Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Help Is On The Way

Volume 9, Issue 37 Friday, September 14, 2007

Hello All,

Today’s Banner-News has an editorial opposing the tax increase for the Emerson - Taylor School District. To summarize: “Why put money into Emerson - Taylor when they could just consolidate with Magnolia?”
I’d like to answer that. Because smaller school districts do a better job of educating kids than larger school districts.
The key to grade school education is parental involvement. The more you take the school out of the community, the less the parents are involved and the poorer quality the resulting education.
If bigger was better, we’d be better off sending all the kids in Arkansas to a humongous school in Little Rock. Does anyone seriously think that would be a good idea?
On the other hand, if there is something inherently wrong with small school districts, then it ought to follow that home schooling would be the worst of all educations. But test scores show the exact opposite.
Facilities are nice things to have. It’s great to have huge computer labs and other big dollar items. But there is no evidence that students from such schools do appreciably better in college than students from smaller schools.
In fact, just the opposite is true.
Hillary said it takes a Village to Raise a Kid. That’s partially true. I was raised by my mom, grandmother, mammy, aunts, uncles, and the folks of Taylor and Magnolia. But none of that would have been much use if I hadn’t had a mom that was interested in what was happening to me and showed up at school functions to ensure that my education was what it needed to be.
A kid needs parents and his school needs input and help from those parents. Without that participation, a school is just a factory, attempting to assemble kid’s minds. It hasn’t worked in the past and it’s not gonna work in the future.
~~~~~
An AP story in the Banner-News today quoted Richard Greffe, a senior economist the Texas Public Utility Commission, as saying that building a new electric generating plant in Hempstead County (just north of Texarkana) would “... cut any chances for another supplier to enter the market.”
In other words, SWEPCO shouldn’t build a plant because it might discourage their competition from building a plant?
O.K. Then we shouldn’t open any new businesses because that might discourage our competition from opening a business?
I guess it would be better to be like some areas of the country and suffer though brown outs and power outages? That should encourage competition.
~~~~~
Albemarle’s “Weight Watcher’s At Work” group will be inviting new member at next Monday’s meeting. Join us at noon in the security conf room. Our group has lost over 250 pounds.
~~~~~
Magnolia Christian Center Worship is on the internet. Go to Goggle “Videos” and search “Magnolia Arkansas” videos. For some reason, I had to turn off safe search to get it to show the video to me. Thanks to Matt. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u36VM2QpYIU]
~~~~~
I just finished reading “The Pentagon: A History” by Steve Vogel. Even if you don’t like non-fiction books, give this a try. It’s really hard to put down. I think what was more astonishing than the initial construction project was the amazing reconstruction after the September 11th attack.
~~~~~
Since I take Procrit, this discussion is something I watch. I’d love to have a hemoglobin level of 10. Eleven would be fantastic! But in the present, I’m living with the low 9s. A year or so ago, this would have been very painful, but our bodies were created to be incredibly adaptable. Now I can function with this hemoglobin.
FDA Questions Data On Amgen, J&J Drugs By ANNA WILDE MATHEWS September 8
WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration questioned the evidence backing an important benefit of anemia drugs made by Amgen Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, in the latest blow to the widely used treatments.
The drugs are known as ESAs, or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and are sold in the U.S. as Amgen's Epogen and Aranesp, and as J&J's Procrit. They treat anemia, a deficiency of red-blood cells, which, before the drugs were developed, often had to be treated with blood transfusions.
The anemia drugs' dosing is set by their impact on patients' level of hemoglobin, the protein in red-blood cells that binds with oxygen. In March, the drugs got a strong safety warning on their labels, with a recommendation that doctors should not aim to get hemoglobin levels above 12 grams per deciliter of blood, because of the risks that may come from high doses. The label didn't set a floor on the recommended hemoglobin range.
In July, the agency that oversees the Medicare program set its own guidelines for cancer patients being treated with the drugs. In a decision that has sparked objections from Amgen and doctor groups, as well as Congress, Medicare said it will not pay for the drugs after patients' hemoglobin rises above 10 grams per deciliter.
Amgen, in documents submitted to the FDA committee, said it believes the target range should be 11 to 12 grams per deciliter, and not lower than 10, for kidney-failure patients. The company said the evidence may point to higher risks for patients who don't respond strongly to the medications, who also tend to be less healthy.
Yet the agency stopped short of pointing to a proper dosing range, and it did say there is some evidence of benefit for patients who attain a level of 11 grams per deciliter. An FDA review of the drugs' safety said more research is needed, focused on developing safer dosing recommendations.
Write to Anna Wilde Mathews at anna.mathews@wsj.com
~~~~~
Mike’s Pit Stop, the new oil and lube business, owned by Mike Harwell, is open at 112 E. Columbia St.
~~~~~
http://www.shelfari.com/BugsBleat/shelf?ec=7D790D174EFS18012
~~~~~
Houston Weather Blog: Hurricane Hunter Flight into Felix
Check out the video of a night eye fix of Felix as a cat 5 by the Hurricane Hunters. Makes me think about the good old days, not too sure I would want to do it again.
http://weatherblog.abc13.com/2007/09/hurricane-hunte.html
Thanks to our resident meteorologist and former "Hurricane Hunter", Dick Baker
~~~~~
We extend our sympathy to Ricky Dennis whose mother passed away. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Pat Dennis are pending.
~~~~~
Wow! Two of my main drugs are in the news this week.
Analysis Weighs Benefits, Risks of Actos By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer

CHICAGO (AP) - The widely used diabetes pill Actos appears to lower a patient's chances of death, heart attack or stroke, unlike its beleaguered chief rival Avandia, a new analysis shows. However, it also carries an increased risk of nonfatal heart failure, the analysis showed, confirming earlier studies.
Heart failure is also a side effect with Avandia. Such problems led one diabetes expert to recommend that both drugs be considered second choices behind older, cheaper pills.
Older drugs including Metformin are available in generic form and can cost less than 20 cents a day—10 times less than Avandia and Actos. However, the older drugs can stop working and doctors may try newer pills instead of having patients resort to insulin injections.
The review, appearing in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association, is the biggest to date on Actos. It pools results of 19 rigorous studies involving more than 16,000 people. Compared with patients taking other diabetes drugs or none, Actos patients had an 18 percent reduced risk of death, heart attack or stroke.
The findings are important because heart attacks are a leading cause of death in diabetics, the authors said.
The agency is requiring label warnings of the heart failure risks for both Avandia and Actos.
In the new analysis, death, heart attack or stroke occurred in 375 of 8,554 patients, or 4.4 percent, versus 450 or 5.7 percent of 7,836 patients on other drugs or no treatment.
Actos and Avandia control blood sugar by improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. Avandia can increase levels of LDL cholesterol, the bad kind; while Actos can increase HDL cholesterol, the good kind, and can lower triglyceride levels—effects that may help explain the study results, Nissen said.
David Barish, a 49-year-old Chicago attorney with diabetes and heart disease, called the new analysis reassuring. His doctors switched him from Avandia to Actos because of safety concerns.
While Barish said he doesn't feel any different on the new drug, "it sounds like it's a better risk."
JAMA: http://jama.ama-assn.org
~~~~~
If Diabetes doesn’t get you, there’s always “Elbola”
Ebola Outbreak Confirmed in Congo By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN Published: September 12, 2007

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept. 11 — The lethal Ebola virus has resurfaced in central Congo, United Nations officials said Tuesday, and health experts were rushing supplies and doctors into the remote, densely forested area to contain the disease.
Ebola is one of the deadliest pathogens, killing 50 to 80 percent of the people it infects. In severe cases, victims hemorrhage all over and bleed from body orifices before dying.
Because it is highly contagious, health officials in Congo are trying to quarantine anyone with symptoms, and Congolese ministers are making broadcasts on radio and television to educate villagers about the crisis.
Congo is thought to be the birthplace of the Ebola virus, which is named after a river in the north where one of the first documented outbreaks occurred in 1976, killing nearly 300 people. Congo has had at least three other major outbreaks, including one in Kikwit, a town about 200 miles west of the current disease zone.
The virus strikes fast, and many patients die within days of showing symptoms, which start out as stomachaches and headaches and progress to bloody vomiting and organ failure. In some patients veins burst under the skin, causing a purple rash, and blood streams out of the nose and mouth.
Scientists think the Ebola virus lives in an animal host, possibly a bat. Human outbreaks are thought to start when a person is infected by an animal and then passes the virus to other people. There is no cure.
Dr. Ilunga said that so far 372 people have fallen ill and 166 have died. He said the government was concerned that the disease would spread, adding that the first order of business was getting villagers to take sick people to quarantine centers.
Congo’s infrastructure woes might actually help. The country is the size of Western Europe but has less than 300 miles of paved roads. Although that makes it harder to get medical supplies and doctors in, health officials said the isolation of central Congo’s towns also means that terminally ill people cannot easily travel far, which can limit the infection’s spread.
Denise Grady contributed reporting from New York
~~~~~
Speaking of Africa, here’s Pattie’s latest news. - - “From Pattie in Tanzania”
~
Hello Friends!

Today I was driving near a Muslim mosque and a bit overwhelmed at the level of commitment the Muslims give to their so-called god. No peace, no love, no forgiveness is available to them. However, they give their time, money, and complete lives to a dead god all day long. I wake up each morning to hear them praying at about 5 am. When I was driving today, I just got nauseous thinking about what it will take to open their eyes to the truth of Jesus. A missionary can't do it. All of my arguments and experiences will say nothing to them. Only the power of Jesus can change their lives. He is able. In swahili, it is "Unaweza", which means "you are able". Many days we sing this chorus as a reminder of the fight we are fighting. I am so glad I don't have to fight this fight alone. I just have to be a willing vessel for Jesus to work through. You do too. Whatever your fight is, remember, you're fighting a no-lose battle, if you are following Jesus. Thank God!

This week I held my second Friday of Muda Na Mungu services......... "Time with God" at our school, New Life Academy. It was so much fun. The children are gorgeous and, as I told a friend, they think I am like Disney World! If they only knew! Last week I taught on creation and this week on "made in His image." I am building a foundation about God in their lives. I don't want them to quickly accept a religion because they want to impress me. After 4 services with almost 400 kids, another missionary, our interpreter and I were exhausted. But, it was so much fun!! Thank you to those in Ruston who sent me prizes recently. They are a great blessing!

Last week, my sister and a friend came to visit for a short time. I cried when I saw my sister at the airport. I cried when I took her back. We enjoyed each other, although I don't think either one ever got over jet lag before they had to travel across the world again. But, thanks, Kelli and Angela, for coming! Seeing Mt. Kilimanjaro with you was great!
Our Bible school students return this weekend after their 6 week break. On Monday, classes resume. In a couple of weeks, I will be training them in children's ministry. Most of you know how excited I am about training workers!
This Sunday I preach at another church which I don't know the name of. I will just pick up the interpreter and he'll direct me. What an adventure!

Keep praying for me! Asante sana (thank you so much) for your prayers and support. I'm working hard for you! I will be coming to the US in December after our Bible school graduation and I hope to see you all!

Talk to you soon!
Pattie
~~~~~
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/
~~~~~
Friday, September 14, The Village Deer Dog Festival will start with a Fish Supper from 5 to 7 pm at the village Community center.
~~~~~
Saturday, September 15, Haynesville Celebration of Butterflies starts with a parade at 9:30 am.
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The Columbia county Fair starts Monday, September 17.
~~~~~
Some of you may remember Bro. Bobby Harris. Bro. Bobby was the prayer team leader for the 2006 Area Wide Crusade for Christ.
Bro. Bobby's wife, Ella, was in the hospital for eleven days and he is asking for God's children to lift Ella's name to God and ask that his will be done. The church has provided all of their home and basic needs.
Bro. Bobby pastors Bethlehem Baptist Church and they had forty SAU students attend service this morning. The church feels their current mission is to get the bus ministry back going. Pray that these young souls will fill the position God has called them to do.
Thanks to Jason Sands
~~~~~
Pregnant Smokers May Suffer Depression By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - More than one in 10 pregnant women smoke, and new research suggests many of them also may suffer from depression, making kicking the habit even harder.
Nearly 45 million Americans, or one in five adults, smoke. Quitting takes on average three to five attempts, and scientists know it's harder if the smoker has depression or anxiety disorders. In fact, one prescription anti-smoking pill is actually the old antidepressant Wellbutrin sold under a different name, Zyban.
Certainly learning how dangerous smoking is to their developing baby can prompt women to try to quit. It increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, death from SIDS, and learning and behavior disorders.
But only recently have researchers begun to delve into why, despite the enormous stigma, so many pregnant smokers don't quit. The government estimates about 12 percent of pregnant women smoke.
Dr. Renee Goodwin, a Columbia University epidemiologist, tracked more than 1,500 pregnant women who took part in a larger study of Americans' health. A surprising 22 percent smoked at some point during pregnancy, and about 12 percent were classified as nicotine-dependent.
Pregnant smokers were typically poor, less educated and had less access to health care.
Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarette smoke can act in the brain like weak antidepressants, says Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
It can be hard for the depressed to realize when they need help. And chances of relapse increase when would-be quitters feel worsening sadness, lethargy or other depression symptoms.
But how to treat pregnant smokers?
What about alleviating depression to help them quit?
Enter Texas' Project Baby Steps. More than 250 pregnant smokers, and counting, are testing whether a form of cognitive therapy for depression helps them kick the habit better than anti-smoking counseling alone.
"There's a lot of social disdain" for pregnant smokers, adds Columbia's Goodwin. "There aren't a lot of treatment programs. There's just advice ... not to smoke, but that's not going to do the job."
~~~~~
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:

** "Reducing Conflicts and Increasing Transparency: Why so Difficult?" by Susan Wood Two things appear to be major bones of contention in determining the final version of what is now named the "FDA Revitalization Act of 2007? (FDARA). And they both related to public transparency and public accountability. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/reducing-conflicts-and-increasing-transparancy-why-so-difficult/

** "BP's Safety Record on Trial" by Christina Morgan During a trial related to the deadly 2005 explosion at BP's Texas City refinery, disturbing details emerge about the company's approach to workplace safety. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/13/coal-miners-wife-tells-it-like-it-is/

** "Coal Miner's Wife Tells it Like it Is" by Celeste Monforton Blogging lets us meet people like Patty Sebok, who knows firsthand about the effects of coal mining. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/13/coal-miners-wife-tells-it-like-it-is/

** "'Popcorn Lung' Media Roundup" by Liz Borkowski It's interesting to look at the angles from which several different news articles approach the topic of "popcorn lung" in a consumer. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/12/popcorn-lung-media-roundup/

** "Occupational Health News Roundup" by Liz Borkowksi Illness in 9-11 workers was in the news this week, along with the Veterans' Administration's position on cancer data, U.S. child labor law, and "potentially underutilized" workers around the world. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/12/occupational-health-news-roundup-31/

** "The Truth is Not Free" by David Egilman Protecting the public health is more important than keeping corporate secrets. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/11/the-truth-is-not-free/

** "Compensation for 9-11 Rescue, Recovery, and Cleanup Workers" by David Michaels It is time for Congress to enlist the nation's science and policy experts to help develop a federal workers' compensation program for 9/11 rescue, recovery, and cleanup workers. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/11/compensation-for-911-rescue-recovery-and-cleanup-workers/

** "CPSC: The Toy Chickens Come Home to Roost" by David Michaels With lead in toys now a serious concern, even the industry wants regulation – but can a severely weakened Consumer Products Safety Commission rise to the task? http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/10/cpsc-the-toy-chickens-come-home-to-roost/

** "Pressure Builds on the Bush Administration to Regulate Diacetyl" by David Michaels Now that "popcorn lung" seems to be threatening consumers as well as workers, Congress is increasing the pressure on administration officials to address the threat. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/09/pressure-builds-on-the-bush-administration-to-regulate-diacetyl/

** "Friday Blog Roundup" by Liz Borkowski Bloggers have been keeping tabs on public health issues in Congress, including the Global Gag Rule, SCHIP, the Energy Bill, and the Farm Bill; plus, thoughts on measles, flu, environmental health policy, and beer's environmental impact.
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/09/08/friday-blog-roundup-40/
~~~~~
Check out Pledge Of Allegiance To The Flag Of The United States Of America
http://patriotfiles.org/Pledge.htm
Thanks to Waneta
~~~~~
A new dispatch is up: A Method of Audit [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/don%e2%80%99t-ask-me-what-i-think-about-the-petraeus-report.htm]
I will return to Iraq very shortly.

Successes are occurring, and accruing, in Iraq. Al Qaeda is still a powerful enemy, but they cannot be happy with their Iraqi franchise this summer.
Readers of my dispatches have gotten first hand reports of the kinds of positive indicators that General David Petraeus described in his progress report.
The atmosphere is changing in Iraq and I've been posting dispatches and videos that illustrate just how profound this change is in some cases.

I was the first to say Iraq was in civil war, and many readers were angry to hear me say it. Well, I'll be the first to say that I predict some sort of milestone for the war in Iraq will occur early in the next year. It's dangerous to predict like this, but something fundamental has changed in Iraq.

There is one important qualifier: this will only happen if General David Petraeus is supported by our elected officials to implement his proposed plan, without meddling from those same elected officials. Oversight and accountability are not the same thing as backseat driving after siphoning out half of the gas tank.

Please read: Hunting Al Qaeda [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/hunting-al-qaeda-part-i-of-iii.htm]

v/r
Michael
~~~~~
MapQuest Gas Prices, Pretty Cool http://gasprices.mapquest.com
~~~~~
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 shots of deer around the church last Saturday, Annette’s bed post, and our guys practicing “Patient Packaging”
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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.
~~~~~
Recipe(s) of the week - - - Asparagus, Bacon and Cheese Frittata


POINTS® Value: 5
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 20 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

This ingredient-packed frittata is part of our Perfectly Simple recipe series.


Ingredients
2 tsp olive oil, or vegetable oil
4 slice uncooked turkey bacon, diced
½ cup onion(s), diced
2 cup asparagus, fresh, or frozen and thawed, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 slice light whole wheat bread, cubed
1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese, about 4 oz
4 large egg(s)
5 large egg white(s)
3/4 cup fat-free skim milk
2 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Add onion and asparagus; sauté until vegetables are soft, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in bread; sprinkle cheddar cheese over top.

Preheat broiler.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, milk, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture in skillet and set pan over medium-high heat. Cook until almost cooked through to the top, shaking pan frequently to promote even cooking, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top of frittata. Place pan under broiler and broil until top is golden brown and frittata is cooked through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Slice into 6 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving.
Not only are frittatas an excellent way to enjoy breakfast or brunch, they give you the perfect opportunity to use up leftover vegetables, lean meats and day-old bread.

If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, cover the handle with aluminum foil before broiling.
http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeId=114221
~~~~~
BreakPoint
With Chuck Colson
Stopping at Nothing
9/14/2007

The Partial-Birth Abortion Loophole

Four months ago the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the federal Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. As I said at the time, banning this unspeakably barbaric form of abortion was a victory—albeit a small one—for the pro-life cause. It represented another step toward the end of abortion-on-demand in this country.

Certainly the nation’s pro-abortion forces saw it that way as well. The near-hysterical reaction of the Center for Reproductive Rights was typical: “The U.S. Supreme Court,” it said, “effectively overturned 30 years of precedent and announced that women’s health is no longer a paramount concern . . . the Court’s decision paves the way for state and federal legislatures to enact additional bans on abortions, including those that doctors say are safe and medically necessary.”

So, while pro-lifers celebrated a small victory, pro-abortion forces signaled that they were not going to stand idly by while the forces for life steadily chip away at abortion-on-demand.

That’s why a recent story in the Boston Globe should not surprise us, I suppose. It turns out that some abortionists are doing an end run around the partial-birth abortion ban by injecting lethal drugs to kill the fetus before doing the late-term abortion. This despite the fact that, as some doctors told the Globe, “it poses a slight risk to the woman and offers her no medical benefit.”

So who benefits from the procedure? “The only clear benefit is a legal one to the physician,” one California doctor told Fox News religion reporter Lauren Green. That same doctor, by the way, considers the injection procedure “too risky” to the expectant mother.

The loophole just means, sadly, that there are those who will do anything, even risk the life of the mother, to snuff out the life of an unborn child—while pro-lifers are the ones accused of not caring about women! It is just one more proof of the inherent evil and destructiveness of abortion.

But it’s also one more proof that pro-lifers can never let our guard down and that the struggle to end abortion-on-demand will take years, and we’ve got to keep fighting.

As I have said before on “BreakPoint,” that lesson was taught to us more than 200 years ago by the British Parliamentarian William Wilberforce, who brought an end to the slave trade in Britain.

For nearly 20 years, Wilberforce introduced bills banning the slave trade. Year after year, his opponents found ways to defeat them, often playing dirty. But Wilberforce and his allies never gave up, and in 1807, the House of Commons voted to abolish the slave trade. It took another quarter century to abolish slavery outright.

Despite repeated losses, Wilberforce kept working. By God’s grace, he made incremental gains and eventually carried the day.

I believe that the pro-life cause will carry the day as well. After all, as was the case with Wilberforce, justice is on our side. And, just as the British public was awakened to the evils of the slave trade, so too the American public is learning more and more about the miracle of life in the womb—and the horrors inflicted on that life by abortion.

So, what’s next for pro-lifers? We endure the setbacks, we close the legal loopholes, and we keep fighting. Like Wilberforce, we never lose sight of the final goal.

BreakPoint WorldView magazine is now available for FREE online. Sign up today!

For Further Reading and Information

Carey Goldberg, “Shots Assist in Aborting Fetuses,” Boston Globe, 10 August 2007.

Lauren Green, “Partial-Birth Abortion Ban’s Legal Loophole,” FOX News, 20 August 2007.

Scott Klusendorf, Pro-Life 101: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Case Persuasively (Stand to Reason Press, 2002).

Regis Nicoll, “The Rhetoric of Choice Reigns: Carhart Decision Compromising Women’s Health?” BreakPoint Online, 27 April 2007.

BreakPoint Commentary No. 070420, “A Baby’s Cry: Upholding the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 021113, “Staying Power: Wilberforce, Slavery—and Abortion.”

Gina Dalfonzo, “Pro-life Sentiments Show Up in the Strangest Places,” and part two, The Point, 6 September 2007.

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:
fungible: interchangeable.
yen: a strong desire or inclination.
cozen: to deceive or obtain by deceit.
plangent: beating with a loud or deep sound; also, expressing sadness.
impassible: incapable of suffering; also, unfeeling or not showing feeling.
roue: a man devoted to a life of sensual pleasure.
ignoble: not noble.
panjandrum: an important or self-important official.
from Dictionary.Com

~~~~~
"Failure is not the only punishment for laziness; there is also the success of others." - Jules Renard

"I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain." - James Baldwin

"If you let other people do it for you, they will do it to you." - Robert Anthony

"Nostalgia is a seductive liar." - George Ball

"Suffering isn't ennobling, recovery is." - Christiaan N. Barnard

"Like an ox-cart driver in monsoon season or the skipper of a grounded ship, one must sometimes go forward by going back." - John Barth

"Conceit is God's gift to little men." - Bruce Barton
~~~~~
BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS
http://breakingchristiannews.com/

# Woman Defies Prognosis—Makes Astounding Recovery from Deep Coma
# Amish Give Money to Widow of Man Who Murdered Schoolchildren Last October
# After Being Knocked Out in Race, Non-English Speaking Czech Speedway Rider Wakes Up to Speak Perfect English
# Award Winning British Journalist Tells How Christ Reached Him When He was Intoxicated in a Smokey Bar—Resulting in Current News Ministry

# Prayer Alert: Earthquakes Rock Indonesia
# Cancer Researcher Discovers Way to Burn Salt Water as Fuel
# U.S. House to Vote on "Special Rights" Employment Bill Regarding Orientation and Gender Identity
# What Began with 4 Women Praying has Grown to Tens of Thousands—Aglow International celebrates 40 years with Seattle World-Wide Conference

# Israeli Archaeologists Discover 2,000-year-old Escape Tunnel in Underground Jerusalem
# Plane Crash Survivor Details God's Intervention in Rescue
# China's Women's World Cup Soccer Star Finds "wisdom and joy" in the Bible
# Marriages in China Being Healed to the Amazement of Many

# Award-Winning Film Focuses on the Real Life Miracles that Occurred in the Midst of 9/11 Terror Attacks
# The "Angel of Mercy" in East Timor
# Siberian Mayor Forbids His Staff from Making Negative Comments—Insists They Offer Positive Solutions to Problems
# Oregon Volunteers Build a Village and Bring Hope to the Destitute of Nicaragua

# Christian Defense Coalition to Lead Prayer Vigil in Lafayette Park Across from the White House on the Evening of September 10th
# Remote Village Treasures its Aramaic Language Because it's the Language Jesus Spoke
# President George W. Bush: The Weeping President
# Critically Acclaimed Pro-Life Film, Starring Actor Who Experienced Profound Transformation in Christ, to Debut in America

# French President Calls for Educational "Renaissance" that Includes Religion
# Presidential Proclamation: National Days of Prayer and Remembrance of 9/11
# Officer with the Royal Canadian Dragoons Changes from Self-Sufficient Soldier to Humble Follower of Christ

# Oregon Woman's Survival Credited to Prayer
# First-Ever Discovery of Ancient Bee Hives in Middle East Have Israeli Archaeologists Making a Biblical Connection to Infamous King Jehu
# Good Samaritan Prayed for Her Killers before Dying

Breaking Christian News
310 2nd Ave SE
Albany, Oregon 97321
541-928-2642
E-mail
US Orders: 1-866-358-7426

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GCF: Help Is On The Way

mailed to me by a friend (Thanks, Herman) -Tom

If this was forwarded to you, please consider your own subscription to Good Clean Fun. It's free! A smile will enhance the quality of your life. Just send an email to: good-clean-fun-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit the Good Clean Fun web site http://www.kcbx.net/~tellswor/ Unsubscribe info for Good Clean Fun is at the end of this email. This email was scanned by F-Secure before it was sent.
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My friend was on duty in the main computer lab on a quiet afternoon.
He noticed a young woman sitting in front of one of the computer workstations with her arms crossed across her chest and staring at the screen. After about 15 minutes he noticed that she was still in the same position only now she was impatiently tapping her foot. He asked if she needed help and she replied, "It's about time! I pushed the F1 button over twenty minutes ago!"
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Note Pad

With four daughters and one son always dashing to school activities and part-time jobs, our schedule was hectic. To add to this, we kept running out of household supplies. I instructed them all to let me know when they used the last of any item by writing it down on a note pad on the refrigerator. As a reminder, I wrote at the top: "IF WE ARE OUT OF IT, WRITE IT DOWN."

When I checked the pad a few days later, to my delight I found the following message: "MOM, YOU MAY BE A BIT OLD-FASHIONED, BUT YOU ARE NOT 'OUT OF IT.'"
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Learning Colors

I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me, and always she was correct. But it was fun for me, so I continued. At last she headed for the door and said, "Grandpa, I think you should try to figure out some of these yourself!"
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Pack a Parachute

A photographer for a national magazine was assigned to take pictures of a great forest fire. He was advised that a small plane would be waiting to fly him over the fire.

The photographer arrived at the airstrip just an hour before sundown. Sure enough, a small Cessna airplane was waiting. He jumped in with his equipment and shouted, "Let's go!" The tense man sitting in the pilot's seat swung the plane into the wind and soon they were in the air, though flying erratically.

"Fly over the north side of the fire," said the photographer, "and make several low-level passes." "Why?" asked the nervous pilot. "Because I'm going to take pictures!" yelled the photographer. "I'm a photographer, and photographers take pictures."

After a long pause, the "pilot" replied: "You mean, you're not my instructor?"
_ ____________________________ _
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / A cubicle is just a \ /
\ _/ padded cell without a door. \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / To succeed in politics, \ /
\ _/ it is often necessary to \_ /
/ / rise above your principles. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / If a tree fell in the forest, \ \_/ ////
\ / and everyone in the world was \ /
\ _/ there to hear it, would it make \_ /
/ / a really, really loud noise? \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Latest survey shows that \ /
\ _/ 3 out of 4 people make up 75% \_ /
/ / of the world's population. \ \
_ ____________________________ _
| 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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Tacklebox Lures

On her 15th birthday, my daughter opened a package from her mom and her sisters. Out came a beauty case containing many samples of makeup.

"Neat!" I exclaimed. "Your own tackle box!"

My wife calmly explained that it was NOT a tackle box; it was a beauty kit. My daughter proceeded to open it up and show us all the mascara, eye shadow, rouge, and other cosmetics.

At this point I leaned over to my wife and whispered, "I told you it was a tackle box. Just look at all those lures."

Received from Mark Mail.

(-:][:-)

Auto Auction

The auto auction I attended was selling cars to benefit charity. Vehicles were classified as either "Running" or "No Start." On the block was a No Starter. It had a shattered windshield, two missing tires, a sagging front bumper, a cockeyed grille, a hood that was sprung up at an angle, and dings and dents all over the body.

Before he started the bidding, the auctioneer announced the car's year, make, and model, and then read the owner's comments: "Please note - the radio does not work."

Received from LAUGHTER FOR A SATURDAY.

(-:][:-)

Sign Language

"A pedestrian is a person who should be seen and not hurt."

"Customers who think the waiter is rude should see the manager."

"Sorry to needle you. We need your blood."

On a college president's door: "Closed. If it's something important, see the custodian."

Municipal golf course sign: "Please don't find lost balls until they stop rolling."

New Jersey tourist sign: "Come to beautiful Atlantic City and see the bored walk."

Sign in a nut shop: "No credit cards here. Strictly cashew and carry."

By some bananas in a fruit store: "Please don't tear us apart. We grew up together."

In a barbershop window: "Cutting out for lunch."

Received from LAUGHTER FOR A SATURDAY.

(-:][:-)

Lost Money

/* Remember September 11, 2001: http://www.gcfl.net/911 and
Heroes: http://www.gcfl.net/911/heroes.php */

The receptionist found some cash in the office, apparently mislaid by a co-worker. She sent the following email: "If anybody can say where they lost $70, please let me know and it will be returned to you."

Within minutes one employee replied, "Kentucky Derby, 2001."

Received from Pastor Tim.

(-:][:-)

Short & Funny

I dialed a number and got the following recording: "I am not available right now, but thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes."

Aspire to inspire before you expire.

My wife and I had words, but I didn't get to use mine.

Frustration is trying to find your glasses without your glasses.

Blessed are those who can give without remembering And take without forgetting.

God made man before woman so as to give him time to think of an answer for her first question.

I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one.

"With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?" - Jay Leno

Received from FranCMT2.

(-:][:-)

-=+=-
Rate this funny at http://www.gcfl.net/archive.php?funny=20060113
Brought to you by GCFL.net: The Good, Clean Funnies List A cheerful heart is good medicine... (Prov 17:22a) Mail address: GCFL, Box 100, Harvest, AL 35749, USA
To print or email this funny to others, go to http://www.gcfl.net/archive.php?funny=20060113
The latest GCFL funny can always be found on the web at http://www.gcfl.net/latest.php
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A very gentle Southern Lady was driving across the Savannah River Bridge in Georgia one day. As she neared the top of the bridge, she noticed a young man fixing to jump. She stopped her car, rolled down the window and said, "Please don't jump, think of your dear mother and father."

He replied, "Mom and Dad are both dead; I'm going to jump."

She said, "Well, think of your wife and children."

He replied, "I'm not married and I don't have any kids."

She said, "Well, think of Robert E. Lee."

He replied, ''Who's Robert E. Lee?''

She replied, "Danged Yankee! Jump!".

Thanks to Daphne Roberts
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After Christmas, a teacher asked her young pupils how they spent their holiday away from school. One child wrote the following:

We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live in a big brick house but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Florida . Now they live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on their bicycles and wear name tags because they don't know who they are anymore.

They go to a building called a wrecked center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all okay now, they do exercises there, but they don't do them very well.

There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with hats on.

At their gate, there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it.

He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out, and go cruising in their golf carts.

Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And, they eat the same thing every night --- early birds.

Some of the people can't get out past the man in the doll house. The ones who do get out, bring food back to the wrecked center for pot luck.

My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too.

When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house.
Then I will let people out, so they can visit their grandchildren.

...... PRICELESS

Thanks to Larry Barnes
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Interesting Questions

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in".. but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

DO INFANTS HAVE AS MUCH FUN IN INFANCY AS ADULTS HAVE ADULTERY?

Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no human being would eat?

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?

Can a hearse carrying someone who died drive in the car pool lane?

If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours?
They're both dogs!

If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME stuff, why didn't he just buy dinner?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride; he sticks his head out the window?

Thanks to Jeanette Ford
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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/madness/2007/09/01/moustachioed-men-downtrodden-minority-group/ - - Mustachioed Men — Downtrodden Minority Group?
Is the American Mustache Institute (AMI) for real? When I first read about it, I figured it must surely be fictitious. Either that … or John Bolton’s new employer. But the AMI, a sort of mustache anti-defamation league, apparently does exist, with this as its stated goal:

To battle negative stereotyping that has accompanied the mustache since those glory years of the 1970s - the peak of mustache acceptance - fighting to create a climate of acceptance, understanding, flavor saving, and upper lip warmth for all mustached Americans alike.

I think the American Mustache Institute deserves a limerick don’t you?

Ode to Mustached Men, The Forgotten Minority
By Madeleine Begun Kane

Ending prejudice—that’s the group’s aim,
But it isn’t religion they blame,
Nor their sex, age, or race.
What’s the bias they face?
Anti-mustache behavior’s their claim.

And now it’s time for yet another poll:

Should men with mustaches be deemed a protected class under the U.S. Constitution?
No. But give them all a razor if they can't afford one.
No. But women with mustaches should be.
Yes. And they should even be allowed to marry ... each other.
That's a ticklish issue. I can't decide.
Only if they give free mustache rides
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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Written by a housewife from New Jersey and sounds like it! This is one ticked off lady.

"Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001?

Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan , across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania ?

Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they?

And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet?...Well, I don't. I don't care at all.

I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11.

I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia .

I'll care when these thugs tell the world they are sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling slashed throat.

I'll care when the cowardly so-called "insurgents" in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques.

I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs.

I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights.

In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care.

When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college-hazing incident, rest assured: I don't care.

When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to

move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank: I don't care.

When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed "special" food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts: I don't care.

And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled "Koran" and other times "Quran." Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and-you guessed it-I don't care !!

Sooner or later, it'll get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behavior!

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

"If we ever forget that we're One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Also by Ronald Reagan

One last thought for the day: In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the Anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England's Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview. When asked by one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in America , he said: "A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in versus how many want out."

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G. I.

One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Thanks to Waneta
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History Of 9/11 Attack On The Pentagon Published

The Department of Defense has announced today that the Historical Office of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Naval Historical Center and with the assistance of the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps historical offices, has published a detailed, carefully documented history of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon.

Copies are available today for sale from the U.S. Government Printing Office at 1-(866) 512-1800 or online at http://bookstore.gpo.gov/collections/pentagon911.jsp .

“Pentagon 9/11”is the most comprehensive account to date of the attack and its aftermath, examining both the impact of the deadly assault on the Pentagon building and its occupants and the compelling rescue and recovery effort that followed.

Five authors, led by Office of the Secretary of Defense Historian Alfred Goldberg, worked from more than 1,300 oral history interviews to produce a sweeping narrative in words and pictures, including many previously unpublished photographs, that provides graphic testimony to the scale and force of the attack and the strength and courage of survivors, rescuers, and responders who fought the fires, ensured security, and cared for the dying and injured.

Publication of this important volume coincides with the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attack.
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Remember...a layer of dust protects the Wood beneath it.

Dusting

"A house becomes a home when you can write "I love you" on the furniture."

I can't tell you how many countless hours that I have spent CLEANING!

I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect -- "in case someone came over." Then I realized one day that no-one came over; they were all out living life and having fun!

Now, when people visit, I find no need to explain the "condition" of my home. They are more interested in hearing about the things I've been doing while I was away living life and having fun. If you haven't figured this out yet, please heed this advice.

Life is short. Enjoy it! Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter, bake a cake or plant a seed, ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must, but there's not much time, with rivers to swim and mountains to climb, music to hear and books to read, friends to cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must, but the world's out

there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain. This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must, but bear in mind, old age will come and it's not kind. And when you go -- and go you must -- you, yourself will make more dust!

It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.

Thanks to Julie Morris
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| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
September 13, 2007
Bicycle Helmets

Today's Safety From the Heart message is from Pam Kemp.
__________________

Be an example for your children and others , not a statistic....if you ride, wear a helmet (and stay off dangerous turf)
__________________

When would it Not make a difference if you were wearing a bike helmet?
----------------------------------------------------
| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
September 12, 2007
Know Locations of Shut-Off Valves

Today's Safety From the Heart message was received from Jeff Broeker on 8/8/07.
Steve Staton to the Rescue

Last week I received a frantic phone call from my wife that our kitchen was flooding. My younger daughter had just snapped the water line to our refrigerator upstream of the shut-off valve and water was spraying into the kitchen at about 10 GPM. Exactly how my daughter managed this is somewhat of a mystery as the shut off valve is recessed between a desk and the refrigerator – no matter, my daughter is sticking to her story.

In between screams of panic and screams at my daughter, my wife had the good sense to call across to our neighbor, Steve Staton, who came over and shut off the water main at the front of our yard. The shut-off valve was buried as some critters had gotten into the shut-off box and dug up dirt around the valve. Despite this, Steve was able to locate and shut the valve and his quick actions saved another 100 gallons or so of water from being added to the flood in our kitchen.

A couple of ideas that could help minimize these types of incidents. Make sure your family knows where the shut-off valves are located and review this on a periodic basis. I had talked to my family about this particular shut-off valve in the past, but it had been quite a while and they had forgotten. Inspect the valves on some frequency – Ours was buried and not easy to locate. You may want to consider letting a neighbor you trust know the location of water and gas shut-off valves to your house so they can correct a problem if no one is at home.
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TOURBUS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -:) - :)- :)
Volume 13, Number 6 -- 13 Sep 2007
Tourbus Home -- http://www.InternetTourbus.com
+---------------------------------------+

TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPICS: Back to School / Tech Fix / Twitter

In today's TOURBUS, I've got Top Ten lists for Students, Teachers and Homeschoolers. You'll also find my advice for getting your tech fix - my favorite technology news sites. And finally, do you tweet? Get up to speed with Twitter and micro-blogging. Read on!

--------------------------------
Back to School - Top Ten Lists
--------------------------------

It’s back-to-school time again... parents breathe a sigh of relief and students groan under the load of spiffy new backpacks. Of course you want to help your child succeed in school, so here are some sites that will inspire K-12 kids to learn, help them with homework, and provide a little fun when the work is done.
http://askbobrankin.com/top_10_sites_for_students.html

Teachers, we've got something for you as well. My top ten sites for teachers will help you with lesson plans, classroom activities, ideas to stimulate your students, and resources to make learning fun.
http://askbobrankin.com/top_ten_sites_for_teachers.html

And for those who are home schooling, or considering home education, we've got you covered. My top ten sites for homeschoolers has links to help you get started, and info on legal issues, books, supplies, curriculums, activities and support groups.
http://askbobrankin.com/top_ten_sites_for_homeschoolers.html

-----------------------
Tank Up on Technology
-----------------------

With the ever quickening pace of new technology and online trends, it can be an overwhelming task to stay current. Did you hear about the sunglasses with a built-in video recorder? How about that service that converts your incoming voicemails to text and forwards them to your email? What's the latest in the Blu-Ray versus HD saga? And how can you get automatic deliveries of toilet paper and dog food?

As you might imagine, there are quite a few websites devoted to technology, gadgets, and the future of computing. But I've found that by focusing on a select handful, I'm able to stay up to date and keep an eye on future trends. Here's my list of the top seven technology news sites... read on, get your tech fix, and let me know if you have a site to add to the list!

http://askbobrankin.com/get_your_tech_fix.html

------------------
What is Twitter?
------------------

Here's a question I got a few days ago:
"What's the deal with Twitter? Some of my friends are telling me how great it is, but when I checked out the site, it seems like just a stream of random personal comments from people who don't even know each other. Am I missing some part of Twitter that makes it useful or fun?"

Twitter is a new form of social networking that is sometimes referred to as micro-blogging. Twitter users can make short posts ("tweets") via the web, email, mobile phone text messages, or instant messaging. These comments are posted to a Twitter web page, and also broadcast to all of the poster's friends.

Some people see it as just another source of white noise adding to their information overload. Others find it addictive. And of course there are people using it for illicit purposes. Click the link below to learn more about Twitter, TwitterVision, and other players in the micro-blogging scene.

http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_twitter.html

+---------------------------------------+
That's all for now, see you next time! -- Bob Rankin
+---------------------------------------+

==[ Tourbus Rider Information ]==
The Internet Tourbus - U.S. Library of Congress ISSN #1094-2238 Copyright 1995-2005, Rankin & Crispen - All rights reserved Tourbus News Service - http://tourbus.com/news.html Subscribe, Signoff, Archives, Free Stuff and More at the Tourbus Website - http://www.TOURBUS.com
========================
.~~~. ))
(\__/) .' ) )) Patrick Douglas Crispen
/o o \/ .~
{o_, \ { crispen@netsquirrel.com
/ , , ) \ http://www.netsquirrel.com/
`~ -' \ } )) AOL Instant Messenger: Squirrel2K
_( ( )_.'
---..{____} Warning: squirrels.
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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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Activities and Events of Interest

The Emancipation Proclamation will be on display at the Clinton Library September 22-25, 2007.
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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.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007
How Many Causalities did 911 Really Have?

We are still The House Education and Labor Committee Hearing

The hearing will cover the following questions:
1) What lessons were learned and how can the lessons be applied?
2) Who were responsible for worker protection?
3) When will this country provide for the long-term care for the workers?
4) Why didn’t government clearly communicate the?
5) Are OSHA standards adequate?
6) Did OSHA chose not to enforce its safety and health standards?
7) Are OSHA regulations more effective than offering advice?
8) Are standards adequate?
9) Is the City of New York responsible for the rescue and recovery?
10) Is City of New York responsible for workplace safety?
11) Why didn’t the Department of Homeland Security draft given mare importance to Worker?

"Why Weren't 9/11 Recovery Workers Protected at the World Trade Center?"

Chairman Miller's Opening Statement [http://edworkforce.house.gov/statements/091207GMHearingStatement.pdf]

Witness Testimony:

Freddy Cordero [http://edworkforce.house.gov/testimony/091207FreddyCorderoTestimony.pdf]
World Trade Center Recovery Worker

Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc [http://edworkforce.house.gov/testimony/091207PhilipLandriganTestimony.pdf]
Professor and Chairman Department of Community & Preventive Medicine Mt. Sinai Medical Center New York

Patricia Clark [http://edworkforce.house.gov/testimony/091207PatriciaClarkTestimony.pdf]
Regional Administrator OSHA Region II New York

Brian A. Jackson, Ph.D. [http://edworkforce.house.gov/testimony/091207BrianJacksonTestimony.pdf]
Associate Director Homeland Security Program RAND Corporation

Dr. James Melius [http://edworkforce.house.gov/testimony/091207JamesMeliusTestimony.pdf]
Director NYS Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund

Posted by Tammy at 7:27 PM

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. Pfc. Mykel F. Miller, 19, of Phoenix, died Sept. 6 in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, Arizona Army National Guard Phoenix.


The Department of Defense announced the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations Sept. 6 in Mosul, Iraq. They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Fort Bliss, Texas. Killed were:
02. Sgt. Lee C. Wilson, 30, of Chapel Hill, N.C. He died Sept. 6 in Mosul.
03. Spc. Jason J. Hernandez, 21, of Streetsboro, Ohio. He died Sept. 7 in Mosul.
04. Spc. Thomas L. Hilbert, 20, of Venus, Texas. He died Sept. 7 in Mosul

The Department of Defense announced the death of four Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
05. Cpl. Christopher L. Poole Jr., 22, of Mount Dora, Fla.
06. Cpl. Bryan J. Scripsick, 22, of Wayne, Okla.
07. Staff Sgt. John C. Stock, 26, of Longview, Texas
08. Sgt. Michael J. Yarbrough, 24, of Malvern, Ark.
All four Marines died Sept. 6 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were all assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

09. Cpl. Ryan A. Woodward, 22, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died Sept. 8 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire during combat operations near Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

10. Spc. Marisol Heredia, 19, of El Monte, Calif., died Sept. 7 at Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related injury July 18 in Baghdad, Iraq. She was assigned to the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

11. Capt. Drew N. Jensen, 27, of Clackamas, Oregon, died Sept. 7 in Seattle of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire during combat operations May 7 in Ba’qubah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, Wash.

12. Sgt. Alexander U. Gagalac, 28, of Wahiawa, Hawaii, died Sept. 9 in Hawijah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with a rocket during combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield, Barracks, Hawaii.

13. Lance Cpl. Lance M. Clark, 21, of Cookeville, Tenn., died Sept. 7 from a non-hostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

14. Pfc. Sammie E. Phillips, 19, of Cecilia, Ky., died Sept. 10 in Rustamiyah, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a vehicle rollover. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery, Kentucky Army National Guard, Carlisle, Ky.

15. Cpl. Javier G. Paredes, 24, of San Antonio, died Sept. 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered from a rocket propelled grenade. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

16. Cpl. Travis M. Woods, 21, of Redding, Calif., died Sept. 9 from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Northern Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to3rd Battalion, 1stMarine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
17. Cpl. Carlos E. Gilorozco, 23, of San Jose, Calif.
18. Lance Cpl. Jon T. Hicks Jr., 20, of Atco, N.J.
Both Marines died Sept. 10 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were both assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

19. Staff Sgt. Courtney Hollinsworth, 26, of Yonkers, N.Y., died Sept. 9 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and grenades. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

The Department of Defense announced the death of seven soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Sept. 10 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related vehicle rollover. They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. Killed were:
20. Staff Sgt. Yance T. Gray, 26, of Ismay, Mont.
21. Staff Sgt. Gregory Rivera-Santiago, 26, of St. Croix, Virgin Islands.
22. Sgt. Michael C. Hardegree, 21, of Villa Rica, Ga.
23. Sgt. Omar L. Mora, 28, of Texas City, Texas.
24. Sgt. Nicholas J. Patterson, 24, of Rochester, Ind.
25. Spc. Ari D. Brown-Weeks, 23, of Abingdon, Md.
26. Spc. Steven R. Elrod, 20, of Hope Mills, N.C.

~~

Marine Missing From Korean War Is Identified

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

He is Pfc. Carl A. West, U.S. Marine Corps, of Amanda Park, Washington. He will be buried Oct. 4 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

West was a member of Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment, of the 1st Marine Division deployed near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. On Nov. 27, 1950, three Communist Chinese divisions launched an attack on the Marine positions. Over the next several days, U.S. forces staged a fighting withdrawal to the south, first to Hagaru-ri, then Koto-ri, and eventually to defensive positions at Hungnam. West died on Dec. 8, 1950, as a result of enemy action near Koto-ri. He was buried by fellow Marines in a temporary U.N. military cemetery in Hungnam, which fell to the North Koreans in December 1950. His identity was later verified by the FBI from a fingerprint taken at the time of the burial.

During “Operation Glory” in 1954, the North Korean government repatriated the remains of 2,944 U.S. soldiers and Marines. Included in this repatriation were remains associated with West’s burial. The staff at the U.S. Army mortuary in Kokura, Japan, however, cited suspected discrepancies between the dental remains and West’s dental file as well as discrepancies between the biological profile derived from the remains and West’s physical characteristics. The remains were among 416 subsequently buried as “unknowns” in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (The Punchbowl) in Hawaii.

In May 2006, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command exhumed remains from The Punchbowl believed to be those of West. Although the remains did not yield usable DNA data, a reevaluation of the skeletal and dental remains led to West’s identification.

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
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Columbia County Amateur Radio Club meets Every second Thursday @ 7:00 p.m. Union Street Station. And YOU'RE invited. Net is every Sunday at 20:30 on 147.105.
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MCC - Mom's Day Out - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 2.$10 for the first child, $5 for the second. Call 234-3225 for reservations.
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MCC - Nursing Home Ministry - Meadowbrook Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 am. Taylor, the last Thursday each month.
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Men's Prayer Breakfast held every Tuesday morning at 6 AM in Miller's Cafeteria. If you aren't a regular participant at the Men's Prayer Breakfast, you're missing some great food, fellowship and inspired teaching of the Word. Hope to see you there.
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Emergency Phone Number 911
(Fire, Police, Ambulance, Sheriff, etc. )
Central Dispatch 234-5655
(Non - Emergency Number)
Direct Numbers
Ambulance - 234-7371 (24 Hour)
Jail - 234-5331 (24 Hour)
Poison Control - 800-222-1222 (24 Hour)
http://www. aapcc. org/
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"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!!!
1 John 3:2-3 Exo 3:13-14 Acts 23:2-5 Gen 50:4-6 Acts 23:12-16 http://www.e-min.org/
God is Good and Faithful CU 73 IC JFM CSP NREMT-I KC5HII

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