South Africa’s government says it will not help about 4,000 illegal miners inside a closed mine in the country’s North West province as part of an official policy against illegal mining.

The miners in the mineshaft in Stilfontein are believed to be suffering from a lack of food, water and other basic necessities after police closed off the entrances used to transport their supplies underground.

It is part of the police’s Vala Umgodi, or “Close the Hole,” operation, which includes cutting off miners’ supplies to force them to return to the surface and be arrested.

In the last few weeks, over 1,000 miners have surfaced at various mines in North West province, with many reported to be weak, hungry and sickly after going for weeks without basic supplies. (CNN)

This is probably a good time to get away.

The election is done and warm weather destinations are not crowded.

There is something beneficial about just getting away from your normal scene even for a day or three.

Maybe just the two of you? Maybe with your children?

We used to say, “A vacation is two, a trip is more than two.”

It could be good for your family unity. On the other hand, it might be good for the two of you to spend a little time alone.

Hopefully, either way, it could be an opportunity to have some meaningful conversations or just plain FUN!

Check your computer. See what’s available. You might be surprised at the low prices before Thanksgiving.

If not today, when?

(Photo: Detroit Freepress)

It was pure mayhem after the Detroit Lions pulled out a miraculous victory over the Houston Texans 26-23.

The Lion’s quarterback, Jared Goff, had the worst game of his professional career.

He threw five “picks” and yet the team toughed it out with a come-from-behind victory.

Ahead 23-7 at the half, the Texans were held scoreless in the second half while the Lions scored 19 unanswered points.

City of Detroit residents were very happy last Sunday night.

Too bad the game was in Houston.

Ironically, the winning field goal was kicked by Jake Bates.

A rookie, he was working for a brick company last year.

He was rightfully awarded the GAME BALL!

Bravery is knowing the danger you are facing and doing it anyway.

Challenges in our personal and professional lives often require bravery.

Sometimes it requires bravery just to get up in the morning!

Leadership demands bravery.

It often takes bravery to raise a family.

It is especially true with so much uncertainty in our lives today.

I think bravery is a cumulative quality.

The more times you are brave, the more often you will be brave in the future.

We are always focused on problems rather that what’s good.

Let’s take a look at your life:

There is food in the refrigerator.

You have a car.

You have a place to live.

You own more than one suit of clothes.

You can take a daily shower if you wish.

You have access to medical care.

You have some money.

So, celebrate the good.

As you go through each day, keep the good in mind as well as your concerns.

Balance is the bottom line for a healthy life.

Photo: New South Wales Rescue Vessel

A seaman who fell off a cargo ship survived almost 20 hours at sea before being rescued off Australia’s southeastern coast on Friday, according to emergency services.

The man in his 30s drifted several kilometers in the open sea before he was pulled from the water by a recreational angler, local rescue authorities have said.

NSW Ambulance paramedic Erin Laughton told CNN’s affiliate 9News that the man was about three-and-a-half kilometers out to sea “waving his arm around” and “bobbing around in the water,” when he was found. (CNN)

DON’T EVER GIVE UP!

God has given us our life. We must live every minute of it to the best of our ability!

Our national election is concluded, but I want to talk about a larger topic.

People in the media remind us of our divided society.

I don’t experience a bitter or angry society.

I really think our relationships depend on how we approach others.

It’s possible that others treat me with kindness because I’m 83 years old.

I hope I don’t receive more kindness than a younger person.

But, maybe that’s true.

Doesn’t that same person, however, have the capacity to be kind to younger people?

I have to believe that’s true because I believe in the inherent goodness of humanity.

I realize humanity has its shortcomings.

But, it also has a great capacity to love!

An emperor penguin surprised locals when it appeared on a beach in Australia after making an epic journey of thousands of miles from its home in Antarctica.

The penguin arrived on Ocean Beach in Denmark, Western Australia, on Friday.

A spokesperson described the penguin as “malnourished,” adding that the animal “remains in the care of a trained and registered local wildlife carer.”

”Ocean Beach is more than 2,200 miles due north of Antarctica, suggesting the penguin probably swam significantly further to reach Australia. (CNN)

Is it possible this Emperor Penguin swam this far to run for a “Higher Office” in Australia?

The people have spoken and it’s time to move on.

Today is another opportunity to live our life as we see fit.

Your cell phone has been deluged with political messages for months.

Now it can take a breather.

And how about you?

You’re probably looking forward to a breather also.

If there is anything that is constant in our lives, it’s change.

If you have children and/or grandchildren, they may be looking to you for your response.

So, it’s up to you to be the same person you’ve always been.

Remember my recent blog about the tree that is anchored by its roots & trunk?

I wish peace to you and yours!

Regardless of the election outcome, we must be more UNITED than ever before.

There are many potential threats to our country from other countries.

This is not a time to be divided.

Frankly, there is NEVER a good time to be divided!

For that reason, I don’t think the red states and blue states is a good idea.

They are a visual reminder of our differences.

Abraham Lincoln’s quote; “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedom, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

So true!