LIFE TOOL: LAUGHTER

First posted: 9/17/12

THIS WORLD AND THIS LIFE NEED ALL THE LAUGHTER WE CAN CRAM INTO THEM
And, who on earth, doesn't like to laugh (poor soul)?

1.  Reader's Digest is always a good place to look for a laugh -- here's what you find when you look for funny stuff.


2.  Have you ever heard of LAUGHTER CLUBS?  It's a form of yoga that has its roots in India.  It's really a great idea, when you think about it.

• A group of people (usually strangers, but not for long), fill a room, force themselves to laugh, until the spectacle becomes so funny that it keeps going on its own.  
• This surely gets the blood flowing, good breathing, belly-tightening, considerable exercise (especially for facial muscles and tear ducts), lots of new friends (what a way to break the ice) -- and lingering chuckles and giggles for days to come -- and eagerness for more, I'm quite sure -- a delightful lifelong hobby (?) [with practice, I'm sure we could become quite good at it -- smiles]
•  Yep, this is a good idea.
• Here's how "laughter clubs" look on YouTube  
• Maybe we could start some laughter clubs around our territory?
• Here's what Google has to say about laughter clubs.

3.  Laughter, In General

• Here's a tiny bit of what YouTube has to offer on the topic of "laughter in general."
• Here's how Wikipedia discusses the topic of "laughter."

4.  Jokes.  You can Google these.  There are so many tastes.  However, you might enjoy Wikipedia's treatment of the topic, along with:

• THE WORLD'S FUNNIEST JOKE (according to Wikipedia)
• LaughLab

5.  Bobby McFerrin suggests, "Don't Worry. Be Happy." (nice YouTube video created by David Borja, illuminating Bobby's big hit song)





More to follow?


All Original Content © 2012 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby suspend those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.

HALLOWEEN!!! EVENT CONSOLIDATOR

Updated: 26 Oct 12, 0400 
Posted: 25 Oct 12


1.  Purpose

To take a closer look at the Spooky custom in general, around the nation, around our "neck of the woods," and in Pittsburg.

Note: In sections 4, 5, 6, & 7, below, Google search links are provided.  BE CAREFUL OF THE DATES WHEN VIEWING THE RESULTS.  Watch out for the correct year.  Some entries may be for years past and this fact can be easy to overlook.


2.  Rationale

• The joys of childhood are precious.  Those priceless moments are fleeting, yet can shape and sweeten a whole life-time with fond memories and appreciation for the kindness of others.
• Imaginations are also useful life-tools which benefit from being allowed and encouraged to be exercised.
• The happy and healthy development of our children -- our future -- is everyone's business.  
• Accordingly, it is worthwhile to approach this special golden moment for the young at heart with sufficient enthusiasm and understanding.  
• Hopefully, this article will help in the preparation for and the savoring of days that pass by on wings, all too quickly.

3.  Background

Every year, in our neighborhood, about 200 families show up -- from far and wide -- to proudly and joyfully display their creative costumes and to humbly seek a little token of our appreciation for the delightful parade brought to our door.

Over the year, my wife and I accumulate non-edible goodies, in eager anticipation of the big night, from the various sales that popup over that time frame.  

Candy is a fun tradition, but there are many other clever (and less problematic) substitutes -- as long as they can't choke or poison the little ones.  Naturally, the hardworking parents and older guardians get treated, too! (See the link, below, for more ideas)

And, we don't care how old a hand is stretched out to receive -- or whether costumed or not.  This is for the kids in all of us.

Sometimes, I break out my old pirate's costume, but more and more I'm just content to watch.

At about 6:30 pm, we drag our porch bench to the curb, with a big bucket of coveted goodies.  We don't have to wait for long before the show begins, non-stop -- with lots of ooh's and ah's from us over all the grand entertainment. Then, suddenly, at around 9:00 it all ends.  Mission -- smiles maximization -- accomplished for one more year -- for our "guests" and ourselves.

Long live joy and good will!!


4.  THE CUSTOM, IN GENERAL

• Halloween or Hallowe'en (a contraction of its original title "All Hallows'Evening"),^[5] also known as All Hallows' Eve,^[6] is a yearly holiday observed around the world on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows. Most scholars believe that All Hallows' Eve was originally influenced by western European harvest festivals and festivals of the dead with pagan roots, particularly the Celtic Samhain.^[6][7][8] Others maintain that it originated independently of Samhain. [Wikipedia]  More...

• Trick-or-treating or "Guising", is a customary practice for children on Halloween in many countries. Children in costumes travel from house to house in order to ask for treats such as candy (or, in some cultures, money) with the question "Trick or treat?". The "trick" is a (usually idle) threat to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. [Wikipedia]  More...

• Trick or Treating Ideas (Google search)

• HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS (Google search)

5.  AROUND THE NATION

• UPDATED! Zillow Names 20 Best Cities to Trick or Treat in 2012 (hmm... East County is not on the list, yet!)

• Halloween in the United States (Google search)

• Halloween in California (Google search)

6.  IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS

• East County Live - Calendar (http://www.eastcountylive.com/event_calendar.php)

• Halloween in Contra Costa County (Google search)

• Halloween in the San Francisco Bay Area (Google search)

7.  IN PITTSBURG 

Trick or Treating in Pittsburg 94565 (Google search)

City (Government) Events Calendar


Halloween Costume Parade @ Noon -- Final Farmers Market Day of the season!! 10/27/Sat(9:00AM to 1:00PM) Read the full blog article...

• All children in costume between the ages of 3 – 10 are invited to participate.
• All participants must meet at Old Town Plaza before noon. 
• There is no entry form or fee, just show up in your costume.
• Costume Awards at 12:45 pm for: Best Costume, Scariest Costume, Cutest Costume
• Free pumpkins available while supply lasts.

Halloween Bash & Pumpkin Patch -- Ages 12 & under FREE with a canned food donation; 10/28/Sun (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM); Cost: $2 ages 12 & under; $4 ages 13 and over; Small World Park, 2573 Harbor Street, Pittsburg.  Read the full blog article...

Railroad Book Depot: SPOOKTACULAR -- 10/26 & 10/29 (See the flyer...)

• Family movie night (7-9 pm) 10/26/Fri
• Haunted Bus (4-6 pm), 10/29/Mon
• Pre-Halloween Party (4-7 pm), 10/29/Mon

Tri-Delta Transit Haunted Bus -- Tri-Delta Haunted Bus is Coming to the Railroad Book Depot.  Boo! For free family fun (or just plain fun) this Halloween season, hop on Tri Delta Transit's Haunted Halloween bus for a good spook; Monday, October 29th (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM); 650 Railroad Avenue. Read the full blog article...

FROM CONTRA COSTA TIMES

Halloween Events

Contra Costa Times

Posted:   10/23/2012 10:15:41 AM PDT

Updated:   10/24/2012 02:49:13 PM PDT

Fright Nights: Deer Valley High School transforms the gym into a spooky and ghoulish haunted house 7-10:30 p.m. Oct. 26-27, 4700 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Cost is $5. 925-756-6700.

Tri Delta Haunted Bus Tours: A fun and frightening time with treats for ghouls and boys. No ticket is required to board the bus. Come on board if you dare! Tours: 5-8 p.m. Oct. 27; 4 p.m. Oct. 29, Railroad Book Depot, Pittsburg; 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Oakley Library. www.trideltatransit.com/promos/halloween.aspx.

Trunk or Treat: 1-4 p.m. Oct. 27. St. John's Lutheran Church and La Petite Academy host free Halloween activities, including games, treats, and fun for the whole family. St. John's parking lot, 1360 E. Tregallas Road, Antioch. Pumpkins and foods available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation. 926 755-3070, 925 779-0110.

Costume Parade at Farmers Market: 11 a.m. Oct. 27, Old Town Plaza, Railroad Avenue. Treats, pumpkins, fun. All ages welcome. First 50 kids receive free pumpkins. 925-262-6930, www.pittsburgfoundation.org.

Century Plaza Spooktacular: 1-3 p.m. Oct. 27, Maya Cinema, 4085 Century Blvd., Pittsburg. Free movie, treats, jumpy houses, free pumpkin to first 250 kids in costume. Free. 925-432-7301.

Brentwood Hometown Halloween: 5-8 p.m. Oct. 27, First and Oak streets. Free trick-or-treating, haunted house, Tri Delta haunted bus, photos. Sponsored by Sutter Delta Medical Center, Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. Free. 925-634-3344, www.brentwoodchamber.com.

Antioch City Park Haunted House Fundraiser: 5-10 p.m. through Oct. 27, 2101 W. 10th St. Proceeds will fund rebuilding of vandalized park facilities. A terrifying haunted house, food, treats, fun and raffles. $5 per person. For information or sponsorship opportunities, call Josh Sauberman, 925-335-6076. www.antiochhauntedhouse.com.

Halloween Bash and Pumpkin Patch: Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 28, Small World Park, 2573 Harbor St., Pittsburg. Live music, magic show, pony rides, costume parade, treats, more. Adults $4, kids 12 and younger $2 (free with canned food item). All rides free. Details: 925-252-4842.

The Apocalypse is Here! Zombies Invade: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Riverview Middle School, 205 Pacifica Ave., Bay Point. Zombies will come to party! Three live bands will perform for the afternoon in the multipurpose room. Dress your rottenest. Prizes will be awarded for the best zombie costume.

Hallelujah Fest: A a safe alternative to Halloween with booths, games, food, treats, jumpers, piñatas and more. Free. Dress in your most positive character costume for a chance to win a best-dressed contest. 7-9 p.m. Oct. 31, Word of Life Church, 4501 O'Hara Ave., Brentwood. 925-634-5433.

CC Café annual Halloween Lunch Party: 11:30 a.m. Oct. 31, Ambrose Community Center, 3105 Willow Pass Road, Bay Point. Costume contest, music, door prizes, lots of goodies. $2 donation; under age 60, $5. RSVP by 11:30 a.m. Oct. 30. 925-458-2662.

Circus Night: A free safe and sane alternative to Halloween 5-9 p.m. Oct. 31, Harvest Time Church, 2200 Ventura Drive, Brentwood. Treats, games, bicycle giveaway every 30 minutes. Hot dogs, popcorn, nachos for $1. 925-516-1908.

As more events come to attention, they will be added here, until the big day has passed away

Happy Celebration of the Precious Creative Spirit!

All Original Content © 2012 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby suspend those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.

SENATOR BOXER: Hurricane Sandy & How We Can Help From Here

Posted: 30 Oct 12

ABOUT THE SENATOR CONSTITUENT SERVICES ISSUES & LEGISLATION PRESS CONTACT - - - - - NEWS FROM BARBARA BOXER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA - - - - - October 30, 2012 Dear Friend: Today our thoughts are with all the victims of Hurricane Sandy and the first responders bravely working night and day to help them. We Californians know all too well what it means to be struck by a natural disaster - and we know how grateful we have been when our fellow Americans have come to our aid after earthquakes, fires, and floods. Now, in the wake of this terrible storm, many Californians are asking what they can do to help.  For information on how you can provide assistance to disaster relief organizations, please click here. Sincerely, Barbara Boxer United States Senator

7th Annual "Men of Merit" Celebration ~ 11/1/12/pm/Thu

Posted: 10/30/12
Note: The Jan 2013 date in the flag, above, is to "artificially" force this posting to appear in the upper left corner of the bulletin board -- owing to it's time-sensitivity.

PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE

County Supervisor Federal Glover's office just forwarded the following flyer for distribution to you.  This concerns an amazing organization I had heard nothing about, until now -- and an event that will occur two days from now.

The following is some pertinent information from their website (http://www.standffov.org/) -- then, the flyer.

1.  THE ORGANIZATION

"STAND! For Families Free of Violence"

2.  ITS PURPOSES

MISSION:  "STAND! For Families Free of Violence" is a catalyst for breaking the multi-generational cycle of violence, promoting safe and strong relationships, and rebuilding lives.

PHILOSOPHICAL CONCEPT -- AN EXCERPT:   Domestic violence and child abuse often co-occur in families. As the only comprehensive family violence reduction agency in Contra Costa County, STAND! assists more than 10,000 clients annually by providing comprehensive prevention, intervention, and treatment services to end the cycle of violence and child abuse.

More ...

3.  THE EVENT (please see the flyer, at bottom, for more details)

Paraphrasing an officer of the organization, Mr. Will Broom, this event recognizes unsung heroes in the Pittsburg community who are on the "front lines," every day, advancing the cause to end domestic violence.  This is an annual opportunity set aside to recognize the important contributions of these much valued and dedicated people -- and to raise public awareness of them and this marvelous endeavor.

• FREE FOOD WILL BE SERVED, starting at 6:00 pm --- to be enjoyed before and during the program.  No admission charge.
• Program Duration:  6:30 to 8:30 pm
• Opening Speaker:  County Supervisor, District 5, Federal Glover, who will be giving the welcome, acknowledging the partners and the VIPs in the room.
• Keynote Speaker:  Rev. Paul Taylor of the Antioch Christian Center in Pittsburg and a founding member of the STAND! organization.
• Awards ceremony

4.  AN IMPORTANT ORGANIZATIONAL SAFETY ALERT

(which pertains to their web site)

If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, or call 911, or the STAND! Crisis Help Line at 1-888-215-5555. You can also e-mail the Crisis Help Line at crisisline@standffov.org. Learn more technology safety tips. There is always a computer trail, but you can leave this site quickly by using the "Escape Now" button to the right.


5.  SUPERVISOR GLOVER ONLINE

www.facebook.com/FederalGlover
www.cccounty.us/supervisorglover


6.  THE FLYER

City of Pittsburg: Neighborhood Team Meeting

Neighborhood Team Meeting

Open to the Public

Posted Date: 10/30/2012

 

Neighborhood Meeting
The City of Pittsburg's Neighborhood Team is hosting a Neighborhood Meeting on Thursday, November 1, 2012 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Marina Vista Elementary School, 50 East 8^th Street, in the multi-purpose room. The City wants to bring City Hall to the neighborhoods to talk to you about City projects, neighborhood projects, and local issues. This meeting is open to the public.

To have a specific issue addressed at the meeting, please email the City prior to the meeting date at NeighborhoodTeam@ci.pittsburg.ca.us

For more information, check the City's website at www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us at Neighborhood Improvement Team under City Manager's Office or call 252-6975.

To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1

HALLOWEEN PARADE @ NOON -- Final Farmers Market 10/27/SAT

Special thanks to neighbor Norma Ocasio 

who brought this event to my attention

"It takes a Village!"

Halloween in Old Town 2012

in Eat • Shop • Play, Events, Farmer's Market, Play, Special Events

Event: Halloween in Old Town 2012
Date: 10/27/12
Time: 9:00:00 AM – 1:00:00 PM
Location: Old Town Plaza – 5th and Railroad
Details: Fun for the Whole Family!!

During the Old Town Farmers’ Market

- HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE @ NOON

- Farmers’ Market Pumpkin Patch

- Old Town Retailers’ Trick or Treat

Halloween Costume Parade begins at Noon in Old Town Plaza.

• All children in costume between the ages of 3 – 10 are invited to participate.
• All participants must meet at Old Town Plaza before noon. 
• There is no entry form or fee, just show up in your costume.
• Costume Awards at 12:45 pm for: Best Costume, Scariest Costume, Cutest Costume
• Free pumpkins available while supply lasts.

Cost: Free

Website: oldtownpittsburgca.com

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/OldTownPittsburg

During the Old Town Farmer’s Market.

This is the last Farmer’s Market of the Season. 

See you back next Spring!!

Presented By: OTPBDA

Sponsors: PACF

Railroad Book Depot: SPOOKTACULAR -- 10/26 & 10/29

On Wed, Oct 24, 2012 at 11:15 PM, Railroad Book Depot <kim@pittsburgfoundation.org> wrote:

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Come Join in the fun... We will be hosting some spooktacular events here at the Railroad Book Depot... Come say Hello to our little friend Spidey.  He's a 3  pound tarantula   Spider. Come pet or feed him , he won't bite. Family Movie Night Three kids, DJ, Chowder, and Jenny discover that the house across the street from DJ's is alive. It eats anything that goes on its property. They try to convince the babysitter, the police, and Skull. They try to unravel the mystery of the house,but the only to get to the bottom of what's going on they have to go inside. 7-9PM FREE EVENT October 26, 2012  Haunted Bus  Come to our store to hop on Tri Delta Transit's Haunted Halloween bus for a good spook. 4-6PM FREE ADMISSION  October 29 ,2012 Pre - Halloween Party Halloween is coming soon, so grab your mask or your broom. The Railroad Book Depot staff will be your host, come dressed as yourself, a witch or a ghost! There will be games, refreshments, witch's brew, candy and more. Now all we need is you! Join us for our Pre- Halloween Spooktacular Party 4-7PM FREE EVENT October 29, 2012 It might be Scary...It might be a Fright...But it's sure to be Fun here at our store.  Looking forward to seeing all, Marketing Department and Sales Team Railroad Book Depot  (925) 427-2334

VA BENEFIT: Home Loan

Here is an example of information you can get from the Military.com site, via email newsletter.  I only post selected newsletter articles here on this blog, from time to time.  To get all of them, consider subscribing to Military.com.  (Or use articles like this to remind you to browse there, periodically -- as sort of a doorway into that special world).

Buy or Refinance Your Home with $0 Down and No PMI. Request Information from Qualified Lenders Now.
	VA Home Loan Benefit

	The $417,000 VA Loan Benefit can be used to Buy or Refinance and is available to active duty, guard or reserve, retirees, veterans and military spouses. Mortgage rates are at all time lows. Act now to:   Buy a Home with $0 Down   Refinance to Lower Monthly Payments   Pay off Higher-interest Balances   Lock in Historic Low Rates How much could you save each month with a low interest rate? Request Information From Lenders Today

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE CATALOG - 2012 to 2013

Yearning for self-improvement?  Mind crying out for stimulation and refilling?  Looking for ideas and new directions?  Think that more money and happier careers might be useful?  Want more power to change the world (for the better)?

Browse through the course catalog (click here) and see if there isn't something you can use.  

And, if you haven't visited the gorgeous campus lately, you need to add it to your list.  There is something electrifying and incredibly inspiring about a college atmosphere -- students and staff, bustling hither and yon, determined to achieve something important, filled with optimism about the future.  A visit will add "fuel" to your fires. Fan the flames!!

COMMUTER ALERT: Antioch Park & Ride - 10/24 thru November

Posted: 24 Oct 12
Courtesy of:  Mayor Ben Johnson

Temporary change to parking lot and bus stop location

Tri Delta Transit Bus Route Update:

Construction at Antioch Park & Ride Starting Wednesday, October 24. 

Due to planned eBART construction, the parking lot at the Antioch Hillcrest Park & Ride will be altered to allow buses to circle through the parking lot to pick up passengers. Please be aware that this will reduce the number of available parking spaces and will change the location where buses will drop off and pick up passengers. 

Buses will not stop on Sunset Drive during construction. Buses will enter the first parking lot entrance on Sunset and circle through the parking lot. Buses will stop and pick up passengers inside the parking lot near the far parking lot exit.

We apologize for any inconvenience. Additional parking is available at both the Brentwood Park & Ride and Pittsburg Park & Ride.

• Brentwood Park & Ride: Corner of Walnut & Dainty, Brentwood
• Pittsburg Park & Ride: Bliss Ave between Harbor and Railroad, Pittsburg 

Construction is expected to last approximately one month.

Modifications to your Alert settings, email or to stop the subscription can be done anytime on your Alert Settings Page. Please have your email address handy to log in. The Alert System is a free service provided to our customers. 

City of Pittsburg: Tri-Delta Transit Haunted Bus

Tri-Delta Transit Haunted Bus

Coming to RAILROAD BOOK DEPOT

Date: 10/29/2012 4:00 PM

Cost: Free

Location: Railroad Book Depot
650 Railroad Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565

 

Tri - Delta Haunted Bus is Coming to the

Railroad Book Depot.

Boo! For free family fun (or just plain fun) this Halloween season, hop on

Tri Delta Transit's Haunted Halloween bus for a good spook

Monday, October 29th

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

650 Railroad Avenue

Pittsburg, California 94565

(925) 427-2334

Tri-Delta Haunted Bus click link for flyer

To change your eSubscriptions preferences, click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f

To unsubscribe from all City of Pittsburg eSubscriptions, please click the following link:
http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=16&subscriberguid=1c6754fb-fdf1-4dc6-974f-3c1e43fbed5f&unsubscribe=1