Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Charm School 101

Volume 10, Issue 28 Friday, July 11, 2008

Hello All,

I filled up the YUKON at SAMs in Texarkana today. $90.07 if you wait until the “low fuel” light is on. My dad wouldn’t have waited that long, he was on call day and night and didn’t believe in letting the tank get below half full. But this wasn’t my vehicle (which I’d filled up at the plant that morning) and I was looking for cheaper gas than the Magnolia Travel Center’s $3.99. However the station in Lewisville was closed and I thought “we can make it to Garland. In Garland, I thought “we can make it to the east side of Texarkana (we had a doctor’s appointment on Arkansas Blvd) and on the east side of Texarkana it was $3.96 so I thought “we can make it to the Interstate” which we did. It was $3.95 there, but I had my confidence up and thought we could make it to SAMs. The next station we passed was $3.93 at the exit and I knew I could coast to SAMs from there. So I paid $3.88.9 for 23.15 gallons. I could have made it another 10 or 15 miles. Of course, that “cheap” gas traveled from Murphy Oil in El Dorado, through Magnolia, past our hometown pumps, traveling an extra 60 miles so we could pay 11 cents less there than they charge here in Magnolia.
Buying gas in the ‘60s was a whole lot simpler. First you had to either scrape up a dollar for four gallons of gas or you had to go to the station your parents used and “charge it.” I usually chose the latter. I’d pull into Talley’s Amoco station, where they would wash my windows, check the oil, water and transmission fluid and the tires while the tank was filling. When they were through, they’d bring the ticket book over for me to sign while they swept out the car.
Buying food was the same way; I’d just stop by our neighborhood grocery, Dennis Foods and charge whatever we needed. If I or my parents didn’t have time to stop by, we could call Dennis’s and they would deliver our order to the house. Books could be obtained from the library or I could peruse the paperback rack at Longino, Goode and Lyle’s drug store and charge my books there.
In addition to reading, I like to build scale models and those could be charged at Sterling’s Store on the square.
I now wonder how my parents paid all those charge accounts each month.
~~~~~
Speaking of filling up our gas tank, Thomas Boone Pickens, Jr. (born May 22, 1928) is an American businessman who chairs the hedge fund BP Capital Management. He was a well-known takeover operator during the 1980s. With an estimated current net worth of about $3 billion. On July 8, 2008, Pickens announced a major energy policy proposal called "The Pickens Plan" (http://www.pickensplan.com/media/). The plan promotes alternatives to oil, including natural gas, wind, and solar. A major feature of the plan is replacing the 22% of its electricity that the United States gets from natural gas with wind energy, which would then allow that natural gas to provide 38% of the States' fuel for transportation and reduce its dependence on foreign oil. The Pickens Plan calls for the United States to leverage its wind corridor in the middle of the country which stretches from Texas through the Great Plains to the Canadian border.
Pickens plans to spend $58 million on his multi-media effort to promote the Pickens Plan. Pickens multi-media campaign includes old media, such as newspaper and TV, and new media, such as YouTube and Facebook.
[http://www.pickensplan.com/]
On the face of it, the Pickens Plan is not at all radical.
The U.S. Department of Energy earlier this year said that the U.S. could get 20 percent of its electricity from wind in roughly the same time period and has called for the creation of a transmission network to the coasts.
But the conversion of a famed and politically conservative oil prospector to a proponent of wind power will no doubt be eye-opening to people who still associate renewable energy with fringe environmentalists.
He's also adding some social-networking savvy. The Pickens Plan site has a way for groups and individuals to join the group or to carry the Pickens Plan badge on their site.
And to further solidify his social-networking cred, Pickens has a Facebook page [http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=19786522466] for his plan.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-9985905-54.html?hhTest
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I like the Pickens Plan. It’s not the only way we could improve our energy future, but it’s one that is workable and we need to get together behind a plan and quit endless discussions that don’t solve anything.
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If you watch TV or read the paper, it appears Good News Is No News. Everything is doom and gloom. Sherry White in Orlando, Fla. said "There is a sense of helplessness everywhere you look. It's like you're stuck in one spot, and you can't do anything about it."
In 1931, when the historian James Truslow Adams coined the phrase "The American Dream," he wrote of "a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement." And, in 2008, using history as a yardstick, life actually is better and richer and fuller, with more opportunities than ever before.
"Objectively things are going real well," says author Gregg Easterbrook, who discusses the disconnect in his book "The Progress Paradox: How Life Gets Better While People Feel Worse."
He ticks off supporting statistics: A relatively low unemployment rate, 5.5 percent in June. (Employers did, indeed, cut payrolls last month by 62,000 jobs, but consider the 10.1 rate of June 1983 or the 7.8 rate of June 1992.) Declining rates of violent crimes, property crimes and big-city murders. Declining rates of disease. Higher standards of living for the middle class and the working poor. And incomes that, for many, are rising above the rate of inflation.
So why has the pursuit of happiness—a fundamental right, the Declaration of Independence assures us—become such a challenging undertaking? Some of the gloom and doom may simply reflect a society that demands more and expects to have it yesterday, but in many cases there's nothing imaginary about the problems.
We’re seeing our standard of living fall with rising fuel and food prices. But it’s still miles above most of the world. As bother Paul said “quityourbellyachin.” and work to support solutions.
[http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=2008-07-05_D91O33B00&show_article=1&cat=breaking]
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Stevia has been recommended to us as a safer sweetener than Splenda. Stevia is a genus of about 150 species of herbs and shrubs in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), native to subtropical and tropical South America and Central America. ... As a sugar substitute, stevia's taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar, although some of its extracts may have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste at high concentrations.
With its extracts having up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar, stevia has garnered attention with the rise in demand for low-carbohydrate, low-sugar food alternatives. Stevia also has shown promise in medical research for treating such conditions as obesity[1] and high blood pressure.[2][3] Stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose, even enhancing glucose tolerance;[4] therefore, it is attractive as a natural sweetener to diabetics and others on carbohydrate-controlled diets.[5] However, health and political controversies have limited stevia's availability in many countries; for example, the United States banned it in the early 1990s unless labeled as a supplement. Stevia is widely used as a sweetener in Japan, and it is now available in the US and Canada as a dietary supplement, although not as a food additive. Rebiana is the trade name for a stevia-derived sweetener being developed jointly by The Coca-Cola Company and Cargill with the intent of marketing in several countries and gaining regulatory approval in the US and EU. Truvia is Cargill's consumer brand of Rebiana-based sweetener.
Whole foods proponents draw a distinction between consuming (and safety testing) only parts, such as stevia extracts and isolated compounds like stevioside, versus the whole herb. In his book Healing With Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford cautions, "Obtain only the green or brown [whole] stevia extracts or powders; avoid the clear extracts and white powders, which, highly refined and lacking essential phyto-nutrients, cause imbalance".[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevia]
~
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener originally sold under the trade name Splenda, but now also supplied by a variety of manufacturers under various brand names. In the European Union, it is also known under the E number (additive code) E955. Sucralose is approximately 600 times as sweet as sucrose (table sugar), twice as sweet as saccharin, and four times as sweet as aspartame.
According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, one can consume 15 mg/kg/day of Sucralose "on a daily basis over a ... lifetime without any adverse effects".[15] For a 150 lb person, 15 mg/kg is about 1 g, equivalent to about 75 packets of Splenda or the sweetness of 612 gm or 2500 kcal of sugar.
“In determining the safety of sucralose, the FDA found a study published in the Journal of Mutation Research linked high doses (2 g per kg; equal to 10,000 packets per day for the 150 lb person in the above example) of sucralose to DNA damage in mice.
Concerns have been raised about the effect of sucralose on the thymus, an organ that is important to the immune system. A report from NICNAS cites two studies on rats, both of which found "a significant decrease in mean thymus weight" at a certain dose. The sucralose dosages which caused the thymus gland effects referenced in the NICNAS report was 3000 mg/kg bw/day for 28 days. For an 80 kg (176 lb) human, this would mean a 28-day intake of 240 grams of sucralose, which is equivalent to more than 20,000 individual Splenda packets/day for approximately one month. The dose required to provoke any immunological response was 750 mg/kg bw/day, or 60 grams of sucralose per day, which is more than 5,000 Splenda packets/day (there are 11.9 mg of sucralose in a 1g retail packet of Splenda). These and other studies were considered by regulators before concluding that sucralose was safe.
~
In other words, it’s better to use natural sugar in limited amounts but if you’re a sweet a holic, either splenda or Stevia can be taken safely. As in most products, it’s better to stay as close to the natural substance as possible.
~~~~~
Delicia Torrence will co star in “South Pacific” July 13th - 20th in El Dorado. In addition to the 7:00 pm show, there will be Sunday Matinee at 2:30 pm on the 13th and 20th. Tickets $20. Call 870-862-5474 for tickets - No show on 15th
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Knights of Columbus Fish Fry Fundraiser - July 22
The Magnolia Council Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a Fish Fry fund-raiser on Tuesday July 22nd from 6-7pm. Tickets are $10ea and plates include fish, fries, hushpuppies, Cole slaw and dessert. This is a drive thru pick-up only at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church located on North Jackson near SAU in Magnolia. Proceeds help support local charity organizations, such as the Hannah House and Southern Christian Mission (homeless shelter). See any of the following members for tickets: Brendyn Reinecke, Jason Bevan, Don Vash, Marcus Weston, Greg Reed, Joe Bossier, Laurel Becnel, John McWeeney, Justin Gage, and Eric Steinhauser
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Hello Family and Friends!

I just returned home to Arusha from the village of Laela. For three long days we traveled to southern Tanzania again for a mass crusade. We did not have to take the 18 wheelers with us, so the trip was quicker. Amazingly, after my driving mistakes last month, I was still needed to help drive one of the vehicles.
One thing I have always loved is driving FAST. I don't know why. I think I would do great at Nascar, but I am too busy right now. On the trip to Laela, I was stopped at a wonderful police stop. The police walked to my window and I smiled in my southern country way. He didn't smile back. He said, "you were driving 80 in a 50!" (Calm down, mama. This is kilometers, not mph.) I looked down sadly, as if I had just been caught with my hand in the cookie jar, and I said, "sameheni". (I'm sorry) He said loudly, "you are going to pay a fine today!". I said, "sawa". (ok) We have few speed signs in the country and I have never seen anyone follow them. But, I had been caught red-handed. He said "You will pay 20,000 shillings." (less than $20) I caught myself before I said, "Oh that's great! In the States, that would have cost me $200!" It's important to keep your mouth shut many times.
We arrived safely and dusty in Laela. We were told that this village had a population of about 10,000 people and only 6 churches. There were some churches in surrounding areas but very few. There were also few Muslims, so we were told most of the people were simply sinners who had never heard of or received Jesus.
Our team began to build the stage and I prepared to train Sunday school teachers and pastors. About 75 adults showed up to my seminar and about 100 CHILDREN! Ha! They were beautiful and dirty and stinky, and they won my heart. They wanted to touch my skin, of course, and pull my hair, and I let them. Everywhere I go, I appear to be a freak of nature to everyone, but they treat me as if I am beautiful. I get tired of the stares, but I understand. Even with the bit of tan I have from the African sun, I am very white and stand out clearly in any crowd.
In these small villages, we have had difficulty finding translators to help us. In Laela, a teacher named Lupe, was to interpret. Problem was, she had trouble understanding me. When our organizer was looking for an interpreter for me, no one wanted to interpret for an American. Seems we talk strange! I don't agree, of course. Lupe did ok, but our organizer, Japhet, who speaks little English, sat in the crowd and helped her often. It was funny to listen to. I would speak, Japhet would interpret, and then Lupe would interpret. But in the end, they received the precious message of REACHING CHILDREN FOR JESUS.
The crusade began with a huge crowd, more than I thought possible. Bro. Egon said there were about 5000-6000 there the first night. For 5 days before the main crusade service began, I preached the Gospel to the children through music, drama, puppets, humor, and storytelling during the kids' crusade. We played crazy games and sprayed them with water guns. They laughed. We got their attention, and then I put the Word of God in their hearts. On Day 1 the workers did a dance with 5 huge pieces of fabric in 5 colors. It was beautiful. Then I used the 5 colors to tell the children the story of salvation. (Thanks, mama, and South Parkway Church, for making the cloths! They are making a difference in Africa!) On Day 2 we ministered on "Jesus wants to set you free from fear." Day 3 - "Jesus heals today" Day 4 - "You have a purpose" and Day 5 "Growing up spiritually".
Every day at the beginning of the altar call after Bro. Egon's sermon, I accompanied over a thousand children to a field behind the stage. I got smarter day to day. By the 4th night, I learned that it was good if I would back up next to a ditch so the kids had to be in front of me and then could hear me and the interpreter. Problem was, they almost pushed me into the thorny ditch! But they listened.
On the first day of the crusade, I was speaking in the field, when a child grabbed my hand. I tried to let go, so I could continue, as he was bothering me, but then I looked over to where he was. He had no legs and was sitting in a wheelchair. He had just pushed through and grabbed my hand. I stopped and reached down and kissed him on his dirty face. He had a huge smile.
One day I had just told the children that God wanted them to dream big. After I finished, a pre-teen boy caught my eye. I don't know why, but I stopped and asked him his name. He said, "Joseph." I began to tell him the story of Joseph in the Bible and the dream God had given that Joseph. I told him to dream too. That may seem cruel to say to children in poverty. It seems they have no hope. Why get their hopes up? Well....because Jesus would. Every day, Joseph from Laela caught my eye again.
I met so many children in Laela that caught my eye. I would take beach balls in the field and over a thousand kids would bounce them back and forth. On one of the first evenings, it was time for me to leave them and I needed my ball back. A young teen brought it to me. Cute kid with a mischievous spark in his eyes. I asked him his name, and he said, "George Bush." I laughed and laughed. Then I handed him the beach ball and said, "zaraidi" which means "gift". Every day my friend George Bush caught my eye again and we laughed.
On my last night in Laela, George Bush, Joseph, and the boy in the wheelchair came to say goodbye to me. I could see that they loved me and appreciated my visit.
I feel so unworthy of the honor of sharing Jesus with the children of Tanzania. They treat me like a queen. I am just a sinner saved by grace.
The trip home from Laela was difficult. The vehicles were full of dust as we drove down horrible roads. I would blow my nose and nothing but mud came out. A baby wipe across my face was dark brown. We had 3 flats. Our bodies were aching from exhaustion. Then, to made things really exciting, we had a few hours fighting testes flies. Nothing hurts worse than to be stung by these evil flies. (I got stung twice on the legs and it still itches!) Our team was slapping each other, trying to kill the varmints, and dirt was floating up from the floorboard choking us. All of a sudden, we all started laughing. But, this ride was not that important. Although we were miserable at the moment, our thoughts were filled with the recent news of a little place called Laela.
While we were in Laela, a lame boy walked for the first time, a deaf mute heard for the first time, a frail woman who had almost died recently in a hospital came and was healed. Over 2000 were saved, hundreds were healed, and I met George Bush, Joseph, and a little boy in a wheelchair.

To God only be the glory!

Thank you for everything. Pray for us. We need you.

Pattie Stephenson
New Life Outreach, Tanzania
P.O. Box 6073
Tanzania Africa

Financial support can be sent to Magnolia Christian Center - P.O. Box 827, Magnolia Arkansas 71754
~
The following is news from my leaders, Egon and Hannah Falk.

2617 saved in Laela.
20 hours in the car to get back home from a fantastic seminar and crusade makes one very tired and exhausted, but knowing that 2617 people received Jesus and experienced salvation makes one happy, grateful and give new strength.
You who supported this crusade need to rejoice together with the angels in heaven!
Laela is only a small dusty village without any kind of modern facilities as electric power and running water, but many people and families who live there have now experienced the powerful change in their lives caused by the Gospel.

Almost a corpse.
We will never forget the woman who was only skin and bone. The doctors in the hospital had given up on her and said she was “dead”. They didn’t want to continue treatment and told the family: “It’s a waste of medicine and money – we don’t treat dead people” But here she was standing in front of Egon on the platform, before she was not even able to sit up – and now she had been standing on her legs for 2 hours during the service. She testified how Jesus healed and saved her!

Mathias 27 years old and paralyzed.
Since Mathias was born he had never been able to use his legs, the only thing he did was to crawl on “all 4 limps.”
During the prayer he received “strength in his legs” and he stood up and began to walk!
What a joy and excitement it was to hold his hands and walk with him on the platform and give thanks and praise to Jesus!

Teaching seminar.
So many people came to the seminar that it was impossible to find a building big enough in Laela to hold them all. The hunger for the Word of God is enormous! Pastor Jorn Overby from Atlanta was to great help and encouragement. His teaching is helping to build up strong churches in Laela.

Mkwajuni 22-27 July.
Our equipment is already in Mkwajuni and the expectation towards this crusade is big.
Pastor Jan Halvorsen from Norway will come and teach in the seminar – something we appreciate very much.

An enormous challenges.
Expenses in Tanzania are running wild and it’s hard for us to cope with.
We don’t want to be recognized as beggars but we need to raise our financial support. We will not let all these people be lost!
We need to work and we choose to believe in Gods faithful miracles - also financially, and that you as our partner will help in “lifting our hands”. We want to populate heaven!

Thank you and God bless you.

Hannah & Egon Falk
NLO team
Arusha, Tanzania
Earmark your donation “New Life Outreach” and write a check out to:
Word of Life Center
P.O. Box 18862
Shreveport, LA 71138
Phone: 318 688 4411
~~~~~
The Lighthouse Church Report:
This week we’re sharing another post by Randy Goudeau

MY PRECIOUS DAUGHTER
July 1st, 2008
I have been touched recently as I have read a couple of blogs my daughter Alyssa has posted. She is 11 years old and never ceases to amaze me. I want to share with you 2 short blogs she recently wrote:

WHY NOT START

Hey! We’ll I want to start spreading the Gospel! We already know how to do it, we already know what to say and we already WANT to do it!! The thing is we never really do it!!! How about those people who have no idea who Jesus is, don’t have a clue why they are on this earth, don’t know what to do and many more things. We’ll what are we doing right now? People all over the world need Jesus and all we are doing is thinking about our time with God!! What are we waiting for? We have a big job that we have to do in our life time!! Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel or Jesus will be ashamed of you before His father!!

WE NEED A REVIVAL IN THIS WORLD!!

I know there is about to be revival!! China and India and many more nations are sending missionaries to America because America has not yet woke up!! America is the fourth largest nation that does not know much about the Gospel!! I don’t know about you, but I want a revival in this world!! Years ago the world had a revival, why not now? It seems like the Church has weakened!! When Jesus comes I want to be proud that we did our job and preached the Gospel!! The only reason we are on earth is to preach the Gospel and worship God, but instead many people worry about their lives and what they want and need, and they don’t worry about the others who are on their way straight to hell!! – WE NEED A REVIVAL IN THIS WORLD!!??

All I can say is “But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Matthew 19:14 (NLT) ENOUGH SAID!!!

http://www.randygoudeau.com/
http://thelighthousechurch.publishpath.com/
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Cluster Munitions Policy Released

The Department of Defense released a newly approved U.S. cluster munitions policy. The United States believes that the new policy will provide better protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure following a conflict, while allowing for the retention of a legitimate and useful weapon.
Recognizing the need to minimize the unintended harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure associated with unexploded ordnance from cluster munitions, the secretary of defense has approved a new policy on cluster munitions intended to reduce the collateral effects resulting from the use of cluster munitions in pursuit of legitimate military objectives. The new policy is the result of a year-long Department of Defense review of cluster munitions.
Cluster munitions are legitimate weapons with clear military utility in combat. They provide distinct advantages against a range of targets, where their use reduces risks to U.S. forces and can save U.S. lives. These weapons can also reduce unintended harm to civilians during combat, by producing less collateral damage to civilians and civilian infrastructure than unitary weapons. Because future adversaries will likely use civilian shields for military targets – for example by locating a military target on the roof of an occupied building – use of unitary weapons could result in more civilian casualties and damage than cluster munitions. Blanket elimination of cluster munitions is therefore unacceptable due not only to negative military consequences but also due to potential negative consequences for civilians.
Post-combat, the impact of cluster munitions is limited in scope, scale and duration compared to other explosive remnants of war (ERW). According to the Feb. 15, 2008, State Department white paper (“Putting the Impact of Cluster Munitions in Context with the Effects of All Explosive Remnants of War”), in 2006 fewer than 400 casualties were attributable to cluster munitions out of a global total of 5,759 reported for all ERW.
A key facet of the DoD policy establishes a new U.S. technical norm for cluster munitions, requiring that by the end of 2018, DoD will no longer use cluster munitions which, after arming, result in more than one percent unexploded ordnance across the range of intended operational environments. Additionally, cluster munitions sold or transferred by DoD after 2018 must meet this standard. Any munitions in the current inventory that do not meet this standard will be unavailable for use after 2018. As soon as possible, military departments will initiate removal from active inventory cluster munitions that exceed operational planning requirements or for which there are no operational planning requirements. These excess munitions will be demilitarized as soon as practicable within available funding and industrial capacity. Effective immediately through 2018, any U.S. use of cluster munitions that do not meet the one percent unexploded ordnance standard must be approved by the applicable combatant commander. Previous DoD policy required military departments to design and procure “future” (after 2005) submunitions to a 99 percent reliability rate, but did not address use and removal of current munitions.
The new policy is viewed as a viable alternative to a complete ban proposal generated by the Oslo Process in Dublin, Ireland, last month. The new policy serves as the basis for the U.S. position in negotiations toward an international agreement at the U.N. Convention of Conventional Weapons (CCW) that began on July 7. The United States has called for the completion of a new cluster munitions protocol by the end of the year. The CCW, unlike the Oslo process, includes all of the nations that produce and use cluster munitions, making any agreement reached there much more practically effective.
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The latest from Michael Yon, the foremost “milnews” blogger on the web.
~
Greetings,

I am now in Nepal, trekking to get into better shape for Afghanistan. I will post dispatches from the Himalaya. I always love visiting Nepal, where the humans are as fascinating as the mountains. Yesterday, I was talking to a friend in Nepal whom I've known for years. She married a tree (a long but fascinating story, which I can tell if readers are interested). My trekking guide is a Maoist who speaks German, so this should be interesting.

Iraq is doing so much better that it's hard to keep track of all the progress. I communicate with many journalists, and some in Iraq seem distraught that the war is winding down. On the one side, they want the fighting to end, but on the other, they've invested years there and could always get their stories published. Now even top-name journalists have a hard time getting their stories published, as the guns are cooling and editors have moved on to other topics. Ironic, isn't it? Maybe they will become bloggers. In which case they would have a 100 percent chance of getting their stories published, and wouldn't have to wrestle with editors.

An important dispatch concerning Myanmar is just now published. Please click [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/] for this must-read story. Warning, some of the photos are extremely graphic.

Sincerely,
Michael

Http://www.michaelyon-online.com/index.php
~~~~~
This week we watched [Ratings are my own]:
The Big Sleep (1946) [7.5] Starring Humphrey Bogart ... Lauren Bacall
Undercover Blues (1993) [7.5] Starring Kathleen Turner ... Dennis Quaid ... Fiona Shaw ... Stanley Tucci
Vantage Point (2008) [7.5] Starring Dennis Quaid ... Matthew Fox ... Forest Whitaker
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) [7.5] Starring Gary Cooper ... Jean Arthur ... George Bancroft
You Can't Take It with You (1938) [7.5] Starring Jean Arthur ... Lionel Barrymore ... James Stewart ... Edward Arnold
Baby Boom (1987) [7.5] Starring Diane Keaton ... Sam Shepard ... James Spader
and
WALLE (2008) [7.5] Starring the voices of Elissa Knight ... Jeff Garlin ... Fred Willard ... John Ratzenberger ... Kathy Najimy ... Sigourney Weaver [http://www.crosswalk.com/movies/11577938/]
~~~~~
This week we read; “Honor Bound: Inside the Guantanamo Trials” by Kyndra miller Rotunda, “Shadow of power : a Paul Madriani novel” / Steve Martini. And “Child 44" / Tom Rob Smith.
We’re currently reading; “Echo burning” / Lee Child
We intend to read; TERMINAL CHAOS: Why U.S. Air Travel Is Broken and How to Fix It (Library of Flight Series) (Hardcover) by George L., Ph.D. Donohue (Author), Russell D., III, Ph.D. Shaver (Author), Eric Edwards (Contributor), “The steel wave : a novel of World War II” / Jeff Shaara. “State of the onion” / by Julie Hyzy, and “The front” / by Patricia Cornwell.
We recommend: “Honor Bound: Inside the Guantanamo Trials” by Kyndra miller Rotunda,
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http://www.shelfari.com/BugsBleat/shelf?ec=7D790D174EFS18012
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The photos on the front of this week’s “Bleat” include a news photo of Columbia County’s “Master Gardeners” and a shot of the clouds “below” Tim’s back porch on Mt. Nebo.
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We’ve now got several addresses on the web for "Da Bleat." For the latest issue, go to http://www.bugsbleat.blogspot.com. 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/
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Feel free to share the "Bleat" with any and all. That's why we publish it.
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Dr. Pat Antoon’s New 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 - - - Here are some of Vanessa’s latest recipes.

Ultimately Delicious Fruity Pancakes

1&1/2 c white flour
½ c wheat flour
2 T sugar
4 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 eggs
1& ½ c Orange Juice
4 T oil
2/3 c mashed ripe banana
½ c chopped nuts
½ c blueberries


In a mixing bowl, stir first 8 ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine egg, OJ, oil, and banana. Add to flour mixture all at once. Stir mixture just until blended. Stir in nuts and blueberries. Pour 1/4 c batter onto a hot, lightly greased heavy skillet or griddle.
Really good with more bananas sliced on top and syrup. It would probably be good with strawberries on top, also.

Pepperoni Pasta Salad

16 oz rotini pasta, cooked according to package directions
6 ounces cubed cheddar
6 ounces cubed mozzarella
6 ounces sliced pepperoni, cut into strips
1 small onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
1 cup green olives, sliced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup dried parsley (or ½ cup fresh chopped parsley)
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
2 tsp dried oregano, crushed
1 tsp pepper

For dressing, in a bowl combine oil, vinegar, garlic basil, oregano, parsley, and black pepper. Stir well.
Toss in pasta, cubed cheese, pepperoni, onion rings, olives, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat.
Makes 12 main dish servings.

Love, Vanessa
--
Sprinkle on some salt every day.
Mark 9:50b "Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another."
~
Sam Boggs reminded us that our recipe for Deep-Dish Apple-Blackberry Pie referred to a Walnut Pastry Dough, but we didn't share the recipe for it. He looked up the following link for the recipe for the crust. [http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/lf_hl_eatingwell/recipe/0,3190,FOOD_30878_108956,00.html]
~~~~~
BreakPoint
Possessing Nothing to Possess All
By Mark Earley
7/11/2008
'The Pursuit of God'

Note: This commentary was delivered by PFM President Mark Earley.

1948 was the year the “Big Bang” theory was introduced, the game “Scrabble” was first played, and state of Israel was established. It was also the year that A. W. Tozer wrote The Pursuit of God—a small book, but one that has profoundly influenced Christians for the past 60 years. It has challenged me, and I hope this summer you give it a chance to challenge you.

Ken Boa, who features The Pursuit of God this month in his tremendous “Great Books Audio CD” series, says that Tozer was “a modern mystic who had given priority to the lost art of meditation.” Tozer, a self-taught pastor in the Chicago area, was not known among those in his congregation as the most gregarious man. In fact, it was rumored that Tozer rarely visited his congregants unless they were deathly ill. But his aloofness was simply the product of a man relentlessly chasing after God.

Boa explains that when Tozer prayed, he would often put on a ragged pair of pants—what became known as his “prayer pants”—and spend hours in solitude with God. In fact, it was during one solitary train ride from Chicago to Texas that Tozer penned The Pursuit of God—all of it!

Tozer’s behavior might seem a bit strange to us today, but his words offer timeless significance. In The Pursuit of God, Tozer tramples on mediocrity in the Christian life. He wrote: “The way to deeper knowledge of God is through the lonely valleys of soul poverty and abnegation of all things. The blessed ones who possess the kingdom are they who have repudiated every external thing and have rooted from their hearts all sense of possessing.”

Here, Tozer confronts what he called the “tyranny of things”—in other words, the subtle way that materialism can take us captive. He asks readers to consider whether they are willing to walk through sadness, suffering, and solitude in order to know God deeply. This he calls “the blessedness of possessing nothing.”

He explains that man can discover this blessedness only by wholeheartedly running after God. “The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One,” he wrote. “Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness.”

Much of what Tozer had to say slaps modern man in the face. He calls into question the materialism and idolatry that continue to infect our churches and our lives. He asks us to question why we have difficulty spending time in solitude. And, he gives us the opportunity to return to a place of “meekness and rest,” where Christ becomes all that we need.

I highly recommend you pick up this book this summer and read it. It is quite short, but I guarantee you will be surprised by its depth and profundity. But also prepare to be challenged by what it truly means to pursue God.

I would also urge you to let Ken Boa guide you through the depths of Tozer’s thought. All you need to do is subscribe to the “Great Books Audio CD” series. Once a month, Ken will walk you through one of the great Christian works of all time—works like this month’s Tozer’s Pursuit of God. Visit BreakPoint.org for more information and how to subscribe.

Subscribe today to the “Great Books Audio CD” series from Dr. Ken Boa and BreakPoint. Call 1-877-322-5527 to learn more.

For Further Reading and Information

A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God (Wilder Publications, 2008). Read it online here [http://www.theboc.com/freestuff/awtozer/books/the_pursuit_of_god/index.html].

© 2008 Prison Fellowship - - http://www.breakpoint.org/site_hmpg.asp
~~~~~

Words of the Week:
meticulous: extremely careful about details.
palaver: idle talk; also, to talk idly.
gustatory: pertaining to the sense of taste.
troglodyte: someone who dwells in a cave.
emolument: the wages or perquisites arising from office, employment, or labor.
contemn: to scorn; to despise.
propound: to put forward for consideration.
puerile: juvenile; childish.
from Dictionary.Com

~~~~~
"Only two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity, and I am not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein

"To get away from one's working environment is, in a sense, to get away from one's self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change." - Charles Horton Cooley

"What is life but the angle of vision? A man is measured by the angle at which he looks at objects. What is life but what a man is thinking of all day? This is his fate and his employer. Knowing is the measure of the man. By how much we know, so much we are." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"To a historian libraries are food, shelter, and even muse. They are of two kinds: the library of published material, books, pamphlets, periodicals, and the archive of unpublished papers and documents." - Barbara Tuchman

"It is not how old you are, but how you are old." - Jules Renard

"As soon as we attract enough attention in the world to play a part in it, we are set rolling like a ball which will never again be at rest." - Charles Joseph, Prince de Ligne

"Diogenes struck the father when the son swore." - Robert Burton

"To think is to say no." - Emile Chartier
~~~~~
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82-year-old "Abolitionist" Shares her Simple Way to Free Child Slaves in Nepal
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GCF: Charm School 101

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

At one of the last all girl schools in Dallas years ago, the instructor in a "Charm Course" was urging her students to give their escorts every chance to be gallant. She said, "Remain seated in the truck until he has had time to step around and open the door for you."

Then, returning to reality, she added, "But, if the man is in the restaurant ordering his steak, don't wait any longer."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Coal Delivery

Emailed to me from another humor list (Daily Humor) -Tom To subscribe to Daily Humor, send a blank email to: Daily-Humor-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
-------------------------------------------

Teacher to student: "If coal is selling at $10 a ton and you pay your dealer $50, how many tons will he bring you?"

"Maybe four and half tons, ma'am."

"Why, no, that isn't right,"

"No, ma'am, I know it isn't, but Dad says they all do it."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Course Card

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

It used to be that a requirement for a college student to receive credit for a particular course was a card that listed his or her courses, signed by the instructor/lecturer of those courses. It was, at the time, policy that students attend their courses. But depending on the size of the class, it was often quite possible to receive credit, even after not attending the class regularly.

Not so, with this physics professor. If he didn't recognize you, you would have to repeat the course. On one occasion, a student handed his card to be signed. The professor looked at the name, then at the student, and said, "I've never seen you in my class," and handed back the card.

Being a science student, he naturally thought quickly, and proceeded to the end of the line. When he was at the front again, he handed his card to the professor. The professor looked at the name, then at the student, and said, "You look familiar. Okay," and signed the card.
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Dog Calls

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

Bernard, who is noted for his gracious manners, was awakened one morning at four forty four AM by his ringing telephone. . .

"Your dog's barking, and it's keeping me awake," said his angry neighbor.

Bernard thanked the caller politely.

The next morning at precisely four forty four AM Bernard called his neighbor back . . .

"Good morning, Mr. Williams.... Just called to say that I don't *have* a dog."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: From British Newspapers

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

(I'm not sure how true these are but the humor remains.....)

Commenting on a complaint from a Mr. Arthur Purdey about a large gas bill, a spokesman for North West Gas said, "We agree it was rather high for the time of year. It's possible Mr. Purdey has been charged for the gas used up during the explosion that destroyed his house." (The Daily Telegraph)

Irish police are being handicapped in a search for a stolen van because they cannot issue a description. It's a Special Branch vehicle and they don't want the public to know what it looks like. (The Guardian)

At the height of the gale, the harbor master radioed a coast guard (member) and asked him to estimate the wind speed. He replied he was sorry, but he didn't have a gauge. However, if it was any help, the wind had just blown his Land Rover over the cliff. (Aberdeen Evening Express)

A list of actual announcements that London Tube train drivers have made to their passengers:

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I do apologize for the delay to your service. I know you're all dying to get home, unless, of course, you happen to be married to my ex-wife, in which case you'll want to cross over to the Westbound and go in the opposite direction."

"Your delay this evening is caused by the line controller suffering from E & B syndrome: not knowing his elbow from his backside. I'll let you know any further information as soon as I'm given any."

"Do you want the good news first or the bad news? The good news is that last Friday was my birthday and I hit the town and had a great time. The bad news is that there is a points failure somewhere between Stratford and East Ham, which means we probably won't reach our destination."

"We are now traveling through Baker Street ... As you can see, Baker Street is closed. It would have been nice if they had actually told me, so I could tell you earlier, but no, they don't think about things like that".

"Beggars are operating on this train. Please do NOT encourage these professional beggars. If you have any spare change, please give it to a registered charity. Failing that, give it to me."

During an extremely hot rush hour on the Central Line, the driver announced in a West Indian drawl: "Step right this way for the sauna, ladies and gentleman... Unfortunately, towels are not provided."

"Let the passengers off the train FIRST!" (...pause). Oh go on then, stuff yourselves in like sardines, and see if I care - I'm going home...."

"Please allow the doors to close. Try not to confuse this with 'Please hold the doors open.' The two are distinct and separate instructions."
_ ____________________________ _
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / "Life is not a journey to \ \_/ ////
\ / the grave with the intention of \ /
\ _/ arriving safely in a pretty and \_ /
/ / and well-preserved body, but rather \ \
to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up,
totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW! What a Ride!" 007
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / "You can observe a lot \ /
\ _/ just by watching." \_ /
/ / - Yogi Berra \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / "Give me ambiguity, \ /
\ _/ or give me something else." \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / "Tomato Ketchup: \ /
\ _/ If you do not shake the bottle, \_ /
/ / non'll come and then a lot'll." \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / "Cogito Eggo Sum" \ /
\ _/ (I think, therefore \_ /
/ / I am a waffle.) \ \
_ ____________________________ _
| 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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Be careful what you pray for!

In a small Texas town, a new bar/tavern started a building to open up their business. The local Baptist church started a campaign of petitions and prayers to block the bar from opening. Work progressed, however right up till the week before opening, when a Lightning strike hit the bar and it burned to the ground.
The church folks were rather "smug" in their outlook after that, Until the bar owner sued the Church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means. The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise in its reply to the court.
As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork.
At the hearing he commented, "I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but as it appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that doesn't."

Thanks to Daphne Roberts
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Donation Drive (Today is the last day) Do you enjoy GCFL? If so, please consider a small donation to help keep things running. Please visit http://www.gcfl.net/donate.php for details.

In Great Detail

One day, at the dry-cleaning shop of a local air force base, I overheard a young airman describe in great detail how he wanted his uniform cleaned and pressed.

When he finished, the counter clerk asked, "Are you getting an award, or do you have an important military function to attend?"

"Nothing like that," the airman said. "I'm going home on leave, and my little brother is taking me to his second-grade class for show-and-tell."

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

Technician's Bill

A manufacturing plant was in full swing one day. The company's massive machine was humming along, taking in the raw materials at one end and churning out the finished product at the other. All of a sudden, the machine stopped and ground to a halt. Workers climbed all over it like ants to get it started again. The plant's manager stormed out of his office to find out why his multi-million-dollar machine wasn't making him any money. He listened to his people saying they couldn't figure it out, and he told them to call a technician.

Soon a tech arrived, and the manager frantically explained to him that he needed his machine back as soon as possible. The technician listened patiently, took one look at the massive hulk of motionless metal, and immediately walked over to a small panel, opening a tiny door inside to see a screw. The technician took a screwdriver and turned the screw one-quarter turn to the right, and the machine suddenly came back to life as if nothing was wrong.

The manager hurried over to thank the technician, shook his hand, and asked what he owed him for saving his company. The technician answered, "$100,000.00." The manager looked at him and said, "You were here less than two minutes and just turned one screw. How can you charge so much? Give me an itemized bill."

The technician calmly wrote out on a piece of paper:

Turning of one screw: $1.00.

Knowing which screw to turn: $99,9999.00.

Received from Norton Karp.

(-:][:-)

Ice Cream Humor

Q. How do astronauts eat their ice cream?
A. In floats.

Q: How do you make a dinosaur float?
A: Put a scoop of ice cream in a glass of root beer and add one dinosaur!

Q: What do you get from an Alaskan cow? A: Ice cream.

Q: What do you get if you divide the circumference of a bowl of ice cream by its diameter?
A: Pi a' la mode.

Received from DOC'S DAILY CHUCKLE.

(-:][:-)

Finish What You Start

My therapist told me that the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start.
So far today, I have finished two bags of chips and a chocolate cake.
I feel better already.

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

Chickens in Trees

During the Revolutionary War, there was a small encampment of patriot soldiers the woods. Before they went to bed that night, they tied chickens (they were saving them for a special meal when needed) to the trees around the campground.
Sure enough, some British soldiers were stumbling through the woods that night and frightened the chickens. Their screams and clucks woke the Patriots and they were able to defeat and capture the entire group of British soldiers. A few nights later, the cook prepared the chickens for dinner.
The soldiers said, "This is really good. What do you call it?"
The chef said that in honor of these special chickens that saved their lives, he called it "Chicken Catch a Tory."

Received from Jim Phillips.

(-:][:-)

-=+=-
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Madeleine Begun Kane Latest Columns - - http://www.madkane.com/false_alarm.html - - FALSE ALARM - My husband Mark and I have a weekend hideaway, a respite from the pace of New York City life. Our country haven is smaller than most; it was once optimistically measured at 400 square feet. In fact, it's so petite that the very act of staying there more than a day without a single quarrel is persuasive proof of a sound relationship.

On a recent weekend there we were happily hiding out, luxuriating in nature, listening to the birds, and breathing in the fragrant non-New York City air. Suddenly, we were assaulted by a distinctly unspecific sound. No, not sundry talking heads screaming about Iraq. It was even worse than that.
It was a car alarm.
Mark and I stared at each other in horror as the blare invaded our rustic surroundings. This had never happened before. Who was responsible, and when would it end? Was it a harbinger of other city evils yet to beset us?
We looked about for the culprit as the noise finally ceased, then sounded again. "I think it's coming from there," I said, pointing to a neighbor due south. "What's wrong with these people? Why don't they do something? And why on earth do they need a car alarm in the country?"
We discussed the pros and cons of calling the police, shouting to hear our voices over the din. The cons, of course, were affronted neighbors and reluctant police. On the pro side the noise, presumably, would stop.
We talked about another possibility - walking over to our neighbors and telling them to fix their $#$$%$#@!@ alarm. But we decided against it. After all, if they were home they would surely have done something by now.
In desperation, I boosted the stereo volume, hoping to fight car alarm cacophony with rock. I raised it so high, that I could barely hear Mark say, "Oh my God, it's our alarm."
And I'm afraid it was. Like many "loaded" cars, ours tells us when we've left our lights on. But its timing could be better; it waits until the lights have almost completely drained the battery, then proclaims our disaster by tripping the alarm.
Yes, Mark had left the lights on yet again - the fourth time in a year. Usually he tries to do it in a parking lot; it improves the odds of getting a jump.
But this time we were stranded in the country with the closest service station a half-hour away. And naturally, it was a holiday weekend.
But I'm proud to say we didn't argue - there's no room for bickering in a 400-square-foot house. Instead, we waited patiently until a neighbor came home and gave us a jump. And never one to waste a good "making fun of the husband" story, I sat down at my laptop and began writing this piece.
"What would you do without me to inspire you?" Mark joked as he sneaked a peak at the screen.
And he's right. With a spouse like Mark, I'll never run out of material. But even if his antics didn't provide a constant stream of column fodder, how could I be riled at his trapping us in so beautiful a place? A place that's blissfully peaceful, where we can escape just about anything?
Anything, that is, except our own car alarm.

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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BCN Special Alert: Only Weeks Away from The call DC on 8.16.08! Important Information...
Aimee Herd (July 9, 2008)
National LIVE Pre Call Rally—July 18th
The following is a special alert regarding The call DC, happening on August 16th, and the National "Pre Call Rally" coming up this month, on July 18th. We at BCN feel The call DC is a vitally important event for America, and all who love her. We urge our subscribers to consider attending in August, or joining in with the National Pre Call Rally. More information on these is provided below.
From The call:

Can't host a Pre Call Rally? Join in on our Free National LIVE Pre Call Rally on Friday, July 18 by webstream or God TV (DirecTV Channel 365 or online at www.God.TV!) Register at www.TheCall.com/LiveRally to get more details, materials you will need, and the link to tune in. On the day of, gather in your living room, church, Bible study group, house of prayer, college groups or coffee shops…wherever you have room!
The rally starts at 7:30PM Eastern Time, but please feel free to start your own worship earlier if you like. After the rally, we ask that you would go into an hour of prayer and intercession for the nation in your own groups. We also encourage you to take up an offering to help pay for a bus to come from your area to The call.
Don't forget to send us a report at Mobilize@TheCall.com and let us know how your gathering went, how many people came, and any testimonies from the night.
Coach McCartney Calls Men Back to DC on 8.16.08
Bill McCartney has called all men to gather on the mall at The call on August 16th! He says, "The days are getting more difficult. God's Word told us this would happen. God's Word also tells us to put everything aside and call on Him." You can watch the full video at www.TheCall.com/CoachMcCartney
Download Lou Engle's Message "For Such a Time as This"
Lou recently spoke at IHOP's Fascinate '08 Conference where he called for a generation to live "For Such a Time as This." He shares the timely message of Esther calling for those who will live to see justice for the unborn in America. Leading up to The call DC, this message paves the way to the Mall where thousands will cry out for God's mercy. CLICK HERE to listen.
Plan Your Trip to DC on 8.16.08
Please Register for The call DC at www.TheCall.com/DC. You can also book your hotel room online at www.TheCall.com/Hotels or Find a Campsite Near The call. And last but not least, PLEASE BRING WATER TO DC!!! There will be NO WATER SOLD on the mall. So bring water for you, water for your friends, and bring lots of it.
For more important information and ways to plan your trip to DC on 8.16.08, visit www.TheCall.com/PlanYourTrip

Pre-Call Conferences—August 14th & 15th
Join us August 14th-15th for the Pastors' and Leaders' Pre-Call Conference and the Forerunner Pre-Call Conference. These are FREE two-day conferences to prepare our hearts before the Lord for The call DC on 08/16/08. Lou Engle and other nationally known speakers and worship leaders will be there. Visit www.TheCall.com/DC for more
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DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN...? All the girls had ugly gym uniforms?

It took five minutes for the TV warm up?
Nearly everyone's Mom was at home when the kids got home from school?
When a quarter was a decent allowance?
You'd reach into a muddy gutter for a penny?
Your Mom wore nylons that came in two pieces?
All your male teachers wore neckties and female teachers had their hair done every day and wore high heels?
You got your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and gas pumped, without asking, all for free, every time?
And you didn't pay for air? And, you got trading stamps to boot?
Laundry detergent had free glasses, dishes or towels hidden inside the box?
It was considered a great privilege to be taken out to dinner at a real restaurant with your parents?
They threatened to keep kids back a grade if they failed. . and they did?
When a 57 Chevy was everyone's dream car...to cruise, peel out, lay rubber or watch submarine races, and people went steady?
No one ever asked where the car keys were because they were always in the car, in the ignition, and the doors were never locked?
Stuff from the store came without safety caps and hermetic seals because no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger?

And with all our progress, don't you just wish, just once, you could slip back in time and savor the slower pace, and share it with the children of today?
When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited the student at home?

Basically we were in fear for our lives, but it wasn't because of drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! But we survived because their love was greater than the threat.

Remember Laurel and Hardy, Howdy Dowdy and the Peanut Gallery, the Lone Ranger, The Shadow Knows, Nellie Bell, Roy and Dale, Trigger and Buttermilk.

Candy cigarettes
Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside
Soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles
Coffee shops with table side jukeboxes
Blackjack, Clove and Teaberry chewing gum
Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers
Newsreels before the movie
P. F Fliers
Telephone numbers with a word prefix...(Raymond 4-601). Party lines
Howdy Dowdy
Hi-Fi's
45 RPM records
78 RPM records!
Green Stamps
Metal ice cubes trays with levers
Roller-skate keys
Cork pop guns
Studebakers
Washtub wringers
Erector Sets
15 cent McDonald hamburgers
5 cent packs of baseball cards - with that awful pink slab of bubble gum
Penny candy
25 cent a gallon gasoline

Do you remember a time when...
'Race issue' meant arguing about who ran the fastest?
Catching the fireflies could happily occupy an entire evening?
The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was 'cooties'?
Having a weapon in school meant being caught with a slingshot?
'Oly-oly-oxen-free' made perfect sense?
Spinning around, getting dizzy, and falling down was cause for giggles?
The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team?
Baseball cards in the spokes transformed any bike into a motorcycle?
Taking drugs meant orange-flavored chewable aspirin?
Water balloons were the ultimate weapon?
If you can remember most or all of these, then you have lived!!!!!!!

Thanks to Waneta
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| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
July 10, 2008
Food Safety on the Road
Today's Message is from Brenda Pritchard (a Pasadena Albemarle employee).
------------------------------

Picnics are a summer ritual. These are often held in locations outside major cities, an hour or more away, and in some cases, can become part of a camping trip. This is why food safety on the road is crucial. Here are some simple food safety rules:
1. Keep perishable food cool on longer trips.
If you are traveling over 30 minutes with perishable food (i.e. meat, poultry, eggs, salad), place it in a cooler with ice or freezer packs. Have plenty of ice or frozen gel-packs on hand before starting to pack food.
2. Pack food safely
Pack perishable foods directly from the refrigerator or freezer into the cooler. Meat and poultry may be packed while still frozen. That way it stays colder longer. Also, a full cooler will maintain its cold temperatures longer than one that is partially filled, so pack the remaining space with more ice or with fruit and some nonperishable foods like peanut butter. Be sure to keep raw meat and poultry wrapped separately from cooked foods, or foods meant to be eaten raw such as fruits.
For longer trips, bring two coolers - one for the day's immediate food needs, such as lunch, drinks or snacks, and the other for perishable foods to be used later in the vacation. Keep the cooler in the air-conditioned passenger compartment of your car, rather than in a hot trunk. Limit the times the cooler is opened. Open and close the lid quickly.
3. Food safety while camping
Keep the cooler in a shady spot and covered with a blanket, tarp or poncho, preferably one that is light in color to reflect heat. For drinking water, bring bottled water or other canned or bottled drinks. Always assume streams and rivers are not safe for drinking. If you plan to camp in a remote area, bring along water purification tablets or equipment, available at camping supply stores. Keep hands and all utensils clean when preparing food. When planning meals, think about buying and using shelf-stable food to ensure food safety.
4. Don't keep food out in the heat
Perishable food sitting outside for more than two hours is not safe. For food safety, the time frame is reduced to just one hour if the outside temperature is above 90̊F. Eating anything that has been sitting in the hot sun is an invitation for food borne illness.
For more food safety information call the toll-free United States Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1 (800) 535-4555. [http://www.soundvision.com/Info/misc/summer/sum.safety.asp]
----------------------------------------------------
| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
July 9, 2008
Using Tools Judiciously
Today's Message is from Bob Weber (a Pasadena Albemarle employee).
.......................................
Use tools judiciously, with careful consideration and forethought.

Power tools are a blast. Use GFI or get ready for an unplanned defibrillation
Swimming pool robots can't hurt anybody, right? Just watch the little kids go after them.
Knives are necessary...must I say more?
I love to roller skate, but I'm not very good at it. It's a good thing I have wrist pads.
----------------------------------------------------
| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
July 8, 2008
Today's Message is from Ron Werner (a Pasadena Albemarle employee).
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Safety…. Safety…. Safety

I know this subject gets drilled into you each and every day. Every morning in the “TAILGATE MEETING” your mind wonders, and you think how boring it is to go through the same thing each day. I always work safely. I’ve been here for twenty-five years and haven’t got hurt yet.
This is a dangerous mind set to get into. It’s getting hotter each day. TEMPERS as well as TEMPERATURE are rising. Prices on everything are going up. School is out. There are a lot of things to preoccupy our minds with.
These are the kind of things that take our mind off what we are doing.
This is a perfect set-up for an “ACCIDENT” to reach out and bite you. This happens at home as well at work or play.
I know each and every one of you have asked, “JUST WHAT IS SAFETY”. Mr. Webster says…Safety is, “The state of being safe”. “A device designed to prevent accidents”. Remember you are that device between SAFETY and ACCIDENTS.
Keep your mind clear and stay focused on the task at hand. Remember Safety is a good working partner, to work with and take home with you at the end of the day.
Don’t forget your Working Partner….
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The Pump Handle. A water cooler for the public health crowd.
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/

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

** "Congress demands briefing on Chao's mystery proposal for risk assessment" by Celeste Monforton Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Congressman George Miller (D-CA) are demanding answers from Labor Secretary Elaine Chao on her mysterious proposed rule on risk assessment, highlighted here earlier this week. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/07/10/congress-demands-briefing-on-chaos-mystery-proposal-for-risk-assessment/

** "PhRMA Nixes Pens for Docs" by Liz Borkowski The pharmaceutical industry's trade association announces a new voluntary code of conduct that bans drug reps from distributing logoed pens, pads, and other trinkets to doctors. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/07/10/phrma-nixes-pens-for-docs/

** "Occupational Health News Roundup" by Liz Borkowski Nurses face violence from patients and patients' families; immigrant day laborers are often unaware of their legal options when employers fail to pay them for their work; and alcohol abuse is rising among combat veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/07/09/occupational-health-news-roundup-73/

** "Secret rule on OSHA risk assessment?" by Celeste Monforton A White House web page references a new proposed rule on risk assessment, but no details are available. Past White House actions around risk assessment lead this blogger to wonder if the rule might be a last-ditch effort to impose an anti-worker, anti-public health philosophy on OSHA and MSHA rulemaking on health hazards. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/07/08/secret-rule-on-osha-risk-assessment/

** "Seeking Government Scientists for Study" 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/2008/07/08/seeking-government-scientists-for-research-study/

** "Thanks to the Framingham Volunteers" by Liz Borkowski The volunteers for the Framingham Heart Study, which started in 1948 and is now recruiting its third generation of participants, have enabled researchers to learn a great deal about preventing heart disease. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/thanks-to-the-framingham-volunteers/

** "Friday Blog Roundup" by Liz Borkowski Bloggers explain the proposed cut to Medicare physician fees, politicians' stances on trains and bikes, and India's solar power potential. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/friday-blog-roundup-82/

** "WORKERS UNITING!" by Celeste Monforton The United Steelworkers, North America's largest private sector union with 1.2 million members, and Unite the Union, the largest labor organization in the United Kingdom and Ireland with 2 million members, signed an agreement to create the world's first global union called Workers Uniting. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/07/04/workers-uniting/

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.

Friday, July 11, 2008
Depraved Indifference: The Workers' Compensation System
by Patrice Woeppel, Ed.D.

I have been waiting for this release for some time. It has several interviewed family members. Also Patrice not only covers the problems but the solutions. Once I have read it in full I will give you all an update in the newsletter.

Every day in America, 181 people die from their jobs – more than from most diseases. Dr. Patrice Woeppel lays bare a system that exposes workers to injury, illness, and death, while throwing the preponderance of costs onto families and taxpayers.

Book Description
All across America, in every state, across industries and occupations, workers are being injured, or killed on the job, or exposed to toxic chemicals from which they are dying.

What has happened to our nation that has allowed corporations and insurers to throw away the lives, the health of so many without caring, without fear of exposure, without being held accountable? It's called Workers' Compensation: the system we thought was there to protect us if we were injured on the job.

The title refers to a workers' compensation system in which worker deaths often cost an employer far less than correcting a safety/health hazard in the workplace; and a system in which the employer is virtually immune from prosecution for the depraved indifference that results in severe injury, toxic exposure, or death.

Depraved Indifference represents over five years of research and interviews. The last chapter explores where we can go from here to create a system of fairness and justice, a system that works; that puts the responsibility and accountability on the employer to make the workplace safe for workers.

Buy
Price: $19.95
Format: Paperback
Size: 6 x 9
Pages: 228
ISBN: 0-595-48373-9
Published: Jun-2008
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OSHA Arrives On Job Site As Wall Caves In - - An OSHA inspector arrives on a job site and tells the foreman that the shoring at the site is not safe and will cave in moments before it actually collapses. [http://view.break.com/530782]

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. 1st Lt. Daniel Farkas, 42, of Brooklyn, N.Y., died on July 4 of injuries suffered from a non-hostile incident in Kabul, Afghanistan (Camp Phoenix). He was assigned to the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Syracuse, N.Y.

02. Sgt. 1st Class Anthony L. Woodham, 37, of Rogers, Ark., died on July 5 of injuries suffered in a non-combat incident at Camp Adder, Tallil, Iraq. He was assigned to the 39th Brigade Support Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Arkansas Army National Guard, Heber Springs, Ark.

03. Spc. William L. McMillan III, 22, of Lexington, Ky., died July 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

04. Sgt. Douglas J. Bull, 29, of Wilkes Barre, Pa., died July 8 at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered in Chow Kay Valley, Afghanistan, when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during a mounted patrol. He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

05. Sgt. 1st Class Steven J. Chevalier, 35, of Flint, Mich., died July 9 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered in Samarra, Iraq, when his patrol vehicle was struck by a grenade. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

The Department of Defense announced the deaths of two soldiers previously listed as “Missing-Captured” while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. On July 10, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner positively identified human remains recovered in Iraq July 9 to be those of two soldiers who had been previously listed as “Missing-Captured.” Killed were:
06. Sgt. Alex R. Jimenez, 25 at the time of his capture, of Lawrence, Mass.
07. Pfc. Byron J. Fouty, 19 at the time of his capture, of Waterford, Mich.
Jimenez and Fouty were part of a patrol that was ambushed by enemy forces south of Baghdad on May 12, 2007. They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y. The Department of Defense previously announced the names of soldiers killed in the attack. They were Pfc. Joseph J. Anzack, Jr., 20, of Torrance, Calif.; Sgt. 1st Class James D. Connell, Jr., 40, of Lake City, Tenn.; Pfc. Daniel W. Courneya, 19, of Nashville, Mich.; Cpl. Christopher E. Murphy, 21, of Lynchburg, Va.; and Sgt. Anthony J. Schober, 23, of Reno, Nev.
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Soldier Missing In Action From Korean War Is Identified

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

He is Cpl. Steven Lucas, U.S. Army, of Johnson City, N.Y. He will be buried July 11 in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

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

In late November 1950, Lucas was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment making up part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT), then engaging enemy forces east of the Chosin Reservoir near Kaljon-ri, South Hamgyong Province, North Korea. On Nov. 29, remnants of the RCT began a fighting withdrawal to more defensible positions near Hagaru-ri, south of the reservoir. Lucas never made it to the lines at Hagaru-ri and was last seen on Nov. 30.

Between 1991-94, North Korea turned over to the U.S. 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200-400 U.S. servicemen. North Korean documents turned over with one of several boxes in 1993 indicated that the remains from that box were exhumed near Kaljon-ri. This location correlates with Lucas’ last known location.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons in the identification of Lucas’ remains.
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Soldier Missing In Action From the Korean War Is Identified

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

He is Sgt. John H. White, U.S. Army, of Long Island, Ala. He will be buried on Saturday in Bryant, Ala.

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

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

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

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

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
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Please remember to pray for the American soldiers stationed everywhere around the globe and especially in Iraq. 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" Never forget.--Tony Moses
"ONE NATION UNDER GOD ...the only way"--Phillip Story
"We have nothing to fear but fear itself." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Remember Pearl Harbor? Remember 9/11!" --"Bug"
Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. - - George Carlin
"Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!" - - Queen E. Watson
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Activities and Events of Interest - - Coming Events
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“South Pacific” July 13th - 20th in El Dorado
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Knights of Columbus Fish Fry Fundraiser - July 22
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AR-1 DMAT meeting on Saturday, July 26
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Albemarle Employees Steak and Bingo Supper (Aug 16 @ 6:00 PM in Jr High Cafeteria)
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Special Alert: Only Weeks Away from TheCall DC on 8.16.08!
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Scheduled Activities
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CQ CQ all Hams. We have restarted a 2 meter net on the Willisville repeater, 146.655, every Tuesday evening at 7 PM. Please check in and spread the word. We would like to get some renewed interest in amateur radio and the ARKLA Amateur Radio Association. Will be listening for everyone next Tuesday night.
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Columbia County Amateur Radio Club meets Every second Thursday @ 7:00 p.m. Union Street Station. And YOU'RE invited. Net is every Sunday at 20:30 on 147.105.
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MCC - Mom's Day Out - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 2.$10 for the first child, $5 for the second. Call 234-3225 for reservations.
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MCC - Nursing Home Ministry - Meadowbrook Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 am. Taylor, the last Thursday each month.
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Men's Prayer Breakfast held every Tuesday morning at 6 AM in Miller's Cafeteria. If you aren't a regular participant at the Men's Prayer Breakfast, you're missing some great food, fellowship and inspired teaching of the Word. Hope to see you there.
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Emergency Phone Number 911
(Fire, Police, Ambulance, Sheriff, etc. )
Central Dispatch 234-5655
(Non - Emergency Number)
Direct Numbers
Ambulance - 234-7371 (24 Hour)
Jail - 234-5331 (24 Hour)
Poison Control - 800-222-1222 (24 Hour)
http://www. aapcc. org/
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Interested in getting in touch with the Banner-News through e-mail?
E-mail addresses for communicating with the newspaper’s various departments are: news@bannernews.net For news and sports items, Coming Events, Diary, Church News, school and civic events.
advertising@bannernews. net For retail and classified advertising.
circulation@bannernews. net To start, stop or cancel newspaper delivery or for comments about delivery.
outfitters @bannernews.net For Office Outfitters, the office supply division of the Banner-News.
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"There is not enough darkness in the world to put out the light of one candle."
"Laugh whenever you can and cry if you need to." -- "Bug"
"I read the end of the book. We win!" -- "Bug"
"We may not be able to cure the world, but we don't have to make it sicker." -- "Bug"
"There just ain't enough fingers for all the holes in the dike." - - "Bug"
"It's no big deal doing what God tells you to do. A big deal would be NOT doing what God tells you to do. Just ask Jonah." - - Paul Troquille
"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in ... and how many want out." - - Tony Blair
"Information is the currency of democracy." - Jefferson
“Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est.” Knowledge is power. - Francis Bacon
"The problem is here and now. The time for talk is past. The time for action is now."
Comments on the first Earth Day - James F. McClellan via "Fuzzy" Thurman
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Hope you enjoy the newsletter.
Again, thanks to all our contributors this week.

God bless and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
1 Th 3:10-11 Psa 142:2-5 n 7:21-24 Jer 44:9-10 http://www.e-min.org/
God is Good and Faithful CU 73 IC JFM CSP NREMT-I KC5HII

P. S. If you'd like to be added to the distribution, just drop us E-mail at kc5hii@suddenlink.net
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