Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Magic Show

Volume 10, Issue 18 Friday, May 02, 2008

Hello All,

Happy Birthday Zach.
~~~~~
Two articles in Tuesday’s Banner News caught my eye. Boys & Girls Club 50th anniversary and SAU holds graduation for Upward Bound. I was a charter member of the Magnolia Boy’s Club and Annette was in the first Upward Bound class at Southern State College.
We were still living with Grandmother in Taylor when Tammy Duke made a significant contribution to the Boys Club to enable an out of town visitor to become a member. The boys club was a great place to hang out. It was in a large rambling old home, situated at the location of the present Andy’s. There was a big yard to play in as well as many rooms to use for games and educational activities. I took courses in everything from cooking to coin collecting to fencing in that building. And on Friday nights, they showed movies in the main room downstairs. They were usually military training films that the club got for free from the defense department. My favorite was the one that taught you how to resist giving out information to the Chinese if your bomber was shot down.
Annette had just completed 10th grade when she joined Upward bound and moved out to the college for the summer. She and her other UB classmates took classes during the week and many field trips on the weekends. One I remember them making was to Little Rock with a stop in Prescott, AR to see “Pete” the petrified man. Pete had been found died along the railroad in Prescott during the depression and no family was ever found to claim him. So he just stayed in the funeral home and eventually “petrified.” When they realized that he wasn’t decomposing, they placed him in a wooden box in the funeral home hallway and many people would stop in to see him. He remained on display until the late ‘70s when a crusading Hillary Rodham, during her husband’s first term as Governor, found out about Pete. She stirred up a huge stink about having a corpse on display and the state paid to bury the old fellow. I guess it was the right thing to do, but I hate that my kids and grandkids never got to see him.
You’d think that having a bunch of sophomore girls living on campus would be a challenge. It wasn’t a problem since all the female students were strictly chaperoned and locked up in the dorms at 9 pm on week nights and 11 pm on weekends.
Of course, the windows did open on the ground floor rooms and anyone wanting to “visit” after hours could always just crawl in and out the window of some cooperating room.
~~~~~
Annette’s been teaching sex education at the Magnolia Junior High School this week. These classes are always a mixed bag for Annette. She likes being part of helping educate youth but the gross ignorance of our youth is very distressing. And the casual attitude many of these kids have toward life changing decisions is alarming.
This subject is illustrative of the core reason our education systems in the US are struggling. Somewhere in the last 40 years we decided that the public schools should do ALL education and the parents would just send the children up there and get them back with their head filled appropriately.
It doesn’t work that way. Without a good base at home, the school doesn’t have a chance to teach these kids everything they need to know to survive in today’s world.
I remember our first grade class in Taylor, Arkansas. There were about 30 kids in there but Mrs. Gordon didn’t have a problem maintaining control. We, like most kids, didn’t really want to be there, what with the whole world outside the windows beckoning to us. But she forged through our resistance and we learned. Almost all of us came to the first grade already knowing our numbers and letters. And we were familiar with basic geography (Springhill was in Louisiana, Santa Clause lived at the north pole), science (fire burned, water and electricity didn’t mix), biology (cats didn’t like to swim in the horse trough and worms could drown), botany (china berries didn’t work well in slingshots until you let them dry out), and history (our uncles and grandfathers had fought in WWI or WWII or the Korean War.)
Our parents read to us and encouraged us and taught us before sending us to school. They supported us but also disciplined us and stood behind the school in most disputes.
Being raised in a semi-rural community, we also knew the basics of reproduction.
So it wasn’t the schools job to teach us from the ground up. Rather they were there to increase our knowledge and polish our skills. A far cry from today’s student who often doesn’t arrive at school with even the most basic of skills or knowledge.
And the teacher is not only supposed to supply this basic knowledge, they are also charged with preparing the kids to pass some stupid standardized tests that have turned our teachers from educators to test proctors.
So what’s the answer?
Education. Not just for the kids, but for the parents also. Head start, Kindergarten, elementary, middle and high schools all have to involve the parents more. This needs to be a team effort. And parents need to look at TV and Video Games for what they are ... a serious detriment to education, not just a cheap baby sitter.
If we can get these kids learning at home and at school, then we won’t be faced with the depth of ignorance that Annette saw this week.
~~~~~
On this Sunday’s 100th anniversary of Mother's Day, the woman credited with creating one of the worlds most celebrated holidays probably wouldn't be pleased with all the flowers, candy or gifts. Anna Jarvis would want us to give mothers a white carnation—she felt it signified the purity of a mother's love. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=2008-05-10_D90IU2300&show_article=1&cat=breaking
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The Lighthouse Church Report: We are meeting at 10 am tomorrow morning to go to the Laundromat and pay for people's laundry for them. I am a little nervous but looking forward to it.
~
How’s that for street preaching?
~~~~~
South Arkansas Community College’s CampLotsafun
June 2-6; June 9-13; June 16-20; June 23-27
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.**
(Drop-off at 7:30 a.m. and Pick-up at 5:30 p.m.)
**A staff member will be here from 4:30-5:30 p.m. conducting activities to allow working parents to pick up their child between 4:30-5:30 p.m.
$89 per week (full day) and $49 per week (half day)
Offered for two age groups: 6 to 8 year olds & 9 to 12 year olds

A variety of fun classes offered: Science, Computer, Outdoor Activities, Cooking, Arts & Crafts, Scrapbooking, Spanish, and more! Deadline for registration is seven days prior to the first class meeting each week. Download registration forms at www.southark.edu (Camp Lotsafun is listed under the Business & Community Link.) You may also call 870-864-7192 or e-mail ce@southark.edu for more information. Center for Workforce Development, 3698 E. Main Road
El Dorado, AR 71731
Thanks to Linda Richardson
~~~~~
Each week the Defense Department highlights military personnel who have gone above and beyond in the war. [http://www.defenselink.mil/heroes/] - - Shawn Foust - Hometown: Gowonda, NY - Awarded: Bronze Star
Confronting the challenges presented by the unconventional war in Iraq, Air Force Technical Sergeant Shawn Foust was assigned to Joint Logistic Task Force 1144, becoming a Convoy Commander for the 424th Medium Truck Detachment. In 212 missions during his second tour of duty, Foust encountered various obstacles and challenges while amassing over 507,000 cumulative miles on the dangerous roads of Iraq.
Convoy mission 57-459 would present the greatest challenge, earning Foust praise for his ability to overcome such a daunting task. As his convoy was approaching Forward Operating Base Al Asad, a roadside bomb detonated, wounding the driver and passenger of the third truck, and leaving the vehicle partially disabled. A possible full-scale ambush was upon them as scattered mortar and small arms fire landed on their position. The intermittent insurgent fire raised the threat level for the entire convey and Foust knew he had to remain calm and professional. He immediately moved the convoy past the kill zone and went back for the wounded men. Foust organized his Airmen into a defensive posture, and prepared to repair the damaged truck. Working tirelessly and on constant guard for six hours, throughout the night, Foust and his fifteen man squad replaced each of the damaged 250 pound tires until the vehicle was operational. Foust successfully completed this mission all those before and all those that followed.
In the six months he spent in Iraq, he exhibited a sense of service, devotion to duty, and commitment to the overall success of his unit that went above and beyond what was expected, earning him the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service. ~~~~~
The latest from Michael Yon, the foremost “milnews” blogger on the web.
~
We finished reading Michael’s newest book “Moment Of Truth In Iraq” this week. I donated it to the Columbia County Library so you readers can check out and read the best book on the real facts of what’s happening in Iraq.
~~~~~
We extend our sincere sympathy to Rusty Adams in the death of his father.
Funeral services for Joe Adams will be Sunday, May 11, at 3:00 p.m. at Central Baptist Church.
Family visitation will be Saturday, May 10, from 6:00 - 8:00 at Lewis Funeral Home.
~~~~~
We were saddened to learn of the death of Bob Stevens' wife.
~~~~~
Scott and Mary Miller invite you to join them as they celebrate 25 years together by renewing their vows on Sunday, May 25, 2008 @ 2:00 p.m. in Central Baptist Church, 504 West Church Street, Springhill, Louisiana. Reception to follow
CONGRATULATIONS TO SCOTT AND MARY!
~~~~~
Barksdale Air Show May 10 & 11 - [http://www.barksdaleafbairshow.com/]
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The Magnolia Blossom Festival and World Championship Steak Cookoff is coming - MAY 17TH
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Magnolia Blossom Festival (May 16-17) T-Shirts are now on sale! S - XL $11, XXL $13 and XXXL $15.
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Mark Your Calendars!!!! Albemarle Kids' Fishing Tournament - May 31
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COMMUNICATION NOTICE: We have switched Internet Service Providers and our e-mail address is now kc5hii@suddenlink.net.
~~~~~
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.bugsbleat4q08.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 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 - - - SAMMY'S #1 SALMON PATTIES

1 14.75 0z. can salmon
½ med. onion, chopped
2 eggs
1 tsp. ground pepper
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 whole pkg. saltine crackers, crushed

Empty 1 can salmon & juice into large mixing bowl (remove bones). Add 2 eggs. Add lemon juice. Stir mixture well. Add onion, pepper, and crackers. Stir.
Form into patties 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Set aside on plate or wax paper (make 5-6 patties). Let sit 5 minutes.

In large frying pan heat ½ inch cooking oil to med. high temperature. Do not skimp on oil. When oil is hot place patties in pan and cook 4-5 minutes per side. Make sure patties get cooked all way through. Center should not be cold.

Patties will be beautifully brown, crunchy, and very delicious. Squeeze on some fresh lemon. mmmmm... they are to die for.

Submitted by: Sam Triplett

http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1945,135186-245192,00.html
~~~~~
Last week we watched (from NetFlix) [Ratings are my own]:
A Prairie Home Companion [3.5] Starring Meryl Streep ... Lily Tomlin ... Woody Harrelson ... Tommy Lee Jones ... Garrison Keillor ... Kevin Kline ... and Lindsay Lohan ...
The Gods Must Be Crazy 2 [8] Starring N!xau ... Lena Farugia ... and Hans Strydom ...
Carolina [4.5] Starring Julia Stiles ... Shirley MacLaine ... and Randy Quaid ...
Veronica Mars: Season 1: Disc 4 [7.5] Starring Kristen Bell and Enrico Colantoni
Veronica Mars: Season 1: Disc 5 [7.5] Starring Kristen Bell and Enrico Colantoni
Veronica Mars: Season 1: Disc 6 [7.5] Starring Kristen Bell and Enrico Colantoni
~~~~~
This week we read; Moment of Truth in Iraq by Michael Yon
Artisan bread in five minutes a day : the discovery that revolutionizes home baking / Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois ; photography by Mark Luinenburg. And
Blind spot : a novel / Terri Persons.
We’re currently reading; The blue zone / Andrew Gross. Title
We intend to read; Keeper of dreams / Orson Scott Card.
~~~~~
http://www.shelfari.com/BugsBleat/shelf?ec=7D790D174EFS18012
~~~~~
The photos on the front of this week’s “Bleat” more photos from last year’s Blossom Festival and the Logo from the Lighthouse Church in Covington, LA.
~~~~~
BreakPoint
With Chuck Colson

Writing Love on Their Arms
By Mark Earley
5/9/2008
Helping Those Who Feel Helpless

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

Warning: The following commentary addresses a sensitive issue that may not be suitable for young children.

It is not unusual for people to lash out at others to release pent-up anger and hopelessness. At Prison Fellowship, we have seen this over and over again, with prisoners who resort to violence as a way of dealing with abuse, loneliness, and fear. But there is another way that people respond to these feelings—they take it out on themselves.

Today, between two and three million Americans resort to self-injury as an emotional and physical response to negative feelings. Self-injury includes everything from cutting oneself, burning oneself, to even pulling hair. It can be life-threatening, and it always points to a deeper issue.

Recently on “BreakPoint,” we talked about a movie called Wristcutters that attempted to normalize suicide—if not even glamorize it. While suicide is utter despair and self-injury is a coping mechanism, they are both external expressions of hopelessness. To present either of these self-harming behaviors in a flippant manner is despicable, to say the least.

Obviously, Hollywood has plenty to say to those who take a razor to their wrist. But what are Christians saying? One group of young people from Orlando does not need to say much—their love speaks for them.

Several years ago, when 19-year-old Renee Yohe turned to cocaine and razor blades in an effort to deal with a lifetime of sexual abuse, depression, and suicide attempts, her friends stepped in. A rehab center had deemed Renee too great a risk to be admitted immediately, so her friends stuck by her side for five days straight. They bought her drinks from Starbucks, took her to concerts, reminded her that she was beautiful. On the last night before she was allowed to enter rehab, they gave her gifts, hugged her, prayed for her. In response to their love, she handed them her last razor blade. It was her symbol of pain.

The experience with Renee led one of the friends, Jamie Tworkowski, to start an organization called To Write Love on Her Arms to offer hope to people, like Renee, who are dealing with depression, self-injury, and suicide. The group has rallied the support of bands like Switchfoot with the simple message to love the brokenhearted.

Jamie writes on his website: “We are only asked to love, to offer hope to the many hopeless. We don’t get to choose all the endings, but we are asked to play the rescuers. We won’t solve all the mysteries and our hearts will certainly break in such a vulnerable life, but it is the best way.”

Jamie and his friends have refused to buy into the culture’s downplaying or even glamorizing of self-destructive behavior. Instead, they are shining examples of the love of Jesus—a countercultural love that refuses to stand on the sidelines. As for Renee, thanks to the loving intervention of her friends, she has been clean from drugs for two years!

With two to three million people in this country engaging in self-injury, there is a good chance you know of someone caught in a cycle of despair. Are you ready to step in? Maybe God is preparing to send you, in the words of Isaiah 61, to “bind up the brokenhearted.”

Visit our website at BreakPoint.org to find out more, along with links to organizations that can offer guidance and help.

Learn more about the ReWired teen worldview curriculum from TeenMania and BreakPoint.

Visit the To Write Love on Her Arms website.

BreakPoint Commentary No. 071107, “No Laughing Matter: ‘Wristcutters.’”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 070518, “Feel-Bad Movie: Wristcutters.”

Holly, “Wristcutters—A What Story?!” The Point, 2 April 2007.

Brenna Kate Simonds, “Confessions of a Cutter,” Boundless, 10 April 2008.

Holly Dawn Hunter, “Truth in a Broken World, Part One,” Boundless, 2003.

Roberto Rivera, “Mood Disorders and a Reason to Live,” Boundless, 29 December 2005.

Jenny Schroedel, “Lighting the Way: Being There for Your Suicidal Friend,” Boundless, 2003.

Ivanna Avalos, “To Write Love on Her Arms,” The Statesman, 10 March 2008.

Valeriya Ivanova, “Non-Profit Organization, ‘To Write Love on Her Arms,’ Aims to Help,” The Pace Press, 13 February 2008.

David Nicolas, “To Write Love on Her Arms,” New University.

Kelly Metz, “To Write LOVE on Her Arms,” The BG News, 13 February 2008.

Callie Daniel, “To Write Love On Her Arms,” The Beacon, 6 May 2008.

For further reading, check out a “To Write Love on Her Arms” interview with Jamie Tworkowski.

For more information statistics on suicide, visit American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

© 2008 Prison Fellowship - - http://www.breakpoint.org/site_hmpg.asp
~~~~~
Words of the Week:
halcyon: peaceful; undisturbed; happy.
sub rosa: secretly; privately; confidentially.
disparate: fundamentally different; also, composed of dissimilar elements.
fustian: pompous or pretentious language.
amalgam: an alloy of mercury with other metals; also, a mixture.
contrite: feeling or expressing grief and regret for sins or offenses.
moiety: a half; a small part.
sentient: capable of perceiving by the senses.
from Dictionary.Com
~~~~~
"A very popular error - having the courage of one's convictions: Rather it is a matter of having the courage for an attack upon one's convictions." - Friedrich Nietzsche

"People hate those who make them feel their own inferiority." - Philip Chesterfield

"Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be." - Thomas Kempis

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually fear you will make one." - Elbert Hubbard

"Scoundrels are always sociable." - Arthur Schopenhauer

"Nothing so much prevents our being natural as the desire to seem so." - Francois, Duc de La Rochefoucauld

"Mediocrity is a hand-rail." - Charles Louis de Secondat
~~~~~
BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS
http://breakingchristiannews.com/

A "Very Big" Success Story from the Day of Silence
Largest Canadian March for Life Ever - 8,000 Attend Massive Rally on Parliament Hill
Crunching the Numbers; Israel's Amazing Population Statistics
European Church Leaders Gather in Spain to Get Prophetic Insight from God; Plan for Spiritual Reformation
Violinist Rewards Cab Driver Who Returned His Stradivarius by Performing Mini-Concert for Him and Fellow Cabbies Outside Newark Airport
A Universal Sign of Gratitude Helps People Thank Soldiers and Others
Military Spouses Honored at White House
Nanjing, China, Set to Become the Bible Printing Capitol of the World
BCN Exclusive Report: Honduras' Hunger Strike against Governmental Corruption Turns into Nationwide Prayer and Fasting
A First-Hand Account of the 19th Annual U.S. Capitol Bible Reading Marathon
Media and Israel's Friends Speak Out as 60th Anniversary Celebrations Begin
Man Who Had Been Wondering Why Jesus Keeps Him on Earth Helps Save Drowning Girl
Dr. James Dobson's Daily Radio Program Nominated for Induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame
Alveda King, Niece of Great Civil Rights Leader, to Kick off Canada's National March for Life May 8
The Effective Disturbance of What Ben Stein Uncovered in Expelled
Join Gospel for Asia in Reaching Out to Cyclone Survivors in Burma
20-Year-Old Homeschooled Girl Leads Colorado's Personhood Ballot Initiative to Protect Unborn
Pastor of Town Hit by Tornadoes Holds Prayer Services, Testifies to God's Mercy
President Bush Offers "Rare Glimpse" Into His Experience in White House
Devastating Cyclone Leaves Burma Struggling with Numbers of Dead approaching 10,000
First-Hand Report: U.S. Detainee Camp in Iraq Sees Success in "Radically New" Approach to Detention
The Global Day of Prayer: World's Largest Prayer Meeting Gathers Momentum
Behind The Scenes of Prince Caspian
British Scientists believe they've Made Major Cancer Breakthrough with Injectible Magnets That Target Cancer Cells Only
As Florida Healings Continue, Charisma Editor Warns Against Wrong Attitudes
Filming of Billy Graham's Life Underway in Nashville

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

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

If this was forwarded to you, please consider your own subscription to Good Clean Fun. It's free! A smile will enhance the quality of your life. Just send an email to: good-clean-fun-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit the Good Clean Fun web site http://www.kcbx.net/~tellswor/ Unsubscribe info for Good Clean Fun is at the end of this email. This email was scanned by F-Secure before it was sent.
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During a recent vacation in Atlantic City, a couple went to see a popular magic show. After one especially amazing feat, a woman from the back of the theater yelled out:

"Hey, how'd you do that?"

"I could tell you, madam", the magician answered, "But then I'd have to kill you."

After a short pause, she yelled back, "OK, then ... Just tell my husband."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Computer Repair

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
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An office technician got a call from a computer user. The customer told the tech that her computer was not working. She described the problem and the tech concluded that her computer needed to be brought in and serviced.

He told her, "Unplug the power cord and bring it up here and I'll fix it for you."

About ten minutes later she showed up at his door... with the electrical cord in her right hand.
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Air Miles

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
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In the line-up at the store, I overheard the checker ask the lady in front of me if she had an air miles card. "Oh, yes," she said. "I have enough air miles to get to Dallas, where my son lives."

"That's wonderful," said the cashier.

"My son doesn't think so," the lady replied. "I don't have enough to get back."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Remote Starters

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
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Six of us at the office decided we wanted to install remote starters on our cars and thought we'd get a better deal if we went to the same garage. We shopped around and found a place that would do all our cars at the same time, and we went on a weekend to have it done.

At the end of the day on the following Monday, Allan aimed his remote and pressed the button. His car flashed its lights and started - then we noticed Mike's car had started, then Rob's and Dave's, finally two others.

The installers had given all our remotes the same frequency.
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Food Chain

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
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After discussing the "food chain" with my fifth grade class, I told them their weekend homework was to write a sentence showing they understood the meaning of the term.

On Monday morning, one student handed this in: "Burger King is my favorite food chain."
_ ____________________________ _
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / \ /
\ _/ Never buy a car you can't push. \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / There is no distinctly \ /
\ _/ native American criminal class \_ /
/ / ...except Congress. \ \
-Mark Twain
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / People who want to share \ \_/ ////
\ / their religious views with you \ /
\ _/ almost never want you to \_ /
/ / share yours with them. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / The one thing that unites \ \_/ ////
\ / all human beings, regardless of \ /
\ _/ age, gender, religion, economic \_ /
/ / status or ethnic background, is that \ \
deep down inside, we ALL believe that
we are above-average drivers.
(((\ \>|_/ )_____________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / "If you don't read the \ \_/ ////
\ / newspaper you are uninformed. \ /
\ _/ If you do read the newspaper \_ /
/ / you are misinformed." \ \
- Mark Twain
_ ____________________________ _
| 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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Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs
(A Political Fable)

The seven dwarfs always left to go work in the mine early each morning. As always, Snow White stayed home doing her domestic chores.

As lunchtime approached, she would prepare their lunch and carry it to the mine.

One day as she arrived at the mine with the lunch, she saw that there had been a terrible cave-in.

Tearfully, and fearing the worst, Snow White began calling out, hoping against hope that the dwarfs had somehow survived.

'Hello!...Hello!' she shouted.

'Can anyone hear me? Hello!'

For a long while, there was no answer. Losing hope, Snow White again shouted,

'Hello! Is anyone down there?'

Just as she was about to give up all hope, she heard a faint voice from deep within the mine, singing ...

"Vote for Barack Obama! - Vote for Barack Obama!"

Snow White fell to her knees, crossed herself and prayed, 'Oh, thank you, God! At least Dopey is still alive...

Thanks to [http://toomuchliberty.blogspot.com/]
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When You Get Married Later In Life...

Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, are all excited about their decision to get married. They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding and on the way they pass a drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in. Jacob addresses the man behind the counter:

Jacob: "Are you the owner?"

The pharmacist answers, "Yes".

Jacob: "Do you sell heart medication?"

Pharmacist: "Of course, we do."

Jacob: "How about medicine for circulation?"

Pharmacist: "All kinds."

Jacob: "Medicine for rheumatism, scoliosis?"

Pharmacist: "Definitely."

Jacob: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, jaundice?"

Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety. The works."

Jacob: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for Parkinson's disease?"

Pharmacist: "Absolutely."

Jacob: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers?"

Pharmacist: "All speeds and sizes"

Jacob says to the pharmacist: "We're about to get married.

We'd like to use this store as our Bridal Registry."

Thanks to Waneta
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An oldie but one of Annette’s favorites.
~
An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening of church services, when she was startled by an intruder.
She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled: 'Stop! Acts 2:38!' (Repent and be Baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins may be forgiven.)
The burglar stopped in his tracks. When he did, the woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done.
As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar: 'Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you.'
'Scripture?' replied the burglar. 'She said she had an Ax and Two 38s!'
Send this to someone who needs a laugh today and remember: Knowing scripture can save your life - in more ways than one!

Thanks to David Lamb
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IDLE THOUGHTS OF A WANDERING MIND

I planted some bird seed. A bird came up. Now I don't know what to feed it.
I had amnesia once . . . or twice.
I went to San Francisco. I found someone's heart. Now what?
Protons have mass? I didn't even know they were Catholic.
All I ask is a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
If the world was a logical place, men would be the ones who ride horses sidesaddle.
What is a 'free' gift? Aren't all gifts free?
They told me I was gullible and I believed them.
Teach a child to be polite and courteous in the home and, when he grows up, he'll never be able to merge his car onto the freeway.
Experience is the thing you have left when everything else is gone.
One nice thing about egotists: they don't talk about other people.
My weight is perfect for my height -- which varies.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
The cost of living hasn't affected its popularity.
How can there be self-help 'groups'?
If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?
Show me a man with both feet firmly on the ground, and I'll show you a man who can't get his pants off.
Is it my imagination, or do buffalo wings taste like chicken?

Thanks to Daphne Roberts
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A teacher gave her class of second graders a lesson on the magnet and what it does.
The next day in a written test, she included this question:
"My full name has six letters. The first one is M. I am strong and attractive. I pick up things. What am I?"
When the test papers were turned in, the teacher was astonished to find that almost 50 percent of the students answered the question with the word "Mother."

Thanks to Waneta
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A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her small daughter was very sick with a fever. She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication. She got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys in the car. She didn't know what to do, so she called home and told the baby sitter what had happened. The baby sitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said, 'You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door.'
The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been left on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time had locked their keys in their car. She looked at the hanger and said, 'I don't know how to use this.' She bowed her head and asked God to send her help.
Within five minutes a beat up old motorcycle pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head. The woman thought, 'This is what you sent to help me?' But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful. The man got off of his cycle and asked if he could help.
She said, 'Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car? He said, 'Sure.' He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened. She hugged the man and through her tears she said, 'Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man.' The man replied, 'Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out for about an hour.'

The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, 'Oh, thank you, God ! You even sent me a Professional!'

Thanks to Waneta
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Proud Grandmother

An elderly, wealthy woman in Florida was boring fellow beachcombers as she bragged on and on about her two remarkable grandchildren.

Unable to stand it any longer, a fellow sunbather interrupted her.

"Tell me, how old are your grandsons?"

The grandmother gave a grateful smile and replied, "The doctor is four and the lawyer is six..."

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

Chapstick

We had this great 10-year-old cat named Jack who just recently died.

Jack was a great cat, and the kids would carry him around and sit on him and nothing ever bothered him. He used to hang out and nap all day long on the mat in our bathroom.

We have three kids, and at the time of this story, they were 4 years old, 3 years old, and 1 year old. The middle one is Eli. Eli really loved Chapstick. LOVED it. He kept asking to use my Chapstick and then would lose it. Finally one day I showed him where in the bathroom I keep my Chapstick and explained he could use it whenever he wanted to, but he needed to put it right back in the drawer after he finished.

That year on Mother's Day, we were having the typical rush around and try to get ready for church with everyone crying and carrying on. My two boys were fighting over the toy in the cereal box. I was trying to nurse my little one at the same time I was putting on my make-up. Everything was a mess, and everyone had long forgotten that this was a wonderful day to honor me and the amazing job that is motherhood.

We finally had the older one and the baby loaded in the car and I was looking for Eli. I searched everywhere and I finally went into the bathroom. There was Eli. He was applying my Chapstick very carefully to Jack's ... rear end. Eli looked right into my eyes and said, "Chapped." Now if you have a cat, you know that he is right -- their little bottoms do look pretty chapped. And, frankly, Jack didn't seem to mind. The only question to ask at that point was whether it was the FIRST time Eli had done that to the cat's behind or the hundredth!?!

And THAT is my favorite Mother's Day moment ever because it reminds us that no matter how hard we try to civilize these glorious little creatures, there will always be that day when you realize they've been using your Chapstick on the cat's butt.

Received from Pastor Tim.

(-:][:-)

Mother's Advice

The new bride went crying to her mother. "Momma, I can't get my husband to do anything. I want him to fix up the house, and he keeps putting it off."

"Honey," her mother replied, "after being married to your father for twenty-six years, I've found the only way to get him to do anything is to tell him he's too old."

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

Busy Mom

My busy mother sometimes accidentally left pots and pans on the stove with the burners on, so she resorted to posting this reminder on the kitchen door: "STOVE?"

My sister, back from college, noticed Mother's sign. Beneath it she taped her reply: "No -- Door! Trust me. I went to college."

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

Mother's Helper

Little Susan was her mother's helper. She helped set the table when company was due for dinner. Presently everything was on, the guests came in, and everyone sat down. Then Mother noticed something was missing.

"Susan," she said, "you didn't put a knife and fork at Mr. Smith's place."

"I thought he wouldn't need them," explained Susan. "Daddy says he always eats like a horse!"

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

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

Finding a new job can be a daunting challenge. But if you follow my simple 21-step plan, you'll soon be battling cranky alarm clocks, rush-hour traffic, and the "living for the weekend" daily grind.

1. Lose job.

2. Panic, freak out, and turn into a pulsating blob of hysteria. CAUTION: It's best to do this at home -- you'll be wanting that reference.

3. Torture everyone you've ever met with your tale of woe. Bitch about your former boss, your boss' boss, your lousy luck, the manipulative coworker who stole your job, the economy, and, of course, the world as we know it. Seriously consider buying a voodoo doll.

4. Perfect the art of sleeping late, parading about in slatternly garb, and doing absolutely nothing. Tell your spouse you spent the entire week working on your resume. When spouse says "Let me have a look," say you're still fine-tuning it.

5. Start working on resume.

6. Show spouse resume. Become defensive when asked "Where's the rest of it?"

7. Report to Unemployment. Wait in line for hours. Fill out confusing paperwork. Go home to look for missing data.

8. Return to Unemployment. Wait in line, fill out forms, be interrogated by someone half your age and one-eighth as educated. Someone who actually has a job.

9. Discover the pitiful sum you'll be getting for the next 26 weeks. That is, if you report in regularly, fill out weekly forms, and prove to the satisfaction of some bored civil servant that you've been a diligent, albeit unsuccessful, little job hunter.

10. Revise your resume. Study the help-wanted ads. Conclude you need to be more creative.

11. Compose catchy letters filled with all the latest lingo. Stuff them into envelopes with your new, "improved" resume. Receive nothing in the mail but bills.

12. Buy a new answering machine, lest you miss a call from an employer. Play back messages with great anticipation:

Three hang-ups and two salesman.

Your mother wondering if you found a job yet.

A former coworker saying your boss just got the ax.

Smile for the first time in weeks.

13. Put on your finest suit and show up at employment agencies. Try to charm them into dispensing with their "no interview without appointment" rule. Find out receptionists now double as bouncers.

14. Become depressed. Over-sleep--eat--drink--spend. Avert your eyes at the help wanted ads. Become overwhelmed with guilt and wonder what adult companionship would feel like. In a spurt of activity, answer several ads.

15. Receive call for interview. Panic. Shop for new suit. Ask spouse to pose as interviewer. Ask parents to pose as interviewer. Practice plausible, sympathetic, yet not strictly truthful explanation of why you're out of work.

16. Suffer through interview. Consider objecting to improper questions. Reconsider. Speak enthusiastically about your old job. Speak earnestly about your prospective job. Barely manage not to gag. Acquit self reasonably well, except for one accidental use of curse word. Decide to clean up your vocabulary...at least until you're hired.

17. Tell spouse, parents, and friends about interview. Disregard encouraging words. Second-guess yourself. Wonder if interviewer will check references. Wonder if references will make things worse. Wonder if you should threaten to sue for slander. Send effusive thank you note to interviewer. Become nauseated by your hypocrisy. Mail letter anyway.

18. Wait to hear from prospective employer. Leave several phone messages. Finally reach interviewer one evening after phone screener has gone home. Find out the job's been filled. You're under-qualified. Or over-qualified. Or inappropriately qualified.

19. Repeat Steps 14 through 18 except for vocabulary lapse. Repeat them again. Keep repeating them until...

20. Receive job offer. Become so excited you almost forget to ask what it pays.

21. Set alarm clock for the crack of dawn and fall asleep an hour before it sounds. Moan, struggle into consciousness, crawl into your best suit, and report to work an hour early.

Quit griping and get used to it. You should have enjoyed unemployment while it lasted.

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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Getting to Know John McCain By KARL ROVE

April 30, 2008; Page A17; Wall Street Journal

It came to me while I was having dinner with Doris Day. No, not that Doris Day. The Doris Day who is married to Col. Bud Day, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, fighter pilot, Vietnam POW and roommate of John McCain at the Hanoi Hilton. As we ate near the Days' home in Florida recently, I heard things about Sen. McCain that were deeply moving and politically troubling. Moving because they to ld me things about him the American people need to know. And troubling because it is clear that Mr. McCain is one of the most private individuals to run for president in history. When it comes to choosing a president, the American people want to know more about a candidate than policy positions. They want to know about character, the values ingrained in his heart. For Mr. McCain, that means they will want to know more about him personally than he has been willing to reveal.
Mr. Day relayed to me one of the stories Americans should hear. It involves what happened to him after escaping from a North Vietnamese prison during the war. When he was recaptured, a Vietnamese captor broke his arm and said, 'I told you I would make you a cripple.' The break was designed to shatter Mr. Day's will. He had survived in prison on the hope that one day he would return to the United States and be able to fly again. To kill that hope, the Vietnamese left part of a bone sticking out of his arm, and put him in a misshapen cast. This was done so that the arm would heal at 'a goofy angle,' as Mr. Day explained. Had it done so, he never would have flown again.
But it didn't heal that way because of John McCain. Risking severe punishment, Messrs. McCain and Day collected pieces of bamboo in the prison courtyard to use as a splint. Mr. McCain put Mr. Day on the floor of their cell and, using his foot, jerked the broken bone into place. Then, using strips from the bandage on his own wounded leg and the bamboo, he put Mr. Day's splint in place. Years later, Air Force surgeons examined Mr. Day and complimented the treatment he'd gotten from his captors. Mr. Day corrected them. It was Dr. McCain who deserved the credit. Mr. Day went on to fly again.
Another story I heard over dinner with the Days involved Mr. McCain serving as one of the three chaplains for his fellow prisoners. At one point, after being shuttled among different prisons, Mr. Day had found himself as the most senior officer at the Hanoi Hilton. So he tapped Mr. McCain to help administer religious services to the other prisoners. Today, Mr. Day, a very active 83, still vividly recalls Mr. McCain's sermons. 'He remembered the Episcopal liturgy,' Mr. Day says, 'and sounded like a bona fide preacher.' One of Mr. McCain's first sermons took as its text Luke 20:25 and Matthew 22:21, 'render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's.' Mr. McCain said he and his fellow prisoners shouldn't ask God to free them, but to help them become the best people they could be while serving as POWs. It was Caesar who put them in prison and Caesar who would get them out. Their task was to act with honor.
Another McCain story, somewhat better known, is about the Vietnamese practice of torturing him by tying his head between his ankles with his arms behind him, and then leaving him for hours. The torture so badly busted up his shoulders that to this day Mr. McCain can't raise his arms over his head. One night, a Vietnamese guard loosened his bonds, returning at the end of his watch to tighten them again so no one would notice. Shortly after, on Christmas Day, the same guard stood beside Mr. McCain in the prison yard and drew a cross in the sand before erasing it. Mr. McCain later said that when he returned to Vietnam for the first time after the war, the only person he really wanted to meet was that guard. Mr. Day recalls with pride Mr. McCain stubbornly refusing to accept special treatment or curry favor to be released early, even when gravely ill. Mr. McCain knew the Vietnamese wanted the propaganda victory of the son and grandson of Navy admirals accepting special treatment. 'He wasn't corruptible then,' Mr. Day says, 'and he's not corruptible today.' The stories told to me by the Days involve more than wartime valor.
For example, in 1991 Cindy McCain was visiting Mother Teresa's orphanage in Bangladesh when a dying infant was thrust into her hands. The orphanage could not provide the medical care needed to save her life, so Mrs. McCain brought the child home to America with her. She was met at the airport by her husband, who asked what all this was about. Mrs. McCain replied that the child desperately needed surgery and years of rehabilitation. 'I hope she can stay with us,' she told her husband. Mr. McCain agreed. Today that child is their teenage daughter Bridget. I was aware of this story. What I did not know, and what I learned from Doris, is that there was a second infant Mrs. McCain brought back. She ended up being adopted by a young McCain aide and his wife. 'We were called at midnight by Cindy,' Wes Gullett remembers, and 'five days later we met our new daughter Nicki at the L.A. airport wearing the only clothing Cindy could find on the trip back, a 7-Up T-shirt she bought in the Bangkok airport.' Today, Nicki is a high school sophomore. Mr. Gullett told me, 'I never saw a hospital bill' for her care.
A few, but not many, of the stories told to me by the Days have been written about, such as in Robert Timberg's 1996 book 'A Nightingale's Song.' But Mr. McCain rarely refers to them on the campaign trail. There is something admirable in his reticence, but he needs to overcome it. Private people like Mr. McCain are rare in politics for a reason. Candidates who are uncomfortable sharing their interior lives limit their appeal. But if Mr. McCain is to win the election this fall, he has to open up. Americans need to know about his vision for the nation's future, especially his policy positions and domestic reforms. They also need to learn about the moments in his life that shaped him. Mr. McCain cannot make this a biography-only campaign " but he can't afford to make it a biography-free campaign either. Unless he opens up more, many voters will never know the experiences of his life that show his character, integrity, and essential decency. These qualities mattered in America's first president and will matter as Americans decide on their 44th president. Mr. Rove is the former senior adviser and deputy chief of staff to President George W. Bush.

Thanks to Waneta
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I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.
Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi."
The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.
The young soldier, who didn't look any older than, maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began
to tear up.
When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie.
They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.
After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything in the world and he is coming home very soon."
The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.
As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- We at the LUV (Southwest) airline are a patriotic bunch. We LUV our country; we give America the Freedom to fly; and we support our troops who fight for our country's many freedoms.
One way we express our LUV is by encouraging our Employees to wear red shirts on Fridays to show our support for the troops. In addition, our Internal Customer Care Team (this year's Heroes of the Heart!) sends LUV packages to all of our Employees or immediate family members who are called for military service. Many times, individual departments also keep in touch with Employees who have been called for military duty.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers.

Thanks to Don Paladino
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| Safety from the Heart |
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May 6, 2008
Tailgate - Home Safety
Submitted to by Larry Kopira, a Tyrone employee

I have many times asked my wife to use the proper ladders when necessary and to secure them appropriately. My advice has often drawn the response – “I’ve done this many times so I know what I am doing. “

This past week as she was washing windows on the outside of our home, the small step ladder that she was using to reach the window was not properly braced. One of the legs started to sink into the mud. Even though she was only a few feet off the ground she fell and broke multiple bones in her wrist. This required a long day at the hospital to set her wrist.

Now my wife is trying to figure out how to hold and feed our soon to be born first grandchild.

No matter how short the distance a fall can have a negative impact on your life in a matter of seconds.

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| Safety from the Heart |
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May 6, 2008
OBESITY IN THE NEWS

Did you know that obesity is now the # 1 killer in the United States? Even above tobacco! In fact there are a number of health problems caused by obesity that threaten our health! So what are these health risks?

. Heart Disease
. Diabetes
. Gall Bladder Disease
 Hypertension
 Lung Complications (breathing problems)
. Cancer and more!!!!

Researchers are saying by the year 2020 that $1 of every $5 spent in health care will be due to overweight and obesity related health complications!!!!
Simple changes in your diet and physical activity can greatly reduce your risk of developing one of these health conditions. Now is the time to take control of your life. Start living a healthy life style. ..... Physicians Weight Loss

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| Safety from the Heart |
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May 5, 2008
Slips, Trips, and Falls

Even though we work in an office building, we need to SCAN our surroundings for hazards. This can help in keeping everyone safe, especially from slips, trips and fall hazards. People not paying attention to the task of walking is one of the main causes of these incidents.
SCAN
Keep floors clear, make sure all cords are secured out of the walk ways
Clean up any spills immediately
Use lids when walking with cups containing liquids
Use handrails when walking the stairs
Use ladders to reach for objects
Report any unsafe flooring to building management
Minimize the size of objects you carry when walking
Make sure your footwear is appropriate for your environment

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| Safety from the Heart |
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May 5, 2008
Yard Work

Today's Message is from Gene McPherson (a Pasadena Albemarle employee).
Watch your fingers, toes and eyes while doing yard work this spring and summer! Glasses, gloves and a good pair of shoes can reduce or prevent injuries when things go wrong.
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The Pump Handle. A water cooler for the public health crowd.
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/

"Occupational Health News Roundup" by Liz Borkowski Featured stories cover efforts to address problems with veterans' health, the dangers of commercial fishing, and Burger King's spying on worker advocates. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/05/07/occupational-health-news-roundup-64/

"Finally Wising Up on Fuels?" by Liz Borkowski Recent stories suggest that the negative consequences of bad gas choices are finally starting to steer consumers and politicians towards better options. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/05/06/finally-wising-up-on-fuels/

"Newsweek on Doubt is Their Product" by Liz Borkowski In a review of David Michaels' book Doubt is Their Product, Newsweek's Sharon Begley does a great job describing the kinds of abuses the book chronicles – which is no surprise, given her excellent story about the global warming denial campaign. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/05/05/newsweek-on-doubt-is-their-product/

"Friday Blog Roundup" by Liz Borkowski Bloggers weigh in on occupational health and safety issues, EPA's new proposed lead limits, and drug contamination. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/05/02/friday-blog-roundup-73/

"Big Worries About Small Particles" by Liz Borkowski Hundreds of products containing nano-particles are on the market, but we don't know nearly enough about their effects on human health and the environment. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/05/02/big-worries-about-small-particles/

"House Passes Combustible Dust Bill" by Liz Borkowski The house has passed a bill requiring OSHA to issue a combustible dust standard; such a rule is needed to prevent the all-too-common dust explosions, like the sugar-dust explosion at a Savannah refinery that killed nine workers earlier this year. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/05/02/house-passes-combustible-dust-bill/

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.

Laura Flanders & Radio Nation

Laura Flanders writer and host for Radio Nation and Air America had ask Esther Kaplan writer of The Nation and I if we would be willing to be a guest on her program. It was a new experience for me and nothing from the norm since everything I do is new. You can listen here [http://thenation.hipcast.com/deluge/68375b25-8623-d69c-0f02-ccc7cefc804b.mp3]

Of course I had to get past the butterflies and knowing I certainly do not have a radio voice but Laura and Esther were wonderful and of course experienced so next to myself they were radio Gods but for the families in retrospect it was a very good experience. So one more experience to help you all with if you come across this opportunity.

More importantly the Workers Memorial Day was a focus and has brought some attention to both the families and H&S. Awareness is a must if things are ever expected to change and that means everyone has to do their part, if there is an opportunity now matter how big or small take it. Inform and educate anyone and everyone because not everyone has your knowledge, remember there was a time when we had no clue and we have no right to complain that nothing is being done unless we are willing to act.

Also I wanted to bring up an issue that has arisen on more than one occasion.
I have on occasion heard experiences of family members approaching work sites to inform them of dangers in various situations. This is commendable however it is not my recommendation. First and foremost it is way too emotional for the families, please do not put yourself in this position. There are things you can do such as take pictures write the companies, send the information to OSHA and the news papers.

I do have a method to my madness and it is not to bust the company down but protect your sanity. It is hard enough to recount our losses let alone see and confront others who are in the immediate positions as our losses were in. Some may be able to handle it but it is my experience that it brakes most, confrontation takes too much out of you and keeps you to low to long.

If you are at a point where you are fine with this and you may never be then go back to school and do it the right way, you will have a story to share and backing. There is a great bunch more than willing to work with the families and training and they include the USMWF site in their studies here NASP. NASP also offers scholarships to make it easier for you to attend. Remember you still have family who cares and needs you in the right frame of mind.

This is a struggle most of us have in some form or another so you’re not alone but there comes a point when you have to protect yourself and your family from issue that will certainly put strain on on relationships. Grief is strange and involves many emotions and stages and in most of these cases we never really come to terms the incident but we can go on. We can still live and love life, you don't have to add needed suffering to what is already unbearable. We have a couple of article on USMWF that will help with the grieving process.

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. Sgt. Jerry L. DeLoach, 45, of Jackson, Ga., died July 7, 2007, in Riverside, Ga., of a non-combat related injury, while assigned to Fort Knox, Ky. He had been medically evacuated from theater. He was assigned to the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Knox.


02. Sgt. 1st Class Lawrence D. Ezell, 30, of Portland, Texas, died April 30 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations. He was assigned to the 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, Fort Carson, Colo.

03. Spc. Jeffrey F. Nichols, 21, of Granite Shoals, Texas, died May 1 in Baghdad from wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Polk, La.

04. Pvt. Corey L. Hicks, 22, of Glendale, Ariz., died May 2 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

The Department of Defense announced the death of four Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
05. Lance Cpl. Casey L. Casanova, 22, of McComb, Miss.
06. Cpl. Miguel A. Guzman, 21, of Norwalk, Calif.
07. Lance Cpl. James F. Kimple, 21, of Carroll, Ohio
08. Sgt. Glen E. Martinez, 31, of Boulder, Colo.
All four Marines died May 2 in Al Anbar province, Iraq, supporting combat operations. They were assigned to the Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died May 7 in the Sabari District, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Killed were:
09. Spc. Jeremy R. Gullett, 22, of Greenup, Ky., who was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
10. Staff Sgt. Kevin C. Roberts, 25, of Farmington, N. M., who was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

11. Spc. Alex D. Gonzalez, 21, of Mission, Texas, died May 6 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered small arms fire and a rocket-propelled grenade attack. He was assigned to the 43rd Combat Engineer Company, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas.

12. Pfc. Aaron J. Ward, 19, of San Jacinto, Calif., died May 6 in Al Anbar, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came under small arms fire while conducting cordon and search operations. He was assigned to the 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.
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Please remember to pray for the American soldiers stationed everywhere around the globe and especially in Iraq. Times have been and are very tough and it would be nice if you would all just say a prayer for their safety and for their families.
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"September 11 WDYTJWD" W. P. Florence
Justice first, then peace."
"September 11" Never forget.--Tony Moses
"ONE NATION UNDER GOD ...the only way"--Phillip Story
"We have nothing to fear but fear itself." -- Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Keeping my head down but face toward Heaven" - - Jody Eldred, ABC News Cameraman in Kuwait
"Remember Pearl Harbor? Remember 9/11!" --"Bug"
Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. - - George Carlin
"Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!" - - Queen E. Watson
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Activities and Events of Interest - - Coming Events

Barksdale Air Show May 10 & 11
http://www.barksdaleafbairshow.com/
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The Magnolia Blossom Festival and World Championship Steak Cookoff is coming - MAY 17TH
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Mark Your Calendars!!!! Albemarle Kids' Fishing Tournament - May 31
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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!!!
John 12:23-24 James 3:13-17 1 Cor 4:18-20 Prov 16:32 1 Cor 10:1-6 http://www.e-min.org/
God is Good and Faithful CU 73 IC JFM CSP NREMT-I KC5HII

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