Friday, January 9, 2009

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

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Shot of the Day January 9, 2008

 Sun Trying to Come Through the Thick Snow  Clouds

Thursday Jan. 8, 2009 News From Mary

Rise Above Unexpected Challenges

Life rarely turns out the way you’ve planned. An unexpected diagnosis, a sudden job layoff, a surprise relationship breakup, an accident – all kinds of challenges can come into your life at any time and blow your best plans apart. When that happens, you have a choice. You can allow your circumstances to bring you down and try to survive in a miserable state. Or, you can decide to rise above your challenges so you can thrive despite them.

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

Microsoft's Ballmer touts 'best version of Windows ever'

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer kicked off the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show on Wednesday with an impassioned endorsement of PCs and a sneak peek at the company's future Windows 7 operating system.

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

Security Council calls for cease-fire in Gaza

The U.N. Security Council late Thursday overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.


A photo provided by the Israel Defense Forces shows Israeli paratroopers in Gaza on Thursday.

Fourteen of the council's 15 members voted in favor of the resolution, with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice abstaining from the vote on behalf of the United States.

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

In Search of a Good Doctor

In response to my recent column on patients trusting doctors too much, several readers wrote in about the difficulty of finding or sifting through information on doctors and diseases. Many asked for suggestions, so a couple of weeks ago I contacted several nationally respected leaders in family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, oncology, surgery and anesthesia and asked them to share their advice on researching doctors and diseases.

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

So Much to Learn About the Oceans From Sand

As a young geophysicist in the 1980s, Rob Holman attended a conference in San Francisco that included a field trip to a beach. Dr. Holman, who grew up inland, in Ottawa, stared at the ocean, assessing the strengths and vectors of the waves and currents. But when he looked around, everyone else was studying the sand.

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

Good News for January 8 from Mary Beth

What is a "Good News Now" story? Different people might have different ideas about the answer.

To me, a good news story is one that gives a smile, an affirmation, a direction, a lift or a reminder of God's enduring love. I hope you'll agree that these stories fit the bill.


World Vision targets 50,000 people with emergency assistance


International humanitarian organization World Vision has launched an appeal for US $1 million to provide emergency assistance to 50,000 of the most affected people in Gaza.

Click here to read more on the effort.


Armed and Elderly: Japan's Unique Crime Problem


From electronics to entertainment, Japan is a trend setter. Let's hope its odd new crime wave is not. Click here for Chuck Colson's commentary on the situation and the possible implications for American society.


Outgoing President George W. Bush visits PA School

We've seen President Bush in classrooms before, and we saw him there again today, at the General Philip Kearny School in Philadelphia, celebrating the seventh anniversary of his signing of the No Child Left Behind Act. - on what is expected to be his second to last journey aboard Air Force One as president.

Read about his visit to the classroom here.



The results are in: Zagat comes to New Orleans, unveils latest survey


A case can be made that Tim and Nina Zagat are the most powerful people in the American restaurant business. The couple started the company behind those thin, maroon guides found all over any American city that boasts more than a handful of decent places to eat.

Check out the results of their survey here.



Some Mass. state lawmakers reject automatic raises

State lawmakers are lining up today to reject the 5.5 percent automatic pay raise that Governor Deval Patrick set in motion, saying that with local communities facing drastic budget cuts and families facing job losses, they could not pad their own pockets at taxpayer expense.

Can this be real? Click here to read the facts.


'Golden spike' high-rise urged at Sacramento railyard

Local exec Walter Horsting has long contended that Sacramento needs a giant "golden spike" landmark. Now he's touting a way to build it for free.

Click here to see his innovative plan.

Thursday, January 8, 2009 Posts from Margaret

Fresh Start for a New Year? Let’s Begin in the Kitchen

“PERHAPS, like me, you have this romantic notion of shopping daily — maybe even a mental vision of yourself making the rounds, wicker basket in hand, of your little Shropshire or Provençal or Tuscan village. The reality, of course, is that few of us provision our kitchens or cook exclusively with ultra-fresh ingredients, especially in winter, when there simply are no ultra-fresh ingredients.”

Click for this story…


The 15-Minute Tip: This year I resolve to ... profit

“How to make money from your -- and other's -- New Year's resolutions”

Click here for the rest of the story...


Motorola Announces Three New Phones (PC Magazine)

“Motorola on Tuesday announced three new phones, including the company's first phone made of recycled plastic, a ruggedized phone for AT&T, and a Web-optimized slab phone primarily for Asian markets.”

Click here for this story…


From Tears to Triumph

“I couldn’t pull myself away. The inscription, engraved on a gold plate, just below the image of two infants sleeping peacefully in an old-fashioned cradle, confirmed what I already knew — this was the memorial to honor my unborn children — the ones not with me because of abortion.”

Click here to read this story…


Girl raises money for troops

“A local (Amelia, OH) girl has raised more than $1,000 for care packages for troops by selling homemade jewelry at less than $3 each.”

Click here to read her story…

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Shot of the Day January 7, 2008


Beautiful Florida! 

By Flick Member Jim Vail Photography

Mary's Stories for Jan. 7, 2009

Trusting God When Money Seems Scarce

Money seems to be a common topic in many conversations in America today. Our economy is hurting and therefore many people are financially hurting as well.

As Christians we know that God is our source of security, not the economy. Nevertheless, many Christians have found that their finances have also been adversely affected as a byproduct of the negative economy. So how do we trust God in the midst of pay cuts, layoffs, rising bills, and declining home values in our own lives? How do we keep our faith strong in the midst of financial trouble? Here are a few ways God shows us in His Word to keep our faith strong.

Click here to read the rest of this story.

Tracing The Highs And Lows Of The Bush Presidency

Two weeks from now, President Bush will be former President Bush, and what was once his agenda will become his record. The president suggests that history will judge him better than the current assessment — given the troubled economy and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. So what will be his legacy? What will he be remembered for?

Click here to read the rest of this story.

Holiday shoppers stick to spending pledge

When it comes to holiday shopping, Americans traditionally have been great at saying they were going to cut back — but not so good at actually doing it.

This year appears to be an exception. Concerned about the recession, job losses and a steep drop in investment portfolios, many Americans shunned their usual shopping sprees, despite heavy discounting and promotions.

Click here to read the rest of this story.

Verizon picks Microsoft search over Google and Yahoo

Verizon Communications Inc has chosen Microsoft Corp to provide Internet search services for cell phones, in what is seen as a blow to rivals Google Inc and Yahoo Inc.

Click here to read the rest of this story.

LG unveils video phone for wrist

Announced last year, LG Electronics will show off the world’s first 3G cell phone watch, dubbed the GD910, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Click here to read the rest of this story.