Tips for Garbage

Down the Drain: Garbage Disposal Do's; Don'ts

If your kitchen has a garbage disposal, you know how easy it makes mealtime clean up. But what you may not realize is that your disposal comes with some pretty important rules. Here are some of the most vital:

Do:

• Insert food slowly. Stuffing it all into your disposal at once can cause clogs and shorten the life of your system.
• Grind hard materials. Many people think food like chicken bones or small fruit pits are a no-no, but they can actually help clean the walls of the disposal.
• Use cold water for at least 20 seconds. This will solidify grease so that it can be ground up. Also, make sure that all food particles are washed completely down the drain.
• Keep it clean. One good way to eliminate drain smells is by grinding citrus fruit peels. You can also add a few drops of dish soap and let the disposal run for a few minutes.

Don't:

• Use hot water. This will make grease liquefy and build up, which can clog the drain.
• Grind fibrous or expandable foods. The former, like celery stalks and onionskins, can tangle up the disposal. The latter, like pasta and rice, can clog it.
• Turn off the motor too quickly. You'll want to make sure all food particles are completely ground. Once done, continue to run the water for at least 15 seconds to flush out particles.
• Wash coffee grounds down the drain. While they won't harm the disposal itself, they can clog pipes and drains.
• Forget to use it. Lack of use can cause rusting and corrosion, which can lead to premature system replacement.

Resolve to be READY

WASHINGTON - As 2011 - one of the most active years for disasters in recent history - comes to a close and Americans get ready to ring in a new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all Americans to Resolve to be Ready in the by making a new year's resolution to be prepared for emergencies.

As a recent report by the National Climatic Data Center highlights, 2011 has seen more billion-dollar natural disasters than any year on record. This year alone, the U.S. experienced its first hurricane landfall since 2008, the most deadly series of tornadoes since the 1950s, significant earthquakes and severe flooding - hazards that impacted every region of the country. All of these events have served as important reminders that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.

Today, FEMA kicked off its annual campaign, Resolve to be Ready in 2012, which urges Americans to make preparedness a priority during the holiday season by making a new year's resolution to be ready for disasters or by thinking about preparedness tools for last minute gift ideas.

"One of the most important lessons we can take away from this year is that disasters can impact all of us, no matter what part of the country we live in," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "While we can't control where or when they might hit, we can take steps in advance to prepare for them - efforts that can go a long way toward protecting our families, homes and business. Resolving to be Ready in 2012 could be the most important pledge you make this year."

By making a resolution to take a few simple steps in advance, Americans can minimize the impact of an emergency on their families, homes or businesses. To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/resolve or www.listo.gov, which includes free information, checklists, and guidelines about how to put together a kit, make a plan, and stay informed.

Resolve to be Ready in 2012 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the New Year. This effort is led by FEMA's Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information, visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov or follow the campaign on Twitter using the hashtags #ready2012 and #resolve.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

###

Google Extends Free Gmail Calls in the US and Canada to 2012

Google Voice is a neat feature for the casual or business user.

It is very functional and easy to use.

The ability to record calls, forward calls, and conference calls is a definite plus.

Sent to you by KC5FM via Google Reader:

Google Extends Free Gmail Calls in the US and Canada to 2012

via Mashable! by Stan Schroeder on 12/14/11

Google has extended free voice calls in Gmail in the US and Canada to one more year, the company has announced.
Voice calls were originally added to Gmail in August 2010, with Google promising they will be free in the US and Canada "for the rest of the year."
However, at the end of 2010 Google has extended free calling in these two countries to 2011, and now it has done so again, promising free calls in the US and Canada throughout 2012.
Originally announced with much fanfare, the popularity of voice calling in Gmail obviously still hasn't reached the point where Google could start charging for the service, at least domestically.
Internationally, voice calling in Gmail is still available at what Google calls "insanely low rates."
More About: Canada, gmail, Google, US, voice calls

Survive in the Woods - wikiHow

How to Survive in the Woods

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit


Ever been on a hike admiring the wild flowers, gazing up at the tips of the trees--and suddenly found yourself completely alone and lost? What would happen to you if you couldn't find your way back to safety? While being lost in the woods can be a frightening experience, surviving alone in the wild is generally a matter of common sense, patience, and wisely using the gifts that nature provides. All you need to survive for a few days is shelter, warmth, water, and food.

Steps

Preparing

1. Plan ahead. Don't just trek off into the wilderness, do some research first. There are a lot of resources regarding survival, both online and in libraries, but warning: many of the techniques used in these manuals are sometimes wrong or incomplete. One of the most accurate books about this subject is "Bushcraft - Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival" by Mors Kochanski. Educate yourself about the flora and fauna of the area you are exploring. Knowledge of the local plants and animals can save your life! Also, see if you need any medication or injections.
   
2. Make sure someone knows where you are going every time you go into the wilderness, and how long you intend to be gone. That way someone will realize that you are missing, quickly alert rescuers, and be able to tell them where to start looking for you. Note: this is like a 'flight plan' which pilots file before leaving. Similarly, don't forget to call the person(s) you notified to tell them when you are back. Like "the boy who cried wolf" a false alarm wastes rescue resources and may be costly (some communities have begun to bill the parties responsible).
   
3. Be prepared. Basic survival tools such as a knife, a fire steel (metal match), some matches, some cord (550 paracord is best), a whistle, a "space blanket", signaling mirror,water purifying tablets etc. can mean the difference between life and death. Even if you are only out on a day hike, be sure to bring the essentials. Having all this equipment is nothing if you cannot use it properly. Make sure to practice many times in a safe environment before venturing into the wilderness. Also, know how to catch and cook fish and game if the need arises.
   
4. Cell phone with spare battery or a portable CB radio can be your best, quickest means of rescue if you are truly lost or injured. A cell signal may only be obtainable from a hill or tree - but be safe if contemplating a climb. Serious hikers may even consider investing in a personal locator beacon such as the spot messenger for extended, precarious, or very remote, treks.
   

During the situation

1. Don't panic. Panic is more dangerous than almost anything else, because it interferes with the operation of your single best, most useful and versatile survival tool: your mind. The moment you realize that you are lost, before you do anything else, stop. Take a deep breath and stay calm. Even if you're hanging from a rope halfway down a mountainside with a broken leg, remind yourself that people have survived exactly this situation.
   
2. Stand still and look around carefully! Wherever you are will become your "point zero." Find a way to mark it using a spare piece of clothing, a pile of rocks, a sheet of paper, or anything else easily visible from a distance.
   
3. Stay in one place, and you not only increase your chances of being found, you also increase your ability to survive by reducing the energy your body expends and the amount of water and food you will need. Hunker down and stay put. Chances are that someone will be looking for you, especially if you let someone know your plans, (see above).
   
4. Signal your location to maximize the odds that someone finds you. Make noise by whistling, shouting, singing, or banging rocks together. If you can, mark your location in such a way that it's visible from the air. If you're in a mountain meadow, make three piles of dark leaves or branches in a triangle. In sandy areas, make a large triangle in the sand. In a forest, you might want to prepare three small fires ready to ignite at a moment's notice, with heaps of wet leaves nearby in order to make smoke. Three of anything in the wilderness is a standard distress signal. The space blanket can also be used as a signaling device.
   
5. Start scouting your area, carefully keeping track of your location. Be sure you can always find your way back to your "point zero" as you search for water, shelter, or your way home.
   
6. Find or create shelter. Without adequate shelter, you will be fully exposed to the elements and will risk hypothermia or heatstroke, depending on the weather. If you are not properly dressed for the conditions, finding shelter is all the more important. Luckily, the woods are filled with tools and resources to make both shelters and fires (for warmth, safety, and signaling purposes). Here are some things you can use:
   
   • Look for a fallen or leaning tree. You can build an A-frame shelter by by stacking branches along both side a fallen tree, then over the branches with brush, palm fronds, leaves, or other plants.
     
   • Use brush or green branches (boughs) from trees to repel water, block wind, keep out snow, or create shade. Close in your shelter on as many sides as possible.
     
   • Caves can be great, but be sure the cave is not already occupied by bears, large cats, snakes or other unfriendly animals; they know caves are good too, and they've been looking for good shelter for longer than you have. Also make sure it's not going to collapse on you- this reduces your chances of survival considerably.
     
   
   
7. Find a good source of water. In a survival situation, you can last up to three days without water, but by the end of the second day you're not going to be in very good shape; find water before then.
   
   • The best source of water is a spring, but the chances of finding one are slim.
     
   • A running stream is your next best bet; the movement of the water reduces sediment. Be advised that drinking water from streams can lead to some sicknesses, but when you're in a life-or-death situation, the risk of illness is a secondary consideration.
     
   • Or use jacket sleeves to tie around your ankles when it's morning, and walk in the grass to get dew on the sleeves, then suck the moisture out of the fabric.
     
   
   
8. Purify your water. A crude method of water purification is to take your handy pot and heat the water. For this to effectively kill bacteria, it must be at a rolling boil for at least three minutes[1].
   
9. Build a fire. Build a good sized fire, one with sufficient coals to stay hot for many hours, and make sure that you have plenty of extra dry wood.
   
   • A good rule of thumb is to gather wood until you have enough to last the night, then gather three more piles of the same size, and you might have enough to get through the night.
     
   • In the wilderness you should have access to dry wood in the understory of the forest. You can also use bark or dried dung. If you build a fire that is hot enough, you can also burn green wood, brush, or tree boughs to make a signaling fire (one that makes a lot of smoke).
     
   • The best wood for maintaining a fire is dead wood that you pull off a standing tree. Regardless of what type of woods you are in, there will certainly be some dry wood available. Remember that a small fire is easier to keep burning than a big fire, though, because it requires less fuel. Once you have sufficient embers, keep the fire to a manageable size so you don't spend too much time looking for fuel.
     
   
   
10. Find safe food. Know that most healthy adults can survive up to three weeks without food unless it's cold.[2] It's better to be hungry and healthy than ill. Make sure that you know food is safe before eating it. If there is anything that will lessen your ability to survive, it is being both lost and deathly ill. Starvation won't be a big problem.
    
    • Don't be afraid to eat insects and other bugs. While it may be disgusting to eat a few grasshoppers, they do provide useful nutrition. All insects should be cooked as they can harbor parasites that can kill you. Do not eat any caterpillars, brightly colored insects, or any insect that can bite or sting you. Remove the legs, head and wings of any insect before eating.
      
    • If you are near water, fish are a good choice. Minnows can be eaten whole.
      
    • Color test: There is no color test for berry edibility with one exception: Almost all white berries are toxic. As for other colors consider them poisonous unless you personally know the berry to be safe.
      
    • Aggregate berries: There is the mistaken belief that aggregate berries are always safe. That is far from true with several aggregate berries being highly toxic if not fatal. The only safe berry is a berry you know personally to be safe.
      
    
    

Tips

• Tie bright clothing (jackets, bandannas, and even underwear) to the top of a tree to attract attention.
  
• You can survive several weeks without food, but only few days without water, and perhaps only hours without shelter. Keep your priorities straight.
  
• If you're not absolutely sure where you are and how to get back to familiar territory, don't proclaim, "I think it's this way." The more you move once you realize you're lost, the worse your chances are of finding your way back.
  
• Consider taking a staff or walking stick with you. If you don't have one, any staff-sized stick will do. The little mark it makes in the dirt will help you retrace your steps better than Hansel and Gretel.
  
• It is safer not to go into the wilderness alone.
  
• One of the most important survival tools is something that most people never consider: a tin cup. Without a tin cup it is difficult to cook many foods.
  
• A firearm has always been an essential tool of the woods. A .22 rifle or pistol can serve as a means of obtaining food, self-protection from humans or animals and a signaling device. The cartridges can also be used for fire-starting.
  
• Another under rated but important item for a survival pack is a large lightweight trash bag. They pack down small, but can be used to carry water from a stream, can be wrapped around a leafy branch end to trap the water vapor given off from the leaves, and can be used as an emergency poncho in wet or cold weather after cutting a hole for head and arms. Stuffing your makeshift poncho with extra leaves or grass can also give additional insulation when cold. The best trash bags are orange contactor bags (they can be used for signaling too).
  
• Don’t rely upon modern technology like cell phones, GPS units, or radios to save you if you are lost. Take one with you if it's available. But remember that these items are not foolproof; have a backup plan.
  
• If you don’t have a lighter or any matches, you will have to start the fire by hand. If you find enough tinder (small material, such as dry grass, feathers or bark shavings, that burns easily) you can usually use the energy from the sun to start a fire with a magnifying glass, a lens from your glasses, a piece of broken glass, a cover to a watch or compass, or other clear, light-intensifying objects. It is very difficult to start a fire by friction; your best bet is to carry a variety of fire-starting implements.
  
• An important acronym to remember is "STOP" which stands for stop, think, observe, and plan.
  
• Whenever you go out in the wilderness, (for example, going on a hike), bring a whistle. 1 blow means "I'm lost", 2 blows means "I'm coming" (if you hear someone else blow a whistle), and 3 blows means "This is an emergency" (if you are hurt).
  
• At night, there is a greater risk of freezing to death. Stay dry. Bundle up. Get yourself off the ground. Make a "bed" of layers of branches, leaves, twigs, whatever is there, and cover yourself with the same stuff. To stay warm at night, heat rocks in the fire and then bury them. Sleep on top of the buried rocks. Make sure you bury them deep enough or you will burn yourself.
  
• If you happen to have a reflective object on you (a mirror, a belt buckle, whatever), use it as a signal by facing it towards the sun.
  
• If planning an extended trip into difficult or unfamiliar terrain, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan. Detailed maps/trail guides, extra food and water, and signaling devices such as a mirror, flare, or even (depending on the length and location of the trip) a satellite beacon (PLB) could save your life.
  
• Rain, snow, or dew can be a good source of clean water. You can use anything from a cup to a piece of waterproof cloth to a large leaf to collect precipitation.
  
• If you cannot stay where you are until someone finds you, do not just pick a direction and start walking, even if you have a means of ensuring that you continue to go that direction. Instead, try to go either uphill or downhill. Going uphill offers a good chance that you will find a vantage point, which can help you get your bearings. If you go downhill, you will probably find water which you can follow downstream; in many cases, this will lead you to civilization. But don't follow water downstream at night or in fog as it may go off a cliff.
  
• Never, ever go into the woods without a compass. Note which direction you enter the woods from, say, a straight road or trail and if you get disoriented just head back in the opposite direction from which you entered. If you don't have one, use or learn your cardinal directions from the stars and the positions of the sun and moon.
  
• Shoe/Boot laces make good rope in an emergency situation, but remember once they're removed, walking will become more difficult.
  
• Shirt sleeves can be cut off and used as bandages if necessary. Remember to only tie them around a wound so that they are still loose enough to stick one or two fingers between the bandage and the appendage/body.
  
• A belt can also be used to hold a bandage in place (not too tightly!), as an equipment strap, or as a snare.
  
• The sleeves of a waterproof jacket can be used to hold water by tying one end of them.
  
• If you want to fish, you can make a fishing rod out of a stick about 2 meters (6 feet) long and 1-3 inches thick (just bring your own fishing hooks). Peel the bark off the stick and, with a knife or axe, cut a notch about 2-3 inches from the top of the rod. Tie one end of any string or cord placed in the notch, then tie the hook on the other end of the string or cord. Also, you can try to bait the hook with a small piece of meat, an insect, or any other thing you want to try to use as bait.
  
• Your primary survival knife should be a fixed blade with a solid, sturdy handle; a folding knife should only be used as a back-up, although it is better than nothing.
  
• Trust your instincts.
  

Warnings

• Keep your fire contained! Ensure that there is no combustible material underneath your fireplace and enclose it completely with rocks or a berm made of sand. Put your fire out with copious amounts of water: saturate it, so that there is no possibility of even the tiniest spark remaining. You should be able to touch the extinguished coals with your bare hand. It's one thing to be lost in the woods, but quite another to be lost and surrounded by a forest fire caused by your own negligence.
  
• If you encounter snakes, leave them alone. Snakes bite because they are hungry or because they are threatened. We are too big to be seen as prey to most snakes; they do not regard humans as food. Stand still and the snake will go away. Attack it and it will retaliate. If one curls up in your kit, chivvy it out with a long stick and gently prod it away. If it comes in your direction, stand still. It doesn't know that you are causing its discomfort and if you do not jump around, it will probably not even notice you. However, if you kill the snake you can enjoy eating it. Since you probably don't know if it's venomous or not, a good rule is to cut off the head, and then cut the same distance back from that point down the body. This will remove the poison glands, if there are any.
  
• Make sure that, if you heat rocks for warmth, that they are not wet (or from a water source.) When heating them in the fire, they will explode as the water inside the cracks turn to vapor.
  
• Never travel directly in a river because water absorbs your heat much more than air, which can lead to hypothermia.
  
• Drinking your own urine as a source of water is not recommended.[3]
  
• If you find yourself stuck in the wilderness during the winter, do not eat snow unless you fully melt and warm it first! If you eat snow your body temperature will drop and you risk hypothermia or death.
  

Things You'll Need

• These are things that are very hard to make or that you won't find in the woods.
  
• Whistle with a compass in it (these are sold on a necklace of parachute cord sometimes, and you can use the cord, too, if you need it)
  
• Water container
  
• Fire starters - Matches, Lighter, Flint/Magnesium & Steel, Magnifying glass or lens(sometimes on the cord of a compass)
  
• Lint or fluff (it's weightless and good tinder)
  
• Pot to boil water/cook food
  
• Universal tool/Swiss Army Knife
  
• Map of area
  
• Fishing hooks and a good quantity of fishing line. Coil it up and stow in a pocket. The hooks are good if you want to fish, but can come in handy for other purposes, too, and they weigh almost nothing. Stick them and the wire into your wallet and put it in your back pocket.
  
• Three or four protein bars, or small portions of trail mix
  
• Space blanket or bivvy bag (both high visibility of reflective)
  
• Basic first aid kit
  
• Small water bottles(unopened until you get lost)
  
• === Optional Items ===
  
• water purifying tablets
  
• spare clothes
  
• magnifying glass (for fire)
  
• compass
  
• cotton balls in a bag with Vaseline on them (This is not only for chapped lips, but as an ointment for cuts and sunburn relief. Most importantly, when you tear the cotton balls, and mix them with the Vaseline, the result is very flammable, which will burn smoothly and for a long duration. This is great for making torches and starting fires. Do not use on burns!)
  
• Rope/string
  
• Sewing kit/floss(useful for repairs and fishing line)
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Make String from Natural Sources
  
• How to Plan a Backpacking Trip
  
• How to Build a Swamp Bed
  
• How to Find True North Without a Compass
  
• How to Catch a Small to Medium Sized Mammal
  
• How to Find Your Way in Deep Forest
  
• How to Get Prepared for a Survival Situation
  
• How to Survive a Wolf Attack
  

Sources and Citations

• U.S. Army Survival Manual FM 21-76 - Includes a thorough discussion of traps, snares and improvised weapons
  
• Wilderness Survival
  
• Wilderness Survival Guide
  
• Surviving in the Wilderness
  

1. ↑ http://www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/emerg.html


2. ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival_skills


3. ↑ Survival, Evasion and Recovery - U.S. Military Field Manual FM 21-76-1 (1999)

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Survive in the Woods. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Make Jesus central this Season

When life gets busy, sometimes it's hard to keep up with everything.
But when we make time for God's Word, it has a way of putting all of
that activity into perspective. Here's help:

Go to your plan Settings (the little gear icon), and select "Catch Me
Up." This resets your reading schedule so that the last day you
completed becomes yesterday's reading on your calendar. You can use
Catch Me Up on most mobile devices, or online at
http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/rediscovering-the-christmas-season/settings.
As you have time, check your plan calendar for days you didn't finish
(indicated by blue dots).

Return to your earliest unfinished day, and complete that day's reading.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 to fill in the gaps. (Realistically, this process
might take you a few days.)

We're convinced God speaks to us when we read His Word, so we believe
it's important to help each other connect with the Bible. If there's
anything we can do to support you, please come visit with us online,
or on Facebook or Twitter.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/YouVersion
Twitter: http://twitter.com/YouVersion
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Blog: http://blog.youversion.com
Support: http://support.youversion.com
Donate: http://www.youversion.com/donate
Volunteer: http://support.youversion.com/how-can-i-help/

The Christmas Story: Does It Still Matter?

Written by Rusty Wright What does Christmas mean to you? Times with family and friends? Perhaps carols, cards, television specials. Maybe hectic shopping, parties, and eating too much. All these and more are part of North American Christmas. But what about the first Christmas? Why is the original story—the baby in a manger, shepherds, wise men, angels—important, if at all? May I invite you to consider eight reasons why the original Christmas story matters, even to you? You may not agree with all of them, but perhaps they will stimulate your thinking and maybe even kindle some feelings that resonate with that famous story. First, the Christmas story is important because it is. . . A Story that Has Endured For two millennia, people have told of the child in a Bethlehem manger; of angels who announced his birth to shepherds; of learned men who traveled a great distance to view him.{1} That a story persists for many years does not prove its truthfulness. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the tooth fairy survive in the popular imagination. But a twenty-century tenure at least merits our consideration. What deep human longings does the Christmas story portray? Why has it connected so profoundly with millions of people? Is the story factual? Curiosity prompts further investigation. Second, the Christmas story is also . . . A Story of Hope and Survival Jesus' society knew great pain and oppression. Rome ruled. Corrupt tax collectors burdened the people. Some religious leaders even sanctioned physical beating of Jewish citizens participating in compulsory religious duties.{2} Joseph and his pregnant wife Mary traveled a long distance to Bethlehem to register for a census but could not obtain proper lodging. Mary bore her baby and laid him in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. Eventually, King Herod sought to kill the baby. Warned of impending risk, Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt, then returned home after Herod's death. Imagine how Mary felt. Traveling while pregnant would be challenging. Fleeing to another nation lest some king slay your son would not be pleasant. Yet she, Joseph, and Jesus survived the ordeal. In the midst of social and cultural challenges, the Christmas story offers hope and encouragement toward survival, hope of new life linked to something—someone—greater than oneself. One of Jesus' followers said Jesus' "name . . . [would] be the hope of all the world."{3} So, the Christmas story is important because it has endured and because it speaks of hope and survival. Reason number three: the Christmas story is . . . A Story of Peace and Goodwill Christmas carolers sing of "peace on earth." Greeting cards extol peace, families desire it, and the news reminds us of its fleeting nature. I encountered ten-year-old Matt from Nebraska in a southern California restaurant men's room one afternoon. Alone and forlorn looking, he stood outside the lone stall. "Could I ask a favor?" inquired the sandy haired youth. "The door to this stall has no lock. Would you watch and be sure that no one comes in on me?" "Sure," I replied, happy to guard his privacy. Matt noted, "In a lot of nice restaurants the stall doors don't have locks." "I know," I agreed. "You'd think they would." After a pause, his high-pitched voice said, "You know what I wish? I wish there could be peace in all the earth and no more arguments or fighting so no one would have to die except by heart attacks." "That would be great," I agreed. "How do you think that could happen?" Matt didn't know. "It seems that the Prince of Peace could help," I suggested. "Do you know who that is?" He didn't. "Well, at Christmas, we talk a lot about Jesus as the Prince of Peace," I explained. "Oh, I see," conceded Matt. "I don't know about those things because I don't go to church. Do you know what it's like to be the only boy in your town who doesn't go to church? I do." "Well, I'm a church member," I replied, "but really the most important thing is knowing Jesus Christ as your personal friend. When I was eighteen, some friends explained to me that He died and rose again for me and that I could begin a relationship with Him. It made a big difference and gave me a real peace inside. He can also bring peace between people." By now, Matt was out washing his hands as his father stuck his head in the door to hurry him along. I gave him a small booklet that explained more. "Thanks," smiled Matt as he walked out to join his family for lunch. Psychologist Daniel Goleman in his bestselling book Emotional Intelligence tells of boarding a New York City bus to find a driver whose friendly greeting and positive disposition spread contagious warmth among the initially cold and indifferent passengers. Goleman envisioned a "virus of good feeling" spreading through the city from this "urban peacemaker" whose good will had softened hearts.{4} The Christmas angel announced to some shepherds, "'Don't be afraid! . . . I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!"{5} A crowd of angels then appeared praising God and proclaiming peace among people of good will.{6} The Christmas story brings a message of peace that can soothe anxious hearts and calm interpersonal strife. Reason number four: the Christmas story is . . . A Story of Family Christmas is a time for family gatherings. This interaction can bring great joy or great stress. Estrangement or ill will from past conflicts can explode. Joseph and Mary had their share of family challenges. Consider their circumstances. The historical accounts indicate that Joseph's fiancée became pregnant though she was a virgin. Mary believed an angel told her she was pregnant by God. Now, how would you feel if your fiancé/fiancée exhibited apparent evidence of sexual activity with someone else during your engagement? Suppose your intended said that God had sanctioned the whole thing. Would your trust and self-esteem take a nosedive? Would you cancel the wedding? Joseph, described as "a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace . . . [Mary] publicly."{7} But an angel appeared to him in a dream, explaining that the child was conceived in her by God, and told him to "name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."{8} Joseph followed instructions and cared for his family. His continuing commitment to Mary and Jesus played a significant part in the boy's birth and early childhood. With God's help, the family overcame major obstacles. And so can your family. Fifth, the story is Christmas is also . . . A story of Humility When kings, presidents, and other rulers appear in public, great pomp often ensues. From a biblical perspective, God came first not as a ruling king but as a servant, a baby born in humble circumstances. His becoming human helps humans identify with Him. Imagine that you and your child are walking in a field and encounter an ant pile with hundreds of ants scurrying about. In the distance, you see a construction bulldozer approaching. Suppose your child asks how to warn the ants of impending danger. You discuss various possibilities: shouting, holding up signs, etc. But the best solution would be if somehow your child could become an ant and warn them personally. Some ants might not believe the danger. But some might believe and take steps to ensure their safety. Paul, an early follower of Jesus, wrote of the humility Jesus displayed by becoming human: Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross. Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven.{9} The Christmas story speaks of family and humility. But is it true?{10} Reason number six why the Christmas story matters: it is . . . A Story that Was Foretold Jesus' followers noted numerous clues to his identity, prophecies written many years before His birth.{11} The Hebrew writer Micah told around 700 BC of deliverance through a coming Messiah or "Anointed One" from Bethlehem.{12} We know that ". . . Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea. . . ."{13} Isaiah, writing around 700 BC, foretold that the Messiah would be born of a virgin. He wrote, "The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."{14} The name "Immanuel" means "God is with us." Biblical accounts claim Jesus' mother was a virgin when she bore Him.{15} Additional prophecies concern the Messiah's lineage, betrayal, suffering, execution, and resurrection. Peter Stoner, a California mathematician, once calculated the probability of just eight of the 300 prophecies Jesus fulfilled coming true in one person due to chance alone. Using estimates that both he and classes of college students considered reasonable and conservative, Stoner concluded there was one chance in 1017 that those eight were fulfilled by fluke. He says 1017 silver dollars would cover the state of Texas two feet deep. Mark one coin with red fingernail polish. Stir the whole batch thoroughly. What chance would a blindfolded person have of picking the marked coin on the first try? One in 1017, the same chance that just eight of the 300 prophecies "just happened" to come true in this man, Jesus.{16} In a similar vein, consider reason number seven why the original Christmas story matters. It is . . . A Story that Has Substantial Support Can we trust the biblical accounts of the Christmas story? Three important points: • Eyewitness Testimony. The Gospels—presentations of Jesus' life—claim to be, or bear evidence of containing, eyewitness accounts. In a courtroom, eyewitness testimony is among the most reliable evidence. • Early Date. Dr. William F. Albright, one of the world's leading archaeologists, dated every book of the New Testament (NT) before about AD 80.{17} There is no known record of NT factual authenticity ever being successfully challenged by a contemporary. • Manuscript Evidence. Over 24,000 early manuscript copies of portions of the NT exist today. Concerning manuscript attestation, Sir Frederic Kenyon, director and principle librarian of the British Museum, concluded, "Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established."{18} The Christmas story is notable for its enduring messages of hope, peace, goodwill, family and humility. It was foretold by prophets and has substantial manuscript support. But there is another reason for considering the story of Jesus' birth, perhaps the most important. Reason number eight: the Christmas story is . . . A Story of Love Jesus' followers taught that His conception and birth were part of a divine plan to bring us genuine peace, inner freedom, and self-respect. They believed the biblical God wants us to enjoy friendship with Him, and meaning and purpose. Alas, our own self-centeredness separates us from Him. Left to our own, we would spend both time and eternity in this spiritually unplugged state. Jesus came to help plug us into God. Mary's baby was born to die, paying the penalty for our self-centeredness, which the biblical documents call "sin." If I had a traffic fine I could not pay, you could offer to pay it for me. When the adult Jesus died on the cross, He carried the penalty due all our sins then rose from the dead to give new life. Jesus explained, "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."{19} God can become your friend if you believe in Him, that is, if you trust Him to forgive you. He will never let you down. Perhaps you are becoming aware of the importance of the Christmas story in your own life. Might you like to receive Jesus' free gift of forgiveness and place your faith in Him? You can celebrate this Christmas knowing that you are a member of His family. Perhaps you'd like to talk to Him right now. You might want to tell Him something like this: Jesus Christ, thanks for loving me, for dying for my sins and rising again. Please apply your death as the means of my forgiveness. I accept your pardon. Come and live in me and help me to become your close friend. If you made that decision to place your trust in Jesus, He has entered your life, forgiven you and given you eternal life. I encourage you to tell another of His followers about your decision and ask them to help you grow in faith. Call this radio station or visit the Web site probe.org to learn more. Read the Bible to discover more about God. Begin with the Gospel of John, the fourth book in the New Testament, which is one of the easier ones to understand. Tell God what is on your heart, and tell others about the discovery you've made so they can know Him too. Christmas is meant to celebrate peace and joy. Amidst the busyness of shopping, parties, presents, and fun, remember that the Prince of Peace came to spread peace and joy to all who believe in Him. Notes 1. Details of the Christmas story are in Luke 1-2 and Matthew 1:18-2:23. 2. Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1973 printing of the 1883 original), i:372. 3. Matthew 12:21 NLT. 4. Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence (New York: Bantam Books, 1997), ix-x. 5. Luke 2:10-11 NLT. 6. Luke 2:13-14 NASB. 7. Matthew 1:19 NLT. 8. Matthew 1:21 NLT. 9. Philippians 2:6-9 NLT. 10. For more on evidence for Jesus, see www.WhoIsJesus-Really.com andwww.probe.org. 11. For a summary of prophecies Jesus fulfilled, see Josh McDowell, Evidence that Demands a Verdict (San Bernardino, CA: Here's Life Publishers, 1979), 141-177. 12. Micah 5:2. 13. Matthew 2:1 NASB. 14. Isaiah 7:14 NIV. 15. Matthew 1:18, 22-25; Luke 1:27, 34. 16. Peter W. Stoner, Science Speaks (Chicago: Moody Press, 1969), 99-112. 17. McDowell, op. cit., 62-63. 18. Frederic G. Kenyon, The Bible and Archaeology (New York: Harper & Row, 1940), 288; in McDowell, op. cit., 41. McDowell develops these points in pp. 39-41 ff. 19. John 3:16 NLT. Adapted from Rusty Wright, "Christmas: More than a Story?" Advance magazine, December 2004, pp. 12-15. Copyright © 2004 Rusty Wright. Used by permission. © 2005 Probe Ministries About the Author Rusty Wright, former associate speaker and writer with Probe Ministries, is an international lecturer, award-winning author, and journalist who has spoken on six continents. He holds Bachelor of Science (psychology) and Master of Theology degrees from Duke and Oxford universities, respectively. www.RustyWright.com What is Probe? Probe Ministries is a non-profit ministry whose mission is to assist the church in renewing the minds of believers with a Christian worldview and to equip the church to engage the world for Christ. Probe fulfills this mission through our Mind Games conferences for youth and adults, our 3-minute daily radio program, and our extensive Web site at www.probe.org. Further information about Probe's materials and ministry may be obtained by contacting us at: Probe Ministries 2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 2000 Plano TX 75075 (972) 941-4565 info@probe.org www.probe.org Copyright information

Democracy in America?

Video calls for shutting down Iowa caucuses; the group Anonymous claims responsibility | Iowa Caucuses

The #OWS group apparently believes in the democratic process in the United States.

Is this an indication of the what the 99% really want to achieve?

The NEW California Poster Girl!

Really?

Are you sure about that?

After all, are there really any absolutes?

In Search of the Whole Hearted Life

http://jaxchristian.com/churchministry/church/1345-in-search-of-the-whole-hearted-life
is the link to an interesting article.

What will the local congregation look like in 10 years? The Baby
Boomers either never caught the vision or are leaving because their
vision did not match their reality.

What do you think will happen?

Principal-Agent Theory and the Welfare State.htm

Controlling politicians in the welfare state bears resemblance to the principal-agent relationship, but brings with it a host of new problems.  When individual voters (principals) cannot reasonably "exit" relationships with politicians (agents), they often become trapped in inefficient structures.  Holding politicians accountable in a welfare state requires considerable time and effort.  Unfortunately, in a large democracy, the return on any one voter's efforts is vanishingly small.  For this reason, they choose not to exert themselves at all.  This tendency manifests itself as political cynicism and voter apathy, problems that have the potential to cause profound disaster in the future, says Mark Pennington, professor of public policy and political economy at Queen Mary, University of London.

• For example, in the United States, as many as 70 percent of voters can't name either of their state's senators and the vast majority cannot estimate rates of inflation or unemployment within 5 percent of actual levels.
• This willful ignorance of the goings on of the government minimizes voter oversight as a factor in politicians' strategic decision-making, enabling political opportunism via lackadaisical job performance and personal ambition.
• When this loss of oversight is viewed in terms of the debate over the prevalence of entitlement programs, the results become obvious.

While a collective action problem prevents most younger and middle-age voters from taking a strong stand on entitlement programs, the same is not true of the elderly population.  Because they are organized (see AARP), have relatively similar interests and vote consistently, their voices are the most influential in political discourse regarding entitlements.  Furthermore, they overcome the collective action problem because the benefits of the programs (and therefore the costs of losing them) are concentrated, whereas the costs for the rest of the population are diffused.
The result of this perniciously disproportionate influence is a burgeoning entitlement structure that is plagued by fraud.  Politicians, desiring both a leisurely job and a reliable senior voting bloc, choose not to exert the additional effort necessary to rein in the excesses of the system.  Meanwhile, truly good policy for the rest of society is ignored due to lack of mobilization.
While reform suggestions are numerous, at their core should be two principles: first, we must abandon a system in which those who claim future benefits have the ability to dismiss those who finance them.  And second, we must address the fact that those who manage taxpayer dollars have every incentive to favor short-term political gain over long-term sustainability.
Source: Mark Pennington, "Principal-Agent Theory and the Welfare State," Cato Institute, September/October 2011.
For text:
http://www.cato.org/pubs/policy_report/v33n5/cprv33n5-1.html

Radio preacher now says Oct. 21 is definitely Doomsday -- well, probably

Can we get an "Ehem" here?

Sent to you by KC5FM via Google Reader:

Radio preacher now says Oct. 21 is definitely Doomsday -- well, probably

via USATODAY.com News on 10/14/11

Family Radio preacher Harold Camping, whose prediction for the end of the world on May 21 misfired, now says that his new date of Oct. 21 looks ...

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Scientists Create Life

Now that science has come so far, even so far as to create life,
three scientists decided to speak to God about it.

“We don’t need you anymore–we can create life on our own.” 

“How so? asked God. “Show me!”

The lead scientist said, “well, first you take some dirt…”

“Ahh,” said God. “Get your own dirt!”

One Nation Under God

If you enjoyed Rediscover God in America, we encourage you to host a One Nation Under God house party! Our nation was founded on Biblical principles, but we have lost sight of this in today's culture. That is why we are calling all Christ-followers to join together on November 12, 2011 to host the One Nation Under God Event in homes and churches across America. Please take a minute to watch the One Nation Under God Event promotional video. In this powerful 2-hour event, the truth about the Biblical foundation of our nation will be explored by spiritual, political, and educational leaders such as Dr. James Dobson, Bob McEwen, David Barton, and more! David Barton, Historian James Dobson, Founder of My Family Talk Newt Gingrich, Former Speaker of the House Bob McEwen, Former Congressman Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President of NHCLC Lila Rose, President of Live Action John Stemberger, President of Florida Family Policy Coucil One Nation Under God will lay a foundation of critical knowledge about our past that will help us direct our future. You'll learn how to interpret and assess current events in light of God's Word, as our founding fathers did, and how to respond Biblically and take action that aligns with His truth.* We are asking Christ followers across the US to step out in faith, sign up to host, then simply invite your friends and family to join you on November 12, to learn more about our nation and how we as Christians are called to make our voices heard. We will supply you with invitations, timelines, and action checklists to ensure your house party is a success. Visit www.OneNationUnderGodEvent.com to learn more and sign up to host today! *To find learn more about how you can get involved in encouraging Christians to register and vote, please visit www.ChampionTheVote.com.

Culture Threat #5: The Attack Against the Bible

Dr. David Jeremiah sent this email today.  If you have not gotten his MOST recent book, you can follow my lead and get your own when it comes in the mail.  If his video series on TV is any indication, I am sure the book will be an interesting read. Nevertheless, his words follow: I never thought I'd see the day when the Bible would be pushed to the edge in public education and out of the decision-making processes of our official institutions. But what grieves me most is that the Bible's status has been downgraded and its message diluted in the last place we should expect it: in the Christian Church itself. Under the threat of execution, Iranian Pastor Yusuf Nadarkhani has refused to recant his Christian faith. Imprisoned since October 2009, this pastor has risked his life to take a stand for the truth of God's Word. As his unwavering conviction is proclaimed across the globe, I wonder: How did the Bible lose its centrality in our lives? Many Christians have grown afraid to utter the words "The Bible says . . ." or "God says . . ." or "Jesus says . . ." On one hand we have people in repressive nations laying down their lives to expand the Bible's influence, and on the other we have modern churches being willing to allow the Bible's influence to recede toward the vanishing point, even in their own lives. As a Christian I am never free to move God's Word to the edge of my life, regardless of what those around me or in authority over me may do. While the church should be influencing the culture, we are allowing the culture to seduce and diminish the church. If enough Christians restore the Bible and the One it tells us of to the center of our lives, our society and its culture may yet be transformed. Take a stand for the Bible with me - today! What you can do: Prepare: Recognize the dangerous consequences of treating the Bible as irrelevant in your life and your church. Agree with Peter and the other apostles: "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Read Chapter Six of I Never Thought I'd See the Day! and learn five ways Christians are contributing to the marginalization of the Word of God. Pray: Pray for strength and peace for believers who are being persecuted around the globe. Daily commit to keeping God's Word central in your life. Pray for believers to take a stand for the Bible in their communities. Participate: Be responsible as a steward of God to uphold His Word in every dimension of your life - in private, in public, at home, and at church. Spend time with a skeptic and strengthen their confidence in the Bible. Listen and watch I Never Thought I'd See the Day! on Turning Point Television and Radio. I want to help you know what God's Word says about the cultural and spiritual changes impacting America and the Church today and also know how to live faithfully in the midst of them. Be sure to join me this Sunday for Turning Point Television and watch my message, "I Never Thought I'd See the Day When Marriage Would Be Obsolete." You'll discover the extraordinary opportunity to help reverse the destructive trends and call America back to faith in God, back to the solid foundation of His Word. God bless you, David Jeremiah TURNING POINT WITH DR. DAVID JEREMIAH PO Box 3838, San Diego, CA 92163 1-877-998-0222 David Jeremiah's Website Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah Copyright 2011

OEC Publishes Case Studies to Highlight Progress in Emergency Communications since 9/11

This month our Nation marked the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The events of that day revealed just how important coordination and interoperable communications are to the critical work of emergency responders who save lives, every day, in our cities and towns across the Nation. While the attacks were dramatic and tragic events for our Nation, they highlighted the concerns about the vital need for improved emergency communications and were an important catalyst for change.

Over the last ten years, we have made significant progress to improve emergency communications capabilities. Since its inception in 2007, the US Department of Homeland Security's Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) has worked with our partners at the Federal, State, local, and tribal levels to ensure emergency responders can share information—voice and data—with each other during emergencies and day-to-day operations. Through these partnerships, we have shared best practices and insights to develop solutions that benefit stakeholders across disciplines and jurisdictions.

To highlight advancements made by stakeholders, OEC has published five case studies. These case studies align with the SAFECOM Interoperability Continuum— the critical success factors that help jurisdictions achieve interoperability—governance, standard operating procedures, technology, training and exercises, and usage. Through these case studies, OEC is highlighting examples from various jurisdictions across the Nation so that others will be able to understand the complexities of interoperability and determine how the innovative solutions included in the studies might help them overcome their own barriers.

The case studies include: 

• Governance—New York City Interagency Communications Committee as an example of how jurisdictions are demonstrating the capability of managing a regional committee working within a multi-state framework
•  Standard Operating Procedures—Minnesota Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER) as an example of comprehensive interoperability achieved through procedures and protocols governing response designed prior to an incident 
• Technology—Delaware Statewide Emergency Communications System as an example of a standards-based, regionally-shared system that supports more than 14,000 subscribers from 247 different local, State, Federal, and non-governmental agencies, processing more than 115,000 interoperable communications calls on a routine day
• Training and Exercises—Washington State Integrated Interoperable Communications Plan, developed in preparation for the 2010 Olympic Games, as an example of an interagency communications plan adapted into a two-day curriculum enabling students to apply their new communications skills through a series of tabletop exercises
• Usage—Louisiana Wireless Information Network (LWIN), developed as part of the recovery efforts of Hurricane Katrina, as an example of a multijurisdictional system that provided vital support to local, State, and Federal responders during responses to Hurricane Gustav and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

These case studies highlight just a few examples of the tremendous progress made in the field of emergency communications since that tragic day in 2001. While much has been accomplished towards achieving nationwide interoperability in the last ten years, there is still work to be done. As new technologies and their capabilities are explored, the principles that have worked to date cannot be overlooked. The ability of public safety officials to effectively communicate is essential to saving lives and property. OEC and our stakeholder partners will continue working together to ensure progress is made and the citizens of the Nation are provided the highest level of safety and security possible.

For more information or to request a PDF copy of the case studies, contact OEC@dhs.gov.