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
DELTA AIR LINES HELPED BRING A PASSENGER TO SEE HER AILING MOTHER BEFORE SHE PASSED AWAY
Hannah White shared a touching story of how Delta Air Lines went above and beyond to help her to see her mother just one day before she passed away in a viral TikTok video. The video has garnered over 10 million views. Her mother, Kathleen Nelson, was in the hospital for undiagnosed pneumonia and was “doing well” after surgery, she wrote on the video.
But then she got a call from her brother informing her that their mother had taken a turn for the worse and had gone into septic shock. The doctor's treating her mother said that the family needed to get there immediately to say their goodbyes. The "doctors did not know what she was wrong or how long she had,” White said.
She immediately booked the first flight out of Dallas the following day, which had a connection in Minneapolis, to get to North Dakota.
The timing of the connecting flight would have been fine, but the plane from Dallas had mechanical issues and they sat on the plane at Dallas Fort Worth airport for over an hour, she explained.
“I knew if I didn’t make my connecting flight, I wouldn’t see my mom until the following day and we weren’t sure she’d be alive,” White shared.
Hannah White (as a child) and her mother, Kathleen Nelson.
White explained the situation to a flight attendant and asked if there was anything that she could do to make sure she got on the connecting flight to see her mother.
Flight attendant Eva Ortiz, CNN reported, returned to White’s seat and told her that unfortunately, she was going to miss the second flight, and that the airline had already booked her on a new flight for the following day.
“As she explained this, I immediately started welling up with tears,” White said. “She apologized and cried with me.”
“I balled up in my seat, knowing there was a possibility I wouldn’t be able to see my mom one last time.”
But Delta didn’t let her down.
An hour later, Ortiz returned to White’s seat and told her that the pilot, Captain Keith Napolitano, called the other pilot on the connecting flight and explained her story.
The other pilot agreed to hold the plane and wait for her so she would get to see her mom.
“The stars don’t always align where I have the immediate ability to affect the outcome, but this was one of those cases where I felt it was possible,” Napolitano told CNN Travel.
White said that they bumped her to first class on the first flight so she would be able to get off the plane faster.
“When I got to my first-class seat, the pilot made an announcement to the whole plane to let me off first so I could make it to say goodbye to my mom,” she wrote.
Hannah White
She shared that the passengers helped her out as well. The man sitting next to her in first class realized that the pilot was talking about her, so he pulled up a map of the airport and helped her figure out where the connecting gate would be.
“He told me to run as fast as I could as soon as we land,” she said.
She got off the plane and ran to the second flight, knowing the plane had been waiting 30 minutes for her.
“The whole time I was picturing my mom and how she would run across the country for me, too,” White shared.
When she got to the flight, the entire plane was seated and waiting, and she knew she’d be able to relax knowing she’d get to see her mom that night.
“I made it to my flight and all the staff happily welcomed me saying, ‘We’ve been waiting for you, Hannah,'” she added.
“As I got off, all the flight attendants gave me encouraging words and wished me luck,” White said, adding that the pilot shook her hand and told her he would pray for her.
White’s mom passed away the next day, and thanks to Delta she got an extra 24 hours with her.
“I was able to say, ‘I love you’ one last time and provide the comfort for her in her final moments that she provided for me my whole life.”
“Thank you, Delta. You gave me the gift of time. You have a forever customer in me,” White concluded.
This story moved me to tears as I read it, and I had to share it. I'm so glad that Hannah was able to make it to her mother's side before she passed away. Thanks to the compassionate crew members of the two Delta Air Lines flights and its passengers, she was able to say her final goodbye to her mom. ❤️
MARILYN PARKER 2/5
BRUNHILDA WILLIAMS-CURINGTON (D7) 2/6
KHALIL BATSHON 2/9
CRYSTAL BAST 2/22
HEATHER BLAZIS 2/23
KYLIE STREHL (D15) 2/26
KEVIN KRAMER 2/28
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! ❤️❤️❤️
💯
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.
Baked Ziti, Crock Pot Style.
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!
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is made completely in the crockpot, even the pasta. It is so much easier than the traditional version but packs all of the same cheesy goodness and flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage)
1 Onion finely chopped
1 Teaspoon minced garlic
1½ Teaspoon salt
1 Teaspoon dried basil
1 Teaspoon dried parsley
28 Oz. can diced tomatoes
2 1/2 Cups Jar pasta sauce (about 2 ½ cups)
2 ½ Cups low sodium chicken broth (or beef or vegetable)
4 Cups Penne or Ziti or other short pasta
2 Cups shredded mozzarella cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
-
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Stir in garlic, salt, basil and parsley and cook 1 minute. (OPTIONAL: you can also add the raw onion and spices right into the slow cooker to save on time)
-
Add beef mixture, tomatoes, pasta sauce and broth to a 4qt (or larger) slow cooker. Stir.
-
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
-
Turn slow cooker to high. Add pasta and stir until combined. Cover and continue cooking for 15-30 minutes (depending on how hot your slow cooker is) — check and stir at the 15 minute mark.
-
Sprinkle with cheese and cover for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted. Enjoy.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. Yum!
He Had One Job. 😂
1. Would you rather receive roses or a present for Valentine's Day?
2. Would you rather go to a movie in theaters or streaming a movie at home with the one you love?
3. Would you rather have your birthday on Valentine's Day or Christmas Day?
4. Would you rather eat breakfast in bed or cook dinner together?
5. Would you rather receive a box of your favorite store-bought chocolates or a homemade treat from your sweetie?
6. Would you rather have sunflowers or roses for Valentine's Day?
7. Would you rather watch Dirty Dancing or The Notebook?
8. Would you rather watch a Rom-Com or Horror movie with your sweetheart?
9. Would you rather get Lindt Truffles or Ferrero Rochers candy as a gift?
10. Would you rather spend 24 hours in a room with a giant teddy bear or in a room with roses?
February is Black History Month.
GROUNDHOG DAY 2/2
NATIONAL WOMEN PHYSCIANS DAY 2/3
WORLD CANCER DAY 2/4
MARDI GRAS 2/4
WORLD READ ALOUD DAY 2/5
NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY 2/7
NATIONAL PIZZA DAY 2/9
LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY 2/12
GALENTINE’S DAY 2/13
VALENTINE’S DAY 2/14 ♥️
PRESIDENT’S DAY 2/17
NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY 2/18
NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY 2/20
WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE 2/20
SCHOOL BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION DAY 2/22
WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY 2/22
NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY 2/28
RARE DISEASE DAY 2/28
RAMADAN BEGINS 2/28
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
AMERICAN HEART MONTH
CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH
LIBRARY LOVER’S MONTH
SENIOR INDEPENDENCE MONTH
CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
NATIONAL TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS & PREVENTION MONTH
AFTER finding a loving home. ❤️
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.
BEFORE. It's hard to believe this is the same pup. 😓
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. 🐾❤️
Celebrating Black History Month is important because it's an opportunity to learn about and recognize the achievements of Black people throughout history, confront the realities of racial injustices, promote understanding and diversity. It is a time to inspire action towards a more equitable future by reflecting on the past and celebrating successes while acknowledging the work still needed to be done. Black History Month encourages us to learn about the true history of America and strive for a better world. During February, we study the past and look forward to a future of social equity for all.
 |
|
Frederick Douglass
(February 1818 -February 20, 1895). The month of February for Black History Month was chosen in recognition of the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. During the Civil War, Lincoln worked to expand the rights of Black Americans and Douglass, a former slave, became a leader who fought to end slavery during the abolitionist movement.
|
Early Black inventors held more than 50,000 patents in the United States.
In the period from 1870 to 1940, Black people accounted for more inventions during this period than immigrants from every country except England and Germany. Innovations like the traffic light (Garrett Morgan), modern refrigeration (Frederick McKinley Jones), and automatic elevator doors (Alexander Miles) are just a few inventions that were created by Black inventors.
|
|
 |
Bass Reeves (July 1838 - January 12, 1910).
Bass Reeves was a real-life lawman who is considered the inspiration for the fictional character the Lone Ranger. He was a U.S. Marshal, gunfighter, farmer, tracker, railroad agent, and a runaway slave. He spoke the languages of several Native American tribes including, Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Seminole and Creek.
Reeves was the first Black U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi River. He was known as the "Invincible Marshal". He arrested over 4,000 felons during his career, killing 20 men in the line of duty. Reeves arrested his own son for murder and the minister who baptized him for selling illegal whiskey. He died in Muskogee, Oklahoma in 1910.
|
Phillis Wheatley (1753 - December 5, 1784).
In 1773, Phillis Wheatley became the first American slave, the first person of African descent, and only the third colonial American woman to have her work published. She became an accomplished writer and the success of her published book of poetry won her acclaim and soon after, her freedom. Today, Phillis Wheatley’s book of poems
"Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral" is considered the starting place of African American literature.
The gorgeous statue above of Wheatley is part of the Boston's Women's Memorial. The memorial was established to honor important contributors to Boston's history.
|
The Negro Motorist Green Book
"The Negro Motorist Green Book" was a comprehensive guide for Black travelers first published in 1936 about locations across America, and eventually overseas, that were either Black-owned or didn’t engage in segregationist practices. The guide was printed for 30 years. It stopped publication in 1966, two years after the Civil Rights Act was passed.
|
Hiram Rhodes Revels
(September 27, 1827 - January 16, 1901).
Hiram Rhodes Revels was an American clergyman, educator, and politician. Revels was the first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1870–1871), representing Mississippi during Reconstruction. He was a member of the Republican Party.
|
George Coleman Poage (November 6, 1880 - April 11, 1962).
George Coleman Poage
was the first African American to win an Olympic medal after winning two in track at the 1904 Olympic games. Poage had superior academic and athletic skills. He was the best athlete at La Crosse High School in Wisconsin, and he graduated second in his class, becoming the first African American to earn a diploma there.
While working on a history degree at the University of Wisconsin, he ran short sprints and hurdles for the varsity track team. His enrollment in graduate-level courses allowed him to continue to compete, and in 1904, he placed first in the 440-yard dash and the 220-yard hurdles, making him the first African American champion in Big Ten Conference track history.
|
Septima Poinsette Clark (May 3, 1898 - December 15, 1987).
Septima Poinsette Clark was an African American educator and civil rights activist. Clark developed the literacy and citizenship workshops that played an important role in the drive for voting rights and civil rights for African Americans in the Civil Rights Movement. She worked with Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to win rights for African Americans. Septima Clark continued to serve as an advocate and a leader until her death in 1987. She was called the "Mother of the Movement. "
|
Althea Neale Gibson (August 25, 1927 - September 28, 2003).
Althea Neale Gibson
was an American tennis player and professional golfer, and one of the first Black athletes to cross the color line of international tennis. In 1956, she became the first African American to win a Grand Slam event (the French Open).
Gibson won 11 Grand Slam titles, including five singles titles, five doubles titles, and one mixed doubles title. She was named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year in 1957 and 1958. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1971 and the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame in 1980.
|
Valerie Thomas (February 8, 1943 - present).
Valerie Thomas was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a black woman that was a NASA Physicist who invented 3D movies. The American scientist and inventor who, while working at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), invented a way to transmit three-dimensional images, or holograms, that appear to be real. In addition, she helped to develop processing software to convert scientific data captured by satellites into information that scientists could use. During Thomas’s three-decade career at NASA, she connected scientists with the data they need to understand our planet.
|
JOHN TORSKY 2/12
BETSY FOSTER 2/20
MICHAEL GARTON (D26) 2/20
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.
NUTS
Studies have shown that eating nuts improves heart health, and a healthy heart leads to a healthy brain. Nuts may improve cognitive performance and even help prevent degenerative brain diseases. Nutrients in nuts like healthy fats, antioxidants and vitamin E have brain health benefits. Vitamin E protects cell membranes and helps to slow mental decline.
ORANGES
Vitamin C in oranges is a key factor in preventing mental decline. Eating adequate amounts of foods rich in vitamin C may protect against age-related mental decline and Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals that can damage brain cells. Vitamin C also supports brain health as you age. In addition, you can also get vitamin C from strawberries, kiwi, guava, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
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. They boost brain health and aid in memory. It would behoove those concerned about the forgetfulness that sometimes comes with middle age to include these foods in their diet as often as possible.
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.
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.
|
