The uplink

 

Changing thoughts

I haven't added to the Not Quite Zen series recently, and this one seemed to flow naturally from the one yesterday.  

Finding your happy place

It's been a while since we visited the monks of Not Quite Zen.

Know before you go

You know the old Zen saying: if you think you've reached enlightenment, you haven't reached enlightenment? It's like that. 

Packing light

It's easier to travel if you don't take all your emotional baggage with you.

Throwback Moment of Zen

There in spirit

It's General Conference! Remember, there are three sessions today, including Priesthood. Grab a tie and go!

Watch tomorrow for my notes from today's sessions. Enjoy General Conference!

If just for today

Today we take a moment to mark the passing of my aunt. She passed away a few days ago and today is her memorial service.

She was an amazing woman. I remember her as being gentle, sweet, kind and caring.

She was a multitalented woman. She sang alto in the Southern California Mormon Choir, she trained in piano at the Royal London Conservatory of Music.

In her church life she served in many capacities, including Primary President at Primary Children's Hospital and Matron of the Los Angeles Temple.

One thing that she was most proud of (besides her family) was her Canadian heritage. Anyone who knew her knew in short order that he was Canadian.

So just for today, let's celebrate Canadianhood. Eh?

What's on your list today?

I decided this was an appropriate thought for Black Friday.

National doughnut day

When I first heard about National Doughnut Day, I thought for sure it was a marketing ploy dreamed up by the doughnut coalition or the Homer Simpson fan club, but it turns out that it's actually got historical significance.

The Salvation Army started the celebration in 1938 to honor groups of people who served doughnuts to soldiers in World War I. There were volunteers, called Doughnut Dollies, who worked out of Salvation Army huts and provided, among other things, baked goods to our armed forces. Wikipedia has a whole entry on the history. Who knew?

It would be highly appropriate, then, to give a serviceman or a vet a doughnut (or two) today — especially since it's the anniversary of World Ward II's D-Day as well.

Zen of the Olympics

Many Olympic sports involve skills that are useful -- running, jumping, throwing, getting somewhere quickly. But what about curling?

Don't get me wrong -- I enjoy watching the sport. I just wonder about its origins. It baffles me how someone came up with it!

This little light of mine

It's been a while since we've visited Not Quite Zen. It's a tradition during the Olympics!

Small acts

I figure it's about time for another Not Quite Zen cartoon. They're some of my favorites!

Flashback: One more river to cross

The Zen cartoons are some of my favorite. They're very minimalist, and occasionally they make you think. This is one that I'm particularly fond of.

2012 Countdown: Top Ten, part I

Here they are at long last: the 2012 Top Ten!

No. 10 - I did some special cartoons for Banned Books week. I'm not sure about anyone else, but the high school librarian liked them!

No. 9 - This was a silly throwaway cartoon, but it proved more popular than I expected. You gotta love Primary!

No. 8 - Another Canadian cartoon! Plus Zen guys!

No. 7 - Thanksgiving always has some fun cartoons.

No. 6 - There were a couple of good Mission President cartoons this year, too. This was one of the more popular ones.

Tomorrow we finish up the Top Ten!

The True North, strong and free

Yes, it's Canada Day! Hug a Canadian or two!

Rewind: Best of seven

Here's another rerun while we make some behind-the-scenes repairs. this is one of my favorite Not Quite Zen gags, and tonight is Game 1 of the World Series. The perfect opportunity to dust off a golden oldie!

Watch the birdie...

...in your mind!

Another in the Zen series.

Watch for flaggers

Yes, there's construction everywhere!

The Land of the Rising Sun

Like many people, I've been wondering what I can do to help the people of Japan. I came across this on Yahoo!

Below are organizations that are working on relief and recovery in the region.

AMERICAN RED CROSS: Emergency Operation Centers are opened in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters. This disaster is on a scale larger than the Japanese Red Cross can typically manage. Donations to the American Red Cross can be allocated for the International Disaster Relief Fund, which then deploys to the region to help

GLOBALGIVING: Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

SAVE THE CHILDREN: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter.

SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need.

AMERICARES: Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region.

CONVOY OF HOPE: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance.

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS: Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities.

SHELTER BOX: The first team is mobilizing to head to Japan and begin the response effort.

The LDS Church offers this:

We have begun providing direct assistance and are actively assessing ways that we can further support the Japanese people and their government during this crisis. The scope of our response may change as additional information becomes available over the coming weeks and months.

Many people have asked the Church how they might assist or make donations to the Church’s relief efforts. Church members or others who wish to donate may do so through the Humanitarian Aid Fund.

At the very least, keep the people of Japan in your thoughts and prayers.