Rock and Roll Saved My Soul

NCADV'S VISION: The vision of NCADV is to create a culture where domestic violence is not tolerated; and where society empowers victims and survivors, and holds abusers accountable. NCADV'S MISSION: NCADV is the voice of victims and survivors.  We are the catalyst for changing society to have zero tolerance for domestic violence.  We do this by affecting public policy, increasing understanding of the impact of domestic violence, and providing programs and education that drive that change. Website Facebook Twitter Instagram

Here at RRSMS we always have open submissions. These have been open for a while and we'd like to close them soon. So help us out and spread the word!  Please reach out via social media or e-mail if you have any questions about anything! 

Renal (Kidney) Cancer Kidney cancer is the third most commonly occurring genitourinary cancer in adults.  There are approximately 54,000 new cancer cases each year in the United States, and the incidence of kidney cancer appears to be on the rise. Kidney cancer tends to occur most commonly in individuals over the age of 40 and is more common in men than in women.  Most kidney cancers occur spontaneously, although some are associated with hereditary conditions, including von Hippel-Lindau disease and hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma.  Potential risk factors include cigarette smoking, obesity and high blood pressure.  Although most growths that arise in the kidneys are cancers, about 20% to 25% of kidney tumors are benign.  The most common types of benign kidney tumors are oncocytoma and angiomyolipoma.  Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer.   There are several sub-types of renal cell carcinoma...

3-27-20: This week has been good. I am a little worried, but I'm trying to not stress and just take everything one day at a time. I was off all week due to two people testing positive for the coronavirus at my job so the did a deep clean of the whole place last weekend. I was supposed to work this week. It went from having Sunday off to going back Wednesday to just having all week off. Which was ok my boyfriend is off two weeks because of the all of this. So we got to spend together with kids. I mean we can't go anywhere with kids. However I'll take it. My headaches are still off and on. I'm going to Dr next week for that. My knee is still working on getting better. It hurts less when I work though. Even when I do my stuff im supposed to. Just taking it one day at a time though.

For Colon Cancer Month, we are sharing a story that can be found in Invisible, Not Imagined from a colon cancer survivor.  You Don’t Look Sick Anymore By Colleen Robbins My story starts a long time ago, but it is only recently that my illness has become something that I’m going to have to live with for the rest of my life. You wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at me what I’ve gone through, at least not right now. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in August of 2010 for the first time. This is my third time having it and as of right now, it’s not going away.   This part of my story begins in August of 2016 when I went in for CT scan to check if the cancer had returned—it had, in two of the lymph nodes and a small spot in the lining of my stomach. The spots are VERY small, which is good, but the fact that it was back wasn’t. And the prognosis wasn’t any better. I began chemo again because surgery impossible and because surgery was impossible there was no get...

March 23, 2020: These past few days have not been fun. It's always something with me. Friday work had brought in food for everyone. Most of it wasn't anything I could eat because of my intolerance to gluten. That made me sad. But there were boxes of chips. So at least there was something I could eat. Wrong! By Saturday there was still a box with chips in it, so I grabbed a bag for morning break. I ate them, because I assumed all chips were made from potatoes or corn. Boy was I wrong. I didn't realize it until much later when Mom gave me a bag from the box she had bought at Walmart. I looked at the label at that point. And to my horror, they were made with wheat. And I had eaten one of the bigger ones. 260 calories worth, like the bags you get at Subway.  Shortly after that my symptoms started to flair up. It started with the beginnings of a migraine. I knew it was coming and that it wasn't going to be good. By the next morning (Sunday), it was a full blown mig...

When is Hari Raya Nyepi? Hari Raya Nyepi is the Balinese Hindu New Year. It is celebrated on the first new moon in March. It is generally celebrated on the same day as the Indian festival, Ugadi. Traditions of Hari Raya Nyepi Several days before Nyepi, a Hindu Balinese purification ceremony and ritual called Melasti takes place. During Melasti, a parade of villagers carry all the sacred objects from their temple to a nearby ocean or lake shore. There the sacred objects are cleaned and purified with the holy water of the sea or the lake. Celebrations for Nyepi are centred on Bali and take two forms. Firstly according to custom, the arrival of Spring is the time of year when the Lord of Hell sends all the devils to Bali, who must then be cleared out to purify the island before the new year begins. People then run through the streets of villages and towns, with their faces painted, making as much noise as they possibly can. The evil spirits are driven awa...

The Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice (Spanish: Día de la Memoria por la Verdad y la Justicia) is a public holiday in Argentina, commemorating the victims of the Dirty War. It is held on 24 March, the anniversary of the coup d'état of 1976 that brought the National Reorganization Process to power. The commemoration was sanctioned as Law 25633 by the Argentine National Congress on 1 August 2002, and promulgated by the Executive Branch on 22 August of the same year. However, it was not implemented as a public national holiday until 2006. The 30th anniversary of the coup was marked by massive demonstrations. Info from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_Remembrance_for_Truth_and_Justice

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. About Women's History Month Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and au...

This playlist is a bit different since the anthology isn't music related. But what we've done is put together a list of songs that fit the theme of the anthology. This one the theme is simply kindness. So if you don't see a song, but think it fits the theme, please let us know and we'll add it.  The Lion Sleeps to Tonight by N'SYNC Delilah by Queen  Dogs by Motorhead Black Dog by Led Zeppelin Hound Dog by Elvis Presley Man of the Hour by Norah Jones Death of a Martian by Red Hot Chili Peppers Ben by Michael Jackson Old King by Neil Young Martha My Dear by The Beatles You've Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman The Animal Song by Savage Garden Blackbird by The Beatles Cat People by David Bowie Eye of the Tiger by Survivor Peace Frog by The Doors Bark at the Moon by Ozzy Osbourne Monkey by Counting Crows Rock Lobster by The B-52's Rockin' Robin by Michael Jackson We have this list of songs as a Spotify play...

3-20-20: So this last week I haven't been depressed, but I have been super stressed. This coronavirus had me way stressed out. My boyfriend is off next week but getting 70% of his wages. I am some how working next week. Which is both good and bad. I'm just not wanting to be around people, but it could still change in next couple days I guess. I'm worried bout my 8 year old getting it. Cause she seems to get sick a lot. So that worries me a lot. They did close all the schools in her State already so hopefully. However, it is spreading fast that I'm worried if they open the school up it won't be good. So yeah I'm just a big ball of a mess at this point with this thing.

3-17-2020: My anxiety has been through the roof these past days, since everything in the world has gone crazy.  I am thankful that I work in healthcare, so my job and source of income will not change, but everything else is so uncertain. I went grocery shopping on Saturday, which filled me with a lot of anxiety because of my food restrictions. What would I do if I couldn't find things that won't make me ill? I was lucky and found everything I needed, at least this time. I'm not sure if I'll be so lucky when I need to buy things again.  I do worry about catching the virus. Of course, for myself, because my health is shit. But also for those around me at work. I work at a nursing home/assisted living facility. I wouldn't want to pass it on to any of them. But not working isn't an option. I have to be there to make sure that everything is clean and disinfected.  Not being able to go out and do things is also taking a toll on my mental health. I don...

Although there’s nothing official about it, it’s traditional to say the March or vernal equinox signals the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Like all equinoxes, this one will provide a hallmark for the sun’s motion in our sky, marking the passage of the sun across the celestial equator, going from south to north. The coming equinox will fall on March 20, 2020, at 03:50 UTC. That’s March 19 at 10:50 p.m. Central Daylight Time for us in the central U.S In the Northern Hemisphere now, the March equinox will bring earlier sunrises, later sunsets, softer winds, sprouting plants. Meanwhile, you’ll find the opposite season – later sunrises, earlier sunset, chillier winds, dry and falling leaves – south of the equator. The equinoxes and solstices are caused by Earth’s tilt on its axis and ceaseless motion in orbit. You can think of an equinox as happening on the imaginary dome of our sky. The Earth-centered view is that t...

The Origins of the Mi-Carême The origin of Mi-Carême is lost in the mists of time. It has been celebrated in many European communities since the Middle Ages. The essence of the carnival-like Mi-Carême is a spirit of joy, laughter and mockery that contrasts with the Lenten period of austerity, severity and penance leading up to Easter. Lent begins the day after Ash Wednesday and ends the day before Easter. Mi-Carême literally means the middle of Lent. The Mi-Carême tradition crossed the Atlantic Ocean with the first French-speaking settlers to the New World. The Mi-Carême Today During Mi-Carême many people, called les mi-carêmes, disguised from head to toe, visit their neighbours, who try to guess their identity. When the guessing game is over, the mi-carêmes unmask and enjoy a treat before heading to their next destination where the game begins again. Although once practised in all Acadian communities, it is only still celebrated in the Acadian communities of ...

St Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture on or around March 17. It particularly remembers St Patrick, one of Ireland’s patron saints, who ministered Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century. What Do People Do? St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many parts of the world, especially by Irish communities and organizations. Many people wear an item of green clothing on the day. Parties featuring Irish food and drinks that are dyed in green food color are part of this celebration. It is a time when children can indulge in sweets and adults can enjoy a “pint” of beer at a local pub. Many restaurants and pubs offer Irish food or drink, which include: Irish brown bread. Corned beef and cabbage. Beef and Guinness pie. Irish cream chocolate mousse cake. Irish coffee. Irish potato champ, also known as poundies, cally or pandy. Irish stew. Irish potato soup. Some people plan a pilgrimage to St Patrick’s Purgatory, which is commonly associate...

This playlist is a bit different since the anthology isn't music related. But what we've done is put together a list of songs that fit the theme of the anthology. This one the theme is simply kindness. So if you don't see a song, but think it fits the theme, please let us know and we'll add it.  Song For Josh by Frank Turner Get Better by Frank Turner Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran Save Myself by Ed Sheeran In My Blood by Shawn Mendes Fake Happy by Paramore Hard Times by Paramore 26 by Paramore Head Above Water by Avril Lavigne Heavy by Linkin Park  Fix You by Coldplay Human by Christina Perri  Let Your Tears Fall by Kelly Clarkson How to Save a Life by The Fray Demons by Imagine Dragons Breathe Me by Sia Fight Song by Rachel Platten Anxiety by Julia Michaels  Mad Hatter by Melanie Martinez Unwell by Matchbox 20 The Middle by Jimmy Eat World Shake It Out by Florence and the Machine Drown by Bring Me the Horizon Hit ...

What is Acquired Brain Injury? The term Acquired Brain Injury (ABI or just Brain Injury) is used to describe damage that has occurred to the brain after birth. It includes: Traumatic Brain Injury, stroke, near suffocation and near drowning (lack of oxygen), and infections in the brain.  How is Traumatic Brain Injury Different than Acquired Brain Injury? Traumatic Brain Injury ~ known as a TBI is the result of external trauma to the head or violent movement of the head, such as from a fall, car crash or being shaken. TBI may or may not be associated with loss of consciousness, an open wound or skull fracture. What are the signs of Brain Injury? Fatigue Headaches Visual Disturbance Memory Loss Poor Attention Poor Concentration Sleep Disturbances Dizziness/loss of balance Irritability-emotional disturbance Feelings of depression Seizures Decreased speed of processing information Difficulties with communication Impulsiveness Difficulties ...

This playlist is a bit different since the anthology isn't music related. But what we've done is put together a list of songs that fit the theme of the anthology. This one the theme is simply kindness. So if you don't see a song, but think it fits the theme, please let us know and we'll add it.  What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong Whatn you Believe by Whitney Houston Miracles by Jefferson Starship Ordinary Miracle by Sarah McLachlan Miracles by Coldplay Angels Among Us by Alabama Angel by Sarah McLachlan Calling All Angels by Train She Talks to Angels by The Black Crowes Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpusuit Aparatus Anthem of the Angels by Breaking Benjamin Everyday Angel by Radney Foster Halo by Beyonce Stand By You by Rachel Platten We have this list of songs as a Spotify playlist for easy access:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/42V30yRj7eCK2E0ChIW0jt

March 9, 2020: Things for the most part are pretty good. The anxiety is under control, as long as I'm sleeping enough. Let's face it, I'm never sleeping enough to not be exhausted, but at least it's enough to keep my anxiety in check. But with the fluctuating temperatures as spring approaches is making my pain level rise. The photo at the top is pretty much a lot of the symptoms I deal with on a daily basis. Unfortunately there is no cure for this and even the pain meds that are available, they don't make it go away. I have a T.E.N.S. unit that helps on the really bad days, but you can only use that for an hour a day. It's incredibly frustrating. 

This playlist is a bit different since the anthology isn't music related. But what we've done is put together a list of songs that fit the theme of the anthology. This one the theme is simply kindness. So if you don't see a song, but think it fits the theme, please let us know and we'll add it.  Face Down by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Never Again by Nickelback Goodbye Earl by Dixie Chicks Indpendence Day by Martina McBride Levi Stubbs' Tears by Billy Bragg Behind the Wall by Tracy Chapman '97 Bonnie and Clyde by Eminem Run For Your Life by The Beatles Kiss With a Fist by Florence and the Machine Delilah by The Dresden Dolls Don't Leave Me Now by Pink Floyd She's a Jar by Wilco Halls of Illusions by Insane Clown Posse Pulling Teeth by Green Day Shoot by Sonic Youth Justified Black Eye by No Use For A Name Hush by Hellyeah Fighter by Christina Aguliera We have this list of songs as a Spotify playlist for easy...

The jolly festival of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring). Purim 2020 begins on Monday night, March 9 and continues through Tuesday, March 10, (March 11 in Jerusalem). It commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian empire from Haman’s plot “to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day,” as recorded in the Megillah (book of Esther). The Story in a Nutshell The Persian Empire of the 4th century BCE extended over 127 lands, and all the Jews were its subjects. When King Ahasuerus had his wife, Queen Vashti, executed for failing to follow his orders, he arranged a beauty pageant to find a new queen. A Jewish girl, Esther, found favor in his eyes and became the new queen, though she refused to divulge her nationality. Meanwhile, the Jew-hating Haman was appointed prime minister of the empire. Mordechai, the leader of the Jews (and Esther’...

The festival of colours is Holi, it is vibrant and filled with beautiful colours. Holi is considered as one of major festival in India. It is celebrated in the month of Phalgun on full moon day according to Hindu calendar. With the onset of spring, northern India gets into the colourful mood of Holi. This festival also denotes celebration due to good harvests and land fertility. This colourful festival also celebrates the eternal love of Radha and Krishna. This festival is celebrated in a grand style in the city of Mathura and Vrindavan. These are two important cities which are deeply associated to Lord Krishna. The festival of colours teaches humankind to transcend above the caste and creed. It is a festival to forget old grievances and meeting others with great warmth & high spirit. This festival begins with lightening of bonfire on Holi eve. Next day, people play Holi with different types of colours, abirs and gulals. They greet each other with Shubh Holi i.e. Hap...

3-7-20: This week has been ok. Work has been stressful. We don't have the people to help on my line or the line that is like mine but builds the right hand air bags. I got to a point of not caring honestly. I am getting some new stuff to upgrade my stream. So that is exciting. :) Just trying to find a good price on a PS4 too. That might have to wait as much as I want to get it now. I just get tired of moving the one from the bedroom back and forth. It's annoying. My depression been good. My headaches are another story. They have got a little better, but I don't know. It's been way bad last few weeks. :( My knee is slowly getting better. Some things still hurt, but over all doing much better.

This playlist is a bit different since the anthology isn't music related. But what we've done is put together a list of songs that fit the theme of the anthology. This one the theme is simply kindness. So if you don't see a song, but think it fits the theme, please let us know and we'll add it.  Boys Keep Swinging by David Bowie Fuck You by Lily Allen Brave by Sara Bareilles People Like Us by Kelly Clarckson Somebody to Love by Queen I Want to Break Free by Queen Come to my Window by Melissa Etheridge The Origin of Love from Hedwig and the Angry Inch LGBT by cupcakKe I Am Her by Shea Diamond Freeom! '90 by George Michael Raise Your Glass by P!ink Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls True Trans Soul Rebel by Against Me! Born This Way by Lady Gaga Love is Love by Trey Pearson She Keeps Me Warm by Mary Lambert You're Gonna Be by Reba McEntire Same Love by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis We have this list of songs as a Spotif...

March 3, 2020:  My sleep has been awful. I wish I knew why. Where I used to be able to fall asleep easily and wake up several times a night has now turned into, not being able to fall asleep and I still wake up a lot when I do sleep. Not even the sleeping pills that I have (and rarely use) help on the really bad nights. I don't want to have to go back to the doctor again, but if this continues I might have to. It is so frustrating. Even nights when I've not slept well and worked all day, when I used to be able to pass out before 9 p.m. it's turned into being up until after midnight. It's been awful.  Everything else is doing pretty good health wise. So that's something! 

For all Orthodox Christians, the Holy Season of Lent begins on the First Sunday in Lent (4 March in 2012), and the Lenten fast begins a few days prior. For Byzantine Orthodox Christians, the First Day of the Great Fast is on the Monday before the First Sunday in Lent; and for Western Orthodox Christians the Lenten fast begins on the Wednesday before, commonly known as Ash Wednesday. While both traditions observe a 40 day fast, the different starting dates for the fast are related to how the fast is calculated. Early on in the West, the Lenten included every day including Saturdays but never included Sundays. Therefore, in order to achieve 40 days, since the 7th century the Western Orthodox have fast not only for six fully weeks (i.e., 36 days) but also four additional days. Hence, for about 1400 years the Lenten fast in the West has begun on the Wednesday before the First Sunday in Lent. It is not clear when the Wednesday beginning the Lenten fast began to include the imp...