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Santa & Mrs. Claus welcoming guests to the North Pole.
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is a Council Chronicle series that offers a glimpse at unusual stories in the news around the world. They are intended to provoke thought, inform and elicit a range of emotions from joy, outrage, anger, amusement to hope. These are a summary of stories worth knowing. Each month we will feature a story of the Good, the Bad & the Ugly around the globe. If you come across a news item that falls into any of these categories, please email it to me for possible inclusion in the monthly e-newsletter.
THE GOOD
UNITED AIRLINES IS SPREADING CHRISTMAS CHEER BY OFFERING FREE FLIGHTS TO THE 'NORTH POLE' FOR KIDS IN NEED
The flights will depart from 13 cities around the world this month and will see the kids and their caretakers board a plane that will briefly take to the skies and circle around before landing at a gate decorated to look like Santa’s workshop.
One such “Fantasy Flight” occurred in Honolulu this week, bringing some smiles to those in need. “Santa has invited us to Christmas Island and all his elves are waiting there on the ground for us,” the pilot announced over the intercom to the passengers. The 125 pre-selected travelers, which are typically families that have children with cancer or who are grieving the loss of someone who died in active duty were aboard a short flight that soared past Maui only to loop back around and land right where they started.
Upon landing, the children were transported to “Christmas Island,” home of the “North Pole.”
They were taken to a festive hanger at the airport made to look like the North Pole thanks to the helping hands of more than 150 United Airlines staff and volunteers.
The children received a present from their Christmas wish list, played games, participated in activities and enjoyed a nice meal with their families.
The families take a “passport photo” at the check-in desk and are given a one-way ticket to the North Pole, airport code “JOY.” 🎅🏽🤶🏽
The airlines partnered with local children's charitable organizations, which provide support for families whose child was diagnosed with a life-threatening sickness. Many of the families are financially challenged because of medical bills, so they might not have a chance to take a trip this year. This "Fantasy Flight" kind of fills in that gap. After all, what kid doesn't want to go to the North Pole and see Santa Claus?
Lena Wong, a United customer service agent who has worked on “Fantasy Flights” for seven years, said that many of the kids at the event have never even been on a plane. The kids are so excited and amazed with the plane ride.
A family with a young son who was diagnosed with cancer were invited to be on the flight and described the experience as “amazing and magical.” They praised the detailed decor, saying “a lot of thought was behind that, it was just beautiful. We’re so thankful.”
“There’s a lot of logistics that goes into it, and a lot of volunteers and man hours,” Wong explained. We’re very fortunate that we have a lot of wonderful volunteers who put in a lot of time and also their own money to help put this event together," a United Airlines spokesperson said.
This month, “Fantasy Flights” will take off from a dozen cities around the world: Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Houston, Virginia, Tokyo, Guam and London.
Santa's Helpers. 🎄
Jaivyn Bell (D5) 12/14
Jennifer Chappell 12/14
Chris Lewis 12/14
Madonna Flood 12/22
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Me, either. 🎄
TRUTH BOMBS are described in the urban dictionary as surprising but true statements. A fact or piece of knowledge that, when told to a listener, is devastating to the listener's argument or world view.
New Yorker Seth Phillips has gained a cult following for his truth bombs that protest anything from loud engines, phones that shatter easily, “x” in espresso, and other very specific, small things that add up to our daily lives. He has a over 7.5 million followers on social media. Phillips has gone mainstream enough that fashion brands are selling "Dude with Sign" shirts in their collections.
And, of course, there’s always something new to protest. Such as, hot coffee in summer or verifying you’re not a robot online. Those of us who have had enough of everything will get a chuckle out of this series.
Delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs.
Crock pot cooking is my favorite way to cook. I love using the crock pot, also known as a slow cooker, for Fall and Winter meals. I get up in the morning, put my ingredients in the crock pot, set it and forget it. The house is filled with the most amazing aromas as you go about your day.
It's an easy, hands-off way to cook healthy, filling, flavorful meals. An added bonus to crock pot cooking is the easy clean up. There's not a lot of pots and pans to clean after dinner is done. These meals are also great for those days when you get home in the evening, your lunch is a distant memory, and your stomach is letting you know it’s ready to be filled ASAP! All you have to do is plate your food, maybe toast some bread or throw together a salad to accompany your meal and dig in!
SLOW COOKER BBQ RIBS
Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs are rubbed with a homemade spice blend, then slow cooked in the crockpot until they are fall off the bone tender and juicy! Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce before serving.
INGREDIENTS
4 teaspoons chili powder
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3 teaspoons seasoning salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3-4 lbs. pork ribs (side or back) membrane removed
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper.
2. Cut ribs into 4 sections for an easier fit or leave whole. Rub spice mixture over both sides of the ribs.
3. Lightly grease a 4-quart slow cooker and line the sections of ribs up around the edges (so the meaty part is pressed against the side). Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Remove from the slow cooker, brush with barbecue sauce, and grill for 5-6 minutes or broil for 2-3 minutes, until sauce is sticky and slightly caramelized. Serve ribs with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans. Enjoy.
Yum. 😋
Camouflage Kitty. 😆
1. Would you rather receive money or gifts for Christmas?
2. Would you rather go pub-crawling on Christmas or sleep all day?
3. Would you rather spend all day watching movies or sledding?
4. Would you rather decorate a Christmas tree or cookie?
5. Would you rather have a hot Christmas with no snow or a snowy Christmas?
A cozy white Christmas. ❄️☃️
6. Would you rather spend Christmas with a stranger or spend Christmas alone
7. Would you rather have a subscription box or an experience gift for Christmas?
8. Would you rather celebrate Christmas in town or travel out of town?
9. Would you rather go shopping at a Christmas market or visit a Christmas village?
10. Would you rather have eggnog or hot cocoa?
Scrumptious Eggnog.
Fiona, AFTER being rescued and adopted by her family. 😍
BEFORE & AFTER RESCUE DOG TRANSFORMATIONS
According to the ASPCA, a staggering 6.3 million companion animals enter animal shelters every year in the US. Every year, more than 900,000 of those animals are euthanized (300,000+ dogs and 500,000+ cats). It is so heartbreaking to know that many of these animals never get a second chance at life.
Who can resist a heartwarming makeover, especially when it involves a sweet dog? Whether they were abandoned, lost or mistreated, these down-on-their luck dogs were in dire need of a loving presence in their lives. That's where caring animal shelters, pet rescues and foster parents come into the picture. With lots of love and much-needed TLC, these rescue dogs started thriving — inside and out. These before-and-after transformation pictures speak for themselves. Hopefully, it will inspire you to adopt a rescue pup of your own.
Sweet Fiona was found on the streets of Taiwan after being abandoned. The monster person that originally owned her left her on their balcony, alone and starving. A local rescue worked with their sister Golden Retriever Rescue in Los Angeles and placed Fiona with a California family who fell in love with her at first sight. She's now living the life of a pampered pup like she deserves with her new family.
BEFORE. 😓
Please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or a pet rescue if you have room in your home and heart for a new furry family member. Trust me, you'll be so glad that you did. 🐾❤️
ADVENT BEGINS 12/1
WORLD AIDS DAY 12/1
CYBER MONDAY 12/2
GIVING TUESDAY 12/3
NATIONAL COOKIE DAY 12/4
GENOCIDE PREVENTION DAY 12/9
NATIONAL CUPCAKE DAY 12/15
NATIONAL MAPLE SYRUP DAY 12/17
CROSSWORD PUZZLE DAY 12/21
WINTER BEGINS 12/21
CHRISTMAS EVE 12/24
CHRISTMAS DAY 12/25
HANUKKAH BEGINS 12/25
KWANZAA BEGINS 12/26
NATIONAL THANK YOU NOTE DAY 12/26
NEW YEAR’S EVE 12/31
NATIONAL IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH
READ A NEW BOOK MONTH
SEASONAL DEPRESSION AWARENESS MONTH
UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHT'S MONTH
1. December was originally the 10th month of the Roman calendar (until 153 BC). Hence, December comes from the Latin word decem, meaning ten.
2. The month of December originally consisted of 30 days. January and February were added to the calendar around 700 BCE and at that time December was shortened to 29 days.
3. The birthstones for December are turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite. Turquoise has been cherished for thousands of years and was thought to bring good fortune and health.
Turquoise is one of December's birthstones.
4. The winter solstice (December 21st) is considered the shortest day of the year because it has the least amount of daylight.
5. Folklore says that frost on the shortest day of December is indicative of a severe winter.
6. Babies born in December may have fewer temper tantrums than babies born in other months.
7. The birth flowers for December are holly and white narcissus.
December's birth flowers are Holly and White Narcissus.
8. The first operation with anesthesia was performed on December 21, 1846.
9. Celebrating Christmas was illegal in the colonies from 1659 to 1681.
10. According to folklore, St. Nicholas put gold coins in the stockings of three poor sisters, which led to the tradition of hanging Christmas stockings and filling them with gifts.
Luxurious Christmas Stockings.
Steve Goodman 12/26
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY!
The brain is the control center of the body.
In the last several years, we have all experienced new challenges that have affected our mental, physical, and social well-being. Many of us have felt anxiety, increased stress, and emotional exhaustion which is why wellness and self-care are more important than ever before. Our wellness journey is an ongoing one, and we have to prioritize our emotional and physical health. Here are some ideas to care for the many dimensions of wellness, so we can nourish our bodies and nurture our minds.
7 FOODS THAT BOOST YOUR BRAIN AND MEMORY
The brain is the control center of the body. It is responsible for keeping the heart beating, the lungs breathing and allowing the body to move and think. Nutritionists stress that the most important thing to boost brain health is to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Try to get protein from plant sources, healthy fats like fish, olive oil, canola. Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants are rich in ingredients that benefit the brain. Incorporating many of these foods into a healthy diet on a regular basis can improve brain health, boost memory, and mood.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish such as salmon and sardines contain rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Over 50% of our brains are made of fat and half of that fat is of the omega-3 type. The brain uses omega-3s to build brain and nerve cells. These fats are essential for learning and memory. Omega 3s also slow age-related mental decline and help ward off Alzheimer's disease. Not getting enough omega-3s reduces learning ability, as well as increases the likelihood of depression. A study found that people who eat grilled fish regularly have more gray matter in their brains. Gray matter contains most of the neurons that control decision-making, memory, and emotions. Overall, fatty fish is a great choice for brain health.
Coffee
Coffee's two main ingredients are caffeine and antioxidants that provide many benefits for the brain. The caffeine in coffee enhances alertness by blocking adenosine, which is the cause of sleepiness. Caffeine also helps improve mood by boosting serotonin. Long-term coffee consumption also reduces the risk of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. This is thanks to coffee's high concentration of antioxidants.
Salmon, a great source of omega-3s.
Blueberries
Blueberries have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Antioxidants work against both oxidative stress and inflammation. These are factors that contribute to brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Also, blueberries help improve memory and may even delay short-term memory loss.
Turmeric
An active ingredient in turmeric, Curcumin, can cross the blood-brain barrier, which means it can directly enter the brain. This is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that has many benefits for the brain:
Curcumin may help improve memory in people with Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin relieves depression by increasing serotonin and dopamine, which improve mood. Curcumin boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a growth hormone that helps brain cells grow. It also helps delay age-related mental decline.
Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with antioxidants and provides more than 100% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin K in 91 grams. In addition to vitamin K, broccoli contains several compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help protect the brain against damage.
Blueberries.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain powerful antioxidants that protect the body and brain from free radical damage. Pumpkin seeds contain a good amount of magnesium, iron, zinc and copper. Each of these nutrients are important for brain health. Zinc deficiency will increase the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, depression and Parkinson's disease. Magnesium is essential for learning and memory. Copper is used in the brain to help control nerve signals. Iron deficiency causes brain fog and impaired brain function.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain several brain-boosting compounds such as flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants. Flavonoids are a group of antioxidant plant compounds that may enhance memory and also help slow age-related mental decline.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.
The seven foods discussed above are foods that are excellent for the brain, and they should be included in your diet as often as possible. Join us for the next Council Chronicle's Health & Wellness feature to learn about seven other foods that boost brain health and aid in memory.
Establishing healthy habits is a challenging but important part of maintaining your wellness. Small actions and simple activities can make a big difference in your holistic health. The holistic approach to health care focuses on the health of the entire body and mind and not just parts of the body.
JECOREY, BRIANNA AND MIKAYLA (D4)
PHILLIP AND TONY (D6)
PAT (D10)
RICK (D12)
CINDI, AMY, CINDY (D14)
ROBIN, CHRIS AND MONICA (D22)
MADONNA, ANDREA AND BARBARA NICHOLS (D24)
MS. NORMA (D2)
Goodbye and good luck to our co-workers, colleagues and friends! It's been a pleasure working alongside you all, and we're grateful for the work you did for our communities. We are excited for your next chapters, but we will miss you. Your co-workers at the Metro Council wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
FAREWELL ALL!
I pray for equality, unity and peace in every city in our country. Equality for all people everywhere. I pray for justice for all those who have lost their lives needlessly and unjustly. I pray that all people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status be treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. I pray for change so that healing can begin in this country and around the world.
Amen.
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