Bug's Bleat - - GCF: What NOT To Give Her For Valentine’s Day

Volume 10, Issue 07 Friday, February 15, 2008

Hello All,

David sent me this site. [http://www.motoart.com/email/feb08/largeimage.html] One of my dreams is to own a MotoArt C-119 Paratrooper coffee table. The C-119 was the first military plane I ever flew in. MotoArt says; "What was once used as the main exit for US Marine Paratroopers is now completed as a limited edition coffee table with 3/4" green glass and internal illumination. These antique doors were discovered in pristine condition and have been tastefully transformed into a functional table. The C119 was best known as the Flying Boxcar. It was first produced in 1949 with production ending in 1955. The last aircraft was retired in 1975.”
In the mid ‘60s I flew in a C119 from ElDorado, Arkansas to Sherman, Texas to attend summer camp at Perrin Air Force Base. Perrin was a training base and a real step down from previous weekends at Little Rock Air Force Base which was then a SAC B-58 base.
We stayed in WWII wooden barracks and were given a modified taste of Air Force Basic Training. My squadron was full of misfits and trouble makers and the drill sergeants quickly renamed us “F Troop.” Highlights of the week included grenade training where the instructor pretended to drop a live grenade among the students and endless drilling in the field across from the barracks. We drilled while most of the other squadrons were at the movies or other such rewards for good behavior. We just couldn’t seem to behave long enough to earn anything except demerits. One memorable incident involved our production of a large quantity of shaving cream bombs intended for use on the squadron downstairs. However, as we were transporting them down stairs we ran into (literally) the squadron commander who was coming up stairs to inspect our barracks. Several of the balloons ruptured, drenching the Colonel in water and shaving cream. After that, there was no hint of us ever doing anything but punishment duty for the rest of the time we were there.
My memories of the C119 are of a loud aircraft with web benches for us to sit in along the sides. The center of the cargo bay was filled with our luggage and parachutes. The crew chief went through a little demonstration on how to don the chute and pull the rip cord if the plane got into trouble. It was a great flight that I’ll never forget.
http://www.motoart.com/html/tables.htm
http://www.motoart.com/html/home.htm
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Speaking of childhood memories, there’s a measure scheduled for debate in South Dakota House of Representatives. It would allow youth as young as 10 could legally hunt.
You mean they can’t hunt now? I thought any dad could carry his kids hunting. And it’s up to the parents to decide when they want to start hunting with their kids.
Well, it seems that I’m mistaken, at least in South Dakota. The current minimum age to get a hunting license is 12, although kids of any age may currently hunt on their own property.
HB1263 would let 10-year-olds hunt small game, such as pheasants as well as big game, such as deer, turkeys or antelope, on an adult's license, said Rep. Mike Buckingham, R-Rapid City. The adult, typically a father, would have to be with the child as a mentor, he said. Mentors would have to take hunter-safety courses before their 10-year-olds could hunt.
Unbelievably, opponents argue that 10 is too young to hunt. They said 10-year-olds are not physically and emotionally ready to be toting rifles and shotguns. I started carrying a rifle when I was five. My cousin Henry Lee taught me to always treat every weapon as if it were loaded and to never point a weapon at anything I didn’t intend to shoot.
Of course, Dinah Sue, Charles and I were walking to town alone and getting ice cream when we were 4 or 5 years old. I can’t imagine allowing any of my grandkids to do that.
Thanks to Barry Brownlee
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The Home of the ‘60s “Free Speech” movement outlaws free speech.
BERKELEY, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Speech_Movement] California (Reuters) - Officials in the famously liberal California town of Berkeley have stirred a national fuss by telling U.S. Marine Corps recruiters they aren't welcome anymore
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN1058361420080210?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=10005&sp=true
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So explain to me why we celebrate the freedom to speak our mind by stifling the right of citizens to advertise for enlistment in the armed services?
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Glenn Beck advocates restricting the armed forces (including the National Guard) from working disaster or any other need in the community of Berkley. “If they don’t want the military, let’s make sure that they don’t have to suffer the presence of any military personnel in their community for any reason.
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I guess Berkeley is like many of us. Their support of free speech only applies to people they agree with.
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Happy Birthday Claiborne Sharp. Claiborne turned 50 on Valentine’s Day.
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An inventor in Pennsylvania has discovered an easy process for pulling hydrogen and oxygen out of salt water. He's used it to power a Sterling engine in a lab. That's right; the engine runs on salt water. A friend said this is; "Another proof that God is providing for us."
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What appeared to be a metal staple was found in a Valentine's Day lollipop at an elementary school, a day after a woman reported a blade-like piece of metal in another bag of the same product. It has been pulled from the shelves of thousands of stores across the country.
Roughly 20 lollipops, from a bag of Pokémon Valentine Cards and Pops, were seized at Kathleen Elementary School in Lakeland. X-rays determined that only one piece definitely had metal—what appeared to be a staple—baked inside, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.
On Wednesday, Lisa Potter in nearby Mulberry told authorities she found a lollipop with a piece of metal in it in a bag of the same product. The metal appeared to be part of a razor blade, authorities said.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=2008-02-14_D8UQENPG0&show_article=1&cat=breaking
I guess China still hasn't gotten that product safety and quality thing down.
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This news item explains why so many of our friends, neighbors and coworkers have been sick this month.
“The flu season is getting worse, and U.S. health officials say it's partly because the flu vaccine doesn't protect against most of the spreading flu bugs. The flu shot is a good match for only about 40 percent of this year's flu viruses, officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.”
These “non specific viral respiratory infections” have decimated local schools and work forces. I’m still glad we got the shot, 40% protected is better than none. And don’t forget there is still plenty you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from the new strains of the flu.

The following steps may help to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as flu:
Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick: If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help to prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Clean your hands: Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth: Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs, and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Antiviral Medications for PREVENTING Influenza
Three antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir) are approved and commercially available for use in preventing flu. All of these medications are prescription drugs, and a doctor must be consulted before they can be used. If any of your close contacts shows flu symptoms you should ask your doctor for a prescription of one of these antiviral drugs.
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There’s an insignificant debate brewing over US plans to shoot down a decaying spy satellite. Last week the world news media was criticizing the US for the potential hazard of this bus sized object plummeting into some populated area. This week they are accusing the US of upping the space arms race by planning to shoot the satellite down.
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DOD To Engage Decaying Satellite
An uncontrollable U.S. experimental satellite which was launched in December 2006 is expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere between the end of February and early March. Because the satellite was never operational, analysis indicate that approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kgs) of satellite mass will survive reentry, including 1,000 pounds (453 kgs) of propellant fuel (hydrazine), a hazardous material.
Although the chances of an impact in a populated area are small, the potential consequences would be of enough concern to consider mitigating actions. Therefore, the President has decided to take action to mitigate the risk to human lives by engaging the non-functioning satellite. Because our missile defense system is not designed to engage satellites, extraordinary measures have been taken to temporarily modify three sea-based tactical missiles and three ships to carry out the engagement.
Based on modeling and analysis, our officials have high confidence that the engagement will be successful. As for when this engagement will occur, we will determine the optimal time, location, and geometry for a successful engagement based on a number of factors. As the satellite’s path continues to decay, there will be a window of opportunity between late February and early March to conduct this engagement. The decision to engage the satellite has to be made before a precise prediction of impact location is available.
Contact with hydrazine is hazardous. Direct contact with skin or eyes, ingestion or inhalations from hydrazine released from the tank upon impact could result in immediate danger. If this operation is successful, the hydrazine will then no longer pose a risk to humans.
The U.S. government has been and continues to track and monitor this satellite. Various government agencies are planning for the reentry of the satellite. In the event the engagement is not successful, all appropriate elements of the U.S. Government are working together to explore options to mitigate the danger to humans and to ensure that all parties are properly prepared to respond. In the unlikely event satellite pieces land in a populated area, people are strongly advised to avoid the impact area until trained hazardous materials (HAZMAT) teams are able to properly dispose of any remaining hydrazine.
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Of course, the real reasons they are going to shoot it down are;
1. They want to practice shooting down satellites
2. They want to ensure that secret technology doesn’t end up crashing into some area where other nations could get their hands on it.
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WASHINGTON (AP) - Hundreds of U.S. Marines have been killed or injured by roadside bombs in Iraq because Marine Corps bureaucrats refused an urgent request in 2005 from battlefield commanders for blast-resistant vehicles, an internal military study concludes.
After Defense Secretary Robert Gates declared the MRAP (pronounced — rap) the Pentagon's No. 1 acquisition priority in May 2007, the trucks began to be shipped to Iraq in large quantities.
The vehicles weigh as much as 40 tons and have been effective at protecting American forces from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the weapon of choice for Iraqi insurgents.
The study's author, Franz J. Gayl, catalogs what he says were flawed decisions and missteps by midlevel managers in Marine Corps offices that occurred well before Gates replaced Donald Rumsfeld in December 2006. Gayl goes on to say that "Gross mismanagement" delayed deliveries of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected trucks for more than two years.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=2008-02-15_D8UR2EE80&show_article=1&cat=breaking
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Each week the Defense Department highlights military personnel who have gone above and beyond in the war. [http://www.defenselink.mil/heroes/] - - Lisa Carter
Hometown: Atlanta, GA - - Awarded: Bronze Star

When Lisa L. Carter was an Atlanta postal worker caring for her two-year-old daughter, she had a strong feeling she was capable of more. Little did she know that, almost two decades later, she would be in command of more than 90 soldiers in the sands of Iraq. Nor would she have predicted that a Bronze Star would be pinned on her uniform in 2003 for her extraordinary service in support of the 555th Maintenance Company.
Spurred on by colleagues, she joined the Army Reserves in 1987 and was forever changed when she saw a black female officer and thought, “If she can do it, surely I can do it.” From that day forward, she tirelessly reached for excellence. In 1996, she received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Georgia State University and earned Army lieutenant gold bars through the school’s ROTC program, all the while raising a family as a then-single parent.
Around the Christmas holiday of 2002, the 2/43 Air Defense Artillery Battalion and the 555th Maintenance Company received their deployment orders to Iraq with 80 percent of the company on leave. Carter had a goliath task ahead, and she embraced it. As the 555th Maintenance Company Commander at Ft. Bliss, Texas, she meticulously, safely, and effectively rail-loaded the entire company of 51 pieces of equipment in record time. Under her leadership, the unit’s support of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force aided more than 65 contact missions, recovered 45 vehicles, and repaired more than 35 pieces of equipment within a four month period. Able to maintain a grueling operational tempo, her personnel were instrumental in the battalion’s 95 percent above readiness rate during three critical weeks of intense combat. For these stellar accomplishments, then-Captain Lisa Weems (Carter) was awarded the Bronze Star.
Now back in the United States as member of the Defense Department’s Why We Serve program, the major is engaged in telling her story to fellow citizens. From a hard-working single mother in Atlanta to a distinguished Army major, Carter now sums it up: “Service members know that this is their job and responsibility – to serve.”
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Greetings:

South Baghdad has truly quieted down. There is still some violence reminding us this is not over, but I walked down the street of one neighborhood the other day wearing no body armor or helmet.
I mentioned back in December that I expected US casualties likely would rise in January and February, and unfortunately this is occurring. The same is likely to happen in March. This masks the reality that much progress is being made and Iraq as a whole appears to be settling down, because it is easy to cherry pick facts that make it appear worse than it is. I believe that JAM is cooperating more than is being reported in the news.
The increased US causalities are to be expected due to the rapidly diminishing habitat for al Qaeda. Al Qaeda continues to get hammered south of Baghdad, out in Diyala, up in Salah ad Dinh, Nineveh, and other places, but of course some of them always squirt and escape.
Many al Qaeda have "escaped" to (or are being trapped in? ) Mosul. There are reports that al Qaeda has learned from their mistakes and are treating the people in Mosul better than they have treated people elsewhere; this could make it tougher to root them out of Mosul. But these reports are ambiguous: AQI typically treats people mostly well when they first move in, but the pattern is clear: eventually they go Helter Skelter and start cutting off kids' heads and so forth.
I expect fierce fighting to unfold in Mosul, and I should be there in a few days.
On Monday, I'll talk on the Dennis Miller show, and Tuesday on NPR. Please click [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/rubs-photo-of-the-year.htm] for more information, and to see three "Photos of the Year" (almost), that I shot in Iraq.
~
Much progress in Iraq. We will likely be here a long time, and there is far to go, but the progress is unmistakable. A new dispatch about a key to Iraq's future can be read [http://michaelyon-online.com/wp/rubs-dinner-with-general-dubik.htm].
I'll do an interview on National Public Radio about one hour from now. The audio will be published [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18916064]. And [http://www.npr.org/blogs/talk/].
Thank you for supporting this mission! [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/support-next-dispatch-from-iraq]

Michael
Baghdad
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Senator Jim Webb of Virginia joined representatives of the nation's leading veterans groups to advocate comprehensive educational benefits for post-9/11 veterans in the fiscal year 2009 budget. The groups advocates a "21st Century GI Bill," similar to the Webb-Hagel bill (S.22) that enjoys widespread support.
"This independent budget represents the voices of our nations' veterans' service organizations who truly understand the costs of war," said Senator Webb. "These advocates have called for a '21st Century GI Bill' that provides returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with benefits that respect their service and reward their sacrifice like the WWII veterans that came before them."
The Webb-Hagel "Post-9/11 Veterans' Educational Assistance Act" (S.22 in the Senate, H.R.2702 in the House) embodies the comprehensive "21st Century" benefits called for in the veterans' independent budget. Under the bill, service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan could earn up to 36 months of benefits, equivalent to four academic years, which would include payment of tuition, books and fees, as well as a $1,000 a month living stipend for those veterans whose military service qualifies them for the program.

"I hope that the Senate leadership and my Republican colleagues take note of the overwhelming support for this initiative and will put partisanship and politics aside to address this national problem," said Webb.
Senator Frank Lautenberg, Congressmen Chris Carney and John Salazar, and representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) expressed their support for the bill.
“With many of our service members having served under difficult conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan and some of them having pulled multiple tours, it is past time to enact a new veterans’ education program modeled on the World War II era G.I. bill,” said Senator Webb. “Since I introduced S.22, the bill has received strong support from the nation’s top veterans’ organizations, 18 members of the Senate, and now, 5 members of the House. I applaud Congressman Scott for leading the effort in the House of Representatives.”
In addition to Senator Webb, Senators Baucus, Bingaman, Boxer, Brown, Casey, Clinton, Durbin, Harkin, Kerry, Landrieu, Lautenberg, McCaskill, Mikulski, Sanders, Stabenow, Tester, and Wyden, and Representatives Boucher, Carney, Moran, Salazar, and Scott are co-sponsors of the legislation.
“As someone who has served our country, I can tell you that the current Montgomery G.I. Bill is not adequate. This is a peacetime bill, and we must expand it to accommodate our men and women returning from overseas. There is no better way to support our troops than to ensure that they re-acclimate into daily life seamlessly and that they have a bright future ahead of them. A comprehensive G.I. bill, like the one we are introducing today, is a way to achieve this.” said Congressman Christopher P. Carney, who serves as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
“At this time we have hundreds of thousands of brave men and women who have enlisted since 9/11, these men and women have put their lives at stake - sometimes with two or three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Congressman John Salazar. “This legislation could help create our nations Next Great Generation and I'm proud to offer my support.”
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Here’s the letter I’ve sent to our congressional delegation on this issue.
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I'm writing to request your support for Sen. Webb's Post-9/11 G.I. Bill (S.22 in the Senate, H.R.2702 in the House) This bill will go a long way toward a down payment on what we owe to our soldiers and their families. Its cost per year is about what we're spending every 36 hours in the current war. Many Arkansans have served and are serving (our own local guard unit is headed back to Iraq in a few weeks.) Please support their service and this bill.
Thank You
James F. McClellan
NREMT-I, KC5HII, CSP
Editor/Publisher "Bug's Bleat"
http://bugsbleat.blogspot.com/
759 Lucy Circle
Magnolia, Arkansas 71753
(Phone) 870-234-7028
KC5HII@Suddenlink.net
KC5HII@gmail.Com
> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
God's Bar of Soap - I John 1:9
> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
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Here’s a post By Joseph L. Galloway in support of this bill: http://michaelyon-online.com/wp/important-message-from-joe.htm
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COMMUNICATION NOTICE: We are switching Internet Service Providers and, as of February 28, our e-mail address will change. You can contact us at kc5hii@gmail.com.
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News from “Master’s Hands”
Hello from Tanzania and Happy New Year
In Tanzania, the traditional way to bring in the New Year is by banging on pots and pans at midnight. Our kids made us promise to wake them up for the countdown to midnight. Then they went outside to join others in banging on pots and pans. It was hilarious to me.
We have been invaded by RATS! Since returning from furlough, we’ve killed more than I could count through various methods - rat poison, traps, our dog, baseball bats, broomsticks, etc. The worst of them was one night when we were without electricity. We sat in the dark for a couple of hours and I went to put the boys into bed since they had fallen asleep on the couch. I suddenly noticed our door had been left open. I shut the door and took one child to bed. Brandt was carrying another child when he saw a shadow go across the room. Apparently it was a rat trying to go out the door but I had just trapped it by shutting the door. Brandt jumped up in the air, making noise. (We disagree on what kind of noise he made!) Then . . . Splat!!!! He landed on top of that rat and squashed him flat as a pancake. What a way to “De Pest” the house.
One of the subjects I taught this year in the Bible school was Evangelism. Afterwards, all of the students, myself and a team from Texas went door to door evangelizing. In a little over 2 hours, we presented the gospel to over 180 people and 79 accepted the Lord as their Savior. The students caught the fire for evangelism and were thrilled with the response of the people.
The Bible school graduation was a joyful event with 60 students graduating. Almost all of them were already in the ministry but came to our school for training in the Bible. Many of them had guests and church members at the graduation ceremony who “decorated” them with Hawaiian type leis and confetti when their names were called.
You’ve probably heard about all the post-election violence happening in neighboring Kenya. Since we love only an hour and a half from the Kenya border, we’ve been receiving lots of refugees fleeting the violence. We’re thankful that Tanzania is a peaceful country and ask for your prayers that it stay that way.
We covet you prayers for our family and appreciate all you do for us. We pray God’s blessings on you!
For financial support: Please make checks payable to AMA and mail to: Agape Missionary Alliance, P.O. box 22007, Little Rock, AR 72221. Write PRINCE on the memo line.
Joyfully, Brandt, Pam, Austin, Ty and Ben.
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Albemarle Blood Drive, Thursday, February 28, 2008, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm on the Bloodmobile at the South Plant. Walk-ins are welcome! T-Shirts will be given!! Call Nancy Terry @ 6286 for an appointment but Walk-ins are Welcome. Our goal is 33+ units!!
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Congratulations to Aaron and Ashley Williams on the birth of Alexander Charles Williams born on Friday, February 15! Alexander was born at 7:53 a.m. weighing 7 lbs, 2 oz, and was 20 " long.
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First Baptist Church Open Face Taco Supper is coming Feb 21, from 5-7:00 pm. Tickets are $8 each. The meal includes beverage & dessert.
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Recipe(s) of the week - - - Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Asian Cole Slaw from Food Network Kitchens


Pork:
2 pork tenderloins, each about 12 ounces, silver skin removed
1 tablespoon peanut oil
2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Cole Slaw:
1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons soy sauce
1 ½ teaspoons mirin
1 lime, juiced
1 ½ teaspoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger
1 ½ teaspoons peanut oil
1 ½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/4 head Napa cabbage, (about ½ pound,) thinly sliced crosswise
½ large head radicchio, thinly sliced, (about 2 cups)
4 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
1 orange or yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and thinly sliced
1 red apple, such as Macoun, Cortland, or Pink Lady
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper


Position a rack closest to the broiler and preheat to high.
Brush the tenderloins with the oil and rub all over with the five-spice powder. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Lay the pork on a broiler pan and, broil turning once, until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. (An instant-read thermometer should register between 140 and 150 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the meat.) Set meat aside for at least for 5 minutes before slicing.

Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar with the soy sauce, mirin, lime juice, and ginger in a glass measuring cup. Gradually whisk in the peanut and sesame oils. Toss the cabbage, radicchio, scallions, and bell pepper in a large bowl with 1/4 cup of the vinaigrette. Grate the apple (with the skin but not the seeds) directly into the slaw, and toss again. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Slice the pork and divide among 4 plates. Garnish with some of the slaw and drizzle with remaining vinaigrette. Serve.

Copyright 2005 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.


Nutrition Information
Nutritional Analysis per serving Calories 329
Fat 13 grams Saturated Fat 3 grams
Carbohydrates 15 grams Fiber 3 grams
Protein 38 grams

Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings


Copyright © 2006 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/cda/recipe_print/0,1946,FOOD_9936_30020_PRINT-RECIPE-FULL-PAGE,00.html
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We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Mable Mackey who passed away last Thursday.
Mrs. Mackey is Mike Rowe's mother-in-law (Norma Kay's mother) and Eric Mackey's stepmother.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, February 10, at Stamps Funeral Home Chapel in Stamps.
~~~~~
We extend our sincere sympathy to Glenn Brian in the loss of his father.
Memorial services for Henry Brian were held on Monday, February 11, in Bethesda Cemetery.
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We extend our sincere sympathy to Jim Hall in the loss of his mother.
Funeral services for Ginger Hall were held Monday, February 11, at the Lewis Funeral Home Chapel in Springhill, LA with burial in the Western Cemetery.
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This week we read; “The innocent man” by John Grisham, and “Death benefits : a novel” by Thomas Perry
We’re currently reading; “Nightlife” by Thomas Perry
We plan on reading:“A war of gifts : an Ender story” by Orson Scott Card, “Sliver of truth” by Lisa Unger.
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http://www.shelfari.com/BugsBleat/shelf?ec=7D790D174EFS18012
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If you’d like to write Dr. Antoon, he’d like to hear from you. This is his current address, the latest of the three federal prisons’ he’s been in.
Patrick Antoon #06669-010
Federal Prison Camp-La Tuna
P. O. Box 8000
Anthony, NM/TX 88021
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The photos on the front of this week’s “Bleat” include photos of our Confined Space Rescue Team Training as well as a photo of flood waters surging across Lucy Circle last spring.
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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.bugsbleat4Q07.blogspot.com.
Our photos are posted at http://www.bugsbleatphotos.blogspot.com.
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Feel free to share the "Bleat" with any and all. That's why we publish it.
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BreakPoint
With Chuck Colson

Brothers behind Bars
By Mark Earley
2/15/2008
Breaking the Cycle of Crime

Note: This commentary was delivered by PFM President Mark Earley.

For most Americans, prisoners and their families are an example of “out of sight, out of mind.” But every once in a while you come across a story that forces you to look.

One such story recently ran in USA Today. It told the story of three brothers: James, Frank, and Sonny Caston. Each of them is serving a life sentence in Louisiana’s Angola prison.

The Castons grew up in what the paper calls, “tiny Lake Providence, Louisiana.” They were raised by a father who idolized the outlaw Jesse James so much that he named his two oldest sons after the James brothers.

While names alone are not destiny, in this case, family breakup and a childhood characterized by abuse and neglect did not help the Caston boys stay on the straight and narrow. So, by their early teens, their neighbors called them the “James gang.”

Like their father’s hero, the Caston boys “graduated” from property crime to murder. By the time they were 22 and 21, respectively, Frank and Sonny were serving a life sentence for the murder of a sheriff’s deputy. Jesse eventually made it three-for-three after confessing to murdering his wife and her best friend.

While the Castons are an “extreme” case, in the sense of their shared violence, their story of crime running in families is not unusual. Researchers have long known that a disproportionate percentage of crime is committed by a very small percentage of the population. By some estimates, 6 percent of the population is responsible for more than 50 percent of all offenses.

What most of these offenders share are broken and/or, as in the Caston’s case, dysfunctional families. They lack examples of what it means to be the kind of man who loves his children, supports his family, and teaches his kids right from wrong. Fatherlessness makes young men anywhere from two to four times more likely to be incarcerated.

What is more, the data also shows that many of these offenders come from families with criminal histories. A Boston study of one neighborhood found “one family whose contacts with the local criminal justice system spanned five generations.” Virtually every male example in their life was a bad one.

Without timely intervention by people committed to breaking this cycle, the tragedies will only perpetuate themselves. One generation will give rise to the next and the next.

Breaking that cycle is the mission of Prison Fellowship. It is why our ministry is to both prisoners and their families, because when you reach an inmate with the Gospel, that impact goes far beyond one person’s life. It changes a family and even an entire community. A transformed man or woman goes from perpetuating this cycle of crime to breaking it.

When Angel Tree volunteers minister to the children of offenders, they are working to break the cycle. When we champion initiatives that support the family of prisoners and healthy family reconciliation, we are working to break the cycle.

And when you hear about this issue, today, on “BreakPoint,” we are working to break it together, because without the support of followers of Jesus, the cycle continues. And we cannot plead “out of sight, out of mind” when the Lord Himself asks us about it—and He will.

Please help the prison ministry of Prison Fellowship and the worldview ministry of BreakPoint with a generous tax-deductible gift today to help us continue strong this year. Donate online or call 1-877-322-5527.

For Further Reading and Information

Learn more about how you can get involved in ministering to prisoners’ families through Angel Tree.

Kevin Johnson, “For Many of USA’s Inmates, Crime Runs in the Family,” USA Today, January 2008.

BreakPoint Commentary No. 060525, “True Casualties: The Children of Prisoners.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 060626, “America’s Prisoners: Targets for Transformation.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 060217, “A Fighting Chance: The Second Chance Act.”

Pat Nolan, “Breaking the Cycle of Crime,” BreakPoint WorldView, September 2003.

Zoe Sandvig, “On the Other Side of Angel Tree,” Inside Out Magazine.

Becky Beane, “The Road Home,” Jubilee, September 1998.

Charles Colson, Born Again (Chosen, 2004).

© 2008 Prison Fellowship http://www.breakpoint.org/
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Words of the Week:
menagerie: a collection of wild or unusual animals; also, a diverse group.
raiment: clothing in general; garments.
ersatz: being a substitute or imitation.
copacetic: very satisfactory.
perdurable: very durable; long lasting.
amative: pertaining to or disposed to love.
ennui: a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction arising from lack of interest.
virago: an ill-tempered, overbearing woman; also, a woman of great strength and courage.
from Dictionary.Com
~~~~~
"The obstinacy of cleverness and reason is nothing to the obstinacy of folly and inanity." - Harriet Beecher Stowe

"Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long enough." - Groucho Marx

"Adults find pleasure in deceiving a child. They consider it necessary, but they also enjoy it. The children very quickly figure it out and then practice deception themselves." - Elias Canetti

"Self-esteem and self-contempt have specific odors; they can be smelled." - Eric Hoffer

"Nobody, as long as he moves about among the chaotic currents of life, is without trouble." - Carl Jung

"The heart has its reasons that reason knows nothing of." - Blaise Pascal

"Many men owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

"Great is the power, great is the authority of a senate that is unanimous in its opinions." - Cicero
~~~~~
2nd Annual Calhoun Community Garden Show
Saturday, April 5th 2008
Roses for Sale
2-gallon rose bushes from the Antique Rose Emporium in Brenham, Texas $20 each
Antique Roses from different years - select a rose from a memorable date or just for its beauty
Orders must be placed before the end of February Roses will be available the weekend of the Garden Show
A catalogue is available from Mary Alexis You may also view the website for more information: www.weareroses.com
If the rose you desire shows to be 'out of stock', don't despair They should be available by the time of the event. We will deliver any roses that come in after the Garden Show.
(Roses appear to be cheaper if ordered on-line ... until you figure in shipping)
The Magnolia area is in Planting Zone 7 If you don't want to order at this time, roses will available at the Garden Show.
Contact Barry Brownlee or Pat Hammock @ x6468 or by e-mail Let us know the name, page, and stock number of the rose(s) you want. (Don't confuse the year with the stock number!)
Also provide a phone number so we can contact you in the event of a problem Make checks payable to: Calhoun Community Garden Show Tell your Friends!

~~~~~
SOON TO BE GONE
By A MILITARY DOCTOR

This should be required reading in every school and college in our country. This Captain, an Army doctor, deserves a medal himself for putting this together. If you choose not to pass it on, fine, but I think you will want to, after you read it.

I am a doctor specializing in the Emergency Departments of the only two military Level One-Trauma Centers, both in San Antonio, TX and they care for civilian Emergencies as well as military personnel. San Antonio has the largest military retiree population in the world living here. As a military doctor, I work long hours and the pay is less than glamorous. One tends to become jaded by the long hours, lack of sleep, food, family contact and the endless parade of human suffering passing before you. The arrival of another ambulance does not mean more pay, only more work.

Most often, it is a victim from a motor vehicle crash.

Often it is a person of dubious character who has been shot or stabbed. With our large military retiree population, it is often a nursing home patient. Even with my enlisted service and minimal combat experience in Panama, I have caught myself groaning when the ambulance brought in yet another sick, elderly person from one of the local retirement centers that cater to military retirees. I had not stopped to think of what citizens of this age group represented.

I saw 'Saving Private Ryan.' I was touched deeply. Not so much by the carnage, but by the sacrifices of so many. I was touched most by the scene of the elderly survivor at the grave side, asking his wife if he'd been a good man. I realized that I had seen these same men and women coming through my Emergency Dept. and had not realized what magnificent sacrifices they had made. The things they did for me and everyone else that has lived on this planet since the end of that conflict are priceless.

Situation permitting, I now try to ask my patients about their experiences. They would never bring up the subject without the inquiry. I have been privileged to an amazing array of experiences, recounted in the brief minutes allowed in an Emergency Dept. encounter. These experiences have revealed the incredible individuals I have had the honor of serving in a medical capacity, many on their last admission to the hospital.

There was a frail, elderly woman who reassured my young enlisted medic, trying to start an IV line in her arm. She remained calm and poised, despite her illness and the multiple needle-sticks into her fragile veins. She was what we call a 'hard stick.' As the medic made another attempt, I noticed a number tattooed across her forearm. I touched it with one finger and looked into her eyes. She simply said, 'Auschwitz.' Many of later generations would have loudly and openly berated the young medic in his many attempts. How different was the response from this person who'd seen unspeakable suffering.

Also, there was this long retired Colonel, who as a young officer had parachuted from his burning plane over a Pacific Island held by the Japanese. Now an octogenarian, he had a minor cut on his head from a fall at his home where he lived alone. His CT scan and suturing had been delayed until after midnight by the usual parade of high priority ambulance patients. Still spry for his age, he asked to use the phone to call a taxi, to take him home, then he realized his ambulance had brought him without his wallet. He asked if he could use the phone to make a long distance call to his daughter who lived 7 miles away. With great pride we told him that he could not, as he'd done enough for his country and the least we could do was get him a taxi home, even if we had to pay for it ourselves. My only regret was that my shift wouldn't end for several hours, and I couldn't drive him myself.

I was there the night M/Sgt. Roy Benavidez came through the Emergency Dept. for the last time. He was very sick. I was not the doctor taking care of him, but I walked to his bedside and took his hand. I said nothing. He was so sick, he didn't know I was there. I'd read his Congressional Medal of Honor citation and wanted to shake his hand. He died a few days later.

The gentleman who served with Merrill's Marauders,
the survivor of the Bataan Death March,
the survivor of Omaha Beach,
the 101 year old World War I veteran.
The former POW held in frozen North Korea,
The former Special Forces medic - now with non-operable liver cancer,
the former Viet Nam Corps Commander.

I remember these citizens.

I may still groan when yet another ambulance comes in, but now I am much more aware of what an honor it is to serve these particular men and women.

I have seen a Congress who would turn their back on these individuals who've sacrificed so much to protect our liberty. I see later generations that seem to be totally engrossed in abusing these same liberties, won with such sacrifice.

It has become my personal endeavor to make the nurses and young enlisted medics aware of these amazing individuals when I encounter them in our Emergency Dept. Their response to these particular citizens has made me think that perhaps all is not lost in the next generation.

My experiences have solidified my belief that we are losing an incredible generation, and this nation knows not what it is losing. Our uncaring government and ungrateful civilian populace should all take note. We should all remember that we must 'Earn this.'

Written By Cpt. Stephen R. Ellison, M.D. US Army

If it weren't for the United States military, there'd be NO United States of America.

Thanks to Waneta
~~~~~
BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS
http://breakingchristiannews.com/

Father on Leave from Iraq Surprises Daughter for Valentine's Day
"Return to the Fountain" —Youth World-Wide Targeted to Pray for the Great Commission and Global Return to Christ
School Shootings and Our Children…What Do We Do?
Funeral Plans Canceled When God Miraculously Heals Woman From Massive Brain Hemorrhage
Frozen Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Cure Toddler's Cancer
Faith-Based NASCAR Team Fights 'David & Goliath' Battle, Tells Amazing Story
The Silent Majority Silent No Longer—a Different Take on the Berkeley City Council/Marine Recruiting Station Rally
Grammy winning Rebecca St. James puts a Different Spin on "Be my Valentine"
Testimonies Abound from Survivors of Last Week's Tornadoes; God Getting the Glory
Concerned California Parents Choosing Alternatives to Public School in Light of New Education Direction
New Research Shows Couples Adopting Donated Embryos have High Success Rate of becoming Pregnant
Exploration Team Brings "Material Evidence" of Noah's Ark Down from Mount Ararat
Amazing Photograph of Moment Lightning Strikes "Christ the Redeemer" Statue in Brazil
Tornado Survivor Says the Moment Rescuers Saved Him; It Was a Picture of Christ's Salvation
Dr. Manny Explains the Health Benefits of Olive Oil
Pregnant Woman Told that she was Carrying "Handicapped" Twins, Refuses Abortion, Gives Birth to Healthy Girls
"Startling" Information Discovered in Iraq Reveals that the Surge is working
Former Brawler who became a Christian will Fight again
A Gang for Jesus
Twelve Christian Converts in Egypt Win Court Case to have their Faith Officially Recognized
New Translation of New Testament Highlights God's Faithfulness
Christian NFL Top Draft Pick Publicly Endorses Ministry of Mercy Ships
13,000 Christian Youth Pack Out Stadium for BattleCry NYC

310 2nd Ave SE
Albany, Oregon 97321
541-928-2642
E-mail
US Orders: 1-866-358-7426
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GCF: What NOT To Give Her For Valentine’s Day

Emailed to me by a friend (Thanks, Evelyn) -Tom

If this was forwarded to you, please consider your own subscription to Good Clean Fun. It's free! A smile will enhance the quality of your life. Just send an email to: good-clean-fun-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit the Good Clean Fun web site http://www.kcbx.net/~tellswor/ Unsubscribe info for Good Clean Fun is at the end of this email. This email was scanned by F-Secure before it was sent.
-------------------------------------------

1. A box of chocolates, clumsily rearranged in an attempt to hide the fact you ate all the caramel ones.
2. Any food item with the words "diet", "light", or "high fiber" on the label.
3. Any video starring Sylvester Stallone or Jim Carrey.
4. Flowers from a hospital's gift shop -- or worse, a mortuary's.
5. Any household appliance, power tool or other item from the harder side of Sears.
6. A gift certificate.
7. Cash.
8. Anything you could have bought at the gas station mini-mart on the way over, even if you didn't.
9. An apologetic look and the words "That was today?"
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Car Wash

Emailed to me another humor list (Good Clean Funnies List) -Tom To subscribe The Good Clean Funnies List, (not to be confused with this list, which is Good Clean Fun) send an email to: gcfl-request@gcfl.net with subject = add
-------------------------------------------

A church choir was putting on a car wash to raise money for a special trip.

They made a large sign that read: CAR WASH FOR CHOIR TRIP.

On the scheduled Saturday, business was very good. But, by two o'clock the sky clouded, the rain poured, and there were hardly any customers. Finally, one of the singers had an idea.

She printed a very large poster with the words:

WE WASH. GOD RINSES (Next to the words was an arrow pointing skyward.)

Business boomed!
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Excellent Grades

Emailed to me from another humor list (Joanna's Jokes) -Tom To subscribe to Joanna's Jokes, send a blank email to: JoannasJokes-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
-------------------------------------------

When Suzy got home, she told her dad that she got a 100 in school. Her dad told her to sit down and tell him all about it.
She said, "Well, I got a 20 in math, a 30 in science, and a 50 in spelling!
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Menu Planning Tip to Reduce Stress

Emailed to me by a friend (Thanks, Andrew) -Tom
-------------------------------------------

I have changed my system for labeling homemade freezer meals. I used to carefully note in large clear letters, "Meatloaf" or "Pot Roast" or "Steak and Vegetables or "Chicken and Dumplings" or "Beef Pot Pie."

However, I used to get very frustrated when I asked my husband what he wanted for dinner because he never asked for any of those things. So, I decided to stock the freezer with what he really likes.

If you look in my freezer now you'll see a whole new set of labels. You'll find dinners with neat, legible tags that say: "Whatever," "Anything," "I Don't Know," "I Don't Care," "Something Good," or "Food." My frustration is reduced because no matter what my husband replies when I ask him what he wants for dinner, I know that it will be there waiting.
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Jump Start

Emailed to me by a friend (Thanks, Dave) -Tom
-------------------------------------------

About five years ago, the battery in my beat-up VW beetle had died because I left the lights on overnight. I was in a hurry to get to work on time so I ran into the house to get my wife to give me a hand to start the car.

I told her to get into our second car, a prehistoric oversized gas guzzler, and use it to push my car fast enough to start it. I pointed out to her that because the VW had an automatic transmission, it needed to be pushed at least 30 MPH for it to start. She said fine, hoped into her car and drove off.

I sat there fuming and wondering, "What can she be doing?" A minute passed by and when I saw her in the rearview mirror coming at me at about 40 MPH, I realized that I should have been a bit more clear with my directions.
_ ____________________________ _
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / I golf in the low 80s. \ /
\ _/ If it's any hotter than that, \_ /
/ / I won't play. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / The trouble with bucket seats \ /
\ _/ is that not everybody \_ /
/ / has the same size bucket. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Most of us go to the grave \ /
\ _/ with our music still inside of us.\_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / To some golfers, the \ /
\ _/ greatest handicap is the \_ /
/ / ability to add correctly. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / The world is full of willing \ /
\ _/ people: some willing to work \_ /
/ / and some willing to let them. \ \
_ ____________________________ _
| Thomas S. Ellsworth |
| tellswor@slonet.org |
| http://www.slonet.org/~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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A redneck was stopped by a game warden in West Tennessee recently with two ice chests full of fish.
He was leavin' a cove well-known for its fishing.

The game warden asked the man, 'Do you have a license to catch those fish?'
'Naw, sir', replied the redneck. 'I ain't got none of them there licenses.
You must understand, these here are my pet fish.'

'Pet fish?'

'Yeah. Every night, I take these here fish down to the lake and let 'em swim 'round for awhile.
Then, when I whistle, they jump right back into these here ice chests, and I take 'em home.'

'That's a bunch of hooey! Fish can't do that.'

The redneck looked at the warden for a moment and then said, '
It's the truth, Mr. Government Man. I'll show ya. It really works.'

'O. K.', said the warden. 'I've got to see this!'

The redneck poured the fish into the lake and stood and waited.

After several minutes, the warden says, 'Well?'

'Well, what?', says the redneck.

The warden says, 'When are you going to call them back?'

'Call who back?'

'The FISH', replied the warden!

'What fish?', replied the redneck.

Moral of the story: We may not be as smart as some city slickers, but we ain't as dumb as some government employees.

You can say what you want about the South, but you never hear of anyone retiring and moving north.

Thanks to David Lamb
~~
This reminds me of another fishing story.
There was a guy who always brought back an ice chest full of fish from his trips to the lake. The game warden had suspicions that this fellow was doing something illegal to always bring back so many fish but he never could catch him.
Finally, he decided to ask him if he could go fishing with him. The fishing fellow said fine, meet me at the boat dock at 6 am.
So the next morning the warden was there and they loaded into the boat and motored far up the lake. Finally the fellow throttled down the motor and announced that this was where he would fish this day.
The game warden looked around and didn’t see any poles or tackle. He asked; “What are we going to fish with?”
The fellow just smiled, opened his tackle box and pulled out a stick of dynamite. He lit the fuse and handed the dynamite to the game warden, saying; “Well, are you gonna fish or what?”
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HOW TO CALL THE POLICE WHEN YOU'RE OLD AND DON'T MOVE SO FAST ANYMORE.

George Phillips of Meridian, Mississippi was going up to bed when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the garden shed, which she could see from the bedroom window. George opened the back door to go turn off the light but saw that there were people in the shed stealing things.
He phoned the police, who asked 'Is someone in your house?' and he said 'no.'
Then they said that all patrols were busy, and that he should simply lock his door and an officer would be along when available George said,'Okay,' hung up, counted to 30, and phoned the police again. 'Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people stealing things from my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I've just shot them.' Then he hung up. Within five minutes three police cars, an Armed Response Unit, and an ambulance showed up at the Phillips's residence and caught the burglars red-handed.
One of the Policemen said to George: 'I thought you said that you'd shot them!'
George said, 'I thought you said there was nobody available!' (True Story)
I LOVE IT - - Don't mess with old people!!
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Fitness Class

Concerned about fitness in my middle 40s, I enrolled in an aerobics class. To my dismay I walked into a room filled with much younger women and decided to combat my nervousness with humor.

"I'm here to do my postnatal exercises."

The instructor gave me an appraising look. "How old is your baby?"

"Twenty-six," I replied.

Received from Steve Sanderson.

(-:][:-)

Valentine's Day Oneliners

What do farmers give their wives on Valentine's Day?
Hogs and kisses!

What would you get if you crossed Odie with the god of love?
A stupid cupid!

Why did the pig give his girlfriend a box of candy?
It was Valenswine's Day!

Do skunks celebrate Valentine's Day?
Sure, they're very scent-imental!

What did the chocolate syrup say to the ice cream?
"I'm sweet on you!"

What did the paper clip say to the magnet?
"I find you very attractive."

What did the French chef give his wife for Valentine's Day?
A hug and a quiche!

What would you call a woman who goes out with Jon?
Desperate!

What did one pickle say to the other?
"You mean a great dill to me."

Knock, Knock!
Who's there?
Olive.
Olive who?
Olive you!

What did the elephant say to his girlfriend?
"I love you a ton!"

What did the bat say to his girlfriend?
"You're fun to hang around with."

Did you hear about the nearsighted porcupine?
He fell in love with a pincushion!

What did the pencil say to the paper?
"I dot my i's on you!"

Liz: "I can't be your valentine for medical reasons."
Jon: "Really?"
Liz: "Yeah, you make me sick!"

Why did the cannibal break up with his girlfriend?
She didn't suit his taste!

(-:][:-)

Physicist on Valentine's Day

Every Friday after work, a physicist goes down to the ice cream parlor, sits in the second-to-last seat, turns to the last seat, which is empty, and asks a girl, who isn't there, if he can buy her an ice cream cone. The owner, who is used to the weird local university types, always shrugs but keeps quiet. But when Valentine's Day arrives, and the physicist makes a particularly heart-wrenching plea into empty space, curiosity gets the better of him, and he says, "I apologize for my stupid question, but surely you know there is NEVER a woman sitting in that last stool, man. Why do you persist in offering ice cream to an empty space?"

The physicist replies, "Well, according to quantum physics, empty space is never truly empty. Virtual particles come into existence and vanish all the time. You never know when the proper wave function will collapse and a girl might suddenly appear there."

The owner raises his eyebrows. "Really? Interesting. But couldn't you just ask one of the girls who comes here every Friday if you could buy HER a cone? Never know -- she might say yes."

The physicist laughs. "Yeah, right. How likely is THAT to happen?"

Received from marty's jotd.

(-:][:-)

Redneck Church

You Know You're in a Redneck Church if...

The finance committee refuses to provide funds for the purchase of a chandelier because none of the members knows how to play one.

People ask, when they learn that Jesus fed the 5000, whether the two fish were bass or catfish, and what bait was used to catch 'em.

When the pastor says, "I'd like to ask Bubba to help take up the offering," five guys and two women stand up.

Opening day of deer season is recognized as an official church holiday.

A member of the church requests to be buried in his 4-wheel-drive truck because "It ain't never been in a hole it couldn't get out of." (Love it!)

The choir is known as the "OK Chorale."

In a congregation of 500 members, there are only seven last names in the church directory.

People think "rapture" is what you get when you lift something too heavy.

The baptismal pool is a #2 galvanized "Wheeling" washtub.

The choir robes were donated by (and embroidered with the logo from) Billy Bob's Barbecue.

The collection plates are really hubcaps from a '56 Chevy.

Instead of a bell, you are called to service by a duck call.

The minister and his wife drive matching pickup trucks.

The communion wine is Boone's Farm "Tickled Pink."

"Thou shall not covet" applies to huntin' dogs, too.

The final words of the benediction are, "Y'all come back now, Ya hear."

Received from Larry.

(-:][:-)

Fitness Class

Concerned about fitness in my middle 40s, I enrolled in an aerobics class. To my dismay I walked into a room filled with much younger women and decided to combat my nervousness with humor.

"I'm here to do my postnatal exercises."

The instructor gave me an appraising look. "How old is your baby?"

"Twenty-six," I replied.

Received from Steve Sanderson.

(-:][:-)

-=+=-
Rate this funny at http://www.gcfl.net/archive.php?funny=20060113
Brought to you by GCFL.net: The Good, Clean Funnies List A cheerful heart is good medicine... (Prov 17:22a) Mail address: GCFL, Box 100, Harvest, AL 35749, USA
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Madeleine Begun Kane Latest Columns - - http://www.madkane.com/dearcardholder.html - - DEAR CARDHOLDER: FRANKLY, WE EXPECTED BETTER OF YOU
Dear Valued Credit Card Holder:

One year ago we welcomed you to the EASY COME EASY GO ("ECEG") Credit Card Family with open pockets and the kind of unbeatable terms we could offer to only a select few. As you will recall, our unparalleled benefits included the following Preferred Customer Perks:

a) A generous rebate program;

b) Triple or nothing warranty deals;

c) Frequent flyer points for your pets; and

d) Our weekly ECEG-Picks lottery (ECEG employees and their families not eligible to participate, lottery not available where prohibited by law, ECEG-Picks temporarily inactive due to pending class action suit).

You will also recall that you received our special, one time only, introductory interest rate -- the one that drove our Chief Financial Officer to drink. You also received our personal guaranty that our rates would never exceed those of any credit company under federal investigation.

So it is with deep regret and sadness that we advise you of our disappointment with you as a customer. Yes, disappointment. For despite our unmatched terms, you have not met your end of the bargain. Not only have you failed to use your card more than 3 times during the last 12 months, but on each occasion, you paid your bill in full and on time. This is inconsistent with your prior credit history and, frankly, we expected better of you.

Your prompt payments and inadequate use of your credit card force us to take the drastic action of converting your account to Non-Preferred Customer Status. As a Non-Preferred Customer, you will be assessed a ten dollar carrying charge for each month in which you fail to use your card and a five dollar surcharge on each paid-on-time monthly bill. Additionally your Preferred Customer Perks will be eliminated, except for our rebate program which will henceforth be limited to purchases made in Venezuela.

To avoid a $50 penalty, kindly turn in your Platinum Preferred Customer Card in person within one week. At that time you will be given an ugly brown card bearing the words "NON-PREFERRED" in bold letters. (Consult the enclosure to find a Card Exchange Site conveniently located no more than 120 miles from your home.)

We are pleased to report that your Non-Preferred Status will not prevent you from purchasing an unlimited number of Easy Come Easy Go tee shirts at a bargain price of 19.95 plus tax and $5 shipping.

Moreover, if you act quickly you can still qualify for Preferred Customer reinstatement. Simply use your card at least 12 times in the next 3 months, incur debt in the minimum sum of $3000, and pay no more than 10 percent of the amount owed on your card each month plus interest. Yes, that's all it takes to re-qualify for Easy Come Easy Go's Preferred Customer Perks.

Thank you for doing business with EASY COME EASY GO, and HAPPY SHOPPING!

Sincerely,

Frank N. Sinseer, Jr. President

EASY COME EASY GO Credit Services
http://www.madkane.com
http://www.madkane.com/notable.html (Notables Weblog)
http://www.madkane.com/bush.html (Dubya's Dayly Diary)
Subscribe to MadKane Humor Newsletter (weekly) here:
http://www.madkane.com/email.html
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History mystery

Have a history teacher explain this----- if they can.

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.
John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.
Both wives lost their children while living in the White House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.
Both Presidents were shot in the head .

Now it gets really weird.

Lincoln 's secretary was named Kennedy.
Kennedy's Secretary was named Lincoln .

Both were assassinated by Southerners.
Both were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln , was born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln , was born in 1839.
Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy, was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names.
Both names are composed of fifteen letters.

Now hang on to your seat.

Lincoln was shot at the theater named 'Ford.'
Kennedy was shot in a car called ' Lincoln ' made by 'Ford.'

Lincoln was shot in a theater and his ass assin ran and hid in a warehouse.
Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his assassin ran and hid in a theater.

Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.

And here's the kicker...

A week before Lincoln was shot, he was in Monroe , Maryland
A week before Kennedy was shot, he was with Marilyn Monroe

Thanks to Jeanette Ford
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WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS ...
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and un clutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try to pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 ... Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Thanks to David Kirkpatrick
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A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly-missed boarding.
ALL BUT ONE!!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.
He was glad he did.
The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly"
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered, then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?" Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
Please share this, {IF you feel led to do so}. Sometimes we just take things for granted, when we really need to be sharing what we know....
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Thanks to Laurel Becnel
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WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?
My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of the Iraq regime has been completed.

Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short . The United Kingdom , Spain , Bulgaria , Australia , and Poland are some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains every one not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war. THEN EVERY YEAR THERE AFTER GO TO OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM SO IT WONT GO BROKE IN 20 YEARS.

The American people are no longer going to

pour money into third world Hellholes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine ? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France .

In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home .. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth

Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France or maybe China .

I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France , Germany , and Russia . Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well.

Bonne chance, me z amies.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to t his. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York

A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.

Mexico is also on List 2. Its' president and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra thousand tanks and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put 'em? Yep, border security.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty, starting now.

We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska - which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, 'darn tootin.'

Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America It is time to eliminate homelessness in America . To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thank you guys. We owe you and we won't forget.

To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.

God bless America . Thank you and good night.

Thanks to Gary Foreman
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"For God so loved the word that He gave His only begotten son...that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have ever lasting life"...John 3:16

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.
What food might this contain? The mouse wondered - he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap
Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning:
There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!
The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me."" I cannot be bothered by it."
The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"
The pig sympathized, but said, I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray.
"Be assured you are in my prayers."
The mouse turned to the cow and said "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"
The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."
So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.
The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.
The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed here to the hospital , and she returned home with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.
But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.
The farmer's wife did not get well; she died.
So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.
The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.
So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.
We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

REMEMBER,,,,

EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY;
OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON.
One of the best things to hold onto in this world is a friend

Thanks to Jim Bussey
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"Don't strive for recognition, but work for achievement." -- Vanessa Malone
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| Safety from the Heart |
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February 12, 2008
Sent by Freida Morris and Pam Bennett, BRT employees

Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or your
loved one's life.

Because of abductions in daylight hours and other times, refresh yourself
of these things to do in ANY emergency situation. This is for you, and for
you to share with your wife, your children, everyone you know. After
reading these 10 crucial tips, tell it to someone you care about. It never
hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

From a tourist guide in New Orleans: If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM Toss it away from you.... chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage: A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably! in a zig-zag pattern!

As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP ! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night. Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby. The Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana.
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| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
February 12, 2008
Today's Message is from Jamie Lemley (a Pasadena Albemarle employee).

The definition of safety......
Pronunciation: \'saf-te\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural safeties
Etymology: Middle English saufte, from Anglo-French salveté, saufté, from salf safe
Date: 14th century
1: the condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss
2: a device (as on a weapon or a machine) designed to prevent inadvertent or hazardous operation
3 a (1): a situation in football in which a member of the offensive team is tackled behind its own goal line that counts two points for the defensive team — compare touchback (2): a member of a defensive backfield in football who occupies the deepest position in order to receive a kick, defend against a forward pass, or stop a ball carrier b: a billiard shot made with no attempt to score or so as to leave the balls in an unfavorable position for the opponent c: base hit
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| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
February 11, 2008
Take Safety Home With You
Today's Message is from James Copeland (a Pasadena Albemarle employee).

While visiting a friend the other day, I assisted them in hanging some items on a wall. This friend also works in our industry, so I know safety is a huge concern just as it is here at our facility. In order to reach high on a wall, he placed two books in a chair and was attempting to stand on them. I stopped him and asked what would happen if he did that at work.
He replied he would get written up because it wasn't safe. Without saying another word, he went to his garage and retrieved a ladder.
We have to learn to speak out away from work just as we would here on matters of safety! It's not just a catch phrase,,,,, "Take Safety Home With You"!!!!!
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TOURBUS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -:) - :)- :)
Volume 13, Number 18 -- 12 Feb 2008
Tourbus Home -- http://www.InternetTourbus.com
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TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPICS: Digital TV / Online Office / Video Upload

In today's TOURBUS, you'll learn about the Great Impending Analog To Digital TV Switchover. Will it affect you and your TV? And guess what? Installing office software on your computer is *so* 2007. All the cool kids are using web-based word processors now. I have some advice for folks who want alternatives to YouTube, reviews of photo printers, and finally, some help on when it's safe to ignore an annoying error message. Read on!
+---------------------------------------+
Before we get rolling today, I wanted to remind you all that your fearless Busdriver has another job in addition to publishing the Tourbus newsletter. Since 1998, I've operated FlowersFast, an online florist service. It's kind of like FTD or 1-800-Flowers, only with better prices and friendlier service. :-)

FlowersFast offers flowers, gift and gourmet food items for delivery all over the world. And since Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, this would be a great time for you to visit FlowersFast and send a romantic gift to that special someone in your life. Oh, and don't miss our "Secrets to Sending the Perfect Romantic Gift" video!

I'm giving TOURBUS readers a special five dollar discount if you use promo code TOURBUS at checkout time. I hope you'll visit FlowersFast and try our service!

VALENTINE FLOWERS - http://www.flowersfast.com/save

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The Analog to Digital TV Switchover
-------------------------------------

For 80 years, over-the-air television signals have been broadcast in analog format. But a new US federal law mandates that TV stations must broadcast in digital format only, beginning in February 2009. Is this the end of free TV? Is it a vast conspiracy to force everyone to pay for cable or satellite TV? Will your current TV need to be replaced with a digital TV? Is Digital TV the Same as HDTV?

Why is this happening, and what's the difference between analog and digital signals? This helpful article will answer your questions about digital TV, show you who is affected by the analog to digital switchover, and what you'll need to do...
http://askbobrankin.com/analog_to_digital_tv_conversion.html

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Free Online Word Processors
-----------------------------

Word processing software is one of the most common applications found in offices and homes around the world. The top two word processors, Microsoft Word and Corel's Word Perfect, are very capable, but are also expensive and require a lot of disk space on your computer. There are some excellent free word processors you can download, but you still have to install and maintain the software. And all of these are "landlocked" in the sense that it's difficult to access and share documents with others online.

Fortunately, there are several free online web-based word processors that you can use to create, edit, publish and share files online -- without having to purchase or install any software. Here are my reviews of the online word processors that are leading the pack...
http://askbobrankin.com/free_online_word_processors.html

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Free Video Upload Sites
-------------------------

If you've decided that you want to achieve video stardom on YouTube, good luck with that. With over 100 million videos watched every day, chances are mighty slim that you'll find fame there. There are some alternatives to YouTube, such as Yahoo Video, Myspace and Facebook.

But you'll still have plenty of competition at these huge and popular sites. Here are 12 free video hosting alternatives for people who want to share their videos with the world, in a setting that's more intimate, and perhaps more relevant to the intended viewers:

http://askbobrankin.com/video_hosting.html

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My Top 3 Photo Printers: Dependable, Inexpensive, and Creative
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Last month I shared some of my favorite portable inkjet printers, so now here's my take on photo printers that are compact, inexpensive, and perfect for family photos. If you're an avid shutterbug, or you don't like having to wait for your digital photos to be developed and printed, a home photo printer is a great idea.

I've reviewed Sony's Picture Station, the Kodak Easyshare Photo Printer 300, and Fuji's Mobile Printer MP-70. Read on to learn which of these low-cost photo printers will meet your needs...
http://askbobrankin.com/inexpensive_photo_printers.html

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Low Disk Space Warning: Ignore, Disable, or Obey?
---------------------------------------------------

A reader concerned about popup warnings asked me this:

Windows is giving me a warning that says "You are running out of disk space on Local Disk(C:)" My friend told me this is not important and offered to disable the warning popup for me, but I'm not sure. Can I safely ignore these 'Low Disk Space' warnings?
Although they are designed to warn you when potentially dangerous circumstances arise, some of these warnings are benign and can be closed without taking any actions. And there's the problem... as a result of so many warning messages, and due to a general fear of ANYTHING that pops up on the screen, some users tend to become desensitized and ignore ALL of them. And that can be bad. Sometimes.

So is this "Low Disc Space" message important? Can you ignore it, disable it, or will doing so put your computer at risk? The correct answers are Maybe, Yes, and Perhaps. Here's the whole story:
http://askbobrankin.com/low_disk_space_warning.html

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That's all for now, see you next time! -- Bob Rankin
+---------------------------------------+
==[ Tourbus Rider Information ]==
The Internet Tourbus - U.S. Library of Congress ISSN #1094-2238 Copyright 1995-2005, Rankin & Crispen - All rights reserved Tourbus News Service - http://tourbus.com/news.html Subscribe, Signoff, Archives, Free Stuff and More at the Tourbus Website - http://www.TOURBUS.com
========================
.~~~. ))
(\__/) .' ) )) Patrick Douglas Crispen
/o o \/ .~
{o_, \ { crispen@netsquirrel.com
/ , , ) \ http://www.netsquirrel.com/
`~ -' \ } )) AOL Instant Messenger: Squirrel2K
_( ( )_.'
---..{____} Warning: squirrels.
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The Pump Handle. A water cooler for the public health crowd.
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/

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

"Pay Now or Pay More Later" by Liz Borkowski Iowa and the federal government face stark choices about paying to address public health challenges now, or paying a lot more to deal with the consequences later. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/02/14/pay-now-or-pay-more-later/

"Green Valentine Gifts" by Liz Borkowski Reporters and bloggers are using the occasion of Valentine's Day to explore the health and environmental aspects of typical gifts and to recommend worker- and Earth-friendly alternatives. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/02/14/valentine-gifts/

"Two Workers Still Missing in Sugar Plant Disaster" by Celeste Monforton Six workers are dead and two still missing after an explosion in a Georgia sugar plant. When will employers who fail to address the well-known hazard of combustible dust be as reviled as drunk drivers? http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/02/13/two-workers-still-missing-in-sugar-plant-disaster/

"Occupational Health News Roundup" by Liz Borkowski The Charlotte Observer publishes a special series about the plight of chicken-plant workers; plus, news about new mine safety rules, an Indian report on asbestos's health effects, and depression in pediatric residents. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/02/13/occupational-health-news-roundup-52/

"Hazardous Waste Makes Cities Miserable" by Liz Borkowski In ranking the country's most miserable cities, Forbes used one surprising, but important, environmental factor. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/02/12/hazardous-waste-makes-cities-miserable/

"Science Debate Set for April 18th" by Liz Borkowski The date is set for the presidential candidates' Science Debate 2008 – it'll be April 18th at Philadelphia's Franklin Institute – so now the push is to get candidates' commitment to participate. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/02/12/science-debate-set-for-april-18th/

"Schwartz Resigns From NIEHS" by Liz Borkowski The tumultuous tenure of Dr. David Schwartz, who directed the NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, is over. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/schwartz-resigns-from-niehs/

"Outcry" by Francis Hamilton Rammazzocchi For the second time in two months, America has witnessed a catastrophic industrial explosion involving the kinds of reactive materials that the Chemical Safety Board recommended that OSHA regulate in 2002. Where is the outcry? http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/outcry/

"Friday Blog Roundup" by Liz Borkowski Bloggers react to Bush's proposed budget, and also explain long-distance dust travel, Wall Street skepticism about Big Coal, and why the chicken can't cross the road. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/02/08/friday-blog-roundup-61/

"Welcome to the Blogosphere, Andrew Schneider!" by Liz Borkowski Pulitzer-winning Seattle P-I reporter Andrew Schneider, known for his stories on asbestos, mining, and diacetyl, has launched a blog called Secret Ingredients. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/02/07/welcome-to-the-blogosphere/
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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.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A Few Projects

We are working on a few different projects that you may want to get involved in:

We are working on our yearly Workers Memorial Day Event List. If you have an event please send us your event details so that we may post them on a master list. It is imperative that we have these posted so that family members from surrounding areas may be able to attend if they visit the site or get the newsletter.

We have a new You tube Channel located here (http://www.youtube.com/user/WorkersMemorialDay ) with a new agenda. The purpose of this channel is to make others aware of what your doing, what you want changed, make others aware of WMD, and show our government that we are serious and have the numbers to back it up.

Any individual and organizations are encouraged to send in your 2 to 3 minute video.
Videos may contain:
* Personal Message
* Event details
* What events have meant to you.
* How you were involved in events.
* What you want to see changes in H&S.
* What family rights you want changed.
* How Your loss has effected your life.
* These are just a few basic ideas but you are not limited to these.

Please note there are no videos as of yet. I will try to work on one this weekend. But anyone can be first;o)

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. Petty Officer 1st class Luis A. Souffront, 25,of Miami, Fla., died Feb. 7, from wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device while serving in combat operations in Iraq. He was assigned to an East Coast based SEAL team.

The Department of Defense announced the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Feb. 8 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Killed were:
02. Spc. Michael T. Manibog, 31, of Alameda, Calif., who was assigned to 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
03. Sgt. Timothy P. Martin, 27, of Pixley, Calif., who was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
04. Staff Sgt. Jerald A. Whisenhunt, 32, of Orrick, Mo., who was assigned to 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
05. Sgt. Gary D. Willett, 34, of Alamogordo, N.M., who was assigned to 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

06. Pfc. Jack T. Sweet, 19, of Alexandria Bay, N.Y., died Feb. 8 in Jawwalah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

07. Staff Sgt. Javares J. Washington, 27, of Pensacola, Fla., died Feb. 11 at Camp Buehring in Kuwait City, Kuwait, from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. He was assigned to the 6th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

08. Sgt. Corey E. Spates, 21, of LaGrange, Ga., died Feb. 10 in Diyala Province, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas.
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Missing WWII Airmen Are Identified

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

They are 2nd Lt. John F. Lubben, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; Sgt. Albert A. Forgue, of North Providence, R.I.; and Sgt. Charles L. Spiegel, of Chicago, Ill.; all U.S. Army Air Forces. They will be buried on April 18 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men in their hometowns to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

On Dec. 12, 1944, these men crewed an A-20J Havoc aircraft departing from Coullomiers, France, to bomb enemy targets near Wollseifen, Germany. The aircraft was last seen entering a steep dive near Cologne, Germany. Several searches and investigations of this area and reviews of wartime documents failed to provide information concerning the incident.

In 1975, a German company clearing wartime mines and unexploded ordnance near Simmerath, Germany, reported the discovery of a gravesite northeast of Simmerath where American servicemembers were buried. U.S. officials evaluated the remains and determined they represented three individuals, but they could not make identifications at that time. The remains were subsequently buried as unknowns in the Ardennes American Military Cemetery in Neupre, Belgium.

In 2003, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) was notified that a group of German citizens had information correlating the three servicemembers who were buried as unknowns with the crew from the 1944 A-20J crash. Based on that information, JPAC exhumed the three unknown graves from the Ardennes American Military Cemetery in 2005.

Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the 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) 699-1169.

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) 699-1169.
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Please remember to pray for the American soldiers stationed everywhere around the globe and especially in Iraq. Times have been and are very tough and it would be nice if you would all just say a prayer for their safety and for their families.
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"September 11 WDYTJWD" W. P. Florence
Justice first, then peace."
"September 11" Never forget.--Tony Moses
"ONE NATION UNDER GOD ...the only way"--Phillip Story
"We have nothing to fear but fear itself." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Keeping my head down but face toward Heaven" - - Jody Eldred, ABC News Cameraman in Kuwait
"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

SATURDAY- February 23
The Miss Magnolia Pageant and Miss Magnolia’s Outstanding Teen pageant will be held at the Magnolia Junior High Auditorium. Contact Karen Cox by Feb. 7 at 299-0629.
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2nd Annual Calhoun Community Garden Show
Saturday, April 5th 2008
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Church Briefs

THURSDAY- February 21
First Baptist Church youth band 5-7:00 pm Open Face Taco Supper. Tickets are $8 each.
& includes beverage & dessert.
~~
SATURDAY- February 23
Free Union Baptist Church will have a benefit musical program at 6 p.m.
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Scheduled Activities
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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.
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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.
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MCC - Nursing Home Ministry - Meadowbrook Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 am. Taylor, the last Thursday each month.
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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
"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in ... and how many want out." - - Tony Blair
"Information is the currency of democracy." - Jefferson
“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 "Fuzzy" Thurman
~~~~~
Hope you enjoy the newsletter.
Again, thanks to all our contributors this week.

God bless and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
1 Cor 11:23-26 Rom 12:1-2 Acts 12:6-9 Acts 11:25-26 Mat 14:28-31 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@Gmail.Com
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