A Troubled Time

Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. — Leaders marching from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, August 28, 1963.

From 1955 to 1965 there was a war right in the middle of America.  No, it wasn’t a war like World War II or the Revolutionary War.  It was a war for the heart and soul of this country to determine once and for all if America was really going to be a land of equal opportunity for all.   It is a war that eventually took on the name of “The Civil Rights Movement.”

We must make no mistake, this was not just a shouting match.  Some of the events that we even remember today became quite brutal and deadly.  Those who fought in this war on both sides were deadly serious about the causes they represented and willing to fight and even die to see their cause succeed.  The war waged for years and steady progress was made but not without tremendous sacrifice by the leaders of the movement who were committed to a giving a new meaning to the phrase “set my people free.”

In all of black history, there may be no more significant a time since the Civil War when the rights of African Americans were so deeply fought and won.  The tensions in the country had been building.  When the Supreme Court mandated desegregation in the schools in the historic case Brown versus the Board of Education, the stage was set.  But it was on December 1, 1955, when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama to a white man that the movement finally took shape and became a titanic struggle for the rights of African Americans in America.  That first battle brought to the front line one of the most important figures to fight for Civil Rights of that era, the Reverend Martin Luther King.

This tremendous struggle for freedom was never easy and was often marked with violence.  Over the next ten years, some of the most important milestones in black history took place including…

* 1957 – President Eisenhower had to send federal troops to Arkansas to secure admission to Central High School by nine black students.

* 1960 – The sit-in at Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro North Carolina set the stage for a nonviolent protest that was used with great success for the rest of the struggle.  Nonviolent protest and civil disobedience became a staple of the civil rights movement because of the influence of Martin Luther King.

* 1963 – The historic March on Washington in which over 200,000 people gathered to hear Dr. Kings famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

* 1964 – President Lyndon Johnson signed the bill that was the most significant event of his presidency and one he believed deeply in, the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

* 1965 – The assignation of Malcolm X and the Watts race rights.

* 1965 – President Johnson takes another bold step to accelerate the civil rights movement implementing Affirmative Action when he issues Executive Order 11246.

This short list is just a few of the highlights of this troubled time in which the rights of all citizens of American, black and white and of all colors were being redefined both on the streets, in the courts and in the different branches of government.  In the years to come there would be great steps forward.  One by one, every area of American life would see breakthroughs by African Americans in the areas of sports, entertainment, education, and politics.  There were many proud moments and there were moments of tremendous shame and heinous acts committed by both white and black people.  But through all that struggle, the society continued to grow and adapt to the will of the people as has always been the tradition in American culture.

The struggle is far from over.  Discrimination and hate speech continues to be a problem to this day.  And while it is easy to reflect on those days of struggle with regret, we can also look at them with pride.  We can be proud of the great leaders who demonstrated tremendous courage and wisdom to lead this nation to a better way of life.  And we can be proud of America because it is here where such a struggle can result in equality and freedom for all citizens, not just a few.

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Popular Wood Working

Star - Photo: Pixabay

If you are a homeowner who wants to buy furniture but are unable to decide on the type of furniture or you have undertaken a home improvement project then this article will solve your problem. This article will give you a brief description of the popular woodworking products.

The best way to decorate your home is by buying popular woodworking products. A popular woodworking product, for example, is cabinets. If the cabinet is spacious and intricately designed then it is likely to sell fast. Elegant cabinets completely change the appearance of your room.

In fact, it will give a royal touch to your room. It is the best way to impress your guests. Wooden cabinets from teak wood are especially popular as they are hard, durable and give long lasting satisfaction to its customers.

Cabinets made from teakwood are water resistant. The other reason why they are popular is that there are affordable. They are simply exquisite in any color. A cabinet is a quintessential piece of your house. Cabinets have a flat surface that is essentially used for serving food.

The dining room set is a popular woodworking product. Your home furniture is incomplete without a dining room set. A dining room set normally consists of a big table and 4 chairs. So if you really want to enjoy your lunch then you must have a dining table. Not only are they available in a variety of different sizes and shapes to suit everyone's home. They are also very durable and will last for years.

Wooden Carved Swing: A variety of wooden carved swings are available in the market. These swings are attractive as they have exquisite designs. These swings are made from high-quality wood and are intricately designed by skilled artisans. These artisans have given fine finishing to these swings.

Wooden Sideboard: Most wooden sideboards exhibit artistic brilliance. Beautiful designs are carved on them. The superior finish will surely lure you to buy this piece. Superior quality wood is used in making these products.

Wooden Statues: These wooden statues are known for their beautiful carvings and designs on it. These wooden statues represent a perfect reflection of mastery and creativity in wooden work. Wooden statues include figures of Goddesses and God. High-quality colors are used to paint these statues which give them an elegant look.

Curtain Rods: A wide collection of curtain rods having unique designs are available today. Materials that are used making curtain rods are of superior quality. These doors are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to match your doors and windows.

Antique Doors: These doors come in exquisite designs that reflect artistic brilliance. As they are intricately carved these doors are in great demand in international market. These doors come in various designs and shapes. The attractive look of antique doors will compel you to buy these doors.

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How to Buy a HORSE TRAILER

A horse trailer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Whether you own one horse or several, a horse trailer will provide a convenient way to travel with your horses to shows, rodeos, camping sites, horse trails, or wherever you need to take your horses. Horse trailers are also useful in case of an emergency if you have to evacuate your horses or get them to a veterinarian in a hurry. But buying a horse trailer can be a little confusing because there are so many different types and styles available. Here are some things to look for when shopping for a horse trailer.

Stall Details

Probably the most important features that will determine how well your horse travels are the features of the stalls. How many stalls are included? What size are the stalls (length, height, and width)? If your horse's ears are touching the ceiling of the trailer, it is probably too short. Also, be sure the horse will have room to turn around for exiting. Some horses can be very difficult when it comes to backing them out of a trailer stall. 

Be sure there's plenty of ventilation for each stall. Horse trailers usually have from two to nine stalls. It's a good idea to get a horse trailer with one extra stall than what you actually need. This will provide more room for your horses and also allows you to add another horse in the future.

Trailer Entrance: Step Up or Ramp

Horses are like people in some ways... they seem to have their own preferences when it comes to horse trailers. They especially have their own preferences when it comes to stepping up into a trailer and/or walking up a ramp into the trailer. This makes choosing a horse trailer difficult because you might not be sure which method of loading your horse would feel more comfortable with. Before you start shopping, find a couple of friends with horse trailers of different styles and ask if you can do a test load with your horse. You might be able to find out ahead of time what type of trailer will work best for your horse.

Slant Load or Straight Load

Another thing to consider is if you will buy a slant load or straight load horse trailer. The slant load trailer has stalls that are slanted diagonally from right to left. The horses stand in a slanted position while riding. These are usually economical for carrying more than two horses. A straight load trailer enables you to load the horses straight into the trailer from the rear and the horses face forward while riding. With both styles, choose a horse trailer that is the correct size, has proper ventilation, and provides the features you need.

Bumper Pull or Gooseneck

Consider whether you want a bumper pull or gooseneck trailer. The bumper pull trailer attaches to a hitch near the rear bumper of your towing vehicle. The gooseneck extends over the bed of the hauling truck and attaches in the truck bed. The main difference is the gooseneck can provide extra room for dressing room or living quarters.

There are other features to consider as well. The trailer might be made of steel or aluminum, or a blend of the two. It might have a tack room in the front of the stall area where you can store saddles, bridles, buckets, feed, and trunks. Some horse trailers come with dressing rooms fancied with a mirror, table, and an area to hang clothes. Some have roomy living quarters featuring a bedroom or two, dining room table, kitchenette, and bathroom. Living quarters are great for frequent campers!

Towing Vehicle

Before buying a horse trailer, consider what type of trailer you will be able to haul with your current truck or vehicle. Some vehicles haul better than others, and some can handle heavier trailers than others. 

Consider all these features when shopping for a trailer, and go online to compare horse trailers and brand names such as Sundowner horse trailers. You can search for trailers by brand name or by location and state. For example, if you live in Tennessee, you might search for "horse trailers in Tennessee" or "Sundowner of Tennessee." You can also find used horse trailers for sale if you're on a tight budget.

Use these tips to find a horse trailer that you and your horses will enjoy for years to come.

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The Process Of Building A Radio Controlled Plane

RC controlled plane - Photo: Pixabay

People can spend hundreds and hundreds of hours on building a radio-controlled plane. It is a hobby that is very pervasive throughout the world, and no matter where you can go you can find at least a few die-hard enthusiasts who will continue to devote their time to creating the best radio controlled plane possible. Some people get started on the project on a whim, without putting proper thought into the amount of effort that it will take to get finished. If you are thinking about making a radio-controlled plane, you should know exactly what will be required of you. You may decide that it is too much work for too little payoff – or you may be passionate enough to stick with it and give it a try.

The first, and the longest, part of the process is to build the model. By itself, the model is no more than a bunch of wood, glue, and maybe a bit of metal in the shape of a plane. How much effort you spend on this will be dependent on what your goal is. Do you just want something that will get off the ground? If that’s the case, the style won’t matter too much to you. You can build a very basic box that will be able to lift off. However, most of the time hobbyists will create lifelike representations of existing airplanes. This involves creating an airframe out of a light material such as balsa wood, then covering up the sides with some kind of plastic. The dimensions are usually scaled representations of whatever plane the model is based on.

After the basic model is built, the builder will begin to bring the whole project together by installing the motor and radio components. They should always be easily removable, in case they need to be replaced. Get everything fit in to make sure you created the model correctly. Usually, you will buy all of the motors and radio transmitters in one set, and by following some quick instructions you can get it all pieced together. After you have installed it once to make sure, you should take it all out and finish the details of the model. Add decals, paint it, and do anything else that you have in mind. Once that is done with, put the motor equipment back in one last time.

Unless you have followed directions word for word down to every last detail, your plane probably won’t be ready to fly right away. At this point, you can take it out to a field or a park and attempt a takeoff, but you shouldn’t hold your breath. You might have been lucky enough to get it right the first time, but you will probably need to make some tweaks. This is by far the most frustrating part of making a radio-controlled plane. You will have to determine whether it is a problem with aerodynamics, or whether your radio equipment simply isn’t working. If you are stuck on this step, it’s a good idea to consult a radio controlled hobby expert to see if you can get a diagnosis.

The process definitely takes a lot of time and a lot of effort, but it is worth it in the end. When you can make a flawless takeoff and maneuver the plane through the air, you will be proud of the work that you have done. While you are toiling over building the model, getting everything to work right, and getting it to take off, just imagine that first moment when you are able to take off. Go out to the park one day, and see if you can catch another model plane enthusiast out flying his or her plane. Take a turn, and get a taste of what is coming in the future. If you keep reminding yourself of that, you will be able to remain inspired

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Stretching Your Calf Muscles for Soccer Training

Soccer Training - Photo: Pixabay

The best method to prevent injuries to the legs when participating in soccer training is to ensure that you appropriately stretch and work out the muscles before the session. The most important muscles to work out during this stretching session are the calf muscles. It is easy to stretch this particular set of muscles and get warmed up. Basically, you will need just about a half hour and a good sturdy wall. 

You should engage in stretching your calf muscles for soccer training approximately a half hour before the start of the practice session. For the average adult, you should stand to face a sturdy wall. The wall should be able to hold your weight for an extended amount of time. You should stand anywhere from two to three feet away from the wall. Once you determine that you are in the proper position, you should take your left foot and place it approximately one step in front of you. 

The next thing that you will want to do in order to stretch your calf muscles for soccer training is to place your hands flat on the sturdy wall that you are facing. All parts of your body, such as the hips and the shoulders should be angled in such a way that they, too, are facing the wall. However, it is important to ensure that the elbows are slightly bent for comfort. This also helps to maximize the benefits associated with this particular calf muscle stretching exercise for soccer training. 

At this point, you should begin to bend the knee of your left leg slightly. It is essential that you keep your left foot flat on the ground. You will want to allow your body to lean forward with the movement of your left leg. However, the heels should remain firmly on the ground at all times. You should start to feel pressure in your right leg in the area of the calf muscle. You should start out with a slow amount of pressure and gradually work out until there is a stronger amount of pressure in this area. You should then hold the position. The times for this vary, but it is a good idea to hold the position for at least twenty-second or more. 

Once you have held the position for the amount of time that you wish to designate, you should then go back up into the starting position. Now, you should stretch the calf muscle in the left leg. You will accomplish this by placing your right foot forward and proceeding with the same steps as you just did to stretch the calf muscles in the right leg. It is important that you hold the position for the same amount of time that you did previously. This will allow both sets of calf muscles to receive the same workout for soccer training preparation. 

When performing this exercise, you may opt to have a partner. This is beneficial in numerous ways. First, a partner can time the amount of time that you hold the position. They can also inform you if your form is off in any way. Additionally, when you are stretching for soccer training, it is important to ensure that someone is with you in case of an accidental injury. 

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Imperfect Presidents

George Washington Caricature - Photo: Flickr

More important than proving perfection on your parties side, is a willingness to seek out the mistakes and correct them; to improve; to monitor your integrity. In the face of the opposition bashing away and looking for any sign of weakness, it is tempting to deny any fault at all, but it is still weak to ignore potential improvement. For a leader to inspire confidence, he must maintain a balance between claimed efficacy and a willingness to examine and adapt when changes will make a real impact; Not because the opposition is demanding apologies for not adhering to their views, when their only cause is your destruction, and only when reason makes a strong case. 

There are those so hungry for a disaster to blame on a president, nothing will prevent their finding fault with the opposition while their party's errors are given a pass.

I've been reading 1776 by David McCullough. George Washington was a confident optimistic leader in public while in his personal conversations and correspondence he admitted great concern for the Patriot Army's success. He made several bad decisions in the defense of New York City; splitting his army against a superior force; picking the wrong leader for a post and then switching midstream. The changes which confused soldiers prior to battle. Washington also overlooked a lesser used Long Island road which allowed the British to flank and surrounds his troops. 

Fortunately for Washington, he didn't have a post-battle press conference with reporters loyal to the enemy demanding he admits he was a failure. No, he had done his honest best and he and his troops learned and grew better eventually defeating Britain, which was considered the period's military superpower. Though he made mistakes, he was still the best man available for the job. Though he did modestly tell congress he felt inadequate to the job, he put all into its success. The enemy made many errors as well, but if Washington had been dismissed for his lack of perfection, our history would be much different. Congress knew of his error's but saw past them to his leadership and intelligence, rather than using every opportunity to improve their political positions.

Politicians today tend to look for anything that can tarnish the opponent, with no regard first for the facts, and no regard for damage to the country. The media plays along amplifying the agenda, to the detriment of the business at hand. More and more of us see through the shrill deceits of the knee-jerk politicians. We see who is working for our safety and who is busy spouting whatever sounds good to their political circles. If they only knew how nutty, how empty their words are, how devoid of purpose and integrity they appear to the discerning public.

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Understanding Mexican Laws While Vacationing in MEXICO

Coat of arms of Mexico
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Each year, millions of individuals travel to Mexico.  Many travels to Mexico for a vacation or a business trip. Whatever your reason for traveling to Mexico, there are a number of important things that you must consider.  Perhaps, the most important is the laws in Mexico.

Whether you are driving to Mexico or flying there, you will need to have the proper forms of identification.  Picture identification and proof of citizenship will be required.  To prove citizenship, a birth certificate or passport can be used.  Without the appropriate documents, you may be denied entry. 

Before leaving for Mexico, it is advised that you make multiple copies of your identification documents.  You are encouraged to leave a copy at home and carry another copy with you, in addition to the original documents.  If you should have a problem with the Mexican authorities, these documents will come in handy.  

Out of all of the people that to travel to Mexico, most will not encounter a problem with authorities.  To prevent a problem from occurring, you are encouraged to know and understand some of the laws that are currently in place in Mexico.  Knowing and abiding by these laws will not only keep you safe, but it will make your vacation enjoyable.  

As with any country, Mexico has a large number of laws that are currently enforced. While it may be impossible for you to examine each and every one of these laws, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the most important ones.  For instance, many individuals believe that checking in at the border is all they have to when they arrive in Mexico.

If you are like most of the other individuals who visit Mexico, you are there on a vacation.  Arriving in Mexico by car is different than arriving there on an airplane. If you plan on driving yourself around Mexico, you will need to register your vehicle.  This can be done by obtaining a vehicle import permit.  Car owners that do not have the proper approval can be fined or lose their vehicle.  

If you are traveling to Mexico for a business trip, you will be required to fill out a business form.  In Mexico, you are not allowed to conduct business in the area, without first making your intentions known.  Business travelers are required to fill out a conduct of business form.  If you are self-employed or work for a small company, you will often be responsible for this paperwork.  If you work for a larger, international company, the paperwork may already be taken care of.

Once in Mexico, you are encouraged to use alcohol with caution.  Mexican authorities often arrest individuals that illegal purchase alcohol, cause a public disruption, or drink in areas where alcohol is not permitted.  In the United States, illegal drinking activities are taken seriously, but it is nothing compared to Mexico.  All punishments will vary, but you easily spend a number of months or years in jail.  That is why all tourists are encouraged to use their best judgment when alcohol is involved.

While in Mexico, it is likely that you will take risks. For that is what Mexico is all about. There is a difference between taking risks and breaking the laws. It is always important to keep in mind that the laws in Mexico vary from the laws in the United States and other countries.  In addition the laws, the way they are enforced and the punishment for breaking them vary.  

If you are vacationing in Mexico and you find yourself in a predicament with the Mexican authorities, you are urged to contact your nearest embassy.  If you are from the United States, you will need to be in contact with the United States Embassy. By contacting your nearest embassy office, you can seek assistance on what to do next.  

As previously mentioned, the best way to stay out of trouble in Mexico is not to cause it. When partying or participating in other activities, be sure you know what you are doing. When in doubt, it is best to avoid any activities that may land you jail.  If you are interested in learning more about Mexican laws, you can easily do the research online.

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