowers, which I have chosen, as a token of my gratitude and my sincere friendship to each of you.
Bravo again. I am very proud of you.
Cordially yours,
Lisa. 
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WHAT'S YOUR THOUGHT ON ABORTION
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Posted:Dec 2, 2016 8:49 am
Last Updated:May 23, 2018 3:16 am 29338 Views
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Today, the theme of my blog is about something heartbreaking, that concerns all of us. Because it might or may happen to any of our family members, friends, anyone known or unknown to us even. But it is eventually a sad event. Therefore, I have chosen to post my present blog on "ABORTION". Abortion which is really touchy, a fatality, an act of stopping the development of living body inside the mother's womb. To my own opinion, abortion is equal to murder. Though there are special cases where the parents are obliged or forced to do it for a certain reason, just if the baby/fetus may have a certain defect in its growth, or any medical problems, which may render it handicapped or even stillbirth, the specialist Dr, advice to have it done BUT for any normal pregnancy, which is still going well in the womb of the mother, WHAT is the need to abort the baby?? Why hadn't the parents taken all precaution before, by using the medical method to avoid pregnancy?? After the pregnancy's confirmed and going well, why do they chose abortion?? None can say they aren't aware of the probable result after sexual intercourse!! Specially if the pair isn't sterile and didn't take any precaution!!. It's crazy!! Whatever maybe their status, their financial situation, their culture or religion, their family influence and so on, ABORTION is a disgrace, even done secretly, it's an act of murder, which can never be relieved from one's mind forever. " The conscious retains all of one's deeds and won't erase it".
There are many ways for after the birth for those unwanted babies, there is ADOPTION, CONVENT, RELIGIOUS HOMES, and most of all PEOPLE WHO ARE EAGERLY LOOKING FOR BABIES TO BRING THEM UP AS ONE'S OWN . So, ABORTION is never the only solution. IT IS JUST A HEARTLESS DREADFUL ACT ACT FOR THOSE WHO FIND IT AS THE SOLE SOLUTION. MURDER CAN BE BY ANY MEANS, BY HARMFUL WEAPONS AND BY ABORTION INSTRUMENTS AND TOOLS.
Here is a baby's view on ABORTION.
"You shouldn't worry now Mommy, I'm safe. I'm in heaven with the angels now. They love me, cuddle me, smile and talk to me. They told me what you did, and they said it's called an abortion. Why, Mommy? Why did you do it? Don't you love me any more? Why did you get rid of me? I'm really sorry if I did something wrong to you. I love you, Mommy! I love you with all of my heart. Why didn't you love me? What did I do to deserve what they did to me? I wanted to live, Mommy! It really hurts to see you didn't care about me and wanted me to die. Didn't I love you enough? Please, why did you do that harm to me Mommy! I wanted to live, to smile and to watch the clouds, to see your face, to touch you and to kiss you and to grow up as your baby, your , mommy. But you had chosen to kill me before you even my small face, I am now happy with the angels, they don't hurt me, they love me. I pray God to forgive you for what you have done to me mommy, I still love you and I will miss you forever, my real mommy".
Thank you for your read, for your feelings and for your perception on such cases. Please, kindly share your views on it. Thanks again.
I wish all of you a wonderful weekend with all of yours.
Lisa,   
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THE FORCE OF "MOTHER NATURE"....
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Posted:Dec 1, 2016 7:28 am
Last Updated:Dec 2, 2016 3:19 am 12844 Views
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We have all experienced at least one or more types of Natural disasters in our respective countries or elsewhere. It is a sad memory which we cannot forget. As it caused great and extensive damages and distress. Specially when lives are lost during such occurrence.
Eventually, we can never fight or prevent any natural catastrophe from Mother Nature. No prevention, no avoidance and no forestalling, as the power of Mother Nature is beyond our capacity, it mocks the most sophisticated technology and always leaves us devastated, desolated, mournful and wretched. A misfortune and calamity which we cannot halt.
These calamities are:
Earthquakes; Tsunamis; Wild and Natural fires; Volcanoes; Hurricanes/Cyclones; Tornadoes; Lightning and Thunder Storms; Floods; Droughts; Sea Volcanoes; Ice Storms; Dust Storms. Avalanches, and Landslides
Each can be as strong or stronger than the other, devastating in its own way with an incredible power. It's like a competition of force and energy of the nature. When Mother Nature decides, none and nothing can prevent and stop her.
I wish my analogy in these respects, would give you a good reason to ponder upon. So, Live and let live, and live our daily life as happy as we can, since we don't know the hap of tomorrow.
Thanks for your read and for sharing your opinion..
I wish each of you, a wonderful day.
Lisa.
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SHORT STORIES WITH A SMILE...
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Posted:Nov 29, 2016 7:28 am
Last Updated:Dec 1, 2016 11:28 pm 11642 Views
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1- Elderly Man Thinks Fast
An elderly farmer in Florida had a large pond down by his fruit orchard. One evening he decided to go down to the pond and took a five gallon bucket to pick some fruit.
As he neared the pond, he heard female voices shouting and laughing with glee. As he came closer he saw a bunch of young women skinny-dipping in the pond. He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end. One of the women shouted to him, 'We're not coming out until you leave!'
The old man thought for a second and said, 'I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim or to make you get out of the pond naked.'
Holding the bucket up he said, 'I'm here to feed the alligator!!
Moral: Old men can still think fast.
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2- An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and told her preacher she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes scattered over Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart?" the preacher exclaimed. "Why Wal-Mart?" Then I'll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week."
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3- Aging with Humor
I've sure gotten old! I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes. I'm half blind, can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation; hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92. Have lost all my friends. But, thank God, I still have my driver's license.
I hope these funnies would bring you a smile, keep happy.
Lisa,
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