tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29708583619709318712024-03-12T19:46:17.083-05:00FamilyLeadership => Success!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-19166990722752422842019-06-28T15:35:00.003-05:002019-06-28T15:35:30.641-05:00Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-38100240024208647012016-07-25T09:09:00.000-05:002021-01-31T13:14:22.104-06:00For the Love of Reading, and All Things HolyI used to think that cruises were the ultimate vacation. Cruising has lost its appeal.<br />
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Those of us who "get it" know that giving is the greatest high. For God so loved the world that He gave...<br />
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I joined a great team of people to take books to schools in Costa Rica. Here are the highlights of my journey:<br />
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We did not stay at a luxury resort where the goal of the day was how drunk you can get. We stayed in a charming <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g309224-d1027556-Reviews-1915_Hotel-Alajuela_Province_of_Alajuela.html">hotel in Alajuela,</a> with hospitable and kind people. We saw urban landscape with shoe stores, dental clinics, sodas (cafes), auto repairs, and tiny farms, ALL IN THE SAME BLOCK!<br />
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With iron fence and razor wire on the outside of these buildings (some entwined with flowers to soften the harsh reality), the inside contains the real charm and beauty.<br />
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Costa Rica is a very Catholic country. We saw cathedrals (accidentally crashed a wedding - oops) including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Our_Lady_of_the_Angels,_Cartago">Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels</a> which, like all of them, don't have padded seats or padded kneelers. Half the population of the country makes the pilgrimage to this Basilica each year, by foot, by horseback, whatever, to honor<a href="http://www.thecatholictravelguide.com/LaNegritaCartagoCostaRica.html"> "La Negrita,"</a> the black Virgin Mary, Patron Saint of Costa Rica. Thee pilgrims walk down the aisle to the altar <i>on their knees</i> to unite with the agony of Jesus.<br />
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Some of the Cathedrals we visited:<br />
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I did not get an opportunity to attend Mass, because I had to stay with the group. However, I was able to pray at each Cathedral, light a candle at some, and marvel in architecture and beauty.<br />
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The Costa Rican people were so kind, and the food - wow! Each morning, the smiling waitress would put a plate in front of you: pineapple, banana, and watermelon. I have tasted pineapple, and it never tasted like this! Fresh, fresh, fresh!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">This is the view at breakfast. Please note the open air. No screens or glass. Just open air. </span></td></tr>
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I'm pretty sure that the fresh air and fresh fruit are the fountain of youth. We saw 80-something year old people doing the merengue in the park!<br />
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The coffee was amazing. Just. Amazing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">We worked in the warehouse gathering books to take to the schools. Six schools got books; one got dental supplies.</span></td></tr>
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The books were mostly Spanish, with some easy-English books. <br />
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And the best part.... sharing the books with students! </div>
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These kids were so excited about the books! They thought we were rock stars! They asked for our autograph. They wanted to practice their English with us. They start learning English in the lower grades. They know that they will greatly improve their economic situation if they can learn English, so they are very motivated. <br />
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If you want to share your love of reading with Costa Rican children (oh, and see breath taking nature such as La Paz waterfall, Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Plantation, and experience a home visit with locals) please consider partnering with with Give-A-Book.<br />
<br />
If you're not able to travel, you can donate money so that others can travel. You or your organization can "adopt" a school library for $800.<br />
<br />
This is a perfect project/mission trip for teachers, librarians, and those who love reading (to see children so excited about books!), for nature lovers (Waterfalls, nature preserves, volcanoes, oh and did I mention we saw a sloth? How often do you see a sloth?)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnpS0o3Oh2C3zaSxtAW1EdmkgiHNxWZxDVTP19MAsU0D0S8UldR-89MQvyTdfKxFrp39z0aGkrbkRHkrGazmvx7rmoSts_q16pZYcvGLIuZehn_ZfY-MIyhJeYGcJEio5Fo3UIth8aXTX/s1600/Cost+Rica+2016+298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnpS0o3Oh2C3zaSxtAW1EdmkgiHNxWZxDVTP19MAsU0D0S8UldR-89MQvyTdfKxFrp39z0aGkrbkRHkrGazmvx7rmoSts_q16pZYcvGLIuZehn_ZfY-MIyhJeYGcJEio5Fo3UIth8aXTX/s320/Cost+Rica+2016+298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<a href="http://dokaestate.com/">coffee lovers, </a>people lovers, foodies, or those who just want to make a difference in the world, by opening up the world to children via donated books!<br />
<br />
<br />
For more information, contact Carl Dickerson (who has run this ministry for 20+ years)<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">carldickerson55@gmail.com or </span></span>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GiveABookToChildren/?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/GiveABookToChildren/?fref=ts</a><br />
<br />
Thanks and God bless you as you seek God's purpose for your life.<br />
<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-89493212407066761062015-12-15T06:36:00.001-06:002015-12-15T06:37:25.510-06:00Discernment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRxyQf8bg_YAR1qWZ6P8hSDcZ1jNh42vrISEq_vPSl2kDs5l43ev-DJFaJqjrtN4opHsewbIfvf-knz-R6hzyhc6Zrq_vfgxuPDG3DVwDZpwAKciIHlKs61OOD8NdOJZjolH9dVYvWIr0/s1600/crying+santa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRxyQf8bg_YAR1qWZ6P8hSDcZ1jNh42vrISEq_vPSl2kDs5l43ev-DJFaJqjrtN4opHsewbIfvf-knz-R6hzyhc6Zrq_vfgxuPDG3DVwDZpwAKciIHlKs61OOD8NdOJZjolH9dVYvWIr0/s320/crying+santa.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We are commanded to love others. We are not commanded to like them, to enjoy spending time with them, to want to sit on their lap, to tell them our deepest desires.<br />
<br />
It's ok, Honey. I get it. Clowns are creepy, too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-90642119687378139712015-11-16T17:02:00.000-06:002015-11-22T16:36:00.285-06:00Compliments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWkbn_ZhxwQ3on_RTosi-CY7jWqPf6YauYe6QR_S4IudrUIH27Vc6ArhJqauLLN7DELwDf-59KPbIFqUU3G_kwNGl0vLfZXE_ofZJjwxjrdr5elfR9hCyEDM3ho2hbUeRMLPC6ocI29Uk/s1600/perfume.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWkbn_ZhxwQ3on_RTosi-CY7jWqPf6YauYe6QR_S4IudrUIH27Vc6ArhJqauLLN7DELwDf-59KPbIFqUU3G_kwNGl0vLfZXE_ofZJjwxjrdr5elfR9hCyEDM3ho2hbUeRMLPC6ocI29Uk/s200/perfume.JPG" width="147" /></a></div>
Compliments, like perfume, are meant to be inhaled, not swallowed. However, false modesty can prevent us from receiving compliments properly.<br />
<br />
Do not deny the merit.<br />
<br />
"That was a really great somersault, DW!"<br />
Wrong:<br />
"Oh, no! It was terrible! Yours are MUCH better!"<br />
Right:<br />
"Thank you, Emily! I appreciate your coaching."<br />
<br />
"You were awesome help at our event tonight, Arthur."<br />
Wrong:<br />
Awwww, you're way too kind.<br />
Right:<br />
Thanks, I'm happy to help.<br />
<br />
Make the giver of the compliment, just as the giver of a gift, feel comfortable.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-90858923340839691422015-10-23T20:06:00.002-05:002015-10-23T20:07:15.015-05:00The End of the Parade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eJ2y7pd4_ssK5TEDuvT2fVZRgA9NhyphenhyphenIQkIwzqXKXNxr9AVNjn7Ai4-bJ6rhe4wMizsJjFa_j68M8J-Swr44CHO9gzySHSPaOappBR1xVlKpsisFUfrO7QduczvHW9wwv6wwlDEzjNPcg/s1600/broom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eJ2y7pd4_ssK5TEDuvT2fVZRgA9NhyphenhyphenIQkIwzqXKXNxr9AVNjn7Ai4-bJ6rhe4wMizsJjFa_j68M8J-Swr44CHO9gzySHSPaOappBR1xVlKpsisFUfrO7QduczvHW9wwv6wwlDEzjNPcg/s200/broom.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
At the end of the parade, you get those who are dedicated to doing their job. They don't get the accolades that the Grand Marshal gets. You don't read his name or see his photo in the paper. He just does his job.<br />
<br />
More of us are street sweepers than Grand Marshals.<br />
<br />
Most of us just quietly do our job without recognition.<br />
<br />
I want you to do two things:<br />
1. Keep doing your job with excellence, because the excellent God we serve sees what you're doing and, more importantly, knows your heart.<br />
2. When you see a "street sweeper," make it a point to say words of appreciation.<br />
<br />
You could change a life.<br />
<br />
Or an eternity.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-5694176896132812682015-10-21T18:47:00.000-05:002015-10-21T18:47:06.634-05:00Ripples in the Pond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lU0wzwh0XrWn4LgKF73inwyVK4fX6Hxiw0fPZwFYAzeVrCemrvvAQFAitOfUocjExkB85rtO_GuF9ta3S3Ix9wi3df66EGTdyIz2B801tRf_QkagqAXA3rreFrqIIwaAYtaETXKi3NrO/s1600/ripple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lU0wzwh0XrWn4LgKF73inwyVK4fX6Hxiw0fPZwFYAzeVrCemrvvAQFAitOfUocjExkB85rtO_GuF9ta3S3Ix9wi3df66EGTdyIz2B801tRf_QkagqAXA3rreFrqIIwaAYtaETXKi3NrO/s200/ripple.JPG" width="156" /></a></div>
For every person to whom you are kind, there are hundreds of others in succession that your kindness will affect.<br />
<br />
Like ripples in the pond, when you are kind to one, you are kind to hundreds. Every word, every deed is multiplied.<br />
<br />
Joyce Meyer said (paraphrasing) as many people as you can help, that's exactly how many you can hurt.<br />
<br />
Choose wisely. Choose well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-87190361237085397022015-10-07T18:16:00.000-05:002015-10-07T18:16:11.543-05:00I Can't Make You Happy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwH5Gn_afYcugBadp4wBQKnix9EDqNWglju_hEiI8KovKVnZBJNeHPk4etnrq6Mug7BbUKTqcUus99C7g-2gGGdUH4eCTajkKLcGd0b5Xso8-lE4yojDSP0p1fjYOUeQb2MPFmAax1dlxq/s1600/happy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwH5Gn_afYcugBadp4wBQKnix9EDqNWglju_hEiI8KovKVnZBJNeHPk4etnrq6Mug7BbUKTqcUus99C7g-2gGGdUH4eCTajkKLcGd0b5Xso8-lE4yojDSP0p1fjYOUeQb2MPFmAax1dlxq/s320/happy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Some people are determined to be miserable no matter what.<br />
<br />
You can't make them happy.<br />
<br />
I can't make them happy.<br />
<br />
It's not my job to make them happy.<br />
<br />
As soon as I succeed in "making them happy," they'll find something else about which to be miserable.<br />
<br />
Because the problem isn't with me.<br />
<br />
It's with them.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-53551985760965127952015-10-01T20:15:00.002-05:002015-10-01T20:16:20.828-05:00Living In The Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wIwoIbSSdwa6DM3Rq-NxooTimMnX4Oh0pPpTXwiO4J1TUUNmW8pIa4p_sLUZVos3lZbUGd3CYSJPtS9p6iTXlEffhG-cUg_5Vl_1rXfkRlsqQj3X2P2HwPx0hZ78cCvGSSn3oOHYSX8n/s1600/sand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wIwoIbSSdwa6DM3Rq-NxooTimMnX4Oh0pPpTXwiO4J1TUUNmW8pIa4p_sLUZVos3lZbUGd3CYSJPtS9p6iTXlEffhG-cUg_5Vl_1rXfkRlsqQj3X2P2HwPx0hZ78cCvGSSn3oOHYSX8n/s320/sand.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">You spend all afternoon building something that you know is not going to be there tomorrow.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">What's groovy about it is that it forces you to live in the moment. You have to appreciate what you have NOW.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">A groovy way to live - every moment.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">No one is guaranteed tomorrow.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-27144095827902835092015-09-07T15:03:00.003-05:002022-01-08T07:56:57.835-06:00The Middle Class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeK6rl09otVHubDzs0Aimn0oevhIJi7BQ1XrnbY5vfiW7aB2rq92yc88_l_QPtdLkjH3W0y9GdmXy-_hop3Bs5XxKDO53mH_9umoZwOLex-6kRSDgOqWSC36Opj_pjOFZsG0raap0r7wY/s1600/labor.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeK6rl09otVHubDzs0Aimn0oevhIJi7BQ1XrnbY5vfiW7aB2rq92yc88_l_QPtdLkjH3W0y9GdmXy-_hop3Bs5XxKDO53mH_9umoZwOLex-6kRSDgOqWSC36Opj_pjOFZsG0raap0r7wY/s1600/labor.jpg" /></a></div>
Unions built the middle class. Before unions, there were the business owners at the top, and the workers at the bottom. There was also child labor, dangerous working conditions, 7-day work weeks, slave wages.<br />
<br />
Yes, there is plenty of power grabbing, greed, and maybe even extortion in many unions, and I'm sorry. That doesn't mean that all union activity is always bad.<br />
<br />
Someone tell Walmart. Someone tell the Post Office.<br />
<br />
If all owners/managers were always good, there would be no need for unions. Because of the human condition, all owners & managers do not treat their employees charitably.<br />
<br />
Unions are a physical response to a spiritual problem. We can't change their heart, but maybe we can legislate or negotiate a contract whereby we are to be treated humanely. A sad substitute, but we can only fight with the weapons we have.<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-68445590848603977772015-09-03T10:41:00.000-05:002015-09-03T10:41:21.929-05:00When Beloved Toys Wear Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSmOPFG4odjDOp1qZz_XNtL4FTA4QgTsTrrJmos9PNS3g6i9gZPKdbqv70VUcfFR3gJvJvkFD-NJYZSs77egV8JJASahAfgT83uVeVTM6NDTT7XZDkhjGgB3vBI3CyY6cKRidivfB30Vn/s1600/pop+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSmOPFG4odjDOp1qZz_XNtL4FTA4QgTsTrrJmos9PNS3g6i9gZPKdbqv70VUcfFR3gJvJvkFD-NJYZSs77egV8JJASahAfgT83uVeVTM6NDTT7XZDkhjGgB3vBI3CyY6cKRidivfB30Vn/s1600/pop+up.jpg" /></a></div>
The babies in the nursery loved this toy so much, it wore out. "Mrs. Connie, why doesn't the chicken stay down?" "It's just too tired, Darling." <br />
<br />
I'm thinking of putting some ornaments on the church's angel tree at Christmas time. Surely someone has a 1984 vintage Pop Up Pets toy that their child has outgrown!<br />
<br />
How about a Magna Doodle? Preschoolers can draw without hurting anyone or anything. It's a great toy. Ours, sadly, is worn out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxQzdzz59fje7iBbi5H5UtvfWXqAhaSj3Glgn4w51uMZfSBn0m2rko__TZMuQgdSET7hORYvGc99yxuACedW9GidedG4lf9rHYWCra1MxMMpwnBwa4VNrxw-wZQyqzPmzgv_v5ZE4i6a7/s1600/magna.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxQzdzz59fje7iBbi5H5UtvfWXqAhaSj3Glgn4w51uMZfSBn0m2rko__TZMuQgdSET7hORYvGc99yxuACedW9GidedG4lf9rHYWCra1MxMMpwnBwa4VNrxw-wZQyqzPmzgv_v5ZE4i6a7/s200/magna.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I hate to ask for toys, when there are plenty, but the well loved ones wear out after a while, and others are just ignored. It occurs to me that if the toy industry really wanted to know what toddlers like to play with, they'd ask me. I've been there since 2006, and some of the toys the kids love were ten years old when I got there!<br />
<br />
I'm going to clean out the nursery and donate the toys that no one seems to love or play with. They deserve a better home.<br />
<br />
If we get more toys at Christmas, fine. If not, fine. As I said before, it's just stuff. I can sing and we can have a dance party if all we have is an empty room.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnA3ThOfuBRt70DtuMR4noTGl8Q-EfE-gIh1sCsIKRHtUPxQi5UjK5Wwl5W5iLYRm5f1CB42AuW4TqpQ8qEcoElvukpDyV_SeDLvFeq3vyo2ugSr3gweg-m0U1FFsArTIj6BBRP7Tcpoel/s1600/stuff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnA3ThOfuBRt70DtuMR4noTGl8Q-EfE-gIh1sCsIKRHtUPxQi5UjK5Wwl5W5iLYRm5f1CB42AuW4TqpQ8qEcoElvukpDyV_SeDLvFeq3vyo2ugSr3gweg-m0U1FFsArTIj6BBRP7Tcpoel/s320/stuff.JPG" width="320" /></a>Genesis 45:20: That's how I roll.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-67691151441704498692015-08-28T20:12:00.000-05:002015-08-30T17:15:20.283-05:00It's Your Money...JG Wentworth has a completely adorable tv commercial, with a memorable phone number: 877-CASH-NOW,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZbGw3A9Dg-Q/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZbGw3A9Dg-Q?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
However, what we <a href="http://consumerist.com/2015/08/28/10-things-we-learned-about-the-structured-settlement-purchase-industry/">now know </a>about the buyers of structured settlements is disturbing, at best.<br />
<br />
Many people who are mentally impaired from lead exposure, and receiving a settlement to pay for their ongoing medical needs, do not have the capacity to form a contract, but annuity buyers seem to be targeting them for as low as nine cents on the dollar!<br />
<br />
Is no one advocating for these people? Where is their family?<br />
<br />
Friends, we must take care of our families. We cannot let predators steal from those we love. If we do not defend the defenseless, we may find ourselves, one day, with no one to speak for us. Teach your children how to respect the elderly and infirm, by modeling the behavior yourself.<br />
<br />
The kids are watching. You're teaching them how to treat you when you are elderly, whether you mean to or not.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-30107889768627411502015-08-14T07:32:00.001-05:002015-08-14T07:34:12.621-05:00Those Surveys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTLTnG0ns1HX3hL_4rYdryFsc3gUfyPvVoor4KoVmCNeAeD-ZK4YrGvFrJqdDtYrcUNH9EK17pVdGuxMPLldohj6hUi8IPDeR-H9fCOecj24LXR5qo6sy6x1-XjIWorfS6q76dvceCLie/s1600/wiener.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTLTnG0ns1HX3hL_4rYdryFsc3gUfyPvVoor4KoVmCNeAeD-ZK4YrGvFrJqdDtYrcUNH9EK17pVdGuxMPLldohj6hUi8IPDeR-H9fCOecj24LXR5qo6sy6x1-XjIWorfS6q76dvceCLie/s1600/wiener.jpg" /></a></div>
$$$$$ CONGRATULATIONS $$$$$$$<br />
You have been selected to enter an online survey!<br />
You could win $1000 gift card!<br />
<br />
<br />
Wow. Does anyone besides me find anything wrong with this?<br />
<br />
They're clever; that's for sure. They get your attention with the $ and congratulatory note. Makes you think you've already won.<br />
<br />
You've been "selected." You're special! (Put this in the same category as "You deserve a break today...")<br />
<br />
You could enter the survey and NOT win. What happens then? Corporate now has data on thousands (hundreds of thousands, likely) of customers, their email and snail mail addresses, probably their phone number, where and when they shop, what they bought (via barcode - connected records) AND<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
AND<br />
<br />
It saves them from doing their job. Bonus! In the fine Tom Sawyer tradition, they get YOU, the shopper, to evaluate whether their cashiers are fast and friendly, so they don't have to come down to the sales floor and see for themselves.<br />
<br />
Wait, you thought it was about the cashiers?<br />
<br />
It was about the data all along.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-14678775072691806162015-08-13T20:34:00.001-05:002015-08-13T20:35:43.928-05:00Caller ID<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love caller ID. What a time saver!<br />
<br />
Do people not realize that my phone is for *my* convenience? I check caller ID before I answer the land line, because it's so spammified with robo callers and telemarketers.<br />
<br />
My real friends/families/business associates have my cell phone.<br />
<br />
Which also has caller ID.<br />
<br />
My tech guru (a/k/a my son from Turkey) told me in the late 1990s (yes, the 90s!!!) that caller ID could be faked. I think his exact words were, "do you want your mom to get a call from the White House?" so... there's that. But again, who would fake their ID if they were my friend, family, or business associate?<br />
<br />
If you want me, call my cell phone.<br />
<br />
Or text me.<br />
<br />
Or Facebook message.<br />
<br />
Or Twitter DM.<br />
<br />
Or email, if that works for you. Speaking of 1990s, I've had the same email address since 1995. Cool or pathetic - not sure which.<br />
<br />
I'm perfectly available, to people with legitimate reason to contact me.<br />
<br />
Unless I'm busy, in which case, I'll call you back.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-28240974316162909762015-08-07T07:32:00.000-05:002015-08-07T07:32:12.981-05:00Spiritual Laziness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPunYfBHlv43wFarD3ai0U7a7r3mBQtV3SUayTlSnY3jesmUHZNy4FuLSJTPYhI5u-i9TxE3JG37RPGu1OpflVbgRy2FbFzY7Qx1stoRANKZLrv2JejK1bJ_cN5NCGYoXsNk0vdH3Bhh3/s1600/sloth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPunYfBHlv43wFarD3ai0U7a7r3mBQtV3SUayTlSnY3jesmUHZNy4FuLSJTPYhI5u-i9TxE3JG37RPGu1OpflVbgRy2FbFzY7Qx1stoRANKZLrv2JejK1bJ_cN5NCGYoXsNk0vdH3Bhh3/s320/sloth.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
What makes people racist? I believe that it is spiritual laziness. I'm too lazy to get to know you as a person, so I'll just mentally lump you in with all the other people I don't know, who look like you.<br />
<br />
What makes them sexist? Same thing. I'm too lazy to get to know you as a person, so I'll just lump you in with all the other people I don't know who share your gender.<br />
<br />
Get the picture? What if we withheld judgment pending further consideration? What if we got to know someone as a precious child of the most high God, giving them the benefit of the doubt?<br />
<br />
That would change everything.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-31692163204047744472015-08-06T20:12:00.000-05:002015-08-06T20:12:54.522-05:00Premature Decorating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I saw this picture on Facebook, and I had to laugh, because, well, I just did.<br />
<br />
Stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby might be ok having Christmas crafting stuff out. If you make wreathes and sell them at a Christmas Craft Fair in November, you don't wait until Halloween to start making your inventory.<br />
<br />
Dollar General, though, what's your excuse? Too soon for that.<br />
<br />
Same with the Presidential debates on TV tonight. No way. The election isn't until November of NEXT YEAR! Why is everyone worrying about it now?<br />
<br />
Go away, people. Come back when it's time. It's not time yet.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-30390031258572679352015-08-05T18:28:00.000-05:002015-08-08T08:25:20.825-05:00The Hollywood Scandal So Shocking, You Almost Won't Believe It!<b>The Hollywood Scandal So Shocking, You Almost Won't Believe It!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpUl38yqyrWMi6fQVo78eX405tp9qyPHYSrISx1YcI1XitHhAGt7_EfP1dYOM5q7VAwFsfvrGiCaCUxd2u_NGOw7Z0JC4DrMebLoDQtUIb-5HYsROwsHi2E9AXuXWFA6hqjEBOv1xR5vu/s1600/hooks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpUl38yqyrWMi6fQVo78eX405tp9qyPHYSrISx1YcI1XitHhAGt7_EfP1dYOM5q7VAwFsfvrGiCaCUxd2u_NGOw7Z0JC4DrMebLoDQtUIb-5HYsROwsHi2E9AXuXWFA6hqjEBOv1xR5vu/s320/hooks.JPG" width="292" /></a></div>
That was the teaser on the cover of a McCall's magazine from 1959. As do today's tabloids, they shock you with a headline that makes you want to buy. Online, it's called clickbait.<br />
<br />
The inside, unfortunately, is usually a disappointment. You are expecting something earth shattering, and you're left thinking, "Is that all?"<br />
<br />
That is especially prone to happen when you read the magazine 50 years later.<br />
<br />
The 1959 shocker? Which Hollywood celebrities were getting a divorce.<br />
<br />
I hate that we, as a society, are so jaded now that divorce is no longer a scandal. Many things should be now, that aren't.<br />
<br />
What's really frightening is trying to imagine what the McCall's magazine (substitute) 50 years in the future will think is shocking.<br />
<br />
I don't think I want to know.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-79414635332448668772015-08-04T22:04:00.001-05:002022-01-08T08:04:02.341-06:00Discretion Is the Better Part of Valor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not saying what I think.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying what I think.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying what I think.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying what I think.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying what I think.<br />
<br />
It's ok to have a thought and keep it in your head.<br />
I'm growing. How do you like me so far?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-87310302555267314902015-07-31T12:06:00.003-05:002021-01-31T14:13:24.736-06:00Daddy's Knee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwdqRhyphenhyphenbBzBxHbadJjtNcEMFacASbSnWVtyoEeh1gJmFOEGzkBuWr7HPDfecT8YtLfbHX2e4Cnh4Zd00OJtMOsvwKJipqzWD2ebyLIaanNisVydl18DcIh-h6mLK7f4iZfC93RUWYBrot/s1600/FBL+Quincy.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwdqRhyphenhyphenbBzBxHbadJjtNcEMFacASbSnWVtyoEeh1gJmFOEGzkBuWr7HPDfecT8YtLfbHX2e4Cnh4Zd00OJtMOsvwKJipqzWD2ebyLIaanNisVydl18DcIh-h6mLK7f4iZfC93RUWYBrot/s320/FBL+Quincy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Daddy owned a bank. He's retired now, and other family members own it.<br />
<br />
But we learned things at Daddy's knee, that many kids did not learn.<br />
<br />
We learned to save money. We don't live beyond our means. My credit rating is stellar, thanks to Daddy.<br />
<br />
We learned that credit is a tool. Used properly, it can make a good thing better. Used improperly or recklessly, it can damage something beyond repair.<br />
<br />
We learned to respect businessmen. They hire people. They sign the front of paychecks, so that others can sign the back. Don't begrudge them a profit. They must have an incentive, or why not just close the shop? No poor person ever gave me a job.<br />
<br />
Taxing the 1% "more" is not the answer, since they'll just raise prices for everyone at the bottom. Don't listen to those who would cause divisiveness, and incite class warfare. They don't want to help you. They're only interested in making a name for themselves. They're using you.<br />
<br />Dad knows.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-16461870085924917132015-07-30T07:08:00.001-05:002021-01-31T14:12:20.074-06:00Bad Bosses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are certain things they don't tell you in a job interview.<br />
<br />
They never say "The environment is toxic, and you will die a little each day."<br />
They never say "Work really hard here, so that others can steal credit for your work."<br />
They never say "It's like working for the fire department: 90% boredom and 10% adrenaline."<br />
They never say "The boss drinks, and his mistakes will be blamed on you - even if you were 1000 miles away at the time."<br />
They never say "The great boss that hires you will soon be replaced by a micromanaging clueless, prideful, unrepentant man who breaks the laws of God and man with equal narcissism."<br />
<br />
If they told you these things, who would work there? Yet, here you are, eager and anxious to apply for a job. Then you get in, and 3 months later, when the bloom is clearly off the rose, you want out. Except where would you go? Out of the frying pan and into the fire? You need the money. So you stay, while planning your exit strategy, thankful that you are able to look for a different job scrolling on your cellphone, without leaving an electronic history on your work computer.<br />
<br />
It helps, I think, to view it as a mission trip. You can't just leave, say, Jamaica, as soon as it gets hard or uncomfortable. You can only leave when the group leaves, at the end of the trip. So you force yourself to cope, to put on a smile, to be civil.<br />
<br />We're not made for ease and comfort, but for greatness and purpose. The universe has your back. When you learn to be at peace in the uncomfortable place, then no matter where you are, you will be at peace.<br />
<br />
That's the lesson. The sooner you learn it, the sooner you can stop looking for something else, and let the "something else" come to you.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-47053477766572536652015-07-28T19:16:00.000-05:002015-07-30T18:17:18.826-05:00BaconMy sister posted a link of 10 top foods that cause cancer so stop eating them. Fine. Probably a good way to lose weight since everything I eat was on the list.<br />
<br />
Then I got to bacon. Really? I'm supposed to stop eating bacon?<br />
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<br />
<br />
Who wants cancer? Who wants to die young?<br />
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<br />
Then I had to agree with my dad: everyone's gotta die from something.<br />
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If I die from bacon, I'll die happy, so it's ok. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-79122140700929471752015-07-27T20:12:00.001-05:002022-01-08T08:07:28.924-06:00Hungry Women<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We women are really good at beating ourselves up because we are used to being beaten up. If no one is doing the job of beating us up, we happily, as a martyr, do what no one else is doing: beating ourselves up.<br />
<br />
What?<br />
<br />
Yeah. I know, right?<br />
<br />
It's a really perverse cycle. We compete with each other instead of building each other up. We say snippy things that cut to the bone. Why? To make us feel superior? We say ugly things about other women to our "friends." Why? To make us feel superior?<br />
<br />
H'mmmm. Sounds like an ego problem.<br />
<br />
Someone has to break the cycle. Someone has to say "I am worthy and precious and you do not talk to me that way."<br />
<br />
Someone has to say "Hey, good luck in your job interview! I hope you get it!" "You look great! Have fun on your date!" "Here - borrow my jacket. It will look great with what you're wearing!"<br />
<br />
Nobody's doing that.<br />
<br />
You do that. Fill in the gap. Women are desperate to hear some little morsel of encouragement. <b>They are hungry</b> for the words that YOU can say.<br />
<br />
Don't let them starve. Open your mouth and speak so that others may live.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-17727383498641236702015-07-26T18:56:00.001-05:002022-01-08T08:08:29.117-06:00The Days of Dial-UpMy first word processing program was Multi Mate 5. My first modem was 24 baud in 1990. I've had the same aol email address since 1995, which is practically unheard of.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D1UY7eDRXrs" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
In 2000, I easily navigated Netscape and backed up data redundantly on iomega tapes.<br />
<br />
In 2 decades the entire world is different because of the change in the way we communicate.<br />
<br />
Like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printing_press">Gutenberg</a>. Did he know he was changing the world, by changing its communication? Are we being hopelessly old fashioned by supporting radio? Not really. People still have radios in their cars. Everyone can't afford satellite.<br />
<br />
But its days are probably waning. What will be the next big thing?<br />
<br />
Stay tuned. (Pun intended.)<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-42882343620590800272015-07-18T08:04:00.000-05:002015-07-18T08:04:52.598-05:00Do The Right Thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you are on the playground with your friends, and a classmate is being excluded from the game, how do you respond?<br />
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I asked that of my VBS class this week, and got all the predictable answers: go ask him to join us, tell the other kids that we should include him, leave the group and go find a game that the other student can play...<br />
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In reality, I still see lonely kids on the playground.<br />
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Oh but if I go against my friends, they won't be my friends any more.<br />
Oh but if I leave the group I'll miss out on this great game.<br />
Oh but my team needs me.<br />
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Oh but.<br />
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When you know the right thing to do, you cannot pretend that you do NOT know the right thing to do.<br />
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My daughter was in a car wreck 6+ months ago. Thank God & guardian angels she was not hurt. Yesterday, we were informed by the insurance company that since the trucker who changed lanes into her denies liability (denies the TRUTH) and there were "no" witnesses, they will not be able to pursue damages from the trucking company.<br />
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NO witnesses? A busy interstate in Birmingham Alabama & no one was on it in the middle of the day except my daughter and an inattentive trucker?<br />
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No one stopped. No one gave her a name & number and offered to be a witness on her behalf. Oh, but they were in a hurry. Oh but someone else will do it. Oh but I'll pray for them...<br />
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Oh BUT.<br />
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Really? Get rid of the OH BUTS and do the right thing. If you witness an accident, stop to give the wronged party your name & number. You don't have to stick around. Give it and go.<br />
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Do the right thing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-52542205594692183812015-07-16T20:24:00.001-05:002021-01-31T13:15:49.740-06:00Give a Dog a Bone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnfxhSb4TQ381EIktxCzDtJRe2upgba6NsV5_nRj0eaLI4JZ-isR83F3fz4ywv1k9gpKDwAjbFWqR0-nKLcPjrqbKb1MKj2NwybPhjPbCN4canPgDXYI_7n6zKBcUJdh4lSWhr-TMvuYJ/s1600/dog.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnfxhSb4TQ381EIktxCzDtJRe2upgba6NsV5_nRj0eaLI4JZ-isR83F3fz4ywv1k9gpKDwAjbFWqR0-nKLcPjrqbKb1MKj2NwybPhjPbCN4canPgDXYI_7n6zKBcUJdh4lSWhr-TMvuYJ/s1600/dog.JPG" /></a></div>
I love my dog. She's an old girl, but still takes pride in protecting us from errant squirrels and brown trucks. I give her a bone (a cookie) from time to time.<br />
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She would be loved and have everything she needs if I did not give her a bone.<br />
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But it makes me happy to make her happy.<br />
<br />Please toss me a bone, would ya? Thanks.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970858361970931871.post-89870240853008476492015-07-15T07:37:00.001-05:002021-01-31T14:10:28.030-06:00Whee vs Wow <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYhTFz_SGw0">video</a> being circulated now where a man asks random people if they'd rather have $1 or $150, and they choose the $1. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bYhTFz_SGw0" width="560"></iframe></div>
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No, no. I'm just kidding. What he offered them was the choice between a chocolate bar:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTGA_2Y6_4LDZh8RvRDnZKrDGdRtKDdfgVxE5GZEavZxwrCcqXAvg8pvWuWiytd6Ru-jgs_I-5VOisQkTmp_BVzgKPxyG2pKREQnmRcpDj5Psbl-Fa5G8ZswPvGMQtQRKvp3Vw1uWmRyQ/s1600/chocolate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTGA_2Y6_4LDZh8RvRDnZKrDGdRtKDdfgVxE5GZEavZxwrCcqXAvg8pvWuWiytd6Ru-jgs_I-5VOisQkTmp_BVzgKPxyG2pKREQnmRcpDj5Psbl-Fa5G8ZswPvGMQtQRKvp3Vw1uWmRyQ/s200/chocolate.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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and a 10 oz. silver bar:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpdKFuLznSvWpD-52fRCQeqD1Bpzv38mb2eL7qrmi4xILgLfxlR3ggBHNIPSWu3TM5nYqV1yWI1Xpen7xdKXUldU9qq12jTMwFsDL4qMIsNsgdXuaDXJTvBspnmAylwSdcooCsaX1HPYl/s1600/silver.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpdKFuLznSvWpD-52fRCQeqD1Bpzv38mb2eL7qrmi4xILgLfxlR3ggBHNIPSWu3TM5nYqV1yWI1Xpen7xdKXUldU9qq12jTMwFsDL4qMIsNsgdXuaDXJTvBspnmAylwSdcooCsaX1HPYl/s1600/silver.jpg" /></a></div>
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And they chose - you guessed it - the Hershey bar. The whee over the wow. </div>
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Oh dear.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0