The Revelations Of The Time We Are Living In

Hal Elrod wrote, "The moment you take responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you can change anything in your life." Looking forward to the next 18 Days! The WORD for the day is REVELATION . Think of this word as your mantra for the day. First apply the word to yourself, THEN apply this word to EVERYONE YOU meet. Think of this word as you respond to EVERY POST you see throughout the day. The word for TODAY is REVELATION ! Please pay it forward...

Happy January 24th, 1017!
January 24 is the 24th day of the year. There are 341 days remaining until the end of the year. Today is also National Compliment Day so say something nice to someone today and mean it. 
Be yourself and bask in your uniqueness. 
Comparing yourself to others is race you can never win.  As I sit down to write today's blog, I'm listening to Catherine Zeta-Douglas sing I Can't Do It Alone from the soundtrack of Chicago.

How apropos. None of us cvan do it alone. We are ALL in this together. WTG, La La Land!! 14 Academy Award nominations, tying All About Eve and Titanic for the most nominations ever for a film.
A musical film! Musicals really took off during the Great Depression when audiences were able to escape the stark realities of their lives.
Even when people had very little money, the movies were affordable and sometimes by attending you could receive dishes or other items as an incentive to keep you coming back.
WE are now in the midst of another depression.
This time it is an emotional depression. It doesn't matter what side of the political spectrum people are on, people are angry, bitter, and crying out for help. Some are shutting down. I heard on the news the other day that Facebook is increasing how narrow minded people are.

People are quick to hit the 'un-friend' button if someone has a different set of beliefs...or worse, the BLOCK button. When that happens, it may seem like closure but it is truly a false sense of that.
I will rise above all obstacles. I think that POTUS (I no longer mention his name) wants us to be divided.
Each day, I post a positive work on Facebook (see above) and I try and think of that word throughout the day with every action I take and every word I utter either orally or on the screen.
The word that came up today is revelation.
This is actually a word that I've been thinking of a lot lately. I know that many are angry to find out revelations about family members, best friends, people they do business with and those they break bread with.

I'm not angry. I'm hurt by some revelations. I am also surprised at some of the things I have observed and seen over the past year or so...since this election got started.
Over the weekend, Aziz Ansari performed the first "Saturday Night Live" monologue of Donald Trump's presidency and inspired praise from many viewers. Read more about that HERE.
I loved it except when he told all the racists/bigots to 'go back into hiding'. As much as I dislike it and don't want to see it, we HAVE to know who they are. Pretense is falling by the way side. People are revealing their authentic selves and for better and worse, THAT is a blessing. We now KNOW who you are!
I asked my friends on Facebook to give their revelations. This blog is based on what has been sent to me and what I'm observing!

From Leonard Jacobs: My fellow Americans...including artists, arts administrators, arts advocates and those supporting arts, culture and entertainment, and those who believe in the right to free expression:

This is why we lose.
This is why we struggle.
This is why we’re chronically underfunded.
This is why the National Endowment for the Arts may go.
This is unacceptable.

When 49 out of 56 arts agencies won't publicly acknowledge the NEA's possible elimination, you should wonder what's up. Read MORE

Wise words from Rabbi Toba Schaller.
"To those who are confused or surprised about why millions of people showed up to protest yesterday. . .
"Women are marching because our children deserve a secretary of education that cares about education.
"Women are marching because our family and friends deserve healthcare. Did you know that before the ACA, newborns in the NICU would hit their lifetime caps on health insurance coverage. That's right, babies who had never felt the sun on their skin could no longer get health insurance.
"Women are marching because domestic violence crisis centers and after school programs deserve funding.
"Women are marching because we deserve clean air, clean water, and national parks.
"Women are marching because we believe the children protected by the DREAM act deserve to be here and they deserve to live with their parents, not in orphanages and foster homes.
"And most of all, women are marching because we have the right to. The right to protest and speak out against our government is the first amendment. That's right, #1! It is one of our most fundamental American rights.
"Saying that we're whining, throwing temper tantrums, or that we're immature, or that we need to get over it will not stop us. It will not stop us from fighting for you. And we are fighting for you because you deserve these rights too.
"We're not marching because Trump won.
"We're marching because he wants to take all of the things that we hold dear away. All of the things that we've been fighting for for generations.
"And we're not giving up easily.
"Anyone who thinks we're marching because we lost just simply isn't listening. We're fighting because we refuse to lose more."
(Please copy and paste instead of sharing)
Rabbi Toba Schaller

Here is one woman's take. I have taken out the expletives and I am not using her name: So much focus on the march's and protests ....and what the heck are they protesting...the fact that Trump won the election????? Get over it... he won, end of story. There is nothing to protest as he has not taken away anyone's rights and likely won't so let it go and instead let's turn our prayers to the poor people having to deal with losing everything

they own because of the weather conditions in Georgia and the south. Instead of smashing windows at Starbucks, maybe that energy would be better spent helping people rebuild their lives instead of tearing more stuff down..... I, for one, have always been proud to be an American but right now, not so much. AMERICA is all about the people and what the American people are doing right now is not something I can be proud of. Enough is Enough. Lets turn our attention to more worthy causes and help our fellow Americans. If you want to march and break windows and beat each other up and take a gun into a mall to shoot people....get the !@#$ out of My America. The people who share MY AMERICA with me don't behave like that.... remember 9/11 and Katrina and other times when American's came together and this was the best country in the world..... What happened? Let's bring that America back.

Gloria Steinemat The Women's March in DC on 1/21/17

Trump and his handlers have found a fox for every chicken coop in Washington. A twitter finger must not become a trigger finger, HIS grandiosity, impulsivity, hypersensitivity and an apparent inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality ... was on full display in his inaugural address.
-Gloria Steinem

Another woman's view:  
The biggest thing that stuck me from the enormous march in Washington DC I attended and from what I hear about all the others in almost every state in the Union is that there is a common cause and that civility and concern for mankind globally and domestically were central.

I understand that any vulgarity that appeared on some signs was not pleasing to some. But unfortunately the vulgarity that is central to our President's character ( also to some of our past Presidents as well) was being addressed in some of those signs. But it goes beyond vulgarity...Trump is a seventy year old man whose entire life has been only about him. His public lack of respect for the new First Lady is just a hint of his preoccupation with self. Yes, he is there, but once there the spotlight is permanently on....no President is given a free pass....this is what he signed on for....yes people will continue to watch, critique, complain .....all within the rights of democracy. ...it is certain that President Trump will continue to be complainer in chief....it is too ingrained in his personality. Whether I watch, critique or complain will not

inhibit his potential...it will simply make him accountable....he has no idea what the responsibilities ahead will cost him....something Every other President learned as they fulfilled their duties.New York City.
-Leslie A, Snow

Saturday was a real win for democracy and truth. As much as we hear lies from some of the new people in charge it is comforting to know that the majority of the voters were in opposition, and the numbers who spoke out Saturday can't be written off.

And yet someone else's revelation: Our delusional leader believes 3 to 5 million people voted illegally, according to the always truthful Press Secretary. When asked, he could not provide evidence.

Why? Because there isn't any. So, the President (maybe), I guess believes he didn't win. I mean, millions of votes could mean the election. This man us a complete wack job. He's questioning the very process which put him in the White House. That's fine by me. Welcome back Hillary!

Here is an Exchange I had on Facebook today 
ME:  This country is torn apart because those that we used to respect are revealing who they truly are. No self-respecting person voted for that man, in my opinion

RESPONSE: That's one of the most insulting statements you can make, Richard, but that was your intent, quite obviously. (Editor's Note: It was not) Who in the world are YOU to say that, for instance, I myself am not a 'self-respecting person'? On what basis that you personally know from your never-having-met-me-in-person status could you possibly say such a thing unless it is indeed your intent to merely hurl an insult? (Not my intention) You're itching for a fight, that much is clear. You hate Trump and anyone who

dared to vote for him instead of your chosen candidate - that much is also clear. Ok. I get it. You're on record. I won't insult you in return but I would point out the obvious disconnect between the public pronouncements of 'tolerance, unity, love, compassion, mutual respect, diversity,' and the rest of the 'virtues' to be found on many of your FB posts which you claim to honor. Forgive my cognitive dissonance between what you claim to desire and what your words right here bespeak.
And I'm done with this discussion whether you

have 'the last word' or not. Have a delightful day!

ME: I say that based on HIS words and actions over the past 17 months. I don't hate anyone. That word has no place for me. But I happen to be someone who was bullied as a child. I know a bully when I see one. Please prove me otherwise. IF you voted for him, what are his core values that you admire?

ANOTHER RESPONSE : Richard Skipper Don't go there. I AM a self respecting person and the people I know who voted for him are as well. I don't call you not self respecting because your views are so different. As I told you before, you can't tell me who I can love or vote for and you dang sure can't tell me I don't respect myself.

ME: So, what the attributes you admire in him?

*no response yet*

Here are a few revelations sent to me today
Hi! The biggest revelation I've had recently is that I need to be less trusting of people. I know that's not the positive outlook you like to promote, but I've had too many hurts and disappointments lately.

On New Year's morning around 9:30, I was walking to meet Jane for breakfast at a Denny's in St Augustine, Florida. I was full of the hopefulness, gratitude and resolve that I normally feel in abundance at the start of a new year.

And particularly, I was thinking how lucky I am to have (knock wood) bountiful good health, and how blessed I feel two years after having dual hip replacements, to be able to stride along briskly with no pain. And suddenly, about 20 yards in front of me on a sidewalk parallel to the parking lot where I was walking was a man with no legs seated on a board with wheels pushing himself forward. --This was a profound revelation to me to do all I can in the year ahead to spread the word of the value and the power of having an attitude of gratitude, and the need to count your blessing constantly.  Stop and count your blessings right now…..

www.billboggs.com
www.billboggsspeaks.com
www.gotwhatittakes.net
visit: BillBoggsTV on You Tube

What has been revealed to me over the last five weeks is that I really can do whatever I set my mind to.  that I can accomplish many different things, and that I was REMINDED that I can have have many different passions, and they can fuel several different types of businesses.  I am not pigeon-holed into one business or career -- Different businesses and passions can compliment each other.  Creativity and success is driven from love.  Success is defined within ourselves, not by external judgement of others.  If someone likes what I am doing - that is GREAT, but it is not the driving force. 

Now, what I have always KNOWN in my heart is that friendship can be new or it can be decades, and each one is as valuable and important as the other.  It is about the God connection I feel.  (Richard this applies to our friendship - it is new, but it is as important as any other).  

In closing, I'd like to say that my intent is never to offend but we have to stop giving those who do, a free pass!

Life is so much better when you stop caring about what everyone thinks, and start to actually live for yourself!!

Sit back! A new news cycle is about to begin!

Thank you, to ALL who are mentioned in this blog for showing me that it is up to ME to lead by example!

With grateful XOXOXs ,

 

with Rita McKenzie celebrating the 53rd Anniversary of Hello, Dolly!

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NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.  FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!

Please do what YOU can to be more aware that words and actions DO HURT...but they can also heal and help!  
  
February 12th, 2017

Russ Woolley and Wright Bros. Real Estate, Nyack, NY proudly present Richard Skipper Celebrates...His Birthday...And He'll Sing If He'll Want To! He will be joined by Sidney Myer, Josephine Sanges, Cathy Szabo, and a very special Well Known Mystery Guest...star of stage, screen, and television!
All under the musical Direction of Michael Lavine with Rex Benincasa on percussion and Saadi Zain on bass. This is a 1PM BrUNCH SHOW (90 minutes)  At The Laurie Beechman Theate 
Reservations a Must! Please Reserve Today
RIchard Skipper Celebrates is a tour-de-force cabaret show -- top names in musical entertainment, meet to talk and perform -- songs, stories and recollections of lifetimes and moments in show business.    $30 Cover and $20 Minimum per person ORDER HERE 
Additional Details to Come!
*Previous Mystery Guests have included Hillary Kole, Melba Moore, Stacy Sullivan, and Jana Robbins

Keeping America great through Art!     

Here's to an INCREDIBLE tomorrow for ALL...with NO challenges!

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TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED DAY

Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com