Good News From Mary Feb. 10, 2009

How's Your Love Life?

In light of the fact that it is February--the month in which we celebrate Valentine's Day--may I ask you a very personal question? "How's your love life?"

The reason I ask is because your love life, my love life, is a very strong indicator of our relationship with God.

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First-class stamp price jumping 2 cents in May

The post office will get an extra two cents' worth when you mail a letter starting in May.

The U.S. Postal Service announced Tuesday that the price of a first-class stamp will rise to 44 cents on May 11.

Click here to read the rest of this story.

The Cough-and-Sniffle Question: When to Keep a Child Home?

There are moments when I feel I have spent large parts of my professional life dropping off my own marginally ill children at school (or at day care) and then hurrying to work to examine children who are notably less sick but have been kept home by their parents and brought to see the doctor.

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Microsoft readies smartphone assault on Apple

Microsoft is gearing up to take on rival Apple in the smartphone market.

The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that Microsoft is getting ready to launch an online marketplace akin to Apple's App Store. Microsoft is also readying a more sophisticated version of its mobile operating system called Windows Mobile 6.5, the Journal reported.

Click here to read the rest of this story.

Five Ways To Use Social Networking To Boost Your Financial Life

Web-based social networking tools are increasingly popular among small-business people, community organizers, and budget-minded consumers.

For instance, Facebook just turned five years old, and there are now 150 million people using it. Here are five ways you can use social networking to boost your bottom line:

Click here to read the rest of this story.

February 10 is a Good News Day (posted by Mary Beth)

No God Condones What?: The President and the Innocent

"At the national prayer breakfast last week, President Obama seemed to signal that he has seen the light and is abandoning his radically pro-abortion agenda.

At least, that’s the only reasonable conclusion one could make after hearing the President, who says he's a Christian, also say: 'There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being. This much we know.'”

Read the rest of Chuck Colson's commentary here.



“Nargis recovery requires long-term, holistic approach” says aid agency, World Vision

"Aid agency World Vision says recovery from last year’s Cyclone Nargis requires a long-term, holistic approach and endorses the Tripartite Core Group’s roll out of a three-year Recovery and Preparedness Plan. That plan is being launched by the Group — which coordinates the aid response — in Bangkok today."

Look into World Vision's statement here.


No cell phone, no Internet service, no long distance? No way!

"A no-tech world is no place to be for a high-tech gal like columnist Barbara Brotman."

Click here for a look at her life minus technology.


25 Valentine's Day gifts under $25

"Even if your budget is tight, you can still show your Valentine you care. Here's a look at some recession-friendly Valentine's gifts for your sweetheart."

You can electronically window shop the ideas here.


The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (Even When You Have Every Reason to be Miserable)

"Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Scott Hamilton shares his eight secrets to finding happiness in the face of a life filled with challenges, difficulties, and career-canceling odds."

Read more about Scott Hamilton's new book here.

Have a day filled with Good News!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Good News Posts from Margaret

10 tips for surviving a layoff

"I was laid off last year. I honestly had it a lot better than some people I know. I got about 9 months advance notice and ended up getting about 5 months of severance. I am well aware that cases like mine are few and far between. That said, there are things you can do to help you survive a layoff, should it happen to you.

If you are fortunate enough to get advance notice, I suggest taking these steps as soon as you find out about the layoff. The sooner you get started, the better positioned you are going to be financially to handle it."

Click here to read the tips.


The best Valentine's Day presents are heartfelt, not necessarily expensive

"If there is one gift-giving holiday that doesn't have to break the bank, it would be Valentine's Day."

Click here to read the suggestions.


Watch for symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite

"In last week's column, I wrote about the importance of layering clothing if you intend to be active outdoors when it is cold.

Keeping the hands and feet warm is just as important, because blood flows away from these areas to the center of the body in order to keep internal organs warm and protected when temperatures are low. Unless torso temperature is normal or slightly higher, blood flow does not return adequately to other areas of the body. However, it is vital to keep your entire body warm at all times."

Click here to read more.


Grandma's moistening kettle may have held off flu

"Grandma may have been right about keeping a teakettle warming on the stove in winter to moisten the air. Studies of seasonal influenza have long found indications that flu spreads better in dry air. Now, new research being published Tuesday in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, indicates that the key is the absolute humidity — which measures the amount of water present in the air, regardless of temperature — not the more commonly reported relative humidity."

Click here to read more.


Romance for Dummies

"Suppose I’ve just taken my wife out on a date, and the next morning a friend asks me what I did last night. Guess my likely response:"

Click here to read more.

Shot of the Day for February 9, 2009

Red and Chocolate, My Favorites!

Photo by Flickr Member Sister72