Bug's Bleat - - GCF - Best Room in the Hotel?

Volume 9, Issue 45 Friday, November 09, 2007

Hello All,

MCC is now on “GodTube” as well as YouTube.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9f02c3d3feebbd5b43a1

Thanks to Matt
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The Bloodmobile was at Albemarle this week and United Blood Services bloodmobile will be at Magnolia Christian Center Wednesday, November 14. The Bloodmobile is committed to providing Blood donors, Stem Cell donors, Plasma donors and Cord Blood donors with a safe, convenient way to donate. When you give blood, you give life. One pint of blood can save three lives. Everyone would like to be a hero, well; it’s as easy as giving blood. Your donation can literally make the difference between life and death for someone. And It’s easy.

We can understand the need for blood during earthquakes, floods, fires, storms but blood is also needed for the deeply personal and often quiet disasters. We all expect blood to be there for us, but barely a fraction of those who can give do. Yet sooner or later, virtually all of us will face a time of great vulnerability in which we will need blood. And that time is all too often unexpected.

Please consider donating. Call 234-3225 to donate at MCC. If you can’t donate Wednesday, call anyway and they will put you in contact with United Blood Services or visit www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543).

To help you remember to schedule your blood donations and other regular screening tests, the College of American Pathologists encourages you to sign up for an e-mail reminder today at www.MyHealthTestReminder.com.
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This week, we read; “Gunner’s Glory” Untold Stories of Marine Machine Gunners by Johnnie M. Clark, one of my favorite authors. “Gunner’s Glory” contains true stories of tough battles in the Pacific, in Korea, and in Vietnam, recounted by the machine gunners who fought them. Bloody, wounded, sometimes barely alive, they stayed with their guns, delivering a stream of firepower that often turned defeat into victory–and always made them the enemy’s first target.
Now, we’re reading; “Katie: The Real Story" by Edward Klein a candid portrait of a folksy charmer, loving single mother, cunning businesswoman, feminist icon, and notorious diva.
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http://www.shelfari.com/BugsBleat/shelf?ec=7D790D174EFS18012
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This is a heart warmer. A remarkable phone call from a 12-yr old boy to Houston radio station KSBJ FM 89.3. So profound, the station has it posted on their website. It's short.
http://www.ksbj.org/eblogs/morningShow/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/logan-calf-story.mp3

Thanks to Norma Kay Rowe
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Magnolia Arts Presents: "Till Death Do We Part"
A Murder Mystery Written and Directed: Janet Rider-Babbitt
November 9 & 10 at 7:00 pm At the SAU Reynolds Center
Annette, Shelley, Ron, Tracy, Tim and I attended opening night and had a GREAT time.
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Magnolia Circle of Friends Benefit for Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Steak Dinner, Tuesday, November 13, 5 - 7 pm,
dine in or carry out. Call Lacey @ 235-6505 to get tickets ($15)
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Each week the Defense Department highlights military personnel who have gone above and beyond in the war. [http://www.defenselink.mil/heroes/] - - Navy Petty Officer Third Class Joshua Chiarini, Coventry, RI, Silver Star recipient

As enemy forces ambushed the front of his convoy, and with explosions going off on the road ahead of him, Navy Hospital Corpsman Joshua Chiarini could have remained in his vehicle and waited for the action to pass. Instead, the petty officer bolted from his truck and joined the battle. His ensuing gallantry resulted in a Silver Star and the recovery of several wounded Marines from the line of fire, saving their lives.

Many of Chiarini’s missions took place in Al Anbar province, a hotbed of violence in early 2006. The morning of February 10 started out like so many others – with a patrol for Chiarini, a combat medic spending his third tour of duty with the 1st Platoon, 2nd Marine Division. It soon became clear the day would be anything but routine. A roadside bomb hit the front Humvee in the convoy. The vehicle sped out of the kill zone and its occupants escaped and took up defensive positions against the attacking force. A second blast detonated in the area where the four Marines and one interpreter stood, which was followed by heavy small-arms fire in their direction, causing injuries. Chiarini’s Humvee, the third in the convoy, remained far behind the damaged truck and Marines. Clouds of smoke and nonexistent radio communications blocked the pinned down Marines from the rest of the convoy. Realizing his comrades lay in harm’s way, Chiarini jumped out of the truck and sprinted 100 meters to tend to the injured men, dodging insurgent fire the entire way.

One by one, Chiarini helped guide each person to safety. Chiarini led the interpreter, who had a mangled arm, to a secure Humvee. He guided the M-16 fire of a blinded Marine toward the insurgents. Chiarini then made three separate trips from the Humvee to the battlefield to treat and retrieve each of the wounded, all while braving a high volume of incoming rounds and laying down cover fire. For much of the time, Chiarini applied aid to the wounded with one arm, while providing suppressive fire with the other. After moving the team to safety, Chiarini stayed on the battlefield and unleashed M-16 fire at the enemy forces. He continued the fight as reinforcements arrived, eliminating several insurgents.

This was not the only mission that placed Chiarini in harm’s way. His team was repeatedly fired on by snipers. 30 of the convoys he rode in were struck by roadside bombs and three suicide bombers. The constant danger makes it all the more impressive that of the 100 Marines treated by Chiarini, none lost his or her life.

On October 22, 2007, Chiarini received the Silver Star medal in the Rhode Island statehouse. He presently serves at Naval Health Clinic New England in Newport, RI.
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Feel free to share the "Bleat" with any and all. That's why we publish it.
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Greetings:

Readers have been asking for years about my camera recommendations. For some thoughts on this topic, please click [http://michaelyon-online.com/wp/consumer-reports-geared-for-combat.htm]: Geared for Combat.

V/r
Michael
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Greetings,

Please click [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/michael-on-cnn-and-cbn-this-weekend.htm] for information about my latest appearance from Iraq on CNN Sunday, and also an appearance (by telephone) on CBN Friday.

We are making progress on translating the site to foreign languages. Please click [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/resistance-is-futile-german-version.htm] for a German version of "Resistance is Futile". Please feel free to pass this along to any German speakers. German publications also are eligible to reprint these dispatches.

I've been down town on the streets of Baghdad most of Sunday morning and afternoon. Didn't hear a shot fired, but did see a new road being built.

V/r,
Michael
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Greetings,

Please click [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/thanks-and-praise.htm] for an important photo. The caption text is in English and German.

Many requests are coming in from around the world to use this photo and translate the caption. The answer is YES. Please feel free to publish this photo and translate the caption into your language. (Terms are published below.) For translations: please do not re-interpret or re-caption the photo. If the photo is published with translations, it must be accompanied by the caption in English as well.

Please reach out to the media and news websites in your country, and be the first to bring them first-hand news from Iraq.

Very Respectfully,

Michael Yon
Baghdad

License terms:

Michael Yon owns all rights, including copyright, in the photograph titled Thanks and Praise. He is authorizing one time nonexclusive use of it, for news purposes only, in print publications and in cable and television news broadcasts for a one week period between November 8, 2007 and November 15, 2007. He requires no compensation for this one time permission to reproduce, display and broadcast this photograph. He does require that his copyright notice remain on the photograph and that any use contain a prominent reference to his website [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/] Use of the photograph and caption in languages other than English must include the English language caption that accompanies the photograph on Michael Yon's website (http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/thanks-and-praise.htm). Email notification of the use, to include a link to any online use, should be sent to either of the email addresses below. Print uses must make a tear sheet available to Michael Yon upon request. To request high resolution copies of the photograph, or to provide notification of use, please email us here: jmason@bktc.com or michaelyon@tiac.net
~~~~~
A Veterans’ Day ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, November 12 at the Columbia County Courthouse. Veterans groups will also be selling roasted peanuts on the square and at Wal-Mart that day.
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When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001

If you think this is a good idea, pass it on to your e-mail buddies.

Thanks to Norma Kay Rowe
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Tom Ellsworth shares his views on Veteran's Day 2007
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This wasn't sent to me by another person or list. It's just a few thoughts about a holiday which is special to me. It's one of those few times when I share something serious instead of humorous.
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In the United States, the Veteran's Day holiday is celebrated next Monday, November 12th, even though November 11th is the traditional Veteran's Day (this is also Remembrance Day in Canada). In the early 1970's, Veteran's Day became a "movable" holiday -- the fourth Monday of October. In 1978, at the urging of veteran's groups who realized the sanctity of the date, Congress returned Veteran's Day to November 11th (if on a weekend, it moves to the closest Friday or Monday). Please remember that this day is not to honor war, but rather to honor the sacrifice made by others for our freedom.

What we call Veteran's Day is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice in the Forest of Campiegne by the Allies and the Germans in 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). This signified the end of World War I and was originally known as Armistice Day. President Woodrow Wilson signed the Congressional Resolution on Nov. 11, 1919, the first Armistice Day.

However, after World War II, the day began to lose meaning and since there were many other veterans to consider, the decision was made to change November 11th to honor all those who fought in American wars. The United States Congress passed an act to change the name to Veteran's Day and in 1954 President Dwight Eisenhower signed the act.

With that in mind, I would like to say "thank you" to all the men and women with whom I served, and to especially remember those who aren't with us anymore. As a former Hospital Corpsman, I wish a heartfelt "Semper Fi" to all my Marine friends.

- Tom Ellsworth
(HM2 USN 1965-69)

Note: In previous years, my Veteran's Day piece has dealt with various topics.

In 2004 it was the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

In 2003 and 2005 it was What is a Veteran?, attributed to a Marine Corps Chaplain (Reverend Denis O'Brien).

In 2006 was simply a story about duty that was sent to me. I read it and couldn't help but be moved by its words.

This year it is another story. The identity of the person who sent it to me has been lost but a quick search on the Internet showed me that this story and others like it can be found in a book titled "Chicken Soup for the Military Wife's Soul". A bit more searching revealed the following correspondence by the author, Paige Swiney:

The story you printed is only half mine. The first part of the story about the Commissary guy is mine. Col. Steve Arrington wrote the second part of that story. His portion begins at "Over the years, I've talked a lot about military spouses..." He should be credited for that portion of the story. I've never met Col. Arrington, but our stories were used together in the syndicated Chicken Soup column, which is published in papers all over the US.
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** Military Spouses ** By Paige Swiney and Col. Steve Arrington

It was just another harried Wednesday afternoon trip to the commissary. My husband was off teaching young men to fly. My daughters were going about their daily activities knowing I would return to them at the appointed time, bearing, among other things, their favorite fruit snacks, frozen pizza and all the little extras that never had to be written down on a grocery list.

My grocery list, by the way, was in my 16-month-old daughter's mouth, and I was lamenting the fact that the next four aisles of needed items would pass by while extracting the last of my list from my daughters mouth, when I nearly ran over an old man. This man clearly had no appreciation for the fact that I had 45 minutes left to finish the grocery shopping, pick up my 4-year old from tumbling class and get to school, where my 12-year-old and her car pool mates would be waiting.

I knew men didn't belong in a commissary, and this old guy was no exception. He stood in front of the soap selection staring blankly, as if he'd never had to choose a bar of soap in his life. I was ready to bark an order at him when I realized there was a tear on his face. Instantly, this grocery isle roadblock transformed into a human.... "Can I help you find something?" I asked.

He hesitated, and then told me he was looking for soap.

"Any one in particular?" I continued.

"Well, I'm trying to find my wife's brand of soap."

I started to loan him my cell phone to call her when he said, "She died a year ago, and I just want to smell her again."

Chills ran down my spine. I don't think the 22,000-pound Mother of all Bombs could have had the same impact. As tears welled up in my eyes, my half-eaten grocery list didn't seem so important. Neither did fruit snacks or frozen pizza. I spent the remainder of my time in the commissary that day listening to a man tell the story of how Important his wife was to him -- how she took care of their children while he served our country. A retired, decorated World War II pilot who flew over 50 missions to protect Americans still needed the protection of a woman who served him at home.

My life was forever changed that day. Every time my husband works too late or leaves before the crack of dawn, I try to remember the sense of importance I felt that day in the commissary. Sometimes the monotony of laundry, housecleaning, grocery shopping and taxi driving leaves military wives feeling empty -- the kind of emptiness that is rarely fulfilled when our husbands come home and don't want to or can't talk about work. We need to be reminded, at times; of the important role we fill for our family and for our country.

(Colonel Arrington's words begin here.....)

Over the years, I've talked a lot about military spouses.. how special they are and the price they pay for freedom too. The funny thing is; most military spouses don't consider themselves different from other spouses. They do what they have to do, bound together not by blood or merely friendship, but with a shared spirit whose origin is in the very essence of what love truly is.

Is there truly a difference? I think there is. You have to decide for yourself. Other spouses get married and look forward to building equity in a home and putting down family roots. Military spouses get married and know they'll live in base housing or rent, and their roots must be short so they can be transplanted frequently. Other spouses decorate a home with flair and personality that will last a lifetime. Military spouses decorate a home with flare tempered with the knowledge that no two base houses have the same size windows or same size rooms. Curtains have to be flexible and multiple sets are a plus. Furniture must fit like puzzle pieces.

Other spouses have living rooms that are immaculate and seldom used. Military spouses have immaculate living room/dining room combos. The coffee table got a scratch or two moving from Germany, but it still looks pretty good. Other spouses say good-bye to their spouse for a business trip and know they won't see them for a week. They are lonely, but can survive. Military spouses say good-bye to their deploying spouse and know they won't see them for months, or for a remote, a year. They are lonely, but will survive.

Other spouses, when a washer hose blows off, call May tag and then write a check out for having the hose reconnected. Military spouses will cut the water off and fix it themselves. Other spouses get used to saying "hello" to friends they see all the time. Military spouses get used to saying "good-bye" to friends made the last two years. Other spouses worry about whether their child will be class president next year. Military spouses worry about whether their child will be accepted in yet another school next year and whether that school will be the worst in the city...again.

Other spouses can count on spouse participation in special events ... birthdays, anniversaries, concerts, football games, graduation, and even the birth of a child. Military spouses only count on each other; because they realize that the flag has to come first if freedom is to survive. It has to be that way. Other spouses put up yellow ribbons when the troops are imperiled across the globe and take them down when the troops come home. Military spouses wear yellow ribbons around their hearts and they never go away. Other spouses worry about being late for mom's Thanksgiving dinner. Military spouses worry about getting back from Japan in time for dad's funeral.

The television program showing an elderly lady putting a card down in front of a long, black wall that has names on it touches other spouses. The card simply says, "Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. You would have been sixty today." A military spouse is the lady with the card, and the wall is the Vietnam Memorial. I would never say military spouses are better than other spouses are. But I will say there is a difference. I will say, without hesitation, that military spouses pay just as high a price for freedom as do their duty husbands and wives. Perhaps the price they pay is even higher. Dying in service to our country isn't near as hard as loving someone who has died in service to our country, and having to live without them.

God bless our military spouses for all they freely give.

God bless America
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Support A Recovering American Soldier

I'd like to point out that there is an email thread circulating about sending Christmas Cards to soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. While the email contains a splendid idea (i.e. sending cards to recovering soldiers), it is a waste of a card and a stamp. Here is the reason: You need to know one thing about mail to Walter Reed Medical Center (and any other military establishment for that matter). The regulations of the Department of Defense back in 2001 changed dramatically in regard to mail/packages to any of the various "Any Serviceman" addresses (remember all that anthrax scare?). The US Post Office will NOT deliver anything addressed as such (Any Serviceman, Any Recovering American Soldier, etc). Mail directed to a specific individual's name will be delivered but, as sad as it is, anything sent to "Any Serviceman" etc is just a waste of a card and a stamp. It is a sad commentary on our society that it has to come to this. The Walter Reed information below has alternative ways to support our soldiers. And even though it is not on their direct list, my personal choice is the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society www.nmcrs.org

What follows is the Official Walter Reed Policy directly from their website:

Walter Reed Army Medical Center officials want to remind those individuals who want to show their appreciation through mail to include packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier' that Walter Reed cannot accept these packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers throughout the Department of Defense.

In addition, the US Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered.

Instead of sending an "Any Wounded Soldier" letter or package to Walter Reed, please consider making a donation to one of the more than 300 nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping our troops and their families listed on the "America Supports You" website:

www.americasupportsyou.mil

Other organizations that offer means of showing your support for our troops or assist wounded service members and their families include:

http://www.usocares.org/
http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/tooursoldiers/
http://www.redcross.org

For individuals without computer access, your local military installation, the local National Guard or military reserve unit in your area may offer the best alternative to show your support to our returning troops and their families. Walter Reed Army Medical Center will continue to receive process and deliver all mail that is addressed to a specific individual. As Walter Reed continues to enhance the medical care and processes for our returning service members, it must also must keep our patients and staff members safe while following Department of Defense policy. The outpouring of encouragement from the general public, corporate America and civic groups throughout the past year has been incredible. Our Warriors in Transition are amazed at the thanks and support they receive from their countrymen.
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As a final thought on my part, let me share a favorite prayer:

"Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas. Hold them in Your loving hands and protect them as they protect us."

Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.
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Comments, suggestions, flames, etc.
tellswor@slonet.org
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Ride Amtrak and Reduce Your Travel Stress This Holiday Season

Traffic according to a recent Parade magazine article*, "Americans spent about 3.7 billion hours stuck in traffic last year, burning gasoline whose price has soared 60%." Add to that the crowds, endless lines and persistent delays that plague the airways and it’s no wonder many people hate to travel.

Leave the driving to us this holiday season and save yourself from all those travel headaches.

Amtrak makes holiday travel as easy as pie — no traffic jams, no wasted gas, just more time to spend with loved ones. It’s also the more energy efficient way to travel, so you’ll be giving the earth a breather too. Spend some quality time with your family, strike up a conversation with a fellow passenger or just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Book Today — Seats Fill Up Fast
[http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage&WT.mc_t=HolidayTravel_11-2007&WT.mc_n=HomePageLink&WT.mc_r=14]
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The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

Here with a few confessions from my beating heart: I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important?

I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife.

Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are.

If this is what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad.

Next confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?

I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.

But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

Thanks to Don Dumas
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The Pump Handle. A water cooler for the public health crowd.
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/

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

Family “Bill of Rights” for Workplace Fatalities
Friday, November 9th in Confined Space @ TPH, Mining, Occupational Health & Safety, Safety, Workers' Compensation by cmonforton |

Tyler Kahle, 19, and Craig Bagley, 27 were killed four months ago at the NovaGold Resources’ Rock Creek mine near Nome, Alaska. MSHA is completing its investigation; so far, all the Kahle family has been told is that the lift basket was 90 feet off the ground and ”it tipped over.” Sadly, what the Kahle family has learned, is that mothers, fathers and other family-member victims of workplace fatalities have few if any rights, the exclusive liability provision of state workers’ compensation laws is a cruel joke, and families are excluded from the fatality investigation process.

This harsh reality compelled a group of families to develop a “Family Bill of Rights” to provide fundamental rights to loved ones left behind by workplace fatalities.

http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/11/09/family-bill-of-rights-for-workplace-fatalities/#more-634

Open the Vioxx Files
Friday, November 9th in Drug Safety, Science in the Courts by David Michaels |

The news is out that Merck has agreed to settle 27,000 Vioxx lawsuits for $4.85 billion. Plaintiffs who claim they or their family members suffered injury or died after taking the anti-inflammatory drug will, on average, receive just over $100,000 before legal fees and expenses, reports the New York Times’ Alex Berenson.

The Vioxx debacle is an example of how not to interpret clinical trials data. Even before the FDA approved the drug, there was extensive evidence that taking Vioxx increased the risk of a cardiovascular event. Yet the FDA approved it and an estimated 20 million Americans took the drug. As a result, between 88,000 and 140,000 people suffered heart attacks, according to an estimate by FDA scientists.

What went wrong? How did the drug get through the FDA approval system? The documents that served as the foundation for the Vioxx litigation could help the medical community understand what happened.

Before a judge signs off on the settlement, I’d like to see her press Merck and the plaintiff attorneys to release to the public all the relevant documents.

http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/11/09/open-the-vioxx-files/#more-637

Friday Blog Roundup
Friday, November 9th in Blog roundup by The Pump Handle

Recent research has been attracting attention, and bloggers help explain the findings – in some cases, more accurately than the traditional media outlets do:

MarkH at denialism blog critiques the news coverage of the latest research on obesity, overweight, and mortality (Washington Post headline: “Being Overweight Isn’t All Bad, Study Says”) and reminds us that it’s also important to look at obesity’s effects on quality of life and disability. http://scienceblogs.com/denialism/2007/11/obesity_and_overweight_what_do.php

Revere at Effect Measure, Mike the Mad Biologist, and Tara C. Smith at Aetiology report on new research into MRSA and pigs – and why it might be time to rethink antibiotics use in livestock. http://scienceblogs.com/effectmeasure/2007/11/mrsa_and_agribusiness.php

Ed Silverman at Pharmalot has the latest on Merck’s failed HIV vaccine, which seems to have made some clinical trial participants’ immune systems more vulnerable. http://www.pharmalot.com/2007/11/mercks-hiv-may-have-vaccine-raised-infection-risk/

Tara C. Smith at Aetiology awards the “Bad Science Writing of the Day” title to an article about chocolate and gut bacteria. http://scienceblogs.com/aetiology/2007/11/bad_science_writing_of_the_day.php

Elsewhere: http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/11/09/friday-blog-roundup-49/#more-635

EPA Microwave Popcorn Emissions Study Finally Published
Thursday, November 8th in Flavoring Workers' Lung (Popcorn/Diacetyl) by David Michaels | No comments

The long awaited EPA study of chemicals emitted when microwave popcorn is popped has just been published. Its results are not surprising: popping microwave butter flavor popcorn releases a sizable number of chemicals into the air, although not necessarily in large amounts. These chemicals include diacetyl, the primary chemical implicated in the bronchiolitis obliterans (“popcorn lung”) cases seen in popcorn and flavor factories.

The study does not attempt to measure or model the exposure consumers get when they pop microwave popcorn at home. Rather, it simply measures what chemicals are emitted when you pop the stuff, and when you open the bags.

Why did the EPA insist on not sharing these results with anyone (including OSHA) before publication?

http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/11/08/epa-microwave-popcorn-emissions-study-finally-published/#more-633

Tainted Toys and Travel
Thursday, November 8th in Conflict of Interest, Consumer Products Safety Commission, Health by Liz Borkowski

Earlier this week, the Washington Post’s Elizabeth Williamson reported on industry-financed trips that Consumer Product Safety Commission chairs had taken. Today, she writes about other CPSC staff members (from both the Clinton and Bush administrations) who took such trips, and about proposed legislation spurred by the CPSC travel revelations. Meanwhile, eight new toy recalls have been issued.

http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/11/08/tainted-toys-and-travel/#more-632

Congratulations to Occupational Health & Safety Awardees
Wednesday, November 7th in Confined Space @ TPH, Occupational Health & Safety by Liz Borkowski

At the APHA meeting yesterday, the APHA’s Occupational Health & Safety Section held its annual awards luncheon – and the list of honorees included names that are familiar to many Pump Handle readers.

http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/11/07/congratulations-to-ohs-awardees/#more-625

Occupational Health News Roundup
Wednesday, November 7th in Confined Space @ TPH, Mining, Occupational Health & Safety by Liz Borkowski | No comments

The House Education & Labor Committee has approved a bill (the Supplementary MINER Act) that would speed up deadlines for several mine rescue requirements passed by Congress last year, and require more oversight by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Ken Ward Jr. has the details about the bill’s provisions – and MSHA head Richard Stickler’s criticisms of it – in the Charleston Gazette. In West Virginia, where tougher requirements were adopted after the Sago and Aracoma mine disasters in that state, approvals for wireless communications and tracking systems are already being sent to mine operators, and the first airtight emergency shelter chamber has been shipped to an underground coal mine.

REMINDER: Some of our colleagues missed the Salt Lake Tribune’s excellent series on occupational illnesses and injuries in Chinese workers (the series is by Loretta Tofani, and we blogged about it when it was published in late October). If you haven’t already, you should read it, bookmark it, and share it with your friends.

In other news:

http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/11/07/occupational-health-news-roundup-39/#more-624

Industry-funded CPSC Travel: What’s Legal vs. What’s Appropriate
Tuesday, November 6th in Conflict of Interest, Health by Liz Borkowski | No comments

On Friday, the Washington Post reported that Consumer Product Safety Commission acting chair Nancy Nord and her predecessor, Hal Stratton, accepted dozens of trips paid for by companies and industries they oversee. (Nord, you might remember, is in the spotlight for objecting to legislation that would give her agency more money and authority.) Nord defended her actions by saying that they all went through the agency’s usual approval process, though she also called for an outside review of CPSC travel policies after news of her trips sparked anger in Congress.

In today’s Washington Post, Elizabeth Williamson provides more details about Nord’s and Stratton’s industry-sponsored travel and gets ethics experts’ reactions to the situation.

http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2007/11/06/industry-funded-cpsc-travel/#more-623

So Much to Do at APHA
Tuesday, November 6th in Occupational Health & Safety by Liz Borkowski | 1 comment

It’s impossible to attend all of the interesting-sounding sessions at the APHA annual meeting, so now pressed-for-time attendees can catch up on some of what they’ve missed through the APHA Annual Meeting Blog. Kim Krisberg, Bithiah Lafontant, Alyssa Bindman, and Patti Truant are reporting on sessions at the blog; so far, they’ve posted on communicating with reporters, war and public health, how the public health community can address climate change, public health practitioners’ use of new online tools, the lives of child workers, public health preparedness (here, too), and the opening general session. The bloggers also provide some highlights from the Expo and Poster Sessions, and give tips on bringing the public health message to Congress and enjoying some of the DC sights.

If you’re in town for the APHA meeting, several bloggers and readers of The Pump Handle will be attending the Public Health Activists’ Dance Party tonight (Tuesday, 11/6). It’s from 7pm – midnight at The Brass Monkey in Adams Morgan (2317 18th St. NW); tickets are $20, and proceeds benefit the Occupational Health & Safety Section Scholarship Fund.

If you know of other blog posts about the meeting or other APHA-related events taking place outside the conference center, feel free to post the info in the comments.

The Man Who Hated Work and Loved Labor
Monday, November 5th in Occupational Health & Safety by David Michaels | 3 comments

Yesterday, at the American Public Health Association annual meeting, I picked up a copy of Les Leopold’s new biography The Man Who Hated Work and Loved Labor: The Life and Times of Tony Mazzocchi. Tony is the towering figure in the US occupational safety and health movement. Until his death in 2002, Tony did more than anyone else in the country to shape the way unions and public health professionals work independently and together to prevent occupational injury and illness.

The book is a great read. It kept me up late last night fascinated and exhilarated, inside the passage of the OSHAct, the death of Karen Silkwood and other momentous events. I’ll try to get permission to excerpt parts of the book for The Pump Handle, but if you are involved in occupational health and safety and you don’t know the Tony Mazzocchi story, don’t wait. Buy this book now.
~~~~~
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 prison’s he’s been in.
Patrick Antoon #06669-010
Federal Prison Camp-La Tuna
P. O. Box 8000
Anthony, NM/TX 88021
~~~~~
Recipe(s) of the week - - - Orange-Glazed Chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes - - Cook Time: 30 minutes - - Serves: 1


Ingredients

1/4 cup rice, brown, cooked
6 ounces chicken breast, boneless/skinless, raw
1 teaspoon canola oil
4 teaspoons orange marmalade
1/8 teaspoon ginger, ground
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
12 baby carrots
1 fluid ounce orange juice
1 cup lettuce, romaine, chopped
1/3 cucumber
1 tablespoon fat-free salad dressing, favorite flavor
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds, hulled, dry roasted, unsalted

Preparation
Prepare rice with water according to package directions.
Place boneless chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a wooden mallet to ½-inch thickness.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken in oil about 5 minutes or until brown on one side; turn chicken.
Stir in marmalade, ginger, and Worcestershire sauce; reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until sauce is thickened and chicken is no longer pink inside.
Meanwhile, steam baby carrots in orange juice (1 fluid ounce is 2 tablespoons) on stove-top or in microwave until crisp-tender.
Prepare tossed salad by washing lettuce and cucumber. Chop lettuce. Peel and slice cucumber. Toss with dressing and sunflower seeds.
Cut chicken into thin slices, arrange over cooked rice, and spoon sauce over top. Serve with steamed carrots and salad.


Diet Exchange
Other Carbohydrates: 1.5
Very Lean Meat: 5.0
Fat: 2.0
Milk: 0.0
Vegetable: 3.0
Fruit: 0.0
Lean Meat: 0.0
Bread/Starch: 2.5



Nutrition Information
Amount Per Serving
Calories 620
Calories from Fat 130
Total Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 2.5 g
Cholesterol 95 mg
Sodium 330 mg
Total Carbohydrate 78 g
Dietary Fiber 8 g
Sugars 32 g
Protein 43 g
Vitamin A 400%
Vitamin C 80%
Calcium 10%
Iron 25%


http://lifescan.nutrio.com/content?page=414&cat=0&meal_display_preference=3&week_offset=-1&redirect_type=weeklymeals&pop=1&rec=13673
~~~~~
We mentioned this last week, but no one seems to be paying attention. The response to this movie reminds me of the response to the gambling boats in Shreveport. There were some who spoke out, but the majority of Christians seemed to have gone to sleep on the issue. “Bug”
~
I was shocked to learn of a new children's movie starring Nicole Kidman based on a book series by Phillip Pullman, a proud atheist who creates an adventure with fanciful characters who must defeat the oppressive forces of a "senile God". Something you might want to be aware of.
http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
Sincerely,
Jim Young, Ruston, LA- Thanks to John Chadsey
~
Focus on the Family has several notices written about it. You can click on this link to see one of them: http://www.citizenlink.org/content/A000005672.cfm
Thanks to Julie Morris
~~~~~
MapQuest Gas Prices, Pretty Cool http://gasprices.mapquest.com
~~~~~
The photos on the front of this week’s “Bleat” are of “Dream Center” Pancake Saturday and include shots of “Big David” Burgess.
~~~~~
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.
~~~~~
BreakPoint
With Chuck Colson

The Other India
11/9/2007

Dalits and Religious Persecution

In the past decade India has enjoyed an economic boom fueled, in large part, by trade in services with the United States. Sadly, many Indians, however, have not benefited from the boom, chief among them the Dalits, or, as they used to be called, the “untouchables.”

On October 2, Mohandas Gandhi’s birthday, 25,000 Dalits from across India set out on a Gandhi-style protest march to New Delhi. They protested their continuing marginalization within Indian society, which is especially intolerable in the midst of unprecedented economic growth.

It is difficult for any American to imagine how marginalized the Dalits are. They are considered to be less-than-human by much of Indian society. Because of this, they are relegated to “the most squalid jobs,” as Stephanie Giry put it in Foreign Affairs magazine—for example, cleaning human waste.

As one Dalit woman told the BBC, she cleaned toilets because that was the only way she could feed her children. The woman’s daughter said that she “tried looking for a job in a school or nursing home, but no one would take” her. “The first question they always ask is your caste-system.”

The Indian government has enacted anti-discrimination laws and created programs to compensate for this discrimination. Yet the Dalits’ place within the “Hindu religious and social hierarchy” limits the impact of these laws. More than 2,000 years of culture and religion often trump the law.

Little wonder that millions of Dalits have sought to escape that hierarchy by converting to Christianity. According to the Wall Street Journal, the “overwhelming majority” of India’s Christians are Dalits.

This, in turn, gives their Hindu neighbors and local government two reasons to discriminate against them: their caste and then their Christian faith.

In fact, if a Dalit converts to Christianity, he risks losing whatever little anti-discrimination protection and benefits are offered to Dalits—benefits that, however, can mean a decent chance at life.

Despite the risk, Dalits continue to convert—an estimated 25 million so far. Because of this double discrimination, they often have to practice their faith in secret. As one Dalit teacher told the Wall Street Journal, “If [officials] ever find out I’m a Christian, I will lose my position.” He and other Dalit Christians are forced to live a kind of double life: appearing to be a Hindu in public but limiting expressions of their faith to their homes and churches.

The situation in what’s called the “largest democracy in the world” reminds us that “democracy” and elections are not enough—there needs to be a commitment to the “first freedom”: freedom of religion. There needs to be a recognition that all freedoms grow out of what one of our founders James Madison called “the act of freedom by which each responds to the call of his Creator.” And it is time to start reminding India that business-as-usual with us does not include continuing to treat our brothers as “untouchable.”

So this Sunday, on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, remember to pray for the Dalits and our persecuted brethren around the world. And this year, resolve with me to pray for the persecuted Church not just on this designated day, but year-round, “without ceasing.”

This is part two in a two-part series.

See Open Doors USA’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church materials, including small-group prayer studies, bulletin inserts, and country profiles.

For Further Reading and Information

Visit the Dalit Freedom Network to learn how you can help the Dalits.

Yaroslav Trofimov, “In India, ‘Untouchables’ Convert to Christianity—and Face Extra Bias,” Wall Street Journal, 19 September 2007, A1.

Roberto Rivera, “The Baptist Tibet?” The Point, 3 October 2006.

Asra Q. Nomani, “The New Untouchables,” Washington Post, 4 November 2007, B02.

Henry Chu, “A Gift for India’s Inter-Caste Couples,” Los Angeles Times, 4 November 2007.

“Vatican Tells Hindus Forced Conversions Impossible,” Reuters, 5 November 2007.

Rupashree Nanda, “25,000 Dalits March towards Delhi, Demand Land Rights,” IBN Live, 28 October 2007.

Moska Najib, “India’s Untouchable Waste Collectors,” BBC News, 1 November 2007.

Christine Moliner, “Between Invisibility and Dignity: India’s ‘Dalit’ and Globalisation,” Open Democracy, 25 March 2004.

“India Tarnished: 25,000 March for Justice,” Christian Aid UK press release, 3 October 2007.

“Some 25,000 Dalits March for Land, Stopped by Police,” Asia News, 29 October 2007.

BreakPoint Commentary No. 040503, “Touching the Untouchable: Indian Targets Christian Converts.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 061106, “The Baptist Tibet?: Defending the Faithful.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 071025, “Pray for the Persecutors: The Faith of the Cambodian Martyrs.”

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:
politic: political; also, shrewdly tactful.
sciolism: superficial knowledge.
woolgathering: indulgence in idle daydreaming.
bete noire: something or someone particularly detested or avoided.
fealty: fidelity; allegiance; faithfulness.
ameliorate: to make or grow better.
polyglot: speaking or containing many languages.
deleterious: harmful.
from Dictionary.Com


~~~~~
"Don't wait for the last judgment - it takes place every day." - Albert Camus

"I do, indeed, close my door at times and surrender myself to a book, but only because I can open the door again and see a human face looking at me." - Martin Buber

"A good conversationalist is not one who remembers what was said, but says what someone wants to remember." - John Mason Brown

"Life - the way it really is - is a battle not between Bad and Good but between Bad and Worse." - Joseph Brodsky

"Judgment is more than skill. It sets forth on intellectual seas beyond the shores of hard indisputable factual information." - Kingman Brewster

"We are all, in a sense, experts on secrecy. From earliest childhood we feel its mystery and attraction. We know both the power it confers and the burden it imposes. We learn how it can delight, give breathing space and protect." - Sissela Bok

"The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance - it is the illusion of knowledge." - Daniel J. Boorstin
~~~~~
Grassley Probes Televangelists' Finances
By JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS
Associated Press Writer

Acting on tips about preachers who ride in Rolls Royces and have purportedly paid $30,000 for a conference table, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee said Tuesday he's investigating the finances of six well-known TV ministers.
Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa said those under scrutiny include faith healer Benny Hinn, Georgia megachurch pastor Creflo Dollar and one of the nation's best known female preachers, Joyce Meyer.

Grassley sent letters to the half-dozen Christian media ministries earlier this week requesting answers by Dec. 6 about their expenses, executive compensation and amenities, including use of fancy cars and private jets.

In a statement, Grassley said he was acting on complaints from the public and news coverage of the organizations.

"The allegations involve governing boards that aren't independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces," Grassley said.

"I don't want to conclude that there's a problem, but I have an obligation to donors and the taxpayers to find out more. People who donated should have their money spent as intended and in adherence with the tax code."

Those ministries that responded Tuesday either said they were cooperating or committed to financial transparency and following the law.

The investigation promises to shine new light on the kind of TV ministries that were crippled by sex and money scandals in the 1980s. Experts also say it stands out as an unusual case of the government probing the inner workings of religious organizations.

Most of those under investigation preach a variation of the "prosperity gospel," the teaching that God will shower faithful followers with material riches.

Grassley's letters went to:

—Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries of Newark, Texas, a $20 million organization and prosperity gospel pioneer. Questions were raised about the transfer of church assets to a for-profit company, Security Patrol Inc., a $1 million loan from Gloria Copeland to the group, and a "personal gift" of more than $2 million given to Kenneth Copeland to mark the ministry's 40th anniversary.

A Copeland spokeswoman released a statement saying the ministry is working on a response to Grassley's letter, follows all laws and best practices governing churches and religious nonprofit groups, and "will continue to do so."

—Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International and Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park, Ga. Grassley's letter asks for records on private planes, board makeup, compensation and donations and "love offerings" to visiting ministers. In a statement, Dollar called his ministry an "open book" and said he would cooperate. He also questioned whether the investigation could "affect the privacy of every community church in America."

—Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church Inc. and Benny Hinn Ministries of Grapevine, Texas, is asked about use of a private jet, a home in Dana Point, Calif. and "layover trips" while traveling on ministry business. Hinn did not respond to requests for comment.

—Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and Bishop Eddie Long Ministries of Lithonia, Ga., was questioned about his salary, a $1.4 million real estate transaction and whether he, and not the board, holds sole authority over the organization. Long plans to fully comply with the Senate's request, and his church has "several safeguards" to ensure transactions comply with laws governing churches, according to a statement from Long's spokesman.

—Joyce and David Meyer of Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo., who were quizzed about receiving donations of money and jewelry and the handling of cash from overseas crusades. They also were asked about expenditures at ministry headquarters, including a $30,000 conference table and a $23,000 "commode with marble top."

The ministry's lawyer released a statement describing the ministry's work and public release of several years' worth of audits. He also said the IRS found in October that the group continues to qualify for tax-exempt status.

—Randy and Paula White of the multiracial Without Walls International Church and Paula White Ministries of Tampa, Fla. are asked about home purchases in San Antonio, Texas, Malibu, Calif., and New York, credit card charges for clothing and cosmetic surgery and the reported purchase of a Bentley convertible as a gift for Bishop T.D. Jakes, a prominent Texas preacher and televangelist. An e-mail to a spokeswoman for Jakes was not immediately returned.

In a statement, Randy and Paula White declined to comment on specifics, saying they needed time to review the letter with their lawyers. But the Whites called the Grassley letter "unusual, since the IRS has separate powers to investigate religious organizations if they think it's necessary."

Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and Creflo Dollar all sit on the board of regents for Oral Roberts University, which is mired in a financial scandal of its own.

The Senate Finance Committee has chided secular nonprofits for governance and compensation problems in the past, but this level of scrutiny for what are basically "non-pulpit churches" is unprecedented, said Ken Behr, president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

Because the groups have tax status as churches, they are not required to file tax forms open to public inspection.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=2007-11-06_D8SOHCA80&show_article=1&cat=breaking
~~~~~
BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS
http://breakingchristiannews.com/

Prayer Alert: FBI Warns Al Qaeda Wants to Attack Shopping Malls in L.A. and Chicago

# French President Tells Americans That No French Person Will Ever Forget the Sacrifices of Our Troops to Liberate France in WWII
# Actor Russell Crowe Plans to be Baptized, says, "I'm willing to take that leap of faith"
# Virginia Teen Perseveres to Start Anti-Abortion Club at Her School
# A Home for Mentally Disabled Children is "A Hidden Kingdom of Grace, Kindness and Mercy" in Jerusalem

# Supernatural Manifestation in Photograph Said to Change Drug-User's Life
# Israeli Scholars and the Lost Codex—Death of Syrian-American Jew Provides Piece of the Puzzle
# Billy Graham's 89th Birthday Caps Year of Transition
# The Elderly are Just as Capable of Focusing and Switching between Senses as Younger People

# Love and Prayer are Key in Helping to Transform Lives out of Homosexuality
# Christians Sweep Up after California Firestorm Mess
# Mission Field: New Survey Reveals that Nearly 80 Percent of Adults in U.S. Use the Internet
# Attendance at Creation Museum Surpasses 250,000

# Twin Astonishes Doctors by Surviving Fatal Procedure in Womb
# Report from Iran: Citizens, Discouraged with Authoritarian Rule, Turning to Freedom found in Jesus Christ
# MIT Scientist Teaches that Faith and Science are Compatible
# Victory for Christian Prayers Said Before Indiana Legislature

# "Spiritual Bomb" Hits Fiji
# Author of "What's So Great About Christianity" Says Christianity is in "Great Shape"
# Evidence Emerges for the Reality of the Star of Bethlehem

# Prayer Alerts: Floods in Mexico affect One Million, while Tennessee Town Runs Dry
# French President Sarkozy to Speak to U.S. Congress November 7; Officials Believe French American Relationship Back on Solid Ground
# President Bush Notes Pro-Life Stand of Senator Henry Hyde as Reason for Medal of Freedom
# Archbishop of York Tells Government They Must Recognize the "Power of the Gospel" in Transforming Lives

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 - Best Room in the Hotel?

----------------------------------------------------
Emailed to me by a friend (Thanks, Conrad)

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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A drunk staggered up to the hotel reception desk and demanded his room be changed.

"But sir," said the clerk, "you have the best room in the hotel."

"I insist on another room!!" said the drunk.

"Very good, sir. I`ll change you from 502 to 555. Would you mind telling me why you don't like 502?" asked the clerk.

"Well, for one thing," said the drunk, "it's on fire."
_ ____________________________ _

Little Known Illnesses

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

AFROPHOBIA: Fear of the return of 70's hair styles.

DEJA FLU: The feeling that one has had this cold before.

HYPOCOINDRIA: Fear of not having correct change.

HAIRPIECE SWIMPLEX: Rash caused by wearing a toupee in a pool.

HERPES CINEPLEX: Rash caused by movie tickets priced at $9.50.

CELESTIAL SEASONINGS AFFECTIVE DISORDER: Herbal-tea addiction.

VISACARDITIS: The heart-stopping sensation brought on by exceeding your credit limit.

OREOPOROSIS: Disorder caused by too many cookies, not enough milk.
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Volunteer Firefighter

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

Sitting at the kitchen table after dinner one night, my son-in-law was telling us that he'd finished his training for volunteer firefighting and was showing us his beeper. As he spoke, the beeper let out a shrill "there's a fire" message. Bryan nearly jumped over the table getting to the door. We watched him as he raced for the car and sped up the block to the fire hall.

"It's wonderful to know our firemen are trained to respond instantly," I said to my daughter. "I didn't know Bryan could move so fast."

"I hate to burst your bubble, Mom," she replied, "but the first guy there gets to drive the truck."
_ ____________________________ _
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / A balanced diet \ /
\ _/ is a cookie in each hand. \_ /
/ / \ \
_ ____________________________ _
| 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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Bathroom Scales

Two youngsters were closely examining bathroom scales on display at the department store.

"Have you ever seen one of these before?" one asked.

"Yeah, my mom and dad ha
ve one," the other replied.

"What's it for?" asked the first boy.

"I don't know," the second boy answered. "I think you stand on it and it makes you mad."

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

You Might Be Floridian if...

"Down South" means Key West.

"Panhandling" means going to Pensacola.

You think no one over 70 should be allowed to drive.

Flip-flops are everyday wear.

Shoes are for business meetings and church.

No, wait -- flip-flops are good for church, too, unless it's Easter or Christmas.

Sweet tea can be served at any meal.

An alligator once walked through your neighborhood.

You smirk when a game show's "Grand Prize" is a trip or cruise to Florida.

You measure distance in minutes.

You have a drawer full of bathing suits, and one sweatshirt.

You get annoyed at the tourists who feed seagulls.

All the local festivals are named after a fruit.

A mountain is any hill 100 feet above sea level.

You think everyone from a bigger city has a northern accent.

You know the four seasons really are: almost summer, summer, not summer but really hot, and Christmas.

It's not soda, cola, or pop -- it's coke, regardless of brand or flavor: "What kinda coke you want?"

Anything under 95 is just warm.

You've hosted a hurricane party.

You go to a theme park for an afternoon and know when to get on the best rides.

You pass on the right and honk at the elderly.

You understand the futility of exterminating cockroaches.

You can pronounce Okeechobee, Kissimmee, and Withlacoochee.

You understand why it's better to have a friend with a boat than have a boat yourself.

Bumper stickers on the pickup in front of you include: various fish, NRA, and a confederate flag.

You were eight years old before you realized they made houses without pools.

You were 12 when you first met someone who couldn't swim.

You get angry when people say, "Florida isn't really part of the SOUTH."

You've worn shorts and used the A/C on Christmas.

You know what the "stingray shuffle" is and why it's important!

You recognize Miami-Dade as "Northern Cuba." The south ends in the Ocala/Gainesville area, and then North Cuba begins.

Received from Pat Taylor.

(-:][:-)

Joggers

A man had been driving all night and by morning was still far from his destination. He decided to stop at the next city he came to and park somewhere quiet so he could get an hour or two of sleep. As luck would have it, the quiet place he chose happened to be on one of the city's major jogging routes.

No sooner had he settled back to snooze when there came a knocking on his window.

He looked out and saw a jogger running in place.

"Yes?"

"Excuse me, sir," the jogger said, "do you have the time?"

The man looked at the car clock and answered, "8:15."

The jogger said thanks and left. The man settled back again and was just dozing off when there was another knock on the window and another jogger.

"Excuse me, sir, do you have the time?"

"8:25!"

The jogger said thanks and left. Now the man could see other joggers passing by and he knew it was only a matter of time before another one disturbed him.

To avoid the problem, he got out a pen and paper and put a sign in his window saying, "I do not know the time!"

Once again he settled back to sleep. He was just dozing off when there was another knock on the window.

"Sir? It's 8:45."

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

More Words

A husband looking through the paper came upon a study that said women use more words than men.

It read, "Men use about 15,000 words per day, but women use 30,000."

Excited to prove to his wife that he had been right all along when he accused her of talking too much, he showed her the study results.

The wife thought for a while, then finally she said to her husband, "It's because we have to repeat everything we say."

The husband said, "What?"

Received from Docs Daily Chuckle.

(-:][:-)

A Cluttered Desk Is...

About a week ago, I came across an Internet advice column that told me how to eliminate the paperwork clutter on my desk.

GREAT!

So I printed out the five pages of how-to instructions and placed them on top of the rest of the stuff on my desk. Now I can't find them.

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

-=+=-
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A local priest and a pastor were fishing on the side of the road. They thoughtfully made a sign saying, "The End is Near! Turn yourself around now before it's too late!" and showed it to each passing car. One driver who drove by didn't appreciate the sign and shouted at them, "Leave us alone, you religious nuts!"

All of a sudden they heard a big splash, looked at each other, and the priest said to the pastor, "You think maybe we should have just said 'Bridge Out' instead

Thanks to Jeanette Ford
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Two men crashed in their private plane on a South Pacific Island. Both survived. One of the men brushed himself off and then proceeded to run all over the island to see if they had any chance of survival. ?
When he returned, he rushed up to the other man and screamed, "This island is uninhabited, there is no food, there is no water. We are going to die!"

The other man leaned back against the fuselage of the wrecked plane, folded his arms and responded, "No we're not. I make over $250,000 a week."

The first man grabbed his friend and shook him. "Listen, we are on an uninhabited island. There is no food, no water. We are going to die!"
*
The other man, unruffled, again responded. "No, I make over $250,000 a week."
*
Mystified, the first man, says, "We are going to die a slow death."
*
Still unfazed, the other man looked the first one in the eyes and said Do not make me say this again. I make over $250,000 a week ... I am a Baptist and I tithe.

MY PASTOR WILL FIND US!

Thanks to Norma Kay Rowe
One beautiful Sunday morning, a minister announced to his congregation: "My good people, I have here in my hands three sermons... a $100 sermon that lasts five minutes, a $50 sermon that lasts fifteen minutes, and a $10 sermon that lasts a full hour. Now, we'll take the collection and see which one I'll deliver."

Thanks to Jeanette Ford
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With the writer’s strike on this week, we decided to “rerun” one of our favorites:
EASY EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 40

(And you don't need expensive equipment)

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side. With a 5-lb potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax.
Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.

After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato sacks. Then try 50-lb potato sacks and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. (I'm at this level.)

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each of the sacks.

Thanks to David Lamb
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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/2007/10/17/pondering-rudy/ - - Pondering Rudy
I live in New York City, so I’m pretty familiar with the pros and cons of Rudy Giuliani. And yes, there are pros. What pros? Well, Rudy does love opera.

And as ornery, self-centered, and first amendment-hating as Rudy was during his New York City Mayor years, he never struck me as being insane. Yet his current outsized hawkishness does seem … well … crazy. So I can’t help wondering whether Rudy’s crazed warmongering is real or a ruse. (Not that I want to find out, of course.)

Pondering Rudy (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane

Rudy acts like a war-loving crank.
Is his hawkishness feigned, else he’ll tank
As Republicans see
That he doesn’t agree
With most of the GOP plank?

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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The Law of Reflection

Yesterday our college group led the worship service. The young man delivering the sermon - Jeremy LeBlanc - used one of my all-time favorite analogies, and gave me a new appreciation for the perfection of this analogy (and at the same time, pierced my heart again).

Christ as light is one of the analogies throughout the Bible that simply boggles my mind in its perfection. I understand a teeny bit about the physics of light, but every time I see a physical law of the properties of light explained, it perfectly describes Christ in some way (light will bend around a corner - Christ's light can be seen from many angles; a tiny point of light will penetrate the a vast space of the deepest darkness you can imagine - and as Vanessa said, all the darkness of the world cannot extinguish a single candle; the examples are endless - I just love studying Christ as light).

One of the major points of Jeremy's lesson involved the Law of Reflection
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/refln/u13l1c.html
This law states that "when a ray of light strikes a flat surface, the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence."

Simply put, light reflects off a mirror at the exact same angle that it strikes it.

Similarly, 1 Corinthians 3:18 says:
"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
Philemon 6 says: "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."
I'm thinking hard today about what light is reflecting off me. And if I'm not reflecting, then I'm not taking in...and I'm not being transformed into His glory. Whatever I'm taking in is what I'm reflecting.

P.S. this little purple bracelet might help me improve my reflectivity index - http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/
–
Thanks to 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)
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Eye opening!!!

A conversation between a Customer and Bank of America Bank:

The Bank: Bank of America, can I help you?
Customer: Yes, I want to cancel my account. I don't want to do business with you any longer.
The Bank: Why?
Customer: You're giving credit to illegal immigrants and I don't think it's right. I'm taking my business elsewhere.
The Bank: Well, Mr. Customer, we don't want to see you do that, but we can't stop you. I'll help you close the account. What is your account number?
Customer: (gives account number)
The Bank: For security purposes and for your protection, can you please give me the last four digits of your social security number?
Customer: No
The Bank: Mr. Customer, I need to verify your information, but in order to help you, I'll need verification of who you are.
Customer: Why should I give you my social security number? The reason I’m closing my account is that your bank is issuing credit cards to illegal immigrants who don't have social security numbers. You are targeting that audience and want their business. Let's say I'm illegal immigrant and you've given me a credit card. I have a question about it and call for assistance. You wouldn't be asking me for a Social Security number. Would you?
The Bank: No sir, I wouldn't.
Customer: Why not?
The Bank: Because you would have pressed '2' to speak in Spanish. We do Not ask for that information when calling in on the Spanish line.

I provided 'snopes' for doubters:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/bankofamerica.asp

Now I hope the following 14 facts are read so many times that the reader gets sick of reading them.

1. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year. http://tinyurl.com/zob77
2. $2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens. http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
3. $2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens. http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html
4. $12 Billion dollars a year is spent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English! http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0.html
5. $17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
6. $3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
7. 30% percent of all Federal Prison inmates are illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
8. $90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare& social services by the American taxpayers. http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.html
9. $200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html
10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's two and a half times that of white non-illegal aliens. In particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the US http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/12/ldt.01.html
11. During the year of 2005 there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens that crossed our Southern Border also, as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from Terrorist Countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, meth, heroin and marijuana crossed into the U. S from the Southern border. Homeland Security Report: http://tinyurl.com/t9sht
12. The National Policy Institute, 'estimated that the total cost of deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period.' http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/pdf/deportation.pdf
13. In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin. http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm
14. The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration: Nearly One Million Sex Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants In The United States '. http://www.drdsk.com/articleshtml

The total cost is a whopping $ 338.3 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR

Thanks to Waneta
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It's time again for the annual "Stella Awards"! For those unfamiliar with these awards, they are named after 81-year-old Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued the McDonald's in New Mexico where she purchased the coffee. You remember, she took the lid off the coffee and put it between her knees while she was driving. Who would ever think one could get burned doing that, right?
That's right; these are awards for the most outlandish lawsuits and verdicts in the U.S. You know, the kinds of cases that make you scratch your head. So keep your head scratcher handy.
Here are the Stella's for the past year:
7TH PLACE :
Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas was awarded $80,000 by a jury of her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running inside a furniture store. The store owners were understandably surprised by the verdict, considering the running toddler was her own son.
6TH PLACE:
Carl Truman, 19, of Los Angeles , California won $74,000 plus medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with a Honda Accord. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbor's hubcaps.
Go ahead, grab your head scratcher.
5TH PLACE:
Terrence Dickson, of Bristol , Pennsylvania , who was leaving a house he had just burglarized by way of the garage. Unfortunately for Dickson, the automatic garage door opener malfunctioned and he could not get the garage door to open. Worse, he couldn't re-enter the house because the door connecting the garage to the house locked when Dickson pulled it shut. Forced to sit for eight, count 'em, EIGHT, days on a case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food, he sued the home owner's insurance company claiming undue mental anguish. Amazingly, the jury said the insurance company must pay Dickson $500,000 for his anguish. We should all have this kind of anguish.
Keep scratching. There are more...
4TH PLACE :
Jerry Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas, garnered 4th Place in the Stella's when he was awarded $14,500 plus medical expenses after being bitten on the butt by his next door neighbor's beagle - even though the beagle was on a chain in its owner's fenced yard. Williams did not get as much as he asked for because the jury believed the beagle might have been provoked at the time of the butt bite because Williams had climbed over the fence into the yard and repeatedly shot the dog with a pellet gun.
Grrrrr ... Scratch, scratch.
3RD PLACE :
Amber Carson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania because a jury ordered a Philadelphia restaurant to pay her $113,500 after she slipped on a spilled soft drink and broke her tailbone. The reason the soft drink was on the floor: Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument. Whatever happened to people being responsible for their own actions?
Scratch, scratch, scratch. Hang in there; there are only two more Stellas to go...
2ND PLACE :
Kara Walton, of Claymont, Delaware sued the owner of a night club in a nearby city because she fell from the bathroom window to the floor, knocking out her two front teeth. Even though Ms. Walton was trying to sneak through the ladies room window to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge, the jury said the night club had to pay her $12,000....oh, yeah, plus dental expenses. Go figure.
1ST PLACE :
(May I have a fanfare played on 50 kazoos please) This year's runaway First Place Stella Award winner was Mrs. Merv Grazinski, of Oklahoma City , Oklahoma, who purchased a new 32-foot Winnebago mot or home. On her first trip home, from an OU football game, having driven on to the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the driver's seat to go to the back of the Winnebago to make herself a sandwich. Not surprisingly, the motor home left the freeway, crashed and overturned. Also not surprisingly, Mrs. Grazinski sued Winnebago for not putting in the owner's manual that she couldn't actually leave the driver's seat while the cruise control was set. The Oklahoma jury awarded her, are you sitting down, $1,750,000 PLUS a new motor home. Winnebago actually changed their manuals as a result of this suit, just in case Mrs. Grazinski has any relatives who might also buy a motor home.
Are we, as a society, getting more stupid...?

Thanks to Jeanette Ford
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A 17 year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote.." It also was the last.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him."
Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to
realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Phil. 4:13 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Thanks to Charles Taylor
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Is It a Cold? Or Is It the Flu? And What Do You Do?
For those of you who are too young to remember castor oil and black draught and an administrator who has passed on (Mama) you should thank God for modern info. such as this article below!! The old remedy was the severe cramping of the stomach and "purging" these old laxatives caused and was used for any and all ills!! mixing of castor oil with orange juice was no better than the straight stuff!! AMEN fellow senior sojourners???!!!
Ahhhhh, the good ole days???!! Not by the hair of your chinny chin chin!!! Miss Mama all right but not the afore mentioned medicines with the "get up and go" effect!!"
The kangaroo hop the modern stuff brings will do fine thank you kindly!!! And remember : A smile doeth good like a medicine!! Have a blessed day in the Lord. Think of Sears Roebuck catalogs and what all they were used for in days gone by (By the country folks). Recycling in the early days before Charmin and indoor plumbing became more readily available!!!Hmmmm, could the old hymn "I'm gonna take a trip, in the good old gospel ship, and go sailing thru the sky" have been inspired by the" get up and go medicines" of days of old??!!! LOL Brother Don Blanks Jesus Loves you.
by Mary Calvagna, MS
Consider these statistics:

* Thirty-five to 50 million Americans are infected with influenza (the flu) during flu season, which typically lasts from November to March. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
* Americans suffer 1 billion colds annually. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)

With so many people affected by these two infections, it may seem impossible to avoid catching one, or both. But, you can greatly reduce your chances. Arm yourself with the following information about the common cold and the flu and don't be the next victim.
Is It A Cold or the Flu?
The symptoms for a cold and the flu are somewhat similar.

Facts About the Common Cold
A cold is a minor infection of the throat and nose. Although colds are usually mild, they are the leading cause of doctor visits and job and school absenteeism. More than 200 different viruses are known to cause symptoms of a cold although rhino viruses and corona viruses cause the majority of colds. Cold symptoms usually last about one to two weeks. Rarely, a cold can turn into a severe lower respiratory infection in young children.
Preventing a Cold
Colds are extremely contagious. A cold is transmitted by droplets of fluid that contain the cold virus. These droplets become airborne when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or speaks. You contaminate yourself by inhaling these droplets or touching a surface that they have landed on and then touching your eyes or nose. To help prevent getting a cold, take these simple precautions:

* Avoid close contact with people who have a cold.
* Wash your hands often.
* Do not touch your nose, eyes, or mouth. This will help you avoid infecting yourself with germs you may have picked up.

Avoid spreading your cold to others by:

* Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away.
* Wash your hands often.
* Limit close contact with others when you are sick.

Treating a Cold
Antibiotics will not cure a cold. In fact, you cannot cure a cold. But, certain things can help you reduce your discomfort. These include:

* Take certain over-the-counter medications:
o Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to help relieve the aches and fever
o Decongestant and antihistamine to combat congestion
* Drink at least eight glasses of water and juice a day. This will help keep you hydrated.
* Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These promote dehydration.
* Avoid smoke. It irritates an already sore throat and intensifies a cough.
* Get plenty of rest.
* Use a humidifier an electric device that puts moisture into the air.

Facts about the Flu
The flu is in an infection of the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by the influenza virus and is spread through the air. The flu is highly contagious. When an infected person sneezes, coughs, or speaks, tiny droplets full of flu particles are expelled. Because these droplets are small, they are suspended in the air long enough for another person to inhale them.
The flu and its symptoms are more severe than those of the common cold. The flu can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. In addition, it can be life threatening for the elderly, people with lung disease, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Preventing the Flu
A flu shot can lower your chance of getting the flu. The best time to get the shot is from early October to the middle of November, but shots can be given into February or March and still offer some benefit.
Treating the Flu
Most importantly, when you have the flu, you need rest. And until your symptoms are gone, it is a good idea to not go back to your full activity level. You also need plenty of liquids.
There are four antiviral medications available to treat the flu:

* Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®)
* Zanamivir (Relenza®)
* Amantadine (Symmetrel®)
* Rimantadine (Flumadine®)

Antivirals are only effective when taken within 48 hours after flu symptoms appear. These drugs can reduce the duration of your symptoms by a day or two and lessen their overall severity. You need to contact your doctor as soon as possible after flu symptoms appear to get the greatest benefit from these medications. Antibiotics will not work against the flu virus.
To relieve the aches and fever associated with the flu, you can try Acetaminophen, found in over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol®. For the congestion, stuffy nose, and cough, try a combination of decongestant and antihistamine.
When To Call the Doctor
You usually do not need to call a doctor if you have signs of the flu or a cold. However, you should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following difficulties:

* Your symptoms get worse
* Your symptoms last a long time
* After you feel better, you develop signs of a more serious problem. These include:
o Sick-to-your-stomach feeling
o Vomiting
o High fever
o Shaking chills
o Chest pain
o Coughing with a thick, yellow-green mucus

Because the four flu medications listed above can reduce the symptoms of influenza and prevent hospitalization and death among high risk persons (for example, those above age 65, young children, and persons with chronic illnesses requiring frequent medical attention), you and your doctor may choose to develop a flu plan if you fall into a high risk category. By following such a plan you may be able to start taking an anti-flu medication quickly in the (unlikely) event your yearly flu vaccine doesn’t protect you against the symptoms of influenza.

Thanks to Jeanette Ford
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The Train of Life

Some folks ride the train of life
Looking out the rear,
Watching miles of life roll by,
And marking every year.
They sit in sad remembrance,
Of wasted days gone by,
And curse their life for what it was,
And hang their head and cry.
But I don't concern myself with that,
I took a different vent,
I look forward to what life holds,
And not what has been spent.
So strap me to the engine,
As securely as I can be,
I want to be out in the front,
To see what I can see.
I want to feel the winds of change,
Blowing in my face,
I want to see what life unfolds,
As I move from place to place.
I want to see what's coming up,
Not looking at the past,
Life's too short for yesterdays,
It moves along too fast.
So if the ride gets bumpy,
While you are looking back,
Go up front, and you may find,
Your life has jumped the track.
It's all right to remember,
That's part of history,
But up front's where it's happening,
There's so much mystery.
The enjoyment of living,
Is not where we have been,
It's looking ever forward,
To another year and ten.
It's searching all the byways,
Never should you refrain,
For if you want to live your life,
You've gotta drive the train.
All Aboard Everybody...

Thanks to Jeanette Ford
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| Safety from the Heart |
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November 9, 2007
Road Rouge Story - Reports from Downtown Baton Rouge

Today's Safety From the Heart message was submitted by Dave Zimmerman

The Story - At lunch time today, I was waiting at the corner of 6th and Main to cross Main St. to the north (toward Serop's Express). The light was in my favor, but blocking my way was a vehicle sitting on Main St. in the crosswalk. I scowled at the driver, who apparently saw me and sheepishly began to make a "right on red" turn to get out of my way without really looking at what was in his way on 6th St. At the same time, several female pedestrians were crossing 6th St (against the light), putting themselves directly in front of the right turner. In order to avoid hitting them, the driver pulled into the left lane on 6th St. Just then a silver car came rolling south down 6th St,, blowing its horn. I stayed put. The women hustled through the 6th St crosswalk. The right turner completed his turn and veered back into the right lane. The silver car slowed and swerved a bit to avoid the car turning into his path. For a second, a collision between the two cars looked likely, but was narrowly avoided. All this happened because the first vehicle didn't stay out of the crosswalk, and then, embarrassed by his error, tried to correct it without paying attention to the rest of what was going on.

The women helped create the situation by crossing 6th St against the light, but in their admittedly weak defense, it sometimes seems safer to cross against a light with nothing coming, then to wait to cross with the light and risk being hit by an anxious driver turning either left or right. Left turners especially seem to delight in threatening pedestrians in the crosswalk. Drivers don't want to get caught in the intersection when the light turns, and they can't conceive waiting through an entire light cycle just to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Or they're talking on a cell phone while making the turn, and not really thinking about any of this. Motorists turning right with a green light may not even slow down much.

Lessons for Pedestrians - Trust no one sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle when you're crossing a street. Continue to scan in all directions as you cross. Make eye contact with as many motorists as possible to hold them in their places. Hold your hand up in the "stop" position to improve your chances. Increasing development of the downtown Baton Rouge area means more motorists, more pedestrians, and more opportunities for tragic accidents. You may be the righteous party in a vehicle/pedestrian collision, but that won't make you any less injured or dead. Protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Lessons for Motorists - Don't "atone" for a mistake by making another more dangerous one. Watch for oncoming traffic, both vehicular and on foot, when making any lane change or directional change, regardless of what the light says. Traffic lights only indicate what motorists and pedestrians are supposed to do--not what they might do when they're distracted by friends, cell phones, the radio, or whatever else has been going on that day. You'll "win" any collision with a pedestrian, but you won't feel good about it, no matter how right you were and how wrong the pedestrian was in his or her actions.

See more Road Rouge stories at
http://dadlak.blogspot.com/2007/06/road-rouge-stories-of-imaginative-and.html
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| Safety from the Heart |
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November 8, 2007
Today's Safety From the Heart message was submitted by Darrell Kennerly.

How To Lift

Here's How:
1. Plan ahead before lifting. Knowing what you're doing and where you're going will prevent you from making awkward movements while holding something heavy. Clear a path, and if lifting something with another person, make sure both of you agree on the plan.
2. Lift close to your body. You will be a stronger, and more stable lifter if the object is held close to your body rather than at the end of your reach. Make sure you have a firm hold on the object you are lifting, and keep it balanced close to your body.
3. Feet shoulder width apart. A solid base of support is important while lifting. Holding your feet too close together will be unstable, too far apart will hinder movement. Keep the feet about shoulder width apart and take short steps.
4. Bend your knees and keep your back straight. Practice the lifting motion before you lift the object, and think about your motion before you lift. Focus on keeping your spine straight--raise and lower to the ground by bending your knees.
5. Tighten your stomach muscles. Tightening your abdominal muscles will hold your back in a good lifting position and will help prevent excessive force on the spine.
6. Lift with your legs. Your legs are many times stronger than your back muscles--let your strength work in your favor. Again, lower to the ground by bending your knees, not your back. Keeping your eyes focused upwards helps to keep your back straight.
7. If you're straining, get help. If an object is too heavy, or awkward in shape, make sure you have someone around who can help you lift.
8. Wear a belt or back support. If you are lifting in your job or often at home a back belt can help you maintain a better lifting posture.
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| Safety from the Heart |
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November 7, 2007
Another Flue Pandemic?

Today's Message is from Stuart Turnbull (a Pasadena Albemarle employee).

Will There Be Another Flu Pandemic Soon? Since it first killed humans in Asia in the 1990's, the deadly avian strain of H5N1 has posed the greatest risk for a new influenza pandemic; however, this virus has not mutated to spread easily between people. China is the epicenter for the emergence of pandemic influenza viruses. A 1997 H5N1 incident is considered by some to be an incipient pandemic and a pandemic averted by the slaughter of poultry across Hong Kong SAR in late 1997.

Given the unpredictable behavior of influenza viruses, neither the timing nor the severity of the next pandemic can be predicted with any certainty. Medical professionals and other experts believe that the world may be the closest it's been to a flu pandemic since the last pandemic, known as the Hong Kong Flu, which took place in 1968; however, these are just predictions and nothing is definite.

The World health organization (WHO) has published a list of recommended INDIVIDUAL RESPONSES to a flu pandemic.

* Maintain Social Distance: By traveling less, working from home and closing schools there is less opportunity for the virus to spread.

* Practice Respiratory Hygiene: Populations should be repeatedly informed of the need for "respiratory hygiene" (covering mouth when coughing or sneezing, careful disposal of soiled tissues or other materials).

* Wear Masks: No mask can provide a perfect barrier but products that meet or exceed NIOSH N95 standard recommended by WHO are thought to provide good protection. Any mask may be useful to remind the wearer not to touch his face. This can reduce infection do to contact with contaminated surfaces, especially in crowded public places where coughing or sneezing people have no way of washing their hands.

* Practice Hygiene: Frequent hand washing, especially when there has been contact with other people or with potentially contaminated surfaces can be very helpful. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also kill both bacteria and viruses.
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| Safety from the Heart |
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November 5, 2007
Time Change
Have you checked your smoke detector lately?

By the way, with the time change, it would be a good idea to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. And, more importantly, if you don’t have detectors, get them.
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| Safety from the Heart |
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November 5, 2007
Crystal Meth - Very important
Niomi L. Krzystowczyk| Director, Corporate Product Stewardship

There is an urban legend going around about flavored crystal methamphetamine. My 12 year old daughter sent me this one.

Turns out this one is actually partly true. There is no evidence that the drugs were being handed out to school children or that any children were rushed to hospitals. But there are reports from police around the country of colored crystal meth being found and in some cases having fragrance like strawberries.

All the more reason to talk with your kids about strangers and drugs.
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TOURBUS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -:) - :)- :)
Volume 13, Number 12 -- 07 Nov 2007
Tourbus Home -- http://www.InternetTourbus.com
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TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPICS: Mashups / Power Supplies / Job Search

In today's TOURBUS, you'll find out how a mashup is different than a fender bender. You'll also learn the warning signs of a failing power supply, and how to replace one if needed. I've also got tips on how to use online job search engines, and an update on the One Laptop Per Child program. Read on!

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What is a Mashup?
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Mashup is a term that's become popular to describe Web 2.0-ish sites that combine the features or functions of one website with another. But the term has its roots in music, where creative (or bored) people have combined the vocal and instrumental tracks from two or more songs to create a new song.

Website mashups typically feature a high level of interactivity, user input, social networking, and sometimes even encourage others to use them as the basis for derivative works. Many popular mashups involve maps, but there are some very clever video mashups, photo mashups, search & shopping mashups, and news mashups. Read on to learn about some of the best mashups, as well as the legal and ethical challenges involved in creating mashups...

http://askbobrankin.com/what_is_a_mashup.html

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Installing a New Power Supply
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Here's a question that came my way recently: "My computer is making a loud noise that sounds like a fan going bad. A friend told me I should replace the power supply. Can you give me some tips on installing a new power supply?"

If you have a noisy fan, a burning smell, smoke or flames shooting out the back of your computer, take it as a warning sign that your power supply may need some attention. Another possible indicator of a failing power supply is your computer shutting down or restarting at seemingly random times.

Fortunately, replacing a power supply is not rocket science. In fact, it's one of the easiest computer components to replace. If you catch the problem early, you can avoid problems with other components, and since most power supplies are relatively cheap ($20-$40 USD) it won't break the bank, either. Here's the scoop on why power supplies fail, and how to replace them:

http://askbobrankin.com/new_power_supply.html

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Online Job Searching
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Online job searching and recruitment has exploded in recent years. It's a great example of a tedious, frustrating task that the Internet has turned into a point & click process. No more waiting for the Sunday paper, and wading through scores of small-print listings. No more mailing or faxing your resume. And with a bit of luck, your future employer will find YOU.

Internet job searching is also convenient for those seeking employment outside their immediate area. With online job search engines, you can do a search for employment locally, nation-wide, or internationally. Get the scoop on internet job searching, where to post your resume, and what mistakes to avoid in the process:

http://askbobrankin.com/job_search_online.html

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XO - The $200 Laptop
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Almost two years ago, I wrote about the One Laptop Per Child project. At the time, the goal was to produce fully functional $100 laptops for use by poor children in third-world countries. This admirable project has made quite a bit of progress, even though they had to adjust their price point for the XO Laptop upwards to about $200.

And yes... you CAN purchase an XO Laptop for personal use. Starting on Nov. 12, you can participate in OLPC's "Give 1 Get 1" program, which will be open to people in North America for about two weeks only. The program allows you to purchase two XO laptops for US$399 -- one for you or your child, and one for a child in a developing nation.

To learn more about the amazing little XP Laptop, or for details about the "Give 1 Get 1" program, read on...

http://askbobrankin.com/xo_the_200_laptop.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
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.~~~. ))
(\__/) .' ) )) 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
~~~~~
November 9 & 10 at 7:00 pm - Magnolia Arts Presents:
"Till Death Do We Part" - A Murder Mystery Written and Directed: Janet Rider-Babbitt
This is a Fundraiser for Magnolia Arts Theater
~~~~~
Magnolia Circle of Friends Benefit for Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Steak Dinner, Tuesday, November 13, 5 - 7 pm, dine in or carry out.
Call Lacey @ 235-6505 to get tickets ($15)
~~~~~
Leadership Magnolia Fundraiser Ole Feed House Fish Dinner (Drive Through Only) December 17, 4:30 - 7:30 pm $10 per plate
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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.

Thursday, November 08, 2007
Awards Luncheon

Liz Borkowski posted an article about the APHA’s Occupational Health & Safety Section annual awards luncheon on The Pump Handle.

I was able to finally meet Liz and many others I have read about, emailed and/or spoken to, it was like meeting long lost relatives. I am still worn out and wonder how the many others managed to stay a week or more, but it was well worth it and a great learning experience.

Dr. David Parker. author of stolen Dreams was there with a slide show and book signing as was Les Leopold with his book The Life and times of Tony Mazzocchi. I did receive Les Leopold's book thanks to Roger Cook and it had a wonderful inscription. Thank you Roger Cook and Les Leopold! I will get you all more information on both of these books later.

Awards were given to:
Celeste Monforton won the Lorin Kerr Award.
Jonathan Rosen and Tammy Miser were winners of the Tony Mazzocchi Award.
Rosie Sokas won the Alice Hamilton Award.
Jagdish Patel won the International Award.

I will probably write more about it all when the newsletter comes out so for now check out a few of our mugs and what Liz had to say.

APHA and H&S Summit Thank You!

Just wanted to thank everyone from the APHA and H&S Summit for all the kind words and actions. You are all a wonderful group of people and I was honored to have met and spent time with you all!

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. 2nd Lt. Tracy Lynn Alger, 30, of New Auburn, Wis., died Nov 1 in Shubayshen, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near her vehicle. She was assigned to F Company, 626th Brigade Support Battalion, attached to 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment,3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

02. Sgt.1st Class Johnny C. Walls, 41, of Bremerton, Wash., died Nov. 2 in Uruzgan, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

03. Pfc. Dwane A. Covert Jr., 20, of Tonawanda, N.Y., died Nov 3, in Al-Sahra, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 104th Transportation Company, 13th Corps Support Sustainment Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

04. Spc. Christine M. Ndururi, 21, of Dracut, Mass., died Nov. 6 in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, from a non-combat related illness. Her death is under investigation.

05. Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin R. Bewley, 27, of Hector, Ark., died Nov. 5 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting operations in Salah ad Din province, Iraq. Bewley was permanently assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, Oak Harbor, Wash.

The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
06. Sgt. Daniel J. Shaw, 23, of West Seneca, N.Y., died Nov. 5 in Taji, Iraq.
Shaw was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

The Department of Defense announced the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Nov. 5, in Tal Al-Dahab, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Humvee during combat operations. Killed were:
07. Staff Sgt. Carletta S. Davis, 34, of Anchorage, Alaska. She was assigned to the 10th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
08. Staff Sgt. John D. Linde, 30, of New York, N.Y. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.
09. Sgt. Derek T. Stenroos, 24, of North Pole, Alaska. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

10. Pfc. Adam J. Muller, 21, of Underhill, Vt. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

11. Capt. Benjamin D. Tiffner, 31, of West Virginia, died Nov. 7 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky.

12. Sgt. Lui Tumanuvao, 29, of Fagaalu, American Samoa, died Nov. 7 in Arab Jabour, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he was struck by an improvised explosive device during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, Ga.
~~
Pilot Missing From the Vietnam War is Identified

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

He is Maj. John L. Carroll, U.S. Air Force, of Decatur, Ga. He will be buried on Nov. 13 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

On Nov. 7, 1972, Carroll was flying a Forward Air Controller mission over Xiangkhoang Province, Laos, when his O-1G Bird Dog aircraft was hit by enemy ground fire and forced to land. Once on the ground, he radioed the Search-and-Rescue (SAR) helicopters on his intent to stay in the aircraft. Two SAR helicopters attempted a recovery, but intense enemy fire forced them to depart the area. A second pickup attempt was made later, but the pilot of that helicopter saw that Carroll had been fatally wounded. The recovery attempt was unsuccessful due to nearby enemy forces that opened fire on the helicopter.

In 1993, a joint U.S./Lao People’s Democratic Republic (L.P.D.R.) team, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), investigated the incident and surveyed the crash site. During the site survey, the team found small fragments of aircraft wreckage.

Between 1996 and 2007, joint U.S./L.P.D.R./Socialist Republic of Vietnam teams, led by JPAC, conducted several interviews concerning the incident. One witness provided the team with identification media which belonged to Carroll. In another interview, a former People’s Army of North Vietnam officer turned over some of Carroll’s personal effects and told the team that local residents had buried Carroll. Another witness later led a team to the burial site.

In 2007, a joint team excavated the burial site and found his remains.

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

~~
Soldier Missing in Action from the Korean War 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 the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Cpl. Clem R. Boody, U.S. Army, of Independence, Iowa. His burial date and location are being set by his family.

Representatives from the Army met with Boody’s next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process, and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.

In November 1950, Boody was assigned to Headquarters Company, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division then occupying a defensive position near Unsan, North Korea north of a bend in the Kuryong River known as the Camel’s Head. On Nov. 1, parts of two Chinese Communist Divisions struck the 1st Cavalry Division’s lines, collapsing the perimeter and forcing a withdrawal. Boody was reported missing on Nov. 2, 1950 and was one of the more than 350 servicemen unaccounted-for from the battle at Unsan.

In April 2007, the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea (D.P.R.K.), acting through the intermediary of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi, repatriated to the United States six boxes of human remains believed to be those of U.S. soldiers. The D.P.R.K. reported that the remains were excavated in November 2006 near Unsan in North Pyongan Province.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Boody’s remains.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
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Please remember to pray for the American soldiers stationed everywhere around the globe and especially in Iraq. Times have been and are very tough and it would be nice if you would all just say a prayer for their safety and for their families.
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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.
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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!!!
Rom 2:6-11 Psa 119:164-166 James 1:5-8 Psa 121:5-8 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.
Let us hear from you if we can switch you over to the "Word" or "PDF" version of "Da Bleat".
If you'd prefer to read "Da Blog" version, just drop us a note at KC5HII@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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