STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters...

My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks. Seriously.. Please read:

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) she said only tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm, Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps, STR . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE
(Coherently) (i.e. . It is sunny out today)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

{NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue... if the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke}

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

What if Jesus survived the crucifixion?

'Holy Blood, Holy Grail' author Michael Baigent makes shocking assertions against the conventional account of Jesus's death in his new book
Read an excerpt of Baigent's new book

CBS News Video / CBSNews.com:

Mike Wallace of "60 Minutes" talks about wounded soldiers who've come back from Iraq and the hardships they encounter as they rehabilitate their bodies and their lives. read more

US-CERT: Technical users:

The Department of Homeland Security Software Assurance Program is seeking review and comment on the following documents:


* Security in the Software Lifecycle. Submit comments using this form.
(Comments due by February 21, 2006)

* Secure Software Assurance Common Body of Knowledge. Submit comments using this form.

(Comments due by February 21, 2006)
read more

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department - 601 East Trade Street

Homeland Security


The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department provides Homeland Security through Partnerships, Prevention, and Preparedness


PARTNERSHIPS: The department is engaged in partnerships with a host of other City and County agencies; other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies; the business community; and most importantly, with the residents of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. read more

Local News | News for Charlotte, North Carolina | WCNC.com:

Police investigate possible carjacking



Officers at the North Tryon Division of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are investigating the report.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are searching to find two people who may have been kidnapped from a fast food restaurant Tuesday. An alarming 911 call from the victim even has officers on edge. read more

Wounded Warriors

Our armed forces are actively engaged in Operations “Enduring Freedom” in Afghanistan and “Iraqi Freedom” in Iraq. Along with our coalition partners, soldiers and Marines are actively seeking out those terrorists and insurgents whose sole aim is to terrorize and destabilize the emerging democracies of Afghanistan and Iraq. Because these are combat operations, Marines and soldiers are wounded or injured and require treatment at medical facilities in Afghanistan, Iraq, Germany and in the United States.

Wounded Warriors, through its generous contributors, supports hospitals and medical facilities in the Afghanistan and Iraq theater of operations, Germany and the United States by donating morale and comfort items such as televisions, DVDs and computers and peripherals for use by the patients and hospital staff.In order to provide the best support possible, we have developed and maintain an extensive list of points of contacts at the military hospitals in the United States and overseas. Our contacts include hospital administrators and military chaplains who support those who are medically evacuated from the field and we, in turn, support them by filling the morale and comfort requirements that they identify . Because we work closely with the hospital staffs, we donate only those items that are needed to best support their patients and operations.

Communication with our contributors is essential. Our monthly newsletter is delivered electronically to thousands of e-mail accounts around the world. We provide our contributors with the latest news and a report of how their generous contributions are being invested. Wounded Warriors is a lean organization. We have no employees. While we maintain an office address for our registered agent, we have no office space. All of our business is conducted over the internet: a true virtual organization that ensures that 95% of the contributions it receives go to the soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines it supports.

John D. Folsom
Colonel, USMCR

Soldiers Take Out Snipers in Salah Ad Din

Rakkasan platoon kills one sniper and detains another while on patrol.
By Pfc. Cassandra Groce
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
SAMARRA, Iraq, Jan. 18, 2006 — One sniper was killed and another detained near a canal along the Tigris River in Samarra, Iraq by a Rakkasan platoon while on patrol Jan. 9.

"Snipers have been harassing us in this area and been a problem."
1st. Lt. Richard Hawkins, 1st Platoon Leader
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
The soldiers of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th



read more

Americans Must Understand U.S. Is at War, General Says:

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2006 –
The American people must remind themselves every day that the United States is at war, a top Army general said today.

Army Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, speaking at the American Enterprise Institute here, said that 21st century warfare is more about "will and perception, than taking territory or enemies killed."

The will of the American people and people around the world to confront the terrorists and defeat them is the center of gravity in what Pentagon officials are calling "the long war," Odierno, assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said.

The enemy realizes this, he said. "Ultimately, they believe they will be more patient than Western states and they will, over time, win out," he said.

Information is just as critical as firepower in the long war, Odierno said, and this, too, the enemy understands. read more

Blackwater USA

Blackwater was founded in 1997 from a clear vision developed from an understanding of the need for innovative, flexible training and operational solutions to support security and peace, and freedom and democracy everywhere.


Our founder is a former U. S. Navy SEAL. He created Blackwater on the belief that both the military and law enforcement establishments would require additional capacity to train fully our brave men and women in and out of uniform to the standards required to keep our country secure.


Blackwater USA consists of five separate business units: Blackwater Training Center (the largest private firearms and tactical training center in the U. S.), Blackwater Target Systems, Blackwater Security Consulting, Blackwater Canine, and Raven Development Group. We also have relationships with our strategic partners, Aviation Worldwide Services and Greystone Ltd.


We are not simply a "private security company." We are a professional military, law enforcement, security, peacekeeping, and stability operations firm who provides turnkey solutions. We assist with the development of national and global security policies and military transformation plans. We can train, equip and deploy public safety and military professionals, build live-fire indoor/outdoor ranges, MOUT facilities and shoot houses, create ground and aviation operations and logistics support packages, develop and execute canine solutions for patrol and explosive detection, and can design and build facilities both domestically and in austere environments abroad.


Blackwater lives its core values of excellence, efficiency, execution, and teamwork. In doing this, we have become the most responsive, cost-effective means of affecting the strategic balance in support of security and peace, and freedom and democracy everywhere.

read more

WHO: Flu pandemic threat growing

The World Health Organisation says that the threat of a bird flu pandemic is growing every day, as Turkish officials step up efforts to halt outbreaks and Iran sets up a buffer zone between the two countries.


Shigeru Omi, the WHO's regional director for the Western Pacific, said on Thursday that Asia was still the epicentre of the threat to global health. read more

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

The Department of Veterans Affairs has selected a 214-acre property near Dolington in southern Bucks County as the site for a new national cemetery in southeastern Pennsylvania. (more »)

2nd Battalion 6th Marines - Deployed Update:

HELLO EVERYONE, MY NAME IS LIEUTENANT COLONEL SCOTT AIKEN AND I AM THE BATTALION COMMANDER OF SECOND BATTALION, SIXTH MARINES. THIS MESSAGE WAS UPDATED ON december 31, 2005


the iraqi people anxiously await the announcement of the results of their election; democracy is progressing well.


we have seen an increase in insurgent activity; all indications point towards al-qaida.

christmas day consisted of a reduced schedule, religious services for those interested, and a holiday feast as good as conditions would allow. all thoughts were of home. read more

Fighting to Stay Active

Marines' Hearts, Warrior Spirits Help Overcome Loss of Limbs
Sometimes the hardest battles of the Global War on Terrorism aren't fought on the front lines of the battlefields. Marines at hospitals at home and abroad face the struggles to surmount life-altering injuries and fight to stay in the Corps they love.

During past wars, Marine Corps amputees were discharged, but modern technology and the Naval Service's Disability Evaluation System offer some of them the chance to continue their active duty service. read more

United States Secret Service:

Insider Threat Study

In collaboration with CERT/CC of Carnegie Mellon University, the Secret Service is developing the Critical Systems Protection Initiative (CSPI) to assist private industry in evaluating and managing potential problems before they happen.
Read More...

Five U.S. Marines Killed in Recent Iraq Action

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2006 – Five American Marines serving in Iraq died during operations against the enemy over the past two days, officials said today.


Three U.S. Marines with Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), were killed by small-arms fire in separate attacks while conducting combat operations against the enemy in Fallujah today.


Another Marine assigned to the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), was killed in action when a roadside bomb attacked his vehicle during combat operations near Karmah yesterday.


And a Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), was killed when his vehicle encountered a roadside during combat operations near Ferris yesterday.


The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.


Related Site:

Multinational Force Iraq

BlackHawk Products Group :

THE BLACKHAWK MISSION STATEMENT

To design, manufacture and globally distribute the World’s Finest Gear to our Military and Law Enforcement Professionals. To enhance operator efficiency, confidence, and mission completion.

To rule our industry with unparalleled DEDICATION to EXCELLENCE through TEAMWORK, PERFORMANCE and SERVICE.

Energy Policy Act (EPAct): Federal Fleet Requirements:

Federal Fleet Requirements


The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) set forth the statutory requirements for the acquisition of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) by Federal agencies. In fiscal year (FY) 2000 and beyond, 75% of light-duty vehicle (LDV) acquisitions in covered fleets must be AFVs. Vehicles that weigh less than 8,500 lb gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) are considered LDVs. Signed in April 2000, Executive Order (E.O.) 13149 directs Federal agencies to reduce petroleum consumption by 20% in their fleet AFVs. In addition E.O. 13149 requires the use of alternative fuels in AFVs. The executive order reinforces EPAct.

High Risk Communities Eligible for $765 Million in Security Grants

January 3, 2006--The Department of Homeland Security announced $765 million in direct funding for high threat urban areas as part of the fiscal year 2006 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). UASI provides resources for the unique equipment, training, planning, and exercise needs of select high threat urban areas.

FEMA: Safe Rooms - Mitigation - Safe Room:

Tornado Safe Rooms Take Center Stage


Lite-Form workers lift the lightweight pre-assembled wall section into place over the cement slab foundation. The cement-filled, foam-formed walls are reinforced with steel rebar and may be built into new housing or added inside or outside to existing structures at a relatively low cost. Its construction is simple enough that it can be built by do-it-yourselfers. For more information and images, see Tornado Safe Rooms Take Center Stage. read more »