nifong park historical society

two times we were invited to visit the maywood mansion and do a paranormal investigation there. the first time the groundskeeper was suppose to let us in and he swore he came by the main office and the house and noone was there, funny we were sitting on the front porch for 2 hours, and sent someone over to the main office 3 times. noone showed up to let us in. he lied of course. then last night the president of the historical society stated she would be there to let us in and even maybe join us in the investigation. again we sat for over an hour, noone showed up again. we will not attempt this location again due to the lies we have ben told and OUR time wasted on such lies.

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some survival tips

Some survival tips

If caught in a home invasion, and the captors are using tie wraps as they are putting them on or tell you to keep hands in a fist fingers down toward floor, puff out chest, this will make the wraps looser and you may have enough room to slip them off.

If they use duct tape, remove a shoelace and make a loop at each end, slip each loop over each toe and putting the string between you arms. Peddle like on a bike and the friction will cut through the duct tape or electrical tape.
If no string or shoe lace is available find a tooth pick, razor blade or nail and slip it between the teeth of the tie wrap in the hold slot, it will allow space to slip off the wrap.

When faced with jumping from a second or third story window, hang from the deck and form your body like a banana keeping your knees and feet together drop and roll keeping your head down and hands in front of face to protect it.

If in a trunk, pull out wires to the tail lights. Use the trunk latch when the car stops or knock out the tail light and wave your hand frantically out the hole to gain attention.

Veterans report

Print & Post: Week of August 31, 2009


New Initiatives for Women Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) embarked on new initiatives to meet the unique needs of women veterans including (1) comprehensive primary care and specialized medical care at every VA medical center; (2) enhanced mental health care specifically for women veterans; (3) staffing every VA medical center with a women veterans program manager; (4) improving communication and outreach to women veterans; and (5) continuing the operation of organizations such as VA's Center for Women Veterans and the Women Veterans Health Strategic Healthcare Group. For more information about VA programs and services for women veterans, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs (http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/) Center for Women Veterans webpage and (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth) Women Veterans Health Care.

Educational Program in North Carolina
North Carolina universities are offering military veterans who are state residents guaranteed admission into a state university through a program offered by Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST). The Elite to Elite program offers qualified servicemembers an opportunity to obtain one of the North Carolina Universities' slots specifically allocated for military veterans. This allows them to gain entrance into a prestigious school without competing against those seeking general admittance. The program currently has seven campuses participating and hopes to increase to 16 this year. For more information on the application process, call the Life Long Learning center at (910) 451-5575.

Get more than $49,000 a year for school. (http://tracking.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//edu.military.com/gibill/&code=News_Education_MGIB_Form) Request info about GI Bill approved programs from military and veteran-friendly schools and start earning your degree today.

Health Care Expansion in Albany
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced a plan to expand health care in Albany, N.Y., by leasing 2.4 acres to a private-sector medical facility in exchange for construction of a 30,000 square-foot building for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at its Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center. The new building, to be used by VA for administrative functions and training, will free up space for veterans' clinical services elsewhere on the campus. The medical center serves Veterans in 22 counties of upstate New York, western Massachusetts and Vermont. For more information on VA health care and services, visit the (http://www.va.gov/) VA website. Visit the (http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=1) Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center's webpage.

To learn more about your state's benefits, visit the Military.com (http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory) State Veteran's Benefits Directory.

Featured Job: Transitioning?
Serve under another symbol of national security at the CIA. Opportunities available in the U.S. and abroad. The (http://www.cia.gov/careers) Central Intelligence Agency. The work of a nation. The center of intelligence.

New VA Cemetery for Washington State
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the award of $8.8 million to establish the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. Interment areas and facilities will include 1,280 standard burial plots; 2,000 pre-placed crypts; 1,370 in-ground cremain sites and 2,240 columbarium niches. For more information about the Washington state Veterans cemetery at Medical Lake, visit the (http://www.dva.wa.gov/eastern_wa_vet_cemetery.html) cemetery's website or call (509) 496-0796. Information about VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from (http://www.cem.va.gov/) VA's Burial and Memorials webpage or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000.

Who's to Blame for New GI Bill Benefit Delays?
This week the backlog grew nearly 11 percent to over 234,000. To their credit, the VA has processed over 140,000 "work items" overall. In addition, it appears that at least 13,000 veterans will soon begin receiving benefits, if they have not already. To learn more, (http://military-education.military.com/2009/08/va-blames-gi-bill-delays-on-schools.html) read the full article on Military.com.

Be sure to learn all you can about the new Post-9/11 before you apply. Use the (http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calculator/?esrc=vr.nl) Military.com GI Bill Calculator to compare the benefits of the old and new GI Bills.

7 Reasons to Go to School Online
Schooling online isn't just more convenient, studies show online graduates perform as well or better than those from traditional programs. Read more about the (http://www.military.com/education/uop/seven-reasons-to-go-online.html?esrc=vr.nl) top 7 reason you should go to school online.

Deal of the Week: Huge Military Deals
There are more than 1,000 coupons and discounts exclusively for veterans listed on Military.com -- gear, hotels, games, movies, sports, theme parks, tools, groceries, and more. (http://www.military.com/DC/DealIndex.jsp?esrc=mr.nl) Browse deals now.

VA Move to PTSD Simplify Rules
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking steps to assist veterans seeking compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The VA published a proposed regulation in the Federal Register to make it easier for a veteran to claim service connection for PTSD by reducing the evidence needed if the veteranf stressor claimed by a is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted over the next 60 days. The text of the proposed rule is available on the (http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-20339.htm) Federal Register website. Find, review, and submit comments on Federal rules that are open for comment and published in the Federal Register using (http://www.regulations.gov/) Regulations.gov. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/news/article/va-simplifies-compensation-rules-for-ptsd.html) read the full article on Military.com.

Delaware Cemetery to Expand
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding $1.8 million to the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sussex to expand its facility. The grant will fund the construction of a columbarium, pre-placed crypts and full-casket burial sites. For more information about the Delaware state Veterans cemeteries, visit the (http://veteransaffairs.delaware.gov/dvmc.shtml) Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery website or call (302) 739-2792. Information about VA burial benefits can be obtained from national cemetery offices, from (http://www.cem.va.gov/) VA's Burial and Memorials webpage or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 800-827-1000.

Retiree Cola Buried In Oil
It was higher oil prices last year that led to the largest annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to federal entitlements since 1982. Good thing, too. Lowered oil prices since then is almost certain to block any COLA this year for military retirees, federal civilian retirees, social security recipients, survivor benefit annuitants or disabled veterans. To learn more, (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,199178,00.html) read the full article on Military.com.

VA Cancels Medical Center Contract
Citing persistent noncompliance and numerous performance deficiencies, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will not exercise the third year of a five-year, $75 million contract with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSWMC) to perform research into Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses (GWVI). The Office of Inspector General documented severe performance deficiencies in a July 15 report and recommended that no further task orders be issued under the contract. A summary of the report and the full report are available on the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (http://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=3452) Office of Inspector General's website.

Featured Job: Health Care
Working in the health care industry provides a career that is stable and well rewarded. Military.com has (http://www.military.com/healthcare?esrc=vr.nl) thousands of jobs listed right now -- nursing, EMT, dental practitioner, medical imaging, pharmacy, social services, sports medicine and more.

Servicemembers Save with ASMBA
The Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association (ASMBA), established in 1963, provides comprehensive, (http://finance.military.com/insurance/asmba/) affordable life insurance coverage to military personnel and their families. For example, you can get an extra $100,000 worth of coverage for only $19 a month. It's an inexpensive way to have half a million dollars worth of coverage.

Military Benefits: Up to $49,000
It is easy to get a degree faster and have it paid for by the military. Your GI Bill is worth up to $49,000 and many schools offer up to a full semester of college credits. Your hard work and dedication earned you the right to a free education. (http://edu.military.com/gibill/?esrc=vr.nl) Find Military Friendly Schools Now.

mood ring color meaning chart

Mood Ring Colors Chart:

=Midnight Black (Black~Ebony~Onyx)- Serious, Intense, Aloof, Mysterious, Stormy, Excited, Energetic, Stressed, Overworked, Tensed, Angry, Mad, Mood Ring Is Inactive, Nothing, Not Working

=Brown (Tan/Beige~Amber-Brown~Bronze/Copper)- Anticipation, Heated Emotions, Reactive, Rising Energies, Unexplored, Adaptive, Random Thinking, Restless, Jitters, Puzzled, Troubled, Worried, Fear

=Red-Brown (Red~Rose~Ruby)- Allured, Aroused, In Love, Excited, Passionate, Awe-Struck, Active, Adventurous, Anxious, Insecure, Angered, Harassed, Stressed, Tensed, Alarmed, Fearful

=Amber-Red (Coral~Orange~Sunstone)- Busy, Searching/Seeking, Stimulating Ideas, Daring Wants, Hyper, Excited, On Edge, Impatient, Nervous, Worried, Stressed, Aggressive, Exasperated

=Amber (Yellow-Orange~Saffron~Brass/Gold)- Mixed Emotions, Lovable, Emotional, Passionate, Concerned, Sincere, Challenged, Cool, Uncertain, Aloof, Confused, Sad, A Little Nervous, Upset

=Yellow (Olive~Golden~Topaz)- Ok Feeling, Moderate Mood, Vague, Bored, Emotions Mixed, Ambitious, Cautious, Imaginative, Distracted, Wondering Thoughts, Unsettled, Insecure, Anxious, Strained

=Amber-Green (Green-Yellow~Lime~Peridot)- Mixed Emotions, Hopeful, Excitable, Expectant, Romantic, Restless, Edgy, Irritated, Ill At Ease, Worried, Troubled, Uneasy, Distressed, Fear

=Green (Jade Green~Light Green~Emerald)- Basic Neutral, Average Reading; Normal, No Great Stress, Calm, Easily Amused, Alert, Intent, Involved, Sensitive, Touchy, Ambivalent, Inner Disquiet, Envy, Jealousy

=Blue-Green (Teal~Cyan~Aquamarine)- Easy-Going, Inner Reading; Normal, Emotional, Inner Emotions Charged, Somewhat Relaxed, Flirtatious, Stimulated, Upbeat, Surprised, Puzzled

=Blue (Dark Blue~Bright Blue~Sapphire)- Happy, At Ease, Relaxed, Near Bliss, Contented, Tranquil, Peaceful, Pleasant, Warm, Lovable, Passionate, Romantic, In Love

=Violet-Blue (Purple/Blue~Indigo~Iolite)- Contented, Deeply Relaxed, Very Happy, Intensely Passionate, In Love, Very Romantic, Feeling Great, The Ultimate - At Your Best

=Violet (Purple~Lavender~Sugulite)- Moody, Mischievous, Mystical, Sensual, Emotionally Excited, Physically Charged, Blissful, Happy, Passionate, Romantic, Intrigued, Desire, In Love

=Red-Violet (Red/Purple~Mauve~Amethyst)- Romantic, Violent Love, Moody Passions, Over The Edge, Emotionally Peaking, Overexcited, Hyper, Infuriated, Surging Energies, Ballistic, Despair, Unhappy

=Fuschia (Magenta~Pink~Rose Quartz)- All Right, At Rest, Mellow, Happy, Warm, Affectionate, Love Glow, Resonant, Cool, Tipping Point, Curious, Unanswered Questions, Mystified, Fear, Wonder, Entranced

=Gray (Smoke Gray~Stone Gray~Titanium/Silver)- Neutral, At Rest, Cool, Aloof, Inhibited, Little Emotion, Unconcerned, Tired, Depressed, Sad, Uneasy, Afraid, Very Anxious, Worried

=White (Moonstone~Ice Mist~Ivory)- Meditative, Restrained Mood, Philosophical, Temperate, Not Much Enthusiasm, Indifferent, Bored, Confused, Frustrated, Pensive, Strained, Astounded, Intense Fear

=Clear (Ice Blue~Crystal~Diamond)- Psychic Perceptions, Pure Visions, Surreal Quality, Elusive, Fear, Unreal Moods, Mental Void, Completely Emotionless, Mood Ring Is Not Real, Faux, Fraud

=Mist Blue (Silvered Gray-Blue~Cat Eye Blue~Sillimanite)- Cool, Wistful, Wondering, Somewhat Odd Feelings, Suspicious Of, Questioning, Forlorn, Wanderlust, Bittersweet, Sorrowful, Despair

=Green Sky (Golden Yellow-Green~Cat Eye Green~Chrysolite)- Calm, Relaxed, Nonchalant Emotions, Pondering, Discerning, Searching For, Desiring, Envy, Bemused, Surprised

=Cobalt Blue (Blue Fire~Lucid Blue~Blue Amber)- Mellow, Collected, Desirable, Enamored, In Love, Radiant, Reminiscent Passions, Warm, Lambent Glow, Genuine Concerns, Intuitive, Suspended Disbelief

=Green/Violet (Deep Teal~Indigo Green~Chrysocolla)- Upbeat Motivation, Emotional, Intuitive, Slightly Unpredictable, Mostly Relaxed Mood, Contented/Delighted, Rejuvenated, Having A Sense Of Ease

=Brown/Violet (Purple Taupe~Gray-Indigo~Axinite)- Distant Hope, Lost, Disenchanted, Lurking Emotions, Nervous, Mystical Depths Of Feeling, Retrospective, Moody, Mysterious Notions

=Brown/Green (Umber~Green/Red~Chrysoberyl)- Muted, So-So, Cooler, Pressured, Stressed, Antagonized, Tedious Emotions, Tiresome, Misguided Thoughts, Weird Moods, Off-Set

from a friend

Subject: Rare Bear Quintruplets







Black bears typically have two cubs; rarely, one or three. In 2007, in northern New Hampshire, a black bear Sow gave birth to five healthy young. There were two or three reports of sows with as many as 4 cubs, but five was, and is, very extraordinary. I learned of them shortly after they emerged from their den and set myself a goal of photographing all five cubs with their mom - no matter how much time and effort was involved. I knew the trail they followed on a fairly regular basis, usually shortly before dark. After spending nearly four hours a day, seven days a week, for more than six weeks, I had that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and photographed them. I used the equivalent of a very fast film speed on my digital camera. The print is properly focused and well exposed, with all six bears posing as if they were in a studio for a family portrait.




I stayed in touch with other people who saw the bears during the summer and into the fall hunting season. All six bears continued to thrive. As time for hibernation approached, I found still more folks who had seen them, and everything remained OK. I stayed away from the bears as I was concerned that they might become habituated to me, or to people in general, and treat them as `approachable friends'. This could easily become dangerous for both man and animal.
After Halloween, I received no further reports and could only hope the bears survived until they hibernated.

This spring, just before the snow disappeared, all six bears came out of their den and wandered all over the same familiar territory they trekked in the spring of 2007.

I saw them before mid-April and dreamed nightly of taking another family portrait, a highly improbable second once-in-a-lifetime photograph.

On 25 April 2008, I achieved my dream.


When something as magical as this happens between man and animal, Native Americans say, "We have walked together in the shadow of a rainbow". And so it is with humility and great pleasure that I share these exhilarating photos with you. Do pass them on!
Sincerely, / Tom Sears.