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Like many townies, my prejudices about the Glorious Twelfth were well and truly fully formed. The official start of the shooting season was nothing more than an ancient ritual to massacre thousands of defenceless birds. So it was with some cynicism and not a little trepidation that I agreed to take part in the Glorious Twelfth last Tuesday, the traditional start of the shooting season, on a moor on the Durham/ Northumberland border. (edit) Having missed my first bird and about to hand over my place to the next gun, I looked back at the group. Mums with red-faced...

QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Discusses Situation in Georgia Rose Garden THE PRESIDENT: I just met with my national security team to discuss the situation in Georgia. I am deeply concerned by reports that Russian troops have moved beyond the zone of conflict, attacked the Georgian town of Gori, and are threatening the Georgia's -- Georgia's capital of Tbilisi. There's evidence that Russian forces may soon begin bombing the civilian airport in the capital city. If these reports are accurate, these Russian actions would represent a dramatic and brutal escalation of the conflict in Georgia. And these actions would...

QUOTE OF THE DAY: President Bush on Thursday said, "We remain a nation at war. Al Qaeda is on the run in Iraq -- but the terrorists remain dangerous, and they are determined to strike our country and our allies again. In this time of war, America is grateful to all the men and women who have stepped forward to defend us. They understand that we have no greater responsibility than to stop the terrorists before they launch another attack on our homeland. And every day they make great sacrifices to keep the American people safe here at home. We...

President's Radio Addres In Focus: Freedom Agenda THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week, Congress voted to expand a vital program that is saving lives across the developing world -- the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, also known as PEPFAR. I thank members of Congress from both sides of the aisle for working with my Administration to pass this important bill, and I will be honored to sign it into law next week. PEPFAR is the largest international health initiative dedicated to fighting a single disease in history. And it is a testament to the extraordinary compassion and generosity of the...

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary July 17, 2008 President Bush Attends Funeral Service for Tony Snow Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington, D.C. 10:16 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Archbishop Wuerl, Father O'Connell, Mr. Vice President, members of the Cabinet and my administration, members of Congress, distinguished guests; most importantly, the Snow family, Jill, Robbie, Kendall, Kristi and Jim, and other family members; former colleagues of Tony. Laura and I are privileged to join you today to pay our final respects to a cherished friend. Tony Snow was a man of uncommon decency and...

QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Discusses Outer Continental Shelf Exploration Rose Garden THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. Across the country, Americans are concerned about the high price of gasoline. Every one of our citizens who drives to work, or takes a family vacation, or runs a small business is feeling the squeeze of rising prices at the pump. To reduce pressure on prices we must continue to implement good conservation policies, and we need to increase the supply of oil, especially here at home. For years, my administration has been calling on Congress to expand domestic oil production. Unfortunately, Democrats...

Today is a little different. I am not writing something specifically for the PROLIFE, but it is a request going out to everyone. The effects of this praying will touch the country, the prolife issues, the troops, everything that our country stands for. Please consider what is written below. It was sent to me by a dear friend, and I agree with the power it will have. This is the scariest election we as Christians have ever faced, and from the looks of the polls,the Christians aren't voting Christian values. We all need to be on our knees. Do you...

QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Attends Ceremonial Groundbreaking of National Military Medical Center National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, Maryland THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Deputy Secretary England, for that generous introduction. I am so honored to be here at Bethesda National Naval Medical Center. This is often called the "President's Hospital." The reason why is this is where the President gets medical care. But I'm relieved today not to be on the treadmill, weighing in and getting a blood test. (Laughter.) I also will tell you that the care that the President gets here is extraordinary. I am...

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?" Genesis 3:2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; Genesis 3:3 "but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.'" Genesis 3:4 Then the serpent said to...

Psalms 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:2 When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. Psalms 27:3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war should rise against me, In this I will be confident. Psalms 27:4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house...

QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Participates in Joint Press Availability with United Kingdom Prime Minister Brown Foreign & Commonwealth Office Building -- Lacarno Treaty Room London, England PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. And I thank you very much for your friendship, thank you for your hospitality. This is -- this has been a good trip. By the way, some are speculating this is my last trip. Let them speculate. Who knows? (Laughter.) But it's been a -- we had a great dinner last night. I want to thank you and Sarah. And thanks for calling together the...

QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Presents Medal of Honor to Private First Class Ross Andrew McGinnis East Room THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Welcome to the White House. A week ago on Memorial Day, the flag of the United States flew in half-staff in tribute to those who fell in service to our country. Today we pay special homage to one of those heroes: Private First Class Ross Andrew McGinnis of the U.S. Army. Private McGinnis died in a combat zone in Iraq on December the 4th, 2006 -- and for his heroism that day, he now receives the...

France brings line dancing craze under state control They turn out in their hundreds in Stetsons and boots as hits such as the Crazy Foot Mambo and the Cowboy Strut echo around their village halls. They are drawn by a love of American culture - although definitely not American politics - and a passion for line dancing, which enables them to swing but avoid all human contact. Now country and western has become so big in France that the country's bureaucrats have decided to bring the craze under state control. The French administration has moved to create an official country...

A tear glistens in the corner of US President George W. Bush's eye as he makes remarks during Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, May 26, 2008. QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Attends Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Commemoration THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Mr. Secretary, thank you for the kind introduction. Members of my Cabinet, members of the administration, Admiral Mullen, members of the United States Congress, Senator Warner and Congressman Skelton, members of the military, our veterans, honored guests, families of the fallen: Laura and I are honored to be with you on Memorial...

People, the news media and pundits like to throw around the word “crisis.” The mainstream media and their ilk tell us that we are currently experiencing a crisis in the sub-prime mortgage market, an economic crisis, a crisis with the environment, a crisis in race relations and with oil prices. There is a crisis with the polar bears, the environmentalists tell us, as they taut their questionable consensus on the global warming crisis, this even as 31,000 scientists rebuke their “consensus.” Educators tell us there is a crisis in public education. We even have a steroid crisis in the sports...

QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Addresses Members of the Knesset ,br> The Knesset Jerusalem 2:55 P.M. (Local) THE PRESIDENT: President Peres and Mr. Prime Minister, Madam Speaker, thank very much for hosting this special session. President Beinish, Leader of the Opposition Netanyahu, Ministers, members of the Knesset, distinguished guests: Shalom. Laura and I are thrilled to be back in Israel. We have been deeply moved by the celebrations of the past two days. And this afternoon, I am honored to stand before one of the world's great democratic assemblies and convey the wishes of the American people with these...

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2008 – President Bush praised America’s mothers, especially those who’ve lost sons or daughters during the war on terror and those who gave their lives in service to their country, during his weekly radio address yesterday. An excerpt from the president’s remarks follows: “On this Mother’s Day weekend, we think of the many mothers who raised the brave men and women serving our country in uniform. And to those mothers, I offer the thanks of a grateful nation. “Your sons and daughters are defending our freedom with dignity and honor, and America appreciates the sacrifices that your...

I always get in on music threads after about 100 posts so I thought I'd start my own.What is the best country music...old and new? Here's mine. Buddy Miller Kieran Kane Billy Joe Shaver Slaid Cleaves Hayes Carll LeeAnn Womack Charlie Rich Paul Burch Thad Cockrell

Eddy Arnold, whose mellow baritone on songs like "Make the World Go Away" made him one of the most successful country singers in history, died Thursday morning, days short of his 90th birthday. Arnold died at a care facility near Nashville, said Don Cusic, a professor at Belmont University and author of the biography "Eddy Arnold: I'll Hold You in My Heart." His wife of 66 years, Sally, had died in March, and in the same month, Arnold fell outside his home, injuring his hip. Arnold's vocals on songs like the 1965 "Make the World Go Away," one of his...

Quote of the Day: President Bush: (on what he will do after he leaves office) I'm heading home. (Laughter.) I tell people that, first of all, it's been a huge honor to serve the country, and I'm really glad I did. I thank the American people for giving me a chance to serve. As you can imagine, it's been a remarkable experience. ... I've lived in the White House now for seven and a half years, and the furniture is interesting -- (laughter) -- but it's like a museum. (Laughter.) And there's love in that White House, thanks to a...

QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Meets with Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom Oval Office PRESIDENT BUSH: It's been my honor to welcome to the Oval Office the President and First Lady of a close friend of the United States. Mr. President, thank you for coming. We've had a good discussion about a variety of issues. We discussed bilateral relations between Guatemala and the United States, which are very strong. We are friends. We treat each other with respect. Our objective with U.S. foreign policy is to have a neighborhood that is peaceful and prosperous, where social justice is important; want...

Islanders speak with a West Country accent By Richard Alleyne and Richard Savill Last Updated: 1:32am BST 29/04/2008 The entire population of a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has been found to speak with a West Country accent - because the residents all descend from one man from Gloucestershire. William Marsters [left] and with his family, who had four wives, 17 children and 54 grandchildren before his death in 1899. All the inhabitants of the island descend from him Researchers have long been puzzled by the strong rural drawl spoken by the inhabitants of Palmerston Atoll,...

Psalms 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Psalms 91:3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. Psalms 91:4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. Psalms 91:5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of...

Britain is becoming a 'why bother country' By Paul Stokes Last Updated: 3:06am BST 21/04/2008 Britain is suffering from a "why bother" economy because its benefits culture, high taxes and poor education system leave many people lacking the motivation or capability to succeed, according to a report. The cost to the economy of low social mobility is £32 billion a year, or £1,300 to the average family, claims Reform, the independent think tank. This comes despite higher spending on benefits and public services that have served only to reinforce privilege, it says. Child poverty has risen, with the number of...

ZAGREB, CROATIA - As a symbolic sign of support and gratitude, American President George Bush, wanted to spend last part of his visit in Croatia by taking photographs with the Croatian soldiers who are taking part in the ISAF peace mission in Afghanistan. Before taking pictures in front of the American presidential airplane Air Force One, President Bush shook hands with all 50 soldiers who, all together with the Croatian diplomatic delegation, came to Zagreb’s airport in order to say goodbye the president who is off to Russia. From Commander Kruljac, we found out that Bush’s gesture was a surprise...

Best country singer/ group?

This has been around for a while but is really hysterical! Enjoy a good laugh on a Friday night in FReeperville. Click here to see the video

President George W. Bush and Russia's President Vladimir Putin take a sunset walk on a pier along the Black Sea during a visit by President and Mrs. Bush Saturday, April 5, 2008, to President Putin's summer retreat, Bocharov Ruchey, in Sochi, Russia. White House photo by Eric Draper Psalms 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalms 23:2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Psalms 23:3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psalms...

QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Visits Department of State THE PRESIDENT: Madam Secretary, thank you very much for your hospitality. I just had a very interesting dialogue on how to strengthen the State Department's capacity to bring freedom and peace around the world, and how to make sure the State Department works collaboratively with the Defense Department, as we deal with some of the more difficult areas, and really take advantage of some of the great opportunities that we're faced with. And so I really want to thank you, Madam Secretary, and I thank the folks who work in...

QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Discusses FISA South Lawn THE PRESIDENT: Last month House leaders declared that they needed 21 additional days to pass legislation giving our intelligence professionals the tools they need to protect America. That deadline passed last Saturday without any action from the House. This week House leaders are finally bringing legislation to the floor. Unfortunately, instead of holding a vote on the good bipartisan bill that passed the United States Senate, they introduced a partisan bill that would undermine America's security. This bill is unwise. The House leaders know that the Senate will not pass...

President George W. Bush welcomes Cpl. Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last known surviving American-born WWI veteran, to the Oval Office Thursday, March 6, 2008. The President told the 107-year-old, "...One way for me to honor the service of those who wear the uniform in the past and those who wear it today is to herald you, sir, and to thank you very much for your patriotism and your love for America." White House photo by Eric Draper QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Commemorates Fifth Anniversary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Constitution Hall Washington, D.C. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you...

President George W. Bush bows his head during a prayer Monday, March 3, 2008 in the East Room of the White House, standing before two chairs in honor of U.S. Army Master Sgt. Woodrow Wilson Keeble, left, and his wife, Bloosom, moments before presenting members of the Keeble family with the Medal of Honor, posthumously, in honor of Master Sgt. Keeble's gallantry during his service in the Korean War. Keeble is the first full-blooded Sioux Indian to receive the Medal of Honor. White House photo by Eric Draper A White House military aide holds the Medal of Honor presented posthumously...

QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Meets with National Governors Association State Dining Room THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. I'm supposed to stall, to wait for the press corps. (Laughter.) Chairman, thanks. Let me see your book there, will you? Mr. Vice Chairman, thank you, sir. Hope you enjoyed last night. GOVERNOR BLUNT: It was great. THE PRESIDENT: It was great, yes. It was fun. (Applause.) I am proud to announce to you that Janet Creighton is running the Intergovernmental Affairs Office for us. She looks forward to working with you. I look forward to hearing from you. There's...

QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Discusses Protect America Act South Lawn THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. This Saturday at midnight, legislation authorizing intelligence professionals to quickly and effectively monitor terrorist communications will expire. If Congress does not act by that time, our ability to find out who the terrorists are talking to, what they are saying, and what they are planning will be compromised. It would be a mistake if the Congress were to allow this to happen. Members of Congress knew all along that this deadline was approaching. They said it themselves. They've had more than six months to...

Psalms 45:1 To the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lillies." A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love. My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalms 45:2 You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever. Psalms 45:3 Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, With Your glory and Your majesty. Psalms 45:4 And in Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility, and righteousness; And Your...

The notion that country music is, and has always been, politically conservative seems so ingrained in our culture that it passes not just for cliché, but as a truism beyond reproach. Take for instance the media commentary that followed Dixie Chicks frontwoman Natalie Maines's well-publicized criticisms of President George W. Bush back in 2003. In the Associated Press's coverage of the controversy, one leading country radio programmer wondered whether Maines had considered the political demographics of her audience, saying that country is “more on the right than on the left and it’s always been that way.” Even CMT.com editorial director...

QUOTE OF THE DAY President Bush Discusses Global War on Terror in Las Vegas, Nevada Emerald at Queensridge Las Vegas, Nevada THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for the warm welcome. Thank you. So what Ranson didn't tell you is he believes in free speech, and that's what I'm here to give. (Laughter.) I appreciate the invitation. (Laughter.) Sharon, thank you very much, as well. I'm honored to be here with the Governor. Governor -- the Governor has been a friend of mine for a long time. We served together in Washington. He came back to Nevada -- (laughter) -- to serve the...

Psalms 45:1 To the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lillies." A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love. My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalms 45:2 You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever. Psalms 45:3 Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, With Your glory and Your majesty. Psalms 45:4 And in Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility, and righteousness; And Your...

THE boy from the bush is back in town, with country music star Lee Kernaghan tonight named Australian of the Year for 2008. A proud Kernaghan, 43, admitted he was surprised at the honour but said he would use his new role to help farmers battling the drought. The Victorian-born singer and songwriter was anointed successor to climate change crusader Tim Flannery at a ceremony outside Parliament House in Canberra tonight. Naming him Australian of the Year, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said: "Lee Kernaghan's music resonates with every Australian by connecting us all to the spirit of the bush, but...

These days Timothy Barry is living off the fat of the land, taking advantage of a huge market niche that has been overlooked by other business people. Barry sells products that make life easier for people who tip the scales at more than, say, 300 pounds.

Psalms 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Psalms 91:3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. Psalms 91:4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. Psalms 91:5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of...

Psalms 138:1 A Psalm of David. I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You. Psalms 138:2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. Psalms 138:3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul. Psalms 138:4 All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O LORD, When they hear the words of Your mouth. Psalms 138:5 Yes, they shall sing...

DALLAS — Two city police officers accused of holding country music singer Steve Holy and a friend at gunpoint during a home game of foosball have been fired... On the 911 recording, the operator sounded frustrated by an inability to get information from Holy, who told her several times that he's a recording artist. When she tried to ask Holy if the two officers left together, he answered: "He put a gun to our heads." "OK, you told me that at least five or six times," she said. "I have that. I understand that."

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2008 – Growing up as part of a military family, country music star Aaron Tippin learned a crucial lesson early in life: Freedom isn’t free. Country music star Aaron Tippin flashes a big thumbs up as he visits with soldiers serving in the global war on terrorism. Tippin spent his third straight Thanksgiving entertaining servicemembers serving in Iraq and Kuwait. Stars for Stripes photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “That might be a corny old saying, but you know what?” he asked. “It is still true. Freedom is not free.” Tippin, who was in Washington...

Psalms 109:1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Do not keep silent, O God of my praise! Psalms 109:2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful Have opened against me; They have spoken against me with a lying tongue. Psalms 109:3 They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, And fought against me without a cause. Psalms 109:4 In return for my love they are my accusers, But I give myself to prayer. Psalms 109:5 Thus they have rewarded me evil for good, And hatred for my love. Psalms 109:6 Set a...

QUOTE OF THE DAY For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary December 31, 2007 Presidential Message for New Year's Day, 2008 As we enter this New Year, we reflect on the past and look forward to a promising year ahead. A future of hope and opportunity begins with a robust economy. Thanks to America's workers and entrepreneurs, our economy grew at a vigorous rate last year. Keeping taxes low and exercising fiscal restraint helped ensure that the number of jobs increased and the deficit once again fell ahead of schedule. The underpinnings of our economy have proven strong, competitive,...

“Duty” as a New Year's Resolution By W. Thomas Smith, Jr Wednesday, December 26, 2007 On the morning of October 21, 1805, a force of some 33 British warships sailed in two columns toward a 41-ship French-Spanish fleet – the teeth of Napoleon's Navy – off Spain's Cape Trafalgar. The allied fleet commanded by Admiral Pierre Villeneuve was of course larger. But Admiral Horatio Nelson, commanding the British force, possessed the better tactical mind and perhaps the most superbly trained gun-crews in the world. As the British ships neared the range of the enemy's guns, Nelson – aboard his flagship,...

Have you ever wanted to rule your very own country? A micronation is an area of land claimed by one or more persons to be independent from any major recognized nation in the world. Some of these have incredible histories of war, triumph and independence and still survive today, while others have long since been abandoned, annexed or destroyed. Sealand was established in the 1960s an Englishman and his family took possession of an abandoned anti-aircraft platform off the coast of Britain and declared it to be the Principality of Sealand. In the1970s a coup attempt was made and...

Presidential Message: Christmas 2007 "But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High... his kingdom will never end.'" -----------------------------Luke 1:30-33 President Bush: During the Christmas season, our thoughts turn to the source of joy and hope born in a humble manger on a holy night more than 2,000 years ago. Each year, Christians everywhere celebrate this single life...

Psalms 74:1 A Contemplation of Asaph. O God, why have You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture? Psalms 74:2 Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old, The tribe of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed-This Mount Zion where You have dwelt. Psalms 74:3 Lift up Your feet to the perpetual desolations. The enemy has damaged everything in the sanctuary. Psalms 74:4 Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place; They set up their banners for signs. Psalms 74:5 They seem like men who lift up Axes among...