HERO DAD

Woman's Lung Cancer Mistaken for Asthma

By Ashley Neglia, Associate Editor at AOL Health

If it weren't for her father Laura Hicks, 20, might not be alive today.

In 2006, Hicks developed a persistent cough and began to have trouble catching her breath. After being diagnosed with asthma, she was sent home from the doctor's office with only antibiotics in tow, reports the Daily Mail. Her father, Stan Hicks, who was familiar with these symptoms from his work in Britain as an osteopath, didn't believe the doctors had made the right diagnosis, so he sent his daughter back to the office with a letter insisting that she receive an X-ray.

The results were startling. Hicks had lung cancer. What's more, two-thirds of her right lung was being overtaken by a tumor. Typically, early stages of lung cancer don't cause any symptoms. However, in an advanced stage such as Hicks', it can cause coughing, wheezing, feeling short of breath and coughing up blood.

As a result of her diagnosis, Hicks underwent six months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink the tumor, which was then removed along with her lung and two ribs. Thanks to her father's vigilance, she is now cancer-free.

Treatment for lung cancer depends on the type of cancer as well as how much it has spread. Few lung cancers are found in the early stages when treatment is most effective, and only 15 out of every 100 people diagnosed live for five or more years.

Gene Fletcher Photo: 100-mile Wheelchair Trek

Gene Fletcher has finished a 100-mile trip in his wheelchair as part of a fundraiser. Fletcher said he raised more than $20,000 for charity.

The 14-year-old Michigan boy completed the four-day trip
to benefit the Bay Cliff Health Camp, a nonprofit therapy and wellness center on Michigan's Upper Peninsula for children and adults with physical disabilities.

Fletcher has cerebral palsy and scoliosis and has been attending the camp for six years

Gerald Celente - 2009 Outlook

How to Take Responsibility & Stop Blaming Others

Most experts agree, taking personal responsibility for yourself is not only the adult thing to do, it's the right thing to do and one of the only ways you can remain the happy, healthy person you want to be.

What Happens if You Don't Take Personal Responsibility?

You know you are not accepting personal responsibility if you do the opposite: blame others for your problems, life situation, hardships, character flaws, and just about everything and anything else. Rather than accepting the "blame" or responsibility for how your life is, you make excuses. Everything and anybody is to blame -- except yourself.

Sound familiar? You may be blaming others more than you think. Have you ever:

*

Blamed traffic/truck drivers/slow drivers for being late to an appointment?
*

Blamed your hectic schedule for the reason you've put on a couple of pounds?
*

Blamed your spouse for your bad day?

People who take responsibility, on the other hand, would have handled these situations as follows:

*

Admitted that they should have left a few minutes earlier for their appointment.
*

Acknowledged that, while being stressed because of a busy time, they've been skipping the gym and eating junk food more often.
*

Accepted that no one is to blame for their bad day, other than themselves.

When you constantly blame others, view yourself as a victim and feel others are causing all of your hardships, you inevitably surround yourself with anger, resentment and negative thoughts -- all of which are surefire ways to bring on fatigue, sadness, stress and even chronic disease.

The Wonder Years - Independence Day

Johnny Cash - Ragged Old Flag

Johnny Cash - Ragged Old Flag

Easy Rider (1969), Dennis Hopper,Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson. Audio: Steppenwolf - "Born to be wild"

BEACON FEDERAL Syracuse Chase Corporate Challenge

BEACON FEDERAL Syracuse Chase Corporate Challenge® June 23, 2009 3.5 miles - Onondaga Lake Park 6:25 p.m. start The 27th running

A hero in our midst

After Michael Grady saw his 12-year-old son Austin get trapped Sunday in the swirling white-water of North Carolina's Cullasaja River, the Maitland accountant quickly must have added up the tremendous risks of his jumping in after the child to save him.

And just as quickly discarded them. Because Mr. Grady, about whom it was said there's no better family man, charged into the water. And then for 10, 20, 30 or more aching minutes, he struggled to free his son who, like Mr. Grady, had become wedged in holes between rocks as the current bore down on them.

Mr. Grady, with the help of other heroes, saved his son. Then Mr. Grady died in the Cullasaja, before other good hearts could save him.

Last week some famous people passed, and got heroes' send-offs, including an entertainer who once dangled his child off a balcony for paparazzi. Maitland's Michael Grady — Boy Scout troop leader, churchgoer, family man — died saving his son.

Woman's hero was wearing a bathrobe

Nicole Polley woke to the sound of loud banging Thursday morning and stumbled half-asleep into her living room.

The South Salem woman saw a man clad in a bathrobe slamming her barbecue grill into her back sliding glass door, trying to break through the glass.

"It was my neighbors," she said. "They were yelling, 'Your house is on fire! You need to get out!' "

Her neighbors came to her rescue when the front porch of her home in the 1700 block of Highlight Court S caught fire.

Salem firefighters received word of the fire at 7:48 a.m. and were on-scene four minutes later, fire spokesman Bill Holmstrom said.

"When we arrived, that front area was a wall of flames," Battalion Chief Scott Parker said. The first firefighters to arrive called in a second alarm for more help.

Firefighters put out the fire in a matter of minutes. It did not have a chance to get inside the house, Parker said.

Neighbor Jeff Sumner was alerted to the fire when he looked out his kitchen window and saw a woman standing in the street, talking on her cell phone and looking at the house next door.

"I looked out my living room window and saw flames coming over the top of the house," Sumner said, still clad in his bathrobe.

His first thought was of Polley's children, ages 6 and 8. He hustled over to get them out of the house. He didn't know the children were staying with their father and that Polley was home alone.

Sumner went around the side of the house to the back porch, where he found another neighbor already banging on the door to alert Polley.

"I took the barbecue and threw it against the door twice, hoping it would break," Sumner said. "It didn't break, but the noise got her attention."

Polley was still sleep-addled and couldn't quite get what her neighbors were saying. She couldn't see any fire until they had gotten her out of her house and around front.

"Tons of flames. It was everywhere," said Polley, 30. "It was totally engulfed."

The home has working smoke detectors, but they did not go off because the fire was outside, Holmstrom said.

"I have great neighbors," Polley said.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, Holmstrom said. Improperly discarded cigarettes appear to have set fire to a recycling bin located next to the porch.

The loss is estimated at $25,000, of which $23,000 is structural damage and $2,000 is destroyed contents. Polley told firefighters she has renter's insurance.

dmthomps@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6719

NYPD GRAD BECOMES HERO MOMENTS AFTER CEREMONY

He's a newly minted hero!

Only moments after he attended his graduation ceremonies from the Police Academy, an NYPD officer busted a mugger preying on an elderly man today, cops said.

Officer Dariel Firpo had just left the graduation ceremony at Madison Square Garden's WaMu theater at 1:15 p.m. when he spotted Jeffrey Grant, 47, of Manhattan trying to rob a 79-year-old man, authorities said.

The thug allegedly pushed the elderly man to the ground and grabbed his wallet.

But when he tried to flee, Firpo put his new skills to good use and made Grant the first collar of his career.

The victim was taken to St. Luke's Hospital, where he was treated for a broken wrist.

By PHILIP MESSING and ED ROBINSON

The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed the World (Paperback)

In this book, discover the 28 Principles of Freedom our Founding Fathers said must be understood and perpetuated by every people who desire peace, prosperity, and freedom. Learn how adherence to these beliefs during the past 200 years has brought about more progress than was made in the previous 5000 years.

99 Balloons

Bakersfield Police Officers honored

KGET-TV
updated 9:19 p.m. ET, Thurs., May 28, 2009
Three Bakersfield Police Officers were honored for their bravery Wednesday. Officers Dennis Eddy, John Billdt and Eric Littlefield were honored during an award and commendation ceremony at police headquarters. Officer Eddy received the BPD's medal of valor. Officers Billdt and Littlefield each received a Chief's Commendation. All three were recognized for their actions during a shoot out with a known gang member. Officer Eddy lost his leg due to injuries he received in the shooting. Billdt and Littlefield stayed by Eddy's side until medical help arrived. Officer Littlefield says being honored is humbling. There were lots of people out there that did lots of really good stuff and to be singled out among at least 100 people it's very humbling, said Littlefield. All three officers also received an award of valor from the California P eace O fficers A ssociation last week.
Click here to read this story on www.kget.com

John Stossel on 20/20 - A Profile of Glenn Beck

Time For Charity

'Night at the Museum' star made the trek to Africa in partnership with Bulgari's Save the Children campaign.
"I visited Uganda this year and saw firsthand how Save the Children is making a difference in the lives of children in need," says the actor. "Save the Children's education programs -- many of them in areas of war and conflict -- are bringing hope to children who clearly love the opportunity to go to school and try to rewrite the future for themselves and their communities. "

A Dying Man's Final Message

(June 5) -- Terry Harper, 45, had months to prepare for his death. And when the time came, he was ready -- with a final message for family and friends that was posted on his blog, Thumping My Melon.

Harper's friends and family planned memorial events for him Saturday and Sunday. The Society of Professional Journalists has more about him -- including photos and links to news stories about his death -- here.

D-Day speech

D-Day speech

NEED I SAY MORE?

'Hero' cat detected cancer, owner says

CALGARY -- This was no ordinary CAT scan.

Lionel Adams believes his eight-year-old feline, Tiger, saved his life by alerting him and his family doctor to a mass in his lung.

"He would climb into bed and take his paw and drag it down my left side," says Adams, 59, who is recovering from surgery to remove a tumour.

"He was adamant there was something there. And it was right where the cancer was."

CAUGHT EARLY

Adams, who has suffered from bronchitis, asthma and emphysema, says he had no symptoms of cancer.

But about seven months ago, after mentioning the cat's bizarre behaviour to his family doctor, he was referred to a specialist, who caught the disease in his left lung at an early stage.

Doctors removed a piece of his lung, about the size of a pop can, that had been shredded in half.

And now Adams is heralding Tiger as a hero -- and that's saying a lot for a cat that has never been one for showing affection.

"I think if he hadn't done the pawing part, it could have gone on for another five, six months undetected.

"I feel like it could have been a lot worse if the cat hadn't tuned in to something there, to something he felt was wrong," Adams said.

Barbara Walmer, of the Calgary Humane Society, says studies suggest dogs are capable of sniffing out cancer and predicting seizures, although cats have been reported to act in similar ways.

"Pets can have a sixth sense when knowing when something is wrong," Walmer said.

HERO CAT

Just in case you missed it --

A cat who became famous for rescuing her kittens from a Brooklyn fire has died.

Scarlett, who was thought to be around 13 years old, succumbed to kidney failure on Oct. 11.

In 1996, firefighters found the stray - herself badly burned - carrying her five kittens out of danger. She touched their noses as if to reassure herself before collapsing into unconsciousness.

One kitten died of a virus. Long Island's North Shore Animal League found homes for the rest.

Scarlett's eyelids were deformed, her ear tips were burned off, and the fur on her face never grew back.

She was adopted by Karen Wellen of Brooklyn.

Says Wellen: "I can't stop crying." ASSOCIATED PRESS

"JEAN"...Rod McKuen

Dean Martin John Wayne: Everybody loves somebody Sometime

Everybody loves somebody sometime Everybody falls in love somehow Something in your kiss just told me My sometime is now Everybody finds somebody someplace...

A Bailout Song

Red & The Pledge

AMEN!

NYC Hero Dog - May 14, 2009

NYC Hero Dog - May 14, 2009; This is the dog who was protecting another dog after it was hit by a car. The hit dog only suffered a broken leg. They later found out that the hit dog was the guarding dog's mother.

Cody McCasland is an inspiration a soldier

Little kid Cody McCasland is an inspiration a soldier who lost his legs while serving in Afghanistan.

MOTHER LOVE - Rowetta

A beautiful song for Mothers Day.

Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009

47 Year old Susan Boyle wows the judges with her performance in the auditions for Britains Got Talent, singing I dreamed a dream from Les Miserables.

The Lyrics -

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high,
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving.

Then I was young and unafraid
When dreams were made and used,
And wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung,
No wine untasted.

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hopes apart
As they turn your dreams to shame.

And still I dream he'll come to me
And we will live our lives together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms
We cannot weather...

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seems
Now life has killed
The dream I dreamed.

FOX Fan Goes Inside the Anti-Tax Tea Parties

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,513885,00.html

The Tea Party grassroots movement understands and is sending the message to Washington that we cannot tax, borrow, and spend our way to prosperity," Culberson said.

Guida, 26, said he was inspired to help organize the New York protest after watching CNBC on-air editor Rick Santelli's "rant" on Feb. 19, in which Santelli accused the government of "promoting bad behavior" in regard to the Homeowners Affordability and Stability Plan, and raised the idea of a "Chicago Tea Party."

Santelli's words "really struck a chord," said Guida. "I'm fed up with the spending and fiscal irresponsibility, particularly the 9,000 earmarks."

Guida said he used Facebook to organize his first protest on three days' notice on Feb. 27, and 500 people turned out for it. HE said 80 percent of tea party protesters have never attended rallies before.

Guida said he expects the movement to grow though Facebook and Twitter, and eventually the government will be forced to take notice.

"I think the voice on April 15th will be very loud, and I think the government's definitely going to have to respond as the tea party continues to grow in its voice," he said.

The Brew & View 35mm Film Series

The Brew & View 35mm Film Series
Start: 01/09/2009 - 10:45pm
End: 06/12/2009 - 12:00am
Location(s)
The Palace Theatre
2384 Jame St.
Syracuse, NY, 13206

"Meet the Candidate" Mixer

CNY After Five Presents a "Meet the Candidate" Mixer with Joe Nicoletti
Start: 04/23/2009 - 6:30pm
End: 04/23/2009 - 9:00pm
Location(s)
Syracuse Suds Factory
320 S. Clinton Street Armory Square
Syracuse, NY, 13202
See map: Google Maps

CNY After Five is proud to bring you a very special social event on Thursday April 23rd. We have invited Syracuse Mayoral candidate Joe Nicoletti to join us at Syracuse Suds Factory for a "Meet the Candidate" Mixer that evening

Syracuse Chiefs Party on the Patio with CNY After Five

Syracuse Chiefs Party on the Patio with CNY After Five
Start: 06/26/2009 - 6:00pm
Location(s)
Alliance Bank Stadium
1 Tex Simone Drive
Syracuse, NY, 13208
See map: Google Maps

Announcing our first major summer event for 2009!

CNY After Five is proud to partner with It's All Here Syracuse to bring you a Party on the Patio at Alliance Bank Stadium.

Join us at 6:00 at Alliance Bank Stadium on the First Base Patio for a great night of fun, food and baseball action. The party starts with all-you-can-eat Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Chips, Soft Drinks and Dessert, followed by the game on our private patio for the evening.

COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT!!

COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT!!
Submitted by Rachel Rush on March 29, 2009 - 8:09am.
Start: 04/11/2009 - 10:00am
End: 04/11/2009 - 1:00pm
Location(s)
Nottingham High School
3100 E. Genesee Street
Syracuse, NY
See map: Google Maps

Catalyst Church is hosting its first ever Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11th, at Nottingham High School. There will be door prizes, refreshments, and tons of candy-filled easter eggs for the kids! THIS IS FAMILY FUN FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY-You do not need to be a member of Catalyst Church or have any particular spiritual belief to attend...just bring the family out for some great fun!!!

This event is not just for kids, but for adults as well! And if you're looking for a place to plug in and help out contact Sarah Valenti at Svalenti@cornerstoneTelephone.com, or Steve Evans at stevenevans@mac.com.

The Source of Your Smile

If you touch one thing with deep awareness, you touch everything.

At the moment of waking up,
before getting out of bed,
get in touch with your breath,
feel the various sensations in your body,
note any thoughts and feeling that maybe present,
let mindfulness touch this moment,
Can you feel your breath?
Can you perceive the dawning of each in-breath?
Can you enjoy the feeling of the breath freely
entering your body in this moment?
Breathing in I smile,
breathing out I calm my body,
dwell in the present moment,
it is a wonderful moment.

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Phil Collins Against All Odds(Take A Look At Me Now)

MEMORIES

John Rich - Shutting Down Detroit

Things that make you go Hummmmm

Mich. baseball park to offer 4,800-calorie burgers

Well, at least the salsa is low-cal. The West Michigan Whitecaps, a minor league baseball team, will be offering up major league cholesterol, carbohydrates and calories in an enormous hamburger being added to the menu this year at the Fifth Third Ballpark.

The 912 Project

This is a non-political movement. The 9-12 Project is designed to bring us all back to the place we were on September 12, 2001. The day after America was attacked we were not obsessed with Red States, Blue States or political parties. We were united as Americans, standing together to protect the greatest nation ever created.

That same feeling – that commitment to country is what we are hoping to foster with this idea. We want to get everyone thinking like it is September 12th, 2001 again.

Ask yourself these questions:

* Do you watch the direction that America is being taken in and feel powerless to stop it?
* Do you believe that your voice isn’t loud enough to be heard above the noise anymore?
* Do you read the headlines everyday and feel an empty pit in your stomach…as if you’re completely alone?

http://www.theglennbeck912project.com

The Life and Legacy of Paul Newman

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Honors the Life and Legacy of its Beloved Founder Paul Newman
He was a man of extraordinary generosity, vision, creativity and compassion. His selfless commitment to the welfare of children living with serious illnesses has been inspirational to people around the world. Twenty years ago, Paul Newman founded The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, the first in what has grown to become the world’s largest family of camps serving children with serious illnesses. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is part of his living legacy, and for that we remain forever grateful. His leadership and spirit can never be replaced, but he has left us with a clear course for the future.

SMILE "PIKE PLACE FISH CO."

The FISH! philosophy is a workplace management system created by John Christensen. The system was first published as a film, with a spin-off series of books. The central concepts of the system were inspired by the observed work culture at Seattle's Pike Place Fish Market, anecdotes about which are often used as illustrations in the film and books.

On a visit to Seattle, Christensen observed how animated and happy the employees at Seattle's Pike Place Fish Market were in their work. They filled orders by flinging fish to each other, inciting laughter from the customers and compliments about their throwing/catching abilities, or commiseration if they missed. Employees would often invite customers to join the fun. The Pike Place employees gave their complete attention to each of their customers and ensured each had an enjoyable visit.

Christensen realized that not only were the workers making a routine errand fun for themselves and their customers, they also were selling tons of fish. He constructed the FISH! Philosophy from his observations of Pike Place employees, arriving at four key concepts:

* Play
* Make Their Day
* Be There [for Coworkers] (Often referred to as "Be Present" This is more to do with giving your full attention to a task or individual.)
* Choose Your Attitude

Boy scouts heroes

CRITTENDEN CO., KY (NBC) - A group of Boy Scouts in Crittenden County have become heroes in the ice storm aftermath for knocking on the right door at the right time.

For the past several days, Zach Sizemore and the Boy Scouts from Troop 30 have gone door to door bringing supplies to those in need.

"We'll just give 'em a whole case," said Zach. "It's usually just drop the food off, count how many they need for a couple days and be on our way."

That wasn't the case Wednesday when Zach brought water to Ann Hodge and her husband, George.

"She was a little sluggish, she didn't quite know what was going on," Zach said. "She wasn't all there."

The Hodges were using a generator to heat their home with no windows open for ventilation, so by the time the scouts arrived the couple was slowly being poisoned by carbon monoxide.

"It was hurting to breathe, I had a headache, just sick," Ann Hodge said. "But I didn't recognize the fumes in the house."

But Zach, who is trained in first aid, did recognize the signs and called for help, something Scout Master and proud dad Dave Sizemore credits to scouting.

"I'm just proud of them to be able to retain the information they learned in scouting and when to identify something's going on," David Sizemore said.

That priceless information helped save Ann Hodge's life. "I didn't realize it till it was almost too late. So I guess they saved my life."

Sizemore is a sophomore at Crittenden County High School.

401k in the tank? Try The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
--Reinhold Niebuhr

Hero Guard Saves Drunk from Death on Train Tracks

Hero Guard Saves Drunk from Death on Train Tracks; By Amy Ascherman; NBCNewYork.com

With only seconds to spare, 54-year-old security guard Terrence Kelsor saved a disoriented drunk who stumbled onto the tracks of the PATH Christopher St. station late Friday night, according to the New York Daily News.

Witnesses stood amazed as Kelsor -- only 5-feet-7 tall and 170 pounds -- dropped to his stomach, grabbed the 250-pound lush by his shirt, and pulled him from the tracks as the train sped closer.

"I had 10 seconds - I counted it in my head," Kelsor said hours after the near horrific event. He added, "Somehow, I had superhuman strength."

Kelsor, who has only been working at FJC Security Services for three weeks, says he had to react quickly. "I knew if I didn't do something, this man was going to die," he said.

According to Kelsor, the victim kept insisting, "I'm all right. I'm all right,'" but the guard acted anyway. Witnessness to the incident attest to Kelsor's bravery, quick reflexes and unflinching courage..

"He didn't hesitate," said Derek Walker of the Army Corps of Engineers. "I hesitated, and I just got back from Iraq."

"The guard was in complete control," Walker continued. "You could tell he was acting with urgency, but he wasn't panicked."

Both Port Authority and FJC Security Services confirmed the rescue and said the victim walked away unharmed.

"It was by the grace of God," Kelsor said. "It could have been his life. It could have been mine. Both our lives were in jeopardy."

Broadcasting pioneer Paul Harvey dies at age of 90

By RUPA SHENOY; AP Writer; CHICAGO (AP) -- Paul Harvey, the news commentator and talk-radio pioneer whose staccato style made him one of the nation's most familiar voices, died Saturday in Arizona, according to ABC Radio Networks. He was 90.

Harvey died surrounded by family at a hospital in Phoenix, where he had a winter home, said Louis Adams, a spokesman for ABC Radio Networks, where Harvey worked for more than 50 years. No cause of death was immediately available.

Harvey had been forced off the air for several months in 2001 because of a virus that weakened a vocal cord. But he returned to work in Chicago and was still active as he passed his 90th birthday. His death comes less than a year after that of his wife and longtime producer, Lynne.

"My father and mother created from thin air what one day became radio and television news," Paul Harvey Jr. said in a statement. "So in the past year, an industry has lost its godparents and today millions have lost a friend."

Known for his resonant voice and trademark delivery of "The Rest of the Story," Harvey had been heard nationally since 1951, when he began his "News and Comment" for ABC Radio Networks.

He became a heartland icon, delivering news and commentary with a distinctive Midwestern flavor. "Stand by for news!" he told his listeners. He was credited with inventing or popularizing terms such as "skyjacker," "Reaganomics" and "guesstimate."

"Paul Harvey was one of the most gifted and beloved broadcasters in our nation's history," ABC Radio Networks President Jim Robinson said in a statement. "We will miss our dear friend tremendously and are grateful for the many years we were so fortunate to have known him."

In 2005, Harvey was one of 14 notables chosen as recipients of the presidential Medal of Freedom. He also was an inductee in the Radio Hall of Fame, as was Lynne.

Former President George W. Bush remembered Harvey as a "friendly and familiar voice in the lives of millions of Americans."

"His commentary entertained, enlightened, and informed," Bush said in a statement. "Laura and I are pleased to have known this fine man, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Harvey composed his twice-daily news commentaries from a downtown Chicago office near Lake Michigan.

Rising at 3:30 each morning, he ate a bowl of oatmeal, then combed the news wires and spoke with editors across the country in search of succinct tales of American life for his program.

At the peak of his career, Harvey reached more than 24 million listeners on more than 1,200 radio stations and charged $30,000 to give a speech. His syndicated column was carried by 300 newspapers.

His fans identified with his plainspoken political commentary, but critics called him an out-of-touch conservative. He was an early supporter of the late Sen. Joseph McCarthy and a longtime backer of the Vietnam War.

Perhaps Harvey's most famous broadcast came in 1970, when he abandoned that stance, announcing his opposition to President Nixon's expansion of the war and urging him to get out completely.

"Mr. President, I love you ... but you're wrong," Harvey said, shocking his faithful listeners and drawing a barrage of letters and phone calls, including one from the White House.

In 1976, Harvey began broadcasting his anecdotal descriptions of the lives of famous people. "The Rest of the Story" started chronologically, with the person's identity revealed at the end. The stories were an attempt to capture "the heartbeats behind the headlines." Much of the research and writing was done by his son, Paul Jr.

Harvey also blended news with advertising, a line he said he crossed only for products he trusted.

In 2000, at age 82, he signed a new 10-year contract with ABC Radio Networks.

Harvey was born Paul Harvey Aurandt in Tulsa, Okla. His father, a police officer, was killed when he was a toddler. A high school teacher took note of his distinctive voice and launched him on a broadcast career.

While working at St. Louis radio station KXOK, he met Washington University graduate student Lynne Cooper. He proposed on their first date (she said "no") and always called her "Angel." They were married in 1940 and had a son, Paul Jr.

They worked closely together on his shows, and he often credited his success to her influence. She was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1997, seven years after her husband was. She died in May 2008.

---

A Mermaid's Tale

http://www.mahalo.com/Nadya_Vessey

Nadya Vessey, a New Zealand woman in her 50s, had a mermaid tail custom made for her by special effects and design company Weta Workshop. Vessey, who had both her legs amputated in her youth, is an avid swimmer, and uses the fully functioning tail to help her swim.

Fast Facts

1. Resides in Auckland, New Zealand
2. Both of Vessey's legs are amputated below the knee
3. She was born with a medical condition that prevented her legs from properly developing1
4. One of her legs was amputated when she was seven years old1
5. Her second leg was amputated when she was sixteen1
6. Swam competitively as a teen1
7. Tail was custom designed and created by Weta Workshop
8. The purchase of the tail was funded in part by a grant from the Kerr-Taylor Foundation Trust

‘Stop Whining, Start Living,’ by Dr. Laura

Dr. Laura Schlessinger agrees that there are things worth whining about, but staying stuck in whining mode can become a lifelong problem. This is where Dr. Laura steps in with “Stop Whining, Start Living” to help folks conquer the temptation to retreat from living life to the fullest.

Boredom busters that won't bust budgets

Boredom busters that won't bust budgets
McClatchy/Tribune
February 22, 2009
McClatchy/Tribune

Financial times are tough—but kids still want (and need) to have fun. Here, how to keep them entertained without breaking the bank. Jenna McCarthy, author of "The Parent Trip," offers some suggestions:

• Recycle your kids' own toys. Periodically go through their toys and pull out some you haven't seen them play with recently. Stash in the garage or attic and pull out as needed. Often they won't even remember they owned the toy in the first place—and even if they do, the "new again" toy is guaranteed to be an instant favorite.

• Rediscover the library. It's free. It's climate-controlled. It employs a person whose sole responsibility seems to be shushing your kids. Make it a standing (did I mention free?) weekly appointment!

• Organize a book/toy swap. It's simple: For every toy or book you bring, you get a coupon or ticket for another in exchange. Any extra or unwanted goods can be donated to charity. You can even post your swap (for free, of course) on Craigslist, like a garage sale.

• Put them to work. No, really. Instead of spending $30 to have the car detailed or $100 having the house windows washed, have a car-cleaning or window-washing party. The key is to call it a "party," and maybe have cookies or another reward for a job well done. It's all in the way you market it; done properly ("Let's see who can get their mat the cleanest!"), kids will really get into it.

• Get crafty. Homemade goodies are a double win: The process keeps kids busy for hours, and at the end you've got a pile of (inexpensive) gifts. Bake several batches of cookies or peanut brittle, and let the kids wrap them into bundles for teachers, neighbors, mail carriers, grandparents and more.

• Buy wisely. Consider a toy's long-term entertainment potential before forking over money. A $10 DVD may get watched dozens of times—a substantial savings over hauling the entire family to a single movie for $50 (when you factor in snacks).

Invest in a few games, stacking or building toys or learning systems (such as Leapsters) that can be used over and over for hours of thrifty fun.

Irish Smile

Irish Smile

lopsided Irish Smile
that belonged to a good friend
dedicated brother
a loved son

you were a sun
which we now long for
search for behind the clouds
where you hid yourself

crooked Irish smile
loved too much
that you couldn't see it
so you closed your eyes

open them and see your friends
remember the late night talks
partying with the boys, bonding at the bar
and laughing with life

perfect Irish smile
of a man missed
of a soul grieved for
and a heart never forgotten

the best parts we'll never overlook
there's a place in our lives you took
with your Irish smile

Casey Gauthier

As sure as the shamrocks are growing in the land which the Irish all love, as sure as the lakes of Killarney reflect the blue heavens above - as sure as the warmhearted Irish all pay honor to Saint Patrick too, I’m wishing you “top o’the morning” and happiness, always, for you. A PORTION OF ALL SALES IS DONATED TO CHARITY AND OR COMMUNITY NEEDS.