Good News for January 9, 2009 submitted by Mary Beth

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, CA


Photo copyright Mary Beth Magee 2009

One of San Francisco's famed cable cars passes in front of Grace Cathedral, an Episcopal church. The Cathedral is home to two labyrinths in addition to an abundance of architectural detail. Read more about this lovely church at GraceCathedral.org

Plate of the Union: The Picky Presidential Palate

To land the job of "First Chef" you definitely need culinary chops. And while haute cuisine may be a job requirement, the White House chef takes orders, literally, from the prez. From creating ethnic menus to impress heads of state to whipping up White House kids’ favorites, First Chefs must be quick on their toes. Especially for the ever-changing palate of the most powerful (and sometimes picky) diner they'll ever have -- the president of the United States of America.

Click here to sample the menu of presidential preferences.


PTA Digest: a look back at the news of the past week from a Christian point of view

This week’s PTA Digest begins with our conversation with Dr. J Peter Pham, director of the Nelson Institute for International and Public Affairs at James Madison University. Dr. Pham talked with us about strategic hotspots in Africa, especially in light of President-elect Obama’s interest in that continent. Next, apologist Dr. Ravi Zacharias takes on the skeptics who would say that Christian faith is delusional. And finally, Dr. Tim Keller talks with us about the ministry he helped found—the Gospel Coalition. I hope you enjoy the PTA Digest! – Greg Wheatley

Click here to listen to this week's PTA Digest.


Save the Children-funded Newborn Study Nominated for Lancet Paper of the Year

A Lancet article presenting the dramatic findings of a study co-funded by the global humanitarian organization Save the Children has been nominated to receive the prestigious medical journal's Paper of the Year 2008 award.

Click here to learn more about the study and nomination.


Let your Christmas tree swim with the fish

DuPage Forest Preserve District wants holiday trees for underwater 'cribs' at man-made lake near Wayne, IL. Click here for the details of this "fishy" plan.

Rain Slicked Station

By Flickr Member mapper-montag

Friday January 9 News From Mary

What Did Jesus Mean?

Certainly the young man meant well. And although the medical staff in the emergency room questioned his sanity, his commitment and sacrifice were undeniable. He arrived at the hospital with a bloody stump where his hand had been. In response to questions he explained that he was following the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, “And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, . . .”(Matt. 5:30).[1]

Click here to read the rest of this Good News Story.

Saturday night special: Biggest full moon of '09

If skies are clear Saturday, go out at sunset and look for the giant moon rising in the east. It will be the biggest and brightest one of 2009, sure to wow even seasoned observers.

Click here to read the rest of this Good News Story.

Computer geeks learn to flirt

Even the most quirky of computer nerds can learn to flirt with finesse thanks to a new "flirting course" being offered to budding IT engineers at Potsdam University south of Berlin.

Click here to read the rest of this Good News Story.

Rare 'Dinky' Bird Migrates to US for First Time

Birders with binoculars and cameras are flocking to a remote state park in search of a small yellow-chested bird that apparently crossed the U.S. border for the first time from its high-mountain habitat to the south.

Click here to read the rest of this Good News Story.

A Snow-Day Experience That Got Frozen In Time

In January 1951, a massive blizzard hit the southern United States, blanketing the region in ice and snow. At the time, Dr. Jim Fleming was a high school student in Greenwood, Miss. In an interview with his daughter Janetta, he recalled how he spent those snowy days in the Deep South — and how it affected him for years to come.

Click here to read the rest of this Good News Story.

Post for January 9, 2009 from Margaret

Playing Tetris Good Treatment for Trauma

"Playing Tetris, rated one of the greatest video games of all time, immediately after traumatic events appears to reduce flashbacks that plague sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a British study."

For more of this story, click here...


The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating

Here is an article from the New York Times's list of most-viewed stories from 2008.

Click here to see the list of best foods.

A Message From Gary Sinise

"As we begin a new year, I want you to remember something.

In these dangerous times, with wars raging on multiple fronts, it is important to remember there are millions of men and women who have volunteered to wear a uniform to serve and protect our great country. Whether you support the war or not, everyone should say thank you to our troops."

Read about more of his message here

Best and Worst Developments Affecting the Family in 2008

"In the January 2009 issue of World Congress of Families News, the World Congress of Families has released a list of the 'Best And Worst Developments Affecting The Family In 2008' "

Read the more about this list here

Low-Cost Date Ideas for Cash-Strapped Couples

"Just because you are low on cash doesn’t mean that you and your sweetie can’t enjoy high-quality time together. You just have to be creative in choosing activities that don’t cost much, but provide concentrated, meaningful interaction that will enrich your relationship. Why not try some of these refreshing ideas for dates that won’t strain your budget?"

Read the list here