Several weeks ago I attended a potluck where sparklers became the main form of entertainment for children. I cringed as I watched kids twirl the flaming batons and toss them high in the air. And I bit my tongue when children as young as three went racing through the crowd with sparklers in their hands.
Every year we hear news reports on Fourth of July Celebrations gone awry due to carelessness or flawed devices. And each 4th I remember the phone call I received from a good friend telling me that he was in the hospital after a powerful firework exploded in his hand. After several excruciatingly painful skin grafts, he did make an excellent recovery. But his story and others should remind us that when we toy with fireworks, we’re playing with fire. Let’s remember to factor safety into our weekend celebrations. —Kara Rogers Thomas
The National Council on Fireworks Safety invites you to celebrate our nation's heritage on the Fourth of July, but celebrate safely.
Contractual position would entail 15-20 hours per week
MCHENRY -- The Allegheny Highlands Conservancy (AHC) is looking for a dynamic individual to serve as the coordinator of our local grass-roots conservation organization (www.alleghenyhighlandsconservancy.org)
Duties: The primary responsibilities of the position relate to building financial capacity and long term sustainability of AHC. Duties include finding and researching grants to fund a permanent coordinator position; organizing membership and interested person database; developing and coordinating conservation easement monitoring schedule; centralizing documents and records; and assisting with fundraising efforts.
Qualifications: Bachelors degree; strong written and oral communication skills; grant writing experience; organizational skills; highly motivated; and ability to work independently. Location: Mainly work out of your home, preferably in GarrettCounty or surrounding region; and attend bimonthly AHC board meetings and other scheduled meetings with supervisor at GarrettCollege in McHenry, MD. Duration: This is a 6 month part-time position with the opportunity for contract extension, if funding becomes available.
Start Date: July 2009 or as soon as position is filled.
Compensation: This is a contractual position; the candidate would be expected to work 10 to 15 hours a week at a contractual rate of $15 to $20 an hour (depending on experience). How to Apply: Interested applicants should send their resume, two letters of recommendation, and a writing sample electronically to Kevin Dodge at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
For additional information call Kevin Dodge at 301-387-3328.
Maybe it should really come as no surprise that the Iranian power-structure reacts brutally to any questioning of their authoritarian rule. Peaceful demonstrations in protest of a rigged election are met with the display of deadly force. Language is twisted in such a way that attempts at justifying the behavior of the government take on an absurd nature: unarmed, non-violent protesters are called hooligans, as men on motorcycles attack them with clubs and beat them unmercifully. A philosophy student is shot by a sniper, and the entire world becomes witness to the immorality of the theocracy. And once again, Allah is invoked with perversity by the clerics.
Ahoy me hearties! The Frostburg State University Children's Literature Centre and FrostburgFirst are teaming up to provide pirate tales, crafts and treats all the live-long day for "Frostburg's Pirates Ahoy" on Wednesday, July 15.
The day of free activities will begin with pirate registration at 9:30 a.m. at Frostburg's City Place. Following registration, all pirates can take part in a treasure hunt in Frostburg and solve the mystery clues that lead to a secret pirate's den, where pirates will be entranced by pirate storybook readings, pirate songs and games by real pirates! There will be a flurry of activities at City Place following pirate storytelling, including face painting, craft workshops, a costume contest and store visits. The restaurants of Frostburg invite you to enjoy a leisurely lunch at their premises following pirate events as well. Arrr!
Peering Into The Future, or What Happens After June 30th?
After consulting with my crystal ball, I would like to make a prediction for what will be happening after June 30th. If Nostradamus can do it by way of his quatrains, I can just as easily make claim to foretell events that loom on the horizon.
So why choose this particular date of June 30th? Click on Read More, and based on observations that have been filtered through the prism of that forecasting glass orb, see what the future portends.