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On the internet since 2002!
This page will be updated without notice.
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--Hamlet, ACT I, SCENE 3
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URGENT NOTICE: Please, if you see an error, email me right away and it will be immediately corrected!
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By BubbaJames
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The BubbaJames
Happenings
November 13, 2010
Note November, 2010: My apologies for not keeping "The Happenings" updated.
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What is "The BubbaJames Happenings"? It is a kind of "Newsletter or Blog" on the "happenings, interests, ideas and thoughts" in the life of Bubba. My Freedom Village Forum and FB friends is what keep this webpage alive! A few of my online interests and involvment are:
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As for hobbies, I enjoy movies, reading, music, and genealogy to name a few. Much of this page will reflect my interests. I will do my best to continue to bring news from Freedom Village Forum when it warrants passing along. I will update this page as often as possible and if you, the reader, should have something you would like to go here, I'm only an email away.
-Bubba-
11/13/2010
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NEWS
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Freedom Village Forum
November 13, 2010 - Hosted by Network54, Freedom Village Non-Smoking Forum was to be phased out as of February 2011. A new group was created in Facebook called "Quit Smoking Friends for Freedom" and Ray Thigpen, Judy T's son, did his best to try and help us get it established but too many, mainly me, found it far too confusing after the simplisity of N54 FV Forum's format. It was for this reason but also out of selfishness I brought back the Village. I missed the old forum as it had become a major part of my life.
Even though it would only confirm what a number of online friends said about me "flip flopping" in my decisions though the years, I finally came to the conclusion I didn't care what others thought of me, I was going to reactivate the Village and that is just what I did. Mags, Shaine and Kimmi agreed to return as moderators and folks like Mardie, Maryanne, JudyT, Sue, Marsha, and many others came back to post and show their support for this little community that many of them help to create years ago. It is good to have this bright spot on the internet active again.
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This month we celebrate two major quit smoking anniversaries.
Gwen aka Gram will have been quit from smoking for eight years as of November 17, 2010. I'm proud to say she spent most of her first couple of years visiting FV while holding firmly to her quit. You could say Gram was our very first quit smoking graduate from the Village. She lives in Ontario, Canada.
Margaret aka Texas Mags has been my quit buddy from the very beginning, November or December 2001. We ran into each other in one of the most popular quit smoking support boards on the internet at that time, called Blairsville. In July 2002 we (a large group from BV) created a place called Freedom Village Non-smoking Forum. Mags has gone through many hard time such as deaths, illness, hurricanes and worse of all ....my indecisions. This last time she said to me, "Bubba you've got to stop pulling the rug out from under us." As always Mags is right and not only has she held firmly to her quit but she has been a friend to most all of us for years. On November 18, 2010 Texas Mags will have been quit from smoking for nine years! Mags, her husband Rick and of course their pride and joy Maggie live in SE Texas.
Shaine just recently announced to us that her son Nathan quit smoking on October 28, 2010. He has survived hell week and I've no doubt he will succeed in getting this addiction under control, after all, he has one of Freedom Village Forum's best of the best quit smoking mentors, his Mum, Shaine!
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Facebook
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November 13, 2010 - I now have two Facebook profiles.
One is for my family and close friends which leans mainly towards family news and the Davis Family Genealogy.
The other is a spin-off of Freedom Village Quit Smoking Forum. It is open to the public for anyone interested in quitting smoking, are ex-smokers, have been long time quit smoking friends, members of Freedom Village Forum or have had long term connections to Blairsville Quit Smoking Support group and Achiever's List participants. It is also open to my lifelong friends and some family members. FV Facebook is open to organizations & places of my interest, including but not limited to tobacco abuse. As of this date there are 85 friends on this profile.
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In The News
Tobacco Abuse
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Feds Propose Graphic Cigarette Warning Labels
Published November 10, 2010
Associated Press
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RICHMOND, Va. – Corpses, cancer patients and diseased lungs: These are some of the images the federal government plans for larger, graphic warning labels for cigarette packages.
The images are part of a new campaign announced by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday to reduce tobacco use, which is responsible for about 443,000 deaths per year.
The number of Americans who smoke has fallen dramatically over the past 40 years, but those declines have stalled recently. About 46 million adults in the U.S., or 20.6 percent, smoke cigarettes, along with 19.5 percent of high school students.
The new prevention plan is part of the law passed in June 2009 giving the FDA authority to regulate tobacco, including marketing and labeling guidelines, banning certain products and limiting nicotine. The law doesn't let the FDA ban nicotine or tobacco entirely.
"Today, FDA takes a crucial step toward reducing the tremendous toll of illness and death caused by tobacco use by proposing to dramatically change how cigarette packages and advertising look in this country," FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said in a news release. "The health consequences of smoking will be obvious every time someone picks up a pack of cigarettes."
The FDA is proposing 36 labels for public comment, which include phrases like "smoking can kill you" and "cigarettes cause cancer," but also feature graphic images to convey the dangers of tobacco use.
The agency will select the final labels in June after reviews of scientific literature, public comments, and results from an 18,000-person study. Cigarette makers will then have 15 months to start using the new labels.
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The new warning labels are to take up half of a pack — both front and back — of cigarettes and contain "color graphics depicting the negative health consequences." Warning labels also must constitute 20 percent of advertisements.
"It acts as a very public billboard because you all of the sudden are reading something about lung cancer from that pack behind the cash register, whereas before you were just reading Marlboro," said David Hammond, a health behavior researcher at the University of Waterloo in Canada, who is working with the firm designing the labels with for the FDA.
In recent years, more than 30 countries or jurisdictions have introduced labels similar to those proposed by the FDA.
The U.S. first mandated the use of warning labels stating "cigarettes may be hazardous to your health" in 1965.
While it is impossible to say how many people quit because of the labels that have been introduced, Hammond said every source of evidence suggests that the labels do help people quit.
Given the population in the U.S., the impact of the warning labels could be "significant," Hammond said.
Meanwhile, Reynolds American Inc., parent company of the nation's second-largest cigarette maker, R.J. Reynolds, is reviewing the labeling plan. But spokesman David Howard said the legality of the new labels is part of the lawsuit filed by the company, Lorillard Inc. and others pending in federal appeals court.
The tobacco makers in the suit had argued the warnings would relegate the companies' brands to the bottom half of the cigarette packaging, making it "difficult, if not impossible, to see."
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"Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face."
Victor Hugo
Laughter Is Good For The Soul
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HOLY EMAIL
From Texas Mags
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One day God was looking down at earth and saw all of the rascally behavior that was going on. So He called St. Michael and sent him to earth for a time.
When Michael returned, he told God, 'Yes, it is bad on earth; 95% are misbehaving and only 5% are not.
God thought for a moment and said, 'Maybe I had better send a second Archangel down to get another opinion.' So God sent St. Gabriel to earth for a time.
When Gabriel returned he went to God and said, 'Yes, it's true. The earth is in decline; 95% are misbehaving, but 5% are being good.'
God was not pleased. So He decided to e-mail the 5% who were good, because he wanted to encourage them, and give them a little something to help them keep going.
Do you know what the e-mail said?
Okay, I was just wondering, because I didn't get one either.
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Men Who Lack Adult Supervision
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“I have been given this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good.
What I do today is important because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it.
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Book Reviews
by Bubba
You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.
~Paul Sweeney
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How Books Influenced My Life
I'm starting this book review because of my lifetime love of books and reading. I remember the first book I learned to read from and the hardest word I ever tried to read. I was 6 and in the first grade, the book was "Dick and Jane" and the word was "flower". I think my biggest problem was understanding my vowel sounds.
At age 7, repeating the first grade, there was a large bookcase in our classroom filled with a series of books about the future of cars and cities......it was love at first site and I suspect that is where the seed for Science Fiction was planted!
At age 8, third grade, my teacher began reading aloud on a daily basis from the book series "The Boxcar Children".....that started my love for adventure.
At age 9, fourth grade we began reading from an American History text book......that is when my love for American and World History began. It is also the time I discovered a school library for the first time and I began reading book after book about presidents and American Revolutionary hero's during their growing up years.
At age 10, fifth grade I discovered the "public library" and the first book I checked out was a mystery about a young man who survived the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. I remembered how this mystery, disaster, historical and adventure novel kept me up until 5 AM in the morning......that gave me a need for mystery , history (fact and fiction), disaster and adventure in books and movies.
Have you ever thought to yourself how books/reading shaped your life? You can see how it influenced mine. I can't imagine a world without books!
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E-Book Readers
There has been alot of talk in my workplace about Kindle and Nook Readers. I've been doing a little research and it appears they are both good and prices are still a little high for me to make a commitment, believe me though, there are few things I really want and one of those is a E-Book Reader. Some books are free and others are $9 or more. I believe they will hold nearly 3000 books! Here is what I've found:
AMAZON KINDLE
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BARNES & NOBLE NOOK
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Currently being sold for $139 or $189 on Amazon.com
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The new Color Nook sells for $249 and the Black and White Print Nook is $149.
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What I'm Reading Now
November 13, 2010
A Land Remembered
by Patrick D. Smith
This is my all time favorite book! Easy reading and even though it is based on a fictional family most of the events are historical fact. This is a must read book for those with connections to the state of Florida, USA. This is my second reading!
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Click the book cover to visit
Patirck D. Smith's Website
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"After reading A Land Remembered, you can never again drive through Florida without thinking of its rich history, thanks to Patrick Smith’s vivid imagery. If we take the time to listen, we discover our heritage through his stories. Patrick Smith is in the same league as Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, and others who have written so insightfully of the human condition."
- Warren Resen, Travel Writer - Greenacres, Fl
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"This book should be required reading as you cross the state line into Florida. It is truly a rite of passage for Floridians and any one who loves history."
- Camille - Jupiter, Florida
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The above reviews are from Patirck D. Smith official website.
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(1) A Land Remembered is a best-selling novel written by author Patrick D. Smith, and published in 1984 by Pineapple Press. It is historical fiction set in pioneer Florida. The story covers over a century of Florida history from 1858 to 1968.
The book focuses on the fictional story of the MacIveys, who migrated from Georgia into Florida in the mid-19th century. After settling, this family struggles to survive in the harsh environment. First they scratch a living from the land and then learn to round up wild cattle and drive them to Punta Rassa. Over three generations, they amass more holdings and money, and move further from their connection to the wild land.
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Treasure of Khan
by Clive Cussler & Dirk Cussler
Note From Bubba: As of November 13, 2010...I still haven't finished this book!
April 11, 2010 - Clive Cussler is the writer for one of my favorite book characters, Dirk Pitt. Some day I would like to collect all his books on the Dirk Pitt adventures.
I'm embarrassed to admit I have been reading "Treasure of Khan" off and on for the past few years......yep you read right.....I did say "a few years" and I'm only half way through! No matter how long it takes to pick the book up and read where I left off.....I always remember what took place in previous chapters.
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"Genghis Khan the greatest conqueror of all time, who at his peak ruled an empire four times the size of Alexander the Great's, a vast expanse which stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Caspian Sea. And now somebody wants it back. Dirk Pitt and the NUMA crew are about to come head to head with their most dangerous ever enemy. A mysterious Mongolian mogul harbors a dream of restoring the conquests of ancient Mongolia. He holds a dark secret about Genghis Khan, his grandson Kublai Khan and the treasures of Xanadu - treasures of gold, yes, but also much, much more. His relentless pursuit of them will cause devastation to millions unless Dirk Pitt can somehow find a way to stop him." Published December 2006
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November 13, 2010
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Movie Reviews
by Bubba
Source of movie graphics and descriptions are from Netflix which I ahve been a member of for many years. I highly recommend them.
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My ratings are based on a scale of 1 - 5....
ONE being the WORSE and FIVE being the BEST....Three I give as a Neutral.
but don't take my ratings seriously unless you think you know me well and
feel your "taste" in movies are similar to mine.
____________OK, OK, it was a FIVE not a ONE!!!!!_________________
My Choice of Best Movies for 2010
(2010)
Length: 113 minutes
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Remember Me
Still reeling from a heartbreaking family event and his parents' subsequent divorce, Tyler Hawkins (Robert Pattinson) discovers a fresh lease on life when he meets Ally Craig (Emilie de Ravin), a gregarious beauty who witnessed her mother's death. But as the couple draws closer, the fallout from their separate tragedies jeopardizes their love. Allen Coulter directs this romantic drama that co-stars Pierce Brosnan, Lena Olin and Chris Cooper.
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Drama
PG 13 - Some material might not be suited for children 13 and under.
 Bubba's Rating 5 "Loved It"
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Review Added: 11/13/2010
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Bubba's Review: Of all the movies I watched this year, this one I remember the most. Why? It had to be the ending as it came as a surprise to me, even though there were "hints" regarding a certain time and location. Ok, enough said. If you've seen it you know what I'm saying, if not, watch the movie!
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(2010)
Length: 113 minutes 2012
Description :
When typhoons, earthquakes and other disasters suddenly threaten to destroy the world, Jackson (John Cusack), his estranged wife, Kate (Amanda Peet), and others surmise that the secret may lie in ancient Mayan prophecies that describe global calamity in the year 2012. Roland Emmerich co-writes and directs a star-studded ensemble cast that also includes
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Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt, Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Danny Glover.
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PG-13 - Intense disaster sequences and language.
Bubba's Rating 4 "Really Liked It"
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Review Added: 11/13/2010
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Bubba's Review: Ok this movie is way too unrealistic but it WAS entertaining and isn't that what movies are all about? It is long but packed with action, great special effects and sound that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is an underlying message in this movie.......it's about sacrificing on a global level.....what are the consequences of not being able to save everyone?
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(2010)
Length: 106 minutes
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Clash of the Titans
If he is to save the life of the beautiful Princess Andromeda (Alexa Davalos), the valiant Perseus (Sam Worthington) -- born to a god but raised as a man -- must lead a team of intrepid warriors on a quest to battle a host of powerful, beastly enemies. This sweeping fantasy epic, a remake of the 1981 hit, also stars Liam Neeson as Zeus, Ralph Fiennes as Hades, Danny Huston as Poseidon and Gemma Arterton as Io.
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Action & Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
PG13 - Some material might not be suited for children 13 and under
Bubba's Rating 4 "Really Liked It"
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Review Added: 11/13/2010
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Bubba's Review: This is a remake so you're going to really like it or really hate it! I enjoyed it and the special affects were good.
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(2010)
Length: 116 minutes
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Prince of Persia
The Sands of Time
Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Prince Dastan, who pairs with spunky Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton) to keep the Sands of Time -- a mystical dagger that gives its holder control over the flow of time -- from falling into the wrong hands and putting the world in peril. Mike Newell directs this sweeping live-action adventure based on the popular video game series, co-starring Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina.
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Action & Adventure
PG13 - Some material might not be suited for children 13 and under
Bubba's Rating 4 "Really Liked It"
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Review Added: 11/13/2010
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Bubba's Review: This Disney movie is full of action and excellent special effects. Suited for the whole family.
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"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Just walk beside me and be my friend."
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Liddie's Corner
of the Web
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Granny Liddie
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____________________________For November 2010______________________________
In Remembrance of Liddie
About Liddie Wilhelm: Liddie came to Freedom Village some years back not only to help herself quit and stay quit from smoking but to let others know the dangers of smoking cigarettes and to quit before it was to late. She was already in the final stages of COPD. Liddie was a collector of recipe books and she would share them here and in Freedom Village Forum II, which I gave to her when I could no longer manage it. Liddie spent many hours typing in recipes until one day I got an email from her saying, "Bubba no one is coming to my board." I felt for her but was unable to get others to visit and post. With this new newsletter I will place one of Liddie's recipe's here every month. If you would like to visit click the name and it will take you there. I hope you will post your own recipes in Freedom Village II as I think my friend would have liked that.If you would like to become the caretaker of Liddie's Village please let me know. Liddie passed away as a result of COPD on August 29, 2007.
Note: This is not one of Liddie's recipes. If you want one of Liddie's recipes please visit "Liddie's Village" and while you're there, how about sharing a few of your own and it might just end up here!
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Million Dollar
Pound Cake
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Description:
Liddie said, "This is the best pound cake I have ever taste, it is absolutely delicious!!!!!"
Ingredients:
3 cups sugar
1lb. butter [not marg.]
6 eggs [at room temp.]
4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup of milk
1tsp. almond extract
1tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
Add 1 egg at a time, beat well after each one. add flour to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beat well after each addition. Pour batter into well greased & floured tube or bunt pan. Bake at 325* for 1 hr. and 40 min. or until test done with toothpick!
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Email your suggestions for this page! Your input is very important.
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Freedom Village Non-Smoking Forum
