Wolverine Conference Prep Football 9/15/06 Picks

WOW....... What a week we had in Wolverine Conference Football.This week I was4-1 with my only missed game being the Plainwell vs Vicksburg.We only have two undefeated teams left Comstock (4-0) and Dowagiac (4-0).These two teams sqaure off at Comstock High School this Friday @ 7p.m.I will give you my prediction now with Comstock Colts pulling off a "VICTORY" in a close scoring game.Those are my predictions and you can take it for what it's worth....LOL As always I will leave the final scores for last Fridays game below with the Home Teams in Bold and Caps.Also I have included their records in ( ) We will see you again next week...... so stay tuned.

Allegan(1-3) 6 vs DOWAGIAC(4-0) 42

Comstock(4-0) 42 vs PAW PAW(2-2) 7

OTSEGO(0-4) 0 vs Soth Haven(2-2) 47

PLAINWELL(1-3) 32 vs Vicksburg(0-4) 29

RICHLAND GULL LAKE(3-1) 0 vs Three Rivers(3-1) 38

D - I - S - R - E - S - P - E - C - T

What is happening to our younger generation kids? Last Friday my wife and I attended the Comstock vs Paw Paw football game @ Paw Paw. Admission was $5.00 which is up in cost from years past. We payed our admission and took our seats in the visitor section next to a couple of senior citizens. The kick off came and went and all the students in the bleachers were standing. I thought that after the first "TOUCHDOWN" that the students would sit down so everyone could see. Well wrong I was in thinking such a thought. These kids stood up the entire time leaving the majority of the spectators viewing their rear-ends through-out the entire game. I politely asked the students if they would sit down so the rest of us could see the game action as did the senior citizens who were sitting next to us. These kid absolutely ingored anyone's and everyone's request and stood the entire game. They even went so far as to practically push spectators further down the bleachers to make room for other fellow students. I know a couple of us attempted to talk to the Comstock Athletic Director Fred Smith and explain the situation and he was just as "Disrespectful" as his students were. I guess that is were you can add "Attitude reflects Leadership".

My family decided that we were going to get the final word and we went and sat on the Home Teams side and watched the entire 2nd half of the game with a great group of Paw Paw fans. I give the Paw Paw fans "RESPECT" for accepting me as a Comstock Alumni to sit amongst them and cheer on my team with-out any rift/raft or ill feelings. My heart goes out to those two lovely senior citizens that stood their ground and sat amongst the "DISRESPECTFUL" students for the entire game. I know they probably didn't like it but, they were not going to give in.

After the game we stopped at Pizza Hut and once again encountered "Students" being so disrespectful to the staff and management team. They act like they are in their own little world and own and run anything and everything. I just don't understand why our younger generation feel the need to act the way they do. They park in handicapped parking, cut in line, destruct other peoples property.....ect..ect. I just don't understand. I feel it is vitally important for me to raise my son teaching him the morals of "RESPECT". How to address people with Yes Sir and Yes Ma'm, Please and Thank-you, your Welcome. How to hold the door for others, Thinking of others first. I feel that if I don't teach my son these types of things than myself as a parent have failed. I will have failed my son and society.

Greeting Cards Continued.......................

[Thanks to those who sent in YOUR idea for Greeting Cards that will never make the store's racks]

The sun is warm, the beach is beautiful,
The food delicious, the company charming.

See, I told you separate vacations this year would be fun!

~~~~

Happy birthday! You look great for your age.

Almost Lifelike!

~~~~

When we were together,
you always said you'd die for me.
Now that we've broken up,

I think it's time you kept your promise.

~~~~

We have been friends for a very long time . .

Let's say we stop?

~~~~

I'm so miserable without you

It's almost like you're here.

~~~~

Your friends and I wanted to do
something special for your birthday.

So we're having you put to sleep.

~~~~

Roses are red
Violets are pink
The perfume you're wearing . . .

Sure does stink

~~~~

For Our Anniversary.
I always dreamed, one day I'd meet my true soul mate

Then I finally gave up that stupid fantasy and reluctantly settled for you.

Rejected Greeting Card "Sayings"

When you care enough to send the very best. Or not. A Friend of mine forwarded
this odd collection of Cards that DIDN'T quite make it into production. Here
are just a few, but I'm wondering if some of YOU might try your hand at it
and send in your "rejected" messages.

*******************************

Looking back over the years
that we've been together,
I can't help but wonder...

"What in the world was I thinking?"

***********************************

My tire was thumping.
I thought it was flat
When I looked at the tire...

I noticed your cat.
Sorry!

***********************************

Heard your wife left you,
How upset you must be.
But don't fret about it...

She moved in with me.

************************************

Congratulations on your wedding day!

Too bad no one likes your husband.

*************************************

How could two people as beautiful as you

Have such an ugly baby?

**************************************

I've always wanted to have
someone to hold,
someone to love.
After having met you ..

I've changed my mind.

**************************************

As the days go by, I think of how lucky I am...

That you're not here to ruin it for me.

***************************************

Congratulations on your promotion.
Before you go...

Would you like to take this knife out of my back?

You'll probably need it again.

****************************************

Happy Birthday, Uncle Dad!

(Available only in Tennessee, Kentucky & West Virginia)

***************************************

These are for Real ! ! !

Well let me just say the reality just set in a couple a days ago when I actually had these tickets in hand. My wife and I are going to the Michigan vs Wisconsin game and the only thing stopping me is if the Lord takes me home to glory first. I just can't wait to step foot in THE BIG HOUSE AGAIN...... a place where 110,000+ people live on a given Saturday afternoon. And I have the keys two get in the door.......(two of them pictured up above.) This place is my Home away from Home ! ! So if your watching the game keep your eye out for me..... You can't miss the "BIG GUY" sitting 12 rows up in the endzone when the Wolverines score all them "TOUCHDOWNS" ! ! ! Can't you just feel the LOVE ! !

Thought For The Day ! ! !

"When you come to the place where GOD is all you have, you will find that GOD is
all you need."

But then this thought must be added: "GOD never will be all you need until GOD
is all you have."

We only need GOD on two occasions: When things aren't going well and when things
are going well.

- Tom Palmer

Wolverine Conference Prep Football 9/8/06 Picks

Vicksburg's Jordan Buckallew breaks away from Dowagiac's David Sayre left, and DeShaun Baylock to score in the first quarter. Vicksburg hosted Dowagiac in their home opener at their newly built stadium Friday.

Once again this week I was 5 for 5 with my High School Wolverine Football Prep Picks. I am excited to see that my alumni Comstock held on to make it 3 straight wins in a row. They still have alot of football left ahead of them for the remainder of the season. Dowagiac and Richland Gull Lake look to be contenders with Comstock for the Wolverine Conference Title. Stay Tuned...... I will post the scores below with the Home Teams in Caps.

Richland Gull Lake 35 vs SOUTH HAVEN 7

VICKSBURG 14 vs Dowagiac 36

Three Rivers 31 vs PLAINWELL 7

Allegan 21 vs COMSTOCK 34

PAW PAW 41 vs Otsego 13

We Remember 9/11 5th Anniversary

A flag of honor, a flag for reflection
It stands for us all uniting this nation.
It will keep in our minds this tragic day,
Memories of such heroic acts shall not go away.

As we look on this flag of cloth and thread,
A field of bright red for the blood that was shed.
Not just on this day of lasting memories,
But for lives that were given throught history.

Two towers of strength that rose up so high,
Reaching for dreams, they stretched to the sky.
They lay now in ruin at the hands of hate,
Great symbols of our nation have met this fate.

Out nation's military housed in a fortress of steel;
We're reminded this day that war is so real.
Hitting the heart of our power and might,
Rise up America, this terror we must fight!
Stars that shine on a field of bright blue,
Remind us of heroes with hearts so true.
An ordinary day, it had started out to be,
Soon their lives would be given for you and me.

A circle is drawn to stand for our nation's unity,
A nation coming together through such tragedy.
A reminder is given for all of America to see,
That our freedom is never really free.

"God Bless America" is written in white,
Make this your prayer each and every night.
God is always with us, He knows our needs
Bring America back to God, should be our decree.

Much was given, many were lost on this day,
A man of terror tried to take our spirit away.
Do not let our new found spirit and unity fade,
As you look on this flag, remember this day ..

9 - 11 - 2001

THIS IS AMERICA

I am sorry but after hearing they want to sing the National Anthem in Spanish - enough is enough.No where did they sing it in Italian, Japanese, Polish, Irish (Celtic), German, Portuguese, Greek, French, or any other language because of immigration. It was written by Francis Scott Key and should be sung word for word the way it was written. The news broadcasts even gave the translation -- not even close.

Sorry if this offends anyone but this is MY COUNTRY - IF IT IS YOUR COUNTRY SPEAK UP ---- please pass this along~ I am not against immigration -- Just come through like everyone else. Get a sponsor; have a place to lay your head, have a job, pay your taxes, live by the rules AND LEARN THE LANGUAGE as all other immigrants have in the past -- and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

PART OF THE PROBLEM Think about this: If you don't want to share this for fear of offending someone-----YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM ! Will we still be the Country of choice and still be America if we continue to make the changes forced on us by the people from other countries that came to live in America because it is the Country of Choice?????? Think about it! All we have to say is, when will they do something about MY RIGHTS? We've gone so far the other way, bent over backwards to not offend anyone,that I am now being offended. But it seems that no one has a problem with that.

This says it all! This is an editorial written by an American citizen, published in a Tampa newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he? Read on, please!

IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However... the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct! " crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America . Our population is almost entirely made up of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans.....we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Greek, Polish, Italian, French, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language! "In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women.......on Christian principles............. founded this nation..... and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home.........because God is part of our culture. If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to anotherpart of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so! But once you are done complaining....... whining...... and griping.......about our flag......our pledge......our national motto.......or our way of life...I highly encourage you to take advantageof one other Great American Freedom.... THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.

Michigan Youth Workers Conference

This weekend our church sent my wife and I to the Michigan Youth Workers Conference in Flint, Michigan. Rather than making the 2 1/2 hour trip the morning of the Conference we decided to splurge a little and stay in a hotel. We had a wonderful couple in our church take Bryce for the weekend and my wife and I actually had some quality time alone. This was a very pleasant time to be together and just kick back and relax. We stayed at the Comfort Inn and had the luxury of a King Size bed, Hot Tub, Indoor Pool, Continential Breakfast (Waffles, Bagels, Doughnuts, Cereal, Toast, Muffins, Hard Boiled Eggs, Fruit, Milk, Orange Juice, and Coffee) We had a spread to choose from with as much as we wanted. It was just a nice relaxing time to get away for a chance and know that we were not going to have to get up extra early to make that 2 1/2 hour drive to the Conference. It only took us 10 minutes including a quick stop at Rite Aide for some cold medicine.


After we settled in our room at the Comfort Inn my wife and I trotted across the lawn to Fuddruckers "The World's Greatest Hamburgers". I remember bragging to her about this place about 10 years ago. We finally took a journey up to Grand Rapids to eat there only to find that they have closed. Many years have went by and now here we are looking for a place to eat on the way to the hotel and what just happens to be right next door? "Fuddruckers" ! ! ! We were both so excited to eat at Fuddruckers. I was tempted to go out on a limb to eat the 1 pound burger but, I settled for the 2/3 pounder instead along with fries and a cookie. My wife enjoyed a delicous 1/3 pound burger with onion rings. We decided that we are going to make this an annual stop when we come up for future Michigan Youth Workers Conferences. If you have never been there.....(Fuddruckers that is) You have to check it out... What a place to grab a make your own burger.


My wife and I had a great time at this years 3rd "Michigan Youth Workers Conference" at Faith Baptist Church of Davison,Michigan. This years general speaker was Evangelist Morris Gleisner who preached 3 rock solid sermons. He spoke on " The Heart of the Father" and illustrated with the father in the story of the "Lost Son" from the book of Luke chapter 15. Then in the 2nd session he spoke from Nehemiah talking about having a "Compassion and Concern for People", and lastly he spoke from the book of Matthew talking about "You are the Light of the World". These were very good sermons that were straight to the point and from the heart. It was a pleaser to hear Dr. Morris Gleisner speak and give us great truths from God's Word. In between the General Sessions we had several great "Break Out Sessions" with a great group of men and women teaching on different various topics. Some of the sessions were *The Pastor/Youth Pastor Relationship, * Ministering Though Physically Hindered: Serving In Spite of Sickness, * Cautioning the Church when Measuring Potential, and * Working with the Unchurched Teens are just a few of the topics to name. This was a very useful tool for us to take from these teachers. I can honestly say I walked away feeling refreshed and more than ready to serve.

BUFFET????

Tonight I was talking to 2 of the deacons from my church. One of the deacons is pretty laid back and not very outspoken but..... the other is a jokester and loves to tell a line or two every chance he can get. Well tonight the topic happened to be about what the meaning of "BUFFET" stands for. Please no one take offense to this. I personally am a huge fan of Buffet's especially if it's Ryan's Steakhouse or the famous Old Country Buffet (a.k.a. OCB ) I know I would fit right in to this catagory and I am not ashamed to admit it.....(LOL = Laugh Out Loud )

Here Is What "BUFFET" stands for ! ! !

B = B I G

U = U G L Y

F = F A T

F = F O L K S

E = E A T I N G

T = T O G E T H E R

"DOG" The Bounty Hunter

Watch "DOG" The Bounty Hunter on A&E Tuesday Night at 8p-9p EST.




You have heard the name. Now meet the legend as Duane "Dog" Chapman lets you enter his world.

This exciting series follows the real-life exploits of an expert bounty hunter. Each episode features Dog and his posse risking their necks while trying to bring in fugitives from the law. Capturing fugitives is no easy task, but Dog is a master at it. He employs strength, cunning, and the power of persuasion to catch his prey.

His work takes him into some rough spots—seedy hotels, drug dens, and tough neighborhoods. No matter where he goes, Dog tries to help out people when he can, when they'll listen. He's a big believer in second chances, having turned his own life around. After serving time in a Texas penitentiary, Dog vowed to redeem himself by operating on the right side of the law. It is his own criminal past that inspires him to help the fugitives he hunts down to go straight. Dog strongly believes in the American judicial system, and he shows mercy to everyone he can.

No matter how much sympathy he has for his prey, Dog has to get the job done. And no mission could be completed without the assistance of his posse. For Dog, hunting fugitives is a family affair. His wife and business partner, Beth, helps out every step of the way, supporting Dog in the field, handling most of the paperwork, and checking up on leads, warrants, and fugitive addresses. His sons, Leland and Duane Lee, are also important members of Dog's crew. While not a relative, Tim Chapman is another key part of the posse and is considered by Dog to be a "blood brother." At the end of the day, as Dog says, "We're family. That's what counts."


"12 MEN can JUDGE YOU....or.... SIX MEN can CARRY YOU...... YOU DECIDE ! !

~ A Dogism

Illusion ? ? ?

Here are 4 pictures of (European) semi-trucks whose trailers are decorated to look like the sides are missing and the products they are hauling are painted on the sides and back.

The first one is of a bottle of beer and looks so real, like it is coming out the side of the trailer.



The second is of canvas tote bag.



The third is of Pepsi cases and they are all stacked on the ceiling, and the bottom of the trailer is empty.



The last one is for Pringles-Hot & Spicy. The "inside" of the trailer has the appearance of having been through a fire.

Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin Dies 9/4/06

This is a sad day for those who loved to watch Steve Irwin. I absolutely loved to watch his Crocodile Hunting expertise. He was so amusing to watch as he would wrestle and toy with the wild life from Australia. He will be remembered for his enthusiastic personality and his poise to reach his fans.

MEDIA STATEMENT:

At 11am today, 4 September 2006, Steve Irwin was fatally wounded by a stingray barb to his heart while filming a sequence on Batt Reef off Port Douglas for a new TV series.

Emergency services were called from Cairns Rescue Base and met Croc One, Steve’s rescue vessel, at Low Isle on the Great Barrier Reef.
The Croc One crew performed constant CPR during the thirty-minute dash to Low Isle, but Steve was pronounced deceased at 12 noon by Queensland Ambulance Services personnel.

His producer and closest friend, John Stainton said on Croc One today,
“The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet. He died doing what he loves best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. Steve would have said, ‘Crocs Rule!’”

Prep Football Wolverine Conference Picks 8/31/06

With Labor Day being this week-end the Wolverine Conference kicked off their games on August 31st Thursday night. I was a little disappointed because,I really wanted to go watch my Comstock Colts trample all over the Otsego Bulldogs. Although I did really well last week with my picks...... this week didn't turn out so great. I had 2 games right out of 5. Hopefully I will have better luck next week. I will post the games below with the score. Once again the teams in *CAPS* were the home teams.

ALLEGAN 34 vs Vicksburg 21

OTSEGO 12 vs Comstock 45(*)

DOWAGIAC 25 vs Three Rivers 0 (*)

SOUTH HAVEN 55 vs Plainwell 14

RICHLAND GULL-LAKE 63 vs Paw Paw 7

(*) Brian's Correct Picks

MOMMA DIDN'T RAISE NO FOOL ! ! !

When the man at the auto repair shop told me that it would

cost $1400 to fix my car's air conditioning,

I just laughed at him and said, "I can

fix it myself for a whole lot less than that!"

MY MOMMA DIDN'T RAISE NO FOOL !!!!!!!

Prep Football Wolverine Conference Picks 8/25/06

Comstock's Brandon Rickstad (32) eludes Vicksburg defenders Chris Harger, left, Michael Hillenbrand, and Zach Harper for a 97-yard touchdown run on a kickoff return in the first quarter Friday night at Comstock. Comstock won, 43-20.


This week I was 5 for 5 with my Wolverine Conference Prep Football picks. I am so excited that this season has started. My wife and I went to the Otsego vs Richland Gull Lake game with some friends of ours. The weather was nice although Gull Lake gave Otsego another loss to add to their 0-9 record last season. Otsego has a good defense they just need help with the Offense and give QB Devon Hicks some time to throw the ball. We will return to the Dawg Pound again next week to watch my Alumni Comstock Colts take on the Otsego Bulldogs. Can you guess my prediction on this game?

COMSTOCK 43 vs Vicksburg 20

Dowagiac 46 vs SOUTH HAVEN 21

PAW PAW 7 vs Plainwell 3

Richland Gull Lake 28 vs OTSEGO 0

THREE RIVERS 21 vs Allegan 6

HOME teams are in CAPS and BOLD ! ! !

Are "YOU" still praying for CHEYENNE NOEL CAINCROSS???

Cheyenne is only 11 days from her 100 day testing results.Today the doctor will draw blood to send off to check her enzyme levels, and donor cells. AC(Cheyenne's Father) says there are only two numbers you need to remember, 100% and 100%. Cheyenne needs those numbers for her donor cells and enzyme levels. This is the big test to see whether or not she has beaten Sandhoffs. Also please be in prayer for Cheyenne as she has other testing done to see if there is any delay, or any other affects she may have had from the disease. The Lord has worked miracles thus far and we all should know He has even more in store for sweet baby Cheyenne. I urge you to PLEASE.....PLEASE......PLEASE Keep praying for the Caincross Family and most importantly Baby Cheyenne.... she has been a trooper and she needs all the prayer she can get.... REMEMBER THE POWER OF PRAYER.

"24" Twenty-Four Season 4

Every year for Christmas or our Anniversary Tamara's parents buys us a together gift. The past 3 years they bought us the complete DVD set of season 1, 2 & 3 of the T.V. series "24". Just yesterday we couldn't wait and decided to rent the first two disc of season 4.....WOW what a exciting supsense filled dramatic season.

Twenty-Four is basically about a place called CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit) that works on preventing any Terrorist activity on US soil. The leading actor is Keifer Sutherland a.k.a Jack Bauer..... This show is very action packed and leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat. Each season takes place over a 24 hour period with each episode lasting one hour. If you haven't watched this show yet.... I urge you to do so with pre-caution because, I garuntee that you will become ADDICTED ! ! ! This is a must see T.V. Show and has become one of our all-times favorites......

P.S. Mom and Dad in Wisconsin...... you still can add season 4 to our wish list for Christmas or Anniversary..... oh and you can add season 5 and any more of the seasons that come out in the future... hint....hint.

T-Shirt Folding Video

CAN YOU PARK THIS CAR ? ? ?

Use the 4 arrows on your keyboard, and
The space bar for brake. Ya have to park the car in the same spot it is already in but front end first instead. Took me about 5 tries.

This is addictive :-) This looks easy but it's not.

Park this car!

<-----Click on this link

ROCKY "SIX"

Can you believe that Sylvester Stallone is going to give the world yet another Rocky movie. I have always been a big fan of Rocky over the past decade. Yet, I have to admit that when
Rocky V hit the theatre I thought enough was enough and that Sylvester Stallone exhausted his
possibilities with this movie. I felt that he was pulling from every string to keep this movie sequal going. Just when you thought Rocky was over........it's not! Set to Release in December of 2006 Stallone brings him self back into the motion picture with sixth episode of "ROCKY"! I hope this works out for the best of his interest but, personally I think he should have retired those gloves back in Russia in Rocky IV. I have added the Movie description and information below. All I have to say is Where is Adrian????????????????????


Former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) steps out of retirement and back into the ring, pitting himself against a new rival decades after his initial glory. When a computer simulated boxing match declares Rocky Balboa the victor over current champion Mason "The Line" Dixon, the legendary fighter's passion and spirit are reignited. But when his desire to fight in small, regional competitions is trumped by promoters calling for a rematch of the cyber-fight, Balboa must weigh the mental and physical risks of a high profile exhibition match against his need to be in the ring.

Also Known As: Rocky 6
Rocky VI (MGM)

Production Status: In Production/Awaiting Release

Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Sequel and Sports

Release Date: December 22nd, 2006 (wide)

MPAA Rating: PG for boxing violence and some language.

Go Comstock ! ! !

League: Wolverine Conference

Nickname: Colts (COMSTOCK)

School colors: Blue & White

2006 " FOOTBALL "Schedule



8/25/2006 7:00 PM ( H ) * Vicksburg

8/31/2006 7:00 PM ( A ) * Otsego

9/8/2006 7:00 PM ( H ) * Allegan

9/15/2006 7:00 PM ( A ) * Paw Paw

9/22/2006 7:00 PM ( H ) * Dowagiac

9/29/2006 7:00 PM ( A ) * South Haven

10/6/2006 7:00 PM ( H ) * Plainwell

10/13/2006 7:00 PM ( A ) * Three Rivers

10/20/2006 7:00 PM ( H ) * Richland Gull Lake

* denotes league contest

THE "PENNY"

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck,
gifts from angels, etc.

This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you
something to think about.

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the
weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about
the weekend.

The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing
more than her house.

The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare
glimpse into how the very wealthy live.

The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest
restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this
kind of extravagance again, so she was enjoying herself immensely!

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening,
the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped
suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.
Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground
except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette
butts.

Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny He held it up and
smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure! How
absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take
the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her.

Finally, she could stand it no longer!

She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked
if the penny he had found had been of some value.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny
and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the
point of this?

"Look at it." He said.

"Read what it says."

She read the words "United States of America."

"No, not that; read further."

"One cent?"

"No, keep reading."

"In God we Trust?"

"Yes!"

"And?"

"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find
a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin,
but we never seem to notice it!

God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to
pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS still in God
at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him.

For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's
way of starting a conversation with me.

Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and
picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind
about things I cannot change.

I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the
message.

It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last
few months, but then, pennies are plentiful!

And, God is patient..

Cheyenne Update 8/21/06

Here is the update on Cheyenne Noel Caincross:

Cheyenne is doing great. It seems she was having a withdrawal from her clonidine patch. Which is her blood pressure medicine. Once that was under control she started feeling much better. The plan is for her to go home tomorrow. And SLOWLY be taken off her clonidine patch! We praise the Lord for stepping when doctors couldn't understand. We truly do have a greater Physician. Thank you for all your faithful prayers, and please continue to pray for our sweet Cheyenne. She will still be having all her 100 day testing very soon.


PLEASE KEEP HER IN YOUR PRAYERS.......

"SURPRISE"

Last night on my way home from work,I made my usual cell phone call to my wife.... I told her I was on my way home and she was quick to detour me to stop at the store on the way home... So being the nice Husband I am her request was done. When I arrived home and walked in the house I was "SURPRISED" by my wife, son, parents, and some very good friends to celebrate a be-lated 30th Birthday! It was nice to sit around and fellowship and have a wonderful meal (walking Taco's) my favorite, with some yummy cake to top it off. I then was given some wonderful gag gifts as you can see them in the photo above. Lets just say the "Koala Bear" is a joke in itself. You will have to ask me about it sometime......(funny story). I had a great time and never expected this Surprise Party for one second. Good Work Sweetie..... I can honestly say you pulled this one off hook......line.......and sinker ! ! I LOVE YOU ! !

Thanks Everyone,

Brian Cooper

MICHIGAN -vs- WISCONSIN FOOTBALL

Today I recieved a phone call and was able to get my hands on 2 Football Tickets for the University of Michigan Wolverines -vs- University of Wisconsin Badgers game. The game will be hosted at "THE BIG HOUSE" in Ann Arbor, MI on September 23rd. This is going to be a great day.... seeing how I am from Michigan and My wife is from Wisconsin. We are a house that is divided when it comes to college football. Be sure to stay tuned............ I will bring you all the news and updates from this special and exciting day.......To Be Continued..........................

Urgent Prayer Request for Cheyenne Caincross

I was just looking at the website for Cheyenne this morning and read the update for baby Cheyenne. I posted the news below and ask please for everyone to take a moment out of their day and remember this little girl and lift her up in prayer. THE POWER OF PRAYER IS REAL ! ! ! If you want to read more about Cheyenne Caincross you can click on her name to the side of this web page. She is battling with SandHoff Disease. My heart goes out to the Caincross Family ......May the Lord be with them and comfort them during this very difficult time. God Bless you Baby Cheyenne.... Keep fighting...

Love,

Brian, Tamara & Bryce Cooper


Kari took Cheyenne into the hospital last night and they have re-admitted her onto the Bone Marrow Unit. Her heart rate is way too high (200s), her breathing rate is elevated (80s) and she has now spiked a high fever. The echocardiogram yesterday confirmed that she has some fluid around her heart, so there are tests being done to see if that is the problem or if there is something else. The Intensive Care Unit was in her room doing an evaluation this morning to see whether or not she needs to be transferred to their care. Please pray for God to intervene and give us strength. Thank you.

FOR ALL YOU NEWYORK YANKEE FANS

Mattawan Michigan Wins LLSWS ! ! !

This past week my Manager from work took off to Portland, Oregon to watch her daughter play softball. Her daughters team made it to the Championship Little League Softball World Series. The Central Team from Mattawan, MI defeated Central from NJ to win the 2006 Little League Softball World Series. These girls are 12,13&14 year olds and play with alot of maturity. It was great to watch them do so well and play with outstanding defense. I am posting the ESPN Press release below. Enjoy and Congratulations Mattawan, MI on a very well played season.

ESPN PRESS RELEASE:

Michigan girls beat New Jersey in LLSWS championship

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Emily McCarty had two RBI singles as Mattawan, Mich. beat Pequannock, N.J. 6-2 to win the Little League Softball World Series championship on Wednesday night.


Lauren Gevaart added an RBI double for Mattawan, the first team from the Midwest to win the title since 1985 and the first team from Michigan to ever win the championship.


Mattawan won all 23 games it played this summer. At the World Series, Mattawan outscored its six opponents 27-2.


Mattawan scored three times in the first inning to take the lead for good. Alyssa McBride, Kiaya Anthony and Allie Lochart all had bunt hits in the inning and Lauren Gevaart had an RBI double. Pequannock cut the lead to 3-1 in the top of the second, but Mattawan answered with three more runs in the bottom of the inning to break it open.


Loren Nagy pitched a complete game for Mattawan, allowing one earned run on seven hits.


Kayla Lombardo had a single and a double for Pequannock, the only team to score against Mattawan in the World Series.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

FIREWALL

FIREWALL


Last night my wife and I rented "FIREWALL" movie off of our Charter Digital Cable. I thought this was a very good movie over all but I was disappointed with the ending. The plot and story was very well put together and the movie kept you at the edge of your seat alot. I thought Harrison Ford did an excellent job as he always does. Overall I give this movie a (B-).

Movie Information:
Computer security specialist Jack Stanfield works for the Seattle-based Landrock Pacific Bank. A trusted top-ranking executive, he has built his career and reputation on designing the most effective anti-theft computer systems in the industry. Jack's position affords a comfortable life for him, his architect wife Beth and their two young children--a standard of living that includes a beautiful home in a residential community just outside the city. But there's a vulnerability in Jack's system that he has not accounted for: himself. It's a vulnerability that Bill Cox, one very ruthless and resourceful thief, is poised to exploit. Having spent the better part of a year methodically infiltrating every aspect of Jack's identity, Cox is now ready to make good on his investment.Leading a tight team of mercenary accomplices, he seizes control of the Stanfield house, making Beth and the kids terrified hostages in their own home and Jack his unwilling pawn in a scheme to steal $100 million from the Landrock Pacific Bank. Jack is forced to find a breach in his own formidable security system to siphon funds into his captor's offshore account--incriminating himself in the process. Under constant surveillance, he has only hours to accomplish the risky transactions while desperately hunting for a loophole in the thief's own impenetrable wall of subterfuge and false identities to save his family and beat Cox at his own game.


Production Status: Released

Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama and Thriller

Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min.

Release Date: February 10th, 2006 (wide)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some intense sequences of violence.

Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution

Production Co.: Thunder Road Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures Entertainment, Beacon Communications, Jon Shestack Productions

Studios: Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.

U.S. Box Office: $48,745,150

Back to Work ! ! !

Well tomorrow August 16th, 2006 I will be heading back to work in full swing....... This past week and a half off has been nice. Although being home with limitations can get on the boring side. One can only watch so much T.V. & movies....... or Sleep. I did get some things accomplished such as scrubbed the kitchen floor and finished hanging the boarder on my son Bryce's rubber ducky bathroom. I even mowed the lawn today..... Wahoooooo! ! ! So the time has come for me to head back into the real world and W*O*R*K. I am excited to get back in the swing of things and get back into a rythm and routine. I really love my job and taking care of people. Keep me in your prayers as I venture back to work. I feel about 80% but, I am sure with a little due time I will be back at 100% in no time. My incisions are healing really well, although it still is a little tough to sleep in my stomach..... that is my favorite sleeping position. I guess I will have to settle with sleeping on my side. Hope you all have a good day. Keep in touch and thanks again for all the phone calls and visits, cards......ect....ect.... I Love You all very Much.

Love,

Brian Cooper

WELCOME TO KALAMAZOO MICHIGAN

The name of this county is derived from a Native American expression, "Kikalamazoo," meaning "the rapids at the river crossing," or "boiling water." In 1826 Bazal Harrison, (nephew to Benjamin Harrison, signer of the Declaration of Independence), formed an agricultural settlement. When the town of Kalamazoo was platted in 1831, it was called "Bronson" after its leader Titus Bronson. By the time Michigan was admitted to the Union on January 26, 1837, Bronson had been renamed Kalamazoo. The Upjohn Pill and Granule Company was organized around the turn of the century by William Erastus Upjohn, now called The Upjohn Company, which is headquartered in Kalamazoo and Portage.
Kalamazoo has many areas designated as historic districts. Frank Lloyd Wright also found Kalamazoo quite right for his "Usonian" style of homes, built here during the late 1940s.

Fun Facts

1. Appeared in Atlases in 1835
2. Potowatomie Indian word meaning "boiling water"
3. First called Bronson, changed to Kalamazoo in 1836
4. Leading commercial source of bedding plants in the 1970's

Kalamazoo, the home of WMU's main campus, is the fifth largest city in Michigan,
with a county population of more than 220,000 residents. The city is located midway
between Chicago and Detroit, 140 miles from each, 2.5 hours driving time on I-94.
Kalamazoo offers commercial transportation by train, bus, and major airline.

Local festivals attract crowds in the hundreds of thousands. They are planned
throughout the year and include:

RIB Fest
Ethnic festivals: Hispanic, Greek, and Black Arts
Arts Festival
Flowerfest
New Year's Fest
Wine and Harvest Festival
Dark Horse Music Festival

Venues such as WMU's Miller Auditorium, the historic State Theater, and Wings
Stadium offer a complete array of concerts featuring every kind of music and
popular entertainment. Because of its location (midway between Chicago and
Detroit), Kalamazoo is a frequent stop for many of today's top comedians, musicians
and other entertainers. The city is home to the Kalamazoo Ballet, the Kalamazoo
Symphony Orchestra, and the prestigious Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard
Festival.

Theater is alive and thriving in Kalamazoo. In addition to performances at WMU
and at Kalamazoo College, there are several commercial and community theatre
companies, perhaps most notably the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre--one of the oldest,
largest, and most-respected community theatres in the United States.

A few of the many other cultural opportunities--and there are many--include the
recently-completed Kalamazoo Valley Museum, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts,
and art cinema sponsored by the Kalamazoo Film Society (with films shown in
WMU's recently completed Campus Cinema).

In addition to NCAA Division I sports offered at WMU, the Kalamazoo community
has the Michigan K-Wings (IHL hockey), Kalamazoo Kingdom (pro soccer), and
Kalamazoo Kodiaks (pro baseball). There are also AAA minor league baseball
teams in Battle Creek and Grand Rapids.

Kalamazoo is just 40 minutes from Lake Michigan beaches and only three to four
hours from Michigan's ski country, considered the best skiing in the central U.S.
Excellent local skiing is only 30 minutes away.

The area offers a wide variety of opportunities for entertainment, culture, recreation,and employment.


Area 576 square miles

County seat: Kalamazoo

Colleges and Universities
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo College
Davenport College

Hospitals
Bronson Methodist Center
Borgess Medical Center

Major Industries
Chemical Products
Pharmaceuticals
Paper and allied products
Fabricated metals
Transportation equipment
Robots
Aircraft controls
Plastics
Bedding plants

The Wizard of Oz Musical

Last night I took my wife to the Barn Theatre in Galesburg Augusta to see the Wizard of Oz! Tickets were $29.00 dollars a piece so I was hoping we would get our moneys worth.(Or should I say My parents money's worth this was a Birthday gift from them Thanks Mom and Dad!) Well let me just say the show was "Awesome". This was the first year in the Barn Theatre 61 years of productions of doing the Wizard of Oz. The director stated this was probably one of their hardest shows to do with props and special effects. We had great seats sitting only in the 4th row. All the of the people in the cast we GREAT....... My wife especially loved the munchkins...... you had to be their to understand. They followed the movie right to a tee...... with a few very humorous add ons here and there. And the girl that played "Dorthy" did a really good job singing "Over the Rainbow" which my wife was very surprised...... Because, she states no one can sing that song like Judy Garland..... and she admitted that the girl that played "Dorthy" did exceptionally well. So was the show really worth $29.00? I guess my answer would be that I would have paid that amount in a drop of a hat to see this show.... It really was worth it. There is so much more to tell but....... time is running out. Ask us about it sometime... I know Tamara would love to tell you all about it.

Are You Ready For Some...... FOOTBALL ? ?

Well the time is almost here....... My favorite sports season of the year. There is nothing better than Michigan Wolverine College Football (GO BLUE!) and Detroit Lions NFL Football. I am so excited as we are only weeks away from both of these seasons to start. It should be an exciting season for both teams. I know I am excited......LOL. So grab your soda and chips......order up a pizza or two or three and let the good times roll. I know I have two Uncles out there that are right there with me on this one. I Love You Uncle David and Uncle Garry. The only question left is ................ Are our wives ready for the Football Season to begin ??? *Disclaimer* I hate to admit it but, my wife is actually a Bucky Badger Wisconsin Fan and of all teams a Dallas Cowgirls.....oooops I mean Dallas Cowboys Fan. There is always one flaw in marriage ours happens to be this......just kidding.

2006 DETROIT LIONS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Sunday, September 10 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Sunday, September 17 @ Chicago Bears

Sunday September 24 GREEN BAY PACKERS

Sunday, October 1 @ St. Louis Rams

Sunday, October 8 @ Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, October 15 BUFFALO BILLS

Sunday, October 22 @ New York Jets

Sunday, October 29 Bye Week

Sunday, November 5 ATLANTA FALCONS

Sunday, November 12 SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

Sunday, November 19 @ Arizona Cardinals

Thursday, November 23 MIAMI DOLPHINS

Sunday, December 3 @ New England Patriots

Sunday, December 10 MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Sunday, December 17 @ Green Bay Packers

Sunday, December 24 CHICAGO BEARS

Sunday, December 31 @ Dallas Cowboys


2006 Michigan Wolverines Football Schedule


Sat., Sep. 2 Vanderbilt (HOME)

Sat., Sep. 9 Central Michigan (HOME)

Sat., Sep. 16 Notre Dame (AWAY)

Sat., Sep. 23 Wisconsin* (HOME)

Sat., Sep. 30 Minnesota* (AWAY)

Sat., Oct. 7 Michigan State* (HOME)

Sat., Oct. 14 Penn State* (AWAY)

Sat., Oct. 21 Iowa* (HOME)

Sat., Oct. 28 Northwestern* (HOME)

Sat., Nov. 4 Ball State (HOME)

Sat., Nov. 11 Indiana* (AWAY)

Sat., Nov. 18 Ohio State* (AWAY)

I want to say "T H A N K Y O U " ! ! !

I just want to first of all give "THANKS" to God for keeping me safe and allowing me to get through the surgery with only minor complications. I serve such a wonderful and AWESOME God! He promises to never leave thee or forsake thee...... and I trust whole-heartedly in his rich and truthful PROMISES.

I also want to thank all my Family and friends and my church family. Your visits, cards, phone calls, and flowers are greatly appreciated. Most importantly I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I believe in the POWER of PRAYER.

Lastly I want to send a special thanks to my wife Tamara. She really keeps me in line and has been so good to me the past week. There is nothing she wouldn't do for me. I never take this for granite. I am just thankful the Lord blessed me with such a wonderful woman who strives each day to make our marriage better than it was the day before. Thank-You Sweetie ! ! !

As for me I am recovering better than I think most of us anticipated. The doctors stated 4-6 weeks before they would release me back to work with "NO RESTICTIONS". After my follow-up visit yesterday morning I came back with great news. My incisions are healing very well and I have been released to go back to work on Wednesday August 16,2006 with "NO RESTRICTIONS". Once again God has been so good. I am going to take it easy and relax until then. I promised the doctor no major activity and to just let my body heal and rest until then. Although alot of you might find me a bit weird..... I do miss my job more than you can ever imagine. I have a great group of co-workers that are fun to work with and most importantly care. I work with all woman so it's like have a dozen mother's around you at all times. You know there is nothing better then a MOM......... Right ???? I have the "Best" mother in the whole WORLD. (Call me biased but.....it's the TRUTH!!!!) You just can't handle the Truth....LOL

Thanks again to everyone. I Love Each and Everyone of you Very Much ! ! ! !

Please Pray For Cheyenne Noel Caincross

My name is Cheyenne Noel Caincross and I was born with a genetic disorder called Sandhoff Disease. I am going to see the doctors at Duke University Medical Center for a stem cell transplant to treat my disorder.
Cheyenne's older brother, Aaron, was also born with the disease, however at that time there was no known treatment for the disease. At 2 and a half years old, Aaron went to be with the Lord and we miss him very much. It was heartbreaking to hear that Cheyenne was also diagnosed with the disease. We have two healthy children born between Aaron and Cheyenne. We found the information about stem cell transplants on the Internet and began to pursue information. In just a few short weeks, the Lord allowed us to receive the medical coverage that we needed along with other assistance programs to help us on this 4 to 6 month long journey. The Lord also answered our prayers for a newer vehicle by providing us a 2005 minivan through the generosity of our local church. We are praying that God would touch Cheyenne's body and heal her and use the doctors and the treatments in that healing.

To learn more about Cheyenne you can visit the link posted on the side of this site labeled Cheyenne Noel Caincross. Just click on her name and you will be directed to her website.


I went to Maranatha Baptist Bible College with Cheyenne's Father A.C. Caincross and I consider him a great friend. The Caincross has been through alot yet, you can tell the there is PEACE. We both believe and serve in the same Great God. Please take time to get to know the Caincross family and what they have been going through with the link at the side. Take time out of your day and pray for them.

May God do a mighty work with baby Cheyenne Caincross and use her life as a testimony. Also I pray that the Caincross family have the encouragement to stay strong and endure through this difficult time in their life. God Bless You ALL ! ! !

TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY~

Brian Cooper

Happy 30th Birthday

It's hard to believe that I actually hit the "3 0" mark in my life. I guess life is all down hill from here right? I am just thankful to be alive and have a wonderful family. Tamara, Bryce and myself are a very happy family and I am thankful for them.I have been blessed a such a beautiful wife and handsome son. My parents (Don and Rhonda) and Tamara's parents (LeRoy and BethAnn) have been too good to me and have taught me alot and have been there for me always. My aunties and uncles, cousins and friends. I am so very thankful to be surrounded by such wonderful people. I am most thankful for Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. As I sit here I have the song in my head "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus." What a wonderful song by Louisa M.R. Stead 1882 (words) and William Kirkpatrick (music)

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Refrain

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Refrain

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

Refrain

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Refrain

EMERGENCY APPENDECTOMY

Well....... it all started Friday August 4th while at work about 1:30 pm. I was having severe right lower quadrent pain so bad I cried. (embarrassing) My co-worker graciously wheeled me down to the E.R. where I waited over 2 hours before being treated. Once taken back the Resident M.D. and Surgeon decided I need emergency appendix surgery. It was a matter of what seemed minutes and I was in the O.R. for surgery. I remember being strapped to a table and the room was extremely cold. I was told to breathe in this mask and then........poof...... the lights went out. The operating team intubated me (breathing tube in) and shave my belly which is NOT a pretty site and then cut three incisions to take out my appendix successfully. I had a little trouble toward the end of surgery as my asthma kicked in and my lungs tightned up while I was still intubated. They gave me a couple breathing treatments and I recovered well and was able to be extubated.(breathing tube out) I was then whisked to PACU to recover and I had another asthma attack. I was fighting with the nurses and pulling everything off. The nurses tied me down and did a wonderful job treating me and getting my breathing under control. After recovering I was sent to my room E208 where my wife and mother were waiting for my arrival. I was glad to see them both and ready to go home.......... wishful thinking ! I ended up staying the night and had alot of pain meds and fought to try and learn the function of going the bathroom again (#1). I remember waking up in the wee hours of the morning and watching the replay of the Tigers beating those Clevland Indians 7-6 *Wahooooo!!* I spent all day at the hospital on Saturday with my wife by my side. My pastor came to visit at noon and his wife and son(stephen) visited awhile later. I finally convinced the hopsital to release me at about 11p.m. Saturday night. I came home and went directly to bed. I woke up in severe pain but, was able to get that under control and maintain control thanks to my wife keeping a timely schedule with my medications. My wife has been my crutch all along the way and I appreciate being married to her. Each and everyday with Tamara is sweetier and sweetier. What a "GEM" she is!!! I also need to say a big "THANKS" to my parents for picking up Bryce and keeping him over night on such short notice. I know they already have their hands full yet, they stepped up to the plate and pinched hit under quick circumstances. I also thank everyone for coveting their prayers during this time. I have been told I will be out of work for 4-6weeks (not what I wanted to hear). So we will see what we can do to convince the Doctor to knock that time down tremendously.(wishful thinking again.) As for now I will be taking it easy and resting for a fast and speedy recovery. Praise God for being with me all along the way. He is my great physician and will always meet my every need. With out God my life would be vain.

To The Praise Of His Glory~

Brian Cooper

Appendix Information:


Your appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that projects out from your colon on the lower right side of your abdomen. The small structure has no known purpose, but that doesn't mean it can't cause problems. Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus.

The main symptom of appendicitis is pain that typically begins around the navel and then shifts to the lower right abdomen. The pain of appendicitis usually increases over a period of six to 12 hours, and eventually may become very severe.

Anyone can develop appendicitis, but it most often strikes people between the ages of 10 and 30. Appendicitis is one of the most common reasons for emergency abdominal surgery in children.

The standard treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix. In many cases the surgery is straightforward, and you recover quickly. But if your appendix has ruptured, the surgery may be more complicated and you'll take longer to heal. A ruptured appendix that's not promptly treated can lead to serious complications such as infection. In rare instances appendicitis that results in a ruptured appendix can be fatal.

Here is Michigan's New License Plate ! ! !

Here it is your new upcoming license plate for Michigan........ I really don't know what to think. Part of me says I like it and another part of me says we could have done better. Anyways I posted the information below from the wwmt.com channel 3 news link. Enjoy and have a nice day.

Michigan's newest license plate has been revealed. It's a white, green and blue plate with black lettering. It features the Mackinac Bridge, the Great Lakes, the Detroit skyline, pine trees and wheat fields. Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land says the new plate replaces the license plate that showed only the Mackinac Bridge. The old bridge plate has been around since January 1997. Land's office chose the new design from more than 1,500 submissions from the public. Michigan's traditional blue plate also is being retired in January. New reflective plates with white backgrounds will be issued.

1-888-GETCHARTER

Well it all started back a couple of days ago, when Charter Communications gave me a phone call offering me their "Best" digital cable package with the 5M cable internet. Well I gave them a couple days and wanted to check the status of my offer that I accepted. Well.....to say the least I got the ultimate run around.

1. I called the 1-888-GETCHARTER which is a bogus number. The actual number is 1-888-GETCHART. (GETCHARTER IS TO MANY CHARACTERS...yet the advertise it on their website.......go figure)

2. After calling several times I finally get through to an automated prompter. Please punch in your phone number (press #) Please verify the last 4 digits of your S.S #.....then I finally get a LIVE person and have to do all the verification again only to have them disconnect on me. Why do they want you to punch in all this information if they are going to ask you it again anyways?

3. I call back several times only to go through the automated prompter and get a busy signal.

4. I finally get through for the last time.... did the whole automated prompter.... enter phone number and last 4 digits of S.S#, Finally get a Live person and do all the verification again. Then she has the "guts" to tell me that she can't help me and needs to send out a technician...... Absolutely NOT..... I say ! ! ! ! So I waited another 30 minutes to speak with her supervisor and finally got somewhere.

I wasted half my evening just trying to get through to Charter Communications. When I finally got through for the last time I was not going to give up until "this" customer got served. Moral of the story........ be patient and be persistant you are the consumer paying for service. If you let them walk all over you then chances are they will 110%.

* Brian Steps off his Soap-Box *

Learn how to "BEAT THE HEAT" ! ! !

With the weather being extrememly "HOT" the past few days. I thought this would be appropriate and yet, a reminder for us on how to "BEAT THE HEAT". Today the weather is supposed to climb near 110 degree mark with the heat index.... So stay cool.

Every year between 175 and 400 Americans die from extreme heat. Young children, elderly people, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to become victims. Between 1979 – 2002, excessive heat exposure caused 8,966 deaths in the United States. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined.

1) Drink plenty of water
Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. During the heat and strenuous activity drink 1-3 cups of water an hour. If you wait until you are thirsty, you have waited too long.

2) Limit intake of caffeine
For every 8oz. of caffeine a person drinks they will lose 4oz.

3) Eat less protein
Eat less protein - Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss. It is best to eat smaller meals more frequently.

4) Wear light clothing
Wear lightweight light-colored loose fitting clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and covers as much skin as possible. It will help your body maintain normal temperatures.

5) Wear a wide-brimmed hat
Protect face, neck and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

6) Avoid too much sunshine
Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating of at least 15.

7) Cover windows to block sun
Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvers on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80 percent.

8) Stay inside with air-conditioning
Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.

9) Plan your errands
Plan your errands during the warmest part of the day to be in public buildings with air conditioning such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.

10) Schedule strenuous work for early mornings and evenings
Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day, in the early mornings and evenings. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.