Fr.Al says

stretch those spiritual muscles!

Josh corrected me: work out those spiritual muscles, everyone..

TODAY.

For Immediate Release: February 14^th2009

Contact: Jenah Yangwas 415.505.0620

Rick Cantora 415.215.7920

Valerie Fernandez 510.672.0522

$15,000 PAYOFF FAILS TO ADDRESS 63 YEARS OF INJUSTICE

“Waiver/Release Provisions” pertaining to these veterans in the Stimulus Plan denies chance for Filipino Veterans to receive full recognition

The San Francisco community including entities such as the Veterans Equity Center and the Student Action for Veterans Equity (S.A.V.E.), a coalition comprised of students from colleges and universities, advocates, youth and community supporters will host a press conference on February 18th, 2009, on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. This day marks the 63rd year since the enactment of the Rescission Act which deemed the service of Filipino Veterans during WWII as inactive, stripping them from all of the benefits that were promised for their service under the United States flag.

As written, the Stimulus Plan includes provisions directly affecting the Filipino WWII veterans and their fight for equal treatment. Essentially if the Stimulus Plan is enacted, the Filipino WWII veterans would receive only a one-time payoff of approximately $15,000 for those living in the United States while Filipino WWII veterans living elsewhere, including in the Philippines, would receive about $9,000. The money stated does not fully compensate for decades of discrimination and years of receiving nothing for their service.

Many are outraged for several legitimate reasons including that the brave military services of the Filipino WWII veterans would be relegated to a mere "lump sum" payment amounting to a little over a year's worth of what they would receive on Supplemental Security Income (SSI); this after 63 years of waiting to be treated equal to their U.S. counterparts. To make matters even more controversial, a release provision is embedded within the language of the Stimulus bill which waives the rights of the Filipino WWII veterans from asking for further redress. In essence, this waiver of rights would release the U.S. Government from further addressing the issue in the future and would result in the final blow of injustice to the veterans.

Filipino World War II Veterans deserve equal treatment and the full benefits that were promised to them by the US Government, such as pensions, status, etc., which will not be provided by the Stimulus Plan. It is important that Congress recognizes that a wrong cannot be corrected by creating another wrong.
SAVE sees the $198 million for "lump sum" payments as the beginning (not final) contribution to these veterans. The presence of the Filipino WWII veterans in the Stimulus Bill should stimulate Congress to secure the financial support required in treating these veterans equally -- in compensation, status, recognition, etc. -- particularly since majority are now in their mid to late 80's in age. They've waited for far too long and over 80% have already died without receiving their deserved equal treatment. The fight is not over and we will continue to advocate and hope that this injustice will be addressed before more veterans pass away.

Restore Equal Treatment for the Filipino WWII Veterans!
Waiver/Release Provisions in the Stimulus Plan Continues to Deny Veterans True Justice
Remember the courageous lives of our Filipino WWII veterans and their service under the U.S. flag!

#306.

Judge your success by the degree that you're enjoying peace, health, and love.

from the book..

284. Never underestimate your power to change yourself.

285. Never overestimate your power to change others.

newspaper clip from a month ago

One new goal: Read the newspaper more.

25 low-cost, maximum-impact tips for a green 2009

Cameron Scott, Special to SFGate.com, Friday, January 9, 2009

1. The single largest impact you can have as an individual is to drive less by car-pooling, biking, walking, or using public transit. Find suggestions for decreasing your reliance on your car here.

2. Maintaining correct air pressure in your car's tires can significantly increase fuel efficiency. Check tire pressure once a a month.

3. Help end the junk mail madness. Dramatically reduce the amount you receive by following these instructions, and sign a petition demanding a national Do Not Mail registry here.

4. Replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents and save about $100 over each bulb's life. Find low-priced bulbs by looking for PG&E "Save" stickers on bulbs at Walgreen's, Rite Aid and other local stores.

5. If you buy new appliances, make sure to buy energy-efficient models labeled "Energy Star." These models can cut energy use in half. Look for rebates here. A 2009 federal tax credit is also available for some EnergyStar products.

6. S.F. Public Utilities Commission customers can pick up free aerated faucets or showerheads at the PUC offices. EBMUD customers, inquire about rebates here. You'll reduce your water use — and the electricity required to treat and heat it — without even noticing a difference.

7. Stop buying expensive and toxic cleaning products. You can accomplish nearly all household cleaning and maintenance tasks with vinegar, baking soda, and boric acid. Download natural cleanser recipes here.

8. Unplugging electronics, including microwaves and chargers, when not in use will shave about 5 percent off your electric bill.

9. Buy only what you'll eat. Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gases, and Americans waste at least 20 percent of their food.

10. Eat less red meat, and buy only grass-fed or organic meat. Feedlot operations produce large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and pollute water. Find tips on sustainable meat eating on Gastronicity.

11. Avoid processed foods whenever possible. Processing and packaging make processed foods' environmental footprint bigger than natural foods', and many contain palm oil, production of which is the primary cause of deforestation in Asian rainforests.

12. Wear a sweater this winter. Invest in an Energy Star programmable thermostat, and set it to 65 - 67 degrees when you are home. You'll make a big dent in your heating bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

13. You can save up to 30 percent on your energy bills by sealing all leaks in your house using caulk or foam. Learn how to locate leaks here.

14. Keep your hot water heater set at 120 degrees, or the "normal" setting. Water heating accounts for nearly 15 percent of your monthly bill.

15. Perform routine maintenance on your furnace, including filters and ducts, to keep heating costs down. Learn more here.

16. Wash only full loads of laundry and use natural detergent. Using the cold cycle can reduce your electricity use by 90 percent. Clean the lint filter before you put clothes in the dryer, and remove them as soon as they're dry.

17. Use the dishwasher! A full Energy Star model uses less water than hand washing does. Just be sure to choose the air-dry setting.

18. Maintain freezer temperature at 0 degrees, and refrigerator temperature at 40 degrees (but no warmer).

19. Replace as much of your yard as possible with native plants that require minimal watering. Experts believe California is entering a serious drought. Find SFGate's tips on water-conserving landscaping here.

20. If you're in the market for furniture, buy used. If you must buy new, avoid rainforest hardwoods including mahogany and teak.

21. Use paperless bill-paying for all of your bills, and ask about paperless direct deposit stubs at your place of work.

22. Ask the IT department at your office set computers to turn off after an hour and make double-sided printing the default setting.

23. Dispose of old electronics using a certified recycling program. Otherwise, your gadget may be shipped to China and dumped in a landfill there. Alameda and San Francisco counties offer services and information.

24. Make sure to take advantage of your city's recycling and composting programs. Many recyclables still end up in landfills. Learn more about San Francisco's program here, and Oakland's here.

25. Travel ready! Carry a portable mug for coffee stops and canvas or recycled-plastic bags to do grocery shopping. You can get a shopping tote by donating to some green groups or by making one yourself.

life!

that is the first word in my blackbook.. and it has an exclamation after it just like in this title.

one book i've been reading a lot is The Complete Life's Little Instruction Book.. and here are some lines i really like...

186. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

187. Be insatiably curious. Ask "why" a lot.

188. Measure people by the size of their hearts, not the size of their bank accounts.

189. Have good posture. Enter a room with purpose and confidence.

190. Don't worry that you can't give your kids the best of everything. Give them your very best.

...

250. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.

251. Take care of those you love.

252. Keep it simple.