Rapper Emmanuel Jal enlists global stars to work on south Sudan

"South Sudan's most famous export, rapper Emmanuel Jal, hopes a little help from friends Alicia Keys, George Clooney and Kofi Annan will shine a light on Sudan's north-south civil war and prevent further atrocities.

Jal, a former child soldier who was rescued and smuggled out of the south by a British aid worker, has since dedicated his life and music to one target: a future for his people."

Click here for the rest of the story.

Casino throws wedding for military couple

"They're a military couple with no money for a fancy wedding. He's about to deploy to Iraq, she's set to return to Afghanistan but they both had leave at the same time, so they decided to come to Placerville so she could meet his parents."

Click here for more on how these two young soldiers got a wedding together on one day's notice.

Kids From Save the Children’s U.S. Programs to Ride On Uno® Parade Float New Year’s Day

"Seven kids from Save the Children’s U.S. Programs will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride on the UNO® float in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day. UNO®, a Mattel brand, has invited the kids to take part in the parade festivities and ride on the float as part of their 40th Anniversary celebration. They are also providing support for Save the Children’s work to help children living in poverty in the U.S."

For more on this special event, click here.

Oprah Gets One Right: Dickens Makes the Book Club

"I always tell people that when they read a book to keep their eyes open for Christian themes. But I never thought I’d say they could find them on Oprah’s book list."

Click here for more on Chuck Colson's commentary.

Dying One Day at a Time: Living for God, Not for Me

"Looking forward to the New Year, what topic comes to my mind? Dying. And dying daily.

One of the most powerful lines of Christian writing I’ve ever read was in Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s magnificent classic The Cost of Discipleship. 'When Christ calls a man,' Bonhoeffer wrote, 'He bids him to come and die.'"

To read more of Chuck Colson's insights, click here.

All first-class postage to be ‘forever’ stamps

"Beginning in January, all new postage stamps good for 1 ounce of first-class mail will be marked as 'forever.'

The U.S. Postal Service is doing away with issuing first-class stamps with denominations."

Click here for more on this decision.

Here's how to stay safe in snow -- on sidewalks or on the slopes

"The blizzard that has shut down the East Coast calls for some warnings about playing in or even walking on snow and ice. The American Assn. of Orthopedic Surgeons (and really, those docs should know) has some advice to share with the hundreds of thousands of Americans who will get injured this year."

Click here for tips on staying safe in snow.

Sailing on the Dawn Treader: Lessons a'Plenty

"C. S. Lewis never missed a chance to teach a moral lesson. And the Voyage of the Dawn Treader is no exception.

Millions of fans of C. S. Lewis’s books are lining up to see the film adaptation of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader—the third movie in the Chronicles of Narnia series."

For more on Chuck Colson's commentary, click here.

Legacy of a life lived right

"Thurmon Perry was never one to marvel much about his age. He was 100-plus years old, feisty, and he posted up each morning in the lobby of his West Side public housing high-rise and went about the business of keeping watch."

Click here for more on this amazing gentleman.

'Freedom Riders' filmmaker says ordinary citizens can bring about change

"Filmmaker Stanley Nelson says his new documentary about the courageous activists who defiantly opposed the 1960s segregation of the South may help inspire a new generation of youth."

Click here for more on this filmmaker's vision.

Dancing Deer helps make Christmas bright

"One of the best-kept secrets in Boston is in a nondescript industrial park in Hyde Park. At the risk of leaking classified Christmas intelligence, the Globe has learned that Santa Claus may be operating a secret satellite workshop, in addition to his North Pole headquarters."

Click here for more on this Christmas discovery.

The Christmas Pageant

"The Christmas pageant was the big event of the Christmas season every year in this little Heartland town, and every parent wanted their son or daughter to get a part in the play. The year they’ll never forget was the year that little Harold wanted to be in the play. He was a little slow and, to be honest, a risk to put on stage."

For more on this Christmas pageant, click here.

Many Affordable, Meaningful Gift Ideas Still Available For Last-Minute Shoppers

"According to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation, the average American has completed less than half (49.5%) of their holiday shopping by mid-December and about 37 million Americans (16.9%) have not even started their shopping yet."

Click here for tips to beat the mob at the mall while giving something special.

Christmas Light: The Birth of Jesus from the Gospels of Matthew, Luke...and John?

"Light is quite an interesting word. It carries dozens of different and distinct meanings and is used hundreds of times in scripture, in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus described himself as 'the Light of the World,' which certainly seems most appropriate."

For more insight into Christmas Light, click here.

Save the Children Teams Up with Video Bloggers to Spread Word that Simple Actions Can Save Children’s Lives

"Save the Children is partnering with some of the nation’s top young video bloggers — or vloggers — to let Americans know about simple actions they can take to directly help save children’s lives."

Click here for more on this new program.

Taking the muumuu out of maternity fashion

"In the olden days, a pregnant woman’s due date was obliquely referred to has her 'estimated date of confinement.' And no wonder, you wouldn’t want to leave the house in the maternity muumuus of old."

For more on the changing look of maternity, click here.

God's Inconvenient Call

"Of all the miracles recorded in the Bible, none has been derided as much as the virgin birth. The skeptic who turns a cool ear to stories about walking on water, healing the sick, and raising the dead will, more often than not, sneer at the very mention of the virgin birth. For many folks it is a difficult doctrine, one that has caused them to stop short of faith, or so they claim."

Click here for more on how God's call may seem inconvenient to us as humans, but is perfect in His timetable.

A free surgery erases blindness for Casselberry man

"As a teenager, John Wilkinson lost the sight in his left eye. It was, doctors later told his parents, a detached retina — probably the result of playing contact sports as a kid.

That he could live with. But this summer, the 29-year-old tree trimmer began having trouble reading because the print looked blurry. Some days, he would wake up and everything looked foggy."

Click here for more on John Wilkinson's story.

Cleaning up your carb act: Where to begin

"Most Americans eat between 250 and 300 grams of carbohydrates a day, the equivalent of 1,000 to 1,200 calories. The Institute of Medicine, which sets dietary nutrient requirements, recommends 130 grams a day."

For details on how carbs impact your diet, click here.

Veteran gets helping hand to give daughter home

"Lucinda Nash, 5, enveloped herself in her dad's Army sergeant jacket as he held it up and explained the various ribbons and awards he'd earned during eight years in the military."

Click here for more on the Nash family.

Gifts to accessorize books and e-readers

"Giving a gift book to a voracious reader can be scary or deflating as a Father's Day tie or Mother's Day toaster.

Winning strategy? Present the book lover on your list with something that enriches the reading (or toting) experience. Here are some of our favorite gifts to accessorize books and e-readers, plus a few things just for fun."

For more on these gift ideas, click here.

Opportunity for families and groups to volunteer, helping those in need this Holiday Season

"This holiday season, World Vision is providing families and groups an opportunity to get involved with "Santa's Workshop." On Saturday, December 18, World Vision’s Bronx warehouse will host volunteers to help sort "Santa's" toys going to needy families."


Click here for more on this big-hearted effort.

High Value-Low Cost Christmas Ideas

"On this edition of MoneyLife, Chuck Bentley and Dave Ball talk about ways to avoid the materialistic side of Christmas and focus on the things that really matter, sharing the love of Christ with family and friends.

They also talk about great gift giving, decorating and celebrating ideas to make Christmas bright and cheery without breaking your budget."

Listen to the message and check out free resources here.

Mere Entertainment? C. S. Lewis's Narnia Chronicles

"Many Christians are eagerly anticipating the third film of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia Chronicles, due in theaters in December. We love the fact that these deeply Christian stories are making their way to a wider audience. But one theologian wonders if the films really are a faithful representation of Lewis’s deeply Christian worldview."

Click here for more on this look at how Hollywood treats Narnia.

Accepting Fibromyalgia and Moving Past It: Patients Share Their Coping Strategies

"The key to coping with fibromyalgia is accepting that the problem is chronic, learning how to minimize the pain, and finding the good things within a painful life. The reality is that the pain will not go away. The challenge is to learn how to lessen it and create a life beyond the pain."

Click here for more on living with fibromyalgia.

More than 2,000 at Dreamforce Conference assemble kits to benefit those living with HIV and AIDS in Africa

"Salesforce.com, in partnership with World Vision, will underwrite and host an HIV/AIDS Caregiver Kit build at the Dreamforce conference this week in San Francisco. More than 2,000 of the conference participants will take time Wednesday afternoon to fill kits with health and hygiene supplies that will be sent to volunteer caregivers in Africa to assist their work caring for those living with HIV and AIDS. The Dreamforce conference volunteerism activity seeks to give participants opportunities to make a difference in their community and across the globe."

For more on this event, click here.

Opera Company of Philadelphia 'Hallelujah!' Random Act of Culture

"The Opera Company of Philadelphia brought together over 650 choristers from 28 participating organizations to perform one of the Knight Foundation's 'Random Acts of Culture' at Macy's in Center City Philadelphia. Accompanied by the Wanamaker Organ - the world's largest pipe organ - the OCP Chorus and throngs of singers from the community infiltrated the store as shoppers, and burst into a pop-up rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's 'Messiah' at 12 noon, to the delight of surprised shoppers."

Click here to experience the event.

Eating right: Cheat your way through the holidays

"Is it possible to party your way through the holidays and still lose weight? Or at least not gain any weight?

Believe it or not, the answer is a resounding 'Yes!'"

For the secrets of success, click here.

'Secret Santas' dole out $100 handshakes in NC

"'Secret Santas' are roaming the streets of North Carolina, handing out $100 handshakes.

The Charlotte Observer reported that crew of donors, who insist on anonymity, handed out the C-notes Friday to anyone who looked like they could use it."

Click here for more on these generous folks.

The True Meaning of Christmas: Thanks, Linus

"Does all the commercialization of Christmas have you down? Well, I’ve got one remedy for you and for the whole family.

Amid the avalanche of TV Christmas specials that hit our screens at this time of year, there’s one little gem that always stands out. It’s a simple, unpretentious cartoon that’s several decades old now, but it still usually manages to earn great ratings and has been loved by many generations."

For more on this inspirational program, click here.

Menorah retrieved from Hurricane Katrina muck in Lakeview is part of White House Hanukkah celebration

"Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of Jewish survival, and on Thursday, President Barack Obama and some 500 notables, mostly Jewish, celebrated the second of the holiday’s eight nights by lighting a menorah fished from the muck of Congregation Beth Israel’s flooded synagogue in Lakeview after Hurricane Katrina."

Click here for more on the celebration.

Gulf seafood to star at White House holiday parties

"From the White House to the Capitol on Wednesday, Washington's political class was consuming lots of Gulf seafood.

White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford plans to serve more than 2,000 pounds of Gulf Coast shrimp and seafood during a series of holiday parties, which began Wednesday night with a reception for volunteers."

Click here for more on the holiday plans.

Golf Legend Betsy King Returns to Africa

"This December, golf legend and LPGA Hall of Fame legend Betsy King, from Scottsdale, Arizona will make her third trip to Africa to help aspiring young female golfers in Kenya, genocide survivors in Rwanda and AIDS orphans in Lesotho. King will go with LPGA golfer Stacy Lewis and two LPGA teaching pros: Suzanne Strudwick and Susie Corona."

Click here for more on the trip.

One Simple Step to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

"Tis the season for worrying about holiday weight gain. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the the self-help to-do lists to avoid packing on the L-Bs for the winter, but would rather not get Santa-fat this December, I have come up with a one-step program to help you out. Actually, one size does not fit all, so I have created ten, one-step programs so you can find the one that works best for you."

Click here for more about these one-step programs.

On a Horse and a Prayer: Going for Gold in 2012

"Donna Ponessa is getting ready to compete in the Equestrian events in an Olympic event (the 2012 Paralympic Games) and she knows exactly how much time it will take to get ready. Her clock is already ticking down and her sights are honed on London."

To learn more about this extraordinary young woman, click here.

Don't even think about silencing those holiday bells

"I have a recurring holiday dream. In it, I spend a day visiting every Salvation Army bell ringer in the city of Chicago. I drop some change in the kettles and offer those kind souls a firm handshake and a sincere thanks for all they do. And then I take their bells. I take their loud, incessantly clanging bells and I gather them up and throw them all into Lake Michigan."

Click here for more on Rex Huppke's dream and changed perspective.

Religious Freedom and National Security: Joined at the Hip

"If you’re like me, you typically associate national security with diplomacy, intelligence, and, of course, the military. That’s why I was intrigued by a recent conference at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University."

Click here to read more of Chuck Colson's commentary.

Record of Reality: Archaeological Discovery Supports Scripture

"Once again, archaeology confirms the accuracy of biblical history. That’s good news, but should it affect how we believers view Scripture?"

Click here for more on the question.

Leonardo DiCaprio donates $1 million to save the world's tigers

"Leonardo DiCaprio braved scary skies to get to a summit devoted to saving the worlds' tigers, donating $1 million to the cause and earning high praise from Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin."

For more on DiCaprio's donation, click here.

Holiday season sparks volunteerism: Experts suggest creative ways to help

"An Oswego firefighter by day, Mark Spoo doesn't indulge his passion for photography as often as he would like. But for the past four Christmas seasons, Spoo has made time to combine his favorite hobby with his desire to give back."

Click here for ideas on ways you can get involved.

Thanksgiving compact: A 15-point pledge to ensure a peaceable feast

"Would you like to avoid emotional indigestion at Thanksgiving? Do you want to have a regret-free holiday? Then you need our 15-point Thanksgiving pledge."

For more on a peaceful Thanksgiving, click here.

Pro bono lawyers help Haiti quake survivors get loans

"Haiti's massive earthquake didn't just destroy its capital Port-au-Prince, the devastation has also had a major impact on farmers in the countryside, say two U.S. lawyers providing pro bono help in the country."

Click here for more on how these two are aiding Haiti survivors.

Drew Brees named GQ Magazine's 'Patron Saint of the Year'

"Still flying high from the Superbowl win, Drew Brees lands on GQ's 2010 Men of the Year List. You can see the list when the latest issue hits newsstands on Nov. 23, says ABC 26 News."

Click here for more.

New International Study: Does bad news for retailers mean good news for Charities this Holiday Season?

"Despite early projections of a robust holiday season for U.S. retailers, according to a new U.S.- Canada study commissioned by World Vision, an international relief and development organization, more Americans, almost 7 out of 10 (69 percent), say they’ll spend less on holiday presents this year as a result of the current economic climate."

Read more about this report-click here.

Trust and Obey: Christ the King Sunday

"This Sunday our friends in liturgical churches will celebrate a holy day we should all become familiar with. It’s Christ the King Sunday.

Our brothers and sisters in liturgical churches know that this Sunday is the last Sunday of the Church calendar. The new church year begins next week with the first Sunday of Advent."

Click here for more on why this is an important date for Christians to celebrate.

Alzheimer's disease vaccine is effective in mice

"A vaccine for Alzheimer's disease has been a long-held goal of researchers studying the devastating disease. Research presented Tuesday at the Society for Neuroscience meeting showed one potential vaccine under study appears both safe and effective in an animal model."

Click here for more on this promising discovery.

Mural Arts

"Twenty-six years ago, Jane Golden took to the streets of Philadelphia armed with paint, brushes, simple designs, and a small contingent of helpers.

Her goal? Wipe out the city's ugly graffiti. Her weapon of choice? Murals."

For more on Jane Golden's passion, click here.

The Menschkeit Deficit

"If you want to understand the looming debt crisis, watch the 2008 documentary I.O.U.S.A. Scrupulously fair and nonpartisan, its story, about the danger posed by America’s ballooning national debt, is divided into four sections, each of which describes a particular deficit that has made our debt crisis possible..."

Click here for more on this intriguing idea.

Loving your soldier from a distance

"A long distance relationship can be exciting and novel when it involves two people willing to make it work. The novelty and excitement wears off when the long distance relationship involves loving a soldier. Worry and stress fill its place. It’s one thing to be able to plan romantic weekends, fancy hotels, and fine dining."

For tips on loving your military member, even when separated by duty assignment, click here.

388-day ordeal ends for retired British couple held by Somali pirates who had sought millions

"The retired British couple were sailing the world on a 38-foot-yacht that represented most of their life savings when Somali pirates captured them last year, demanding the sort of huge ransom a multimillionaire or a multinational company might cough up."

To read more about the story of this couple, click here.

A new kind of hero: Lesster!

"Meet Lesster, the solar-powered super hero in a video from Felicity Huffman of 'Desperate Housewives' fame. He's dedicated to his calling, in spite of interruptions from his parents."

Click here to view this thought-provoking video.

21 Quotes to Open Your Heart

"We all face difficult times that make us want to shelter our hearts.



When people we love hurt us, it is a natural reaction to want to shield ourselves, and put protection around our hearts, to keep pain from entering."

For more on these powerful quotes, click here.

Hygiene Promotion is Key to Preventing a Nationwide Cholera Epidemic in Haiti, says Save the Children

"With more than 700 people dead and 11,000 now sick from cholera across Haiti, additional sites in Port-au-Prince are reporting their first cases of the fatal yet preventable and treatable disease. In Gaston Morgan, a camp where Save the Children provides health care to inhabitants and surrounding community, the first suspected case of cholera has been identified."

Click here for more on how Save the Children is working to help the people of Haiti.

Thanksgiving Place Mats: A Craft for Kids to Save the Sanity of Parents

"Honor the spirit of Thanksgiving and keep the kids occupied until the meal is ready by making place mats that recount what the child is thankful for on the big day. Stickers, drawings, wording or a combination can turn a sheet of paper into a decorative addition to the dinner table."

Start with an outline of the child's hand for a Hand Print Turkey

Preprint place mats with clip art for children to color.

For a variety of ideas for Thanksgiving place mats, click here.

G20 urged to tackle food security, avert another global crisis

"International Christian humanitarian agency World Vision is urging the G20 countries meeting in Seoul to act swiftly to avoid a repeat of the global food crisis of 2008, which thrust an additional 100 million people worldwide into extreme poverty."

Click here for more on World Vision's request of world leaders.

From Stocking Stuffers to Goats: Meaningful Holiday Gifts from Save the Children

"With the holiday season upon us, Save the Children has numerous gifts sure to warm hearts and souls on everyone’s list."

Click here for gift ideas that make a difference.

Applebees's Restaurants offers free meals to Active Military and Veterans on Nov. 11

"Active Duty Military and Veterans eat free at Applebees on Veteran's Day, November 11. Available during business hours on November 11, 2010 at participating Applebee’s only. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. See website for details."

Click here for more information.

New Inductees into the National Toy Hall of Fame

"Playing cards and the Game of Life will be inducted this weekend into the National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, N.Y. Founded in 1998, the hall has 44 members."

To learn more about the hall and its members, click here.

Payless and Airwalk team with World Vision in The Good Shoe Project

"Airwalk, a leader in youth lifestyle footwear and apparel, is teaming up with Payless to democratize a new shoe-giving program to help those in need with the launch of The Good Shoe Project. Whenever a customer purchases the exclusive Airwalk Hope shoe for $19.99 at Payless between Dec. 15, 2010, through Feb. 14, 2011, the retailer commits to giving a free pair of kids' shoes to a child in need in Central America through a new alliance with humanitarian organization World Vision."

Click here for more on the project.

Awww ... animal babies make conservation cute

"What makes a good baby picture? On ZooBorns.com, the babies have to be wild. Maybe obscure. Possibly endangered. Mostly, they have to be cute.

Their website delivers birth announcements from zoos and aquariums around the world, and gets about a million hits a month."

Click here for more on these precious babies.

The wait is over: Giants win first championship in S.F.

"The search lasted more than half a century and seemed so futile at times. Finally, the team and its long-pained fans have found what they were looking for. For the first time since the Giants moved to San Francisco in 1958, they are the champions of baseball."

Click here for more on a long-awaited championship.

Startling species rediscoveries in California

"Call it 'CSI: Sierra Nevada.'

On Aug. 11, a mysterious creature took a bite out of a bait bag slung in a secluded pass north of Yosemite National Park. As the animal gnawed on the bits of chicken contained in the sock, a remote-controlled camera clicked nearby."

Click here for more on some surprising scientific finds in the Sierra Nevada region.

Chicago's rich candy history

"Since the late 1800s, Chicago has been a candy-producing machine. It displayed its confectionery prowess at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, where nearly 26 million visitors from around the world, including one Milton Hershey, were introduced to a number of candies and gums from Chicago manufacturers, including Cracker Jack, Juicy Fruit and caramels that Chicago candymaker Charles Gunther sold at his store on Clark Street."

For more of this sweet story, click here.

Looking the Other Way: A Nobel Prize for China?

"While the U.S. may say it wants to see China improve its human rights record, the Chinese government can rest easy. We don’t really mean it."

Click here for more of Chuck Colson's commentary.

Tires 101: What your tire's markings tell you

"Tires carry a wealth of information on their sidewalls. Unfortunately, it's all in code. Most of it is of no concern to many owners, but it can be valuable for those who want to know the seasons for which their tires are intended, those who plan to replace their tires, or new-car buyers who are given a choice of sizes and types."

For tips on deciphering the code, click here.

Save the Children’s SMS Texting Program Helps Pakistani Flood Survivors to Help Themselves

"The simple act of SMS text messaging has helped scores of people displaced by the floods in Pakistan after Save the Children implemented an innovative way to use the mobile phone technology in its relief work.

A hotline has been up and running since early August which allows people to phone in or text suggestions or complaints relating to Save the Children’s health clinics and distribution centres."

Click here for more on this texting strategy.

What Are Christians Known For?

"In the earliest days of Christianity, the Roman emperor Julian was contemptuous of Jesus's first followers. But he recognized that their generosity to the poor was making converts of many. 'Nothing has contributed to the progress of the superstition of the Christians as their charity to strangers...the impious Galileans provide not only for their own poor, but for ours as well,' he is quoted as saying."

Click here for more on this question.

World Vision emergency team covering two disasters in Indonesia in 24 hours

"World Vision's emergency response staff in Indonesia are currently dealing with two disasters in less than twenty-four hours: the volcano eruption at Mount Merapi in Java and Monday's 7.2 earthquake in West Sumatra."

Click here for more on World Vision's response to these two disasters.

She turns flour into gold

"Baker Joanne Chang spins pantry staples into rich desserts complete with cupcakes and 'crispy magic frosting.' Check out her video."

Click here for the story and video.

Western Springs family sees makeover as key to independence

"Like every other 12-year-old girl, Grace Ligon just wants to be independent.

However driven and determined, living with cerebral palsy means Grace faces physical obstacles to everyday tasks — and as a single mother, Kathy, too, has difficulties of her own."

Click here for more on this brave family.

Do the 'Thriller' dance

"Zombies and ‘80s-era Michael Jackson — what’s not to love?

Thrill The World is a worldwide, simultaneous recreation of Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance. The annual event has taken on added relevance since Jackson’s 2009 death, which still makes us very sad."

Click here for more on this social phenomenon turned fundraiser.

Book Review - "Too Rich for a Bride" by Mona Hodgson

"Readers first met the Sinclair sisters in 'Two Bride Too Many,' which recounted the adventures of Kat and Nell Sinclair as they headed to Cripple Creek, Colorado as mail order brides. Ida Sinclair, the eldest of the four sisters, takes her turn center stage in 'Too Rich for a Bride.'”

For the rest of the review, click here.

World Vision and TOMS Shoes partner to provide new shoes to children in poverty around the globe

"TOMS Shoes and humanitarian agency World Vision have launched a new partnership to provide children in more than a dozen developing countries with new shoes to protect their health and empower them to stay in school. In many cases, children are receiving their very first pair of shoes, or in other cases, the donated shoes allow them to replace outgrown or worn-out footwear."

Click here for more on this partnership.

Twenty Tips for a Safe and Happy Halloween

"From kids to family pets, Halloween provides an exciting time. Sadly, that time can also lead to injury or death. Here are tips to help you protect those you love while having a great time."

Click here for ways to have a great Halloween.

Healing faith? Research explores whether spirituality may be good for the body as well as the soul

"When Virgie Aguilar — a 93-year-old church-going, car-driving, wishes-she-was-still-working great-great-grandmother — tells you the Lord moves her, she means it."

For more on this research, click here.

'Sesame Street' Teaches Self-Esteem in Answer to Child's Question

"A new 'Sesame Street' character teaches kids about becoming self-confident."

Click here for more on this important report.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees tapes an anti-bullying ad: See the video

"New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees speaks out against teen bullying in a video."

To watch this important video, click here.

New Orleans City Park is better than ever

"The 2005 flood reduced City Park to a saltwater swamp. Most of the attractions in the 1,300-acre, 156-year-old green space remained closed for months while work crews removed fallen tree trunks as the golf courses and softball fields reverted to prairie.

But just look at it now."

Click here for more on this restored gem of a park.

Green energy field is fertile ground for wild concepts

"Spray-on solar panels, power beaming down from outer space and gasoline-like fuel made from bacteria.

Sound far-fetched? Maybe, but these and other futuristic concepts for producing power are being taken seriously in scientific, business and academic circles. Some have even raised millions in funding."

For more on green technology, click here.

Former WWL newswoman Hoda Kotb tells her stories in new memoir

"Give Hoda Kotb an assist for the best sports photograph of the year.

Covering the culmination of the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl season for the 'Today' show, she helped get Baylen Brees into his daddy's hands on the Lombardi Trophy podium."

For more on Kotb's new book, click here.

Is your dog a pessimist or an optimist? It could explain his behavior, researchers say

"If your dog is misbehaving, it might be because he's a food-dish-half-empty kind of canine. That's the word from a study published in Current Biology this week."

Click here for more on analyzing your dog's personality.

2010 Ford Ironman Competitor, Chris Lieto Helps Children Living in Poverty around the World

"For former Ironman champion Chris Lieto, Saturday’s 140.6 mile course at the Ford Ironman Championship in Kona, Hawaii may not have yielded the first-place victory many were anticipating, but for the 90 children he’s already found sponsors for, Lieto is a true champion. Through his More Than Sport campaign powered by humanitarian organization, World Vision, Lieto challenges fellow athletes and fans to be ambassadors of positive change in the lives of children in need around the world through child sponsorship."


To learn more about the amazing athlete and his commitment to children, click here.

Stars Turn Out for Save the Children Bingo Night Benefit for Haitian School

"CBS studios’ New York Street in Studio City, Calif., shined brighter last night at a star-filled Bingo Night benefit to raise funds for a new Save the Children-supported school in Jacmel, Haiti."

Click here for more on this fund raising event.

Tense final hours ahead as passage to surface awaits Chile's 33 trapped miners

"A smooth-walled path to daylight awaited 33 trapped miners Sunday as they entered the tense final hours of a two-month odyssey christened in the terror of collapsing rock deep under a Chilean mountain."

For more on the story, including video, click here.

Smooth the Stumbling Blocks - a devotion

"The US Supreme Court is considering a case dealing with protesters picketing funerals of deceased military personnel. Members of Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, KS, were sued for interrupting the funeral of Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder with protests, stating their belief that '...U.S. deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq are punishment for Americans' immorality, including tolerance of homosexuality and abortion.'(1)"

Click here for more on the subject.

America Ferrera-Supported Save the Children School Opens in Mali

"Nearly 150 excited children started their first day of school in new classrooms in Mali earlier this week thanks to the support of Emmy Award-winning actress America Ferrera and her family, friends and fans."

Click here for more on Ms. Ferrera's project.

Dasty the Comeback Canine

"Animal lovers know how difficult it is to see your pets slow down. And when it happens at just barely past the puppy stage, it's even harder. That's Dasty's story. Dasty is a Chicago Police dog, sniffing out guns, drugs, and cash in the organized crime division. But a year ago, he was headed for retirement after being diagnosed with Lyme disease."

For more of Dasty's story, click here.

Jennifer Garner and Frigidaire Team Up this Holiday Season to Support Save the Children

"Just like turkey and all the trimmings, the kids' table is a holiday tradition — a fun-filled, no adult zone where good times rule. Now, Frigidaire and Save the Children's Artist Ambassador Jennifer Garner are asking families to 'set a place at a virtual kids' table' to support Save the Children's efforts to ensure that kids in the U.S. have access to healthy foods this holiday season and all year long."

Click here for more on the program.

Businesses sign up to do good while doing well

"When a law took effect Friday allowing Maryland businesses to organize as 'benefit corporations,' a hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit models that aims for public benefits as well as profits, John Shepley lined up early at the state tax office hoping to be a trailblazer."

For more on Maryland's new law, click here.

Recipe for Rebuilding a City: Judy Walker and 'Exchange Alley'

"Hurricane Katrina took lives, homes and possessions. In New Orleans, where traditional food is a vital part of the lifestyle, the loss of family recipes to flood waters struck an additional painful blow. For many New Orleanians, that loss became a lasting reminder of the things taken away by the storm.

Judy Walker, Food Editor of the New Orleans Times Picayune newspaper, saw a way to help in the recovery process."

Click here for more on Judy Walker and "Exchange Alley."

7-year-old finds dinosaur jawbone at Dinosaur Park in Laurel

"Seven-year-old Aidan Isenstadt likes to collect stuff. He likes looking for bugs, mostly, and different kinds of rocks and coins.

Last month, he and scores of others tried their hands at looking for dinosaur fossils at the Dinosaur Park in Laurel. And barely five minutes after he began his search, Aidan found what looked like a piece of a jawbone, about 11/2 inches long, with holes where the teeth should be."

For more on the amazing find, click here.

12-step manuscript offers rare glimpse into early Alcoholics Anonymous

"In 1939, about 5,000 copies of a book offering hopeless drunks a spiritual path to recovery through 12 steps were released by a fledgling fellowship of alcoholics."

Click here for more on this glimpse of AA's past.

More than 1,000 Runners Combine to Make Team World Vision the Largest Charity Team at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon

"Over 1,000 people will be running in orange during the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 10 in support of Team World Vision. Team World Vision is the largest charity in the race, and unlike other charity teams, it has seen an increase in participants and fundraising since its launch in 2005. They began with only 95 runners in the Chicago Marathon, and there are now over 1,000, each with their own unique story."

For more on Team World Vision, click here.

Trying to master Master Gardening

"I've always thought college was wasted on the young, and that I would be a much better student today than I was when beer and cute guys were competing for my attention."

Click here to read more.

Great Pumpkin Fest in Highwood, IL

"The City of Highwood, IL has some really, really big plans for Halloween this year. Highwood intends to make pumpkin carving history with this year's Great Pumpkin Fest. How, you ask?"

Click here for the answer!

Comer Prep shines as a beacon of optimism

"The bright new charter high school rises next to the scene of a senseless inner-city killing — a 17-year-old girl, chatting with a friend on her cell phone, shot dead in 2008 after two men argued on a CTA bus.

The $20 million school is a legacy of the late Gary Comer, the innovative founder of the Lands’ End clothing empire, who grew up in the Grand Crossing neighborhood and never forgot it."

Click here for more on Comer's caring legacy.

Urgent action needed as Sudan faces countdown to crucial referendum warn aid agencies

"World leaders at today’s Sudan summit must take concrete action to help ensure peace, safety and development for all Sudanese people, five international aid agencies said in an open letter. Failure to act risks a new eruption of violence and threatens the future of Africa’s largest country, with just over 100 days until the referendum to decide whether the south should remain part of Sudan."

For more on this importance summit, click here.

Halloween Party Crafts-Easy-to-Adapt Halloween Crafts for a Bewitching Party

"Lots of children's games and crafts adapt nicely to Halloween with a few set changes. 'Pin the tail on the donkey' can become 'pin the tail on the black cat.' A simple bean bag toss game can become a ghostly game by drawing ghosts on the target board with their open mouths as the scoring goal. Look through craft catalogs and think about how you can adapt the projects to your own needs."

Click here for more on having a great Halloween party.

Green Alternatives To Halloween Candy: Ten Ways to Have a Green Halloween Without Giving Up the Fun

"Halloween candy contributes plastic bags and individual wrappings to landfills after the children have eaten themselves into sugar overload. Choose alternatives that teach or entertain, recycle items you may already have or create items for fun projects. Help children build good habits for tomorrow."

To learn how to ditch the sugar and still have fun, click here.

The arts could be Granite City's cup of tea

"Brenda Whitaker thought it necessary to explain that the sole patrons of the business she operates on the western edge of town were not totally representative of her customer base."

Click here for more on how a steel worker made a dream come true.

Pray the Vote: Prayer Warriors Wanted!

"Pray the Vote is a nationwide movement of prayer. It’s based on the belief that when God’s people cry out to Him in earnest and heartfelt prayer, He will bless our nation in ways we cannot foresee. Our prayers open a window for God to work across our land. We encourage you to make a commitment to pray for the elections between now and November 2. Your prayers will change the world."

For more on this prayerful movement, click here.

Good for Business: Christianity in China

"If you owned a factory, what kind of workers would you want? One Chinese businessman knows for certain.

The man who owns the industrial valve company makes no secret of his religious faith: He’s a committed Christian. Once a week, he gathers together his senior staffers for prayer. Employees are invited to attend Bible studies on the premises and pray for one another’s needs."

Click here for more on Chuck Colson's commentary.

Trash the Takeout

"Are you cooking at home? You should be – it's healthier, not to mention cheaper. And easier than you think."

Save money and time and protect your health. Click here.

Chicken Scoop: Now We Know Egg-zactly What Happened

"The scientific community collectively applauded the recently released work of a team of British scientists, who finally solved a biological puzzle that has eluded the world's best minds for centuries. Research conducted by University of Warwick Professor Mark Rodger and Dr. David Quigley led them to an undeniable answer to the question, 'Which came first, the chicken or the egg?'"

Extend Holiday Dollars through the World Vision Gift Catalog – presents of hope and healing

"As the economy continues to struggle, shoppers will look for ways to extend their holiday dollar. What better way than giving two gifts for the price of one – honor a person by name and give a gift that has real-life implications for a family in need? This year meaningful, useful gifts can be purchased through the World Vision Gift Catalog, as 89 percent of donations received go to programs helping children and families overcome poverty in nearly 100 countries."

Click here for more on how you can make a difference.

What to do when your car reaches 100,000 miles

"It was once a huge red flag: When a car's odometer would hit 100,000 miles, 'it was almost a magic threshold that meant the car was probably worn out,' says Kay Wynter, who runs an auto service center in Fort Myers, Fla., with her husband, Terry.

But thanks to improvements in car design and maintenance, the milestone of 100,000 miles now means something very different."

For more on keeping your car running, click here.

Max, Emily and Me: A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

"If you’ve listened to BreakPoint over the years, you know I don’t talk much about my personal life, my feelings, or my family. Because that’s not what BreakPoint is all about.

But now that my daughter Emily has written her wonderful new book Dancing with Max, about her life with my autistic grandson, it’s time to peel back that curtain just a bit."

Click here for more on this new book.

Charity group flies New Orleans-area dogs to new homes around the country

"In the back seat of a car parked on the tarmac at New Orleans Lakefront Airport, a 4-month-old mixed-breed puppy named Suzette dozed Saturday morning as she waited on the flight -- her first ever -- that would ferry her from her old home in St. Bernard Parish to a new life in Lakeland, Fla."

Click here for more on the rescue operation.

The 11 Greatest TV Cops of All Time

"In honor of the return of 'Hawaii 5-0,' I thought I would visit the subject of who are the greatest television police men (and women) of all time. We excluded private detectives, which can be their own future column."

To view the list, click here.

Progress against child deaths will lag until family, community care prioritized: World Vision

"Global efforts to tackle millions of preventable child and maternal deaths will fail to extend gains unless world leaders act now to pour more healthcare resources directly into families and communities, according to a new World Vision report launched today."

Click here for more.

Eliminate Clutter, Feel Better

"My desk is a miserable mess of coloring pages, used steno pads and dried-up markers. A ceramic loaf pan that should be put away until its next batch of banana bread has turned into an odd junk pile filled with hair clips, iPod cords and a pirate's eye patch left over from my son's birthday party."

Click here for more on how to handle clutter.

Eating Right: A look at some healthy tailgating options

"It's football season and I am wondering what are some healthier tailgating options?"

For the answer, click here.

Social circle may add to longevity

"The best medicine for a longer, healthier life may be the support of family and friends: That's the conclusion of an exhaustive July report looking at studies over three decades on social relationships and mortality."

Click here for more on the study.

Mexico 2010 Chicago bash will celebrate breadth of Mexican immigrants' diversity, country's bicentennial

"Surely the Mexican government views the news coverage as better when it revolves around a cellist from Monterrey rather than a drug lord from Tijuana."

For more on the celebration, click here.

Dance Lessons

"As a professional competitive ballroom dancer, I’m often asked what I think of the television show 'Dancing With The Stars,' which starts its new season on September 20. The show isn’t really about dancing, I say; it’s about teaching. And what the celebrity students are learning isn’t really the cha-cha, rumba, and waltz, since most of them will forget the steps once the show is over anyway. What they are really learning is how to be responsible."

Click here for more of a professional competitive ballroom dancer's perspective.

Cold cure? Argonne's shedding light

"A chill in the air this time of year seems to bring that all-too-familiar scratch in the throat and tickle in the nose, and that's what makes the work two scientists achieved at Argonne National Laboratory a little timely, a little intriguing and a little uplifting."

For more on the discovery, click here.

Ten Tips for Parents to Help Children Learn to Read Outside the Classroom

"To mark International Literacy Day and promote reading among children globally, Save the Children today shares 10 steps all parents can take to boost early reading skills among their children. The ten tips are part of a community strategies flipbook for parents and children that Save the Children developed for its global 'Literacy Boost' program."

Click here for the rest of the story.

Tragic Radicals: Why the Sexual Left Defends the Indefensible

"U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker’s decision last month striking down California’s Proposition 8, despite the expressed will of 7 million voters, undoubtedly is radical.

Al Mohler summed it up as 'one brazen act of judicial energy.' The ruling was so radical that even the unquestionably liberal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overruled Walker’s order to immediately allow 'gay marriage' while it reviews the decision."

Click here for more on Stan Guthrie's commentary.

How to Register for Egiva.Com-the Free Donation Site

"Go green and connect locally with those in need or who have a surplus through a free website-the dream of a California school teacher who wanted to give back to the community."

Click here for more on egiva.com and how you can use it to connect to others.

Teens, kids take charge of annual fundraising event

"It seems youth, and lemonade, will be served.

Since 2002, a group of families on the 700 block of Bonnie Brae in River Forest put their efforts together to turn a day of sorrow into a day of happiness and charity by raising money for local charities on Sept. 11. For year’s Lemon-AID Stand, they are hoping to bring in as much money as they can for Opportunity Knocks, a River Forest-based charity that offers assistance for people with developmental disabilities."

For more on Lemon-AID, click here.

Puppies: Tips For Getting A New Dog, Even An Older Dog

"Thinking about getting a new dog or puppy? Generally it’s better to plan an adoption from a shelter or the purchase of a pure bred dog. But, you never know when you will happen upon a stray that tugs on your heart strings."

Click here for more on introducing the new pet into the household.

Which God Should We Turn To? The Restoring Honor Rally

"A lot of people are asking me what I thought of Glenn Beck’s Restoring Honor rally.

As you know, on August 28, hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall for what organizer Glenn Beck called a 'Restoring Honor' rally."

Click here for more of Chuck Colson's commentary.

World Vision says emergency in Pakistan will 'get worse before it gets better'

"More than one month after the flooding in Pakistan began, World Vision says the emergency in Pakistan will get worse before it gets better. Up to half of the affected population still hasn't been reached. Unsanitary conditions and a lack of clean water are causing outbreaks of diarrhea and concerns about cholera."

For more on what World Vision is doing in the area, click here.

So Now It's Freedom of Religion?

"Has the Administration changed its tune? Does it now appreciate the difference between freedom of worship and freedom of religion?"

Click herer for more on Chuck Colson's commentary.

Haiti quake a ‘game changer’ for corporate philanthropy

"As Haiti marks nearly eight months since its devastating earthquake and Chile sees the six-month mark since its own destructive quake, international aid agency World Vision has seen a notable increase in both corporate donations and level of involvement and interest in disaster relief from companies in a broad range of industries."

Click here for more on the changes.

Five Easy Ways to Save Water and Money

"Going green doesn't mean going without - it just means being smarter about how we use what we have. Here are five small tricks to help you save big bucks and lots of water."


To learn more, click here.

Save the Children Provides Critical Health Services to Vulnerable Mothers and Children

"As the devastating floods in Pakistan continue to cause misery for millions of families, Save the Children reports that tens of thousands of newborn babies and their mothers could be in serious danger."

For more on Save the Children's efforts,click here.

Eat like a cave man: Paleo diet is the latest trend which encourages prehistoric eating

"Our Stone Age ancestors lived in an uncomfortable world, spending their 30-year life spans hunting and gathering without air conditioning or heat. But some say the cave men ate better than we do.

That's the premise behind the Paleo diet, a health and weight-loss trend that encourages people to eat modern-day versions of Paleolithic food."

Click here for more on this dietary trend.

Pray and Act - a movement gearing up this fall

"Pray and Act is a movement calling Christians to spend extensive time in prayer for our culture. It includes a call for Christians to stand up and take action, especially as the political season heats up.

You can visit the Pray and Act website for more information and view a video message from Chuck Colson on the Pray and Act initiative here at Colson Center."


Click here for more on the Pray and Act movement.

Save the Children Opens Child-Friendly Spaces to Give Thousands of Children in Pakistan A Place to Play, Recover and Learn

"Thousands of children affected by historic flooding in Pakistan are receiving support to reinforce their ability to cope with disaster and protection from abuse and exploitation.

Save the Children has established 10 child-friendly spaces in Muzafargarh and four in Swat. Three mobile child-friendly spaces are also providing activities for children in DG Khan, Muzafargarh and Rajanpur."

Click here for more on these kid-friendly spaces.

Religious leaders to congress: ‘Don’t tamper with our rights’

"Leaders from more than 100 religious organizations are urging Congress against tampering with the freedom of religion, contending that pending legislation would deny religious charities receiving federal grants their fundamental right to hire people who share their faith."

Click here for more on the position of these leaders.

Summer for Marriage Tour: Civility in the Face of Hostility

"In the debate over same-sex marriage, why is the side demanding tolerance so radically intolerant? And how should we respond to intolerance?"

For more of Chuck Colson's commentary, click here.

New microbe discovered eating oil spill in Gulf

"A newly discovered type of oil-eating microbe is suddenly flourishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

And the microbe works without significantly depleting oxygen in the water, researchers led by Terry Hazen at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley reported Tuesday in the online journal Sciencexpress."

Click here for more on this new discovery.

Mentoring programs offer minorities a chance to grow

"Small-business owner Patricia Watts recently graduated from a two-year mentorship program for minority-owned companies.

But Watts, who is chief executive of FCI Management Consultants in Long Beach, didn't get just know-how out of the program. She also scored a job for her energy services company from one of the corporate mentors, sports and entertainment giant AEG."

Click here for more on how these programs make a difference to small companies.

Chalmette area is no stranger to broken hearts

"Get to know a little bit about Chalmette, an unincorporated municipal area and seat of government for St. Bernard Parish, bounded roughly by Florida Avenue on the north, the Mississippi River on south, the Murphy Oil Refinery on the east and Jean Lafitte Parkway on the west."

Click here for more on this amazingly resilient community.

Eggsploitation: Women as Commodities

"More women are donating their eggs to infertile couples and for embryonic stem cell research. One new documentary shows why that may be a very bad idea."

To read the rest of Chuck Colson's commentary, click here.

Top federal parks chief promises to help St. Louis Arch project

"A top federal official on Friday viewed the rival plans for reshaping the Arch grounds and declared the project 'one of our highest priorities,' despite the recession's pressure on government budgets."

For more on the plans to enhance the Midwest icon, click here.

Greening gets down and dirty: Farming technique tried in city schoolyard to control polluted runoff

"To be truly green, you have to get down and dirty, it seems. As Baltimore officials begin to tackle the polluted runoff fouling the harbor and the Chesapeake Bay, they are turning to a technique long used by farmers."

Click here for more on an old technique that's working in today's world.

If wary of heartburn meds, some natural remedies may work

"Can you fight acid reflux without heavy-duty medications? Here are some possibilities."


For more on how you may be able to reduce or avoid some heartburn medications, click here.

For Gulf tourism, problem is perception — not oil

"On the great yawning porch that once belonged to Confederate president Jefferson Davis, two women sit in rockers listening to the cicadas and looking out over Mississippi Sound as they wait for their tour to begin."

Click here to read more about what's happening on the Gulf coast.

Tai chi appears to help fibromyalgia patients

"For fibromyalgia sufferers who disdain the sterile smell of gyms, a study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine offers another option to deal with the constant pain and fatigue: the ancient Chinese martial art of tai chi."

Families burdened with back-to-school shopping: Five tips to cut costs

"According to new research released by the National School Supply and Equipment Association, over 30 percent of teachers spent less on both school supplies and instructional materials in the 2009-2010 school year than the previous year. Teachers and schools alike can no longer afford to purchase classroom necessities that will give children the equal opportunity to learn. Budgets are tightening at every level, increasing the burden on low-income families to provide the essentials for their children, such as pens, pencils, binders and even reams of paper for use in school printers."

Click here for five tips to cut back-to-school costs.

Transitioning from heartthrob to actor

"This summer, Zac Efron, Chace Crawford, and the thinking girl’s crush, Michael Cera, are making tentative steps to trade in their boyish personas and show audiences they can tackle different types of characters and more complex material."

Can the heartthrobs go big time? To see some role models who made the leap, click here.

New Orleans Staycation serves up delights that were unimaginable after Hurricane Katrina

"The last time The Times-Picayune ran a story about playing tourist in our hometown was in July 2005. At that time, then-travel editor Millie Ball wrote: 'You know what? Most of us who live in New Orleans don't take advantage of what's here.'

A month later, what was here was devastation."

Click here for the update on what's happening in New Orleans.

The Real Meaning of the ADA: Sanctity of Life

"Twenty years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. For at least one person who attended the signing, that Act was something much greater than just one more law coming out of D.C. It was a demonstration of what Christian worldview can look like in practice."

Click here for more on the importance of the ADA.

Painter worked on both landmark bridges

"There can't be many Californians like Harry Fogle. He is one of a handful of men who worked on the construction of both the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge."

Read more about this fascinating man. Just click here.

Who Is Being Irrational? Prop 8 and Judicial Overreach

"Is there a rational basis for prohibiting same-sex marriage? Yes, Judge Walker’s opinion notwithstanding.

In his ruling overturning California’s Proposition 8, Judge Vaughn Walker wrote that the amendment failed the legal test that is a rational 'rational basis' for limiting marriage to heterosexual couples."


Click here for more of Chuck Colson's commentary.

How to Donate Extra School Supplies and Make a Difference in a Child's Life

"Back-to-school means a frenzy of collecting supplies and getting ready. Thrifty shoppers try to get the best deal possible on the items their children need for school. Sometimes that means buying a bulk package of needed materials and perhaps ending up with more than you need."


For more on how you can help, click here.

Help Schools in Need with Elmer's and Walmart

Here's your chance to help a school in need!

ELMER’S VIRTUAL BAG IT FORWARD RULES
Copy and paste these rules into your blog post or Facebook note.
Create a post giving a “virtual bag of school supplies” to other bloggers or write about your Back to School shopping trip at Walmart.
Link back to the person who gave you a bag of school supplies.
Let each person you are giving a virtual bag of school supplies know you have given them a bag.
Leave your link in the Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward comment section. You can also find the official rules of this virtual #bagitforward program there.
Elmer’s is donating $10 for each blog participating in the Virtual Bag It Forward Donation to Adopt-A-Classroom (up to total of $10,000 for blog posts written by August 12, 2010).
Please note that only one blog post per blog url will count towards the donation.

Click here for Elmer's Virtual Bag It Forward program.

We Can Still Win This Thing: The Court and Public Opinion

"A federal judge gave a real body blow to traditional marriage. But folks, this fight is far from over."

Click here for the rest of Chuck Colson's commentary.

The Great Hang Up - Television Station Promotes Hands-On Driving

"Sacramento television station News 10 makes a request of those who use cell phones to talk or text while driving: Please Hang Up! 'The Great Hang Up' campaign seeks to save lives by promoting full attention to the task of driving."

For more on this life-saving movement, click here.

Judging Marriage: Proposition 8 Struck Down

"Yesterday, federal district court Judge Vaughn Walker, a Reagan appointee, overturned California’s Proposition 8, which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

While the immediate impact is limited to the state of California, the consequences of this egregious bit of judicial overreach threatens to be nationwide."

Click here for more of Chuck Colson's commentary.

Praying for My Country

"We've all sung the words to 'America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee).' Sometimes it doesn't feel as though freedom is ringing from every mountainside anymore. So here is an updated version for today's world.

'My country, ‘tis for thee
Now on my bended knee,
For thee I pray.
Come back to freedom’s start-
Faith at your deepest heart.
May God His strength impart
To thee, I pray.'"

Click here for the rest of the updated song.

Adult stem cell studies abound for heart, diabetes, MS; far ahead of embryonic research

"A few months ago, Dr. Thomas Einhorn was treating a patient with a broken ankle that wouldn't heal, even with multiple surgeries. So he sought help from the man's own body.

Einhorn drew bone marrow from the man's pelvic bone with a needle, condensed it to about four teaspoons of rich red liquid, and injected that into his ankle."

Click here for more on these promising findings.

Familiar TV stars once again will be streaming into dens in new fall series

"The Summer TV Tour has begun, and I'm in Hollywood blogging, Tweeting and occasionally typing whole newspaper columns about the 100-plus interview sessions that will fill the next several days as critics from around the country gather to learn what the broadcast and cable networks have planned for fall."

Click here for more on Dave Walker's look at the upcoming TV season.

Better than a Hallelujah: An Interview with Amy Grant

"I was able to steal away a few minutes of Amy Grant’s busy schedule to ask about her new song, 'Better than a Hallelujah.'

As with any interview, I did plenty of preparation and research about her music and her life. But I was surprised that she began by asking me about the song, as it relates to my personal experience with suffering."

To read the interview, click here.

Amazing Voice: 7-Year-Old Gospel Singer Belts Whitney And Celine Songs

"We hope Jennifer Aniston doesn't get jealous, but there's a new, younger woman in Gerard Butler's life, and she can sing, too.

Earlier this month, Rhema Marvanne, a 7-year-old gospel singer from Carrollton, Texas, taped a scene in Butler's new film Machine Gun Preacher. In the movie Butler plays a drug dealer-turned-crusader on a mission to save kids."

Click here for more on this amazing little girl.

Signature in the Cell: Information and Intelligence

"In recent years, there have been several important books about intelligent design that go to the debate about evolution and the origins of life. Bill Dembski’s The Design Inference was first. Then along came Darwin’s Black Box by Michael Behe, showing the irreducible complexity of the cell, which casts grave doubts on Darwinian evolution as an explanation for life and higher life forms."

For more of Chuck Colson's commentary, click here.

From Seedlings to Servings: 11-Year-Old Grows Tons of Veggies for the Homeless

"When third-grader Katie Stagliano inadvertently grew a 40-pound cabbage in her back yard, she decided to donate it to a local soup kitchen — feeding 275 homeless people in the process. Three years later, the inspired 11-year-old has grown more than 4,000 pounds of veggies for the needy."

To read more about this remarkable young lady, click here.

Door County, Wisconsin: Lighthouses, Cherries and More

"With its abundance of cherries and lighthouses and fish boils, Door County, Wis., is a veritable treasure trove for vacationers.

Home to 10 historic lighthouses, five state parks, 30-plus islands and more than 300 miles of shoreline, Door County is a 75-mile-long peninsula that offers something for just about everyone, from outdoor sports and cultural events to shopping and fine dining."

Click here to read more about this amazing getaway destination.

Secret sharers: How Leonard Nimoy photographed people's hidden identities

"Revealing your most personal dreams and hidden wounds can be scary, even with a loved one. Imagine revealing them to Leonard Nimoy."

To read more about Nimoy's photographic journey, click here.

Hospice patient savors chance to cook four-course meal

"Scott Crane weighed only 70 pounds last November because of complications from a rare form of muscular dystrophy. But what really bothered him was that he had lost his greatest passion — his appetite.

So when a hospice social worker asked the young man how she could help him — he'd already ruled out music therapy and a visit from the rabbi — he responded, weakly, 'Food therapy?'"

Click here for more on Scott's story.

'Tools for Better Hearing on your Cell Phone and in the Workplace'

"Brad Dodson, National Sales and Training Manager of ClearSounds Communications Inc., will lead a free webinar on behalf of the Hearing Loss Association of America. The session is scheduled for August 19, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. EDT.

Use the link on the HLAA website on August 19 to join the session."

Click here for more information on the upcoming free webinar.

'Oil-spill ambassadors' may offer clues for future rescues

"Not long ago, five American white pelicans were 'sitting ducks.'

Now they have become 'ambassadors of the oil spill,' said Tim Snyder, bird and reptile curator for Illinois' Brookfield Zoo."


For more on these feathered representatives, click here.

Warfare Rule #1: Knowing and Naming the Enemy

"Every general knows that the first rule of warfare is, 'Know your enemy.' And knowing your enemy demands that you name your enemy."

Click here for more on Chuck Colson's commentary.

Texas teen raises $1 million for hospital

"Ben Sater had vowed that before he went off to college, he would raise $1 million for the Dallas children's hospital where he had received free treatments as a child.

After eight years' worth of fundraising golf tournaments for kids, the soon-to-be Austin College freshman has reached the goal, with nearly $19,000 to spare."


To learn more about this terrific teen, click here.

Flu shot in the mail? Microneedles may make that possible, or just buy it at a drug store

"One day your annual flu shot could come in the mail.

At least that's the hope of researchers developing a new method of vaccine delivery that people could even use at home: a patch with microneedles."


Click here to read how this new development may make flu shots quick, convenient and painless in the near future.

Making it OK to sleep late

"The revolution at the Bethesda Home and Retirement Center began with sleeping in.

Letting people sleep late may not sound subversive. But in the traditional world of nursing homes, which for decades have been run like highly regimented mini-hospitals, it is a radical change."

For more on this revolution in long-term care, click here.

Wedding Thoughts

"June 21. It hardly seems possible. It has been nearly 39 years since I met the beautiful woman who would become my wife.

We were both 'juniors' at the time: I, a third year college student; Joanne, a third year high school student. But by the time that I realized I was dating a 16-year old—a 'cradle-robber,' my college buddies would call me—I was hopelessly smitten. We were married two years later, at the tender ages of 22 and 18. This past week we celebrated our anniversary."

Click here for more of Regis Nicoll's celebration and sharing.

Experts work to excavate 32-foot-long ship hull found buried at World Trade Center site

"Workers at the World Trade Center site are excavating a 32-foot-long ship hull that apparently was used in the 18th century as part of the fill that extended lower Manhattan into the Hudson River.

It's hoped the artifact can be retrieved by the end of the day on Thursday, said archaeologist Molly McDonald. A boat specialist was going to the site to take a look at it."

Click here for more on this find.

IL Governor signs deal to ship millions of pounds of Asian carp to China

"Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn hoped to spark a modern-day gold rush for fishermen on the Illinois River by signing an agreement Tuesday to ship as much as 30 million pounds of Asian carp a year to China, where the fish are a delicacy."

Click here for the rest of the story.

Black Friday at the Breakfast Table: DOMA on the Ropes

"Last Friday morning at the breakfast table, I picked up the New York Times--and lost my appetite.

There it was, a front-page headline on the New York Times: 'Judge Topples U. S. Rejection of Gay Unions.' In Boston, Federal Judge Joseph Tauro had ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, 'plainly encroaches' on the right of the state like Massachusetts to define marriage and ensure its benefits."

For the rest of Chuck Colson's commentary, click here.

Book Trends: Christ Among the Dragons

"If evangelical Christians have trumpeted anything throughout history, it has been truth.

Through the heresy-addressing gatherings of the great councils during the patristic era, the ad fontes (back to the sources) cry of the Reformation, the bold proclamation of the gospel during the great awakenings or the gauntlet of revelation thrown down before modernism, truth has been our bulwark."

Click here for more on James Emery Whit's book.

Federal official says Gulf oil leak could be contained Monday using new, tighter-fitting cap

"The BP oil leak could be completely contained as early as Monday if a new, tighter cap can be fitted over the blown-out well, the government official in charge of the crisis said Friday in some of the most encouraging news to come out of the Gulf in the 2½ months since the disaster struck."

Click here for more on this promising development.

US Ironman champion Chris Lieto partners with World Vision to race for a greater cause

"Chris Lieto is the fastest American Ironman and a true icon in the world of tri-athletes. Most recently, Chris won the Kansas and Buffalo Springs 70.3 races.

This year, Chris Lieto has his eyes set on first place at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, but he is racing for more than himself. Through his program More Than Sport, powered by World Vision, Lieto challenges fellow athletes and fans to be ambassadors of positive change in the lives of children in need around the world through child sponsorship."

To read more about Lieto's challenge, click here.