The Sweet Martha's Have Arrived!

Here are some of the early photos of great soldiers receiving and enjoying the Sweet Martha's Cookies! I love the words that were emailed to me by a soldier who served in Vietnam making some observation about care packages.

He said, "Believe me, as a Vietnam veteran, I'll attest to the importance of what we used to call "care packages" from the real world. Anytime one of us would get a box of cookies or other goodies from home, it was passed around and shared and soon devoured.

At a time and in a place where there seems to be insanity going on all around you, something as simple as some cookies from home can give you just enough sanity and enjoyment to make facing the rest of a difficult day a little easier."

You may have to press the "Ctrl" key when you click on the link in order to connect to the site.

Enjoy! http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookiesforthetroops/

January 1st, 2007

Happy New Year! – The Media Psychic takes listener calls. You can email Suz and ask one question for specific details at no charge. You can use the link for the FREE email question can be found on her WEB SITE! http://www.mediapsychic.com/

From the Bridge - Captain Kelly Sweeney - Insights on Port Security from Captain Kelly Sweeney as he also shares up to date modern sea stories from this Master Mariner born in Fairbault, Minnesota. www.pacmar.com/NewImages/FTB_OrderForm.pdf or you can order at http://www.amazon.com/ or by calling 1.800.249.7033. His monthly magazine articles are found at http://www.pacmar.com/ and his email address is: kelly@pacmar.com The other links noted during out broadcast were http://www.portsecurityupdate.com/ and www.uscg.mil

December 31st, 2006

Finding My Way: A Teen’s Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has Experienced Trauma is an invaluable tool in the hands of those so often forgotten in dealing with trauma: the teenagers who are confused and frightened by what is happening. Practical in its format, clearly and concisely written, this vital resource avoids jargon and fills a desperate need for these families. It deserves to be widely promoted, lest any teen think they are alone and helpless while finding their way...” (Reverend Jeremy Basset, Church of the Servant, Oklahoma)

Part One of Finding My Way clearly explains PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and other common responses to trauma, reviews co-occurring problems (including addictive behavior), and describes numerous treatment options. Part Two gently encourages readers to address their own strong emotions including anger, fear, confusion, sadness, and shame. Readers are then guided through the process of learning valuable coping tools, identifying their social support network, and figuring out how to deal with their friends. Part Three includes frequently asked questions, a glossary, and an extensive resource list. This honest and respectfully written manual serves as a roadmap for teens who are trying to find their way.

For more information about Finding My Way, please see their website at www.seedsofhopebooks.com

Here also is the link for your support for the Minnesota Military Family Foundation http://www.minnesotamilitaryfamilyfoundation.org/

Michelle D. Sherman, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and a nationally recognized expert on the effects of trauma and mental illness on the family. She is the Director of the Family Mental Health Program at the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the co-chair of the Family Studies Team of the South Central Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC). She is also a clinical associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Sherman has worked extensively with families dealing with a wide range of traumatic experiences, including military combat, domestic violence, and sexual assault. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame and later earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri at Columbia. She has published more than 25 scientific articles in professional journals, primarily focusing on family issues surrounding trauma and mental illness.

DeAnne M. Sherman, Michelle’s mom, is a French teacher, trained dancer, and choreographer. She graduated from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she received degrees in French, education, and speech and theater. She owned and operated a dance studio for ten years where she worked extensively with teens and young adults. In addition to being an experienced public speaker, DeAnne also volunteers her time teaching and mentoring junior high and high school students in the performing arts. DeAnne’s mission is to educate, affirm, encourage, and cherish each of her students, whether it is in the classroom, in the dance studio, or on the stage.

The collaboration of psychologist and teacher, daughter and mother, brings true synergy to their work; the authors draw from and pool their personal and professional life experiences in creating their books.

The mission of Seeds of Hope Books™ is to empower families who are dealing with issues of trauma or mental illness by:
--Providing essential information
--Normalizing a variety of reactions
--Encouraging open communication
--Supporting healthy coping
--Offering comfort and hope

December 30th, 2006

Open Lines on our way to a NEW YEAR!

December 24th, 2006

The Christmas Star! – Professor James McCanney

The site for Professor McCanney is www.jmccsci.com The link for Jim's Cell Phone Information is: www.mybiopro.com/jmcc or Email Jim at: health@jmccanneyscience.com or Phone: 1.866.999.2747

Jim's Shortwave Radio Broadcast at: 5.070 Shortwave Frequency - Thursdays at 6 PM Central Time - Jim's Internet Radio Broadcast at: www.jmccsci.com at 8 PM

December 23rd, 2006

Avoid Cancer Now – Dr. Lynn Eldridge graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School with prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honors. She completed her residency through the U of M with time spent in Hawaii studying health risks related to human exposure to pesticides. Dr. Eldridge practiced family medicine with a passionate emphasis on prevention for over 15 years in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, before devoting herself full time to researching and speaking internationally on cancer prevention and nutrition. Lynne, who is David Borgeson's older sister, lives with her family in Shoreview, Minnesota. http://www.avoidcancernow.com/

10,000 Sweet Martha's to the Troops!

For Immediate Release:

For more information contact:

December 18, 2006

NEWS RELEASE

TROOPS IN IRAQ TO RECEIVE

A TASTE OF HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

10,000 chocolate chip cookies are being donated by Sweet Martha’s Cookies to servicemen and women in Iraq for Christmas in a joint effort with WCCO Radio, Blue Star Mothers of America and the Exchange Clubs of Minnesota.

The adventure started with a phone call on October 24^th at 3:10 AM on WCCO Radio from a soldier serving the 3^rd Marine division who is going back for his fourth tour of duty in Iraq.

During the On-Air conversation, Brad Walton, the host, asked the soldier, “What resonates universally when it comes to support the troops at Christmas time?” The soldier replied, “Chocolate chip cookies!” There was a notable change in the tone and feeling in the soldier’s voice. “I could tell that this would be something that would touch the troops in a very meaningful way. A healing vote of affirming love and support,” said Walton.

The following week, Walton contacted Martha Rossini-Olson of “Sweet Martha’s” cookies to see how many he could buy and get to the troops for Christmas. Martha responded by saying, “I want to donate 10,000 cookies to the troops.” From that point on, Walton said that he knew this was something that was supposed to happen.

He then contacted Chaplain Major John Morris of the Minnesota National Guard, Lt. Col. Kevin Olson, Cindy McLean, president of one of the three local chapters of Blue Star Mothers of America and Otto Bang with the Exchange Clubs of Minnesota.

“Everyone has jumped on board with great enthusiasm.” said Walton. “This is about the good neighbor magic of WCCO radio and some very, very generous hearts!”

Along with the cookies, there will be 10,000 cards designed by local Air Force veteran, Richard Glasgow, who recently designed a card of gratitude designed to thank those who have served and are serving in the armed forces. Ross Perot has paid for the printing of 1,000,000 of these “Dear American Hero” cards of appreciation. The cards simply say, “I am not certain as to how to express my gratitude for all you have done to secure my freedom. Please accept this simple card as a small token of my appreciation.” It is then signed, “A grateful American citizen”.

The cookies will be baked starting at 7:00 AM on Thursday, December 21^st at St. Thomas Academy and the Visitation School in Mendota Heights by Martha of Sweet Martha’s Cookies. Martha will be joined by members of the Blue Star Mothers of America and the Exchange Clubs of Minnesota at 1:00 PM so that the cookies can be packed and sent out with lots of love in U.S. Priority Mailers for shipment to a central location in Iraq for distribution to the troops.

The shipping costs for the postage are being covered in full by a generous donation coordinated by Ray Mlinar from the Exchange Clubs of Minnesota.

December 17th, 2006

Games, Games, Games and Fun, Fun Fun! – That “Mental Floss” guy Tim Moodie is back. Things you are not supposed to know! tmoodie@aol.com is the email and here is where you can find the games he has created along with the new game… “Your Best Life Now”.

The Mental Floss Trivia Game

Retailers
Borders Books, Inc.
American Wholesale Book Co.
Benny's Inc.

Internet Sites
http://www.mentalfloss.com/store/home.php
www.target.com
www.areyougame.com
www.boardgames.com
www.etoys.com
www.toysrus.com
www.boardgames.com

Your Best Life Now – The Game

Retailers
Borders Books
Mills Fleet Farm

Internet Sites
www.target.com
www.toysrus.com
www.amazon.com
www.moonmarblecompany.com
www.gamesbyjames.com
www.backtobasicstoys.com
www.missionfun&games.com
www.areyougame.com
www.boardgames.com
www.spilsbury.com
www.creativekidstuff.com
www.yourtrivia.com
http://www.toygrotto.com/oygrotto.com
www.boardgamesusa.com

December 16th, 2006

Dear American Hero – http://www.dearamericanhero.com/ - Richard Glasgow wanted to make it easier for people to thank soldiers and veterans for their service. And now the Lakeland man has two-time presidential candidate Ross Perot to thank for underwriting his effort: The Texas businessman has pledged about $10,000 to pay for another 1 million of the business card-style tokens Glasgow designed to be handed out as a message of gratitude.Glasgow created the cards because he thinks some people find it awkward to thank soldiers and veterans in person. The cards feature a yellow ribbon and are inscribed with the message: "Thank you for your service and dedication to our country."Only 6,500 of the first 50,000 cards Glasgow had printed remain. Glasgow delivered the others around the Midwest, to soldiers in Iraq and to veterans organizations in Washington."I'm finding out that America wants to thank their military veterans," said Glasgow, an Air Force veteran who served near Tokyo during the Vietnam War.Last week, Glasgow sent a letter to Perot asking him to support his cause — and Perot responded with a phone call Tuesday to say he would.Why ask Perot? "When you look at a list of American patriots, Ross Perot is always at the top," Glasgow said.Sharon Holman, a spokeswoman for Perot, said he has long supported veterans and prisoners of war.

Richard's Email Address: dearamericanhero@comcast.net

To read further go to: http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/15784365.htm and also http://www.ngb.army.mil/news/archives/092806-Lake_elmo.aspx

"2012 The Odessy"

Here is the specific link to find the screenings, trailor and eventual sale of the DVD "2012 The Odessy" by Sharron Rose and Jay Weidner http://www.2012theodyssey.com/

December 10th, 2006

Professor James McCanney – Insights on the new and recent solar activity – The Mars, Mercury and Jupiter Alignment – Saturn’s Big Storm – Mar’s Update – Calender and Time throughout Time – www.jmccanneyscience.com

The site for Professor McCanney is www.jmccsci.com The link for Jim's Cell Phone Information is: www.mybiopro.com/jmcc or Email Jim at: health@jmccanneyscience.com or Phone: 1.866.999.2747

Jim's Shortwave Radio Broadcast at: 5.070 Shortwave Frequency - Thursdays at 6 PM Central Time - Jim's Internet Radio Broadcast at: www.jmccsci.com at 8 PM

December 9th, 2006

2012 The Odyssey with guests Sharon Rose and Jay Weidner – www.jayweidner.com - The Mayan Calendar is ending on December 21st 2012. What will happen to us between now and then? Are there other prophecies that also predict the closing of this world age and the start of a new beginning? Join author Sharron Rose on an adventure into the future. In this exciting and thought provoking feature documentary she travels across the entire United States speaking to the many experts on this fast approaching prophecy. They help her to reveal the secrets that will unfold before our eyes and will shape our future. Featuring noted experts Jose Arguelles, Gregg Braden, John Major Jenkins, Rick Levine, Geoff Stray, Moira Timms, Alberto Villoldo, Jay Weidner, the Incan Elders and more, this film shows us that the coming world is ours to reshape and to remake in any way that we deem possible. Sharron Rose also travels to the Georgia Guidestones, Washington D.C., the Denver Airport and many other places to discover that there are numerous groups and people who understand that this present age is ending and a new world is now just beginning. Discover the secrets of the Mayans, the Incans, the Alchemists, the Christians, the Masons and others of our ancient ancestors concerning the end of time and the promise of our destiny as human beings. Sacred Mysteries Productions presents 2012: The Odyssey. Written and Directed by Sharron Rose. Produced by Jay Weidner. www.sacredmysteries.com/sacredmysteries/2012.htm

2012 The Odyssey – Featuring Jose Arguelles, Gregg Braden, John Major Jenkins, Rick Levine, Geoff Stray, Moira Timms, Alberto Villoldo, Jay Weidner, the Incan Elders and others. Armageddon is not what it used to be.

December 3rd, 2006

Best Loved Christmas Carols! …with Ron Clancy .... www.christmasclassics.com Christmas Classics Ltd. was founded in 1999 to publish and create unique and exquisite Christmas music packages that heretofore have not been offered to customers who treasure Christmas music.

Best Loved Christmas Carols embraces a lavish illustrated history about the origin of carols from the 13th to 19th centuries and the fascinating stories behind 25 favorite carols.

Experience the color of magnificent works of art by Rembrandt, Botticelli, Peter Paul Rubens, Edward Burne-Jones, Fra Angelico, Jan Steen and other famous artists.

Titled THE MILLENNIA COLLECTION: Glorious Christmas Music, Songs and Carols, this significantly new family of imaginary Christmas music packages fuses beautiful music CDs with lavishly illustrated coffee table styled books about the fascinating stories and history of Christmas music, songs, and carols, in addition to the song lyrics. The fine art and illustrations come from the great museums and libraries of the Western World.

To date Christmas Classics Ltd. has published the highly acclaimed first three volumes of a planned ten-part series:

Best-Loved Christmas Carols (Vol. #1)
American Christmas Classics (Vol. #2)
Children's Christmas Classics (Vol. #3)

To Order Contact: sales@christmasclassics.com or

Call Toll Free 1-866-552-7742

December 2nd, 2006

The Blue Star Mothers – We are mothers who now have, or have had, children serving in the military. We are a non-profit service organization supporting each other and our children while promoting patriotism. www.bluestarmothers.org

Minnesota e-mail address is: armymom102157@yahoo.com

An article by the American Forces Press Service from the following link:
www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2000/n03282000_20003282.html

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2000 -– They’re there when military men and women head overseas. They're there to shower them with love when they come home again. Their thoughts are with them every day, no matter where they are. They are the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., whose members hang blue stars in their windows whenever their children join the armed forces.

Army Capt. George H. Maines conceived the idea for the Blue Star Mothers in 1942. He ran a newspaper article in Flint, Mich., on Jan 22, 1942, requesting information about children serving in the armed forces. More than 1,000 mothers responded.

“Blue Star Mothers have tomorrows with their children, but Gold Star Mothers only have yesterdays,” Naill said.

“I think this legacy has been stored and almost forgotten over the years,” Naill said. “Many of our military sons and daughters don’t know about thesignificance of the stars -- the blue for hope and pride; the gold for sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom. Serving in the armed forces is an honor to our country, to our principles and to our faith.”

Naill said the Blue Star Mothers’ original goals were ”to bring our sons home, to ensure they received the benefits they deserved, help service member’s families, help each other and to be there if something happened.” Over the years, the goals have broadened to rehabilitation, hospital work, children’s welfare and civil defense.

Blue Star Mothers do much more than volunteer in VA hospitals and outreach centers, she noted. “We work in physical and emotional rehabilitation, help with medical supplies, transportation, food, clothing and friendship, gratitude and love,” Naill said. “We show our children and America's sons and daughters that we appreciate them and their service.”

During the Persian Gulf War, the mothers sent a variety of items to service members, including cards, toilet paper, candy, cookies, cameras, microwavable food, toothbrushes, magazines, local newspapers, writing paper, pens and letters from school children thanking them, Naill said.

“You can find support, the joy of giving and also find people who will understand if something happens,” Naill said. “Even in peacetime they don’t always come back as they left. We have strength in our sisters. We also feel a kindred spirit to our Gold Star Mothers.”

Mothers interested in becoming a Blue Star Mother should write to:

Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.
Box 555
Kensington, MD 20895-0555

You can call Susan Naill at or send a fax to: (301) 949-0114.
Their national e-mail address is: bluestarmom@hotmail.com (Susan Naill, Maryland)