jimblr.com

SEAN HANNITY, CO-HOST: And welcome to a special edition of HANNITY & COLMES on a very sad day for all of us in the news business.
Our respected colleague, our friend Tim Russert, the moderator of “Meet the Press,” the Washington bureau chief of NBC News, has sadly passed away at the age of 58.
Now we all watched with heavy hearts as Tom Brokaw made that sad announcement.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TOM brOKAW, NBC NEWS ANCHOR: It is my sad duty to report this afternoon that my friend and colleague Tim Russert, the moderator of “Meet the Press” and NBC’s Washington bureau chief, collapsed and died early this afternoon while at work at the NBC News bureau in Washington.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HANNITY: Now, tonight, we share with you some of our memories of the man who meant so much to the world of news and the world of politics.
We’re also going to play you a portion of his last appearance right here right here on HANNITY & COLMES. Now sadly this was exactly one year ago today, June 13, 2007.
Kirsten Powers is in for Alan Colmes tonight.
Kirsten, good to see you.
And we begin with former speaker of the House and FOX News contributor Newt Gingrich who appeared on “Meet the Press” many, many times with Tim Russert. He also moderated that Cooper Union debate with you and Mario Cuomo well.
You knew him well. One of the smartest, brightest, best prepared guys in this entire industry, Newt.
NEWT GINGRICH, FMR. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: I think that everybody who knew Tim Russert knew that he loved life, he loved what he was doing. He loved the process of public policy, he loved his family.
And his book about his father is just a remarkable book. It’s particularly poignant going into Father’s Day weekend to have lost Tim. I think everybody who knew him is in a state of shock because he was so vital, so energetic, so full of life that it’s hard to imagine that he has passed on.

realclearpolitics.com

Anyone who does jail ministries can tell you how few prisoners speak about their fathers. Many talk about their mothers. Comments about moms often reflect the prominent place matriarchs still play in their lives. Virtually never do they speak about the dads.
This is not really surprising. National statistics verify the impact irresponsible or absent fathers can have on children. Here is just a sampling from an organization called “Getting Men Involved.” These are percentages of the total that come from fatherless homes:
- 63 percent of youth suicides
- 90 percent of all homeless and runaway children
- 85 percent of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders
- 80 percent of rapists
- 71 percent of all high school dropouts
- 75 percent of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers
- 70 percent of juveniles in state-operated institutions
- 85 percent of all youths sitting in prisons
Obviously fatherless homes are a societal dilemma. Another depressing fact is that they breed an ongoing cycle of fatherlessness. In other words a fatherless son is more likely to become an absent dad than is one who had a father in his life.
Bill Cosby, an outspoken critic of irresponsible fathers in the Black community, sees this as a root cause for many of their problems. Violence, poverty, and hopelessness often are symptoms of growing up without the influence of a father.
The negative consequences seem most severe for boys. However, girls also suffer from living without a loving father. For example, the likelihood of a teenager becoming pregnant is much higher if she is from a fatherless home; 71 percent of unwed teens come from such environments. This should surprise no one as girls are forced to seek male attention in unhealthy ways to make up for the healthy affection they never received from a dad.

columbustelegram.com

On June 14, we will be observing Flag Day and we are at war protecting the flag of the United States of America.
Fighting on two fronts has taken its toll on our fighting men and women trying to bring freedom and democracy throughout the world, and we shall succeed through endurance and devotion. I say this to all Americans - observe, honor and cherish the flag that brought us freedom and a way of life multitudes across the world can only dream about.
God bless America.
“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” - Thomas Jefferson
VFW Post 108

chillicothegazette.com

It’s never too soon to regret the summer we didn’t have. Those pangs start now, on Memorial Day, as summer already slips away, like losing your favorite sunglasses again, and wearing a new pair that never feels right, that you regret buying. Let’s not wait and do this in the last week of August, let’s regret summer now: All the nights we meant to eat outside, until we saw how long the wait was for a table. All our dirty furniture on the deck, which is really only a balcony, which we regret.
Teddy Kennedy has cancer in his brain and he’s already been sailing once since he got home from the hospital, probably more. We regret that it’s another summer and we still (still) somehow don’t know people who own boats or summer houses by the sea. (Some of us, on the other hand, regret knowing these people. It sounds so much better in theory, until the day such people take you out on their boat and it turns out to be more work than your weekday job: Lift this, tie this, hold this. Everyone push on the count of three, etc. We see boats and see regret.)
Your wedding? We send our warmest regrets.
About the ocean: We regret it. We regret Rehoboth, and beyond — regretting the Hamptons, Nantucket, Provincetown. Hell, let’s regret Fiji. We regret that Target has all those cute mix-and-match two-piece bathing suits, but no tops in our size anymore, already gone! And we regret that we never looked into beach houses. There were parties for this sort of thing — where you and your friends were supposed to go and sign up for choice rentals. The party was in February. (So was abs boot camp.) We regret that the three August nights we thought we might like to book a $1,200 luxury cabin at that spa that overlooks the Pacific Ocean at Big Sur are already booked, thank you. (What we really regret? That we didn’t have the money anyhow.)

washingtonpost.com

OVER THE LAND OF THE FREE
Fly Old Glory proudly, but properly
One of the big supposed controversies in this seemingly endless presidential campaign is Sen. Barack Obama’s decision to not wear a flag pin on his lapel. He says he doesn’t because he would rather be judged on his beliefs and policies than outward signs of patriotism. Fair enough; we disagree with most of his policy ideas, but respect his stand on the flag pin.
Too many Americans use the flag, in many forms, as a kind of shortcut to the high ground: I’m wearing a flag, so I’m a good American and if you disagree with me you’re not a good American.
Most flag wearers don’t take that tack; they believe in what this nation stands for and fully support others’ right to have their own views. But there are certainly those out there who do. And then there are whose hearts are in the right place on trumpeting their patriotism, but they go about it all wrong.
The U.S.Flag Code, http://usinfo.state.gov/russki/infousa/facts/flag_code.htm, lays out the rules for displaying and using the flag. Many people would be surprised to learn that the way they’ve been treating Old Glory borders on disrespect. It might seem proper to attend this weekend’s Memorial Day observances wearing your flag tie or shirt, but both are no-nos, according to the Code. Sooner or later, those items will be worn to the point they must be replaced, but what to do with the old ones? Will you use them for dust cloths? Toss them in the trash? That’s certainly no way to show respect. It’s doubtful many folks will dispose of that old tie by disposing of it in the manner prescribed in the Flag Code.
Advertisers are among the worst offenders. One pizza company has the Star Spangled Banner printed on its pizza boxes. When dinner is over and the pizza is gone, the box is tossed in the trash. Is that any way to show respect? The company likely means to honor the flag, but instead, given the likely final destination of the box, it comes off looking like the cheap patriotism Obama avoids.

gazette.com

Food prices are going up. But here are lots of ways — 101 of them — to shave off pennies, dimes and dollars from your food costs.
Not every tip fits every situation. A vat-size container of salad dressing is cheaper per ounce, but not if it sits in a single person’s fridge for months on end. Remember, the most expensive food you can buy is the food that goes to waste.
Before you go
1. For a week, track what your family actually spends on food. Don’t forget to include work lunches, restaurant meals, vending-machine snacks and convenience store stops. These add up quickly.
2. Have a plan. Jot down simple dinner menus for the week, using the weekly grocery store ads so you can take advantage of what’s on sale that week. Having a plan ends the 5 p.m. “what’s for dinner?” plight.
3. Make a shopping list from your menu. Having the ingredients you need for the week eliminates extra trips to the supermarket, where more incidental items can end up in your grocery cart.
4. To save time, compile a basic shopping list of things you usually buy on a weekly basis, such as milk, lettuce, etc. Organize the list by the store layout and make lots of copies. Then each week it’s just a matter of penciling in the extra ingredients from your menu.
5. Get out of the dinner rut. Check out cookbooks or magazines from the library or attend local cooking classes for new ideas.
6. For low-cost, nutritious recipe ideas, check the Food Stamp Nutrition Connection at recipefinder.nal.usda.gov. The recipes have cost-per-serving and nutrition data.
7. Consider making from scratch many of the things you usually buy in prepared form, such as brownies or salad dressing.
8. Time is a valuable resource. It’s usually not worth the time (or gasoline) to hopscotch from store to store to save a few dollars.

deseretnews.com

Food prices are going up. But here are lots of ways — 101 of them — to shave off pennies, dimes and dollars from your food costs.
Not every tip fits every situation. A vat-size container of salad dressing is cheaper per ounce, but not if it sits in a single person’s fridge for months on end. Remember, the most expensive food you can buy is the food that goes to waste.
Before you go
1. For a week, track what your family actually spends on food. Don’t forget to include work lunches, restaurant meals, vending-machine snacks and convenience store stops. These add up quickly.
2. Have a plan. Jot down simple dinner menus for the week, using the weekly grocery store ads so you can take advantage of what’s on sale that week. Having a plan ends the 5 p.m. “what’s for dinner?” plight.
3. Make a shopping list from your menu. Having the ingredients you need for the week eliminates extra trips to the supermarket, where more incidental items can end up in your grocery cart.
4. To save time, compile a basic shopping list of things you usually buy on a weekly basis, such as milk, lettuce, etc. Organize the list by the store layout and make lots of copies. Then each week it’s just a matter of penciling in the extra ingredients from your menu.
5. Get out of the dinner rut. Check out cookbooks or magazines from the library or attend local cooking classes for new ideas.
6. For low-cost, nutritious recipe ideas, check the Food Stamp Nutrition Connection at recipefinder.nal.usda.gov. The recipes have cost-per-serving and nutrition data.
7. Consider making from scratch many of the things you usually buy in prepared form, such as brownies or salad dressing.
8. Time is a valuable resource. It’s usually not worth the time (or gasoline) to hopscotch from store to store to save a few dollars.

deseretnews.com

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 30 /PRNewswire/ — George Washington, Christopher Columbus and Martin Luther King, Jr. all had at least two things in common: federal holidays named in their honor and mothers who gave them life and kept them fed. To honor all moms, whether they are famous around the world or just around the house, KFC has created an online petition to urge Congress to elevate May 11 from a mere "observance" to an official "federal holiday."
"Mom has always been one of Kentucky Fried Chicken’s favorite customers. For generations, KFC has provided mothers nationwide with time-saving mealtime solutions," said KFC President Gregg Dedrick. "So it’s only fitting that our brand now lead the charge to give moms some much-deserved recognition — an ‘official’ federal holiday in their honor."
And America agrees. A recent survey(1) shows that more than 80 percent of Americans feel Mother’s Day deserves the highest-holiday honor and should be elevated above other federal observances such as Arbor Day, Groundhog Day and April Fools’ Day. In fact, more than four-fifths of Americans would rather honor their mothers instead of Washington, Columbus and King.
Starting today, Americans can proclaim their support for moms by visiting http://www.kfc.com/ and signing an online petition urging Congress to make Mother’s Day an officially recognized holiday in the United States. Individuals can also show their support by texting "MOM" or "MOTHER" to 36617 (standard text rates apply).
KFC — An Advocate for Mom
Helping mothers is a KFC tradition. Beyond buckets and biscuits, KFC’s http://www.bringbackdinner.com/, an online resource designed by moms for moms, helps families connect more often at the dinner table. This helpful Web resource includes tips and tools to help moms set the table for success, including printable coupons, family activity suggestions and the new "She Boutique." The "She Boutique" offers free online games for moms, opportunities to win a spa retreat for mom, a virtual flower shop where family members can send loved ones online bouquets and "I-owe-Mom-cards" that mothers can redeem for favors from their family.

earthtimes.org

LOS ANGELES, May 5 /PRNewswire/ — According to IBISWorld, Inc., (http://www.ibisworld.com/), one of the nation’s most respected independent publishers of business intelligence research about 86 percent of Americans will be celebrating Mother’s Day on May 11 this year, with children expected to spend more than $18 billion on spoiling their mothers.
And while gift ideas from toasters to towel sets are filling the catalogues, IBISWorld analysts say greeting cards and flowers will remain the primary gifts of choice this Mother’s Day, followed by gift certificates, jewelry, pamper packs, and a well earned break from the kitchen.
Top Mother’s Day Gift Picks
Flowers — A traditional favorite, Americans are expected to spend $2.61 billion on a bunch of blooms for mom this Mother’s Day. In addition to carnations, chrysanthemums, and lilies, other popular choices will include orchids, roses, and Spring-time tulips.
Greeting Cards — While e-cards and homemade cards are becoming increasingly popular, IBISWorld predicts the greeting card sector will generate close to $68 million in sales from Mother’s Day spending this year, with Hallmark Cards, Inc., being the number one brand of choice.
Gift Certificates — As Americans become increasingly short on time, IBISWorld has identified gift certificates as a sector set for growth this year — largely fueled by the convenience of the Internet.
"Gift certificates take the pressure off the giver, and allow the receiver a guilt free shopping spree," said Mr George Van Horn, senior analyst for IBISWorld, Inc. "And with an increasing number, and greater variety of stores offering this option, gift certificates are forecast to account for $1.94 billion of Mother’s Day spending this year, with the segment set to boom in the coming years."
Jewelry - IBISWorld is forecasting Mother’s Day will generate 7.8 percent of the jewelry industry’s annual revenue in 2008, with spending expected to reach $2.41 billion. The most popular choices for mom’s under the age of 25 are sterling silver pieces, with moms aged between 26 and 49 preferring quality rings and earrings, and mom’s aged over 50 favoring more traditional items such as pearls.

earthtimes.org

Tallahassee, Florida — Sunshine filled Florida’s Capitol courtyard as hundreds of people praised God during National Prayer Day.
Governor Charlie Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum, and other state leaders gathered to give thanks, sing praises, and show appreciation for our military.
Crist thanked the Lord for his guidance during the legislative session, especially as the time to change policy draws to a close.
“It’s a very fortuitous time for us to be in prayer… we have about a day and a half left in the legislature and the legislative session so it’s very timely,” said Crist.
Nicole VanNeil was eight months pregnant when she was arrested for DUI earlier this month. The 22-year-old has three previous DUI arrests.

tampabays10.com