One thing I did not expect to find in New Mexico is the abundance of wildflowers everywhere.

My favorites are the little purple flowers with yellow centers.

I am just amazed at the variety and abundance of all this beauty. Even in vacant lots in town!

I met a fellow the other day who was having trouble moving his wheelchair down the sidewalk, as the sidewalk wasn't flat. I helped him to the bus stop, and we started talking.

He lost his leg after an accident last year, and he's been living off of disability ever since - $560 a month. Which isn't enough for him to have a home - he's on the streets.

He told me that he's getting a prosthetic leg next month, and his former employer has made some alterations to his workplace and he'll be able to go back to work then. (He needs the leg first - he has a job that requires moving about freely.)

I was so happy to hear this. It was a good example of what is meant by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, that everyone has a right to work.

International Foundation for Human Rights and Religious Tolerance has been doing a great deal to promote the declaration.

Also, Youth for Human Rights International is playing a very important role in teaching children about the Declaration of Human Rights.

The Church of Scientology Human Rights Office has information about violations of the right to practice religious around the world. One of their programs is the Foundation for Religious Freedom.

One of the activities the The Church of Scientology has been most actively engaged in, is working to eradicate the persecution of religious minorities in Germany. You can read about this at the site for the Church of Scientology Human Rights Office - Germany.

With current events in Iraq, I feel that the entire world is looking more closely at the subject of human rights - a much needed thing, in my opinion.

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Some interesting links today:

Poor Communication - Improving Communication

Building Confidence
Great family and parenting websites

I recently learned about Brian Avery, a young man from Albuquerque, who was part of a group of young people who went to Palestine to witness what has been happening there, particularly regarding the demolition of houses.

He was shot by an Israeli soldier, in the face.

You can read his story here - Brian Avery

You can find peace-related activities at the Albuquerque Center for Peace & Justice.

Another great group for peace activities - APUME.

I recently learned about Brian Avery, a young man from Albuquerque, who was part of a group of young people who went to Palestine to witness what has been happening there, particularly regarding the demolition of houses.

He was shot by an Israeli soldier, in the face.

You can read his story here - Brian Avery

You can find peace-related activities at the Albuquerque Center for Peace & Justice.

Another great group for peace activities - APUME.

Lots of great articles can be found at Freedom Magazine - Investigative Reporting in the Public Interest.

Also, The Onion provides a humorous look at "the news."

The Truth - for a change can be read at Current Scene.

I heard some really funny voiceovers by a fellow named Ari Ross.

Some of them are industrials, but the funny ones are just hilarious!

I received an email from a lady the other day. She's having trouble getting her husband off of drugs.

It was a really hard email to read. I wanted to cry for that family.

There are solutions available, and if a person has medical insurance, getting good drug treatment is much easier.

Here is a Resource about drugs

Truth about Drugs

Mental Health treatment without Drugs

Narconon

Find a church in New Mexico:

List of a variety of religious services in New Mexico

Church of Scientology (LookSmart)

Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers in New Mexico

Find out about Scientology group for anywhere you might be in the world.

About Religious Freedom

Happy Mother's Day!

Here's a cute article on the funny things moms say...

Albuquerque Tribune

I just met a couple of fellows who were in town for the Gathering of Nations.

You can get screensavers and wallpaper from your computer from the website, as well as listen to Native American music.

More screensavers

Here are a couple fun websites I spotted:

Cranberries
This site has a lot of really interesting information about cranberries. Any question I have ever had on the subject of cranberries has now been answered! Great pictures showing a cranberry harvest, too.


Celebrity Voices
Fun audio clips of cartoon & other voiceovers.

Hidden Mickeys
Curious hidden Mickeys spotted around Disneyland