The scoop showing above (maybe) (or embedded in the text in this line) is quite possibly possessed or otherwise magically enabled. Can't seem to make it go away - can't catch the little bugger - keeps jumping around and it's not visible when I'm working on the page, only after publishing. It "arrived" when I swiped a block of info from "The Scoop" newsletter offered by DogsintheNews.com ... actually, it's quite appropriate here. Shoveling hoax* poop out of the way is one of the main goals of this publication. Far be it from me to argue with the unexplained this close to Halloween. (Aha, from Rexanne, eagle-eye, nonpareil, "One very simple explanation ... Mercury is in retrograde." Only until the 22nd. though.)

It is tranquil* people who accomplish much.  - Henry David Thoreau

a.k.a. Martha Jones

*Tranquil, in this case defined as speak softly, carry big stick - no need to scream, get the job done.

Welcome new readers. Certainly, this is not my idea of the most cordial way to meet people nor is this my usual parlor/pulpit. Glad to have you here whatever the circumstance - I hope you find the visit worthwhile.

WA first materialized as a mailer for and between friends and family. Aol aggravation at its finest sent me running back home to page construction within a week. Find previous and mail copies links at the end of the page. I have tried to keep on top of updates, without disturbing the original material - all meant to serve as a personal record of feelings and reaction.

Bookmark now and plan to visit again soon, new pages are in the works. This one is a monster, no pun intended - OK, yes it was, I can't help it this time of year. This particular beast does include more than the usual on several subjects, new and old. It will be obvious why. Funnies, other goodies and treats lie in wait (see?) beyond the news and opinions.

Hard to point the finger at which is worse right now, the rumor mill or "real" news. Somebody please let me know when the anti-ignorance upgrades and mute-the-idiot remotes are available. Because military coverage is limited - it's none of general public's damn business in the first place - most of the media is dragging out any old rotten thing to chaw. Fortunately there are a few sources trying to act responsibly. Pass these on in response to scare-mail, as well as suggested notes below.

Update: 10-12 FOXNews.com
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,36330,00.html Anthrax info (excerpt)

As with other toxins, it’s the dose that makes the poison. Therein lies the chief difficulty for anthrax as an effective mass terror weapon.

The technical hurdles and related expenses associated with exposing many people to enough anthrax is daunting.

FBI Debunks Warning of Halloween Attack
Alleged Halloween threat "not credible," says FBI. From the New York Times News Service, 11 Oct 2001
Email Rumors: Let the Surfer Beware
From the Hartford Courant, 12 Oct 2001
Attack Rumor Has Local Roots
From the Orange County Register, 12 Oct 2001

Related: Terror Attack Rumors & Hoaxes
Coverage of rumors associated with the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon Current Internet Hoaxes
Apocrypha Now!

Please borrow and feel free to customize the following for your friends. Consider it your contribution to public service. They may be happy being miserable, don't let 'em suck you in. Like the little boy who cried wolf, one of these days, possibly legitimate information from those who perpetuate junk will not be taken seriously.

We could all be toast tomorrow. If they get as close as bombing individual neighborhoods, I wouldn't want to be alive anyway. People who let dire "warnings" like this paralyze normal activity are doing exactly what the terrorists want. On the other hand, I don't like crowds. Might take a little traffic off the streets too - one of the main reasons I don't go out a lot in the first place.

This is an unconfirmed rumor, from a bunch of "wannabes," seeking their 15 minutes of fame, not to mention giving false testimony to officials and the general public, which could result in prosecution.

I have heard this same "sister" story no less than five times from e-mails all over the US, not a one from IN till yours. Mary has a sister, what is Mary's sisters name? This sister is married to a Pakistani, what is his name? Unnamed sister, and her unnamed Pakistani husband, fixed sister's "friend"' up with an unnamed Pakistani. What is the friend's name and the Pakistani who supposedly left the note? Where is the unnamed Pakistani, who was fixed up with your friend Mary's, unnamed sister's, unnamed friend's, unnamed Pakistani's apartment located? Do you understand this? Give me Mary's sisters name, her Pakistani husband's name, her friends name, the Pakistani boyfriend's name, and where his apartment is. Either your friend Mary, in my opinion, is a liar, or we have a serious breach of FBI/CIA communication. I will find out, IF you can provide me with the necessary information. You my dear, are in no danger, trust me. I just need facts that I fear will NOT be forthcoming because they are false, your adopted Mom, PS - You're still in the will, I think you get the second mortgage.

I am not a political person. In a word, I loathe politics. You will find the least amount of the usual garboo here as possible, used only in reference framework. The overwhelming majority of politicians are lying scumbags, running in circles to cover their guilty hides and dancing to the tune of pipers buying favors. All of which is why I always avoided the BS before and am now so fond of Mr. Bush. He's the real deal. I admit to laughing at a couple of the better digs going around, but I owe no apologies for adding to the pile. You may not like what he has to say or how ... you'd best believe it as a reliable promise. I saw the resolve in his appearance immediately following the attack. I enjoy watching him speak, the new look on his face is even better. Ever noticed the "Don't mess with Texas" highway signs? Any questions?

Religion is my second least favorite subject. I am not opposed to prayer or whatever any individual feels is right - there is great power in any form of collective thought. Everyone has their own ideas on higher power(s), I've never felt like it was appropriate in any of my publishing to choose one spiritual focus. Below you'll find an assemblage of varied views I found worthy of contemplation. If you don't have an open mind, you might as well leave right now, you probably won't care much for the way I handle any issue. I fully expect this page to draw more than the customary heat. If I'm not ruffling a few feathers and hearing about it, I'm doing something wrong.

Today, it is more important than ever for every single person on the planet to make their own decisions as to who makes sense - to whom to pay attention when choosing political and spiritual paths to follow.

Your work is to discover your work and then, with all your heart, give yourself to it. - Buddha

No, I'm not a Buddhist. It doesn't matter what I am. Who I am is a person making use of common sense from many sources. That happens to be the line I used to open my first mailer. Oh what fun it is to quote myself - I must be famous. Nosirree folks, this here is a one-nag sleigh, although I couldn't pull any of this off without the courtesy of many elves. It is an open sleigh. Tell me your thoughts. If they're well organized and make a good case, I'll print them too. I really don't care what you believe in or practice as long as you know why.

You may take advantage of a pen name if using your own would cause difficulty. I need to know who you are, that's it. Credit has been noted wherever possible to the best of my ability. Errors or omissions will be corrected upon notification. I use credit originally attached with material from public domain, with or without consent, and will continue to do so. When submitting private communication for consideration, identification and/or endorsement must be included. Please clearly define your subject line, I will delete otherwise.

MsAtte2ude@aol.com or TheRealMartha@Mindspring.com

Ordinarily I open mail and answer if necessary within 24 hours. Neither account server is completely reliable - if you don't hear from me or see your contribution published in a reasonable amount of time (week max usually) - try again. I will not be offended by a reminder. If you check and find your clearly defined subject line deleted, that means you saved me some time not opening a duplication, thank you.

Ever noticed how people who want to talk to you about their religion,
never seem to want to hear about yours?

Peace will not exist until the day everyone recognizes the wisdom
of leaving each to their own, whatever that may be.

Holy war? Scary oxymoron that.

When prejudice is laid to rest and diversity becomes an ongoing celebration,
then ... and only then ... we may appreciate the value of one and all.

As the soot and dirt and ash rained down,
We became one color.
As we carried each other down the stairs of the burning building,
We became one class.
As we lit candles of waiting and hope,
We became one generation.
As the firefighters and police officers fought their way into the inferno,
We became one gender.
As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength,
We became one faith.
As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement,
We spoke one language.
As we gave our blood in lines a mile long,
We became one body.
As we mourned together the great loss, We became one family.
As we cried tears of grief and loss, we became one soul.
As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of heroes, We become one people.
We are
One color
One class
One generation
One gender
One faith
One language
One body
One family
One soul
One people
We are The Power of One.
We are United.
We are America.

We also need to lighten up and get back to a little non-derogatory ethnic fun, for instance ...

Cajun Style White Beans & Rice
from The Flamingo Times

Sumthin' seriously wrong with that pot's picture. That ol' boy oughta know'd better'n ta run a blastfeemus thang laik that - so I asked him ... JW Bubba, whut would yer pore mamma think? That jes ain't right, it cain't be kosher.

Sure it is ... blessed by Rabbi Beaudroux, out to the bayou. Take a left ... three gators down next to the crawdad hole ... lol ... hell who knows ... livin' in Cajunland, never ate any white beans. All they know is red beans. Some damn Yankee's recipe I guess.

Y'all coulda knockt Auntie Bea'ellza Bubbette clean offa her broom ...

From Aussie: Sounds Cajun Kosher to me - you know they call onions, celery and bell peppers "the holy trinity" down there.  I think it must just be the "Great Northern" white beans that put Bubba off - they need another name down on the bayou.

It could be, "been there, done that," and lack of one particularly strong ethnic line accounts for my general attitude. Basically I'm a white mutt. Can't say I've ever felt any special prejudice past being female. Way back when, I was right royally peeved after spending several evenings practicing up on my typing only to be told they "wanted a person of color." I've since handled many a job I "shouldn't" have without a degree or other "proper" qualifications simply by being available or sticking my nose in at the right time. So what? So, I'm not what you could call empathetic to any kind of blame or whining. You do what you have to do, or don't, with what you have or don't have, and go on. Should is a useless word. Dwelling on what-ifs, buts and maybes accomplishes zilch.

If someone betrays you once, it is his fault.
If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.

Great minds discuss ideas - average minds discuss events - small minds discuss people.

Editorial from a Romanian newspaper, a few weeks old. Haven't had a spot for it before. If you haven't read it, you need to.

Why are Americans so united? They don't resemble one another even if you paint them! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations. Some of them are nearly extinct, others are incompatible with one another, and in matters of religious beliefs, not even God can count how many they are.

Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the army, the secret services that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed on the streets nearby to gape about. The Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand.

After the first moments of panic, they raised the flag on the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a minister or the president was passing. On every occasion they started singing their traditional song: "God Bless America!"

Silent as a rock, I watched the charity concert broadcast on Saturday once, twice, three times, on different TV channels. There were Clint Eastwood, Willie Nelson, Robert de Niro, Julia Roberts, Cassius Clay, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Sylvester Stallone, James Wood, and many others whom no film or producers could ever bring together. The American's solidarity spirit turned them into a choir. Actually, choir is not the word. What you could hear was the heavy artillery of the American soul. What neither George W. Bush, nor Bill Clinton, nor Colin Powell could say without facing the risk of stumbling over words and sounds, was being heard in a great and unmistakable way in this charity concert.

I don't know how it happened that all this obsessive singing of America didn't sound croaky, nationalist, or ostentatious! It made you green with envy because you weren't able to sing for your country without running the risk of being considered chauvinist, ridiculous, or suspected of who-knows-what mean interests.

I watched the live broadcast and the rerun of its rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who fought with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that would have killed other hundreds or thousands of people. How on earth were they able to bow before a fellow human?

Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put in a collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit which nothing can buy.

What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way? Their land? Their galloping history? Their economic power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases which risk of sounding like commonplaces. I thought things over, but I reached only one conclusion.

Only freedom can work such a miracle.

"Our understanding of a Higher Power grows and changes through prayer and meditation. We find that it is too limiting to define our Higher Power in such a way that our understanding is set in stone once and for all. An interesting parallel can be drawn if we remember the times we thoughtlessly tossed other human beings into categories and left them there. We deprived ourselves of an opportunity to know someone else on a deeper level. Treating our Higher Power as something to be defined will rob us on a grand scale, halting further spiritual growth the minute we arrive at an absolute definition." It Works How and Why

A letter from New York to America, from Mrs. Gaffini

Dear America,

We're feeling better now, thank you for asking. And thank you for sending us your brave rescue workers, your kind donations and your sincere prayers.

We know that you feel bad for us. But in some odd way, we feel bad for you. You weren't here to witness with your very own eyes humankind at its finest hour.

You didn't see thousands of ordinary Americans run to the disaster site clutching medical bags, grocery bags, and shovels. (Just where do we New Yorkers keep shovels in our tiny little apartments?) You weren't here to see thousands of us line the roads and cheer rescue workers on.

Yes, we admit New York has been irreversibly changed. Don't get us wrong, the streets are still dirty, somehow the millions of tears shed here have yet to clear our sidewalks of litter. Yes, go ahead you can say it, it's okay, we are still the city that never sweeps.

But the adjectives that people have used, maybe even those that you have used to describe our city: dirty, smelly, noisy, have also been irreversibly altered. Impossible as it may seem to accept - New York is now Holy. If you could only stand near the site of the World Trade Center, you would at once understand that it is one of the holiest places on earth, like the battlefield at Gettysburg, or the barb wired fences of Auschwitz. Our apologies to the Grand Canyon but surely God won't be found there, he is dwelling this moment above the ruins of the World Trade Center.

Maybe it is a result of all of the prayers that you have sent our way, but if you were here in the last two weeks you would realize that New Yorkers themselves have been in a state of grace. Tourists often remarked they could actually feel the energy of our city. Today you would feel the positive energy; you would feel a buzz, a life force that can only be described as basic human goodness.

It's almost as if 8 million people had decided that through sheer goodwill and compassion they could outweigh the evil wickedness of 19 of their fellow humans. (Is it too harsh to call them in-humans?)

It is a glory to behold. You must, if you can, come and be a part of it.

You've told us that we acted honorably. How could we not act with honor? We were horrified eyewitnesses as misguided souls sacrificed their lives so others would die. Then watched in awe as our police and firemen sacrificed their lives so that others might live. We take solace in the certain knowledge that our firemen are safe in heaven, while the hijackers are surely battling the flames of hell.

No doubt about it New York has changed in other ways. It's time that we admit it. We've always been a part of the American family, but for some reason or another we never quite got around to sitting down with the rest of you for a Thanksgiving dinner.

We know. We understand. We are different. Yes, we're always in a hurry. But maybe now you understand that we've always known that life is short, accomplish what you can before it's too late. Yes we are loud. But maybe now you understand that we've always known, that God is a long way off. Sometimes you have to shout to be heard.

We're aware that there exists someplace out there in America something called the Heartland. Our apologies to Iowa, but from now on when we hear the word Heartland, our thoughts will not be of rolling cornfields. Rather it will be the picture of one of our brave firemen climbing a tower to heaven. Surely you won't begrudge us that.

Through your prayers and concern you have accepted us back into the family. You will have to excuse us if we seemed confused.  We are not quite sure whether on September 11th all New Yorkers became American, or all Americans became New Yorkers.

What we do know is that for years you have been sending us your sons and daughters. They came here to be a part of this grand experiment in humankind. They tell us native New Yorkers about the beauty of the Arizona desert. The simple joys of Southern hospitality. We smile and accept them as one of us. How can we not when we have a lady standing in our harbor beckoning the world to send us her children?

When you come to our city you'll see some amazing things. Yes it sounds like we're being boastful again. It's one of our faults, we'll try to work on that. But it's hard. Because if you were here you would have seen that when the smoke had cleared the tallest things standing in New York were its citizens.

We New Yorkers have always been a bit embarrassed by our Mayor when he claims New York is the Capital of the World. But there is not one of us who wouldn't plant a kiss square on his mouth, if he would only just stand still for a moment. In our city where the police were once jeered, they are now cheered. Our firemen no longer need ladders, for they already stand on pedestals 10 stories high. Surely every American wished they could live in a community like that.

We thank you for giving us the honor of representing America. That the face of America that the world saw (in NY pronounced "sore") was that of a cop from Brooklyn, a fireman from Queens, a secretary in sneakers from Staten Island.  We hope you won't be too upset that many of those faces wore Yankee caps. We're hoping that our Damn Yanks win the World Series again this year. Not because we need another Championship banner. No, what we need right now is a tickertape parade right up Broadway. In this parade our sports heroes and our citizens will line the streets and cheer for all the brave rescue workers, our true heroes. And if you, the rest of America, can't make it to our parade, at least watch it on TV. Scan the crowds and you'll see the faces of your sons and daughters, your brothers and sisters. Your fellow New Yorkers. Your fellow Americans.

In closing we should mention that one of our favorite expressions in New York has always been "fuggedaboutit." But we will never forget. We will always remember your kindness, your compassion, and your prayers.

Now if you'll excuse us, we don't want to seem rude, but we really have to get back to work.

With sincere thanks,

New York, N.Y. USA! USA! USA!

Author unknown:
I have always thought that angels wore halos and wings of white. But now I find they wear hard hats and black coats with yellow stripes. And angels, in my mind, wore long flowing gowns of white. But now I see dark pants and shirts and badges shining bright.

And angels always floated, with bare feet above the ground. Not true! For they wear steel-toed boots and go where death is found. Not all angels have smooth hands that look like porcelain. Some have torn gloves and cuts and burns upon their skin.

And while I thought all angels glowed from heaven's light, I see an angel cutting steel, his torch is shining bright. And while these earthly angels passed buckets of debris, the angels up in heaven looked down on bended knee.

So while the smoke continued to rise into the sky, I watched the rescue workers weep. I've seen the angels cry.

http://www.geocities.com/mylinkslist/heros.html Pins and patches to buy, includes links
http://www.smile4god.com/fireman.htm Fireman's Prayer
http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/shattered/1.html Photo essay, a remarkable collection by James Nachtwey

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma School officials remove "God Bless America" signs from schools in fear that someone might be offended.
-----------------------
Channel 12 News in Long Island, New York (ABC), orders flags removed from the newsroom and red, white, and blue ribbons removed from the lapels of reporters. Why? Management did not want to appear biased and felt that our nations flag might give the appearance that "they lean one way or another."
-----------------------
Berkeley, California bans U.S. Flags from being displayed on city fire trucks because they didn't want to offend anyone in the community.
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In an "act of tolerance" the head of the public library at Florida Gulf Coast University ordered all "Proud to be an American" signs removed so as to not offend international students.
------------------------
Unknown author:
I, for one, am quite disturbed by these actions of so-called American citizens; and I am tired of this nation worrying about whether or not we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled in New York and Washington D.C. when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others.

I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. In fact, our country's population is almost entirely comprised of descendants of immigrants; however, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some native Americans, need to understand.

First of all, it is not our responsibility to continually try not to offend you in any way. This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language, and our own lifestyle. This culture, called the "American Way" has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. Our forefathers fought, bled, and died at places such as Bunker Hill, Antietam, San Juan, Iwo Jima, Normandy, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, for our way of life.

We speak English, not Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society - learn our language!

"In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some off-the-wall, Christian, Right Wing, political slogan - it is our national motto. It is engraved in stone in the House of Representatives in our Capitol and it is printed on our currency. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation; and this is clearly documented throughout our history. If it is appropriate for our motto to be inscribed in the halls of our highest level of Government, then it is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools.

God is in our pledge, our National Anthem, nearly every patriotic song, and in our founding documents. We honor His birth, death, and resurrection as holidays, and we turn to Him in prayer in times of crisis. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture and we are proud to have Him.

We are proud of our heritage and those who have so honorably defended our freedoms. We celebrate Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Flag Day. We have parades, picnics, and barbecues where we proudly wave our flag. As an American, I have the right to wave my flag, sing my national anthem, quote my national motto, and cite my pledge whenever and wherever I choose. If the Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.

The American culture is our way of life, our heritage, and we are proud of it. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. We are Americans, like it or not, this is our country, our land, and our lifestyle.

Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion about our government, culture, or society, and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great American freedom, the right to leave.
Barry Loudermilk (as credited in one copy).

My two cents, in reference to learning our language: A little taste of the "I expect to be catered to" in your country attitude goes a long way the wrong way. I was truly floored by two Cuban boat people who were being sponsored where I worked. They would have been out of luck altogether if several Spanish speaking people hadn't been handy - any communication attempt the rest of us made was met with, "No, no, no!" They showed no interest in coming even one percent of the way. I gave up, about the only Spanish I knew was taco - and they seemed perfectly happy talking only to their own. I'll never forget that. I also recall quite clearly what it was like being on the other side one time in the Caribbean. I was 15 and, of course, knew it all ... at least enough French to start a conversation. Once I was tapped out, my hosts kicked in their part and for what it was worth, we all learned something. When in Rome ...

Prayer Wheel

When you receive this, say a prayer for America and the person who sent it to you. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached. Do not stop the wheel, please. Of all the free gifts we may receive, prayer is the very best one. There are no costs, but wonderful rewards. Let's continue praying for one another.

Just Thoughts

Usually, I'm impatient to get home from work and relax, I hate waiting for a bus but not today. As I walked to the bus stop my head was full of news reporters voices as well as the frightening words in newspaper articles. Death toll is now ... , Osama bin Ladin, terrorists, terrorism, more attacks expected, war, jet fighters, fear, devastation, destruction, chemical warfare, biological warfare, anthrax, smallpox, no vaccine, not enough vaccine, government warnings, hate, lives lost and so many many more heart wrenching, terrifying words. I stopped walking, looked up at the bright blue afternoon sky, inhaled the smells around me, relaxed in the warmth of the sun. Tears filled my eyes as I wondered how much longer we would be able to breathe without gas masks. How much longer would our children be able to play freely in the sun. How much longer would our world survive. I found myself thanking God for all He has given me, all I have taken for granted most of my life.

I remember my mother saying, "Never take for granted what you have," even though by most standards we were lower middle class financially. Dad was a grocer, mom a housewife until my brother, sister and I were old enough for her to feel comfortable working outside our home. I suppose most of us have heard those words from either our parents or some other wise adult. But did we ever really think "what you have" could mean the air we breathe or the freedom we have been so fortunate to experience? Did we, even as adults, give thought to how fast the American way of life could change? No, of course not. We were too busy, too absorbed in getting more, feeling more, making more, experiencing more, even at the expense of destroying our environment.

I am frightened. The world seems on the brink of destruction. Our nation must appease this country and that country, playing so many different roles at once, walking a fine line of diplomacy in the midst of chaos. Day after day the media storms us with deadly scenarios. Interviews with knowledgeable men and women regarding safety measures for the American people usually leave us wondering just what is it we need to do. Our future seems so fragile. How do we tell our children "you're safe" as the professionals suggest when everything around them tells them different?

Yes, like most people, I am very frightened but at the same time I have to be grateful. Grateful that God is still in control of His universe. Grateful for every blessing, big and small, that for years I took for granted. The air I am breathing right now, my freedom to come and go as I please, the beauty of nature, the smell of dinner cooking, the ability to pick up the phone and talk to loved ones. Oh, my friends, we have so very very much to thank God for. So much that could be taken from us in a moment. Appreciate life, appreciate each other, appreciate laughter, appreciate every moment. We took so much for granted especially our innocence. We will never be as innocent as we were Sept 10, 2001. I, for one, will from now on try to stay in the moment, holding it as close as I can, relishing the freedom that moment holds. As much as I can, I will try to replace hate with love, injustice with justice, prejudice with acceptance, anger with forgiveness and fear with prayer.

Love, peace and unity,
Patti

Dear John,

As you know, we've been working real hard in our town to get prayer back in our schools. Finally, the school board approved a plan of teacher-led prayer with the children participating at their own option. Children not wishing to participate
were to be allowed to stand out in the hallway during prayer time. We hoped someone would sue us so we could go all the way to the Supreme Court and get the old devil-inspired ruling reversed.

Naturally, we were all excited by the school board action. As you know, our own little Billy (not so little, any more though) is now in the second grade. Of course, Margaret and I explained to him no matter what the other kids did, he was going to
stay in the classroom and participate.

After the first day of school, I asked him, "How did the prayer time go?"

"Fine."

"Did many kids go out into the hallway?"

"Two.

"Excellent. How did you like your teacher's prayer?"

"It was different, Dad. Real different from the way you pray."

"Oh? Like how?"

"She said, 'Hail Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners ...'"

The next day I talked with the principal. I politely explained I wasn't prejudiced against Catholics but I would appreciate Billy being transferred to a non-Catholic teacher. The principal said it would be done right away.

At supper that evening I asked Billy to say the blessings. He slipped out of his chair, sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, raised his hand palms up in the air and began to hum.

You'd better believe I was at the principal's office at eight o'clock the next morning. "Look," I said. "I don't really know much about these Transcendental Meditationists, but I would feel a lot more comfortable If you could move Billy to a room where the teacher practices an older, more established religion."

That afternoon I met Billy as soon as he walked in the door after school.

"I don't think you're going to like Mrs. Nakasone's prayer either, Dad."

"Out with it."

"She kept chanting Namu Amida Butsu ..."

The following morning I was waiting for the principal in the school parking lot. "Look, I don't want my son praying to the Eternal Spirit of whatever to Buddha. I want him to have a teacher who prays in Jesus' name!"

"What about Bertha Smith?"

"Excellent."

I could hardly wait to hear about Mrs. Smith's prayer. I was standing on the front steps of the school when the final bell rang.

"Well?" I asked Billy as we walked toward the car.

"Okay."

"Okay what?"

"Mrs. Smith asked God to bless us and ended her prayer in Jesus' name, amen just like you."

I breathed a sigh of relief, "Now we're getting some place."

"She even taught us a verse of scripture about prayer," said Billy.

I beamed. "Wonderful. What was the verse?"

"Lets see ... ," he mused for a moment. "And behold, they began to pray; and they did pray unto Jesus, calling him their Lord and their God."

We had reached the car. "Fantastic," I said reaching for the door handle. Then paused. I couldn't place the scripture. "Billy, did Mrs. Smith say what book that verse was from?"

"Third Nephi, chapter 19, verse 18."

"Nephi what?"

"Nephi," he said. "It's in the Book of Mormon.

The school board doesn't meet for a month. I've given Billy very definite instructions that at prayer time each day he's to go out into the hallway. I plan to be at that board meeting. If they don't do something about this situation, I'll sue. I'll take it all the way to the Supreme Court if I have to. I don't need schools or anybody else teaching my son about religion. We can take care
of that ourselves at home and at church, thank you very much.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/blpledgehist.htm (from About.com - unfortunately includes a pop-up ad, however, due to government info links provided, gotta hang with it.)

Brief History of the Pledge of Allegiance

The original Pledge of Allegiance, "I pledge allegiance to my flag and the Republic for which it stands - One nation indivisible - with liberty and justice for all," was written in September of 1892 by Francis Bellamy for "The Youth's Companion" magazine in Boston. The phrase was printed on leaflets and sent to schools throughout the United States.

The words "under God" were added in 1954 by then President Eisenhower, who stated at the time, "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."

This is why I check in regularly with like Aussie (that's her name, not address), www.woogly.com - from daily "Out of My Mind into Yours"

"You can send your dollar in an envelope, marked 'America's Fund for Afghan Children,' right here to the White House ..." It's a lovely idea, but ... you shouldn't be mailing dollar bills in envelopes, kiddies. Don't do it, boys and girls. The Post Office has had problems with people taking cash out of envelopes before. And any kind of minimal wage letter opening clerk is going to find stacks of dollar bills a sore temptation.

I didn't like the idea either. Teachers and neighborhood leaders could convert cash to checks very easily. Why waste all those stamps?

More: Been reading all kinds of stuff to fill in my personal gaps. This site has educational software that helps you learn the geography of the Middle-East and Asia very nicely - it may be aimed at little kids, but I can now place Syria and Qatar and Jordan, which I couldn't before. And the CIA World Factbook really helps sort out the players. I mean, gosh, all those blinking monarchies - and then you get down with the demographics and the literacy rate and the GDP per capita and it all starts clarifying, you start to get the picture of who's got an underclass and how big and why. I'm sure I'm missing lots - I mean, I don't know the diff between a Shi'ite and a Sunni Muslim and I don't wanna know - the religious divisions of my own culture are bad enough to figger out. But there's also the Westernization thing - these countries with monarchies and ruling classes may be educated abroad, and are much more likely to have satellite dishes, so their ruling classes tend to be more friendly to Britain and the US - but the people in the street and the military don't necessarily feel the same way.

Aussie happened to be on kid stuff for these two excerpts, her usual is not for the kiddies.

You can't separate peace from freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom. - Malcolm X

The following excerpts, dated before the US and allied strikes, came from the Guru View newsletter for free-lancers. www.guru.com

Some have suggested that America's foreign policies could be at least partly to blame for these acts. To say we should review our actions to determine why this outrage occurred is an insult to all Americans and the height of insensitivity to anyone who lost loved ones in these acts of violence. America was the victim of senseless brutality. To ask us to respond to these events by considering what we did to "deserve" this is ludicrous. Everyday citizens living in any country never deserve to be the target of random, cold blooded murder, no matter what their government has done. Steve Blum,  Colorado

I am deeply affected by what has happened and although I've always been a dove, I am now a hawk. My country has been attacked! I love America! It has been a place where one can worship without fear, where we can state our feelings good and bad about this country, and we won't get a knock on our door in the middle of the night by someone who wants to take us away for what we might have said. It is a country where we care greatly about our own and people of other nations. We have gone to the aid of so many countries, even these, our enemies, where I believe it wasn't warranted. But when we are attacked, (and we were attacked) we play diplomacy. I am ready to fight for what I believe. It frightens me that innocent people both here and abroad will lose there lives, but, if we don't act more aggressively soon, I believe many more innocents will suffer." Meera

I've been an independent consultant now for almost four months. I am also an American-born Muslim whose parents are of "Middle Eastern" descent. Like all of us, I have had to deal with the shock, horror, and anger of the tragedy. And as you can imagine, I have also had to deal with the added anxiety of being labeled as one of "them." For the first time in my life as an American, I have had serious concerns about my safety. Initially, I felt paralyzed. Should I hide out at home? Should I bring it up with people? It dawned on me that if others are afraid to approach me, then it is incumbent upon me to put aside my fear and reach out to them. I have been amazed by the response I've gotten. And fundamentally, what I've learned is that when we take the time to break down the barriers between us and speak openly, we can collectively resolve our anxieties and establish new understandings. I offer anyone who would like to start a dialogue of understanding to email me at eabdelmoneim@yahoo.com. Eiman Abdel-Moniem

As freelancers, we have a different take on the working world than most Americans. The creative community has a responsibility to pursue the infinite possibilities that our freedom allows; freedom to explore and define our strengths, to choose our own course, and contribute a unique vision. In these moments of brilliance, we evolve as a species. Let's hope we evolve toward peace, tolerance, and celebration of diversity." Cathy Copeland

Although I am an executive board member of a "naming" company, I still cannot come up with a name for this crazy cloud of insanity that has just covered us all. However, I have come away with something solid to hold dear: The little things that add up to have a big impact. Calling up a friend who is alone; calling up someone who is grieving, or undergoing medical treatment is a big gift. When I returned from a week away from the NYC horror, I had more than 60 messages on my answering machine from concerned and worried people. If we stop and smell the flowers, and pass along the fragrances, we make an impact. We all share the same earth, ocean, sky and clouds ... why not share a moment in time. The moments and minutes add up to lifetimes." Randee Mia Berman

I find myself staring at the television, even though I don't want to watch. The nights are darker than before and my mind won't rest ... until I force it to. Like a sleeping giant, I gain my power from the American flags I see waving all across the town, from porches, utility poles, trees, car antennas and windows. I know I'm not alone in my fears and darkness and that makes my spirit come alive. I'm still afraid, and I will be more cautious, but I hug my children more now. I take time away from my work to drown myself in family. I let cars cut in front of me, I smile and make eye contact, I take a little more time to look at my neighborhood, I feel a connection to strangers. Life has changed, and the worst may not be over, but I've found peace in the realization that life is very good, my family, my children are stupendous, and what I can't control, I can't let eat at me. What I can do is make my corner of the world better for all of us. Tracie Lorenzo

Two parables from Ed Gullekson:
I keep going back to some wise words I heard from two different sources. The first was a Jewish woman living in Israel, "We have to go back to normal life, what else is there to do?"

The other is a story. An Enlightened teacher was talking with his students. One student asked, "Teacher, how did your life change when you became Enlightened?" The Enlightened One replied, "Before I was Enlightened each day I would chop wood and carry water, after I became Enlightened I knew that each day I would chop wood and carry water."

The pursuit of peace and progress cannot end in a few years in either victory or defeat. The pursuit of peace and progress, with its trials and its errors, its successes and its setbacks, can never be relaxed and never abandoned. - Dag Hammarskjold

A Soldier's Prayer

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the life you bestowed upon us,
and the opportunity in life to serve others.

We ask that you bless those we have left behind,
and comfort them in the knowledge that we died well.

Yet in death our spirits soars, in our flag our honor waves,
and preserved in every sword, the legacy of our deeds.

May we meet again on that field where Warriors meet, in that place known to God;
Go now, I humbly ask, and prepare a place for me.

Amen
Sergeant Karl Clark Lippard

The Military Wife's Prayer

Give me the greatness of heart to see, the difference between his duty and his love for me.
Give me the understanding that I may know, when duty calls him, he must go.
Give me a task to do each day, to fill the time when he is away.
And Lord, when he is in a foreign land, keep him safe in your loving hand.
And dear Lord, when duty is in the field, please protect him and be his shield.
And Lord, when deployment is so long, please stay with me and keep me strong.

Amen

http://www.editorshope.com/operationfamily.html - Operation Family and Friends in Waiting

Operation AdoptSoldier

Hey Sarah (founder),
I received a response from one of the any soldier addresses yesterday. He's 22, stationed in Germany but leaving for Turkey by the time I received his letter, for exercises. Even with all the stress these guys are going through he took the time to send his condolences and to tell me just how much he and the guys think our NYFD and NYPD are heroes (I live in NY) and to send them their regards. I was so touched by this.  Desperate times bring out people's true colors and our men and women in the armed forces are just wonderful.

Check previous pages for more info from Operation Adopt Soldier. Care package ideas and links to other programs also included.

Passing the Torch

I wanted an opinion from a firefighter before I used this. Thanks to Chris, "I love it but I see your point about it possibly being misinterpreted.  I don't want to reword it for you but maybe say something to the effect of 'Thank you for getting us here - trust us to take it FROM here - we won't let you down.'" No need to reword, I think that covers it. I would like to add proper credit for the art, it's well deserved. So far, have only seen "by a high school student in Ohio."

A four-year-old's prayer, "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash  in our baskets."

Where was G-d* on September 11?
By Beth Goodtree

When America was attacked, people here were asking, "How could G-d let this happen?" Meanwhile, radical Islamic terrorists around the world were chortling with glee that Allah was punishing "The Great Satan" America. Let me state unequivocally, G-d did not "let it happen."

To those of us who are not radical Islamists, G-d represents love, life, creativity and expansion. The Bible states that G-d created man in His image. This does not mean that we look like G-d, it means that we were endowed with the qualities of G-d - free will and creativity. The attacks on America were acts of free will. The terrorists freely decided to murder as many innocent people as they could. Could G-d have prevented the attack? Of course. But when G-d created man, He set up some rules. The most important rule was that of free will. It means that He will not interfere with our decisions. What would G-d become if He broke His own rules when it suited Him? You know that answer as well as I do.

So was G-d there during the attacks on September 11? You better believe it. G-d was there helping the people in the World Trade Center escape the inferno. He helped the survivors of the Pentagon maintain their strength until they could reach safety. And He was onboard the ill fated plane that crashed in Pennsylvania, helping the men who thwarted the terrorists plans to crash into Washington. G-d was with the heroes who ran into the burning buildings to save the victims. G-d was with the people who died, gathering and soothing their souls. And G-d was with all the peoples of the world who looked on in stunned horror. And G-d wept with us.

If you want to know where G-d is, just look into the faces and hearts of people around the world. Those who are sending help, sending their sympathies, sending their prayers. G-d is now more a part of this world than ever before.

*Not spelling out the name of G-d in languages other than Hebrew is a modern "chumra" (stringency). The reason is to avoid accidentally destroying the holy name if the paper (or electronic file) should be discarded, destroyed or deleted. G-d is still spelled out in published books, both sacred and secular.

I agree - G-d does look weird, which is why I asked for the explanation, which came from Beth's rabbi.

http://www.toogoodreports.com/column/general/goodtree/101601.htm - Reassuring anthrax facts, includes links to more commentary on current concerns from Beth.

To the tune of "The Devil went down to Georgia"

The devil bowed his head
cause he knew that he'd been beat
and he realized our American spirit
is something he could never defeat

Bush said: devil just come on back
if you ever wanna try again ...
I done told you once
you son-of-a-bitch

Author unknown, which is a shame, I'd really like to be able to properly credit. Somebody must get on recording it!

A Question of Ethics
(an oldie but goodie)

It is time to elect the world leader, your vote counts. Here are the facts about the three leading candidates:

Candidate A associates with crooked politicians and consults with astrologers. He's had two mistresses. He also chain smokes and drinks 8 to 10 martinis a day.

Candidate B was kicked out of office twice, sleeps until noon, used opium in college and drinks a quart of whisky every evening.

Candidate C is a decorated war hero. He's a vegetarian, doesn't smoke, drinks an occasional beer and hasn't had any extramarital affairs.

Which of these candidates would be your choice?

Candidate A is Franklin D. Roosevelt, B is Winston Churchill and C is Adolph Hitler

If the government of your country asked its citizens to participate in a think-tank with the topic: "Putting our heads together to invent non-violent solutions to terrorism," how much time would you be prepared to donate in the next year?

Don't imagine there's any non-violent way for the bastards responsible to roast in hell as they so richly deserve.

Pacifist Claptrap
By Michael Kelly
Wednesday, September 26, 2001; Page A25 Washington Post (excerpt)

Pacifists are not serious people, although they devoutly believe they are, and their arguments are not being taken seriously at the moment. Yet it is worth taking seriously, and in advance of need, the pacifists and their appeal.

Kelly fills out the article with historic references including:

In 1942 George Orwell wrote this, in Partisan Review, of Great Britain's pacifists:

"Pacifism is objectively pro-Fascist. This is elementary common sense. If you hamper the war effort of one side you automatically help out that of the other. Nor is there any real way of remaining outside such a war as the present one. In practice, 'He that is not with me is against me.'"

There is no way out of this reasoning. No honest person can pretend that the groups that attacked America will, if let alone, not attack again. Nor can any honest person say that this attack is not at least reasonably likely to kill thousands upon thousands of innocent people. To not fight in this instance is to let the attackers live to attack and murder again; to be a pacifist in this instance is to accept and, in practice, support this outcome.

That is the pacifists' position, and it is evil.
© 2001 The Washington Post Company

Make things happen

Never forget that you have the ability to make things happen. It is a truly amazing and powerful ability that too often you take for granted. You use it quite effectively every day to make the little things happen. Keep in mind that the same ability you use to make little things happen can also make big things happen. Because when you look very closely, the big things are made up of lots of little things.

The fact is that you have the ability, right now in this moment, to take positive action, no matter how ambitious the goal, no matter how daunting the challenge. You can make things happen the way you want them to happen.

There's no need in waiting for fortune to smile on you. You already have what you need because you already have the ability to make things happen. Whatever must be overcome, you can overcome. Whatever can be achieved, you can achieve. Really decide to do it, and you're halfway there. Take the first step, and you're three quarters of the way there. Persist for as long as necessary, and you've made it happen.

Make full use of your ability to make things happen. Focus and direct that ability to make your world a better place for yourself and all the other people in it.
Ralph Marston

Winding down from the heavies now ...

E-mail turns 30
E-mail has affected every aspect of human communication, from dating to conducting business and even to conducting war. It is also a way to transport the goods and services of the 21st century: ideas. What railroads were to the 19th century and what airplanes were to the 20th century, e-mail is to the 21st. http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-201-7475390-0.html

Say What?

When you reply to an e-mail, the subject line may not be enough to remind your recipient about the matter at hand. To keep that poor person on the other end of the line from becoming confused, use automatic quoting.

1. Highlight some important lines from the message you receive. (Drag the mouse across it.)
2. Click Reply or Forward.

You'll see that highlighted text copied into the new message window. Then you just add your reply.

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www.DogsInTheNews.com	Volumes I & II	October 2001

The Official Newspaper of Coming Soon?? CatsInTheNews.com PigsInTheNews.com Home | Headlines | Comics | Archives | Search | About Us

Contact The Scoop We love to hear from our readers!  If you would like to suggest a dog story, submit an original work (article, cartoon, etc.) or just say "hi", please click on the button below.  You may also email us at DogsInTheNews@TheDogNet.net. Subscribe to The Scoop How would you like the latest dog news articles emailed right to your door the minute they're published?  Just send a blank email to subscriptions@dogsinthenews.com, and your free subscription will be activated.  You can also sign up with our on-line form: About Us (The Story of The Scoop) Well, we're glad you asked!  Here's how it all happened... nce upon a time in a nearby town, a few individuals learned about a dog at a local shelter who had been there for quite a long time.  For lack of a home and due to shelter overcrowding, she was--shall we say--scheduled to take "the bus" that weekend. These few individuals stopped and thought to themselves: Of course, this is the way of the world.  This happens every minute in every town in every country.  But now wait...!  Does that necessarily lessen the value of a single life? At length, they decided that they would try a sort of experiment.  Exactly how much does it take (if at all possible) to save just one dog?  First a few emails were sent out.  Then, upon requests, a few pictures and more descriptive emails were sent out.  Then a whole story was composed and posted on the internet.  The story of one dog became the story of two dogs, then two hundred, then two thousand, and by-and-by, the little experiment became The Dog Net and what you see here, an award-winning (click here to see the awards), online canine newspaper that reaches over 4,000 dog lovers each day in 89 different countries! So there you have it.  What more can be said, except a quote from a great philosopher, inventor and magician: "Invention, my dear friends, is ninety-three percent perspiration, . . . six percent electricity, . . . four percent evaporation, . . . and two percent Milkbone." -- Willie Wonka (more or less) Oh yes, the dog?  Well, these days we hear she's living it up out on the countryside.  And she always gets a mysterious box of treats every year on her birthday from a few secret admirers. Thanks for stopping by!

DogsInTheNews.com is brought to you by TheDogNet.net

Copyright © 2001 Canine Nation. All rights reserved.  Articles may be reprinted with proper approval.

**Rhinelander dog comforts people in New York**
http://www2.startribune.com/stOnLine/cgi-bin/article?thisStory=85109834

We all know what they can do with their noses. Here's what they can do with their tails. The Star Tribune reports about "Shylo," a therapy dog who spent 9 days at the NYC tragedy, comforting the rescuers and families of victims. 

For more, click on Therapy Dogs International:
http://www.tdi-dog.org/ Oh boy, the front page pics will get ya!

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Links above courtesy of: http://dogsinthenews.com/issues/regs/about.htm (in case info below isn't showing up - have no idea whether it will on all servers -   this is the block I swiped, from which the imp shovel escaped ... that is/was/??? hanging around the top of the page).

http://168.143.65.106/america.html I also swiped some of the patriotics above and this shepherd graphic, soooo the Wild Side iron-on catalogs get a free ad.

New Furry Family Members

Explain to kids that a new, furry family member is coming to stay. That is what he is, not a dog - not a pet - most definitely not a plaything, but a family member. Expect that the dog's feelings, like those of any other family member, would be respected and taken into account. He has the right to privacy, to say "no" if he doesn't want to play and to get his meals on time. They'll understand this better than a list of rules. Trouble is, they may campaign for him to do his share of the chores.

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I keep thinking I've seen this without the eagle. If you have a copy, I'd like to try the same message or if you have a better graphics program to work with and want to give it a go ... even better. Thanks! Use this one as you like. When I check out the new fabric printer paper, will try it on labels/tags. Don't think using as sew-on patch would be breach of flag etiquette but let me know if you disagree. Also, Joanne suggested making bumper stickers. Appropriate sticky paper sizes may already be available. Let me know what you find. Any graphic could also be laminated to wear as a badge or tag to on book/hand bags, dog collars, belt loops ... Can't see too many flags!

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The bright spots ...

No matter what else is going on, there are still lots of everyday perks if you're paying attention. You can even take advantage of being broke - great time to investigate the pantry and freezer shelves :) Amazing what you'll find tucked away. I knew those sprinkles were around here somewhere - too bad I didn't uncover a secret ice cream stash (reality check: who do I think I'm kidding). Dang, I am hopeless - forgot the sprinkles again! I've been heavily into Rice Krispies lately. Throw a little milk in there and call that pig out breakfast!

Secret Bubba recipe: One large can baked beans to one small can Vienna sausages = Beanie Weenies extraordinaire.

Natural highs: towels still warm from the dryer, listening to rain (tucked under a cozy comforter with a great escape book - double points; with chocolate - triple!), accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you, waking up and turning right back over because you still have a few hours left to sleep, running into an old friend and realizing some things never change, cartoons, critters, celebrations for no reason ... and after all, they can't take away your birthday - not that some of us "need" the ones ahead ...

The best: Giving into and laughing about the fact that attempting to shift 22 pounds of zonked Boston terrier in whose-bed-is-this-anyway takes roughly the same effort as rearranging a brick wall, and appreciating that contented snooze, waiting for the osmosish-schm-ooze that occurs once I've managed crawl in around him ... which Buster takes as the signal to rearrange himself - and the covers - and throw what feels like 75 pounds of butt at mine.

From my sister: You haven't lived til you try to move two 80-lb. Labs who want to sleep on my side of the bed. Jake is especially fond of my pillow. He is such a lover, likes to nibble on my ears. She swears he is Rudolph Valentino reincarnated.

More: Bright Spots - Wit and wisdom gathered from every day goings-on, special events, occasions, critters, friends ... real people what-have-yous - includes something for everyone, with special attention paid to the sneakin'-up-on-50 crowd
Granny Greetings - Oldie-goldies, memories, original compositions and personal tributes, humor and happy tears
Skewed Views - Presented by The UnBlonde Sheep, poking holes while tending to the general shearing of BS

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Old Fashioned Caramel Corn
By (Lisa Lepsy) Grandma Hunter (swiped from SCC newsletter)

10 quarts unsalted popped corn
2 cups brown sugar
2 sticks butter - no substitute
1/2 cup dark Karo Syrup
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

In a large saucepan, blend all but the 1 tablespoon butter and baking soda. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Start timing 5 minutes from rolling boil. Remove from heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Pour over popcorn to coat. Bake at preheated 225 degree oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Notes: Use a large saucepan. When the soda is added it will make the mixture foam up, so avoid being burned by hot sugar! Rub the inside sides of your pan with a little butter so the sugar won't crystallize on the sides of the pan. I use a large square roaster for the popcorn. Have the pan of popped corn ready and the oven warming. Add peanuts, almonds or pecans as desired with the popped corn.

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The ultimate recycle ...

If I do say so myself: don't throw away the TP roll - try running under the faucet for just a sec, damp cardboard (or newspaper) attracts lint and hair like magic. Run around the corners and the stool for a quickie in-between the real clean up jobs. You won't have to haul out the toilet brush as often either if you run a roll around a ring as soon as it starts to form. TP rolls are great for various storage uses like for electric cords and pantyhose; use paper towel rolls to stash plastic bags from produce department.

I am a certifiable hint junkie, most fond of the unusual, like using a spaghetti sauce jar for a rolling pin (according to a pie-baking friend, the close-to-15-oz. size is "correct") or using large fruit cans for weights should you have a sudden urge to work out. Ordinarily, when anyone comes up with a NOOM (new one on me) I send a book as a thank you. Unfortunately, right now, I can only promise a copy of new book, whenever that may happen. I did have a pretty good start going a few weeks ago. Might not be too long after all, impossible to predict. Anyway, always a few tips included on my regular (irregularly easy) kitchen pages. Start here: Feeder's Digest Index of Recipes - the "Catchall" pages probably have the most. Or go waaaaaaaaaaaaaay back to Site Index which includes link to first hint page.

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Most comments were included with submissions or lifted from source. I have not checked them all and would appreciate any input.

Thought you might like to take a look at this one. It's so cool ... and so true!!
http://funone.com/2001/10/frommom/index.html From an American mom to binny

Just when I think I can't possibly shed any more tears ... another incredible tribute, America

http://www.msnbc.com/news/639057.asp?0sp=w17b1&cp1=1
Click here: The Politics of Rage: Why Do They Hate Us?
This is lengthy but very interesting. Especially read chapter 1 and 4.

http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~rdgarr/WTC.htm - Huge overhead  photo of WTC rubble and surrounding damage

Coom By Ya bin Laden - bad humor awaits for all :) http://www.xs4all.nl/~dromero/diplomacy.swf

I'm not sure what to call it. Bizarre - at the same time most satisfying/fulfilling - a lovely fantasy might be the better way to put it. Do you agree with my assessment?

Humm, think "fantasy" is the best word for it, there's some strange stuff out there, but that's the whole idea behind our freedom.

Absolutely! Would have been "nice" (Zen???) had they all walked away singing together but it ain't likely so, yeah, it was SATISFYING! :-)

http://www.artwizzerd.com/ComicRelief.html - Adults only please

Have ya heard the one from the "Crocodile Hunter" ... Yep, what a hoot. Need that R,W & B sauce recipe :) "Osama Hunter" - I can send the file, have no idea how to link it here.

http://www.footlonghotdog.net/200110/PatrioticCanine.jpg - Dog "doing" his patriotic duty - Bravo!

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From government jobs and seized property auctions to bags of shredded currency and even flags flown over the capital,
government treasures are there for the taking on the Internet. The challenge is knowing where to look. Luckily, FirstGov
(www.firstgov.gov)  makes that task a lot easier. For example, you can find specific links to State Department (www.state.gov) and Department of Defense updates (www.defenselink.mil), or the latest remarks by President Bush, (www.whitehouse.gov/news).

http://www.youthnoise.com - Designed primarily for kids and young adults. There is a lot of useful information about the
war on terrorism, including what kids can do to help. Kids can also voice their opinions about what is going on in the world.

http://www.sabawoon.com/afghanpedia/default.shtm - Learn about this current hot spot with facts and history covering the nation of Afghanistan.

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/terrorists/fugitives.htm - US government created list of the 22 most wanted terrorists. Rewards of up to $5 million are being offered for each of these thugs, who should all be considered "armed and dangerous."

Family Disaster Supplies Kit - FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency outlines a complete plan with lots of suggestions for how to prepare for a disaster. While you may not feel compelled to heed all of this advice, FEMA's description of a "Family Disaster Supplies Kit" is worth reading. They suggest keeping a three-day supply of water, which means 1 gallon per day, per person, and a three-day supply of non-perishable foods. For a complete list of supplies,
click here: http://www.fema.gov/library/diskit.htm.

http://www.militarypride.org/default.htm - More "adopt" soldier ideas, in partnership with http://homefronthq.com/. Neither site was too well organized when I checked. Nothing wrong with that, the heart shows and all efforts count.

http://www.defenselink.mil/faq/pis/PC04MLTR.html - Requests for military mailing addresses, info availability range varies, all branches.

The following information is needed for all requests for all locator services:

• Give as much identifying information as possible about the person you wish to locate such as full name, rank, last duty assignment/last known military address, service number, and Social Security number.
• The locator service is free to immediate family members and government officials. Other family members, civilian friends, businesses and others must pay $3.50. The check or money order must be made out to the U.S. Treasury. It is not refundable.

http://www.spear.navy.mil/ - Navy run

Frequently Asked Questions about the Navy. Where can I obtain Navy images and photos, can I find a Navy person, either active duty, former shipmate, or retired, how do I purchase ball caps or other memorabilia, where do I find ships' histories, how do I find the email address of a Navy person, can I get my personnel records or those of an immediate family member and others.

Public Electronic Mail to Ships - Email open to the public. Limited to 700 characters.
Ships Mailing Addresses

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OrganizedHome.Com

Sweet and simple, with a message of hope, make these Blessings Mix recipes to give to family and friends.  Similar to trail mix or "gorp," each ingredient reminds us of one of our blessings.

Boost spirits in these dark days with the American Blessings Mix version, while Thanksgiving Blessings Mix gift bags make pretty holiday table favors at Thanksgiving.

Red, White and Blue tags available for American Blessing too, and several "naughties."

 

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http://jobshadow.org/

Great tips for employers, schools and Job Shadow Day organizers! Click here to access the Job Shadow Day 2002 On-line Training Presentation		On October 31, students in schools throughout America will be dressing up as adult leaders or professionals they admire. Click here to learn more and download program material

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Kids are not my "thing" - I thought the link above was a cool idea especially since so many of the scary costume choices are inappropriate this year. Bad enough Halloween ain't what it used to be as is. Try the links below too, more will be included shortly on my new Halloween page. It's my favorite holiday - nothin' gets in the way of my big kid fun.

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MarthaJones1@aol.com

Please note new contact addy (name change - what a concept, my real name - don't forget the 1). This will give me an idea who is keeping up with me so I can return the favor. Hopefully it will take the pressure off the other mailboxes. I am still so far behind I may never catch up. In any case, I still don't trust Aol. The latest mailbox foul-ups have been too much fun. New name will take a while to be trashed by the usual junk assaults and I will be checking it first each time so, while the other names are still somewhat functional, priorities to MJ1 won't be buried as deeply.

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Check out Rexanne's Halloween - almost everything you could imagine. And whatever's not there will be at Leea's Halloween. One of mine (oldie) features spider bread: Go Vittles part 7  (8 Halloween total oldies - if graphics don't show up right away - hit reload). Newer: FD16Hallo

http://www.artwizzerd.com/howtotrickortreat.html - Etiquette and common sense tips for hosts and goblins

http://www.sewing.org/html/spf-halloween.html

http://www.myjungle.com/halloween/

http://www.myjungle.com/fall/

http://www.acplace.com/holiday/halloween.htm

http://members.tripod.com/~Motomom/index-2.html

http://holidayinsights.com/halloween/

http://www.halloweenalliance.com/
Halloween Online - Your Guide to Halloween on the Net! http://www.angelfire.com/goth/holidayfun/halloweenmain.htmlhalloween

http://4halloween.4anything.com/ links

http://www.holidays.net/halloween/ links

http://lcweb.loc.gov/folklife/halloween.html Very interesting, from Library of Congress

http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/pumpkinave/index.htm http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/pumpkinave/costumes/ Nice idea for firefighter and easy recipe for make-up - "Make-up is not only fun to make, apply and wear, it's much safer than masks, since it doesn't obstruct your vision."

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Central Link Page

http://www.therealmartha.com/WAR/index.htm
Whispering Activist Record

More WA

http://www.therealmartha.com/WANews/index.htm
WA News vs. Fact
http://www.therealmartha.com/WA919DoxBun/index.htm
WA 9-19
http://www.therealmartha.com/WA%209-17%20both/index.htm (as is w/%20s)
WA 9-17
http://www.therealmartha.com/WAwelcomeintro/index.htm
Whispering Activist intro
http://www.therealmartha.com/flagmore/index.htm
THE Flag
http://www.therealmartha.com/WhisperActive/index.htm 9-15
The Whispering Activist first mailer copy
http://www.therealmartha.com/WAmixed/index.htm
A mixed bag
http://www.therealmartha.com/WAMixed3/index.htm
Mixed 3
http://www.therealmartha.com/WADamageContrl/index.htm
Damage Control

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Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness. - James Thurber