News

Canine Members of the Armed Forces

Maggie — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:52:06 GMT

Dear Animal Advocates,

Each branch of the Armed Forces uses military working dogs (MWDs) in service to the country. Many of these intelligent, loyal animals serve alongside our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they have prevented countless injuries and saved lives.

Unfortunately, these heroic dogs are currently classified as “equipment” by the U.S. Department of Defense. This classification not only trivializes these animals’ contributions, it also makes it difficult to transport dogs serving in foreign lands back to the United States for adoption once they’re ready for civilian life.

The Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act will remedy this issue by reclassifying MWDs as “canine members of the armed forces” and instituting programs to assist with their placement and veterinary care after retirement from service—all without using federal funds. This legislation seems like a no-brainer, and yet the bill has only seven cosponsors in the Senate.

What You Can Do
We need to generate greater support for the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act in the U.S. Senate. Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center online right now to email your two U.S. senators in Washington, D.C., and urge them to cosponsor the bill.

Thank you, advocates, for standing up for America’s military working dogs.

www.aspca.org/militarydogs

FINISH STRONG

Maggie — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:09:38 GMT

Finish Strong is more than a statement, it's an attitude. It's an attitude of believing you can do something and having the courage and determination to see it through. And of course, you can apply this "finish strong attitude" to any part of your life!

In the excerpt below, you will read about one of the most inspiring true stories of perseverance. Enjoy!

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On June 23rd, 1940 Wilma Glodean Rudolph was born prematurely
and weighed only 4.5 pounds. Wilma became the 20th of 22 children
of Ed and Blanche Rudolph. The Rudolph's were African Americans
living in a time of segregation. Since the local hospital was for whites
only and since the Rudolph's had little money, Mrs. Rudolph was
forced to care for Wilma herself. Wilma's early years were very rough.
Her mother nursed Wilma through one illness after another - measles,
mumps, scarlet fever, chicken pox, and double pneumonia.

A few years after her birth, they discovered that Wilma's left leg and
foot were not developing normally and that they were becoming
deformed. The doctors told Blanche that Wilma had polio, that she
would never walk and that she would have to wear steel braces on
her legs. Mrs. Rudolph refused to accept this diagnosis and she set
out to find a cure. She discovered that Wilma could receive treatment
at Meharry Hospital in Nashville.

For the next two years, Mrs. Rudolph drove Wilma 50 miles each way to get
physical therapy. Eventually, the hospital staff taught Mrs. Rudolph how to do
the physical therapy at home. Everyone in the family worked with Wilma,
providing her with encouragement to be strong and to get better. Thanks to
patience, support, effort and love from her family, at the age of 12, Wilma
could walk normally without the assistance of crutches, braces or corrective
shoes. She had spent a great deal of her life limited by her illnesses. Wilma
felt a freedom that she never felt. It was then that Wilma decided to become an
athlete.

She chose first to pursue basketball just as her older sister did. For
three years she rode the bench - not playing a single game. But,
Wilma's spirit was forged from steel and she continued to practice
hard, refusing to give up. In her sophomore year she became the
starting guard for the team and subsequently led the team to a State
Championship. But Wilma's first love was to run.

At the age of sixteen (barely four years free of braces) Wilma participated in
the 1956 Olympics in track. She won a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay.
However, it was at the state basketball tournament that she was first spotted
by Ed Temple, the coach for the women's track team at Tennessee State
University. Ed recruited Wilma on a track scholarship and changed the course
of her athletic pursuit.

Wilma's most famous athletic achievement was realized at the 1960
Rome Olympics. The little girl that could hardly walk without assistance
of crutches or braces had overcome her challenges and would become
the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics.

"My mother taught me very early to believe I could achieve any
accomplishment I wanted to. The first was to walk without braces."
- Wilma Rudolph

Review of movie 'The Lucky One'

Maggie — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:43:44 GMT

CHRISTIAN MOVIE REVIEW

Review: The Lucky One

By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Senior Producer

CBN.com - Nicholas Sparks, author of The Notebook, Dear John and A Walk to Remember, is known for his sentimental romances. The Lucky One, a new movie from Warner Bros. Pictures starring Zac Efron, is Sparks' latest novel hitting the big screen.

Better than Dear John, The Lucky One still has its share of disappointments. Featured among them is the film's sexual content (explained below).

THE MOVIE IN A MINUTE

U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault owes his life to a woman he's never even met. Finding her picture in the rubble of war-torn Iraq, Logan feels compelled to meet his "guardian angel" when he returns home to the states. His search takes him to Louisiana where he befriends Beth, her shy boy, Ben, and grandmother Ellie. Initially cautious of this stranger, Beth eventually opens up to Logan, and a romance develops. Still, what's a relationship without some complications? A jealous ex-husband and unexplained personal histories threaten it all.

THE GOOD AND BAD IN THE LUCKY ONE

Zac Efron's High School Musical days are gone. The young actor exercises a range of human emotion not yet asked of him as The Lucky One's leading man. Not a bad actor, Efron pulls off the chivalrous and battled-tested Marine, letting you almost forget he’s the kid who sang and danced in those high school movies from a few years back. His love interest, actress Taylor Schilling, is joined by her on-screen family played by Blythe Danner, Riley Thomas Stewart, and Keith Clayton, as the hateful ex-husband.

The Lucky One, directed by Scott Hicks (No Reservations), is a story about fate, about how one decision can change the course of your life and others around you. Layered beneath the fate and destiny talk is the notion that our lives are part of a larger picture. We don't always see how each moment leads to the next or how those connections even lead to healing and resolution. Everything does happen for a reason and we know God sees it all. Faith is present in the film mostly during a church scene when the hymns "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" and "In the Garden" are played in front of banners extolling God's love (one with the words, "Saved by Grace"). Produced by Denise Di Novi and Sparks, both of whom are Christians, it's nice to see a mainstream film unashamed of mentioning the name Jesus.

A pretty good film in some ways, The Lucky One relies on clichés and "romance" too much. Rated PG-13 partly for "some sexuality", it contains multiple sex scenes between the two unmarried leads. You're left asking: Was a shower scene really necessary? Beth and Logan's romance speaks to the emotional intimacy that happens when two people fall in love, but the amount of sexual content downplays his chivalry and distracts from their love story. The PG-13 rating also is due to violence (mostly due to the explosions and gunfights during Logan's time serving in Iraq).

IN THE END

The Lucky One is a familiar storyline that may pull on the heartstrings of devoted Nicholas Sparks fans. It goes too far in the "romance" department, making it inappropriate for young teenagers. Viewer discretion is advised.

For more reviews like this one, sign up to receive CBN.com's Entertainment email update.

Cementary Watchman

Maggie — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:59:43 GMT

My friend Kevin and I are volunteers at a National cemetery in Oklahoma and put in a few days a month in a 'slightly larger' uniform. Today had been a long, long day and I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's and have a cold one. Sneaking a look at my watch, I saw the time, 16:55. Five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day. Full dress was hot in the August sun Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever--the heat and humidity at the same level--both too high.

I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace.. An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed; she had a cane and a sheaf of flowers--about four or five bunches as best I could tell.

I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: 'She's going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier, my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get out of here right now!' But for this day, my duty was to assist anyone coming in.

Kevin would lock the 'In' gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make it to Smokey's in time.

I broke post attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight: middle-aged man with a small pot gut and half a limp, in marine full-dress uniform, which had lost its razor crease about thirty minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery.

I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint.

' Ma'am, may I assist you in any way? '

She took long enough to answer.

' Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days. '

' My pleasure, ma'am. ' (Well, it wasn't too much of a lie.)

She looked again. ' Marine, where were you stationed? '

' Vietnam, ma'am. Ground-pounder. '69 to '71. '

She looked at me closer. ' Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine. I'll be as quick as I can. '

I lied a little bigger: ' No hurry, ma'am. '

She smiled and winked at me. ' Son, I'm 85-years-old and I can tell a lie from a long way off.. Let's get this done.

Might be the last time I can do this. My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time. '

' Yes, ma 'am. At your service. '

She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the flower bunches out of my arm

and laid it on top of the stone. She murmured something I couldn't quite make out.. The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC: France 1918 .

She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone. I saw a tear slowly

tracking its way down her cheek. She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X.Davidson, USMC, 1943 .

She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone, Stanley J. Wieserman, USMC, 1944 ..

She paused for a second and more tears flowed. ' Two more, son, and we'll be done.'

I almost didn't say anything, but, ' Yes, ma'am. Take your time. '

She looked confused.. ' Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way. '

I pointed with my chin. ' That way, ma'am. '

'Oh!' she chuckled quietly. ' Son, me and old age ain't too friendly. '

She headed down the walk I'd pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted.

She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman, USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman, USMC, 1970 . She stood

there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out and more tears flowed.

' OK, son, I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home. '

Yes, ma'am. If I may ask, were those your kinfolk? '

She paused. ' Yes, Donald Davidson was my father, Stephen was my uncle, Stanley was my husband, Larry and Darrel were our sons. All killed in action, all Marines. '

She stopped! Whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know. She made her way to her car, slowly and

painfully. I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin, waiting by the car.

'Get to the 'Out' gate quick.. I have something I've got to do. '

Kevin started to say something, but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us there down the service road

fast. We beat her. She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet.

' Kevin, stand at attention next to the gatepost. Follow my lead. ' I humped it across the drive to the other post.'

When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called

in my best gunny's voice: ' TehenHut! Present Haaaarms! '

I have to hand it to Kevin; he never blinked an eye--full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud.

She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send-off she deserved, for service rendered

to her country, and for knowing duty, honor and sacrifice far beyond the realm of most.

I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac.

Instead of ' The End,' just think of ' Taps. '

As a final thought on my part, let me share a favorite prayer: ' Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether

they serve at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us. '

Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before in our thoughts. They are the reason for the

many freedoms we enjoy.

'In God We Trust.'

If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under!

~ author unknown

HELLO, READERS

Maggie — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:45:59 GMT

If you ever see any type of advertisement on this website, please disregard it. I try to stay on top of
this by deleting, but sometimes one gets through.
I shall never, knowingly, approve any type of advertisement. Thank you, take care, and God bless you always. Maggie

Wireless Skin Patch

Maggie — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:49:52 GMT

NOPE, NOT FOR ME --- BUT WE'LL EACH HAVE THE CHOICE.

Wireless skin patch developed to transmit medical info

By Randy Dotinga
HealthDay Reporter

THURSDAY, March 29 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers say they're designing patch-like devices to wirelessly transmit information about a person's vital health statistics, potentially freeing patients from the wires and sticky electrodes of electroencephalograms (EEGs) and electrocardiogram (EKGs).

The devices, currently envisioned to be more like a temporary tattoo than a medical patch, could conceivably measure heart activity and brain waves, said John Rogers, a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, who spoke about the new research at a conference this week.

"The big benefit would be the ability to continuously monitor health and wellness," Rogers said. "There's a lot of interest in personalized medicine and the quantified self, and hardware is key."

The research, however, is in the preliminary stages. It's not clear how much the devices would cost or how long it will take before they could be available. However, Rogers and colleagues have formed a company to bring the devices to the medical market.

The goal is to figure out how to measure something that the body is doing -- the actions of the heart, for instance -- and then transmit the information without the use of wires. The researchers also want to make devices that are more like tattoos, which closely follow the contours of the skin, than medical patches, which are more rigid and can irritate the skin, Rogers said.

The researchers think their devices "will bear a lot of similarities to kids' temporary transfer tattoos," he said. "That's the mental picture that you should have. Once it's on you, you don't know it's there anymore."

The patches in development are about an inch square, roughly the size of a stamp, he said. The plan is to install a transmission system that allows the patches to send out information wirelessly, a bit like the so-called RFID devices that set off alarms when customers leave stores without buying their merchandise.

The researchers are still putting all the parts together to build the devices.

They're experimenting with ways to make the devices stick to the skin and protect them from water, and they're exploring ways to send signals back and forth. That way, for example, a device could send information about the way that muscles are moving and send back instructions about stimulating the muscles.

There's even talk about putting the devices on internal medical equipment like the catheters used in heart surgery, allowing doctors to monitor how the procedures are progressing.

Another possible application is to use the devices to measure the hydration of the skin, potentially giving people the opportunity to figure out if their moisturizer is working properly. "It might go on your cheek for 10 seconds, and you get measurements of what's gong on with your skin and determines the kind of cream you might want to use," Brown said. "In that case, you want a device that's fully soft and skin-like. No one's going to put a full wire probe on their face."

Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, vice-chair of the department of biomedical engineering at Columbia University, in New York City, said it's too early to comment in depth on the research. Still, "I look forward to learning about details," she said. "The potential for this kind of technology is huge, and I am sure that the initial applications we can envision at this time will lead to the new ones. In particular, the combination of soft materials, wireless technologies and micro devices may bring measurements -- and interventions -- in the whole (body) to an entirely new level."

A report about the development of the patch-like device was scheduled for release Monday at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Diego. With research presented at medical meetings, the data and conclusions should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Does God Need a Co-Signer?

Maggie — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:37:55 GMT

Does God Need a Co-Signer?

Michael S. Heiser
Academic Editor, Bible Study Magazine

The Witness in the Clouds

We all know why co-signing a loan is required. The bank assumes that the person who is being loaned the money may not be able to repay it. Their commitment or ability is in question. In the Bible, God typically swears by His own character when entering a covenant since there is no one above Him who needs to co-sign the agreement (Hebrews 6:13). There is a fascinating exception to this in the book of Psalms.

Psalm 89:35–37 repeats the covenant between God and David from 2 Samuel 7 with an addendum at the end that is not found in 2 Samuel 7. I’ve italicized the key phrases and arranged the verses to show their parallelism, labeling them by letters:

A - I have sworn by my Holy One; A - And a witness in the clouds will be faithful.

B - I will not lie to David; B - It [David’s throne] shall be established forever like the moon

C - His descendants shall be forever C - His throne [his dynastic descendants] shall be as the sun before me.

God swears a covenant oath to David and promises that David’s descendants will forever have the right to sit on Jerusalem’s throne. This promise is guaranteed by an unidentified witness in the clouds (God’s “Holy One”). Why would God need someone to witness an agreement He initiated? Who in heaven (“the clouds”) has that authority?

It was common in polytheistic religions of the ancient world to have gods witness the covenant agreements made by other gods. But there are no other gods in Israel’s faith equal to or above the God of Israel. Yet Psalm 89 requires an equal to Yahweh who will uphold the covenant. Who is this witness in the heavens who will be faithful to the covenant of David’s eternal dynasty? Who will make sure God’s promise comes to pass and never fails?

The New Testament answers these questions in Revelation 1:4–5

John says to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

Jesus, as the son of David, has fulfilled the Davidic covenant of Psalm 89. Since the New Testament presents Jesus as true deity incarnate (true God in flesh), and equal in nature with the God of the Old Testament, Jesus fulfills the role of witness-guarantor eternally.

JOHN GLENN

Maggie — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:37:42 GMT

John Glenn's true hero*

For half a century, the world has applauded John Glenn as a
heart-stirring American hero. He lifted the nation's spirits when, as
one of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, he was blasted alone into
orbit around the Earth; the enduring affection for him is so powerful
that even now people find themselves misting up at the sight of his
face or the sound of his voice. But for all these years, Glenn has
had a hero of his own, someone who he has seen display endless courage of a different kind:

Annie Glenn
They have been married for 68 years.  He is 90; she turned 92 on Friday. This weekend there has been news coverage of the 50th anniversary of Glenn's flight into orbit. We are being reminded that, half a century down the line, he remains America's unforgettable hero.

He has never really bought that.  Because the heroism he most cherishes is of a sort that is seldom cheered. It belongs to the person he has known longer than he has known anyone else in
the world.

John Glenn and Annie Castor first knew each other when
-- literally - they shared a playpen.

In New Concord, Ohio, his parents and hers were friends. When the
families got together, their children played.

John -- the future Marine fighter pilot, the future test-pilot ace,
the future astronaut -- was pure gold from the start. He would end up having what it took to rise to the absolute pinnacle of American
regard during the space race; imagine what it meant to be the young John Glenn in the small confines of New Concord.

Three-sport varsity athlete, most admired boy in town,
Mr. Everything.

Annie Castor was bright, was caring, was talented, was generous
of spirit. But she could talk only with the most excruciating of
difficulty. It haunted her.

Her stuttering was so severe that it was categorized as an "85%"
disability -- 85% of the time, she could not manage to make words come out.

When she tried to recite a poem in elementary school, she was laughed at. She was not able to speak on the telephone. She could not have a regular conversation with a friend.

And John Glenn loved her.

Even as a boy he was wise enough to understand that people who could not see past her stutter were missing out on knowing a rare and wonderful girl.

They married on April 6, 1943. As a military wife, she found that life
as she and John moved around the country could be quite hurtful. She has written: "I can remember some very painful experiences --
especially the ridicule."

In department stores, she would wander unfamiliar aisles trying to
find the right section, embarrassed to attempt to ask the salesclerks
for help. In taxis, she would have to write requests to the driver,
because she couldn't speak the destination out loud. In restaurants,
she would point to the items on the menu.

A fine musician, Annie, in every community where she and John moved, would play the organ in church as a way to make new friends. She and John had two children; she has written: "Can you imagine living in the modern world and being afraid to use the telephone? 'Hello' used to be so hard for me to say.  I worried that my children would be injured and need a doctor. Could I somehow find the words to get the information across on the phone?"

John, as a Marine aviator, flew 59 combat missions in World War II and 90 during the Korean War. Every time he was deployed, he and Annie said goodbye the same way. His last words to her before leaving were:

"I'm just going down to the corner store to get a pack of gum."

And, with just the two of them there, she was able to always reply:

"Don't be long."

On that February day in 1962 when the world held its breath and the Atlas rocket was about to propel him toward space, those were their words, once again.

And in 1998, when, at 77, he went back to space aboard the shuttle
Discovery, it was an understandably tense time for them. What if
something happened to end their life together?

She knew what he would say to her before boarding the shuttle. He did -- and this time he gave her a present to hold onto:

A pack of gum.

She carried it in a pocket next to her heart until he was safely home.

Many times in her life she attempted various treatments to cure her
stutter. None worked.

But in 1973, she found a doctor in Virginia who ran an intensive
program she and John hoped would help her. She traveled there to
enroll and to give it her best effort. The miracle she and John had
always waited for at last, as miracles will do, arrived. At age 53,
she was able to talk fluidly, and not in brief, anxiety-ridden,
agonizing bursts.

John has said that on the first day he heard her speak to him with
confidence and clarity, he dropped to his knees to offer a prayer of
gratitude. He has written: "I saw Annie's perseverance and strength through the years and it just made me admire her and love her even more."

He has heard roaring ovations in countries around the globe for his own valor, but his awe is reserved for Annie, and what she accomplished: "I don't know if I would have had the courage."

Her voice is so clear and steady now that she regularly gives public
talks. If you are lucky enough to know the Glenns, the sight and sound of them bantering and joking with each other and playfully finishing each others' sentences is something that warms you and makes you thankful just to be in the same room.

Monday will be the anniversary of the Mercury space shot, and once again people will remember, and will speak of the heroism of Glenn the astronaut.

But if you ever find yourself at an event where the Glenns are
appearing, and you want to see someone so brimming with pride and love that you may feel your own tears start to well up, wait until the moment that Annie stands to say a few words to the audience.

And as she begins, take a look at her husband's eyes.

Protection

Maggie — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:28:10 GMT

I'm certain that most of you have heard most, if not all, of these before, but it's a good idea to read just to familiarize oneself again.

TWO DOZEN THINGS
YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week.. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house.. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.

14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake.. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

16. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

17. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

18. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

22. Never put the box of a new T.V., sound system, etc. out on the street for the trash to pick up. It's an invitation shouting that you now have it INSIDE you house.

23. Protection for you and your home: If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you..... WASP SPRAY

A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection. That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out. Maybe even save a life.

24. Put your CAR KEYS beside your bed at night, or in easy reach during the day.

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator.

The next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage.

If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime. It would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone, or in case one is working in the yard and have an emergency - letting someone know there's a problem.

Proverbs 30:5 - "Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection."
However, one's common sense should be applied in a vigorous way.

Movie Review of Act of Valor

Maggie — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:05:59 GMT

CHRISTIAN MOVIE REVIEW

Act of Valor

By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Senior Producer
CBN.com - Starring active duty Navy SEALs, Act of Valor gives audiences an innovative movie to experience this weekend at theaters across the nation. However, the film's uniqueness is disappointingly eclipsed by its predictability and offensive content.

THE MOVIE IN A MINUTE

An elite team of Navy SEALs is called into action when two CIA operatives are compromised during an operation in Central America. While on the mission, the SEAL team uncovers an internationally organized terror plot. Their new task is to track down and eliminate the threat before it is too late.

THE GOOD AND BAD IN ACT OF VALOR

Rated R for strong violence (including torture) and foul language (more than a few strong words, including variations of the f-word), Act of Valor doesn’t hold back on giving you a genuine look at what life is like for a member of this special operations force. Moviegoers should expect to see consistent violent action as the story unfolds. To say that blood is spilled is an understatement.

Knowing the very nature of this film explains, in some part, its R rating. These active Navy SEALs live and breathe intensity, and that reality isn’t missing from this movie. As former stuntmen, co-directors Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh have special insight into what makes a good action movie. On that note, they hit all the points. Convinced actors couldn’t pull off what real SEALs could, the directors worked with the "real" guys, all while keeping their identites secret (the SEALs aren't listed in the credits).

From a filmmaking standpoint, Act of Valor excels in some areas, while lacking in others. The cinematography is first-rate. Director of photography Shane Hurlbut, whose film credits include Terminator Salvation, captured the unending action well, making it a thrilling ride through each high-intensity sequence. It's when the striking explosions die down that you notice the movie is lacking.

Though Act of Valor has an intriguing storyline and a few ‘whoa’ moments, it is, in the end, predictable. More backstory on the SEALs and family, homefront tension would give moviegoers more reason to emotionally connect with this action-heavy film.

IN THE END

Act of Valor leaves you appreciating the dedication of these men and women – and their families. It reminds us of our need as citizens to thank them for their sacrifice. Is watching this movie the best way to do that? That’s your call.

Black-Eyed Peas

Maggie — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:19:35 GMT

I don't know about you, but I've been eating black-eyed peas every New Year's Day for luck. I received the following
from an e-pal, and thought it was great knowledge.

BLACK EYED PEAS - Now we know how it all started. I grew up with this belief, but did not know the reason. My mother always served black eyed peas on New Year's Day; she said it would bring good luck in the new year. I've carried this tradition forward but never knew the reason behind it.

Black Eyed Peas

The story of THE BLACK EYED PEA being considered good luck relates directly back to Sherman 's Bloody March to the Sea in late 1864. It was called The Savannah Campaign and was lead by Major General William T. Sherman. The Civil War campaign began on 11/15/64 when Sherman 's troops marched from the captured city of Atlanta , Georgia , and ended at the port of Savannah on 12/22/1864.

When the smoke cleared, the southerners who had survived the onslaught came out of hiding. They found that the blue belly aggressors that had looted and stolen everything of value and everything you could eat including all livestock, death and destruction were everywhere.

While in hiding, few had enough to eat, and starvation was now upon the survivors. There was no international aid, no Red Cross meal trucks. The Northern army had taken everything they could carry and eaten everything they could eat. But they couldn't take it all. The devastated people of the south found for some unknown reason that Sherman 's bloodthirsty troops had left silos full of black eyed peas.

At the time in the north, the lowly black eyed pea was only used to feed stock. The northern troops saw it as the thing of least value. Taking grain for their horses and livestock and other crops to feed themselves, they just couldn't take everything. So they left the black eyed peas in great quantities assuming it would be of no use to the survivors, since all the livestock it could feed had either been taken or eaten.

Southerners awoke to face a new year in this devastation and were facing massive starvation if not for the good luck of having the black eyed peas to eat. From New Years Day 1866 forward, the tradition grew to eat black eyed peas on New Year's Day for good luck.

How the Internet Got Started

Maggie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:52:38 GMT

HOW THE INTERNET GOT STARTED

Now it makes sense.

In ancient Israel, it came to pass that a trader by the name of Abraham

Com did take unto himself a young wife by the name of Dot.

And Dot Com was a comely woman, broad of shoulder and long of leg.

Indeed, she was often called Amazon Dot Com. And she said unto Abraham,  her husband, "Why dost thou travel so far from town to town with thy  goods when thou canst trade without ever leaving thy tent?"

 And Abraham did look at her as though she were several saddle bags  short of a camel load, but simply said, "How, dear?"

And Dot replied, "I will place drums in all the towns and drums in  between to send messages saying what you have for sale, and they will  reply telling you who hath the best price. And the sale can be made on  the drums and delivery made by Uriah's Pony Stable (UPS)."

Abraham thought long and decided he would let Dot have her way with the drums. And the drums rang out and were an immediate success.

 Abraham sold all the goods he had at the top price, without ever  having to move from his tent.

 To prevent neighbouring countries from overhearing what the drums were  saying, Dot devised a system that only she and the drummers knew. It was known as Must Send Drum Over Sound (MSDOS), and she also developed  a language to transmit ideas and pictures - Hebrew To The People  (HTTP).

 And the young men did take to Dot Com's trading as doth the greedy  horsefly take to camel dung. They were called Nomadic Ecclesiastical  Rich Dominican Sybarites, or NERDS.

 And lo, the land was so feverish with joy at the new riches and the deafening sound of drums that no one noticed that the real riches were going to that enterprising drum dealer, Brother William of Gates, who bought off every drum maker in the land. And, indeed, did insist on drums to be made that would work only with Brother Gates' drumheads and  drumsticks.

 And Dot did say, "Oh, Abraham, what we have started is being taken  over by others." And Abraham looked out over the Bay of Ezekiel, or  eBay as it came to be known.

He said, "We need a name that reflects what we are". Dot replied,  "Young Ambitious Hebrew Owner-Operators." "YAHOO," said Abraham. Because it was Dot's idea, they named it YAHOO Dot Com.

Abraham's cousin, Joshua, being the young Gregarious Energetic Educated  Kid (GEEK) that he was, soon started using Dot's drums to locate things around the countryside.

It soon became known as God's Own Official Guide to Locating  Everything (GOOGLE). That is how it all began.

SO, OKAY, IT'S REALLY NOT 'NEWS', BUT I BET YOU ENJOYED READING IT !!!

Eat That Mint

Maggie — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:51:35 GMT

MINT: it helps keep you in mint condition

Mint is a 'Cancer Crusader'. It contains limonene, a powerful anti-cancer agent that studies suggest can block the development of cancer cells and also can shrink them. (~ Ritva Butrum, Ph. D., vice president of research at the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C.) Limonene hinders cancer cells from utilizing a protein that they need
to survive.

Mint also packs another cancer fighter - luteolin, which may inhibit the production of inflammatory compounds linked with the development of cancer.

Dr. Butrum also says, "Our best insurance is eating a wide variety of plant-based foods, including herbs such as mint."

The Daniel Rodriguez Story

Maggie — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:51:53 GMT

The Daniel Rodriguez Story

By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

Daniel Rodriguez, the 2011 Southern Pigskin Person of the Year, is a grown man embracing life with the passion of a child.

Struck by the news of his father's sudden death, Daniel Rodriguez closed his eyes in sorrow just a few days after graduating from high school. He later opened them in horror in the middle of a deadly battle with Taliban fighters. What happened in between was a blur.

There are now two Daniel Rodriguez's. One, a battle-hardened veteran with more memories than his mind can hold. The other, a young man eager to pick up where he once left off. A shell of what he has done, a silhouette of what he can be; Rodriguez is caught squarely between what was and what's next. As the names of eight inscribed on a bracelet suggest, he always will be.

At 20 years old, Rodriguez was making his second tour of duty overseas. He had first helped spearhead the Baghdad surge, surviving a welcome of IED blasts and random gunfire to his chosen occupation. He spent 12 months in Iraq, circling city streets in days that would demand 16-18 hours of armed patrol. The task was tedious and tense, unforgiving and unnerving. It was just the beginning of things to come.

After a little over a year back home in the states, Rodriguez's unit, Bravo troop 3/61, was again called to duty. The encore destination was Afghanistan, specifically the country's eastern mountain ranges along the Pakistan border. There, the circumstances were quite different. As the Army's northernmost Afghani extension, the unit operated outside of the parameters of traditional reach. These were troops dropped into obscurity, where survival tactics and keen senses were as critical as a rifle. Men were taken deep into the wilderness and even further back in time. The soldiers lived and functioned within the terrain. Basics like food, shelter and shower were fluid luxuries.

"The only things we received were water and ammo, that's it," Rodriguez recalled. "We were on our own for everything else."

A mere-classroom of people quite honestly overshadowed and overwhelmed by their surroundings, the unit would soon endure one of the most trying exchanges in modern U.S. history. A collection of boys from back home found their greatest fears brought to reality in the bloodiest battle of the Afghan engagement. Rodriguez was one of over 30 U.S. troops suddenly overrun by a Taliban force close to 400 strong in an area so far behind enemy lines that fixed-wing aircover was 30 minutes away. With communication hubs that were destroyed, vague logistical information and odds that would make any denominator tremble, the life of this Virginia-native would soon change forever.

The day of October 3rd, 2009, Daniel's sister Veronica woke up with horrible nightmares, covered in cold sweats. Rodriguez himself was the lone soldier up before dawn, waking and trekking 300 meters across camp to the lone computer within the base wire. There he planned to open his inbox and check email messages. Rodriguez, instead, opened the front door straight to hell.

Settled in a valley between mountain high ground, Rodriguez and his peers were hit with full-circle gunfire, rockets and mortars. The former high school football star at Stafford High School in Virginia, who was clocked at 4.55 in the forty yard dash, had to sprint back to position in the pitch black dark. Bullets hit around him like raindrops from above. Each splash was a cadre of lead ricochets into a million deadly shards. No strangers to fighting or surprise attacks, the unit dug in. Accustomed to short battles, though, just over two dozen troops aimed high and shot from the difficult position of surrounded-and-outmanned.

Rodriguez expected fierce fire. This, however, was different.

Bursts that normally subsided after a half-hour only continued and increased in rate of fire. As information was gathered piece by piece, it became clear that this was an invasion of hundreds, from all sides, to the isolated position. A world away from reinforcements, and cut off from communications, the situation quickly became dire. The only option was one that offered a clear line of demarcation: life or death.

The enemy was relentless as they advanced on the makeshift outpost. Gunfire spread through the camp along with a wave of grave concern as to what might be. The objective of the atypically large native force was to gain control over a critical supply route in the region. Rodriguez's unit had little protection from the onslaught, the cover of the night sky ultimately serving as one equalizer in the chaos.

"I thought at times that this was going to be it," he reflected.

As hours crept by and turned to days, footsteps replaced mortar fire as the enemy broached camp lines. The Taliban had overrun what meager boundary was in place and a unit one-tenth the size of its' attacker was under direct siege. Falling bodies blended into a whirlwind of sights that should never be seen, noises that shouldn't be heard. As Rodriguez scrambled for clarity, anything within reach was a resource.

"At one point I had to crawl to my buddy's body and get his weapon," he remembered of the fighting. "I went through so much ammo it was crazy."

The trauma mounted. Rodriguez was hit with shrapnel in his legs and neck and was pierced with a bullet fragment through the shoulder. From a psychological standpoint, he had seen his friends fall. Despite the wounds, he fought on. Throughout an 18-hour fight at the Battle of Kamdesh, Rodriguez served his country and those around him in the face of unspeakable adversity. Chronicled that day was a story of him sprinting across the camp after one of his peers had fallen.

The scene was so devastating that twice the unit called for a "full winchester" over the radio. The army's request for direct, extreme on-target bombing, such a move is considered a last-ditched effort in battle. Only three times during the entire Afghan tour was that call made. Bombs soon were dropped right on top of the madness, with American troops huddled in their barracks amidst hope and prayer.

"I thought the shockwaves were going to kill me," Rodriguez explained. "I just held on."

Nearly three full days after he got up a bit earlier than his peers so he could use the computer, the fighting ceased. Eight Americans laid dead. Over 20 were seriously wounded. This was a battered and bruised unit that wouldn't need to roll up their sleeves to reveal their battle scars. Rodriguez, in fact, would go onto wear his just beneath.

Once the adrenaline had dried out of his system, moments of deep reflection rushed in. Though barely old enough to buy a Budweiser, this feeling was nothing new for Rodriguez. The setting was one world away; the sickness, however, hit home.

Four days after his high school graduation, Daniel was shot right in the chest by a single telephone call that completely changed his life. His father Ray had suffered a heart attack and died. The news was a devastating blow for a young man with dreams of college and continuing his athletic career. Rodriguez was a standout football player, having starred as a receiver and defensive back in the Commonwealth's highest classification. A young man confused and full of questions, he opted instead for a different path. Seeking guidance, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.

"I remember my dad telling me, 'don't go into the infantry' and of course I did," Rodriguez sighed with a grin.

Then came two tours of duty overseas, a Bronze Star with Valor and a Purple Heart. More than all, came the memories of eight brothers-in-arms; fallen heroes who now rest on a silver bracelet on Rodriguez's wrist. They live in his words. Stories of battle, tales of friendship, memories of life and all that comes with it. As he uses them for perspective, Rodriguez is now using them for direction.

Just a few short years ago his home base in Colorado had received tentative news of his death. The now 24-year old has instead remarkably overcome his wounds and is training six hours a day in order to realize a childhood dream of playing college football. Just 140 pounds as a senior in high school, Rodriguez now stands 180 pounds and carries the mental toughness no workout can provide. He craves the team unity, longs for the competition of the game. More so, he has a commitment to uphold.

"I told one of the guys over there," Rodriguez said looking at his wrist, "that I would go play college football."

Talking with the young man, you can tell the sport has a special place in his heart. Recollections of his high school career, speculation into his future, spark a change in his demeanor that should come with streamers and a birthday cake. A smile so wide bursts from within that his cheeks tug at the corners of his eyes. Ask him about playing college football and Rodriguez's face brightens and he starts shaking his head, as if he can't believe this second chance is his.

Rodriguez has been contacted by both Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech and Mike London at Virginia. Various other schools have taken notice including Georgia Southern and Oklahoma State. Rodriguez is keeping his options open. He is excelling in his classes at the community college and is eligible to transfer to a school of his choice. His tuition will be covered in full by the G.I. Bill.

The story, still unfinished, is one of a true American hero. Despite the medals and ribbons, Rodriguez doesn't see it that way.

"The guys who didn't come back are the heroes," Rodriguez insisted.

Moving forward, making a college football team is the next challenge in a life that has thrived at overcoming them. Rodriguez can now, at least on his good days, act his age. Hunting and fishing are two of his favorite pastimes. An outdoorsman with a true appreciation of all that he does, he is approaching his time with a strong vigor and zeal. Opportunity, consider yourself forewarned; Rodriguez will taking full advantage of any and all he can find.

"Daniel is an inspiration. He wears more than the tattoo and his heart on his sleeve. He's made up of courage, which comes from his faith," explained country music star Rodney Atkins, who saw Rodriguez's YouTube video and was immediately taken aback. "He's lived in the Lion's Den and now he is unstoppable. I believe God has an incredible plan for Daniel's life."

From the tragedy of his father through the calamity of war, this is a full-grown man embracing life with the passion of a child. The 2011 SouthernPigskin.com Person of the Year continues to work towards a roster spot at the college level, nine men train with him in his mind. Years after an unexpected detour, life is next on the schedule. Two different stories are finally meshing into one.

Four days after graduation, Daniel Rodriguez's world stopped. Consider this his day five.

Buy American in 2012

Maggie — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:11:53 GMT

Buy American in 2012

by Roger Simmermaker

1. Cotton Swabs

Don't call them Q-Tips. The Q-Tips brand is made in America , but guess what? The company that owns the brand isn't American at all. The name of the company is called Unilever (ever seen Lever 2000 soap?), which is a joint venture between England and The Netherlands . An American alternative would be the CVS or Walgreen's brand, which are both made in USA as well for about the same price. Both CVS and Walgreen's are American-owned companies and are based in the United States .

2. Deodorant

Suave and Dove are both owned by Unilever, so the profits go overseas and the taxes are paid overseas to foreign governments when you buy either of these brands. Want an American brand to buy and save money, too? Go to the Dollar Tree store and buy the Speed Stick brand for $1 each, which is made in USA by American-owned Colgate-Palmolive. If you drop five or ten dollars, you won't have to go back to the store for this item anytime soon.

3. Bath Soap

Irish Spring sounds like it might be foreign, but it's actually an American brand made in the United States . Ivory soap is American, too. Jergens is made in America, but Jergens is owned by a Japanese company. Think of it like this: Just like a Toyota made in the U.S. is still a Japanese car, a bar of Jergens soap made in the U.S. is still a Japanese soap. Dial is owned by a German company.

4. Mustard

French's mustard isn't French. It's owned by the British. Grey Poupon sounds like it might be foreign, but it's owned by an American company, and is made in America .

5. Pasta sauce

Did you know Ragu is owned by Unilever, the foreign-owned company we learned about in examples one and two? Prego is an American brand owned by the Campbell Soup Company, and is made in the United States .

6. Disinfectant

Lysol and Clorox are both effective disinfectants and there is little if any price difference between the two, but only one is American owned. Lysol used to be owned by Kodak, but Kodak sold it to a British company in 1995. Clorox is American owned.

7. Coffee

Two of the most popular brands in the United States are Maxwell House and Taster's Choice, but only one is owned by a company based in the United States . Taster's Choice is made by Switzerland-based Nestle Ð the largest food company in the world. Maxwell House is an American brand. The coffee beans for both brands are imported, however. For truly American coffee from tree to cup (the beans come from Hawaii ) check out the USA Coffee Company at www.USACoffeeCompany.com. MY HUSBAND AND I DRINK COMMUNITY COFFEE, MADE IN MY HOMETOWN, IN THE U.S.A.

8. Cosmetics

Revlon is an American-owned company and many (not all) of their products are made in the United States. Maybelline was American-owned until 1996 when French-owned L'Oreal bought the company for $758 million. Mary Kay is also an American-owned company.

9. Bottled water

Now that we know the French own at least one brand many probably thought was American owned, what other popular brands are owned by companies based in France ? You might be surprised to know that Dannon bottled water (and other Dannon products like yogurt) are French owned. Aquafina (owned by Pepsi) and Dasani (owned by Coca-Cola) are American brands.

10. Peanut Butter

They say choosy mothers choose Jif. Choosy patriotic Americans choose Jif, too, because Jif is American-owned. Skippy is owned by our favorite foreign brand Unilever.

11. Apparel

Why shop at Wal-Mart and buy foreign-made t-shirts when you can buy American-made t-shirts from All American Clothing Company (www.AllAmericanClothing.com) where they use 100% U.S.-grown cotton for just $7.99. Are the shirts in Wal-Mart that much cheaper? I have to admit I don't know because I don't shop there. But I do know Wal-Mart is the biggest seller of Chinese-made goods on the planet.

Okay, I had to give another example because this is probably the best one, and since winter is still here, we might be adding some hot chocolate to our shopping cart at the supermarket. Swiss Miss is American owned, but Carnation is owned by the Swiss.

The good news is that the more we buy American-owned and American-made products, the more powerful and positive impact we will have on the U.S. economy. And the even better news is we can usually do it without any extra cost or inconvenience to the consumer. Awareness is the key.

About the Author: Roger Simmermaker

Roger Simmermaker is the author of How Americans Can Buy American: The Power of Consumer Patriotism and writes "Buy American Mention of the Week" articles for his website www.howtobuyamerican.com and WorldNetDaily.com.

Roger has been a frequent guest on Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC, and has been quoted in the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Business Week among many other publications.

How Americans Can Buy American

Post Office Box 780839

Orlando, Florida 32878-0839

Tel: 1-888-US OWNED (1-888-876-9633)

Emergency Backup: 407-234-4626

Email the Author: Roger Simmermaker

Web: http://www.howtobuyamerican.com

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By Hannah GoodwynCBN.com Senior Producer

Cementary Watchman

HELLO, READERS

Wireless Skin Patch

NOPE, NOT FOR ME --- BUT WE'LL EACH HAVE THE CHOICE.Wireless skin patch developed to transmit medical info

Does God Need a Co-Signer?

Does God Need a Co-Signer?

JOHN GLENN

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Movie Review of Act of Valor

Act of Valor

By Hannah GoodwynCBN.com Senior Producer CBN.com - Starring active duty Navy SEALs, Act of Valor gives audiences an innovative movie to experience this weekend at theaters across the nation. However, the film's uniqueness is disappointingly eclipsed by its predictability and offensive content.

Black-Eyed Peas

How the Internet Got Started

Eat That Mint

The Daniel Rodriguez Story

The Daniel Rodriguez Story

By BJ BennettSouthernPigskin.com

Buy American in 2012

By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Senior Producer

NOPE, NOT FOR ME --- BUT WE'LL EACH HAVE THE CHOICE.

Wireless skin patch developed to transmit medical info

By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Senior Producer
CBN.com - Starring active duty Navy SEALs, Act of Valor gives audiences an innovative movie to experience this weekend at theaters across the nation. However, the film's uniqueness is disappointingly eclipsed by its predictability and offensive content.

By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com