Sunday, November 14, 2010

Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Family Album - - Photos

 
Ethan as photographed by his brother Josiah.

 
Jimmy took these shots of the boys helping me put up a new flag.

 
We've had this flag pole since moving back to Lucy Circle in the early '90s.

 
"Bug" and his helpers.
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Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Family Album

 
"Bug" working on "Da Bleat" (a Jimmy Malone Photo)

 
Dusty getting his Murphy Award

 
Clarence, Bobbie and Annette at Dusty's Murphy Award Presentation.

 
Royce and Sim at men’s fellowship
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Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Family Album

 
Brother Steve Marshall at our latest MCC Men’s Fellowship

 
Pat Antoon and Lee Mills at our latest MCC Men’s Fellowship

 
Keith Burton at our latest MCC Men’s Fellowship.

 
Stephen Burton at our latest MCC Men’s Fellowship.
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Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Family Album

 
Ethan enjoys ice cream at Mamaws.

 
We took advantage of WalMarts early "Black Friday" sale last Saturday and brought home a new 42" TV. It's like sitting on the front row at the Drive-In.

 
Annette is a longtime supporter of "Hanna House" and was eager to fill a table at their annual support Banquet. Here're are our guests Quinton & Pam at the Hanna House dinner.

 
Royce Prince at the Hanna House Dinner.
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Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Family Album

 
Calvester & Joann at the Hanna House dinner.

 
GiGi and Annette at the Hanna House dinner.

 
Hanna House entertainment.

 
Amanda Franks at the Hanna House dinner.
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Bug's Bleat - - GCF: Family Album

Volume 12, Issue 45 Friday, November 12, 2010

Hello All,

It’s been a long six months since May 5. I won’t bore you with all the details but I’ve been sick since suffering a virus induced bout of congestive heart failure. I finally started feeling better the last of October. Thanks to Dr. Ozman and Dr. Smart in Little Rock, my six month battle with "Montezuma's revenge" seems to be over. Now the problem is my appetite has come back. Have to find a way to quit gaining back the weight I lost since May.
~~~~~
Jimmy and Vanessa have moved to Taylor and are starting a work in Magnolia. Josiah is in First Grade and Ethan is at home with him Momma. Now that our daughter’s family is living in our favorite town, we were glad to see that the “Taylor Reality” is in the news: Emerson-Taylor School District. - STAFF REPORTS Banner-News - The Office for Educational Policy, a reporting agency of the University of Arkansas, recently released its Report Card on Arkansas Public Schools and it included good news for the Emerson-Taylor School District.
Based on the results of the 2010 administration of the Arkansas Benchmark Exams the, report lists the OEP's awards for high achieving schools in a statewide overall comparison and by region. The Emerson-Taylor district was recognized for excellence in a number of categories.
~~~~~
Annette and I are against pushing Christmas into October. We don’t want to see Christmas decorations or hear Christmas songs till after Thanksgiving. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t start shopping early. Historically, the McClellan’s (mainly Annette) have started Christmas shopping on December 26 and continued all year long, looking for special presents and “deals.”
This was originally out of necessity when we were young marrieds and had to save up for a year to go to the drive-in on dollar night. We didn’t have much money after paying bills each payday so Annette got in the habit of putting items on layaway and finding discounted toys and such. This enabled her to purchase a “Cabbage Patch” doll in August for Vanessa’s Christmas one year. Those dolls became hugely popular as the Christmas season approached and by the first of December I was being offered obscene amounts of money from desperate dads if I would part with Vanessa’s present. (I didn’t sell her doll... Annette wouldn’t let me.)
So this year, I wasn’t surprised to find out that Vanessa and Annette had already ordered my Christmas presents from Amazon.com ... using my account. I found out about the purchase when I got an email from Amazon listing “my” items that were shipping.
~~~~~
Be afraid, be very afraid! I've noticed over the last week or so that government "authorities", news commentators and others have started discussing the "Trillions" of dollars that the government isn't getting from the taxpayers. These dollars don't get into the U.S. treasury due to such problems as ... DEDUCTIONS, and UNTAXED ACTIVITIES. These folks are AGHAST that there is money in peoples accounts out there instead of in the US treasury.
The Bush Tax Cuts are described as “taking over a Trillion dollars from the government.” Humm ... I thought that taxes TOOK money from citizens. I didn’t know that lower taxes TOOK money from the government. When did the Government take ownership of the money in my savings account and wallet? Am I just borrowing from the feds?
...
Be afraid. Be very very afraid.
~
One of my favorite class of ‘69 mates, Janet Holiman Dickinson, commented on the above thoughts. ... "One more thing. All those earmarks? Why not leave that money in our pockets and let each of our individual states decide how we need the money to be used, rather than the Feds taking it and deciding who will get how much and for what it can be used?"
~
Wait now Janet. You’re advocating that the feds tax us LESS? And allow the SOVEREIGN states to decide whether they need to go to the citizens for the money to complete projects?
... How did you become such a RADICAL!
~
Ricci Leever Black - “The taxpayer—that's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.” Ronald Reagan
~
Norma Kay Rowe - The federal government knows how to break your legs, hand you a crutch, and then say, 'If it weren't for the government, you wouldn't be able to walk
~~~~~
In this month’s elections, I was 2.5 for 6 (of the candidates I gave active support to.) But I guess that’s as good as or better than Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, etc.
The one that hurts the most is Trevor Drown’s third place showing in the US Senate race. He is the best person for the job and deserved many more votes than he received.
He and his supporters worked hard. His appeal to folks to make a difference was the right thing for our State and Nation. However, I have to face the facts that our present system doesn’t favor Honor, Integrity and Values. It favors those with money.
I won't ever look at the two party system the same again. From here on out, I'll probably go with the independent whenever I can.
~~~~~
If you’d like to know why many unqualified and downright “bad” folks get elected to public office, I suggest the book “Proofiness: The Dark Arts of Mathematical Deception,” by Charles Seife. [# ISBN-10: 0670022160, # ISBN-13: 978-0670022168] This book explores the many ways we misunderstand simple mathematical terms—confusing average, for example, with typical—and our natural tendency to treat numbers as truth and to see patterns where none exist. It should be required reading for . . . well, for everyone.
~~~~~
Speaking of the elections, some of you know that I have a host of “McClellan Plans” to make all our lives better. One is to do away with elections and pick our representatives by lottery from among those who pay taxes. If picked, you’d serve one term (as Congressman, Senator, President, Supreme Court Justice, etc.) and then be exempt the rest of your life.
Think about it. Could we do any worse than the folks currently doing those jobs? O.K. Maybe we wouldn’t fill jobs like Supreme Court by lottery, but any elected office would probably do better with a person chosen by chance instead of PAC money.
(Apologies to Robert Anson Heinlein)
~
Democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried. Sir Winston Churchill
~~~~~
Are you happy with the cost of fuel these days? SANDY SHORE The Associated Press had a column, “No happy holidays at the pump” in the Banner News. She reports; “There's one place holiday shoppers probably won't find a bargain this year: At the gas pump. There is plenty of oil and gasoline on hand, and pump prices usually fall this time of year. So what's causing the run-up? Most analysts point to the Federal Reserve's $600 billion economic stimulus effort.”
She goes on to explain that the Fed’s decision to dump another boatload of “funny money” into the economy has further devalued the dollar and caused the price we pay for foreign oil to go up. Ergo, the price of gasoline will go up (along with tons of other stuff that we get from overseas.)
~
Oh yeah, and at the same time our "fed" is printing "funny money" to devalue our money (so foreign products will be more expensive. The deficit reduction folks suggest doing away with the social security COLA so all of us on SS can just wither away. Hey! That's a "two fer." We cut the deficit and get rid of all that old dead weight on the social security rolls (by starving them out). That will save healthcare dollars too!
~~~~~
Speaking of debt reduction, I wrote the following to our senators and representatives this week.
~
I am using this form letter to write and respectfully ask that you carefully consider the implications of increasing the current Federal dividend tax rate. While one of my major concerns is the HUGE federal, state and local deficits, it's my belief that we MUST combine MAJOR spending cuts with thoughtful, considered, tax increases. And using the matra "TAX THE RICH" is neither thoughtful nor considered.
~~~~~
Amanda Bowen Franks - When you choose the lesser of two evils you are still choosing evil.
~
Amanda Bowen Franks - Our success will be dependent on one thing, that is our integrity.
~
Marc Alexander - A PACIFIST is someone who won't raise his hand to defend himself. A COWARD is someone who won't raise his hand to defend someone else.
~
Brody Hubbard - I was going to take over the world today but couldn't reach the buckles on the back of this darn coat!
~
Brody Hubbard - Everyone keeps saying that I am short, but when I stand up my feet touch the ground just fine...
~
Chuck Jackson - Bathtubs kill more people than do guns. Cars kill more people than do guns. If the Democrats hold true to form and we don’t vote them out, we might just end up unemployed, dirty, on foot, and unprotected. Not a pretty picture.
~
Dorothy Schaufler Stone - It's better to stand up for what's right, even if we have to stand alone.
~
Jimmy Malone - I am scared when people flatter me. Those who give much praise for little reason can also give much grief for little reason.
~
Jimmy Malone - I think we should elect candidates who will eliminate paperwork. That's change I can believe in.
~
Kit Lange - If people spent half as much effort showing their loved ones courtesy as they do to strangers, there would be a lot more happy families.
~
Kit Lange - What is it about resolve that melts in darkness, and pain that magnifies in silence?
~
Michael Maris - "Yea though I walk through the valley"... I walk THROUGH the valley, I do not live there.
~
Michael Yon - Balance of Power? Why should we want an even playing field between India and Pakistan? Pakistan exports terrorism. India does not. Pakistan is sliding backward. India is moving forward. India is a natural partner with the United States. Pakistan will stab us in the back.
~
Norma Kay Rowe Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are
~
Robert Lyons - With federal spending up 246% since 1970 and median household income up 30%, we need real change. The way to drive up family income is to create jobs and make employers compete for workers. The way to stagnate and destroy is to drive up taxes. Go America, Go!
~
Robert Lyons - Reports say that Obama's trip to Mumbai, India will cost taxpayers $200 million dollars a day - come to think of it, that's much less than the President’s been spending here. So maybe it's not a bad thing he's leaving. (Borrowed from Mike Huckabee, thanks!)
~
Robert Lyons - "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the Gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."
~
I'll fish 'til the money's gone ... then I'll fish for food.
~
Politicians are like diapers; they need to be changed often and for the same reason. Mark Twain
~~~~~
A smart "Talking Head" said that the Republicans should "under promise" and "over deliver." Wise words if you want a Republican President in two years.
~~~~~
As a proponent of “VOLUNTARY” use of low energy bulbs, I decided to pass the FACTS on CFL bulbs along to y’all. CFL Bulb Fire Risk - Claim: CFL bulbs pose a significant fire risk with ordinary use. - FALSE -
Origins: We first spotted this warning about a fire hazard associated with CFL bulbs (accompanied by a photo of a bulb made by Globe Electric, a firm which has its head office in Montreal but which manufactures its light bulbs in China) in April 2010. In its original form, the heads-up being circulated said "I bought these at Canadian Tire or Wal-Mart," a statement that places the item's purchase point in Canada, in that while Globe does vend its CFL bulbs at Wal-Marts in Canada, it does not do so at Wal-Marts in the U.S. Later versions of the e-mail elided mention of the Canadian hardware chain, thereby leading readers to assume the bulb had been purchased in the U.S.
CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) don't burn out the way incandescent light bulbs do. Instead, as they near the ends of their lives, they grow dimmer. While some CFL bulbs merely stop emitting light when they finally quit working, others kick the bucket with a dramatic "pop"! sound and then vent a distinct odor. A few even release a bit of smoke at their termination. Sometimes the bases of the bulbs turn black. This seemingly cataclysmic reaction has to do with the breakdown of the bulb's ballast, which is contained in the part of the bulb that is screwed into the socket. As the bulb ages and degrades, so does its ballast. Yet as scary as odors, smoke, and even blackening of the base of the bulb might be, these lamps are fireproof and are meant to fail safely at the end of their lives.
John Drengenberg, consumer affairs manager at Underwriters Laboratories (UL), said about how CFLs expire: "People expect to see the bright flash and to hear the popping like a traditional incandescent bulb, but the burn out of a CFL is different. The light dims over time and might produce a more dramatic pop, emit a distinct odor, and maybe even release some smoke."
National Geographic's Green Guide says of CFLs: "Bulbs burn out when the ballast overheats and an electronic component, the Voltage Dependent Resistor (VDR), opens up like a fuse in your home's fuse box, shutting off the circuit and generating heat and possibly a small amount of smoke. This might sound dangerous, but the VDR is a cut-off switch that prevents any hazards. The melted plastic you're seeing where the glass coil connects to the ballast is simply a sign that the heat is escaping as intended in the design of the bulb."
In a nutshell, healthy CFL bulbs may emit a bit of smoke and smell and have burnt-looking bases when they die, but that's as it should be — there's no fire danger to any of that, and indeed the bulbs are functioning properly when they act that way.
However, flames shooting out the side of a bulb is not the way things should be. It needs be kept in mind that any electrical device can malfunction, either through manufacturing defects or as a result of misuse by consumers. Says Globe of the bulb in the photo, "As for this particular incident, the mention of flames/fire in the story is certainly outside of the norm and as such we would encourage the consumer to bring the bulb to their local fire marshal and/or safety authority to further investigate."
There have so far been no reported or confirmed cases of fire involving Globe-branded CFLs. In October 2010, however, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of the Chinese-manufactured Trisonic brand of CFL bulbs due to "four reports of incidents, including two fires that resulted in minor property damage."

The URL for this page is http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/cflbulb.asp
Urban Legends Reference Pages © 1995-2010 by Barbara and David P. Mikkelson.

Sources:
Carpenter, Mackenzie. "Flicker of Change."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 4 April 2007 (p. C1).

Hamilton, Tyler. "Future Is Dim for Light Bulb."
The Toronto Star. 19 April 2007 (p. A1).

Watson, Tom. "Now You're Out of Excuses — Time to Switch to CFL Bulbs."
The Seattle Times. 3 March 2007 (p. I4).
~~~~~
America Recycles Day nears - On Monday, the U.S. will mark America Recycles Day, encouraging citizens to buy recycled products and recycle. As part of this, the American Chemistry Council will appear on many morning news shows and host a plastic-bag-recycling event in Richmond, Va. Earth911.com [http://earth911.com/news/2010/11/01/america-recycles-day-is-on-the-way/] (11/01)
~~~~~
Analysis: Dow stands to make huge gains from solar-market entry
Dow Chemical is expecting to reap $1 billion in revenue from its solar shingles by 2015, and the marketing of the product is expected to propel the company into the lucrative solar market. "Obviously, looking at where energy prices are today and the high-double-digit growth rate that solar's been exhibiting, it's clearly a product that should have appeal," said a chemical analyst with Alembic Global Advisors. Dow plans to introduce the product by 2011 and is expected to scale up production of the shingle during the same year. Reuters [http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6A35WX20101104]
~~~~~
Public perception could trump science on BPA, says lawyer - Attorney Eric Greenberg has provided updates on the status of policies that could significantly affect the plastics industry, including those pertaining to bisphenol A and the proposed Food Safety Modernization Act. Despite a lack of scientific consensus on the health risk of BPA, negative public perception could force businesses to seek substitutes for the plastic hardener, Greenberg argued. Meanwhile, the Food Safety Modernization Act will likely be approved without a provision on BPA, the debate over which has caused the bill to stall in the Senate, Greenberg added. Packaging World [http://www.packworld.com/news-30773]
~
WHO panel: BPA not accumulating in the body; bans are premature - National bisphenol A bans like Canada's are premature because evidence that it affects human health is not conclusive, according to the World Health Organization. Traces of BPA in humans are very low, and this shows that "BPA is not accumulated in the body and is rapidly eliminated through urine," the agency said in a report. "The WHO expert panel reaffirms that consumer exposure to low levels of BPA do not accumulate and are rapidly eliminated from the body [and] that no public health measures are appropriate at this time," said Steven Hentges of the American Chemistry Council. Gazette (Montreal), The [http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Canada+curbs+premature+panel/3809649/story.html] (11/10), Google/Agence France-Presse [http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5heIrvga2MlGRBCaly6X6pit7DffA?docId=CNG.003c06434b83e46dca5d95fb4df7cf8e.341] (11/10), PlasticsNews.com [http://www.plasticsnews.com/headlines2.html?id=20289] (11/10)
~~~~~
EPA hits back at Barton for complaining about costs of Clean Air Act - Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, failed to consider the projected benefits of the Clean Air Act when he criticized the financial costs of its implementation, according to Lisa Jackson, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. "EPA's common-sense steps to implement the Clean Air Act result in much greater economic value than cost to Americans," Jackson wrote in a letter to Barton. The Hill/E2 Wire blog [http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/128267-epa-chief-previewing-2011-battles-strikes-back-at-house-gop-critics]
~~~~~
Which Has More Carbs? - [http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/quiz/showQuiz.html?quizId=37&utm_source=Foodstuff-20101109&utm_medium=eNewsletter&utm_content=Foodstuff-newsletter&utm_campaign=dLife-eNewsletter]
~~~~~
10 Small Steps To Better Diabetes Management - [http://www.dlife.com/photoGallery/viewGallery.php?albumId=233&utm_source=Update-20101112&utm_medium=eNewsletter&utm_content=Update-newsletter&utm_campaign=dLife-eNewsletter]
~~~~~
10 Ways to Carve Thanksgiving Carbs - [http://www.dlife.com/photoGallery/viewGallery.php?albumId=194&photoId=131&utm_source=Foodstuff-20101102&utm_medium=eNewsletter&utm_content=Foodstuff-newsletter&utm_campaign=dLife-eNewsletter]
~~~~~
Take Steps to Conquer Complications - [http://www.dlife.com/photoGallery/viewGallery.php?albumId=249&utm_source=Update-20101105-A&utm_medium=eNewsletter&utm_content=Update-newsletter&utm_campaign=dLife-eNewsletter]
~~~~~
Polar Express Comes to Life, PALESTINE, Texas [http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/video/091224-polar-express-reenactment?CMP=201011_emailshare]
Departing the Palestine Depot Nov & Dec For more information visit our website. [http://www.texasstaterr.com/events.php#polar]
~~~~~
I did what I was told to do and set my clocks back. Now they are so far back on the shelf, I can't see the crazy things!! "Does anybody really know what time it is??"
Hey, that would make a terrific song, I think!
:0) Thanks to Steve Whalen
~~~~~
Don't burn pine straw [http://www.pinestrawinfo.com/]
~~~~~
Check out Wallace and Grommitt's YouTube channel - [http://www.youtube.com/user/aardman]
~~~~~
Paul Troquille in Tanzania sent us the following update on - Leadership Training International - Today’s devotion was in Kiburundi translated to Kiswahili and then to English. - THE STORY OF JOSEPHAT JACOB MROSSO - He was saved in 2009. He suffered for many years in poverty as a witch doctor. He was told that was what he was supposed to be because that was his heritage. But in his heart he longed for a better life and then one day.... “Because I did not know Jesus I continued to suffer and was a slave of the witch doctors and their traditions. This brought me to absolute poverty. I told my wife if God has nothing to do with witchcraft then let him come and save me. At night while sleeping I saw a vision, a great light shone on me and I saw beautiful things, a flourishing field, transportation means and finances. I then found myself in a boat and the person rowing the boat was in a great white cloud. Then His voice said to me, “Have you seen those things?” and I answered, “Yes Lord.” And he told me, “Do not trouble
yourself with such things but seek first my kingdom and righteousness and I will add to you
all those things.” In the morning I took everything to do with being a witch doctor and burned it. In another vision at night He said to me, “I am Jesus who was crucified on the cross. I have come to save you, you will no longer suffer. Now you will be my servant.” And I told the Lord “okay” and the vision stopped.”
~~~~~
Central Asia Institute. Donate to support education and empower people to resist terrorist growth. [http://www.ikat.org/]
~~~~~
Movie Reviews - - [http://www.pluggedin.com/]
~~~~~
Weekly Toll _ _ http://weeklytoll.blogspot.com/
Death In The Workplace w/News & Updates
John Donne _ ...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
http://weeklytoll.blogspot.com
~~~~~
The Pump Handle. A water cooler for the public health crowd.
http://scienceblogs.com/thepumphandle/
~~~~~
DarynKagan.com - - Dallas Cowboy's Amazing Weight Loss - Not much is going well for the Dallas Cowboys this season. But here is something worth celebrating--former big man Nate Newton has lost 220 lbs. Even his old buddy Deion Sanders can't believe what he looks like. Watch Video [http://darynkagan.demo.nimbussoftware.com/sports/2010/sp_101111_cowboys_weight_loss.html]
~
Random Acts Of Kindness - So much for challenging times getting in the way of kindness. Here's 3 great examples: one from a recovering family, one from a stranger and one from a 5-year-old boy. Watch Video [http://darynkagan.demo.nimbussoftware.com/heroism/2010/he_101111_random_acts_of_kindness.html]
~~~~~
http://rationalpolitics.net/forum/index.php
~~~~~
http://kitlange.com
~~~~~
soldiersangelsforum.com
~~~~~
America is not at war. The military is at war. - - America is at the mall, or watching the movie stars. [http://icasualties.org/]
~~~~~
Each week the Defense Department highlights military personnel who have gone above and beyond in the war. [http://www.defenselink.mil/heroes/] - - Marci Hodge - Awarded: The Bronze Star - "In this job, you find out what you're made of; if you can hack it or not."

Recently promoted to Major, Marci Hodge knows a thing or two about what she's made of. She's spent ten years in the Army; 5 years on Active duty and another 5 so far in the Reserve. She returned from Camp Victory in Iraq, her second deployment, a couple of years ago.

"I'm not interested in reliving traumatic events. The job is to create stability and win hearts and minds," expressed Hodge, who spent 8 months in theater this last time.

MAJ Hodge, who served as Division Humanitarian Assistance Officer as well as the Battalion Sustainment Chief for the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion, is a logistician and civil affairs officer; simply put, "I can move anything," she said, like thousands of fourth and fifth grade level books for school children that the Department of State had been previously trying to move from Jordan to Iraq for the last few years with no luck.

Or such as in Iskandiayh, one of the 14 different locations her battalion covered in Iraq, where she worked on a project with local government to get a completely staffed plant that had survived the war back to fully functioning capacity. Working with one of the facility's managers- one of the few who spoke English at the plant- MAJ Hodge's team on the ground even helped establish organizational practices and human resources, bringing in corporate mentors from the United States.

Her team worked to ensure that the plant would be in a position to operate without the U. S.'s assistance in the future. They brought in older generators to their Forward Operating Base that the Army no longer needed but had the potential to refurbished, and presented the plant with and its employees with their first large project post-war. Local Iraqi truck drivers were also employed to transport the refurbished generators.

"It put folks back to work," said MAJ Hodge, citing at least a thousand workers associated with the local Iraqi plant's operations.

And it's the "folks" she's interacted with that have made the most significant impression on MAJ Hodge, including the Iraqi locals.

"People matter regardless of where they are," she said slowly, emphasizing that people are the same despite miles of ocean and geographic boundaries.

MAJ Hodge, awarded the Bronze Star for her meritorious service in Iraq, identified it as a "human connection" one that allows people to relate and help one another.

And according to MAJ Hodge, one would be hard-pressed to find "more amazing people" to work with than the American troops she's served alongside while in the Army, able to overcome the inevitable obstacles and disappointments that occur while deployed with camaraderie and hard work.

"It's your duty to give back," said Hodge. "You give it everything you've got."
~~~~~
This wasn't sent to me by another person or list. It's just a few thoughts about a holiday which is special to me. It's one of those few times when I share something serious instead of humorous. -Tom

This email was scanned by Charter Security Suite before it was sent.
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GCF: Veteran's Day 2010 (Serious, not humor)

In the United States, the Veteran's Day holiday is celebrated Thursday, November 11th (this is also Remembrance Day in Canada). In the early 1970's, Veteran's Day became a "movable" holiday -- the fourth Monday of October. In 1978, at the urging of veteran's groups who realized the sanctity of the date, Congress returned Veteran's Day to November 11th (if on a weekend, it moves to the closest Friday or Monday). Please remember that this day is not to honor war, but rather to honor the sacrifice made by others for our freedom.

What we call Veteran's Day is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice in the Forest of Campiegne by the Allies and the Germans in 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). This signified the end of World War I and was originally known as Armistice Day. President Woodrow Wilson signed the Congressional Resolution on Nov. 11, 1919, the first Armistice Day.

However, after World War II, the day began to lose meaning and since there were many other veterans to consider, the decision was made to change November 11th to honor all those who fought in American wars. The United States Congress passed an act to change the name to Veteran's Day and in 1954 President Dwight Eisenhower signed the act.

With that in mind, I would like to say "thank you" to all the men and women with whom I served, and to especially remember those who aren't with us anymore. As a former Hospital Corpsman, I wish a heartfelt "Semper Fi" to all my Marine friends.

- Tom Ellsworth
(HM2 USN 1965-69)

Note: In previous years, my Veteran's Day piece has dealt with various topics.

In 2004 it was the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. That can be found in the GCF Archives at this address:

http://www.kcbx.net/~tellswor/vets2004.htm

In 2005 it dealt with a piece called "What is a Veteran?" and was attributed to a Marine Corps Chaplain (Reverend Denis O'Brien). That can be found in the GCF Archives at this address:

http://www.kcbx.net/~tellswor/vets2005.htm

In 2006 it was simply a story about "duty" that was sent to me. I read it and couldn't help but be moved by its words. That can be found in the GCF Archives at this address:

http://www.kcbx.net/~tellswor/vets2006.htm

In 2007 it was a story about "military spouses" ... we sometimes forget that the sacrifice of the family left behind is just as great as that of the person overseas. That posting can be found in the GCF Archives at this address:

http://www.kcbx.net/~tellswor/vets2007.htm

In 2008 it was a story about the "bond" of Marines. That can be found in the GCF Archives at this address:

http://kcbx.net/~tellswor/vets2008.htm

In 2009 it was a story about servicemen returning from Afghanistan. That can be found in the GCF Archives at this address:

http://kcbx.net/~tellswor/vets2009.htm
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This year I want to share two items.

1) The link below is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Vietnam war with the names, bio's and other information on our lost heroes. Those who remember that time frame, or perhaps lost friends or family can look them up on this site. Pass the link on to others, as many knew wonderful people whose names are listed.

http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm

First click on a state. When it opens, scroll down to the city and the names will appear. Then click on their names. It should show you a picture of the person (if available), or at least their bio and medals. This really is an amazing web site. Someone spent a lot of time and effort to create it. I hope that everyone who receives this appreciates what those who served in Vietnam sacrificed for our country.

2) I shared this earlier this year (Memorial Day) but wanted to share it again. It is a YouTube link to a special song of thanks, from the Tussing Elementary School in Colonial Heights, Virginia. The 3rd Grade class did an original song giving tribute to those in the military. The song is called "Thank You Soldiers!"

Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pfBUUZNbFM
----------------------------------------------------------
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.

Remember, we live in the land of the free because of the brave.
~~~~~
Veterans Day

It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protestor to burn the flag.

- Father Dennis Edward O'Brian, USMC
---
Today's question:

Why didn't Veterans Day become a Monday holiday along with Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Columbus Day, and some others?

There are some things you just don't mess with. And Veterans Day is one of them.
Veterans Day originally was known as Armistice Day and marked the end of World War I at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918 - 11th hour, 11th day, 11th month.
Congress designated that date as Armistice Day in 1926, and it became a national holiday in 1938. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill designating Nov. 11 as Veterans Day.
Then in 1968 came the Uniform Holiday Bill, which shuffled some holidays to Monday to give a lot of people three-day weekends. This moved Veterans Day to the last Monday in October.
Do you remember that? Probably not, because most states just ignored it because they liked having Veterans Day on Nov. 11. The first last-Monday-in-October Veterans Day was celebrated Oct. 25, 1971, and pretty much just confused and annoyed everyone.
In 1975, President Ford signed a law that took Veterans Day back to Nov. 11, and it's been that way since 1978. Why did it take three years? Don't ask me, I don't know.
When Nov. 11 falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on Monday. If it's on Saturday, the holiday is observed on Friday.
As near as I can tell, the reason Veterans Day didn't catch on as a Monday holiday just seems to be the historic significance of the date - the whole 11-11-11 thing. People just want it to be on Nov. 11 and, by golly, it's going to be on Nov. 11.
So what's the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Did your grandma use to call Memorial Day Decoration Day? Mine did.
The idea is that on Memorial Day, we remember and honor all those men and women who lost their lives fighting for their country.
And the idea is that on Veterans Day, we honor all those who served in war or peace, the living and dead.

- Clay Thompson, Arizona Republic, Nov. 7, 2005

Received from Daniel Galvin.
--
http://www.gcfl.net/archive.php?funny=20101111

Brought to you by GCFL.net: The Good, Clean Funnies List
A cheerful heart is good medicine... (Prov 17:22a)
Mail address: GCFL, Box 100, Harvest, AL 35749, USA
~~~~~
The latest from Michael Yon, the foremost “milnews” blogger on the web.
~
Greetings,

I've been in contact today with General Petraeus's staff regarding circumstances surrounding the loss of Ms. Linda Norgrove. There is much speculation. An investigation is underway.

Please see this short dispatch [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/the-linda-norgrove-rescue-tragedy.htm].

More frequent updates occur on my Face book [http://www.facebook.com/MichaelYonFanPage].

Please see my new photo book (not yet released) [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/iraq-inside-the-inferno.htm].
--
You'll not want to miss this image download. Ms. Everest [http://www.michaelyon-online.com/mt.-everest.htm] posed for my camera with stars in her eyes. :)

You are welcome to download one copy for personal use.
--
Very Respectfully,
Michael Yon
Your Writer,

Please remember that this website accepts no advertisement and is dependent on your support.

PS Please sign up for my Twitter.com updates at "Michael_Yon" [http://twitter.com/Michael_Yon] (not Michael Yon).

http://www.facebook.com/#/MichaelYonFanPage?ref=sgm
~
www.michaelyon-online.com
~
Http://www.michaelyon_online.com/index.php
~~~~~
If you would like to encourage US Troops overseas, but are not sure just how to begin, visit www.anysoldier.com for ideas.
~~~~~
Navy to Christen Submarine California

The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine California, Saturday, Nov. 6, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News, in Newport News, Va. Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations, and environment, will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Donna Willard, wife of Adm. Robert Willard, commander, U.S. Pacific Command, will serve as ship’s sponsor.

California, the eighth ship of the Virginia class, is named after the "Golden State." The selection of California honors the thousands of men and women from the state who serve in today’s armed forces, and the millions of Californian veterans and their families. As home to major Naval and Marine Corps installations, the selection of California also reflects the tremendous support provided to the Navy and Marine Corps by countless communities across the Golden State. This will be the seventh ship to bear the name California.

Designated SSN 781, California is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Adept at operating in both the world’s shallow littoral regions and deep waters, California will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities -- sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

Cmdr. Dana A. Nelson, a native of Clinton, Conn., and a 1992 graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, will be the ship’s commanding officer, leading a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.

The 7,800-ton California is built under a teaming arrangement between Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News and General Dynamics Electric Boat. She is 377-feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. California is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship -- reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.

The christening ceremony will be webcast live at the following location: http://www.tvworldwide.com/events/Northrop_Grumman/101109.
~
Navy Commissions New Guided Missile Destroyer Jason Dunham

The Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Jason Dunham, during a 10 a.m. EST ceremony Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The new destroyer honors Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Debra Dunham will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her late son. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when she gives the first order to “man our ship and bring her to life!”

Dunham was born in Scio, N.Y., Nov. 10, 1981, sharing the same birthday as the U.S. Marine Corps. On April 14, 2004, Dunham’s squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Karabilah, Iraq, when his battalion commander’s convoy was ambushed. When Dunham’s squad approached to provide fire support, an Iraqi insurgent leapt out of a vehicle and attacked Dunham. As Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground, he noticed that the enemy fighter had a grenade in his hand and immediately alerted his fellow Marines. When the enemy dropped the live grenade, Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, covered the grenade, and threw himself on top to smother the blast. In an ultimate selfless act of courage, in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of two fellow Marines.

Designated DDG 109, Jason Dunham, the 59th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Jason Dunham will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and will contain a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower.”

Cmdr. M. Scott Sciretta, born in South Amboy, N.J., will become the first commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 276 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Jason Dunham was built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics company. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The commissioning ceremony will be webcast live at the following location: http://www.navy.mil.
~~~~~
Video / TV We’ve Recently Watched:
The Big Bang Theory:
Shaun the Sheep: Little Sheep of Horrors
Toy Story
Eureka:
The Road to Hong Kong
A Man Named Pearl
Ballet Shoes
Thomas & Friends:
Love Happy
My Man Godfrey
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
The Ambassador's Daughter
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness
Going My Way
~~~~~
Paper Books We’ve recently read:
Three stations: Martin Cruz Smith.
Cold choices: Larry Bond.
~~~~~
Kindle books we recently read:
Pemberley Chronicles
The Junior Officers' Reading Club: Killing Time and Fighting Wars Hennessey, Patrick
~~~~~
http://www.shelfari.com
http://www.shelfari.com/bugsbleat/shelf
~~~~~
Photos on the front of this week’s “Bleat” include - - Josiah and Ethan helping me put up a new flag at the house, Clarence, Bobbie and Annette watching Dusty get his Murphy Award, Royce and Sim at men’s fellowship and “Bug” working on “Da Bleat”
~~~~~
We’ve now got several addresses on the web for "Da Bleat." For the latest issue, go to http://www.bugsbleat.blogspot.com.
Our photos are posted at http://www.bugsbleatphotos.blogspot.com.
~~~~~
Feel free to share the "Bleat" with any and all. That's why we publish it.
~~~~~
Recipe(s) of the week - - Green Bean Bake

Prep Time 20 Minutes - Cook Time 30 Minutes - Servings 8 - Difficulty Easy

Ingredients
2 pounds Fresh Green Beans, Ends Cut Off
4 slices Bacon, Cut Into 1/4 Inch Pieces
3 cloves Garlic, Minced
½ whole Large Onion, Chopped
4 Tablespoons Butter
4 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
2-½ cups Whole Milk
½ cups Half-and-half
1-½ teaspoon Salt, More To Taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
1/8 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper
1 cup Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 jar (4 Ounce) Sliced Pimentos, Drained
Extra Milk For Thinning If Necessary
1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs

Preparation Instructions

Cut green beans in half if you like pieces to be a little smaller.

Blanch the green beans: drop them into lightly salted boiling water and allow green beans to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain beans once they’re cool and set aside.

Add bacon pieces to a skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon for two minutes, then add diced onion and garlic and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, or until bacon is done (but not crisp) and onions are golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the pan and whisk immediately to evenly mix it into the butter. Cook for a minute or two, then pour in milk and half and half. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, while sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne then add the grated cheddar. Stir while cheese melts. Turn off heat.

Add pimentos to pan, then add bacon/onion mixture. Stir to combine. Pour over green beans and stir gently to combine. Pour into a baking dish and top with panko crumbs.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and panko crumbs are golden

Thanks to Gena Hammock “I didn’t use pimentos .this was real good!!!!!!! and I used butter in my bread crumbs”
~~~~~
BreakPoint
Voluntary Extinction
America's One Child Policy?
By: Chuck Colson | Published: November 12, 2010
Topics: Abortion, International Affairs, Life Issues, Marriage & Family

What has the Chinese government discovered about its population control efforts? And why are Americans voluntarily adopting a one-child policy?

Chuck Colson

According to Britain’s Guardian newspaper, the Chinese government “has been considering options for relaxing” its infamous “one-child” policy.

While economic realities are forcing the Chinese to rethink that disastrous and cruel policy, many Americans seem to be voluntarily adopting a one-child policy of their own.

At least that’s the conclusion of a recent article in the Weekly Standard.

On the surface, there doesn’t seem to be a problem: America’s average fertility rate is 2.06 births per woman.

While that is slightly below what demographers call the “replacement level,” it is higher than China’s and much higher than Japan’s or that of most European countries.

But the difference is almost entirely the result of high levels of Hispanic immigration. In 1980, before the wave of Hispanic immigration, America’s fertility rate was the same as China’s today and trending downward.

This reprieve probably won’t continue: As Hispanic immigrants and their children become more assimilated into American culture, they, also, will have fewer children.

Absent a shift in cultural attitudes, the United States will eventually face the demographic realities that Japan, Western Europe, and sooner rather than later, China are facing. These societies will have fewer workers to support an increasing number of elderly.

In China’s case, the reality will be all the worse because it “may be the first major country to grow old before it grows rich.”

The reasons for this possible downward trend in America are cultural: As author Jonathan Last notes, the decline in fertility coincided with the arrival of contraception and the sexual revolution that made it possible. Add abortion-on-demand, and we would be shocked if birth rates weren’t in danger.

Then there’s increasing emphasis on work and career. Americans are waiting longer to get married, and the inevitable by-product of postponing marriage is decreased fertility.

Now, to a generation raised on population-control dogma, this sounds like good news. But, as many countries are realizing, the “birth dearth” is the stuff of economic stagnation and a loss of cultural vitality.

Of course, there are exceptions to this trend: There is a strong relationship between fertility and religious commitment. Whereas two-thirds of Americans who don’t attend church think two or fewer children is the ideal family size, 41 percent of those who do attend church weekly think that three or more is ideal.

As Last writes, “When you meet couples with more than three children today, chances are they’re making a cultural and theological statement.”

Well, I don’t think that they are so much making a statement as they are bearing witness to what they believe about God’s intentions for the family—what the Bible says. They’re simply living out a Christian worldview.

On the other hand, the population-control worldview is not only morally problematic, it is literally unfruitful and ultimately self-negating—no matter how it’s adopted, voluntarily or otherwise.

Further Reading and Information
America's One Child Policy [http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/america%E2%80%99s-one-child-policy]
Jonathan V. Last | The Weekly Standard | September 18, 2010

China's Elderly Will Overwhelm the Nation [http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jul/06/business/fi-china-old6]
David Pierson | July 6, 2010 | The Los Angeles Times

China's One-Child Policy is Slowly Being Eased [http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/oct/24/china-one-child-policy-eased]
Therese Hesketh | The Guardian | October 24, 2010

Copyright © 2010 Prison Fellowship. All Rights Reserved _ _ http://www.breakpoint.org/
~
Residents of Columbia County, Arkansas are currently represented in Congress by:
Senator Blanche Lambert Lincoln (D_ AR)
Phone 202_224_4843
FAX 202_228_1371
http://lincoln.senate.gov/
~
Senator Mark Pryor (D_ AR)
Phone 202_224_2353
FAX 202_228_0908
http://pryor.senate.gov/
~
Representative Michael A. Ross (D _ 04)
Phone 202_225_3772
FAX 202_225_1314
http://ross.house.gov/
Other states congresspersons can be found at: [http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/]
~~~~~
Words of the Day:
debonair - \ deb-uh-NAIR \ , adjective;
1. Courteous, gracious, and having a sophisticated charm.
2. Jaunty; carefree; sprightly.
from http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/
~~~~~
"Never discourage anyone...who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." - Plato

"I never think of the future - it comes soon enough." - Albert Einstein

"A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life." - Charles Darwin

"Elections are won by men and women chiefly because most people vote against somebody, rather than for somebody." - Franklin Pierce Adams

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues." - Cicero

"The quickest way of ending a war is to lose it." - George Orwell

"A moment's insight is sometimes worth a life's experience." - Oliver Wendell Holmes

"Where there is great love there are always miracles." - Willa Cather

"There is nothing in the world really beneficial that does not lie within the reach of an informed understanding and a well-protected pursuit." - Edmund Burke

"We never understand a thing so well, and make it our own, as when we have discovered it for ourselves." - Rene Descartes

"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened." - Alexander Graham Bell

"In order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed: They must be fit for it. They must not do too much of it. And they must have a sense of success in it." - John Ruskin

"But this Veterans Day, I believe we should do more than sing the praises of the bravery and patriotism that our veterans have embodied in the past. We should take this opportunity to re-evaluate how we are treating our veterans in the present. " - Nick Lampson

"Leadership is doing what is right when no one is watching." - George Van Valkenburg
~~~~~
BREAKING CHRISTIAN NEWS
http://breakingchristiannews.com/

Nuns Auction Off "most sought after baseball card in history" for the Poor - Aimee Herd (Nov 1, 2010) - "The money that we receive from this card will be used for the many School Sisters of Notre Dame who are around the world, who need support for their ministries for the poor." - [http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=8349]
~
Actress Hilary Swank Shares Movie with Churches - News Release (Nov 3, 2010) - "I have seen how important faith can be in helping prisoners through difficult times. I wanted to share the movie with churches to remind them of the important role they play in reforming our justice system and helping prisoners and their families." - [http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=8359]
~
Rescued Miner Joins Evangelist Luis Palau and Son Andrew for Historic Campaign in Chile - David Jones (Nov 8, 2010) - National festival reaches 145,000 people, including President Sebastian PiƱera [http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=8371]

310 2nd Ave SE
Albany, Oregon 97321
541_928_2642
E-mail editor@breakingchristiannews.com
US Orders: 1_866_358_7426
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
Emailed to me by a friend (Thanks, Evelyn) -Tom

If this was forwarded to you, please consider your own subscription to Good Clean Fun. It's free! Just send an email to: good-clean-fun-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
--------------------------------------------------

GCF: Family Album

A father was showing his young son the family photo album and came across a picture of himself and his wife on their wedding day.

"Was that the day Mommy came to work for us?" the son asked.
_ _______________________________ _
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
--------------------------------------------------

GCF: Family Cleaning

Unexpected guests were on the way, and my mother, an impeccable housekeeper, rushed around straightening up. She put my father and brother to work cleaning the guest bathroom.

Later, when she went to inspect it, she was surprised that the once-cluttered room had been tidied up so quickly. Then she saw the note on the closed shower curtains.

It read, "Thank you for not looking in the bathtub."
_ _______________________________ _
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
--------------------------------------------------

GCF: Anesthesia

An oral surgeon was scheduled to extract four wisdom teeth from Jim, a high-school football player, who had opted to be sedated for the procedure. As the intravenous anesthesia was being administered, the doctor asked Jim how he was feeling.

"Man," he replied, struggling to keep his eyes open, "I feel like I'm in English class."
_ _______________________________ _
Emailed to me from another humor list (Daily Humor) -Tom To subscribe to Daily Humor, send a blank email to: Daily-Humor-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
--------------------------------------------------

GCF: Hard Grader

My High-School English teacher was well known for being a hard but fair grader. One day I received a B minus on a theme paper. In hopes of bettering my grade and in the spirit of the Valentine season, I sent her an extravagant heart-shaped box of chocolates with the pre- printed inscription, "Be Mine."

The following day, I received in return a valentine from the teacher. It read: "Thank you, but it's still Be Mine-Us."
_ _______________________________ _
Emailed to me from another humor list (Daily Humor) -Tom To subscribe to Daily Humor, send a blank email to: Daily-Humor-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
--------------------------------------------------

GCF: Pizza Coupon

I sent my newly licensed 16 year-old son to pick up a pizza. I handed him a $20 bill, a $5.00 coupon and sent him on his way.

About forty minutes later, the boy returned home with the pizza ... and the coupon!

I asked the obvious question, "Why didn't you use the coupon?"

"Dad, I had enough money. I didn't need the coupon."
_ _______________________________ _
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
--------------------------------------------------

GCF: Say Something Positive

A husband and wife are getting ready for bed. The wife is standing in front of a full length mirror taking a hard look at herself.

"You know, dear," she says, "I look in the mirror and I see an old woman. My face is all wrinkled, every thing else is either sagging or bloated. I've got fat legs, and my arms are all flabby."

She turns to her husband and says, "Tell me something positive to make me feel better about myself."

He studies hard for a moment thinking about it and then says in a soft, thoughtful voice, "Well, there's nothing wrong with your eyesight."

Services for the husband will be held Saturday morning at 10:30 AM at Morris Memorial Chapel. Female friends of the family are invited.
_ _______________________________ _
Emailed to me from another humor list (Clean Laffs) -Tom Subscribe to Clean Laffs at the website: http://www.gophercentral.com/
--------------------------------------------------

GCF: Clueless Passenger

As a jet was flying over Arizona on a clear day, the copilot was providing his passengers with a running commentary about landmarks over the PA system.

"Coming up on the right, you can see the Meteor Crater, which is a major tourist attraction in northern Arizona. It was formed when a lump of nickel and iron, roughly 150 feet in diameter and weighing 300,000 tons, struck the earth 50,000 years ago at about 40,000 miles an hour, scattering white-hot debris for miles in every direction. The hole measures nearly a mile across and is 570 feet deep."

The passenger sitting next to me exclaimed: "Wow, look! It just missed the highway!"
_ _______________________________ _
Emailed to me from another humor list (Daily Humor) -Tom To subscribe to Daily Humor, send a blank email to: Daily-Humor-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
--------------------------------------------------

GCF: Regards

The letters T and G are very close to each other on a key- board. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.
_ _______________________________ _
Emailed to me from another humor list (Daily Humor) -Tom To subscribe to Daily Humor, send a blank email to: Daily-Humor-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
--------------------------------------------------

GCF: The Judge's Tie

At a clearance sale, the wife of a federal district court judge found a green tie that was a perfect match for one of her husband's sports jackets. Soon after, while the husband was hearing a complicated cocaine conspiracy case, he noticed a small round disc sewn into the design of the tie.

The judge showed it to an FBI agent, who was equally suspicious that it might be a bug planted by the conspiracy defendants. The agent sent the device to FBI headquarters in Washington DC for analysis.

Two weeks later, the judge phoned the Washington office to learn the results of their tests. "We're not sure where the disc came from," the FBI told him, "but we discovered that when you press it, it plays 'Jingle Bells'."
_ _______________________________ _
Emailed to me another humor list (Laugh & Lift Daily) -Tom To subscribe Laugh & Lift Daily, send an email to: list-subscribe@laughandlift.com
--------------------------------------------------

GCF: Airline Ticket Counter

Working at an airline ticket counter, I pulled up a passenger's reservation that showed his name as "Cole, Pheven."

"I'd like to be certain our information is correct," I said to him. "What is your first name?"

"It's Stephen," he replied. "I hope the reservation agent got it right. I told him it's spelled with a ph."
_ _______________________________ _
/ )| Thomas S. Ellsworth |( \
/ / | tellswor@kcbx.net | \ \
_( (_ | http://www.kcbx.net/~tellswor | _) )_
(((\ \>|_/ )___________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / If you want to keep your \ \_/ ////
\ / friends or relatives \ /
\ _/ a safe distance away, \_ /
/ / just lend them some money. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )___________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Always try to do things \ /
\ _/ in chronological order. \_ /
/ / It's less confusing that way. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )___________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / Experience is that \ \_/ ////
\ / marvelous thing that \ /
\ _/ enables you recognize a mistake \_ /
/ / when you make it again. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )___________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Money isn't everything. \ /
\ _/ There's credit cards, \_ /
/ / money orders, travelers checks..... \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )___________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ /A government big enough to give\ \_/ ////
\ / you everything you want, \ /
\ _/ is strong enough to take \_ /
/ / everything you have. \ \
-Thomas Jefferson
(((\ \>|_/ )___________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Once you've seen one shopping \ /
\ _/ center, you've seen a mall. \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )___________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / If you don't know \ /
\ _/ where you're going, \_ /
/ / you're never lost. \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )___________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / Never ask a barber if he \ /
\ _/ thinks you need a haircut. \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )___________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / \ \_/ ////
\ / "A stopped clock is \ /
\ _/ correct twice a day." \_ /
/ / \ \
(((\ \>|_/ )___________________( \_|\\\\ \_/ / As I walk through the Valley \ \_/ ////
\ / of the Shadow of Death, \ /
\ _/ I think to myself, "This place \_ /
/ / obviously wasn't named by \ \
a real-estate developer."
_ ____________________________ _
/ )| Thomas S. Ellsworth |( \
/ / | tellswor@slonet.org | \ \
_( (_ | http://www.kcbx.net/~tellswor| _) )_
(((\ \>|_/ )___________________( \_| ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
There are lots of old gems out there. Like the one about the two atoms that bumped into each other. The first atom said to the second “Are you alright.” The second atom said “No, I lost an electron.” ”Are you sure?” the first atom asked. And the second atom said “Yes, I’m positive.”
~~
An infinite number of mathematicians walk into a bar.
The first one says “I’d like a beer, please.”
The second one says “I’d like half-a-beer.”
The third one says “I’d like a fourth of a beer.”
The fourth one says “I’d like an eighth of a beer.”
And the bartender says “I hate you guys,” then pours two beers.

Thanks to Joe Tudor
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
A Baptist Preacher was seated next to a cowboy on a flight to Texas . After the plane took off, the cowboy asked for a whiskey and soda, which was brought and placed before him.

The flight attendant then asked the preacher if he would like a drink. Appalled, the preacher replied, "I'd rather be tied up and taken advantage of by women of ill-repute, than let liquor touch my lips."

The cowboy then handed his drink back to the attendant and said, "Me too, I didn't know we had a choice."

Thanks to Waneta
><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
A woman (married three times) walked into a bridal shop one day and told the sales clerk that she was looking for a wedding gown for her fourth wedding.

'Of course, madam,' replied the sales clerk, 'exactly what type and color dress are you looking for?'

The bride-to-be said: 'A long frilly white dress with a veil.'

The sales clerk hesitated a bit, then said, 'Please don't take this the wrong way, but gowns of that nature are considered more appropriate for brides who are being married the first time---for those who are a bit more innocent, if you know what I mean? Perhaps ivory or sky blue would be nice?'

'Well,' replied the customer, a little peeved at the clerk's directness, 'I can assure you that a white gown would be quite appropriate. Believe it or not, despite all my marriages, I remain as innocent as a first-time bride. You see, my first husband was so excited about our wedding, he died as we were checking into our hotel.

My second husband and I got into such a terrible fight in the limo on our way to our honeymoon that we had that wedding annulled immediately and never spoke to each other again.'

'What about your third husband?' asked the sales clerk.

'That one was a Democrat,' said the woman, 'and every night for four years, he just sat on the edge of the bed and told me how good it was going to be, but nothing ever happened.'

Thanks to Waneta
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Generous Giver

A teenager was sitting in church, and when the collection plate was passed around, he quickly pulled a dollar bill from his pocket and dropped it in.

Just then, the person behind him tapped him on his shoulder and handed him a $20 bill. The boy smiled, placed the $20 in the plate, and passed it on, admiring the man's generosity. Then the boy felt another tap from behind and heard a whisper:

"Son," the man said, "that was your $20 bill that had fallen out of your pocket."

Received from Timothy Anger.

(_:][:_)

Fire Hydrant Factory

A man who worked at a fire hydrant factory was always late for work. When confronted by his boss, the man explained, "You can't park anywhere near this place!"

Received from ArcaMax Jokes.

(_:][:_)

Funny News Headlines

- Lawyers Give Poor Free Legal Advice

- Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant

- Fund Set Up for Beating Victim's Kin

- Killer Sentenced to Die for Second Time in 10 Years

- Cancer Society Honors Marlboro Man

- Nicaragua Sets Goal to Wipe Out Literacy

- Autos Killing 110 a Day--Let's Resolve to Do Better

- 20-Year Friendship Ends at Altar

Received from Doc's Daily Chuckle.

(_:][:_)

Contacting Grandma

A woman went to the local psychic in hopes of contacting her dearly departed grandmother.

The psychic's eyelids begin fluttering, her voice begins warbling, her hands float up above the table, and she begins moaning. Eventually, a coherent voice emanates, saying, "Granddaughter? Are you there?"

The customer, wide-eyed and on the edge of her seat, responds, "Grandma? Is that you?"

"Yes granddaughter, it's me."

"It's really, really you, Grandma?," the woman repeats.

"Yes, it's really me, granddaughter."

The woman looks puzzled, "You're sure it's you, Grandma?"

"Yes, granddaughter, I'm sure it's me."

The woman pauses a moment, "Grandma, I have just one question for you."

"Anything, my child."

"When did you learn to speak English?"

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(_:][:_)

Afterlife

A woman was worried about whether or not her dead husband made it to heaven, so she prayed earnestly for God to allow him to speak to her.

"Hello, Margaret. This is Fred."

"Fred!" she exclaimed. "I just have to know if you're happy there in the afterlife. What's it like there?"

"Ooooooh, it's much more beautiful here than I ever imagined," Fred answered. "The sky is bluer, the air is cleaner, and the pastures are much more lush and green than I ever expected. I lack for nothing; all day long we just eat and sleep, eat and sleep, over and over."

"Thank God, you made it to heaven," his wife cried.

"Heaven?" he answered. "I'm a buffalo in Montana."

Received from Big Mac Clean Joke Attack.

(_:][:_)

Always Be Prepared

Seen on a marquee outside the Clinton Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison in Dannemora, New York: "The Dannemora fire department reminds you it's fire prevention week. Practice your escape plan."

Received from Dick Becker (via Reader's Digest).

(_:][:_)

95th Birthday

"Look at ME!" boasted the fit old man to a group of young people. "Every morning I do fifty push-ups, do fifty sit-ups, and walk two miles. I'm fit as a fiddle! And you want to know why? I don't smoke, I don't drink, I don't stay up late, and I don't chase after women!"

He smiled at them, teeth white, eyes glittering, "And tomorrow, I'm going to celebrate my 95th birthday!"

"Oh, really?" drawled one of the young onlookers, "How?"

Received from Thomas Ellsworth.

(_:][:_)

Air Force Training

Our patient in the hospital was a big, burly former officer.

Just after surgery, and still half out of it, he became agitated and confused, tearing at his IVs and trying to escape his bed.

The nurses gamely attempted to keep him calm but were losing this battle. That's when my old Air Force training came in handy.

"Colonel!" I commanded. "At ease."

And with that, the colonel fell back to sleep.

Received from Patty A.

(_:][:_)

_=+=_
Rate this funny at http://www.gcfl.net/archive.php?funny060113
Brought to you by GCFL.net: The Good, Clean Funnies List A cheerful heart is good medicine... (Prov 17:22a) Mail address: GCFL, Box 100, Harvest, AL 35749, USA
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The latest GCFL funny can always be found on the web at http://www.gcfl.net/latest.php
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Madeleine Begun Kane Latest Column - - [http://www.madkane.com/madness/2010/05/13/harvard-yale-supreme-court/ - - ]

Why I’ll Never Be A Supreme Court Justice

As the Washington Post’s Valerie Strauss points out, the U.S. Supreme Court is packed with graduates of Harvard Law and Yale Law:

Assuming President Obama wins confirmation of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court, that august body will be exclusively filled with judges who earned their law degrees at Harvard or Yale.

Strauss thinks such exclusivity is a bad idea and, as you can tell from this limerick, so do I:

Why I’ll Never Be A Supreme Court Justice
By Madeleine Begun Kane

It appears that Supremes have to hail
From the law schools of Harvard or Yale.
My law school’s St. John’s.
That’s just one of my “cons.”
Plus I’m sixty — I might as well bail.

© Madeleine Begun Kane. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.madkane.com/
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A “69er” song;

You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips.
And there's no tenderness like before in your fingertips.
You're trying hard not to show it, (baby).
But baby, baby I know it...

You've lost that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling,
You've lost that lovin' feeling,
Now it's gone...gone...gone...wooooooh.

Now there's no welcome look in your eyes
when I reach for you.
And now your're starting to critisize little things I do.
It makes me just feel like crying, (baby).
'Cause baby, something in you is dying.

You lost that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling,
You've lost that lovin' feeling,
Now it's gone...gone...gone...woooooah

Baby, baby, I get down on my knees for you.

If you would only love me like you used to do, yeah.

We had a love...a love...a love you don't find everyday.

So don't...don't...don't...don't let it slip away.

Baby (baby), baby (baby),
I beg of you please...please,
I need your love (I need your love),
I need your love (I need your love),
So bring it on back (So bring it on back),
Bring it on back (so bring it on back).

Bring back that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling
Bring back that lovin' feeling,
'Cause it's gone...gone...gone,
and I can't go on,
noooo...

Bring back that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling
Bring back that lovin' feeling,
'Cause it's gone...gone...
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ALZHEIMER'S EYE TEST

Count every " F " in the following text:

FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS...

How many?
...
Wrong, there are 6 -- no joke. Read it again! Really, go Back and try to find the 6 F's.

The brain cannot process "OF". Incredible or what? Go back and look again!! Anyone who counts all 6 "F's" on the first go is a genius. Three is normal, four is quite rare.

Thanks to Jeanette Ford
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TOURBUS - - Are You Ready to Maximize Your Windows Experience?

If you're like most people, you want your Windows computer to go faster... to boost your productivity... to protect your privacy... and of course keep you safe both online and offline. But Windows doesn't always make it easy to achieve those goals.

Sometimes your computer runs slow, locks up or restarts for no apparent reason. It might be infected with viruses, spyware, or rogue toolbars. Maybe you're getting strange error messages when you turn on the computer, or try to run your favorite software.

If you've ever been frustrated by Windows problems, I recommend that you read my new ebook:
Everything You Need to Know About WINDOWS - Tips, Tweaks and Tools

You want your computer to run like a top. And when something goes wrong, you don't want to call a geek. You want to fix it, tweak it, tune it, or upgrade it yourself - for FREE, or at least on the cheap.

That's what this book is about. Whether you run XP, Vista, or Windows 7, the tips, tweaks and tools you'll find in this ebook will help you master and manage the Windows environment. And it's all in plain English, with no geek-speak or technobabble. Here are some of the highlights:

* You'll find chapters dealing with performance, security, customization, and troubleshooting.
* Free downloads and system tools to detect and repair common problems.
* If you're happy with XP, you'll learn how to batten down the hatches and keep it running over the long haul.
* If you're looking for help with the transition to Windows 7, you'll find advice on upgrading, moving your files, making sure your old software works on the new system, and how to take full advantage of all the new features that Windows 7 offers.

As publisher of the Internet Tourbus, and creator of the AskBobRankin tech support website, I've been helping people overcome their frustrations with computers and the Internet for over 15 years. I've written this book to help you solve the most common problems you're likely to face when dealing with Windows. And in almost every situation, I offer FREE do-it-yourself solutions.

Order your copy of "Everything You Need to Know About WINDOWS - Tips, Tweaks and Tools" now, for only $13.97. That's a 50% DISCOUNT off the regular price of $27.95. (Offer expires Nov. 19)

P.S. -- This 100 page ebook is packed full of rock-solid content -- no advertising, no gimmicks -- and I'm positive you'll find it worth every penny. In fact, if you follow my advice, you'll save many times more than the price of the book. But if you're not completely satisfied, I'm offering a money-back guarantee. This special offer will expire soon, so get your copy today!

Here's a direct link to the Paypal purchase page: [ https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BFP97QFBDMGCQ]

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

-- Bob Rankin
==[ Tourbus Rider Information ]===
The Internet Tourbus - U.S. Library of Congress ISSN #1094-2238
Copyright 1995-2010 - All rights reserved
Be Smarter & Better Looking Than [-99.959048-] Percent of Users
Hop On the Bus and Join 80,000 Others Around the World!
============================
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NEVER FORGET! We're listing the names of our soldiers (24) killed since our last Bleat was published (October 29). These records can be found at http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/

01. Staff Sgt. Adam L. Dickmyer, 26, of Winston Salem, N.C., died Oct. 28 near Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

02. Spc. Pedro A. Maldonado, 20, of Houston, Texas, died Oct. 29 in Kandalay, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

03. Sgt. Diego A. Solorzanovaldovinos, 24, of Huntington Park, Calif., died Oct. 29 in Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit on Oct. 27 with small arms fire in the Yahya Khel district in Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

04. Cpl. Brett W. Land, 24, of Wasco, Calif., died Oct. 30 in the Zhari district, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

The Department of Defense announced the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Nov. 1 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. Killed were:
05. Spc. Jonathan M. Curtis, 24, of Belmont, Mass., and
06. Pfc. Andrew N. Meari, 21, of Plainfield, Ill.

07. 1st Lt. James R. Zimmerman, 25, of Aroostook, Maine, died Nov. 2 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

08. Sgt. 1st Class Todd M. Harris, 37, of Tucson, Ariz., died Nov. 3 in Badghis province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

09. Spc. James C. Young, 25, of Rochester, Ill., died Nov. 3 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 863rd Engineer Battalion, Darien, Ill.

10. Spc. Blake D. Whipple, 21, of Williamsville, N.Y., died Nov. 5 in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 7th Engineering Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

11. Sgt. Michael F. Paranzino, 22, of Middletown, R.I., died Nov. 5 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

The Department of Defense announced the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The following Marines died Nov. 4 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan:
12. Lance Cpl. Brandon W. Pearson, 21, of Arvada, Colo.
13. Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Broehm, 22, of Flagstaff, Ariz.
Both Marines were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

14. Pfc. Shane M. Reifert, 23, of Cottrellville, Mich., died Nov. 6 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

15. Staff Sgt. Jordan B. Emrick, 26, of Hoyleton, Ill., died Nov. 5 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

16. Lance Cpl. Randy R. Braggs, 21, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., died Nov. 6 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The Department of Defense announced the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Nov. 7 in Kunar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with small arms fire. Killed were:
17. Sgt. Aaron B. Cruttenden, 25, of Mesa, Ariz.
18. Spc. Dale J. Kridlo, 33, Hughestown, Pa.
They were assigned to the 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.

19. Spc. Anthony Vargas, 27, of Reading, Pa., died Nov. 8 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

20. Spc. Andrew L. Hutchins, 20, of New Portland, Maine, died Nov. 8 at Khost province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

21. Sgt. Jason J. McCluskey, 26, of McAlester, Okla., died Nov. 4 at Zarghun Shahr, Mohammad Agha district, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.

22. 2nd Lt. Robert M. Kelly, 29, of Tallahassee, Fla., died Nov. 9 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

23. Lance Cpl. James B. Stack, 20, of Arlington Heights, Ill., died Nov. 10 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

24. Lance Cpl. Dakota R. Huse, 19, of Greenwood, La., died Nov. 9 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
~
Missing WWII Airman Identified

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

Army Air Forces Capt. George W. Grismore, 30, of Salt Lake City, will be buried at sea Nov. 17 off the coast of Newport Beach, Calif. A memorial service in Salt Lake City will precede the burial on Nov. 13. On March 12, 1945, Grismore and five crew members aboard a C-47A Skytrain departed Tanauan Airfield on Leyte, Philippines, on a resupply mission to guerilla troops. Once cleared for takeoff, there was no further communication between the aircrew and airfield operators. When the aircraft failed to return, a thorough search of an area ten miles on either side of the intended route was initiated. No evidence of the aircraft was found and the six men were presumed killed in action. Their remains were determined to be non-recoverable in 1949.

In 1989, a Philippine National Police officer contacted U.S. officials regarding a possible World War II-era aircraft crash near Leyte. Human remains, aircraft parts and artifacts were turned over to the local police, then to U.S. officials at the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command.

From 1989 to 2009, JPAC sought permission to send teams to the crash site but unrest in the Burauen region precluded on-scene investigations or recovery operations. Meanwhile, JPAC scientists continued the forensic process, analyzing the remains and physical evidence already in hand.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA—which matched that of Grismore’s nephew—in the identification of his remains.

At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover and identify approximately 79,000 Americans. Today, more than 72,000 are unaccounted-for from the conflict.
~
Soldier Missing from Korean War Identified

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

Army Cpl. Floyd E. Hooper, 27, of Stratton, Colo., will be buried on Nov. 13 in his hometown. In February 1951, his unit, the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, fought against Chinese Communist forces in support of Operation Thunderbolt, an operation to sweep and clear enemy forces occupying areas south of the Han River. Strong enemy forces supported by artillery fire forced his unit to withdraw to a defensive perimeter where he was captured on Feb. 4, 1951, near Yangp’yong, Korea. After the 1953 armistice, it was learned from surviving POWs that he had been held in a POW camp in Suan County, North Korea, and died of malnutrition and dysentery just a few months later.

Between 1991 and 1994, North Korea gave the United States 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200-400 servicemen. North Korean documents turned over with one of the boxes indicated the remains were exhumed near Suan County. This location correlates with Hooper’s last known location.

Analysts from DPMO developed case leads with information spanning more than 58 years. Through interviews with surviving POW eyewitnesses, experts validated circumstances surrounding the soldier’s captivity and death, confirming wartime documentation of his loss.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command used dental comparisons and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA – which matched that of his brother – in the identification of his remains.

More than 2,000 servicemen died as prisoners of war during the Korean War. With this accounting, more than 8,000 service members still remain missing from the conflict.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call 703-699-1169.
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"We have nothing to fear but fear itself." __ Franklin D. Roosevelt
"There is not enough darkness in the world to put out the light of one candle."
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
“A political class of Republicans and Democrats that look after themselves, not the Nation. A media hostile to the very precepts of this nation. A generation of Americans who see morals as vices, and are ignorant of America's Actual History.”
"The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life." - - Theodore Roosevelt
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Scheduled Activities
Men's Prayer Breakfast held every Tuesday morning at 6 AM in Miller's Cafeteria. If you aren't a regular participant at the Men's Prayer Breakfast, you're missing some great food, fellowship and inspired teaching of the Word. Hope to see you there.
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Emergency Phone Number 911
(Fire, Police, Ambulance, Sheriff, etc. )
Central Dispatch 234_5655
(Non _ Emergency Number)
Direct Numbers
Ambulance _ 234_7371 (24 Hour)
Jail _ 234_5331 (24 Hour)
Poison Control _ 800_222_1222 (24 Hour)
http://www. aapcc. org/
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Interested in getting in touch with the Banner_News through e_mail?
E_mail addresses for communicating with the newspaper’s various departments are:
editor@bannernews.net For the editor, news@bannernews.net For news and sports items, Coming Events, Diary, Church News, school and civic events.
advertising@bannernews. net For retail and classified advertising.
circulation@bannernews. net To start, stop or cancel newspaper delivery or for comments about delivery.
outfitters @bannernews.net For Office Outfitters, the office supply division of the Banner_News.
[http://www.bannernews.net/]
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"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
“Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est.” Knowledge is power. _ Francis Bacon
"The problem is here and now. The time for talk is past. The time for action is now."
Comments on the first Earth Day _ James F. McClellan via John "Fuzzy" Thurman
~~~~~
Hope you enjoy the newsletter.
Again, thanks to all our contributors this week.
"Remember Pearl Harbor? Remember 9/11!" __"Bug"
God bless and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Mark 8:32-34 Lam 3:25-26 Psa 119:143-147 Psa 62:5-8 Psa 29:3-9 Col 3:17-23 http://www.e_min.org/
God is Good and Faithful CU 73 IC JFM CSP NREMT_I KC5HII

P. S. If you'd like to be added to the distribution, just drop us E_mail at kc5hii@suddenlink.net
. We offer "Da Bleat" as text, a "Blog" and as a newsletter with pictures in Word and PDF format. The latest issue is usually updated sometime Saturday. For the "Blog" version just go to one of the several addresses on the web. For the latest issue, go to http://www.bugsbleat.blogspot.com. Older issues can be found at http://www.bugsbleat_q__.blogspot.com, where _ is the quarter (1, 2, 3, or 4) and __ is the year (05, 06, 07, 08 or 09). We also have a site [http://bugsbleatphotos.blogspot.com/] where we post photos that I like.
Let us hear from you if we can switch you over to the "Word" or "PDF" version of "Da Bleat".
If you'd prefer to read "Da Blog" version, just drop us a note at kc5hii@suddenlink.net and we'll switch you from e:mail delivery to "Da Bleat" Blog. We appreciate your encouragement. We also appreciate your communication when you desire to be taken off our mail list. If you are on this mail list by mistake or do not wish to receive "Da Bleat," please reply back and tell us to discontinue service to you. This email was scanned by Norton AntiVirus 2010 before it was sent.
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