Song of the Day: Worthy is the Lamb - Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Joke of the Day: Amazin Grace (Christian/Gospel Comedian Rod Z)

What Will The Supreme Court Decide on Health Care?

Supreme Court: Health Care Mystery Unveiled

By ARIANE De VOGUE
Washington, D.C., June 28, 2012

Dressed in their black robes, the nine Supreme Court justices will emerge from behind regal red curtains this morning at 10 a.m. to solve one of Washington's biggest mysteries: the legal fate of the Affordable Care Act.


Until today, the Supreme Court justices and their clerks have kept their opinion in this case a secret, frustrating politicians and pundits who are confounded by a government branch that doesn't leak.


Even Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg made fun of the frenzy a couple of weeks ago in a speech: "At the Supreme Court, those who know don't talk and those who talk don't know," she said, quoting a news story. But then she set off a new flurry of speculation when she noted that some of the most controversial cases in the term had yet to be decided. "It is likely that the sharp disagreement rate will go up next week," she said.


She was stating the obvious--the most controversial cases of the term are often the last to be decided. But court watchers parsed every word she said trying to discern her mood. Was that a twinkle in her eye?


Today, the majestic courtroom will be filled with lawyers, congressmen, health care advocates and members of public interest groups. There will be no Blackberrys, smart phones, cameras or videos. Audio of the proceedings will only be released next fall at the start of the next term. Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli Jr., who argued the case for the government, will more than likely be in the audience, as will some of the lawyers who represented the 26 states challenging the law.

Two benches will be reserved for some of the media, who will be armed only with pen and paper.


At precisely 10 a.m. Chief Justice John Roberts will announce the first of three cases expected to be released. (Besides health care, the court will render a decision on a real estate case as well as a case dealing with military honors.) The justice who wrote the opinion will begin reading a synopsis, and then if there is a dissent, that too might be read from the bench. It's expected that those two decisions will be read before the health care decision.


One floor down, the press room--with piped-in audio from the court--will overflow with court reporters and health care bloggers. As soon as a decision is announced, press officers in the room will hand out written copies of the case. Runners will be poised to race out as soon as they get a copy of the decision to network correspondents who will be wired up and ready to decipher the decision on live television. Even in the press room Blackberry and cellphone usage is restricted.


But what format will the health care decision take? Conceivably, the court could release four separate decisions. Remember, the Supreme Court dedicated over six hours of oral arguments to four distinct issues regarding the law. The first issue is whether a federal tax law bars a challenge to the mandate until after it goes into effect. The second is the individual mandate that requires almost every American to buy health insurance by 2014 or pay a penalty. If the court strikes down the mandate (the third issue argued), it will need to decide the fate of the rest of the 975-page law (fourth issue). It will also consider the law's expansion of Medicaid.


For the Complete Article and more Information, please Visit the Source:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/supreme-court-health-care-mystery-unveiled/story?id=16660482#.T-w6a45j65Q

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower

posted by HomeDepot.com

 

Maintaining Your Lawn Mower

There's more to mowing a lawn than just turning on the mower. A mower that's not properly cared for will have years taken off its life and have a lot more problems in the short run, as well.

A little fast, simple maintenance during the mowing season and just before you put it to bed for the winter can make the difference between care-free operation and lots of costly and stress-inducing problems.

Be sure to keep the blade sharp, as described in the project Sharpening a Mower Blade. A sharp blade, along with a well cared-for engine, will keep your mower humming for years to come.

Steps

Steps 1 - 6 of 6

• 1

Step One

Keep it clean. After each use of the mower, give it a quick brushing off with a gloved hand or rag or whisk broom. It’s a good idea, too, after the mower has stopped running completely, to reach under the deck with a gloved hand and do a quick brushing off of caked grass under the deck and on the blade.

Step Two

A couple times a year, give the mower a good cleaning. With the gas tank empty, turn the mower on its side. Remove any debris that may be wrapped around the blade or caked up on the underside of the mower deck. Spray the underside of the mower deck hard with a garden hose to loosen dirt and dried-on grass. Scrub with a soft brush and soapy water. Then rinse.

Step Three

Clean or replace the air filter once or twice a year. Replace paper filters when they look dirty (keep a few on hand). Plastic foam filters should be removed and washed with warm, soapy water. Air-dry thoroughly. Then work about 2 tablespoons of clean mower oil evenly across the filter to lightly coat it.

Step Four

After you’ve used the mower for the last time at the end of the growing season, empty the fuel tank by letting the engine run until it is out of gas. Leave the gas tank empty until spring. With the gas tank empty, remove the oil fill cap (if applicable) and turn the mower over to drain the engine oil into a suitable container for recycling. If your mower has an oil drain plug, use that instead of turning the mower on its side. Refill the engine oil reservoir per your mower manufacturer’s recommendations, then replace the oil fill cap.

Step Five

Once a year when you change your mower’s oil, replace the spark plug. Disconnect the spark plug wire, then remove the existing spark plug with a wrench or pliers. To ensure you purchase the right replacement plug, write down the code on your existing plug, consult your mower’s owners manual, or just take the old plug with you when you go to purchase a new one. Screw in a new plug, then reconnect the spark plug wire.

Step Six

Keep the blade sharp. A dull mower blade cuts unevenly and shreds the tip of grass blades, which then turn brown and give a lawn a beige cast that makes it look dry. The ragged ends are also good entry points for disease.

Gospel Artist James Fortune Issues Statement About Child Abuse Lawsuit

posted by elev8.com

Elev8 has reported popular gospel singer James Fortune is being sued for alleged child abuse.
According to an article and news video from My Fox Houston, popular Houston gospel music artist James Fortune and his wife Cheryl Fortune have been named in a five million dollar lawsuit related to the abuse of James Fortune’s stepson and Cheryl Fortune’s son. Statements in lawsuit documents, in 2001 James Fortune burned his 4-year-old step son, leaving the boy disfigured with 2nd and 3rd degree burns on nearly half of his body. His wife Cheryl was also named in the lawsuit.

The child is now 15-years old and the family has stated that the money from the lawsuit would be used to pay for plastic surgery to correct the disfigurement from the abuse. According to the civil lawsuit, James picked up his step son from pre-school and the teacher told James the boy had been acting up in class. Fortune then scolded the boy the entire ride home and continued to yell and be-raid the boy when they got home. He then prepared a scolding hot bath for the boy. The lawsuit also says James Fortune told the boy to take off his clothes and preceded to whip the boy before pushing the toddler in the scolding hot bath, holding him underwater causing 2nd and 3rd degree burns.

In 2003 James Fortune plead guilty to felony injury to a child and received 6 years deferred adjudication.

The toddlers biological father is responsible for the lawsuit and is suing for $5 Million in order to take care of the boy’s continued plastic surgery.

A statement issued from James Fortune below:
I recently became aware of a civil suit pending against my wife, Cheryl Fortune and I, for an incident that occurred in 2001 involving my stepson. There was a criminal investigation and all matters were resolved in 2003. Since that time, my family and I, including my stepson, have continued with family traditions and always have a loving family environment. We are shocked by this lawsuit but understand people are free to use the court system to pursue claims, whether they contain merit or baseless matters. We are confident through this process, if it proceeds to a judge or jury, the ultimate decision maker will render a decision that is favorable to the circumstances and timing surrounding this situation. We believe in our American justice system and know it will work for us as it has for millions of other Americans.
I love all my children, including my stepson, and I ask for your prayers as we deal with this matter privately. Thank you for your continued support for me, my family, and ministry

Daily Bread: Cornered

posted by odb.org

One Sunday morning, D. L. Moody entered a house in Chicago to escort some children to Sunday school. During his visit, three men backed him into a corner and threatened him. “Look here,” Moody said. “Give a fellow a chance to say his prayers, won’t you?” The men actually allowed him to call out to God, and Moody prayed for them so earnestly that they left the room.

Had I been in Moody’s situation, I might have called for help or looked for the back door. I’m not sure I would have acted on Jesus’ command to His followers: “Pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:28 NIV).

Praying for the people who treat us with contempt is one way to “do good to those who hate [us]” (v.27). Jesus explained that Christians get no credit for swapping acts of kindness with other “nice” people. He said, “Even sinners do the same” (v.33). However, blessing our persecutors (Rom. 12:14) sets us apart from them and aligns us with the Most High, because God is kind even to wicked people (Luke 6:35).

Today, if you feel “cornered” by someone, seek safety if the situation calls for it, and follow Jesus’ teaching: Pray for that person (Luke 23:34). Prayer is your best defense.

We want to know Your heart, Lord, and have Your
wisdom to know how to handle opposition.
Give us patience to show kindness.
Guide us, we pray.

Returning good for good is human; returning good for evil is divine.

SunPBN6 24 12

Homemade Lemonade Recipe - Laura Vitale - Laura in the Kitchen Episode 409

How Does Losing Weight Mean Alcoholism Abuse?

Study Says Alcohol Abuse Increases After Weight Loss Surgery

Jun 19, 2012

By Oretha Winston, Lead Editor

Obese patients who have gastric bypass surgery for weight loss may have a higher risk of developing alcohol problems, according to a large study released on Monday.

* Abuse rate climbed 2 percent after surgery

* More frequent after gastric bypasses, in younger men

* Specialist says shouldn’t deter obese people from procedures

* In 2009, 220,000 U.S. operations cost about $20,000 each

They were also published online in the Journal of the American Medical Association.Although the rate of alcohol abuse climbed only 2 percent after the procedures, this translates into more than 2,000 new cases of abuse every year in the United States, according to the findings, which were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in San Diego.

For the study, Wendy King of the University of Pittsburgh and colleagues followed nearly 2,000 patients who had undergone a weight-loss procedure, including gastric bypass surgery and gastric banding, in which a silicone band is placed around the top portion of the stomach to restrict food intake.

Before surgery, 7.6 percent of the patients had drinking problems, but two years after surgery, it had increased to 9.6 percent.People in the study answered questions about their drinking habits before surgery and again one and/or two years later. The team then rated the alcohol use on a scale developed by the World Health Organization to measure alcohol use disorders.

Patients described having more symptoms of dependence – such as needing a drink in the morning or failing to meet normal expectations – and more alcohol-related harms, such as black-outs, feelings of guilt or injuring someone.

More than half of the 167 patients who had developed drinking problems after surgery had not abused alcohol prior to their operations, suggesting the surgery played a role.

Alcohol issues were particularly common in those who had gastric bypass, known as Roux-en-Y, and in younger men.

More than 220,000 Americans had some type of weight-loss surgery in 2009, at a price of about $20,000 per patient, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

SOURCE: bit.ly/L92706 Journal of the American Medical Association, online June 18, 2012.

http://elev8.com/581716/study-says-alcohol-abuse-increases-after-weight-loss-surgery/#

Song of the Day by The Bad Boy Family - YOU

Watch Cedric the Entertainer in The Soul Man on TV Land in June 2012

TV review: Charming 'The Soul Man' knows to not try too hard

'The Soul Man' on TV Land is a comedy that keeps it light. Cedric the Entertainer stars as a former R&B star who becomes a preacher.

By Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times Television Critic

June 19, 2012, 6:16 p.m.

Like "Hot in Cleveland,"the show from whence it sprung, TV Land's new comedy "The Soul Man" is positioning itself to be retro-cool — a backlash against the high-concept, sardonic and/or emotionally strung-out comedies that have become so ubiquitous that "Nurse Jackie" is considered, technically, funny.

Instead of three middle-aged women finding peace and occasionally wisdom once they abandon L.A. for Cleveland, "The Soul Man" sends former R&B star Boyce "The Voice"Ballentine (Cedric the Entertainer) back to his roots in St. Louis where he trades music videos for a pulpit and takes over as the reverend of his father's church.

Also making the transition from celebrity to a life of service are his wife, Lolli (Niecy Nash), and teen daughter, Lyric (Jazz Raycole).

Without the benefit of their own personal epiphanies, Lolli and Lyric are having a tougher time adjusting to life as the preacher's family, though it's not all that easy for Boyce either. Though retired, Boyce's father Barton (John Beasley) still wants to run things, and not everyone's buying the newly sanctified Boyce, especially younger brother Stamps (Wesley Jonathan), who is, rather predictably, a smart-mouthed slacker.

Indeed there are many things that are predictable about "The Soul Man." Created by Cedric and "Hot in Cleveland's" Suzanne Martin, it serves up Lolli's feistiness, Lyric's sassiness, nosy church ladies with big hats and hair issues, and early story arcs that too patly run conflict, crisis, reconciliation, wisdom gained. (It is also filmed in front of an audience, which means a lot of irritating laughter.)

But it is a funny and charming show nonetheless — and not just because Boyce is a big and obvious fan of my alma mater, the University of Missouri Columbia (go Tigers!). Cedric is a charismatic yet soothing presence, quite believable in this role.

Boyce and Lolli appear to have a marriage that is recognizable as an actual marriage rather than an expository excuse for jokes about sex, nagging and how-can-you-not-know-where-the-oil-gauge-is. As the resident geriatric know-it-all, Beasley has the toughest job, but he's a pro and gives Barton just enough pride and humility to keep things fluid.

It's also nice to see a show that revolves around a house of worship, albeit nondenominational and following a catechism that appears to be based more on uplifting music than actual scripture. In the first two episodes, Boyce must help parishioners handle death and alcoholism and in each case, the writing wobbles a bit between humor and disrespect.

Though it never quite hits its stride, the show never pitches us into the abyss. "The Soul Man" is about a star trying to become a vessel, which is in direct opposition to most comedies. If anything close to that actually plays out here, it might just start a revolution.

mary.mcnamara@latimes.com

Copyright © 2012, Los Angeles Times

How to Recognize and Treat Heat Exhaustion?

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that may occur after you've been exposed to high temperatures for several days and have developed dehydration, which is an inadequate or imbalanced replacement of the fluids and electrolytes you've lost through excessive perspiration.

There are two types of heat exhaustion:

• Water depletion. Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and even loss of consciousness.
• Salt depletion. Signs include nausea and vomiting, frequent muscle cramps, anddizziness.

Although heat exhaustion isn't as serious as another heat-related illness -- heat stroke -- it isn't something to be taken lightly. Without proper intervention, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs, and even cause death.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• confusion
• dark-colored urine (which indicates dehydration)
• dizziness
• fainting
• fatigue
• headache
• muscle cramps
• nausea
• pale skin
• profuse sweating
• rapid heartbeat

Treatment for Heat Exhaustion

If you or anyone else has symptoms of heat exhaustion, it's essential to immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned environment. If you can't get inside, try to find the nearest cool and shady place.

Other recommended strategies include:

• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
• Apply other active cooling measures such as fans or ice towels.

If such measures fail to provide relief within 30 minutes, contact a doctor because untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

After you've recovered from heat exhaustion, you'll probably be more sensitive to high temperatures during the following week. So it's best to avoid hot weather and heavy exercise until your doctor tells you that it's safe to resume your normal activities.

Risk Factors for Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is strongly related to the heat index, which is a measurement of how hot you feel when the effects of relative humidity and air temperature are combined. A relative humidity of 60% or more hampers sweat evaporation, which hinders your body's ability to cool itself.

The risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the heat index climbs to 90 degrees or more. So it's important -- especially during heat waves -- to pay attention to the reported heat index, and also to remember that the heat index is even higher when you are standing in full sunshine.

If you live in an urban area, you may be especially prone to develop heat exhaustion during a prolonged heat wave, particularly if there are stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. In what is known as the "heat island effect," asphalt and concrete store heat during the day and only gradually release it at night, resulting in higher nighttime temperatures.

For More Info and Complete Article: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/heat-exhaustion

PBN 6 17 12

Creflo Dollar Addresses Congregation After Arrest [VIDEO]

posted by praisedc.com

Pastor Creflo Dollar spoke to the members of his World Changers Church International this morning (June 10th), and flatly denied chocking, punching or hitting his 15-year-old daughter. In addition to refuting the battery charges that kept him in jail for 12 hours on Friday, June 8th, Pastor Creflo Dollar explained where the marks on his daughter’s next came from.
The thousands of members of World Changers Church International in attendance at this morning’s 10 am service seemed to be supportive of their senior Pastor. Take a look at Pastor Creflo Dollar speaking to his congregation about the charges against him in the video below.

Daily Bread: A Circle of Friends

Posted by odb.org


Many high school students with autism or Down syndrome feel excluded and ignored. They often eat alone in a crowded cafeteria because other students don’t know how to relate to them or simply don’t care. To address this need, speech therapist Barbara Palilis began “Circle of Friends”—a program that pairs students with disabilities with nondisabled peers for lunch dates and social activities. Through this outreach, special-needs students and those nondisabled peers who befriend them continue to be enriched and changed through the gift of acceptance, friendship, and understanding.

Being included is at the heart of the gospel of Christ. “God, who is rich in mercy, . . . even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Eph. 2:4-5). Through faith in Christ, we “who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (v.13).

Our privileged place as members of the “household of God” (v.19) should give us eyes to see and hearts to care for those around us who are ignored and alone. If each of us would reach out in caring friendship to one person today, what a difference it would make for us all.

I needed help. Someone came alongside,
Sent by our Savior to care and to guide.
I now help you. We know that He is there,
Loving us both, and extending His care. —Verway

Reach out in friendship and encourage the lonely; energize the weary.

How To Save Energy In Your Home

Posted by elev8.com

With oil prices’ suddenly racing higher, gasoline isn’t the only thing that’s getting more expensive. Energy costs for your home are also going up, making it more advisable than ever to take steps to reduce consumption. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers dozens of things consumers can do to save energy.
Update lighting-Known as the screw-in “A” type light bulb, standard incandescent lamps are the most common, but the most inefficient, light source available. Artificial lighting consumes almost 15 percent of a household’s electricity use. Use of new lighting technologies can reduce lighting energy use in homes by as much as 75 percent.
Tankless hot water systems-This is an example of spending money to save money, but keep in mind a tankless water system might not be efficient for every consumer, because the purchase price is much greater than for a traditional hot water tank. However, unless you have a very large family and plan to live in your home for many more years, it might not make economic sense to spend the extra money on a demand system. Adding an insulation blanket to your traditional water heater and reducing the water temperature might be more effective ways to save energy and money.
Adding insulation-If your home was built before the 1980s, chances are it was not constructed with energy efficiency in mind. These days builders add generous layers of insulation to floors, attics and walls, to reduce the impact of outside temperatures. How quickly adding insulation will pay off will be determined, in large part, by the climate in which you live.
Storm doors Adding a storm door can be a good investment if your existing door is old but still in good condition. However, adding a storm door to a newer, insulated door is not generally worth the expense since you won’t save much more energy.Never add a glass storm door if the exterior door gets more than a few hours of direct sun each day. The glass will trap too much heat against the entry door and possibly damage it.Insulated drapes, when closed for the night in the winter (or on sunny days in the summer) may end up being a better idea.

Song of the Day by Men Of Standard - In your will

Whose Responsible After a Teen Misses Graduation Because of Mistaken Arrest?

Honor Roll Student misses graduation after police mistakenly arrest her

• Seventeen-year-old Tiarra Brown was focused on her future, but the excitement about graduation turned to fear when police came to her school and arrested her. 11 News reporter Barry Simms has the story.

  
  

Prosecutors said they dropped the case after realizing she was not involved in a crime. It appears to be a horrific case of mistaken identity, 11 News I-Team reporter Barry Simms said.

"She's been crying the whole time. She's terrified. She's never been through this environment before," mother Catia Brown said.

Worried about their daughter, Catia and Elvin Brown said they did everything they could to get her released.

A warrant charged Tiarra Brown with attempted murder, assault and reckless endangerment. She was held without bail after police arrested her Thursday during graduation practice at Casa Academy in Southwest Baltimore.

"That's not her profile. She's an honor roll student. She has scholarships going to college June 21. She did track and field. She worked all year to pay for her graduation, and she missed graduation for a misunderstanding," the girl's mother said.

The warrant was issued in connection with the May 6 stabbing of a woman outside the Half Mile Track nightclub on Frederick Avenue near Collins Avenue. It happened around 1:30 a.m.

According to a statement of charges, what appears to be the victim's daughter filled out a complaint and submitted it to a commissioner at the Patapsco Avenue Courthouse claiming that Brown stabbed her mother six times and threatened her as well.

The commissioner issued a warrant for her arrest, but to add to the confusion police said they had already charged a woman named Brittany Johnson with the stabbing when Brown was arrested at her high school during graduation practice.

"It was negligence on their side, and I think it's disgraceful to just pick a person out and charge them without investigating," Catia Brown said. "She's always in the house. She's too young to go to a club. She's never been to a club a day in her life."

Police and prosecutors now said the warrant was wrongfully issued by a court commissioner and that Tiarra Brown committed no crime.

Once they said they realized what happened, the investigating detective and the detective from the Warrant Apprehension Task Force went to the state's attorney seeking Brown's release.

She was released around 6 p.m. Monday into the custody of her elated parents (image of release to the right).

"This is the longest I've ever been away from (my parents)," the girl told 11 News after she was released. "I was real upset, but I prayed to God and read my Bible and knew the best thing for me was just to come home."

When she finally emerged from detention, Brown was so grateful to see her parents, she didn't express any bitterness about her ordeal, 11 News reporter Kerry Cavanaugh said.

"The officers were very nice. They checked on me and made sure I was eating and drinking and not so depressed and crying too much," Tiarra Brown said.

11 News went to the home of the person who filed the handwritten complaint that led to the warrant. No one answered. 

The family said police showed the stabbing victim and two witnesses Tiarra Brown's picture, and all of them said she was not involved.

Read more: http://www.wbaltv.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/Student-misses-graduation-after-police-mistakenly-arrest-her/-/10131532/14510502/-/jy1816z/-/index.html#ixzz1x4L0saIY