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[Note to all: I've finally resurrected what was a tradition here for several years on FR....the "Veterans' Check-In". Much has happened since I started this...twelve years ago. Three of my five sons are now veterans, including a Bronze Star-winning Stryker platoon leader in Iraq back during the 'surge' days (FReeper "Future Snake Eater"), a combat videographer who jumped in so young I had to sign papers to allow him to serve, and a 'grunt' from Ft. Polk who just got back from Afghanistan). God bless them, God bless you all. I've included the original text from all those years ago...

By staff reporter Huo Kan and Washington correspondent Zhang Tao 08.01.2011 17:29 More Investors Ask, Why Not Short the Yuan? Crisis theorists and others are wagering that the Chinese currency will veer from its long appreciation path against the dollar Plenty of smart money is betting on the rise of the yuan, but some overseas foreign exchange investors are looking the other way. Contrarians range from hedge funds to wealth management firms, and they generally agree that the possibility of yuan devaluation against the U.S. dollar is at least slightly greater than market consensus. Chinese policymakers, meanwhile, are not rushing...

Hungary unveiled a statue of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan on Wednesday, honoring him for his role in helping to end communism. Hundreds took part in the unveiling in Budapest’s Szabadsag, or Freedom, square, including Prime Minister Viktor Orban and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Mr. Reagan was remembered for his role in “bringing the Cold War to a conclusion, and for the fact that Hungary regained its sovereignty in the process,” the Hungarian government said in a statement. *snip* The 7-foot bronze statue, sculpted by Hungarian artist Istvan Mate, sits in same square as a memorial to...

Here is a web site that allows one to show our appreciation for our troops by sending them thank you cards. It is free and is a great way to show our troops they are remembered and that we are greatful for their sacrifice. It only takes a few minutes so click the link below and pick a card to send. Afterwards share this with your friends so they too can send a card to our troops. Link here:http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html

Happy Thanksgiving! I know this is a vanity but it is my first one in over five years. I really just wanted to thank everyone for educating me, putting in my place (on occasions), being friends, and so many other positives. I cannot put into words how Free Republic has changed my life. This is not only the source of news that I receive, but it is also a place that I come to for assistance from time to time. My education has gained a ton since joining here. I apologize to those who I really irritated over the years....

This is a show I personally produced and wanted to share with my fellow, appreciated Freepers. The Power of Giving Thanks (Thanksgiving) MP3Thanksgiving is a time to look back, take inventory, and appreciate the things God has given us, and is doing for us in our daily lives. Such reflections serve as a power, and thus a source of motivation for moving into the future. In this particular show, we challenge you to examine your life, and place things in an extraordinarily insightful perspective in regards to giving thanks, the power of appreciating what you have, as well as ask...

This is a great video of an animal control officer untangling a dog from a wire fence. The officer has a helmet cam on which I guess some cities now do probably more for protection from lawsuits like they do in police cars. Well the officer finally gets the dog free, but the part you are going to find very funny and cute is what happens at the end of the video. So the video may be a bit longer than most I offer, but please stick with it to the end, I promise you will be pleasantly surprised...

Loghan Anderson was 720 miles from home and 140 miles from his U.S. Army post when his pickup truck suddenly lost power on southbound Interstate 35 in Texas. The 19-year-old soldier from Tekamah, Neb., pulled to the shoulder. The engine screeched. The truck would not go forward. It would go only in reverse. Maybe it wanted to go back to Nebraska. That was not an option. Anderson was due to report for duty in two days at Fort Hood, Texas. He’s at the beginning of what he hopes will be an Army career, one he signed up for before even...

March 17, 2010, 8:42 p.m. EDT China leans toward yuan float Professors and policymakers alike agree on need for new forex reforms By Zhang Huanyu, Huo Kan & Yu Hairong, Caixin Online BEIJING (Caixin Online) -- The Chinese government's yuan exchange-rate policy is at another critical juncture. Several quasi-government and independent research organizations have held closed-door discussions since the beginning of the year to discuss exchange-rate mechanisms, and they've submitted policy suggestions to the central bank and government policy makers. What's next? All signs indicate that China is about to resume exchange-rate reforms, a process suspended in July 2008 at...

Hooray! I just caught part of a radio station promo from station 'HANK FM' while driving south of San Jose, California.The radio station is inviting it's listeners to call in and say just what they appreciate about our soldiers. The disc jockey asked that listeners call in with specific stories about soldiers they admire, qualities that make a good soldier, and the ways that soldiers support our quality of life etc. There was some tie in with a Denny's promotion - possibly Denny's donating meals to troops or but I am not sure. It was so good to hear -...

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2009 – For the last five years, the California-based troop-support group, Their Angels, have met every first Saturday, monthly, to pack civilian care packages and write letters of support to send to deployed troops. On May 2, the volunteers brought together 100 people in honor of Military Appreciation Month. Army Sgt. First Class Luis Green talks to Their Angels volunteers at the Military Appreciation Month ceremony held at Hilltop Church of Christ in Richmond, Calif., May 2, 2009. The volunteers expressed their gratitude to Green for his service.   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “We...

Gathering of Eagles and Eagles Up has announced this year’s plans for Recruiter Appreciation Day. Armed Forces Day is on Saturday, May 16, but GoE is dedicating the whole week, May 11 to May 16, to Recruiter Appreciation Day. The whole week will give everyone a chance to better plan their Day. The GoE link has a lot of great ideas so be sure to look at it, especially if you are new to this. There have been several One FReeper Recruiter Appreciation visits in the past so don’t think you need a group. Just do it. If the recruiting...

House Judiciary Committee chairman, democrat John Conyers Jr of Michigan, and HJC member, Maxine Waters, have each given their endorsements to the Revolutionary Communist Party movement/organization, "World Can't Wait--Drive Out the Bush Regime" (they'll probably be dropping the "Drive Out the Bush Regime" portion of their name soon). In fact, Conyers even gave a speech to the group. The RCP calls for an armed communist overthrow of the United States. Click on the WCW link just below and see: "Endorsers of the Call to Drive Out the Bush Regime Include". Conyers' endorsement appears right after Ward Churchill's. Al Sharpton's, Maxine...

New York, Nov.25 : Alaska Governor and Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin is now being feted by conservatives across the country for inspiring millions of Americans to fight for common sense and conservative principles. According to CBS, a conservative political action committee will begin running ads in Alaska and on national television this week honoring Palin. Timed for Thanksgiving, the ads (there are two 60-second versions and two 30-second ones) feature the PAC's officials thanking Palin for her candidacy. "Governor Palin inspired millions of Americans by fighting for common sense conservative principles in a positive and uplifting manner," said Sal...

The undersigned military service personnel hereby express their heartfelt appreciation for your honor, integrity, and courage in support of victory in Iraq. You have supported our mission to bring democracy to Iraq when it was politically unpopular and the path was difficult. Your perseverance in the face of adversity has dealt a serious blow to Al-Qaeda and the ideology behind the 9/11 attacks while setting the course of freedom for millions in the Middle East. You have earned our respect and gratitude.

DETROIT, May 5, 2008 – Patriotism was in full gear at the Chrysler headquarters today, as hundreds gathered inside the star-spangled atrium of the automaker’s main hub to honor America’s men and women in uniform. Robert Nardelli, chairman and chief executive officer of Chrysler, signs a 5-Star Military Support Agreement on May 5, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich., pledging the automaker's commitment to continue supporting employees who are called into active military service. Defense Department photo by John J. Kruzel  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. On the tiered floors of the glass-enclosed plaza here, employees hung over railings...

Under Statistics & Data: This is what showing now of this video and thanks for viewing o7jimmy. #66 - Most Discussed (Today) - Pets & Animals #83 - Most Viewed (Today) - Pets & Animals - New Zealand #67 - Most Viewed (Today) - Pets & Animals #78 - Most Viewed (Today) - Pests & Animals – Russia I would lide to say, Thank you.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2008 – Away from the rigors of combat last night on an evening dedicated to their selfless service, the only shootout troops worried about was between dueling National Hockey League teams. During Military Appreciation Night at the Verizon Center here, the Washington Capitals honored some 5,000 servicemembers and their families with free admission and hosted dozens of wounded warriors from military hospitals. From the giant high-definition screen hanging from the arena's ceiling, shout-outs to servicemembers and videos featuring troops and hockey pros projected onto some 18,000 fans attending the Capitals-New York Islanders contest. At a pre-game...

Bill and Elaine Nolan paid top dollar when they bought their Tiburon house a few years ago at the height of real estate frenzy. Now, of course, the market is cooling rapidly. So Bill Nolan, who deals with money all day long as a partner in an investment management firm, wanted to diversify. He turned to a startup based on a new concept: Let homeowners tap their equity without taking on debt.

Because some of the Military recruiting offices are closed on Saturday, and also because some of us went to them today, I am starting this thread early for all who participate to add their pictures and stories of support for our Military Recruiters.

The Walter Reed MOAB was honored to be placed over the entrance to a local Olney/Laytonsville, MD., restaurant, Dave's American Bistro, for their day long celebration. Dave's American Bistro is located at 5500 Olney-Laytonsville Road, MD Rte. 108, just down the road from the Olney FReeps. The owner (BELOW LEFT in blue), who disavows any family relation to the "sheehag", Kevin Sheehan, along with his better half, Judy (BELOW RIGHT in yellow/blue stripe), opened the restaurant to all military personal for a day of free food, beer and music. But the idea started when he learned Maryland National guard Units,...

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2007 – The Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team is using its May 6 game against the New York Mets to say thank you to the nation’s troops. The team has declared May 6 “Military Appreciation Day,” and is providing free game tickets to all holders of a valid military identification card. The Diamondbacks also are providing a way for fans to e-mail messages of support to servicemembers. People can voice their appreciation by going to amerciasupportsyou@dbacks.com. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that connects citizens and corporations with members of the military and their families...

Requested to post and update you all on ORA.Less than two weeks into this important effort, and with a month still to go, we already have over 125 commitments across 37 states! Plus hundreds of inquiries on top of that, and I know at least a few state coordinators are working on efforts behind the scenes. Although I know it will change, as of right now we do not yet have ORA (Operation Recruiter Appreciation) representation from: AR, DC, DE, ID, KS, LA, MT, NE, NM, OR, RI, SD, WI, WY, Pizza has been a very popular selection (who doesn't...

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2006 -- Today kicks off Military Families Appreciation Month, an annual tribute to the family members who, President Bush and other U.S. and military leaders frequently recognize, serve the country alongside their loved ones in uniform. The month-long observance, with events planned at Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps bases around the world and in communities nationwide, highlights the contributions and sacrifices military family members make every day. Bush thanked families for that service during an Oct. 28 visit to Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. “As the president of the United States, I want to...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2006 -- Before a White House meeting with President Bush this afternoon, grassroots troop-support groups learned what their work means to servicemembers during a luncheon here hosted by America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting America’s support of the nation’s servicemembers. Bailey Reese, 10, of Niceville, Fla., founded Hero Hugs after seeing what the National Guard was doing in response to Hurricane Katrina. She wanted servicemembers to know they're appreciated. She and several other America Supports You groups met with President Bush at the White House on Oct. 20. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  '(Click photo...

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WASHINGTON, May 23, 2006 – The D.C. United Major League Soccer team will express its appreciation for the military June 3 with its 7th Annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day. The team, working with corporate sponsor IBM, will provide 1,000 free tickets to its game against the New England Revolution for active-duty servicemembers who get a kick out of the sport. It also has partnered with the United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington to distribute the tickets through USO's five outreach centers. The 7th Annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day will begin two hours before the start of the 7:30 p.m. game...

– This month we honor the extraordinary contributions of the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces. I am proud to serve alongside 2.4 million Americans in the Active, Guard and Reserve Force who have chosen to take the oath to defend our Constitution. Whether deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan, or supporting humanitarian operations at home or abroad, today's military personnel continue to serve this Nation with honor and distinction. In a month honoring the military, it is only fitting that on the 12th of May we specifically recognize military spouses - our silent heroes. They...

It is definitely time to finish my series of art “lectures.” So today I want to explore Neoclassicism, from about 1780, to Romanticism in the 1830s and 1840s. The style just before Neoclassicism was the fluffy Rococo style. This in turn was a reaction to the heavy style of the Baroque, especially under the absolute monarch Louis XIV, whose home was in that little “hunting lodge” of Versailles. In contrast to King Louis’s massive weight, in body and in taste, we have the lighter “fluffier” forms of the Rococo. My favorite is The Swing, on the right, by Fragonnard. What’s...

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 7, 2006 – Military Appreciation Month is under way, as millions of people have jammed the beach here this week for "Fleet Week USA - A National Salute to America's Heroes," sponsored by McDonald's. The company kicked off the salute on May 1. Today's McDonald's Air and Sea Show, featuring the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels demonstration team and the Army's Golden Knights parachute team, will conclude the week's festivities. The Canadian Forces Snow Birds precision aerobatics team is adding an international flavor to the weekend. The salute has been a fixture here for 12 years running,...

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The following article appeared in the Philadelphia Daily News on December 22, 2005 Here's a Yule Story That Ought to be a Movie By Ronnie Polaneczky AND NOW, in time for the holidays, I bring you the best Christmas story you never heard. It started last Christmas, when Bennett and Vivian Levin were overwhelmed by sadness while listening to radio reports of injured American troops. "We have to let them know we care," Vivian told Bennett. So they organized a trip to bring soldiers from Walter Reed Army MedicalCenter and Bethesda Naval Hospital to the annual Army-Navy football game in...

This November we honor the extraordinary contributions of our nation’s military families as part of National Military Family Appreciation Month. Throughout our history, the steadfast support of military families has always been a source of inspiration. You have faced the special challenges of long deployments, family separations and frequent relocations with great courage and resolve. In doing so, your selfless dedication has directly contributed to the mission readiness of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Merchant Marines. My heartfelt thanks to the families who sacrifice so much—you are patriots in a quiet, strong way and you make all...

Art Appreciation/Education: Visit to NY III: Elizabeth Murray: Return to Color and Energy This is one of the great retrospective shows of the year. And I was lucky. Due to great kindness on the part of members, whom I had just met at lunch at the Museum of Modern Art Café, I was able to get a member’s guest pass to see the retrospective of Elizabeth Murray. I knew her work; I loved her work; I had written about her work for various academic papers and conferences. In fact, I was attending such a conference in NYC, and if I...

Art Appreciation/Education: Visit to NY I: Robert Smithson and James Turrell: Monumental Works of Earth and Light I recently went to NYC for a conference and delivered a paper which mostly dealt with the works of James Turrell. While in NY, I was able to see many galleries and a few museums, most notably the Whitney, which had shows on the work of Oscar Bluemner and Robert Smithson. I just posted John Haber’s review of the Bluemner show and am integrating ideas of Robert Smithson here. Robert Smithson was born in NJ in 1937 and was so fascinated with minerals...

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2005) -- When Sgt. James Wright's unit came under intense fire April 7, 2004, the last thing on his mind was bouncing over waves during a nautical adventure. Twenty-six enemy dead, one bronze star and a year later, a speedboat is exactly what that battle got him. To show gratitude to the Marine for his tremendous sacrifices, Ultra Boats, producers of custom-made boats, presented Wright with the boat of all boats Sept. 15 at the Del Mar Boat Basin here. During the fight, a round from a rocket-propelled grenade struck his humvee...

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In our last “class” on Greco-Roman, Early Christian and Byzantine Art, we saw how the realism of Greece and Rome was repudiated for more spiritual abstraction. The Christians saw the soul as more important than the weighty, physical body, and thus their works were flat and filled with the gold of paradise. My connection to spiritual twentieth century abstraction received mixed results, but that’s fine. Today, we’ll see how artists gradually added some bulk and realism to their work from 1000-1400. Then in the next “class,” we’ll study how the Italian Renaissance united a rebirth of Greco-Roman realism with Christian...

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The title of this first lecture in a new chronological series is: Greco-Roman Realism and Early Christian Abstraction. Christian abstraction in art? How and why can that be? Well, let’s see how early art developed and why the Christians rebelled against Roman values in art and culture. This is the first “lecture” in my second series of Art Appreciation/Education classes. I figure we need to establish more of a base in how early art developed before we can explore Renaissance and other exciting periods of art. Let’s look back even to Egyptian art, because then we can see how Greek...

Free Republic: Art Appreciation/Education “class” #10: Postmodernism Now it is time to truly finish these mini-lectures on the development of modern art with this final lecture of Postmodernism. Andy Warhol and other Pop artists may have made the first forays into Postmodernism, and some textbooks begin their postmodern sections with Pop Art. But I like to save Postmodernism for the 1980’s and thereafter. One question to consider is whether postmodernism (or at least its validity) might have come to a screeching halt on 9/11, (when thinking people realized that there were indeed evil people in the world and that the...

Newport Beach can attach some numbers now to its appreciation for Marine Corps efforts in Iraq: 235 pounds of chopped beef; 26 pounds each of potato salad, coleslaw and baked beans; 300 Polish hot dogs; 1,300 drinks and 1,600 cookies. That was the catering list for a picnic Saturday at Camp Pendleton hosted by the city for an infantry battalion recently returned after a deployment to Sri Lanka for tsunami relief and then patrol duty in Iraq. The unit is expected to return to Iraq early next year. About 800 Marines and their families from the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine...