"The Snow Child" was listed as a "title to pick up now" in the February edition of Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine. It was a "Staff Pick" on the Barnes & Noble website. It made the top of the list of The Christian Science Monitor’s "6 books you should resolve to read in 2012."

Overseas, where it was released last fall, it had already made best-seller lists in several countries, hitting No. 1 in Norway. A major British bookstore chain, Waterstones, included it among the "Waterstones 11," the list that has previously included new books that have gone on to win the Man Booker prize and other major literary awards.

Reviews gushed. "Ethereal, bewitching and mysterious" said the Christian Science Monitor. "Ivey’s writing sparkles," said the New Jersey Star-Ledger, "seductive in its swift, punchy passages of dialogue and its depiction of the ferocious, shimmering wilderness as a vivid character in its own right."

The publisher, Little, Brown, moved up the publication date and sent the author to book signings in big markets in the Lower 48 in January. By last Sunday it ranked No. 8 on the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association’s bestseller list.

But for Ivey, who drove her Toyota Corolla 30 miles from her home in Chickaloon, the enthusiasm of her fellow Alaskans was a show of support that it would be hard to explain to an out-of-stater.

"People came all the way from Anchorage in that weather," she said. "I couldn’t believe it."

Ivey will return the favor by coming to Anchorage for a talk with fellow writer Andromeda Romano-Lax on Feb. 22. Right after she gets back from another book tour — this one to England and Scotland.

FOLKTALE EPIPHANY

Ivey, who turned 39 on Feb. 7, was born in Denver (coincidentally, the first stop on her recently-concluded Lower 48 tour). She moved to Alaska when she was 4, grew up in the Matanuska-Susitna area and graduated from Palmer High School.

Her father, John LeMay, was a carpenter who loved to read. Her mother, Julie, an accountant with a knack for poetry. She also had a love for J.R.R. Tolkien’s "Lord of the Rings," in which Eowyn is the name of a formidable female warrior.

"I have a confession to make," Ivey said. "I have never actually read ‘The Lord of the Rings’ in its entirety."

Not many people made the connection while she was growing up, she said. "But when the movie came out, I had people asking me if I’d changed my name to be the character. I was offended."

Ivey’s husband, Sam, also has a name found in Tolkien’s trilogy. They were high school sweethearts and attended Western Washington State University in Bellingham together. He became a biologist and now works for the Department of Fish and Game. She earned a degree in journalism and was a reporter and editor for The Frontiersman newspaper after graduation.

"I never really loved newspaper writing like I love fiction," she said. "But it was a great training ground."

To allow more time for writing fiction, she got a job at Fireside Books in Palmer, the store that sponsored the Feb. 1 party.

While stocking books one day she stumbled upon a retelling of a Russian folktale, "The Snow Child," in a children’s paperback version illustrated by Alaska artist Barbara Lavallee.

"I got this funny feeling right then," she said. "I knew it was what I’d been looking for — a magical story set in a place that could be Alaska."

The fairy tale concerns a childless couple who make a little snowman, or rather snowgirl, who comes to life.

Ivey had been trying to write a novel for five years. She tucked that project under her bed and went to work on her own retelling of the tale in the form of an adult novel.

"And I think it was worth it," she said.

In 2006, she showed part of the book to a literary agent at the Kachemak Bay Writers Conference in Homer.

It was the beginning of a fairy tale ending.

ALASKA DREAM

The Iveys live on 20 acres on Fish Lake Road, above the Matanuska River with Castle Mountain in their front yard. They have two daughters, Grace, 12 and Aurora, 4. They’re forever expanding the house while living in it, doing all of the work themselves.

For her family, it’s an Alaska dream come true, said the author. "We do a lot of outdoors stuff. Hunting, fishing, skiing, ice skating. If you love the outdoors, Alaska is a great place to be."

It’s a long commute to Palmer, where both Sam and Eowyn work and Aurora goes to school. But the place gives them enough room for a garden. The family also heads for the subsistence fishery on the Copper River every year and puts up salmon.

"We aim for a little bit of that rugged self-sufficiency that’s part of the Alaska lifestyle," Ivey said.

But with the success of "The Snow Child," things are a little less rugged. On Valentine’s Day, she and Sam will start their week-long tour of Britain, paid for by the English publisher. This fall she’s been invited to the Festival America celebration in France, again at the publisher’s expense.

"I’m going to Paris!" she said. "I’ve never been there before."

And between those two trips, she may be occupied with trying to take another step toward living-off-the-land self-sufficiency.

"We’re going to build a greenhouse. That’s the next thing on our to-do list," she said.

"But you know about Alaskans and their to-do lists."

Reach Mike Dunham at or 257-4332.

Article Sources: Chickaloon author’s version of Russian story draws praise

To begin Monday morning’s Christian-Jewish Dialogue at Congregation Beth Ahm in Verona, the Rev. Laurin McArthur of Roseland Presbyterian Church read aloud two verses from the Gospel of St. Luke.

“If we get through this, we’ll set a record,” the reverend prefaced, chuckling.

Such is the nature of weekly round table discussions in which McArthur, the Rev. Lucy Ann Dure of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, Rabbi Aaron Kriegel of Beth Ahm and laymen participants pore over the Bible in intimate detail.

In the confines of Beth Ahm’s library, digression is not only accepted – it is welcome.

During this particular class, a few words of Scripture are expanded into an in-depth discussion on teaching and learning principles. As the conversation hops from one place to another – politics, architecture and everything in between – so does the source material in discussion. The New Testament transitions to the Torah which transitions to the teachings of Plato and then onto Martin Luther and various other biblical translations before the circle connects again.

“Much of what the Gospel is is derived from Judaism,” said Kriegel during the discussion. “It may have changed completely, but the root is still there. That’s why we’re here.”

The weekly dialogue, according to Dure, is a branching off of a program originally housed at First Presbyterian Church in Verona. After that program stopped, Kriegel was interested in continuing the Scripture study and reached out to Dure, who he knew from Verona’s interfaith 9/11 events.

Originally, the group alternated between Christian and Jewish passages. However, they have recently committed to finishing the Gospel of St. Luke – a project they have been working on for about a year, an indicator of how detailed their discussions become.

Aside from better connecting with religious texts, the program tries to connect the past to the present.

Often, participants, which range in number from half a dozen in smaller meetings to 20 or more some weeks, bring their own experiences into conversation as a way to relate.

“We always try to get back to something to do with daily life,” said Dure.

The dialogue serves as learning experience for more than its participants.

After Monday’s dialogue, all three leaders said that they learn a great deal from each other and the conversations that arise based on biblical passages.

Kriegel said that the discussions’ evolution of topics forces him to reorganize and reevaluate what he already knows. Dure and McArthur both said that Kriegel’s knowledge of ancient language help them put the verbiage of Scripture into better context – knowing not only what words and phrases have come to mean today, but also their intended meaning when actually written.

Article Sources: Christian-Jewish meeting in Verona promotes 'learning for the sake of learning'

The reason I ask this, is because every time a Christian does something as ignorant as this; it never ends well.

Videos: (Via Mediaite)

On Tuesday, Franklin Graham appeared on Morning Joe and made some statements that threw the show’s panel — which included Alex Wagner, Willie Geist, and John Heilemann — into disarray. Graham questioned President Obama‘s faith and contentiously explained why Mormons aren’t considered Christian.

Graham, throughout the interview, repeatedly said he didn’t know if President Obama was a Christian.

“I asked him when he was running… how he came to faith in Christ. He said that he was working in the South Side of Chicago in the community and they asked him — the community — asked him what church he went to, and he said ‘I don’t go to church.’ They said, ‘If you’re going to work in the community, you have to join one of our churches.’ And of course, he joined Reverend Jeremiah’s church. So that’s what his answer to my question was.”

“So therefore, by your definition, he’s not a Christian,” Geist said.

“You have to ask him,” Graham said. “I cannot answer that question for anybody.”

Mike Barnicle then asked why Graham couldn’t just say, “Yeah, I believe he’s a Christian,” in light of him saying he is, going to church, and practicing his faith.

“I accept him as what he says. If he says he’s a Christian, I accept that, I’m not going to say he’s not,” Graham said. “All I know is what Jesus Christ has done in my heart and how he’s changed my life.”

Graham also explained how the Muslim world sees President Obama as a Muslim, but he doesn’t believe he’s a Muslim. He did stop short of categorically saying he wasn’t a Muslim. “I can’t say categorically because Islam has gotten a free pass under Obama,” Graham said, pointing out the Christian minorities throughout the entire world coming under attack by Muslims, especially after the Arab Spring.

[....]

“His values are so clear on moral issues,” Graham said on Santorum. “No question about it.”

“[That's] an amazing double standard that you just applied,” an incredulous Heilemann said. “Your reaction to the difference — The question about Rick Santorum and President Obama, I think, just exposes an incredible double standard you’re applying to those people. They’re exactly the same situation!”

“No, I asked President Obama how he came to faith in Christ and he said, ‘I don’t go to church,’” Graham replied.

“Have you had that conversation with Rick Santorum?” Heilemann asked.

“I’ve talked to Rick Santorum, yes.”

“And he was just more persuasive to you?”

“I think so,” Graham said. “But you have to look at what a person does with his life. Anyone can say he’s a Christian. But you look at [how] do they live? Where do they go? And act? Listen, Obama is a nice man, I’ve met him on several occasions–”

“But you think he behaves in an un-Christian way,” Heilemann interrupted.

“No, he is a nice man. And his wife is a class act and their kids are class — You can’t help but like them,” Graham said. “So I have no idea what he really believes and I really don’t have any idea other than what Rick Santorum stands for or what he really believes.”

“What about Mitt Romney?” Wagner asked.

“I like him,”

“Is he a Christian?”

“He’s a Mormon.”

“He says he’s part of the Judeo Christian faith, do you take him at his word?”

“Most Christians would not recognize Mormonism as part of the Christian faith.”

“So he is not a Christian…”

“I’m just saying most Christians would not recognize Mormonism. Of course they believe in Jesus Christ, but they have a lot of other things that they believe in, too, that we don’t accept theologically,” Graham explained. He then added that Romney, “would be a good President if he were the nomination, because I think the man has got the ability. He’s got the strength, business-wise, political-wise — he’s a sharp guy, and he’s proven himself. Any one of these candidates–Newt Gingrich, all of them. Now, newt’s been married several times, he’s had those issues, but he could make a good candidate. And I think Newt is a Christian…at least he told me he is.”

“So Newt Gingrich is a Christian,” an exasperated Geist asked, “but you’re not sure that President Obama is!”

Again, I am not saying that these men not do not have the right to believe what they do; they do, and I also happen to agree with their assessments of Romney and somewhat on Obama. However, to haul themselves to the biggest liberal network in America and do something like this, makes these men, Christianity, the Church — look like complete buffoons. Perhaps Rev. Graham and his Ministry should concentrate more on furthering the Gospel of Christ and not be going to a liberal network and making statements which, in all honesty, does more to hurt the cause of Christ, than it ever does to help it.

In other words my friends, as a 29 year veteran of the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ; I just do not see the Godly wisdom of doing this sort of thing. It just does not strike me as something helpful for the body of Christ. Let those who have ears to hear; let them hear.

Article Sources: Why do Christians do stupid stuff like this?

SATURDAY

Integral Transformative Practice: A Spiritual Practice Realizing the Potential of Our Body, Heart, Mind and Soul, with Ruth D. Anderson, 10 a.m.-noon, 607 N. Greene St., Broome Hall, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, servantleadergreensboro.com or 275-0447.

Moriah UMC Hot Dog Sale (Helping Hands Circle) 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 3611 Liberty Road, Greensboro. Eat in or carry out.n Community Praise Nights, 4-6 p.m.; also March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 21, Aug. 11, Sept. 15, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, Beautiful Gate Baptist Church, 2009 Sharpe Road, Greensboro. Pastor Wole, 988-8347.

Valentine Banquet, 5:30 p.m., Union Cross Baptist Church, 4350 High Point Road, Kernersville. Steak, baked potato, salad and dessert. $12. For children, chicken nuggets and chips for $5. 769-2862 or unioncrossbaptist.org.

Letters and Love Songs, 7 p.m., St. Peter’s Church and World Outreach Center, 3683 Old Lexington Road, Winston-Salem. Live music from Adrienne Archie. spwoc.com or 650-0200.

SUNDAY

Speaker Kenda Creasy Dean, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 617 N. Elm St., Greensboro. fpcgreensboro.org

“Hurting Hearts” service for Wholeness & Healing, 7 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church Chapel, 3906 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. This service is for those facing challenges, whose hearts are sad or wounded. 299-3785 or westpreschurch.org

MONDAY

American Red Cross Blood Drive, 2-6:30 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3906 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. 299-3785 or westpreschurch.org

Valentine’s Day for the Homeless, 6-8 p.m., St. James Baptist Church, 536 W. Florida St., Greensboro.

TUESDAY

Black History Comes Alive Exhibit, 3-6 p.m.; also Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, through February, New Bethel Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1116 Montlieu Ave., High Point.

FEB. 18

Country Breakfast Buffet, 7-10 a.m., Hopewell United Methodist Church, 4540 Hopewell Church Road, Trinity. Eggs, grits, biscuits, gravy, pancakes, bacon, sausage, ham and choice of beverage. $7 adults, $3 ages 6 to 12, and free for 5 and younger. 431-9507.

Centering Prayer with Robin Britt and John Kelsey, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 211 W. Fisher Ave., Upper Room, The Servant Leadership School of Greensboro. servantleadergreensboro.com or 275-0447.

FEB. 19

Sexuality Seminar for Parents, 2 p.m., fellowship hall of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Friendly Avenue Campus, 3906 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. This seminar is part of the “Parenting at the Crossroads” lecture series sponsored by Children and Youth Ministries. 299-3785 or westpreschurch.org

Spiritual Renaissance Singers, 4 p.m., St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 600 E. Florida St., Greensboro; Greater First United Baptist Church, 1409 Deep River Road, High Point, on Feb. 26; Grace Presbyterian Church, 3901 Carver School Road, Winston-Salem, on March 18; and Pennybryn at Maryfield, 109 Penny Road, High Point, on March 25. srsg99.com.

Youth-led Worship at both the contemporary and traditional services in the sanctuary of Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3906 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. 299-3785 or westpreschurch.org

FEB. 21

Pancake Supper, 6 p.m., Friendens Lutheran Church, 6001 N. N.C. 61, Gibsonville. 449-7421.

FEB. 22

Ash Wednesday Service, 6:30 p.m., sanctuary of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Friendly Ave. Campus, 3906 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. Contemporary music, relevant message, imposition of ashes. 299-3785, westpreschurch.org

FEB. 25

Hot Dog and Bake Sale, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Vickrey United Methodist Church, 348 Vickrey Chapel Road, Greensboro. Benefits missions. Ann Brady, 299-4675.

FEB. 26

Youth Sunday, 8:30 a.m.; also March 25. New Beginnings Community Outreach Church, 107 W. Whittington St., Greensboro. Dance, mime and step performers. 271-2044.

Encounter Revival Ministries, 10:30 a.m.; also 7 p.m. Feb. 29-March 2, Faith Christian School gym, three miles off Highway 64 on Highway 22 South, Ramseur. 824-4477.

MARCH 13

Vienna Boys Choir, 7 p.m., West Market St. United Methodist Church, 302 W. Market St., Greensboro. $20, $15 students and seniors. wmsumc.org or 275-4587.

MARCH 18

Seasons of Hope Grief Support Ministry, 2-4 p.m., St. Pius X Catholic Church, 2210 North Elm St., Greensboro. Anyone who is mourning the loss of a loved one is encouraged to attend this six-week session and bring a guest. Sessions meet in the Kloster Center. To register, 272-4681.

APRIL 6

Requiem by John Rutter Chancel Choir and Orchestra, noon, West Market St. United Methodist Church, 302 W. Market St., Greensboro. 275-4587.

Ongoing

Adult Forum: “Embracing An Adult Faith” by Marcus Borg, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, St. Barnabas Church, 1300 Jefferson Road, Greensboro, wwwstbarnabasgreensboro.net or 294-1282.

Believing Our Lord Today, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. first Saturday each month, New Goshen United Methodist Church, 3300 Randleman Road, Greensboro. Mentoring boys ages 5-15.

Bible Study, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, New Beginnings Community Outreach Church, 107 W. Whittington St., Greensboro. 271-2044.

Bible Study in Small Groups, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Bethany Fellowship Church, 4707 High Point Road, Greensboro. bfcword.org or 230-2455.

Blessing of the Bookbags, children’s time at each worship service on Sundays, Guilford Park Presbyterian Church, 2100 Fernwood Drive, Greensboro. 288-5452.

Chair Exercise, 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Faith Presbyterian Church, 6309 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. faithpresgso.org or 292-5704.

Chancel Choir, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Faith Presbyterian Church, 6309 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. Open to all singers (and wanna-bes) who love to worship in song. faithpresgso.org or 292-5704.

Child Care Ministry, 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, East Side Baptist Church, 1859 Barnes St., Reidsville. Drop-in care available. 342-1517 or 342-1099.

Contemporary Praise and Worship Service, 8:45 a.m., Irving Park United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1510 W. Cone Blvd., Greensboro. 288-2323.

Fitness and Health Center Available for Free, Grace Chapel, 3090 U.S. 220 Business, Stoneville. Dwight Prillaman, 312-6318.

Fun-filled Free Meal, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 9429 Archdale Road, Trinity. Free community suppers. mtvernonmethodist.com, email or call 431-7217.

Health Ministry, 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Lunch and Learn is the third Wednesday of the month. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1100 Curtis St., Greensboro. Seniors’ fellowship “lunch and learn” after yoga class at noon on third Wednesday of the month. Sharon, 802-6819.

Healing School, 11 a.m. Thurs­days, The Worship Center International Church, 1605A Maple Ave., Burlington. theworshipcenter.us or 506-6001.

How to Study Your Bible, 7 p.m. Mondays, Grace Chapel, 3090 U.S. 220 Business, Stoneville. Dwight Prillaman, 312-6318.

Journey of the Spirit, 7-9 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays, EBN Too, 406 State St., Greensboro. Spiritual exploration lecture and demonstration series in a nonjudgmental, friendly, intellectual, fun and casual-dress atmosphere. networkthelight.net, or 314-0503.

Male Empowerment Network Gathering, 9 a.m. second Saturday of each month, Bethany Fellowship Church, 4707 High Point Road, Greensboro. bfcword.org or 230-2455.

Men’s Early Morning Bible Study, 6:30 a.m. Tuesdays, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church library, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro. or

Mid-Day Prayer and Bible Study, 11 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, Hunter Hills Friends Church, 1201 Merritt Drive, Greensboro.n Out of Work? We Can Help, 8:30-10 a.m. Mondays, First Presbyterian Church, 918 N. Main St., High Point. 884-2248

Prayerful Yoga, 9:15-10:30 a.m. Mondays, The Servant Leadership School of Greensboro, 211 W. Fisher Ave., Greensboro. servant leadergreensboro.com or 275-0447.

Reformers Unanimous, addictions ministry, 6:30-8:45 p.m. Fridays, Faith Temple Baptist Church, 3075 Mack Lineberry Road, Randleman. 793-6702.

Saturday Spiritual Practices, 10 a.m.-noon, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 607 N. Greene St., Greensboro. servant leadergreensboro.com or 275-0447.

Sister Bible Study, 10:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month, St. John United Methodist Church, 1304 Merritt Drive, Greensboro. 299-3866.

Telephone Prayer Conference, 6-6:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, New Beginnings Outreach Church, 107 W. Whittington St., Greensboro. 1-540-712-0350, access code 4052210.

Weekly Bible Study, 6 p.m. Fridays, Beautiful Gate Baptist Church, Greensboro. or 988-8347.

InformationDeadline for submitting announce­­ments is noon Wednesday before the Saturday of publication.Send announcements to News & Record, Religion Notes, P.O. Box 20848, Greensboro, NC 27420; or by email to Click on Religion at news-record.com for articles and the calendar of events.For information on the Featured Place of Worship or the Triad Worship Guide, contact Cheryl Pressley at 373-5793 or cheryl.pressley @news-record.com. 

Article Sources: Greensboro-area religion for the week of Feb. 11 : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad’s most trusted source for local news and analysis

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Article Sources: Christian Bale On The Dark Knight Rises, Batman: Year One

Other 2 Corinthians Bible Studies & Background

Other New Testament Studies

2 Corinthians is a great place to learn some important stuff about living in Christ.  Not only does the book contain great Christian teachings, like "jars of clay" and "the ministry of reconciliation." but 2 Corinthians also has a wealth of information about controversies over false apostles, accusations and rumors that some thought was reserved to our generation.  Who knew this stuff was in the church since the beginning?  Starting with the outline, we’ll be adding a new study each week, so stay tuned!

2 Corinthians Bible Studies:

  Bible Studies 2 Corinthians Outline

2 Corinthians 1 Study

2 Corinthians 2 Study

2 Corinthians 3 Study

2 Corinthians 4 Study

2 Corinthians 5 Study

2 Corinthians 6 Study

2 Corinthians 7 Study

2 Corinthians 8 Study

2 Corinthians 9 Study

2 Corinthians 10 Study

2 Corinthians 11 Study

2 Corinthians 12 Study

2 Corinthians 13 Study

Article Sources: 2 Corinthians Inductive Bible Studies

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Feb 21, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, GovernorGeneral of Canada, will present 3 Stars of Courage and 43 Medals ofBravery at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Friday, February 24, 2012,at 10:30 a.m.

The Decorations for Bravery were created in 1972, to recognize peoplewho risked their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others.The Cross of Valour (C.V.) recognizes acts of the most conspicuouscourage in circumstances of extreme peril; the Star of Courage (S.C.)recognizes acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of greatperil; and the Medal of Bravery (M.B.) recognizes acts of bravery inhazardous circumstances.

A media schedule for the presentation ceremony, a list of recipientsand their citations, and a fact sheet on the Decorations for Braveryare enclosed.

CEREMONY SCHEDULE Members of the media are asked to observe the following schedule: 9:45 a.m.: Media arrive at Rideau Hall 10:30 a.m.: Ceremony begins The Governor General speaks The Governor General presents the Decorations for Bravery 12 p.m.: Interviews with recipients ———————————————————————– – Constable David Edgar, S.C. Barrie, Ont. ———————————————————————— Constable Clayton Speers, S.C. Stayner, Ont. ———————————————————————— Kenneth Franklin Lehman, S.C. Espanola, Ont. ———————————————————————— ———————————————————————– – Paul George Akehurst, M.B. Ottawa, Ont. ———————————————————————— Constable Andrew Curtis Ashton, Morinville and Fort McMurray, Alta. M.B. ———————————————————————— Michel Berube, M.B. La Tuque, Que. ———————————————————————— Corporal Joseph Leandre Mickael Magog and Quebec, Que. Couture, M.B. ———————————————————————— Constable Scott Dargie, M.B. Oshawa, Ont. ———————————————————————— Steve Degrace, M.B. Beresford, N.B. ———————————————————————— Leading Seaman David J. S. Denman, Shearwater, N.S. M.B. ———————————————————————— Constable Karen Mary Desaulniers, Ottawa, Ont. M.B. ———————————————————————— Constable Patrick Duerden, M.B. Oakville and Milton, Ont. ———————————————————————— Chief Warrant Officer Anthony Eric Bonne-Esperance, Que. and Fequet, M.B., C.D. (Retired) Amherstview, Ont. ———————————————————————— Sergeant Lorraine Fequet, M.B., Ottawa and Amherstview, Ont. C.D. ———————————————————————— Constable Avery Curt Flanagan, M.B. Ottawa, Ont. ———————————————————————— Warrant Officer Marc Joseph Fortin, Notre-Dame-d’Hebertville and M.B., C.D. (Retired) Gatineau, Que. ———————————————————————— Monique Gagnon, M.B. Petit-Rocher, N.B. ———————————————————————— Kevin Gooding, M.B. Stoney Creek, Ont. ———————————————————————— Donald George Gough, M.B. Summerland, B.C. ———————————————————————— Jewel James, M.B. Kirkland Lake and Swastika, Ont. ———————————————————————— Bernard Keetash, M.B. Mishkeegogamang, Ont. ———————————————————————— Richard Kelly, M.B. (Posthumous) Oshawa, Ont. ———————————————————————— Lana Mae Krieser, M.B. Brandon, Man. ———————————————————————— Jonathan Yvan Leblond, M.B. Embrun, Ont. ———————————————————————— Constable George J. MacNeil, M.B. Kenora, Ont. ———————————————————————— William Edward Lance Matthews, M.B. Mansfield, Ont. ———————————————————————— Constable Kris Miclash, M.B. Kenora, Ont. ———————————————————————— Ross P. Moore, M.B. Dwight, Ont. ———————————————————————— Tina Maryann Moores, M.B. Grand Falls-Windsor, N.L. (Posthumous) ———————————————————————— Jeffrey W. Neekan Sr., M.B. Thunder Bay, Ont. ———————————————————————— Peter Nesbeth, M.B. Ottawa, Ont. ———————————————————————— Constable Allen George Percival, Ottawa, Ont. M.B. ———————————————————————— Sergeant John K. Potts, M.B. Hastings and Larder Lake, Ont. ———————————————————————— Lindsy Richardson, M.B. Ottawa, Ont. ———————————————————————— Madden Sarver, M.B. 100 Mile House, B.C. ———————————————————————— Major Ryan Denis Smid, M.B., C.D. Edmonton, Alta. ———————————————————————— Elaine Kathryne Spray, M.B. Lundar, Man. (Posthumous) ———————————————————————— Jakki Spray, M.B. Lundar, Man. ———————————————————————— Constable Michelle L. Stinson, M.B. La Ronge, Sask. and Kirkland Lake, Ont. ———————————————————————— Chance William Gene Stewart, M.B. Vancouver, B.C. ———————————————————————— Colleen Taylor, M.B. Ottawa, Ont. ———————————————————————— Frank William Taylor, M.B. Ladysmith, B.C. ———————————————————————— Kevin Thomas, M.B. Oshawa, Ont. ———————————————————————— Philbert Truong, M.B. (Posthumous) Victoria, B.C. ———————————————————————— Constable Christopher C. Wells, Wetaskiwin, Alta. M.B. ———————————————————————— Ian Joseph Wheeler, M.B., C.D. St. John’s, N.L. ———————————————————————— Constable David Edgar, S.C. Barrie, Ontario Constable Clayton Speers, S.C. Stayner, Ontario Star of Courage

On July 5, 2009, constables David Edgar and Clayton Speers, of theBarrie Police Service, risked their lives in the line of duty, inBarrie, Ontario. The constables were escorting a distressed male whenhe struck Constable Speers in the neck area with a knife. ConstableEdgar quickly stepped forward to help but the agitated man stabbedhim in the neck as well. Despite their wounds, the officers shot atthe assailant as he ran down the street towards a shopping area,waving his knife as he fled. Bleeding profusely from his wound,Constable Edgar followed the suspect who would not heed the commandsto drop his weapon. Fearing for the safety of the public, the officerwas forced to shoot, fatally wounding the assailant. Both officerswere later transported to a hospital where they were treated fortheir life-threatening injuries.

Kenneth Franklin Lehman, S.C. Espanola, Ontario Star of Courage

On March 22, 2009, Kenneth Lehman risked his life to rescue a man froman apartment fire, in Espanola, Ontario. Mr. Lehman was driving bythe building when he noticed the fire. He pushed in the back door,only to be met by intense heat and thick, black smoke. Crawling, hefelt his way around until he found an unconscious victim. Suddenly,an explosion went off in the apartment, forcing Mr. Lehman to quicklymove the man out into the hallway. He then pulled the fire alarm andopened the main door to let others in to help evacuate other tenants.Although the victim suffered severe burns, he survived, thanks to Mr.Lehman’s courageous efforts that day.

Paul George Akehurst, M.B Ottawa, Ontario Constable Karen Mary Desaulniers, M.B. Ottawa, Ontario Chief Warrant Officer Anthony Eric Fequet, M.B., C.D. (Retired) Bonne-Esperance, Quebec and Amherstview, Ontario Sergeant Lorraine Fequet, M.B., C.D. Ottawa and Amherstview, Ontario Constable Avery Curt Flanagan, M.B. Ottawa, Ontario Warrant Officer Marc Joseph Fortin, M.B., C.D. (Retired) Notre-Dame-d’Hebertville and Gatineau, Quebec Constable Allen George Percival, M.B. Ottawa, Ontario Major Ryan Denis Smid, M.B., C.D. Edmonton, Alberta Medal of Bravery

On October 12, 2007, a minivan swerved off the road and plunged intothe Rideau Canal, in Ottawa, Ontario. Witnesses to the accident,Lorraine and Tony Fequet jumped into the water to reach the driver,without any thought for their own safety. Through the partiallyopened window, Mrs. Fequet held the driver’s head up out of the waterjust as Messrs. Akehurst, Fortin and Smid jumped in the canal toassist. While Messrs. Fortin and Smid tried repeatedly to break thevehicle’s window, Mr. Akehurst reached in and unbuckled the man’sseat belt. Constables Desaulniers, Flanagan and Percival then arrivedon the scene, grabbed the seat cushion from their cruiser, and swamout to the van. They opened the door and, with help from the otherrescuers, brought the driver to shore using the cruiser seat as aflotation device. Sadly, the driver did not survive.

Constable Andrew Curtis Ashton, M.B. Morinville and Fort McMurray, Alberta Constable Christopher C. Wells, M.B. Wetaskiwin, Alberta Medal of Bravery

On December 25, 2007, RCMP Constable Andrew Ashton and ConstableChristopher Wells, of the Louis Bull Police Service, rescued a womanfrom a burning house, in Hobbema, Alberta. Responding to a distresscall concerning a suicidal woman, the police constables noticed smokeescaping through the soffits of her residence. Constable Ashtonkicked open the door and entered, but was forced out by a wall ofsmoke and intense heat. With the help of other police officers, theysmashed the windows on the main floor as flames rapidly engulfed theinterior. Constable Ashton again crawled through the front door andmade his way upstairs while Constable Wells climbed through one ofthe second-floor windows. They located the unconscious victim andpassed her through the window to the other officers waiting outside.The woman survived, in great part, thanks to the perseverancedisplayed by the constables that day.

Michel Berube, M.B. La Tuque, Quebec Medal of Bravery

On March 29, 2009, Michel Berube rescued his older brother whosesnowmobile had broken through the ice on the St-Maurice River, in theHaute-Mauricie region of Quebec. Mr. Berube and his brother had beenriding on separate machines when the older man travelled onto thinnerice and fell in. As he tried to save his brother, Mr. Berube, too,fell into the deep water. He managed to calm his frantic brotherenough so that he could push him up onto solid ice before pullinghimself out. He dragged his brother, who had become unresponsive, upthe river bank. Over the next few hours, Mr. Berube workedrelentlessly to keep his brother warm; he was able to bring him to acottage in the forest, where he called for help.

Corporal Joseph Leandre Mickael Couture, M.B. Magog and Quebec, Quebec Medal of Bravery

On September 13, 2009, Corporal Mickael Couture voluntarily risked hislife to rescue the injured driver of a burning vehicle, inAfghanistan. The military vehicle was carrying ammunition at the timeit was hit by an improvised explosive device. Once the dust from theexplosion had settled, four of the passengers escaped and ran forshelter. Corporal Couture, who had been in another vehicle, heardthat the driver was still inside the burning wreckage. Without athought for his own safety, he ran to the vehicle, dodging ammunitionas it fired off in all directions from within the truck. He quicklylocated the driver, pulled him out, and dragged him a safe distanceaway. Even after he realized that the driver had died from theordeal, Corporal Couture chose to stay with the body, shielding itbehind a wall, out of the path of flying projectiles.

Constable Scott Dargie, M.B. Oshawa, Ontario Richard Kelly, M.B. (Posthumous) Oshawa, Ontario Kevin Thomas, M.B. Oshawa, Ontario Medal of Bravery

On November 29, 2008, Richard Kelly, Constable Scott Dargie and KevinThomas risked their lives in an effort to restrain a violent man, inOshawa, Ontario. An armed intruder had entered Mr. Kelly’s house andattacked his wife and his two youngest sons. Mr. Kelly was stabbedseveral times as he tried to keep the man away from the other membersof the family in the house. Despite his wounds, Mr. Kelly managed tograb the knife away from the attacker and throw it into the basement.He then stumbled outside, where he fell to the ground. ConstableDargie then arrived at the scene and was confronted by the attacker,who came at him with a hammer. Constable Dargie drew his gun andordered the man to drop his weapon; but the deranged man ran insideanother house and threatened to strike its elderly occupant.Constable Dargie followed him and fired two shots, successfullydisabling the assailant. The constable then dragged the strugglingman outside, where, with the help of Mr. Thomas, he was restrained.Sadly, the ordeal cost the lives of Mr. Kelly, his wife and one oftheir sons.

The decoration awarded to the late Mr. Kelly will be received by hissons, Messrs. Brandon Kelly and Riley Kelly.

Steve Degrace, M.B. Beresford, New Brunswick Monique Gagnon, M.B. Petit-Rocher, New Brunswick Medal of Bravery

On September 18, 2009, Steve Degrace and Monique Gagnon rescued a manfrom a burning house, in St. Margarets, New Brunswick. The victim hadattempted to extinguish a fire which had started in the kitchen, butthe flames quickly spread to other rooms in the house. Upon noticingthe smoke, Mr. Degrace and Ms. Gagnon ran to the house. Mr. Degracetwice entered the house but could not find anyone. Then he and Ms.Gagnon entered a third time and found a man in the kitchen. Flameswere shooting out through the windows and thick, black smoke filledthe house. As they grabbed the agitated victim and pulled him towardthe exit, the man fell; with great difficulty, they were able to draghim outside. Sadly, the victim did not survive.

Lieutenant(N) Andre D. Bard, M.B. Esquimalt, British Columbia Leading Seaman David J. S. Denman, M.B. Shearwater, Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery

On September 23, 2009, while working as a dive team, Lieutenant AndreBard and Leading Seaman David Denman risked their lives to search forpossible live ammunition in a pond, in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia. Anunknown number of grenades had been thrown into a large pond. One ofthe explosives had malfunctioned and was in an extremely dangerousstate. Using a metal mine detector in the murky water, the dive teamsearched the bottom of the pond, where they found the unexplodedgrenade buried deep in the mud. The device was carried a safedistance away and detonated. Lieutenant Bard and Leading SeamanDenman continued their thorough search of the pond, finding andremoving other weapon fragments.

The decoration awarded to Lieutenant(N) Bard will be presented at alater date.

Constable Patrick Duerden, M.B. Oakville and Milton, Ontario Medal of Bravery

On August 8, 2006, Constable Patrick Duerden, of the Toronto PoliceService, entered a burning house in the city’s west end to rescue itselderly occupant. Upon arrival at the scene, Constable Duerden couldsee that the house was filled with smoke. He ran inside through theback door, but was quickly forced out by the intense smoke. Here-entered the dwelling and, despite the limited visibility, locatedthe victim who was unconscious in a hallway near where the fire wasblazing. Feeling his way towards the back door, Constable Duerdendragged the severely burned woman outside just as the fire departmentarrived. Sadly, the woman did not survive.

Kevin Gooding, M.B. Stoney Creek, Ontario Medal of Bravery

On November 21, 2008, Kevin Gooding placed himself at considerable riskto rescue a man from a burning vehicle, in Hamilton, Ontario. Mr.Gooding noticed an out-of control vehicle hit a guard rail and spinacross the highway. The impact caused the vehicle to burst intoflames. As flames poured out through the shattered back window, Mr.Gooding ran to the vehicle where he frantically pulled and kicked atthe damaged front passenger door. Thick, black smoke filled theinside as the flames spread behind the driver’s seat, setting thevictim’s hair and coat on fire. Mr. Gooding succeeded in opening thedoor and unbuckling the victim’s seatbelt. After dragging the man outof the vehicle, Mr. Gooding put out the flames on the victim and thenhelped him walk a safe distance away.

Donald George Gough, M.B. Summerland, British Columbia Medal of Bravery

On May 23, 2007, Donald Gough rescued an elderly man from a possibledrowning in the Similkameen River, in Manning Park, British Columbia.The victim had lost control of his vehicle, which landed upside downin the middle of the river. The car suddenly flipped upright andbecame lodged on some rocks, allowing the victim to crawl out of hisbroken window and lean on the edge of the car door. Mr. Gough arrivedand quickly took charge of the situation by directing other witnessesto different sections of the riverbank to keep the victim in sight.He drove back to his nearby office and returned with four lengths offire hose tied together. Tying one end around his waist, Mr. Goughproceeded into the freezing water and, with great difficulty in thestrong current, made his way to the barely conscious victim. Mr.Gough tied the hose around the victim’s chest, and called out to theothers on shore to pull them in. In the end, Mr. Gough let go of thehose and allowed himself and the victim to be carried downstream,where they made it to shore. The hypothermic victim survived theordeal.

Jewel James, M.B. Kirkland Lake and Swastika, Ontario Sergeant John K. Potts, M.B. Hastings and Larder Lake, Ontario Constable Michelle L. Stinson, M.B. La Ronge, Saskatchewan and Kirkland Lake, Ontario Medal of Bravery

On October 23, 2008, Jewel James, Sergeant John Potts and ConstableMichelle Stinson of the Ontario Provincial Police entered a burninghouse to rescue an elderly couple, in Larder Lake, Ontario. SergeantPotts and Constable Stinson, who were not on duty, were driving bywhen they noticed smoke escaping from the eaves of a house. They ranup to the house just as Ms. James arrived to assist. They made theirway into the kitchen, where they found a woman who was unaware of thefire. Constable Stinson and Ms. James escorted the woman outsidewhile Sergeant Potts located a man sleeping in one of the bedrooms.Sergeant Potts brought the man outside, through flames that had nowspread through the main entrance. He re-entered the house one lasttime to check for other residents, while Constable Stinson and Ms.James stood guard at the door to keep the frantic couple fromre-entering the house. Within a minute of Sergeant Potts’ exiting,the house was completely engulfed.

Bernard Keetash, M.B. Mishkeegogamang, Ontario Mark Montour, M.B. Mishkeegogamang, Ontario Jeffrey W. Neekan Sr., M.B. Thunder Bay, Ontario Medal of Bravery

On January 26, 2008, Bernard Keetash, Mark Montour and Jeffrey Neekanrescued a 13-year-old boy from a burning house, in Mishkeegogamang,Ontario. When a fire broke out in their home, the occupants were ableto evacuate all but one of their children to safety. In despair, theparents cried out to their neighbours that the boy was still inside.Messrs. Keetash, Montour and Neekan wrapped wet blankets aroundthemselves and made their way upstairs, despite the intense heat.After locating the boy, Mr. Keetash picked him up and carried him outof the blaze. Although the victim suffered from burns and smokeinhalation, he survived, thanks to his three brave rescuers.

The decoration awarded to Mr. Montour will be presented at a laterdate.

Lana Mae Krieser, M.B. Brandon, Manitoba Medal of Bravery

On June 8, 2009, Lana Krieser rescued an 11-year-old boy who waselectrocuted during a school trip, in Clear Lake, Manitoba. Whilehiking on a trail, the boy and his friend noticed an orange glowcoming from a bush. After finding a dead deer, the boys werepreparing to leave when the victim slipped on the wet grass, fell tothe ground and came in contact with a live hydro wire. His friend ranto get Ms. Krieser, who rushed to the scene to find the boy inconvulsions and a small brush fire burning close by. Without anyconcern for her own safety, Ms. Krieser approached the boy and triedto move him, electrocuting herself in the process. She stepped backfor a moment, then grabbed onto the boy’s clothing and managed topull him several feet away until help arrived. Despite knowing therisks involved in moving the victim while he was still in contactwith the power line, Ms. Krieser’s actions saved the boy’slife.

Christian Leblond, M.B. Quebec, Quebec Jonathan Yvan Leblond, M.B. Embrun, Ontario Medal of Bravery

On July 22, 2008, brothers Jonathan and Christian Leblond risked theirlives to help care for their mother who had been shot by herex-boyfriend, in Ottawa, Ontario. Following a dispute that endedtheir relationship, the man returned to the house during the nightand shot the woman. Without regard for their own safety, Jonathan andChristian ran into the room to help their mother while theintoxicated attacker stood nearby with the gun still in his hand.Sixteen-year-old Jonathan kept his calm and ordered the assailant tocall 911 while he tried to stop the bleeding. During this time,13-year-old Christian ran to get their neighbour and then continuedto apply pressure to his mother’s wound. Jonathan and Christiandemonstrated exceptional bravery in coming to their mother’s aid, whosurvived the ordeal.

The decoration awarded to Mr. Christian Leblond will be presented ata later date.

Constable George J. MacNeil, M.B. Kenora, Ontario Constable Kris Miclash, M.B. Kenora, Ontario Medal of Bravery

On May 4, 2007, constables George MacNeil and Kris Miclash, of theTreaty Three Police, risked their lives to apprehend an armed man, inGrassy Narrows First Nation, Ontario. The officers had confronted aman who had been firing a .223-calibre pump-action rifle. ConstablesMacNeil and Miclash took cover behind their vehicle, while yelling atthe attacker to drop his weapon. Without any concern for thebystanders, the inebriated suspect kept approaching the officers andshot twice at them. During the intense confrontation, the officers,fearing for their lives and for the safety of onlookers, shot at theman, causing him to fall and drop his rifle. The constables thensecured the weapon and restrained the injured gunman until anambulance arrived.

William Edward Lance Matthews, M.B. Mansfield, Ontario Medal of Bravery

On March 16, 2009, Lance Matthews rescued an elderly woman from aburning house, in Mulmer Township, Ontario. When Mr. Matthews noticedsmoke coming from a neighbour’s house, he called 911 and drove to thescene. Upon arrival, he saw the raging fire and broke down the lockeddoor with a tool to gain access inside. Through the thick, blacksmoke, he found the unconscious woman halfway up the stairs. Hepicked up her up and carried the badly burned victim a safe distancefrom the house. He then tried to re-enter the house to rescue thewoman’s disabled husband, but was unable to do so because of theblaze. Sadly, neither victim survived.

Ross P. Moore, M.B. Dwight, Ontario Medal of Bravery

On March 15, 2007, Ross Moore rescued a man whose snowmobile had brokenthrough the thin ice of the Oxtongue River, in Dwight, Ontario. Fromhis home, Mr. Moore heard a cry for help and quickly made his way tothe river. A young man was clinging to the edge of the ice andfighting the strong current. Without any hesitation, Mr. Moorecrouched down onto the ice and approached the victim. He removed hissweatshirt and extended one of its sleeves to the man. The ice wascracking all around them as Mr. Moore pulled the man out. He walkedthe hypothermic victim back to his home until help arrived.

Brian Dean Fowlow, M.B. Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador Dennis William Robert Fowlow, M.B. Buchans, Newfoundland and Labrador Tina Maryann Moores, M.B. (Posthumous) Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador Sharon Rose Sparkes, M.B. Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador Medal of Bravery

On August 15, 2009, Brian Fowlow, Dennis Fowlow, Tina Moores and hersister, Sharon Sparkes, were instrumental in the rescue of a littlegirl from a possible drowning in an area known as Little Sandy, nearBuchans, Newfoundland and Labrador. The child had been playing with afriend in the water, when she slipped off a sandbank and fell intodeeper water. The older girl alerted Mrs. Moores, who immediately raninto the lake and swam out to the victim. Upon reaching her, Mrs.Moores held the girl’s head above water and struggled to stay afloat.Ms. Sparkes swam out to them, grabbed the girl and started to makeher way back against the strong current. At the same time, Dennis andBrian Fowlow swam out to help, reaching the pair just as othersarrived by boat and were able to pull the unconscious girl onboard tobegin CPR. The girl was finally revived, but sadly, Mrs. Mooresdisappeared beneath the surface of the water.

The decoration awarded to the late Mrs. Moores will be received byher husband, Mr. Dale Wilson Moores. The decorations awarded toMessrs. Brian Fowlow and Dennis Fowlow were presented at a previousceremony. The decoration awarded to Ms. Sparkes will be presented ata later date.

Peter Nesbeth, M.B. Ottawa, Ontario Lindsy Richardson, M.B. Ottawa, Ontario Medal of Bravery

On September 25, 2008, OC Transpo special constables Peter Nesbeth andLindsy Richardson pulled an elderly man from a burning vehicle, inOttawa, Ontario. The confused man had been driving his vehicle in abus lane by mistake, when he crashed against a tree, causing themotor to catch fire. When the constables arrived on the scene, Mr.Nesbeth tried unsuccessfully to gain entry through the passenger sidewhile Mr. Richardson pulled open the driver’s door. They managed topull the driver free just as flames reached the interior of thevehicle. The rescuers then dragged the victim to a safe location asthe fire was spreading into the surrounding trees.

Madden Sarver, M.B. 100 Mile House, British Columbia Medal of Bravery

On January 30, 2009, Madden Sarver rescued his severely injured brotherafter their helicopter had crashed in a remote mountainous area nearGrande Cache, Alberta. The brothers had run into bad weather andcould not maintain course. Mr. Sarver pulled his brother out of thewreckage and brought him a safe distance away. He then collected allthe survival gear and clothing to keep his brother warm. Mr. Sarverset up a makeshift shelter, gathered wood, and built a fire. He thentrekked several kilometres through deep snow to a logging road, wherea search helicopter, unable to reach the crash site, had landed.Seventeen hours after the crash, Mr. Sarver led paramedics to thevictim, who was then carried to the awaiting helicopter. Thanks toMr. Sarver’s determination, the victim survived.

Elaine Kathryne Spray, M.B. (Posthumous) Lundar, Manitoba Jakki Spray, M.B. Lundar, Manitoba Medal of Bravery

On September 8, 2009, Elaine Spray and her daughter, Jakki, rescuedJakki’s three children from their burning bungalow, near theInterlake community of Deerhorn, Manitoba. Early that morning, Jakkiand her mother were awakened by a fire in the living room. Unable toreach the bedroom where two of her daughters were sleeping, Jakkireturned to her own room, broke out the window and gently dropped hertwo-year-old daughter to the ground below. Jakki then crawled out,placed her daughter in her vehicle and ran back to the house.Meanwhile, her mother, Elaine, had successfully rescued thesix-year-old, but collapsed from the thick, black smoke before shecould reach her eldest granddaughter. Jakki climbed through thebroken window and retrieved her unconscious daughter. Unable to lifther mother outside, Jakki then drove to a neighbour’s house for help.Sadly, Elaine Spray succumbed to smoke inhalation and did notsurvive.

The decoration awarded to the late Mrs. Elaine Spray will be receivedby her granddaughters, Miss Jo-Lene Spray and Miss DanielleLoewen.

Chance William Gene Stewart, M.B. Vancouver, British Columbia Medal of Bravery

On December 30, 2008, Chance Stewart risked his life to rescue hissister, who had fallen down a steep mountain slope into the frozenwaters of Rice Lake, in the District of North Vancouver, BritishColumbia. Mr. Stewart, his sister and a friend had stopped at acanyon along the Baden-Powell hiking trail when his sister lost herfooting and tumbled down the canyon wall. She struck her head on arock and then broke through the ice, into the frigid lake. Shemanaged to hang on to a rock in the water while Mr. Stewart, fearinghe could not safely negotiate the precipitous descent, telephoned forhelp. When he saw his sister suddenly lose her grip and get carriedaway by the current, he slid down the slope and entered the water. Hesuccessfully dragged his sister out onto shore and tried to keep herwarm while their friend ran to a nearby house and called for anambulance. It took over 90 minutes for rescuers to reach them andpull the victim up the embankment. She was then brought to a hospitalwhere she was treated for her injuries.

Colleen Taylor, M.B. Ottawa, Ontario Medal of Bravery

On November 28, 2008, Colleen Taylor risked her life to rescue a womanfrom a possible drowning, in Jiulia Lake, in Carp, Ontario. The womanhad been walking her dog when it ran out to chase a goose and fellinto the freezing water, several metres from shore. The woman triedto rescue her dog, but she, too, broke through the ice. Ms. Taylorwas driving by when she saw the woman struggling to get out of thewater. Moving carefully across the thin ice until she was only a fewmetres from the victim, Ms. Taylor threw one end of a dog leash tothe woman, who grabbed on tightly. Ms. Taylor got down on her stomachand, with great determination, pulled the victim out and brought herto shore.

Frank William Taylor, M.B. Ladysmith, British Columbia Medal of Bravery

On July 22, 2008, Frank Taylor rescued his neighbour who was trappedinside his house engulfed in flames, in Chemainus, British Columbia.After hearing an explosion, Mr. Taylor ran onto the porch and saw thebadly burnt victim trying to pull himself out through a window. Mr.Taylor grabbed the man under the armpits and pulled him backwards,out onto the porch. With the help of his father-in-law, Mr. Taylorthen kicked down the railings of the deck and brought the victim intothe yard. With damaged, live power lines dangling above them, Mr.Taylor was able to bring the man a safe distance away.

Philbert Truong, M.B. (Posthumous) Victoria, British Columbia Medal of Bravery

On July 19, 2008, 20-year-old Phil Truong lost his life trying toprotect a friend during an altercation outside a night club, inVictoria, British Columbia. During the evening, a man unknown to themengaged in a brief verbal dispute with Mr. Truong’s friend. After theclub had closed, the same man, accompanied by an accomplice carryinga gun, confronted Mr. Truong’s friend. A brief altercation ensued,during which the gunman drew his weapon. Mr. Truong moved in front ofhis friend to protect him and was shot in the chest; he diedinstantly.

The decoration awarded to the late Mr. Truong will be received by hisfather, Mr. Lap Trung Truong.

Ian Joseph Wheeler, M.B., C.D. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Medal of Bravery

On March 9, 2009, civilian search and rescue technician Ian Wheelersaved the only surviving victim of a helicopter crash off the coastof Newfoundland. The helicopter, carrying18 passengers and crew, wasen route to an oil platform when it crashed into the Atlantic,leaving the lone survivor severely injured. The man was falling inand out of consciousness as he floated in a field of debris. Mr.Wheeler was lowered from a rescue helicopter and foughttwo-metre-high waves and the wind action from the rotor blades toreach the victim. The rescue basket was lowered to them, and aftermany attempts, Mr. Wheeler was able to place the injured man inside.Mr. Wheeler remained un-tethered during the lift as he tended to thehypothermic victim, ensuring he was safe and well secured.

FACT SHEET ON THE DECORATIONS FOR BRAVERY

The Decorations for Bravery were created in 1972. They recognizepeople who risk their lives and choose to defy their own instinct ofsurvival to try to save a loved one or a perfect stranger whose lifeis in immediate danger.

The three levels of the Decorations for Bravery reflect the degree towhich the recipients put themselves at risk:

The Cross of Valour (C.V.) recognizes acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril. TheStar of Courage (S.C.) recognizes acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril. TheMedal of Bravery (M.B.) recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.

ELIGIBILITY AND NOMINATION

Anyone is free to propose the name of a person who has risked injuryor death in an attempt to rescue another person. The incident neednot have taken place in Canada, and the rescuer need not be Canadian,but Canadians or Canadian interests must be involved. The Decorationsmay be awarded posthumously.

Nominations must be made within two years of the incident, or withintwo years after a public entity, including a court, a quasi-judicialtribunal or a coroner, has concluded its review of the circumstancessurrounding the incident or act of bravery.

For more information on the Decorations for Bravery, please visit gg.ca/document.aspx?id=73 .

Contacts: Marie-Eve Letourneau Rideau Hall Press Office 613-998-0287 gg.ca

SOURCE: Governor General of Canada

mailto: gg.ca

Copyright 2012 Marketwire, Inc., All rights reserved.

Article Sources: Governor General to Present 46 Decorations for Bravery

Whenever you make the mistake of getting married for the wrong reasons, your union has less of a chance to survive for very long. You may find yourself searching for the perfect person to make you happy before you get married. The best reason for marrying someone is because you love them so much that you want to devote your life to making them happy. Marriages work out much better when you are willing to ensure that your partner is happy even before you are happy yourself.

The Bible is a great source for the strength that you need to do this. There are all types of problems that you can experience in your marriage, so relying on these pieces of advice will help considerably.

1. Mark 8:36 – “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit his own soul?” Married partners do not have to give up their own identities in order to live for their spouses.

2. I Corinthians 13:4&5 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” You simply need to read this verse a few times in order to understand everything you need to know.

3. I Corinthians 7:27 – “Are you married? Do not seek a divorce.” It’s not that hard to understand this verse either. God does not want anyone who enters into a marriage to get a divorce no matter what problems you’re experiencing.

4. Proverbs 15:17 – “Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.” You definitely shouldn’t use financial problems as a reason to get divorced. When you get married, you promise to God that you will stand by your partner’s side no matter what.

5. Luke 6:37 – “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven”. You should take this stance towards people who strive to be enemies with you, but you should also do so when it comes to those who you love.

These are only a few examples of how the Bible tells us to live a life without divorce. There’s good reason why this book has sold the most copies of any book in history. Doc No. 34Sdlhgsdl -sds

Kristie Brown writes on a variety of topics from health to technology. Check out her websites on Free marriage advice and How to save a marriage

Tags: Free marriage advice, How to save a marriage, marriage

Article Sources: Keep Your Marriage Strong By Relying on the Power of These Bible Verses

What do women want? </p><p>According to the romantic comedy “This Means War,” it’s to be caught in a love triangle between two handsome secret agents so committed to winning her heart that each has his own CIA unit monitoring her every conversation and move, even into the bedroom. </p><p>It’s as creepy as it sounds, but then “This Means War,” directed by McG (“Charlie’s Angels”) from a screenplay by Timothy Dowling (“Just Go With It”) and Simon Kinberg (“Mr. & Mrs. Smith”), seems to have been made my men who have never met a woman, much less asked her what she wants.</p><p>Reese Witherspoon plays Lauren, a Pasadena product tester whose best friend (Chelsea Handler) signs her up for an Internet dating site and soon finds herself torn between lifelong best friends Franklin Delano Roosevelt “FDR” Foster (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy).</p><p> It’s Tuck, a sweet divorced dad, who connects with Lauren online, but even after they make goo-goo eyes over coffee, Lauren agrees to go out with swinging bachelor FDR, whom she meets in a video store. Since Tuck’s cover is that he’s a travel agent, it might as well be 1996.</p><p>For the women in the audience, it’s one fantasy date after another, as Tuck and Lauren go trapeze-swinging under a big top lit with a disco ball and FDR takes her to an undisclosed location in which some of the most famous paintings of Gustav Klimt sit in packing crates. </p><p>To wake up the men there are three not terribly convincing action sequences at the beginning, middle and end of the movie in which Tuck and FDR go after an international arms dealer (Til Schweiger). </p><p>In Witherspoon’s last modern-dress love triangle, James L. Brooks’ “How Do You Know,” she was torn between a baseball-playing bad boy played by Owen Wilson and a disgraced businessman played by Paul Rudd. </p><p>“This Means War” is a comedown from even that lukewarm mess: from the once-lionized Brooks to action hack McG, from Wilson and Rudd to bland Pine (Captain Kirk in J. J. Abrams’ rebooted “Star Trek”) and edgy Hardy. (This offbeat British up-and-comer will be going up against Christian Bale as the skull-crushing Bane in July’s conclusion to the “Dark Knight” trilogy; he deserves better than getting shot in the crotch with a paintball gun.) </p><p>Handler, as a desperate housewife swigging vodka out of a sippy cup, makes an unlikely best friend for wholesome Lauren. Her stand-up persona has been grafted onto the movie like a festering herpes sore; while Lauren sits in rapt attention, Handler drones on and on about her unfulfilling sex life. But it’s FDR who says what the audience is thinking: “Why does she listen to that old man?”</p><p>That’s the only good laugh in this date movie made by committee, which is guaranteed to sour even the most amorous couple’s night.

Article Sources: ‘This Means War,’ and war is hell

How Dennis Altman’s seminal 1971 work, Homosexual: Oppression and Liberation, struck an enduring chord with SX’s sex writer, Barry Lowe.  

There are few books that have changed my life. If for even one second you thought the Christian Bible was one of them go to the back of the class, do not pass Go, do not collect two hundred. Apart from Felching for the Over-40s and Devil Worship for Dummies, the book that has been most influential in my life is Dennis Altman’s seminal work, now re-released to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of its release, Homosexual: Oppression and Liberation.

I still have my well-thumbed hardback copy, heavily underlined and annotated. I was already out and proud on its release in 1971, having told my mum six years before that I was in a relationship with a man. She in turn passed that information on to my dad. Contrary to my expectations at the time, my mum took it badly and my dad took it in his stride. However, the family doctor was called in to convince me of the ‘error of my ways’. I used the information I had gleaned from the Pelican paperback edition of D.J. West’s influential but often wrong-footed Homosexuality to demolish his arguments which were a rehash of Christian bugaboo that we still have to endure to this day.

It had taken me quite a while to pluck up the courage to enter the hallowed portals of a bookshop in the Haymarket to buy the book being but a callow schoolboy at the time. It was addictive. Later I bought Anthony Storr’s much less supportive (from memory) Sexual Deviation which managed to stigmatise many of the sexual variations many of us take for granted today. It must give the psychiatric profession great satisfaction that it can disenfranchise whole swathes of the community with the creation of new illnesses just by creating a name for them then decades later shrug them off with nary an apology to the millions of lives ruined.

Class action anyone for the wholesale misery caused by defining homosexuality as a psychiatric illness thereby creating the hideous support services of aversion therapy and other such junk science? Need another Porsche in the garage? I know, let’s manufacture another psychiatric ‘illness’.

It was into this stinking shithouse of psychobabble, mental hospital and prison punishment, community prejudice and legal discrimination that Dennis Altman’s subversive tome brought a little light into this 24-year-old poofter’s life. The power of Altman’s argument coalesced what I had been groping towards, putting into coherent form a bible every bit as important as Germaine Greer’s pivotal The Female Eunuch. It’s probably difficult for gay men today to realise what an important breakthrough Altman’s book was for my generation regardless of whether they read it or not. Dennis became, through his writings, interviews and speeches, a definite menace to the heterosexual norm.

His ideas permeated our thinking, freed us from the outmoded concepts of homosexuality as sin. I joined various Gay Lib groups that sprang up in those heady days of the Lavender Spring. We discussed dreadfully serious topics in terms which I sometimes did not understand, demonstrated in the streets, attended conferences which sometimes seemed mired in their own self-importance, but we always kept an eye on the baby steps we were taking.

And let’s not forget the fucking. Oh, the glorious fucking. For, with the liberation of our minds came the liberation of our bodies and at the end of the day, we were all randy young men interested in other randy men and what better place to find one (or more) than in a like-minded group? Cocksucking and buggery became a political act giving the finger to the police, the church and the established order. No wonder we hero-worshipped Dennis.

I still remember sitting in what was then the NIDA Theatre at the Uni of NSW, listening to Dennis speak to the students, many of whom still believed homosexuality was ‘caused’ by a weak father and a strong mother. Ah, the power of cliché. I’m not sure he had much impact on the hetero students but he did on the gay male ones. We discussed his visit for weeks after. And whether we’d fuck him.

Dennis Altman never fucked me in the conventional sense but he sure fucked my mind – in the best way imaginable. That mindfuck has lasted forty years and, dear lord, the orgasm!

Article Sources: Dennis The Mindfuck