Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Skywriting

Volume 7, Issue 46

Hello All,

The Malone’s bagged their first deer of the season Monday evening. They were returning from an Assembly of God Presbyters meeting in Shreveport when the deer intersected with their van just west of Sarepta, LA.
The van was totaled, along with the deer, but the kids are O.K.
Anyone know of a good used mini van for sale?
~~~~~
We got our “Burton” Computer moved into the Kitchen and connected to the Wireless antenna. We are “SMOKIN” with super quick connect times. I hope Keith leaves this “experiment” up and running at our house for a while.
It was much much much easier putting “Da Bleat” together with these quick page loads.
~~~~~
When the news hurts.
Our friend and brother, Pat Antoon was in the news this week. Several times in fact. He was convicted of fraud in a Dallas Federal Circuit Court. I believe that Pat is innocent and we’re praying for his triumph when his case is appealed.
The Banner News reporting has been, for the most part, strictly factual. However, today’s paper included a long rant by the Prosecutor in the case. I’d have felt better if Pat’s attorney had been given equal time. I assume that many people have been complaining to the Banner News about the tone of the reporting in the Antoon case because the paper also had an editorial comment defending their recent stories. The title of the editorial was “It’s news, even when it’s bad.”
That’s a true statement, but it doesn’t help my feelings. I don’t like bad news. Just like I don’t like movies with sad endings. I refuse to watch any of the movies where John Wayne gets killed.
I know there’s bad news in the world, and I don’t need my local media to remind me of it.
In Pat’s case, I know he was convicted, but I don’t believe it was justice.
You see, our legal system isn’t based on justice. It’s based on law and, in many cases, who has the best lawyer. The recent revelations that many people on death row were found innocent when DNA testing was performed supports this conclusion. There are almost no rich death row inmates. Do only poor people commit murder? As Robert Frost once said; "A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer."
The statue of “Blind Justice” on many court buildings just reinforces my point. If Justice wasn’t blind, she could see the facts in a case and wouldn’t convict innocent people, nor let the guilty go free.
My mother loved to visit our local court. She enjoyed the lively give and take of the lawyers and the judge, especially when Rodney Chambers was presiding. Annette, on the other hand, is too tender hearted to feel anything but sadness and sorrow when confronted with people before the bench.
My experiences have taught me to believe in our court system but not to trust it. I was up for jury duty a few years back, but was never chosen for any of the cases. The problem seemed to be that I was too well read, or experienced or educated. Each time a case came up, they asked us if we knew anything about the subject (not the case itself, just the subject.) Each time, I raised my hand and each time I was rejected for Jury Duty. As Mark Twain said; “We have a criminal jury system which is superior to any in the world; and its efficiency is only marred by the difficulty of finding twelve men every day who don't know anything and can't read.”
If we were really seeking justice, wouldn’t we want jurors who knew something of the matter under discussion? Instead, we seek people who can judge a case on the merits of the evidence and the law only. The only time this seems to fall apart is in personal injury cases. Juries tend to favor the plaintiff, maybe because they are portrayed as “the little guy” vs. the “big bad defendant” also known as “the big guy.”
~~~~~
Friends of Dr. Pat Antoon are rounding up letters of support for the Magnolia Physician. These letters will be submitted to the U.S. District Court in Dallas prior to his sentencing hearing following his conviction for health care fraud. Letters may be addressed to the Honorable Judge Jorge A. Solis, and mailed locally to 1050 Columbia 36, Magnolia, AR. 71753, by November 30.
I’m writing one and, if you know Pat, I hope you will to.
~~~~~
Even though we’re hurting for Pat and Mandy, we know that God rules and they will be blessed. Which reminds me of all the people I’m thankful for.
I'm very thankful to be married to a wonderful, woman. And, this week, we're extremely thankful that the kids weren’t seriously hurt in their accident.
I’m thankful for our kids and their spouses. They’re not only fun, they're compassionate and loving. And, of course, Dustin, Zac and Josiah are the greatest GRAND KIDS anyone could have. Of course, we’re thankful that another great grandchild is on the way.
We have a FANTASTIC church family and our small group is made up of SUPER Christians. Our new Pastors are the best and our fellowship is “going and blowing” for the Lord.
Both Annette and I work with some truly great people. We look forward to going to work each day. (And you would too if you could work with Bud, Mary, Steve, Ted, Clarice, Marji, Shirley, Joe, Daphne, Jim, Linda, Hal, Oscar, Anita and the gang. But more than anything, I'm thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
P.S. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet... 2 Thessalonians 1:3
(Thanks to Ben & Trina Montgomery. We miss you Ben.)
~~~~~
While Joe Tudor was in Puerto Rico this week, the refinery had contracted an ambulance service to provide 24-hour paramedic coverage during a turnaround. The ambulance parked at the plant had "Jerusalem" emblazoned across the front in large letters above the windshield. On each side of the ambulance, across the top of the body, were the words:

JESUSCRISTO ES VIDA

Not far from the plant, there is an exit off the highway, and a big concrete wall along the exit ramp. The community had a mural painted on the wall, and part of the mural is a portrait of Christ, and the words:
Jesús dijo: Yo soy la luz del mundo (Jesus said: I am the light of the world.)

Joe commented; “It sure is great to be reminded not only of the life and light Jesus gives, but that there are good people who are not ashamed to proclaim it.”
~~~~~
Congratulations to Josh and April Hines on the birth of Jessalynn Love Hines! Jessalynn was born on 11/15 at 1:00 a.m. weighing 8 lbs. and was 22" long.
Congratulations also to Harold Hines, the proud grandfather!!!
~~~~~
It’s never too early to start making your Christmas list. I’m going to keep this one running here for the benefit of my family.
1 Gig USB Key
GPS
$49 office chair from SAMS (5 of them)
AA Batteries
9-volt batteries
AAA Batteries
Digital Video Recorder (Pioneer DVR-533H-S $333 at Beach Camera)
VHS - DVD Recorder (Lite-On LVC-9006 $219 @ Buy.com)
Rechargeable Batteries for the following “Ham” radios: Kenwood TH-22-AT (9.6 volts, 600 mAh battery, 2 each (for our two radios)), Yaesu FT-50 (it takes a FNB-83 7.2V1400mAh battery), Yaesu, VX-1 (it takes a FNB-52LI 3.6V 700mAh Lithium-Ion battery).
New “Rubber Ducky” antennas for the following “Ham” radios: Kenwood TH-22-AT (two radios)
Trackball for the home computer
Computer glasses to use at church (and maybe some new ones to use at home and at work.)
New socks.
Some Warm-up Suits to wear around the house after we get that first gas bill.

This will grow as the season approaches.
~~~~~
Don't forget ... "Da Bleat" is now on the web. Just go to http://bugsbleat4q.blogspot.com
~~~~~
Feel free to share the "Bleat" with any and all. That's why we publish it.
~~~~~
www.aaa.com Regular Mid Premium Diesel
Current Avg. $2.250 $2.389 $2.476 $2.725
http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/
Wal-Mart in Magnolia today, $2.18
~~~~~
Recipe(s) of the week - French Onion Soup - courtesy Alton Brown


Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings



5 sweet onions (like Vidalias) or a combination of sweet and red onions (about 4 pounds)
3 tablespoons butter
1-teaspoon salt
2 cups white wine
10 ounces canned beef consume
10 ounces chicken broth
10 ounces apple cider (unfiltered is best)
Bouquet garni; thyme sprigs, bay leaf and parsley tied together with kitchen string
1 loaf country style bread
Kosher salt
Ground black pepper
Splash of Cognac (optional)
1 cup Fontina or Gruyere cheese, grated



Trim the ends off each onion then halve lengthwise. Remove peel and finely slice into half moon shapes. Set electric skillet to 300 degrees and add butter. Once butter has melted add a layer of onions and sprinkle with a little salt. Repeat layering onions and salt until all onions are in the skillet. Do not try stirring until onions have sweated down for 15 to 20 minutes. After that, stir occasionally until onions are dark mahogany and reduced to approximately 2 cups. This should take 45 minutes to 1 hour. Do not worry about burning.
Add enough wine to cover the onions and turn heat to high, reducing the wine to a syrup consistency. Add consume, chicken broth, apple cider and bouquet garni. Reduce heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
Place oven rack in top 1/3 of oven and heat broiler.
Cut country bread in rounds large enough to fit mouth of oven safe soup crocks. Place the slices on a baking sheet and place under broiler for 1 minute.
Season soup mixture with salt, pepper and cognac. Remove bouquet garni and ladle soup into crocks leaving one inch to the lip. Place bread round, toasted side down, on top of soup and top with grated cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden, 1 to 2 minutes.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_156,00.html
~~~~~
BreakPoint
With Chuck Colson

The Right Story
Walk the Line
November 18, 2005

Early in the new film Walk the Line, opening today, a twelve-year-old Johnny Cash is talking with his adored older brother Jack. Johnny asks how Jack is able to remember all the stories in the Bible. Jack, who wants to be a preacher, responds, “You can’t help people unless you can tell ’em the right stories.”

It’s a truth that the filmmakers clearly bore in mind as they made the movie. Walk the Line, a beautifully made film about Cash’s early years, is many stories in one: a story of sin, self-absorption, recklessness, grace, and redemption.

It’s not a pretty story, by any means. Johnny Cash once told Rolling Stone that he was “the biggest sinner of them all.” He was looking back on years of drug addiction, infidelity, a failed first marriage, and more—sins that are depicted frankly in the movie. As we see him grow more and more successful as a singer and songwriter, we also see his life and marriage begin to fall apart.

Though Johnny Cash kept singing about the Gospel message he had learned as a child, he was no longer living out that message. As he put it in the Rolling Stone interview, “I was separated from God, and I wasn’t even trying to call on Him. I knew that there was no line of communication. . . . I had drifted so far away from God and every stabilizing force in my life that I felt there was no hope.”

Just as he did in real life, Johnny in the movie has to hit bottom before his life begins to turn around, with the help of his future wife June Carter, her family, and their solid Christian faith.

But June had her own demons to battle. A musician and performer since the age of ten, as a young woman June had maturity well beyond her years. She went through two divorces and for years struggled against her attraction to Johnny, who for much of that time was a married man.

As I said, it’s a messy, often painful story.

Johnny and June Carter Cash, however, in their later years were widely known and respected as devout Christians, people of great strength, compassion, and integrity.

I got to know Johnny when he accompanied me to what was then one of the most brutal prisons in America, the Angola penitentiary in Louisiana—an amazing day of singing and preaching. Johnny Cash was the real thing. I can testify it, as could the hundreds of inmates who met Christ that day.

Unfortunately, this film ends before the full story of Cash’s conversion to Christ and the good things he did thereafter could be told. That story would have been a great movie, but maybe that’s too much to expect of Hollywood. Even so, as it is, in spite of portraying drug use and domestic violence, the film is appealing to nonbelievers, because it’s the story of two seekers who, after a great deal of pain, start down the path to true healing. It does allude to God’s plan, but stops there.

We need to be ready to fill in the details about how Cash found his redemption in Christ, the One who truly transforms lives.

Walk the Line, reviewers are saying, has Oscar written all over it, so the crowds will be huge. It’s the kind of story—the right story, as Johnny’s brother, Jack, would say—that will encourage people to examine the direction and meaning of their lives. Just be sure your friends and neighbors who see the movie know the whole story—especially the real-life ending.

For further reading and information:

Spend a year studying with Chuck Colson: Learn how to identify, advocate, and apply biblical truth in every arena of life. Apply for the 2006 Centurions Program. The NEW deadline is November 28.

See the official movie site for Walk the Line.

Steve Beard, “An Incomplete Cash: Walking into a Ring of Fire,” National Review Online, 18 November 2005.

Brian Mansfield, “Even in Death, Man in Black Looms Large,” USA Today, 4 November 2005.

Steve Beard, “The Man Came Around,” BreakPoint WorldView, March 2005.

Steve Beard, “God Bless Johnny Cash,” Thunderstruck.org.

Peter T. Chattaway, “The Man in Black,” Christianity Today, 15 November 2005.

Ted Olsen, “Johnny Cash’s Song of Redemption,” Christianity Today, 20 October 2003.

John Fischer, “When Sinners Go Marching In,” BreakPoint Online, 9 October 2003.

Nicholas Patterson, “Why We Still Need Johnny Cash,” Friction magazine, 24 April 2001. Reprinted from Reckon magazine. (Contains a little profanity.)

Jim Dahlman, “Carter, Cash, Movies and Faith,” The Culture Beat, 12 November 2005.

William Booth, “Playing It Straight,” interview with actress Reese Witherspoon, who plays June Carter Cash in Walk the Line, Washington Post, 13 November 2005, N01.

Henry Cabot Beck, “Director: Live Prison LP Made Cash a Parole Model,” New York Daily News, 17 November 2005.

David Edelstein, “A Phoenix (and a Witherspoon) from the Cashes: Walk the Line Never Wobbles,” Slate, 17 November 2005.

Brad Schmitt, “Film’s Portrayal of Mom Upsets Cash Daughter,” Tennessean, 10 November 2005.

Catherine Barsotti and Robert Johnston, Finding God in the Movies (Baker, 2004).

Articles on the BreakPoint website are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Chuck Colson or Prison Fellowship Ministries. Links to outside articles or websites are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily imply endorsement of their content.

The BreakPoint Web site and BreakPoint WorldView Magazine feature Colson’s commentaries as well as feature articles by other established and up-and-coming writers to equip readers with a biblical perspective on a variety of issues and topics.
© 2004 Prison Fellowship.
~~~~~

Words of the Week:
diadem: a crown.
ebullient: high-spirited.
aplomb: confidence; coolness.
kobold: a kind of domestic spirit in German mythology.
prestidigitation: sleight of hand.
rubicund: inclining to redness; ruddy.
lambent: playing on the surface; flickering.
from Dictionary.Com

~~~~~
"Never go to excess, but let moderation be your guide." - Cicero

"The despotism of custom is everywhere the standing hindrance to human advancement." - John Stuart Mill

"You cannot acquire experience by making experiments. You cannot create experience. You must undergo it." - Albert Camus

"To be seventy years young is sometimes far more cheerful and hopeful than to be forty years old." - Oliver Wendell Holmes

"The deepest feeling always shows itself in silence; not in silence, but restraint." - Marianne Moore

"Nothing endures but personal qualities." - Walt Whitman
~~~~~
Christmas and Candlelight in Old Washington - December 3, 2005
Historic Buildings Decorated with Natural Holiday Style, Special Daylight Tours 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Candlelight Tours 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Surrey Rides available at Candle Shop, Music in Historic Churches and 1940 WPA Gym 5 p.m. - 8 p.m, Contact Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives
870-983-2633 for more information

><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
GCF: Skywriting

Emailed to me from another humor list (The Funnies) -Tom To subscribe to The Funnies, send a blank email to: andychaps_the-funnies-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.slonet.org/~tellswor/ UNSUBSCRIBE INFO for Good Clean Fun is at the end of this email. This email was scanned by Norton AntiVirus 2005 before it was sent.
-----------------------------------

One clear autumn day, my daughter and I were watching skywriters advertise the opening of a new store in our area. Five planes, flying in perfect formation, spelled out the name, then flew out of sight.

Right behind was another plane, flying alone. "What's that plane doing?" my daughter asked.

Tongue firmly in cheek, I replied, "Spell check."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: London Building

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

A Texan was taking a taxi tour of London and was in a hurry. As they went by the Tower of London the cab driver explained what it was and that construction of it started in 1346 and was completed in 1412.

The Texan replied, "Shoot, a little ol' tower like that? In Houston we'd have that thing up in two weeks!"

Next they passed the House of Parliament - started in 1544 and completed in 1618.

"Well boy, we put up a bigger one than that in Dallas and it only took a year!"

As they passed Westminister Abbey the cab driver was silent.

"Whoah! What's that over there?" asked the Texan

The driver replied, "I don't know, it wasn't there yesterday."
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Speedy Comeback

Emailed to me from another humor list (You Make Me Laugh) -Tom To subscribe to You Make Me Laugh, send a blank email to: SUBSCRIBE-laugh@lists.crosswalk.com
-----------------------------------

The police officer got out of his car and the kid, that was stopped for speeding, rolled down his window.

"I've been waiting for you all day," the officer said.

The kid replied, "Well, I got here as fast as I could."

When the officer finally stopped laughing, he sent the kid on his way without a ticket.
_ ____________________________ _

GCF: Boat Name

Emailed to me from another humor list (Marty's Joke of the Day) -Tom To subscribe to Marty's Joke of the Day, send a blank email to: martysjotd-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
-----------------------------------

My friend wanted a boat more than anything. His wife kept refusing, but he bought one anyway.

"I'll tell you what," he told her. "In the spirit of compromise, why don't you name the boat?" Being a good sport, she accepted.

When her husband went to the dock for the maiden voyage, this is the name he saw painted on the side: "For Sale."
_ ____________________________ _
/ )| Thomas S. Ellsworth |( / / | tellswor@slonet.org | \ _( (_ | http://www.slonet.org/~tellswor | _) )_
(((\ \>|_/ )_______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Why is it called a TV "set" \ /
\ _/ when you only get one? \_ /
/ / \ (((\ \>|_/ )_______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Never argue with a fool. \ /
\ _/ People might not \_ /
/ / know the difference. \ (((\ \>|_/ )_______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / Good things come in small \ \_/ ////
\ / packages because big things \ /
\ _/ can't, unless they're inflatable \_ /
/ / or require some assembly. \ (((\ \>|_/ )_______________________( \_| \\\\ \_/ / The man who can smile \ \_/ ////
\ / when things go wrong \ /
\ _/ has thought of someone \_ /
/ / to blame it on. \ _ ____________________________ _
/ )| Thomas S. Ellsworth |( / / | tellswor@slonet.org | \ _( (_ | http://www.slonet.org/~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/
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
[GCFL.net] Sanity Test

During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the director, "What is the criterion that defines a patient to be institutionalized?"

"Well..." said the director, "we fill up a bathtub, and we offer a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket to the patient and ask him to empty the bathtub."

"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would choose the bucket as it is larger than the spoon or the teacup."

"Noooooooo!" answered the director. "A normal person would pull the plug."

(You are not required to tell anyone how you would have done on this test.)

Received from William Jamerson.

(-:][:-)

[GCFL.net] Is That You?

St. Peter is very busy in Heaven, so he leaves a sign by the Pearly Gates: "For Service Ring Bell." Away he goes; he barely gets started when BING! the bell rings. He rushes back to the gates, but no one's there.

St. Peter goes back to work when suddenly BING! the bell rings again. He rushes back to the gates, but no one's there. A little annoyed, St. Peter goes back to work.

Suddenly, BING! the bell rings again. St. Peter goes back; again, no one's there. "Okay, that's it," St. Peter says. "I'm going to hide and watch to see what's going on." So St. Peter hides, and a moment later, a little old man walks up and rings the bell.

St. Peter jumps out and yells, "Aha! Are you the guy who keeps ringing the bell?"

"Yes, that's me," the little old man says.

"Well, why do you keep ringing the bell and going away?" St. Peter asks.

"They keep resuscitating me," he replies.

Received from Doug Burton.

(-:][:-)

[GCFL.net] Three Men on a Trip

Fred, Jim, and Scott were at a convention together and were sharing a large suite on the top of a 75-story skyscraper.

After a long day of meetings, they were shocked to hear that the elevators in their hotel were broken and they would have to climb 75 flights of stairs to get to their room.

Bill said to Jim and Scott, "Let's break the monotony of this unpleasant task by concentrating on something interesting. I'll tell jokes for 25 flights, Jim can sing songs for the next 25 flights, and Scott can tell sad stories for the rest of the way."

At the 26th floor, Bill stopped telling jokes and Jim began to sing. At the 51st floor, Jim stopped singing and Scott began to tell sad stories.

"I will tell my saddest story first," he said. "I left the room key in the car!"

Received from Tom Ellsworth.

(-:][:-)

[GCFL.net] A 21st Century Marriage

I stopped at a florist shop after work to pick up roses for my wife. As the clerk was putting the finishing touches on the bouquet, a young man burst through the door, breathlessly requesting a dozen red roses.

"I'm sorry," the clerk said. "This man just ordered our last bunch." The desperate customer turned to me and begged, "May I please have those roses?"

"What happened?" I asked. "Did you forget your wedding anniversary?"

"It's even worse than that," he confided. "I crashed my wife's hard drive!"

Received from Jokes Central.

(-:][:-)

[GCFL.net] Waiting in Long Checkout Lines

Reasons I'd like to thank Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, and my local grocer for having twenty-five checkout lanes and only three open at any given time:

Waiting in long lines keeps my domestic brain from going completely idle -- there's so much to learn!

Did you know they now sell primed faux wood moldings for the home? I hate to prime. I don't mind striking up conversations with perfect strangers though. One lady told me which DMV office had the shortest wait and officers who actually smile. Another trapped customer gave me her great-grandmother's secret pickling recipe.

I also learned to be grateful I don't live next door to the snot-nosed whiny child hanging upside down from the shopping cart in front of me; how many calories are in a Tic Tac; items once marketed as "Only available through this exclusive TV offer!" eventually make it to the store in a box marked, "As seen on TV"; and that Oprah was abducted by aliens who also share an affinity for jersey sheets and private chefs. Which reminds me of other reasons I don't mind waiting in long checkout lines:

I can catch up on my magazine reading without buying any.

I have time to leave my cart in line and run back to get the thirteen things on my list I forgot.

I can be one of those annoying cell phone users and catch up on all my phone calls to my insurance agent, mother-in-law, and Auntie Babe.

I can catch a quick catnap now rather than on the drive home.

I can assess what other people have in their carts and get exciting new dinner ideas.

I can finally apply my top coat of nail polish with plenty of drying time.

I can run next door and pick up my dry cleaning.

I can update my coupon organizer and leave the trash in the we-never-open-enough-checkout-lanes store instead of my purse.

I can clean out my purse and leave the trash in the we-never-open-enough-checkout-lanes store instead of my car.

I can practice my standup comedy routines on unsuspecting fellow customers.

I can practice some standing yoga poses and then do those isometric muscle-contracting exercises no one else in line is supposed to know you're doing.

I can taste test my package of the newest low-carb, zero-transfat, Splenda-saturated cookies.

I can breathe heavily on my T-bones so they're defrosted in time for dinner and I won't have to leave them out on the driveway in the hot late afternoon sun as I normally do.

I can scribble notes for next week's column on the box of sugar bomb cereal -- maybe something about the merits of grocery delivery.

Copyright 2005 Karen Rinehart.
http://www.busstopmommies.com/

Received from Karen Rinehart of The Bus Stop Mommies.

(-:][:-)

-=+=-
– NEW! Go to http://www.gcfl.net/archive.php?funny=20050124 to rate this funny from 0 to 5.
-=+=-
Brought to you by GCFL.net: The Good, Clean Funnies List "A cheerful heart is good medicine!" (Prov 17:22a) Go to http://gcfl.net/mlfrontend.php to change your subscription options or unsubscribe. To email this funny to a friend, go to http://gcfl.net/emailit.php?funny=20050107 The latest GCFL funny can always be found on the web at http://gcfl.net/latest.php
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
It's just a joke. Really.

Are you a Democrat, Republican or Southern Republican?

Here is a little test that will help you decide.

The answer can be found by posing the following question:

You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children.

Suddenly, an Islamic Terrorist with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, praises Allah, raises the knife, and charges at you. You are carrying a Glock cal .40, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family.

What do you do?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Democrat's Answer:

Well, that's not enough information to answer the question!

Does the man look poor? Or oppressed?

Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack?

Could we run away?

What does my wife think?

What about the kids?

Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand?

What does the law say about this situation?

Does the Glock have appropriate safety built into it?

Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children?

Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me?

Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me?

If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me?

Should I call 9-1-1?

Why is this street so deserted?

We need to raise taxes, have a paint and weed day and make this happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior.

This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for few days and try to come to a consensus.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Republican's Answer:

BANG!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Southern Republican's Answer:

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click .....

(sounds of reloading).

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click.

Daughter: "Nice grouping, Daddy! Were those the Winchester silver Tips or Hollow Points?

Son: "Git-r-Dun, Pop! Can I shoot the next one?!"

Wife: "You ain't taking that to the Taxidermist!"

Thanks to Daphne Roberts
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Welcome to You Make Me Laugh, a free newsletter from Crosswalk.com, the world's largest Christian website.
Today's Clean Laugh

Behavior Modification

One morning I was called to pick up my son at the school nurse's office.

When I walked through the main entrance, I noticed a woman, curlers in her hair, wearing pajamas. "Why are you dressed like that?" I asked her.

"I told my son," she explained, "that if he ever did anything to embarrass me, I would embarrass him back. He was caught cutting school. So now I've come to spend the day with him!"

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

(-:][:-)

Finally Heard

Heather and Marcy hadn't seen each other in awhile, so they decided to meet for lunch.
The talk naturally got around to their respective love lives. Marcy confided that there really wasn't anyone special in her life. Heather, on the other hand, was beaming about the new man she had found.

"He's perfect. He's handsome, and last night when we went out to dinner, he said the four little words I've been waiting to hear a man say to me!"

"He said 'will you marry me'?" Marcy asked.

Heather replied, "No, he said 'put your money away'."

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

(-:][:-)

Black Canyon Biker

A man decided that he was going to ride a 10-speed bike from Phoenix to Flagstaff. He got as far as Black Canyon City before the mountains just became too much and he could go no farther.

He stuck his thumb out, but after 3 hours he hadn't gotten a single person to stop. Finally a guy in a Corvette pulled over and offered him a ride. Of course, the bike wouldn't fit in the car. The owner of the Corvette found a piece of rope lying by the highway and tied it to his bumper. He tied the other end to the bike and told the man that if he got to going too fast to honk the horn on his bike and he would slow down.

Everything went fine for the first 30 miles. Suddenly, another Corvette blew past them. Not to be outdone, the Corvette pulling the bike took off after the other. A short distance down the road, the Corvettes--both going well over 120 mph--blew through a speed trap. The police officer noted the speeds from his radar gun and radioed to the other officer that he had 2 Corvettes headed his way at over 120 mph.

He then relayed, "And you're not going to believe this, but there's guy on a 10-speed bike honking to pass."

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

(-:][:-)

Subway Drop

The Manhattan Commuter train was packed. Suddenly there was a jingle on the floor. Most necks were craned. One elderly gentleman, however, bent down and picked something up. He then asked, "Did anyone drop a half dollar?"

"I did," answered three men at once.

"Well," said the elderly gent with a smile, "here's a dime of it."

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

(-:][:-)

*Military Computer*

The Pentagon recently unveiled its new super computer to the top brass. This fantastic device, capable of making bazillions of decisions in split nanoseconds, is designed to solve all military problems with the greatest of ease.

To test its capabilities, the brass poses a tactical problem to it and then asks for a decision, "Attack or Retreat?"

The computer hums a bit, blinks a myriad of lights and answers, "Yes."

The brass, somewhat confused by this answer, replies, "Yes what?"

The computer instantly replies, "Yes, sir!"

*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh

"Eye Laugh"

"Wonka Wesleyan"

http://www.cybersalt.org/g05.php?id=158

Dodge Hose

http://www.cybersalt.org/g05.php?id=179

Nike Tour

http://www.cybersalt.org/g05.php?id=180

Gas Price Beater

http://www.cybersalt.org/g05.php?id=185

Dog Birthday

http://www.cybersalt.org/g05.php?id=183

(-:][:-)

-=+=-
Daily devotionals are available at http://link.Crosswalk.Com/UM/T.asp?A1. 39. 17757. 1. 494611 You can access more information on Crosswalk's Fun page http://www.Crosswalk.Com/fun/! Crosswalk gives credit to the author of a joke when author is known. Feel free to send notification to admin@cybersalt.org in cases where credit has not been given to the author! -SUBSCRIPTION INFO- * Copyright2004 Crosswalk.Com, Inc. and its Content Providers. All rights reserved. Introducing www.Crossguide.Com Where Christians find Products, Services & Ministries.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
"Don't strive for recognition, but work for achievement." -- Vanessa Malone
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Madeleine Begun Kane Latest Columns - - http://www.madkane.com/radio_interview_humor.html - - When Radio Interviews Go Wrong "Every so often, radio talk shows give up their quest for amusing guests and interview me instead. I always welcome the opportunity to be exposed to a 4:30 a.m. audience of roughly eleven people..."
http://www.madkane.com
http://www.madkane.com/notable.html (Notables Weblog)
http://www.madkane.com/bush.html (Dubya's Dayly Diary)
Subscribe to MadKane Humor Newsletter (weekly) here:
http://www.madkane.com/email.html
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Hindenburg (LZ-129) - - http://www.nlhs.com/hindenburg.htm - - At 803.8 feet in length and 135.1 feet in diameter, the German passenger airship Hindenburg (LZ-129) was the largest aircraft ever to fly. The commercial flights of Hindenburg, along with Graf Zeppelin, pioneered the first transatlantic air service. She carried hundreds of passengers and traveled thousands of miles before being destroyed in a tragic fire on May 6, 1937 at NAS Lakehurst. This site takes you for a trip through Hindenburg's history.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Official Veterans Day Web Site - - http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/ - - Armistice Day officially became a holiday in the United States in 1926, and a national holiday 12 years later. On June 1, 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans. In 1968, new legislation changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date. Related sites: InfoPlease: Veterans Day / Library of Congress: Veterans History Project / Most Commonly Asked Veterans Day Questions.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
News Archives - - http://www.ibiblio.org/slanews/internet/archives.html - - This site provides links to United States news archives available on the Web.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
EarthCam - - http://www.earthcam.com/ - - This site provides links to live cameras worldwide. Related site: WebCam Central.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Las Vegas: An Unconventional History - - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/lasvegas/ - - The companion site for a PBS special airing November 14-15, 2005. Las Vegas history involves risk takers of every kind: frontiersmen, gamblers, mobsters, nuclear scientists, soldiers and airmen, movie stars, businessmen, and thousands of Americans looking to better their lives.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
FBI: Most Wanted - - http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant.htm - - Each year millions of Americans are victimized by the scams and schemes perpetrated by white collar crime predators. Corporate fraud, health care fraud, telemarketing fraud, and bank fraud are just a few of the criminals' weapons of choice. Billions of dollars are estimated to be lost annually as a result of these fraudulent activities which are carried out by individuals, companies, or groups of individuals. You can help protect American citizens from these criminals who often target the elderly. Related site: Monthly Fugitives.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
What Is Phishing (Or, How to Fight Phishing at the User-Interface Level) - - http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/network/2005/10/25/what-is-phishing.html - - Phishing (also known as carding or spoofing) derives its name from the use of sophisticated lures (such as emails designed to look like they come from a real company or institution) that are created by unsavory characters to "fish" for users' financial information, credit card details, and passwords. A phishing attack succeeds when a user is tricked into forming an inaccurate mental model of an online interaction and thus takes actions that have effects contrary to the user's intentions. Because inferring a user's intentions can be difficult, building an automated system to protect users from phishing attacks is a challenging problem.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
National Library of Medicine - - http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/network/2005/10/25/what-is-phishing.html - - This site by the National Institutes of Health provides access to MedlinePlus. Use MedlinePlus to find topics on conditions, diseases and wellness. hospitals and physicians. and drug information. Also available is current health news and online health exhibitions.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
"Nearly 40 percent of U.S. adolescents who give cigarette smoking a try do so because they saw it in movies, a study said on November 7, 2005. The study, described as the first national look at the influence of movie smoking on youths, urged Hollywood to cut back on depictions of smoking or shots of cigarette brands. The industry also should consider adding a mention of smoking to movie rating data that now mention explicit sex, violence and profanity, it said. Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School asked 6,522 children aged 10 to 14 to identify films they had seen from a list of 50 randomly selected box office hits released in the United States from 1998 to 2000."
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
"Many smokers think that nicotine causes cancer, and they are therefore very reluctant to use nicotine replacement in the form of patches or gum to help them quit smoking, according to surprise findings of a survey reported here at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians. The survey consisted of 1,139 people -- 482 men and 657 women -- enrolled in a smoking cessation program at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in Great Neck, New York. The participants were questioned about the their beliefs regarding smoking and the risk of developing cancer, and nicotine's part in that cancer risk." -
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
"A simple, at-home treatment -- a single light box and the over-the-counter drug melatonin -- allows travelers to avoid jet lag by resetting their circadian body clock before crossing several time zones, according to new research being published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. This treatment can also help those with delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), a persistent condition that results from a misalignment between a person's internal biological clock and the external social environment. Both bright light and melatonin have successfully been used in laboratory and field settings to 'phase advance' (resetting the circadian clock earlier in time so that all the circadian rhythms of the body occur earlier) thereby helping people adapt to night shift work or to a new time zone following rapid transmeridian jet travel. Melatonin alone has been shown to synchronize the circadian clock of the blind to the 24-hour day."
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
"One simple question - Do you have trouble breathing? - may reveal as much about someone's risk of dying as the most relied-upon sign, chest pain. Even people without any other cardiac symptoms were up to four times more likely to die of heart problems in the next few years if they had shortness of breath, a study of nearly 18,000 people suggests. 'Shortness of breath is not a sign to be ignored. It means make sure that your doctor knows about your symptoms,' said Dr. Daniel S. Berman, senior author of the study, done at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles." -
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
"Repairs to New Orleans' levees may not be enough to protect people moving back to the devastated city if another hurricane comes before the tropical storm season ends this month, engineers said November 2, 2005. Dozens of breaches continue to mar the city's levee system, including a large seep at the Industrial Canal last week, according to engineering experts who have examined the floodwalls. Repairs have gotten better in recent days, the experts told a Senate panel investigating floodwall failures after Hurricane Katrina. But the initial rebuilding process was done with little or no engineering guidance and perhaps substandard materials, they said." -
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
"Measuring the ratio between waist and hip sizes is the best way of checking for the risk of heart attack in the obese, a global study showed on November 3, 2005. After studying over 27,000 people in 52 countries, researchers said the waist-to-hip ratio was a far more effective way of measuring heart attack risk than the traditional body mass index method. 'Substantial reassessment is needed of the importance of obesity for cardiovascular disease in most regions of the world,' said Professor Salim Yusuf, from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. Obesity already affects more than 300 million people worldwide."
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
"Hurricane victims in Florida and along the Gulf Coast have to be asking themselves something survivors of tornadoes, blizzards and earthquakes also wonder: Is there any place you can go that is safe from natural disasters? The West has earthquakes and wildfires. Move to the Midwest and you could find yourself in Tornado Alley. The Northeast? Blizzards, ice storms and heat waves. Experts say trying to escape catastrophic weather is a little like trying to escape from, well, the weather. Short of building a new Biosphere, it is nearly impossible to completely avoid quakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards or heat waves."
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
|------------ Safety From The Heart ----------|

November 16, 2005

I can't remember if this has ever been posted...it's a good thing to know. My father suffered a severe stroke and has never been the same. Had he (or us, for that matter) seen the warning signs, maybe life would be different for him today.

During a BBQ a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6 pm, Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ - had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

Recognizing a Stroke

----- A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed and getting to the patient within 3 hours which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps. Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. *Ask the individual to SMILE.

2. *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

3. *Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. . . it is sunny out today) If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.

The warning signs of a stroke are:
a.. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on
one side of the body.
b.. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding.
c.. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
d.. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
e.. Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

BE A FRIEND AND SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE, you could save their lives.

|------------ Safety From The Heart ----------|
Stairway to Heaven
Today's Safety From the Heart message is from Dale Mann.
------------ ---------------------------- ----------

At Albemarle Corporation hearing studies are done so that employees won't suffer from hearing damage. Signs are posted, etc. when hearing protection is needed in high noise areas. I want to relay an experience which occurred while I was in the Navy in '73 to show how long-term hearing can be effected by not using prescribed hearing protection .

My General Quarters battle station on the USS Bainbridge was as a number one loader on the 3x50's. You had to climb up on the gun mounts and you stood with your back to another person's in between 2 guns with 2 other people on the outside of each gun loading shells into the chamber. All four number one loaders would be putting shells into the chamber at a time which caused the guns to act like an automatic, you could put out a steady stream of fire.

I received OJT for this duty which consisted of climb your behind up there, load the shells into the chamber, don't stop until instructed and don't drop any shells or you'll send us all to glory. That was all the detail I needed and I was fully trained. The first time I did this my ears were ringing after we got through firing and I couldn't hardly hear for awhile. I asked the old crusty Chief Boatswain's Mate about needing hearing protection. He asked me if I was crazy, that is what the cigarette butts were used for. I told him I supposed I was just born fool like that and so from then on used this trick of the trade every time we fired the guns.

You get a complete physical when you get out of the service. At this time it was discovered that I had high pitch hearing loss. The Dr said likely what occurred was listening to loud music, etc. in bars from Olongapo City to Tijuana. I told him right, I was listening to Led Zeppelin playing "Black Dog" while I was climbing the "Stairway to Heaven" to the gun mounts.

Hearing loss of any sort can affect your quality of life. If you like to sing and show off when you get slightly intoxicated, you can't really hit the high notes without hearing well. And I suppose other things could be affected by inability to hear correctly.

WEAR HEARING PROTECTION

|------------ Safety From The Heart ----------|
November 15, 2005
Blinded by the Sun

This was written by a man in New Mexico, but it could have been written by many of us here in South Carolina who are fighting the glaring sun almost every day driving to and from work.

Dorothy
------------ ---------------------------- ----------
I was driving home on New Mexico Highway 47 just where it crosses over Interstate 25. The overpass angled up, then curved gently to the left--straight into the rays of the afternoon winter sun. I slowed down and tried to shield my eyes, but I was almost completely blinded. I couldn't have seen an 18-wheeler stopped ahead of me in the road, much less an automobile. If there was an accident ahead or if someone suddenly slowed down, I'd never know it until it was too late.

That got my attention and started me thinking about the need, for safety's sake, to wear effective, glare-reducing sunglasses when driving. In areas where the sunlight is very bright or when drivers have to look directly into the glare of the rising or setting sun, this is a valid safety concern, according to a local optician, Richard Serna.

But, I wondered, would the inexpensive sunglasses typically sold for $5 to $10 at the local drugstore do the job? Not really, according to Serna. He explained that to be effective, driving sunglasses must have features not found on drug or discount store "cheapies."

"What you really need is a sunglass with an anti-reflective coating," Serna said. He explained the coating is made up of layers of titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide applied to the back of the lens. The coating dramatically reduces both the glare and reflected light seen by the wearer. The "cheapie" sunglasses don't come with anti-reflective coating, according to Serna. "They are just stamped-out acrylic lenses which have a lot of aberrations (visual irregularities) in them. They may have a dark tint and they may be UV coated, but the eye has to fight to see through the flaws."

Of course, the most annoying glare comes through your windshield and directly into your eyes. Because of that, good driving sunglasses should also have polarized lenses, according to Serna.

A good pair of driving sunglasses can also protect against other hazards. By screening out much of the sun's ultraviolet rays, sunglasses can reduce eye fatigue for drivers, Serna said. In addition, there is the long-term health problem of cataracts, a very real threat to people who live where the sunlight is especially bright, Serna added.

What about drivers who wear prescription lenses such as bifocals in order to see things up close like the dashboard and also at longer distances down the road? There are two inexpensive options for such drivers, according to Serna. These are clip-ons--which attach to the front of the wearer's normal eyeglass frame, and slip-overs--which slip over the top of the frame and wrap around behind the normal lenses. In addition, Serna added, some custom eyeglass frames are designed to accept clip-ons which precisely match the shape of the lens. Although a bit more expensive than the clip-ons and slip-overs, these add very little bulk to the wearer's normal glasses. Serna added that clip-ons and slip-behinds suffer from visual imperfections much like inexpensive sunglasses. However, matched with an anti-reflective coating on the wearer's regular glasses, they provide anti-glare protection for drivers who need to wear corrective lenses to drive safely.

So what are you going to pay for quality driving sunglasses? That depends on your budget. Whatever the price, being able to see through the glare beats being "blinded by the light."

|------------ Safety From The Heart ----------|
November 11, 2005
Today's Safety From the Heart message was submitted by Keith Black.
------------ ---------------------------- ----------

What To Do If Your Car Catches on Fire

A fire in one's car or other motor vehicle is a frightening situation which can quickly involve great personal danger to vehicle occupants and bystanders. Although every vehicle fire incident will have certain unique factors present at the time, the National Safety Council offers the following step-by-step general suggestions on what to do if your car (or other motor vehicle) catches on fire.

While you are moving on a roadway:

Signal your intentions and move to the right lane.
Get onto the shoulder or breakdown lane.
Stop immediately.
Shut off the engine.
Get yourself and all other persons out of the vehicle.
Get far away from the vehicle and stay away from it. Keep onlookers and others away.
Warn oncoming traffic.
Notify the fire department.
Don't attempt to try to put out the fire yourself. (The unseen danger is the possible ignition of fuel in the vehicle's tank.)

While the vehicle is stopped in traffic or parked:

Shut off the engine.
Get far away from the vehicle.
Warn pedestrians and other vehicles to stay away.
Notify the fire department.
Don't attempt to try to put out the fire yourself. (The unseen danger is the possible ignition of fuel in the vehicle's tank.)

In all vehicle fire situations, the first thing to think about is personal safety; any vehicle can be replaced?humans cannot. Think and act quickly, in the safest way possible.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
TOURBUS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -:) - :)- :)
Volume 11, Number 25 --- 17 November 2005
Tourbus Home - http://www.TOURBUS.com
Best of Tourbus -- http://tourbus.com/best.html

+---------------------------------------+
TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPICS: Internet Software / CDROM Tips

Today's TOURBUS will challenge you to stretch your online horizons by trying some new Internet software, give you tips to make your CDROMs last longer, and will reveal the secret of toothpaste for repairing damaged CDROM disks. Read on!

------------------------
Best Internet Software
------------------------

So, you've got a web browser and an email program... Is that all the Internet software you'll ever need? Maybe, but first take a look at some of the nifty tools in my Best Internet Software reviews. I've scoured the online world to find the best Internet software in many categories, including Browsers, Form Fillers, RSS Readers, File Transfer, Telnet and Utilities. I even tried hard to find Macintosh equivalents for Windows programs when available. I think you'll find something here to make your online experience even better!
http://www.askbobrankin.com/free_internet_software.html

-----------------------
CDROMs and Toothpaste
-----------------------

CDROM disks are great for backups, but how long will a CDROM last? As with any backup medium (floppy disk, tape, CDROM) the lifetime of the data is an important consideration. Some disk manufacturers say their product should last 200 years. But I've heard stories about CDs that were burned and then not readable after just a few months.

My article "Lifetime of a CDROM Disk" will tell you which CDROM brands are rated for the longest shelf life, give you tips on storing your backup CDs, and also describes the Toothpaste Cure for bringing a damaged CDROM back to life.
http://www.askbobrankin.com/lifetime_of_a_cdrom_disk.html

--------------------------
What is Windows OneCare?
--------------------------

Microsoft has announced a new service called Windows OneCare. Is it something you need for your computer? Maybe... If you're worried about not doing everything you should to keep your PC optimized and safe, then Windows OneCare is something that may help.

Are your Antivirus and Firewall packages protecting you adequately from viruses, worms, Trojan horses, hackers, and other threats? Do you find it a nuisance to maintain your hard disk and make sure that critical system fixes are applied? Learn more about Windows OneCare and how it can automate these essential security and performance boosting tasks.

http://www.askbobrankin.com/what_is_windows_onecare.html

---------------------
The Next Best Thing
---------------------

Linda from Marlinton, West Virginia recently wrote and said "The next best thing to Tourbus is the Smart Computing magazine that you guys recommend. I've been getting it since last summer and it has solved numerous problems for me and my friends." Thanks, Linda!

We hope other Tourbus riders will discover the Plain English answers to their computing questions that Smart Computing delivers every month. Do you want to speed up your PC? Eliminate the threat of computer viruses? Get rid of spyware and keep hackers out? Try Smart Computing today -- get your FREE TRIAL issue NOW!

http://www.tourbus.com/smart.htm

That's all for now, see you next time! -- Bob Rankin

-=+=--=+=--=+=-

Volume 11, Number 24 --- 15 November 2005
Tourbus Home - http://www.TOURBUS.com
Best of Tourbus -- http://tourbus.com/best.html

+---------------------------------------+
TODAY'S TOURBUS TOPIC: The Top 22 - Part 5

Howdy, y'all, and greetings once again from deep behind the orange curtain in beautiful Irvine, California, where we take one, one, one 'cause you left me and two, two, two for my family ... :P

+---------------------------------------+

On with the show... Each year or so I create a handout titled "The Internet Tourbus Guide to the Most Useful Sites in the World." Today is the fifth post in my never-ending series, and today's stops all focus on Google. You can find my previous posts in the Tourbus archives at http://archives.tourbus.com

----------------
16. Google Local
----------------

A few weeks ago, our friends at Google combined their much-acclaimed Google Maps [which we last visited back on July 28th] with their equally-acclaimed Google Local service to create a new, improved Google Local at

http://local.google.com/

Fans of Google Maps won't notice much of a difference. Go to maps.google.com and you'll notice that the page looks exactly the same. The only difference is that there is now a new Google Local icon in the upper left corner. Behind the scenes, though, Google has added a few new tricks including "in" and "near" searches. For example, if you search Google Local for

ribs in anaheim
or
ribs near anaheim

you'll see a list of rib restaurants in and around Anaheim, CA. The list isn't complete -- it omits Lucille's BBQ in nearby Long Beach and Brea -- but it's still pretty helpful. Try some in and near searches on your own and see what you can find in your hometown. The cool part comes when you search for a particular business. Try searching for

lucille's brea, ca

and you'll see a list of all of the businesses in Southern California that contain the name "Lucille's." Click on the first hit on the left -- the "A" hit -- and a pop-up window appears showing you the Brea restaurant's address, telephone number, web site, and even customer reviews. And, let me add, the reviews are spot on. Lucille's is the best barbeque I have had outside of Alabama.

So, in addition to the clickable, dragable, zoomable street and satellite maps we have all come to know and love at Google Maps, the new Google Local also includes local business information you may find helpful. And don't forget that Google Local also offers turn-by-turn driving directions that [in my humble opinion] are far superior to anything MapQuest offers.

----------------------
17. Google Sightseeing
----------------------

Of course, the coolest part of Google Maps [now Google Local] is the site's satellite or hybrid views. Being able to see your old high school [ http://tinyurl.com/ddctm ] or Alcatraz Island [ http://tinyurl.com/9j3ec ] from space is simply too cool for words.

Want to see more but don't know where to start? Hop on over to the Google Sightseeing blog at

http://www.googlesightseeing.com/

The folks at Google Sightseeing [who are not officially affiliated with Google] have spent the better part of eight months digging through Google's satellite looking for cool stuff like pictures of airplanes in flight [ http://tinyurl.com/9cau7 ], an example of how Missouri and Illinois highway engineers don't play well together [ http://tinyurl.com/b76yr ], and something that is best filed under the title "I want to believe" [ http://tinyurl.com/89hhy ]

Take some time to browse through the categories on the right side of the Google Sightseeing page, especially the "Weirdness" category. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at all the stuff that is hiding in Google satellite images.

---------------
18. Google Blog
---------------

As long as we're talking about Google, let's pay a quick visit to the official Google Blog at

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/

Edited by Google managers, engineers, and team members, the official Google Blog is a great place to get a sneak peek at some of Google's newest tools and technologies. As one example, on Monday the Google Blog announced that Google has relaunched the Urchin web traffic analysis toolkit as "Google Analytics." Oh, and it's free so long as you have a Google account. Just point your web browser to

http://www.google.com/analytics

-------------------------------------------
Bonus: Free Google PowerPoint Presentations
-------------------------------------------

If you want to learn more about Google, point your web browser to

http://www.netsquirrel.com/powerpoint/

There you'll find a bunch of free PowerPoint presentations you are free to steal, including:

- Google 201: Advanced Googology [updated 11/05]
Ready to take your Googling to the next level? Beyond the world of plusses, minuses, and quotes lies a whole universe of secret Google tips, techniques, and tools. This quick, one- hour presentation introduces you to little known Google features like pipes, stop-word workarounds, full-word wildcards, and query modifiers--features that will instantly make you the envy of your friends and the center of attention at cocktail parties.

- Google 301: Uber Google [new 11/05]
Want to know what the evil Google scientists have been working on the past couple of months? In this fast-paced, one-hour presentation you'll see some of Google's latest creations including Google Earth, Google Maps, Google Print, Google Scholar, Google Video, and more. You'll even get a sneak peek at some new Google tools that will soon be released upon an unsuspecting world.

- Google 70-20-10: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Everyone's Favorite Search Engine [new 11/05]
Ready to take your Google-ing to a whole other level? In this three-hour presentation [which is a combination of Google 201 and Google 301] you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Google really works, learn little-known Google tools and tricks that will change the way you search, and even see what Google has up its sleeve in the not-too-distant future. You'll also learn Google's 70-20-10 philosophy and see how Google Answers, Google Catalogs, Google Directory, Froogle, Google Groups, Google Images, Google Maps, Google News, Google Print, Google Scholar, Blogger, and Keyhole both work and fit into Google's overall search strategy.

---------------------
The Next Best Thing
---------------------

Linda from Marlinton, West Virginia recently wrote and said "The next best thing to Tourbus is the Smart Computing magazine that you guys recommend. I've been getting it since last summer and it has solved numerous problems for me and my friends." Thanks, Linda!

We hope other Tourbus riders will discover the Plain English answers to their computing questions that Smart Computing delivers every month. Do you want to speed up your PC? Eliminate the threat of computer viruses? Get rid of spyware and keep hackers out? Try Smart Computing today -- get your FREE TRIAL issue NOW!

http://www.tourbus.com/smart.htm

I hope these help. Let me know if you find any typos. That's it for today. Have a safe and happy week, and we'll talk again soon.

+---------------------------------------+
==[ Tourbus Rider Information ]==
The Internet Tourbus - U.S. Library of Congress ISSN #1094-2238 Copyright 1995-2005, Rankin & Crispen - All rights reserved Tourbus News Service - http://tourbus.com/news.html Subscribe, Signoff, Archives, Free Stuff and More at the Tourbus Website - http://www.TOURBUS.com
========================
.~~~. ))
(\__/) .' ) )) Patrick Douglas Crispen
/o o \/ .~
{o_, \ { crispen@netsquirrel.com
/ , , ) \ http://www.netsquirrel.com/
`~ -' \ } )) AOL Instant Messenger: Squirrel2K
_( ( )_.'
---..{____} Warning: squirrels.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Our Church, Magnolia Christian Center, has the following mission statement. Our purpose is to build a great church for the glory of God through the great commission and the great commandment. MCC' Vision - That MCC will be a place hopping with children, energized with teenagers, balanced with diversity and transformed by the power of God! We want to turn uninterested people into interested people and win the lost to make fully devoted followers of Christ.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
I know a lot of you have seen this before, but I think it is worth re-reading.
God Bless Us All
Kathy

I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game.
So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
"But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1.
So what would you expect-somebody chanting Hare Krishna? If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.
If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.
If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.
And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome .. "But what about the atheists?" is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating; to pray before we go to sleep.
Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well ... just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard .... that the vast majority don't care what they want. It is time the majority rules! It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray; you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right. But by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back .
and we WILL WIN! God bless us one and all . especially those who denounce Him. God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all.
God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.
May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions.

Keep looking up.

Thanks to KATHY CHEATHAM
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
SOMEBODY'S RAISING THEIR CHILD RIGHT! One Nation, "Under GOD"

One day, a six-year-old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was explaining evolution to the children. The teacher asked a little boy:

TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?

TOMMY: Yes

TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.

TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.

TEACHER: Did you see GOD?

TOMMY: No.

TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see GOD because HE isn't there. HE just doesn't exist.

A little girl spoke up wanting to ask the boy some questions. The teacher agreed.

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside?

TOMMY: Yessssss!

LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?

TOMMY: Yessssss!

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the Teacher ?

TOMMY: Yes

LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?

TOMMY: No.

LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today, she doesn't have one.

II CORINTHIANS 5:7 " FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT "

Thanks to Bubba Whittemore
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Target Getting the Message - Stock Drops 7%

"There is an anti-Christian bias in this country, and it is more on display at Christmas season than any other time." – Bill O'Reilly, The O'Reilly Factor, Fox News Channel – (Speaking about the decision of Target and other stores to ban the use of "Merry Christmas" in their stores and advertising.)
Dear James,

On October 7 we brought to your attention that Target was banning the Salvation Army's kettles from the front of their stores. Now we've learned Target is also banning the use of "Merry Christmas" from their in-store promotions and from their advertising in papers, TV, etc.

Your efforts are having an impact. USA Today (11/16/05) announced that "Target alarmed investors by saying projected sales at stores open a year in November would miss the estimated 4% to 6% growth. Shares of Target fell $4.13 to $54.30." (A 7% drop.)

Target's ban of the Salvation Army and "Merry Christmas" expresses the same attitude toward Christianity as that held by Michael Newdow, who wants to ban "In God We Trust" from our currency and "under God" from our Pledge of Allegiance.

AFA is asking individuals to boycott Target during the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend—the busiest shopping weekend of the year. Please share this request to boycott Target on that weekend with friends, family and members of your church and Sunday school class.

Please sign the petition to Target. This petition will also be sent to other major chains banning the use of "Merry Christmas" including Costco, BJ's, Wal-Mart, Sears/K-Mart and Kohl's. It is basically too late to change their policies this year, but we can change it for next year. Last year we called for a boycott of Federated Stores because they banned "Merry Christmas." This year they are using "Merry Christmas!"

A successful boycott of Target will send a message to every company!

This is your opportunity to make your voice heard. Please act today and then forward this to friends and family.

Click http://www.afa.net/petitions/signpetition.asp?id=1470 to Sign the Petition To Target and Other Stores Now!

Sincerely,
Don

Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman
American Family Association
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
TGIF-Today God Is First


Fulfilling Vows
by Os Hillman, November 18, 2005
When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. - Ecclesiastes 5:4

Have you ever had a business relationship with someone who made a commitment but later said, "Well, things changed, so I cannot honor our original agreement."? Sometimes this may be the case, but often it is simply an opportunity to avoid fulfilling an agreement. God is big on fulfilling vows. God's nature is righteousness and truth. You will always see God honor His Word. He expects the same of His people.

God says there are consequences when we do not fulfill our vows. Subsequent Scripture verses reveal the following:

It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry with what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God" (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7).

God tells us that He will destroy the work of our hands for failure to fulfill vows. That's pretty strong language. It gives us an indication of how important fulfilling vows is to God. He will not prosper our work if there are unfulfilled vows in our lives

Are there any unfulfilled vows in your life that may be hindering your projects? Vows show up in many areas of our lives - marriages, businesses, personal friendships. Unfulfilled vows in any one of these could be the reason your work may be hindered.

Ask God today if there are any unfulfilled vows in your life. If so, begin today to make them right so that you may be successful in whatever God calls you to do.

-=+=-

The Ultimate Franchise
by Os Hillman, November 16, 2005
And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business? - Luke 2:49 KJV

Earth is God's business. He has set up many franchises (churches) designed to send His representatives (Body of Christ) into the world to make known the best product ever given to mankind (Jesus). His branch managers (pastors) have been given the responsibility to teach and support those in the field. God's goal is to establish a franchise in every nation, state, and city. It is the ultimate business because when you introduce someone to His product (Jesus), you receive a reward from the home office (Heaven). God has promised that His representatives will have all the tools and customer support needed to accomplish their strategic plans.

Jesus knew that He was to be about His Father's business. He knew He was sent to earth not to enjoy the pleasures of lowly man, but to accomplish a task for which He alone was sent. When He had accomplished His mission, He was to entrust this mission to other representatives into whom He poured His life for three years. This field training allowed Jesus to mentor, model, befriend, and demonstrate firsthand the model for a successful business to be launched and sustained.

God has big plans for His franchise. He wants every human being to partake of His product; however, even God knows that not everyone will. Nevertheless, this does not thwart His efforts in seeking to make it known among His audience.

You have been called to be part of the ultimate franchise. How many new recruits have you been responsible for bringing into the franchise lately?

-=+=-

Real Customer Service
by Os Hillman, November 15, 2005
While they were going out a man, who was demon-possessed and could not talk, was brought to Jesus. - Matthew 9:32

Years ago, it was not uncommon to have your milk delivered to your home. Doctors made house calls. And when you made a call to a company to discuss a problem, you actually spoke to a human being. Those days of personal service are gone, and if we are not careful, we will follow the same trend in how we share the gospel.

So often we are encouraged to bring people to church. Yet, we see no examples of where Jesus brought people into the synagogue to get them saved or healed. The miracles happened more often in the workplace because that was where Jesus could be found. Jesus had less response and found more resistance in the synagogue than in the workplace. He took the gospel to and modeled the gospel in the workplace. That is where the power of God was manifested. This is not to say we should not bring people to church, only that our priority should be to bring the Church into the workplace, not bring the workplace into the church.

Paul understood this when he said,

"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power" (1 Corinthians 2:4).

Paul understood that it wasn't words that impacted people; it was the power of God manifested through him.

When is the last time someone saw something happen through your life that could not be explained other than God working in your life? When you begin to see this happen, you will be modeling ministry as Jesus modeled it. You will be bringing the Church to the people, not the people to the church. Pray that God makes you a vessel of His power, not simply a vessel of words.

-=+=-

Real Customer Service
by Os Hillman, November 15, 2005
While they were going out a man, who was demon-possessed and could not talk, was brought to Jesus. - Matthew 9:32

Years ago, it was not uncommon to have your milk delivered to your home. Doctors made house calls. And when you made a call to a company to discuss a problem, you actually spoke to a human being. Those days of personal service are gone, and if we are not careful, we will follow the same trend in how we share the gospel.

So often we are encouraged to bring people to church. Yet, we see no examples of where Jesus brought people into the synagogue to get them saved or healed. The miracles happened more often in the workplace because that was where Jesus could be found. Jesus had less response and found more resistance in the synagogue than in the workplace. He took the gospel to and modeled the gospel in the workplace. That is where the power of God was manifested. This is not to say we should not bring people to church, only that our priority should be to bring the Church into the workplace, not bring the workplace into the church.

Paul understood this when he said,

"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power" (1 Corinthians 2:4).

Paul understood that it wasn't words that impacted people; it was the power of God manifested through him.

When is the last time someone saw something happen through your life that could not be explained other than God working in your life? When you begin to see this happen, you will be modeling ministry as Jesus modeled it. You will be bringing the Church to the people, not the people to the church. Pray that God makes you a vessel of His power, not simply a vessel of words.

-=+=-

Sold Out
by Os Hillman, November 14, 2005
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. - Philippians 3:7

George Mueller was a man known for building orphanages by faith in the mid-1800s. He raised literally millions of dollars for his orphanages, yet died with little in his own bank account. When asked about his conversion experience he commented,

"I was converted in November of 1825, but I only came into the full surrender of the heart four years later, in July 1829. The love of money was gone, the love of place was gone, the love of position was gone, and the love of worldly pleasures and engagements was gone. God, God alone became my portion. I found my all in Him; I wanted nothing else. And by the grace of God this has remained, and has made me a happy man, an exceedingly happy man, and it led me to care only about the things of God. I ask affectionately, my beloved brethren, have you fully surrendered the heart to God, or is there this thing or that thing with which you have taken up irrespective of God? I read a little of the scriptures before, but preferred other books; but since that time the revelation He has made of Himself has become unspeakably blessed to me, and I can say from my heart, God is an infinitely lovely Being. Oh, be not satisfied until in your own inmost soul you can say, God is an infinitely lovely Being!" [Basil Miller, Man of Faith and Miracles (Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bethany House Publishers, n.d.)]

Many will never get to the place where George Mueller was in his spiritual life, because we are unwilling to release control of these areas of which he speaks. If we do release control, it usually is due to a process that God brings us through. Paul got knocked to the ground and was spoken to personally before he was willing to listen and follow completely. Peter had to live with Jesus three years and he still denied Him. It was only later, after he denied Jesus and realized how weak he was in his own faith, that he became fully committed to the Savior.

What will it take for you to fully surrender? You will know that you have given full surrender when power, money, and position no longer have meaning in your life. Paul said he came to a place where his life was the life of Christ only. It is a sacrificial life, but it is also a life of freedom, purpose, and meaning. Let God take full control and see His life lived fully through you.

-=+=-

Prosperity in Afflictions
by Os Hillman, November 13, 2005
The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering." - Genesis 41:52

When Joseph was elevated to rule over the Egyptian kingdom, he revealed some profound truths gained from the experiences of his years of adversity. He named his first son, Manasseh for, he said, "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household" (Gen. 41:51b). His second son was named Ephraim because, "God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

Whenever God takes us through the land of affliction, He will do two things through that affliction: 1) He will bring such healing that we will be able to forget the pain, and 2) He will make us fruitful from the painful experiences.

God does not waste our afflictions if we allow Him the freedom to complete the work in us. His desire is to create virtue that remains during the times of testing so that He can bring us into the place of fruitfulness in the very area of our testing. He has never promised to keep us from entering the valleys of testing, but He has promised to make us fruitful in them. He is the God who turns the Valley of Achor (trouble) into a door of hope (see Hos. 2:15).

If you are in the valley of affliction, now is the time to press into Him. When the time comes to bring you out of this valley, He will heal your memories and bring fruit from this very time.

-=+=-

Share TGIF With A Friend - - http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/pages.asp?pageid=27851
Copyright 2005. www.MarketplaceLeaders.org
---------------------------------------------------
To contact Os Hillman, request reprint permission, or to book Os to speak in your town write to os@marketplaceleaders.org. Marketplace Leaders Website: http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/ Copyright 2005
--------------------------------------------------
Please recommend this TGIF daily devotional to everyone interested in applying their faith to their worklife. Tell them to subscribe at http://www.TodayGodIsFirst.com

Os Hillman Copyright 2005
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Activities and Events of Interest
~~~
Albemarle Kids' Christmas Party - Saturday, December 3, 10 am to 1 pm - SAU Skating Rink
~~~
Albemarle Christmas Party - December 6 and December 8
~~~
The Emancipation Proclamation will be on display at the Clinton Library September 22-25, 2007.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
"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
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
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. Jeremy P. Tamburello, 19, of Denver, Colo., died Nov. 8 from wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations just west of Rutbah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Light Armor Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

02. Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, 35, of Oviedo, Fla., died on Nov. 8 at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX from wounds suffered Oct. 17 in Samarra, Iraq. Cashe was on patrol in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle when an improvised explosive devise detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to 1st Battallion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, based in Fort Benning, Ga.

The Department of Defense announced the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of injuries sustained on Nov. 10 in Al Khalidiyah, Iraq, where their M1A1 Abrams tank was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire.
Killed were:
03. Staff Sgt. Michael C. Parrott, 49, of Timnath, Colo., who died in Balad, Iraq. Parrott was assigned to the Army National Guard's Joint Forces Headquarters, Cheyenne, Wyo.
04. Sgt. Joshua A. Terando, 27, of Morris, Ill., who died in Al Taqaddum, Iraq. Terando was a Reservist assigned to the Army National Guard's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Washington, Pa.

05. Sgt. Tyrone L. Chisholm, 27, of Savannah, Ga., died in Tal Afar, Iraq, on Nov. 11, when multiple improvised explosive devices detonated near his M1A2 Abrams Tank. Chisholm was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

06. Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Sutherland, 33, of West Deptford, N.J., died in Al Qadisiyah, Iraq, on Nov. 12, when his Stryker military vehicle accidentally rolled over. Sutherland was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

The Department of Defense announced the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Kirkuk, Iraq on Nov. 11, when their convoy vehicle was involved in a collision. Both soldiers were assigned to the 40th Transportation Company, 44th Corps Support Battalion, 593rd Corps Support Group, Fort Lewis, Wash. Killed were:
07. Cpl. Donald E. Fisher II, 21, of Avon, Mass.
08. Pfc. Antonio Mendezsanchez, 22, of Rincon, Puerto Rico.

The Department of Defense announced the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
09. Lance Cpl. Daniel F. Swaim, 19, of Yadkinville, N.C., died Nov. 10 of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Steel Curtain in Karabilah, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
10. Lance Cpl. David A. Mendez Ruiz, 20, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Lance Cpl. Scott A. Zubowski, 20, of Manchester, Ind., both died Nov. 12 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Amiriyah, Iraq. Both Marines were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

The Department of Defense announced the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
11. Cpl. John M. Longoria, 21, of Nixon, Texas, died Nov. 14 of wounds sustained from small arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Steel Curtain in New Ubaydi, Iraq.
12. Maj. Ramon J. Mendoza Jr., 37, of Columbus, Ohio, and
13. Lance Cpl. Christopher M. McCrackin, 20, of Liverpool, Texas, both died Nov. 14 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Steel Curtain in New Ubaydi, Iraq.
All three Marines were assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

14. Sgt. 1st Class James S. Ochsner, 36, of Waukegan, Ill., died in Orgun-E, Afghanistan, on Nov. 15, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during a supply distribution mission. Ochsner was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

15. Lance Cpl. Nickolas D. Schiavoni, 26, of Haverhill, Mass., died Nov. 15 from a suicide, vehicle-borne, improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces near Al Karmah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

16. 2nd Lt. Donald R. McGlothlin, 26, of Lebanon, Va., died Nov. 16 from small arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Steel Curtain in Ubaydi, Iraq. He was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. His unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

17. Pvt. Dylan R. Paytas, 20, of Freedom, Pa., died in Baqubah, Iraq, on Nov. 16, from injuries sustained from multiple gunshot wounds. Paytas was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

The Department of Defense announced the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of injuries sustained in Taji, Iraq, on Nov. 15, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during combat operations. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. Killed were:
18. Staff Sgt. James E. Estep, 26, of Leesburg, Fla., in Taji, Iraq, on Nov. 15.
19. Spc. Matthew J. Holley, 21, of San Diego, Calif., in Taji, Iraq, on Nov. 15.
20. Spc. Alexis Roman-Cruz, 33, of Brandon, Fla., in Balad, Iraq, on Nov. 16.
21. Pfc. Travis J. Grigg, 24, of Inola, Okla., in Taji, Iraq, on Nov. 15.

The Department of Defense announced the death of four Marines, who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
22. Lance Cpl. Roger W. Deeds, 24, of Biloxi, Miss.
23. Lance Cpl. John A. Lucente, 19, of Grass Valley, Calif.
24. Cpl. Jeffry A. Rogers, 21, of Oklahoma City, Okla.
25. Cpl. Joshua J. Ware, 20, of Apache, Okla.
All four Marines died Nov. 16 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Steel Curtain in Ubaydi, Iraq. Deeds, Rogers and Ware all died as a result of enemy small arms fire, while Lucente died from wounds sustained from an enemy hand grenade. All four Marines were assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

26. Sgt. Jeremy E. Murray, 27, of Atwater, Ohio, died Nov. 16 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in the vicinity of Hadithah, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

http://icasualties.org/oif/default.aspx
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
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.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Scheduled Activities
~~~
Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m. Monday - Friday. At noon on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and at 7 p.m. Sunday at 914 N. Vine
~~~
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.
~~~
Columbia County Diabetes Support Group - Every third Monday, 7:00 p.m. room 222, Magnolia Hospital
~~~
"Focus on the Family" with Dr. James Dobson weekday afternoons at 1 PM on KVMA am 630 it's a great show!
~~~
MCC - Abraham Prayer - Sunday at 5:00 p.m and Wednesday from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
~~~
MCC - Early Morning Prayer - Monday - Friday, From 6:30 am to 8:00 am
~~~
MCC - "Beth Moore" Video Class - Thursday nights at 5:45 pm
~~~
MCC - "Faith Builders" Small group meets at 1051 Columbia 36 the second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm.
~~~
MCC - Firm Foundations Class, Sunday 9:30 to 10:15 a.m
~~~
MCC - Meadow Brook Nursing Home Ministry Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m
~~~
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.
~~~
MCC - Over comers: Fridays @ 7:00 p.m- Director, Traci Foster invites you to a 12 step Christian support program. For anyone with a life controlling problem. Child care is provided.
~~~
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.
~~~
Narcotics Anonymous 5-6 pm every Monday at 220 Pine street.
~~~
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 5 pm every Tuesday in the Magnolia Hospital break room.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
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/
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
"Fight till you win!" - - Mark Brazee
"Bring 'em on!" - -President George W. Bush
"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
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - - Margaret Mead
~~~~~
Hope you enjoy the newsletter.
Again, thanks to all our contributors this week.

God bless and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
John 15:9-11 Rom 16:3-7 Acts 10:42-43 Est 2:20
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@Magnolia-Net.Com. We offer "Da Bleat" as text, a "Blog" and as a newsletter with pictures in Word and PDF format. For the "Blog" version just go to http://bugsbleat4q.blogspot.com/ to see the latest issue. This week, "Word" and "PDF" subscribers get to see photos of Zac, Charlie and Alyn Hammock and our local firefighters training.
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@Magnolia-Net.Com and we'll switch you from e:mail delivery to "Da Bleat" Blog. Of course "Da Bleat" is now on the web. Just go to http://bugsbleat4q.blogspot.com to see the latest issue (usually updated sometime Friday evening or Saturday morning. 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 2005 before it was sent.
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>