Bugs Bleat 3Q 07: September 2007

Volume 9, Issue 39 Friday, September 28, 2007

Hello All,

MamMaw Dorothy, Annette’s mother, is moving in with us tomorrow. She’s been at the Reflections unit in Springhill for two weeks but it’s apparent that she can’t stay by herself.
I think this is the best decision for now. Besides, she still laughs at my jokes.
Your prayers are appreciated.
~~~~~
I feel more like a dinosaur each day. It’s not just that I have to have a teenager program my phone. It’s that I don’t think like the “average” person.
Bad language offends me.
Stupid acts concern me.
Honesty is important to me.
I like going to church.
I like seeing other people succeed.
I know that Christ died for me and has prepared a place for me.
I trust God to take care of me and mine.
I don’t think you have to put someone down to feel important.
I do think that the people I know are important and are worth my time.
I believe that ignorance is a treatable problem, not an excuse.
I believe that Capital Punishment and Abortion are both wrong.
I believe that God made marriage more than a temporary partnership and you’re missing it if you’re not in covenant with your spouse.
I believe that doing what you think is “Right” is right, even if it turns out you were wrong.
I believe that you can be smart and wrong as well as ignorant and right.
I believe that we should take every opportunity to stand up for those who can’t defend themselves.
I believe that we should treat others as we’d like to be treated.
I believe that a heartfelt apology is worth the effort.
I believe it’s easier to “take up an offense” for someone else than it is to ask God to solve a dispute.
I believe that anyone can change their life just by asking God to help them.
I believe that if you want to change the world, you need to start with yourself. Start acting the way you want the world to act. They may just follow you.
I believe that the truth will set you free (but there’s nothing wrong with “stretching” the truth to protect someone.)
I believe that a good laugh is based on a shared insight. Comedy doesn’t have to attack or hurt someone.
I believe that a smile can overcome untold number of frowns.
~~~~~
We read “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Luttrell and heartily recommend it.
Now, we’re reading “The Beekeepers Apprentice” by Laurie R. King. It’s a great story of Sherlock Holmes’s later years.
~~~~~
http://www.shelfari.com/BugsBleat/shelf?ec=7D790D174EFS18012
~~~~~
The Little Rock Nine, who as students were escorted by federal soldiers into the all-white Central High School because they were black, marveled at the celebrity-like fanfare they received on the 50th anniversary of the event Tuesday. But they cautioned that racial divides still exist.
"In spite of the progress that's been talked about today, it is not nearly enough for me," said Terrence Roberts, a member of the group greeted with cheers and standing ovations.
I agree with Mr. Roberts. But I think we have to learn to see each other as individuals and not members of some arbitrary set.
Fifty years ago, I was on the 8th floor children’s ward of St. Vincent’s hospital. But we were aware of the tension in the city. One of our kids was a 4 year old black girl who had been burned in an accident at home. A “white” city bus driver saw her run out of her home and jumped out of his bus to smother the flames and save her life.
He visited her often and brought her dolls and other presents. We all agreed that she had the most toys of any of us.
Funny that the bud driver didn’t stop to consider what race the little girl was. And her parents didn’t complain that a “non black” saved her life. The nuns, nurses, doctors and orderlies didn’t treat her any different (except that she was given more care than most of us, due to the severity of her injuries.)
Like the man said; “Can’t we just all get along?”
~~~~~
The Washington Post investigates the sequence of botches that last month saw a nuclear-armed B-52 make an unauthorized flight above the United States. Officials say the incident, in which nuclear warheads equivalent to 60 Hiroshimas slipped from the Air Force's safety net for more than a day without anyone noticing, was due to human error.
A secret 1998 history of the Air Combat Command warned of "diminished attention for even 'the minimum standards' of nuclear weapons' maintenance, support and security" once such arms became less vital, according to a declassified copy obtained by Hans Kristensen, director of the Federation of American Scientists' nuclear information project.
The Air Force's inspector general in 2003 found that half of the "nuclear surety" inspections conducted that year resulted in failing grades -- the worst performance since inspections of weapons-handling began. Minot's 5th Bomb Wing was among the units that failed, and the Louisiana-based 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale garnered an unsatisfactory rating in 2005.
Both units passed subsequent nuclear inspections, and Minot was given high marks in a 2006 inspection. The 2003 report on the 5th Bomb Wing attributed its poor performance to the demands of supporting combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Wartime stresses had "resulted in a lack of time to focus and practice nuclear operations," the report stated.
Last year, the Air Force eliminated a separate nuclear-operations directorate known informally as the N Staff, which closely tracked the maintenance and security of nuclear weapons in the United States and other NATO countries. Currently, nuclear and space operations are combined in a single directorate. Air Force officials say the change was part of a service-wide reorganization and did not reflect diminished importance of nuclear operations.
"Where nuclear weapons have receded into the background is at the senior policy level, where there are other things people have to worry about," said Linton F. Brooks, who resigned in January as director of the National Nuclear Security Administration. Brooks, who oversaw billions of dollars in U.S. spending to help Russia secure its nuclear stockpile, said the mishandling of U.S. warheads indicates that "something went seriously wrong."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/22/AR2007092201447_pf.html
So we’ve cut back the team that oversees nuclear weapons and are surprised when the “skeleton” crew makes a mistake. . . . Hummmm. So what happens when they do the same thing to nursing homes? Look below.
~~~~~
In recent years Wall Street investors have snapped up thousands of nursing homes across the US, cutting costs and slashing staffing levels in the hope of reselling at a hefty markup. That's led to plummeting standards, according to government data, with elderly residents receiving less care than they need and increasingly suffering from bedsores and preventable infections. Worse still, the companies' Byzantine corporate structures make it hard for disgruntled residents to sue - or for regulators to impose meaningful fines.
Investors in these homes say such structures are common in other businesses and have helped them revive an industry that was on the brink of widespread bankruptcy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/business/23nursing.html?_r=1&hp=&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin
So the new corporations are really “Heroes” who have saved the industry by making it a nightmare for those it’s supposed to be serving.
And such actions are “common” in other businesses.
Yes, soon, we to will be able to boast that our own US based companies put antifreeze in food and use poisonous paint on baby toys.
Can anyone remember back to the time when companies took pride in their product and not just their stock price?
~~~~~
Don’t blame the large multinational companies for all the problems in the world. It’s you and me that they are catering to. We’re the ones that abandon our local, reliable, high service businesses to purchase for a few cents less from someone who doesn’t supply either service or quality.
We’re the ones who clamor to invest in stocks without looking at what the company is doing as long as that share price keeps climbing.
And how long do you think sleazy TV shows would last if we didn’t watch them? Advertisers support what gets watched.
"Do not ask for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." --- Ernest Miller Hemingway
~~~~~
This week, The Sunday News carried a guest commentary on the sad state of our citizen’s knowledge of the bill of rights. They reviewed a survey that found, for instance, that 25% of Americans don’t see any of the five freedoms of the first Amendment as “essential” in their lives.
Seventy-five percent of high school seniors don’t know how they feel about the first amendment. As the commentary said, maybe that’s because schools are havens of censorship. 30 years ago, Mike McNeill sued Southern State College for freedom of the press in the school newspaper. He won then but you couldn’t tell it across the nation today. Our classrooms are bastions of mediocrity. Kids aren’t allowed to speak out nor hear opposing viewpoints.
Just this week, students at a school in Georgia weren’t allowed to hear a speech by Martin Luther King’s niece because she’s “Pro Life.” "When we say we're pro-choice, we're saying we're pro-murder," an advocate against abortion told an audience of about 50 on Thursday at Valparaiso University School of Law. Alveda King, a former member of the Georgia state Legislature and the niece of Martin Luther King Jr. promoted abstinence and adoption as alternatives to what she called "womb lynching" of unborn children. She encouraged efforts in state legislatures to reduce abortions.
We fought so hard to keep any unwanted, unapproved, un-American teaching from our kids that we won. Now anyone who teaches anything worth hearing is forbidden.
“Liberty without learning is always in peril; learning without liberty is always in vain.” --- John F. Kennedy.
~~~~~
Speaking of free speech, this week a note card from the personal collection of 77-year-old former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, containing a handwritten New Testament Bible verse that he planned to broadcast from the moon, was sold at an auction.
Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, did read some of the notes he had written on the card from the lunar surface, but he was prevented from reading the Bible verse because of legal challenges from atheist Madelyn Murray O'Hair at the time.
Now I wonder how much law school a judge had to attend to enable him to allow such a dumb legal challenge to one man’s free speech? I’m more concerned every day for our bill of rights.
The card sold for $179,250.
~~~~~
Michael is back in Baghdad.
Please click [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/the-general-lee-comes-home.htm] to read a story from Defense Daily about the odyssey of the "General Lee."
Thank you.
Michael Yon
~~~~~
The "Straight Skinny" on this site - http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

It looks pretty accurate to me (as far as I know). I'm not a gasoline expert, but I've learned a little. On the "Deposit Control" tab, they describe the "base fuel" - look up the word fungible ( http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+fungible). All gasoline manufactured in the U.S. (and I suppose any gasoline manufactured elsewhere and shipped to the U.S.) must be fungible - it is all put in the same pipeline (virtual AND actual). At the point of delivery, each retailer's additives (detergent packages) are put in ("point of delivery" is the refinery or loading terminal where they pick it up. It is very common to find multiple manufacturer brand additives at any given refinery - refinery brand S will have additive tanks for XM, BP, CT, and so on).
The corner store will sell gasoline with the minimum additives required by EPA (Tier 1). Diamond Shamrock, CITGO, or Murphy will have a few extra additives (Tier 2). And the major brand names will have the best detergent additives (Tier 3). The only difference is in how clean they keep your valves. Some people buy from the corner store, and get a tank of Tier 3 every month or two to clean out the valves. Not sure how effective that is - could be. If you've been buying Tier 1 for the life of your car, maybe your valves need cleaning - maybe not. Have Jackie Bridges take a look...
The "Why Top Tier" tab seems pretty much on-target.
The thing they don't tell you about is octane. The straight skinny here is "don't buy high octane unless your engine is knocking and pinging." Octane changes the point at which the gasoline in the cylinder ignites. Too early or too late, and you get pinging. Changing the octane value will change the point at which the gasoline ignites. And if your engine isn't knocking, you don't need high octane (even if your car's owner's manual says to only use high octane). Check it out here: http://reference.howstuffworks.com/octane-number-encyclopedia.htm and here http://science.howstuffworks.com/gasoline3.htm
Something else I thought about...
The page you had listed (http://www.toptiergas.com/) lists a number or retailers who sell top tier gasoline. While I think the website as a whole is on target, I'm not sure about that page. I don't know how to find out which retailers sell Top Tier gasoline, but I do know that while Shell is listed here, I don't see Exxon-Mobil or BP - I'm sure those are Top Tier retailers. Not so sure about Kwik Trip or some of the others I haven't seen before.

And, while it may be possible to get away with using lower tier gasolines, if your car warranty says to use a top tier gasoline, and you bring your car in for service to have the valves cleaned, you might not get warranty service if you haven't been using top tier gasoline (check your car warranty).

-- Joe Tudor
“When you build a new house, make a parapet around your roof so that you may not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from the roof. Deuteronomy 22:8 OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1)”
~~~~~
Fundraiser Gourmet - - Emerson Fire Department Steak Supper, October 13. Tickets are $15 each
~~~~~
Congratulations to Randy Mitchell on the birth of a new granddaughter! Bella Grace was born on September 26 to proud parents Courtney and Kevin.
~~~~~
Jeanette and Charles Ford are having a 50th wedding celebration for on Sat. Oct.6 2007 at their home, 290 L R 29, hicks rd.,Ashdown, Ar. 71822. from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm. Their children, & grandchildren are arranging this and they request no gifts, please. Come and enjoy memories when or where, & who. All relatives & friends are invited.
~~~~~
Don't go around saying the world owes you a living; the world owes you nothing; it was here first.
~~~~~
AR-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team - - Reminder of this month's Meeting on our regularly scheduled last Saturday of the month. The meeting will be at the warehouse in Little Rock.
- 1:00pm – 5:00pm
- General Member Meeting
- Interested personnel encouraged to attend.
- AR-1 is now accepting applications.
http://www.ar1dmat.com/
~~~~~
This week, I had to go to Wal-Mart late at night. Annette was watching 24, season 3 and our old DVD player died. So I bought a new DVD player. It has two wonderful features;
1. It will play all our DVDs, not just the newer ones.
2. It has “TV Guardian”

Would you like to see TV Guardian offered to you as a free service from your cable or satellite provider? Your cable/satellite company has most likely already heard from “TV Guardian”, but we'd like them to hear from you. If enough customers request TV Guardian, you and millions of customers across America could watch all their TV programs without having to hear foul, offensive language in their own homes. You could have control over the language allowed in your home by simply setting the preferred filter level in your satellite/cable menu. If you would like to see this happen, please take a brief moment to fill out the following brief form:
Click [https://tvguardian.com/gshell.php?page=CABLE_SURVEY] to Enter Your Quote

Thank you for your continued support-- it is really appreciated!
-Your friends at TV Guardian
~~~~~
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:

** "If Obliterated Lungs are Not a Grave Danger, What is?" by Celeste Monforton OSHA's reasoning for not issuing an emergency temporary standard for diacetyl is flawed. If severely injured workers waiting for lung transplants does not constitute a hazard of a grave nature, what does? http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/28/if-obliterated-lungs-are-not-a-grave-danger-what-is/
** "FDA Supporters: Mark Your Calendars" by Kristen Perosino Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro will deliver a policy address, "The Future of the FDA," on October 3rd at GWU. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/27/fda-supporters-mark-your-calendars/
** "Quote of the Day" by David Michaels In explaining his opposition to the Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act, Congressman Jeff Flake is less than fully convincing. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/27/quote-of-the-day/
** "When It's Hard to Recall" by David Michaels Under the current system, recalls of hazardous products get disappointing results. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/27/when-its-hard-to-recall/
** "Occupational Health News Roundup" by Liz Borkowski In the news this week: a deadly fire in a Chinese coal mine, results from California's program to reduce on-the-job heat stress, and controversy over a fumigant intended to replace methyl bromide. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/26/occupational-health-news-roundup-33/
** "Bipartisan House Passes Popcorn Workers Lung Legislation" by David Michaels By a vote of 260 to 154, the US House of Representatives has passed H.R. 2693, the Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/26/bipartisan-house-passes-popcorn-workers-lung-legislation/
** "White House and Business Coalition Sing Familiar Refrain" by Liz Borkowski The White house and a business coalition have issued responses to the proposed diacetyl regulation; they're strikingly similar to one another, and to the arguments used by other industries seeking to avoid regulation. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/26/white-house-and-business-coalition-sing-familiar-refrain/
** "Is OSHA Trying to Snooker Congress?" by David Michaels Days before the House will vote on legislation to force OSHA to regulate diacetyl, the agency has apparently decided that perhaps it is finally time to begin the rulemaking process for this substance. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/25/is-osha-trying-to-snooker-congress/
** "Why We Need Diacetyl Regulation: Kraft's New Flavor" by Liz Borkowski Kraft's introduction of a new diacetyl-containing flavor shows why we can't just expect companies to voluntarily drop the chemical that's causing severe lung disease in workers. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/25/why-we-need-diacetyl-regulation-krafts-new-flavor/
** "House to Vote on Popcorn Workers Lung Act" by David Michaels Later this week, the House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 2693 — The Popcorn Workers Lung Disease Prevention Act. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/24/house-to-vote-on-popcorn-workers-lung-act/
** "Did an Investigative Reporter Awaken the CPSC?" by David Michaels The CPSC didn't seem motivated to do anything about a defective crib that killed two infants – until a Chicago Tribune reporter started looking into the issue. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/24/did-an-investigative-reporter-awaken-the-cpsc/
** "Friday Blog Roundup" by Liz Borkowski Senator Clinton's healthcare proposal provided lots of blogging fodder; impending public health disasters, problems with coal, and researchers' job prospects are also on bloggers' minds. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/21/friday-blog-roundup-42/

** "White House clings to risk assessment goals" by Christina Morgan A new memorandum from the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs is another step toward reducing regulatory agency discretion. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/21/white-house-clings-to-risk-assessment-goals/
** "Congress's FDA Bill Includes Reforms" by Liz Borkowski The FDA bill passed by the House and Senate includes reforms related to drug safety. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/21/congresss-fda-bill-includes-reforms/
~~~~~
MapQuest Gas Prices, Pretty Cool http://gasprices.mapquest.com
~~~~~
Recipe(s) of the week - - - Caribbean Pepper Pot with Chicken and Shrimp From Food Network Kitchens

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs (about 1 pound)
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to season chicken
Freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onion, halved and sliced
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 teaspoon ground allspice
½ cup canned chopped tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium canned or homemade
1 bunch kale (about ½ pound), stemmed, leaves chopped
2 thick sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), halved lengthwise and sliced into 3/4-inch half-moons
4 ounces fresh okra, trimmed, halved lengthwise
2 bay leaves
1 Scotch bonnet Chile, pierced (if you like it very spicy, mince it) *see Cook's Note
½ heaping teaspoon dried thyme
1/3 cup light coconut milk
8 ounces medium shrimp, peeled

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Pat the chicken dry, and season with some salt and pepper. Add the chicken, smooth side down, to the pan and cook until brown, about 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add the onion and garlic to the pot, and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the allspice and tomatoes and cook until the juices are almost evaporated. Add the chicken broth, kale, sweet potatoes, okra, bay leaves, the 1 ½ teaspoons salt, Scotch bonnet, and thyme. Bring the liquid to a boil, adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes.
Stir in the coconut milk and the shrimp and simmer until the shrimp turn pale pink and are firm but not tough and rubbery, about 2 minutes. Ladle the stew into warm bowls and serve.

*Cooks' Note: Not for the faint of heart, Scotch bonnets are about as fiery as a Chile gets. If you can't find one, substitute a habanero.
Copyright 2005 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved. - - http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_30108,00.html

Nutrition Information
Nutritional Analysis per serving Calories 357
Fat 10 grams Saturated Fat 2 grams
Carbohydrates 40 grams Fiber 6 grams
Protein 30 grams

Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

~~~~~
Hillary Clinton and the Black Panther Trial - - Urban Legend
I’m no fan of Hillary. But I am a fan of the truth and there is little truth in the email hoax, which labels Clinton a Black Panther defender and exaggerates her role in a late 60s New Haven trial, where several Black Panthers were accused of the torture and murder of Alex Rackley. More reliable sources place Clinton as a Yale student leader at that time, but only as one of many who held protests in favor of a just trial for the accused, and not in defense of the murder of Rackley.
~~~~~
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
~~~~~
The photos on the front of this week’s “Bleat” include a cloud with a “silver lining”, the Springhill Water Tower draped for painting, an eastern sunrise and Steve Cards photo of a lake Michigan light house.
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Don’t forget to check out www.mcc2000.net
~~~~~
We’ve now got several addresses on the web for "Da Bleat." For the latest issue, go to http://www.bugsbleat.blogspot.com
Our photos are posted at http://www.bugsbleatphotos.blogspot.com.
~~~~~
Feel free to share the "Bleat" with any and all. That's why we publish it.
~~~~~
BreakPoint
With Chuck Colson
Two Visions
9/28/2007

Tyranny and Liberty

On the international stage this week we saw on display two visions for the world and its people: a vision of tyranny, a vision of freedom.

First at Columbia University, and later at the UN, we had a preening and blustering Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the apocalyptically minded president of Iran.

While the invitation to speak at Columbia was outrageous, I do credit the students for asking the right questions. They forced attention on Ahmadinejad’s crimes, present and planned: the dream of an exterminated Israel; the death penalty for homosexuals; oppression of women and persecution for Iran’s Christian population; the quashing of political dissent; and the funding of regional terrorism.

Ahmadinejad crossed paths with President Bush at the UN on Tuesday, where both leaders spoke. President Bush revealed—in the presence of the Iranian leader—the ruthlessness of Ahmadinejad’s ideology without actually mentioning him by name.

Bush reminded the General Assembly that the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims “the inherent dignity” and the “equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family” as “the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.” That Declaration, by the way, was drafted—not surprisingly—by Ambassador Charles Malik of Lebanon, a strong Christian.

The mission of the United Nations, Bush continued, “requires liberating people from tyranny and violence.” And he added: “Every civilized nation . . . has a responsibility to stand up for the people suffering under dictatorship. In Belarus, North Korea, Syria, and Iran, brutal regimes deny their people the fundamental rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration.”

In the long run, he said, “The best way to defeat extremists is to defeat their dark ideology with a more hopeful vision—the vision of liberty that founded this body.”

Ahmadinejad would, I am sure, claim that the UN has no business interfering with Iran’s internal affairs. He would not be the first tyrant to make this claim.

In 1973, President Nixon sent me to Moscow to negotiate for the release of Soviet Jews. I told Vasily Kuznetsov, the hard-line Soviet deputy foreign minister that if the Soviets did not allows Jews to emigrate, Congress would not pass the trade treaty, which the Soviets desperately needed to get grain.

Kuznetsov pounded the table and shouted, “You have no right to interfere in our internal affairs!”

I told him, “These aren’t your internal affairs. Human rights are not conferred by government, and they cannot be denied by government. They are God-given to everyone.”

Kuznetsov finally backed down, and that year 35,000 Jews were released—and the grain was shipped.

This vision of human rights is only possible in a Christian worldview—the one that shaped the founding of our own nation, one that sees man as made in the image of God and, thus, with certain inalienable rights, as our Declaration of Independence puts it. It stands in stark contrast to worldviews whose followers, like Ahmadinejad, are bent on destroying freedom.

Those speeches this week put the different worldviews of radical Islam and the Christian West in sharp relief. They remind us what a dangerous world we live in—dangers that cannot be wished away. We must pray that our leaders, now and in the years to come, will do what Bush did this week: uphold the Christian view and denounce ideologies that offer, not life and liberty, but slavery and death.

Subscribe today to the “Great Books Audio CD” series from Dr. Ken Boa and BreakPoint. Call 1-877-322-5527 or click here to learn more.

For Further Reading and Information

Read President Bush’s September 25 remarks at the UN.

Bay Fang, “Bush, Iran Leader Face Off at UN,” Chicago Tribune, 26 September 2007.

“Demonstrators Protest Ahmadinejad Speech at Columbia,” Bloomberg.com, 24 September 2007.

Laurie Goodstein, “Ahmadinejad Meets Clerics, and Decibels Drop a Notch,” New York Times, 27 September 2007.

Barbara Slavin, “Ahmadinejad Leaves after Contentious Visit,” USA Today, 26 September 2007.

Diane Singer, “The Myth of Dialogue,” The Point, 25 September 2007.

Allen Thornburgh, “Re: Myth of Dialogue,” The Point, 26 September 2007.

“Ahmadinejad: Iran Can Help Secure Iraq, Israel Is ‘Cruel’,” CNN, 12 September 2007.

Daniel Pipes, “The Mystical Menace of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,” New York Sun, 10 January 2006.

BreakPoint Commentary No. 060814, “Preparing for the Mahdi: What’s Really Scary about Iran’s Nuclear Program.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 060912, “The Mullah in the Cathedral: The Folly of So-Called ‘Dialogue’.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 060929, “It’s a Mad, Mad World: Deafening Silence.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 061205, “Why Iran Matters: Ahmadinejad and the Mahdi.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 070613, “Derailing Iran’s Drive for Nukes: Wielding an Economic Sword.”

The BreakPoint Web site and BreakPoint WorldView Magazine feature Colson’s commentaries as well as feature articles by other established and up-and-coming writers to equip readers with a biblical perspective on a variety of issues and topics.
© 2004-2006 Prison Fellowship
~~~~~

Words of the Week:
embonpoint: plumpness of person.
abrogate: to annul; to do away with.
panacea: a cure-all.
noisome: offensive or disgusting; also, harmful; unwholesome.
factotum: a person employed to do all kinds of work.
pronunciamento: a proclamation; a pronouncement.
mendacious: untruthful; also, untrue.
doff: to take off; to remove; also, to rid oneself of.
from Dictionary.Com

~~~~~
"It is difficult to live in the present, ridiculous to live in the future and impossible to live in the past. Nothing is as far away as one minute ago." - Jim Bishop

"Each handicap is like a hurdle in a steeplechase, and when you ride up to it, if you throw your heart over, the horse will go along, too." - Lawrence Bixby

"The ordinariness of living to be old is too novel a thing to appreciate." - Ronald Blythe

"Wit is a treacherous dart. It is perhaps the only weapon with which it is possible to stab oneself in one's own back." - Geoffrey Bocca

"Liars share with those they deceive the desire not to be deceived." - Sissela Bok

"Technology is so much fun but we can drown in our technology. The fog of information can drive out knowledge." - Daniel J. Boorstin

"Humor [is] something that thrives between man's aspirations and his limitations. There is more logic in humor than in anything else. Because, you see, humor is truth." - Victor Borge
~~~~~
BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS
http://breakingchristiannews.com/

# Man Who Walks in on Armed Burglar Diffuses Deadly Encounter With Coffee, Prayer and a Hug
# Inspiration Network to Present a Tribute to the Late Rex Humbard this Weekend
# How God Allowed a Bout of Amnesia to Rescue a Man from Himself
# Bahamian Christian Leaders Pray AND Work Toward Reducing Violence in Nation's Schools through "Adopt a School" Initiative

# Depictions of Noah, the "Wet One", Discovered in Ancient Greek Art
# "Faith over Fear"—Double Oscar Winner Al Kasha Describes His Battle with Agoraphobia and How God Healed Him
# First Time Screenwriter Turns down Hollywood Offer to Make His Own Faith-Based Film
# Faith, Fun, Coffee and Serious Discussion come Together on iLifeTV's Faith Café

# A Miracle of Hearing and Speech Restored during Global Gateway Network's Trip to Thailand
# Bahamian Christian Youth Leaders Urge Government to Tackle Crime
# "Responsible" Romanians Claim to Have Seen Superman-Like Figure in "Shiny Blue" Flying Over Their Village
# Arab-American Christian Pastor Shares Testimonies from Outreaches This Summer

# Apollo 11 Astronaut's Handwritten Bible Verse, Meant to be Read During Lunar "Holy Communion Service," Sold in Auction
# Evidence of "Hope" in Rwanda as Nation is Rated "Most Improved" in Africa
# France Mourns Loss of Master of Mime, Marcel Marceau
# The "Real" President Bush: Articulate, Brilliant, Humane

# Scriptures in Schools Week—Christian Students' Rights
# Christians Celebrate New Religious Freedoms in Libya
# Best Selling Author Says Thinking More into the Future is Key to Financial Freedom
# Australian Christian Couple Start World-Wide Home Swap Service

# Tips for Husbands and Wives to Build a Strong, Loving Relationship
# Proclamation by the President: Family Day, 2007
# Judge Gives Noise Ordinance Offenders Taste of Their Own Medicine to Teach Them a Lesson

# A Hero in the War against Terrorism is a "Stay-at-Home" Mom
# Members of One of the Original African-American Megachurches Thrilled to Take Pilgrimage to Ethiopia
# A Down Syndrome Child—a Treasure and a Blessing

Breaking Christian News
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GCF: Priorities

Found at The Shark Tank (Computerworld) -Tom http://www.computerworld.com/blogs/node/6207?source=NLT_SHARK&nlid=6

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Computer technician for a retailer is working on getting a new store up on the network. And that requires a call to the local cable provider ...

Tech: This is about our store in Springfield. We need to have our cable relocated from the temporary location to the new store.

Cable guy: I don't get it.

Tech: Imagine a construction site. When we start, there's no building, just a trailer. That's where the cable was installed. Now the building is built. We want the cable inside the building.

Cable guy: OK, but before the work is done, you will need to pay your delinquent bill.

Tech: We never got a bill.

Cable guy: That doesn't matter, you still have to pay it.

Tech: OK. Maybe I didn't get a bill because you sent it to the wrong address. What address did you send it to?

Cable guy: If you tell me the account number, I can tell you that.

Tech: Where will I find the account number?

Cable guy: On the bill.

Tech: I don't have the bill.

Cable guy: Well, you could go to our local office in Springfield and show them two pieces of ID and they will handle it.

Tech: That's 100 miles away from my location. It would be easier just to cancel your service and DSL instead.

Cable guy: OK, I will process the termination.

Tech: So you will terminate service without knowing that I am who I say I am, but you won't help me pay the bill?

Cable guy: Yes.

Click.

[Bug’s Note: This happened to me. Our first cell phone was with AT&T. A few months after beginning our service, the company lost their tower due to some contract dispute. We could no longer receive calls on our phone. They assured us that the problem would be resolved. In the meantime, each month when the bill arrived, I called them to remind them that we only had outgoing service and request a significant reduction. They always agreed. Then, one month, the service representative told me that they could no longer discount our bill. I asked; “You understand that we can’t receive calls?” “Yes” he replied. “But you want me to pay the full bill?” “Yes” he replied. “That’s not acceptable. I’ll have to cancel my service.” I said.
“In that case, we have a cancellation bonus.” He replied.
I was astounded. “You’ll give me money to quit your service but you won’t discount it to keep me?” “Yes” he replied.
So I canceled my service and At&T gave me almost $100 for doing so.]
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Computer Games

Emailed to me another humor list (Tickled by Tony - Clean) -Tom Subscribe to the Tickled by Tony list by sending an email to: tickledbytony_clean-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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When I was managing an office, I instituted a rule that there would be no playing games on our computers. So I wouldn't be a hypocrite, I had a computer specialist get rid of the games on my laptop along with all the others in the office. Therefore, I was surprised to find my grandson playing Solitaire on it one weekend. I asked if he had loaded the game.

"No," he answered, "it was already there. It was just hidden - taken off the Main Menu."

On Monday, I chided the computer specialist for not getting rid of the game.

"But," he explained, "I thought I just had to keep it away from *you* - not from a nine year-old."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: First Aid

----------------------------------

It was a stifling hot day and a man fainted in the middle of a busy intersection. Traffic quickly piled up in all directions, and a woman rushed to help him.

As she knelt down to loosen his collar, a man emerged from the crowd, pushed her aside, and said, "It's all right, Honey, I've had a course in first aid."

The woman stood up and watched as he took the ill man's pulse and prepared to administer artificial respiration.

At this point she tapped him on the shoulder and said, "When you get to the part about calling a doctor, I'm already here."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Contact Lens

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The teenager lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After a fruitless search, he told his mother the lens was nowhere to be found.

Undaunted, she went outside and in a few minutes returned with the lens in her hand.

"How did you manage to find it, Mom?" the teenager asked.

"We weren't looking for the same thing," she replied. "You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I was looking for $150."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Berle Marriages

Emailed to me another humor list (Pastor Tim's Clean Laugh List) -Tom Subscribe to Pastor Tim's Clean Laugh list at the website: Subscribe
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In 1947 Milton Berle was one of the biggest names in comedy. But as his career rose, his marriage failed, leading to a divorce from his wife Joyce Mathews. Two years later, Berle and Mathews got married for the second time. Why marry the same woman all over again?

"Because," Berle explained to reporters, "she reminds me of my first wife."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: MENSA Convention

Emailed to me by a friend (Thanks, Howard) -Tom
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MENSA is an organization whose members have an IQ of 140 or higher. A few years ago, there was a MENSA Convention in San Francisco and several members lunched at a local cafe.

While dining, they discovered that their salt shaker contained pepper and their pepper shaker was full of salt. How could they swap the contents of the bottles without spilling and using only the implements at hand? Clearly, this was a job for MENSA!

The group debated and presented ideas and finally came up with a brilliant solution involving a napkin, a straw and an empty saucer. They called the waitress over to dazzle her with their solution.

"Ma'am," they said, "we couldn't help but notice that the pepper shaker contains salt and the salt shaker..."

"Oh," the waitress interrupted. "Sorry about that." So she unscrewed the caps of both and switched them.
_ ____________________________ _
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Sometimes the majority only \ /
\ _/ means that all the fools \_ /
/ / are on the same side. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / I finally got my \ /
\ _/ head together, now my \_ /
/ / body is falling apart. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / What do you call a \ /
\ _/ boomerang that doesn't work? \_ /
/ / (A stick.) \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / When your pet bird sees \ \_/ ////
\ / you reading the newspaper, \ /
\ _/ does he wonder why you're just \_ /
/ / sitting there, staring at carpeting? \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / I went to school \ /
\ _/ to become a wit; \_ /
/ / only got halfway through. \ \

(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / It's not the pace of \ /
\ _/ life that concerns me; \_ /
/ / it's the sudden stop at the end. \ \
_ ____________________________ _
| 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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Historic Church

While touring historic buildings in Alexandria, Virginia, we visited an old church. The guide told us that George Washington had attended services there and pointed to his pew.

A reverent silence fell. The guide, encouraged by this, went on to tell us that church services back then had been very lengthy -- frequently lasting three hours or more.

The mood of the moment was shattered when an anonymous voice whispered loudly, "So George Washington slept here too!"

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

Lexiograms

1. A bicycle can't stand alone because it is two-tired.
2. What's the definition of a will? It's a dead giveaway.
3. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
4. She had a boyfriend with a wooden leg, but broke it off.
5. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
6. If you don't pay your exorcist, you get repossessed.
7. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
8. When a clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds.
9. The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered.
10. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
11. He often broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
12. A lot of money is tainted. 'Taint yours and 'taint mine.
13. A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.
14. He had a photographic memory that was never developed.
15. Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
16. When you've seen one shopping center, you've seen a mall.
17. Those who jump off a Paris bridge are in Seine.
18. When an actress saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
19. Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis.
20. Marathon runners with bad footwear suffer the agony of defeat.

Received from FranCMT2.

(-:][:-)

Card Name

Those of us who worked at the front desk of a convention hotel in Williamsburg, Va., prided ourselves on making the guests feel special. When someone arrived at reception, credit card in hand, we would sneak a peek at it and address him by name.

Once during a particularly busy check-in, one of our guests presented a corporate credit card. "Welcome to Williamsburg, Mr. Bell," the desk clerk said.

"Oh, please," the man replied, "call me Taco."

Received from Pastor Tim.

(-:][:-)

Speeding Ticket

A middle-aged woman was driving through a school zone when a policeman pulled her over for speeding. As he was giving her the ticket, she said, "How come I always get a ticket and everyone else gets a warning? Is it my face?"

"No, ma'am," explained the officer, "it's your foot."

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

What's Wrong Now?

My friend, an ex-Marine aviator, wanted to show off his new twin-engine plane. I was riding along as he put it through its paces. Suddenly, we were caught in a violent thunderstorm, with lightning crashing all around us.

Next, we lost the radio and most of the instruments.

As we were being tossed around in the sky, George said, "Uh-oh!" Fearing the worst, I asked, "What's wrong now?"

George replied, "I got the hiccups. Do something to scare me."

Received from Pastor Tim.

(-:][:-)

-=+=-
Rate this funny at http://www.gcfl.net/archive.php?funny=20060113
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If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, "Who's on First?" might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

You have to be old enough to remember Abbott and Costello, and too old to REALLY understand computers, to fully appreciate this. For those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, please read on... this is great.......

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business.? What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal.? What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers.? What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOT T: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

???????? (A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?
ABBOTT: Click on "START".............

Thanks to Ricky and Sarah Shepherd
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Here's a one-question IQ Test to help you decide how you should spend the rest of your day......

There is a mute who wants to buy a toothbrush.

By imitating the action of brushing one's teeth, he successfully expresses himself to the shopkeeper and the purchase is done.

Now, if there is a blind man who wishes to buy a pair of sunglasses, how should he express himself?

Think about it first before scrolling down for the answer...

He opens his mouth and says. 'I would like to buy a pair of Sunglasses'. If you got this wrong -- please turn off your computer and call it a day.

I've got mine shutting down right now.

(You know you missed it too, so shut down your computer)

Thanks to Jeanette Ford
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Travel Agent Humor
Travel agents receive a lot of queries from the travelers. But some of these queries can be very amusing. Some makes these agents bang theirs heads against the wall in frustration. Following are few such incidents reported by them.
____________________________
A nice lady just called. She needed to know how it was possible that her flight from Detroit left at 8 a.m. and got into Chicago at 8 a.m. I tried to explain that Michigan was an hour ahead of Illinois, but she could not understand the concept of time zones. Finally, I told her the plane went very fast, and she bought that!
____________________________
I got a call from a man who asked, "Is it possible to see England from Washington?" I said, "No." He said, "But they look so close on the map."
____________________________
Another man called and asked if he could rent a car in Dallas. When I pulled up the reservation, I noticed he had a one-hour layover in Dallas. When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, "I heard Dallas was a big airport, and I need a car to drive between the gates to save time."
_____________________________
A woman called and asked, "Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know who luggage belongs to who?" I said, "No, why do you ask?" She replied, "Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said FAT, and I m overweight, is there any connection?" After putting her on hold for a minute while I looked into it (I was actually laughing), I came back and explained the city code for Fresno is FAT, and that the airline was just putting a destination tag on her luggage.
_____________________________
I just got off the phone with a man who asked, "How do I know which plane to get on?" I asked him what exactly he meant, which he replied, "I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these darn planes have numbers on them."
_____________________________
A businessman called and had a question about the documents he needed in order to fly to China. After a lengthy discussion about passports, I reminded him he needed a visa. "Oh no I don't, I've been to China many times and never had to have one of those." I double-checked and sure enough, his stay required a visa. When I told him this he said, "Look, I've been to China four times and every time they have accepted my American Express Card."
__________________________
A woman called to make reservations; "I want to go from Chicago to Hippopotamus, New York." The agent was at a loss for words. Finally, the agent said, "Are you sure that s the name of the town?"
"Yes, what flights do you have?" replied the customer. After some searching, the agent came back with, "I m sorry, ma am, I've looked up every airport code in the country and can t find a Hippopotamus anywhere." The customer retorted, "Oh don't be silly. Everyone knows where it is.
Check your map!" The agent scoured a map of the state of New York and finally offered, "You don t mean Buffalo, do you?" "That's it! I knew it was a big animal!"
____________________________
I had someone ask for an aisle seat so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window.
____________________________
A client called in inquiring about a package to Hawaii. After going over all the cost info, she asked, "Would it be cheaper to fly to California and then take the train to Hawaii?"
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Someone out there either has too much spare time or is deadly at Scrabble.

DORMITORY: When you rearrange the letters: DIRTY ROOM

PRESBYTERIAN: When you rearrange the letters: BEST IN PRAYER

ASTRONOMER: When you rearrange the letters: MOON STARER

THE EYES:! When you rearrange the letters: THEY SEE

GEORGE BUSH: When you rearrange the letters: HE BUGS GORE

THE MORSE CODE: When you rearrange the letters: HERE COME DOTS

SLOT MACHINES: When you rearrange the letters: CASH LOST IN ME

ANIMOSITY: When you rearrange the letters: IS NO AMITY

ELECTION RESULTS: When you rearrange the letters: LIES - LET'S RECOUNT < BR>

SNOOZE ALARMS: When you rearrange the letters: ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

A DECIMAL POINT: When you rearrange the letters: IM A DOT IN PLACE

THE EARTHQUAKES: When you rearrange the letters: THAT QUEER SHAKE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO: When you rearrange the letters: TWELVE PLUS ONE

AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE:

MOTHER-IN-LAW: When you rearrange the letters: WOMAN HITLER

Thanks to Larry and Sandi Barnes
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Why Blondes Shouldn't vote

Tom, a handsome dude, walked into a sports bar around 9:58 PM.

He sat down next to a blonde at the bar and stared up at the TV.

The 10:00 PM news was coming on. The news crew was covering a story of a man on a ledge of a large building preparing to jump.

The blonde looked at Tom and said, 'Do you think he'll jump?'

Tom says, 'You know, I bet he'll jump.'

The blonde replied, 'Well, I bet he won't.'

Tom placed a $20 bill on the bar and said, 'You're on!'

Just as the blonde placed her money on the bar, the guy on the ledge did a swan dive off the building, falling to his death.

The blonde was very upset, but willingly handed her $20 to Tom saying, 'Fair's fair. Here's your money.'

Tom replied, 'I can't take your money, I saw this earlier on the 5 PM news and so I knew he would jump.'

The blond replied, 'I did too; but I didn't think he'd do it again.'

Tom took the money.....

Thanks to Greg McDaniel
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"Don't strive for recognition, but work for achievement." -- Vanessa Malone
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Madeleine Begun Kane Latest Columns - - http://www.madkane.com/humor_blog/2007/09/27/television-nightmares/ - - Television Nightmares
Do you want to lose weight? Then I recommend that you watch Gordon Ramsay’s new Fox show Kitchen Nightmares during dinner. As the good Gordon might (and often does) say, “Oh my God!”

Now my husband Mark and I are fans of Ramsay’s other show Hell’s Kitchen. But other than the presence of Ramsay himself, everything that makes Hell’s Kitchen so much fun — the competition among chefs whom you get to know and root for throughout the season — is missing from Kitchen Nightmares. What’s left (at least in episode 1) is numerous nausea-inducing scenes featuring rancid food and roughly gazillion roaches and flies.

Of course, by the end of the show Ramsay and his team of miracle workers turn the dive-of-the-week into a restaurant you wouldn’t be afraid to dine in.

What I can’t figure out is what the Manhattan restaurant featured in week 1 (Indian restaurant Dillons, reborn as Purnima) was doing in business before the makeover. Doesn’t New York City have restaurant inspectors? I sure hope so, because that’s where I live.

And now it’s time for a limerick:

Restaurant Nightmare
By Madeleine Begun Kane

I must flee this buffet. Please, let’s go.
A mouse just ran by and … oh no!
I spotted a roach
As it tried to encroach
On my sole. What’s that thing on your toe?

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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F A M I L Y

I ran into a stranger as he passed by, 'Oh excuse me please' was my reply.
He said, 'Please excuse me too; I wasn't watching for you.'
We were very polite, this stranger and I. We went on our way and we said goodbye.
But at home a different story is told, How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal, My son stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. 'Move out of the way,' I said with a frown.
He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice came to me and said,
'While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, but the family you love, you seem to abuse.
Go and look on the kitchen floor, You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise, you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes.'
By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed; 'Wake up, little one, wake up,' I said.
'Are these the flowers you picked for me?'
He smiled, 'I found 'em, out by the tree.
I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue.'
I said, 'Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way.'
He said, 'Oh, Mom, that's okay.
I love you anyway.'
I said, 'Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue.'
FAMILY
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days.
But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.
And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family, an unwise investment indeed, don't you think?
So what is behind the story?
Do you know what the word FAMILY means?
FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU
Thanks to Anne Oldham
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Invisible Moms
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter.
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Vickie, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Vickie. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness.
It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I 'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM

Thanks to Ricky and Sarah Shepherd
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Mark Pryor - United States Senator of Arkansas

Friday, September 28, 2007 Ending the Flow of Toxic Toys and Harmful Products

Given the number of toy recalls over the past few months, every parent today is wondering about the lurking dangers in their children’s toy chests. It shouldn’t be that way. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was once a trusted agency. But after continuous budget and personnel cuts over the past few years, it is now in serious distress. As a result, companies can get by with selling Barbie accessories coated with lead paint. Or a fake eyeball toy filled with kerosene. Or magnets from a building block set that are squeezing children’s intestines shut when swallowed. The price is simply too high to let these dangerous toys slip into the marketplace.
As Attorney General for Arkansas, I spearheaded an effort to pass the Child Product Safety Act in 2001. Under this law, we developed a website, for the state of Arkansas to provide parents with an easy resource to identify unsafe children's products. It also required day-care centers to check their toys and other equipment against the list. The Department of Human Services could revoke or refuse to renew licenses based on the information from an inspection. However, in order for resources such as the website to work effectively, the CPSC must first be on its game.
That’s why, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, I am working to rebuild the CPSC. This agency must be strong enough to protect consumers from everyday products already on the shelves, and also keep up with emerging technologies and increasing counterfeit and dangerous imports. I have introduced the Consumer Product Safety Commission Reform Act of 2007, which will enhance product safety by increasing the CPSC’s budget and the number of agents at U.S. ports of entry, updating dilapidated testing facilities and banning the use of lead in all children’s products.
While many companies are taking responsible steps to test products and restore their reputation following major recalls, my bill encourages all companies to place consumer safety above their bottom line. It calls for increased civil and criminal penalties and mandated third party safety certification on children’s products. I’ve also included strong whistleblower protections for employees to report problems along the supply chain – from the factory floor to our ports of entry.
We can prevent toxic toys and other harmful products from entering our homes through meaningful reform, and I am committed to swift action on this matter.
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Offices
Arkansas Office The River Market 500 Clinton Ave, Suite 401 Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: (501) 324-6336 Fax: (501) 324-5320
Washington, D.C. Office 257 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2353 Fax: (202) 228-0908
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In God We Trust

Paul Harvey says:

I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin , but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution

Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game.

So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.

But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue.

Yes, and this is the United States of America , a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect -- somebody chanting Hare Krishna?

If I went to a football game in Jerusalem , I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.

If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad , I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.

If I went to a ping pong match in China , I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.

And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome ...

But what about the atheists? Is another argument.

What about them?
Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!

Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.

Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating; to pray before we go to sleep.

Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.

God, help us.
And if that last sentence offends you, well . .. just sue me.

The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority don't care what they want. It is time the majority rules! It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray; you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right ... But by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back ... and we WILL WIN!

God bless us one and all ... especially those who denounce Him , God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all.

God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.

May 2007 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions... and our Military come home from all the wars.

Keep looking up.

Thanks to Royce Prince
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DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN...?

I came across this phrase yesterday "FENDER SKIRTS".

A term I haven't heard in a long time and thinking about "fender skirts" started me thinking about other words that quietly disappear from our language with hardly a notice like "curb feelers" ?

And "steering knobs." (AKA) suicide knob

Since I'd been thinking of cars, my mind naturally went that direction first.
Any kids will probably have to find some elderly person over 50 to explain some of these terms to you.

Remember "Continental kits?"
They were rear bumper extenders and spare tire covers that were supposed to make any car as cool as a LincolnContinental.

When did we quit calling them "emergency brakes?"
At some point "parking brake" became the proper term. But I miss the hint of drama that went with "emergency brake."

I'm sad, too, that almost all the old folks are gone who would call the accelerator the "foot feed."

Didn't you ever wait at the street for your daddy to come home, so you could ride the "running board" up to the house?

Here's a phrase I heard all the time in my youth but never anymore - "store-bought." Of course, just about everything is store-bought these days. But once it was bragging material to have a store-bought dress or a store-bought bag of candy.

"Coast to coast" is a phrase that once held all sorts of excitement and now means almost nothing. Now we take the term "world wide" for granted This floors me.

On a smaller scale, "wall-to-wall" was once a magical term in our homes. In the '50s, everyone covered his or her hardwood floors with, wow, wall-to-wall carpeting! Today, everyone replaces their wall-to-wall carpeting with hardwood floors. Go figure.

When's the last time you heard the quaint phrase "in a family way?" It's hard to imagine that the word "pregnant" was once considered a little too graphic, a little too clinical for use in polite company So we had all that talk about stork visits and "being in a family way" or simply"expecting."

Apparently "brassiere" is a word no longer in usage. I said it the other day and my daughter cracked up. I guess it's just "bra" now "Unmentionables" probably wouldn't be understood at all.

I always loved going to the "picture show," but I considered "movie" an affectation.

Most of these words go back to the '50s, but here's a pure-'60s word I came across the other day - "rat fink." Ooh, what a nasty put-down!

Here's a word I miss - "percolator." That was just a fun word to say. And what was it replaced with? "Coffee maker." How dull. Mr. Coffee, I blame you for this.

I miss those made-up marketing words that were meant to sound so modern and now sound so retro. Words like "DynaFlow" and "Electrolux." Introducing the 1963 Admiral TV, now with "SpectraVision!"

Food for thought - Was there a telethon that wiped out lumbago? Nobody complains of that anymore. Maybe that's what castor oil cured, because I never hear mothers threatening kids with castor oil anymore.

Some words aren't gone, but are definitely on the endangered list. The one that grieves me most "supper." Now everybody says "dinner." Save a great word. Invite someone to supper. Discuss fender skirts.

Thanks to Waneta
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| Safety from the Heart |
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September 27, 2007
Today's safety message was submitted by Scott Wells.
Fork Truck Safety

I’m sure that anyone who drives a fork truck (generically called Hyster or Powered Industrial Vehicles) recognizes there are some very specific rules that regulate operation. But just as a refresher, here are a few items worth remembering.
When a Fork Truck is taken into a processing area and not rated for General Electrical service, a HOT WORK permit must be obtained.
Fork Trucks must be inspected at least daily. Trucks used on a round-the-clock must be inspected after each shift.
Only trained and licensed employees may operate a fork truck.
A new license must be obtained every three years, after taking a refresher class.
The Training Coordinator in Human Resources issues licenses after passing a skill assessment and a written test.
When the operator is not within 25 feet of the vehicle, it must have the power shut off, the forks completely down and the brakes set.
Seat Belts must be used.
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| Safety from the Heart |
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September 25, 2007
22 Safety Items No Home Should Be Without
by Carla Merolla and Laura Coyne

Your home is your castle, but that doesn't mean you can pull the drawbridge and all will be safe. Plenty of dangers have already invaded your home. According to the National Safety Council, there were 29,500 deaths associated with the home in the year 2000.

Take an inventory of your home safety items so that you can be prepared to battle any emergency. You'll find that these are all essential to your family's safety. And, of course, feel free to add items to this list depending on your family's needs.

1. Smoke Detectors According to the National Safety Council, fire kills more than 2,900 people and injures 16,000 others each year. Most fires that claim lives occur at night. Install smoke detectors on every floor and outside each bedroom. Test detectors once a month, and change batteries when you adjust your clocks in the spring and fall.

2. Carbon Monoxide Detectors Carbon monoxide - an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas - killed 300 people last year and sent thousands more to the hospital. For between $40 and $170, a CO detector will alert you that deadly poison has begun to invade your home. Place a CO detector outside of your bedrooms.

3. Radon-Detector Kit The Environmental Protection Association says radon might be responsible for up to 30,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Hardware stores carry do-it-yourself radon-detector kits for less than $40. Follow directions carefully, especially regarding the placement and preparation of the room.

4. Night Lights Babababoboooom. That's the sound your family hears when you topple down the stairs on your way to sneak a midnight snack. Simple, inexpensive night lights can prevent late-night falls. Place night lights away from flammable fabrics like bedspreads. Also, look for new night lights with cooler mini-neon bulbs. Most stores also carry state-of-the-art plug-ins that glow in the dark and then fade as day breaks. Be sure you have adequate lighting in all of your rooms.

5. Sensor Lights Outdoor motion-sensor lights can help you see your way at night and scare off intruders. Usually, you can replace existing light fixtures with sensor lights without additional wiring.

6. Sturdy One-Step Stool Can't reach Aunt Minnie's purple crocheted pillow covers in the back of the closet? And she's on her way over? You look around the room and your eyes settle on ... the rocking chair. Instead of doing a circus act, invest in a sturdy one-step stool to keep on hand when your arms need a boost.

7. Rubber Suction Bath Mats/Slip-Resistant Throw Rugs You're wet. And so is the floor. A suction-type rubber mat or adhesive-backed appliques will keep you steady in the stall and tub. A nonskid rug outside the tub will prevent slips when you step out. Use slip-resistant rugs throughout your home.

8. Grab Bars Hold on to a wall grab bar when you get in and out of the tub. If your bathroom doesn't have grab bars, you can purchase them at most hardware stores. Fasten them with long screws securely into the wall studding - not merely into the plaster, tile or wallboard.

9. Handrails Every set of stairs, whether inside or outside your home, should have sturdy handrails securely mounted on both sides. Stairs and steps account for nearly half of all fatal falls in the home.

10. Deadbolt Locks Put a deadbolt lock on every entrance to your home. Ask the locksmith for a deadbolt lock that's pick- and drill-proof. Such locks start at $150. Invest in sturdy doors; a good lock doesn't serve its purpose on a flimsy door.

Another lock that's important is one for your gun cabinet. Always lock your gun, if you have one, and lock up your ammunition separately from your gun.

11. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters GFCIs stop the "juice" before electricity can leak out and hurt you. Although most new homes come with GFCIs, older homes may not have them. You can replace outlets for $9-$13 each, or you can purchase plug-in or portable GFCIs for about $12-$30 each. Use them throughout your home, especially in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.

12. Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguishers have categories for different types of fires. For the home, experts recommend a "BC" or an "ABC" extinguisher. Never purchase or use an "A" extinguisher in your home. These water-based extinguishers can cause flames to splatter or cause shocks in an electrical fire, says Julie Reynolds of the National Fire Protection Association.

13. First-Aid Kit The kit should include, among other items, antiseptic ointment, bandages and gauze pads in assorted sizes, adhesive tape, cold packs, disposable gloves, hand cleaner, scissors and tweezers, syrup of ipecac and eyewash. Check expiration dates and periodically restock. And educate yourself on how to treat injuries.

14. Flashlights Keep flashlights where you can easily get to them in case of power outages and severe weather. Test them regularly. Keep extra batteries close by so that you don't have to fumble blindly in an emergency.

15. Fire-Safe Window Guards/Safety Glazing Falls from windows cause death and serious injury to children each year. Don't rely on screens to prevent falls; they're only designed to keep bugs out. Never place furniture or beds next to windows where children can climb. Keep windows locked when not in use. If you use window guards, they must have a release mechanism so they can be opened in an emergency. Consult your fire department for proper placement. Children should also practice opening the window in their bedroom so that they know how to escape out of a window. You also may need to purchase an emergency escape ladder.

Safety glazing prevents windows from shattering into shards of glass. Instead, if broken, the glass forms safe pellets. Look for a permanent mark in the lower corner showing the manufacturer's name, type of safety glass, and the thickness.

16. Written Family Evacuation Plan Preparation and practice for all emergencies is vital for all families. Know the fastest way out of your home and how not to become trapped. Your home should include two exits from each room. Practice an evacuation plan with your family before a real emergency hits.

17. Family Disaster Kit When disaster occurs, grab this kit to take with you. Such a kit would include such essential supplies as nonperishable food, water, cash, flashlights, tools, a battery-operated NOAA all-hazard alert radio, and a first-aid kit. To save time when evacuating, you can store this kit in a car or in an unattached garage.

18. NOAA All-Hazard Alert Radio This radio will help you in a weather emergency, such as a tornado, hurricane, earthquake or other emergency. You'll pick up the frequency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which will include instructions on whether to stay in your home, when to evacuate, and the status of the emergency event. You can purchase such a radio at a local electronics store.

19. Posted Emergency Phone Numbers Your posted list should include the local police and fire departments and your physician. Also include the numbers of friends or relatives as well as your local poison control number. The American Association of Poison Control Centers has established a nationwide number for people to use to reach their local poison control center. It's 800-222-1222. Post your list by every phone in the house.

20. Tested Appliances Appliances using gas or electricity should bear the certification mark from a qualified testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories, the Canadian Standards Association or the American Gas Association.

21. Personal Protective Equipment Safety goggles, work gloves, face masks, and hard hats are all must-haves for do-it-yourselfers. Protect yourself when tackling that next home project.

22. Tagged Shutoffs Know how to shut off valves for gas, oil, water, and your home's main electrical supply. Tag each valve so you can easily identify the switch in an emergency.

http://www.nsc.org/issues/firstaid/22items.htm
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| Safety from the Heart |
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September 24, 2007
Hunting Season

Today's Message is from Ken Pool (a Houston Albemarle employee).

Hunting Season is here. Remember Hunting Safety and if you haven't taken the Hunter Safety course regardless of your age you can still take it. The Texas Hunter Safety course also covers Firearm Safety.
Make sure your hunting gear is in good shape, your firearms are clean and in good condition (if necessary checked out by a Gun Smith) and your ammo is good and not wet or corroded.

Have a Great and Safe Hunting Season.
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Our Church, Magnolia Christian Center, has the following mission statement. Our purpose is to build a great church for the glory of God through the great commission and the great commandment. MCC' Vision - That MCC will be a place hopping with children, energized with teenagers, balanced with diversity and transformed by the power of God! We want to turn uninterested people into interested people and win the lost to make fully devoted followers of Christ. www.mcc2000.net
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TOURBUS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -:) - :)- :)
Volume 13, Number 7 -- 25 Sep 2007
Tourbus Home -- http://www.InternetTourbus.com
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TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPICS: Firewalls / Facebook Apps / Sharing

In today's TOURBUS, you'll learn everything you need to know about Firewalls. I don't care if you were afraid to ask, I'm answering! For social networkers, I've got a rundown on the best Facebook apps, and I also have some tips on sharing your printer and hard drive over the Internet. Read on!

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What You Need to Know About Firewalls
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What happens When You yell "MOVIE!" in a crowded firehouse? Sometimes even the professionals who are supposed to be protecting you are confused by hype and false alarms. Have you heard conflicting reports on whether or not you should be using a firewall? Some people say they are only needed for dialup users. Others claim that you MUST have a firewall if you have a highspeed DSL or cable connection to the Internet.

So who's right? It turns that "Do I Need a Firewall?" is the wrong question. What you really need to know is... what the heck *IS* a firewall, why you need one, and what kind of firewall is right for your system. My article "Do I Need a Firewall?" answers all of these burning questions.
http://askbobrankin.com/do_i_need_a_firewall.html

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Facebook Applications
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I recently got this question from a new Facebook user:

"On Facebook, I always get invitations to add 'applications' to my profile. Some sound interesting, but I'm not even sure what an application is. Are they part of Facebook, or something from the outside? Do I need to worry about Facebook viruses?"

Facebook applications are add-ons that can be fun, functional, or frivolous. Think "program" when you see the word "application" and it makes more sense. To their credit, Facebook has created an open system which allows clever programmers to create applications that are nicely integrated into the Facebook system. Adding these applications to your Facebook profile is similar in concept to downloading and installing a program on your computer's desktop.

In theory, a Facebook application could contain a virus or spyware, but none have been reported so far. When evaluating an application, you should feel safe if it says "By Facebook" next to the name. Look also at the "About this Application" section. If it says "This application was not developed by Facebook" then I recommend you decide based on how many users have added the application. Several thousand or more should indicate that lots of Facebook users safely enjoy the app. Several dozen, maybe wait and see.

Facebook apps are free, so go ahead and check out some of my favorite and recommended Facebook apps here...
http://askbobrankin.com/facebook_applications.html

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Printing Over the Internet
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Have you ever wondered if it's possible to share a printer online? Perhaps you're working at home and would like to print directly to the office printer. Or maybe you're in Bangkok and want to print something on your home printer half a world away. Both computers are online, so it seems like it should be possible to print over the Internet.

If your cyber instinct told you there HAS to be a way, then good for you! There are a variety of ways you can remotely print through the Internet. Some free solutions require a bit of geekery, and others make it a point & click affair for a price. Find the remote printing solution that works best for you...
http://askbobrankin.com/share_a_printer_online.html

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Sharing A Hard Drive Online
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On a related note, a reader asked me this:

"I have photos, MP3s and some Word documents on my hard drive. How can I share my hard drive online so that just certain people can access my files? My colleagues have Internet access but we do not share a computer network. Can I share my folders and files online?"

I have to confess that when I read this question, I just KNEW the answer had to be yes. But off the top of my head, I had no idea where to start.

After a bit of research and memory jogging, I found that there are a variety of ways to share your hard drive, certain folders, or just a handful of files using the Internet. Some solutions are free, but don't provide complete transparency. Others have some security implications. But it CAN be done! Researching this topic even made me wonder if traditional hard drives are obsolete. Read all about sharing your hard drive online here:
http://askbobrankin.com/sharing_a_hard_drive_online.html

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That's all for now, see you next time! -- Bob Rankin
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==[ 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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Activities and Events of Interest

Emerson Fire Department Steak Supper, October 13. Tickets are $15 each
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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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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.

Friday, September 28, 2007
Weekly Toll: Death In The American Workplace

Ok folks I am almost caught up with the toll so sorry for the delays. It has been a crazy few months so please be patient.
Because of the difficulty involved with the families of the Crandall Canyon Mine I have waited until now to post this on the toll. God Bless All Those Lost.
The Missing Crandall Canyon Miners
Kerry Allred
Don Erickson
Luis Alonso Hernandez
Juan Carlos Payan
Brandon Phillips
Manuel Sanchez

Man Killed When Forklift Collides With Train
INDIANTOWN, Fla. -- Authorities said a man died after a New York-bound Amtrak train collided with a forklift in Palm Beach County. According to police, a worker operating a Bobcat forklift near the intersection of Beeline Highway and Indiantown Road was struck by the train around 11:15 a.m., launching the equipment and operator into the air.

Muleshoe farmer killed in tractor crash
IN - A 41-year-old Muleshoe farmer was killed Sunday morning in Bailey County when a tractor he was driving overturned on U.S. 70/84 after being struck by a pickup truck, according to the Rodriguez’ vehicle clipped the axle of the tractor, causing his truck to spin into the ditch and the tractor to overturn, Ellison said. Fulcher was ejected from the tractor and crushed beneath it, Ellison said. He died at the scene.

Man dies after being pinned between trucks on Route 108
NEWMARKET — A Sandown man died after being pinned between a trash truck and a pickup truck on Route 108 Tuesday morning, police said. Joseph Tesoro, 26, of Sweetfarm Road was standing behind a Bestway garbage truck in front of 147 Exeter Road when it was struck by a 2004 Ford Ranger pickup truck driven by Louis Gielar, 86, of 111 Grant Road, according to police. Tesoro was an employee of Bestway Disposal Services of Epping. The large vehicle was stopped in the northbound lane when the Ranger, driven by Gielar, struck it from behind, pinning Tesoro between the two vehicles, according to police.

"Authorities Identify Driver Killed In Tanker Explosion"
TN - Authorities have identified the truck driver killed in Wednesday’s fiery tanker explosion on Briley Parkway near County Hospital Road as 29-year-old Daniel Moss of Wallace Road. Police said Moss appeared to drift to the right before overcorrecting, causing the tanker to roll over and explode. The tanker was hauling gasoline and was quickly engulfed in flames. The flames quickly caught the surrounding field on fire, creating a plume of black smoke visible from as far away as LaVergne.

Capstar employee dies at drill site from electrocution
TX - A Capstar Drilling employee was pronounced dead Tuesday after he was electrocuted at a drilling operation in Cochran County. "From looking at the statements, a co-worker took him to a mud pump and was showing him how it worked," Cochran County Sheriff R.W. Stalcup said. "The man then put his hand on an electrical cord that gave power to the machine and the area he touched, some copper was exposed."

Industrial accident fatal
KS - Another man injured when scaffolding tips over One man died and another was seriously injured Wednesday morning when a motorized scaffolding capable of extending 30 feet into the air tipped over in an accident at a south Topeka industrial building.

County highway worker killed on the job
Collins, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard Wednesday said his department is investigating an accident that took the life of a Town of Collins highway worker. Edward Wittmeyer, 58, of Springville, was pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriff’s investigators report that a highway crew was working on South Quaker Road in Collins installing support posts for guard rails. They were using a wheeled excavator to drive the posts into the ground. A part of the machine came off striking two workings supporting the post.

Worker dies after Madison accident
MADISON - A flagger who was struck by a falling utility pole at the Somerset County Jail construction site died after being taken to a Bangor hospital. Officials say 65-year-old Wayne Steward of Skowhegan was struck in the head when an excavator accidentally hit a guy wire and tore the top of the pole off at the Madison construction site.

5th Mine Worker Dies in W.V.
WV - Mining officials continue to investigate the weekend death of a worker at an underground coal mine in southern West Virginia. A spokesman for the Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training identified the victim as 53-year-old Robert D. Fraley of Dorothy. Fraley's body was found Sunday at the bottom of a 300-foot mine shaft at the Mountain Laurel Complex near Sharples, which is close to the Logan-Boone county line.

Man dies in accident at Wyoming mine
GREEN RIVER _ An accident involving a mine transport vehicle at a trona mine near Green River has left one worker dead. The accident occurred shortly before noon Wednesday. FMC spokesman Jim Fitzwater said two mine operators were en route to their designated work area when their mine transport overturned.

Man dies in conveyor belt accident
AK - A Palmer man died Thursday afternoon after becoming entangled in a conveyor belt at a gravel pit in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, according to Alaska State Troopers. Rick Meshew, 49, suffered fatal injuries shortly before 5 p.m. at Mile 38.5 Parks Highway, said troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters.

Rural Plymouth farmer killed in truck accident
PLYMOUTH, Neb. - A southeast Nebraska farmer is dead after being crushed beneath a truck this week. Authorities say 79-year-old Glenn Ebbers died Wednesday night following the accident on his farm seven miles west of Plymouth. His wife says he was working under the truck, but had forgotten to take it out of gear and became trapped beneath it.

Tow truck driver killed in strange accident
PHOENIX, AZ - Phoenix police say a tow truck driver was killed this afternoon when a gun owner was cleaning a rifle when it went off. The incident occurred near 29th Avenue and Deer Valley Road. Investigators say the gun owner was manipulating the firearm and thought it was unloaded. The rifle discharged sending a bullet through a mobile home window covering, a window and across 29th Avenue where it struck the windshield of a tow truck that was traveling east. Police say the bullet went through the windshield striking the driver identified as 59-year-old Cecil Pugh.

MDOT Worker Killed In Logging Truck Crash
OSSUTH TOWNSHIP, ME - A State Department of Transportation worker was killed in a fatal crash on Route 6 in Kossuth Township Monday morning. Jarod Damon of Grand Lake Stream was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials say Damon was driving an MDOT truck when a logging truck hit it head on.

Worker killed at Millennium Pipeline project
TUXEDO, NY - A New Jersey man was killed yesterday morning after a piece of pipe-laying equipment rolled over him and down treacherous terrain at the site of the Millennium Pipeline project in Harriman State Park. Pat McCaffrey, 67, of Lebanon, N.J., was an employee of Precision Pipeline, a Wisconsin-based contractor hired by the Millennium Pipeline Co. LLC of Pearl River, a spokesman for the company said. The Millennium Pipeline Co. is building a massive underground natural gas pipeline there. It stretches 182 miles, from Montebello to Corning in the New York's Southern Tier. The incident occurred about 2 miles east of the New York State Thruway near the border of Rockland and Orange counties.

Worker Falls From Clear Lake High-Rise Building, Dies
TX - The Pasadena Police Department tells FOX 26 News that a construction worker was killed after falling from a Clear Lake high-rise building. The name of the building the worker fell from was the Endeavor, a condominium community under construction located on the 3800 block of NASA Pkwy.

City Worker Dies In Tree Limb Accident
SAN ANTONIO, CA -- A city worker died after a tree limb fell on him near Brackenridge Park on Tuesday morning. The worker had been helping his crew cut down old limbs from a tree when the limb fell from above and hit him in the chest around 10 a.m. The high limb had been resting on top of another limb, Sgt. Alfred Trinidad said. When a worker tried to trim it to alleviate pressure, it fell off and landed on the worker below, Trinidad said. The identity of the worker has not been released.

Autopsy ties death to chlorine exposure
TX - A preliminary autopsy report released this week attributes the 2006 death of a Dow employee to pulmonary toxicity after being “acutely exposed to chlorine gas on the job” at the Dow Chemical Co. plant in Freeport. The Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office turned over the results to a local justice of the peace Friday, about 10 months after the death of Gerald Hamilton, 36, of Galveston. Family members said the results might help them come to terms with his death by knowing why he fell asleep one night after work and never woke up. “It helps to finally know at least how he died,” said Hamilton’s mother, Betty Thies, as she broke into tears. Hamilton, a union process operator, was clearing a pipeline at the plant in November 2006 when less than a third of a gallon of chlorine was released into the air.

Church worker dies in accident
Editor Three members of Southern Oaks Missionary Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, were involved in an accident on Thursday night while travelling to Alicia to work on the Alicia Baptist Church. Amanda K. Barfield, 32 of Whitehouse, Texas, was killed when the vehicle she was riding in was hit head-on by a vehicle that was travelling the wrong direction on U.S. Hwy. 67, near Cabot, AR.

El Paso CBP officer dies in crash near Moriarty
WASHINGTON - A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air Interdiction Agent (Pilot Trainee) died while performing training as a result of an aircraft crash that occurred Monday at approximately 12:40 p.m. EDT at Moriarty Airport, near Albuquerque, N.M. The Air Interdiction Officer who died in the crash is Julio E. Baray. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Man Falls From Radio Tower
AL - Allegheny County detectives and Deer Township police are investigating after a man plunged an estimated 100 feet to his death late Monday afternoon (09/24). The tower was one of two used by the full-time gospel radio station, WGBN. The victim and his son had painted the larger, 450-foot tower nearby several weeks ago. Neighbors said recently, however, they thought he was working alone on the shorter tower.

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. Spc. John J. Young, 24, of Savannah, Ga., died Sept. 21 in Camp Stryker, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

02. Capt. (Dr.) Roselle M. Hoffmaster, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio, died Sept. 20 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. She was assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

03. Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan M. Lankford, 42, of Scottsboro, Ala., died Sept. 22, in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 79th Ordnance Battalion, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

04. Spc. Joshua H. Reeves, 26, of Watkinsville, Ga., died Sept. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

05. Spc. Joshua H. Reeves, 26, of Watkinsville, Ga., died Sept. 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

06. Sgt. 1st Class Matthew D. Blaskowski, 27, of Levering, Mich., died Sept. 23 in Asadabad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

07. Sgt. 1st Class Matthew D. Blaskowski, 27, of Levering, Mich., died Sept. 23 in Asadabad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

08. Cpl. Anthony K. Bento, 23, of San Diego, died Sept. 24, in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

09. Staff Sgt. Zachary B. Tomczak, 24, of Huron, S.D., died Sept. 25, in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

10. Petty Officer Second Class Charles Luke Milam, 26, of Littleton, Colo., died September 25, while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Milam was a hospital corpsman assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

11. Pfc. Christopher F. Pfeifer, 21, of Spalding, Neb., died Sept. 25 in San Antonio, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire Aug. 17 near Kamu, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Schweinfurt, Germany.

12. Pfc. Mathew D. Taylor, 21, of Cameron Park, Calif., died Sept. 26 in San Antonio of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle July 23 in Sarobi District, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

~~

Airman Missing In Action From WWII is Identified

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

He is 1st Lt. James W. Blose, U.S. Army Air Forces, of Sharpsville, Pa. He will be buried Sept. 29 in Hermitage, Pa.

Representatives from the Army met with Blose s next-of-kin in her hometown to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

On April 22, 1942, Blose and another pilot, 2nd Lt. William S. Shaw, departed Nausori, Airdrome, Viti Levu Island, Fiji, on an airborne alert mission. Soon after takeoff, bad weather forced the pilots to fly below the level of several mountaintops in the area and land their P-39D Airacobras at Nandi Airdrome. Shaw successfully landed his plane, but Blose was not seen or heard from again. Initial ground searches in the thick jungles and rugged terrain were unsuccessful.

In late 2004, a Fiji citizen reported to a U.S. official in Fiji that he located possible aircraft wreckage on Viti Levu Island. The official visited the site and saw the wreckage bearing a data plate that correlated to Blose s plane. The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) investigated the crash site in early 2005 and collected additional data plate information.

In 2006, a JPAC team excavated the site and recovered human remains and other items including a pilot s microphone electrical plug with Blose s initials on it.

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

http://icasualties.org/oif/default.aspx
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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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Scheduled Activities
~~~
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.
~~~
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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"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
"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!!!
Mark 12:14-17 Job 23:14-16 Mark 11:23-25 1 Pet 1:6-9 James 5:13-15 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@Magnolia-Net.Com. We offer "Da Bleat" as text, a "Blog" and as a newsletter with pictures in Word and PDF format. The latest issue is usually updated sometime Saturday. For the "Blog" version just go to one of the several addresses on the web. For the latest issue, go to http://www.bugsbleat.blogspot.com. Older issues can be found at http://www.bugsbleat_q__.blogspot.com, where _ is the quarter (1, 2, 3, or 4) and __ is the year (05, 06, or 07). We also have a site [http://bugsbleatphotos.blogspot.com/] where we post photos that I like.
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If you'd prefer to read "Da Blog" version, just drop us a note at KC5HII@Magnolia-Net.Com and we'll switch you from e:mail delivery to "Da Bleat" Blog. We appreciate your encouragement. We also appreciate your communication when you desire to be taken off our mail list. If you are on this mail list by mistake or do not wish to receive "Da Bleat," please reply back and tell us to discontinue service to you. This email was scanned by Norton AntiVirus 2007 before it was sent.
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Bugs Bleat 3Q 07

Blog Archive

About Me

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Priorities - - Photos

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Priorities

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Priorities

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Priorities

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Priorities