Monday, January 5, 2009

Good News Stories for Jan. 5, 2009 from Mary Beth

The Gospel at Gunpoint: The Power of Faith

Click here to learn how Christians can make a difference in the lives of those on the wrong side of the law.

Americans with Disabilities Act now applies to more people

"Watch for more lawsuits alleging discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act now that a new law amending the ADA has gone into effect as of Jan. 1. Over the last decade, the Supreme Court had substantially narrowed the number of people eligible for legal protection under the act. The new statute, passed by Congress and signed into law this fall, affirms a broader definition of disability."

Read more about this decision here .

Economy won't damp innovation at gadget show

The recession figures to tone down the flashiness of this week's International Consumer Electronics Show , but the lineup of innovative products likely will measure up to those of past years.

The party's just begun

Christmas is over, the New Year has been rung in, and the rest of the country has wrapped itself in the post-holiday doldrums. It's a mixture of depression and relief that those of us who live in the New Orleans area can only imagine.

Here, there's no such thing as a January slump. There's only a day or two to catch our breath before Carnival season begins on Twelfth Night -- tomorrow.

Read more about the way New Orleans deals with winter here.

And take a moment to reflect on your own good news!

Good News From Mary Jan.5, 2009

Keep Heat from Going Through the Roof

As it turns out, the cost to heat our homes this winter won't be as high as originally predicted, which is only somewhat comforting. Soaring costs will still send our heating bills through the roof. Learn these easy ways to keep your heating costs down, and you'll be warm and snug until spring.

Click here to read the rest of this story.


The Most Important Resolution You Can Make


My uncle always makes a big deal about making a list of New Year's resolutions, although a month or two later he forgets all about them. Now he's bugging me to make a list. Why should I bother? It'll just make me feel guilty when I fail to keep them.

Click here to read the rest of this story.

Keep away from 'calorie bombs'


As you start the new year resolved to lose weight, keep in mind that grocery store aisles are filled with nutritional landmines that could sabotage your best efforts.

Click here to read the rest of this story.



It's Time to Drop The Consumer Label

One of my New Year's resolutions is to stop referring to myself as a consumer.

The idea for the resolution actually came from reader Tom Krohn, who suggested that it's not just the country's spending habits that need to change for the better, but the language we use to describe who we are.

Click here to read the rest of this story.

A Close-Up Of The Milky Way Reveals New Insights

A new high-resolution panorama shows the center of our Milky Way galaxy — and is the sharpest infrared picture that scientists have ever made of our galaxy's core, a mysterious region that surrounds a supermassive black hole.

Click here to read the rest of this story.

Monday, January 5, 2009 Post from Margaret

Fungus Gnats - A Pest of New Seedlings and Cuttings

“Fungus gnats are tiny mosquito-like insects, about 1/8 inch in length. You will generally first notice them darting about new seedlings.

Being so small, they can enter your home or greenhouse through the slightest of openings. More often they come in as eggs, either in the soil of plants that have been outside for the summer or in damp bags of potting soil.”

Click here for the rest of this story....


Home Sweet “Heart Home”

“Fewer Americans are relocating these days, which has its upside.

The Pew Research Center has released a new survey report: “American Mobility: Who Moves? Who Stays Put? Where’s Home?” The report spotted an interesting trend: Only 13 percent of the population changed residences in 2006 and 2007, the lowest figure since the 1940s.”

Click here for the rest of this story....


Creating Quality Time With Your Kids

“This morning I glanced at my schedule for the coming weekend. Four baseball games and two birthday parties dominate the landscape, along with a list of household chores and errands longer than any one man should have to face. And these are supposed to be my days off!

The Bible says that children are a reward from the Lord, and blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (Psalm 127:4-5a). I have certainly found that to be true. But I’ve also found that the fuller my quiver gets (I’ve got five beautiful arrows), the harder it is to find the time to give each child the attention they need and deserve.”

Click here for the rest of this story....


Three New Year's Resolutions … to Keep

“The year is at an end, so it's time to reflect and reminisce about 2008.”

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Clear the Clutter and “Stuff” in Your Life!

“Still not ready to make your later-life move? If so, there is still lots you can do in preparation for the day you are ready to move on from your current home.”

Click here for the rest of this story....

Shot of the Day for January 5, 2009

Misty Tree