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Friday Sep 05, 2008

Next Generation Pack Horse


Take a look at American ingenuity at its best.  Below is a link to a quadruped robot developed by a Boston based company which is at the forefront of developing robotic systems including some used to train US Army officers.  They also develop human simulations which are used by the US Marine Corps.  This "big dog" would certainly be helpful on a hiking trip:

Monday Aug 18, 2008

You Are Welcome But Your Bibles Are Not

As reported by the Fox News from an Associated Press article, a group of American Christians had 315 bibles confiscated from them in the airport in China.  China, which states it has "freedom of religion" has stated that they haven't confiscated the bibles, they are merely "taking care of them" for the visitors.  Yeah, right.  Read the full story below and God Bless America!

China Confiscates Bibles From American Christians

Sunday , August 17, 2008

AP

BEIJING — 

A group of American Christians who had more than 300 Bibles confiscated by Chinese officials when they arrived in China is refusing to leave the airport until they get the books back, their leader said Monday.

Pat Klein said he and three others from his Vision Beyond Borders group spent Sunday night at the airport in the southwestern city of Kunming after customs officers took the Bibles from their checked luggage.

"I heard that there's freedom of religion in China, so why is there a problem for us to bring Bibles?" said Klein, whose Sheridan, Wyoming-based group distributes Bibles and Christian teaching materials around the world.

The Bibles were printed in Chinese, he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

The move comes as China hosts the Olympics in Beijing, where false media reports last year claimed Bibles would be banned from the games. The state-run China Daily reported last month that 10,000 bilingual copies of the Bible would be distributed in the Olympic Village, which houses athletes and media.

In China, Bibles are legally printed at just one plant — the world's largest — run by a communist government-backed Christian association, and are available in many bookstores. But the officially atheistic government prohibits proselytizing and is worried that if the spread of religion goes unchecked, believers might ultimately challenge the Communist Party's authority.

A woman on duty at Kunming airport's customs office confirmed over the telephone late Sunday that 315 Bibles were found in the passengers' checked baggage.

The officer, who would only give her last name, Xiao, denied confiscating the Bibles. She said authorities were just "taking care" of them and provided no further details. She later said she was not authorized to speak to the media and referred questions to the national customs headquarters in Beijing, which did not answer phones on Sunday.

On Monday morning, Klein said Chinese officials had shown the group what they said were regulations that banned bringing Bibles into China, but that the documents were in Chinese. "We are waiting for them to come back with the law in English," he said.

Chinese officials had asked the Christians to leave the room at the airport where they spent the night, but Klein told the officials they did not want to go without the Bibles.

Klein said the customs officers had told him that they could each have one Bible for personal use, but no more than that. He said the officers had videotaped them and were insisting that they leave the airport.

"We don't want to go without taking those books. It cost us a lot of money to bring them here," Klein said. "They're saying that it's illegal to bring the Bibles in and that if we wanted to, we had to apply ahead of time for permission."

China faces routine criticism for human rights violations and repression of religious freedom. Religious practice is heavily regulated by the Communist Party, with worship allowed only in party-controlled churches, temples and mosques, while those gathering outside risk harassment, arrest and terms in labor camps or prison.

A Chinese Christian activist was detained Aug. 10, the opening weekend of the Olympics, on his way to a church service attended by U.S. President George W. Bush in Beijing. A rights group said later that the activist, Hua Huiqi, a leader of the unofficial Protestant church in Beijing, had escaped from police and was in hiding.

Police have denied any involvement in Hua's disappearance.

Wednesday Aug 06, 2008

All American Cowboy

"Cowboy and Sunset" Print

Take a walk down memory lane and revisit iconic cowboys from film and TV who epitomized the image of the tough, fair American.  Paste this link to your browser and enjoy:

http://www.greatdanepro.com/Western%20Stars/index.htm

Monday Jul 21, 2008

Theodore Roosevelt on Immigration

The year is 1907, one hundred years ago......  

 

 

 http://www.theodoresworld.net/pics/0506/teddy.jpg

 

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.  

 

'In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.'

 

 

 

 

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

 

 

 

Wednesday Jul 09, 2008

1,215 Troops Re-Enlist on Independence Day

How symbolic that this took place inside one of Sadam Hussein's palaces.  Nice to see the huge American flag hanging there...

Troops Re-enlist on Independence Day

1,215 Servicemembers from all over Iraq gather in the Al Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and celebrate America’s Independence Day, July 4, 2008.  Photo by MNF-I Public Affairs.

 
1,215 Servicemembers from all over Iraq gather in the Al Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and celebrate America’s Independence Day, July 4, 2008. Photo by MNF-I Public Affairs.

 Friday, 04 July 2008

BAGHDAD — Servicemembers from all over Iraq gathered here today in the Al Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and celebrate America’s Independence Day.

All 1,215 servicemembers celebrated by raising their right hand and pledging to continue defending the ‘land of the free’ in what is the largest re-enlistment ceremony since the all-volunteer force began in 1973, according to the Multi-National Force – Iraq Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt, Maj. Marvin L. Hill.

“Volunteering to continue to serve our nation, while deployed – is both noble and inspiring,” said Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Force – Iraq. “It is, as award citations often state, in keeping with the finest traditions of our military services.”

Petraeus presided over the ceremony and led the airmen, Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers in their oath to defend their country against all enemies both foreign and domestic on this day of celebration of America winning its independence.

"We recognize the sacrifices they make and the sacrifices their families and communities make as they serve in Iraq," Hill said. “These servicemembers know the cost of war and they are still re-enlisting.”

All together, the servicemembers pledged more than 5,500 years of additional service to their country.

“It makes me feel proud to serve this great nation,” said Spc. Zackary Cunningham, mechanic, 602nd Maintenance Battalion, Tactical Base Balad, who plans on making the Army a career.

The re-enlistees have every right to feel proud, according to Petraeus.

“You and your comrades here have been described as America’s new greatest generation, and, in my view, you have more than earned that description,” Petraeus said. “It is the greatest of honors to soldier here with you.”

 

(MNF-I Press Release)

 

Thursday Jun 19, 2008

Celebrate the 4th; Celebrate the USA!

 

 

received this email from a friend:

You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if:   It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, "One nation, under God." 
 
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if:  You've never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.  
 
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You still say "Christmas" instead of "Winter Festival."   
 
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You bow your head when someone prays. 
 
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem. 
 
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You treat Vietnam vets and all our military with great respect, and always have. 
 
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You've never burned an American flag. 
 
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You know what you believe and you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening. 
 
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You respect your elders and expect your kids to do the same.   
 
You might be a TRUE AMERICAN if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend. 
 
God Bless the U S A !!!!!!! 

As a final treat, click here to hear our National Anthem sung by 5 young ladies between the ages of 6 and 8 at a Texas Tech University basketball game: http://youtube.com/watch?v=QKCVS57j284

Thursday May 29, 2008

You CAN Make a Difference

Americans: Someone sent me this email recently and it looks like a grassroots movement is afoot.  Can't think of a better way to celebrate our Independence Day:

 June 4th to July 4th

 

Are we Americans as dumb as we appear or is it that we just do not think?
While the Chinese, knowingly export inferior products and dangerous toys and goods to be sold in American markets, we continue to be their biggest market, at the expense of American industry. Yet 70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended. Well, why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges? DO IT YOURSELF!!

Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says "Made in China" or "PRC" (and that now includes Hong Kong ), simply choose another product or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, however you will be equally amazed at what you
can do without. Who needs plastic eggs to celebrate Easter? If you must have eggs, use real ones and benefit some American farmer. Easter is just an example, the point is.. do not wait for the government to act. Just go ahead and assume control on your own. If 200 million Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!! The downside? Some American businesses will feel a temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles
of inventory.  "Downside??"

The solution ?

Let's give them fair warning and send our own message. We will not implement this UNTIL June 4, and we will only continue it until July 4.  That is only one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the total, or 8%, of their American exports. Then they will at least have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness were worth it.

Remember, June 4 to July 4.  Send this to everybody you know.  Show them we are Americans and NOBODY can take us for granted.  If we can't live without cheap Chinese goods for one month out of our lives, WE DESERVE WHAT WE GET!

Pass it on America !!!

Thursday May 22, 2008

Memorial Day 2008; Honoring our Fallen Heroes

 

Memorial Day 2007

Friday May 16, 2008

This Memorial Day Don't Forget Their Sacrifices

A U.S. Navy Corpsman serving with Marines, wrote a wonderful poem and it is re-copied here for you.  It is titled                         

 "Bury me Next to a Marine"             

Bury me next to a Marine, When my time has come to an end, So I can spend eternity, Beside my brother and friend I've served beside them for years And they've inspired me every day.  They've never asked for anything, So a debt I can never repay. None of them served for glory, None for money or fame. But they've served in every clime and place, Heroes with but one name. No one will ever outdo them, Their honor is never outdone.  They will all go down in history, As America's favorite sons. Marines will never fail you, And their guard will never cease. Please bury me next to a Marine, So I may rest in peace.                          HM2(FMF) Robert L. Owens August 31, 2007

Thursday Apr 24, 2008

Did You Know?

 
U.S. Air Force airmen unload pallets of supplies from a C-17 Globemaster III.
 
STAFF SGT. AARON BUNTING PROVIDES DENTAL CARE TO AN IRAQI GIRL. - U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Aaron Bunting, a medic from 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, provides dental care to an Iraqi girl as her mother looks on at a combined medical engagement in Ney, Diyala Province, Iraq, on April 7, 2008. DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Sean Mulligan, U.S. Navy. (Released)

Did you know?

I didn't know!

Did you know that 47 countries' have reestablished their embassies in Iraq ?

Did you know that the Iraqi government currently employs 1.2 million Iraqi people? 

 Did you know that 3100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are under rehabilitation,

263 new schools are now under construction; and 38 new schools have been completed in Iraq ?

Did you know that Iraq 's higher educational structure consists of 20 Universities,  

46 Institutes or colleges and 4 research centers, all currently operating?

Did you know  that 25 Iraq students departed for the United States in

January 2005 for the re-established Fulbright program? 

Did you know that the Iraqi Navy is operational?

They have 5 - 100-foot patrol craft, 34 smaller vessels and a naval infantry regiment.

Did you know that Iraq ' s Air Force consists of three operational squadrons,

Which includes 9 reconnaissance and 3 US C-130 transport aircraft

(under Iraqi operational control) which operate day and night,

and will soon add 16 UH-1 helicopters and 4 Bell Jet Rangers?

Did you know that Iraq has a counter-terrorist unit and a Commando Battalion?

Did you know that the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000

fully trained and equipped police officers?

Did you know that there are 5 Police Academies in Iraq

that produce over 3500 new officers every 8 weeks?

Did you know there are more than 1100 building projects going on in Iraq ?

They include 364 schools, 67 public clinics, 15 hospitals, 83 railroad stations,  

22 oil facilities, 93 water facilities and 69 electrical facilities.

Did you know that 96% of Iraqi children under the age of 5

have received the first 2 series of polio vaccinations?

Did you know that 4.3 million Iraqi children were enrolled in primary school by mid October?

Did you know that there are 1,192,000 cell phone subscribers in Iraq

and phone use has gone up 158%?

Did you know that Iraq has an independent media that consists of

75 radio stations, 180 newspapers and 10 television stations?

Did you know that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004?

Did you know that 2 candidates in the Iraqi presidential election had a

televised debate recently?

----

Above facts are verifiable on the Department of Defense web site.

Sunday Apr 06, 2008

Keeping It Real

                                                                 

Here's a tribute to our military men and women who risk their lives everyday while defending our freedom. It is written and sung by some very talented soldiers and I know you will find it as moving as we do:

 http://www.axpdf.com/wake/index.htm

Sunday Mar 23, 2008

Embrace Celebratory Spring Brunches With Cost-Effective Entertaining Tips

                        Picture of Spring - Free Pictures - FreeFoto.com

(NAPSI)-April showers bring more than May flowers; spring months welcome an array of special occasions to celebrate. Brunch gatherings in honor of Mother's Day, graduations or showers present a flavorful way to bring family and friends together in a cozy setting.

While hosting a large-scale brunch can be costly, there are simple ways to save at the register and still impress your guests:

• Revert to the vintage style and appeal of a custom-made punch. Forego purchasing several types of beverages, which can add to the bottom line of your bill, and instead opt for two or three containers of 100 percent fruit juice, combined with slices of mixed fruit. Serve in a family heirloom punch bowl to add a sentimental element to your special occasion.

• Casseroles offer an affordable and delicious way to satisfy your guests' hunger. Save time and money by preparing one or two large dishes in place of many small items and sides. Hearty egg or noodle dishes are traditional brunch favorites and require few ingredients.

• Look in the frozen food aisle for a variety of high-quality food and beverage options that pack the same nutritional punch at a fraction of the cost, such as 100 percent frozen concentrated Florida orange juice.

• Ask family and friends to each bring a delicious dish to share. You'll save on time spent in the kitchen, as well as on expenses, while benefiting from a variety of cooking styles.

Spring-inspired recipes, such as a festive punch, can add a splash of nutrition and brighten the flavor of your next special-occasion brunch.

"It's easy to prepare mouth-watering recipes that offer both health and cost-saving benefits," says Gail Rampersaud MS, RD, of the University of Florida. "Orange juice is extremely versatile beyond the breakfast table and enhances the health benefits of dishes. On a budget, frozen concentrated orange juice provides the same fresh taste as ready-to-drink orange juice and helps consumers meet almost 25 percent of their USDA daily recommended servings of fruit and vegetables."

 Mint Orange Agave Cooler Punch

Makes 2 gallons or 24 (8-ounce) servings

 1 cup loosely packed mint leaves, roughly chopped

8 cups ice

4 (12-ounce) containers frozen concentrated orange juice

5 quarts water

3 cups fresh lime juice

3 cups agave nectar

 Place mint leaves in the bottom of a punch bowl. With the back of a spoon, bruise mint to break up slightly to release flavor. Add ice.

Combine thawed frozen concentrated orange juice with 3 quarts of water. Add fresh lime juice, agave nectar and remaining water; stir well.

* Agave nectar is a naturally occurring sweetener that has a lower glycemic index value than other sweeteners. It is available at supermarkets and natural foods stores.

Thursday Mar 13, 2008

A Blessed Easter to All

                                                 

All best wishes to our readers for Easter blessings.  Here's an inspiring message:

Finding Faith Daily

by Dr. Paul Irwin

                          

(NAPSI)-I remember a time when messages of faith truly came alive for me.

It was a snowy Sunday and I realized that many would not be able to make it to church because of the weather. As I walked up to the church entrance, I passed the Easter lilies that had been so carefully placed along the sidewalk. They were shrouded in snow, with the flowers thrusting through a mantle of white into the morning air.

And the thought dawned on me that the lilies were rising out of the snow and showing beauty and vigor in spite of their circumstances. They proclaimed a clear message that all of us, in spite of our problems, pain and difficulties, can raise the triumphant shout of Easter throughout the year: Christ is Risen!

Faith is all about the proclamation of the eternal presence of the living Christ, the daily experience of a living hope. And, like on Easter, any day can offer a restart for all Christians and a time when we are ready for something new in our lives.

On that snowy day, the lilies were a profound symbol of resurrection for me. Like them, because of our risen Lord, we can bloom wherever we are.

For more information, visit www.bibles.com.

• Dr. Irwin is president of the American Bible Society, a nonprofit, interdenominational organization that works to transform lives by promoting personal engagement with the Holy Scriptures.

http://www.napsnet.com/articles/57675.html

Thursday Mar 06, 2008

Happy St. Patrick's Day

                     

(NAPSI)-St. Patrick's Day is considered the national holiday in Ireland--but the first parade to mark the day was held in the U.S.

The parade took place in Boston in 1737. Since then, cities across the country have joined the fun, with Chicago largely credited for holding the largest St. Patrick's Day parade with over 2 million spectators.

Whether you're Irish or just feel like you are on St. Patrick's Day, there are plenty of ways to celebrate on March 17. You can try cooking up some authentic corned beef and cabbage (keep that dinner warm on your buffet table in one of USAB2C's Broilking servers: http://www.usab2c.com/product/AB2C_KITCHENAPPLIANCES_COUNTERTOP/BRO_NBS-3SPB), listening to Irish music or attending a St. Patrick's Day party.

Learn more about St. Patrick and traditions of the day by clicking here: http://wilstar.com/holidays/patrick.htm

Wednesday Feb 27, 2008

Top Five Hidden Home Hazards

                                                            

This just out from the Consumer Product Safety Commission lists the top 5 home hazards.  Not surprisingly, number 2 is recalled products.  Each year there are over 400 with 2007 topping off at 447.  Which country topped the list as the largest manufacturer of recalled products?  China with 298 products on the list.  Click here for more on this important information and keep your home safe:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07256.html

 

World Net Daily sums it up: Last year Chinese imports were hit for poisoning America's pets, risking America's human food supply and reintroducing lead poisoning to America's children.

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