Bugs Bleat 4q 07

Volume 9, Issue 52 Friday, December 28, 2007

Hello All,

“Red Lights” and Traffic Signals - What color is a “Yield” sign?
Change is a consistent process and one that we subconsciously welcome. The very essence of progress is change. But change can also cause distress. As we get older, our bodies change. At first, this is what we want. Most kids want to grow up. Then, somewhere in our 20s or 30s (or later) we start looking for ways to hold on to the body we have. We don’t want to face the changes of age.
My epiphany came at age 40. It seemed that was when everything started to break down. I had to start wearing glasses. Thing hurt, that didn’t hurt before. Worldwide, adapting to an older body is the source of billions of dollars to business. This is spent on everything from Advil to Botox.
Just as our bodies change, so do our circumstances. It’s natural (at least in our society) that we are cared for by our parents, then we care for our children, then we care for our parents, then our children care for us. Of course this isn’t always a smooth transition. Some kids are basically left to raise themselves, either due to absence of their parents or lack of ability of the parents. Some parents never understand the joy of caring for children.
But the majority of us do follow the trend and we are cared for, then we care for others before it’s time once again for us to be cared for.
In our life, we enjoyed caring for our children and helping care for our grandkids. And we’ve experienced the joy and pain of caring for our parents. Today, it’s about 50/50 joy/pain caring for MamMaw Dorothy. When she’s able, she’s a real joy. Like Thursday evening at the Supper table. Annette noticed that MamMaw was feeding the dog much of her supper. Annette asked “Mother, why are you giving the dog your food? He’s already eaten.” To which, MamMaw just looked at us, shrugged, and continued to feed the dog. When Annette and I laughed, she did to.
But other times, like this morning, she’s confused and it’s a real challenge to maintain a smile. She’s not sleeping well and tends to call out to us over and over. We’ve learned to treat these times like we would a child who gets up in the night. We check on her, then explain that it’s still night and tell her to go back to bed. Then we try to ignore her for the hour or so it takes for her to fall back to sleep.
So, I’ve ended up writing on “Da Bleat” at 3:00 am instead of sleeping. But that’s still a very little cost to pay a fine woman back for all the joy she’s given to us over the years. Besides, it’s raining and who wants to sleep with the rain pattering on the roof and sidewalk?
Oh, yeah. The title subject of Signals and Signs? Well those are great examples of change in our lives. When I was young, we had “Red Lights” that hung over major intersections. Of course, they were actually Red, Yellow and Green lights, but we always just referred to them as “Red Lights” as in “Go to the third red light and take a left.” Now we have Traffic Signals that are composed of multiple lights on horizontal poles over the intersections. A typical installation will have 12 fixtures on four poles. But they still serve the same purpose and we still tell people “Go to the third red light and take a left.”
As for the signs, what color is a yield sign? If you’re over 40, most people will answer “yellow” because that’s what color a yield sign was when they took their drivers test. Younger folks will answer correctly, “red” because that’s the color of yield signs today.
This change in color doesn’t register with us because the meaning is the same. The signs are the same shape and located, mostly, in the same locations. So our brain just converts that red sign into the old yellow sign when we’re driving. I always get a kick out of asking older folks the color of the sign and then showing them that it’s changed.
They’ll often argue with me that the new signs may be red but the signs in their neighborhood are still yellow. Then the next day they sheepishly come back to admit that the signs in their neighborhood are red after all. They just never noticed. That’s the way much of the change in our life is. We hardly notice at all as we continue with our daily lives. But they are changing, instant by instant.
So change can be good or bad or neutral. It’s up to us to resist it, or embrace it or ignore it (at our own peril.) I guess knowing when to fight and when to flow is one of those things that come with age and experience. Maybe that’s called wisdom.
~~
"Seek not to change the world, but choose to change your mind about the world." - A Course In Miracles
"Change means movement. Movement means friction. Only in the frictionless vacuum of a nonexistent abstract world can movement or change occur without that abrasive friction of conflict." - Saul Alinsky
"Who we are never changes. Who we think we are does." - Mary S. Almanac
"That's the risk you take if you change: that people you've been involved with won't like the new you. But other people who do will come along." - Lisa Alther
It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory. ~W. Edwards Deming
~~~~~
I may grudgingly accept change in some things but I hope my appetite for Greens and Turnips never changes. Tommye Croft was kind enough to pick some turnips for us from Jim Ball’s garden. They were great and went perfectly with the turnip greens and hot water bread that Annette cooked for Vanessa this week.
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I hope my Christmas spirit never wears out. We had a great time this year. And Christmas eve started with Josiah and Ethan having a great “Lightening McQueen” birthday party at Burger King. David, Bobbie, Dusty, Zach, Teresa, and John joined Annette, Jimmy, Vanessa, Josiah and Ethan for a great time of cake, burgers, ice cream and presents. Josiah got a leather bomber jacket that you can see in the photos at the top of the “Bleat”
After the party, we took a break and Josiah and I took candy out to the South Plant Security gang. While we were there, we played on the fire truck and ambulance a little while until Bobbie called to remind us that it was time for us all to meet at our house for Christmas Eve supper and to open presents.
The next morning, I fixed one of my famous bacon, egg, biscuits and grits breakfasts before Vanessa, Jimmy and their boys had to leave for Louisiana. Then it was time to prepare Christmas dinner where we were joined by Claiborne, Mike, Jo Ann, Jackie, Frank and Stacy Garcia and their children as well as the McClellan gang. A great time was had by all.
~~~~~
Annette and I swapped out babysitting duties Tuesday and Wednesday so we could go to the movies separately and see National Treasure 2. I went with Frank and Stacy and Annette went alone. We both enjoyed the movie but the Cameo was FRIGID. They really need to turn the heat on in the winter.
~~~~~
“Refdesk” [http://refdesk.com/] has some great “end of year” sites.
http://refdesk.com/2007best.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071220/ap_on_re_us/ye_top10_stories
~~~~~
Thanks to your support of the many local organizations which depend so much on the support of the United Way! Total Albemarle Magnolia employee pledges totaled $24,254.95.
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http://www.slate.com/?wpisrc=newsletter - - Yesterday, “Slate” reported on a story in the New York Times that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has approved a new rule allowing employers to either cut back or eliminate retiree health benefits [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/27/washington/27retire.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper&oref=slogin] when they reach 65 and become eligible for Medicare. The new rule comes in response to employers threatening to get rid of retiree health benefits as a whole if they couldn't get an exemption from age-discrimination laws.
That’s encouraging news for us older baby boomers.
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“Slate” also reported on a Los Angeles Times look at how many in the military are beginning to question whether it makes sense to buy many of the humongous "mine-resistant ambush protected" trucks for Iraq [http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-na-mrap27dec27,1,2016997.story?coll=la-headlines-frontpage&ctrack=1&cset=true]. Robert Gates made acquiring the vehicles, which can withstand roadside bombings, a top priority when he became Defense secretary but now that violence has decreased many think MRAPs would be an unneeded expense that could end up hurting the overall mission as well as be a detriment for future wars.
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PBS has a documentary titled “The Soldier’s Heart” You can watch it online here;
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/heart/
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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/] - - Juan Ayala - Hometown: El Paso, TX - Awarded: Legion of Merit:

A secure Iraq requires competent local police and national army. In Iraq, U.S. commanders have helped achieve stability in former hotbeds of violence by building up Iraqi Security Forces, thanks to the creative efforts of soldiers and Marines, such as Marine Corps Col. Juan Ayala.

During his third tour in Iraq, from January 2006 to January 2007, Col. Ayala served as the Senior Advisor to the 1st Iraqi Army Division, based at Camp Habbaniyah. Numerous challenges faced Ayala and his 29-man team, as they operated daily in tandem with the Iraqis. The Division lacked soldiers, trained officers and equipment. The surrounding terrain proved hostile as well. In early 2006, Anbar province remained volatile, and the Iraqi Army often found itself engaged in battles with civilians allied with insurgents.

Over time, under Ayala’s guidance, the Iraqis increased their areas of responsibility and gained credibility among the population. Specifically, Col. Ayala revamped the staff functions of the Division, drawing up missions that fit its skill set. He collaborated with local imams and sheiks to obtain approval for operations. As a result of the built-up trust, the flow of actionable intelligence to the Division increased, as did the number of formerly hostile Sunnis to the Division’s ranks. So many ended up joining the Iraqi forces that they eventually gained a title: the “sons of Al Anbar.”

Ayala helped plan and execute 52 direct action patrols in the area, which yielded 25 captured insurgents. Ayala’s input resulted in the creation of a 24-hour joint Iraqi/Advisor Combat Operations Center, which helped obtain situational awareness on the ground. Other positive developments under Ayala’s tenure included equipment improvements and the purging of hundreds of bogus soldiers from the Division’s ranks. Under Ayala, the implementation of a Unit Tracking Program (UTP) was influential in maintaining accountability among the Iraqi soldiers in the Division.

Ayala often went on patrols, serving as a vehicle and convoy commander. He was hit twice by IEDs, but kept going out on missions to assess the Division’s ability in the field. He led 17 teams and 225 advisors at different levels of command, to improve the capabilities of the Division. Today, two of the Division’s Brigades, the 3rd and the 4th, function without coalition assistance.

For his efforts in building up the 1st Iraqi Army Division, Col. Ayala earned the Legion of Merit with Combat Distinguishing Device.
~~~~~
This week, we finished reading; "God's Harvard" by Hanna Rosin and “Dead Certain: the presidency of George W. Bush” by Robert Draper. I recommend both books.
Now we’ve switched back to fiction an we’re reading; “Shadow woman” by Thomas Perry
We plan on reading: "The Coldest Winter: America and the Korean War" by David Halberstam
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http://www.shelfari.com/BugsBleat/shelf?ec=7D790D174EFS18012
~~~~~
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
~~~~~
The photos on the front of this week’s “Bleat” include Madi Garcia, Ethan, Vanessa, Jackie, Jo Ann, Josiah and Jimmy and Josiah modeling his new “Bomber” jacket.
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We’ve now got several addresses on the web for "Da Bleat." For the latest issue, go to http://www.bugsbleat.blogspot.com
Our photos are posted at http://www.bugsbleatphotos.blogspot.com.
~~~~~
Feel free to share the "Bleat" with any and all. That's why we publish it.
~~~~~
Recipe(s) of the week - - - French Bread - - Classic Four Ingredient Bread Recipe - - © Linda Larsen - -
Apr 23, 2006

Make this fabulous recipe for the best French Bread you've ever tasted. This is a classic Gallic treat: delicious, versatile, and impressive when made at home. But it's actually very simple to make!

Just five ingredients are all you need. Yeast, flour, water, salt, and sugar combine to make your whole house smell like a French bakery. There are just a couple of rules to follow.

Use a thermometer to take the temperature of the water. Yeast is a living organism and water that is too hot will kill it; then your bread won't rise. Knead for the amount of time specified in the recipe. And make sure that your oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer is a good investment. Enjoy this bread!

French Bread
2 packages dry yeast
2-1/2 cups warm water
1 tsp. sugar
6 cups all purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp. salt

Make sure water temperature is 110 to 115 degrees F. Place water in a large bowl and sprinkle with yeast and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until yeast dissolves and starts to bubble. Stir in 2 cups flour and salt. Cover and let rise for ½ hour.

Then gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes. (Knead by pressing on the dough, then folding over and pressing with the heel of your hand.) Then clean the large mixing bowl, grease it with solid shortening, and place the dough in the bowl. Turn it in the bowl so the dough is greased (this prevents the top from cracking as it rises).

Cover the dough and let rise at room temperature for about 2-1/2 hours, until doubled in bulk. With your fist, punch down the dough. Divide in half and place one half on a lightly floured surface.

Using a rolling pin, roll dough to a 12x6" rectangle. Starting with the 12" side, roll up tightly. Seal seams and edges by pinching. Repeat with remaining dough.

Grease a cookie sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal. Place loaves on prepared sheet. Cover and let rise at room temperature until doubled, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray the loaves with a bit of water, then using a blade, made a few slashes across the top of each loaf. Bake at 425 degrees F for 25-30 minutes until loaves are golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet and let cool on wire rack.

http://bakingdesserts.suite101.com/article.cfm/frenchbreadrecipe
~~~~~
BreakPoint
With Chuck Colson

A Rational Belief
12/28/2007
Faith in God

I’ve got to hand it to the new wave of militant atheists like Christopher Hitchens and arch-Darwinist Richard Dawkins. They are getting their message out, in best-selling books and in page-one articles in major newspapers like the Washington Post. Their message is simple: There is no God, and people who believe there is a God are simply being irrational. But is faith in God truly irrational?

The much-respected philosopher Alvin Plantinga is well-versed in the arguments employed by these atheists. He has debated his secular colleagues many times on the question: “Is it reasonable to presuppose that God exists?”

Their response, of course, is “no” because they believe only in physical phenomena and a material universe. Plantinga then asks them whether it is rational to believe that other people have minds. After all, there is scarcely more material evidence that other people have minds, as distinct from brains, than there is for God’s existence.

When the philosophers say “yes,” Plantinga argues that believing in God is just as rational as believing that other people have minds: Both conclusions reflect a faith of sorts.

There are other reasons why belief in God is rational, which I discuss in The Faith, my new book, to be published in January. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that the universe is the product of intelligence, not chance.

What’s called the “anthropic principle” says intelligent life is possible only because of a precise combination of “seemingly arbitrary and unrelated constants in physics.” As one physicist put it, it is as if the “universe knew we were coming.” And the billions of human cells that make up our body, we know function only because of intelligent information.

Thus, belief in God is far from an irrational leap in the dark, much less a delusion, as Dawkins says. Even Dawkins rates himself only a “6” on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being certitude that God does not exist. “I cannot know for certain, but I think God is very improbable,” Dawkins said, “and I live my life on the assumption that He is not there.” That’s a bad bet.*

The great philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote that if there is no God, and you bet your life there is, you have lost nothing. But if there is a God, and you bet your life there is not, you have made an eternal mistake. Or put it this way: If Dr. Dawkins had been on the Titanic and was offered two lifeboats—one certain to sink and the other with a one-in-seven chance of staying afloat—he would not have chosen the one that was sure to sink. That would be irrational.

But there is another kind of evidence for the rationality of belief in God: that is, its impact on human lives and society.

As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, people noticed that, compared to the squalor and general hopelessness of Rome, Christians lived a profoundly different, more hopeful life. This difference made conversion to Christianity a rational choice.

The same thing is true today: Studies of evangelization show that people come to Christianity because it delivers the results. It changes families, which atheistic worldviews cannot.

All of this and more makes belief in God rational and makes one wonder what’s behind disbelief. Philosopher Mortimer Adler, one of the great intellectuals of the twentieth century, believed Christianity was true, but refused to accept it because it would interfere with his lifestyle. In time, he overcame that objection and became a Christian, which, given the evidence, was the only rational thing to do.

This commentary first aired on October 11, 2007, and is part four in a five-part series.

Please give a generous donation today to help Prison Fellowship and BreakPoint continue strong in the new year. Donate online or call 1-877-322-5527. Thank you!

The Faith: What Christians Believe, Why They Believe It, and Why It Matters by Chuck Colson with Harold Fickett. Call 1-877-322-5527 to pre-order! (Suggested donation: $13)

For Further Reading and Information

BreakPoint Commentary No. 060322, “Expected Guests: John D. Barrow and the Anthropic Principle.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 031219, “Lost and Found: Modern Science and Ancient Faith.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 071008, “Suspended License: Hitchens’s Distortion of Christian History.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 071009, “Nietzsche Would Laugh: Morality without God.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 961010, “What about the Children?: Is Religion Child Abuse?”

Mary Eberstadt, “How the West Might Find God Again,” Mercatornet, 8 October 2007.

Joel Achenbach, “What Makes Up My Mind?” Washington Post, 23 September 2007, B01.

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. © 2007 Prison Fellowship
~~~~~
Words of the Week:
finical: finicky.
calumny: malicious misrepresentation; slander.
persiflage: frivolous or bantering talk.
amity: friendship; friendly relations.
benefaction: the act of conferring a benefit; also, a benefit conferred.
hermitage: a secluded residence; a retreat.
gnomic: uttering, containing, or characterized by maxims.
multifarious: having great diversity or variety.
from Dictionary.Com
~~~~~
"Fearful as reality is, it is less fearful than evasions of reality ... Look steadfastly into the slit, pinpointed malignant eyes of reality as an old-hand trainer dominates his wild beasts." - Caitlin Thomas

"People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something that one finds. It is something that one creates." - Thomas Szasz

"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads." - Clement Clarke Moore

"At Christmas play and make good cheer, For Christmas comes but once a year." - Thomas Tusser

"The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him." - Henry L. Stimson

"We have confused the free with the free and easy." - Adlai E. Stevenson

"The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself." - Wallace Stevens
~~~~~
Here’s the first month of our 2008 Bible Reading Plan. We thank http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/ for this one. I also have a copy of the whole year in PDF and as a Word Doc. If you’d like either, drop us a note at kc5hii@gmail.com.

January
01 Genesis 1:1-2:25
Matthew 1:1-2:12
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 1:1-6
02 Genesis 3:1-4:26
Matthew 2:13-3:6
Psalm 2:1-12
Proverbs 1:7-9
03 Genesis 5:1-7:24
Matthew 3:7-4:11
Psalm 3:1-8
Proverbs 1:10-19
04 Genesis 8:1-10:32
Matthew 4:12-25
Psalm 4:1-8
Proverbs 1:20-23
05 Genesis 11:1-13:4
Matthew 5:1-26
Psalm 5:1-12
Proverbs 1:24-28
06 Genesis 13:5-15:21
Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:29-33
07 Genesis 16:1-18:15
Matthew 6:1-24
Psalm 7:1-17
Proverbs 2:1-5
08 Genesis 18:16-19:38
Matthew 6:25-7:14
Psalm 8:1-9
Proverbs 2:6-15
09 Genesis 20:1-22:24
Matthew 7:15-29
Psalm 9:1-12
Proverbs 2:16-22
10 Genesis 23:1-24:51
Matthew 8:1-17
Psalm 9:13-20
Proverbs 3:1-6
11 Genesis 24:52-26:16
Matthew 8:18-34
Psalm 10:1-15
Proverbs 3:7-8
12 Genesis 26:17-27:46
Matthew 9:1-17
Psalm 10:16-18
Proverbs 3:9-10
13 Genesis 28:1-29:35
Matthew 9:18-38
Psalm 11:1-7
Proverbs 3:11-12
14 Genesis 30:1-31:16
Matthew 10:1-23
Psalm 12:1-8
Proverbs 3:13-15
15 Genesis 31:17-32:12
Matthew 10:24-11:6
Psalm 13:1-6
Proverbs 3:16-18
16 Genesis 32:13-34:31
Matthew 11:7-30
Psalm 14:1-7
Proverbs 3:19-20
17 Genesis 35:1-36:43
Matthew 12:1-21
Psalm 15:1-5
Proverbs 3:21-26
18 Genesis 37:1-38:30
Matthew 12:22-45
Psalm 16:1-11
Proverbs 3:27-32
19 Genesis 39:1-41:16
Matthew 12:46-13:23
Psalm 17:1-15
Proverbs 3:33-35
20 Genesis 41:17-42:17
Matthew 13:24-46
Psalm 18:1-15
Proverbs 4:1-6
21 Genesis 42:18-43:34
Matthew 13:47-14:12
Psalm 18:16-36
Proverbs 4:7-10
22 Genesis 44:1-45:28
Matthew 14:13-36
Psalm 18:37-50
Proverbs 4:11-13
23 Genesis 46:1-47:31
Matthew 15:1-28
Psalm 19:1-14
Proverbs 4:14-19
24 Genesis 48:1-49:33
Matthew 15:29-16:12
Psalm 20:1-9
Proverbs 4:20-27
25 Genesis 50:1 - Exodus 2:10
Matthew 16:13-17:9
Psalm 21:1-13
Proverbs 5:1-6
26 Exodus 2:11-3:22
Matthew 17:10-27
Psalm 22:1-18
Proverbs 5:7-14
27 Exodus 4:1-5:21
Matthew 18:1-20
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 5:15-21
28 Exodus 5:22-7:25
Matthew 18:21-19:12
Psalm 23:1-6
Proverbs 5:22-23
29 Exodus 8:1-9:35
Matthew 19:13-30
Psalm 24:1-10
Proverbs 6:1-5
30 Exodus 10:1-12:13
Matthew 20:1-28
Psalm 25:1-15
Proverbs 6:6-11
31 Exodus 12:14-13:16
Matthew 20:29-21:22
Psalm 25:16-22
Proverbs 6:12-15

http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com
One Year® is a registered trademark used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
~~~~~
Link List
[http://gasprices.mapquest.com]
[http://thelighthousechurch.publishpath.com/]
[www.terryscomputertips.com]
[www.mcc2000.net]
~~~~~
BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS
http://breakingchristiannews.com/

# Colorado Couple, who Lost 3 Sons, Receives Gift of Triplets on Christmas Eve
# Illinois State Museum Honors Heroic Missionary's Life
# Honey Now the Antibiotic of Choice For Treating Wounds?
# Soldier Impacted by the Passion of the Christ Adopts Disabled Iraqi Orphan

# Prayer Alert: Pakistan in Volatile State after Benazir Bhutto's Assassination
# Baghdad Churches Were Overflowing at Christmas
# Denzel Washington Believes Prophecy, Spoken Over Him 33 Years Ago in His Mother's Beauty Shop, Is Being Fulfilled
# Young Football Hero Shares Testimonies of Healings

# WWII Vet Gives $10,000 Check to Salvation Army Bell-Ringer
# British Woman Wakes from Coma to Find She's a New Mom
# Soldiers Serving Overseas Will Experience a Christmas They Will Never Forget
# Inspirational Film Silent Night Starring Linda Hamilton to Air on TBN Christmas Eve and Day

# Michael W. Smith Talks about his New Christmas CD and the Special Quality Inherent to Christmas Music
# Alaskans Wearing "It's OK Wish Me A Merry Christmas" Buttons
# The Allure of Live Nativity Plays Where Anything Can Happen

# Memorial Service for Sisters Shot at Colorado Church Draws 3,000
# Consumerism, Capitalism and Christmas: Can They Co-Exist?
# Scientist and Mathematician, William Dembski, Discusses Book that Delineates Intelligent Design Exploration

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GCF: After Christmas Thought
From the Good Clean Fun Archives

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 few days after Christmas, my six-year-old son and I were talking. He asked, "Mom, is there a Santa Claus?"

"Well, what do you think?" I asked him.

He replied, "Well, the Play station that I got from you and my gift from Santa were wrapped in the same kind of wrapping paper."

He thought for a minute and said, "I'll tell you what ... you and Dad can go on buying me presents and let's just forget we ever had this talk!"
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Christmas Turkey

From the Good Clean Fun Archives
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One year at Christmas, Mom went to my sister's house for the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, Mom decided to play a trick. She told my sister that she needed something from the store.

When my sister left, Mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, and inserted it into the turkey, then re-stuffed the turkey. She placed the bird(s) back in the oven.

When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird. With a look of total shock on her face, Mother exclaimed, "Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!"

At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry. It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs.
_ ____________________________ _
GCF: Bus Driver's Christmas Cards
From the Good Clean Fun Archives
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I am a bus driver for high school kids. It is Christmas time and the kids all gave me cards and presents.

Now I'm thinking, "Man, I must be a good driver and the kids even like me."

I opened the cards when I got home. On the inside of one card it said: "Thanks for not killing us yet. We really appreciate it."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Holiday Eating Tips

From the Good Clean Fun Archives
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I hate aspects of this time of year. Not for its crass commercialism and forced frivolity, but because it's the season when the food police come out with their wagging fingers and annual tips on how to get through the holidays without gaining 10 pounds.

1. About those carrot sticks. Avoid them. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnogaholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later then you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people’s food for free. Lots of it. Hello? Remember college?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Years, You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa. Position yourself near them, and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. You can't leave them behind. You're not going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean have some standards, mate.

10. And one final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips. Start over. But hurry! Cookieless January is just around the corner.
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Politically Correct Holiday Greetings

From the Good Clean Fun Archives
---------------------------------------------

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all;"

PLUS

"a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great, (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only "AMERICA" in the western hemisphere), and without regard to race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or choice of computer platform."

(Disclaimer: By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher who assumes no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit.)
_ ____________________________ _
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / I've gotten to the age where \ \_/ ////
\ / I need my false teeth and \ /
\ _/ hearing aid before I can \_ /
/ / ask where I left my glasses. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / Alarm Clock: \ \_/ ////
\ / A small mechanical device \ /
\ _/ used to wake up people who \_ /
/ / don't have children. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / If you have everything, \ /
\ _/ you value nothing. \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / \ /
\ _/ I have an exceptionally high Q.I. \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / Eventually you will reach \ \_/ ////
\ / a point when you stop lying \ /
\ _/ about your age and start \_ /
/ / bragging about it. \ \
_ ____________________________ _
| Thomas S. Ellsworth |
| tellswor@slonet.org |
| http://www.slonet.org/~tellswor |
|____________________________|
Stop for a visit, leave with a smile! To join Good Clean Fun, email: good-clean-fun-subscribe@yahoogroups.Com To leave Good Clean Fun, email: good-clean-fun-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.Com Or visit the Good Clean Fun web site at http://www. slonet.org/~tellswor/
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A businessman on his deathbed called his friend and said, 'Bill, I want you to promise me that when I die you will have my remains cremated.'
'And what,' his friend asked, 'do you want me to do with your ashes?'
The businessman said, 'Just put them in an envelope and mail them to the Internal Revenue Service, and write on the envelope, 'Now you have everything'.'

Thanks to Jeanette Ford
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Looking Heavenward

The temporary Sunday School teacher was struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination, but couldn't quite remember it.

She went to the pastor's study and asked for help. The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial.

After the first two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment. Finally he looked serenely heavenward and his lips moved silently.

Then he looked back at the lock, and quickly turned to the final number, and opened the lock.

The teacher was amazed. "I'm in awe at your faith, pastor," she said.

"It's really nothing," he answered. "The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling."

Thanks to Jeanette Ford
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Please and Thank You

While on maternity leave, a woman from our office brought in her new bundle of joy. She also had her seven-year-old son with her.

Everyone gathered around the baby, and the little boy asked, "Mommy, can I have some money to buy a soda?"

"What do you say?" she asked.

Respectfully, the boy replied, "You're thin and beautiful."

The woman reached in her purse and gave her son the money.

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

Car On Fire

I had just pulled into a parking spot at the huge home improvement store when smoke and flames began pouring from under my hood.

Frantic, I bolted into the store and ran up to the first clerk I saw. As luck would have it, he was standing behind the courtesy counter.

"Please help," I gasped. "My car's on fire! I need a fire extinguisher!"

Without even looking up, he replied, "Aisle 12."

Received from Becky D..

(-:][:-)

An Interview With An 80-year-old Woman

The local news station was interviewing an 80-year-old lady because she had just gotten married -- for the fourth time.

The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80, and then about her new husband's occupation.

"He's a funeral director," she answered.

"Interesting," the newsman thought. He then asked her if she wouldn't mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living.

She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years. After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she'd first married a banker when she was in her early 20s, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40s, later on a preacher when in her 60s, and now in her 80s, a funeral director.

The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers.

She smiled and explained, "I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go."

Received from Marjorie Brundage.

(-:][:-)

Thanks for What?

It's not an easy task to find yourself heading into the holidays when there's little joy in your life.

It had been a bad year, one that would be remembered for the loss of two loved ones, a year that saw financial despair and job loss.

Then there were the health issues. Not every day concerns, but life-threatening attacks.

Nothing, but nothing went right.

Still, the family gathered as always for the Thanksgiving Day feast. They came from all around the country to share once more in what was always a beautiful family tradition.

The setting was the same as always at Grandma's house. Aunt Esther would bring her famous sweet potatoes. Uncle Joe would play the piano in the great room. Mom would set the table while Dad ... well, Dad would watch football.

Aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters would hug that warm loving embrace that says it's been much too long.

Or would they?

"It's really not the same without her here," someone said. Uncle Peter pretended not to hear it and continued on with an almost believable smile on his face.

"Do you remember when George would tell that funny story about his first Thanksgiving turkey?"

"It was really not that funny, but to hear George tell it. You laughed because of him!"

There was an uneasy silence in the room.

"Time for dinner!" Grandma announced.

One by one, they all took their places at the table. There was an awkward moment when they discovered the two empty seats where they always sat.

"Maybe it's time for Sissy and Jack to move up to the big table," someone said.

"Yes, come sit here next to me," Uncle Peter motioned. "I could use some company right now."

"Okay, everyone bow your heads for grace," Grandma told them.

"Lord, we are gathered here once again in thanks for all your blessings. We are grateful to you for the bounty of this feast and for the family we share it with. Amen."

It was now the tradition of this family to take the time to share one thing they were each thankful for from the past year.

"Who would like to go first?" Grandma asked.

There was silence -- an uncomfortable moment that most everyone dreaded this year.

"Come, now. Who will start?"

Jack, now the youngest one there at the grown-up table, rose to his feet and tried to slip away.

Jack had lost his mother just a few weeks earlier after a long struggle with cancer.

"Jack, you have not asked to be excused," Grandma said sharply. "Perhaps you would like to begin?"

Oh, this was a tough moment. Grandma deserved the respect of a young man, but stirred in him a fire that only youth enjoy.

"Thanks? For what?" he said sharply. "Thanks for taking my mom? Thanks for Uncle Dan losing his job and having to sell his house? Thanks for the cancer that has taken all too many lives?" he said with anger in his voice. "Thanks for what?"

Most of the adults sat quietly with their heads lowered. Some struggled to hold back tears. It was a difficult time, and no one there went unaffected by the loss and tragedies of this past year.

Then suddenly a small voice could be heard: "Thanks for the love."

Heads raised slowly. Looking around the room to see who had spoken, you could hear the rattle of the dishes and the scraping of the chairs against the floor as some repositioned themselves to get a better look.

"Who said that?" Grandma said softly.

Nervously the young child raised his hand and could barely be seen in the far corner of the room.

It was the children's table, occupied this year by only two. The others had been promoted to fill the vacancies at the adult table.

"Jacob, please stand up," Grandma urged. "Tell us again. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?"

"I am thankful for the love. You can lose a job. God can call all of us home. What will always remain is the love. The love. I'm thankful for the love."

The stillness in the room was unsettling.

"I'm thankful for you, Jacob," someone said.

"Well, I'm thankful for ... ever having your mom in my life. Even if only for such a brief time," Jack's father said.

"I'm thankful for the memories," someone else added.

"I'm thankful for the chance to start over with a new career," Uncle Dan said.

"I'm thankful for cranberry sauce!" the little child yelled out.

Everyone was laughing. Jack returned to his seat as he listened to the others announce what they were thankful for.

"My golf score!"

"My new dress."

"My trip to the Grand Canyon last summer with our neighbors. It was awesome!"

Finally it went full circle right back to Jack.

There was a sudden hush in the room as everyone waited to see if he would join in.

Then looking up with tears in his eyes, Jack said, "Thanks for being my mom!"

Family rushed to his side, and surrounding him, they hugged, kissed, and held his hands.

"Let's eat!" Grandma said.

The young man in the corner whispered, "See, God? Thanks for the love."

by Bob Perks, http://www.bobperks.com

Received from FranCMT2.

(-:][:-)

Bus Driver's Christmas

I am a bus driver for high school kids. It is Christmas time, and the kids have all given me cards and presents.

Now I'm thinking, "Man, I must be a good driver, and the kids even like me."

I'm now home from work and have started to open the cards.

On the inside of one card it says, "Thanks for not killing us yet. We really appreciate it."

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

-=+=-
Rate this funny at http://www.gcfl.net/archive.php?funny=20060113
Brought to you by GCFL.net: The Good, Clean Funnies List A cheerful heart is good medicine... (Prov 17:22a) Mail address: GCFL, Box 100, Harvest, AL 35749, USA
To print or email this funny to others, go to http://www.gcfl.net/archive.php?funny=20060113
The latest GCFL funny can always be found on the web at http://www.gcfl.net/latest.php
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Madeleine Begun Kane Latest Columns - - http://madkane.com/newyearscontract.html - - IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED

What is it about December 31st that spurs fantasies of self-reform? Is it too much food and drink? Seasonal exuberance? Lunacy induced by crowds?

Every December, otherwise rational people make resolutions meant to transform them into organized, addiction-free souls with clean houses, healthy bodies, wholesome relationships, perfect children, and career paths soaring to the top -- the same vows they made last year and the year before that.

Can our resolutions endure past January 1st? Can we make it to year's end without ripping up our lists?

AGREEMENT entered into this ___________ (Date) by Husband and Wife (jointly called "Couple").

WHEREAS, New Year's Eve is coming and Couple feel compelled to make some vows:

NOW, THEREFORE, Couple make the following New Year's Resolution Agreement:

DIET:

1. Couple shall reduce their caffeine and cholesterol intake. Additionally, they shall not tempt each other with ice cream or chocolate, except on special occasions. The following are not special occasions:

a. National Notary Public Day

b. Air Conditioning Appreciation Day

c. American Aardvark Week

2. Husband and Wife shall modify their alcohol intake. Husband acknowledges that "lite" beer counts.

EXERCISE:

1. Couple shall join a health club and occasionally show up. Such attendance will entail actual use of equipment.

2. Couple shall encourage each other to exercise, but shall not be pushy. Remarks such as the following will be avoided:

"I did 30 minutes on the bike. How much did you do?"

If such remark is made, the proper response shall be: "I used more resistance, so there."

3. Couple shall not spend gym time staring at attractive torsos. When caught ogling, the proper defense is: "I was just checking out her (his) technique."

Husband and Wife will pretend to believe this.

4. When Couple cannot get to the gym, they shall make reasonable efforts to use their virgin exercise bike. In order to facilitate same, Husband shall remove his clothing from the bike and, for incentive purposes, try same on.

FINANCES:

1. Couple shall establish a college fund for their children. Additionally, they shall try to keep annual expenses below 110% of yearly income.

2. Couple shall create a budget for necessities such as housing, utilities, food, clothing, doctor bills, cable, bowling league, poker allowance, etc.

FAMILY:

1. Couple will spend more quality time with their children. Quality time is defined as periods when everyone is awake and nobody is yelling.

2. Husband will not criticize the children's choice of music ... until he stops listening to the Stones.

3. Couple shall not hit the children, no matter how severe the provocation, and shall limit discipline to scolding and confining them to their rooms. Couple shall remember to confiscate computer games before such confinement.

4. Couple shall make reasonable efforts not to spoil the children. Couple shall also make reasonable efforts to spoil each other.

5. Couple shall try to get along with their respective parents ... and shall forgive each other when they fail.

CHORES:

1. Husband shall not spend all afternoon doing a five minute chore.

2. Husband shall stop pretending he knows how to fix the plumbing.

3. Couple shall not feign incompetence in order to avoid certain tasks. For example:

a. Husband acknowledges that he knows how to operate the dish washer.

b. Wife admits she knows how to pump gas.

However, neither Husband nor Wife knows how to fill out health insurance forms.

RESOLUTION VIOLATIONS:

1. Husband and Wife shall not nag each other when they fall afoul of their resolutions. Gentle reminders, however, are permissible. The following are not deemed gentle:

a. "That's what you call a diet?"

b. "Get up you lazy slob and take out the garbage. Or have you already forgotten your resolution?"

2. The following are acceptable responses to resolution violations:

a. "If you consult our Resolution Agreement, you'll find it excludes beer and bon-bons."

b. "Honey, would you please refer to our agreement and, after having done so, take out the damn garbage."

3. Husband and Wife shall exercise restraint when resolution violations occur. They shall also take detailed notes...to get a head start on next year's list.

WHEREFORE, we affix our signatures:

(Husband)___________________ (Wife)___________________

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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"Don't strive for recognition, but work for achievement." -- Vanessa Malone
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This is an old posting attributed to Paul Harvey. But it's still worth a read as we enter 2008:

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.

I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.

I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.

And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.

I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.

I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room,but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her.

I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.

If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.

I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.

I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boy\girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.

I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it.. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle.

May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.

I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Hannukah/Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.

Thanks to Ronnie Reynolds
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Dear Friends and Family:

My Dad was in the Army for 27 years, fought in WWII and Korea twice. I was born in an Army Hospital in Japan and have always had a Red, White and Blue heart.

When doing your Christmas card list this year, include one to the address below. Such a small gift could be a wonderful blessing to a hospitalized hero! These are special people who have sacrificed so much on our behalf !

Here's the address:

A Recovering American Soldier (OR substitute "Hero" for "Soldier")
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

If you approve of the idea, you may want to pass it on to some friends.
Agape'

Dana Sigmon / Songwriters Ministries, Inc.
PO Box 1001 / Smyrna, TN 37167
615-459-0554 / Cellular: 615-305-7970
Main Ministry Site: http://danasigmon.org
Our Online Music: http://www.danasigmon.org/store/store.htm
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The Pump Handle. A water cooler for the public health crowd.
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/

The Pump Handle will be on hiatus for the rest of 2007. We wish
everyone a happy and healthy new year!
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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.

Marilyn Adams

Marilyn Adams lost her son, Keith 22 years ago when he "suffocated in a gravity flow wagon while helping with harvest on their family farm" and has been working toward the betterment of young farm workers every since her loss.

Marilyn's efforts have produced Farm Safety Just For Kids and now has 134 chapters and their goal is to increase public awareness and to understand of the hazards for children on the farm by providing individuals, families, and communities with educational opportunities and resources.

Besides the great find in this family built organization; Marilyn has been nominated for Volvo's America’s Greatest Hometown Hero program and if she is the "grand award winner selected from the Safety, Quality of Life and Environment categories, being named “America’s Greatest Hometown Hero” and presented with a new Volvo car every three years for the rest of his or her life at the annual Volvo for Life awards ceremony in New York City March 19, 2008. Three category winners will receive a $100,000 charitable contribution and two runners-up in each category win $25,000 charitable contributions."

The vote last through through Jan. 7, 2008 all it takes is a check mark so take a few moments and show your support for Marilyn Adams efforts in Farm Safety Just For Kids.

GOOD LUCK & THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK; you have already given many the gift of life through awareness and we wish Marilyn the best in her continued efforts.

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

01. Pfc. George J. Howell 24, of Salinas, Calif., died Dec. 21 in Riyadh, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Infantry Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York.

02. Senior Airman Nicholas D. Eischen, 24, of Sanger, Calif., died Dec. 24 in Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 60th Medical Operations Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

03. Sgt. Peter C. Neesley, 28, of Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., died Dec. 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, of an undetermined cause in a non-combat environment. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

04. Sgt. Bryan J. Tutten, 33, of St. Augustine, Fla., died Dec. 25 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 26 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered from small arms fire during dismounted combat operations.They were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas. Killed were:
05. Capt. Rowdy J. Inman, 38, of Panorama Village, Texas.
06. Sgt. Benjamin B. Portell, 27, of Bakersfield, Calif.
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Please remember to pray for the American soldiers stationed everywhere around the globe and especially in Iraq. Times have been and are very tough and it would be nice if you would all just say a prayer for their safety and for their families.
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"September 11 WDYTJWD" W. P. Florence
Justice first, then peace."
"September 11" Never forget.--Tony Moses
"ONE NATION UNDER GOD ...the only way"--Phillip Story
"We have nothing to fear but fear itself." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Keeping my head down but face toward Heaven" - - Jody Eldred, ABC News Cameraman in Kuwait
"Remember Pearl Harbor? Remember 9/11!" --"Bug"
Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. - - George Carlin
"Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!" - - Queen E. Watson
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Activities and Events of Interest
~~~~~
New Years!
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Scheduled Activities
~~~
CQ CQ all Hams. We have restarted a 2 meter net on the Willisville repeater, 146.655, every Tuesday evening at 7 PM. Please check in and spread the word. We would like to get some renewed interest in amateur radio and the ARKLA Amateur Radio Association. Will be listening for everyone next Tuesday night.
~~~
Columbia County Amateur Radio Club meets Every second Thursday @ 7:00 p.m. Union Street Station. And YOU'RE invited. Net is every Sunday at 20:30 on 147.105.
~~~
MCC - Mom's Day Out - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 2.$10 for the first child, $5 for the second. Call 234-3225 for reservations.
~~~
MCC - Nursing Home Ministry - Meadowbrook Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 am. Taylor, the last Thursday each month.
~~~
Men's Prayer Breakfast held every Tuesday morning at 6 AM in Miller's Cafeteria. If you aren't a regular participant at the Men's Prayer Breakfast, you're missing some great food, fellowship and inspired teaching of the Word. Hope to see you there.
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Emergency Phone Number 911
(Fire, Police, Ambulance, Sheriff, etc. )
Central Dispatch 234-5655
(Non - Emergency Number)
Direct Numbers
Ambulance - 234-7371 (24 Hour)
Jail - 234-5331 (24 Hour)
Poison Control - 800-222-1222 (24 Hour)
http://www. aapcc. org/
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"There is not enough darkness in the world to put out the light of one candle."
"Laugh whenever you can and cry if you need to." -- "Bug"
"I read the end of the book. We win!" -- "Bug"
"We may not be able to cure the world, but we don't have to make it sicker." -- "Bug"
"There just ain't enough fingers for all the holes in the dike." - - "Bug"
"It's no big deal doing what God tells you to do. A big deal would be NOT doing what God tells you to do. Just ask Jonah." - - Paul Troquille
"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in ... and how many want out." - - Tony Blair
"Information is the currency of democracy." - Jefferson
“Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est.” Knowledge is power. - Francis Bacon
"The problem is here and now. The time for talk is past. The time for action is now."
Comments on the first Earth Day - James F. McClellan via "Fuzzy" Thurman
~~~~~
Hope you enjoy the newsletter.
Again, thanks to all our contributors this week.

God bless and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Luke 9:43-45 Eccl 1:9-10 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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Bugs Bleat 4q 07

Blog Archive

About Me

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: After Christmas Thought - - Photos

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: After Christmas Thought

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: After Christmas Thought

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: After Christmas Thought

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: After Christmas Thought

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: After Christmas Thought

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Open and Shut Case - - Photos