Bugs Bleat - - GCF: Cat Training

Volume 10, Issue 49 Friday, December 05, 2008

Hello All,

It’s the Christmas Season. My favorite time of year. We’ve started the “25 days of Christmas” gifts for Annette and the family’s gifts are here and mostly wrapped.
This year, don’t let the economy get you down. I’m not asking you to spend yourself into debt, but you can afford a smile and an encouraging word to all you meet.
~~~~~
Teddy Allen [http://teddyallen.blogspot.com/] recently posted an article on the difficulty of finding good gravy after you leave home. He’s right, grandmother and my mother made GREAT gravy, cooking it up in blackened cast iron skillets. But after I moved out of the old homestead, good gravy became a scarce commodity.
Oh, you could stop in most any café and get a chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes smothered in gravy, but it wasn’t really good gravy. Grandmother made “Red Eye” gravy, a thin, ham based gravy with flavor that exploded out of the rice or potatoes or ham steak that you poured it over. My mom could make good “Red eye” but her forte was thick brown chicken gravy, perfect for covering biscuits to enjoy with your collards and fried chicken.
It’s a wonder I didn’t wither away before Annette agreed to marry me and moved in to do magic with a cast iron skillet. However, it wasn’t an easy transition. One thing that surprised me about marriage was the 400% increase in my food bill when I’d only doubled the mouths in my Dallas apartment.
After a few weeks of seeing our meager finances go mostly to Safeway, I got up the courage to ask Annette why we were spending so much on food. First, she reminded me that she had to fix me two lunches each day since I invariably ate one on the 45 minute drive to work. I agreed with her that I was eating more, but not 400% more.
Finally, she told me the whole story. Her mother had never let her cook, so she was learning on me. Some days, she might cook as many as four meals before she had one that was fit to serve for supper; the rest went into the apartment trash bins. Other days, all her efforts came to naught and those were the days I came home to “packaged” dinners like “Hamburger Helper” or tacos, etc.
What could I say? She was going through a lot of food, but it was in the effort to have a great meal to serve me. And it wasn’t all that long before Annette had taught herself to cook with flair.
Her rice is always perfect. Her biscuits (after a few years of producing “hockey pucks”) are light and fluffy. And her gravy,... It’s the best you ever tasted.
Even more amazing than a GREAT self taught cook, is the fact that she hardly ever uses a recipe or measuring cup. When Annette cooks, most measurements are done in her palm. For instance, to make rice, she grabs a pot, fills it to some unknown level with water, scoops up some rice out of the canister, throws it in the water, waits for it to boil, turns off the fire, plops a lid on it and, when we’re ready to eat, she uncovers a pot of perfect, soft, fluffy, rice.
And, while the rice is steaming, she pulls out that old black cast iron skillet, cooks a little meat, plops in some water, flower, salt and pepper and ... viola! A lip smacking supper of meat, rice and GREAT gravy is ready for the table.
~~~~~
If you like political cartoons (and I do) check out [http://cagle.com/politicalcartoons/]
~~~~~
Economic headlines contain words like; “Free fall”, “Worst in 30 Years”, etc. But buried in all the hype of bad news this morning was an interview with a small company in Chicago. They stated, “Actually business hasn’t been that bad, but with all the bad news we’ve put off hiring new employees and are taking other cost containment measures.”
So here’s a company, doing O.K. but responding to the news by taking measures to reduce spending. And what constitutes bad economic news? Reduced spending.
Now I’m not saying that we all need to rush out and go into debt (especially if we’re the government and that debt will be loaded on the backs of taxpayers.) But, which comes first? The economy improves or we stop listening to the bad news and start living our lives again.
~~~~~
One of my favorite young people asked me what photo editing software I recommended. She had a new camera (a really nice new camera) but she wasn’t sure what software to use.
Sadly, I’m not really up to speed on the latest of anything. But I can tell you what I use;
First, for the cheap folks it’s hard to beat Google’s Picasa (version 3 has just been released.) Just go to [http://picasa.google.com/#utm_source=en-all-more&utm_campaign=en-pic&utm_medium=et] to download this free digital image storage and editing suite.
But, if you’ve got some dough, go to [http://tryit.adobe.com/us/cs4/photoshopextended/index.html?sdid=DOKVD] and buy the newest Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended product. It’s only $962.49.
If you’re not a professional athlete or other insanely rich person, you can still have many of the Photoshop abilities for about a tenth of the price with Adobe Photoshop Elements and/or Premiere Elements 7
The package for both the still and video version of Elements is only$149.99 before rebate. (Amazon has them for $119.99) or you can get the still version only for about $70. Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 & Adobe Premiere Elements 7 software combines two powerful yet easy-to-use products at a great value, so you can tell amazing stories with photos and videos. Easily create extraordinary photos and incredible movies, and use them together in cinematic slide shows and more. New Photoshop.com ... [http://www.amazon.com/Adobe-65026616-Photoshop-Elements-7/dp/B001DMBWXS/ref=br_lf_m_1000267951_1_1_clkmr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=software&pf_rd_p=431506401&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000267951&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1HZE1V2K4NVMX24102S0] $54.99 at Amazon
And, last but certainly not least, there’s “GIMP” the open source photo editing suite that can be downloaded for free at [http://www.gimp.org/]. I hear that GIMP is more powerful than Photoshop but it does require a learning curve that may be a challenge for some. However there are GIMP tutorials that start with Beginner lessons, progresses to Intermediate, all the way to Expert user [http://www.gimp.org/tutorials/].
So, Jennifer, all you have to do is get Jim to decide how much he wants to spend (in money and time) on your talent.
~~~~~
For years the Columbia County Courthouse has been faced with the dilemma of how to get physically challenged folks up the entrance steps. A decade or so ago, they installed a lift on the west steps. But it has been a challenge to maintain, and more of a challenge to provide service to folks when they need to use it. They tried giving keys to regular users, but that didn’t fix the problem for newcomers.
  Now, Judge Larry Price has removed the old lift and built a ramp on the west side of the Courthouse. This new ramp is surprisingly aesthetic and extremely functional. Thanks to Judge Atkinson for taking care of this problem.
~~~~~
This week Louisiana elected the 1st Vietnamese-American to the US Congress, Republican moderate Joe Cao. Well, what are we going to do about this immigration problem? I mean, all those Mexicans are streaming across our borders, taking our jobs, robbing, pillaging, etc. Aren’t they?
Or, are they like our ancestors, “... looking for a country of their own. ... longing for a better country ... Hebrews 11: 14-16.”
The truth is twofold:
1. We have a nation abundant with resources and jobs. And these folks are not taking our jobs, by and large, they’re taking jobs the average citizen doesn’t want.
2. The immigrants coming from the south aren’t anymore (nor less) dishonest than our average citizen. Yes, there are immigrants who have been caught stealing or driving drunk, etc. They’ve also served in our military and are serving now in Iraq and Afghanistan.
What bothers me about this whole discussion is the groundswell against the Mexican people coming here when (a.) All of us (including the “native” Americans) are decedents of immigrants. (b.) In my lifetime, we’ve had two major migrations (Vietnamese and Cubans) and the nation not only survived but those folks have prospered.
  In fact, here in Magnolia, Annette’s favorite “nail salon” is run by Vietnamese immigrants and sits right next to a Hispanic store.
Yes, the “flood” of immigrants coming from the south is a security problem and it’s a problem for the land owners along the border who have this “heard” tromping through their property every night.
Yes, there is also a “flood” of drugs coming from the south. But ... this flood is pouring in due to the demand here in America. Each time we’ve plugged a smuggling route, another one is opened and it’s going to continue as long as US citizens are buying the junk. Our “war on drugs” concentrating on putting the “distributors” out of business has only resulted in raising the price thereby making the sale more lucrative, and attracting more folks to the business. The Mexican and other southern people aren’t the source of our drug problem, we are the source of our drug problem.
Yes, illegal immigrants are breaking the law. But they aren’t breaking the law to steal from us, they’re breaking the law because they have no hope where they come from. And since most of them (millions) are employed here, we must have an abnormally low immigration allowance.
So, what are we going to do about this immigration problem? We need to set reasonable immigration quotas. As long as there are jobs here, and those folks are desperate, they’re going to keep coming and no fence is going to keep them out. We need to set reasonable citizenship rewards that are obtainable only by those willing to work for them, and that includes citizenship for their kids only if the parents become legal citizens. We need to move our border resources from trying to stop the tide of immigrants flooding in for jobs and hope to do a better job of stopping those who aren’t coming for a job. The southern border is the doorway for folks seeking to do us harm.
So, I encourage you to look at the immigrants in your town. Are they an asset to your community? If so, let’s move over and make room for them. Then we can all work together to help the US pull out of this economic downturn.
~~~~~
What Do You Think? - - I saw the following headline in the news last Sunday: “Students lie, cheat, steal, but say they're good”
The article went on to say that, according to a new, large-scale survey, in the past year, 30 percent of U.S. high school students have stolen from a store and 64 percent have cheated on a test. Ninety-three percent of the students polled said they were satisfied with their personal ethics and character, and 77 percent affirmed that "when it comes to doing what is right, I am better than most people I know." ... Educators reacting to the findings questioned any suggestion that today's young people are less honest than previous generations, but several agreed that intensified pressures are prompting many students to cut corners.

Compare the results of that survey with the stories about Honest “Abe” that to this day I still remember. The most famous story in my memory took place during Abraham Lincoln’s early-teenage years while he was working as a store clerk. It is said that he accidentally overcharged a customer a few extra cents because the scale was not working properly. When he realized the mistake, it was too late, and the customer had already left. So he closed the store and went to find the customer. At that time, he couldn’t just jump into a car and drive over there like we are able to do today. Instead, it is said that Abraham Lincoln walked several miles to the customer’s house and returned those cents.
Now, explain how “pressures” on today’s students cause them to do dishonest things when this man was willing to walk miles to return a few cents. Who has been most inconvenienced?
And look back at the history of our own revolutionary war period. The American army had trouble finding people to spy because it was considered dishonorable to lie and spies had to lie.
It’s not “pressure” that causes today’s generation to be dishonest and unethical. It’s the example they get from their peers and mentors.
So how do we get our kids to be honest? By being scrupulously honest ourselves, in everything we do.
~
On the Net: [http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=2008-11-30_D94PGCAO8&show_article=1&cat=breaking] [Institute: http://josephsoninstitute.org/]
~~~~~
Recycling goes from boom to bust as economy stalls
Just months after riding an incredible high, the recycling market has tanked almost in lockstep with the global economic meltdown. As consumer demand for autos, appliances and new homes dropped, so did the steel and pulp mills' demand for scrap, paper and other recyclables.
Cardboard that sold for about $135 a ton in September is now going for $35 a ton. Plastic bottles have fallen from 25 cents to 2 cents a pound. Aluminum cans dropped nearly half to about 40 cents a pound, and scrap metal tumbled from $525 a gross ton to about $100. [http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=2008-12-07_D94U7GP80&show_article=1&cat=breaking]
~~~~~
Groups sue to remove toys with phthalates from marketplace
Watchdog groups Public Citizen and the Natural Resources Defense Council are suing the Consumer Product Safety Commission in a challenge of the commission's interpretation of a congressional ban on toys containing phthalates. The commission has said that toys placed in the marketplace before the Feb. 10 ban on the plastic do not have to be removed from shelves, but the groups say the toys left on store shelves could cause harm to consumers. The American Chemistry Council argues that fears about phthalates are based on extremely high levels of the chemical tested on rats. New York Daily News (12/4) [http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2008/12/04/2008-12-04_groups_sue_for_early_ban_on_chemical_in_.html]
~~~~~
If you’re in the giving mode, here’s my Christmas list. I’m going to keep this one running here for the benefit of my family (and anyone else who is so inclined).
Rechargeable Batteries for the following “Ham” radios: Kenwood TH-22-AT (9.6 volts, 600 mAh battery, 2 each (for our two radios)), Yaesu FT-50 (it takes a FNB-83 7.2V1400mAh battery), Yaesu, VX-1 (it takes a FNB-52LI 3.6V 700mAh Lithium-Ion battery).
New “Rubber Ducky” antennas for the following “Ham” radios: Kenwood TH-22-AT (two radios)
Back Scratcher
Basic tools of any kind
Batteries, AA
Batteries, 9 volt
Batteries, AAA
Blankets or Quilts
“Boot” Horn
Chair, office $49 from SAMS (up to three of them)
Craft Kit, Picture Frame, to construct 11"x14" frames.
Cordless Drill
Cordless Screwdriver
A DeLorme Earthmate GPS device
A copy of DeLorme Street Atlas USA
A copy of DeLorme Topo USA
Digital Video Recorder
Eyeglasses, “Computer type” to use at church (and some new ones to use at home and at work.)
Floor Mats (for the truck)
Handkerchiefs
“Happy Birthday” Jesus Offering
Hat (warm, for bald guys winter wear.)
Magnifying Glass.
Non-skid toilet rug
Oven Thermometer
Refrigerator Thermometer
Small, lightweight “head light” so I can see small things on the desk or workbench.
Socks (the $30 a pair kind)
Some Warm-up Suits to wear around the house after we get that first gas bill.
USB “Thumb Drive”
VHS - DVD Recorder
~
And, for the more wheel healed gift giver, here’s my list of very expensive gifts.:
MOTOART C-119 Coffee Table or MotoArt B-25 Bomber Desk or
727 GalleyBar.
Humvee
My dream, a Hasselblad H3D-31 kit (camera body, viewfinder, and 80mm lens) is now offered at a new, lower price of only $15,203.66
or, an even better deal, the Hasselblad 503CWD Limited Edition, Digital SLR with a 16 MP Back. This retro design features Victor Hasselblad’s engraved signature. And a 1Gb CF card. All for less than $11,000. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasselblad]
This list is subject to grow as Christmas approaches.
~~~~~
Don’t forget to use GoodSearch [http://www.goodsearch.com/] when you search the Internet!
~~~~~
We extend our sincere sympathy to George Ransford in the loss of his wife, Barbara. Many of you remember George who worked in the Process Technology Department for many years prior to his retirement.
~~~~~
DarynKagan.com - - December 5, 2008
So much for the idea that there are no sensitive, inspiring men out there. Want to know where they are hanging out? In our new social online community! [http://darynkagan.ning.com/] An incredible number of MEN are signing up for a space that I bet a lot of folks might've thought would be a chick hangout. They're here to post inspiring stories, share their personal heroes, photos, thoughts, and videos. And they are from across the US and around the world. The last few that just signed up come from California, South Carolina, and Germany.

Hey, gals--there are plenty of great women, as well. Stop by and check it out. [http://darynkagan.ning.com/]
Today's Story: Catching Up With The World's Best Shoe Salesman
Were you a fan of CBS News' Charles Kuralt? Remember those great stories he used to do for CBS Sunday Morning. Now, 25 years later, Steve Hartman is doing something pretty cool--he's going back and catching up with the stars of some of Kuralt's best stories. Today he lets us know whatever happened to the world's best shoe salesman.

Watch Video [http://darynkagan.demo.nimbussoftware.com/business/stories/bu_081205_shoesalesman.html]
~~~~~
We are saddened in the death of Brad Aycock, Ron Aycock's son and Jess's brother. Brad has always been an inspiration to Annette, Sim, Robert and Verna.
We also heard that Brad was just short of his medical and insurance benefits, so the family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations would be much appreciated to help with medical and burial expenses.
~~~~~
Each week the Defense Department highlights military personnel who have gone above and beyond in the war. [http://www.defenselink.mil/heroes/] - - Jeremiah Workman - Hometown: Marion, OH - Awarded: Navy Cross

It was one day before Christmas, Dec. 24, 2004, and the Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines were battling their way through the streets of Fallujah as part of a mission code-named Operation Phantom Fury.

Then-Cpl. Workman and his squad were removing weapons and rubble from the streets left behind from an earlier battle when they heard gunfire down the street – an instant indication that trouble was nearby.

Workman and his squad ran down the street toward a two-story house, where a large number of insurgents had pinned down some Marines. Workman poked his head inside the enemy-infested building and saw Marines on the ground level trying to communicate with the trapped men upstairs. Insurgents were firing heavily upon those below, making communications and movement nearly impossible.

Charging into the house first, Workman ran up the stairs, dodging bullets and firing at enemies as he went. His actions allowed those Marines on the ground floor to quickly exit the house. When he realized none of his squad members were able to follow in the attack, Workman ran back down the stairs and rejoined the team. They regrouped and Workman led a second charge up the stairs; this time, the team was able to follow.

They started clearing the second level, room by room, killing insurgents as they went. Workman alternated between his rifle and grenades, eliminating numerous enemy fighters. Running low on ammunition, the team headed back down the stairs to stock up when an insurgent launched a grenade at the team. The blast went off, embedding shrapnel in Workman’s leg.

Despite being wounded, Workman gathered his team a third time for a final assault strike. Remaining insurgents started firing upon the group from the second floor, but Workman led his team through the ambush to clear the house and retrieve all trapped and injured Marines.

Workman is credited with eliminating more than 20 enemy fighters during the battle. For his actions, Workman received the Navy Cross on May 12, 2006.

Staff Sergeant Workman’s military awards include the Purple Heart, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
~~~~~
The latest from Michael Yon, the foremost “milnews” blogger on the web.
~
Greetings,

U.S. soldiers are working in tiny teams in very dangerous and remote areas of Afghanistan. We need many more troops, but the ones who are here are working courageously under difficult conditions. I've just spent four days out with one team. More on that later.

Meanwhile, my final dispatch from Iraq: "The Art of the End of War." [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/the-art-of-the-end-of-war.htm]
–
The incredibly important "Agreement For Withdrawal of United States Forces from Iraq" is published. Please click [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/agreement-for-withdrawal-of-united-states-forces-from-iraq.htm], read, and consider making a thoughtful comment.

I'm in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, but will soon fly to Bahrain for some important war-related business. After Bahrain, it's back to Iraq then over to Washington DC, then down to CENTCOM in Florida...then Christmas, and back to the war. The primary current objective is to continue to build situational awareness pertaining to Afghanistan. This is going to be a very long war, and 2009 is tantamount the kickoff.

Your support is crucial and appreciated. War coverage is as expensive as it is dangerous, and uncomfortable.
–
This document [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/irregular-warfare-joc.htm] will have profound implications for our National Security.

V/R,Your correspondent,
Michael
Http://www.michaelyon-online.com/index.php
~~~~~
Christmas will be coming soon and we encourage you to remember our U.S. Service men and women. If you know a service person, send them a card and/or a letter.
Thank them for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe.
~~~~~
America is not at war. The military is at war. - - America is at the mall, or watching the movie stars.
~~~~~
Last Week we watched [Ratings are my own]:
Emma (1996) [6.8] Starring Gwyneth Paltrow
"Emma" (1972) [6.8] Starring Doran Godwin
Emma (1932) [7.0] Starring Marie Dressler ... Myrna Loy
Emma (1999) [6.1] Starring Laly Meignan
Emma (1956) [5.1] Starring Van De Leon
Miss Potter (2006) [7.3] Starring Renée Zellweger ... Ewan McGregor ... Emily Watson
Babe (1995) [9.0] Starring Christine Cavanaugh ... Roscoe Lee Browne ... James Cromwell ... Magda Szubanski
The Terminator (1984) [8.1] Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger ... Michael Biehn ... Linda Hamilton ... Paul Winfield ... Bill Paxton
Designing Woman (1957) [6.8] Starring Gregory Peck ... Lauren Bacall ... Dolores Gray ... Mickey Shaughnessy
National Velvet (1944) [7.4] Starring Mickey Rooney ... Donald Crisp ... Elizabeth Taylor ... Anne Revere ... Angela Lansbury
No Reservations (2007) [8.1] Starring Catherine Zeta-Jones ... Aaron Eckhart
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) [7.1] Starring Meryl Streep ... Anne Hathaway ... Stanley Tucci
~~~~~
Last Week we read; Nothing to lose / Lee Child - - Exodus / Exodo words by Charles Bowden, photographs by Julian Cardona
We’re currently reading; The eight : a novel / Katherine Neville.
We intend to read; - - The fire : a novel / Katherine Neville. - - Forever blue / Suzanne Brockmann.
We recommend: The Faith: Chuck Colson
~~~~~
http://www.shelfari.com
http://www.shelfari.com/bugsbleat/shelf
~~~~~
Photos on the front of this week’s “Bleat” include; Shots I took around Magnolia Friday at sunset, including scattered clouds, contrails, 1st UMC, the lights over the Kroger parking lot and the moon over Magnolia
~~~~~
We’ve now got several addresses on the web for "Da Bleat." For the latest issue, go to http://www.bugsbleat.blogspot.com. Last quarter’s issues can be seen at http://www.bugsbleat3q08.blogspot.com.
Our photos are posted at http://www.bugsbleatphotos.blogspot.com.
If you want to see more photos of April’s train wreck in Magnolia, go to http://www.bugsbleattw.blogspot.com/
~~~~~
Feel free to share the "Bleat" with any and all. That's why we publish it.
~~~~~
Dr. Pat Antoon’s Address:
Pat Antoon 06669-010
Federal Prison Camp
P.O. Box 9300
Texarkana, TX 75505
Be sure and keep him in your prayers.
~~~~~
Recipe(s) of the week - - - Asparagus Lasagna
Prep Time: 25 min Inactive Prep Time: hr min Cook Time: 25 min Level:
Easy Serves: 6 to 8 servings

9 lasagna sheets, fresh or dried
1 teaspoon olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon, divided
2 (8.5-ounce) jars sun-dried tomatoes, drained
1 ½ packed cups fresh basil leaves
½ cup grated Parmesan, plus 3/4 cup
1/4 pound pancetta, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 bunches asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes for dried pasta or 2 to 3 minutes for fresh pasta. Drain pasta.
In a food processor combine the sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Pulse until the mixture is combined. Transfer to a small bowl. Stir in ½ cup Parmesan. Set aside.

In a large skillet brown the pancetta until crisp. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, onion, and garlic and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Add asparagus and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the ricotta, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a 9 by 13-inch baking dish sprinkle some of the sun-dried tomato mixture on the bottom of the casserole dish. Place some lasagna sheets, then half asparagus mixture. Next sprinkle some mozzarella cheese and some of the remaining 3/4 cup Parmesan. Continue for 1 more layer. Top with lasagna sheets, some sun-dried tomato mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Dot the top with butter. Bake until the ingredients are warm and the cheese is melted, about 25 minutes.

FoodNetwork.com
[http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/everyday-italian/asparagus-lasagna-recipe/index.html]
© 2008 Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved
~~~~~
BreakPoint
Unhealed Wounds
By Mark Earley
12/5/2008
Hope for Grown Children of Divorce

Note: This commentary was delivered by Prison Fellowship President Mark Earley.

This Christmas nearly one quarter of young adults between 18 and 35 will have to decide which parent to visit for the holidays—that is, if they are lucky enough to still have a relationship with both of their divorced parents. These are the children of the no-fault divorce generation, many of whom continue to be weighed down by the baggage of their parents’ separation.

For a long time, popular psychology taught that these wounds didn’t exist, or at least that children were resilient enough to bounce back easily. One book published in 1989 optimistically asserted that it would “only take a year for children to come to terms with their basic feelings of loss of the original family and any rejection or desertion by a parent.”

But by 2001, Judith Wallerstein’s groundbreaking book The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce was beginning to tell a different story than many of us thought was the case. She had followed the lives of 100 children of divorce, from childhood into adulthood. She found that as these children matured into adults, the pain of their parents’ divorce was still affecting their relationships, their work, and their parenting.

Reading the litany of statistics about the children of divorce can be depressing. They are more likely to struggle with delinquency, alcoholism, and even divorce themselves. It’s easy for these now-grown children to feel that they are irreparably wounded. But for the most part, our churches either aren’t equipped to identify or to deal with these wounds.

Happily, some answers to the problems facing a new generation of adults still dealing with their parents’ divorce is closer than we might think.

In her new book Child of Divorce, Child of God, author Kristine Steakley examines how our understanding of who God is can heal those wounds. Quoting from 19th-century theologian and writer George MacDonald, Steakley writes, “Everything depends on the kind of God one believes in.”

The lessons Steakley draws out are not trite spiritual Band-Aids. Rather, they are the result of Steakley’s own struggles as a child of divorce. She deftly shines the truths about God’s character on these difficult issues.

For example, how can a young adult who saw his parents renege on their vows comprehend a God who does not lie, who is always true to His word? Or what does it take for a young adult who prematurely carried his parents’ burdens to realize that God truly shares in carrying our burdens?

Steakley lays a solid framework for rebuilding a shattered sense of hope and self. She stacks these truths about God’s character, stopping to admire each sturdy stone along the way.

The result is a book that points to a path of healing for all those who are still carrying hidden wounds of their parents’ divorce.

The sad fact is that Christian marriages are just as susceptible to divorce as others. So chances are that if you yourself aren’t struggling with the effects of divorce, you certainly know some folks who are. Recommend this book, Child of Divorce, Child of God, to them.

And re-affirm your own belief that knowing God more deeply really is the answer to all of our deepest wounds.

For Further Reading and Information

Kristine Steakley, “The Trouble We Have Seen,” BreakPoint WorldView, 21 November 2008.

Learn more about Kristine Steakley and her book at the blog for Child of Divorce, Child of God.

“The Divorce Generation: Finding Redemption,” BreakPoint Commentary, 12 May 2008.

© 2008 Prison Fellowship - - http://www.breakpoint.org/
~~~~~
Words of the Week:
valediction: a farewell speech
bulwark: a protective structure
caitiff: a cowardly and mean person
curio: something unusual that is collected
dissever: to separate into parts
eminent: above others in quality, position
balustrade: staircase railing
incursion: entering another's domain
from http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
~~~~~
"The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that's the essence of inhumanity." - George Bernard Shaw

"No one has a finer command of language than the person who keeps his mouth shut." - Sam Rayburn

"The art of pleasing consists in being pleased." - William Hazlitt

"The afternoon of human life must also have a significance of its own and cannot be merely a pitiful appendage to life's morning." - Carl Gustav Jung

"Honest men are the soft easy cushions on which knaves repose and fatten." - Thomas Otway

"Manners are especially the need of the plain. The pretty can get away with anything." - Evelyn Waugh

"Nothing ever gets anywhere. The earth keeps turning round and gets nowhere. The moment is the only thing that counts." - Jean Cocteau
~~~~~
BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS
http://breakingchristiannews.com/

YWAM Mercy Team Brings Hope
Peter Wooding (November 30, 2008)
"The people we serve in this community are not rich, and they still have problems, but they are able to live in the Kingdom of Light, and are learning to find the abundant life God has for them."
(Dhaka, Bangladesh)—In the slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh a small but dedicated team of Youth With A Mission workers is tackling extreme poverty head on through their vital work.

Currently, the Dhaka Mercy team has only eight volunteers who have been working in the area since 2001. Regional Mercy Ministries leader, David Johnson estimates about 50 children have benefitted from the feeding program and there are regularly 20 children in the day care program, but much more could be done with additional help, particularly in the administration of the ministry.

Shumi & Ruma: A Story of Hope
The 8 foot by 10 foot corrugated tin house which is called a clinic by the YWAM Mercy team in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was buzzing with activity when one of the team noticed a thin young woman squatting in the dirt path outside.

When asked where she lived, she replied vaguely, "relatives". A few more questions revealed that Ruma's husband had left her with nothing but a baby. To keep herself and her daughter, Shumi, from starving, Ruma's only choice was to beg for food. (Photo: Shumi)

Soon after this, the YWAM Dhaka Mercy team started a feeding program. Shumi was one of the first children to participate. She was severely malnourished, weighing only 5 kilos (11lbs) at 18 months of age. Although children are usually kept in the feeding program for three months, Shumi stayed in for 6 months before she fully recovered.

Transforming communities
A major part of the feeding program is educating mothers about nutrition. Training on how to cook, how to feed and care for a baby is new information for many parents. Ruma responded to the teaching, and as Shumi began to recover, the team also saw a spark of life in Ruma and were able to help her find a job which pays a survival salary.

Dhaka Mercy's goal is not simply to provide health care for people, but to transform communities. Single mothers like Ruma desperately need child care, so they began a day-care center. Shumi was one of the first children to be part of this program and she flourished under the love and care of volunteers who have seen her grow into a thriving kindergarten student, enthusiastically reading books in the Dhaka Mercy after-school program.

Regional Mercy Ministries leader, David Johnson, reports, "Shumi is a delight to all who see her! Not only has the team been Jesus' hands to Ruma and Shumi, they have also come to know Him through the fellowship group which meets in the community."

"It is a job worth doing," says David. "The people we serve in this community are not rich, and they still have problems, but they are able to live in the Kingdom of Light, and are learning to find the abundant life God has for them."
Source: ASSIST News Service [http://mail.google.com/mail/?zx=twwo1foz2r4i&shva=1#search/BREAKING+CHRISTIAN+NEWS/11ded6c0aecad37c

Breaking Christian News | 310 2nd Ave SE, Albany, Oregon 97321 | Phone: (541)928-2642 | Email: editor@breakingchristiannews.com

310 2nd Ave SE
Albany, Oregon 97321
541-928-2642
E-mail editor@breakingchristiannews.com
US Orders: 1-866-358-7426
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GCF: Cat Training

Emailed to me from another humor list (Daily Humor) -Tom To subscribe to Daily Humor, send a blank email to: Daily-Humor-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

If this was forwarded to you, please consider your own subscription to Good Clean Fun. It's free! Just send an email to: good-clean-fun-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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Our young daughter had adopted a stray cat. To my distress, he began to use the back of our new sofa as a scratching post.

"Don't worry," my husband reassured me. "I'll have him trained in no time."

For several days, my husband patiently "trained" our new pet. Whenever the cat scratched, my husband deposited him outdoors to teach him a lesson.

The cat learned quickly. For the next 16 years, whenever he wanted to go outside, he scratched the back of the sofa.
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Family Dinner

Emailed to me another humor list (Pastor Tim's Clean Laugh List) -Tom
Subscribe to Pastor Tim's Clean Laugh list at the website: Subscribe
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Family dinner was an enjoyable weekly ritual for us. Although my Mother was in her late 80's she certainly still had the ability to clearly say what was on her mind.

This was the first dinner on my sister's beautiful new dining room furniture. As we all sat enjoying good food and conversation Mom kept squirming in her chair. Finally, my sister asked, "Are you alright? Are you uncomfortable?"

Without looking up from her dinner Mom replied, "No, the chair is."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: At the Baseball Game

Emailed to me another humor list (Tickled by Tony - Clean) -Tom Subscribe to the Tickled by Tony list by sending an email to: tickledbytony_clean-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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I was at a baseball game in Yankee Stadium, when I decided to get myself a hot dog. As I stood up, my husband asked me to buy him a beer. The young clerk at the concession stand asked to see verification of age.

"You've got to be kidding," I said. "I'm almost 40 years old."

He apologized, but he said he had to see some ID, it was policy.

When I showed him my driver's license, the clerk served me the beer. "That will be $6.25, please." he said.

I gave him $7.00 and told him to keep the change. "The tip's for carding me," I said.

He put the change into his tip cup and replied, "Thanks."

And as I walked away, I heard him add, "Works every time."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: The Priest's Collar

Emailed to me another humor list (Tickled by Tony - Clean) -Tom Subscribe to the Tickled by Tony list by sending an email to: tickledbytony_clean-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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A priest was walking along the corridor of the parochial school near the pre-school wing when a group of little ones were trotting by on the way to the cafeteria.

One little lad of about three or four stopped and looked at him in his clerical clothes and asked, "Why do you dress funny?"

He told him he was a priest and this is the uniform priests wear.

Then the boy pointed to the priest's plastic collar tab and asked, "Do you have an owie?"

The priest was perplexed till he realized that to him the collar tab looked like a Band Aid. So the priest took it out and handed it to the boy to show him. On the back of the tab are raised letters giving the name of the manufacturer.

The little guy felt the letters, and the priest asked, "Do you know what those words say?"

"Yes I do," said the lad who was not old enough to read. Peering intently at the letters he said, "Kills ticks and fleas up to six months!"
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Hair Treatment

Emailed to me from another humor list (Humor_G) -Tom To subscribe to Humor_G, send a blank email to: Humor_G-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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Trying to control my dry hair, I treated my scalp with olive oil before washing it. Worried that the oil might leave an odor, I washed my hair several times.

That night when I went to bed, I leaned over to my husband and asked,
"Do I smell like olive oil?"

"No," he said, sniffing me. "Do I smell like Popeye?"
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Thanksgiving Prayer
This is a repeat from the GCF Archive. Posted there 11/25/2005.
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My family traditionally begins the evening meal with a prayer of thanks. When they were old enough, we began letting our children say the meal prayer. Of course at first they would ask for a pony, a new bike, etc. They soon learned the more important things which should be included in the prayer.

At Thanksgiving we had the whole family over. My nine year old wanted to say the prayer. It went like this:

"Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the turkey, the rolls, the mashed potatoes, the red jiggly stuff, and the bread stuff even though I don't like it. We ask that You not let us choke on this food."

(Most of us nearly choked just trying not to laugh!)
_ ____________________________ _
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / Genius unexerted is no \ \_/ ////
\ / more genius than a bushel \ /
\ _/ of acorns is a forest \_ /
/ / of oaks. -- Beecher \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / A piano is harmless \ /
\ _/ as long as people \_ /
/ / leave it alone. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / There is no such thing as \ /
\ _/ Government Money, \_ /
/ / only Taxpayer Money. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Do oysters get bored? \ /
\ _/ How could you tell? \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Health: \ /
\ _/ The slowest possible \_ /
/ / rate of dying. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / You can order pizza online, \ /
\ _/ but how do you download it? \_ /
/ / \ \
_ ____________________________ _
| Thomas S. Ellsworth |
| tellswor@kcbx.net |
| http://www.kcbx.net/~tellswor |
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|Stop for a visit, leave with a smile! To join Good Clean Fun, email: good-clean-fun-subscribe@yahoogroups.Com To leave Good Clean Fun, email: good-clean-fun-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.Com Or visit the Good Clean Fun web site at http://www. slonet.org/~tellswor/
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The Wisdom of Larry the Cable Guy

The Wisdom of Larry the cable guy......

1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?' 22. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.
23. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. 24. Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.

Thanks to David Lamb
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A Christmas Story for people having a bad day:

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.

Then Mrs. Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.

Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.

Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drank all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said very cheerfully, “Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to put it?”

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

Thanks to Gary Foreman
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An atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter & Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews & observances of their holy days. The argument was ~ it is unfair that atheists had no such recognized day(s).
The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, 'Case dismissed.'
The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, 'Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter & others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur & Hanukkah. Yet my=2 0client & all other atheists have no such holidays.'
The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, 'But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant.'
The lawyer said, 'Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists.'
The judge said, 'The calendar says April 1st is 'April Fools Day.' Psalm 14:1 states 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned.

Thanks to Gary Foreman
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I just want to thank all of you for your educational e-mails over the past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery.

I no longer open a public bathroom door without using a paper towel.
Or have them put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.
I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking one's nose.
Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.
I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public bathroom.
I must send my special thanks to whoever sent me the one about poop in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.
Also, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.
I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258 th time.
I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.
I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's novena has granted my every wish.
I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.
I won't touch margarine, as it is just one molecule away from being plastic.
I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.
Thanks to you, I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.
Because of your concern I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains, nor do I drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put 'Under God' on their cans.
I can no longer buy gasoline without taking someone along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm pumping gas.
I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.
And thanks for letting me know I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face, disfiguring me for life.
I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.
Neither will I go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
I no longer receive packages from UPS or Fed Ex since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise..
I won't shop at Target since they are French and don't support our American troops or the Salvation Army.
I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore , and Uzbekistan .
I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.
Thanks to you, I can't use anyone's toilet but my own because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my butt.
And thanks to your great advice, I can't ever pick up $5.00 dropped in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.
I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the brown recluse and my hand will fall off.
If you don't send this e-mail to at least 14,000 people in the next 14 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 PM tomorrow afternoon and the fleas from 1,000 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician...

Have a wonderful day....

Oh, by the way.....A German scientist from Argentina , after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mail with their hand on the mouse.
Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.

Thanks to Richard Matherne
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Forgive Your Enemies

Toward the end of a church service, the minister asked the congregation, "How many of you have forgiven your enemies?"
All held up their hands except one small elderly lady.
"Mrs. Jones? Are you not willing to forgive your enemies?"
"I don't have an enemy in the world," she replied, smiling sweetly.
"Mrs. Jones, that is very unusual. How old are you?"
"I happen to be ninety-eight years young," she replied.
"Oh, Mrs. Jones, would you please come down in front and tell us all how a person can live ninety-eight years and not have a single enemy?"
The little sweetheart of a lady tottered down the aisle, faced the congregation, and said, "I outlived them all."

Thanks to Waneta
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These are really cute...

Angels Explained by children

I only know the names of two angels. Hark and Harold. --Gregory, 5
Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget Why, but scientists are working on it. --Olive, 9
It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to heaven, And then there's still the flight training to go through . And then you got To agree to wear those angel clothes. --Matthew, 9
Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else. --Mitchell, 7
My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science. --Henry, 8
Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows.--Jack, 6
Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead. --Daniel, 9
When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And When he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado. --Reagan, 10
Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an Angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then When it gets cold, angels go north for the winter. --Sara, 6

Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good Carpenter --Jared, 8
All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it. --Antonio, 9
My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth. --Katelynn, 9
Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the child get over It. --Vicki, 8

Thanks to Waneta
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This is probably true! - DR

HIGH SCHOOL GOVERNMENT CLASS

In one 12th grade high school class, they were discussing the qualifications to be president of the United States .
They are pretty simple the teacher said: The candidate must be a natural born citizen and at least 35 years of age.
One girl in the class immediately started complaining about how unfair the requirement to be a natural born citizen was.
In short, her opinion was that this requirement prevented many capable individuals from becoming president.
The class were just taking it in and letting her rant, but everyone's jaw hit the floor when she wrapped up her argument by stating:
'What makes a natural born person any more qualified to lead this country than one born by C-Section?'.......

Thanks to Daphne Roberts
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An "Oldie"

Bubba was bragging to his boss one day, "You know, I know everyone there is to know. Just name someone, anyone, and I know them."
Tired of his boasting, his boss called his bluff, "OK, Bubba how about Tom Cruise?"
"Sure, yes, Tom and I are old friends, and I can prove it. " So Bubba and his boss fly out to Hollywood and knock on Tom Cruise's door, and sure enough, Tom Cruise, shouts, "Bubba! Great to see you! You and your friend come right in and join me for lunch!"
Although impressed, Bubba's boss is still skeptical. After they leave Cruise's house, he tells Bubba that he thinks Bubba's knowing Cruise was just lucky.
"No, no, just name anyone else," Bubba says.
"President Bush," his boss quickly retorts.
"Yes," Bubba says, "I know him, let's fly out to Washington."
And off they go. At the White House, President Bush spots Bubba on the tour and motions him and his boss over, saying, "Bubba, what a surprise, I was just on my way to a meeting, but you and your friend come on in and let's have a cup of coffee first and catch up." Well, the boss is very shaken by now, but still not totally convinced.

After they leave the White house grounds, he expresses his doubts to Bubba, who again implores him to name anyone else.
"The Pope," his boss replies.

"Sure!" says Bubba.
"My folks are from Poland, and I've known the Pope a long time."

So off they fly to Rome. Bubba and his boss are assembled with the masses in Vatican Square when Bubba says, "This will never work. I can't catch the Pope's eye among all these people. Tell you what, I know all the guards so let me just go upstairs and I'll come out on the balcony with the Pope." And he disappears into the crowd headed toward the Vatican. Sure enough, half an hour later Bubba emerges with the Pope on the balcony. But by the time Bubba returns, he finds that his boss has had a heart attack and is surrounded by paramedics.

Working his way to his boss' side, Bubba asks him, "What happened?"

His boss looks up and says, "I was doing fine until you and the Pope came out on the balcony and the man next to me said, "Who's that on the balcony with Bubba?"

Thanks to Gary Foreman
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Happy Birthday, Elsie!

I play pinochle regularly with seven other women, most of whom are age 70 or older. Recently we celebrated the birthday of our oldest member by taking her out to lunch. When the waitress came to take our order, one of the women said to her, "This is a very special occasion. It's Elsie's ninety-second birthday."

The waitress made seven instant enemies and one fast friend by asking the question, "Which one of you is Elsie?"

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

Bank Lobby

During the years that I was home with my three children, I occasionally had to handle banking business for our family-owned corporation. One of those times my youngest was only two weeks old and the older ones were three and four years old. With trepidation I entered the bank lobby with all three children in tow, hoping that they would behave appropriately for that business climate, and was dismayed to see several people in each teller's line.

As I held the baby, I swayed and bounced to keep her relaxed and quiet. After a few minutes, my four-year-old daughter, who was holding my skirt, looked up and asked, "Mommy, why are you doing that?"

Then, after a short pause, her face lit with revelation and she asked knowingly, "Do you need to go potty?" It's a shame bank lobbies can be so quiet.

Received from Shirley Grigsby.

(-:][:-)

Toaster

/* I have a three-year-old and this is something my son would ask... If you've never had one, you might not enjoy this as much as I did. - jp */

When my son was two or three and learning the ways of American life, he watched me place some bread in both slots of our toaster so that it would be ready to cook just before serving.

Considering the opportunity, he pulled a chair to the counter and politely asked, "Mommy, may I flush the toaster?"

Received from Shirley Grigsby.

(-:][:-)

Bad Knees

An old man limped into the doctor's office and said, "Doctor, my knee hurts so bad, I can hardly walk!"

The doctor slowly eyed him from head to toe, paused, and then said, "Sir, how old are you?"

"I'm 98," the man announced proudly.

The doctor just sighed and looked at him again. Finally he said, "Sir, I'm sorry. I mean, just look at you. You are almost one hundred years old, and you're complaining that your knee hurts? Well, what did you expect?"

The old man said, "Well, my other knee is 98 years old too, and it doesn't hurt!"

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

-=+=-
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Madeleine Begun Kane Latest Columns - - http://www.madkane.com/madness/2008/11/30/irony-lives/ - - Irony Has At Least Seven More Lives
Once again, the media is debating the purported death of irony [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/fashion/23irony.html?_r=1]. Nine-eleven killed it the last time, and this year’s culprit is Barack Obama. Lucky for humorists (and their readers), irony apparently has a cat-like nine lives:

Irony Has At Least Seven More Lives
By Madeleine Begun Kane

Obama’s election’s to blame
For irony’s death, many claim.
Is there nothing to mock?
To satirically knock?
Spoof the press and the pundits — I’m game.

And there’s always the cowardly Dems,
And obstreperous GOP “gems,”
Greedy banks, AIG,
CEOs, bad TV.
Start lampooning — no haws and no hems.

http://www.madkane.com
Subscribe to MadKane Humor Newsletter (weekly) here:
http://www.madkane.com/email.html
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"Don't strive for recognition, but work for achievement." -- Vanessa Malone
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Navy Names Four Ships After American Pioneers

Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter announced today the names of four new Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo/ammunition ships (T-AKE) as Matthew Perry, Charles Drew, Washington Chambers and William McLean. All of the Lewis and Clark ships are named in honor of American explorers and pioneers and are being built by General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif.

The selection of Matthew Perry, designated T-AKE 9, honors Navy Commodore Matthew C. Perry (1794-1858), who led a squadron of ships to Japan in 1853 with the aim of opening that nation to trade. He served during the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War, and was sent to suppress piracy and the slave trade in the West Indies.

The selection of Charles Drew, designated T-AKE 10, honors Dr. Charles R. Drew (1904-1950), a physician and medical researcher whose pioneering work in the late 1930s and early 1940s led to the discovery that blood could be separated into plasma. The model for blood and plasma storage developed by Drew has saved untold lives and is the same process used today by the Red Cross. In 1943, he became the first African-American surgeon to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery. T-AKE 10 will be the first Navy ship named after Drew.

The selection of Washington Chambers, designated T-AKE 11, honors Navy Capt. Washington Irving Chambers (1856-1934), a pioneer in naval aviation. Responsible for the Navy’s nascent aviation activities, Chambers arranged the world’s first airplane flight from a warship. The Nov. 14, 1910, flight by aviator Eugene Ely on the light cruiser the USS Birmingham (CL-2) confirmed the potential of carrier-based naval aviation. T-AKE 11 will be the first Navy ship named after Chambers.

The selection of William McLean, designated T-AKE 12, honors William Burdette McLean (1914-1976), who conceived and developed the heat-seeking Sidewinder air-to-air missile while serving as a physicist for the Navy. During World War II, McLean worked on ordnance equipment and testing at the National Bureau of Standards in Washington, D.C. Following the war, he moved to the Naval Ordnance Test Station in China Lake, Calif., where he led the project team developing the Sidewinder missile. T-AKE 12 will be the first Navy ship named after McLean.

The T-AKEs are 689 feet in length, have an overall beam of 106 feet, a navigational draft of 30 feet and displace approximately 42,000 tons. Powered by single-shaft diesel-electric propulsion systems, the T-AKEs can reach a speed of 20 knots. As part of the Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the T-AKEs are designated United States Naval Ship (USNS). Unlike their United States Ship (USS) counterparts, the T-AKEs are crewed by 124 civil service mariners working for MSC, as well as 11 sailors who provide supply coordination. When needed, the T-AKEs can also carry a helicopter detachment.

More information on dry cargo/ammunition ships can be seen at http://www.msc.navy.mil/factsheet/t-ake.asp . More MSC news can be seen at http://www.navy.mil/local/MSC .
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This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine!
The year is 1908.
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1908 :
********* ********* ******
The average life expectancy was 47 years.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!
The average wage in 1908 was 22 cents per hour.
The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year .
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .
Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which Were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard. '
Sugar cost four cents a pound.
Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.
The population of Las Vegas , Nevada, was only 30!!!!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, 'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind,regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health'
( Shocking? DUH! )
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE ! U.S.A. !
Now I forwarded this from someone else without typing it myself, and sent it to you and others all over Canada & U.S.A possibly the world, in a matter of seconds!

Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years. IT STAGGERS THE MIND

Thanks to Waneta
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The Morning News - Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Amateur Radio Offers Fail-Safe Communication
By Scarlet Sims

Tornadoes raked central and northeastern Arkansas in February, killing 14 people and damaging landlines, cell towers and state emergency communication equipment. Emergency crews could still get information to residents and hospital staff at tornado-hit Stone County Medical Center because amateur radio operators could communicate.

When Hurricane Gustav headed toward Washington County in August, amateur radio operators watched for tornadoes and reported weather events to the National Weather Service. The volunteers also set up a network in case they were needed to assist local shelters.

As the remnants of Hurricane Ike gusted across Benton County in September, amateur radio operators set up a countywide network and watched the storm, reporting cloud rotation and hail to the county emergency management department.

“Ham radio operators come out of the woodwork during an emergency,” said J.M. Rowe, Amateur Radio Emergency Services state coordinator.

Amateur radio operators are unsung heroes who train for emergencies and serve their communities during a crisis, Rowe said. Amateur radio operators, or “hams,” are vital during an emergency or disaster because they can communicate when all other systems fail, he said.

The amateur radio systems are wireless, so when a storm rips through an area, amateur radio operators still can send information, operators and emergency managers said.

The federal government reserves a frequency for amateur operators in exchange for community service as part of the licensing requirement. Amateur operators cannot receive money or be used for commercial purposes, according to Federal Communications Commission regulations. That means county and state emergency officials can’t use the line without having an amateur radio license.

Today’s amateur radio operator is an inventor who plays with sending different signals over the radio frequency, including satellite, cell, video, telegraph and earth-moon-earth technology, said Brad Clement, Benton County Radio Operator Club president. The club has about 35 active members and meets once a month.

Some operators work with microwave frequencies or experiment with mixed technology, Smith said. There also are operators who will always stand by the older technology that uses Morse code, he said.

“The key is getting the message through and that is by whatever means necessary,” Smith said. “All that matters during an emergency is getting the message through.”

The state Department of Health wants more people to become amateur radio operators, said Cathy Flanagin, the department’s communication preparedness director. Federal law requires states to have duplicate communication systems to prevent communication failures, she said.

“The ham radio doesn’t fail when everything else does,” Flanagin said.

The department has held about three videoconferences to train people interested in learning about amateur radio. In January, 178 people passed their tests during the department’s training session. About 12 of those were from Northwest Arkansas, Flanagin said.

Flanagin said the department’s program is successfully increasing the number of operators. Arkansas had about 7,700 amateur radio operators in 2007, according to the department. As of Monday, the state had 7,851 operators, according to Hamdata, an industry group that collects federal radio information.

Northwest Arkansas operators said the number of amateur radio operators remains stable.

Both Benton and Washington county emergency directors say working with amateur radio operators is key to making sure police, fire and other emergency services are always able to communicate during a disaster. The counties provide space and equipment for operators.

“Amateur radio is kind of your last defense for communication,” said Marshal Watson, Benton County emergency services director.

Radio equipment is tucked in Benton County’s administrative building basement with the rest of emergency management. Volunteer operators respond to radio calls from storm spotters across the county and relay the messages to emergency officials. That information goes to the National Weather Service and sometimes to cities so they can activate tornado sirens, Watson said. Operators can send video, e-mail and fax on the amateur radio frequency to the command post without any infrastructure in place.

Hobbyist operators can relay messages countywide, statewide, nationwide or worldwide to let people know what has happened to loved ones after a disaster, Clement said.

“It’s kind of like a dive team — this is what we do as a hobby,” Clement said while sitting in front of county weather screens and radio equipment. “One’s desire to communicate is there. You might as well use it to help the public at large.”

Washington County ham operators and emergency services have worked to become partners for several years, Director John Luther said. Luther earned his amateur radio license about four years ago to better understand ham operators and to learn how to operate the equipment.

The Washington County club has about 30 active members, and a separate group at the University of Arkansas has about 25 members, said Bill Smith, district emergency coordinator for the Amateur Radio Relay League. The groups are separate but have some membership overlap, he said. The University WeatherNet focuses on weather watching, while the county club focuses on emergency services, Smith said.

Benton and Washington counties have hundreds of ham operators not on the rosters, Smith said.

Washington County Emergency Management Department reserves two of its eight communication stations for amateur radio operators. Operators are allowed to use the equipment and train at least once a week. The county allows ham operators to use three county-installed repeaters for anything they want as long as the lines are open during an emergency, Luther said.

The system provides amateur operators with equipment they otherwise couldn’t afford while giving the county trained volunteers to pull from, Luther said.

Ham operators help with weather spotting but they also can send support services without taking up other services’ radio frequencies, Luther said. If the fire department responds to a house fire during a storm, ham operators can simultaneously call the Red Cross without taking up the police frequency, he said.

Building a partnership and networking with amateur radio operators has been one of Luther’s top priorities.

“When there’s a crisis it’s not the time to be trying to make friends with somebody,” Luther said.

Technology is still changing, and ham radio is changing too, ham operators said.

“It’s not an old man sitting in a closet tapping out Morse code,” Clement said.
~
Hospitals Promote Ham

The Arkansas Health Department uses federal grants from the national Hospital Preparedness Program to provide ham radios to all participating hospitals in Arkansas. About $14,000 went to Northwest Arkansas hospitals. The program also provides training to license additional operators statewide. The next training session in Northwest Arkansas is planned for early next year.

Source: Arkansas Health Department

[http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2008/11/29/news/113008bzradioheads.txt]

Thanks to Joe Mullins
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A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the preacher decided to visit him.

It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his preachers visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The preacher made himself at home but said nothing.
In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearthall alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.'

We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.

The Lord is my Shepherd ----- that's a Relationship!
I shall not want ----- that's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ----that's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters -----that's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul ----- that's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness --that's Guidance!
For His name sake ----- that's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death--that's Testing!
I will fear no evil ----- that's Protection!
For Thou art with me ----- that's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me -----that's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies------that's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil ----- that's Consecration!
My cup runneth over ----- that's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life----that's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -----that's Security!
Forever ----- that's Eternity!

Thanks to David Kirkpatrick
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| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------
December 5, 2008
Antibiotics
Today's Safety From the Heart was submitted by Keith Black.
______________________________
CDC Starts Get Smart About Antibiotics

"What do sinusitis, most sore throats, bronchitis, runny noses and the regular cold have in common? They are upper respiratory tract infections usually caused by viruses that can't be cured with antibiotics. Yet, each year, health care providers in the U.S. prescribe tens of millions of antibiotics for viral infections." Those are the opening words of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's announcement of its Get Smart About Antibiotics Week (Oct. 6-10), which will highlight how various groups are educating the public about antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.

"Antibiotic overuse is a serious problem and a threat to everyone's health," said Dr. Lauri Hicks, medical director of CDC's "Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work" program. The problem is multi-faceted: Over-prescribing contributes, as do using a broad-spectrum therapy when a more specific drug would be better, starting and stopping medications, and giving leftover medications to a friend who appears to have the same ailment you had, she said.

"As we enter this year's cold and flu season, we ask parents to not insist on getting antibiotics when a health care provider says they are not needed," said Hicks. "If you have a cold or the flu, antibiotics won't work for you." People need to be patient and let the body do its work, she explained.
----------------------------------------------
| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------
December 4, 2008
Today's Safety Message was submitted by Robert Joyner.
................................................
Safe Work Habits

"Habit is the deepest law of human nature" Most of us would probably agree with that. People are quite often influenced by habit. Habit and job safety is also closely related. If you form safe work habits, it's going to reflect positively in everyone's job safety. There are seven (7) common "human factors" related to developing safe work habits. Let's review them.

Hazard Recognition --- Recognition of hazards is an important factor. By constantly being on the lookout for hazards you enhance your own safety. In watching for hazards you must consider not just the obvious ones, but also hazards which might suddenly appear through some action of another person or a chain of unusual circumstances. Whenever a hazard is detected, report it to someone who can make the change.

Avoiding Indifference --- Avoiding indifference on the job is important to safety. An individual might know the right way to do his or her particular job, and just ignore it. Sometimes the most experienced person who has had the safety related training might tend to avoid doing the job the right way. Or there may be the employee who does not know the safety procedures and instead of finding them out chooses to also ignore them. These kind of indifferences on the job can and do lead to trouble and accidents.

Eliminating "Daredevil" Behavior --- OK admit it, have you ever done or known anyone who has done a daredevil stunt or taken a quick chance? How about standing on the top rung of a ladder? Everyone knows you should not do that, sometimes the ladder is even posted "do not stand above a certain level" but we do it anyway. Eliminating "daredevil" behavior is another human factor that can prevent injury on the job and at home.

Setting a Good Example --- Setting a good example is another factor to consider. We have all heard this statement before. "If you set a good example then others will follow". Think about how your actions at work and at home may affect the attitudes of others. The actions of all of us have an influence on the safety-mindedness of others. Think of it this way, when you are in your car traveling to one place or another do you leave room between cars or do you have a tendency to tailgate? Think how the other person may feel, stressed, I bet. If a veteran employee follows the safety rules then the newer employee may follow their lead but on the other hand if we condone the unsafe acts of others then that behavior may be what we now call the culture of the company.

Avoiding Impulsiveness --- Another link in the chain of job safety is avoiding impulsiveness or being in a hurry. Haste is a trait that often leads to accidents. We are using our time foolishly if we don't take the time to be safe. Many valuable timesaving suggestions are contributed by employees each year, but, these timesaving suggestions should be reviewed and approved before they are used. Haste can result in injury!

Controlling Impatience --- Controlling impatience and temper is equally important to job safety. If we let emotions get out of control, an accident can easily occur. Statistics prove that on the job violence is on the increase in our country. Do you have programs in place that identifies potential problems before tempers get out of control? And, what kind of programs do you have established to get help for your employees.

Proper Training and Instruction --- Finally, one of the most important human factors related to safe work habits is training. From the day we are born we are being trained. Some of this training or learning may have been good, and we probably picked up some bad habits along the way. Job training and safety go hand in hand. While the supervisor is responsible for training, each employee must be responsible to ask questions if instructions are not clear or if there are any doubts about procedures. Unfortunately, some experienced employees may be so familiar with their jobs that they become inattentive, and this too is hazardous.

Proper work habits can assure job safety. Overall, the responsibilities for developing safe work habits really belong to each of us. By being aware of the "human factors" we've just reviewed, safe work habits can be formed and job safety assured. This can and does affect your bottom line.

* Make Safety A Habit * - - Copyright © 2001 by David E. Miller
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The Pump Handle. A water cooler for the public health crowd.

Here are links to items posted on The Pump Handle over the past week:

** "Occupational Health News Roundup" by Liz Borkowski The mafia targets journalists in Juarez; South Africa considers penalties for gold-mine management in cases of miner deaths; and a CDC study finds healthcare workers are more likely to die from bloodborne infections. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/11/26/occupational-health-news-roundup-91/

** "Food for Thought" As the Obama administration prepares to take over, it's worth remembering Representative Rosa DeLauro's proposal for splitting FDA's food and drug functions into separate agencies. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/11/25/food-for-thought/

** "Secrecy Prevails on DOL's Risk-Assessment Rule" by Celeste Monforton Labor Secretary Chao has issued her semi-annual regulatory, and the document is enlightening for what it doesn't mention. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/11/24/secrecy-prevails-on-dols-risk-assessment-rule/

** "Friday Blog Roundup" by Liz Borkowski Bloggers consider a leadership change in an important Congressional committee; delve into the latest thinking on obesity; and report on a new Ebola subtype in Uganda. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/11/21/friday-blog-roundup-101/

** "Justice Sandra Day O'Connor hears OSHA's Chromium Case" by Celeste Monforton Public Citizen and the United Steelworkers petitioned the court for a review of OSHA's 2006 final chromium rule, arguing that the PEL does not protect workers' health; now, a three-judge panel including Justice O'Connor is hearing oral arguments in the case. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/11/21/justice-sandra-day-oconnor-hears-oshas-chromium-case/

http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/
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Weekly Toll - - http://weeklytoll.blogspot.com/
Death In The Workplace w/News & Updates
John Donne - ...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
A partial list of workplace fatalities.

Death in the American Workplace - - Job at tower gave worker new hope for his dream
Dec 4, N.C. – The construction worker killed at an uptown job site this week was remembered by family Wednesday as a go-getter who hated being idle. Jonathan Beatty, 24, died Tuesday after a tool fell from the 11th floor in an elevator shaft inside the new Wachovia tower going up at the corner of Stonewall and South Tryon streets, according to a project manager. Reached Wednesday, Beatty's father said his son had been on the job uptown for about six weeks and was excited because it paid well. He said the recent economy had made it hard for his son to get 40 hours a week with other companies. “He had dreams and he was not afraid to work to make them come true,” said John Beatty, 46. “I know he felt this job would give him enough money to do some things.”

Piece of Oak Island falls; worker killed - -Dec 4, Oak Island N.C. - A construction worker was killed Wednesday after a large concrete girder crashed to the ground as crews worked to build a new Oak Island bridge. Lee Construction Co. of the Carolinas identified the worker as
Jose Montalvo of Sumter, S.C. The Star-News of Wilmington reported that Montalvo was on the girder when it fell about 40 feet. He died at the scene.
Man killed at Wachovia site wanted to build own home.

Rail worker killed in Adams County - -Dec 4 Adams County -A train creeping through an unlit intersection hit a semi-trailer at 66th Avenue and Franklin Street in Adams County tonight, killing a Union Pacific conductor working outside the locomotive, according to the Colorado State Patrol. The 33-year-old conductor has not been named, though his family members showed up at the crossing shortly after the crash at about 7 p.m., said Trooper Gilbert Mares of the Colorado State Patrol.

http://weeklytoll.blogspot.com
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NEVER FORGET! We're listing the names of our soldiers killed weekly. These records can be found at http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/

01. Capt. Robert J. Yllescas, 31, of Lincoln, Neb., died Dec. 1 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., of wounds suffered Oct. 28 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit at Combat Outpost Keating, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
~
Sailor Missing from WWII is Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Ensign Robert G. Tills, U.S. Navy, of Manitowoc, Wis. He will be buried on March 23, 2009, in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

Representatives from the Navy’s Mortuary Office met with Tills’ next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy.

On Dec. 8, 1941, two PBY-4 Catalina Flying Boats moored in Malalag Bay, in eastern Mindanao, Philippine Commonwealth, were strafed and sunk by Japanese aircraft. All of the crew on board the PBYs escaped the aircraft with the exception of Tills, who was seen by another crewman to have been hit and killed by machine gun bullets. Tills was the first Navy officer to be lost in defense of the Philippine Islands. His body was not recovered.

In October 2007, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) was notified by U.S. authorities in the Philippines that aircraft wreckage had been discovered in Malalag Bay. A fragment of the wreckage bore the markings “PBY-4.”

In November 2007, a JPAC team, along with the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group-Philippines and the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG), surveyed the site and recovered human remains and non-biological evidence. Later that month, the PCG recovered additional remains from the site.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC also used dental comparisons in the identification of Tills’ remains.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1420.
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"We have nothing to fear but fear itself." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt

"Remember Pearl Harbor? Remember 9/11!" --"Bug"

Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. - - George Carlin

"Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!" - - Queen E. Watson
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Activities and Events of Interest - - Coming Events
~~~~~
Albemarle Christmas Party, December 11.
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Scheduled Activities
~~~
CQ CQ all Hams. We have restarted a 2 meter net on the Willisville repeater, 146.655, every Tuesday evening at 7 PM. Please check in and spread the word. We would like to get some renewed interest in amateur radio and the ARKLA Amateur Radio Association. Will be listening for everyone next Tuesday night.
~~~
Columbia County Amateur Radio Club meets Every second Thursday @ 7:00 p.m. Union Street Station. And YOU'RE invited. Net is every Sunday at 20:30 on 147.105.
~~~
MCC - Mom's Day Out - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 2.$10 for the first child, $5 for the second. Call 234-3225 for reservations.
~~~
MCC - Nursing Home Ministry - Meadowbrook Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 am. Taylor, the last Thursday each month.
~~~
Men's Prayer Breakfast held every Tuesday morning at 6 AM in Miller's Cafeteria. If you aren't a regular participant at the Men's Prayer Breakfast, you're missing some great food, fellowship and inspired teaching of the Word. Hope to see you there.
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Emergency Phone Number 911
(Fire, Police, Ambulance, Sheriff, etc. )
Central Dispatch 234-5655
(Non - Emergency Number)
Direct Numbers
Ambulance - 234-7371 (24 Hour)
Jail - 234-5331 (24 Hour)
Poison Control - 800-222-1222 (24 Hour)
http://www. aapcc. org/
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Interested in getting in touch with the Banner-News through e-mail?
E-mail addresses for communicating with the newspaper’s various departments are: news@bannernews.net For news and sports items, Coming Events, Diary, Church News, school and civic events.
advertising@bannernews. net For retail and classified advertising.
circulation@bannernews. net To start, stop or cancel newspaper delivery or for comments about delivery.
outfitters @bannernews.net For Office Outfitters, the office supply division of the Banner-News.
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"There is not enough darkness in the world to put out the light of one candle."
"Laugh whenever you can and cry if you need to." -- "Bug"
"I read the end of the book. We win!" -- "Bug"
"We may not be able to cure the world, but we don't have to make it sicker." -- "Bug"
"There just ain't enough fingers for all the holes in the dike." - - "Bug"
"It's no big deal doing what God tells you to do. A big deal would be NOT doing what God tells you to do. Just ask Jonah." - - Paul Troquille
“Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est.” Knowledge is power. - Francis Bacon
"The problem is here and now. The time for talk is past. The time for action is now."
Comments on the first Earth Day - James F. McClellan via John "Fuzzy" Thurman
~~~~~
Hope you enjoy the newsletter.
Again, thanks to all our contributors this week.

God bless and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Gen 20:4-7 Gen 21:5-7 Rom 16:17-18 Jude 1:20-21 1 Sam 17:47-50 http://www.e-min.org/
God is Good and Faithful CU 73 IC JFM CSP NREMT-I KC5HII

P. S. If you'd like to be added to the distribution, just drop us E-mail at kc5hii@suddenlink.net
. We offer "Da Bleat" as text, a "Blog" and as a newsletter with pictures in Word and PDF format. The latest issue is usually updated sometime Saturday. For the "Blog" version just go to one of the several addresses on the web. For the latest issue, go to http://www.bugsbleat.blogspot.com. Older issues can be found at http://www.bugsbleat_q__.blogspot.com, where _ is the quarter (1, 2, 3, or 4) and __ is the year (05, 06, 07, or 08). We also have a site [http://bugsbleatphotos.blogspot.com/] where we post photos that I like.
Let us hear from you if we can switch you over to the "Word" or "PDF" version of "Da Bleat".
If you'd prefer to read "Da Blog" version, just drop us a note at kc5hii@suddenlink.net and we'll switch you from e:mail delivery to "Da Bleat" Blog. We appreciate your encouragement. We also appreciate your communication when you desire to be taken off our mail list. If you are on this mail list by mistake or do not wish to receive "Da Bleat," please reply back and tell us to discontinue service to you. This email was scanned by Norton AntiVirus 2008 before it was sent.
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