Kenneth Davis

     Mischelle Alexander-Best is running for Judge in GENERAL SESSIONS CRIMINAL COURT DIV.12 and I need your help to get her there. Any donation you could make on her behalf would be greatly appreciated, I'm including the mailing address if you prefer checks and a donation link if prefer online. I THANK YOU for any donation you can make to help in this campaign.

Here's the info:

Committee to Elect Mischelle Alexander-Best
P.O. Box 221136
Memphis Tennessee 38122

https://secure.anedot.com/7369d42f-f150-42aa-b321-c9db779d72d9/donate
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Thanks Again

Received from our classmate and friend Gerald Best.

Please assist accordingly. 

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns

     I speak to those who have been overwhelmed and feeling lost. You need to reset and realign. Intentionally find your place in the realm of the spirit in relationship with Me, says the Lord. This is the only place where you belong and can feel whole again. It is your comfort zone. Come and take your rightful place in My kingdom. Luke 17:20-21 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say: See here! or See there! For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

     Yes, Mother. I can see you are flawed. You have not hidden it. That is your greatest gift to me. Clearly older women and especially older women who have led an active life or elder women who successfully maneuver through their own family life have so much to teach us about sharing, patience, and wisdom. I know from having had a child, and from having been a child myself, that children will copy you. And so our mothers and grandmothers have, more often than not anonymously, handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see - or like a sealed letter they could not plainly read.

~Alice Walker~

This selected song is dedicated to the Mothers of our class and the grandson of Margie McRae Reed, who shares it with her and she shared his love of the song with me. An appropriate song for "Mother's Day"....

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

They say that God is everywhere, and yet we always think of Him as somewhat of a recluse. God is not so wary as we, else He would give us no friends, lest we forget Him! The charms of the heaven in the bush are superseded, I fear, by the heaven in the hand, occasionally.

~Emily Dickinson~

 RELAXING MUSIC MONDAY 

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

     We need to move into a culture of peace. What I hope to promote is the idea that we all need each other and that the greatest happiness in life is not how much we have but how much we give. That's a wealth that's priceless. You can't buy compassion. 
~Herbie Hancock~

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

     Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing. Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and remove yourself from the unacceptable. The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply. A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside. 

~Denis Waitley~

3 Supplements To Take For Shiny Hair And Stronger Nails,

According To Dermatologists - Faith Geiger 

     If you want the healthiest, shiniest hair and the strongest nails around, we’ve got good news: hair and nail health are linked, which means you can kill two birds with one stone by providing your body with the proper nutrients for both. While certain products may make your hair look shinier or your nails appear healthier, the best way to ensure the health of these beauty cornerstones is through a well-balanced, nutritious diet. However, if your personal diet is lacking in certain nutrients, supplementation is always another option. To learn more about the most important nutrients for hair and nails, we spoke to Dr. Nava Greenfield, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.  "Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and enough calories is absolutely essential for maintaining proper nail and hair health," Dr. Greenfield says. She explains that since hair and nail growth are not essential functions for our survival, our body will prioritize the functions that are essential, like heart, lung, and brain functions. That’s why ample nutrition and vitamin intake is a must for healthy hair and nails. While Dr. Greenfield notes that the best way to promote strong hair and nails is always to get your nutrients straight from natural sources like food (this allows your body to absorb them more efficiently), she did tell us about three essential nutrients that you can find in supplements if needed: Biotin, zinc, and iron.

Biotin
     The first nutrient to keep in mind when seeking beauty supplements is biotin. Biotin can be a major life-saver when it comes to the health of your hair and nails because it helps to boost your body's collagen production. "Biotin also helps curb hair fall and stimulates keratin products in hair," Elizabeth Mullans, M.D. from Uptown Dermatology explains. Mullans says this antioxidant can even speed up the rate of follicle growth. Sounds great! You can get biotin in your diet naturally through legumes, eggs, nuts, seeds, and more. But if you find you need a little extra, a Biotin supplement is another great way to go.

Zinc
     Zinc supplements can also be extremely beneficial to the health of your hair and nails. Dr. Domnic Burgs, a chief scientist, hair biologist, microbiologist, and trichologist for evolis Professional echoes Dr. Greenfield's emphasis on this nutrient: "Zinc is a key mineral critical for hair growth," Dr. Burgs says. If you want to promote beauty from the inside out by adding healthy amounts of zinc to your diet, there are several natural sources. Meats like beef and pork, legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and beans, whole wheat, and oats are all great places to start. Of course, zinc supplements are always another option to ensure your zinc intake is sufficient for shiny hair and strong nails.
Iron
     Iron is another vital building block for the all-around health of your body, especially when it comes to growing strong, healthy hair and nails. This mineral is one great option for those who struggle with dull or thinning hair. Typically found in red meat, seafood, leafy greens, and whole grains, iron helps to boost circulation within your body and repair cells that promote healthy hair growth. Some people are naturally low on iron. If you are one of the many who experience iron deficiency amenia, that doesn’t mean you can’t reap the benefits of gorgeous hair and strong nails. "If you are low in iron, an iron supplement can be effective in promoting hair growth," Dr. Greenfield assures. Finally, Dr. Greenfield offers one more word of advice to those who aren't quite getting all the nutrients they need to promote strong hair and nails: a simple multivitamin: "If you do not eat a variety of healthy foods, a multivitamin may be beneficial," she says. This go-to option is easy enough to take once a day and promotes all-around health.

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

     I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted, or take them with gratitude. The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people. If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God.

~Gilbert K. Chesterton~

     A few members of the Class of 1970 will be meeting Friday May 13, 2022 @ 12 o'clock noon, 715 S. Lauderdale Street, to present a mock check to the Senior Advisor of the Class of 2022. All are welcome to attend.....The address shall be corrected prior...

IT'S THROW BACK THURSDAY

Kenneth Davis

Remember when nearly sixteen
On your very first date as a teen
At the movies? If yes,
Then I bet you can’t guess
What was shown on the cinema screen.

     Today is National Limerick Day, but most historically, it's the birth anniversary of Felippa Fields and Edward Johnson. Congratulations to you both for achieving this milestone, with the blessings of grace and favor received over the years. This being Military Appreciation Month, we'd like to also let you know that we're grateful you both returned home safely, while serving this country. Back in the day when the Ritz Theater was located on Mississippi Blvd, many of us traded Pet Milk can labels for admission. Oh, y'all don't remember doing that?? Maybe it wasn't your first date as a teen, but at our age these days, we probably don't remember what was shown. Maybe we should ask Felippa and Edward if they remember who accompanied them to the theater. Surely they should remember that special individual....I took a straw poll among some of your colleagues, and the general consensus among those queried shows a peculiar level of collusion, or it's the honest to goodness truth. The conclusion of the collusion, Felippa and Edward are loyal individuals. I know that some of y'all are probably saying, as it goes with most polls conducted, "You didn't ask me"...Okay, you got me on this one, I didn't ask everyone, but since this is National Limerick Day, I welcome you to compose a limerick, stating otherwise. Character is more important than talent. Confidentiality is a virtue of the loyal, as loyalty is the virtue of faithfulness. Life is lived on levels and arrived at in stages. The more you build your life on principle and less on personality - yours or others - the straighter will be your course (Edwin Louis Cole). As straight as the arrows in a "Warriors" quiver, you both began stage one character building, while lying in the nursery of John Gaston. Wonder which one of you were dubbed the "good quiet baby", by the attending nurses????
     Seventy years later, character is still important, and if you've ever told either of them something confidentially, your secret's safe. If any of you know they can't keep a secret, let me know so I won't tell them any of mine...lol... Life has no blessing like a prudent friend. One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives. In misfortune, which friend remains a friend? Friends show their love in times of trouble, not in happiness. One does nothing who tries to console a despondent person with word. A friend is one who aids with deeds at a critical time when deeds are called for (Euripides). Loyal, prudent, faithful and virtuous are just a few definitive words to describe Felippa and Edward. Instead of one loyal friend worth ten thousand relatives, we're grateful to call the two of you, friend. As you celebrate the joy of life today, or choose not to, I wish you a  Jonathan Fritzén type of day. First give thanks for the blessings received, then pull up your favorite chair, take a seat and relax. Imagine being inside the Ritz Theater again, looking at the big screen...As you prepare to be Fritzenized, enjoy your popcorn and the concert, because you've reached "A New Beginning"....stay safe my friends.... this video is available for viewing, select "Watch on Youtube"

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Happy Birthday

Limerick for Felippa and Edward

Happy Birthday to you Both

Your classmates salute your magnificent Growth

The laughter of youth, we all Shared

...and celebrate you both because we Care

Togetherness is our creed, friendship is our Oath.

Felippa Fields (Scales)

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

     Wealth is the ability to fully experience life. The cost of a thing is the amount of what I will call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run. If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.

~Henry David Thoreau~

Edward Johnson

Happy Birthday to you Felippa. Thank you also to Joycelyn and all our classmates. And many congrats to Kenneth in the way he master this website. You make us all proud. Ed

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

     Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world. Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place - that is, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have perseverance to realise the great life.

~A. P. J. Abdul Kalam~

Felippa Fields (Scales)

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

     Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time. The bee collects honey from flowers in such a way as to do the least damage or destruction to them, and he leaves them whole, undamaged and fresh, just as he found them.

~Saint Francis de Sales~

Kenneth Davis

     Good morning Robbin and Happy Birth Anniversary greetings to you. In my haste to make sure that I had everything I needed prior to traveling to Memphis, I left some of the most important information in North Carolina. That is, the tribute I'd written to you. I don't remember all of the words, so I'll wait until my return to post them. However, I did bring the collage and I remember the song selection. May you enjoy your day and the song as well. I wish you the blessings of an Ultimate Relationship with the Almighty....

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

     I was taught to confront things you can't avoid. Death is one of those things. To live in a society where you're trying not to look at it is stupid because looking at death throws us back into life with more vigour and energy. The fact that flowers don't last for ever makes them beautiful.

~Damien Hirst~

     It is impossible that anything so natural,

so necessary, and so universal as death,

should ever have been designed by providence as an evil to mankind.

~Jonathan Swift~

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

     We must return to nature and nature's god. If you violate Nature's laws you are your own prosecuting attorney, judge, jury, and hangman. Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul. 

~Luther Burbank~

Many thanks to the tribe of "Prayer Warriors", who offered prayers for my safe return to North Carolina....the Lord is good to us all...

Kenneth Davis

     Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time. The bee collects honey from flowers in such a way as to do the least damage or destruction to them, and he leaves them whole, undamaged and fresh, just as he found them. 
                                                          ~Saint Francis de Sales~

     It's obvious that I didn't practice what the Sunday "Thought for Consideration" offered. I hurried to copy and paste everything to a thumb drive for my journey to Memphis last Thursday. Somehow or another, we always think that we've not overlooked anything when it's time to travel, but we usually forget something. Today, I make amends for my mistake by presenting my omission. My appologies to you Robbin Houston, "Happy Belated Birth Anniversary".....The bee collects honey from flowers in such a way as to do the least damage or destruction to them, and he leaves them whole, undamaged and fresh, just as he found them. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY ROBBIN HOUSTON

     Good morning Robbin and Happy Birth Anniversary to you. Blessed again to reach another significant milestone, the written words of James E. Faust have come to mind. He once stated; "A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being". Such words are the sum total of descriptive adjectives, with regard to  your character traits. You once mentioned that you were a grandmother of five, the youngest at the time was seven months, so I know that you have a greatful heart. Grandmothers are special and you've probably had your hands full at various times and spaces. Grandmas are known for laying the foundation for the development of virtues within their grandkids, with greatness and humility. 
     Subsequently, the pandemic comes along, to further test your virtues. With your hands fully occupied, I believe that you experianced the realization that "Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos, and trendy clothes. It is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities, of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength" (Faust). Just as Ruth’s redemption was assured by Boaz, in Ruth 3:11, I trust yours was also, as written in Proverbs 22:4 - Respecting the Lord and not being proud will bring you wealth, honor, and life. Your renewal of wealth, honor, and life begins anew today as you embark upon another 365 day journey. Thanks again for the scriptual references and knowledge that you've shared during our friendship.         As with all commandments, gratitude is a description of a successful mode of living. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us (James E. Faust). As you decide to celebrate today or not, "Take care of your inner, spiritual beauty. That will reflect in your face" (Dolores del Rio). Ask yourself the questions; "Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy"(Henri Nouwen). Surely, your answer will be in the affirmative. I wish you a Donald Lawrence and Company, featuring Lalah Hathaway, type of day. Prepare yourself for the "Ultimate Relationship"....enjoy your day and stay safe my friend.... 

Robbin Houston (Houston)

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

     A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them. If a person cannot love a plant after he has pruned it, then he has either done a poor job or is devoid of emotion.

~Liberty Hyde Bailey~

Surprising Side Effects of Eating Broccoli - Jeff Csatari
©© Provided by Eat This, Not That!

     It's hard to find a negative thing to say about eating broccoli because it's such a health-promoting superfood. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber; it's good for the heart, brain, bones, immune system, and gut health. Plus, they work as a great side with just about every dish.  It certainly pays to overcome any unpleasant side effects of eating broccoli (some that we detail below) rather than avoid these mini "trees" because there are many surprising positives to consuming them.
1. Broccoli may make you gassy
     There is a secret side effect of eating broccoli, especially raw broccoli, that will no longer be a secret if, say, you experience it in a car full of people with the windows down: flatulence. Broccoli causes gas and bloating big time. A report in the journal Gastroenterology & Hepatology details the gaseous symptomology and its various triggers in excruciating detail. Broccoli, like its cruciferous cousins, kale, cauliflower, and cabbage, tends to be one of the most prolific gas production vegetables, according to the journal. You know that, but do you know why? 
     It's loaded with raffinose, a sugar made up of three saccharides—galactose, glucose, and fructose—that travels undigested through your small intestine until bacteria in your large intestine ferment it, which produces methane gas. The high-fiber veggie also contains glucosinolates, sulfur compounds that the gut breaks down into the rotten-egg smelling gas hydrogen sulfide. Cooking broccoli tends to reduce the gassy side effects because it jumpstarts the breakdown process that occurs in the gut. And slowly adding more fiber to your diet can gradually reduce symptoms, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.

2. Broccoli may reduce inflammation
     Broccoli intake seems to play a role in reducing CRP, or C-Reactive Protein, levels in the blood, a marker of inflammation. Your doctor can order a CRP blood test to determine your risk of developing coronary artery disease, narrowed arteries based on the results. A study in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition evaluated a broccoli-based dietary intervention in a group of young male smokers. After 10 days of eating a typical 250-gram serving of broccoli per day, the smokers saw their plasma CRP levels decrease by an average of 48% and their helpful folate and lutein levels rise 17% and 29% respectively.
3. Broccoli may prevent blood vessel disease
     Broccoli and its buddy the Brussels sprout may keep your arteries and veins clear. Using data from 684 older Australian women, researchers reporting in the British Journal of Nutrition found that higher consumption of these and other cruciferous vegetables was associated with less extensive blood vessel disease. Those women who ate the most broccoli and Brussels sprouts were less likely to have a build-up of calcium on their aorta, a key sign of extensive structural blood disease.

4. Broccoli may protect you from fatty liver disease
     You don't have to be a hepatologist to recognize that a broccoli floret is a much better choice than a slice of pepperoni pizza or a few Twizzlers candies made of corn syrup and sugar. But it's wise to keep in mind that the more you follow the standard Western diet, which is high in saturated fats and sugars, the more likely you are to develop what's known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
     Fill up on broccoli and, for practical purposes, chances are good that you will consume less sugary, fatty foods that can damage your liver. But broccoli may provide more benefits than just a substitution for unhealthy foods: A rodent study in The Journal of Nutrition showed that mice fed a diet designed to mimic a fatty, sugary human diet experienced reduced triglycerides in their livers and a lower risk of liver cancer after receiving broccoli supplementation for six months.
5. Broccoli may reduce your risk of cancer
     It's far from proven, but many rodent and human studies demonstrate evidence linking daily consumption of cruciferous vegetables with a lower risk of prostate, colon, lung, and breast cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute.

6. Broccoli spears may keep you sharp
     You probably don't think much about vitamin K, one of the lesser-known antioxidants, but you'd be wise to bone up on the vitamin found in green vegetables. A 2015 study in Nutrients demonstrated an association between higher intake of vitamin K and cognitive function in people 65 and older. Other studies suggest the antioxidant effects of the sulfur compounds in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may be protective against dementia and stroke.
7. Broccoli may help you live longer
     A serving of broccoli supplies a good source of low-calorie dietary fiber, about 3 grams for only 30 calories, so eating a few stalks and other fiber-rich foods will put you on the path toward the recommended goal of 25 and 38 grams daily for women and men respectively. A meta-analysis of observational studies in The Lancet found a 15% to 30% decline in all-cause mortality and reduced incidence of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer in people who ate the most fiber versus the least.

Rubystene Burks (Punch)

To Kenneth, Margie and my BTW classmates:

I am a living witness that God is good!

After celebrating my 70th "anniversary" (as Kenneth calls it)  I immediately embarked on an eight day road trip into 5 states. This extended my celebration through the first week of May.

Someone said: 1952 was a very good year. I say Yessssss.

We are extraordinary products of a transformative in history where we came out of the turbulent Civil Rights Movement. 
I am grateful for my roots. I am grateful for my struggles. I am grateful for my successes. 
I thank God for it all. 
I am looking forward to my next big milestone the 80th "celebration."

Each of you are invited to celebrate with me. We should all plan to get together in 2032.

Kenneth reminded us of the powerful words of Lady Maya Angelo:

Maya explains your mission, when she says; "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. You are the sum total of everything you've ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot - it's all there. Everybody born comes from the Creator trailing wisps of glory.

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND  by Marsha Burns

     Maintain your spiritual equilibrium because many things can get you off balance and interrupt the flow of divine order. Stay on course and refuse to allow the enemy to distract you from My purpose for you and stay strong. Do your best to be quiet and stay calm. Psalm 107:29-30 He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven.

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

I'm doing my best to be mindful about how I'm living:

to be kind and patient,

and not to impose a bad mood on somebody else.

Being mindful is as good a way to be spiritual as anything else. 
~Deirdre O'Kane~

IT'S THROW BACK THURSDAY

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

     The ultimate meaning of the Bible escapes human limits and calls us to a recognition that every life is holy, every life is loved, and every life is called to be all, that that life, is capable of being.

 ~John Shelby Spong~

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

     We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving, and we all have the power to make wishes come true, as long as we keep believing. Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success.

~Louisa May Alcott~

Kenneth Davis

     A more secret, sweet, and overpowering beauty appears to man, when his heart and mind open to the sentiment of virtue. I have thought a sufficient measure of civilization, is the influence of good women. The age of a woman doesn't mean a thing. The best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles. Getting old is a fascination thing. The older you get, the older you want to get. As we grow old, the beauty steals inward. It is the quality of the moment, not the number of days, or events, or of actors, that imports.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

        Here’s to celebrating two special people. On this day every year, we remember how blessed we are to be able to call you friends. We were blessed when the universe brought all of us together in friendship and scholarship. I pray that you’re blessed with many more years so that we can always celebrate together. As you ring in your personal new year, I pray that your special day is full of joy. I wish you a Vincent Ingala type of day. Betty, I see the weather in Memphis today will have a few showers. Should you have the need for some Fire & Desire, jump on your spyder 3 wheel motorcycle to be "On The Move" between 7 AM and 5 PM. Word on the street has it that Julia will be in Memphis celebrating also. If by chance you should see her, slow down, extend well wishes and offer her a ride into the wind....enjoy your day and stay safe my friend.....