Bug's Bleat - - GCF: If You Love Something.....

Volume 10, Issue 25 Friday, June 20, 2008

Hello All,

Annette’s greatest frustration with her back pain is that she’s moving slower than me. She never thought that the slowest man on earth would move faster than she did.
Of course I dispute the title of “slowest man on earth.” I’m sure there are others slower. After all, I do have several speeds: Off, On, mosey and hyper warp mosey. John Burge says that you can tell when I’m in hyper warp mosey because actual movement can be detected.
~~~~~
There’s a storm of environmental bickering building in the presidential campaign. Both major candidates are trying to position themselves as pro environment. Of course, like most presidential platform planks, environmentalism will likely drop in importance once the election is over. I guess that the main problem with depending on a national government to respond to our concerns is the power of dilution. The congress and president can only work on so many issues at a time and the ones they do work on tend to have solutions so compromised that they are useless.
We all need to be better educated on the environment and on ways to improve the way our lives affect the world around us. But news programs and blogs are full of strident calls attacking one side or the other (either environmentalist or those who are pro industry.)
Every time a power plant is blocked or an industry challenged, the folks who were looking forward to those jobs think that environmentalist are their enemies. We need to support industries that work to improve their environmental record. Instead, the “green” side continues to beat them over the head with any faults they can find. Last night I saw a story on “clean coal” power plants. But the technology is being challenged because it doesn’t totally eliminate CO2 emissions. Come on. Here’s a technology that promises to drastically reduce pollution and we’re fighting it because it’s not perfect. Meanwhile the old “dirty” means of energy production stays in service because “hyper” environmentalist have successfully blocked the building of any replacements.
Just this week there was a “scare” news story about dangerous chemicals in PVC shower curtains. But the stories didn’t point out that the “dangerous” chemicals in plastic shower curtains aren’t released into the air or upon skin contact or upon water or soap contact. Folks, that shower curtain is harmless unless you burn it and inhale the combustion products. But the same could be said for most manmade and natural products. Don’t believe me, try inhaling the smoke off of a camp fire.
As Rodney King said; "... can we all get along?" No sane person (or group) wants to destroy our environment. We've got to reach out to each other in calm, rational ways. The strident shouting is just turning off the great majority of people on both sides of this issue.
I see calls for major changes that aren't going to be supported by the populace at this time. Instead, we need to get our science facts together and support incremental actions to improve the environment. A good example is the decision over plastic or paper at the store check out. Turns out that, [http://www.presstelegram.com/lifestyle/ci_9613490?source=email] actually, plastic bags use less energy to produce and less to recycle than paper and are more likely to be reused around the home. But, some people reuse the paper bags and those may be more appropriate for them. Of course, the best alternative would probably be to bring your own reusable bags to the store for your items.
A war is won a battle at a time and battles are won in the details. Concentrate on the small victories and quit trying to conquer the continent.
You'll be surprised at what you can accomplish.
~~~~~
We’re reading “Final Salute” by Jim Sheeler. This moving story recounts the way our country honors its war dead by following the notifications and funerals of six soldiers. I think Petty Officer Lopez summed it up best when he commented as he and the other pall bearers observed the crowds lining the streets; “...sometimes I wish they would do this for us when we come home alive.”
~~~~~
As Dick Waller would say; “People...” we’ve got a problem in this land. We’re fighting a real war against real enemies and the only sign of it back home is the occasional argument by politicians or a passing sound bite on the evening news. Our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, grandsons and granddaughters, friends and neighbors are involved in the struggle, but we’re pretty much oblivious until someone close is killed or wounded or we have to pay more for gas. And even then, we tend to miss the core of the issue.
Our soldiers are living and dying on foreign soil and most people are more concerned about the cost of driving to Shreveport to the mall than they are about our soldiers in harm’s way. Oh, I know that you’d support better pay, housing and benefits for our soldiers, unless it came out of your pay check. I’m not asking everyone to return to the rationing of World War II, but you could at least visit Michael Yon’s website [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/] and see what’s happening in the war. And you could write your congressman and senators and demand that they quit playing politics with the lives of our soldiers.
~~~~~
The “Oil Boom” came to Columbia county in 1938 when The Barnett #1 started producing oil on, what is now Columbia Road 537 about 1 mile north of the intersection of Columbia Road 25 and US 82 east of Magnolia. This was four years after my dad, an oil field worker, first “Boarded” with my grandmother while working in south Arkansas. And, it was 37 years after oil was discovered in North Louisiana. He returned in 1940, two years after the Barnett #1 blew in, to marry my mother, who had grown into a lovely 18 year old in his absence.
~~~~~
You can read about the Columbia county oil boom in Thursday’s Banner News [http://epaper.wehco.com/daily/skins/magnolia/]. That oil boom not only brought my dad to this area, it provided a living for my stepfather, Tammy Duke, when he had to go to work to support his family. James Watson Duke Sr. owned a “general store” on the south east side of Magnolia’s square when the depression struck. In a short time, he lost his store (because the farmers he had sold to on credit couldn’t pay him and therefore he couldn’t pay his bills) and his diabetes robbed him of his sight. His young son, 10 years old at the time, borrowed 10 dollars from a Magnolia businessman and set up a hamburger stand in a corner of a blacksmith shop located where Wilson Bearden Drugs sits today. At the end of his first week, thanks to the growing number of workers in the town, Tammy had paid back his original loan, bought another $10 worth of supplies and distributed the remainder of his earnings to his mother and a new savings account.
As Tammy continued to work, selling hamburgers, he eventually opened a café on West Main where you could not only get a burger, but you could get a cold beer as well. Not long after that, he opened the original Chatterbox at 117 east main.
~~~~~
New News: Despite its toxicity and famously bad odor, hydrogen sulfide's ability to lower metabolism and create a hibernation-like state has scientists wondering whether the gas can help soldiers and other people withstand injuries or surgeries.
~~~~~
We extend our sincere sympathy to Floyd Sanders (Brine field retiree) whose wife, Maxine, passed away on Sunday. Floyd and Maxine were always gracious to our kids. David and Vanessa used to call Floyd “Fluid” when they were young.
~~~~~
We downloaded Firefox 3 this week. Did you?
~~~~~
I have a lot of friends who have motorcycles. They ride practically every chance they get. And, many, if not most, don’t use helmets. Motorcycle fatalities in 2006 increased for the ninth straight year—more than doubling from 2,110 in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006. In fact, GHSA’s analysis of federal data shows that motorcycle fatalities increased in 27 states and Puerto Rico between 2005 and 2006. In 2006, 67 percent of all motorcycle fatalities occurred in 15 states. Also noteworthy is the fact that in 2004, 2005 and 2006 nearly one third of all fatalities occurred in California, Texas and Florida alone.

The main reason cited for the increase in fatalities is a patchwork of helmet laws, scant enforcement and a lack of helmet promotion exist despite clear evidence that proper helmet use saves lives. Twenty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have universal motorcycle helmet laws. Twenty-seven states and Guam have laws that cover certain riders, and three states have no motorcycle helmet laws. In states with partial laws or without helmet laws, most riders who died were not wearing helmets. Only nine states and Puerto Rico indicated special efforts to help law enforcement identify helmets that don’t meet safety standards. Although it is widely accepted that proper helmet use dramatically reduces the likelihood of a fatality in a crash, only 17 states reported special efforts to promote the benefits of helmet use and other protective gear.
~~~~~
Save Gas and Save Lives: Go Easy On the Accelerator
The GHSA [http://www.ghsa.org/] offers much-needed advice
There seems to be no stopping rising gas prices. And beyond leaving cars in the garage, car pooling and taking public transportation, the American public doesn't have a lot of options with which they can cope.
Fortunately, the Governors Highway Safety Association reminds drivers of another way to save gas: obey speed limits. The Department of Energy has already stressed that speeding, rapid acceleration and braking - all trademarks of aggressive driving - cut gas mileage by 30 percent on the highways and 5 percent on local roads. Moreover, drivers lose 20 cents per gallon of gas for every 5 mph they go over 60.
But keeping to the limit doesn't only save gas. It also saves lives. Even a slight decline in car speeds and traffic volume can impact accident rates, according to a GHSA-conducted survey released last month. It showed that only Wisconsin posted a substantial trend of reduced speeds because of increasing gas prices.
~~~~~
The Navy’s newest attack submarine New Hampshire (SSN 778) will be christened Saturday, June 21, during an 11:00 a.m. EDT ceremony at Electric Boat in Groton, Conn.

Director of Naval Reactors, Adm. Kirkland Donald, will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Cheryl McGuinness of Portsmouth, N.H., will serve as New Hampshire’s sponsor. Ms. McGuinness is the widow of Thomas McGuiness, co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 which was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
~~~~~
Pattie Stephenson Tanzania Missions Report - - Dear Pastors, Churches, Friends, and Family,

I arrived back in Tanzania at the end of February, and I haven't come up for air since! When I returned, all of the missionaries for the ministry were gone back to their own countries to visit churches, so I had to take care of business at the ministry, pay the staff, and do the day-to-day business. Not my specialty, but in life you have to do what you have to do, especially on the mission field. One day I am cleaning out a container sent from Denmark and the next day teaching pastors from all over the country. It is interesting, but fun!

At the beginning of May, 55 students arrived from all over the country to begin their studies at New Life Bible College. Some are young and some are older, but all are hungry to do God's will for their lives. They are full of excitement and are a joy to the teachers every day.

One young man is from the Massai tribe. His name is Kisiyoki Orbula. He attended one of our crusades last year in Kiteto. His tribe is famous for their red clothing. The men drape the cloth over their bodies and appear to be in a kilt. Their shoes are made from tires. They are able to jump extremely high and are known for their dances and songs. Kisiyoki had no "church clothes" when he came, but he had a heart for ministry. Yesterday I saw him dressed in a "preacher's" suit given to him by the principal of our Bible school. He had a huge smile on his face. But so much more is happening on the inside of Kisiyoki.

We recently returned from our first crusade of the season in the town of Matei in the region of Sumbawanga. As it was the first crusade we had to take our 18-wheelers there. The trucks will be left there for the season, but it means the first trip is extremely long. Sumbawanga is in the southern tip of Tanzania. We went to the border of Zambia and turned right. It took us 5 days to get there. We would stop at a guesthouse each night at around 9:00. We began each day at about 7. Our bodies were exhausted. I didn't eat supper for days, as I was too tired. (I lost 8 lbs.!) I would walk up to the bed at the not-so-nice guesthouse, pull back the covers and say, "if there's anything in there, move over, I am coming in." I would just go to sleep. Thank God, I don't get so grossed out anymore.

On three of the days, I had to drive the van with our ministry team inside. I am accustomed to driving church groups in America, but it is quite different here. There are many police check stops. I almost drove through one I didn't see. When I slammed the brakes to stop, and smiled at the police, he just looked at me without smiling and said "slow down". Another police stop I saw and stopped nicely at, then the police asked me why I stopped. I said, "because this is a police stop." He said, "you don't stop unless I hold up my hand." Oh well. Another stop, a police asked me where I was going in Swahili, and I said "Sumbawanga" correctly. The next stop the police asked me where I was coming from in swahili, but I got confused and said "Sumbawanga" and he said you are going the wrong way! Ugh! Maybe driving is not my calling here!

During the long trip, one of our big trucks kept breaking down, which slowed us down. Then, one of our big trucks got stuck in a ditch while trying to pass on a dirt road (which is what we were on, the majority of the time). Another 18 wheeler pulled us out and then got stuck himself. I just stood in the middle of the road, prayed, and thought, "where is Sumbawanga?"

Then finally, we arrived! As we were coming in town, a woman was walking down the road with her baby on her back and a bucket on her head. When she saw me, a very white woman, she screamed and turned and ran through a field jerking her baby off her back and dropping the bucket. Many of the Africans in the villages are afraid of wazungu (whites) as they have seldom seen us and she definitely was. I felt so bad and wanted to go hug her, but I think she would have had a heart attack. I prayed she would come to the crusade and understand that we were there to show her the love of Jesus. I never saw her again, but I know that God is able.

Before the crusade began, I had a seminar for pastors and Sunday school teachers from the churches. About 120 people came and it was wonderful. At the same time, about a hundred workers and our team were building the stage for the crusade. So much work goes into this, and our team of builders are also our singers and interpreters. They work hard but I know God is blessing them.

The crusade was so powerful. Each morning we had a seminar for the churches, and about 2000 came each day. The first crusade evening, I ministered to the children and they were so receptive, but then the rain began. We had to pack up and leave before our leader, Egon Falk, was able to minister to the adults. On crusades we hate the rain, because it stops the Gospel, but the next day was glorious. God is not stopped by rain. He was working on the heart of the town's top witch doctor.

The next afternoon the crusade was powerful. When Bro. Egon, started the altar call for people to receive Jesus or prayer for needs, he dismissed me and the children to a large building for more ministry. Over a thousand children came around me and an interpreter and we tried to speak so they could hear, but it was very difficult. The megaphones I bought years ago and brought here had been broken so we used our loud voices. I knew immediately I had to have a better plan. I am still working on that.

On the third mornings' seminar, we received word that the top witch doctor wanted to receive Jesus and wanted to turn from his sorcery. We looked out at the front row and there he sat, with his wife, some of his family and co-workers. That day, all of them gave their lives to Christ and that night all of his "tools of the trade" were burned on the field at the crusade. I was amazed to watch his face change as he prayed to receive Jesus. It was as if pain and fear left and peace and love came.

Well over one thousand people gave their hearts to Jesus, hundreds were healed, children's workers and pastors were trained, and the churches were encouraged. It was a great week and as in every crusade, we will never forget Matei. Then it was time to travel again.

It was to take us two days to return back home to Arusha. However, I was driving on the 2nd day, and hit a speed bump going at a "too" high speed, as I didn't see it. The right side of the van just fell. I wanted to cry, as I knew how badly everyone wanted to get home. Many men were away from their wives and children for 2 weeks. They encouraged me that my mistake was not the only reason for the problem, as we had hit many potholes and bumps on the horrible roads. I just paced up and down the road in the darkness while they took apart the van and took a piece to town to get welded. I was told we could continue but very slowly. Ha! I pray I am fired from ever driving again!

That night we drove until 1 am, and then stopped in a town for a guesthouse. We looked for 30 minutes for one, but they were filled or closed. We were all about ready to just sleep in the vehicles, when we found one. I was thrilled, although it meant only a few hours of sleep. It had a "sit down" toilet and hot water for bathing. AND A TV!!!!! WITH SOUTH AFRICAN NEWS! I was able to see the news of the USA in a village! In my home in Arusha, I have a TV, but only watch movies, which is fine with me. But, it was amazing to see the presidential race news, etc.

We arrived home the next day after lunch. It felt so good so good to be here, but I knew that all of the exhaustion was worth it. Absolutely.

This last week we have been very busy with our annual Fire Conference for ministers. We have thousands of pastors here from all over Tanzania and also Uganda. We house them and feed them. They only pay to get here. Two pastors from America are here ministering to them and we missionaries are enjoying it as well. Preaching in English is precious to us! We get so busy in ministry that it is easy to forget Who it is all about. This week we have been with HIM. The worship has been amazing. We have all been touched and encouraged. Today is the last day of the conference.

Tomorrow morning I begin teaching in the Bible college on the subject of Ministry to Children. I teach Monday through Thursday mornings for 3 hours, and then we leave Friday morning to travel back to the region of Sumbawanga to the town of Laela. This will be a shorter trip (in the name of Jesus!) as we do not have to drive slowly with the 18 wheelers. Pray for us!

One last bit of news. Our kids' church was to open in June, but because of several things, we were not prepared. The plan is now the first Saturday of July. Pray for us. We want to touch the village of Kwa Iddi with the gospel. This is the village that our ministry, Bible college, church, and school are located in. My building has no windows, doors, or floor, but we are beginning with what we have. I can hold about 300 kids in that building.

Thank you for all of your support and prayers. Please know that you all are very important to me. Mungu akubariki! God Bless You! Keep praying!

I love you, Pattie
~~~~~
The Lighthouse Church Report:

Almost Missed Opportunities
Sunday, June 15, 2008 - jimmy Malone
Last Saturday, our weekly outreach was derailed by nearly everyone having to work. One guy after another said he was not coming. We were scheduled to meet at 10 AM, but at noon no one was there. I almost decided to stay home, but chose instead to go by myself. As I was leaving my subdivision, my buddy Scott called to say he was on his way. So we just went to the Lakefront to play some music. No one was there. We played a few songs, but with little or no audience. So we decided to walk the length of the Lakefront handing out invitations to our service later that evening. We only met seven people. I have never seen the Mandeville Lakefront so deserted. We knew we were whipped, so we walked back to the car. Parked beside us was a yellow mustang with Wisconsin plates, a dog, and a young guy with shades. We greeted the fellow, asked his dog's name, and gave him an invitation. His name was Luke.

Three hours later, Luke walked in the door of our church. Then he came back this week. He told me last night that he quit church when he was thirteen. The first time he had attended church in ten years was our church. I'm really glad he did.

I'm glad to know Luke. I almost missed the opportunity.
http://thelighthousechurch.publishpath.com/
~~~~~
Each week the Defense Department highlights military personnel who have gone above and beyond in the war. [http://www.defenselink.mil/heroes/] - - Scott Sparrow
Hometown: Layton, UT
Awarded: Bronze Star

With improvised explosive devices claiming more lives than any other weapon in Operation Iraqi Freedom, few assignments were more mission critical than the road clearance patrols performed in large part by Army engineers. Second Lieutenant Scott Sparrow of the United States Army was a platoon leader with Bravo Company, Task Force 321 Engineers, in Iraq. His engineering battalion served in support of several units in the area, including the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. From September of 2006 through September of 2007, Sparrow led on over 200 missions to clear and secure the treacherous, but essential, roads near al Ramadi. Those central desert roads saw some of the highest volumes of IED attacks in all of Iraq.

During the course of these arduous missions, his platoon cleared over 160 improvised explosive devices – weapons that would have killed and maimed indiscriminately. The danger of these patrols was confirmed when vehicles in their platoon were hit over 15 times by IEDs, in addition to coming under numerous small arms and rocket attacks.

On one notable mission in the Lake TharThar region his unit cleared over 12 hidden weapons caches that had the components necessary to build a staggering 200 IEDs. Another startling find in the caches, was the presence of anti-air systems that would have posed a grave threat to the countless Coalition aircraft.

Sparrow and his platoon’s efforts contributed greatly to the stability of the area around Al Ramadi. Sparrow’s leadership, courage, and attention to detail made this effort possible. His actions have left a tremendous legacy behind him, a legacy that was cemented by follow-up safety operations that established four combat outposts. These outposts allowed for improved security in the region, due in no small part to Sparrow’s clearance patrols. For these reasons he was awarded the fourth highest honor in the United States military, the Bronze Star.

External Links:
The Martha Zoller Show story [http://marthazoller.com/news.asp?id=524]
Interview: [http://www.defenselink.mil/heroes/interviews/sparrowS_20080604-ABC.mp3]
Jun. 6, 2008 – ABC (7.7MB)
~~~~~
The latest from Michael Yon, the foremost “milnews” blogger on the web.
~
Michael has left the United States and is heading back to the war.
http://www.michaelyon-online.com/index.php
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This week we watched [Ratings are my own]:
Murder Ahoy! (1964) [6.0] Starring Margaret Rutherford ... Lionel Jeffries ... and Charles 'Bud' Tingwell
27 Dresses (2008) [6.5] Starring: Brian Kerwin ... Charli Barcena ... and Peyton List
No Reservations (2007) [8.0] Starring; Catherine Zeta-Jones ... Aaron Eckhart ... and Abigail Breslin
Sabrina (1995) [8.5] Starring: Harrison Ford ... Julia Ormond ... and Greg Kinnear
Hondo (1953) [7.5] Starring; John Wayne ... Geraldine Page and Lee Aaker
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This week we read; Larry Bond's First team : soul of the assassin / Larry Bond and Jim DeFelice. And Blind justice / William Bernhardt
We’re currently reading; Final salute : a story of unfinished lives / by Jim Sheeler.
We intend to read; The great derangement : a terrifying true story of war, politics, and religion at the twilight of the American empire / Matt Taibbi. And “Honor Bound: Inside the Guantanamo Trials” by Kyndra miller Rotunda
We recommend: Crashing through : a story of risk, adventure, and the man who dared to see / Robert Kurson.
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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” are of the 2006 Purple Hull Pea Festival World Championship Rotary Tiller Race.
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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.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 - - - Leftover-friendly recipes
Bette Knick, a Tupperware executive director from Butler, always cooks extra chicken and plans for leftovers. This family-friendly recipe, adapted from a Tupperware recipe, incorporates two common leftovers: cooked chicken and mashed potatoes. And who doesn’t have extra grated cheese on hand in need of a home?

Creamed Chicken on Potato Patties
Makes 6 servings

2 cups cold mashed potatoes
1 beaten egg
¼ cup finely chopped onion
¼ cup finely chopped celery
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 ½ cups milk or half-and-half
Dried thyme to taste (or other favorite seasoning)
1 ½ cups cooked diced chicken
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup grated cheddar cheese or to taste
2 tablespoons melted butter

In bowl, combine mashed potatoes, egg, onion, celery and salt and pepper. Mix well. Form into uniform patties, using about 1/3 cup of the mixture per patty. Set aside.

In medium saucepan over low heat, melt the 3 tablespoons butter. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, about a minute. Gradually stir milk or half-and-half and cook, stirring until thickened. Add thyme, salt and pepper to taste, chicken and peas, increase heat to medium and heat through; remove from heat and immediately stir in cheese until melted.

In large skillet over medium heat, brown patties in the 2 tablespoons melted butter about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown on both sides. Serve creamed chicken over potato patties.

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Leftover chicken turns into a refreshing salad in this recipe from www.plasticsinfo.org, the Web site for the Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council in Arlington, Va.

Chicken, Snow Pea & Almond Salad
Makes 4 servings

1 cup coarsely chopped cooked roast chicken (about 5 ounces)
1 cup snow peas, cut into ½-inch pieces
1/3 cup of your favorite Asian-style or poppy seed salad dressing
1 bag (10 ounces) pre-washed romaine lettuce
1 large carrot, peeled and shredded (about 1 cup)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
½ cup mandarin oranges (optional)

Place chicken, snow peas and dressing in large bowl and toss until chicken and snow peas are well coated. Add lettuce and carrots and toss well to combine. Season with salt, pepper and additional salad dressing, if desired, to taste. Serve in individual bowls and top with slivered almonds and, if desired, mandarin oranges.

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This pair of recipes allows you to plan for leftovers. Serve the Asian-marinated pork one night as an entrée and the second night as sandwiches. The recipes are from www.plasticsinfo.org.

Asian-Marinated Pork
Makes 3 or 4 servings with leftovers

1 pork tenderloin (1 ¼ pounds)
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons fresh or bottled lime juice
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Place pork tenderloin in large resealable plastic bag. In bowl or glass measure, whisk together remaining ingredients. Pour marinade over pork. Seal bag and refrigerate at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for the most flavorful results.

To cook pork, preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove tenderloins from marinade (discard marinade), and place tenderloin in baking dish. Bake until meat is slightly pink in center and instant-read meat thermometer registers 160 degrees, about 25 minutes. Slice pork and serve, reserving enough leftover meat for Sloppy Pork & Pepper Sandwiches.

Sloppy Pork & Pepper Sandwiches
Makes 3 or 4 Servings

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips (about 1 ½ cups)
1 small onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
8 to 10 ounces leftover cooked Asian-marinated pork (see recipe above), sliced thin
1/3 to ½ cup barbecue sauce
3 or 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns

In large non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in pork and barbecue sauce and heat through. Serve on hamburger buns.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=762904
~~~~~
BreakPoint
A Difficult Place for Christians
By Chuck Colson
6/20/2008

Believers in Iraq

In early June, the German television network ARD aired a film called “God and the World: The Persecuted Children of God.” The “children” referred to are Iraq’s largest Christian community: the Assyrians. While any attention to the plight of Iraqi Christians is welcome, I only wish that the film could have aired in the country that is in the best position to help them: the United States.

The film tells the story of the suffering and persecution endured by Assyrian Christians through interviews with Christian refugees—or “internally displaced persons,” as bureaucrats call them—who escaped the most dangerous areas.

One Assyrian Christian who did not escape was Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho, the Chaldean Catholic archbishop of Mosul. On February 29, his car was attacked by gunmen who killed his two bodyguards and stuffed the archbishop in the trunk of their car.

While in the trunk, Archbishop Rahho called his church and told them not to pay any ransom, because the money “would be used for killing and more evil actions.” His body was found in northeast Mosul. An Al-Qaeda member was sentenced to death for his murder.

The archbishop’s death was only the most publicized attack on Christian clergy in and around Mosul. As the New York Times put it, “In the last few years, Mosul has been a difficult place for Christians.”

That is an understatement: As Lawrence Kaplan wrote in the New Republic, “Sunni, Shia, and Kurd may agree on little else, but all have made sport of brutalizing their Christian neighbors . . . .”

Making matters even worse is that American forces did not hesitate to call on Iraqi Christians to serve as interpreters, precisely because they were Christians. Their religion made them easier to relate to. Now, Iraq’s Christians are seen by extremists as “collaborators” and “crusaders.”

Conditions have gotten so bad in parts of Iraq that some Iraqi Christians now celebrate mass “in homes and sometimes, like their ancient Christian ancestors, in crypts instead.”

Anyone who knew anything about the history of the region—and its Christian minority—should have seen this coming. That is why Nina Shea of Freedom House, and others, called for special protection for Iraq’s Christians. Their advice was, is, and probably will continue to be, ignored by our government and the “international community.”

The only way this will not happen is if western Christians make their voices heard. To that end, Christian Solidarity International, and others, have launched “Save Iraqi Christians.”

Their goal is to get our government to “defend religious liberty in Iraq and create conditions that allow displaced Christians and other non-Muslim minorities to return to their homeland and live and worship in peace.” We ought to be using our “powerful leverage with government leaders in Baghdad and Kurdish authorities” to develop a “secure homeland province for religious minorities.”

Because without this, a Christian community that survived invasions by the Persians, Muslims, Mongols and Ottomans, might not survive the American liberation of Iraq. They certainly will not survive our indifference.

For more information on how you can get involved with Save Iraqi Christians, visit our website, BreakPoint.org.

Help end the persecution of Iraqi Christians: helpiraqichristians.com.

Sign this petition to ask the U.S. government and United Nations to help: get involved.

Suzanne Presto, “Iraqi Christians Do Not Fully Embrace Verdict in Archbishop’s Murder,” voanews.com, 19 May 2008.

“Four Christian Copts Killed in Cairo Drive-By Shooting,” AINA, 28 May 2008.

“Christian Assyrians Face Extinction in Northern Iraq,” AINA, 25 April 2008.

Julia Duin, “A Legacy for the President: Iraqi Christians,” Washington Times, 21 February 2008.

Erica Goode, “Kidnapped Iraqi Archbishop is Dead,” New York Times, 14 March 2008.

Emanuel Youkhana, “30 Minute Film by German TV Channel about the Plight of Iraq’s Christian Assyrians,” Christians of Iraq.

Anne Husarska, “Iraq’s Refugee Nightmare: The Exiles,” The New Republic, 5 March 2007.

Lawrence F. Kaplan, “Who Will Save Iraq’s Christians?” New Republic, 28 March 2006.

BreakPoint Commentary No. 061107, “Silencing Ancient Echoes.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 070611, “True Martyrs.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 060329, “One Down, Millions to Go.”

BreakPoint Commentary No. 060817, “The Dangers of Being Christian.”

Mark Earley, “The Point Radio: The Plight of Iraqi Christians,” The Point, 28 March 2008.

© 2008 Prison Fellowship - - http://www.breakpoint.org/site_hmpg.asp
~~~~~
Words of the Week:
prink: to primp.
claque: a group of fawning admirers.
dilatory: given to, or marked by, procrastination or delay.
verdure: greenness.
cogent: appealing to the mind or to reason; convincing.
defenestrate: to throw out of a window.
renascent: rising again into being; showing renewed vigor.
from Dictionary.Com
~~~~~
"How poor are they who have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees." - William Shakespeare

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." - Joseph Addison

"Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians." - Chester Bowles

"The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs." - Joan Didion

"Work isn't to make money; you work to justify life." - Marc Chagall

"It is easier to be critical than correct." - Benjamin Disraeli

"What is hell? I maintain that it is the suffering of being unable to love." - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
~~~~~
BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS
http://breakingchristiannews.com/

Father of Twins and Sextuplets Says Being a Dad to Eight Children is a "Blast"
A Closer Look at the Late Tim Russert—a Christian
South Carolina Passes Several "Religious-Themed" Bills to Ensure Freedom of Speech for Christians
Flooded Indiana Church Opens Its Doors to Community despite Its Own Needs
UK Report Shows Presence of Christians makes a Difference in Communities
Indian Baby "Wakes" a Day after being Declared Stillborn--Parents were taking Her to Cemetery

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: If You Love Something.....

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

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/ This email was scanned by F-Secure before it was sent.
-----------------------------------------

If you love something, set it free.

If it comes back, it was, and always will be yours.

If it never returns, it was never yours to begin with.

If it just sits in your living room,
messes up your stuff,
eats your food,
uses your telephone,
takes your money,
and never behaves as if you actually set it free in the first place,
you either married it or gave birth to it.
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Hurry Up!

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

A woman and her husband interrupted their vacation to go to the dentist.

"I want a tooth pulled, and I don't want Novocain because I'm in a big hurry," the woman said. "Just extract the tooth as quickly as possible, and we'll be on our way."

The dentist was quite impressed. "You're certainly a courageous woman," he said. "Which tooth is it?"

The woman turned to her husband and said, "Show him your tooth, dear."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Galaxies

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

The New York Times, among other papers, has published a new Hubble photograph of distant galaxies colliding.

Of course, astronomers have had pictures of colliding galaxies for quite some time now, but with the vastly improved resolution provided by the Hubble Space Telescope, you can actually see the lawyers rushing to the scene...
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Captured Thief

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

One day we saw a news report on TV about the owner of a craft shop and one of her employees who had apprehended a would-be thief and held him captive until police arrived to arrest him.

As we listened to the story, my grandson commented dryly, "What did they do? Hold him at needlepoint?"
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Foot Snuggle

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

On a chilly winter evening, a husband and wife were snuggled together on the floor watching television. During a commercial break, he reached over and gave her foot a gentle squeeze.

"Mmmmm," she said. "That's so sweet."

"Actually," he admitted sheepishly, "I thought that was the remote."
_ ____________________________ _
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Some people are like blisters. \ /
\ _/ They don't show up \_ /
/ / until the work is done. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Why don't tomb, comb, \ /
\ _/ and bomb sound alike? \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / The pessimist may be right \ \_/ ////
\ / in the long run, \ /
\ _/ but the optimist has a \_ /
/ / better time during the trip. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / How to become immortal: \ /
\ _/ Read this tomorrow \_ /
/ / and follow its advice. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )______________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / \ /
\ _/ Never lick a steak knife. \_ /
/ / \ \
_ ____________________________ _
| 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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In the year 2008, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me.
Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans."
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark.

"Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision.
Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.
Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!
When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me.
They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.
Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.
I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.
Immigration and Naturalization is checking the green-card status of most of the people who want to work.
The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience.
To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"
"No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it."

Thanks to David Lamb
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A thief in Paris planned to steal some paintings from the Louvre.

After careful planning, he got past security, stole the paintings, and made it safely to his
van.

However, he was captured only two blocks away when his van ran out of gas.

When asked how he could mastermind such a crime and then make such an obvious error, he replied, 'Monsieur, that is the reason I stole the paintings.'

I had no Monet to buy Degas to make the Van Gogh.'

See if you have De Gaulle to send this on to someone else.

I sent it to you because I figured I had nothing Toulouse.

Thanks to David Lamb
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A Paradigm

"I'm the greatest batter in the world," said the proud boy as he tossed the ball into the air and swung his bat. He missed.

Undaunted, he threw the ball up again and said, "I'm the greatest batter ever!" He missed again.

He looked at his ball and then his bat. Once more he tossed the ball up into the air. "I'm the greatest batter who ever lived!" He swung hard and missed.

"Wow!" he exclaimed. "And I'm an even better pitcher!"

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

Captain Can't Swim

I worked in the biology department at Buffalo State College in New York. The Great Lakes Laboratory, also stationed at the college, employed a licensed boat captain to man its research vessel. It was common knowledge that the captain couldn't swim. When newcomers learned of this, they would approach him about it.

"Is it true?" one of them asked incredulously. "You, a boat captain, can't swim?"

"No, I can't," he replied. "Can pilots fly?"

Received from Pastor Tim.

(-:][:-)

Newlywed Repairs

A man came home from the office and found his new bride sobbing convulsively. "I feel terrible," she told him. "I was pressing your suit and I burned a big hole in the seat of your trousers."

"Oh, just forget it," consoled her husband. "Remember that I've got an extra pair of pants for that suit."

"Yes, I know. And it's lucky you have!" said the woman, drying her eyes. "I was able to use a piece from them to patch the hole!"

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

Short Ones

An atheist is someone with no invisible means of support.

Arkansas State trooper pulls over a pickup truck on I-40. He says to the driver, "Got any ID?" Driver says, "Bout what?"

A rock store was closed by the police -- they were taking too much for granite.

What is a computer's first sign of old age? Loss of memory.

"The Insomniac," by Eliza Wake

Notice! Take lettuce from top of stack, or heads will roll!

A letter carrier's career is a mail-dominated profession.

A guy goes into a second hand shop to buy one for his watch.

A job at the nursery can lead to a budding career.

Didja hear about the Broadway actor who broke through the floor boards? He was just going through a stage.

The Italian government is considering installing a clock in the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The reason? What good is it if you have the inclination, but you don't have the time?

A farmer called his pig Ball Point. Well, it wasn't it's real name, just a pen name.

When the unemployed actor got a job with a demolition company, he finally brought down the house.

If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages?

Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them?

If you ate both pasta and antipasto, would you still be hungry?

Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?

Received from Bills Punch Line.

(-:][:-)

Ponder This

A bus station is where a bus stops.

A train station is where a train stops.

On my desk I have a work station .........

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
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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/redcars.html - - I probably shouldn't admit this, but I'm prejudiced against people who drive red cars. Yes, I know -- bias is bad, and I'm very ashamed. But in my defense, let me add that RED CAR DRIVERS ARE LUNATICS.

Oops, did I say that? Sorry! I promise that from now on I'll stop maligning those CERTIFIABLE MANIACS CAREENING AROUND IN BRIGHT RED AUTOMOBILES.

This is going to be harder than I thought. Let me give it another try:

Some of my best friends drive red... Nope ... that's not true.

I was cut off by 15 drivers last week, and only 13 were driving red...

This is definitely not working. But then my prejudice is deeply entrenched, dating back to my late 1970s dates with my now-husband Mark.

"Watch out for that loon driving the red Audi, " I used to say while double-checking my seatbelts and clutching the door handle.

"What are you talking about? My car is the only red Audi on the road."

"Exactly."

Now I'm no scientist or statistician. I have no idea whether the color red inspires insanity in drivers, or if bad drivers are genetically attracted to it. All I know is that whenever I see a driver doing something spectacularly stupid, he's doing it in a flaming red automobile.

Being a trained professional humor journalist, I know I shouldn't rely solely on personal, empirical evidence. I owe it to my readers to do the kind of research you've come to expect of me. So I phoned my car insurance agent for some insurance industry statistical dirt. Unfortunately, she was at lunch and never returned my call. But I feel certain that had I heard from her, this is what she would have said:

"Some 150 percent of all accidents are caused by red cars and/or their drivers. We'd prefer not to insure them, but since we have no choice, we make them sign this Red Car Rider:

WHEREAS, you are a terrible driver and will almost certainly engage in highway mayhem:
NOW THEREFORE, you are hereby required to take whatever liability insurance premium is set forth on page one of this policy and multiply it by five. No, six. Make that seven."
This morning, right after I invented the Red Car Rider, the driver of a red car motioned me to proceed ahead of him at a four-way stop. I hesitated at first. Was this some sort of trick? Would there be a surprise attack?

But I managed to drive through the intersection without incident ... or accident. So am I all wrong about red-car drivers? Do I owe them an apology?

Naaaaah. The polite driver was probably driving a loaner.

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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Washing Clothes Recipe

Never thought of a 'washer' in this light before..what a blessing!

' Washing Clothes Recipe' -- imagine having a recipe for this ! ! !
Years ago an Alabama grandmother gave the new bride the following recipe:
This is an exact copy as written and found in an old scrapbook - with spelling errors and all.

WASHING CLOTHES

Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water. Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert. Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water.

Sort things, make 3 piles
1 pile white,
1 pile colored,
1 pile work britches and rags.
To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling water.

Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and boil, then rub colored don't boil just wrench and starch.

Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench, and starch.

Hang old rags on fence.

Spread tea towels on grass.

Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water. Turn tubs upside down.

Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs. Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings.
=========================
Paste this over your washer and dryer Next time when you think things are bleak, read it again, kiss that washing machine and dryer, and give thanks. First thing each morning you should run
and hug your washer and dryer, also your toilet---those two-holers used to get mighty cold!

(For you non-southerners -wrench means rinse. ;)

Thanks to David Lamb
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SOMETHING ABOUT OLD BARNS

Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.

A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking. He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway
I told him right off he was crazy. He was a city type, you could tell by his clothes, his car, his hands, and the way he talked.
He said he was driving by and saw that beautiful barn sitting out in the tall grass and wanted to know if it was for sale.
I told him he had a funny idea of beauty. Sure, it was a handsome building in its day. But then, there's been a lot of winters pass with their snow and ice and howling wind. The summer sun's beat down on that old barn till all the paint's gone, and the wood has turned silver gray. Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired.
Yet, that fellow called it beautiful.
That set me to thinking. I walked out to the field and just stood there, gazing at that old barn.
The stranger said he planned to use the lumber to line the walls of his den in a new country home he's building down the road. He said you couldn't get paint that beautiful. Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.
It came to me then. We're a lot like that, you and I. Only it's on the inside that the beauty grows with us. Sure we turn silver gray too... and lean a bit more than we did when we were young and full of sap. But the Good Lord knows what He's doing. And as the years pass He's busy using the hard weather of our lives, the dry spells and the stormy seasons to do a job of beautifying our souls that nothing else can produce. And to think how often folks holler because they want life easy!
They took the old barn down today and hauled it away to beautify a rich man's house. And I reckon someday you and I'll be hauled off to Heaven to take on whatever chores the Good Lord has for us on the Great Sky Ranch. And I suspect we'll be more beautiful then for the seasons we've been through here... and just maybe even add a bit of beauty to our Father's house.

Thanks to David Lamb
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Christian Persecution Still Happens: Who will care for their children?

In the summer of 1999, a twenty one year old college student named Michael Job was killed in India by fanatical Hindus. His father was well known evangelist and Christian worker, Dr. P.P. Job. The fanatics did not like Dr. Job or his Christian message, so they killed his son.
Dr. Job was devastated--but not broken. He responded to the hatred by starting an orphanage unlike any other in India.
- This orphanage is only for girls ... strange enough in a culture that doesn't value girls. - And even more unusual--this orphanage is only for girls of persecuted and martyred Christians.
Today the Michael Job Center for Orphan Girls is a dynamic refuge for hundreds of girls of persecuted families from all over the Indian sub-continent.
Each child that comes to The Michael Job Center is a vision of hope for the future--a hope that is born out of sorrow and strengthened with love.
But more children are waiting! Sponsor an orphan girl for just $25 per month and you will prepare the way for more girls of persecuted Christians to be rescued from a life of poverty and hopelessness.

Sponsor a girl today!
http://links.mail-family.org/ctt?kn=23&m=2035969&r=MjQzNjU3MDg2OAS2&b=2&j=NTE1MDUwNTES1&mt=1

Request more information
http://links.mail-family.org/ctt?kn=3&m=2035969&r=MjQzNjU3MDg2OAS2&b=2&j=NTE1MDUwNTES1&mt=1
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| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
June 16, 2008
Vacation Travel

It is that time of year when many of us will be taking family vacation trips. Some of those will be by car, assuming we can afford the gasoline. Some things that we do very frequently, such as driving, can leave us vulnerable to making mistakes.
Driving a car is one of the most dangerous things that we do every day.
Whether you are off on vacation or simply on your way to an enjoyable evening out,
your trip can come to an abrupt end if you are involved in an accident. Always
prepare before setting off on a journey.

 Get plenty of rest before a long trip.
 Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.
 Stay alert to other drivers.
 Be prepared to stop at any moment.
 Watch for debris that might be scattered on the roadway.
 Always check the mirrors before turning.
 Allow extra time for adverse road conditions such as construction or stormy weather.

Drive safely and courteously!
----------------------------------------------------
| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
June 16, 2008
Workplace Safety
Today's Safety From the Heart was submitted by Keith Black.

June is National Safety Month and this is a great time to remind everyone that accidents and emergency situations can happen in any environment, in any industry, at any time. While our workplaces are often protected by devoted police and security officers and efficient alarm systems, each individual must also take an active role in maintaining a safe work environment. Even the smallest daily tasks, such as cleaning up minor spills and washing your hands, can make a difference in keeping your
workplace safe.

Workplace safety precautions encompass a wide range of topics and it is important to be aware of and help prevent potential dangers.

Use all equipment, including ladders and electrical cords, properly.
Have cleaning agents available to everyone to routinely clean and disinfect common areas.
Wash your hands thoroughly and often to help prevent the spread of illness.
Preserve vital records off-site such as financial, insurance, client and building information.
If you come across a chemical spill and can not identify the substance do not touch or move it, barricade the area, and report the spill.
Keep an adequate stock of supplies such as batteries, a First Aid kit and flashlights, on hand in case of an emergency.
Become familiar with the people in your immediate work area to easily identify an individual who may not belong there.
Lock all doors and shut down all electrical devices when leaving your work space.
Never take a hazardous chemical out of its original container and store it in something else.
Keep a list of emergency contacts and information for employees, clients and police, fire and paramedic departments.
Follow manufacturer’s safety guidelines on all electrical equipment.
Keep combustibles such as wood, paper and trash away from all heat sources.
Report to a supervisor or security official if you observe a stranger or coworker displaying suspicious or potentially threatening behavior.
Don’t share access-control codes or keys with anyone.
Establish and communicate a company emergency/disaster plan.
Keep all working and walking surfaces free of spills and debris.
If an incident does occur, it is important to stay calm and contact help if necessary.

Taking personal accountability for your actions and proactively contributing to a secure working atmosphere before a problem occurs is the best way to stay safe.

For more information:
National Safety Council – www.nsc.org
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov/workplace
Department of Health and Human Services – www.hhs.gov
U.S. Department of Energy – www.hss.energy.gov
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor –
www.osha.gov
----------------------------------------------------
| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
June 19, 2008
TIRE INFLATION SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Today's Message is from Ann Oxford (a BRT Albemarle employee).

Lately I have seen many cars driving on under-inflated tires. Please check your tires for treadwear, foreign objects and proper inflation.

Under-inflation increases a tire's rolling resistance and hurts fuel economy. Plus, an under-inflated tire flexes more, which leads to increased and uneven tread wear.
Under-inflation also makes a tire run hot. Increased flexing of the sidewall increases the temperature of the tire, which in turn increases the risk of a tire failure and blowout.
The amount of air in each tire affects weight distribution between the wheels. An under-inflated tire does not carry it is full share of the load. This, in turn, affects chassis loading, traction, steering, alignment and braking. It may also cause a noticeable steering pull when driving or braking.

By adopting a few simple tire maintenance steps into your monthly routine, you can help reduce vehicle fuel consumption and the release of harmful emissions, reduce the number of tires that end up in landfills or at the tire recycling plants.
----------------------------------------------------
| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
June 19, 2008
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.
----------------------------------------------------
| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
June 18, 2008
Motorcycle Safety
Today's Message is from Ray Smith (a Pasadena Albemarle employee).
.....................................................

After nearly 38 years of not riding a motorcycle, I finally got one and after riding it around for a few days it came back to me how unsafe other motorist are towards bikers. They will cut you off, pull over into your lane and sometimes slam on the brakes, run up behind you so close that you know they could not stop in an emergency without running into you.

A real good friend of mine just had a wreck while he and his wife were out riding on the weekend. While going through a light, someone pulled over into his lane of traffic and slammed on their brakes. My friend had to lay his bike down to prevent from running into them.

They walked away with some broken ribs, some really bad road rash, and some light damage to the bike, but it could have been worse.

So when out driving, especially this time of year and with more folks riding bikes due to gas being so expensive, watch for folks on motorcycles and remember, if in a wreck, bikers will most likely suffer 100 times the injuries you will in a car.

So PLEASE give us the same courtesy you would other vehicle drivers and let's all have a safe summer.
----------------------------------------------------
| Safety from the Heart |
----------------------------------------------------
June 17, 2008
Asthma Watch
Can eating too much salt take your breath away?
By Rachael Moeller Gorman, EatingWell.com

Ever since the 1930s, when a provocative study found a high-salt diet worsened asthma symptoms in children, researchers have speculated that our national appetite for salt is one reason asthma leaves more and more of us breathless. Thanks to recent work by Tim Mickleborough, Ph.D., a physiologist at Indiana University’s Department of Kinesiology, we’re closer to knowing how.

Mickleborough and his colleagues started with 24 young men and women with exercise-induced asthma. Twelve were put on a low-salt diet that allowed them no more than 3,750 mg of salt per day (that’s 1,600 mg sodium, salt being 40 percent sodium). The other 12 were put on a high-salt diet: they ate the same foods as the first group plus a daily capsule containing 10,000 mg of extra salt. The low-salt group were given placebo capsules. (Government guidelines recommend no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day—about 1 teaspoon salt.)

At the end of the two-week test period, the subjects in both groups ran on a treadmill until they were exhausted, and the team then tested how much air they could exhale.

The researchers found that the people on the low-salt diet could exhale far more air than those on the high-salt diet, and they needed their bronchodilator drugs less often. They also had far fewer markers of inflammation in their sputum, indicating their airways were less constricted.

The findings also showed that when people followed the high-salt diet, the oxygen they breathed was less able to move from their lungs into their bloodstreams. One reason, suggests Mickleborough, is that salt increases the volume of blood in the tiny vessels in the lungs. That forces fluid into the space between the blood vessel and the airway, making it harder for oxygen to travel across that space into the bloodstream.

No one knows precisely how salt creates such havoc, but for his part, Mickleborough thinks using the information to reduce breathless episodes is most important. "In the Western world food is full of salt," he notes. "Certainly, if you’re asthmatic or an exercised-induced asthmatic, you’ve got to stay away from fast foods and the salt shaker at the table."

Bottom Line:

If you have asthma, you might breathe easier if you watch salt and avoid processed food (where over three-quarters of the salt we eat comes from).
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The Pump Handle. A water cooler for the public health crowd.
http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/

** "Where Do Your Congressional Candidates Stand on Science?" by Liz Borkowski Scientists and Engineers for America Action Fund, in partnership with 15 prominent scientific and engineering societies, is asking Congressional candidates where they stand on science-related issues, and requesting that voters ask the same questions. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/06/19/where-do-your-congressional-candidates-stand-on-science/

** "Taking Food Safety Seriously" by Liz Borkowski South Korean protests over U.S. beef imports show that the gutting of federal regulatory agencies harms businesses as well as consumers. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/06/19/taking-food-safety-seriously/

** "Remember the Dec 19 T2 Lab Explosion?" by Celeste Monforton OSHA has issued two citations following the December explosion at the T2 laboratory in Jacksonville, Florida, which killed four workers. The total assessed penalty is $12,650. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/remember-the-dec-19-t2-explosion/

** "Miners' Deaths and Deadbeat Operators" by Celeste Monforton Robert Carey, 45, an anthracite coal miner killed by falling rock/coal at the Harmony Mine in Pennsylvania, became the 26th U.W. miner to die on the job this year. Former MSHA chief J. Davitt McAteer published an Op-Ed in the Charleston Gazette entitled "Enough: No More Mining Deaths." http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/miners-deaths-and-deadbeat-operators/

** "Occupational Health News Roundup" by Liz Borkowski An Army official responsible for overseeing a multi-billion-dollar contract with KBR says he was removed from his job for refusing to pay the company more than $1 billion in charges for which it lacked credible records; plus, news about sugarcane workers, nurse staffing levels, and MSHA's performance two years after the MINER Act's passage. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/occupational-health-news-roundup-70/

** "Department of Defending Itself" by Liz Borkowski A House subcommittee hearing highlights how the Department of Defense impedes research related to chemicals that contaminate its sites. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/06/17/department-of-defending-itself/

** "Avoid This Industrial Hygienist" by Celeste Monforton There are lots of talented industrial hygienists, but sometimes you run into one who insists that a worker can't be having symptoms because the sampling results showed nothing wrong. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/06/17/avoid-this-industrial-hygienist/

** "Crane Industry Disgusted With OSHA Delay" by Celeste Monforton Members and the facilitator from the negotiated rulemaking committee that prepared the 2003 draft crane and derricks rule for OSHA are also disgusted by the agency's delay in moving forward. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/06/16/crane-industry-disgusted-with-osha-delay/

** "The main point of 'Why the Right Wing attacks science'" by revere The attention and comments in a previous post missed some important details. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/06/16/the-main-point-of-why-the-right-wing-attacks-science/

"Friday Blog Roundup" by Liz Borkowski The FDA is under scrutiny over salmonella, drug trials, and medicines for pregnant women; also, bloggers consider the fate of oceans and coastal areas, the debate over disease-specific global health funding, and the relationship between gas prices and driving. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/06/13/friday-blog-roundup-79/

"Why the Right Wing attacks science" by revere Conservatives have gone from the Red Scare to the Green Scare. http://thepumphandle.wordpress.com/2008/06/13/why-the-right-wing-attacks-science/

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, June 20, 2008
David Michaels

Tomorrow, Saturday June 21st, David Michaels will be the guest on the Firedoglake [http://firedoglake.com/booksalon/] Book Salon, talking about his new book “Doubt is Their Product: How Industry’s Assault on Science Threatens Your Health.” Jordan Barab will be the guest moderator for the session.

Please join David Michaels and Jordan Barab from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Eastern time Saturday, at Firedog Lake , for what will be an exciting conversation. If you’d like to know more about the book, view an excerpt, some reviews and some of the “smoking gun” documents revealed in the book at Defendingscience.org [http://www.defendingscience.org/]
~
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Remember Dan Golden!
(A Letter from a concerned Safety Manager)

Below is a letter I received last week and I spoke to Jane over the weekend and this is one tough cookie. In posting this I was hoping to gain a few contacts that may know a little more about chemicals and maybe some suggestions on how to help Dan's family keep up the fight, Dan's last pleas and a safety professional fulfill a promise.

Tammy and Jordan,

For a long time now, I have read the columns from both of you. You so eloquently describe the struggles faced by so many workers in workplaces that are not safe. Tammy, you have reminded us to not forget the deaths of so many. Unfortunately today we must add another name to your list.

Dan Golden worked most of his life at the Hanford Nuclear Site. He worked as a Rigger, supporting the many varied crane operations that take place at the Site. On a particularly blue sky day in May of 2002, Dan and his crew were moving long lengths of piping used as a giant pressure washer to break up solids in underground Tank TX-116 in the Hanford Tank Farms. As the piping was lifted out of the tank and moved to a flat bed truck for transport to another tank, the piping held horizontally in the air by the crane, tipped just slightly, releasing "the green goo" as workers referred to the tank waste. Dan was in closest proximity and was spattered down his left side, his arm, and his face. The side shield on his safety glasses prevented the radiologically and chemically contaminated tank waste from contacting his eyes.

The emergency response was akin to the keystone cops. CH2M Hill supervision were more focused on the spill to the ground and the immediate notification to the State of Washington environmental regulators, The Dept. of Ecology. Dan said he stood there dripping in tank waste while most around him struggled to figure out just what to do next. There were no decontamination supplies available, so two of the nuclear operators ran to an adjacent vehicle where they had a cooler of drinking water and some towels to wipe Dan down. Eventually, Dan was completely deconned and CH2M HILL patted themselves on the back for successfully containing the spilled liquid.

10 days later, I met Dan Golden for the first time. I had been the Safety and Health Manager for CH2M HILL Hanford Group for about two years, I had been visiting my recently widowed mother in Montana when the incident had occurred. When I returned, I heard about a radiological spill to the ground which required clean-up, but no mention of contact to a person. Nearly two weeks after the event, Dan called and asked me if he could meet with me to discuss a possible chemical exposure. He sat there in my office, related his story, visibly worried. He asked me what chemicals could have been present in the tank waste. Since the event he had noticed a change in his health. He described that he had passed blood in his urine. I asked if on the day of the event he had also been medically evaluated (which was a written procedure), No, it seemed that focus had been on the radiological decon and the support team had forgotten to assess the "chemical part of the waste". I immediate arranged for a medical consult and promised to find out what exactly was in the green goo from Tank TX-116, and send it to the doctors.

Two days later, the ugly truth presented itself. I could not tell Dan what chemicals had contacted him because Tank TX-116 had never been sampled. A process engineer calmly explained that there was little liquid left in the tank that held process waste from the nuclear materials processed in the 1950's and 1960's. Instead of sampling the tanks, estimations of the volume and constituents had been made based on the process chemicals and likely by-products. I asked, "So how have we estimated what vapors are emitted from tanks. How do know what employees have been exposed to when contacted with liquids?" I was told the vapor concentrations were not sufficient to notify the State of an airborne release. Relieved to know that we had not affected the eagle nesting areas along the Columbia River, I asked "But what about employees who have their faces at the emission source with no respiratory protection worn? How do we know that they were not exposed? " Well, quite simply: sampling every tanks was just too costly and the DOE had made the decision years prior. The Emperor had no clothes and I now knew it.

I am not sure how I did it, but I managed to get that Tank sampled. It took 4 months and a special allocation of about $500,00 from the DOE. It all but ended my career at CH2M HILL. When the sampling schedule kept slipping, and I reminded the Operations manager that we had made a commitment to Dan to gather the constituent information for his doctors, This former Navy commander banged his fist with his Annapolis ring on the table and barked that I (lowly that I was as only the Safety manager) did not dictate his work priorities. I calmly told him and the room full of observers that he had no greater priority that get that job done so that we could provide the information that Dan's doctors' needed. I was regarded as not being a "Team player" and I had become "too close to the situation to be objective".

We got the data, but Dan's health continued to decline, I believe as much from worry as the exposure he received. The doctors could not figure out why he continued to get ill. I postulated some synergistic affect between the chemical and the radiological constituents, but I am no toxicologist. Just a field IH trying to make sense of it all. Dan's application for workman's compensation was denied because there was no directly link between his symptoms and the chemicals. He filed a lawsuit. I was deposed for 4 hours by my former employer. I was asked, "Why did I believe the event was responsible for Dan's illness?" I asked, "How were they sure that it was not?" In a report I found later that CH2M HILL Hanford Group had contracted the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to prepare ( while I was exiled to a new office that had been the former office supplies closet), researchers postulated that some 1800 chemicals constituents were likely in the vapor phase of the headspace of the Tanks. But the common practice when I was the Safety and Health manager was to only characterize 70 constituents in the routine sampling that was conducted in the Hanford Tanks that were sampled." So, I told the well-dressed, but poorly manicured junior attorney from Lathim and Watkins working for CH2M HILL but mostly paid for with DOE funds I contributed to as a taxpayer, " Any 2nd grader can tell you that leaves 1730 chemicals uncharacterized and unaccounted for, some of which are carcinogens." Dan's lawsuit was also dismissed because of the EEOICPA loophole. Finally, Dan's EEOICPA claim was also denied because his spreading liver cancer could also not be directly linked to the chemicals "thought" to be in the tank.

I eventually found other work and friends kept me informed of Dan's declining health. Yesterday Dan Golden died. I was here at the ASSE National Convention listening to Ed Foulke and John Howard tell a packed house of Safety professionals of all that their agencies were doing to "ensure that workers have a safe and healthful workplace". I kept thinking of Dan. What had I missed? What more could I have done? Did I quit too soon after incurring that wrath of CH2M HILL that made me no longer employable in the DOE? I am struggling with answers today.

So I turn to you. Help me make sure that Dan is remembered. What can I do? Dan is the example that the DOE cannot be both the customer and the regulator. Because when budgets are tight, as they are now, the workers loose because DOE the customer finds the way to get the contractors to the work in the most cost-effective way and DOE the regulator does only the minimum. This dichotomy and continued cutting of corners will only increase the body count.

My deepest appreciation to both of you for what you do each day.

Most sincerely,
Jane Doe

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. Lance Cpl. Javier Perales Jr., 19, of San Elizario, Texas, died June 11, from a non-hostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

02. Lance Cpl. Kelly E. C. Watters, 19, of Virginia Beach, Va. died June 11, from wounds suffered while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced the death of four Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
03. Sgt. Michael Toussiant-Hyle Washington, 20, of Tacoma, Wash.
04. Lance Cpl. Layton Bradly Crass, 22, of Richmond, In.
05. Pfc. Dawid Pietrek, 24, of Bensenville, Ill.
06. Pfc. Michael Robert Patton, 19, of Fenton, Mo.
All four Marines died June 14 while supporting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

07. Sgt. 1st Class Gerard M. Reed, 40, of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., died June 11 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 86th Combat Support Hospital, Fort Campbell, Ky.

08. Pvt. Eugene D. M. Kanakaole, 19, of Maui, Hawaii, died June 11 in Balad Iraq, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 87th Engineer Company, 8th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

The Department of Defense announced the death of two sailors who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
09. Hospitalman Marc A. Retmier, 19, of Hemet, Calif., and 10. Petty Officer First Class Ross L. Toles III, 37, of Davison, Mich., died June 18 as a result of wounds suffered from an enemy rocket attack in northern Paktika province, Afghanistan.

11. Spc. Jason N. Cox, 21, of Elyria, Ohio, died June 16 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered near Hillah, when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

The Department of Defense announced the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
12. Capt. Eric Daniel Terhune, 34, of Lexington, Ky.
13. Lance Cpl. Andrew Francis Whitacre, 21, of Bryant, Ind.
Both Marines died June 19 while conducting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

~

Navy Pilot Missing In Action From the Vietnam 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 Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

He is Lt. Cmdr. Ralph C. Bisz, U.S. Navy, of Miami Shores, Fla. His funeral arrangements are being set by his family.

On Aug. 4, 1967, Bisz took off in an A-4E Skyhawk from the USS Oriskany to bomb an enemy petroleum depot near Haiphong, Vietnam. As he neared the target, his aircraft was struck by an enemy surface-to-air missile and crashed near the town of Hai Duong in Hai Hung Province. No parachute was observed and no emergency beeper signal was received.

In 1988, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) repatriated to the United States human remains from Hai Hung Province, which they attributed to Bisz on the basis of their historical records of the shootdown as well as documentation of his burial.

Between 1988 and 2004, joint U.S./S.R.V. teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted several investigations of the incident and surveyed the crash site. A team found aircraft wreckage at the site which was consistent with an A-4E Skyhawk. Teams also interviewed witnesses who recalled the crash and burial of the pilot in a nearby cemetery. Additionally, one witness indicated that he oversaw the exhumation of the American's remains from the cemetery, and their turnover to district officials.

Between 1993 and 2004, 25 samples from the remains turned over in 1988 were submitted to several laboratories for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis, but yielded inconclusive results. In 2007, the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used refined DNA collection techniques and succeeded in obtaining verifiable mtDNA.

Using forensic identification tools, circumstantial evidence, mtDNA analysis and dental comparisons, scientists from JPAC identified the remains as those of Bisz.

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) 509-1905 or (703) 699-1420.

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 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
~~~~~
Purple Hull Pea Festival and World Championship Rotary Tiller Race - June 27-28, 2008 - Emerson, Arkansas
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Scheduled Activities
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CQ CQ all Hams. We have restarted a 2 meter net on the Willisville repeater, 146.655, every Tuesday evening at 7 PM. Please check in and spread the word. We would like to get some renewed interest in amateur radio and the ARKLA Amateur Radio Association. Will be listening for everyone next Tuesday night.
~~~
Columbia County Amateur Radio Club meets Every second Thursday @ 7:00 p.m. Union Street Station. And YOU'RE invited. Net is every Sunday at 20:30 on 147.105.
~~~
MCC - Mom's Day Out - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 2.$10 for the first child, $5 for the second. Call 234-3225 for reservations.
~~~
MCC - Nursing Home Ministry - Meadowbrook Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 am. Taylor, the last Thursday each month.
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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
~~~~~
Hope you enjoy the newsletter.
Again, thanks to all our contributors this week.

God bless and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Isa 1:18-20 2 Chr 12:13-14 Heb 11:1-6 2 Cor 5:4-7 Heb 11:1-6 2 Cor 5:4-7 http://www.e-min.org/
God is Good and Faithful CU 73 IC JFM CSP NREMT-I KC5HII

P. S. If you'd like to be added to the distribution, just drop us E-mail at kc5hii@suddenlink.net
. We offer "Da Bleat" as text, a "Blog" and as a newsletter with pictures in Word and PDF format. The latest issue is usually updated sometime Saturday. For the "Blog" version just go to one of the several addresses on the web. For the latest issue, go to http://www.bugsbleat.blogspot.com. Older issues can be found at http://www.bugsbleat_q__.blogspot.com, where _ is the quarter (1, 2, 3, or 4) and __ is the year (05, 06, 07, or 08). We also have a site [http://bugsbleatphotos.blogspot.com/] where we post photos that I like.
Let us hear from you if we can switch you over to the "Word" or "PDF" version of "Da Bleat".
If you'd prefer to read "Da Blog" version, just drop us a note at kc5hii@suddenlink.net and we'll switch you from e:mail delivery to "Da Bleat" Blog. We appreciate your encouragement. We also appreciate your communication when you desire to be taken off our mail list. If you are on this mail list by mistake or do not wish to receive "Da Bleat," please reply back and tell us to discontinue service to you. This email was scanned by Norton AntiVirus 2008 before it was sent.
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