Police identify man shot at Orlando apartment complex
Bianca Prieto
Sentinel Staff Writer
9:10 a.m. EDT, September 2, 2009
Orlando police are investigating an late night shooting at a complex on Jacobs Place near the East-West Expressway.
Jarrell C. Bowers, 25, was shot in front of a crowd of about 100 people who were gathered at the complex, an Orlando lieutenant said.
Bowers was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition. He is recovering there this morning.
read more here
Police identify man shot at Orlando apartment complex
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
A pastor who hates Pres. Obama and wishes he would die
Secret service investigates pastor 8:42
A pastor who hates Pres. Obama and wishes he would die. What's the Secret Service doing? What Rick Sanchez found out
Source: CNN
Added On September 1, 2009
Where is all of this hate coming from when they are supposed to be "Christian leaders?" Think about it. Westborough Baptist Church protesting at military funerals. This man and others saying they want President Obama to die. Where is all this hate coming from? People didn't like President Bush but even if the leaders spoke out on what he was doing, they prayed he would open his eyes, they prayed for him and for the country. They did not pray he would die.
A pastor who hates Pres. Obama and wishes he would die. What's the Secret Service doing? What Rick Sanchez found out
Source: CNN
Added On September 1, 2009
Where is all of this hate coming from when they are supposed to be "Christian leaders?" Think about it. Westborough Baptist Church protesting at military funerals. This man and others saying they want President Obama to die. Where is all this hate coming from? People didn't like President Bush but even if the leaders spoke out on what he was doing, they prayed he would open his eyes, they prayed for him and for the country. They did not pray he would die.
Veterans suffering from PTSD can visit virtual Chicoma Island for help
Veterans suffering from PTSD can visit virtual Chicoma Island for help
By Bob Brewin 09/01/2009
View slideshow of veteran visiting Chicoma Lodge in Second Life.
Combat veterans rarely talk about their most searing hidden emotions and thoughts caused by their experiences in battle, a reticence that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Institute for Creative Technologies at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles is near completing Coming Home, a virtual world in Second Life that its creators hope will help break down the barriers to PTSD treatment, said Jacquelyn Morie, a project leader at ICT.
The institute developed a virtual world that features immersive therapy, which mental health professionals can use to treat Iraq combat veterans suffering form PTSD called Virtual Iraq. The site includes a virtual Iraqi village that veterans can walk through.
ICT initially planned to use the village in Second Life, but in a recent paper that Morie wrote, a veteran told her that he found the Iraqi village "disturbingly realistic, and he did not believe that any veteran should be allowed to explore the village without a therapist at his side."
read more here
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090901_9444.php?oref=topstory
By Bob Brewin 09/01/2009
View slideshow of veteran visiting Chicoma Lodge in Second Life.
Combat veterans rarely talk about their most searing hidden emotions and thoughts caused by their experiences in battle, a reticence that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Institute for Creative Technologies at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles is near completing Coming Home, a virtual world in Second Life that its creators hope will help break down the barriers to PTSD treatment, said Jacquelyn Morie, a project leader at ICT.
The institute developed a virtual world that features immersive therapy, which mental health professionals can use to treat Iraq combat veterans suffering form PTSD called Virtual Iraq. The site includes a virtual Iraqi village that veterans can walk through.
ICT initially planned to use the village in Second Life, but in a recent paper that Morie wrote, a veteran told her that he found the Iraqi village "disturbingly realistic, and he did not believe that any veteran should be allowed to explore the village without a therapist at his side."
read more here
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090901_9444.php?oref=topstory
Brig. Gen. Colleen McGuire really using military intelligence
Brig. Gen. Colleen McGuire just made me very hopeful by saying it depends on what works best, instead of just using what is there, she's searching. The military has a habit of searching for the latest and greatest when it comes to winning wars, but hardly ever seems to apply the same intelligence when it comes to what war does. She just proved it by this statement alone.
There are great programs out there, like the Montana National Guard have, plus some others, but there are also programs that don't work. In many cases, they actually do more harm than good. One I hope they totally abandon is Battlemind, but judging from the lack of reports on this program lately, I have a feeling they have been dropping it quietly. The other is Warrior Mind, which could have been a great program had they not fully understood the message being delivered ended up being yet again, if you end up with PTSD, it's your fault. Both of these programs could have worked really well if they had been thought out more and the developers heard the words being said through the ears of someone with PTSD. Then they would have known how much harm they were doing.
The other thing in this report is that Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli's words showed they still don't understand that PTSD comes after trauma, strikes the compassionate with vengeance and is a wound to the soul/emotions, that makes these men and women so wonderful and vulnerable at the same time. If they ever understand this then they will know exactly what to do and come up with programs that address the body-mind-spirit connection that is under assault. This is not all bad because at least he's asking what is behind it instead of ignoring it.
There are great programs out there, like the Montana National Guard have, plus some others, but there are also programs that don't work. In many cases, they actually do more harm than good. One I hope they totally abandon is Battlemind, but judging from the lack of reports on this program lately, I have a feeling they have been dropping it quietly. The other is Warrior Mind, which could have been a great program had they not fully understood the message being delivered ended up being yet again, if you end up with PTSD, it's your fault. Both of these programs could have worked really well if they had been thought out more and the developers heard the words being said through the ears of someone with PTSD. Then they would have known how much harm they were doing.
The other thing in this report is that Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli's words showed they still don't understand that PTSD comes after trauma, strikes the compassionate with vengeance and is a wound to the soul/emotions, that makes these men and women so wonderful and vulnerable at the same time. If they ever understand this then they will know exactly what to do and come up with programs that address the body-mind-spirit connection that is under assault. This is not all bad because at least he's asking what is behind it instead of ignoring it.
Schofield Barracks hosting suicide awareness event
Advertiser Staff and News Services
The Army in Hawai'i will recognize National Suicide Prevention Month tomorrow on Sills Field at Schofield Barracks with events intended to promote awareness of the impact suicide has not only has on family members, but also on the "Army family," officials said.
The day starts at 6:30 a.m. with a two-mile fun run, followed by opportunities for soldiers and family members to visit booths staffed by behavioral health experts, Army counselors and military chaplains.
"The most frustrating thing is trying to find a cause," Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, the Army's vice chief of staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on July 30.
Among those efforts, which included a service-wide stand down and a series of chain-teaching sessions, is a $50 million, five-year study on suicide conducted in conjunction with the National Institute of Mental Health.
"It's not that the Army lacks programs to confront the problem of suicide," said Brig. Gen. Colleen McGuire, Director, Army Suicide Prevention Task Force. "The long-term challenge is determining which programs are most effective for our soldiers, and ensuring Army leaders, from junior noncommissioned officers to the most senior leaders, know how to help their soldiers take advantage of these programs."
read more here
Schofield Barracks hosting suicide awareness event
What is the real agenda
What is the real agenda?
Up until about 15 minutes ago, I was in a pretty good mood. I started to go through some emails and some of them were very nice, very hopeful, with a clear agenda of helping others. No political thoughts hiding or blatantly clear. They were just about humans needing each other and acknowledging it.
The problem came when the rants made my mood darken. I feel like I do when on Tuesday night I go to see a bad movie and feel it was not only a waste of time and money, but left me wondering what is wrong with some people when they put out something that is not helpful, hopeful or even funny. If you walk out of a movie feeling worse than you walk in, that's a bad movie. This is not a movie but a bunch of people across this country hiding behind an actor's mask with a clear agenda that is politically motivated hiding behind a noble cause.
Some of the subjects are about "corruption in the VA" the "death book" and topic of the times, "Obamacare." All of these are coming in under the category of veterans.
First I wonder where all these people were when all the problems the veterans were facing over the last eight years while the number of veterans seeking help from the VA was growing along with the claims waiting, but nothing was being done. I wonder where they were when the suicides and attempted suicides was increasing, not only in the military but with our veterans as well when last reported 18 a day commit suicide.
The difference between then and now is a different administration with a different political party.
Gone are the days of "you have to support the President in a time of war" indicating that if you spoke out against anything the other administration did, you were not supporting the troops or the veterans. "You have to support the war or you don't support the troops" was dropped and suddenly they are coming out saying that even Afghanistan should be ended. Blog after blog that ignored the facts in order to support their own agenda have totally switched into being what they used to call anti-American, anti-military and anti-troops. Amazing!
Some fair minded people paying attention (like me) were attacked from both sides because we dared to tell the truth no matter who was in charge. Believing they need to be treated fairly while being held accountable just doesn't seem to fit in anymore. Gone are the times when fighting for all veterans was a good thing to do if you dare to take on a politician.
Some say that it's because of the 2000 election that politics took over everything but that is not the truth. It's an excuse. 9-11 proved that when we were all Americans. It is because of the blog world being used by people with hidden agendas. Instead of talking about the same problems the veterans faced all these years and staying on the fact most of the problem are getting worse, they want to jump on to false outrages as if they are helpful at all. Instead of demanding plans to get the troops back home from Iraq and Afghanistan so that no one can ever compare either to Vietnam, the claws come out. Instead of finding solutions to the huge problems they face, they waste their time and energy sending out emails to make someone's blood boil in a feeding frenzy so they don't pay attention to any of the facts behind how we got to where we are or what the real problems are.
I just read an email from someone saying that "the death book signals out veterans" as if that made any sense at all. It was from the VA! It is about making choices with time to think about what veterans want when it comes to their own lives but this person decided to use words that would cause people to get upset without having time to think about what was really in the publication.
Much like a very bad movie, with bad actors working off an even worse script, their agenda is clear and this is not about veterans or the troops. All of these chain emails are about manipulating without a good imagination or noble intent. It's a waste of time, an assault on the emotions and all will have a bad ending if good people don't start to ignore the people sending out these emails and start to focus on the real problems veterans face along with the troops.
Up until about 15 minutes ago, I was in a pretty good mood. I started to go through some emails and some of them were very nice, very hopeful, with a clear agenda of helping others. No political thoughts hiding or blatantly clear. They were just about humans needing each other and acknowledging it.
The problem came when the rants made my mood darken. I feel like I do when on Tuesday night I go to see a bad movie and feel it was not only a waste of time and money, but left me wondering what is wrong with some people when they put out something that is not helpful, hopeful or even funny. If you walk out of a movie feeling worse than you walk in, that's a bad movie. This is not a movie but a bunch of people across this country hiding behind an actor's mask with a clear agenda that is politically motivated hiding behind a noble cause.
Some of the subjects are about "corruption in the VA" the "death book" and topic of the times, "Obamacare." All of these are coming in under the category of veterans.
First I wonder where all these people were when all the problems the veterans were facing over the last eight years while the number of veterans seeking help from the VA was growing along with the claims waiting, but nothing was being done. I wonder where they were when the suicides and attempted suicides was increasing, not only in the military but with our veterans as well when last reported 18 a day commit suicide.
The difference between then and now is a different administration with a different political party.
Gone are the days of "you have to support the President in a time of war" indicating that if you spoke out against anything the other administration did, you were not supporting the troops or the veterans. "You have to support the war or you don't support the troops" was dropped and suddenly they are coming out saying that even Afghanistan should be ended. Blog after blog that ignored the facts in order to support their own agenda have totally switched into being what they used to call anti-American, anti-military and anti-troops. Amazing!
Some fair minded people paying attention (like me) were attacked from both sides because we dared to tell the truth no matter who was in charge. Believing they need to be treated fairly while being held accountable just doesn't seem to fit in anymore. Gone are the times when fighting for all veterans was a good thing to do if you dare to take on a politician.
Some say that it's because of the 2000 election that politics took over everything but that is not the truth. It's an excuse. 9-11 proved that when we were all Americans. It is because of the blog world being used by people with hidden agendas. Instead of talking about the same problems the veterans faced all these years and staying on the fact most of the problem are getting worse, they want to jump on to false outrages as if they are helpful at all. Instead of demanding plans to get the troops back home from Iraq and Afghanistan so that no one can ever compare either to Vietnam, the claws come out. Instead of finding solutions to the huge problems they face, they waste their time and energy sending out emails to make someone's blood boil in a feeding frenzy so they don't pay attention to any of the facts behind how we got to where we are or what the real problems are.
I just read an email from someone saying that "the death book signals out veterans" as if that made any sense at all. It was from the VA! It is about making choices with time to think about what veterans want when it comes to their own lives but this person decided to use words that would cause people to get upset without having time to think about what was really in the publication.
Much like a very bad movie, with bad actors working off an even worse script, their agenda is clear and this is not about veterans or the troops. All of these chain emails are about manipulating without a good imagination or noble intent. It's a waste of time, an assault on the emotions and all will have a bad ending if good people don't start to ignore the people sending out these emails and start to focus on the real problems veterans face along with the troops.
A Hero's Death in Afghanistan, and the Question 'Why?'
A Hero's Death in Afghanistan, and the Question 'Why?'
By Dana Milbank
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
On Saturday, millions watched as Ted Kennedy made his final trip to Arlington National Cemetery. With rather less attention, Arlington's soil opened again Monday to accept the remains of one of Kennedy's former aides, 40-year-old Bill Cahir.
The deceased, an Alexandria resident, was unknown to most Americans, but he did no less for his country than his old boss -- and, gauged by the last full measure of devotion, he did even more. He went from his job working for Kennedy in the Senate to become, at various points, a Washington journalist and a failed congressional candidate. But it was the Sept. 11 attacks that inspired Cahir, at age 34, to get an age waiver from military recruiters in 2003 and enlist in the Marines.
That brave and fateful choice ultimately landed Sgt. Cahir on the horse-drawn caisson at Arlington on Monday, two weeks after he took a bullet to the neck while on patrol in Afghanistan. Cahir's widow, pregnant with his twin daughters, accepted the folded flag from his casket.
read more here
A Hero Death in Afghanistan
By Dana Milbank
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
On Saturday, millions watched as Ted Kennedy made his final trip to Arlington National Cemetery. With rather less attention, Arlington's soil opened again Monday to accept the remains of one of Kennedy's former aides, 40-year-old Bill Cahir.
The deceased, an Alexandria resident, was unknown to most Americans, but he did no less for his country than his old boss -- and, gauged by the last full measure of devotion, he did even more. He went from his job working for Kennedy in the Senate to become, at various points, a Washington journalist and a failed congressional candidate. But it was the Sept. 11 attacks that inspired Cahir, at age 34, to get an age waiver from military recruiters in 2003 and enlist in the Marines.
That brave and fateful choice ultimately landed Sgt. Cahir on the horse-drawn caisson at Arlington on Monday, two weeks after he took a bullet to the neck while on patrol in Afghanistan. Cahir's widow, pregnant with his twin daughters, accepted the folded flag from his casket.
read more here
A Hero Death in Afghanistan
Subconscious Restructuring for PTSD blocked from review
There is no one size fits all approach for treating PTSD and there never will be, simply because we are all different. While some with PTSD use drugs and alcohol as self-medication, others not only have PTSD, but are addicted to drugs and alcohol, suffering a double whammy. If you treat them all as if they are addicts, it won't work for all of them just as if you treat them all as if they are just self-medicating, they will not all be treated properly. The same goes with the wrong diagnosis. If psychiatrist are looking for depression, they will find it because it comes with PTSD and they could be mistreating the patient if they do not look at trauma. PTSD is misdiagnosed all the time because of all the symptoms that can be found in other mental illness. PTSD only comes after traumatic events.
That said, Subconscious Restructuring could help a lot of veterans. It claims to alter the intrusive thoughts and help deal with depression. When it comes to suicide, depression is the number one reason because they lose hope. If this program can help reduce depression it should at least be studied. No program should be dismissed without clinical evidence any more than they should be approved without it.
That said, Subconscious Restructuring could help a lot of veterans. It claims to alter the intrusive thoughts and help deal with depression. When it comes to suicide, depression is the number one reason because they lose hope. If this program can help reduce depression it should at least be studied. No program should be dismissed without clinical evidence any more than they should be approved without it.
Life Coach: The Only Evidence Based PTSD/Suicide Intervention Is Blocked By NIMH From Scientific Review
By Kelly Burris
NIMH Blocked the only Evidence Based program process for PTSD/Suicide from Scientific Review.
Despite an unprecedented crisis in military suicidality, the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) rejected the only evidence based proposal the SR process to cure post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide in the U.S. Army.
The rejection shocked proposal scientists, former Marine officer, combat veteran and psychotherapist Dr. Ron Clark, the Principal Investigator (PI), and former USAF officer, psychologist and co PI Dr. Jeff Litchford.
The SR process proposed by the doctors has a record of success over its 25 year history, and has established itself as the only evidence based program process in mental health. The model, referred to by Dr. Clark and Litchford as Subconscious Restructuring (SR), is well suited as the program of choice to overcome PTSD/suicidality problems of combat returning U.S. Army military personnel and their families. It teaches depressed, traumatized and suicidal service personnel and their families how to restructure their subconscious, and replace dysfunctional components with more appropriate goal oriented words, pictures, thoughts, emotions and behaviors. When symptoms of depression are present, as in the case of PTSD and suicidality, the Burris SR intervention is especially effective.
No evidence based program processes were funded in 2007, when $277 million was dispersed via CDMRP to address PTSD and TBI. 2008 became a record setting year for military suicides with 2009 on track for setting another record.
read more here
Life Coach Holistic Health
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Bliss soldier charged in bar shooting
Bliss soldier charged in bar shooting
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Sep 1, 2009 14:18:48 EDT
EL PASO, Texas — A 23-year-old Fort Bliss soldier is jailed in El Paso for allegedly trying to kill two fellow soldiers during a gang shooting.
Pvt. Antonio Saunders was arrested Monday and jailed on two counts of attempted murder.
El Paso police say he admitted shooting at two fellow soldiers after a weekend bar fight. Spc. Frank Calderon, 22, was wounded and remains hospitalized. The other soldier wasn't injured.
Saunders turned himself into military police and is being held in $150,000 bail. Online jail records don't show if he has a lawyer.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/09/ap_bar_shooting_090109/
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Sep 1, 2009 14:18:48 EDT
EL PASO, Texas — A 23-year-old Fort Bliss soldier is jailed in El Paso for allegedly trying to kill two fellow soldiers during a gang shooting.
Pvt. Antonio Saunders was arrested Monday and jailed on two counts of attempted murder.
El Paso police say he admitted shooting at two fellow soldiers after a weekend bar fight. Spc. Frank Calderon, 22, was wounded and remains hospitalized. The other soldier wasn't injured.
Saunders turned himself into military police and is being held in $150,000 bail. Online jail records don't show if he has a lawyer.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/09/ap_bar_shooting_090109/
3 infants hurt as car crashes into child care center
3 infants hurt as car crashes into child care center
By KOMO Staff Watch the story REDMOND, Wash. -- Three infants were taken to a hospital after an SUV crashed into a childcare building in Redmond Monday afternoon.
The crash happened around 4:30 p.m. inside the Archstone Apartment complex in the 4300 block of 156th Avenue NE.
A 2006 Toyota RAV-4 SUV struck the front room of the Childtime Learning Center that houses seven infants, ranging in age from 3 to 9 months, said Capt. Rob Torrey with the Redmond Fire Department. Officials said in all, there were 45 to 50 children present.
"I was kind of scared because I heard a big crash and I heard glass. And I heard people screaming really loud," said a little boy named David Shtukin.
Two children were taken to Overlake Hospital in Bellevue while one was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, but none of the injuries was believed to be life-threatening.
read more here
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/56411292.html
Mom delivers baby, now fights for her life
Mom delivers baby, now fights for her life
Valerie Post, 24, is in a medically induced coma at Tampa General Hospital after delivering her baby two months early, following complications from a swine flu infection.
Video: Valerie's husband talks about her illness
Valerie Post, 24, is in a medically induced coma at Tampa General Hospital after delivering her baby two months early, following complications from a swine flu infection.
Video: Valerie's husband talks about her illness
Police charge man in fatal shooting at Melbourne bar
Police charge man in fatal shooting at Melbourne bar
BY J.D.GALLOP and KAUSTUV BASU • FLORIDA TODAY • September 1, 2009
A 26-year-old man has been charged with gunning down a bar patron in a crowded Melbourne bar on Monday.
Melbourne detectives charged Donald L. Kautz, no address given, with first-degree murder with a firearm just after midnight. He was taken to the Brevard County Detention Center in Sharpes.
Police also continue to search for a motive in the shooting, but added that Kautz and the victim were seen arguing.
Witnesses at the Just 1 More Bar at 1202 Sarno Road said Kautz, wearing a black bandana and plaid shirt, had been acting strangely moments before heading out to his car and returning with a handgun.
Kautz then fired off several rounds inside the crowded establishment, striking 45-year-old Noel Randall II at least once in the chest at close range, the witnesses said.
read more here
Police charge man in fatal shooting at Melbourne bar
BY J.D.GALLOP and KAUSTUV BASU • FLORIDA TODAY • September 1, 2009
A 26-year-old man has been charged with gunning down a bar patron in a crowded Melbourne bar on Monday.
Melbourne detectives charged Donald L. Kautz, no address given, with first-degree murder with a firearm just after midnight. He was taken to the Brevard County Detention Center in Sharpes.
Police also continue to search for a motive in the shooting, but added that Kautz and the victim were seen arguing.
Witnesses at the Just 1 More Bar at 1202 Sarno Road said Kautz, wearing a black bandana and plaid shirt, had been acting strangely moments before heading out to his car and returning with a handgun.
Kautz then fired off several rounds inside the crowded establishment, striking 45-year-old Noel Randall II at least once in the chest at close range, the witnesses said.
read more here
Police charge man in fatal shooting at Melbourne bar
Police: Man barricaded inside home dies of self-inflicted gunshot
Police: Man barricaded inside home dies of self-inflicted gunshot
Bianca Prieto
Sentinel Staff Writer
2:39 p.m. EDT, September 1, 2009
An armed man who barricaded himself inside a home on Dorado Avenue has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
The Orlando Police SWAT team and Crisis Negotiation Team were at the scene in the 700 block of Dorado Avenue since about 8:30 a.m.
Police shot gas canisters into the home around 1 p.m. and then heard a gun shot inside the home. They entered and found Alexis Franco, 34, dead inside.
read more here
Man barricaded inside home dies of self inflicted gunshot
Bianca Prieto
Sentinel Staff Writer
2:39 p.m. EDT, September 1, 2009
An armed man who barricaded himself inside a home on Dorado Avenue has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
The Orlando Police SWAT team and Crisis Negotiation Team were at the scene in the 700 block of Dorado Avenue since about 8:30 a.m.
Police shot gas canisters into the home around 1 p.m. and then heard a gun shot inside the home. They entered and found Alexis Franco, 34, dead inside.
read more here
Man barricaded inside home dies of self inflicted gunshot
President Meets With Fallen Marine's Family
President Meets With Fallen Marine's Family
21-Year-Old Killed Overseas
POSTED: 6:17 pm EDT August 31, 2009
YARMOUTH, Mass. -- When President Barack Obama left Sen. Edward Kennedy's funeral, he had one more stop planned in Massachusetts at Cape Cod Air Station for a private, undisclosed meeting with the family of a fallen Marine from Yarmouth -- Nicholas Xiarhos.
"This is the coin he gave me when he walked up to shake hands. He stuck it in there. It says his name -- president of the United States," Nicholas' father, Steve Xiarhos, said.
In February, Nicholas Xiarhos had met Obama when he spoke at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where the Marine corporal was stationed after his first tour of duty in Iraq. His father said he called home right away to tell his family he was volunteering for duty in Afghanistan.
read more here and watch report
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/20654735/detail.html
21-Year-Old Killed Overseas
POSTED: 6:17 pm EDT August 31, 2009
YARMOUTH, Mass. -- When President Barack Obama left Sen. Edward Kennedy's funeral, he had one more stop planned in Massachusetts at Cape Cod Air Station for a private, undisclosed meeting with the family of a fallen Marine from Yarmouth -- Nicholas Xiarhos.
"This is the coin he gave me when he walked up to shake hands. He stuck it in there. It says his name -- president of the United States," Nicholas' father, Steve Xiarhos, said.
In February, Nicholas Xiarhos had met Obama when he spoke at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where the Marine corporal was stationed after his first tour of duty in Iraq. His father said he called home right away to tell his family he was volunteering for duty in Afghanistan.
read more here and watch report
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/20654735/detail.html
One-Third of All Cocaine Seized in U.S. Laced With Lethal De-Worming Drug
Tainted Cocaine Kills 3, Sickens 100
One-Third of All Cocaine Seized in U.S. Laced With Lethal De-Worming Drug
(AP) Nearly a third of all cocaine seized in the United States is laced with a dangerous veterinary medicine - a livestock de-worming drug that might enhance cocaine's effects but has been blamed in at least three deaths and scores of serious illnesses.
The medication called levamisole has killed at least three people in the U.S. and Canada and sickened more than 100 others. It can be used in humans to treat colorectal cancer, but it severely weakens the body's immune system, leaving patients vulnerable to fatal infections.
Scientific studies suggest levamisole might give cocaine a more intense high, possibly by increasing levels of dopamine, the brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitters.
Drug Enforcement Administration documents reviewed by The Associated Press indicate that 30 percent of all U.S. cocaine seizures are tainted with the drug. And health officials told the AP that most physicians know virtually nothing about its risks.
"I would think it would be fair to say the vast majority of doctors in the United States have no idea this is going on," said Eric Lavonas, assistant director of the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center in Denver, where as much as half of the cocaine is believed to contain levamisole. "You can't diagnose a disease you've never heard of."
Authorities believe cocaine manufacturers are adding the levamisole in Colombia, before the cocaine is smuggled into the U.S. and Canada to be sold as white powder or crack.
read more here
Tainted Cocaine Kills 3, Sickens 100
One-Third of All Cocaine Seized in U.S. Laced With Lethal De-Worming Drug
(AP) Nearly a third of all cocaine seized in the United States is laced with a dangerous veterinary medicine - a livestock de-worming drug that might enhance cocaine's effects but has been blamed in at least three deaths and scores of serious illnesses.
The medication called levamisole has killed at least three people in the U.S. and Canada and sickened more than 100 others. It can be used in humans to treat colorectal cancer, but it severely weakens the body's immune system, leaving patients vulnerable to fatal infections.
Scientific studies suggest levamisole might give cocaine a more intense high, possibly by increasing levels of dopamine, the brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitters.
Drug Enforcement Administration documents reviewed by The Associated Press indicate that 30 percent of all U.S. cocaine seizures are tainted with the drug. And health officials told the AP that most physicians know virtually nothing about its risks.
"I would think it would be fair to say the vast majority of doctors in the United States have no idea this is going on," said Eric Lavonas, assistant director of the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center in Denver, where as much as half of the cocaine is believed to contain levamisole. "You can't diagnose a disease you've never heard of."
Authorities believe cocaine manufacturers are adding the levamisole in Colombia, before the cocaine is smuggled into the U.S. and Canada to be sold as white powder or crack.
read more here
Tainted Cocaine Kills 3, Sickens 100
Starting today, some Tricare services free
Starting today, some Tricare services free
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Sep 1, 2009 12:35:24 EDT
As of Sept. 1, certain Tricare beneficiaries no longer will have to pay out of pocket for immunizations, mammograms and some other preventive services.
However, the new benefit does not apply to all preventive services or to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.
Also as of Sept. 1, beneficiaries can request reimbursement for any of these covered preventive services that they have paid for since Oct. 14, 2008. The benefit is retroactive to that date, when it was signed into law.
Covered preventive services include screenings for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer; immunizations; and certain physical exams, including well-child visits for children younger than 6. This means the patient has no co-payments or cost shares, even if his or her annual Tricare deductible has not been met.
read more here
Starting today some Tricare services free
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Sep 1, 2009 12:35:24 EDT
As of Sept. 1, certain Tricare beneficiaries no longer will have to pay out of pocket for immunizations, mammograms and some other preventive services.
However, the new benefit does not apply to all preventive services or to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.
Also as of Sept. 1, beneficiaries can request reimbursement for any of these covered preventive services that they have paid for since Oct. 14, 2008. The benefit is retroactive to that date, when it was signed into law.
Covered preventive services include screenings for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer; immunizations; and certain physical exams, including well-child visits for children younger than 6. This means the patient has no co-payments or cost shares, even if his or her annual Tricare deductible has not been met.
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Starting today some Tricare services free
1st Lt. James A. Gardner Medal Of Honor donated to 101st Airborne
MoH of Vietnam vet donated to 101st Airborne
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Sep 1, 2009 13:05:44 EDT
DYERSBURG, Tenn. — The family of a Dyersburg soldier who received the Medal of Honor posthumously has donated his medal to the 101st Airborne Division.
The medal was awarded to 1st Lt. James A. Gardner, who died in battle in Vietnam on Feb. 7, 1966 — his 23rd birthday.
The State Gazette in Dyersburg reported Gardner's sister, Linda Gardner-Park, presented the medal to the division's 327th Regiment on Aug. 14 during a ceremony at Fort Campbell, Ky.
Gardner was one of only 246 recipients of the Medal of Honor for actions during the Vietnam War.
Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, the commander of the 101st Airborne, said at the ceremony Gardner-Park's donation made her brother's sacrifice "a very real and very tangible statement."
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/09/ap_MOH_donation_090109/
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Sep 1, 2009 13:05:44 EDT
DYERSBURG, Tenn. — The family of a Dyersburg soldier who received the Medal of Honor posthumously has donated his medal to the 101st Airborne Division.
The medal was awarded to 1st Lt. James A. Gardner, who died in battle in Vietnam on Feb. 7, 1966 — his 23rd birthday.
The State Gazette in Dyersburg reported Gardner's sister, Linda Gardner-Park, presented the medal to the division's 327th Regiment on Aug. 14 during a ceremony at Fort Campbell, Ky.
Gardner was one of only 246 recipients of the Medal of Honor for actions during the Vietnam War.
Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, the commander of the 101st Airborne, said at the ceremony Gardner-Park's donation made her brother's sacrifice "a very real and very tangible statement."
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/09/ap_MOH_donation_090109/
Wounded GIs in Afghanistan
Wounded GIs in Afghanistan: Casualties More Seriously Injured Than in Iraq
David Wood Columnist
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan -- They are the invisible casualties of this war, the 2,194 Americans who have been badly wounded in battle here. More are coming.
Stunned, torn and bleeding, they are extracted from dusty battlefields in wild, shouting chaos, and because they are so quickly rushed into the hands of trauma nurses and surgeons, more of them survive than in past wars.
But their wounds are often grievous, even more severe than those inflicted in the Iraq war. It is not uncommon for a casualty to arrive at a combat surgical hospital with two, three or even more immediately life-threatening injuries. Simultaneously drawn to the soldier's side will be specialists in setting broken bones, repairing deep abdominal wounds, attending to crushing chest injuries and cleaning the stumps of amputated limbs, while a neurologist works to assess brain damage.
The battle dead, deservedly, are venerated and honored by name. They are memorialized by their comrades in formal, intense, battlefield ceremony, honored as their remains are carried past rows of saluting troops onto waiting aircraft, and their sacrifices are sanctified again during and after their various journeys home. Their deaths are announced by the Pentagon and recorded on gravestones.
The wounded receive no such recognition. They are moved swiftly and anonymously; their names and sacrifices are not publicly recorded by the Department of Defense, which effectively bans interviews and photographs.
But as they are tenderly passed along -- from the combat medics who bandage them and the dust-off pilots who fly them away under fire, to the surgeons who perform emergency battle-zone surgery and the aero-medical evacuation pilots and crews who fly them toward home -- they are known and respected, honored, and treated with urgent compassion.
read more here
Wounded GIs in Afghanistan
David Wood Columnist
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan -- They are the invisible casualties of this war, the 2,194 Americans who have been badly wounded in battle here. More are coming.
Stunned, torn and bleeding, they are extracted from dusty battlefields in wild, shouting chaos, and because they are so quickly rushed into the hands of trauma nurses and surgeons, more of them survive than in past wars.
But their wounds are often grievous, even more severe than those inflicted in the Iraq war. It is not uncommon for a casualty to arrive at a combat surgical hospital with two, three or even more immediately life-threatening injuries. Simultaneously drawn to the soldier's side will be specialists in setting broken bones, repairing deep abdominal wounds, attending to crushing chest injuries and cleaning the stumps of amputated limbs, while a neurologist works to assess brain damage.
The battle dead, deservedly, are venerated and honored by name. They are memorialized by their comrades in formal, intense, battlefield ceremony, honored as their remains are carried past rows of saluting troops onto waiting aircraft, and their sacrifices are sanctified again during and after their various journeys home. Their deaths are announced by the Pentagon and recorded on gravestones.
The wounded receive no such recognition. They are moved swiftly and anonymously; their names and sacrifices are not publicly recorded by the Department of Defense, which effectively bans interviews and photographs.
But as they are tenderly passed along -- from the combat medics who bandage them and the dust-off pilots who fly them away under fire, to the surgeons who perform emergency battle-zone surgery and the aero-medical evacuation pilots and crews who fly them toward home -- they are known and respected, honored, and treated with urgent compassion.
read more here
Wounded GIs in Afghanistan
VA Honors Veterans Who Are Artists, Performers
VA Honors Veterans Who Are Artists, Performers
National Veterans Creative Arts Festival Coming to San Antonio
WASHINGTON (Sept. 1, 2009) - More than 120 Veterans from across the country who are medal winners in national music, dance, drama, creative writing or visual arts contests are preparing to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in San Antonio from Oct. 5 - 11.
"The Creative Arts Festival represents the top achievements of Veterans participating in VA art therapy throughout the nation," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "Their achievements are a testament to the outstanding care and rehabilitative techniques used to pave the way toward recovery for our nation's most deserving men and women."
The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) and the American Legion Auxiliary. It is hosted this year by the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio.
The festival is the culmination of a year-long fine arts talent competition involving nearly 3,500 participants nationwide. It is open to all Veterans receiving care at VA medical facilities.
"It is truly an honor for the American Legion Auxiliary to support the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival," said National President Rita Navarreté. "This phenomenal event affords our Veterans a unique outlet for their creative expression and is incredibly inspiring for everyone who is privileged to attend."
At this year's event, these talented Veterans will come to San Antonio for a week of rehearsals and workshops, concluding on Sunday, Oct. 11, with a visual art exhibit and gala variety stage show at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium.
"The Board of Directors of HHV is again thrilled and privileged to co-sponsor the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival with VA and the American Legion Auxiliary," said Mike Lynch, HHV president and CEO. "HHV wishes to congratulate all Veterans who entered into this national competition, for you have shared your fantastic performing and visual arts abilities with America."
The artists will exhibit their work from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium. At 2 p.m., performers in music, drama and dance, as well as the creative writing winners, will showcase their talents in an entertaining stage show backed by a professional orchestra.
Heloise, from "Hints from Heloise," will serve as the festival stage show's mistress of ceremonies for the first time. Actress Bo Derek, honorary chairperson of VA's National Rehabilitation Special Events, is expected to attend the event again this year.
For further information about the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, contact Jeanne Stith at (202) 461-7448, or log on to the festival's Web site at: www.creativeartsfestival.va.gov
National Veterans Creative Arts Festival Coming to San Antonio
WASHINGTON (Sept. 1, 2009) - More than 120 Veterans from across the country who are medal winners in national music, dance, drama, creative writing or visual arts contests are preparing to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in San Antonio from Oct. 5 - 11.
"The Creative Arts Festival represents the top achievements of Veterans participating in VA art therapy throughout the nation," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "Their achievements are a testament to the outstanding care and rehabilitative techniques used to pave the way toward recovery for our nation's most deserving men and women."
The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) and the American Legion Auxiliary. It is hosted this year by the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio.
The festival is the culmination of a year-long fine arts talent competition involving nearly 3,500 participants nationwide. It is open to all Veterans receiving care at VA medical facilities.
"It is truly an honor for the American Legion Auxiliary to support the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival," said National President Rita Navarreté. "This phenomenal event affords our Veterans a unique outlet for their creative expression and is incredibly inspiring for everyone who is privileged to attend."
At this year's event, these talented Veterans will come to San Antonio for a week of rehearsals and workshops, concluding on Sunday, Oct. 11, with a visual art exhibit and gala variety stage show at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium.
"The Board of Directors of HHV is again thrilled and privileged to co-sponsor the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival with VA and the American Legion Auxiliary," said Mike Lynch, HHV president and CEO. "HHV wishes to congratulate all Veterans who entered into this national competition, for you have shared your fantastic performing and visual arts abilities with America."
The artists will exhibit their work from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium. At 2 p.m., performers in music, drama and dance, as well as the creative writing winners, will showcase their talents in an entertaining stage show backed by a professional orchestra.
Heloise, from "Hints from Heloise," will serve as the festival stage show's mistress of ceremonies for the first time. Actress Bo Derek, honorary chairperson of VA's National Rehabilitation Special Events, is expected to attend the event again this year.
For further information about the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, contact Jeanne Stith at (202) 461-7448, or log on to the festival's Web site at: www.creativeartsfestival.va.gov
California:Mourning the loss of two Firefighters
In the Line of Duty.... Mourning the loss of two Firefighters
"Winning the lottery has ruined my life. I wish I had never won."
Ever wonder what you'd do if you suddenly came into a lot of money? How many times do you play the lottery and start to daydream about how you would spend the money? Whenever the temptation becomes too great, I play the lottery. I used to play it a lot more, especially when I walked into a store and saw a scratch ticket that was loose in the rack. "Someone's castaway could be my big win!" I'd think for an instant and buy it as my eyes widen with the possibilities of my guardian angel finally getting the message I need help and she got there in time to help me out. Oh, what I would do with all that money! So far, I never had the problem of really having to decide for real.
I asked my husband one time when we played the lottery for one of the big prizes what he'd do with the money. His response was one of the biggest reasons of why I love him so much. He said, "First I'd pay off the house and the bills. I'd buy a new bike. (Harley motorcycle) Then I'd put some away for later, but the rest, well, who needs that kind of money? I'd give the rest away to charity."
It's easy to think you wouldn't be greedy when you don't have money. It's a lot harder when you actually have it. I'd like to think that we would live up to our ideals when we really had the chance to, but there are no guarantees values are so deeply rooted inside of any of us that we would always do the right thing.
Here's a story of a young woman who had to decide what to do with lottery money she won when she was a teenager. It's a lesson for all of us.
I asked my husband one time when we played the lottery for one of the big prizes what he'd do with the money. His response was one of the biggest reasons of why I love him so much. He said, "First I'd pay off the house and the bills. I'd buy a new bike. (Harley motorcycle) Then I'd put some away for later, but the rest, well, who needs that kind of money? I'd give the rest away to charity."
It's easy to think you wouldn't be greedy when you don't have money. It's a lot harder when you actually have it. I'd like to think that we would live up to our ideals when we really had the chance to, but there are no guarantees values are so deeply rooted inside of any of us that we would always do the right thing.
Here's a story of a young woman who had to decide what to do with lottery money she won when she was a teenager. It's a lesson for all of us.
Teen Lottery Winner Says She's Broke
"Winning the lottery has ruined my life. I wish I had never won."
(Aug. 31) - A young woman who won over $3 million in the lottery when she was just 16says she blew it all on wild shopping sprees, breast implants and cocaine.
Rogers, from Cumbria in northwest England, was a shop assistant when she hit the jackpot in 2003. Now 22 and the mother of two young children, she says she has about $32,000 left.
read more here
Teen Lottery Winner Says She's Broke
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