Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Cross-Eyed Dog

Volume 10, Issue 36 Friday, September 05, 2008

Hello All,

Regarding my “Taylor” stories, Dinah Sue writes: “I enjoy reading your Bug's Beat even though I always seem to be the bad child in your stories. Just maybe you could let me not be the bad girl once.” Well, I have to admit that Dinah Sue is often the protagonist in many of my childhood stories. So I decided to share one where she wasn’t the “bad child”. ... But I couldn’t come up with one so I’m sharing this story instead.
~
Several of my uncles were union steel workers and, as such, they sometimes found themselves between jobs. On one occasion, while the family was gathered at Miss Mary’s home, Uncle _____ (name with held to protect the guilty) commented that he didn’t know how he was going to feed his wife and kids since he didn’t have any money coming in. After he’d left, grandmother got the rest of the kids together and told them; “None of us are going hungry. Y’all get some money together and take it to ____.”
So my mother and the other kids pooled their resources and took the money down to _____’s house. When he realized why they were there, he was sincerely moved and began to weep. He said; “You don’t know what this means to us. I was afraid I was going to have to write a check.”
~
Once any money my uncles made was deposited into the bank, it usually didn’t come out again.
~~~~~
AR-1 wasn’t deployed to Gustav but was notified to respond into Louisiana Thursday evening. After four hours of preparation, the order came from Washington to stand down. I’m beginning to understand the old “Hurry Up and Wait” adage.
~~~~~
Jimmy and Vanessa evacuated Saturday evening and spent the week with us and Jimmy’s mom. It was great to have them and even greater to spend the week with our youngest grandsons. Jimmy returned to Mandeville Thursday and called back the news that power was back on and they had running water. So, Vanessa and the boys headed south at noon today.
Annette and I already miss them.
~~~~~
Our friends report that there is almost no vehicle fuel available below Alexandria, LA and much of Baton Rouge remains without power. “There was not much happening in N.O., and that's all the MSM was interested in.” Robert reports: “33% of Ascension parish was powered up, but some of the rural folks had been given dates of mid October for having power restored. Well, there is no levee or superdome in Baton Rouge so CNN and NBC have moved on. Just thought I would share this with you since the media has no interest in it.”
~
Another of our readers reports: “Our biggest problem is power. Some lights are coming on, but a big frustration is that ... our local utility is projecting up to 4 weeks or longer to restore power to some parts of the city (this is the city, not isolated farms). I've got a generator and started with about 20 gallons of gasoline, but need to resupply - from somewhere? Gasoline is almost unavailable. A heads-up to those who, like me, thought I could just siphon from my 25-gallon truck tank. Newer vehicles have some sort of screen in the fuel line to prevent siphoning. Siphon prevention is usually a good idea, but not this week!
One recommendation an a/c man gave me last year was to buy a little $100 window unit to keep one room cool if your main A/C unit goes out 'til he can get to you (my A/C failed on a day it reached 103F, and he was swamped). Actually I got one at Lowe's for $70 at fall close-out. Worth its weight in gold today! 5,500 BTU doesn't load up the generator too badly.
Another heads-up is communication during the storm. For those poor folks who "bundled" with ... cable, they have no phones, Internet or television. For those with ATT land lines and DSL, they've got phone service and, if they can run a generator, they've got Internet service. That's what I'm using now from a neighbor's house. In an emergency, I'd rate ...Cable as "worthless". ATT seems to have it together. I've been pleasantly surprised that ATT Wireless has provided good cell phone service. This is the first time that they've impressed me! I've had a good signal throughout.”
~
Hummm ... I’m thinking about getting a Cable phone. I wonder how our local cable would do in a mass power failure situation.
~~~~~
Speaking of Gustav, we had a meeting in Ferndale Thursday and were surprised to see the flooding and wind damage between Prescott and Ferndale. The conference center had just gotten power back on a few hours before our meeting started. Several of the wealthier participants had spent the night in Little Rock instead of driving up in the predawn hours and they related that power in Little Rock hotels had only been restored at 5 pm the night before.
Today, I had to return to Little Rock for a Doctor’s meeting and the nurse related that they didn’t expect power to be back on in her neighborhood for several more days.
~~~~~
Both days I went to Little Rock this week, I-30 was loaded with National Guard Convoys. They were headed south west.
~~~~~
Dr. Mendelsholm said that I was the only patient he was aware of that had been holding steady this long. So, he’s decided to try an experiment to cut my medication by 50% and see what happens. We’ll keep you posted.
~~~~~
Annette is still working on her fourth appeal for SS Disability. Thanks to help from Kathy Lee, Mike Ross’s office, Dr. Rushing and Dr. Murphy we have high hopes for this latest try.
~~~~~
Meanwhile, in an effort to improve our health, we started another semester with the “Water Nazi”. Our first class on Tuesday was full of college age kids. I figure most of them will drop out when they realize how hard the exercises are.
~~~~~
The Orlando Sentinel reported on a leaked NASA email, indicating that NASA is looking at options to extend the Shuttle program. [http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/space/orl-nasa2908aug30,0,3449221.story] The fighting between Russia and Georgia has put a strain on plans to rely on Russian boosters until the Shuttle's replacement flies in 2015. Yet extending the Shuttle's life is no sure thing. According to a former NASA program manager, "We started shutting down the shuttle four years ago. That horse has left the barn." And NASA Administrator Michael Griffin has told Congress that if the Shuttle fleet were to fly two missions a year until 2015, "the risk would be about one in 12 that we would lose another crew. That's a high risk... [one] I would not choose to accept on behalf of our astronauts." And then there's the matter of finding the $4 billion a year it would take to keep the fleet operational. The Sentinel mentions that John McCain has called for additional Shuttle flights, but doesn't mention that Barack Obama has made the same point, as the BBC reports.
~~~~~
Don’t forget to use GoodSearch [http://www.goodsearch.com/] when you search the Internet!
~~~~~
DarynKagan.com - - Flight Attendant Saves the Day - - http://darynkagan.demo.nimbussoftware.com/heroism/stories/he_080905_flightattendant.html
~~~~~
The Lighthouse Church - - http://thelighthousechurch.publishpath.com/
~~~~~
Staff Sgt. Nick Bradley’s address at Walter Reed Medical Center, courtesy of his parents:
Bradley, Staff, Sgt. Nick B
WD 57 RM 41
6900 Georgia Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20307
~~~~~
Each week the Defense Department highlights military personnel who have gone above and beyond in the war. [http://www.defenselink.mil/heroes/] - - James D. Hamill - - Hometown: Wilmington, DE - - Awarded: Bronze Star

Then-Petty Officer James Hamill, United States Navy, was trained as a command photographer, but in a flash, his mettle was tested, with 100 lives in the balance.

Working as a mass communications specialist, Hamill was serving with a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Khost, Afghanistan. On February 20, 2007, Hamill was assigned to document a momentous occasion, the opening of the Khost Provincial Hospital Emergency Room – a sign of progress in this dangerous province. Rumors and spotty intelligence came before the ceremony that warned of a possible suicide attack, but those involved with the project refused to back down and cancel the event. In the dense urban sprawl of Khost anything could happen, and Hamill’s PRT considered goodwill events like this the key to an effective counterinsurgency.

Unbeknownst to the attendees at the event, including provincial officials, cabinet members, and national government figures, a suicide bomber had slipped through the Afghan police’s outer security perimeter – dressed as a doctor – and was approaching the gathering. One vigilant American soldier became suspicious of the supposed doctor who was approaching the ceremony and stopped him. The soldier’s instincts were right as he keenly spotted the explosive vest, and tackled the marauding bomber.

As the two wrestled on the ground, the alarm was sounded, and Hamill immediately dropped his camera, raised his rifle, and moved to act as the last defense for the assembly of citizens and VIPs. The bomber freed himself and charged forward, hoping to unleash his horrible weapon, but Hamill stood his ground. With his weapon raised, he opened fire less than ten feet away from the imposter. The bomber was repeatedly hit, fell to the ground, and triggered his lethal package.

The ferocious blast – stopped only by the keen eye of one sergeant and Hamill’s unwavering determination – injured him and six other Americans, while sparing the hundred at the gathering of any casualties. Ignoring the shrapnel wounds to his abdomen, Hamill aided in performing life-saving first aid on the injured American soldiers who were worse off than him and ensured the area was secure in case of a follow-up attack.

The Major General of the 82nd Airborne at the time exclaimed that Hamill "prevented the bomber from inflicting catastrophic casualties," and praised his "extraordinary heroism" and "total dedication to duty." For his acts that day, he was awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds and the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for standing his ground against the suicide bomber.
~~~~~
The latest from Michael Yon, the foremost “milnews” blogger on the web.
~
Greetings from Afghanistan:

I am currently in the field with British soldiers. This email was written in advance; I have no email contact at this time. Please click [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/] for an important update regarding "Moment of Truth in Iraq."
Please stand by for some very interesting reports from southern Afghanistan. I am on operations with British soldiers. These operations are as important as they are fascinating as they are dangerous. Morale is high among British soldiers. Dispatches are in the making.
~
03 Sept 08
0910 est
Michael has no internet but called on the sat phone.
British 2 Para in Helmand province have been repeatedly and successfully closing with and engaging the Taliban. In ongoing operations today a number of British paratroopers lured Taliban into an attack. British forces responded with machine guns, small arms, shoulder fired rockets, mortars, and a 500 lb bomb. Locals say "Many Taliban dead."
More Later....

V/R, Your correspondent,
Michael

Http://www.michaelyon-online.com/index.php
~~~~~
Last week we watched [Ratings are my own]:
Waitress (2007) [7.5] Starring Keri Russell ... Nathan Fillion ... Cheryl Hines
I Could Never Be Your Woman (2007) [6] Starring Michelle Pfeiffer ... Paul Rudd
Saving Sarah Cain (2007) [6.5] Starring Lisa Pepper ... Abigail Mason ... Soren Fulton
~~~~~
Last week we read; First daughter / Eric Van Lustbader, The assassin / Stephen Coonts, and Blue heaven / by C.J. Box.
We’re currently reading; Fidelity / Thomas Perry.
We intend to read; The way of the world : a story of truth and hope in an age of extremism / Ron Suskind.
We recommend: Jungle rules : a true story of Marine justice in Vietnam / Charles W. Henderson.
~~~~~
http://www.shelfari.
com/BugsBleat/shelf?ec=7D790D174EFS18012
~~~~~
Photos on the front of this week’s “Bleat” include shots of two of our favorite evacuees, National Guard Convoys, and empty WalMart food shelves in South Louisiana.
~~~~~
We’ve now got several addresses on the web for "Da Bleat." For the latest issue, go to http://www.bugsbleat.blogspot.com. Last quarter’s issues can be seen at http://www.bugsbleat2q08.blogspot.com.
Our photos are posted at http://www.bugsbleatphotos.blogspot.com.
If you want to see more photos of April’s train wreck in Magnolia, go to http://www.bugsbleattw.blogspot.com/
~~~~~
Feel free to share the "Bleat" with any and all. That's why we publish it.
~~~~~
Dr. Pat Antoon’s Address:
Pat Antoon 06669-010
Federal Prison Camp
P.O. Box 9300
Texarkana, TX 75505
Be sure and keep him in your prayers.
~~~~~
Recipe(s) of the week - - - Creamy Spicy Corn Chowder with Chicken Recipe courtesy Angie Ketterman

2 slices bacon, sliced in 1-inch strips
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
1 russet potato, diced
1 small red pepper, diced
3 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 cups milk
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded rotisserie cooked chicken
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
1 lime, cut into wedges

In a large saucepot over medium heat cook bacon until crispy and all fat has rendered out. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon fat, add onion, jalapeno, potato, red pepper, corn, salt and pepper and saute for about 5 minutes. Add thyme.
In a blender, puree half the mixture and add back to the pan. Add milk, chicken broth, and chicken and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Transfer to serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with cooked bacon, fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.

Prep Time: 20
CookTime: 20
Yield: 6 servings

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/cda/recipe_print/0,1946,FOOD_9936_179515_PRINT-RECIPE-FULL-PAGE,00.html

Copyright © 2006 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved.
~~~~~
BreakPoint
Adding Insult to Injury
By Chuck Colson
9/5/2008
Africa, AIDS, and Victim-Blaming

Approximately 30 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are thought to be infected with the HIV virus. Unlike the West, from the start, HIV/AIDS in Africa has ravaged the non-drug-using heterosexual population. Let me put it this way: People whose Western counterparts are not at risk for HIV/AIDS have been the epidemic’s principal victims in Africa. Why?

This has prompted many people to blame the victims in ways that played on the worst racial stereotypes and prejudices: Researchers and experts argued that “Africans were simply incapable of being anything but promiscuous where sex was concerned.”

They were wrong: The AIDS epidemic in Africa was not because of a unique African promiscuity. In some ways, it is the product of efforts to reduce the number of Africans.

In his book Population Control: Real Costs, Illusory Benefits, Steven Mosher tells readers about the work of researchers David Gisselquist and Stephen Potterat. Prior to their work, it had been assumed that the AIDS epidemic had been spread by heterosexual sex.

Assumed because there was little evidence that this was the case. But, as Mosher points out, it was an assumption that suited the needs of various influential parties: most obviously, AIDS activists.

Another such group was population controllers who believed that Africa was “overpopulated.” A heterosexually spread epidemic would allow them to flood the continent with condoms. While Africans might not have used them for birth control, surely they would use them to prevent the spread of a potentially lethal virus!

Gisselquist and Potterat put the heterosexual transmission assumption to the test and found it wanting. Their peer-reviewed analysis of 22 studies found that instead of 90 percent of African AIDS cases being the result of sexual transmission, as was assumed, the real number was 25 to 35 percent. By way of comparison, the U.S. percentage is well over 50.

According to the researchers, the evidence suggested a “large majority of HIV infections in non-promiscuous adults.” Far from being the victims of their own promiscuity, half of all African AIDS victims were involved in monogamous relationships.

So, if promiscuity is not driving the epidemic in Africa, what is? Substandard medical care—specifically, dirty needles. Almost uniquely, in Africa the more “health care” a person receives, the greater her chances of being infected.

That is because the sanitary conditions we take for granted do not exist in poor African countries. There, syringes and surgical instruments are often re-used without proper sterilization. The needles used to administer vaccine can also transmit AIDS.

It is not only vaccination. The World Health Organization has acknowledged that needles used to administer contraceptives like Depo-Provera are often re-used. Their likely connection to the spread of HIV was tacitly confirmed by their replacement in 2002 by needles that could be used only once.

While it is impossible to know how many women were infected this way, it is clear that population-control efforts, inadvertently maybe, contributed to the spread of the virus in Africa.

But what was not inadvertent was the libeling of an entire continent by outsiders with agendas. People who did or should have known the truth went along with a lie, adding insult to a most grievous injury.

This is part two in a three-part series.

Steven Mosher, Population Control: Real Costs, Illusory Benefits (Transaction Publishers, 2008).

Anne Morse, “Be Fruitful and Multiply—Unless You’re African,” The Point, 17 March 2008.

BreakPoint Commentary No. 080902, “Cruel to Be ‘Kind’: Population Control and Human Dignity.”

“Trends in HIV/AIDS Diagnoses among Men Who Have Sex with Men—33 States, 2001-2006,” CDC, 27 June 2008.

Colin Mason, “The Cost of Control: Steve Mosher’s Book Explodes the Myth of Overpopulation,” Catholic Exchange, 15 May 2008.

James Randerson, “WHO Accused of Huge HIV Blunder,” New Scientist, 3 December 2003.

BreakPoint Commentary No. 040706, “The Missing Factor: ‘The Fidelity Fix’.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 080218, “If It Ain’t Broke . . . : Hijacking AIDS Relief.”

Catherina Hurlburt, “More on AIDS in Africa,” The Point, 30 June 2008.

© 2008 Prison Fellowship - - http://www.breakpoint.org/
~~~~~
Words of the Week:
chthonic: dwelling in or under the earth; also, pertaining to the underworld.
redress: to set right.
fop: a man who is vain about his dress and appearance.
gubernatorial: of or pertaining to a governor.
admonition: gentle or friendly reproof; friendly warning.
comestible: suitable to be eaten.
glower: to stare angrily or with a scowl.
immolate: to kill or destroy, often by fire.
bevy: a group; an assembly.
from Dictionary.Com
~~~~~
Never underestimate the power of idiots in large groups. - - Omega

America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to change the system from within, yet too early to shoot the bastards. - - Claire Wolfe

"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." - - George Orwell

"The height of cleverness is being able to conceal it." - Frantois, Duc de La Rochefoucauld

"It is hard to believe a man is telling you the truth when you know you would lie if you were in his place." - H. L. Mencken

"The institution of the family is decisive in determining not only if a person has the capacity to love another individual but in the larger social sense whether he is capable of loving his fellow men collectively. The whole of society rests on this foundation for stability, understanding and social peace." - Daniel Patrick Moynihan

"This wine is too good for toast-drinking, my dear. You don't want to mix emotions up with a wine like that. You lose the taste." - Ernest Hemingway

"The cocks may crow, but it's the hen that lays the egg." - Margaret Thatcher

"True patriotism sometimes requires of men to act exactly contrary, at one period, to that which it does at another, and the motive which impels them - the desire to do right - is precisely the same." - Robert Edward Lee
~~~~~
BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS
http://breakingchristiannews.com/

National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, Sept. 5th through 7th, 2008
Christianity Gaining Ground and Hearts in Iran
Brazilian Homeschoolers Score Surprise Victory...
Anonymous Lottery Winner Donates $3 Million Winnings to Church...
McCain's VP Pick Sarah Palin: a Governor, Wife and Mother, and a Champion for Life

310 2nd Ave SE
Albany, Oregon 97321
541-928-2642
E-mail editor@breakingchristiannews.com
US Orders: 1-866-358-7426
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GCF: Cross-Eyed Dog

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

If this was forwarded to you, please consider your own subscription to Good Clean Fun. It's free! Just send an email to: good-clean-fun-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
------------------------------------------------

A man takes his Rottweiler to the vet.

"My dog is cross-eyed," the man says. "Is there anything you can do for him?"

"Well," says the vet, "let's have a look at him."

So he picks the dog up and examines his eyes and ears and then checks his teeth. Finally, he says, "I'm going to have to put him down."

"What?" The man was astonished. "Why? Because he's cross-eyed?"

"No," said the vet, "because he's really heavy!"
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Finding Tea

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


My poor wife was sick in bed with the flu. Being a dutiful husband, I offered to fix her some of her favorite herbal tea. I couldn't find the tea though and went back upstairs to ask where it was.

She said, "I don't know how it could be any easier to see. It's in the pantry, third shelf down, in a cocoa tin marked 'matches'."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Military Housing

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

Told to treat his military housing as he would if he owned it, the Navy Chief quickly put up a sign in the front yard: "For Sale."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: The Band Played On

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

A band performing at an outdoor concert kept playing although the crowd had dwindled down to one man. Finally, the tired musicians told the man that if he left, they could all go home.

"It's up to you," he answered. "I'm just waiting to put away all those folding chairs."
_ ____________________________ _
/ )| Thomas S. Ellsworth |( \
/ / | tellswor@kcbx.net | \ \
_( (_ | http://www.kcbx.net/~tellswor | _) )
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Why is it that rain drops \ /
\ _/ but snow falls? \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / All those who believe in \ /
\ _/ telekinesis, raise my hand. \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / You DO know what a \ /
\ _/ leading question is, don't you? \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / This sentence no verb. \ /
\ _/ \_ /
/ / \ \
_ ____________________________ _
| Thomas S. Ellsworth |
| tellswor@kcbx.net |
| http://www.kcbx.net/~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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Awareness Test

Two paramedics were dispatched to check on a 92-year-old man who had become disoriented. They decided to take him to the hospital for evaluation.

En route, with the siren blaring, they questioned the man to determine his level of awareness. Leaning close, one asked, "Sir, do you know what we're doing right now?"

The old man slowly looked up at him and then gazed out the ambulance window.

"Oh," he replied, "I'd say about 50, maybe 55."

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

Proper Job Placement

/* Admin note: Tuesday's funny was written by W. Bruce Cameron @ http://wbrucecameron.com/ . Thanks to Audrey A. Maslim for being the first to point this out. */

Methods from Human Resources...

1. Put 400 bricks in a closed room.
2. Put your new hires in the room and close the door.
3. Leave them alone and come back after six hours.
4. Then analyze the situation.
a. If they are counting the bricks, put them in the Accounting Department.
b. If they are recounting them, put them in Auditing.
c. If they have messed up the whole place with the bricks, put them in Engineering.
d. If they are arranging the bricks in some strange order, put them in Planning.
e. If they are throwing the bricks at each other, put them in Operations.
f. If they are sleeping, put them in Security.
g. If they have broken the bricks into pieces, put them in Information Technology.
h. If they are sitting idle, put them in Human Resources.
i. If they say they have tried different combinations and they are looking for more, yet not a brick has been moved, put them in Sales.
j. If they have already left for the day, put them in Management.
k. If they are staring out of the window, put them in Strategic Planning.
l. If they are talking to each other, and not a single brick has been moved, congratulate them and put them in Top Management.
m. Finally, if they have surrounded themselves with bricks in such a way that they can neither be seen nor heard from, put them in Congress.

Received from Eileen.

(-:][:-)

A Dog Named Mace

There was once a handyman who had a dog named Mace. Mace was a great dog except he had one weird habit: he liked to eat grass -- not just a little bit, but in quantities that would make a lawnmower blush. And nothing, it seemed, could cure him of it. One day, the handyman lost his wrench in the tall grass while he was working outside. He looked and looked, but it was nowhere to be found.

As it was getting dark, he gave up for the night and decided to look the next morning. When he awoke, he went outside and saw that his dog had eaten all the grass in the area, around where he had been working, and his wrench now lay in plain sight, glinting in the sun.

Going out to get his wrench, he called the dog over to him and said, "A grazing Mace, how sweet the hound, that saved a wrench for me."

Received from Sara Gladen.

(-:][:-)

A Week at the Gym

For my birthday this year my wife purchased me a week of private lessons at the local health club. Though still in great shape from when I was on the varsity chess team in high school, I decided it was a good idea to go ahead and try it. I called and made reservations with someone named Tanya, who said she is a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and athletic clothing model. My wife seemed very pleased with how enthusiastic I was to get started.

They suggested I keep an "exercise diary" to chart my progress.

Day 1. Started the morning at 6:00 AM. Tough to get up, but worth it when I arrived at the health club and Tanya was waiting for me. She's something of a goddess, with blond hair and a dazzling white smile. She showed me the machines and took my pulse after five minutes on the treadmill. She seemed a little alarmed that it was so high, but I think just standing next to her in that outfit of hers added about ten points. Enjoyed watching the aerobics class. Tanya was very encouraging as I did my sit ups, though my gut was already aching a little from holding it in the whole time I was talking to her. This is going to be GREAT.

Day 2. Took a whole pot of coffee to get me out the door, but I made it. Tanya had me lie on my back and push this heavy iron bar up into the air. Then she put weights on it, for heaven's sake! Legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made it the full mile. Her smile made it all worthwhile. Muscles ALL feel GREAT.

Day 3. The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the tooth brush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I am certain that I have developed a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer. I parked on top of a Volkswagen. Tanya was a little impatient with me and said my screaming was bothering the other club members. The treadmill hurt my chest so I did the stair "monster." Why would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by the invention of elevators? Tanya told me regular exercise would make me live longer. I can't imagine anything worse.

Day 4. Tanya was waiting for me with her vampire teeth in a full snarl. I can't help it if I was half an hour late, it took me that long just to tie my shoes. She wanted me to lift dumbbells. Not a chance, Tanya. The word "dumb" must be in there for a reason. I hid in the men's room until she sent Lars looking for me. As punishment she made me try the rowing machine. It sank.

Day 5. I hate Tanya more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. If there was any part of my body not in extreme pain I would hit her with it. She thought it would be a good idea to work on my triceps. Well I have news for you Tanya - I don't have triceps. And if you don't want dents in the floor don't hand me any barbells. I refuse to accept responsibility for the damage, YOU went to sadist school, YOU are to blame. The treadmill flung me back into a science teacher, which hurt like crazy. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like a music teacher, or social studies?

Day 6. Got Tanya's message on my answering machine, wondering where I am. I lacked the strength to use the TV remote so I watched eleven straight hours of the weather channel.

Day 7. Well, that's the week. Thank goodness that's over. Maybe next time my wife will give me something a little more fun, like a gift certificate for a root canal.

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

Noise Under the Floor

My bathroom is in the back of the house and it's hard to hear when anyone is on the property.

One morning while getting ready for work, and thinking I was the only one at home, I kept hearing something crawl around under my bathroom floor. Thinking that somehow the neighbor's cat had gotten under the house, I began stomping the floor hard and shouting at the top of my lungs, "Get out of there!" and "Stop that!" Finally, the moving stopped so I finished what I was doing and left for work.

When I returned home that evening, I found a note that the exterminators had been there for their annual inspection. I turned to my husband and said, "Honey, do the exterminators crawl around under the house?"

He said, "Sure, why?"

That's when I burst out laughing. It took me several minutes to tell my husband what I had done. He cracked up at the thought of me standing in the bathroom stomping and shouting, and he said, "It's a good thing he didn't answer you back or you would have keeled over dead!"

Received from Deb Jackson, Holland, MO.

(-:][:-)

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Madeleine Begun Kane Latest Columns - - http://www.madkane.com/madness/2008/08/20/some-friendly-advice-for-obama/ - - Some Friendly Advice For Obama
The longer this presidential campaign goes on, the more worried I become. And oddly enough, it’s Barack Obama’s much touted communication skills that concern me the most.

Because as good as Obama is at speechifying, that’s how poor he is when he’s responding to questions. It’s the difference between hearing the insightful results of his thought process … and being forced to watch him think.

And that leads me to my latest verse:

Some Friendly Advice For Obama
By Madeleine Begun Kane

Dear Obama, your speeches are great,
Like a confident, smart Head of State.
But when questioned you freeze
And appear ill at ease.
Loosen up or you’ll lose — no debate!

And when queried you need to be clear.
Don’t meander and stutter, you hear?
Cuz you come off evasive
And quite unpersuasive,
While John McCain’s lies sound sincere.

I’ll admit I was never a fan,
And I’m sick of the phrase “Yes we can.”
But I’m begging you, hide
Your pontificate-side,
Else you’ll lose to a confidence man.

http://www.madkane.com
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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Taxes 101

Obama's Plan for "Change" is the Robin Hood Plan - take from the rich and give to the poor; until suddenly: there is no rich to take from; then what? - the "goverment " will be up Stuff Creek without a paddle!
Now, I can finally understand the tax system in the US.
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. "Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20." Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay. And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.
"I only got a dollar out of the $20," declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man," but he got $10!"
"Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!"
"That's true!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!"
"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

Thanks to Buzzy
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I know many of you are very committed to participating in elections, but this is interesting anyway. I was totally unaware of this incident until I received this email. I'm afraid we take our right to vote and our status as full citizens in this country very much for granted these days. See you at the polls!

THIS IS MOVING. HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET, IF WE EVER KNEW, WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTE.

This is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers; they lived only 90 years ago.
Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.

The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote.

And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic.'
(Lucy Burns)
They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging fo! r the ni ght, bleeding and gasping for air.
(Dora Lewis)
They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.

Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote. For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.
(Alice Paul) When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/suffrage/nwp/prisoners.pdf

So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because- -why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?

Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have my say. I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.

All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of voting had become less personal for me, more rote. Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.
My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history, saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk about it, she looked angry. She was--with herself. 'One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie,' she said. 'What would those women think of the way I use, or don't use, my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn.' The right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her 'all over again.'
HBO released the movie on video and DVD . I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in their curriculum I want it shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a little shock therapy is in order.
It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy.
The doctor admonished the men: 'Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity.'
We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.

History is being made.

Thanks to Ricky and Sarah
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ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT

This is the scariest election we as Christians have ever faced and from the looks of the polls, the Christians aren't voting Christian values. We all need to be on our knees.
This was forwarded to me and I think it is a great idea so I am forwarding it on to you.
Do you believe we can take God at His word? Call upon His name, and then stand back and watch His wonders to behold. This scripture gives us, as Christians, ownership of this land and the ability to call upon God to heal it. I challenge you to do so. We have never been more desperate than now for God to heal our land. This election is the scariest I remember in my lifetime.
2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
During WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England , its people and peace. This had an am azing effect as bombing stopped. There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America . The United States of America and our citizens need prayer more than ever!!!

If you would like to participate:

Each evening at 8:00 PM Central Time, stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, for peace in the world, the up-coming election, that the Bible will again be the basis for the laws governing our land and that Christianity will grow in the U.S.
If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along. Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.
Thank You. Please pass this on to anyone who you think will want to join us.

God Bless You!

Thanks to Cecelia Congleton
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Everyone has a personality of a cartoon character. Have you ever asked yourself what cartoon character do you most resemble?

A group of investigators got together and analyzed the personalities of well known and modern cartoon characters. The information that was gathered was made into this test.

Answer all the questions (only 10) with what describes you best, add up all your Points (which are next to the answer that you choose) at the end and look for your results.

Do not cheat by looking at the end of the e-mail before you are done.

1. Which one of the following describes the perfect date?
a) Candlelight dinner (4 pts.)
b) Fun/Theme Park (2 pts.)
c) Painting in the park (5 pts)
d) Rock concert (1 pt.)
e) Going to the movies (3 pts.)

2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll (2 pts.)
b) Alternative (1 pt.)
c) Soft Rock (4 pts.)
d) Country (5 pts )
e) Pop (3 pts.)

3. What type of movies do you prefer?
a) Comedy (2 pts.)
b) Horror (1 pt.)
c) Musical (3 pts.)
d) Romance (4 pts.)
e) Documentary (5 pts.)

4. Which one of these occupations would you choose if you only could choose one of these?
a) Waiter (4 pts.)
b) Professional Sports Player (5 pts.)
c) Teacher (3 pts.)
d) Police (2 pts.)
e) Cashier (1 pt)

5 What do you do with your spare time?
a) Exercise (5 pts.)
b) Read (4 pts.)
c) Watch television (2 pts.)
d) Listen to music (1 pt.)
e) Sleep (3 pts.)

6. Which one of the following colors do you like best?
a) Yellow (1 pt.)
b) White (5 pts.)
c) Sky Blue (3 pts)
d) Dark Blue(2 pts.)
e) Red (4 pts.)

7. What do you prefer to eat?
a) Snow (3 pts.)
b) Pizza (2 pts.)
c) Sushi (1 pt.)
d) Pasta (4 pts.)
e) Salad (5 pts.)

8. What is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween(1 pt.)
b) Christmas(3 pts.)
c) New Year (2 pts.)
d) Valentine's Day(4 pts.)
e) Thanksgiving(5 pts.)

9. If you could go to one of these places which one would it be?
a) Paris (4 pts)
b) Spain (5 pts)
c) Las Vegas (1 pt)
d) Hawaii (4 pts)
e) Hollywood (3 pts)

10. With which of the following would you prefer to spend time with?
a) Someone Smart (5 pts.)
b) Someone attractive (2 pts.)
c) Someone who likes to Party (1 pt)
d) Someone who always has fun (3 pts.)
e) Someone very sentimental (4 pts.)

Now add up your points and find out the answer you have been waiting for! Put your character in the subject line and forward to your friends and back to the person that sent this to you.
Very interesting to see 'who' your friends are!

(10-16 points) You are Garfield : - - You are very comfortable, easy going, and you definitely know how to have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to remember, your happy spirit may hurt you or others.

(17-23 points) You are Snoopy: - - You are fun; you are very cool and popular. You always know what's in and you' re never out of style , you are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned Being married and having children are important to you, but only after you have had your share of fun times

(24-28 points) You are Elmo: - - You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need. You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice: try not to be too much of a dreamer. Dreaming too big could cause many conflicts in your life.

(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants: - - You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never wants to lose. You never cause harm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it's funny and calm for the most part. Stay away from traitors and jealous people and you will be stress free.

(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown: - - You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few Birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.

(44-50 points ) You are Dexter: - - You are smart and definitely a thinker... Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong family principles. You maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes. Try to do less over thinking every once in a while to spice things up a bit with spontaneity!

Thanks to Vanessa and
Constance L. Phillips
Tupperware Consultant
www.my2.tupperware.com/CLPhillips
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One of our good friends, Eddie Spalten from San Antonio , fishes at the Wildman Lodge on the Alaskan Peninsula . The lodge is owned by Butch and Kathy Wildman. The Wildmans spend their winters in Texas and their summers in Alaska . Kathy’s father and former husband served in the Alaskan legislature for around 30 years so Butch and Kathy know Alaska politics.

Eddie emailed Butch and asks Butch what the Wildmans think of Gov. Sarah Palin. Butch’s unedited email is attached below. Please read it and forward it to your friends. This is what the citizens of Alaska think of Sarah Palin!

Thanks, Gene Powell
~
Hi Eddie:

Fishing is good here at Wildman and I rarely have time for politics, but many of our friends are asking us “Who is Sarah Palin?” Of course, as Alaskans, Kathy and I are extremely proud of her. We just want to let you know that Sarah “Barracuda” Palin is a straight shooting, hard charging, get it done gal. She knows when to listen, how to analyze the facts and how to make a decision, then implement the plan. She doesn’t do a poll before jumping in with both feet like too many of the Washington types. She has little legislative experience because she has always held the EXECUTIVE position; in private life, as mayor of Anchorage ’s largest bedroom community or more recently as Governor of our State. She is a smart, attractive home grown Alaska girl with excellent moral and family values.

She can see what needs to be done and does not hesitate to get it done.

One of our State’s major problems is that its Capital is in Juneau, 500 miles from the nearest road and 800 air miles from the population base which is Anchorage, Wasilla and Fairbanks. Our legislature and most of the State government is in Juneau and they ALL behave like a bunch of freshmen in a college town. It has been this way since Statehood in 1959. When Sarah moved to Juneau , so did accountability and responsibility When the oil revenue started flown and a barrel of North Slope Crude hit $23.00, these people began spending money like drunken sailors. You can only imagine what was happenings when oil hit $100.00 a barrel, about the time Sarah took command. My wife Kathy has first-hand experience with this fiasco, as her father and also her ex-husband were Alaska Legislators who served in Juneau as Senators, Senate President, or members of the State House for a combined period spanning nearly three decades.

About the time Sarah took the HELM as Governor of Alaska, about half of the State legislature was in the pocket of big oil companies or contractors doing big projects for Native Corporations around Alaska, all funded by State oil revenue. Alaska government was nothing but a good old boys club riding the perpetual wave of prosperity. This filtered down from the legislature, through the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Labor and even spilled in to the Public Safety who are supposed to “preserve and protect”.

When Sarah walked into the Governor’s Mansion, she promptly dismissed the State Trooper detachment assigned to Governor and had her and her husband’s gun case brought in from Wasilla. Then, she got rid of the former Governor’s STATE Jet and told legislators that there were no more free rides, they would have to fly Alaska Airlines, just like her and her family if they wanted to travel. Next came the nut cutting (the Barracuda part) the heads that rolled were too numerous to name, but when Sarah finished cleaning house, a number of our legislators ended up in jail for on corruption charges, or tendered their resignations along with numerous department heads and those who have been riding the gravy train for way too long, AND THEN SHE HAD LUNCH. By the end of the day, Sarah Palin had saved the people of Alaska millions and has not yet slowed down.

She has truly brought CHANGE to Juneau . I personally know several persons in the private sector in Alaska , that hold her in high esteem. She surrounds herself with smart people, many from my hometown of Anchorage , she listens to them but makes her own decisions. Sarah Palin is a no B.S. politician. It is refreshing that there is such a thing anymore. You want to talk about CHANGE? You should see a before and after picture of the State government in Alaska . That’s CHANGE! Sarah will bring a number of things to the election. I am sure she will appeal many voters who my otherwise could have gone the other direction on election day. The conservative block will not be for Barack. We have their vote. We need what Sarah will bring, first to the election and second, what she will bring to Washington D.C. McCain has been advised well, Let’s just hope the American people can get the straight scoop on her in the weeks ahead. This is just the opinion of one Alaska Bush Pilot and Guide, who pays attention to national politics, watches the news and is deathly afraid of the direction our nation is headed. I guarantee that if Sarah gets a chance to dig her spurs into the flanks of the liberal Washington types, they will know that she is in the saddle.

Butch King
Pilot/Guide

Butch & Kathy King
Proprietors
Wildman Lake Lodge
www.wildmanlodge.com

Thanks to Gary Foreman
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Lotus Touts
ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.
FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'
FOURTEEN Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
EIGHTEEN Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
NINETEEN When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
TWENTY- ONE. Spend some time alone.

Thankd to Anne Oldham
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The Pump Handle. A water cooler for the public health crowd.

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

http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/09/04/to-911-operator-im-only-allowed-to-tell-you-we-have-an-emergency/
To 911 operator: “I’m only allowed to tell you we have an emergency”
September 4, 2008 in Uncategorized by Celeste Monforton
Ken Ward of the Charleston Gazette has been following closely and reporting on the deadly blast on Aug 28 at the multinational Bayer CropScience’s plant in Institute, WV. His first story (here) indicated that witnesses saw a red fireball at about 10:25 pm, and that thousands of residents were told to shelter in place, and his next story reported on the plant’s rocky safety record.
...
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/09/04/what-the-hell-its-only-a-nuclear-facility/
What the hell. It’s only a nuclear facility.
September 4, 2008 in Regulation, Safety by revere
by revere, cross-posted at Effect Measure
... wants to go full speed ahead for nuclear power (that’s a maverick’s way of dealing with climate change?) and Obama seems to feel friendly to it, too, as long as the waste disposal issue can be solved, satisfactorily (which it doesn’t seem it can be, but that’s another story). Everyone agrees that nuclear power has to be managed safely if we are going to rely on it to any extent and we are always given assurances that this is not only possible but what happens as a matter of course, no exceptions. To make sure, government plans are reviewed by independent experts. Too bad we can’t see the plans and the government doesn’t listen to the experts:
US regulators have ignored expert safety advice in an attempt to cut corners and fast track the completion of a $4 billion nuclear fuel facility currently under construction near Aiken, South Carolina.The accusation is reported in the September issue of The Chemical Engineer magazine, published by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
...
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/09/02/bassinet-deaths-and-cpsc%e2%80%99s-new-power/
Bassinet Deaths and CPSC’s New Power
September 2, 2008 in Consumer Product Safety Commission by Liz Borkowski
Last month, Congress passed and the President signed major legislation strengthening the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Washington Post’s Annys Shin described it this way:
The measure … represents the most significant expansion of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) since it was created in 1973. It also marks a fundamental shift in the federal government’s approach to protecting consumers from dangerous products: transforming a reactive stance to a preventive one by dealing with hazards before goods reach the marketplace, including products manufactured overseas.
And just last week, the agency’s new powers proved essential for protecting children from defective bassinets that strangled two infants.
...
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/chao-flips-us-the-bird-happy-labor-day/
Chao Flips Us the Bird. Happy Labor Day
August 28, 2008 in Confined Space @ TPH, Mining, Occupational Health & Safety, Politics, Regulation, Uncategorized by Celeste Monforton
Will someone just go and put up a sign “Proudly Screwing Workers: 2,827 Straight Days” on the Labor Department building?
Late yesterday I learned that Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, Asst. Secretary Leon Sequeira and her other political minions sent a proposed rule to the Federal Register which will change the process by which OSHA and MSHA assess workers’ risk to health-harming contaminants.
The proposed rule confirms Chao’s desire to make it more cumbersome and time-consuming for OSHA and MSHA to issue health-protective standards. It mandates, for example, that the agencies issue an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking for every health standard—a COMPLETELY unnecesasry step when the hazard is well-known and documented in the scientific literature. This proposal has NOTHING to do with “sound science,” “transparency,” “good government,” or any of the other meaningless words that Sequeira wants to throw into this document. It has EVERYTHING to do with delaying protections for workers’ health.
Sequeira is generously giving workers and other interested parties 30 days to submit comments on Chao’s plan. Grrrr…I had several activities planned this Labor Day weekend to honor the nation’s working class (including a blessing of the tools of our trades), but instead, I’ll be spending my free time preparing written comments on this anti-public health and anti-worker proposed rule.
...
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/
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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, September 04, 2008
Weekly Toll: August 27- September 2, 2008

Landscaper killed while cutting down tree - - SEPT 2, HUNTINGTON, NY -- Glorismel Gonzalez, 41, owner of GMG Lawn and Garden Services, was cutting a limb off a tree he had been contracted to take down on Tuesday when the rope he was using got wrapped around the tree, pressing him up against it. The weight of the limb apparently crushed him.

Road worker hit by car - - AUG 30, HOUSTON, TX -- A Texas Department of Transportation worker, David Hall, 42, was working with a road cleanup crew when he was hit by a car and killed. An off-duty police officer chased after the car and stopped it after a quarter mile. The driver has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid.

Man killed in accident - - AUG 30, WEST VALLEY CITY, UT -- Peter Koons, 21, of West Jordan, was helping a driver attach a semi to a trailer Saturday morning. When the driver was backing the trailer into place, Mr. Koons somehow became caught between the semi and the trailer and was crushed. He died at the scene.

Two workers dead after chemical exposure - - AUG 30, ST. LOUIS, MO -- Two workers died and several others were hospitalized Saturday after a barrell containing nitroaniline was dropped at the Ro Corporation and the white powder went all over the workers. Nitroaniline, commonly used in synthesizing dyes, antioxidants, gasoline, poultry medicines, and pharmaceuticals, may cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, respiratory arrest as well as other symptoms. The victims, some of whom drove themselves to the hospital, reportedly had blue skin. Two emergency rooms shut down for fear that others could become contaminated.

2 killed when train hits truck - - AUG 29, MEDFORD, OK -- Two Union Pacific crew members: Larry Benny Williams, a conductor from Oklahoma City, and engineer Richard D. Parvis, an engineer from Anadarko, were killed Friday morning when a freight train crashed into a propane tanker. The crash generated a massive explosion. Investigators say the two crew members saw the tanker, honked, and hit the emergency brake, but could not stop the crash that resulted in their deaths. The director of Enid and Garfield County Emergency Management, Mike Honigsberg, said their last actions "probably prevented another major catastrophe", as they stopped the train from becoming a runaway. The driver of the truck was airlifted to a hospital in Kansas with third-degree burns over more than half of his body.

Garage repair worker killed at work - - AUG 28, BERWYN, IL -- Michael Waychoff, 33, a worker who did occasional odd jobs for Metro Garage, was killed Thursday while attempting to inspect the brakes on a semi. Police said Mr. Waychoff was lying on the floor of the garage in front of the cab's tires when he asked another worker to turn on the engine to test for air leaks. The coworker did so, not realizing that the semi was in gear, and the semi lurched forward onto Mr. Waychoff's chest and abdomen. He was taken to the hospital but pronounced dead not long thereafter.

Man killed in tractor accident - - AUG 28, SAVANNAH, TN -- Jackie Alexander, 64, was driving a farm tractor when it went out of gear and began to roll down a steep embankment. Mr. Alexander tried to brake, but the tractor went off the road and rolled over him. He was pinned underneath the tire of a bush-hog that was attached.

Hazmat worker dies - - AUG 28, SCHENECTADY, NY -- Two employees of Precision Industrial Maintenance, Inc., were attempting to repair a sewage vacuum in the back of a sewage truck Tuesday when they were overcome by hydrogen sulfide fumes and had to be hospitalized. One of the two workers died Thursday. This accident has raised questions about the safety record of this company, which was cited and fined by OSHA as recently as March.

Construction worker killed by a snap tie - - AUG 27, TAMPA, FL -- Construction worker Rafael Villasenor Cazares, 28, died from injuries sustained Wednesday while working at a 36-story high-rise known as The Element. Investigators say a 1/8" x 20" snap tie, used to hold forms together while cement is poured, fell 26 stories and pierced Mr. Cazares' helmet and head. OSHA is investigating the incident.

Oil well explosion kills worker - - AUG 27, BRISTOW, OK -- Christopher Hyde, of Stroud, was part of a team sealing an oil well with cement Wednesday morning when oil and natural gas began spewing from the well and a fire was ignited. Mr. Hyde, who was standing on a platform, was forced to jump. Three other workers were hospitalized with severe burns.

Farmer killed in tractor overturn - - AUG 27, XENA, IL -- Clair R. Land, 68, was driving a tractor with a front bucket when the tractor overturned in a ditch, trapping him underneath. It took rescue personnel over one hour to free him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pool technician found dead - - AUG 27, HAZELWOOD, MO -- A swimming pool technician employed by Pro Pool Services was found dead today at the Chez Paree Apartment Complex. Police said the 48-year old worker was found in eight feet of water dressed in full scuba gear. It was unclear whether he died from an equipment malfunction or a medical condition.

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

01. Spc. Carlo E. Alfonso, 23, of Spokane, Wash., died on Aug. 26 of injuries sustained when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Sadr City, Iraq. He was assigned to the 40th Engineer Battalion, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.

02. Spc. Steven J. Fitzmorris, 26, of Columbia, Mo., died on Aug. 25 of wounds suffered from enemy fire while on a dismounted patrol in Adhamiyah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

03. Spc. Jorge L. Feliz Nieve, 26, of Queens Village, N.Y., died on Aug. 28 of injuries sustained from a vehicle incident in Mosul, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas.

04. Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Harris, 36,of Lexington, N.C., died Aug. 30 from injuries sustained while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan. Harris was temporarily forward deployed from his assignment at Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Dam Neck, Va.

05. Pfc. Patrick W. May, 22, of Jamestown, N.Y., died Sept. 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sufferedfrom a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the Division Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

06. Sgt. 1st Class Gregory A. Rodriguez, 35, of Weidman, Mich., died Sept. 2 of wounds suffered in Ana Kalay, Afghanistan, when his mounted patrol came under small arms fire. He was assigned to the K-9 unit of the 527th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th MP Brigade, Ansbach, Germany.

~~

Three Missing WWII Sailors Are Identified

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

They are Ensign Irvin A.R. Thompson, of Hudson County, N.J.; Ensign Eldon P. Wyman, of Portland, Ore.; and Fireman 2nd Class Lawrence A. Boxrucker, of Dorchester, Wis.; all U.S. Navy. Boxrucker will be buried on Sept. 6 in Dorchester, and the funerals for Thompson and Wyman are being set by their families.

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, the battleship USS Oklahoma suffered multiple torpedo hits and capsized. As a result, 429 sailors and Marines died. Following the attack, 36 of these servicemen were identified and the remaining 393 were buried as unknowns in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In 2003, an independent researcher contacted the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) with information he believed indicated that one of the USS Oklahoma casualties who was buried as an unknown could be positively identified. After reviewing the case, JPAC exhumed the casket, and discovered that it contained what is believed to be the remains of at least 28 other men in addition to the three identified.

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 remains for Thompson, Wyman and Boxrucker. Additional remains that could not be attributed to these servicemen will undergo further analysis.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
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Please remember to pray for the American soldiers stationed everywhere around the globe and especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. Times have been and are very tough and it would be nice if you would all just say a prayer for their safety and for their families.
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"September 11 WDYTJWD" W. P. Florence
Justice first, then peace."
"September 11" Never forget.--Tony Moses
"ONE NATION UNDER GOD ...the only way"--Phillip Story
"We have nothing to fear but fear itself." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Keeping my head down but face toward Heaven" - - Jody Eldred, ABC News Cameraman in Kuwait
"Remember Pearl Harbor? Remember 9/11!" --"Bug"
Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. - - George Carlin
"Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!" - - Queen E. Watson
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Activities and Events of Interest - - Coming Events
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Albemarle Fall Golf Tournament is Scheduled for Sept 20th.
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Scheduled Activities
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CQ CQ all Hams. We have restarted a 2 meter net on the Willisville repeater, 146.655, every Tuesday evening at 7 PM. Please check in and spread the word. We would like to get some renewed interest in amateur radio and the ARKLA Amateur Radio Association. Will be listening for everyone next Tuesday night.
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Columbia County Amateur Radio Club meets Every second Thursday @ 7:00 p.m. Union Street Station. And YOU'RE invited. Net is every Sunday at 20:30 on 147.105.
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MCC - Mom's Day Out - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 2.$10 for the first child, $5 for the second. Call 234-3225 for reservations.
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MCC - Nursing Home Ministry - Meadowbrook Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 am. Taylor, the last Thursday each month.
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Men's Prayer Breakfast held every Tuesday morning at 6 AM in Miller's Cafeteria. If you aren't a regular participant at the Men's Prayer Breakfast, you're missing some great food, fellowship and inspired teaching of the Word. Hope to see you there.
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Emergency Phone Number 911
(Fire, Police, Ambulance, Sheriff, etc. )
Central Dispatch 234-5655
(Non - Emergency Number)
Direct Numbers
Ambulance - 234-7371 (24 Hour)
Jail - 234-5331 (24 Hour)
Poison Control - 800-222-1222 (24 Hour)
http://www. aapcc. org/
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Interested in getting in touch with the Banner-News through e-mail?
E-mail addresses for communicating with the newspaper’s various departments are: news@bannernews.net For news and sports items, Coming Events, Diary, Church News, school and civic events.
advertising@bannernews. net For retail and classified advertising.
circulation@bannernews. net To start, stop or cancel newspaper delivery or for comments about delivery.
outfitters @bannernews.net For Office Outfitters, the office supply division of the Banner-News.
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"There is not enough darkness in the world to put out the light of one candle."
"Laugh whenever you can and cry if you need to." -- "Bug"
"I read the end of the book. We win!" -- "Bug"
"We may not be able to cure the world, but we don't have to make it sicker." -- "Bug"
"There just ain't enough fingers for all the holes in the dike." - - "Bug"
"It's no big deal doing what God tells you to do. A big deal would be NOT doing what God tells you to do. Just ask Jonah." - - Paul Troquille
“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 John "Fuzzy" Thurman
~~~~~
Hope you enjoy the newsletter.
Again, thanks to all our contributors this week.

God bless and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Isa 55:8-11 Luke 20:2-8 Rom 2:1-4 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@suddenlink.net
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