Our 3 month old kitten, Julius checks out the latest on Blogger.com!Friday, August 31, 2007
Kittens Just Want to Blog too.... LOL
Our 3 month old kitten, Julius checks out the latest on Blogger.com!
The Benefits Of Struggling (The Man & the Butterfly)
BENEFITS OF STRUGGLING
A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress.
It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. Then the man decided to help the butterfly, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit ofthe cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily.
But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.
Neither happened!
In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly . What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been.
And we could never fly.
A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress.
It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. Then the man decided to help the butterfly, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit ofthe cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily.
But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.
Neither happened!
In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly . What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been.
And we could never fly.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Forget the Diagnosis
This is an awesome read as I have discovered that our 5 year old son has taken interest in the acoustic guitar. His 17 year old brother plays the guitar & I was thrilled the day that Noah happened to start stumming the strings & making up lyrics as he played. :)We'll definately have to look into getting him a guitar his size.. look like we have a budding musician on our hands! :)
Forget The Diagnosis
By Jene Aviram of Natural Learning Concepts
http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-theory.htm
Autism! Pdd nos! Aspergers syndrome! ADHD! High functioning! Lowfunctioning! Delayed! Hearing these words about your child can be crushing.They can devastate you to your very core. The good news is they don't have to! Let me tell you why. . . It doesn't matter. That's right. It simply doesn't matter.
If you want to really help your child then read on. I'm serious. Don't be like the thousands who wish they had "lived" this concept sooner. Pretend for a moment you have a newborn. He is simply perfect. By thetime he is two years old, his fingers are so long, they look strange. You go to a renowned physician and ask "What's wrong with my child? Why are his fingers so long?". The physician smiles and says "Your child has a condition called spindle fingers. He has a natural gift for playing musical instruments.
Many dream of having this talent".You're absolutely thrilled and can't wait to share the news. You rush home but on the way you stop to buy a toy xylophone, piano, drum set and flute. You set them out on the floor when you get home and you watch proudly as your toddler strums each one of them. You don't care that everyone else thinks it just sounds like noise. You have a budding musician on your hands and he's practicing!
As the months go by you encourage your child to play instruments. He gets a little older and expresses his preference for the piano. You take him to piano lessons, listen to famous piano players andperhaps even go to concerts. You explain to your son that his fingers arelong because he is talented at playing the piano. Your son plays the piano beautifully. He is proud of his fingers and his talent.
You are proud of your son. You run into the physician a few years later. You tell him proudly about your child's piano skills. He smiles broadly and says "I made it all up. There is no condition called spindle fingers". "What?" you shriek"that's impossible. My child is an excellent player"."Of course he is" says the physician "It's called belief.
You believed in your child's fingers. You believed in his talent. You encouraged him. It didn't matter how many mistakes he made. You hardly heard them because you knew he was on the path to greatness. Your son felt your belief. He saw it in your eyes. He felt it course through his being. It inspired him. Everytime he looked at his long fingers he thought about his talent.
He felt proud of himself. He knew he could do it. Your unwavering faith inspired himto be the best he can be". My advice to you is this. Forget about the boxes and the labels. Ignore the judgments. Your child is fascinating. Your child is a unique and wonderful being who is incredibly special. Give him the tools. Encourage him on his journey. Never lose faith in him. Stand by his side. Teach him as much as you can.
Watch in delight as he soars far beyond everyone's expectations. Everyone's except yours and all those who joined your belief along the way!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
The 'LITTLE' Things
The 'L I T T L E ' Things
As you might know, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.
Another fellow was alive because it was His turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because her Alarm clock didn't go off in time.
One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike Because of an auto accident.
One of them Missed his bus.
One spilled food on her clothes and had to take Time to change.
One's Car wouldn't start
One went back to Answer the telephone
One had a child that dawdled And didn't get ready as soon as he should have.
One couldn't Get a taxi.
The one that struck me was the man Who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, Took the various means to get to work But before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.
Now when I am Stuck in traffic, Miss an elevator, Turn back to answer a ringing telephone ...All the little things that annoy me.I think to myself, This is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment .
Next time your morning seems to be Going wrong ,The children are slow getting dressed,You can't seem to find the car keys, You hit every traffic light, Don't get mad or frustrated; God is at work watching over you.
May God continue to bless you With all those annoying little things And may you remember their possible purpose.
As you might know, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.
Another fellow was alive because it was His turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because her Alarm clock didn't go off in time.
One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike Because of an auto accident.
One of them Missed his bus.
One spilled food on her clothes and had to take Time to change.
One's Car wouldn't start
One went back to Answer the telephone
One had a child that dawdled And didn't get ready as soon as he should have.
One couldn't Get a taxi.
The one that struck me was the man Who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, Took the various means to get to work But before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.
Now when I am Stuck in traffic, Miss an elevator, Turn back to answer a ringing telephone ...All the little things that annoy me.I think to myself, This is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment .
Next time your morning seems to be Going wrong ,The children are slow getting dressed,You can't seem to find the car keys, You hit every traffic light, Don't get mad or frustrated; God is at work watching over you.
May God continue to bless you With all those annoying little things And may you remember their possible purpose.
hope in a jar
My husband sometimes receives free Amazon gift certificates from time to time, so I decided to purchase something that I ordinarily wouldn't-- just to treat myself. I've heard good reviews about Philosopy's Hope in a Jar. It not only is a great moisterizer, but the message on the jar is a awesome daily reminder to me:"Where there is hope there can be faith. Where there is faith miracles can occur"
Hope & faith tend to go hand in hand. And when we have faith, thats when miracles happen. I've heard many testimonies of miracles happen, because people have faith... & without faith... there is no hope. :) :)
Monday, August 27, 2007
Our Times are in His Hands
I came across this in my email today & it spoke right to my heart. Yes-- our family's circumstances are in limbo right now since my husband, Joel has become unemployed. It really gives me such a reassurance to know that there is no need to worry or set a time table regarding His new position. That new door of opportunity will present itself & will open in the Lords awesome timing.
With that said, I don't want to lose joy just thinking about what might or might not happen in the future. I may have goals and plans for our family, but the Lord is teaching me each and every day through setbacks that He is good & to wait on Him. :)
"At the end of each year, a calendar is like an album of little snap shots of were we've been & what we've done. At home, families are learning a simple rule, "Write everything down in pencil" One simple lesson a calendar can teach us that plans can change. Doctors appointments get rescheduled, dinner dates get cancelled & sometimes anticipated events don't work out.
Thankfully, that doesn't mean that our lives are out of control, that nothing is certain, and that there's nothing that we can trust in. But, God wants you to move through this day with a quiet heart, an inward assurance that He is in control, a peaceful certainty that your life is in His hands, a deep trust in His plans & purposes, and a thankful disposition that all that He allows.
He wants you to put your faith in Him, not in a timetable. He wants you to wait on Him and wait for Him. In His perfect way, He will bring everything together, see to every detail, arrange every circumstance, and order every step to bring to pass what He has for you."
-- Roy Lessin-- Co-founder of Dayspring cards.
With that said, I don't want to lose joy just thinking about what might or might not happen in the future. I may have goals and plans for our family, but the Lord is teaching me each and every day through setbacks that He is good & to wait on Him. :)
"At the end of each year, a calendar is like an album of little snap shots of were we've been & what we've done. At home, families are learning a simple rule, "Write everything down in pencil" One simple lesson a calendar can teach us that plans can change. Doctors appointments get rescheduled, dinner dates get cancelled & sometimes anticipated events don't work out.
Thankfully, that doesn't mean that our lives are out of control, that nothing is certain, and that there's nothing that we can trust in. But, God wants you to move through this day with a quiet heart, an inward assurance that He is in control, a peaceful certainty that your life is in His hands, a deep trust in His plans & purposes, and a thankful disposition that all that He allows.
He wants you to put your faith in Him, not in a timetable. He wants you to wait on Him and wait for Him. In His perfect way, He will bring everything together, see to every detail, arrange every circumstance, and order every step to bring to pass what He has for you."
-- Roy Lessin-- Co-founder of Dayspring cards.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The Wise Man Built His House...
We sang this song with the little ones as Joel & I served in Noah's Sunday School class today. It spoke to me as it reminded me of the verse in Romans "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind"
There is a big difference from being in the world than of the world. Yes, we can be friends with people in the world, but we are not to take part in the system of the World. To do so, we would be an enemy of God.
Of course, one thought lead to another & I was reminded of the song by Casting Crowns, called "American Dream". So many individuals put their main focus in life on their jobs, possessions, etc-- but unfortunately many fall deficit of spiritual fullfillment, all because their main focus is on something else. :(
I believe that there is no such thing as the "American Dream"--although it is perfectly okay to be blessed with nice things in our lives. I also believe that "The American Dream" is just apart of the world's system, but when you think about it, is it fullfilling when the storms of life come... and ones world comes tumbling down?????
There is a big difference from being in the world than of the world. Yes, we can be friends with people in the world, but we are not to take part in the system of the World. To do so, we would be an enemy of God.
Of course, one thought lead to another & I was reminded of the song by Casting Crowns, called "American Dream". So many individuals put their main focus in life on their jobs, possessions, etc-- but unfortunately many fall deficit of spiritual fullfillment, all because their main focus is on something else. :(
I believe that there is no such thing as the "American Dream"--although it is perfectly okay to be blessed with nice things in our lives. I also believe that "The American Dream" is just apart of the world's system, but when you think about it, is it fullfilling when the storms of life come... and ones world comes tumbling down?????
Saturday, August 25, 2007
::Walk Now For Autism Pictures::
Well, we did it!!! All 3.2 miles of it. Noah did really well, although he was a bit shy at first. There was about 500 people there. It was great exercise, as we walked 2 times around the track & through the town of Sumner. People were wearing group tee-shirts, plus we also earned tee-shirts of our own by raising money for Autism Speaks. For our group, called Noah & Co.-- I made these cute puzzle piece tags with Noahs picture on it, on a blue ribbon. A good friend of mine, Earleen, came & walked along with us. :) (Thanks again, Earleen!)
Austim Awareness signs were everywhere in the city of Sumner, people were so supportive & it was AWESOME just to be able to come together with the other family/friends to raise money for a great cause! :) :)
Austim Awareness signs were everywhere in the city of Sumner, people were so supportive & it was AWESOME just to be able to come together with the other family/friends to raise money for a great cause! :) :)
Friday, August 24, 2007
Why I love Starbucks
(Thanks Lori for posting this)
Autism Speaks has given Starbucks customers something to think about today as co-founder Bob Wright's reflections appear on Starbucks white cups across North America as part of “The Way I See It” program. Wright's quote, #264, urges parents to learn the signs of autism and act early if they suspect their child is experiencing a developmental delay.
The message appears on over 5 million venti-sized cups across the United States. “Starbucks offers a warm and inviting environment for the dissemination of knowledge and ideas over a great cup of coffee, which was the inspiration for “The Way I See It” program,” said Tricia Moriarty, a Starbucks spokesperson. “We are pleased to have Bob Wright contribute to “The Way I See It” in order to share his personal acumen with Starbucks customers.”The cup says: Every 20 minutes-less time than it will take you to drink your coffee-another child is diagnosed with autism. It's much more common than people think, with 1 out of every 150 children diagnosed.
Learn the early warning signs of autism and if you're concerned about your child's development, talk to your doctor. Early intervention could make a big difference in your child's future. Bob Wright, Co-founder, Autism Speaks, http://www.autismspeaks.org/
Starbucks customers can expect to find daily discoveries from numerous notables this year as part of the "The Way I See It " program, including Rudolph W. Giuliani, Yo Yo Ma, Arianna Huffington, LeAnn Rimes and Jodi Picoult.
For more information on Autism Speaks and “The Way I See It” program visit www.starbucks.com/wayiseeit and http://www.autismspeaks.org/
ABOUT AUTISM
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism Spectrum Disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS
Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism, and to advocating for the needs of affected families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Vice Chairman, General Electric, and served as chief executive officer of NBC for more than twenty years. Autism Speaks has merged with both the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and Cure Autism Now (CAN), bringing together the nation's three leading autism advocacy organizations.
To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/.
ABOUT STARBUCKS “THE WAY I SEE IT” PROGRAM
Starbucks' “The Way I See It” program was born in 2005 as a natural extension of the Starbucks Experience. In the age old tradition of the coffeehouse as an egalitarian gathering place where spirited conversation and dynamic debate are the norm, Starbucks hand-picks quotes for “The Way I See It” program which are guaranteed to inspire and promote thoughtful discussion.
Trust Him
I enjoy getting daily devotionals sent to my email box. I especially enjoyed this mornings devotional. It is a reminder for me to trust God & not our circumstances. This is refreshing to me, as my husband is currently unemployed-- but we continue put our complete faith in the Lord right now knowing that he is at work for us, getting ready to open the right door of opportunity.
When we do this, we find that blessings start flowing-- as I know that you can't release His blessings without putting your trust completely in Him first. Ive seen so many blessings flow in our lives... numerous to count, but we know it's not because of who we are, its to whom we belong to!
After all, faith is trusting in Him completely with our life's circumstances, whether it be our finances, relationships, health, etc.
"Trust Him"
Today's Scripture
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV).
Do you need God's direction in your life? Often times, the Lord will instruct your heart to do something that's just the opposite of what your natural mind thinks you should do. It doesn't make sense, but God's principals are very different from the world's principals. In the natural, it doesn't make sense that if you are in need, you should give to someone-you should sow a seed.
But you can trust God's Word that says “what you sow, you shall reap.” You can trust that God's system is set up for your good. His system is set up to prosper you and not harm you. He wants to give you a future and a hope. As you step out and trust God and obey His word-even when you don't understand-He promises to direct your paths. He promises that your path will shine brighter and brighter every single day!
A Prayer for Today
Thank You, God, for directing my path today. Thank You for opening my heart to trust You today. Keep me close to You and teach me to hear Your voice so that I may please You all the days of my life.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
When we do this, we find that blessings start flowing-- as I know that you can't release His blessings without putting your trust completely in Him first. Ive seen so many blessings flow in our lives... numerous to count, but we know it's not because of who we are, its to whom we belong to!
After all, faith is trusting in Him completely with our life's circumstances, whether it be our finances, relationships, health, etc.
"Trust Him"
Today's Scripture
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV).
Do you need God's direction in your life? Often times, the Lord will instruct your heart to do something that's just the opposite of what your natural mind thinks you should do. It doesn't make sense, but God's principals are very different from the world's principals. In the natural, it doesn't make sense that if you are in need, you should give to someone-you should sow a seed.
But you can trust God's Word that says “what you sow, you shall reap.” You can trust that God's system is set up for your good. His system is set up to prosper you and not harm you. He wants to give you a future and a hope. As you step out and trust God and obey His word-even when you don't understand-He promises to direct your paths. He promises that your path will shine brighter and brighter every single day!
A Prayer for Today
Thank You, God, for directing my path today. Thank You for opening my heart to trust You today. Keep me close to You and teach me to hear Your voice so that I may please You all the days of my life.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
::7th Wedding Anniversary::
Today, my husband, Joel & I officially celebrate 7 years of marriage! We began our celebration early last night with a night out on the town. We started with a wonderful seafood dinner for two on the waterfront in Seattle--a present from Joels parents. :) (Thank you!)
The salmon was a delight to our taste buds, served along side of the asparagus, plus a Crab cake appetizer that was very well prepared without bread crumbs! We ended our dinner with a yummy chocolate mousse that was elegantly presented with purried strawberries. :):)
Afterwards, we drove to Key Arena to see Josh Groban in concert. (Joel entered my name in for a sweepstakes weeks ago & we were suprisingly blessed with a pair of tickets to the concert-- the night before our 7th Anniversary, too! Amazing how the Lord works... wink!)
The concert was just amazing!! I've watched Josh (Groban) perform on tv, but I had never seen him live in concert. It was truly spectacular! We were delighted with him being so personable & humorous with the audience; PLUS-- his vocals on his songs were so rich & amazingly beautiful. Such a blessing! :) (I think I have already been "Grobanized" LOL!!! Ive already downloaded songs from his "Awake" CD--so I can listen to them on my Mp3 player. :) :)
Josh opened the concert with this song & I would like to dedicate it to my love, my wonderful husband of 7 years today. Life may have thrown us a few curve balls in our circumstances.... but... Don't give up... you are loved (so very much)!!!
(This song also reminds me of what the Lord wants for us all... to move past our own circumstances, not to give up due to the weight of the world, but put our complete trust in Him always!)
Happy Anniversary!!! :) :)
The salmon was a delight to our taste buds, served along side of the asparagus, plus a Crab cake appetizer that was very well prepared without bread crumbs! We ended our dinner with a yummy chocolate mousse that was elegantly presented with purried strawberries. :):)
Afterwards, we drove to Key Arena to see Josh Groban in concert. (Joel entered my name in for a sweepstakes weeks ago & we were suprisingly blessed with a pair of tickets to the concert-- the night before our 7th Anniversary, too! Amazing how the Lord works... wink!)
The concert was just amazing!! I've watched Josh (Groban) perform on tv, but I had never seen him live in concert. It was truly spectacular! We were delighted with him being so personable & humorous with the audience; PLUS-- his vocals on his songs were so rich & amazingly beautiful. Such a blessing! :) (I think I have already been "Grobanized" LOL!!! Ive already downloaded songs from his "Awake" CD--so I can listen to them on my Mp3 player. :) :)
Josh opened the concert with this song & I would like to dedicate it to my love, my wonderful husband of 7 years today. Life may have thrown us a few curve balls in our circumstances.... but... Don't give up... you are loved (so very much)!!!
(This song also reminds me of what the Lord wants for us all... to move past our own circumstances, not to give up due to the weight of the world, but put our complete trust in Him always!)
Happy Anniversary!!! :) :)
Friday, August 17, 2007
::Dreams::
Ive always been interested in dream interpretation. Since, Ive had a couple lately, so I researched what the symbolism meant in one dream I had. I believe that our dreams can tell us a whole lot about our life than what we can see in our waking hours. I also believe that the Lord can communicate with us through our dreams. It also speaks about dreams & visions in the Holy Bible.
For example--In one dream that I had the other night-- I am walking in the rain to Noah's preschool, except it isnt the preschool that he normally goes to. I go inside to see his preschool teacher and she is wearing a pink sweater. I notice that Noah isnt in the class, but I talk to her anyway about her new students. :)
I thought this was interesting, so I looked it up on dreammoods.com. From the interpretation... it looks like it was a very fruitful dream! It pretty much describes where I am in in my life too. :)
Walking-- moving through life & progress towards goals.
Rain-- signifies you will be cleansed from troubles & problems. Biblically, rain also symbolizes blessing. :)
Classroom-- learning an important life lesson.
Teacher-- Seeking guidance & knowledge. Heading down a new life path and ready to learn by example or past experience.
Pink-- love, joy, sweetness.
Sweater-- comfort, harmony, family.
For example--In one dream that I had the other night-- I am walking in the rain to Noah's preschool, except it isnt the preschool that he normally goes to. I go inside to see his preschool teacher and she is wearing a pink sweater. I notice that Noah isnt in the class, but I talk to her anyway about her new students. :)
I thought this was interesting, so I looked it up on dreammoods.com. From the interpretation... it looks like it was a very fruitful dream! It pretty much describes where I am in in my life too. :)
Walking-- moving through life & progress towards goals.
Rain-- signifies you will be cleansed from troubles & problems. Biblically, rain also symbolizes blessing. :)
Classroom-- learning an important life lesson.
Teacher-- Seeking guidance & knowledge. Heading down a new life path and ready to learn by example or past experience.
Pink-- love, joy, sweetness.
Sweater-- comfort, harmony, family.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Nigeran Email Scams
Okay, after receiving several Nigerian scam emails attempts to con me out of big bucks & suck our accounts dry; Ive decided enough is enough and forwarded the email on to abuse@yahoo.com.
I just thought that this might be a good thing to share, especially if one finds such an email in their email box. Hey-- I may be a blonde, but Im no dummy! (What's one's hair color have to do with the way the mind works anyway??? LOL)
I did some research to see what would happen if a "supposed" victim were to fall for one of these little con jobs. It is a pretty interesting, humorous, but long read. :)
'Nigerian' money scam: What happens when you reply?
Meet Mr Madu Frank in a silicon.com special...
By Will Sturgeon
Published: Tuesday 18 February 2003
Anybody who has ever received the notorious Nigerian Money Scam will probably have asked themselves the same question - what would happen if I replied?
For those of you unfamiliar with this email scam, the basic idea is simple. Somebody purporting to be a Nigerian banker contacts you, offering a chance to earn some serious money. Often his bank will be looking after the considerable fortune of a deceased millionaire - from shipping magnate to former president. He says he needs a foreign bank account through which to launder the money - and in return for sending him your bank details for this purpose, he will give you a share of the spoils.
Of course those who fall for this scam never see these promised millions. Instead their bank accounts are often cleaned out once they have handed over all their details - which include bank account numbers, copies of their passport and drivers licence and phone and fax numbers - it is a simple identity theft, dressed up with a tempting lure for the gullible.
Over the years silicon.com has received hundreds of these emails. What follows is the transcript of a conversation with one such scammer which began on 20 January 2003.
We received an email from somebody calling himself Mr Madu Frank, promising us 30 per cent of a large unclaimed fund, valued in the region of around $20m. Typically these people will send emails to multiple recipients - hoping somebody will take the bait. Often it is claimed the recipient was recommended to them by 'a friend' or taken from some kind of international directory.
Having received the initial email, silicon.com's Will Sturgeon set up a Hotmail account under an assumed identity, and replied.
Dear Madu Frank,
Thank you very much for contacting me with this wonderful offer, it sounds almost too good to be true. It's amazing, only this morning I was saying how I could do with having a bit more money - I must be a very lucky man.
Of course I would be interested in helping, but would also be very interested to hear who recommended me, as you say you have been told that I am a "reliable" and "trustworthy" person. I assure you I am, but would like to know who I have to thank for this wonderful opportunity.
Just to clarify, you say I stand to get 30 per cent of the total money transferred - this is £6.75m, right? Wow!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Overnight a reply from Mr Madu arrived.
Thank you very much for finding time to reply to my mail. We have to begin this transaction fast, so that the fund will be in your account in about 14 banking days. First of all, you have to transcribe the letter below in to your letter headed paper, or plain paper, and send it back to me so that I will submit it to the INTERNATIONAL REMITANCE DEPARTMENT of the bank...
...I will require you to also send me your private telephone and fax numbers, I will submit this also to the bank, and they will contact you directly.
When they contact you, I want you to act as the real beneficiary of the fund in question. Do not be intimidated by anybody. I will also want you to send me the front and back photocopy of your international passport or driver's licence, so that I will know who I am having a deal with.
For further enquires on what you should do, call me immediately you receive this mail on my telephone number... I will be expecting your call.
He then included the text of the letter he wanted me to transcribe, including helpful blank spaces where I could fill in my name, address and, most importantly, bank details. Of course I didn't oblige... but that didn't mean I was finished with Mr Madu (wasn't he a partially sighted cartoon character?). I still wanted him to answer my question about who recommended me.
So I replied:
Thank you for getting back to me. I am still wondering if you could tell me who recommended me to you, as I asked in my last email.
I do not have a problem with all this, but you said in your original email that you had been told I was a reliable person - I was just wondering if you could elaborate? I am interested in finding this out - as that person may want to share in my good fortune. I should be aware of who has done me this big favour.
I look forward to hearing from you.
So I've posed Mr Madu a challenge here. We know the truth, but surely he won't admit to sending out random emails to all and sundry in the hope that some poor sucker will take the bait. No, instead he comes up with one of the most improbable - yet inventive - lies ever.
I have seen your mail, and understand the surprise that you are still passing through. I got your address from the Hotmail email directory for successful men and women. Please we have to leave out surprises at this point, and deal with the issue that we have at hand right now. Call me as I instructed you for more detail about what this transaction will look like.
Expecting your reply soonest.
I wasn't about to let that one go...
Mr Madu, I didn't know there was a "Hotmail email directory for successful men and women". You live and learn! How do they know I'm successful (I am - but I only set this Hotmail account up on Monday - and they didn't ask me then whether I am successful. Where can I see this directory?)
I hope you can understand my trepidation - I'd hate to blunder into some kind of scam (not that I would ever question your integrity or the genuine nature of this offer).
I suppose, as I said in my earlier email this just sounds too good to be true - are you sure it is all above board?
I am still very keen to help you out, and am really looking forward to getting the money - I just need to be sure it's the right thing to do.
All the best,
My conversational style fell on deaf ears, Mr Madu clearly wasn't keen to hang around chewing the fat...
Please send the transcribed letter, to my fax number... or send it as an attachment to my email box. I will be expecting to hear from you soon.
But, if he can lie, then what is there to stop me?
Mr Madu, OK - I have sent that fax. It should be there now. Let me know once you've got it.
I hadn't. At this point we played a little bit of email tennis. Three times I sent an email saying I'd faxed through the form - three times, on three consecutive days, he replied to tell me it hadn't arrived (that's because I'd not sent it Mr Madu) - each time urging me instead to email it to his inbox. I blamed confusion over the international codes.
My Dear Friend, I have not seen your fax yet... You do not have to add any other code. But I prefer that you send me the letter this time around, through email as an attachment, since you have tried to send it three times through fax.
I will be expecting you to send it through my email box now, so that I can submit it to the international remittance department of the bank, before the close of work today.
In the end I changed tack - suggesting it might be quicker to fax the bank directly - suggesting I might even look up the bank on the internet. I thought this might catch Mr Madu off guard, but it hardly threw him at all. He quickly replied, giving me the "direct telephone number of Dr George Ade, the Director of the international remittance department." He also gave me the department's fax number and implored me to contact them immediately.
Yet, still I resisted... Saturday, Sunday passed and still I hadn't faxed anything. Mr Madu was starting to grow impatient...
Have you faxed the letter to the international remittance department of the Eco Bank? (No) Have you called the director as I instructed you to? (No again I'm afraid Mr Madu) Please you know we have to be fast about this transaction, so I want you to act fast.
I will also require your private telephone number, so that I can communicate with you on phone. I will be expecting your mail immediately.
What's it going to take before this man gives up on me? Surely if he hasn't cottoned on to the fact that I'm winding him up, he must at least think I'm incredibly ungrateful, and more than a little disorganised.
But that's his problem, not mine... This time I replied, telling him I had gone ahead and looked up the proper numbers for the EcoBank in Lagos Nigeria on the internet - and told him that I'd sent my form straight there... Surely this will annoy him - after all, if he really believes that I fell for his scam, then surely he must believe what I've just gone and done is completely idiotic. All along he has stressed the need for secrecy and great caution. Involving the real EcoBank will surely throw a spanner in the works and annoy the long-suffering Mr Madu... and indeed it did.
He wrote:
ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? I sent you numbers that you can use to reach particular people because of the confidentiality of this transaction, and you are contacting another number! Well I must inform you at this point, that since you refused to follow my instructions, you have 0 per cent chance of collecting any money from the bank. You have just shown how unconfidential you can be.
I also hope that you did not mention my name in the fax you sent to them, because I don't want to lose my job over a fund that has not been released. The best thing I have to do now is to look for someone more confidential than you are! GOOD DAY!
And so it ended... ...or did it?
Mr Madu, I can't believe I'm going to miss out on this money - but these things happen - and I can see that it was all my fault... but what a shame!!!
Your good - but slightly disappointed - friend.
In truth I expected that to be the last of my dealings with Mr Madu. But he wasn't done yet. He just wanted me to understand the foolishness of what he had done, and clearly rued flying off the handle they way he had.
This transaction is very confidential even in the bank. So all I want you to do at this point, is to contact the telephone number that I gave to you right away. It is the direct line of the Director of international remittance. He knows about this transaction. His name is Dr George Ade...
Do this without delay.
Mr Madu Frank, I thought you'd given up on me.
It is not all over! Please just follow up the instructions that I gave you, and everything will be alright. I want to receive a mail from you tomorrow morning that you have done it. BE POSITIVE!!!
He's changed his tune! He obviously believes there is still a chance I will hand over my passport, bank account detail, phone number and driver's licence.
I wonder how he'll react when I start losing my patience with him - will he spot the irony? I pretend I have made the phone call which he implored me to make...
Mr Madu, What's going on? Dr George Ade is not answering his phone... what time is it there? Why do you tell me to ring him when he's not around to answer his phone?
This is a waste of my time... I want to help you but I will soon lose patience. I do not need the money that badly - $6.75m would have been nice, but I can live without it and will do so if you do not raise your game very soon.
Are you even serious about wanting to transfer this money?
I'm getting frustrated. I expect to hear from you soon.
Me Madu wasn't impressed.
I will not be a party to any kind of funny jokes because I have a very important schedule myself.
I have called Dr George immediately I received your mail, just to find out if he had any missed call, he said no. Please I know that you are getting frustrated, but we have to keep trying. He will definitely pick up your call when you contact him.
It is too early to start giving up.
Mr Madu, You say "I will not be a party to any kind of funny jokes because I have very important schedule myself" - well excuse me, but I'm the one who gets the distinct feeling this all a bit of a botched operation.
Are you suggesting that I'm lying about ringing Dr George Ade. I do not appreciate being called a liar. I called the number you sent me - there was no answer. Why would I waste my time and yours lying about it?
I don't think I want to do business with you any more.
That told him. Within a week we've gone from him cutting me off to me cutting him off. By this stage I was confident that he would still come back for more, almost regardless of whatever I said. Sure enough, Mr Madu replied, this time - giving me the email addresses for Dr George Ade and his department within the bank. Interestingly, like Mr Madu, both used Yahoo.com webmail addresses. Not very professional for a bank, I thought. (Rest assured all addresses being used have been reported to Yahoo!).
So I contacted Dr George Ade. Could this be Mr Madu by another name?
Dr George, I have been in contact with an associate of yours Mr Madu Frank - I'm sure he has told you about our conversation. He has asked me to contact you to move this transaction on.
Tell me please - why does the bank have a Yahoo! email address? It doesn't sound very official - I need to be assured that this is a serious and official operation - not just people setting up Yahoo! mail addresses - which anybody could do. Please send assurances that I am dealing with honest and official people.
I hope you understand my concern.
Let's see what 'Dr George Ade' has to say for himself.
Dear Sir, I wish to acknowledge the receipt of your mail addressed personally to me, Dr George Ade, on this 3rd day of February 2003. I will start by explaining to you, that this bank does not have only one branch, therefore we do not have just one website or just a particular email address. All departments of the bank are allowed to set up contact points, which will be best to access the banking procedures.
So let's get this straight. Dr Ade is telling me that companies can only set up a specific web address when they are based in just one location. This goes against everything the web stands for. What's starting to annoy me at this point is that these people obviously think I'm an idiot. That said... I did reply to the original email, so as far as they're concerned it's probably a fair assumption.
But who would deal with an international bank that uses Yahoo! mail addresses?
At this point it really hits me how foolish the people are who have been duped by these scammers.
Thanks George, Before we go on - I really don't think you are making the most of the opportunities the internet presents you.
You say "this bank does not have only one branch therefore we do not have just one website or just a particular email address".
The internet is supposed to remove such 'location-based' thinking. You sound like a good man, and I trust you, but I really think an international bank would sound far more impressive if it wasn't using free internet mail addresses. You should look into it.
I'm more than happy with Mr Madu's arrangement - but I imagine there are people out there who would be unwilling to hand out important information, such as bank details, to a Yahoo! account.
Anyway, that's just my opinion,
All the best
I included Mr Madu on my reply. I imagine by now there is at least one very frustrated man in Nigeria. Surely after three weeks he's getting fed up of this. After all, he originally said the transaction must be completed in 14 days... we're well over that already, and sure enough Mr Madu is not happy.
Why are you making a joke of this transaction? I have the certificate of deposit of the fund in question, and the Lodgement receipt with me, and can fax it to you if you can give me a fax number. I am not joking, I mean what I am saying.
So send me your fax number, so that I can send you these documents of proof immediately.
Oh dear. I appear to have annoyed him.
I
waited a few days before sending my next email. By this stage we're well into the fourth week - Mr Madu wanted this done within 14 days. I thought it best to make my apologies and also make up an excuse for the delay.
Sorry Mr Madu, I wasn't making a joke of this transaction intentionally. Apologies also for the delay, but I have been away on business. As such I didn't want to leave a fax number before I went away as I didn't want this form arriving in my absence as I wanted to keep this transaction quiet - I'm sure you understand.
Anyway, I'm back from my travels now and if you could let me have the certificate of deposit and the Lodgement receipt that would be excellent - why not send them as attachments to this email address.
With the ball back in Mr Madu's court I'm kept waiting for a couple of days, until I next hear from him.
It's nice receiving your mail once again. It was a public holiday for the past two days here in Nigeria, so I will send you the documents through mail, tomorrow morning or on Saturday morning.
But they didn't turn up. Has Mr Madu finally given up the chase? Saturday and Sunday pass, with no forms arriving. For five days there is silence from Mr Madu, I start to suspect he's lost interest but I've one last trick up my sleeves to elicit a reaction.
Since starting this email conversation we've received dozens more of these Nigerian emails. Perhaps it's time to introduce Mr Madu to some of his peers.
Mr Madu, Have you shared my details with colleagues of yours. Just this past weekend I received two emails:
First up is Dr Godfrey Ugo who is offering me a share in the fortune of "a foreign customer who died along with his entire family in a Concord plane crash in the year 2000 in Paris".
Secondly I heard from Sunday Ikechukwu who says he works for the Foreign Remittance Department of the Zenith Bank. He is offering me a share of money held in "an account that belongs to one of our foreign customers who died along with his entire family in November 1997 in a plane crash."
What's going on?
This stirred Mr Madu back into action, though he was hardly phased at all by the revelations in my email. In fact he offered this incredible response.
This is just exactly what I told you about delay in anything you do. I investigated the mails that you sent to me, and found out that the mails where sent to you by some fraudulent officials of my bank, who know about this transaction, but want to send the money through another bank.
Please, let us be fast about this transaction before somebody else will come and claim the fund.
Please do not contact any of those people, because you may end up not even getting anything at the end of the day.
So there it is - in so many words my Nigerian scammer has admitted that these emails are a fraud. The final line of his last email is probably the only truthful thing he's said all along. He has instructed me not to contact these people because he would rather he got the chance to clean out my bank account than one of his peers.
The End
(...or is it?)
I just thought that this might be a good thing to share, especially if one finds such an email in their email box. Hey-- I may be a blonde, but Im no dummy! (What's one's hair color have to do with the way the mind works anyway??? LOL)
I did some research to see what would happen if a "supposed" victim were to fall for one of these little con jobs. It is a pretty interesting, humorous, but long read. :)
'Nigerian' money scam: What happens when you reply?
Meet Mr Madu Frank in a silicon.com special...
By Will Sturgeon
Published: Tuesday 18 February 2003
Anybody who has ever received the notorious Nigerian Money Scam will probably have asked themselves the same question - what would happen if I replied?
For those of you unfamiliar with this email scam, the basic idea is simple. Somebody purporting to be a Nigerian banker contacts you, offering a chance to earn some serious money. Often his bank will be looking after the considerable fortune of a deceased millionaire - from shipping magnate to former president. He says he needs a foreign bank account through which to launder the money - and in return for sending him your bank details for this purpose, he will give you a share of the spoils.
Of course those who fall for this scam never see these promised millions. Instead their bank accounts are often cleaned out once they have handed over all their details - which include bank account numbers, copies of their passport and drivers licence and phone and fax numbers - it is a simple identity theft, dressed up with a tempting lure for the gullible.
Over the years silicon.com has received hundreds of these emails. What follows is the transcript of a conversation with one such scammer which began on 20 January 2003.
We received an email from somebody calling himself Mr Madu Frank, promising us 30 per cent of a large unclaimed fund, valued in the region of around $20m. Typically these people will send emails to multiple recipients - hoping somebody will take the bait. Often it is claimed the recipient was recommended to them by 'a friend' or taken from some kind of international directory.
Having received the initial email, silicon.com's Will Sturgeon set up a Hotmail account under an assumed identity, and replied.
Dear Madu Frank,
Thank you very much for contacting me with this wonderful offer, it sounds almost too good to be true. It's amazing, only this morning I was saying how I could do with having a bit more money - I must be a very lucky man.
Of course I would be interested in helping, but would also be very interested to hear who recommended me, as you say you have been told that I am a "reliable" and "trustworthy" person. I assure you I am, but would like to know who I have to thank for this wonderful opportunity.
Just to clarify, you say I stand to get 30 per cent of the total money transferred - this is £6.75m, right? Wow!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Overnight a reply from Mr Madu arrived.
Thank you very much for finding time to reply to my mail. We have to begin this transaction fast, so that the fund will be in your account in about 14 banking days. First of all, you have to transcribe the letter below in to your letter headed paper, or plain paper, and send it back to me so that I will submit it to the INTERNATIONAL REMITANCE DEPARTMENT of the bank...
...I will require you to also send me your private telephone and fax numbers, I will submit this also to the bank, and they will contact you directly.
When they contact you, I want you to act as the real beneficiary of the fund in question. Do not be intimidated by anybody. I will also want you to send me the front and back photocopy of your international passport or driver's licence, so that I will know who I am having a deal with.
For further enquires on what you should do, call me immediately you receive this mail on my telephone number... I will be expecting your call.
He then included the text of the letter he wanted me to transcribe, including helpful blank spaces where I could fill in my name, address and, most importantly, bank details. Of course I didn't oblige... but that didn't mean I was finished with Mr Madu (wasn't he a partially sighted cartoon character?). I still wanted him to answer my question about who recommended me.
So I replied:
Thank you for getting back to me. I am still wondering if you could tell me who recommended me to you, as I asked in my last email.
I do not have a problem with all this, but you said in your original email that you had been told I was a reliable person - I was just wondering if you could elaborate? I am interested in finding this out - as that person may want to share in my good fortune. I should be aware of who has done me this big favour.
I look forward to hearing from you.
So I've posed Mr Madu a challenge here. We know the truth, but surely he won't admit to sending out random emails to all and sundry in the hope that some poor sucker will take the bait. No, instead he comes up with one of the most improbable - yet inventive - lies ever.
I have seen your mail, and understand the surprise that you are still passing through. I got your address from the Hotmail email directory for successful men and women. Please we have to leave out surprises at this point, and deal with the issue that we have at hand right now. Call me as I instructed you for more detail about what this transaction will look like.
Expecting your reply soonest.
I wasn't about to let that one go...
Mr Madu, I didn't know there was a "Hotmail email directory for successful men and women". You live and learn! How do they know I'm successful (I am - but I only set this Hotmail account up on Monday - and they didn't ask me then whether I am successful. Where can I see this directory?)
I hope you can understand my trepidation - I'd hate to blunder into some kind of scam (not that I would ever question your integrity or the genuine nature of this offer).
I suppose, as I said in my earlier email this just sounds too good to be true - are you sure it is all above board?
I am still very keen to help you out, and am really looking forward to getting the money - I just need to be sure it's the right thing to do.
All the best,
My conversational style fell on deaf ears, Mr Madu clearly wasn't keen to hang around chewing the fat...
Please send the transcribed letter, to my fax number... or send it as an attachment to my email box. I will be expecting to hear from you soon.
But, if he can lie, then what is there to stop me?
Mr Madu, OK - I have sent that fax. It should be there now. Let me know once you've got it.
I hadn't. At this point we played a little bit of email tennis. Three times I sent an email saying I'd faxed through the form - three times, on three consecutive days, he replied to tell me it hadn't arrived (that's because I'd not sent it Mr Madu) - each time urging me instead to email it to his inbox. I blamed confusion over the international codes.
My Dear Friend, I have not seen your fax yet... You do not have to add any other code. But I prefer that you send me the letter this time around, through email as an attachment, since you have tried to send it three times through fax.
I will be expecting you to send it through my email box now, so that I can submit it to the international remittance department of the bank, before the close of work today.
In the end I changed tack - suggesting it might be quicker to fax the bank directly - suggesting I might even look up the bank on the internet. I thought this might catch Mr Madu off guard, but it hardly threw him at all. He quickly replied, giving me the "direct telephone number of Dr George Ade, the Director of the international remittance department." He also gave me the department's fax number and implored me to contact them immediately.
Yet, still I resisted... Saturday, Sunday passed and still I hadn't faxed anything. Mr Madu was starting to grow impatient...
Have you faxed the letter to the international remittance department of the Eco Bank? (No) Have you called the director as I instructed you to? (No again I'm afraid Mr Madu) Please you know we have to be fast about this transaction, so I want you to act fast.
I will also require your private telephone number, so that I can communicate with you on phone. I will be expecting your mail immediately.
What's it going to take before this man gives up on me? Surely if he hasn't cottoned on to the fact that I'm winding him up, he must at least think I'm incredibly ungrateful, and more than a little disorganised.
But that's his problem, not mine... This time I replied, telling him I had gone ahead and looked up the proper numbers for the EcoBank in Lagos Nigeria on the internet - and told him that I'd sent my form straight there... Surely this will annoy him - after all, if he really believes that I fell for his scam, then surely he must believe what I've just gone and done is completely idiotic. All along he has stressed the need for secrecy and great caution. Involving the real EcoBank will surely throw a spanner in the works and annoy the long-suffering Mr Madu... and indeed it did.
He wrote:
ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? I sent you numbers that you can use to reach particular people because of the confidentiality of this transaction, and you are contacting another number! Well I must inform you at this point, that since you refused to follow my instructions, you have 0 per cent chance of collecting any money from the bank. You have just shown how unconfidential you can be.
I also hope that you did not mention my name in the fax you sent to them, because I don't want to lose my job over a fund that has not been released. The best thing I have to do now is to look for someone more confidential than you are! GOOD DAY!
And so it ended... ...or did it?
Mr Madu, I can't believe I'm going to miss out on this money - but these things happen - and I can see that it was all my fault... but what a shame!!!
Your good - but slightly disappointed - friend.
In truth I expected that to be the last of my dealings with Mr Madu. But he wasn't done yet. He just wanted me to understand the foolishness of what he had done, and clearly rued flying off the handle they way he had.
This transaction is very confidential even in the bank. So all I want you to do at this point, is to contact the telephone number that I gave to you right away. It is the direct line of the Director of international remittance. He knows about this transaction. His name is Dr George Ade...
Do this without delay.
Mr Madu Frank, I thought you'd given up on me.
It is not all over! Please just follow up the instructions that I gave you, and everything will be alright. I want to receive a mail from you tomorrow morning that you have done it. BE POSITIVE!!!
He's changed his tune! He obviously believes there is still a chance I will hand over my passport, bank account detail, phone number and driver's licence.
I wonder how he'll react when I start losing my patience with him - will he spot the irony? I pretend I have made the phone call which he implored me to make...
Mr Madu, What's going on? Dr George Ade is not answering his phone... what time is it there? Why do you tell me to ring him when he's not around to answer his phone?
This is a waste of my time... I want to help you but I will soon lose patience. I do not need the money that badly - $6.75m would have been nice, but I can live without it and will do so if you do not raise your game very soon.
Are you even serious about wanting to transfer this money?
I'm getting frustrated. I expect to hear from you soon.
Me Madu wasn't impressed.
I will not be a party to any kind of funny jokes because I have a very important schedule myself.
I have called Dr George immediately I received your mail, just to find out if he had any missed call, he said no. Please I know that you are getting frustrated, but we have to keep trying. He will definitely pick up your call when you contact him.
It is too early to start giving up.
Mr Madu, You say "I will not be a party to any kind of funny jokes because I have very important schedule myself" - well excuse me, but I'm the one who gets the distinct feeling this all a bit of a botched operation.
Are you suggesting that I'm lying about ringing Dr George Ade. I do not appreciate being called a liar. I called the number you sent me - there was no answer. Why would I waste my time and yours lying about it?
I don't think I want to do business with you any more.
That told him. Within a week we've gone from him cutting me off to me cutting him off. By this stage I was confident that he would still come back for more, almost regardless of whatever I said. Sure enough, Mr Madu replied, this time - giving me the email addresses for Dr George Ade and his department within the bank. Interestingly, like Mr Madu, both used Yahoo.com webmail addresses. Not very professional for a bank, I thought. (Rest assured all addresses being used have been reported to Yahoo!).
So I contacted Dr George Ade. Could this be Mr Madu by another name?
Dr George, I have been in contact with an associate of yours Mr Madu Frank - I'm sure he has told you about our conversation. He has asked me to contact you to move this transaction on.
Tell me please - why does the bank have a Yahoo! email address? It doesn't sound very official - I need to be assured that this is a serious and official operation - not just people setting up Yahoo! mail addresses - which anybody could do. Please send assurances that I am dealing with honest and official people.
I hope you understand my concern.
Let's see what 'Dr George Ade' has to say for himself.
Dear Sir, I wish to acknowledge the receipt of your mail addressed personally to me, Dr George Ade, on this 3rd day of February 2003. I will start by explaining to you, that this bank does not have only one branch, therefore we do not have just one website or just a particular email address. All departments of the bank are allowed to set up contact points, which will be best to access the banking procedures.
So let's get this straight. Dr Ade is telling me that companies can only set up a specific web address when they are based in just one location. This goes against everything the web stands for. What's starting to annoy me at this point is that these people obviously think I'm an idiot. That said... I did reply to the original email, so as far as they're concerned it's probably a fair assumption.
But who would deal with an international bank that uses Yahoo! mail addresses?
At this point it really hits me how foolish the people are who have been duped by these scammers.
Thanks George, Before we go on - I really don't think you are making the most of the opportunities the internet presents you.
You say "this bank does not have only one branch therefore we do not have just one website or just a particular email address".
The internet is supposed to remove such 'location-based' thinking. You sound like a good man, and I trust you, but I really think an international bank would sound far more impressive if it wasn't using free internet mail addresses. You should look into it.
I'm more than happy with Mr Madu's arrangement - but I imagine there are people out there who would be unwilling to hand out important information, such as bank details, to a Yahoo! account.
Anyway, that's just my opinion,
All the best
I included Mr Madu on my reply. I imagine by now there is at least one very frustrated man in Nigeria. Surely after three weeks he's getting fed up of this. After all, he originally said the transaction must be completed in 14 days... we're well over that already, and sure enough Mr Madu is not happy.
Why are you making a joke of this transaction? I have the certificate of deposit of the fund in question, and the Lodgement receipt with me, and can fax it to you if you can give me a fax number. I am not joking, I mean what I am saying.
So send me your fax number, so that I can send you these documents of proof immediately.
Oh dear. I appear to have annoyed him.
I
waited a few days before sending my next email. By this stage we're well into the fourth week - Mr Madu wanted this done within 14 days. I thought it best to make my apologies and also make up an excuse for the delay.
Sorry Mr Madu, I wasn't making a joke of this transaction intentionally. Apologies also for the delay, but I have been away on business. As such I didn't want to leave a fax number before I went away as I didn't want this form arriving in my absence as I wanted to keep this transaction quiet - I'm sure you understand.
Anyway, I'm back from my travels now and if you could let me have the certificate of deposit and the Lodgement receipt that would be excellent - why not send them as attachments to this email address.
With the ball back in Mr Madu's court I'm kept waiting for a couple of days, until I next hear from him.
It's nice receiving your mail once again. It was a public holiday for the past two days here in Nigeria, so I will send you the documents through mail, tomorrow morning or on Saturday morning.
But they didn't turn up. Has Mr Madu finally given up the chase? Saturday and Sunday pass, with no forms arriving. For five days there is silence from Mr Madu, I start to suspect he's lost interest but I've one last trick up my sleeves to elicit a reaction.
Since starting this email conversation we've received dozens more of these Nigerian emails. Perhaps it's time to introduce Mr Madu to some of his peers.
Mr Madu, Have you shared my details with colleagues of yours. Just this past weekend I received two emails:
First up is Dr Godfrey Ugo who is offering me a share in the fortune of "a foreign customer who died along with his entire family in a Concord plane crash in the year 2000 in Paris".
Secondly I heard from Sunday Ikechukwu who says he works for the Foreign Remittance Department of the Zenith Bank. He is offering me a share of money held in "an account that belongs to one of our foreign customers who died along with his entire family in November 1997 in a plane crash."
What's going on?
This stirred Mr Madu back into action, though he was hardly phased at all by the revelations in my email. In fact he offered this incredible response.
This is just exactly what I told you about delay in anything you do. I investigated the mails that you sent to me, and found out that the mails where sent to you by some fraudulent officials of my bank, who know about this transaction, but want to send the money through another bank.
Please, let us be fast about this transaction before somebody else will come and claim the fund.
Please do not contact any of those people, because you may end up not even getting anything at the end of the day.
So there it is - in so many words my Nigerian scammer has admitted that these emails are a fraud. The final line of his last email is probably the only truthful thing he's said all along. He has instructed me not to contact these people because he would rather he got the chance to clean out my bank account than one of his peers.
The End
(...or is it?)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Scientist find a reason for contagious yawning
I found this article to be interesting. Our 5 year old son has what you would call the " Higher Functioning" end of the Autism Spectrum scale,--yet he lacks social skills with kids his age, but he is very empathic. So much that when someone cries; that he will cry. This makes it hard in public places or even watching a tv program -- if someone is crying, then Noah's response is the same in return--crying until the other person stops.
Scientists find reason for contagious yawning
People who feel more empathy are more prone to it, study finds
LONDON - Showing empathy can make for a lot of yawning.
A study of autistic children has bolstered evidence that people who identify better with others are more prone to contagious yawning, Japanese researchers say.
Scientists have long known that one yawn often leads others to follow suit but what triggers the phenomenon is not as clear, said Atsushi Senju, a researcher at the University of London who worked on the study.
Some believe it is simply a reflex. Others suggest the same mechanisms in the brain that make people feel empathy also cause them to yawn when they see others doing the same, he said.
In the study the team tested the reaction of autistic children and normal children when watching video clips of people yawning and then simply moving their mouths.
The researchers found the children with autism, a developmental condition that severely affects social interaction and communication including empathy, yawned less than other children during clips of people yawning.
Both groups of children yawned the same amount when watching the video of people only moving their mouths, showing that empathy was the key, Senju told Reuters.
“It supports the claim that contagious yawning is based on the capacity for empathy,” the researchers wrote.
Contagious yawning is seen in only a few other primates and studies have suggested the behavior has played an evolutionary role in helping groups avoid danger by keeping animals awake and alert.
The researchers said the findings offer a jumping-off point to investigate the nature of social and communication impairment in those with autism.
“Further studies are required to investigate the relation between contagious yawning and other symptoms of (autism) such as empathy, imitation and/or face fixation,” the researchers wrote.
The study is published in the Royal Society’s Biology Letters on Wednesday.
Soaring Like Eagles
I've been meditating on Isaiah 40:31 for a week now & even catch myself singing "Waiting on the Lord" throughout the day. I wanted to do some research on this verse & I happen to come across this article on the web regarding the symbolism of the Eagle. This little article has taught me a lot. I hope it blesses you as much as it did me. :) :)http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/~tangw/eagle.html
Be VERY patient in reading this wonderful story. Something for you to ponder about. Familiar with Isaiah 40:31?
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."(Isaiah 40:31)
Have you ever wondered why Isaiah 40:31 is written the way it is?
Question: Why is the Eagle mentioned specifically?
Question: What is so special about Eagles that they have a place in the bible?
Question: What is the linkage between waiting upon the Lord and renewal of strength? Question: Why is it that when you mount up with wings like eagles, you do not get tired?
Read on and you will find the answer. The eagle is a creation of God. It is the most majestic of all birds and is mentioned many times in the bible. In fact, the eagle is mentioned 38 times, much more than the dove or other birds. An eagle is around 90 cm tall and reaches over 2 m between the wings. She builds her nest on the cliff or in a high tree. The nest is so large that a human can sleep in it. It can weigh 700 kg and is also comfortable.
With the basis of God's word, we shall see what the king of birds can show us concerning truths about God, and also about Christians. May the practical lessons contained in here be of encouragement to you. God Bless.
Lesson 1: All Baby Eagles Must Learn To Fly
High in the mountains, a baby eagle is born. Like all other babies, there are two things that baby eagles, known as eaglets, love to do:eat and sleep. The baby eagle would spend its initial life in the comfort of the nest. Everyday, mama eagle would find food and drop it directly into the open mouths of the hungry eaglet. With a satisfied stomach, the eaglet then goes to sleep and the cycle continues when it becomes hungry again.
This goes on for a few weeks, until one day, mama eagle would just hover over the nest. This time, there is no food. After hovering a few rounds, mama eagle would make a dive into the nest and begins to shake it violently. She then takes one of her babies in her mouth and starts rounds, mama eagle would make a dive into the nest and begins to shake it violently. She then takes one of her babies in her mouth and starts soaring into the skies. The baby eaglet begins to tremble, "Mama is mad! Mama is mad!" Suddenly, she drops the baby eaglet who starts to struggle.
Just before the eaglet smashes against the rocks, mama eagle would sweep down and pick it up. This goes on for about five to eight times. The eaglet starts to wonder why mama is doing this. Everytime it is being dropped from the sky, the eaglet would struggle by flapping its wings. "Mama can fly. I want to fly like her too!", the eaglet says to itself. What beautiful picture! Mama is teaching her young to fly. At about the fourteenth to fifteenth try, the eaglet begins to fly.
Relevance
Christians are like baby eagles, comfortable in the nest. They come to church once a week for food. They would wait for pastor to drop "spiritual" food into their mouths. When service is over, they would go home, "sleep" for a few days and the cycle continues, until one day, something happens and they struggle. The nest gets shaken and they don't know what to do. "It's the devil! It's the devil!" they exclaim. No, it's not! It's just our loving Father who allows our nest to be shaken because He wants us to grow into maturity, so that we can fly. It's no point being an eagle that cannot fly.
The Word of God says in Exodus 19:4 that God bare the children of Israel on eagles' wings. Here we see the eagle symbolise God. The way mama eagle treats her young shows us how God treats His children. Just when it seems like we're going under ... SWISH ... mama eagle, God, comes and picks us up. In the world, they push people upward when they are going up. But God lets us fall down to get us up.
Hard times come, but after a couple of times I start to pray a little bit more. I start to read God's word a little bit more. And suddenly I realise that the answers to my prayers are coming. Hard times always come but I find I'm not helpless, no, I see that I can stand on God's word.
What has happened? I've learned to spread my wings! I've learned to fly.
God carries us supernaturally through all our trials, even if we don't feel it. Yea, who can see the wind. While mama eagle teaches her young to use their own wings, God teaches us to Believe
His word and use our Faith.
Lesson 2: Eagles Are Made For The High Places
Unlike other birds that fly in the lowlands, eagles are made to fly in the high places, out of sight of the naked human eye and out of range of the hunter's rifle. -
Relevance
God made us to fly in the high places, free from the world's control. A tourist to the Jurong Bird Park once commented that the eagles there looked very clean. In reply, the bird-keeper said: "When eagles are in freedom, they are the cleanest birds. But when they are in captivity, they are the dirtiest."
Relevance
God made us pure and holy to conform to the image of His Son. If Christians are in captivity, that is subjected to the ways of the world, we can be the "dirtiest" of all creatures. Unless we "fly" in the high places, out of the world's control, and according to how God has made us, we'll remain the dirtiest of creatures.
Lesson 3: Eagles Do Not Fly, They Soar
Eagles do not fly like other birds, flapping their wings profusely and using their own strength. Instead, eagles SOAR majestically, making use of the wind currents to gain height. What makes the eagle so special is that she sits on the rock and reads the wind and when the time is perfect she takes off and soars upward with her great wings.
There is a special up going wind where the eagle rides the wind and circle higher and higher toward the sky, without effort. She just spreads her wings.
Relevance
The wind is referred many times in the bible as the Holy Spirit. We can learn to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and let Him lift us closer to Jesus. The eagle in this case is the Christian who is being lifted by the Holy Spirit up and closer to Jesus.
Like eagles, we should learn to ride on the current of the Holy Spirit, instead of relying on our own strength. Only then can we "gain height" to "fly" in the high places. Isaiah 40:31 talks about growing in Christ, that happens when we have fellowship with Him in the Spirit.
Lesson 4: Eagles Go Through Specific Periods Of Renewal
When they are about 60 years old, eagles go through a period of renewal. An eagle would find a secret place up in the mountains. It would start to claw at its face and tear out the feathers that have been damaged over the years. As a result, it would bleed badly. The eagle would then wait patiently for the rays of the sun to heal it. Through this, the eagle renews its strength by getting rid of the unnecessary things otherwise it would not be able to live till 120 years that it normally does.
Relevance
Like eagles, Christians need to go through a renewal period sometime in our lives, to rid ourselves of unnecessary things and to wait upon the Lord. Renewal is a divine principle where God cuts off the unfruitful things in us so as to bring out the fruitful.
Lesson 5: Eagles Get Sick, Just Like Humans
When an eagle gets sick, it does not go to the doctor. It simply finds a favourite spot in the mountains and await the rays of the sun to heal it. The sun plays a major role in the life of an eagle and as such, is a major source of healing too.
Relevance
When we get sick, besides going to the doctor, do we also look to the Lord who plays a major role in our lives as our source of healing?
Lesson 6: Every Eagle Has To Die
When an eagle is about to die, it will fly to its favourite spot in the mountains, wraps its wings round itself, looks at the sun's rays and dies.
Relevance
Ideally, all Christians should die looking towards Jesus as our source of hope and comfort.
"A person's true character is revealed by what he does when no one is watching
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Quit Complaining-- It may make you feel worse
I love anything that deals with Psychology & happen to run across this article today as I was enjoying my coffee this morning. It reminds me that if I feel like having a pity party, vent.. then let it go. Besides, who wants to listen to a whiner anyway, when we can be focusing on the blessings in our lives.
Like they say, there is always someone less fortunate than us. So... with that said... I'm going to make a list of every positive thing in my life (and forget those little nigglies) LOL
Quit complaining — it may make you feel worse
Venting to friends about problems is unhelpful and unhealthy, experts say
By Melissa Dahl
Health writer
MSNBC
Updated: 5:46 a.m. PT Aug 13, 2007
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20185446/
When confronted with a problem, Ashley Merydith has a routine for dealing with it: She talks about it. Incessantly. To anyone who will listen.
“‘So he did this, and then I said this, and then he texted me this,’” says Merydith, 23, describing the intricacies of a venting session. “It’s basically rehashing every conversation.”
Her goal is to get it off her chest and feel better about the issue. But often, Merydith finds that venting about her problems has the exact opposite effect. “It makes you more amped up about the problem,” says Merydith, of Charlotte, N.C.
Voicing your frustrations is a natural way of dealing with them — but watch out for when a conversation dissolves into a bitch session. Talking your problems to death can make you feel even worse.
A recent study found that teenage girls who vented to each other about their problems, from boy trouble to social slights, were more likely to develop depression and anxiety — and the same is likely true for adult women, says Amanda Rose, the author of the study.
“There’s a definite belief in our culture that talking about our problems makes you feel better,” says Rose, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Missouri, Columbia, whose research was published in the July issue of Developmental Psychology. “That’s true in moderation. ... It only becomes risky when it becomes excessive.”
Be more like a boy
Rose also studied the venting habits of young men, but found that guys don’t tend to analyze their problems as deeply as women. That might be because relationship issues tend to spark the most obsessive discussions, and that’s a subject women are more likely to dwell on.
Sometimes a kvetching session can spiral out of control, admits 21-year-old Amanda Beattie.
Instead of making her feel better about the problem, it reinforces the small fears she already had — or even introduces new ones.
“It goes from statements about how I’m feeling to, ‘OK, so-and-so must hate me,’ to ‘I bet they never liked me in their life,’” says Beattie, who lives in Kansas City, Mo. “The more you talk, it hypes up your emotions.”
Still, there’s an upside to all that complaining. Rose points out that in her findings, the girls who vented to each other also reported feeling closer to their friends. It can establish an instant bond because the listeners know the complainer trusts them enough to spill their emotions — and the complainer’s just grateful that someone is willing to listen.
For 24-year-old Elizabeth Spencer-Green, a good griping session has often been a way to connect with other women. When she first moved to Seattle as a teenager, she hated her new school — and she bonded with a group of girls who felt the same way.
“I guess I used that as a way to fit in,” says Spencer-Green, who now lives in New York City.
But she noticed that as she complained with her friends about how much she hated the school, she started to hate it even more.
Confirming worst fears
That’s the danger of talking to friends who let you wallow in your sorrows. It can confirm your worst fears: Maybe you weren’t overreacting. He really did wrong you. She really was flirting with him.
And now you’re convinced: This is so a big deal.
“If I tell you my problem, and the way you listen to me is sort of agreeing with me, then it escalates the feeling, without having a practical solution for it,” says Matthew Anderson, a psychologist based in Boca Raton, Fla. Instead of spilling your problems to those friends who encourage your rants, turn to someone who’ll point you toward a solution.
In Beattie’s case, that was her mom. Beattie was stressed about the tension between herself and her co-workers at her new internship, and she called her mom to talk about it.
“She’d let me run out of steam, and then she’d remind me of what I needed to do to remedy the situation,” says Beattie.
Psychologists also warn against ranting over and over to the same audience. You don’t want to become known as the complainer of the group. That can take a toll on friendships; it’s draining to be around someone who’s always moaning about their troubles.
When faced with someone who’s intent on wallowing in their problems, give them some time to talk it out — maybe 15 minutes, suggests Annette Annechild, a marriage and family counselor in Del Ray Beach, Fla. After that, move away from complaining and on to problem solving.
Merydith, the conversation rehasher, says she’s trying to redirect her venting habit into healthier territory by seeking solutions instead of just complaining. “If you talk about it forever and ever, at some point, you have to be like, ‘OK, let’s move on.’”
Like they say, there is always someone less fortunate than us. So... with that said... I'm going to make a list of every positive thing in my life (and forget those little nigglies) LOL
Quit complaining — it may make you feel worse
Venting to friends about problems is unhelpful and unhealthy, experts say
By Melissa Dahl
Health writer
MSNBC
Updated: 5:46 a.m. PT Aug 13, 2007
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20185446/
When confronted with a problem, Ashley Merydith has a routine for dealing with it: She talks about it. Incessantly. To anyone who will listen.
“‘So he did this, and then I said this, and then he texted me this,’” says Merydith, 23, describing the intricacies of a venting session. “It’s basically rehashing every conversation.”
Her goal is to get it off her chest and feel better about the issue. But often, Merydith finds that venting about her problems has the exact opposite effect. “It makes you more amped up about the problem,” says Merydith, of Charlotte, N.C.
Voicing your frustrations is a natural way of dealing with them — but watch out for when a conversation dissolves into a bitch session. Talking your problems to death can make you feel even worse.
A recent study found that teenage girls who vented to each other about their problems, from boy trouble to social slights, were more likely to develop depression and anxiety — and the same is likely true for adult women, says Amanda Rose, the author of the study.
“There’s a definite belief in our culture that talking about our problems makes you feel better,” says Rose, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Missouri, Columbia, whose research was published in the July issue of Developmental Psychology. “That’s true in moderation. ... It only becomes risky when it becomes excessive.”
Be more like a boy
Rose also studied the venting habits of young men, but found that guys don’t tend to analyze their problems as deeply as women. That might be because relationship issues tend to spark the most obsessive discussions, and that’s a subject women are more likely to dwell on.
Sometimes a kvetching session can spiral out of control, admits 21-year-old Amanda Beattie.
Instead of making her feel better about the problem, it reinforces the small fears she already had — or even introduces new ones.
“It goes from statements about how I’m feeling to, ‘OK, so-and-so must hate me,’ to ‘I bet they never liked me in their life,’” says Beattie, who lives in Kansas City, Mo. “The more you talk, it hypes up your emotions.”
Still, there’s an upside to all that complaining. Rose points out that in her findings, the girls who vented to each other also reported feeling closer to their friends. It can establish an instant bond because the listeners know the complainer trusts them enough to spill their emotions — and the complainer’s just grateful that someone is willing to listen.
For 24-year-old Elizabeth Spencer-Green, a good griping session has often been a way to connect with other women. When she first moved to Seattle as a teenager, she hated her new school — and she bonded with a group of girls who felt the same way.
“I guess I used that as a way to fit in,” says Spencer-Green, who now lives in New York City.
But she noticed that as she complained with her friends about how much she hated the school, she started to hate it even more.
Confirming worst fears
That’s the danger of talking to friends who let you wallow in your sorrows. It can confirm your worst fears: Maybe you weren’t overreacting. He really did wrong you. She really was flirting with him.
And now you’re convinced: This is so a big deal.
“If I tell you my problem, and the way you listen to me is sort of agreeing with me, then it escalates the feeling, without having a practical solution for it,” says Matthew Anderson, a psychologist based in Boca Raton, Fla. Instead of spilling your problems to those friends who encourage your rants, turn to someone who’ll point you toward a solution.
In Beattie’s case, that was her mom. Beattie was stressed about the tension between herself and her co-workers at her new internship, and she called her mom to talk about it.
“She’d let me run out of steam, and then she’d remind me of what I needed to do to remedy the situation,” says Beattie.
Psychologists also warn against ranting over and over to the same audience. You don’t want to become known as the complainer of the group. That can take a toll on friendships; it’s draining to be around someone who’s always moaning about their troubles.
When faced with someone who’s intent on wallowing in their problems, give them some time to talk it out — maybe 15 minutes, suggests Annette Annechild, a marriage and family counselor in Del Ray Beach, Fla. After that, move away from complaining and on to problem solving.
Merydith, the conversation rehasher, says she’s trying to redirect her venting habit into healthier territory by seeking solutions instead of just complaining. “If you talk about it forever and ever, at some point, you have to be like, ‘OK, let’s move on.’”
Monday, August 13, 2007
Precious Diamond
The only difference between black coal and a precious diamond…...... is the amount of pressure it endured. (Hebrews 6:15)
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Who's Your Daddy???
I am posting this wonderful story in Memory of my Earthly Father, Paul E. Massey. Today would have been his 73rd birthday, but unexpectedly-- He went home to be with the Lord in Nov 2002. It brings me comfort to know that my Earthly Father is spending his birthday with my Heavenly Father & having such a great celebration with those who have passed on. I know that both my father's love is shining down upon me today & everyday! :)
Happy Birthday Dad! We love and miss you, but we'll be together again someday! :)
A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, TN. One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests.
The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, "I hope he doesn't come over here." But sure enough, the man did come over to their table. "Where are you folks from?" he asked in a friendly voice. "Oklahoma," they answered. "Great to have you here in Tennessee," the stranger said. "What do you do for a living?" "I teach at a seminary," he replied. "Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you?
Well, I've got a really great story for you." And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple. The professor groaned and thought to himself, "Great .. Just what I need ...another preacher story!" The man started, "See that mountain over there? (pointing out the restaurant window). Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy, Who's your daddy?' Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question, 'Who's your daddy?' He would hide at recess and lunchtime from other students.
He would avoid going into stores because that question hurt him so bad. "When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, 'Who's your daddy?' But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, Son, who's your daddy? The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the question, 'Who's your daddy?'
"This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy... "Wait a minute! I know who you are! I see the family resemblance now. You are a child of God." With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, "Boy, you've got a great inheritance. Go and claim it." "With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, 'Who's your Daddy?' he'd just tell them, 'I'm a Child of God.'"
The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, "Isn't that a great story?" The professor responded that it really was a great story! As the man turned to leave, he said, "You know, if that new preacher hadn't told me that I was one of God's children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!" And he walked away. The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over & asked her, "Do you know who that man was -- the one who just left that was sitting at our table?"
The waitress grinned and said, "Of course. Everybody here knows him. That's Ben Hooper. He's the former governor of Tennessee!" Someone in your life today needs a reminder that they're one of God's children!
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God stands forever." ~~Isaiah
YOU'RE ONE OF GOD'S CHILDREN!!! HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Happy Birthday Dad! We love and miss you, but we'll be together again someday! :)
A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, TN. One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests.
The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, "I hope he doesn't come over here." But sure enough, the man did come over to their table. "Where are you folks from?" he asked in a friendly voice. "Oklahoma," they answered. "Great to have you here in Tennessee," the stranger said. "What do you do for a living?" "I teach at a seminary," he replied. "Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you?
Well, I've got a really great story for you." And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple. The professor groaned and thought to himself, "Great .. Just what I need ...another preacher story!" The man started, "See that mountain over there? (pointing out the restaurant window). Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy, Who's your daddy?' Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question, 'Who's your daddy?' He would hide at recess and lunchtime from other students.
He would avoid going into stores because that question hurt him so bad. "When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, 'Who's your daddy?' But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, Son, who's your daddy? The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the question, 'Who's your daddy?'
"This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy... "Wait a minute! I know who you are! I see the family resemblance now. You are a child of God." With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, "Boy, you've got a great inheritance. Go and claim it." "With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, 'Who's your Daddy?' he'd just tell them, 'I'm a Child of God.'"
The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, "Isn't that a great story?" The professor responded that it really was a great story! As the man turned to leave, he said, "You know, if that new preacher hadn't told me that I was one of God's children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!" And he walked away. The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over & asked her, "Do you know who that man was -- the one who just left that was sitting at our table?"
The waitress grinned and said, "Of course. Everybody here knows him. That's Ben Hooper. He's the former governor of Tennessee!" Someone in your life today needs a reminder that they're one of God's children!
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God stands forever." ~~Isaiah
YOU'RE ONE OF GOD'S CHILDREN!!! HAVE A GREAT DAY!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
Bush Set to Veto HHS-Labor-Education Appropriations Bill
Okay-- I respect Political figures in our Country; but after reading this article below-- this just makes me angry. After looking back at Noah's vaccination records along with his milestones, his autistic behaviors started right after he received the flu vaccine and his MMR shots.
Okay, Mr President.... the families of 1 in 166 children who have the Autism disorder want answers, cause this Mom feels let down by you not keeping your Campaign promise!
Bush Set to Veto HHS-Labor-Education Appropriations Bill Due to Provision to Remove Mercury From Infant Vaccines SafeMinds and autism community call the White House declaration 'irresponsible and dangerous'
WASHINGTON, July 18/PRNewswire-USNewswire
According to the Congressional Quarterly, the White House stated on Tuesday that President Bush would veto the HHS-Labor-Education Appropriations Bill because of the cost and "objectionable provisions" such as a measure to ban the use of childhood flu vaccines that contain thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative.
Autism advocacy groups are outraged because President Bush stated in a questionnaire during his 2004 campaign: "I support the removal of Thimerosal from vaccines on the childhood national vaccine schedule. During a second term as President, I will continue to support increased funding to support a wide variety of research initiatives aimed at seeking definitive causes and/or triggers of autism.
It is important to note that while there are many possible theories about causes or triggers of autism, no one material has been definitely included or excluded."But since 2005, President Bush has steadfastly refused to issue an Executive Order banning high amounts of mercury in vaccines that would protect children and pregnant women despite repeated requests from the autism community that he uphold his campaign promise.
Under his current administration, mercury has been and will continue to be knowingly into the youngest of American citizens. The controversial mercury-containing preservative thimerosal has been linked by thousands of parents as being the cause of their children's mercury poisoning and autism.The flu vaccine which continues to be manufactured with mercury is recommended for all pregnant women, infants and children despite the fact that the Institute of Medicine in 2001 recommended against the policy of exposing these same sensitive groups to thimerosal containing vaccines.
According to the EPA, one in every six women of childbearing age already has blood levels of mercury high enough to cause neurological damage to their unborn children due to environmental exposures alone. "Injecting even more mercury into the bodies of pregnant women, infants and children when it is not a necessary component of vaccines is just bad medicine," said Lyn Redwood, president of SafeMinds and parent of a mercury-injured child. "It defies logic that a flu vaccine must be disposed of as a hazardous waste if it is not used, but somehow injecting the same mercury-containing vaccine into a baby is safe."
Okay, Mr President.... the families of 1 in 166 children who have the Autism disorder want answers, cause this Mom feels let down by you not keeping your Campaign promise!
Bush Set to Veto HHS-Labor-Education Appropriations Bill Due to Provision to Remove Mercury From Infant Vaccines SafeMinds and autism community call the White House declaration 'irresponsible and dangerous'
WASHINGTON, July 18/PRNewswire-USNewswire
According to the Congressional Quarterly, the White House stated on Tuesday that President Bush would veto the HHS-Labor-Education Appropriations Bill because of the cost and "objectionable provisions" such as a measure to ban the use of childhood flu vaccines that contain thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative.
Autism advocacy groups are outraged because President Bush stated in a questionnaire during his 2004 campaign: "I support the removal of Thimerosal from vaccines on the childhood national vaccine schedule. During a second term as President, I will continue to support increased funding to support a wide variety of research initiatives aimed at seeking definitive causes and/or triggers of autism.
It is important to note that while there are many possible theories about causes or triggers of autism, no one material has been definitely included or excluded."But since 2005, President Bush has steadfastly refused to issue an Executive Order banning high amounts of mercury in vaccines that would protect children and pregnant women despite repeated requests from the autism community that he uphold his campaign promise.
Under his current administration, mercury has been and will continue to be knowingly into the youngest of American citizens. The controversial mercury-containing preservative thimerosal has been linked by thousands of parents as being the cause of their children's mercury poisoning and autism.The flu vaccine which continues to be manufactured with mercury is recommended for all pregnant women, infants and children despite the fact that the Institute of Medicine in 2001 recommended against the policy of exposing these same sensitive groups to thimerosal containing vaccines.
According to the EPA, one in every six women of childbearing age already has blood levels of mercury high enough to cause neurological damage to their unborn children due to environmental exposures alone. "Injecting even more mercury into the bodies of pregnant women, infants and children when it is not a necessary component of vaccines is just bad medicine," said Lyn Redwood, president of SafeMinds and parent of a mercury-injured child. "It defies logic that a flu vaccine must be disposed of as a hazardous waste if it is not used, but somehow injecting the same mercury-containing vaccine into a baby is safe."
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Finding My Soft Place to Land..
I am reflecting on God's goodness this morning as my husband's job contract comes to an end next week. We also received news that my Mother-in-law had received some unsettling news from her doctor. When trials and trouble strikes (as they always seem to creep up in this life) God and His Word is my soft place to land!
Circumstances in the natural aren't what they appear in the Supernatural realm. I strongly believe that Gods Word doesnt return void & there is so much power in it. I have heard the sermon "Speak to Your Mountain" a few times over the last 7 years, and I take comfort in it. Mountains are symbolic of the circumstances in our life (whether it be a job loss, ill health, relationships, etc)
In fact, I have a book that I keep on my bedside table "The Secret Power of Speaking God's Word" by Joyce Meyer. So when the enemy tries to put what I call "stinkin' thinkin' into my thoughts or words, I automatically meditate on a Scripture in the book. In the past, I have struggled with speaking it into my life, as others who don't understand it have mocked me because of it.
I forgive them, cause if someone isn't a believer, then Im sure it would sound quite alien to someone who can't understand it all. It is like a foreign language to them-- and I don't blame them for not being able to understand it all, cause it was once alien to me as well!! Ive learned that the Word of God is Offensive-- it chases away the enemy, driving him back. We have to release the Power in the Word, cause "Faith without Works is dead" We have to activate (or release it) into our lives through prayer & speaking it over our lives!
Ive learned instead of focusing on the mountain itself, I find my soft place to land in the Word of God and speak it over mine and my families lives. After all, our Lord did not die on the Cross in vain, he died to set us free from the Worlds beliefs, standards and for our sins. We become children in the Kingdom, heirs to the throne when we accept Jesus into our hearts & lives... and I do believe with all my heart, mind & soul that God said it, I believe it... so that settles it!
Circumstances in the natural aren't what they appear in the Supernatural realm. I strongly believe that Gods Word doesnt return void & there is so much power in it. I have heard the sermon "Speak to Your Mountain" a few times over the last 7 years, and I take comfort in it. Mountains are symbolic of the circumstances in our life (whether it be a job loss, ill health, relationships, etc)
In fact, I have a book that I keep on my bedside table "The Secret Power of Speaking God's Word" by Joyce Meyer. So when the enemy tries to put what I call "stinkin' thinkin' into my thoughts or words, I automatically meditate on a Scripture in the book. In the past, I have struggled with speaking it into my life, as others who don't understand it have mocked me because of it.
I forgive them, cause if someone isn't a believer, then Im sure it would sound quite alien to someone who can't understand it all. It is like a foreign language to them-- and I don't blame them for not being able to understand it all, cause it was once alien to me as well!! Ive learned that the Word of God is Offensive-- it chases away the enemy, driving him back. We have to release the Power in the Word, cause "Faith without Works is dead" We have to activate (or release it) into our lives through prayer & speaking it over our lives!
Ive learned instead of focusing on the mountain itself, I find my soft place to land in the Word of God and speak it over mine and my families lives. After all, our Lord did not die on the Cross in vain, he died to set us free from the Worlds beliefs, standards and for our sins. We become children in the Kingdom, heirs to the throne when we accept Jesus into our hearts & lives... and I do believe with all my heart, mind & soul that God said it, I believe it... so that settles it!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
10 Low-Cost Locales Where Jobs are Plentiful
I thought this was an interesting article. It amazed me that Fayetteville, Arkansas was #1 on the list. Fayetteville/Springdale is the home to the Duggar family, who have 17 children. Apparrently, Jim-Bob & Michelle Duggar are pretty wise in knowing where to raise their awesome family! :)
I think I could live just about anywhere on this list except for Fargo, North Dakota (noted for their harsh Winters) or Iowa City, Iowa (been there in 1992 & it wasn't a fit at all)
10 low-cost locales where jobs are plentiful
If you're looking for areas with a low cost of living, good job prospects and a high quality of life, here are 10 best bets to research.
By Melinda Fulmer
Cities such as New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles might be great places to jump-start your career, but their high cost of living can break the bank for many grads and young families.
Some of the best places to live and work may be smaller so-called flyover cities such as Fayetteville, Ark., Blacksburg, Va., or Logan, Utah, according to Bert Sperling of Sperling's Best Places.
He has put together a list of the top 10 affordable job powerhouses for MSN Real Estate: places where the cost of living and unemployment are low and the number of jobs is growing steadily.
Here, Sperling says, residents enjoy a good quality of life, including a high level of home ownership, without having to make a fat salary.
These aren't boomtowns, Sperling cautions, but that's a good thing, as boomtowns often lead to real estate hangovers and strained city resources and infrastructure. "These are places where people have an opportunity to grow with the town," he says.
Many of them are college towns, providing access to cultural and sporting events that are rare in other burgs their size. Others are framed by national parks, lakes, rivers and other breathtaking natural scenery, an added plus for outdoor enthusiasts.
The drawback for most is their isolation, with trips to the nearest big city for shopping or entertainment taking more than an hour or two. And some have harsh winters, making them a hard sell for those who don't want to wear a parka in April.
But for those looking to save for a house or start a family, they might be ideal. Here are the 10 areas that made the cut for best affordable places to live and work.
1. Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers, Ark.
Many consider Fayetteville to be one of the country's best-kept secrets with its thriving economy and a family-friendly atmosphere nestled in the Ozark Mountains. Home to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville has a quaint downtown, good college sports and entertainment, and a progressive feel for such a small town.
Springdale, meanwhile, feels a bit more "old South" and leads the area as a center of light manufacturing, trucking and agricultural processing, as well as being home to poultry giant Tyson Foods.
Rogers is a sleepy little town that has boomed as a major residential area just minutes from Wal-Mart Stores' Bentonville headquarters. While Wal-Mart has an overwhelming influence here, employing more than 13,000 of the residents, many other Fortune 500 companies have moved in as well, providing some diversity to the local economy. The area boasts five-year-job growth of 26.1% and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%.
There's a growing base of culture, with a large performing arts center endowed by the Waltons (Wal-Mart's founding family) on the scene. A Walton-supported art museum is scheduled to open in 2009. This access to culture and the beauty of the surrounding mountains and lakes has helped land it the title of one of America's Most Livable Cities in 2005 by the nonprofit Partners for Livable Communities.
Living costs here are low. The median home price in the three-city area averaged $212,300 in January 2007 -- and that's for a three- to four-bedroom home with as much as 2,000 square feet of living space, says John K. Carpenter of Re/Max Associates in Fayetteville. "People who come down from Chicago are absolutely blown away by what the dollar will buy here."
Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers, Ark.
U.S. avg.
Area population
392,659
647,500
Median home price
$212,300
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
93.0*
100.0
Unemployment rate
3.5%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
26.14%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
4.22%
1.66%
Median household income
$43,014
$46,326
*93% of U.S. avg. as reported by Sperling's Best Places
2. Idaho Falls, Idaho
The selling point of this small town is its magnificent scenery and top-notch access to recreation. Located on the northeast portion of the Snake River, it is as close as you can get to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks without being in a tourist trap.
Employment here is still pretty much split between agriculture and the Idaho National Laboratory, a nuclear-research center outside of town. But the town also serves as a regional hub for health care in the area, and some small tech businesses are beginning to sprout, especially small consulting firms.
The town also is split on the basis of religion, with about half of the town being adherents of the Mormon faith. Most who live here say they like its small-town feel, decent amenities and safe streets and call it an ideal place to raise kids.
The median home price here was $224,800 in January 2007. This was inflated by Californians moving in and building grandiose houses, but Chamber of Commerce President Robb Chiles says the average-sized home goes for about $130,000.
But this may not be the place for the young and single, says Celeste Walker, a stay-at-home mom who recently moved north of the area. There's not a lively bar scene, she says, or places to go dancing. The big excitement of the past year? The opening of the area's first Olive Garden restaurant. "It is missing that fine-dining element," Walker says.
Idaho Falls, Idaho
U.S. avg.
Area population
110,220
647,500
Median home price
$224,800
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
99.8
100.0
Unemployment rate
2.7%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
18.84%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
2.74%
1.66%
Median household income
$47,719
$46,326
3. Logan, Utah
Another outdoor mecca, Logan is located at the south end of the Cache Valley against the Wasatch Range and the dramatic Wellsville Mountains to the west. Weekends here are all about outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing and fly-fishing. The town also is home to Utah State University, which brings in cultural events and sporting events for the camping-averse.
Logan has a diverse economy; it's home to many biomedical and high-tech companies, food-processing plants and large call centers. The work force here is young and well-educated, with an estimated 35% of the population holding bachelor's degrees. Logan's downtown area has pedestrian-friendly streets and family-owned businesses. The climate is generally dry and pleasant and brings only a few blasts of rigorous weather each year.
Cost of living is extremely low. The median home price is $200,600. That's good, because wages here generally aren't high, either.
The big drawback here is isolation. The area's beautiful geography makes for some tough traveling to other big cities. Salt Lake City is 75 miles away across a mountain pass, which can be difficult to drive in winter. An estimated 70% of the townspeople are practicing Mormons, which could make those that don't practice the LDS religion feel even more isolated.
Logan, Utah
U.S. avg.
Area population
110,632
647,500
Median home price
$200,600
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
94.6
100.0
Unemployment rate
2.8%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
18.25%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
2.12%
1.66%
Median household income
$45,335
$46,326
4. Auburn and Opelika, Ala.
"Mayberry after a growth spurt," is how one local resident on Sperling's Web site describes Auburn. With a nicely laid-out downtown, strong job growth and the perks of Auburn University -- Alabama's largest institution of higher learning -- Auburn is an attractive place for young people and those raising families. Educational attainment in the area is high, with 29% of all residents holding four-year or graduate degrees.
The Cost-of-living index is a modest 97.1% despite a median January home price of $210,900, which is considered slightly high for the region. Auburn's economy, once driven largely by its cotton crop, has now expanded to include manufacturing, including a large Korean auto-parts maker. Distribution centers line the industrial hub of nearby Opelika. As more people and developers have discovered the area's rolling hills and wide-open plains, Auburn has begun to sprawl. A new development plan has been introduced to address the problem.
Many say it's a fine place to raise kids, but lacks excitement. "Tolerable enough but boring" is how one resident describes Auburn. Its hot, humid summers can also be challenging. And Auburn, like many of the cities on our list, is somewhat removed from other major cities. Services and amenities in Atlanta are 110 miles away.
Auburn and Opelika, Ala.
U.S. avg.
Area population
121,703
647,500
Median home price
$210,900
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
97.1
100.0
Unemployment rate
3.1%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
16.01%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
3.76%
1.66%
Median household income
$35,165
$46,326
5. Iowa City, Iowa
Once the state capital, Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa and has one of the highest levels of educational attainment in the country. While it still retains some of its traditional agricultural base, Iowa City has expanded its economic sector to include light manufacturing, high tech and biotechnology businesses. Despite its isolation from other large towns (Des Moines is 110 miles away), Iowa City feels progressive, Sperling says. It boasts a lively cultural scene, a complete offering of goods and services, an attractive downtown and active community efforts.
Older tree-lined neighborhoods comprise the east and south parts of town. More suburban developments springing up to the northeast and west, heading into nearby Coralville.
Larger retail developments are confined mainly to the nearby I-80 corridor, and sprawl issues are modest. The area is a scenic mix of flat river valleys and wooded undulating hills, which help shelter the area from some of the more severe storms in the state. Summers are warm, but winters can be harsh, with below-zero evening temperatures fairly common.
Iowa City, Iowa
U.S. avg.
Area population
138,941
647,500
Median home price
$206,900
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
97.5
100.0
Unemployment rate
2.7%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
12.33%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
5.14%
1.66%
Median household income
$46,798
$46,326
6. Dubuque, Iowa
A small industrial town, Dubuque has a beautiful historic core that has been featured regularly in film. Victorian brick buildings rise gradually from the Mississippi waterfront, where a new aquarium and convention center have been built. The city's economy hinges largely on manufacturing plants like John Deere and Andersen Windows as well as A.Y. McDonald, a large producer of brass fittings, plumbing and heavy pipe works.
Housing is reasonable, the crime rate is low, and the city has some decent amenities for a town of its size, including a symphony and theater company. On the minus side, the area is not very ethnically diverse, its economic base is fairly stagnant, and it is -- you guessed it -- a bit isolated from other cities. The climate also is somewhat erratic, with historic temperatures ranging from minus 32 degrees F to a scorching 110 degrees.
Dubuque, Iowa
U.S. avg.
Area population
90,696
647,500
Median home price
$152,300
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
89.9
100.0
Unemployment rate
3.4%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
11.96%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
5.68%
1.66%
Median household income
$45,815
$46,326
7. Pensacola, Ferry Pass and Brent, Fla.
Residents here say there's one overwhelming reason to move here: the beach. With 52 miles of white sand and clear emerald water, Pensacola's beaches could stand in for some Caribbean locales, says James Vines, a local relocation specialist with Brownsville Self Storage. "We get eight months of summer" to enjoy it, he says.
Pensacola has a rich history, having changed hands among nations 13 times. There's a lively bar scene, but not a huge helping of arts and entertainment, Sperling says. And there is a distinct hurricane risk associated with living in the area. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and 2005's Hurricane Dennis took their toll on some of the area's houses, bridges and highways. Still, Vines says the area is rebuilding and in the last year, he's "seen an explosion in Escambia County."
Historically, much of the economy was centered on the military, including the Pensacola Naval Air Station. But the economy is now diversifying to include health care and technology businesses. It's also home to the 9,000-student University of West Florida.
Pensacola, Ferry Pass and Brent, Fla.
U.S. avg.
Area population
438,226
647,500
Median home price
$223,900
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
99.5
100.0
Unemployment rate
3.4%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
10.61%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
3.86%
1.66%
Median household income
$43,566
$46,326
8. Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Radford, Va.
This tri-city area, located in a cluster of small towns, is best known as the home of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (better known as Virginia Tech).
Blacksburg is the largest of the three communities and combines a small-town feel and college amenities with a beautiful setting in the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains. A pleasant climate and proximity to nearby Roanoke, with its excellent arts, commerce and health care, are perks. The wooded area lacks some big-city hustle and amenities, and is isolated from air service. But it has a low cost of living, with a median home price of only $197,800 and great outdoor recreation opportunities to boot.
One resident on Sperling's Web site calls it "New Englandesque" without the harsh winters and praised its great golf courses and nearby wineries. However, Sperling says, some might find the Virginia Tech presence a bit overwhelming.
Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Radford, Va.
U.S. avg.
Area population
151,890
647,500
Median home price
$197,800
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
90.0
100.0
Unemployment rate
3.4%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
10.43%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
4.89%
1.66%
Median household income
$37,174
$46,326
9. Huntsville, Ala.
This midsized city located 15 miles south of the Tennessee border is an up-and-coming research, technology and high-tech manufacturing center. Known as the "Space Capital of America" since the 1940s when aerospace research started in the area, today NASA operates the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center there. Numerous technology and aerospace firms, including Boeing, Teledyne, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, LG Electronics and Direct TV, have operations in and around Huntsville. These companies have helped create a stable economy, with a well-educated and well-paid work force.
The city is prosperous and attractive with modern buildings in a wooded mountainous setting. But it's also fairly isolated and has limited air service. Residents complain that local infrastructure hasn't kept up with growth, a downside to the low property taxes in the area.
Huntsville, Ala.
U.S. avg.
Area population
365,076
647,500
Median home price
$222,100
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
97.5
100.0
Unemployment rate
3.3%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
9.68%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
3.32%
1.66%
Median household income
$49,754
$46,326
10. Fargo, N.D.
More people are saying "you betcha" to Fargo, the largest city in North Dakota. The area is home to North Dakota State University and neighboring Moorhead State University and Concordia College across the Red River from Fargo in Moorhead, Minn. Thus, it's endowed with many college amenities.
Downtown is classic mid-America with a mix of modern buildings and many well-preserved brick structures. A number of well-kept parks line the waterfront. Fargo is best known as a friendly area with a strong Scandinavian influence (although little ethnic diversity) and a strong, varied economy including farm-equipment manufacturers and food processors.
Unemployment here is the lowest in the country at 2.6%, and its central location is helping to turn it into a leading air-cargo hub. Cost of living is low, with a median January home price of $162,800. Anyone who has seen the Coen brothers' 1996 movie, "Fargo," might be put off by the prospect of its harsh winters, but heavy winter snowfall is actually the exception rather than the rule.
Its flat terrain is, however, conducive to some legendary blizzards. In Sperling's view, winter is the only significant negative for this town. And residents here seem to find ways to cope, such as swimming in high-school pools, which are open to the public.
Surprisingly enough, one 21-year-old Fargo resident commenting on Sperling's Web site said she was looking forward to the action and hustle of Fargo after leaving much-larger Minneapolis.
Fargo, N.D.
U.S. avg.
Area population
181,586
647,500
Median home price
$162,800
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
90.3
100.0
Unemployment rate
2.6%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
9.30%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
0.80%
1.66%
Median household income
$44,486
$46,326
I think I could live just about anywhere on this list except for Fargo, North Dakota (noted for their harsh Winters) or Iowa City, Iowa (been there in 1992 & it wasn't a fit at all)
10 low-cost locales where jobs are plentiful
If you're looking for areas with a low cost of living, good job prospects and a high quality of life, here are 10 best bets to research.
By Melinda Fulmer
Cities such as New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles might be great places to jump-start your career, but their high cost of living can break the bank for many grads and young families.
Some of the best places to live and work may be smaller so-called flyover cities such as Fayetteville, Ark., Blacksburg, Va., or Logan, Utah, according to Bert Sperling of Sperling's Best Places.
He has put together a list of the top 10 affordable job powerhouses for MSN Real Estate: places where the cost of living and unemployment are low and the number of jobs is growing steadily.
Here, Sperling says, residents enjoy a good quality of life, including a high level of home ownership, without having to make a fat salary.
These aren't boomtowns, Sperling cautions, but that's a good thing, as boomtowns often lead to real estate hangovers and strained city resources and infrastructure. "These are places where people have an opportunity to grow with the town," he says.
Many of them are college towns, providing access to cultural and sporting events that are rare in other burgs their size. Others are framed by national parks, lakes, rivers and other breathtaking natural scenery, an added plus for outdoor enthusiasts.
The drawback for most is their isolation, with trips to the nearest big city for shopping or entertainment taking more than an hour or two. And some have harsh winters, making them a hard sell for those who don't want to wear a parka in April.
But for those looking to save for a house or start a family, they might be ideal. Here are the 10 areas that made the cut for best affordable places to live and work.
1. Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers, Ark.
Many consider Fayetteville to be one of the country's best-kept secrets with its thriving economy and a family-friendly atmosphere nestled in the Ozark Mountains. Home to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville has a quaint downtown, good college sports and entertainment, and a progressive feel for such a small town.
Springdale, meanwhile, feels a bit more "old South" and leads the area as a center of light manufacturing, trucking and agricultural processing, as well as being home to poultry giant Tyson Foods.
Rogers is a sleepy little town that has boomed as a major residential area just minutes from Wal-Mart Stores' Bentonville headquarters. While Wal-Mart has an overwhelming influence here, employing more than 13,000 of the residents, many other Fortune 500 companies have moved in as well, providing some diversity to the local economy. The area boasts five-year-job growth of 26.1% and a low unemployment rate of 3.5%.
There's a growing base of culture, with a large performing arts center endowed by the Waltons (Wal-Mart's founding family) on the scene. A Walton-supported art museum is scheduled to open in 2009. This access to culture and the beauty of the surrounding mountains and lakes has helped land it the title of one of America's Most Livable Cities in 2005 by the nonprofit Partners for Livable Communities.
Living costs here are low. The median home price in the three-city area averaged $212,300 in January 2007 -- and that's for a three- to four-bedroom home with as much as 2,000 square feet of living space, says John K. Carpenter of Re/Max Associates in Fayetteville. "People who come down from Chicago are absolutely blown away by what the dollar will buy here."
Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers, Ark.
U.S. avg.
Area population
392,659
647,500
Median home price
$212,300
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
93.0*
100.0
Unemployment rate
3.5%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
26.14%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
4.22%
1.66%
Median household income
$43,014
$46,326
*93% of U.S. avg. as reported by Sperling's Best Places
2. Idaho Falls, Idaho
The selling point of this small town is its magnificent scenery and top-notch access to recreation. Located on the northeast portion of the Snake River, it is as close as you can get to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks without being in a tourist trap.
Employment here is still pretty much split between agriculture and the Idaho National Laboratory, a nuclear-research center outside of town. But the town also serves as a regional hub for health care in the area, and some small tech businesses are beginning to sprout, especially small consulting firms.
The town also is split on the basis of religion, with about half of the town being adherents of the Mormon faith. Most who live here say they like its small-town feel, decent amenities and safe streets and call it an ideal place to raise kids.
The median home price here was $224,800 in January 2007. This was inflated by Californians moving in and building grandiose houses, but Chamber of Commerce President Robb Chiles says the average-sized home goes for about $130,000.
But this may not be the place for the young and single, says Celeste Walker, a stay-at-home mom who recently moved north of the area. There's not a lively bar scene, she says, or places to go dancing. The big excitement of the past year? The opening of the area's first Olive Garden restaurant. "It is missing that fine-dining element," Walker says.
Idaho Falls, Idaho
U.S. avg.
Area population
110,220
647,500
Median home price
$224,800
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
99.8
100.0
Unemployment rate
2.7%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
18.84%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
2.74%
1.66%
Median household income
$47,719
$46,326
3. Logan, Utah
Another outdoor mecca, Logan is located at the south end of the Cache Valley against the Wasatch Range and the dramatic Wellsville Mountains to the west. Weekends here are all about outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing and fly-fishing. The town also is home to Utah State University, which brings in cultural events and sporting events for the camping-averse.
Logan has a diverse economy; it's home to many biomedical and high-tech companies, food-processing plants and large call centers. The work force here is young and well-educated, with an estimated 35% of the population holding bachelor's degrees. Logan's downtown area has pedestrian-friendly streets and family-owned businesses. The climate is generally dry and pleasant and brings only a few blasts of rigorous weather each year.
Cost of living is extremely low. The median home price is $200,600. That's good, because wages here generally aren't high, either.
The big drawback here is isolation. The area's beautiful geography makes for some tough traveling to other big cities. Salt Lake City is 75 miles away across a mountain pass, which can be difficult to drive in winter. An estimated 70% of the townspeople are practicing Mormons, which could make those that don't practice the LDS religion feel even more isolated.
Logan, Utah
U.S. avg.
Area population
110,632
647,500
Median home price
$200,600
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
94.6
100.0
Unemployment rate
2.8%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
18.25%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
2.12%
1.66%
Median household income
$45,335
$46,326
4. Auburn and Opelika, Ala.
"Mayberry after a growth spurt," is how one local resident on Sperling's Web site describes Auburn. With a nicely laid-out downtown, strong job growth and the perks of Auburn University -- Alabama's largest institution of higher learning -- Auburn is an attractive place for young people and those raising families. Educational attainment in the area is high, with 29% of all residents holding four-year or graduate degrees.
The Cost-of-living index is a modest 97.1% despite a median January home price of $210,900, which is considered slightly high for the region. Auburn's economy, once driven largely by its cotton crop, has now expanded to include manufacturing, including a large Korean auto-parts maker. Distribution centers line the industrial hub of nearby Opelika. As more people and developers have discovered the area's rolling hills and wide-open plains, Auburn has begun to sprawl. A new development plan has been introduced to address the problem.
Many say it's a fine place to raise kids, but lacks excitement. "Tolerable enough but boring" is how one resident describes Auburn. Its hot, humid summers can also be challenging. And Auburn, like many of the cities on our list, is somewhat removed from other major cities. Services and amenities in Atlanta are 110 miles away.
Auburn and Opelika, Ala.
U.S. avg.
Area population
121,703
647,500
Median home price
$210,900
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
97.1
100.0
Unemployment rate
3.1%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
16.01%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
3.76%
1.66%
Median household income
$35,165
$46,326
5. Iowa City, Iowa
Once the state capital, Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa and has one of the highest levels of educational attainment in the country. While it still retains some of its traditional agricultural base, Iowa City has expanded its economic sector to include light manufacturing, high tech and biotechnology businesses. Despite its isolation from other large towns (Des Moines is 110 miles away), Iowa City feels progressive, Sperling says. It boasts a lively cultural scene, a complete offering of goods and services, an attractive downtown and active community efforts.
Older tree-lined neighborhoods comprise the east and south parts of town. More suburban developments springing up to the northeast and west, heading into nearby Coralville.
Larger retail developments are confined mainly to the nearby I-80 corridor, and sprawl issues are modest. The area is a scenic mix of flat river valleys and wooded undulating hills, which help shelter the area from some of the more severe storms in the state. Summers are warm, but winters can be harsh, with below-zero evening temperatures fairly common.
Iowa City, Iowa
U.S. avg.
Area population
138,941
647,500
Median home price
$206,900
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
97.5
100.0
Unemployment rate
2.7%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
12.33%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
5.14%
1.66%
Median household income
$46,798
$46,326
6. Dubuque, Iowa
A small industrial town, Dubuque has a beautiful historic core that has been featured regularly in film. Victorian brick buildings rise gradually from the Mississippi waterfront, where a new aquarium and convention center have been built. The city's economy hinges largely on manufacturing plants like John Deere and Andersen Windows as well as A.Y. McDonald, a large producer of brass fittings, plumbing and heavy pipe works.
Housing is reasonable, the crime rate is low, and the city has some decent amenities for a town of its size, including a symphony and theater company. On the minus side, the area is not very ethnically diverse, its economic base is fairly stagnant, and it is -- you guessed it -- a bit isolated from other cities. The climate also is somewhat erratic, with historic temperatures ranging from minus 32 degrees F to a scorching 110 degrees.
Dubuque, Iowa
U.S. avg.
Area population
90,696
647,500
Median home price
$152,300
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
89.9
100.0
Unemployment rate
3.4%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
11.96%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
5.68%
1.66%
Median household income
$45,815
$46,326
7. Pensacola, Ferry Pass and Brent, Fla.
Residents here say there's one overwhelming reason to move here: the beach. With 52 miles of white sand and clear emerald water, Pensacola's beaches could stand in for some Caribbean locales, says James Vines, a local relocation specialist with Brownsville Self Storage. "We get eight months of summer" to enjoy it, he says.
Pensacola has a rich history, having changed hands among nations 13 times. There's a lively bar scene, but not a huge helping of arts and entertainment, Sperling says. And there is a distinct hurricane risk associated with living in the area. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and 2005's Hurricane Dennis took their toll on some of the area's houses, bridges and highways. Still, Vines says the area is rebuilding and in the last year, he's "seen an explosion in Escambia County."
Historically, much of the economy was centered on the military, including the Pensacola Naval Air Station. But the economy is now diversifying to include health care and technology businesses. It's also home to the 9,000-student University of West Florida.
Pensacola, Ferry Pass and Brent, Fla.
U.S. avg.
Area population
438,226
647,500
Median home price
$223,900
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
99.5
100.0
Unemployment rate
3.4%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
10.61%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
3.86%
1.66%
Median household income
$43,566
$46,326
8. Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Radford, Va.
This tri-city area, located in a cluster of small towns, is best known as the home of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (better known as Virginia Tech).
Blacksburg is the largest of the three communities and combines a small-town feel and college amenities with a beautiful setting in the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains. A pleasant climate and proximity to nearby Roanoke, with its excellent arts, commerce and health care, are perks. The wooded area lacks some big-city hustle and amenities, and is isolated from air service. But it has a low cost of living, with a median home price of only $197,800 and great outdoor recreation opportunities to boot.
One resident on Sperling's Web site calls it "New Englandesque" without the harsh winters and praised its great golf courses and nearby wineries. However, Sperling says, some might find the Virginia Tech presence a bit overwhelming.
Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Radford, Va.
U.S. avg.
Area population
151,890
647,500
Median home price
$197,800
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
90.0
100.0
Unemployment rate
3.4%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
10.43%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
4.89%
1.66%
Median household income
$37,174
$46,326
9. Huntsville, Ala.
This midsized city located 15 miles south of the Tennessee border is an up-and-coming research, technology and high-tech manufacturing center. Known as the "Space Capital of America" since the 1940s when aerospace research started in the area, today NASA operates the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center there. Numerous technology and aerospace firms, including Boeing, Teledyne, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, LG Electronics and Direct TV, have operations in and around Huntsville. These companies have helped create a stable economy, with a well-educated and well-paid work force.
The city is prosperous and attractive with modern buildings in a wooded mountainous setting. But it's also fairly isolated and has limited air service. Residents complain that local infrastructure hasn't kept up with growth, a downside to the low property taxes in the area.
Huntsville, Ala.
U.S. avg.
Area population
365,076
647,500
Median home price
$222,100
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
97.5
100.0
Unemployment rate
3.3%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
9.68%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
3.32%
1.66%
Median household income
$49,754
$46,326
10. Fargo, N.D.
More people are saying "you betcha" to Fargo, the largest city in North Dakota. The area is home to North Dakota State University and neighboring Moorhead State University and Concordia College across the Red River from Fargo in Moorhead, Minn. Thus, it's endowed with many college amenities.
Downtown is classic mid-America with a mix of modern buildings and many well-preserved brick structures. A number of well-kept parks line the waterfront. Fargo is best known as a friendly area with a strong Scandinavian influence (although little ethnic diversity) and a strong, varied economy including farm-equipment manufacturers and food processors.
Unemployment here is the lowest in the country at 2.6%, and its central location is helping to turn it into a leading air-cargo hub. Cost of living is low, with a median January home price of $162,800. Anyone who has seen the Coen brothers' 1996 movie, "Fargo," might be put off by the prospect of its harsh winters, but heavy winter snowfall is actually the exception rather than the rule.
Its flat terrain is, however, conducive to some legendary blizzards. In Sperling's view, winter is the only significant negative for this town. And residents here seem to find ways to cope, such as swimming in high-school pools, which are open to the public.
Surprisingly enough, one 21-year-old Fargo resident commenting on Sperling's Web site said she was looking forward to the action and hustle of Fargo after leaving much-larger Minneapolis.
Fargo, N.D.
U.S. avg.
Area population
181,586
647,500
Median home price
$162,800
$235,000
Cost-of-living index
90.3
100.0
Unemployment rate
2.6%
4.6%
Job growth -- 5 years
9.30%
4.90%
Job growth -- 1 year
0.80%
1.66%
Median household income
$44,486
$46,326
Monday, August 6, 2007
Wal-Mart to sell Jesus action figures
Awesome-- I think I might have found something new to add to Noah's Christmas list this year!
These biblically based action figures can also be found at www.one2believe.com
Wal-Mart To Sell Jesus, Religious Action Figures
420 Stores Will Carry Line Of Faith-Based Toys
For the first time, the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart will sell a line of religious toys, according to a WKMG-TV report.
More than 420 Wal-Mart stores nationwide will begin carrying the faith-based toys that include Jesus and Samson action figures.
Only about one-sixth of stores will carry the toys.
420 Stores Will Carry Line Of Faith-Based Toys
For the first time, the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart will sell a line of religious toys, according to a WKMG-TV report.
More than 420 Wal-Mart stores nationwide will begin carrying the faith-based toys that include Jesus and Samson action figures.
Only about one-sixth of stores will carry the toys.
A Wal-Mart representative told USA Today that stores that sell a lot of Bibles will carry the new line.
The toys are produced by One2believe.
The company targets parents who would rather their children play with the faith-based toys rather toys rather than other super hero action figures, the report said.
The items will likely go on sale early next month.
The items will likely go on sale early next month.
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