Tag: health

Cowboys, the homeless, and 6000 neuroscientists.

The human world is complex. I suppose that’s due in large part to the contradictory impulses and plasticity of the human mind.

A big city like San Diego is filled with this often disconcerting complexity.

My walk around downtown today was a little more interesting than usual. Cowboys, symbols of rugged individualism and freedom, had gathered in the Gaslamp Quarter for the annual Fall Back Festival, an event that celebrates the Old West and early history of San Diego. Meanwhile, 6000 neuroscientists attending the big Society for Neuroscience conference at the convention center were sharing sidewalks with San Diego’s large homeless population.

Seeing that particular combination all together–cowboys, neuroscientists and homeless people–fired up a few billion neurons in my own mysterious brain. And stirred emotions.

So many human values, often in conflict.

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Every so often a small work of fiction bubbles out of my brain.

If you enjoy reading, you might click Short Stories by Richard.

Rowing For the Cure on beautiful Mission Bay.

Early this morning I headed to Ski Beach Park, on Vacation Isle at the center of Mission Bay. I wanted to take photographs of a dramatic post-storm sunrise, and people out on the silver water rowing to cure breast cancer.

If you want to learn more about Susan G. Komen’s annual Row For the Cure event, and perhaps watch or participate next year, check out their website here.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Row and paddle on Mission Bay for the Cure!

Today I learned about a very cool event!

On Saturday, October 13 people from all walks of life will be rowing and paddling to cure breast cancer! Rowers, canoers, outrigger canoers, dragon boats, kayakers and stand up paddle boarders are all invited!

The 18th Annual Row For The Cure will take place on Mission Bay and benefits Susan G. Komen San Diego. Funds raised will go toward helping those affected by breast cancer, providing education and screenings, and ultimately finding a cure.

This aquatic event on gentle Mission Bay will feature both a beginner’s course and a competitive course. If you don’t own a paddleboard, you’ll be able to rent one on-site.

To learn more or sign up, visit the event webpage here!

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How homeless people can get help in San Diego.

Are you homeless?

During a period of my life, many years ago, I was also homeless.

When I was young I suffered from terrible depression. For reasons I’ll keep to myself, my life was incredibly painful. I threw everything away. I just about gave up.

Fortunately, there was a part inside me that never surrendered to the darkness. As I grew older, I found positive ways to overcome my depression.

I know there are many who are homeless and hurting in San Diego. If you happen to be homeless, for whatever reason, and you’d like a helping hand, I’ve learned about a great way to get help.

There’s a phone number that you can call confidentially to get lots of information. That phone number is 211.

Call 211 any time of the day or night and a friendly person will answer who can help you in different ways. The people at 211 are hooked up with over 6,000 community resources, and can assist callers in over 200 languages.

They know all about the shelters around San Diego and what you can do to get off the street. They know where to get medical help, help for emergencies, places to get food, legal help, help to overcome addiction, help for runaways, help for those who’ve been victims of violence, help for veterans who are experiencing a rough time . . . help for all sorts of difficulties that many people face in life. Call 211 and someone will assist you. It’s completely confidential.

If you don’t want to talk to anyone, you can also visit the 211 website by clicking here. Check it out and give the possibilities some thought.

I can say from personal experience that you should never give up hope. Even if your life seems completely hopeless, a path is always there to a brighter, better future. Always.

Smiles and good vibes at Festival of Yoga!

Hundreds turn out for the Festival of Yoga in Waterfront Park by the County Administration Building.
Hundreds turn out for the Festival of Yoga in Waterfront Park by the County Administration Building.

I saw on the television news this morning that Pilgrimage of the Heart was hosting a free Festival of Yoga at Waterfront Park.

I happen to know a few of the people who work at Pilgrimage of the Heart. They are all super friendly, always smiling. Sending out good vibes.

Naturally, I had to begin my walk along the Embarcadero today at Waterfront Park, to see the big yoga festival.

Today is the United Nations International Day of Yoga. Look at all the people!

Pilgrimage of the Heart is the place to go if you want to learn or practice yoga in San Diego!
Pilgrimage of the Heart is the place to go if you want to learn or practice yoga in San Diego!
Lots of booths were around the central grassy area. Colorful yoga mats were everywhere.
Lots of booths were around the central grassy area. Colorful yoga mats were everywhere.
An energetic instructor poses on a platform, helping to lead the many yogis.
An energetic instructor poses on a platform, helping to lead the many yogis.
Sujantra is always smiling and super positive.
Sujantra is always smiling and super positive.
I prefer walking to yoga, but it sure looks like fun!
I prefer walking to stuff like yoga, but I confess it does look like fun!
Speaking of fun, I took this photo of the Festival of Yoga from the deck of the historic ship Star of India!
Speaking of fun, I took this photo of the Festival of Yoga from the deck of the historic ship Star of India!
Arms stretching skyward. Spirits in flight.
Arms stretching skyward. Spirits in flight.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Help sick kids and their families in San Diego!

Donate today to help sick kids and their families in San Diego!
Donate online today to help seriously ill kids and their families!

Would you like to do something positive today? Would you like to help others who find themselves in an unspeakably difficult situation?

Please consider making an online donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities San Diego. Their mission is to help families that have a child receiving critical treatment at a San Diego hospital.

These kids have a very serious, often life-threatening disease or condition. And parents need to be at the bedside of sick children. Ronald McDonald House provides a place nearby where these families can stay.

Today was Ronald McDonald House Charities San Diego’s 9th annual Red Shoe Day. I took these photos during my morning walk to work!

If you weren’t able to slip a few dollars into a red shoe, and you find it in your heart to help, please visit the online donation page here.

Thank you!

If you support Ronald McDonald House, you'll smile just like these generous people!
If you support Ronald McDonald House, you’ll smile just like these generous people!
Your gift will sponsor a meal, provide supplies for a student, or help a family stay near a hospital where their child is receiving critical treatment.
Your gift will sponsor a meal, provide supplies for a student, or help a family stay near a hospital where their child is receiving medical treatment.
More happy people on the streets of San Diego! Have I convinced you yet?
More good people on the streets of San Diego!
Even if 2018 Red Shoe Day is over, you can still donate online today!
Even if 2018 Red Shoe Day is over, you can still donate online today!

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Superheroes walk and race for autism!

This morning thousands of generous, compassionate people are walking and running to support local autism programs! The Race For Autism is taking place in Balboa Park as I post this blog!

I wanted to get a taste of the event so I walked up Sixth Avenue from Cortez Hill. I saw so many smiling superheroes I knew at once that those who experience autism are in powerful caring hands.

You can support the National Foundation for Autism Research’s work, particular people, or Race For Autism teams by checking out the donation page here!

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Are you a blogger? Do you want to help make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

Help raise awareness for World Rare Disease Day.

World Rare Disease Day is February 28, 2018. Show you care by spreading the word.
World Rare Disease Day is February 28, 2018. Show you care by spreading the word.

I learned something important today. This coming Wednesday–February 28, 2018–is World Rare Disease Day.

I wouldn’t have known this had I not walked through Mission Beach’s Belmont Park and met some smiling volunteers. They are working to raise awareness about rare diseases. They had a table set up near the carousel and told me a little about this often overlooked problem.

Rare diseases are usually caused by faulty genes, and about half of the people affected by rare diseases are children. Almost a third of these children will not live to see their fifth birthday.

Sadly, about half of all rare diseases do not have a specific foundation supporting or researching the condition. As you can see, it’s critical for many kids that we spread the word and provide support for those who are sick, and fund research in the search for effective treatments.

Two websites where you can learn more and perhaps help are here and here.

Please click my photo of the information chart, and it will enlarge so you can read it. Feel free to share any of these images.

These cool volunteers at Mission Beach's Belmont Park were informing the public about rare diseases.
These cool volunteers at Mission Beach’s Belmont Park were informing the public about rare diseases.
Rare diseases are often caused by faulty genes. They impact more people than cancer and AIDS combined. Only 5 percent have an FDA approved drug treatment.
Rare diseases are often caused by faulty genes. They impact more people than cancer and AIDS combined. Only 5 percent have an FDA approved drug treatment.
Help fight rare diseases by learning more and spreading the word.
Help fight rare diseases by learning more and spreading the word.

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Are you a blogger? Do you want to help make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

Support Veterans Village with a brick or paver.

Order a Veterans Village courtyard brick or paver and help Veterans who have been homeless, or at the risk of homelessness. Provide hope, love, compassion and understanding.
Order a Veterans Village courtyard brick or paver and help Veterans who are homeless, or at the risk of homelessness. Your donation provides real hope. The words you choose radiate compassion and understanding.

Veterans Village of San Diego provides a helping hand to those Veterans in our city who are homeless or at the risk of homelessness. This critically important organization provide housing, rehabilitation, education, job training and a safe place to regain hope and a sense of belonging.

Veterans Village also organizes the annual Stand Down, where homeless Veterans can receive a smile, a handshake, breakfast, clothing, showers, a hair cut, makeovers, plus free medical, dental and vision services. At Stand Down homeless Vets can also access court services, VA benefit and job counseling, and much more.

You can support the mission of Veterans Village by putting a special message on a brick or paver in their beautiful courtyard location. Messages of support, compassion and love will be read by many who might need a little inspiration. Your generosity makes the world better.

To learn more about Veterans Village, or if you have a question about purchasing a brick or paver, click here!

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Are you a blogger? Do you want to help make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

La Mesa dancers walk to fight breast cancer!

I spotted these friendly people heading along the sidewalk during my walk in La Mesa.
I spotted these friendly people heading down the sidewalk during my walk in La Mesa.

I was walking through La Mesa today, taking random photos of street art, when I happened upon some super cool people!

Ladies from the Flavor Company, a cultural fusion dance troupe headquartered in La Mesa, were greeting strangers all up and down the sidewalk. With big smiles they were promoting a walk coming up for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of San Diego! The 4-mile walk will be taking place Sunday, October 14 in Balboa Park!

Talk about setting a great example for us all!

Click the above links to learn more!

Smiles from some of the ladies of the Flavor Company, a cool dance troupe headquartered in La Mesa.
Smiles from some of the ladies of the Flavor Company, a cool dance troupe in La Mesa.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Are you a blogger? Do you want to help make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.