From the Bible

January 29, 2015

by Jerry Kingery

The Fish Net Broke

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.
And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

from Luke 5

For a free Scripture packet, please write From the Bible, BIBLE FOUNDATION, PO Box 908, Newberg, Oregon 97132. email: bf@bf.org.

Atlanta School Teacher Casey J is Headed to #1 on Billboard Chart with Radio Smash “Fill Me Up”

Birmingham Times

January 29, 2015

Atlanta native, Casey J, currently a Duluth elementary school teacher – is headed to #1 on Billboard Magazine’s Gospel Airplay chart with her debut radio smash “Fill Me Up.” The song has been in rotation at gospel radio stations across the country since this past spring and is currently #3 with a bullet on the Gospel Airplay chart.
With a solid hit behind her, Casey J is recording her first CD “The Truth” (Marquis Boone Enterprises/Tyscot Records) during a live recording session on Friday, January 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the Fresh Start Church in Duluth, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Singer Jason Nelson, known for his Top Ten hits such as “Shifting the Atmosphere” and “I Am,” will duet with Casey J on one of the tracks.
“Dreams and visions do come true,” the 28-year old singer says of the great things that have been happening in her career. “One day I woke up to being in the Top Ten on a Billboard chart. I know it has nothing to do with me as an individual. God is just creating another platform for Him to receive glory and it’s just happening through me and I am so thankful.”
The live recording takes place Friday, January 30, at 7:30 p.m. at 2021 W. Liddell Road, Duluth, GA 30096. Admission is free. Visit www.marquisboone.com or www.caseyjmusic.com for more news and information.

A Foundation for Living

Birmingham Times

January 29, 2015

Purity Beyond

One day a man was taking his 5-year-old daughter to pre-school, and after dropping her, he was going to go to his job as a college professor. So he was preparing his lecture on the way, and he forgot all about his daughter who was sitting in the back seat buckled in, and he started lecturing loudly. The girl listened for a few moments and then she asked, “Daddy, are you talking with me or without me?”
Even when we talk it is never without, it is always with someone. Nobody may be present, but the mind is there. All thinking is a dialogue and as long as there is a dialogue with our mind, we will miss the contact with our heart.
One day Jesus was talking to a crowd saying “Listen to me, everyone, understand this. Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean.” Purity beyond exists in our hearts and Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” No one can see God and remain the same. It is a transformative experience. It is purity beyond this world! Many of us claim to have the Lord in our life but don’t really know God. We know our ego and our ego separates us from God. This delusion is the biggest obstacle of living a spiritual life; it is the cause of almost all our misery and bondage to materialistic reality. We should allow ourselves to dissolve and disappear into the vastness that God is but we try to save ourselves without the purity that goes beyond. This purity resides in our hearts. It is not separate but inclusive of all that God is.
All the pain in our life and in the world arises out of the belief that we are separate from God. And if we are separate then we have to protect ourselves. If we are separate we have to fight with everyone because nobody is with us in the difficulties of life. Everyone and everything is our competition for the ever scarce resources of the world. Life becomes a quarrel and a fight and in this fight there is only worry and anxiety. If we are separate then the fear of death always grips us – because we know that we will have to die one day. But how do we go beyond our personalities?
How do we find the purity beyond our physical selves? First, we find purity beyond by moving outside words. Remember the question the five year old put to her father? To experience purity beyond we need to live less in words and more in our hearts.
Second, to experience purity beyond we must move past the physical realities of life. To see God we must become spirit. God is Spirit and so is everything worth having in the world. Indeed blessed are the pure in heart.

6 Healthy Habits to Implement  in February, American Heart Month

Birmingham Times

January 29, 2015

Despite decades of medical research and public campaigns to ease the problem, heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States and throughout the Western world.
One of the problems driving heart disease is the messaging, says Robert Thompson, M.D., an integrative medicine specialist deemed by his peers to be in the top 5 percent of U.S. physicians. While there’s plenty of good research to indicate good advice, the general public, and many of his peers in the medical community, are stuck with faulty conclusions, he says.
“Perhaps the biggest misconception is that an overabundance of calcium, which may include supplements, is very good for people, especially women, but that’s simply not true,” says Thompson, author of “The Calcium Lie II: What Your Doctor Still Doesn’t Know,” (calciumliebook.com), a new book that details the roles minerals play in overall health and how to identify and correct deficiencies and imbalances.
Calcium is just one of 12 substances, as well as traces of 64 other minerals, that make up our bones. Excessive amounts of calcium hurt our bodies in many ways, especially the heart and the brain, he says. We cannot possibly replace minerals with just calcium, which hardens concrete and makes bones more brittle.
One study, published in the British Medical Journal in 2008, was meant to assess the effect of calcium on bone density and fractures in postmenopausal women. Researchers found that participating women were significantly more likely to suffer heart attacks while taking calcium supplements.
“This is far from an isolated study – there are others, including 15 studies combined into a meta-analysis yielding similar heart-health results, which show an increased risk of heart disease by at least 30 percent,” says Thompson, who offers practical recommendations for what individuals can start doing for better overall health in recognition of American Heart Month, celebrated in February.
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. As a general rule, we need to drink half of our bodyweight in ounces of water daily. For a 150-pound individual, that’s 75 ounces of water. Those who are overweight, or are heavy exercisers or live in warm climates may need more. Take care to drink quality water. Get a quality filtration system at home, which can range from $200 to $3,000.
• Take ionic sea salt-derived minerals. We all need a diverse range of minerals and virtually none of us get enough. Ionic minerals are the only ones that are completely available for our bodies to use because they are water-soluble and they naturally carry an electrical charge that allows them to be carried through the cell membranes. All sea salt-derived trace mineral products are recommended – at least three grams per day.
• Use only vitamin supplements made from 100 percent organic whole foods that have been vine-ripened. Almost all of us need supplements because contemporary food supplies lack adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals, thanks to soil depletion. Most store-bought vitamins include just one component of the many complex molecular elements contained in the naturally occurring vitamin source. You need all of the nutrient components to get the full benefits.
• Get your fill of essential fatty acids; raw nuts and/or seeds are a good source. In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration approved the following health claim for seven kinds of nuts: “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 oz. per day of most raw nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.” Omega-3 and Omega-6 are considered essential because humans can’t manufacture them within our bodies. Research has now shown that plant-derived Omega 6, and not fish oil, is the best oil for humans.
• Eat high-quality proteins. Seafood, eggs, beans, chicken, game meat, duck and turkey are excellent sources of essential amino acids that are the building blocks of every protein molecule, hormone, neurotransmitter, cell membranes and immune molecules. Proteins can also be obtained from grains, sprouted grains, raw nuts and raw seeds. Vegetarians and vegans need to pay close attention to combine protein sources to get the full complement of amino acids.
• Walk at least 30 minutes every day. This activity has a huge effect on relieving the physiologic effects of stress on the human physiology. Exercise is good, but walking is amazing. No other single activity will more significantly or more rapidly affect the adrenal stress response in humans than walking, which probably works so well because it slows us down. And, it is an incredible way to build relationships.
“Also, I recommend ingesting essential monosaccharides, which is new and unknown territory for most people,” he says. “They are the simplest form of carbohydrate molecules found in the body, are essential for protein molecules and can be found in maple syrup, sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets and onions.”
*Robert Thompson, M.D., was added to the peer-reviewed directory, “Best Doctors in America,” in 1996.

Dr. Robert Thompson is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, and a nutrition specialist who helps patients get long-term relief from chronic disease, including obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue. His newest book, “The Calcium Lie II,” is available for free at calciumliebook.com. Dr. Thompson received his medical training at the University of Kentucky and has been a leader in medical advances for more than 30 years.

A Quest to Know God

Birmingham Times

January 29, 2015

IF MY PEOPLE PRAY
I just want to tell you today in regards to prayer. The reason, because of an article I read that tore at every heartbeat in my body. I can handle many things, with the Lord’s help, in fact with all of Him.
The system in which we live is so unfair until it tears at the heartstring of every sensible person, and sends every born again believer to their knees. Rich versus the poor. How can that be you may be thinking, Well, I want you to know, the poor has the Power, if they know Jesus.
You see, He is the Man who has the whole world in His Hand. He is on their side. The God of this Universe, the Maker and Creator of the earth, the Master of every living soul, who has the whole world in His hand, locked the lion’s mouth, and cooled the heat for Daniel and his three friends, when they were locked in with hungry lions and thrown into a fiery furnace. Hallelujah! You may read in [Psalm 34:6], that says, “This poor man cried and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles”. I want you to know there is no plan of unfair dealing, no clandestine force of darkness is working beyond the Almighty “EYES” of the Lord. I want to tell you He sees and He knows, and He cares.
You see He has already defeated “satan” and all his plans. If you pray, He will answer. Call on Jesus, I tell you He will fix every situation that think it has you pinned in. I’ve been in the furnace, but the heat is cooled, because I am still here. I been in the lion’s den, but their mouths are locked, and I am still here.
The poor man cried and the Lord heard him. Get back on your knees. II Chronicles 7:14 says, “If My people who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, seek My face, says the Lord, turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”. If you commit yourself to the Lord, and call on Him, He will answer. I am a witness.
www.thealmightyeyes.com

2015 Toyota Yaris

Birmingham Times

January 29, 2015

By Frank S. Washington

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. – Toyota’s move to more aggressive and stylish designs is not just limited to its midsize and compact cars, the automaker’s subcompact Yaris didn’t escape the stylists’ touch either. For 2015, the Toyota Yaris received an extensive exterior restyling.
It had new horizontal headlights, LED daytime running lights with a light bar accent. The new trapezoidal grille gave it an aggressive snarl and the fog lamps were also redesigned. In the rear, horizontal tail lights matched the set in the front. The car now has a backup lamp centered in the rear diffuser and the bumper itself had been redesigned.
The Yaris comes in three-door and five door configurations. Toyota called it a liftback which is the new code word for hatchback. Either or, it was a sharp little car.
Powered by a 1.5-liter four cylinder engine that made 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque, the only questionable component of the Yaris was its four-speed automatic transmission. You’d think with the advent of automatic transmissions ranging from seven to nine speeds, Toyota could come up with a six-speed forward gearbox for the Yaris. There is also a five-speed manual available but it wasn’t here.
We test drove the Yaris with the four speed automatic and though we griped about the fact that it was only four speeds, the transmission performed flawlessly. The suspension was retuned and the body was more rigid then that of the model it replaced. This resulted in a ride that was smooth; there were not many bumps or deviations in the road here to challenge the torsional rigidity of the chassis but the new Yaris had substance. More insulation certainly aided the car’s quiet ride.
Toyota bumped up the quality of the Yaris’ interior too. The car’s manual driver seat had a vertical adjustment. The dash board had a sporty look; there was soft touch material that really gave the interior a sophisticated feel.
There was a 6.1 inch touch screen as well as chrome and metallic accents. The 60-40 split back seat is now standard across the product line. The car had nine airbags including curtain side airbags.
And in another sign of just how globe gripping the auto industry has become, the 2015 Toyota Yaris was designed by Toyota’s ED2 design studio in the South of France; it has also been assembled in that country since 1999.
There are three trim lines for the 2015 Toyota Yaris: the L, the LE and the SE. Prices range from the L 3-door with a five-speed manual transmission for $15,670 to $18,445 for the SE with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.

The Dispensation of the Law From Mt. Sinai to Mt. Calvary (Continued from January)

Birmingham Times

January 29, 2015

Victor Baugh NEW — Victor W. Baugh, Sr., Th.D., Ph.D.

… For the law, having a shadow
of good things to come, and NOT the
very image of the things, can NEVER
with those sacrifices which they
offered year by year continually make
the comers thereunto perfect.
Hebrews 10:1-3

Last time we talked about Israel’s way of escape from Exodus 15:11-12. They are now in the shadow of Sinai, camped, being organized into a great Nation. God has intervened, bringing them out of bondage and into freedom. Israel’s national history begins as God gives the Commandments, Judgments, and Ordinances of which giving the Law at Sinai was an important part.
The Law taught them how to approach a Holy God with sacrificial offering, and it gave them an understanding of the “blood.” The Children of Israel were required to listen to the awesome thundering voice of God. They were fearful and begged Moses: “…let not God speak with us, lest we die” (Exodus 20). They didn’t want the Word to be from God’s mouth directly to their ears. They wanted Moses to listen to God, speak on their behalf, and bring word back to them. In essence, they were fearful of a Holy God. And they wanted Moses to be their mediator.
Fast-forward with me from the giving of the Law to a time when Jesus, our Savior, went to the Cross and shed His precious blood so that we could have life everlasting. Hebrews 10 talks about it in our text and continues in verse 2-3 “…But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”
God called Moses to the top of Mt. Sinai, hid Himself in the cleft of the rock and gave Moses the Law; and He gave instructions concerning animal sacrifice, ceremonial offerings, and religious duty. “…make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). All the elements of the “dwelling place” God gave Moses, including the priests’ garments and the furnishings – the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat. Moses came off that mountain with all of this wonderful information from God’s mouth directly to him.
Israel pledged obedience to a Holy God in Exodus 24:3-8. How many times they broke that promise! But God in love and compassion was quick to forgive and He led them on. Fear and unbelief kept them from the Promised Land for forty long years. The Lord kept them well and fed them, and their clothes never aged upon their bodies (Exodus 8:4). Amazing!
Forty years they wandered, delayed because of stubborn unbelief and fearfulness, taking this as a disciplinary punishment from God for their ungratefulness and doubts (Numbers 14:32-33). But they wandered on – and unbeknownst to them, it was only an 11-day journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Just like us, neglectfully and disobediently going our own way, ignoring God (the Way) because we are just too smart and full of pride not to!
Moses led a new generation of Israelites to the border of the Promised Land. Before his death, he spoke to the people, reminding them of God’s patience, the Blood Covenant, and the Ten Commandments. He told them to keep themselves separated from the world (Deuteronomy 27, 28, 29). And to “remember and obey.” In chapter 30, he reviewed the Palestinian Covenant and its tie to possessing the land. The land is still theirs. Read it from scripture and remember – we do not have the answers. We have the questions and the problems! God has the answers and solutions!
When he was 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:1-8), God gave Moses a look over into the Promised Land. These are the beautiful words of the old Patriarch from Deuteronomy 33:27 … “The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms ….”
There are many elements of “The Law” – far too many to discuss in a short newspaper article. You must read the rest of the Books of Moses – the Pentateuch – the first five books of the Old Testament – to put it all together.
The Law did not end until after the close of the Old Testament Canon of the Scriptures and through the beginning of the New Testament, up to the crucifixion of Christ.
My responsibility is to stir your mind to study. Yours is to open the Word of God. Psalm 119:130 says, “The entrance of thy word giveth light: it giveth understanding unto the simple.” This verse is for you, for me. We are without excuse.
Next time, we will “view” the Dispensation of Grace from Pentecost to the Rapture of the Church. Remember, this is a bird’s-eye look of the Dispensations. If we tried to give every detail, we could not call these “articles.” They would be “volumes.” So, your responsibility is to read and study the Scriptures in the light of history and prophecy to know where we have been and where we are going.
Think of Law/Grace in this way as we continue our study:
The Law/ Grace – The Church Age / Tribulation (The Law again as parenthetical. We will discuss the reason why.)

In His Service,
Victor W. Baugh, Sr., Th.D., Ph.D.
Pastor, St. Luke AME Church
Havana, AL
Author of The Anchor Holds, Victor’s Story
http://www.thatgracemayabound.blogspot.com/ ©2012
That Grace May Abound Ministries International ©2014

2015 Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E Premier Plus

Birmingham Times

January 29, 2015

by Cheryl Eldridge

To drive that sweet car that you’ve been dreaming of since your childhood days makes life complete.
Most Volvo lovers require the finer things in life, so when you drive the Volvo S60T5 Premier Plus, expect nothing but the best.
The V60 is luxury packed up in its finest, thanks to their engineers.
Not only did I enjoy the drive, my family did too.
Heads were definitely turning due to my tester’s coating which was a fiery “red” hot with black leather interior.
Midway through 2015, the Volvo S60 gets substantial changes under the skin. A couple of new four-cylinder engines, including one that is both turbo- and supercharged, and an eight-speed automatic transmission debut, as do a number of new features. Key among the latter are fuel-saving automatic engine stop-start technology and available lane-keeping assist.
The 2015 Volvo S60 is a midsize luxury sedan available in four trim levels: T5 Drive-E, T5 AWD, T6 Drive-E and T6 R-Design. Apart from its powertrain, the T5 Drive-E and T5 AWD are similar in terms of available equipment. They come standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, LED running lights, headlight washers, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat (with adjustable lumbar), driver memory settings, power-folding rear headrests, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, T-Tec cloth upholstery, a 60/40-split folding rear seat with pass-through, a 7-inch display screen, “Sensus” smartphone app integration, WiFi capability, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
I really enjoyed the “Sensus” smartphone app integration which is easy to use on any iphone, android or windows phone. It blows your mind and connects you to the world in ways that you never ever imagined.
The T5 Premier subtrims add keyless ignition/entry, bright window trim, a sunroof, leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, a navigation system, a configurable instrument display and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
My tester the T6 Drive-E essentially starts with the T5 Drive-E Premier’s equipment, but adds a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, adjustable steering effort, a power sunroof and sport seats.
The T6 R-Design has the T6 Drive-E’s features along with a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive, special exterior styling details, unique 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, specifically tuned sport suspension, special interior trim, a sport steering wheel and a rearview camera.
The Convenience package adds power-folding mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, a remote garage opener and a grocery bag holder. The Technology package features adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, collision warning with auto braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection with auto braking and driver-attention warning. A lane-departure warning system is included with this package in all-wheel-drive models, while the Drive-E models get a more sophisticated lane-keeping assist system that will steer the car in the event of driver inaction.
The Platinum subtrim available on all T5 and T6 models include the Convenience and Technology packages along with xenon headlights, auto-dimming outside mirrors, cabin accent lighting and a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon premium sound system.
There are additional options available on all the subtrims. The Climate package includes a heated windshield, heated windshield washers, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and an active cabin filter. The Sport package (T5 only) includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters. Also available is the Blind Spot Information System package, which features side blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear park sensors. A quick-fold passenger seat, the keyless ignition and entry system, heated front seats, a front side parking camera and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual displays are notable stand-alone options.
The 2015 Volvo S60 T5 Drive-E has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with 240 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. It sends its power to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volvo estimates a 0-60-mph time of 6 seconds while EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 29 mpg combined (25 city/37 highway).
The T5 AWD features all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic and a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 good for 250 hp and 266 lb-ft. Volvo puts its 0-60 time at 6.6 seconds with fuel economy estimates at 23 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway).
At the top of the performance ladder is the T6 R-Design, which features the so-called “PoleStar” upgrade: a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 producing 325 hp and 354 lb-ft. Its 0-60 time is given as 5.4 seconds, and fuel economy estimates are 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway).
On the safety side, there is a sterling reputation for passenger protection, the S60 comes loaded with standard safety features that include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing front head restraints. Also standard is “City Safety,” which can help the driver avoid a collision with other vehicles or a stationary object at speeds of up to 19 mph by automatically applying the brakes if he or she doesn’t react in time.
Included in the optional Technology package is Volvo’s pedestrian-and cyclist-detection feature, which can apply full braking force (reducing speed by as much as 22 mph) to help you avoid hitting pedestrians and cyclists who are at least 31 inches tall. This package also includes electronic warnings for driver inattention, lane departure and impending collision, the last of which includes automatic braking. Lane-keeping assist is further included for the Drive-E trims.
Other safety options include front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a front side parking camera, a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alerts.
The government gave the Volvo S60 a perfect five stars for overall crash protection, with five stars each for total frontal and side crash protection. In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the S60 received the best possible rating of “Good” in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, small-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof -strength tests. The S60 is notable in that it’s one of the few cars to earn a “Good” rating in that new small-overlap frontal-offset test. The IIHS also rated the S60’s optional frontal collision warning and mitigation system as “Superior.”
Interior materials in the 2015 Volvo S60 are on par with the rest of the entry-level luxury sedan class. The heavier graining on the dash and doors won’t suit everyone, but there’s no denying that the interior leather, vinyl and plastic are quality materials. Volvo’s unique Scandinavian take on wood and metal accents also gives the S60’s cabin a unique personality among its rivals.
The straightforward dual-temperature adjustment dials and “Mode Man” pictogram make climate control adjustments simple and intuitive. The audio system’s phone-style number pad and surrounding buttons may look a bit antiquated in the luxury class these days, but they’re simple and make controlling basic stereo functions easy. For more complicated tasks like selecting a media player playlist, programming the optional navigation system or controlling more complicated vehicle functions, the S60 relies on the standard Sensus system. It, too, is fairly easy to use and similar to competitor systems, though the multipurpose knob’s location on the dash (rather than the center console) is not ideal.
The 2015 Volvo S60 is a comfortable, sophisticated and well-behaved luxury sedan with ample power whether you go with four, five or six turbocharged cylinders. It’s a sure-footed handler with a nicely weighted steering that feels substantial without being heavy.
Regardless of output, the engines are smooth and powerful, and the all-wheel-drive system apportions power to individual wheels to maximize traction and grip through turns or on slippery roads. The base front-wheel-drive T5 model, meanwhile, lines up favorably with other rear-drive entry-level luxury cars such as the BMW 328i and Mercedes C300 that feature turbocharged four cylinders. Most buyers would likely find the acceleration, response and fuel economy of any S60 to be compelling, but the Volvo’s comfortable ride is its strong suit.
By the way, my sticker price was $48,225 loaded with gas mileage 19mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Until next week, buckle up, don’t text and drive and be courteous when driving, it doesn’t cost a thing.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy

Birmingham Times

January 29, 2015

Top 10 Pantry Essentials for Fast, Healthful Cooking
(NAPSI)—Stock your kitchen with these basic building blocks for a wide variety of good-for-you recipes that are quick and easy to create.
“Keeping healthy foods on hand is one of the easiest ways to get started with a healthy eating plan,” said registered dietitian Sarah-Jane Bedwell, author of “Schedule Me Skinny.”
1. Canola Oil—This kitchen workhorse is one of the most healthful cooking oils available and excellent for almost any kind of recipe. It contains the least saturated fat and most plant-based omega-3 fat of all common cooking oils, plus its neutral flavor and light texture work well with many different dishes and cooking styles.
2. Vinegar—The acid in vinegar, including white wine, red wine or balsamic, brightens and balances flavors. It’s key to salad vinaigrette, and a splash can add depth and sweetness to soups and sautés.
3. Peanut Butter—An inexpensive source of protein, peanut butter is a healthful addition to baked goods. It’s also a quick base for Asian-style peanut sauce on noodles or meat.
4. Lower—Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth—Boost flavor by using broth for homemade soup in a flash, whole grains or a braised dish. Store-bought broth tends to be higher in salt, so look for the lower-sodium varieties.
5. Honey or Brown Sugar—Sweetener isn’t just for baked goods. Use a touch to help caramelize foods and bring out the natural sweetness in vegetables.
6. Whole Wheat Flour—Essential for baking, flour is also useful for thickening sauces, binding veggie pancakes and more. The white whole wheat variety can be a great way to add extra whole grains but maintain a light texture.
7. Basic Spices—No need to buy a whole rack’s worth of spices. For most dishes, you’ll be good to go with pepper, cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, garlic flakes, thyme and an Italian herb blend.
8. Whole Grains—Brown rice, whole grain pasta, oats, barley and quinoa are packed with nutrition and nicely filling. Keep them on hand to round out any meal.
9. Quick Protein—Canned or dried beans and lentils as well as canned salmon and tuna are excellent pantry staples: nutritious, affordable and versatile. Toss them into salads, mix with whole grains or mash them into burgers.
10. Canned Tomatoes—Essential for sauces, soups and stews, canned tomatoes are faster (and, at most times of the year, tastier) to use than peeling, seeding and chopping your own. Select those that are lower in sodium.
“These are ingredients I reach for again and again,” Bedwell added. “With a well-stocked pantry and a little bit of planning, it’s truly possible to prepare healthy meals in minutes.”

______________________________________________________
This entrée or appetizer is a delicious way to incorporate whole grain and other pantry essentials.
Salmon and Quinoa Patties
Yield: 8 patties  Serving size: 1 pattie
2 Tbsp canola oil, divided
1 cup minced onion
½ cup finely chopped celery
1 cup cooked quinoa
2 cans, 6.5 oz each, salmon, rinsed and drained
3 eggs
2 Tbsp green relish
½ tsp salt
In large nonstick pan, heat 1 Tbsp canola oil over medium heat. Add onion and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. In large bowl, combine prepared quinoa with cooked onions and celery. Add salmon, eggs, relish and salt. Stir well to combine. Shape mixture into 8 patties, about ⅓ cup mixture each. In saucepan, heat remaining canola oil over medium heat. Cook patties for 3 to 4 minutes, undisturbed, or until golden brown. Flip over and continue cooking for about 4 additional minutes.
Nutritional Analysis per Serving: calories: 150; total fat: 9 g; saturated fat: 1.5 g; cholesterol: 90 mg; sodium: 360 mg; carbohydrates: 7 g; fiber: 1 g; sugar: 1 g; protein: 10g. 

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Learn More
Find more flavorful recipes using heart-smart canola oil and other pantry essentials at www.CanolaInfo.org.

Exploring the Link Between Obesity and Cancer

Birmingham Times

January 29, 2015

(NAPSI)—Emerging research suggests a link between obesity and the risk of developing and dying from many common cancers. Obesity is quickly overtaking tobacco as the leading preventable cause of cancer, with as many as 84,000 cancer diagnoses attributed to obesity each year in the United States. It is also estimated that obesity or excess weight contributes to as many as one in five cancer-related deaths.
The good news is that scientists are beginning to understand potential biological explanations for why obesity contributes to the development and progression of cancer. For example, current research shows a relationship between higher levels of insulin in a person’s blood, which is common in people who are obese, and the development of certain types of cancer.
In addition, hormones produced in fat cells have been shown to stimulate the growth of tumors, and it is also not unusual for people who are obese to have low-level chronic inflammation in tissues in the body. Chronic inflammation is a confirmed risk factor for certain types of cancers.
There is also existing data linking obesity, inactivity and poor diet to poorer outcomes in patients with cancer. Obesity is caused by a combination of factors, but it is never too late to take steps to improve your health.
Making Lifestyle Changes
The best time to start a weight loss program or focus on making healthy lifestyle changes varies for each person. For some, a cancer diagnosis may spur a patient’s decision to focus on his or her health beyond cancer, encouraging healthy eating choices and increasing activity.
The first step is to talk with your doctor. Your doctor can calculate your body mass index (BMI) and evaluate your overall health and fitness level to find out if you would benefit from losing weight or making lifestyle changes to maintain your current weight.
Here are some additional tips from Cancer.Net for making healthy lifestyle changes:
• Eat and drink only as many calories as you need to maintain a healthy weight and support your level of physical activity. Talk to your health care provider about ways to reduce calories if your BMI shows that you are overweight or obese.
• Increase levels of physical activity. Even a small increase in physical activity has benefits.
• Get support. Most weight loss programs include more than one session with a dietitian or weight loss specialist to help you make healthy lifestyle changes and stick with them over time.
For more information and to download additional resources for patients and caregivers, visit www.cancer.net/obesity. Cancer.Net is the patient information website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. Cancer.Net is supported by the Conquer Cancer Foundation.

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