Bugs Bleat 3Q 08

Volume 10, Issue 38 Friday, September 19, 2008

Hello All,

Annette was in the Magnolia Hospital Thursday and was released Friday. She's been in pain for months and nauseated for going on three weeks. So far, she's doing much better. We're taking things slow and enjoying a peaceful evening.
~~~~~
Between my health issues and Annette’s, the last few years have involved a lot of doctors visits and a constant battle to maintain hope. However, Annette and I "... know Whom we have believed in and are persuaded that He is able to keep that which we’ve committed unto Him against that day." We have, at times, struggled to stand strong in the face of these issues. But Annette has shown me a depth of faith and a strong response to adversity that won’t allow me to have a pity party. And, we’ve found again the truth that our friends and God will bring us through no matter how it looks in the present.
Daily, we see the proof that our God is in charge.
~~~~~
A few years ago, we responded to the Banner News’s Sesquicentennial Survey question; “What did you do for fun as a young person in Columbia County?” It seemed like a good idea to repeat our answer this week.
~
As pre-schoolers, we (my cousins Charlie and Dinah Sue and I) ran barefoot through the neighborhoods and woods of Taylor, Arkansas. We entertained ourselves by knocking down wasp nests and running from the wasps. By playing hide and seek in fallen timber after the loggers had worked in the woods near our homes. By “digging for coal” in a vacant lot where a barn had burned down. By building “pig pens” out of split log fence posts. By building lemon aid stands and selling sacs of pecans to the neighbors whose yards we picked them up in. By building four-wheel carts using 1 gallon can lids for wheels. By helping our grandmother cook. By helping our uncles feed the animals. By brushing the horses. By chasing pigs. By having “China Berry” fights. By playing tricks on our Aunts. By walking to Uncle Cecil’s store and getting ice cream or a coke. By attending vacation bible school. By eating watermelon while swinging. By going to the nickel Hopalong Cassidy movies on Friday nights, shown in the vacant lot between the Hub café and Pickler’s store. By riding on the top of the hay wagon. By drinking from the clear cool spring next to Uncle Paul’s hay field on the Red River. ...
~
Speaking of Hopalong Cassidy, one of my relatives wrote to remind me of the time my idea got us all in trouble; “Since you can't remember anyone else ever having an idea that got us into trouble, may I remind you of the Christmas Eve that I got my little bottom torn up with China Berry sticks in Grandmother's back yard for joining you in breaking out the windows in the tin house. If you remember, it was your idea and you assured me that no one cared about the old tin house anyway. ... Typically for me, I was caught by my father. As I received my punishment, you sat innocently on Grandmother Taylor's back step and watched while she begged my father to quit, saying "... it is Christmas Eve". I will never forget that one.”
~~~
So, here’s the “Taylor Kid” story “Hop-a-long Cassidy at the "lion" shack”
~
On Friday nights we gathered in the vacant lot between the Hub café and Pickler’s general store to watch movies. The seats were rough wooden benches, the screen was a whitewashed wooden fence and the projection booth was a Sears Roebuck tin outhouse. But admission was only a nickel and we loved the Western’s that were shown. Dinah Sue’s favorite was Roy Rogers, Charlie liked Gene Autry and my hero was Hop-a-long Cassidy.

One Friday, Hop-a-long was trapped by the bad guys in a “lion shack. We were always puzzled as to why cowboys would build a house for lions. (I would be a teenager before I learned that it was really a “line” shack, built to give cowboys shelter from the elements while they rode the fence lines, rounding up strays.) Anyway, Hop-a-long, as usual, got the best of the bad guys in a shootout with them on the outside and him taking refuge inside the shack.
During the gunfight, Hop-a-long moved from window to window, shooting at the bad guys who were on all sides of the shack. Each time, he’d break the window with his pistol and then shoot out. (We never questioned how cowboys could afford windows much less why he couldn’t have just shot through the window instead of breaking it. We’d never heard of “blanks.”)

The next morning, Saturday, we decided to play “Hop-a-long in the lion shack.” I had a new set of cap pistols that we could use and grandmother had a tin storage building (it still sits on Hearn street) that had four windows on each side and two windows on each end. Each window had 12 panes of glass.

After I’d explained my idea for the mornings game, the next order of business was to decide who would be Hop-a-long and who would be the bad guys. “Name withheld to protect the semi innocent” won the argument and started out as Hop-a-long. After she broke all the panes in one window, we swapped and I became Hop-a-long and she joined the other “Name withheld to protect the semi innocent” as a bad guy. I finished off another window and the other “Name withheld to protect the semi innocent” became Hop-a-long. He had just begun his stint as the hero when Uncle Paul discovered us and stopped the game.

Uncle Willard and my mom joined the adults investigating our “activities.” Both “Names withheld to protect the semi innocent” got whippings and mom told me not to break any more windows.

Over fifty years later, my Cousins still get angry when I mention this incident. Something about the injustice of them getting whippings for something that was my idea and I only got a scolding.

Can I help it that I was always the most precocious child on our block?
~~~~~
IKE is in the top four most devastating natural disasters to hit the U.S. In its brief life span of only 13 days, Hurricane Ike wreaked great deal of havoc. Affecting several countries including Cuba, Haiti, and the United States, Ike is blamed for approximately 114 deaths (74 in Haiti alone), and damages that are still being tallied, with estimates topping $10 billion. Many shoreline communities, including Galveston, Texas were wiped from the map by the winds, storm surge and the walls of debris pushed along by Ike - though Galveston was spared the level of disaster it suffered in 1900.
John, Steve, Ricky and Sarah are still deployed, bringing aid and hope to the victims. Members of our Fire Brigade ventured to College Station last Monday for training and discovered gas shortages and evacuees.
The storm’s winds and rain damaged communities from the Texas Coast to the Great Lakes. Claiborne reports being without power in Shreveport for almost a day. Here in Columbia County there were power outages and wind damage but little water problems.
~~~~~
As Pogo said: "We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us. . .”

Today, Nashville, TN gas pumps ran dry after citizens of that city panicked when a rumor circulated that the city stations were running out of gasoline. Nobody knows the origin of the rumor, but within a few hours, 11 out of 13 Nashville gas stations called at random were out of gas.
So many residents panicked and hit gas stations to fuel up that the stations were quickly drained. People were filling up containers and cans in addition to vehicles, with some waiting in line an hour to purchase gas. Station owners reported selling as much fuel Friday as they normally sold in three days.
And that was the problem. There was no “shortage” in the system. Fuel was coming into the city as scheduled, but the schedule wasn’t set up to handle panic.
Like Pogo said...
~~~~~
Speaking of mindless panic, this writer says the latest BPA study is anti-chemical fear-mongering - - The latest study claiming that exposure to bisphenol A is associated with health risks is flawed, according to this commentary by Steven Milloy, the publisher of JunkScience.com. The study, which found that the risk of heart disease and diabetes more than doubled among people with the highest levels of BPA in their system, is questionable not only because of high margins of error but because the data collected was not verified and respondents were asked only whether a doctor or other health provider had ever told them that they have one of the diseases. [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,424763,00.html]
~~~~~
And, more on the same topic: FDA panel to reopen BPA safety debate [http://www.canada.com/topics/bodyandhealth/story.html?id=53c4d49f-086e-43f9-864f-3b0e243b1c8c]
An FDA panel of independent experts is set to reopen the debate on the safety of bisphenol A on Tuesday. The review comes after scientists at the National Institutes of Health said their review of BPA, contrary to an earlier FDA report, raised concern about the chemical's effects on fetuses, infants and children. The American Chemistry Council has defended the chemical, saying, "Many common consumer products that contribute to healthier and safer lives are based on plastics and resins made from bisphenol A, which has a 50-year safety track record." Canada.com/Reuters (9/14) , USA TODAY (9/15)
ACC: Parents should be reassured that BPA is safe: In a letter to the editor in The New York Times, an American Chemistry Council official defends BPA's 50-year safety track record and says parents don't need to fear for the safety of the product in baby bottles or other containers. The New York Times (9/12) [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/13/opinion/lweb13plastic.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin]
For ACC facts on plastics, go to [www.factsonplastics.com]
~~~~~
Now for a political comment. I’m a registered Democrat (because, in the south, you don’t get to vote on most local issues unless you vote in the Democratic Primary) who’s really an independent who’s voted Republican in most state and national races for the past 30 odd years. But I’ve been equally unhappy with both national parties about the continuing polarization of our political process. To quote Rodney King; “Why can’t we just all get along?”
This year, Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama and vice presidential candidate Joe Biden promise “change.” In fact, due to Obama’s success in the Democratic primaries, almost every political candidate in every party is touting “Change” as their Mantra.
Now I’m not really against “Change” per se, but as a card carrying “crabby old guy” I like my change in small, easily digestible servings. And, if I had my way there would be some changes in the way our government does business. However, I’m not ready to embrace wholesale “Change” just for the sake of change.
This year, I’m supporting Republican Presidential candidate John McCain and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Mainly with the hope that there will be some “Change” in the way the Republican’s conduct business. My main issue with the Republicans over the last 30 years is their blind adherence to the Mantra “reduce regulation.” Don’t get me wrong, I believe that local folks can do a much better job of running their business than the federal government (for instance schools). But there are some national issues that require a national solution. Among them are; Defense, Pollution Control, Anti-Trust and Safety Regulations.
Over the last 30 years, Republican and Democratic administrations have steadily increased control over our lives while failing to handle the necessary national issues that we must face. Those issues are: Finance, we need to quit spending more than we make. Energy, the feds need to promote conservation and alternative energy at the same time they’re wringing every ounce of conventional energy out of our resources. Health Care, cost of medical care is climbing at the same time more and more companies are abandoning employee health care. Social Security, We take in a “huge” amount from social security taxes but we don’t treat it like a pension fund and we’re writing more checks than we can afford. And Militant Islamic fundamentalism, Those people really do want to take us back to a stone age existence and it seems to me that most of the world’s governments are helping them along the way.
~~~~~
SKYWARN TRAINING
A Volunteer "Storm Spotters" class is scheduled for Magnolia Hospital on Monday October 6 from 18:30 (6:30 PM) - 21:30 (9:30 pm). This will be a video Conference type class. If you'd like to attend, let me know and we'll reserve a place for you.
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Extreme Image Fitness Center is holding the “Extreme Fall Fat Loss Challenge” Register Now! Men and Women Welcome!!! 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, 24 personal training sessions with, NPC Bodybuilder - Ashley Moss, COMPLETE Meal Plan, Total Body Analysis, Package Price $450
Body Analysis Week: September 15-19, Challenge Begins: September 22, Challenge Ends: November 14. 234-1555
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Asbury United Methodist Church (1300 E. University) will be having a fish plate fund-raiser on Saturday, September 27 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under 12. You can get tickets from Jerry Booth (Lab) or Mitzie Walker.
~~~~~
The autumnal equinox is Monday, Sept. 22.
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Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care System is looking for 15 day volunteers to drive the day van to the VA Medical Center. Call John Mack, 904-6372; Elme Followell, 904-0711; or Joe McIntyre, 904-2834.
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It could happen!!! Much is made of McCain's age. Has anyone brought up the fact that Obama smokes and both of his parents died at an early age. Plus Biden has had two brain aneurysms which could have killed him. If they both died while in office; that would leave Nancy Pelosi as president.

I can't think of a better reason to vote for McCain & Palin.

Thanks to Waneta
~~~~~
Don’t forget to use GoodSearch [http://www.goodsearch.com/] when you search the Internet!
~~~~~
DarynKagan.com - - For When You Think You Can't Get Back Up One More Time - - September 19, 2008
Something I've been thinking about lately: How do you find the strength and desire to stand up one more time when you're tired of falling down? Along comes a great young man who shows who not only doesn't get discouraged by his falls, he actually celebrates them. - - [http://darynkagan.demo.nimbussoftware.com/sports/stories/sp_080919_PGAinspiration.html]
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The Lighthouse Church - - http://thelighthousechurch.publishpath.com/
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Norway’s Very Own Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Racist. Xenophobe. These are just a couple of the epithets Europe's cultural elite like to hurl at critics of Islamic fundamentalism. Bruce Bawer reports on the character assassination of Hege Storhaug, author of the new book Covered. Uncovered. and a courageous advocate of freedom.

By Bruce Bawer

As Europe’s Islamization proceeds apace, the gap widens between ordinary folks’ growing recognition of the outrages that are going on all around them and the movers and shakers’ cynical insistence on pretending that everything’s just hunky-dory.

Case in point: the responses to Covered. Uncovered., a new book on hijab. Its author, Hege Storhaug of Norway’s Human Rights Service, is this country’s answer to Ayaan Hirsi Ali - a gutsy advocate of freedom who doesn’t mince words about the illiberal conditions (especially for women and girls) in Europe’s Muslim communities. In Covered. Uncovered. she explains why the increasing visibility in these parts of hijab - a potent symbol of totalitarianism and sexual oppression - should not be taken lightly.

[http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/meet_norways_answer_to_ayaan_h/]
~~~~~
Each week the Defense Department highlights military personnel who have gone above and beyond in the war. [http://www.defenselink.mil/heroes/] - - Ross PixlerHometown: Phoenix, AZ
Awarded: Silver Star

On patrol in al Bawi, Iraq, First Lieutenant Ross Pixler was in the lead inside his armored Bradley Fighting Vehicle on an October day when the fiery blast of an IED shattered the daily monotony. The deeply buried IED exploded as the Bradley passed over, ripping the vehicle apart and killing three fellow soldiers.

Still dazed by the carnage, Pixler exemplified the strength of an army soldier by ignoring his injuries, finding his rifle, and getting to work. Already the three other vehicles in the convoy were approaching the attack site, but Pixler wasted no time in checking on the unconscious driver and gunner, and taking up a defensive position. He later reflected, “Everything goes really fast and I wasn’t really stopping to think about what I was doing. I was doing what I was trained to do.”

Just as Pixler and the rest of his unit began recovering from the attack, scattered mortar and small arms fire bombarded the site. Pixler, rattled by his concussion, did not hesitate to raise his rifle and take a key role in the defense of the position while assistance came to recover the bodies of the Americans.

As the hours wore on, Pixler and the other surviving members of his team were loaded onto another Bradley and pulled out of the waning firefight. The safety of the rescue vehicle was broken when another IED crippled it, forcing the men to exit the vehicle and repulse another attack.

It would be many hours from the initial attack to the time Pixler and his men were within the walls of an American base, but during that time his focus on the mission and his men never wavered.

For his bravery under such austere conditions and his tenacity in the face of adversity, he earned the prestigious Silver Star medal. Pixler considers it not an award for himself but, “an award for every single one of the soldiers that were out there, and the ones that can’t come home.”
~~~~~
The latest from Michael Yon, the foremost “milnews” blogger on the web.
~
September 15

Greetings,

A new dispatch is posted: Death in Corn [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/]. Please don't miss it.

By the time you read this, I will have left embed in Afghanistan and am going unilateral, without soldiers for now. My unilateral work here in Afghanistan during 2006, put me two years ahead of the curve in saying we were losing the Afghan war. Those reports were very unpopular, but two years later have proven true. Unilateral reporting here is extremely dangerous, but necessary to find ground truth.

After that, it's over to Iraq from October to November, if my embed request is approved. I plan to spend 2009 mostly with the American military in Afghanistan, if they will permit.

General Odierno will have things in hand in Iraq, while General Petraeus is going exactly where America needs him most: CENTCOM. This, and our increasingly experienced military, provides me a glimmer of hope for Afghanistan. But please do not kid yourself: we are losing this war.

The troops in Afghanistan needs your support, or we will lose the war. I need your support, or my coverage from the wars will end very soon.

Again, a new dispatch is posted: Death in Corn [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/]. Please don't miss it. Lots of fighting here.
~~
September 17 - - I am unembedded in Southern Afghanistan. Today I drove to the outskirts of Kandahar. Unfortunately, I have no internet and so am out of touch. I called this message in via sat phone. I am learning a great deal by speaking with normal Afghans.
Please read Death in the Corn: Part II of III [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/]
V/R, Your correspondent,
Michael

Http://www.michaelyon-online.com/index.php
~~~~~
Last week we watched [Ratings are my own]:
The Great Debaters (2007) [9.4] Starring Denzel Washington ... Forest Whitaker ... John Heard
All in a Night's Work (1961) [7.5] Starring Dean Martin ... Shirley MacLaine ... Cliff Robertson ... Charles Ruggles
~~~~~
Last week we read; The way of the world : a story of truth and hope in an age of extremism / Ron Suskind.
We’re currently reading; Blood alone : a Billy Boyle World War II mystery / James R. Benn.
We intend to read; Executive privilege / Phillip Margolin, Sniper one : on scope and under siege with a sniper team in Iraq / Sgt. Dan Mills. The last patriot / by Brad Thor.
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 Photos of “Da Boys” while we were visiting Vanessa and Jimmy and, a couple of shots of Pat Hammock and Terry Neal at a community service function.
~~~~~
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 - - - Tamales:
(I) Gather The Tamale Equipment; You will need: a large capacity steamer, measuring cup, tongs, measuring spoons, draining spoon, and a spreader. It’s as simple as that!
And Ingredients:
(Please note: If you have trouble finding MaSeCa or Corn Husks Locally. MexGrocer.com is an excellent on-line grocer offering these and other ingredients at a fair price. They are friendly, easy to deal with, and have all your hard to find Mexican ingredients.)

Pork roast (6 to 8 lbs.) Be smart, find it on sale!
Corn Oil
Large fryer size chicken (about 5 lbs.)
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic Powder (buy large size)
Ground Comino (cumin) (large size)
Cumin Seeds
Gebhardt’s Chili Powder
Paprika
4 lb bag Corn Masa (We like MaSeCa)
Real Corn Shucks

NOTE: Only use real corn shucks. Do not use the fake plastic wrappers. The corn shucks are KEY to giving the tamales flavor. If you don't use real corn shucks, you aren't making tamales! If the store you shop at does not have them, then shop somewhere else!

(II) Cook the Meat - Key thing to good tamales is to get a good scald on the meat. You cannot miss by following these step by step instructions. The tamale meat is made from a combination of Pork Roast and Chicken. Below we show you how to prepare this combination.

Cook and Shred Pork Roast:
Start with 1 pork roast. Cut the roast into fist size chunks. Put the chunks into a Pan, and cover with water. Boil for about 2 ½ hours or until it becomes really tender. After the meat is really tender, take it out of the broth to cool (Save the Broth, you will need it for the Masa!)

After the roast chunks are cool enough to handle easily, shred them with your fingers. Try to remove and discard the fat as you go. There is no need to throw a lot of fat into the tamales. If you have cooked the roast chunks thoroughly, it will be easy to shred into small pieces with your fingers.

Cook and Shred Chicken: Cover the chicken with water in a large pot, and boil for 2 hours, or until the chicken is done and tender. Take the chicken out of the broth and allow the chicken to cool. (Save the Chicken Broth as well!) Remove and discard the skin. Take the chicken meat off the bones and shred the it into very small filaments. Discard any large chunks of fat.

Combine Pork and Chicken: Combine both meats in very large pan, and mix together. Make sure that the meats are thoroughly combined and mixed well. You are now ready to add the seasoning:

Add the Spices and Seasonings: Mix the oil and seasonings listed below in a small pan and warm on the stove. Do not cook the oil and seasonings mix, but just gently warm on the stove.

When the oil and seasonings mix is warm, then pour over the meat and mix with your hands until it is completely distributed through the meat. It takes a good 10 minutes to get the mixture completely uniform.

Spices and Seasonings:

½ c corn oil
6 Tablespoon Gibhartds chili powder (Other Chile Powders will work)
3 Tablespoon garlic powder
3 Tablespoon ground cumin (comino)
1 Tablespoon (or less) black pepper
2 Tablespoon salt.

The meat is now finished. You should put the meat in the refrigerator covered until ready to make the tamales. Put both the chicken broth and roast broth into the refrigerator as well. You will need the broth when you make the Masa.

(III) Make the Tamales - Now, the supplies are secured, the meat is cooked, and T-Day has arrived. Your kitchen is ground zero for one of this century’s most important cooking events. You are about to make Hot Tamales. Click on (III) above for the final instructions!
Start with 2 lbs. of the Masa flour. It comes in a 4 lb bag, use half of it. Now, skim the fat off the broth that you saved from the Pork and Chicken we made earlier. Throw the fat away, and save the broth. Warm the broth from the pork and chicken up. Don't get it hot, just nice and warm.

Now put the 2 lbs. of Masa in a large bowl. Add the following dry spices to the Masa:

3 Tablespoons paprika
3 Tablespoons salt
1 Tablespoon cumin seeds
3 Tablespoons Gibhardts Chili Powder
3 Tablespoons garlic powder

Mix the spices above into the Masa until it is completely incorporated. Mix well, as you don't want a clump of spices in a tamale.

Now add:

2 cups of Corn Oil to the Masa and Spice mixture. After adding the oil, begin to slowly work in 2 quarts of the warm chicken/pork broth, about a cup at a time. Work the mixture with your hands to make dough. Slowly add the warm broth one cup at a time as you continue to work the mixture with your hands. If it is too dry, add enough warm water to get it right for spreading. It should be about like thick peanut butter. If it is too thin add more Masa, if it is too thick, add more broth or warm water. Thick peanut butter is the consistency you are trying for.

B) Prepare the Corn Shucks - Soak the shucks in a sink full of warm water for about 2 hours. You will need to carefully separate them when they get soft. Try to not tear or damage the corn shucks. It is easier to make the tamales if the shucks are in one piece.

C) Build the Tamales - After the corn shucks are soft, take some of them out of the water, shake the water off, and lay them on the counter on a towel. For clarity now, we will present a series of pictures with the instructions so you can see just how the tamale is built (Click on Picture Thumbnails for an enlarged View):

Pick up a shuck, lay it across the palm of your hand with the small end toward your fingers. scoop up about ½ c of the Masa dough with a spatula, and then smear it on the shuck.

Cover about left 2/3 of the shuck with Masa, leave 1/3 on the right uncovered. Similarly, cover the bottom 2/3 of the shuck, and leave the top 1/3 uncovered. The picture will help you see what we are trying for here. You need to leave the top and side uncovered so you can fold it up later. Now, go to the next shuck and do the same, laying them out on the counter as you put the masa on them. I like to do 5 or ten at a time like this.

When you have covered 5 to 10 of the shucks with Masa, it is time to add the meat. Take about 1 tablespoon of meat, and lay it on the masa about 1 in. from the left edge.

Starting on the left side (the side where the Masa dough goes all the way to the edge), roll the tamale all the way to the right edge. Now, fold the top of the shuck over like an envelope and lay tamale on the counter with the fold on the underside. Roll the next one the same until all your shucks with masa on them are rolled.

Now, get more shucks and put masa on them the same way. Then roll the meat in them. Keep doing this until all the tamales are built. You will have about 4 dozen or more.

D) Cook the Tamales - To cook the tamales, You need a very large pot that has something in the bottom to keep the tamales out of the water while they steam (the steamer we use is pictured on the tamale ingredients page) . Add about 3 pints of water to the pot, then start stacking the tamales upright until full. The envelope end of the tamale will be on the bottom, the open end of the tamale should be on top, as pictured at left. Continue to fill the pot. The tamales need to pack tight enough that they do not fall over and begin to unfold.

Cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil and then reduce heat to medium low and cook for at least 2 hours. Check water several times and add more if it is getting low, you DON’T want to boil it dry. Please note . . . those of you who forgot to save the chicken broth will probably be the ones to boil the tamales dry. I think you know who you are. Anyway, for the rest of you, Add more water as you need to. When done, take one tamale out and leave it on the counter for about 5 minutes to test. Unwrap it and it should be firm, with no raw masa. When done, remove all the tamales and let them cool on the counter, then put in bags for the freezer, 6 to a bag. If you have one of those Vacuum sealers, those are ideal. You can save the tamales in the freezer indefinitely if they are vacuum sealed. If you use zip lock bags, they will stay for up to a year in the freezer.

Congratulations! You are now part of the few, the proud, the tamale cooks. You will notice that your life will be instantly different. You will be popular. People will invite you over. As you walk up to a crowd of people, you will hear someone say, "Isn't that the Tamale cook?" Yes folks, your simple life will never be the same. You have arrived. Please remember to be kind to the little people.
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/tamales/Tamales_Recipe_.htm
~~~~~
BreakPoint
Earning Our Trust
By Chuck Colson
9/19/2008
Persecution of Christians in India

If you were asked to name a country where it is dangerous to be a Christian, you would probably name an Islamic country or a dictatorship like China. You probably wouldn’t name the largest democracy in the world, India. Yet some of the most horrific persecution of Christians is taking place in its state of Orissa.

On August 23, a Hindu nationalist known as “Guruji” was shot to death along with four of his followers. While Guruji had many enemies and was mostly likely killed by Maoist guerillas, a local newspaper blamed Christians for his death. The result was a wave of anti-Christian violence that has killed at least 25 people, burned at least 50 churches, and destroyed at least 4,000 Christian homes.

Even more shocking than these numbers is the savagery of the attacks. There are reliable reports of priests being burned alive and nuns being raped. Hindu fanatics were caught trying to poison the water supply at a camp set up for Christians fleeing the violence.

A special target of the Hindu nationalists are former Hindus, especially Dalits, who have converted to Christianity. As Indian journalist Anjalee Lewis has written, the violence against Christians is “linked to the empowerment of the Dalits and tribals.”

Conversion and education has provided them with “dignity” and “freedom from oppressive traditions of caste-based discrimination and slavery.” This, in turn, has prompted a violent response from “dominant castes, who could no longer rely upon them for cheap farm labor or bonded labor.”

Chief among the respondents was Guruji. Like other Hindu nationalists, he absurdly claimed that Dalit conversions to Christianity were “forced.” He and his followers spoke of “[doing] everything possible to protect the Hindu faith in Orissa” and “bringing misguided followers back to the fold.”

The result, according to Archbishop Raphael Cheenath, is a campaign “to eliminate Christians from Orissa.”

It’s a campaign that long predates the recent violence. In 1967, Orissa passed a law against religious conversion despite the Indian constitution’s guarantees of freedom of conscience and religion.

If you’re wondering where the Indian government is in all this, the answer is: on the sidelines—at best. Its tepid response to the December attacks, according to Archbishop Cheenath, left the culprits “emboldened.” As one priest put it, “You can’t trust police and government officials at all levels anymore.”

Lewis says that the only hope for Christians in Orissa and other parts of India is “pressure from overseas.” Christians elsewhere must create what she calls the equivalent of a “free Tibet” campaign on their behalf. At the very least, you need to write or call your congressman or senators to alert them to what’s going on in India.

But most of all, pray for our persecuted brethren. Get your church involved in International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, which comes up on November 9. Visit our website, BreakPoint.org, to find out how. You’ll also find a list of organizations that raise awareness about persecuted Christians.

Learn more about the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Organizations ministering to the persecuted church (Source: PersecutedChurch.org):

Christian Freedom International
Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Christians in Crisis
Gospel for Asia
Greater Calling
International Christian Concern
Compassion Radio
Iranian Christians International
Jubilee Campaign
Mission India
Open Doors
The Voice of the Martyrs
World Evangelical Alliance
The Last Harvest

Anjalee Lewis, “India’s National Shame,” Mercator.net, 10 September 2008.

“The Other India: Dalits and Religious Persecution,” BreakPoint Commentary, 9 November 2007.

“Where Were You?: Persecution in Burma,” BreakPoint Commentary, 8 November 2007.

“Our Particular Concern: Praying for the Persecuted Church,” BreakPoint Commentary, 10 November 2005.

Kristin Wright, “Lonely, Flickering Light,” BreakPoint Online, 24 October 2006.

© 2008 Prison Fellowship - - http://www.breakpoint.org/
~~~~~
Words of the Week:
evanescent: fleeting.
hoary: white or gray with age; hence, extremely old.
auspicious: favorable; also, prosperous; fortunate.
kitsch: art in pretentious bad taste.
suffuse: spread through or over; to flush.
disconcert: to disturb the composure of.
vociferous: clamorous; noisy.
tintinnabulation: a tinkling sound, as of a bell or bells.
misprize: to despise; also, to undervalue.
from Dictionary.Com
~~~~~
"Well done is better than well said." - Benjamin Franklin

"Work is love made visible." - Khalil Gibran

"No great thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen." - Epictetus

"No wind favors he who has no destined port." - Montaigne

"Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense." - Winston Churchill

"Do first things first, and second things not at all." - Peter Drucker

"Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo." - H. G. Wells
~~~~~
BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS
http://breakingchristiannews.com/

Tens of Thousands of Christians Sign Petition Calling on UN Action... to Prevent Iranian President from New Holocaust against Israel
Teresa Neumann (September 19, 2008)
"The silence of most Christian clergy in the face of Germany's horrific bid to annihilate European Jewry left a deep stain on the churches. Yet from it has arisen a sense among multitudes of Christians today that we have an inescapable moral duty to earnestly speak out whenever another genocidal campaign threatens the Jewish people."
(Jerusalem)—A prominent Jerusalem-based Christian organization will deliver a petition to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon this week signed by tens of thousands of Christians from around the world seeking action to prevent Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad from carrying out threats against the nation of Israel.

According to a report in the Jerusalem Post, the petition, which was initiated by the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem and signed by more than 55,000 people from 128 countries, comes ahead of the Iranian leader's planned visit to New York, where he is scheduled to address the opening of the UN General Assembly next week.
"The silence of most Christian clergy in the face of Germany's horrific bid to annihilate European Jewry left a deep stain on the churches. Yet from it has arisen a sense among multitudes of Christians today that we have an inescapable moral duty to earnestly speak out whenever another genocidal campaign threatens the Jewish people," said Rev. Malcolm Hedding, the organization's executive director.
"Unfortunately, we are concerned that just such a genocidal campaign is taking shape in the form of Iran's repeated threats to eliminate the Jewish state, and its quest for nuclear means to carry out these threats," Hedding said.

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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Emailed to me another humor list (Pastor Tim's Clean Laugh List) -Tom Subscribe to Pastor Tim's Clean Laugh list at the website: Subscribe

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

GCF: Engine Trouble

A friend, driving home from a fishing trip in northern Michigan with his boat in tow, had engine trouble a few miles inland from Lake Huron. He didn't have a CB radio in his car, so he decided to use his marine radio to get help. Climbing into his boat, he broadcast his call letters and asked for assistance. A Coast Guard officer responded, "Please give your location."

"I'm on Interstate-75, two miles south of Standish."

The officer paused, "Could you repeat that?"

"I-75, two miles south of Standish."

A longer pause. Then an incredulous voice asked, "How fast were you going when you hit shore?"
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Roll Call

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

I remember standing at quarters one morning while stationed aboard ship. Lieutenant Montgomery was doing the muster.

"JACKSON?"
"Here!"

"KIBBEY?"
"Yo."

"STEPHENS?"
"Present, sir."

"SEEBACK?"

Nothing.

"SEEBACK?!"

Still nothing.

"SEEBACK!!!!"

As the division Chief I whispered into the Lieutenant's ear, "Sir, turn the paper over."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Cheap Uncle Fred

Emailed to me another humor list (Tickled by Tony - Clean) -Tom Subscribe to the Tickled by Tony list by sending an email to: tickledbytony_clean-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
-----------------------------------

Fred was well known for his cheapness and his "eye for a bargain." One day he was looking for a cheap wedding present for his niece, so he went into a thrift shop.

As he was walking around, he noticed what was previously an expensive glass crystal vase lying in the corner. It was in three pieces. After some haggling with the owner, Fred bought the broken vase for $5. He then filled in the congratulations card, wrote out his niece's name and address and gave the owner another $5 so that the broken vase could be gift wrapped and mailed. Fred then left the shop feeling quite pleased with himself. He expected his niece to think the vase had been broken in the mail.

A few days later, he called his niece to see if the present had arrived. "Yes, Uncle Fred, but unfortunately it was in 3 pieces when it was delivered."

"What terrible luck!" said Fred. "The Post Office is getting worse all the time!"

"It is a shame," she replied, "and it was so beautifully wrapped too ... each piece separately."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: The Gas Company

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

Two gas company servicemen, a senior training supervisor and a young trainee, were out checking meters in a suburban neighborhood. They parked their truck the end of the alley and worked their way to the other end. At the last house, a woman looking out her kitchen window watched the two men as they checked her gas meter.

Finishing the meter check, the senior supervisor challenged his younger coworker to a foot race down the alley back to the truck to prove that an older guy could outrun a younger one.

As they came running up to the truck, they realized the lady from that last house was huffing and puffing right behind them. They stopped and asked her what was wrong.

Gasping for breath, she replied, "When I see two men from the gas company running as hard as you two were, I figured I'd better run too!"
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Children at Play

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

As newlyweds, my wife and I hosted a family get-together at our apartment, which had a large grassy field and superb children's playground next door. My wife organized games outdoors for our eight nieces and nephews, and the laughter and activity drew other children, until about thirty kids were playing and clamoring for my wife's attention. After three hours, she called it quits.

The next morning while we were getting ready for work, two boys knocked on our patio door and asked if our children could come out and play. I told them we had no children; our nieces and nephews had just been visiting. Looking momentarily dejected, they brightened considerably as they asked, "Well, then, can your wife come out and play?"
_ ____________________________ _
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Some mornings, it's just \ /
\ _/ not worth chewing through \_ /
/ / the leather straps. \ \
-- Emo Phillips
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Artificial Intelligence is no \ /
\ _/ match for Natural Stupidity. \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Look out for #1. \ /
\ _/ Don't step in #2 either. \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Help Wanted: Telepath. \ /
\ _/ You know where to apply. \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Time may be a great healer, \ /
\ _/ but it's also \_ /
/ / a lousy beautician. \ \
_ ____________________________ _
| 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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CURTAIN RODS --- PRICELESS

On the first day, she sadly packed her belongings into boxes, crates & suitcases.

On the second day, she had the movers come & collect her things.

On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining-room table, by candle-light; she put on some soft background music, & feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of caviar, & a bottle of spring-water.

When she'd finished, she went into each & every room & deposited a few half-eaten shrimps dipped in caviar into the hollow center of the curtain rods. She then cleaned up the kitchen & left.

On the fourth day, the husband came back with his new girlfriend & at first, all was bliss.

Then, slowly, the house began to smell. They tried everything; cleaning, mopping, & airing-out the place. Vents were checked for dead rodents, & carpets were steam cleaned.

Air fresheners were hung everywhere. Exterminators were brought in to set off gas 20 canisters during which time the two had to move out for a few days, & in the end they even paid to replace the expensive wool carpeting.

Nothing worked!

People stopped coming over to visit. Repairmen refused to work in the house.

The maid quit.

Finally, they couldn't take the stench any longer, & decided they had to move, but a month later even though they'd cut their price in half - they couldn't find a buyer for such a stinky house. Word got out, & eventually even the local Realtors refused to return their calls. Finally, unable to wait any longer for a purchaser, they had to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place.

Then the ex-wife called the man & asked how things were going. He told her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely & said that she missed her old home terribly & would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement in exchange for having the house.

Knowing she could have no idea how bad the smell really was, he agreed on a price that was only 1/10 th of what the house had been worth ... but only if she would sign the papers that very day. She agreed, & within two hours his lawyers delivered the completed paperwork.

A week later the man & his girlfriend stood smiling as they watched the moving company pack everything to take to their new home & to spite the ex-wife, they even took the curtain rods!

I LOVE A HAPPY ENDING, DON'T YOU?

Thanks to Daphne Roberts
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`In order to continue getting-by in America (our home land), we all need to learn the NEW English language! Practice by reading the following conversation until you are able to understand the term 'TENJOOBERRYMUDS'.

The following is a telephone exchange between maybe you as a hotel guest and room-service somewhere in the good old U S A today......

Room Service : 'Morrin. Roon sirbees.'

Guest : 'Sorry, I thought I dialed room-service.'

Room Service: ' Rye Roon sirbees...morrin! Joowish to oddor sunteen???'

Guest: 'Uh.... Yes, I'd like to order bacon and eggs.'

Room Service: 'Ow July den?'

Guest: '.....What??'

Room Service: 'Ow July den?!?.. pryed, boyud, poochd?'

Guest: 'Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry.. scrambled, please.'

Room Service: 'Ow July dee baykem? Crease?'

Guest: 'Crisp will be fine.'

Room Service: 'Hokay. An Sahn toes?'

Guest: 'What?'

Room Service: 'An toes. July Sahn toes?'

Guest: 'I... don't think so.'

Room Service: 'No? Judo wan sahn toes???'

Guest: 'I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what 'judo wan sahn toes' means.'

Room Service: 'Toes! Toes!...Why Joo don Juan toes? Ow bow Anglish moppin we bodder?'

Guest: 'Oh, English muffin!!! I've got it! You were saying 'toast'... Fine...Yes, an English muffin will be
fine.'

Room Service: 'We bodder?'

Guest: 'No, just put the bodder on the side.'

Room Service: 'Wad?!?'

Guest: 'I mean butter... just put the butter on the side'

Room Service: 'Copy?'

Guest: 'Excuse me?'

Room Service: 'Copy...tea..meel?'

Guest: 'Yes. Coffee, please.. and that's everything.'

Room Service: 'One Minnie. Scramah egg, crease baykem, Anglish moppin, we bodder on sigh and copy ... rye??'

Guest: 'Whatever you say.'

Room Service: 'Tenjooberrymuds.'

Guest: 'You're welcome'

Thanks to Mary Alexis
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The ManRules
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down

Finally, the guys' side of the story. ( I must admit, it's pretty good.) We always hear 'the rules' From the female side. Now here are the rules from the male side. These are our rules! Please note.. these are all numbered '1 ' ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.
1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one
1. You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials..
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A COLOR. PUMPKIN IS ALSO A FRUIT. WE HAVE no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched.. We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say 'nothing,' We will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine...Really .
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball or motor sports
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
1. Thank you for reading this.

Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight; But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Thanks to Waneta
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CD Sleeves

My daughter Lili was five when she received a foam CD holder with plastic sleeves for all her music CDs. I explained to her that CDs are sensitive to light and heat, so she should not leave the holder in the sun.

During our home addition, the electrician was working in the backyard and Lili had gone to play in the sandbox, leaving her new CD holder on the patio table. My wife saw it and told Lili she was going to put it in the house.

Lili stood up in the sandbox and said, "Mommy, make sure you put it where the sun doesn't shine!"

The electrician took a break.

Received from Marty.

(-:][:-)

Self Esteem

I guess this story centers on self esteem. What builds one person's sense of self worth may mean nothing to another. For example, I am male. Getting my hair done or buying a cute new pair of shoes is a complete zero. Nada. Nothing. But having a fast car? Ha! That is pure testosterone!

Now, I have been driving around in an old beat-up pickup truck that I bought new about the end of the Crimean War. The radio doesn't work, but it doesn't need to. I couldn't hear it above the rattles. Sometimes I drive my wife's car. It's a recent model family sedan. Read that: boring. But I have had an old VW Vanagon in the driveway for several years that needed a new engine. Last month I got it fixed, and now that is what I drive.

Compared to the truck, this van is hot stuff. It's 5,200 pounds being pushed around by a 90-horsepower four-banger, but everything in life is relative. Finally, I'm out looking for trouble. Wanna race?

There is no point in challenging the Rice Rockets. Those guys don't play golf. They don't know the concept of handicap. Besides, it has been years since I've seen the front end of a Honda Civic. No, I was after bigger fish.

Like UPS trucks.

Sure enough, I found myself sitting at a stop light next to Big Brown. I gunned the engine. He was game. Then the light turned.

The race was on! I had him off the line, but he was gaining on me. The VW was screaming through the gears as we were hurtling down the road. Neck and neck! What a race! It was an adrenaline rush like no other.

Just as he was about to pull ahead, the UPS driver chickened out. We had hit 40 miles per hour in less than a mile and he didn't have the guts for it. Me and my van had beat somebody! I'm feeling so charged! This is great! I have to do this again. So, who's next?

I'm thinking the city bus.

Received from Chris McEwen.

(-:][:-)

Abbott & Costello on Computers

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

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

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

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

ABBOTT: Mac?

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

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

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

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

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

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

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

ABBOTT: Office.

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

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

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

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

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

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

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

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

ABBOTT: Money.

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

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

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

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

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

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

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

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on "START" ...

Received from Stephen L Fields.

(-:][:-)

Agriculture Subsidy

Honorable Secretary of Agriculture
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

My friend, Ed Peterson, over at Wells, Iowa, received a check for $1,000 from the government for not raising hogs. So, I want to go into the "not raising hogs" business next year.

What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best kind of farm not to raise hogs on, and what is the best breed of hogs not to raise? I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all governmental policies. I would prefer not to raise razorbacks, but if that is not a good breed not to raise, then I will just as gladly not raise Yorkshires or Durocs.

As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be in keeping an accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven't raised.

My friend, Peterson, is very joyful about the future of the business. He has been raising hogs for twenty years or so, and the best he ever made on them was $422 in 1968, until this year when he got your check for $1,000 for not raising hogs.

If I get $1,000 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2,000 for not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first, holding myself down to about 4,000 hogs not raised, which will mean about $80,000 the first year. Then I can afford an airplane.

Now another thing, these hogs I will not raise will not eat 100,000 bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay farmers for not raising corn and wheat. Will I qualify for payments for not raising wheat and corn not to feed the 4,000 hogs I am not going to raise?

Also, I am considering the "not milking cows" business, so send me any information you have on that too.

In view of these circumstances, you understand that I will be totally unemployed and plan to file for unemployment and food stamps.

Be assured you will have my vote in the coming election.

Patriotically Yours,

PS: Would you please notify me when you plan to distribute more free cheese.

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

A Single Woman's Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray for a man who's not a creep.

One who's handsome, smart and strong. Who's not afraid to admit when he is wrong

One who thinks before he speaks. When he promises to call, he doesn't wait six weeks.

I pray that he is gainfully employed, Won't lose his cool when he's annoyed.

Pulls out my chair and opens my door, Massages my back and begs to do more.

Oh send me a man who will make love to my mind. Know what to say when I ask, "How fat is my behind?"

One who'll make love till my body's a' itchin' He brings ME a sandwich too, when he goes to the kitchen.

I pray that this man will love me to no end, And never compare me to my best friend.

Thank you in advance and now I'll just wait, For I know you will send him before it's too late.

Amen

Received from Joy Roman.

(-:][:-)

-=+=-
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Madeleine Begun Kane Latest Columns - - http://www.madkane.com/humor_blog/2008/09/07/not-so-artful-at-athletics-limerick-haiku-prompt/ - - Not So Artful At Athletics (Limerick) - When I was in elementary school, I was really bad at two things — art and athletics. Come to think of it, I’m still bad at them. And that leads me to this week’s alternative poetry prompt themes: school and/or things you aren’t good at.

First, a limerick about my art prowess … or lack thereof:

Please do not make me paint. Have a heart!
I was awful at art from the start.
Flunking finger paint’s rare,
But I did it. So there!
Use a house-painting pro and be smart.

And now my unathletic haiku (senryu):

I hope for my name,
As the girls pick their teammates.
Next to last again.

http://www.madkane.com/humor_blog/2007/08/01/the-five-second-what/ - - The Five-Second What???
I guess I must have led a very sheltered existence. Why do I say that? Because I’d never heard the phrase “five-second rule” until my husband Mark used it as an excuse to eat some treat he’d just dropped on the floor. (And yes, we’re still married.)

I naively assumed that Mark was the only person crazy enough to think germs politely wait five seconds before they attach themselves to goodies. But apparently lots of people (mostly men, I’m assuming) believe that if you drop food on the floor and pick it up really, really fast, it’s safe to eat.

In fact, the belief’s so widespread that some scientists (who apparently didn’t have anything better to do with their time) actually studied the issue. And yes, they concluded that the rule isn’t valid. (Did you really need me — or the scientists — to tell you that?)

This leads to my latest limerick, in which I use the word date instead of husband to protect the guilty … and because husband has too many danged syllables:

The Five-Second What???
By Madeleine Begun Kane

My date dropped dessert on the dirt.
“Please don’t eat it,” I managed to blurt,
As he started to chew
On his now blackened goo,
Saying “5-second rule — it won’t hurt.”

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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Stay with this -- the answer is at the end -- it will blow you away.
One evening a grandson was talking to his grandmother about current events.
The grandson asked his grandmother what she thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.
The Grandma replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born, before television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees and the pill. There was no radar, credit cards, laser beams or ball-point pens.
Man had not invented pantyhose, air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and man hadn't yet walked on the moon.
Your Grandfather and I got married first-and then lived together.
Every family had a father and a mother. Until I was 25, I called every man older than I, 'Sir'- and after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, "Sir.' We were before gay-rights, computer-dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy. Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense. We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions, serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege. We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent. Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins. Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started. Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends-not purchasing condominiums.
We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings. We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radios. And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey.
If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan' on it, it was junk. The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam. Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of. we had 5 & 10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents.
Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel. And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600 but who could afford one? Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.
In my day, "grass" was mowed, "coke" was a cold drink, "pot" was something your mother cooked in, and "rock music" was your grandmother's lullaby.
"Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office, "chip" meant a piece of wood, "hardware" was found in a hardware store, and "software" wasn't even a word.
And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby. No wonder people call us "old and confused" and say there is a generation gap..... and how old do you think I am ???..... Read on to see -- pretty scary if you think about it and pretty sad at the same time.

This Woman would be only 58 years old!

Thanks to Jim Bussey
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“People are not born heroes, they become heroes in the face of adversity” DC
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The following letter was substantiated by KSLA, Channel 12 in Shreveport last Sunday. I have to say that most of the evacuees I’ve encountered don’t act like the folks that “Sherrie” met. But there are some deadbeats out there.
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Among the stories we have heard of the crimes and attitudes of those we have tried to help get out of Hurricane Gustav's path, these emails were passed on to me by friends who have had to endure the conditions set forth by the evacuees of New Orleans. It's hard to be a Christian when we are treated this way and expected to keep giving . . . . . . . . perhaps someone in the news media should investigate and do a story on what these people have done to our communities.

Our Lisa said she and Addie went to Wal-Mart in Ft Smith and the evacuees were getting food out of the deli, taking the food out of the package, eating the chicken and then throwing the chicken bones and boxes they came in on the floor and not going up front and paying for them when they leave. She said there was so many in front of Wal-Mart when she and Addie drove up and later when they left, she said the front of the store looked like the Superdome in N.O. 3 years ago.
She also said they were filling their buggies up with stuff and then getting to the checkout counter and screaming and hollering and expecting Wal-Mart to pay for everything.!!

She was so disgusted when she and Addie left. She got to see that first hand for herself. And then they go right back to N.O. to live for this to happen again. This letter below was written by a nurse with the evacuees and thought you might like to read it.
mj
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Before everyone thinks I am a terrible, prejudiced, horrible person, just wanted to send a copy of the letter I sent to the Times editors and Bill O'Reilly. Please pray that Hurricane Ike will NOT come to Louisiana - I don't think I have the attitude of Christ yet!
Sherri
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Dear Editor,
I am a nurse who has just completed volunteer working approximately 120 hours as the clinic director in a Hurricane Gustav evacuation shelter in Shreveport , Louisiana over the last 7 days. I would love to see someone look at the evacuee situation from a new perspective. Local and national news channels have covered the evacuation and "horrible" conditions the evacuees had to endure during Hurricane Gustav.
True - some things were not optimal for the evacuation and the shelters need some modification.
At any point, does anyone address the responsibility (or irresponsibility) of the evacuees?
Does it seem wrong that one would remember their cell phone, charger, cigarettes and lighter but forget their child's insulin?
Is something amiss when an evacuee gets off the bus, walks immediately to the medical area, and requests immediate free refills on all medicines for which they cannot provide a prescription or current bottle (most of which are narcotics)?
Isn't the system flawed when an evacuee says they cannot afford a $3 copay for a refill that will be delivered to them in the shelter yet they can take a city-provided bus to Wal-mart, buy 5 bottles of Vodka, and return to consume them secretly in the shelter?
Is it fair to stop performing luggage checks on incoming evacuees so as not to delay the registration process but endanger the volunteer staff and other persons with the very realistic truth of drugs, alcohol and weapons being brought into the shelter?
Am I less than compassionate when it frustrates me to scrub vomit from the floor near a nauseated child while his mother lies nearby, watching me work 26 hours straight, not even raising her head from the pillow to comfort her own son?
Why does it incense me to hear a man say "I ain't goin' home 'til I get my FEMA check" when I would love to just go home and see my daughters who I have only seen 3 times this week?
Is the system flawed when the privately insured patient must find a way to get to the pharmacy, fill his prescription and pay his copay while the FEMA declaration allows the uninsured person to acquire free medications under the disaster rules?
Does it seem odd that the nurse volunteering at the shelter is paying for childcare while the evacuee sits on a cot during the day as the shelter provides a "daycare"?
Have government entitlements created this mentality and am I facilitating it with my work?
Will I be a bad person, merciless nurse or poor Christian if I hesitate to work at the next shelter because I have worked for 7 days being called every curse word imaginable, feeling threatened and fearing for my personal safety in the shelter?
Exhausted and battered, Sherri Hagerhjelm, RN
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Obama's Not Exactlys:
1.) Selma March Got Me Born - NOT EXACTLY, your parents felt safe enough to have you in 1961 - Selma had no effect on your birth, as Selma was in 1965. (Google'Obama Selma ' for his full March 4, 2007 speech and articles about its various untruths.)
2.) Father Was A Goat Herder - NOT EXACTLY, he was a privileged, well educated youth, who went on to work with the Kenyan Government.
3.) Father Was A Proud Freedom Fighter - NOT EXACTLY, he was part of one of the most corrupt and violent governments Kenya has ever had.
4.) My Family Has Strong Ties To African Freedom - NOT EXACTLY, your cousin Raila Odinga has created mass violence in attempting to overturn a legitimate election in 2007, in Kenya . It is the first widespread violence in decades. The current government is pro-American but Odinga wants to overthrow it and establish Muslim Shera law. Your half-brother, Abongo Oba ma, is Odinga's follower. You interrupted your New Hampshire campaigning to speak to Odinga on the phone. Check out the following link for verification of that....and for more.
Obama's cousin Odinga in Kenya ran for president and tried to get Sharia Muslim law in place there. When Odinga lost the elections, his followers have burned Christians' homes and then burned men, women and children alive in a Christian church where they took shelter.. Obama SUPPORTED his cousin before the election process here started. Google Obama and Odinga and see what you get. No one wants to know the truth.
5.) My Grandmother Has Always Been A Christian - NOT EXACTLY, she does her daily Salat prayers at 5am according to her own interviews. Not to mention, Christianity wouldn't allow her to have been one of 14 wives to 1 man.
6.) My Name is African Swahili - NOT EXACTLY, your name is Arabic and 'Baraka' (from which Barack came) means 'blessed' in that language. Hussein is also Arabic and so is Obama.
Barack Hussein Obama is not half black. If elected, he would be the first Arab-American President, not the first black President. Barack Hussein Obama is 50% Caucasian from his mother's side and 43.75% Arabic and 6.25% African Negro from his father's side. While Barack Hussein Obama's father was from Kenya , his father's family was mainly Arabs... Barack Hussein Obama's father was only 12.5% African Negro and 87.5% Arab (his father's birth certificate even states he's Arab, not African Negro). From....and for more....go to.....
http://www.arcadeathome.com/newsboy.phtml?Barack_Hussein_Obama_-_Arab-American,_only_6.25%25_African
7.) I Never Practiced Islam - NOT EXACTLY, you practiced it daily at school, where you were registered as a Muslim and kept that faith for 31 years, until your wife made you change, so you could run for office.
4-3-08 Article 'Obama was 'quite religious in Islam'' http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=60559
8.) My School In Indonesia Was Christian - NOT EXACTLY, you were registered as Muslim there and got in trouble in Koranic Studies for making faces (check your own book).
February 28, 2008. Kristoff from the New York Times a year ago: Mr. Obama recalled the opening lines of the Arabic call to prayer, reciting them with a first-rate accent. In a remark that seemed delightfully uncalculated (it'll give Alabama voters heart attacks), Mr. Obama described the call to prayer as 'one of the prettiest sounds on Earth at sunset.' This is just one example of what Pamela is talking about when she says 'Obama's narrative is being altered, enhanced and manipulated to whitewash troubling facts.'
9.) I Was Fluent In Indonesian - NOT EXACTLY, not one teacher says you could speak the language.
10.) Because I Lived In Indonesia , I Have More Foreign Experience - NOT EXACTLY, you were there from the ages of 6 to 10, and couldn't even speak the language. What did you learn except how to study the Koran and watch cartoons.
11.) I Am Stronger On Foreign Affairs - NOT EXACTLY, except for Africa (surprise) and the Middle East (bigger surprise), you have never been anywhere else on the planet and thus have NO experience with our closest allies.
12.) I Blame My Early Drug Use On Ethnic Confusion - NOT EXACTLY, you were quite content in high school to be Barry Obama, no mention of Kenya and no mention of struggle to identify - your classmates said you were just fine
13.)An Ebony Article Moved Me To Run For Office - NOT EXACTLY, Ebony has yet to find the article you mention in your book. It doesn't, and never did, exist.
14.) A Life Magazine Article Changed My Outlook On Life - NOT EXACTLY, Life has yet to find the article you mention in your book. It doesn't, and never did, exist.
15.) I Won't Run On A National Ticket In '08 - NOT EXACTLY, here you are, despite saying, live on TV, that you would not have enough experience by then, and you are all about having experience first.
16.) Voting 'Present' is Common In Illinois Senate - NOT EXACTLY, they are common for YOU, but not many others have 130 NO VOTES.
17.) Oops, I Misvoted - NOT EXACTLY, only when caught by church groups and Democrats, did you beg to change your misvote.
18.) I Was A Professor Of Law - NOT EXACTLY, you were a senior lecturer ON LEAVE.
19.) I Was A Constitutional Lawyer - NOT EXACTLY, you were a senior lecturer ON LEAVE.
20.) Without Me, There Would Be No Ethics Bill - NOT EXACTLY, you didn't write it, introduce it, change it or create it.
21.) The Ethics Bill Was Hard To Pass - NOT EXACTLY, it took just 14 days from start to finish.
22.) I Wrote A Tough Nuclear Bill - NOT EXACTLY, your bill was rejected by your own party for its pandering and lack of all regulation - mainly because of your Nuclear donor, Exelon, from which David Axelrod came.
23.) I Have Released My State Records - NOT EXACTLY, as of March, 2008, state bills you sponsored or voted for have yet to be released, exposing all the special interests pork hidden within.
24.) I Took On The Asbestos Altgeld Gardens Mess - NOT EXACTLY, you were part of a large group of people who remedied Altgeld Gardens . You failed to mention anyone else but yourself, in your books.
25.) My Economics Bill Will Help America - NOT EXACTLY, your 111 economic policies were just combined into a proposal which lost 99-0, and even YOU voted against your own bill.
26.) I Have Been A Bold Leader In Illinois - NOT EXACTLY, even your own supporters claim to have not seen BOLD action on your part.
27.) I Passed 26 Of My Own Bills In One Year - NOT EXACTLY, they were not YOUR bills, but rather handed to you, after their creation by a fellow Senator, to assist you in a future bid for higher office.
28.) No One on my campaign contacted Canada about NAFTA - NOT EXACTLY, the Canadian Government issued the names and a memo of the conversation your campaign had with them.
29.) I Am Tough On Terrorism - NOT EXACTLY, you missed the Iran Resolution vote on terrorism and your good friend Ali Abunimah supports the destruction of Israel .
30.) I Want All Votes To Count - NOT EXACTLY, you said let the delegates decide.
31.) I Want Americans To Decide - NOT EXACTLY, you prefer caucuses that limit the vote, confuse the voters, force a public vote, and only operate during small windows of time.
32.) I passed 900 Bills in the State Senate - NOT EXACTLY, you passed 26, most of which you didn't write yourself.
33.) I Believe In Fairness, Not Tactics - NOT EXACTLY, you used tactics to eliminate Alice Palmer from running against you.
34.) I Don't Take PAC Money - NOT EXACTLY, you take loads of it.
35.) I don't Have Lobbysists - NOT EXACTLY, you have over 47 lobbyists, and counting.
36.) My Campaign Had Nothing To Do With The 1984 Ad - NOT EXACTLY, your own campaign worker made the ad on his Apple in one afternoon.
37.) I Have Always Been Against Iraq - NOT EXACTLY, you weren't in office to vote against it AND you have voted to fund it every single time.
38.) I Have Always Supported Universal Health Care - NOT EXACTLY, your plan leaves us all to pay for the 15,000,000 who don't have to buy it.
39.) My uncle liberated Auschwitz concentration camp - NOT EXACTLY, your mother had no brothers and the Russian army did the liberating.

So, who EXACTLY is this Obama guy and what is he trying to sell us?! Please get to work now...not enough of your loved ones and friends know about this fraud.
Coming from a TRUE American, this is not the 'Change' we want or need. I Goggled the information and it's ALL true. I don't know a lot of people so I am depending on whoever gets this to help me 'Educate' America. I am afraid that Obama is doing just as his brother did, going after the uneducated, poor, and promising 'Change', they have no idea what 'change' he will bring. Our only savior is our Constitution, for right now, until that's 'changed.'.

Thanks to Ashly Voss
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| Safety from the Heart |
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September 18, 2008
Today's Message is from Julian Smalls.
Signs of Chemical Overexposure

Chemical exposure is not always obvious. You should suspect chemical exposure if an otherwise healthy person becomes ill for no apparent reason. For many chemicals you should think of the symptoms as happening in degrees. Begin to think of the signs and symptoms as happening on a scale
from low to high exposure.

Low exposure can consist of; Headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, thirst, moodiness, soreness in joints, skin irritation, eye irritation, etc.

Moderate exposure can consist of; Severe nausea, severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, excessive perspiration, trembling, no muscle coordination and muscle twitches, extreme weakness, mental confusion, blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, rapid pulse, flushed or discolored skin, running eyes.

Severe exposure can consist of; Fever, intense thirst, increased rate of breathing, uncontrollable muscle twitches, pinpoint pupils, convulsions, inability to breathe, unconsciousness.

How to protect yourself
1. Ask questions about the materials you work around.
2. Use PPE and find out the limitations.
3. Know the hazards of the chemicals around you and get familiar with the MSDS.
4. Report signs and symptoms to your supervisor, the EMT and or the Plant Nurse.
5. Prevent over exposure by educating yourself.
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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:

** "50 Most Influential EHS Leaders" by Liz Borkowski Occupational Hazards has assembled a list of the 50 most influential leaders in Environmental Health and Safety, and our own David Michaels is on the list. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/09/19/50-most-influential-ehs-leaders/

** "President's Panel Examines Cancer and the Environment" by Celeste Monforton The President's Cancer Panel heard testimony from 12 experts in the first of four meetings on the environment's role in cancer; the experts emphasized high levels of chemical exposures in workplaces, a lack of progress on the chemicals-and-cancer conversation in recent decades, and the need for more primary prevention. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/presidents-panel-examines-cancer-and-the-environment/

** "Occupational Health News Roundup" by Liz Borkowski A former poultry worker is suing is his employer for firing him a day after he complained to federal officials about safety problems; Whole Foods Market has signed an agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee workers to pay a penny and a half more per pound for Florida tomatoes; and a coalition of healthcare groups has developed a code of ethics designed to protect nurses who come to the U.S. from other countries from abusive employment practices. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/09/17/occupational-health-news-roundup-82/

** "Bisphenol A (BPA) back in the news" by revere A new study published in JAMA links adult BPA levels to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and the ranking member of the Committee on Finance, Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has written to the Commissioner of the FDA asking for a clarification of the FDA's position on the science underlying a recent NIH review of BPA's safety http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/09/17/bisphenol-a-bpa-back-in-the-news/

** "Celeste Monforton to Testify on DOL Risk-Assessment Rule" Celeste Monforton has been invited to testify before the House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor's Subcommittee on Workforce Protections about the Department of Labor's proposed worker health risk-assessment rule, which she and other health advocates oppose. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/celeste-monforton-to-testify-on-dol-risk-assessment-rule/

** "Seeking Government Scientists" by Liz Borkowski The Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Policy's new Scientists in Government project, which promotes public discussion about the rights and responsibilities of government scientists, is recruiting current and former government scientists to participate in this qualitative research. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/seeking-government-scientists/

** "FDA Favors Industry Science on BPA" by Sarah Vogel The FDA's draft assessment on bisphenol A safety reveals a larger struggle to define whose science gets to count, how information shapes public policy decisions and how scientific knowledge informs chemical safety. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/fda-favors-industry-science-on-bpa/

** "Chinese baby formula scandal" by revere >From China comes disturbing news of babies developing kidney problems after drinking formula contaminated with melamine. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/chinese-baby-formula-scandal/

** "Friday Blog Roundup" by Liz Borkowski Bloggers have thoughts on health and environmental issues in the election; what's important about the oil agency scandal; and what's behind combustible-dust explosions. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/09/12/friday-blog-roundup-92/

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.

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.

Water truck driver killed - - SEPT 2, TRUCKEE, CA -- A water truck travelling along a U.S. Forest Service Road went off the road Tuesday, rolled over, and caught on fire. The driver of a logging truck called California Highway Patrol to report the single vehicle accident. The driver, trapped inside the cab, was burned beyond recognition. Police say he will have to be identified by dental charts, which could take weeks.

Farmer killed by bull - - SEPT 1, WAUSAU, WI -- Gary Fenhaus, 49, was working on his farm Monday when he was gored and trampled by his 1200-pound bull. He was found unconscious by his wife, who had become worried when she noticed that other cows and horses in the field seemed disturbed. There were no witnesses to the attack. Police said they shot the bull when they arrived because it would not allow them to approach Mr. Fenhaus.

Three killed in firefighting air tanker crash - - SEPT 1, RENO, NV -- An air tanker on its way to drop flame retardant on a California forest fire crashed within seconds of taking off from Reno-Stead airport this evening. All three members of the aerial firefighting crew were killed: Captain Calvin “Gene” Wahlstrom, 61, First Officer Greg “Gonzo” Gonsioroski, 41, and airplane mechanic Zachary Vander Griend, 25,

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. Senior Chief Petty Officer John Wayne Marcum, 34, of Flushing, Mich., died Sept. 12 from injuries sustained while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan Sept. 11. Marcum was temporarily forward deployed from his assignment at Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Dam Neck, Va.

02. Chief Petty Officer (select) Jason Richard Freiwald, 30, of Armada, Mich., died Sept. 12 from injuries sustained while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan Sept. 11. Freiwald was temporarily forward deployed from his assignment at Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Dam Neck, Va.

03. Spc. Marques I. Knight, 24, of San Juan Capistrano, Calif., died Sept. 6 in Aliabad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he received small arms fire while on dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

04. Sgt. 1st Class Daniel R. Sexton, 53, of Wentzville, Mo., died Sept. 10 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 164th Military Police Company, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

05. Chief Warrant Officer Michael Slebodnik, 39, of Gibsonia, Pa., died Sept. 11 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered near Forward Operating Base Nagil, Afghanistan, when the aircraft he was piloting received enemy fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

The Department of Defense announced the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Sept. 14 in Tunnis, Iraq, of wounds sustained in a non-hostile incident.
The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. Killed were:
06. Staff Sgt. Darris J. Dawson, 24, of Pensacola, Fla.
07. Sgt. Wesley R. Durbin, 26, of Hurst, Texas.

08. Lt. Col. Ralph J. Marino, 46, of Houston, Pa., died Sept 14 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, from a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to U.S. Army Central Command, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

09. Pvt. Michael W. Murdock, 22, of Chocowinity, N.C., died Sept. 11 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered at Combat Outpost Lybert, Afghanistan, when he was struck by enemy fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

10. Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Eichmann A. Strickland, 23, of Arlington, Wash., died Sept. 9 from injuries suffered when the vehicle he was driving hit an improvised explosive device in Afghanya Valley, Afghanistan.
Strickland was assigned to Combat Service Support Det. 36, Iwakuni, Japan. He was a member of a US Marine embedded Training Team deployed to Afghan Regional Security Integration Command Central.

11. Pfc. Leonard J. Gulczynski I, 19, of Carol Stream, Ill., died Sept. 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when his vehicle was involved in an accident. He was assigned to the 610th Engineer Support Company, 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.

12. Capt. Darrick D. Wright, 37, of Nashville, Tenn., died Sept. 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, of a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to the 926th Engineer Brigade, Montgomery, Ala.

13. Lt. Col. James L. Wiley, 46, of North Bend, Ore., died Sept. 18 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 27th Brigade Combat Team, New York Army National Guard, Syracuse, N.Y.
The incident is under investigation.
~~
Navy to Christen USNS Carl Brashear

The Navy will launch and christen dry cargo/ammunition ship the USNS Carl Brashear at a 10 a.m. PDT ceremony on Sept. 18, 2008. The christening ceremony for the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark (T-AKE) class of underway replenishment ships will be held at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif.

Designated as T-AKE 7, the new ship honors Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate (Master Diver) Carl M. Brashear (1931-2006), who joined the U.S. Navy in 1948. He was a pioneer in the Navy as one of the first African-Americans to graduate from the Navy Diving School and was designated a Navy salvage diver. He was the first African-American to qualify and serve as a master diver while on active duty and the first U.S. Navy diver to be restored to full active duty as an amputee, the result of a leg injury he sustained during a salvage operation. After 31 years of service, Brashear officially retired from the U.S. Navy on April 1, 1979. Brashear was the subject of the 2000 movie "Men of Honor" starring Cuba Gooding Jr.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead will speak at the christening ceremony and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe R. Campa Jr. will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Serving as ship’s sponsor, Lauren Brashear will christen the ship in honor of her grandfather. The launching ceremony will include the time-honored Navy tradition when the sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship “USNS Carl Brashear.”

USNS Carl Brashear is the seventh ship of the Navy’s T-AKE 1 class. The T-AKE program calls for up to 14 ships, the first 11 of which will serve as combat logistics force ships and the last three of which are expected to be part of the Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future). As a combat logistics force ship, USNS Carl Brashear will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence by delivering ammunition, food, fuel, and other dry cargo to U.S. and allied ships at sea. The ship is designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea and can carry and support two helicopters to conduct vertical replenishment.

As part of Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the USNS Carl Brashear is designated as a United States Naval Ship (USNS) and will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners working for MSC. The ship will also have a military detachment of 11 U.S. Navy Sailors to provide supply coordination and, when needed, can carry a helicopter detachment of up to 36.

Additional information about this class of ship is available on line at [http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4400&tid=500&ct=4.]
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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
~~~~~
Asbury United Methodist Church will have a fish fry SATURDAY, September 27, from 5-7 p.m. at the church located at 1300 E. University. Tickets are $10 a plate for adults and $5 a plate for children under age 12. To purchase tickets contact Ann Whitehead at 870-234-6722 or Paula Wooley at 870-596-2946.
~~~~~
Life Touch Hospice will have volunteer training from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 30, Oct. 2, 7, 9 and 14. All meals and materials will be provided. For more information call Life Touch , Hospice office at 234-9112 or Abby Cate at 866-378-0388.
~~~~~
The Family Readiness Group of the Arkansas Army National Guard will conduct a fundraiser, THURSDAY, October 2, 5-8 p.m. at Pizza Inn. For information , call Amanda Franks 904-9532. ~~~~~
Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Saturday, October 25, Main Event Pavillion. For tickets or more information, contact Blake Hogue, Tommy Surles, Greg Harrell, or Genia Harrell
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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.
~~~
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.
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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!!!
Mat 18:12-14 Rom 16:3-4,6-7,12-13 2 Chr 6:4 Col 3:16-17 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
. 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, 07, or 08). 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@suddenlink.net 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 2008 before it was sent.
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Bugs Bleat 3Q 08

Blog Archive

About Me

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Engine Trouble - - Photos

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Engine Trouble

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Engine Trouble

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Engine Trouble