Five on Friday

I saw a "Five on Friday" post on Kate's blog so I thought I'd give it a shot. As I get older, my mind sometimes ponders on a variety of topics. Here's 5 of them.

1. On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Often referred to as 9/11, the attacks resulted in extensive death and destruction, triggering major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defining the presidency of George W. Bush. Over 3,000 people were killed during the attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., including more than 400 police officers and firefighters. (To see more go here).

2. One good thing that has come out of the atrocities of 9/11 has been an upward swing in patriotism. I am proud to see our flags flying and respect given to our military members and veterans.

3. Our country is broke, we all need to conserve. During WWII, conservation and recycling were a top priority as is seen in this poster. This isn't only on a personal level, it is also on a level where one's actions cause others to have to offer help such as blowing a paycheck and then going to a food pantry for help with groceries. Most people don't do this of course but after volunteering at an assistance center, there were people coming in for help with food and utilities and they had to show their monthly expenses. Cell phones with all the bells and whistles and premium cable channels are not necessities. How about let's repair our roads and bridges before building new ones? If we don't repair the old ones, soon there were be even more bridges and roads needing repairs and it will be be a continual "catch-up" trying to keep up with the maintenance.

4. I have tried to minimize products I purchase that are made in China. I wanted to stop buying all things made there but I found that it is impossible to do this because American made products are not available or in some cases the cost is formidable for many of us.  Why don't I want to buy Chinese-made products? Because most are of inferior quality and many of these products can kill you or your loved ones. Recently, flooring being made there for a well-known American company is suspected of being carcinogenic. Toys for children were painted with lead-based paint. Drywall made in China and used in American homes caused respiratory problems and damage to homes. Legal action against Chinese drywall manufactures is next to impossible. Treats made in China for our furry friends are even suspect of making our furbabies ill or even causing their deaths--I have called companies that did not have the location of where the treats were made on the label to obtain that information. Recently I thought about trying tilapia. Most tilapia is from China and smaller companies in the tilapia trade have fed pig manure to the fish. If the products don't adversely affect your health, then it's quite likely of inferior quality. There have been several items I've recently purchased that didn't work right out of the box and a granite counter in the bathroom (from Home Depot) that the color comes off of it when in contact with cleaning solutions.

5. I am thankful that I have my crochet to keep me occupied and make gifts for family and friends to show my love for them.

I guess I've had some serious subjects on my mind lately. For all of you who may want to read more Five on Friday posts, click on the button below. 

Have a great week everyone!

Sharon