More spam from Kratovil

Dear Friends,

Last week House Leadership released a merged version of the health care reform legislation that was passed by three House committees in July. I immediately posted the text of this bill on my website so that all of my constituents can view the bill for themselves.

Over the past several months, I’ve expressed a number of concerns with the initial draft of H.R. 3200. I was concerned that leaders here in Congress were not giving Members enough time to study the bill and discuss it with their constituents, which is why I pushed to postpone a vote until after the August recess. I’ve also raised concerns with some of the policy aspects of the bill, including its cost, its impact on the deficit, and the impact that the employer mandate and surtax would have on small businesses and job creation. Now that the revised bill has been introduced, I will be thoroughly reviewing this legislation to see how these priorities are addressed within the new language of the bill.

While I recognize the urgent need to reform our health care system to reduce costs for families, employers, and the federal government, I will not be able to support a bill that does not adequately address these goals. In the meantime, please know that I have greatly appreciated all of the feedback I have received from constituents on this issue, and I understand how important this moment is to our country's future. I will keep you updated as consideration of this bill proceeds in the days ahead.

With health care reform taking most of the headlines, I did want to take an opportunity to give a brief update about some of the other issues I have been working on in Congress to address concerns of families throughout Maryland’s First District.

Earlier this month, I introduced legislation to extend the home-buyers tax credit, which realtors and economists have pointed to as a major factor encouraging the recovery of the housing market in Maryland and across the country. H.R. 3640 will extend the $8,000 tax credit for one year and expand eligibility to include all homebuyers purchasing a principal residence, while also offering tax relief to individuals or families forced to sell their home at a loss. Simply put, this tax credit is working, and in this housing market it would be foolish to allow this program to expire when it is working so effectively. Click here to take a look a the bill and here to view an impartial CRS analysis of the extension.

Another bill I recently introduced is HR 3898, the Small Business Property Reimbursement Act. This legislation will extend a key tax deduction for small business owners that invest in new equipment for their businesses. Specifically, my bill will extend a provision of the tax code that allows small businesses to expense up to $250,000 of the total cost of qualified assets purchased for business purposes. I feel strongly that instead of bailing out giant corporations, we ought to focus on strengthening the small businesses that support our local economies and drive economic growth. This bill provides much-needed tax relief that will allow small business owners to re-invest and create new jobs. Click here to read the bill.

Please take the time to contact my office if you have any thoughts about these bills or any other pending legislation. I am always eager to hear your thoughts about local issues that are impacting you and your family.

With warm regards,

Rep. Frank M. Kratovil, Jr.

$3 Billion Space Hotel to Open in 2012

The opportunity to vacation in space may be right around the corner.

Reuters wrote yesterday that a Barcelona-based company, Galactic Suite Ltd, plans to open a multi-billion dollar space resort in 2012.

The space pod will circumnavigate the Earth every 80 minutes, giving guests a chance to watch the sun rise 15 times a day. Weightless space tourists will also "wear Velcro suits so they can crawl around their pod rooms by sticking themselves to the walls like Spiderman," said Reuters.

Tourists looking for an adventure that is out of this world will have to plunk down around $4.4 million in order to blast off to the Galactic Suite Space Resort. In addition to three nights in orbit, jet-setters will also take part in an eight-week training course on a Caribbean island.

Reuters reported that 43 people have already made reservations for the space hotel, with over 200 more expressing interest in the project.

According to the Galactic Suite Web site, the three pillar project includes plans for a tropical spaceport with training facilities, a spaceship that holds four passengers and two pilot-astronauts, and the "space resort" itself.

It will take a day and a half to travel from Earth to the pod. A spokesperson for Galactic Suite Ltd told NewsLite.tv: "The flight will be one of the main highlights of the experience. Aboard the craft, space tourists will reach a speed of 28,000 km/h (17,398 miles/hour) in ten minutes after rocket ignition."

Once guests arrive at the space pod, they will be left to their own devices. No staff will live permanently in the space station, which will be much like spending a long weekend at a secluded mountain retreat.

Xavier Claramunt, Galactic Suite Ltd's CEO and former aerospace engineer believes that his space venture puts him on the brink of an emerging industry. "It's very normal to think that your children, possibly within 15 years, could spend a weekend in space," he told Reuters Television.

Others say the company's pie-in-the-sky ideas are a little unrealistic, questioning the time frame of the project as well as its financial sources.

Reuters reported that "Claramunt said an anonymous billionaire space enthusiast has granted $3 billion to finance the project."

Other space projects underway include Spaceport America, a space-airport being built in New Mexico, as well as Virgin Galactic, a space tour firm started by Richard Branson that will use the Spaceport America facilities. Around 300 people have already signed up for Branson's suborbital space trips, which will cost around $200,000 a ride.

Don't leave the light on for me!

Forklift Accident Leads to Epic Booze Bath for Driver

Deep in the recesses of a vodka warehouse in Moscow, you'd think they'd have more respect for alcohol than evidenced here.

In this video, a hapless forklift driver (perhaps after getting acquainted with the product he was moving?) manages to epically crush an entire shelf of stock, which dominoes to bring an amazing $150,000 worth of booze down on himself. Somehow, he only only sustained a leg injury.



Hopefully his skin absorbed enough hooch to knock him out long enough to miss how badly he got fired.

Local Salisbury News Blogger goes Live on TV

Long time blogger Joe Albero of Salisburynews
will be going live on a local broadcasting network WRDE.

For those out there that may be interested it has been brought to the attention of the PPE that local blogger Joe Albero has now stepped out from behind his keyboard and is trying his hand at live television.



According to the SBYnews blog the show will air Saturday morning at 10:30 AM on the following channels;

COMCAST Channel 9

Mediacom Channel 99

Digital TV Channel 31.1

More on Eastern Shore Robotics

POCOMOKE CITY, Md.- Students across Delmarva are building robots to learn about engineering.

On Monday, a team of local high schoolers showed off their latest creation, affectionately called "Bubbles" the robot, at the Hawk Institute for Space Sciences in Pocomoke City.

The students say they spent about 150 hours to build a robot that competed in an international competition earlier this year. It went against other robots in a game that required each machine to toss balls into the attached trailing nets of competitors.

Organizers of the local non-profit group, called Eastern Shore Robotics, say it helps recruit a next generation of engineers. The group participates in the international FIRST Robotics competition.

"As our older engineers retire, we don't have a lot of really well-trained [and] technically-minded young kids coming in to fill those positions," said Chris Thompson, an organizer of the group.

The group uses resources from the Navy and NASA. It plans to begin working on a its next robot, under a strict six-week build period for the competition, beginning in January.

Watch the Video HERE

VIA WBOC-TV

Missing Woman's Dad at 'Breaking Point'

Relatives and friends of a California woman who vanished a month and a half ago are frustrated in their search for clues.

They were on the streets in South Los Angeles again Sunday, handing out leaflets and asking people if they had seen Mitrice Richardson. The 24-year-old woman disappeared after leaving a sheriff's station shortly after midnight Sept. 17. She was released after being charged with marijuana possession and failure to pay a restaurant bill.

Richardson was last seen on foot and was not carrying a cell phone or purse. Witnesses said she behaved strangely -- telling people she was from Mars, according to The Los Angeles Times. There have been no confirmed sightings of her since that night.

"I'm at a breaking point," Mitrice's father, Michael Richardson, 42, told the newspaper.

He is urging authorities to release security camera video that he believes will prove his daughter was in no condition to be released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The county is offering a $10,000 reward for information about Mitrice Richardson. Anyone who knows where she is should call (213) 485-2531.

Read More: Los Angeles Times

November Horoscopes

Aries
Into the Deep
This can be an explosive month, a month that offers the potential for breaking through stubborn resistance and empowers you to overcome difficult obstacles. You are forced to take relationships and your own limitations much more seriously now -- tough decisions are in the air.
More Aries Horoscopes for November.

Taurus
Fresh Perspectives
November is slated to stir up relationship conflicts and perhaps even anger with yourself. The stakes in the game of love are getting higher as your desire for more may upset a current companion or attract the ardor of a new one.
More Taurus Horoscopes for November.

Gemini
Conscious Cutbacks
Something big has changed, yet it might be difficult to put your finger on it. You could run into obstacles that seem to stand in the way of your happiness this month. Although you may worry whether you can withstand the slow but intense pressure to change, have faith that you are up to the task.
More Gemini Horoscopes for November.

Cancer
Passion and Power Personified
November fuels competitive feelings and challenges you to get more out of yourself. There is a temptation to pursue a romantic fantasy, and the foresight to achieve your goals in ways that stir up the least amount of folly.
More Cancer Horoscopes for November.

Leo
Extreme Makeover
November starts a long-term process where you begin establishing healthy patterns in your everyday life that will sustain you for years. You are forced to eliminate destructive behavior and excessive consumption of resources while still finding the freedom to explore your imagination.
More Leo Horoscopes for November.

Virgo
Student of Life
Travel and education are key this month, and you feel the need to break from the pressures of your routine. You may have to struggle to get what you want, so be bold in the pursuit of your dreams.
More Virgo Horoscopes for November.

Libra
Deconstruction Zone
There's no room for laziness this month, and extra efforts will be recognized and rewarded. There is change in the air, change that will affect the most stable and fundamental areas of your life, but leave you stronger and wiser if you're up for the challenge.
More Libra Horoscopes for November.

Scorpio
The Shape of Things to Come
Professional and personal change are stressed this November, and it's better to be bold and take the initiative than to stand still and simply react. You find yourself more comfortable in your own skin now, making you more alluring to others.
More Scorpio Horoscopes for November.

Sagittarius
Work in Progress
Service, spirit and self-awareness are three major areas of interest throughout November. Your attention is drawn to meeting your obligations, but patience is essential. Spiritual ideals can be turned into action now, and there is a call to connect with higher meaning and dimensions beyond the ordinary.
More Sagittarius Horoscopes for November.

Capricorn
True Grit
November introduces demands that aren't likely to be satisfied by more hard work -- and events may not unfold according to your plan. Life seems harder now, and this time can be a test of your will. You are urged to think long-term yet stay on top life's immediate changes.
More Capricorn Horoscopes for November.

Aquarius
Taking Care of Business
Practical and immediate issues get the attention this November, leaving less time to fantasize about the future. Professional lives feel the shuffle as a sense of spirituality or community service feels like it's missing. The danger is taking on more than you can handle.
More Aquarius Horoscopes for November.

Pisces
The Power of the Mind
Serious conversations are on the agenda this November. Dreams come into the focus of reality, bringing new life to your desires. Total discipline is critical to achieving your goals, and distancing yourself from individuals who don't respect you may determine whether you gain more control over your life.
More Pisces Horoscopes for November.

Robotics Overview Tonight on WBOC and WMDT

WBOC will be doing a Robotics overview tonight with interviews with local team members. More on this coming soon, stay tuned for updates.

Or, tune in to WBOC and WMDT TV for the local news.

(update) this will be aired tonight (11/2) at 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm on WBOC and WMDT

The USS New York

The USS New York, a Navy assult ship built with steel from the World Trade Center, will make its inaugural visit to New York today. The $1 billion ship, was built in Lousiana with using about 7.5 tons of steel in the bow.

　

The ship is scheduled to stop near ground zero today where survivors and families of the

victims, along with the public, have been invited to watch a 21-gun salute. Afterwards, the ship will travel up river to the George Washington Bridge where it will turn around, head south and dock at Pier 88 and remain there until Veteren's Day. On Saturday, an official commissioning ceremony is scheduled. After Veteren's Day, the USS New York travels to Norfolk, Virginia for a year of training and exercises.

The USS New York, which was actually scheduled to be built before the World Trade Center terrorist attack, is 684 feet long, can handle helicopters and the MV-22 osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

Out of the 361 sailors serving aboard the ship 13 percent are from New York state. And the assult ship can carry up to 800 Marines.

Of the other four ships being built two of those will also have names related to the 911 attacks.

They are the USS Arlington, built in honor of the attack on the Pentagon, and the USS Somerset, named after the county in Pennsylvania in which the United Airlines flight 93 crashed.

　

I love pumpkins. I love the pumpkin pies made from them. The birds enjoy the seeds. But the one use of the pumpkin that seems to be scarce anymore on Halloween is the carved jack-o-lantern. Every year there are jack-o-lanterns in my yard.

I've had them stolen and smashed in the street. Many people have. But I read a heart-warming story today that makes me still believe that there are nice people in this world.

Someone played a Halloween trick on two neighbors in Manassas, Virginia Saturday night by stealing their pumpkins from the front porches of both homes.

It seems the one basketball sized pumpkin taken from one porch was returned with two triangle eyes, a triangle nose and a mouth with two teeth missing carved into it. The neighbors stolen pumpkin was returned to her porch too, with one eye carved like a star.

One of the neighbors commented: "It's Halloween. I guess people do strange and weird things."

And yes, people do. I've just never heard of this happening before. And I wish the "pumpkin carver" lived near me to help with mine!

The Last of the Summer Days

I'm sure alot of you woke up to the morning the same way I did...........with your extra hour of sleep! Big deal, right!? My husband assured me that instead of it being 11:00 a.m. as the bedroom clock said, it was only 10:00.

Well, that's fine, I guess, if you like the extra hour sleeping but I had rather have that extra hour left in my day. I like the extra hour of daylight even if I choose to do nothing outside. Beach days are gone, gardening days have dwindled to the few fall chores. If you do it outside now there's no time to even change your mind.

Looking back on the summer I remembered all those hot, sunny, humid days we had. I like those brightly lit summer days and I even enjoy the humidity! I'm going to miss the sound of thunder in a distance and the soft breeze. I'm going to miss my abundance of blue birds, humming birds and finches. And I am even going to miss (somewhat) the sound and the bites of the mosquitoes and sleeping with the windows wide open.
I am a sunlight person. I like the sunny days, even if they are just warm. It's the long dreary days and nights that get to me. And I suppose that maybe there will be a few more warm sunny evenings to light the wok and sit on the patio watching the sun set. Our "world" is in the autumn mode now. It's time to rake leaves, mulch flower beds and take one long glimpse of the colorful sketches that Nature gives us this time of year.
I'll do all that while at the same time missing the summer.

ANNOYING GPS GAG

Annoying GPS gag might not direct you to your destination, but it's sure to have you laughing all the way there. Just push the button to hear the British female voice deliver one of many unhelpful comments in the style of a GPS. One-liners are sure to strike a chord with drivers.

No actual directions - just for fun! Not to be used for navigation, entertainment only. Comments include,

"I know you are a man, but can you please admit you are lost and ask for directions?",

"I'm sorry we didn't sleep together last night, but can you stop driving like a lunatic?",

"In 50 feet turn off the ball game and put on my favorite Barry Manilow CD.",

"In 100 feet, stop and think, did you lock the back door?', and

"In 100 yards I'm going to talk to you in that special voice which should let you know you've upset me in someway".

Time to change

It's that time of year.

Don't forget the time goes back this Sunday/2:00am


Click a Cloud for info HERE

Crisfield Teen Arrested for Attempted Murder

Authorities on Friday morning arrested a Crisfield teen wanted on attempted murder and related charges in connection with a shooting that occurred earlier this month.

Crisfield police say that on Oct. 13, 17-year-old Denzell J. Gregory got into an argument with another male at the Somers Cove apartments complex in Crisfield. Investigators say Gregory pulled a handgun from his waistband and began shooting at the victim while he ran away. The victim was not injured during the incident, according to police.

Police say while investigating the shooting, they received information that Gregory had fled to the Salisbury area.

At around 6 a.m. Friday, Crisfield police, working with Salisbury police, Maryland State Police, the Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation and the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, executed two search and seizure warrants at 907 Apartment G on Booth Street in Salisbury as well as at 154 Somers Cove apartments in Crisfield.

During Friday's execution of the search and seizure warrants, police located Gregory in the Booth Street apartment and took him into custody. Investigators say that hidden inside Gregory's jacket was the .38 caliber automatic handgun used in the Crisfield shooting, along with several pieces of crack cocaine. Police say that in addition, officers located inside the apartment 1-ounce of crack cocaine and several bags of heroin.

Read more @ WBOC

A Pennsylvania Ghost Story

Axe Murder Hollow






Susan and Ned were driving through a wooded empty section of highway. Lightning flashed, thunder roared, the sky went dark in the torrential downpour.
“We’d better stop,” said Susan.
Ned nodded his head in agreement. He stepped on the brake, and suddenly the car started to slide on the slick pavement. They plunged off the road and slid to a halt at the bottom of an incline.
Pale and shaking, Ned quickly turned to check if Susan was all right. When she nodded, Ned relaxed and looked through the rain soaked windows.
“I’m going to see how bad it is,” he told Susan, and when out into the storm. She saw his blurry figure in the headlight, walking around the front of the car. A moment later, he jumped in beside her, soaking wet.
“The car’s not badly damaged, but we’re wheel-deep in mud,” he said. “I’m going to have to go for help.”
Susan swallowed nervously. There would be no quick rescue here. He told her to turn off the headlights and lock the doors until he returned.
Ax Murder Hollow. Although Ned hadn’t said the name aloud, they both knew what he had been thinking when he told her to lock the car. This was the place where a man had once taken an axe and hacked his wife to death in a jealous rage over an alleged affair. Supposedly, the axe-wielding spirit of the husband continued to haunt this section of the road.
Outside the car, Susan heard a shriek, a loud thump, and a strange gurgling noise. But she couldn’t see anything in the darkness.
Frightened, she shrank down into her seat. She sat in silence for a while, and then she noticed another sound. Bump. Bump. Bump. It was a soft sound, like something being blown by the wind.
Suddenly, the car was illuminated by a bright light. An official sounding voice told her to get out of the car. Ned must have found a police officer. Susan unlocked the door and stepped out of the car. As her eyes adjusted to the bright light, she saw it.
Hanging by his feet from the tree next to the car was the dead body of Ned. His bloody throat had been cut so deeply that he was nearly decapitated. The wind swung his corpse back and forth so that it thumped against the tree. Bump. Bump. Bump.
Susan screamed and ran toward the voice and the light. As she drew close, she realized the light was not coming from a flashlight. Standing there was the glowing figure of a man with a smile on his face and a large, solid, and definitely real axe in his hands. She backed away from the glowing figure until she bumped into the car.
“Playing around when my back was turned,” the ghost whispered, stroking the sharp blade of the axe with his fingers. “You’ve been very naughty.”
The last thing she saw was the glint of the axe blade in the eerie, incandescent light.


For more stories told by S. E. Schlosser go to: www.americanfolklore.net


HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!!!!!!

When is to far, Too far? Dutch Court Halts Girl's Solo Sail

This young lady was set to sail, approved by her parents, yet blocked by the courts.

She was to have an experienced sailor along as a guide. This is what we are becoming, The courts have a right to infringe upon our personal lives.

I clearly remember fishing, crabbing, clamming, etc. at a very early age. I know that's nothing like sailing the world, but .... where do the people draw the line of what a nanny government can tell us?

I will say, I think she needs a bigger boat.

BTW: Big Mac's have been banned in Antarctica.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dutch Court Halts Girl's Solo Sail

A Dutch court ruled Friday that 14-year-old Laura Dekker was still too inexperienced to be allowed to set off on her quest to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

Judges at Utrecht District Court placed Laura under the guardianship of child protection authorities until July to ensure that she cannot set off on her dream voyage. The ruling means Laura can continue living with her father, but her parents must consult child protection authorities about all major decisions in her life.

Laura Dekker, 14, wants to sail solo around the world, but on Friday a Dutch judge ruled that she is too inexperienced and barred her from the trip.

Laura and her parents were not in court Friday, but family spokeswoman Mariska Woertman said the teenager was "disappointed that the court does not have faith in her to leave now."

However, Woertman said Laura was confident she can be ready to sail soon after July and still set the record as the youngest sailor to circumnavigate the globe.

The Utrecht court first blocked her departure in August out of concern for her safety. The decision sparked a worldwide debate on how much authorities and parents should limit children's freedom to undertake risky adventures.

Laura's parents, both veteran sailors, are separated. Laura's father supported the attempt, but her mother said in a newspaper interview in September she thought Laura was too young.

Presiding judge M. Oostendorp said Laura's mother has given her blessing "so long as she has assurances about the safety measures. At the moment, as far as she is concerned, they are insufficient."

Child protection authorities welcomed the decision.

Judges said they were confident that Laura was emotionally ready for the trip, but questioned the safety precautions and her ability to continue her schooling while at sea. They said, however, her sailing skills were not in question.

A psychological analysis submitted to the court said Laura's planned trip would not impair her social or emotional development.

"The good news today is that we have established Laura is capable of making this voyage," said her lawyer, Peter de Lange.

Laura told the three-judge panel at a closed hearing Monday that she was equipping her 26-foot yacht Guppy with extra security and communications equipment and learning to use it.

"(The plans are still) too unclear, not concrete enough and too uncertain" to guarantee her safety, Oostendorp said.

Laura also told the court that she planned to wait at least until May, after school ends, to embark on the voyage and will be guided by an experienced sailor in a separate boat. She also promised to take a sailor's first-aid course and practice sleep management techniques.

De Lange criticized the judges for questioning Laura's single-handed sailing experience — which is limited to trips on Dutch rivers, close to the coast and a single solo voyage to England and back.

"They say she has not got much experience of solo round-the-world sailing. That is a bit weak," he told reporters. "How do you get experience? By doing it."

In August, 17-year-old British sailor Mike Perham became the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Earlier this month, 16-year-old Australian Jessica Watson also set off on a single-handed, round-the-world trip.

De Lange said Laura can still break the record if she sets off next year.

"But the record is not her primary goal," he added. "Laura just wants to sail."

VIA

Trick-or-Treat

Happy Halloween y'all!

A Little About Halloween Tradition

All Hallow Eve, or Halloween, originated as a pagan celebration dating back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, over 2000 years ago. Samhain means "summers end" and is celebrated on November 1st as a joyous occasion. Many of the festivities included eating, drinking and dancing and the lighting of bonfires. The ashes from the burned bonfires were spread to protect the land for next years crops.

On the night before the new year the Celts believed the boundaries between the living and the dead became blurred. Ghosts of the dead returned to earth on October 31. The wearing of the masks, as a way to "hide" from the dead, became a tradition.

In the 1800's, with the Irish immigrants coming to America they brought their traditions of Halloween and the Jack-o-Lantern. The immigrants carved potatoes, turnips and beets and place a light inside using pieces of coal or a candle. These ornaments were placed in windows or on porches to welcomed the deceased and to serve as protection against horrible spirits or goblins freed from the dead.

Through the years, as the Irish Immigrants spread out across America, the lack of turnips, beets, and potatoes were replaced by the pumpkin to stand the watch for the "freed dead".

The origin of Trick-or-Treat, it is believed, orginated from the Druids. The Druids were preists and preistesses that served also as

historians, astronomers, teachers, etc. in their communities. Because the country folk believed that the dead had to be kept happy they would give the Druids food as they visited their homes. Today it is simply known as trick-or-treat.

Halloween has many names. Other names are : All Hallows Eve, The Feast of the Dead, Samhain, All Hallow Tide, All Saints Eve.

Halloween Careful who you scare

When we were little, our older brother used to put on that awful "Scream" mask and jump out from behind the kitchen door to scare the candy out of us. He found it hysterical; we found a bunch of things to complain to our therapist about later in life.

This classic video featuring a Halloween prank gone horribly awry is kind of like that. Only in our fantasy this version, the prankster gets what's coming to him. No, seriously. See why it's so not cool to creep on people, Halloween or not. Enjoy!

Dad Arrested After Daughter Hit By Car

Immigrant Believed His Daughter Was Too 'Westernized,' Police Say

Police in a Phoenix suburb say an Iraqi immigrant has been arrested in Georgia for allegedly running down his daughter because she was becoming "too Westernized."

Police in Peoria, Ariz., are releasing few details but say 48-year-old Faleh Almaleki is in custody. They aren't saying where he is being held.

Jim Joyner, a spokesman for the U.S. Marshals Service in Atlanta, says Almaleki was arrested Thursday when he arrived at Atlanta's airport.

Twenty-year-old Noor Faleh Almaleki is hospitalized in serious condition. Police say the Almalekis moved to the suburb of Glendale from Iraq during the mid-'90s.

Police say Faleh Almaleki was upset that his daughter had become too "Westernized," and he aimed his car at her Oct. 20 in a Peoria parking lot.

Sexy Craigslist Ad Allegedly Posted by Social Worker as Revenge on 9-year-old

A Long Island social worker is facing charges after she allegedly posted a sexy Craigslist ad with the name and phone number of a 9-year-old girl who argued with the social worker's daughter at school.


Margery Tannenbaum of Hauppauge, N.Y., is charged with aggravated harassment and endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly posting the child's name and phone number in an online ad targeting sex-seeking men. Prosecutors say Tannenbaum created the ad after the girl argued with the social worker's daughter at a Smithtown, N.Y., elementary school, according to New York's WCBS-TV.

Tannenbaum, 40, denied the allegations when she was arrested last spring. Her lawyer, Tad Scharfenberg, told WCBS that his client still maintains that she is innocent.

"She's a good mother, she's never been in any trouble before, she takes good care of her kids," he told WCBS. "I'm defending her to the fullest, she maintains her innocence."

Tannenbaum is accused of listing the girl's name and phone number in conjunction with the e-mail address, lacethong23@yahoo.com. The girl's mother got a call from a man who asked for the child by name. When the woman told the caller she was the girl's mom, he responded: "Oh, hot lady lives with foxy momma!"

"I told him that the hot lady you are referring to is 9-years-old," she told the station.

The state has been asked to review Tannenbaum's social work license, and parents at the school attended by both girls are hoping for a swift resolution.

One change has already taken place: Tannenbaum was the class mother for both girls last year, and she has since been replaced.

SOURCE

N.J. Court Says Americans Have No Right To Buy Handguns

A New Jersey appeals court has concluded that Americans have no Second Amendment right to buy a handgun.

In a case decided last week, the superior court upheld a state law saying that nobody may possess "any handgun" without obtaining law enforcement approval and permission in advance.

That outcome might seem like something of a surprise, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year in the D.C. v. Heller case that the Second Amendment guarantees "the individual right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation."

But New Jersey Appellate Division Judge Stephen Skillman wrote on behalf of a unanimous three-judge panel that Heller "has no impact upon the constitutionality of" the state law.

That's because, Skillman said, the Supreme Court did not strike down the District of Columbia's de facto handgun ban but instead simply ordered the city to issue a permit. In other words, while Americans may have the right in general to possess arms, the exact contours of that right have not been mapped, especially as the Second Amendment applies to state laws. (The court's majority opinion last year said: "We therefore assume that petitioners' issuance of a license will satisfy respondent's prayer for relief and do not address the licensing requirement.")

Read More HERE

Good clean Catholic Joke

* VATICAN HUMOR *

After getting all of Pope Benedict's luggage loaded into the limo, (and hedoesn't travel light), the driver notices the Pope is still standing on the curb.

'Excuse me, Your Holiness,' says the driver, 'Would you please take your seat so we can leave?'

'Well, to tell you the truth,' says the Pope, 'they never let me drive at
the Vatican when I was a cardinal, and I'd really like to drive today.'

'I'm sorry, Your Holiness, but I cannot let you do that. I'd lose my job What if something should happen?' protests the driver, wishing he'd never gone to work that morning..

'Who's going to tell?' says the Pope with a smile.

Reluctantly, the driver gets in the back as the Pope climbs in behind the wheel. The driver quickly regrets his decision when, after exiting the airport, the Pontiff floors it, accelerating the limo to 205 kph..
(Remember, the Pope is German..)

'Please slow down, Your Holiness!' pleads the worried driver, but the Pope keeps the pedal to the metal until they hear sirens.

'Oh, dear God, I'm going to lose my license -- and my job!' moans the
driver.

The Pope pulls over and rolls down the window as the cop approaches, but the cop takes one look at him, goes back to his motorcycle, and gets on the radio.

'I need to talk to the Chief,' he says to the dispatcher.

The Chief gets on the radio and the cop tells him that he's stopped a limo going 205 kph.

'So bust him,' says the Chief.

'I don't think we want to do that, he's really important,' said the cop.

The Chief exclaimed,' All the more reason!'

'No, I mean really important,' said the cop with a bit of persistence.

The Chief then asked, 'Who do you have there, the mayor?'
Cop: 'Bigger.'

Chief: ' A senator?'
Cop: 'Bigger.'

Chief: 'The Prime Minister?'
Cop: 'Bigger.'

'Well,' said the Chief, 'who i s it?'

Cop: 'I think it's God!'

The Chief is even more puzzled and curious, 'What makes you think it's
God?'

Cop: 'His chauffeur is the Pope!'

6th Person Arrested in Gang Rape of Girl After Homecoming Dance

The number of people arrested in the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl outside a high school dance in Northern California has increased to six and could get higher, authorities said.

Jose Carlos Montano, 18, was arrested Thursday evening outside his San Pablo home. He was being held on $1.3 million bail, on suspicion of rape, rape in concert with force and other charges, Richmond police said.

Authorities were still looking for suspects, and have said as many as 10 people ranging from 15 to the mid-20s may have attacked the girl for more than two hours Saturday in a dimly lit area.

Montano's arrest came after three other teen suspects appeared in court for the first time Thursday.

Cody Ray Smith, 15, pleaded not guilty, while Ari Abdallah Morales, 16, and Marcelles James Peter, 17, did not enter pleas during their arraignment in Contra Costa County Superior Court.

Smith, Morales and Peter each were charged with rape in concert and sexual penetration with a foreign object. They were being held without bail and could be eligible for life in prison, if convicted.

The three were charged as adults because of the severity of the crime, prosecutor Dara Cashman said.

Another suspect, 19-year-old Manuel Ortega, was arraigned separately but did not enter a plea. He is charged with rape, robbery and assault causing great bodily injury, and is being held on $1.2 million bail.

Salvador Rodriguez, 21, also remained jailed but has not been charged.

More HERE

Run Abdul Run...

What's he keep looking at? LOL

Bullet Hits Lou Dobbs' NJ Home

WANTAGE, N.J. (Oct. 29) - Police in New Jersey are trying to determine who fired a bullet that struck CNN commentator Lou Dobbs' home as his wife stood nearby.

State police Sgt. Stephen Jones says Dobbs' wife and driver were outside the home Oct. 5 when they heard the gunshot. Jones says the bullet didn't penetrate the siding and fell to the ground outside.

VIA


Dobbs mentioned the bullet earlier this week on CNN and his radio show.
Dobbs says he had been receiving threatening phone calls for weeks. On his radio show, he connected the gunshot to his advocacy for a crackdown on illegal immigration and to his opponents' rhetoric.

The home is on a farm in Wantage, about 50 miles northwest of New York City.
It is small-game hunting season, but no hunters were seen in the area.

DNC Uses Flag Desecration Video to Raise Funds

As a heart monitor beeps ominously in the background, a graffiti artist paints over the Stars and Stripes with phrases criticizing opposition to the Democratic legislation, including 'profit over life' and the crossed-out words 'death panel.' The whole flag is eventually smeared with paint and blacked out.

A Democratic fundraising video on President Obama's political Web site shows an American flag mural being covered in graffiti and desecrated with slogans about health care reform.

As a heart monitor beeps ominously in the background, a graffiti artist paints over the Stars and Stripes with phrases criticizing opposition to the Democratic legislation, including "profit over life" and the crossed-out words "death panel." The whole flag is eventually smeared with paint and blacked out.

One of 20 finalists in the Democratic National Committee's "Health Reform Video Challenge," the video shows the Los Angeles-based graffiti artist "Saber" at work, according to a copy of the video posted to YouTube.

The DNC is using the splattered Old Glory to pick up some change, asking for donations to air the winner of its contest. "[T]o put the winning ad on national television, we'll need folks to chip in and help cover the cost of getting the ad on the air," the DNC says on its my.BarackObama.com Web site, which hosts its Organizing for America campaign program.

"I think that most Americans no matter what their political persuasion is will find this pretty obscene and pretty shocking," said Armstrong Williams, a conservative radio host. Williams said it was a bad message to send for the DNC to give "energy and credibility" to an artist desecrating the flag.

The video made it past a panel of judges "comprised of DNC employees," the site says. All finalists were screened to find "the most apt, creative, original and interesting video" that provides "clarity of message concerning supporting health insurance reform."

Supporters defended the video and said it might strike a chord with Americans who are interested in health care reform.

"I don't really think it's an issue," said Leonard Jacobs, editor of the Clyde Fitch Report. "It's one of 20 videos, and graffiti is protected by the First Amendment. And it's certainly something that might hook up with the way people feel."

Now in the final round, the remaining 20 videos will be judged by a panel of experts including DNC chief Tim Kaine; Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Pa.; singer will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas; actress Rosario Dawson; and Seth MacFarlane, creator of the TV cartoon "Family Guy."
A spokesman for Organizing for America told the Politico that the group was not prepared to provide comment on the video, but gave the contest a big push online.

"We're closer than we've ever been to passing real health reform, but we need to keep pushing forward and tipping the debate in favor of reform -- and the winning video could do just that," they wrote.

VIA

Educational Pornography?

A Maryland state senator blocked the showing of an X-rated film at a state university. Predictably, the Washington Post ridiculed him for it. But what’s really at stake here?

This commentary contains material that may not be suitable for children.

Women’s groups are going to have their work cut out for them at the University of Maryland. So will the health clinics and campus police. They’re going to be busy cleaning up the mess if the school decides to give a green light to showing X-rated films on campus.

Last spring, Maryland students planned to screen a triple-X-rated film at the student union. When State Senator Andrew Harris heard about it, he threatened to cut off the school’s share of state operating funds. Good for him!

The school canceled the film, but defiant students showed a portion of it anyway in a lecture hall where they did not need permission from school authorities.

Many students are portraying this as a case of academic freedom. And the Washington Post agrees. The newspaper mocked Senator Harris for wasting the school’s time. But it’s just possible that Senator Harris knows a lot more about the consequences of viewing hardcore porn than does the Washington Post.

In CitizenLink, writer Daniel Weiss describes pornography research conducted by Dr. Victor Cline. Cline found that “once addicted, a person’s need for pornography escalates both in frequency and in deviancy.”

Weiss writes that the porn viewer gradually becomes desensitized, no longer getting a thrill out of what he’s viewing. Ultimately, he is driven to act out his fantasies on innocent victims.

More HERE

Gang Rape Victim's Friend Blasts Officials

She had come alone to the Richmond High School homecoming dance, gorgeous in a sparkling purple dress and faux diamond baubles. The DJ played salsa, meringue, rap. When the teenager disappeared, her friends thought she had gone home early.

Except she never said goodbye.

Kami Baker, a student at Richmond High School in Richmond, Calif., says she feels unsafe at school. At homecoming, which her friend attended before she was attacked, no officers checked on a dozen men outside the gym, Baker says

"We were going to go look for her," said Kami Baker, 16, a junior at the school.
The next day, Baker learned the ugly truth about what had happened to her friend.
She had been gang raped and beaten for almost 2 1/2 hours and left unconscious under a bench shortly before midnight Saturday night.
"I busted up crying," Baker said.

More HERE

Upper Marlboro Woman Pleads Guilty to Mailing Threatening Letters

GREENBELT, Md. (Oct. 27, 2009) - Lakeisha Jones, age 31, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, pleaded guilty on Oct. 16 to sending threats through the mail, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

According to the plea agreement, around February 21, 2008, Jones sent a package through the U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail directed to the victim and the victim’s child, which contained a dead mouse and a threatening letter entitled “Black Curse” and “Voodoo Spell” describing physical harm to be inflicted by Jones upon the victim, the victim’s mother and the victim’s child. On about March 7, 2008, Jones mailed a package to another individual, which contained a dead mouse and a letter describing lewd sexual acts to be performed on the victim’s child, and also described the dismemberment of the victim’s child. The communication also contained hand-drawn depictions of the child being shot.

Jones faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison on each of the two counts. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for February 21, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for its investigative work. Mr. Rosenstein commended Assistant United States Attorneys Gina L. Simms and Stacy Dawson Belf, who are prosecuting the case.

VIA

Pocomoke Walmart thief to pay store back what he stole

"Timed served" seams like the-in-trend everywhere now. Do you think Wal*mart will get it's restitution? I doubt it.


A Salisbury man has been ordered to repay a local Walmart for more than $1,100 in merchandise he stole over a four-week period during the summer.

Gary Belote, 37, of Decatur Avenue pleaded guilty to theft less than $100 for an Aug. 24 incident, in which he was caught walking out of the Pocomoke City Walmart Supercenter with a $99 cell phone SIM card. Worcester County District Court Judge Gerald Purnell gave him the maximum penalty of 90 days in jail, although the judge allowed the 64 days he had already served since his arrest count toward that total. The remaining 26 days were suspended, and Belote was ordered not to return to Walmart for three years.

Six other counts of theft and trespassing in the case were placed on the inactive docket as part of a plea deal. In addition, while the store had surveillance tapes of Belote taking other merchandise off the rack and opening packaging, Deputy Worcester County State's Attorney Paul Haskell said he "can't prove that he went to the register or not."

However, Belote will still have to pay restitution to the Pocomoke City store for all the goods he is accused of stealing between Aug. 8 and Aug. 24 -- a value of $1,196.32.

Read more at DelmarvaNow

Adult chat line accidentally printed on school shirts

A "typographical error" resulted in the recall of student T-shirts at Linda Vista Elementary School's recent jog-a-thon, after a parent called the phone number printed on the back of the shirts and was connected to an adult chat line.

T-shirts were handed out to all students participating in the Oct. 16 jog-a-thon during recess and recalled before students left at the end of the day, Principal Jackie Howland said. The school believes that all of the T-shirts were retrieved, but parents were called just in case, Howland said.

The T-shirts featured the school mascot – a lion – running with a 1-800 number featuring words instead of numbers.

The number was written as a cute slogan for the jog-a-thon, but turned out to be an actual number, said Rosemary Gladden, public information officer for Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District.

Linda Vista PTA is not the first group to make a mistake with that exact spoof number. The two word 800 number shows up online as part of a popular running slogan sold on T-shirts and merchandise.

But a Google search for the 1-800 number on its own returns news articles and blogs about schools in Ohio and Iowa that made the same mistake.

The 1-800 number goes to an adult chat phone line.

More HERE

Coyotes Kill Woman in Canadian Park

TORONTO (Oct. 28) -- Two coyotes attacked a promising young musician as she was hiking alone in a national park in eastern Canada, and authorities said she died Wednesday of her injuries.

The victim was identified as Taylor Mitchell, 19, a singer-songwriter from Toronto who was touring her new album on the East Coast.

She was hiking solo on a trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia on Tuesday when the attack occurred. She was airlifted to a Halifax hospital in critical condition and died Wednesday morning, authorities said.

>Singer-songwriter Taylor Mitchell, 19, died after being attacked by coyotes in a Canadian national park. She "was so excited about the future," her manager said.

Coyotes, which also are known as prairie wolves, are found from Central America to the United States and Canada.

Wildlife biologist Bob Bancroft said coyote attacks are extremely rare because the animals are usually shy.

Bancroft, a retired biologist with Nova Scotia's Department of Natural Resources, said it's possible the coyotes thought Mitchell was a deer or other prey.

"It's very unusual and is not likely to be repeated," Bancroft said. "We shouldn't assume that coyotes are suddenly going to become the big bad wolf."

Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokeswoman Brigdit Leger said other hikers heard Mitchell's screams for help on Tuesday and called emergency police dispatchers.

Police who were in the area reached the scene quickly and shot one of the animals, apparently wounding it. But the wounded animal and a companion coyote managed to get away.

Read More HERE

Texans Ready To Take Out Future Muslim Killers.

Don't mess with Texas.



Hat Tip; Eric

Woman Walks 10,000 Miles for Husband

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 25) — An 88-year-old woman in Colorado Springs who walked laps around a nursing home in memory of her deceased husband has hit a major milestone: 10,000 miles.

Martha Michel walks laps daily around the lake at Namaste Alzheimer Center. Michel started walking the lake with her husband, former Colorado College Professor Dr. Lester Michel, who was a patient at the center. After Lester Michel's death in 1998, Martha Michel kept up the walking in his memory.

VIDEO HERE

She told The Gazette that the last time her husband spoke to her was by the lake.

"He was pretty far along with the Alzheimer’s," Michel said. "His arms just hung down and his face was just expressionless. We stopped over on the other side and he said to me, 'I want to hold you.' And I picked up his arms and put them around me."

More HERE

Islamic Radical Killed in Mich. Raid

Federal authorities in Detroit say they fatally shot the leader of a radical fundamentalist Sunni Islam group after he failed to surrender on several criminal charges.

The U.S. attorney's office says Luqman Ameen Abdullah was killed while exchanging gunfire with federal agents Wednesday at a warehouse in Dearborn.

A court document says Abdullah is an imam, or prayer leader, of a radical group whose primary mission is to establish an Islamic state within the United States. Authorities say he's also known as Christopher Thomas.

The FBI was trying to round up Abdullah and 10 followers on many charges, including conspiracy to sell stolen goods and illegal possession and sale of firearms.

The FBI says Abdullah regularly preached anti-government rhetoric, and some of his followers converted to Islam while in prison.

VIA

EXPLANATION OF GOD: by an 8-year-old

**It was written by an 8-year-old named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista, CA. He wrote it for his third grade homework assignment, to 'explain God.' I wonder if any of us could have done as well**?*



*[ .... and he had such an assignment, in California, and someone published it, I guess miracles do happen ! ... ]**

EXPLANATION OF GOD:

'One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn't make grownups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.'

'God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off.'

'God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad's head asking for something they said you couldn't have.'


'Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista. At least there aren't any who come to our church.'


'Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K.'


'His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important.'

'You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.'

'You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God!

Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway.'

'If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.'


'But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases

And...that's why I believe in God.

Hat tip; Kack

Mom Opens "Haunted House" in Home Where Kids Died in Fire

A woman ran a "haunted house" attraction for Halloween in the same burnt out home where her two children died in a house fire earlier this year, before police had to shut it down.

Nearly six months ago on May 29th, firefighters arrived to the house at 1460 North Lilac Avenue which was already well-involved in flames.

The firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, but discovered 2 little boys, 5 year old Mario Sisneros and 3-year-old David Sisneros lying unconscious, overcome by heat and smoke in a converted bedroom along with their puppy.

Read more HERE

Eastern Shore Robotics hosts Open House

On Thursday, Eastern Shore Robotics will host an open house showcasing FRC Team 1829 and information about the LEGO League for younger kids which will be starting this year. This function will include last years robot which Team 1829 took to the World Championship in Atlanta, GA.

If you are interested in Eastern Shore Robotics, FIRST Robotics, FRC Team 1829, or a Lego League, please attend the open house at Lockheed Martin starting at 5 pm. The flyer for the event is below.

(Click on the flyer to enlarge it)
For more information on Eastern Shore Robotics, please visit http://esrobot.org/ and for more information on FIRST Robotics, please visit http://usfirst.org/.

Lets Get Down and Dirty, Doing it in the mud.

Mud and sled trucks are coming back!
It was once a very big event here on the shore with boggs in just about every city and town. It's coming back and each year seams to bring more and more trucks to the slippery slopes.

To a motor-head about the only thing better than hearing a finely tuned engine and smelling cam-2 is smelling Alcohol, add mud and it's on.

Below is a video of the big boys toys get'n down and dirty in some good ol' easternshore sticky stuff.

The blue Chevy in the video that seems to just skip across the mud and is owned by a local; Barry Wise. There's no doubt if you've ever been out playing in the mud you will know ..that Chevy is 'hooked-up'


Video compliments of The Watson Family MudRacing Team

Visit Little Red Dakota website for more videos and info.

Youtube video page HERE

TIC TAC TOE

This is REALLY Cool!!!

A new Digital version of the classic game...

This is so much fun !!!

The sound effects are really great..so turn up your speakers.

Click on the Tic-Tac-Toe link (below) to play.

See if you can beat the computer...

CLICK HERE:TicTacToe

Homecoming Dance Rape (brutal)

"YO"Al, Jessy, MSM, where's you at?
The school is poorly lit and their security do not work and are at least a week away from being repaired.

Richmond police have arrested a second suspect in connection with the two-hour gang rape of a semiconscious 15-year-old outside her homecoming dance at Richmond High, authorities said Monday night.

Police arrested and booked a 15-year-old student from Richmond High for felony sexual assault and are continuing to actively search for other suspects - both juveniles and adults - through the night, Detective Ken Greco said. The boy's name and grade level were not released.

The suspect was one of two students in custody for questioning early Monday evening, Greco said. Authorities have already arrested 19-year-old Manuel Ortega as he ran from the crime scene, police say.

Authorities said people took photos,laughed and some joined in as the girl was repeatedly assaulted. The victim, a student, remained hospitalized Monday with injuries that were not life-threatening.

"She was raped, beaten, robbed and dehumanized by several suspects who were obviously OK enough with it to behave that way in each other's presence," said Lt. Mark Gagan, a patrol supervisor in the city's Northern Policing District. "What makes it even more disturbing is the presence of others. People came by, saw what was happening, and failed to report it."

Read more HERE

Japanese suit that fights flu

A Japanese company, Haruyama Trading Co., has developed a suit that it claims protects the wearer from the deadly H1N1 strain of influenza.

The company has produced 50,000 of the suits and will start selling them on Thursday, according to a company spokesman.

The suit is coated with the chemical titanium dioxide, which reacts to light to break down and kill the virus when it comes into contact with it, according to Junko Hirohata. The chemical is a common ingredient in toothpaste and cosmetics.

The suit - which is indistinguishable from any other worn by Japan's legion of "salarymen" - comes in four colours and styles, which are medium grey, charcoal, navy and a grey pinstripe. It will go on sale for about £365.

The company said it spent a year developing the suit, which retains its properties even after being washed numerous times.

Japan has been gripped by swine flu fear since the global outbreak began a year ago, with the World Health Organisation confirming more than 340,000 cases worldwide and around 4,100 deaths.

A seven-year-old boy became the latest victim in Japan on Sept 22, the youngest and 18th fatality from the disease here.

In the same week, medical institutions across the country reported treating 23,275 cases of influenza, the majority with the new H1N1 strain. Most of the new cases were reported in urban areas, where population density increases the risk of transmission.

VIA

Wait, ain't that the guy running from the bear?

AN ATHEIST IN THE WOODS

An atheist was walking through the woods.
'What majestic trees!
'What powerful rivers!
'What beautiful animals!
He said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river,
He heard a rustling in the bushes behind him.


He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him.

He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder
& saw that the bear was closing in on him.


He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer.


He tripped & fell on the ground.

He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of
Him, reaching for him with his
Left paw & raising his right paw to strike him.

At that instant the Atheist cried out, 'Oh my God!'

Time Stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.

As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky.

'You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident.'

'Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament?

Am I to count you as a believer?

The atheist looked directly into the light,

'It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian'?


' Very Well,' said the voice.

The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke:



'Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.