Category: Manny Kagan

Fridays with Manny

  

Vosoma Marta

When I was growing up in Riga, Latvia, one of the important holidays was Women’s Day, which was called by its date March 8th, Vosmovo Marta in Russian. It was a good excuse for men to drink vodka while toasting to women’s health.

Only after coming to the United States, I found out that this is known as International Women’s Day, and is a focal point in the movement for women’s rights. It was organized by the Socialist Party of America in New York City on February 28th, 1909. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, March 8th became a national holiday. The Feminist movement adopted it in 1967 and then the United Nations began celebrating the day in 1997.

Similarly to Valentine’s Day, some women are receiving boxes of chocolates and flowers. Since I celebrate Women’s Day every day including today, Friday March 12th, I present you with my three bouquets of flowers.

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Fridays with Manny

  

Laughter and “The Silent Killer”

Have you heard about Dr. Steven Gundry, the Founder of Center for Restorative Medicine? His new book, “The Energy Paradox” is going to be available this coming March.

A friend sent me a note recently, from Dr. Gundry, which I am going to quote.

“In the United States, heart disease, also known as “the silent killer”, is the leading cause of death for both men and women. But I have good news for you – a simple and fun way to help reduce your risk of developing this dreadful health problem is LAUGHTER!”

You know that old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine”, right? Well, it applies to heart health as well. And it helps on many levels. But laughing works especially well for dealing with stress. So in a funny twist, new research is showing one solution to the hazards of stress on your heart is… to simply laugh!”

And if you need help, just read one of the jokes in “42 Encounters with Laughter”. I hope that these three dancing flowers will bring smile to your face, which is an easy way to laughter.

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Fridays with Manny

  

Meaning of Life

I recently I re-read one of the photography books in my library titled, “Meaning of Life”, published by “LIFE” magazine. The book is the product of 300 thoughtful people from different walks of life; the words complemented by photographs from 127 of the world’s top photographers. What amazed me was how the answers from 173 poets and scientists, philosophers and everyday sages on the street differ. One of them is a comment from Frank Donotrio, a barber. “I have been asking why I’m here most of my life. If there is a purpose, I don’t care anymore. I’m seventy-four. I am on my way out. Let the young people learn the hard way, like I did. No one ever told me anything.”

Since I am also 74 years young, I can relate to Mr. Donotrio’s sentiments; however, if I would be asked this question, my answer would be, “The meaning of life is to learn, experience life and to share myself with others, especially young people”. One of the ways I’m doing this is by posting my weekly essays in “Fridays with Manny”. Another way is through publishing my photo-story books, like “42 Encounters with Laughter”. Sometimes jokes and laughter can be a good way to figure out the meaning of life. And yet another way is just to enjoy each day, and seek beauty, like these images of flowers.

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Fridays with Manny

  

Nature and Us

In the story of creation in the Torah, in the first five days God was busy with manifesting the natural world. On the fifth day, “God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, and every creeping being of the ground to its kind. And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 12:25). And then as if referring to his creation, “…and God said, “Let us make Man (Adam) in Our image after Our likeness.” (Genesis 12:26). 

Since we do not physically look like animals (unless you are a dog owner), we have nonetheless adopted certain qualities from animals; which I observed during our recent trip to Maui, where I encountered two toads, who clung to each other, like we do, and a large snail who was attached to its possessions, as humans act, and a Gold dust gecko, whose coloration both helped it to be recognized and to blend in the surroundings. 

However, what animals cannot do is to laugh. Unless of course in the joke, which you can find in my photo book “42 Encounters with Laughter”. 

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Fridays With Manny

  

Where to Find Love

Sunday, February 14th, thanks to the marketing efforts of the Hallmark company, is the official date when we are reminded that there are people in our lives to whom we say “I love you” or “Be my Valentine”. But what happens during the rest of the 364 days of the year? This depends on your ability to love and how to express it. 

My wife Elfa taught me a valuable lesson, which I gladly will share with you. Years ago, our daughter was dating a man whom I considered to be a wrong guy for her. This made me upset, and I was complaining to Elfa. Her response was a question, “Is your feeling coming from your brain or from your heart?” When I comprehended what she was asking, I connected my thoughts about our daughter with my heart. The upset was gone, since I only could feel love.

To express their feelings, people often buy red roses, I give you mine to share my love. “Where there is love, there is laughter, and where there is laughter, there is love”. “42 Encounters with Laughter” might help you to laugh and love. If you get your copy, please send me an e-mail at mannykagan@comcast.net.

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