District Court Judge

The election is history. I say, "Great Campaign John Odem and James Hall" Congratulations to the winner of the primary.
Our Judicial system, is of utmost importance to each of us.

DIDGERIDOO

The didgeridoo (also known as a didjeridu or didge) is a wind instrument developed by Indigenous Australians of northern Australia at least 1,500 years ago and is still in widespread usage today both in Australia and around the world. It is sometimes described as a natural wooden trumpet or "drone pipe". Musicologists classify it as an aerophone. The instrument is traditionally made from Eucalyptus trees which have had their interiors hollowed out by termites or died of other causes.
There are no reliable sources stating the didgeridoo's exact age. Archaeological studies of rock art in Northern Australia suggest that the Aboriginal people of the Kakadu region of the Northern Territory have been using the didgeridoo for at least 1,500 years, based on the dating of paintings on cave walls and shelters from this period. A clear rock painting in Ginga Wardelirrhmeng, on the northern edge of the Arnhem Land plateau, from the freshwater period[1] shows a didgeridoo player and two songmen participating in an Ubarr Ceremony.[2]
A modern didgeridoo is usually cylindrical or conical, and can measure anywhere from 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft) long. Most are around 1.2 m (4 ft) long. The length is directly related to the 1/2 sound wavelength of the keynote. Generally, the longer the instrument, the lower the pitch or key of the instrument.
This instrument was played on American Idol T.V. program.
Information is from---Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Year Without A Summer

The year 1816 is still known to scientists and historians as "eighteen hundred and froze to death" or the "year without a summer." It was the locus of a period of natural ecological destruction not soon to be forgotten. During that year, the Northern Hemisphere was slammed with the effects of at least two abnormal but natural phenomena. These events were mysterious at the time, and even today they are not well understood.

First, 1816 marked the midpoint of one of the Sun's extended periods of low magnetic activity, called the Dalton Minimum. This particular minimum lasted from about 1795 to the 1820s. It resembled the earlier Maunder Minimum (about 1645-1715) that was responsible for at least 70 years of abnormally cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere. The Maunder Minimum interval is sandwiched within an even better known cool period known as the Little Ice Age, which lasted from about the 14th through 19th centuries.

But the event that most severely shaped 1816's cold phenomena was the cata-strophic eruption the previous year of Tambora on the island of Sumbawa, in modern-day Indonesia. The ash clouds and sulfur aerosols spewed by this volcano were widespread, chilling the climate of the Northern Hemisphere by blocking sunlight with gases and particles.

A third factor also could have played a role. During both the Dalton and the Maunder minima, the Sun shifted its place in the solar system — something it does every 178 to 180 years. During this cycle, the Sun moves its position around the solar system's center of mass. This particular trick of gravity is known as "inertial solar motion." Scientists have not yet confirmed whether or not inertial solar motion affects Earth's climate directly, but it remains a possibility.
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Disasters

Modern science is committed to figuring out where natural disasters come from, with the goal of eventually mastering them. I wonder how you master a massive volcano with all its forces unleased from far beneath earth’s surface? How do you turn the course of a hurricane bearing down on a major city? Could such ideas border on arrogance? I wonder.
The book of James reminds us we cannot even master our little tongues, which have occasional explosive tendencies that can alter the human landscape around us by clouding up issues and potentially destroying each others’ emotional and spiritual well-being. That, for most of us, is a lifetime work. The larger lesson for us is to master our own nature with the help of God. We cannot control natural disasters, but we have a chance to control some of our own human “disasters,. God help us do that.
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Rodney Livingston Devotional

Psalm 18
Who is God? He is a rock for those who are close to His side. He is strength for
those who place themselves inside the hollow of His hand. He is able to make blameless the way of sinners with the blood of Jesus. He is the one who provides swiftness to good works and allows the speed to avoid the traps of the devil. He is the God that allows us to accomplish great things in our lives. Our power to do all things comes from Him. Not only are we offensive with our strength and the gospel, but we also have the provision to shield ourselves with God. Support and gentleness are qualities we can have from God. Sure footing is a great blessing and we can be confident that every step I take, God is with me. Enemies are ours to consume and thrust through them in order to gain the victory and stand tall at last.
Who is God? He is our help in everyday living. God is one we should call upon every day of our lives because He is worthy of our praise, verse 3. Who is God? He is the one who will save the humble and bring the haughty low, verse 27. Who is God? He is the living one who holds my salvation and provides love never ending, verse 50. Who is God? The only one you need in this life and the life to come! Who is God, but the Lord? He desires to be the Lord of all mankind’s life. Allow this God to work through you!

Have a great and blessed week,

More About John Odem

Florence attorney John Odem is a remarkable man with a brilliant future. We first profiled Odem when he announced his candidacy for Lauderdale County District Judge several months ago. Odem, the son of Dennis Odem and his wife Carolyn, is not only a busy lawyer, but also a musician and a helicopter pilot--the youngest ever licensed in the state of Alabama.

Those who have seen John perform with his band the Cadillacs say he would have little problem making a living with his music, yet the second-generation attorney is serious about his law career. He practices criminal law as well as being an expert in pre-nuptial agreements--something he advocates for all future marriages. John is also staunchly against the death penalty. From a 2007 TimesDaily interview:

Florence attorney Dennis Odem, who represented Riley and Waldrop during their murder trials, contends the death penalty does not deter homicides."I don't think people who are committing a capital crime give one thought to, if I do this, I might be sentenced to death," he said.Odem said he expects Alabama will abandon the death penalty as a form of punishment.

When recently interviewed by the ShoalsInsider, Odem promptly answered questions concerning his relative youth:

A new broom sweeps clean. In my private practice of law I have handled hundreds of cases as plaintiff’s attorney in District and Circuit court. I have been specially appointed as a Prosecutor for the District Attorney’s Office in Lauderdale County as well as the City of Tuscumbia. Between all these fields of practice I find myself in the District Court on a daily basis. I believe this experience makes me very qualified for the job. My friends Judge George Carpenter and Judge Ed Tease were 29 and 30 years old when elected to the bench. Debra Bell Pasuer was also elected at a very young age and the county benefited many years of her presiding on the District Judge bench. Decisions rendered by the court effect the lives of everyone concerned. I feel privileged to be in a position to continue the precedent of honor and dignity of the court set by previous Lauderdale County Judges.

Obviously, whether John Odem is the next Lauderdale District Judge or not, he's becoming a political force in the county. Congratulations to John for having accomplished so much at such an early age and for having shown such integrity in his campaign. He will face Florence Municipal Judge James Hall II in the June 1st Democratic primary
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God Smiles When We Trust
by Rick Warren

By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. . . . As a result, Noah became intimate with God. Hebrews 11:7 (MSG)
Imagine this scene: One day God comes to Noah and says, "I'm disappointed in human beings. In the entire world, no one but you thinks about me. But Noah, when I look at you, I start smiling. I'm pleased with your life, so I'm going to flood the world and start over with you and your family. I want you to build a giant ship that will save you and the animals."
There were three problems that could have caused Noah to doubt:
Noah had never seen rain because prior to the flood God irrigated the earth from the ground up (Genesis 2:5-6).
Noah lived hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean. Even if he could learn to build a ship, how would he get it to water?
There was the problem of rounding up all the animals and then caring for them.
But Noah didn't complain or make excuses. He trusted God completely, and that made God smile.
Trusting God completely means having faith that God knows what is best for your life. You expect him to keep his promises, help you with problems, and do the impossible when necessary.
The Bible says, "He takes pleasure in those who honor him, in those who trust in his constant love" (Psalm 147:11 TEV).
It took Noah more than 100 years to build the ark. I imagine he faced many discouraging days. With no sign of rain year after year, he was probably criticized as a "crazy man who thinks God speaks to him." I imagine Noah's children were often embarrassed by the giant ship being built in their front yard.
Yet Noah kept on trusting God.
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God completely?
Just as parents are pleased when children trust them, your faith makes God happy. The Bible says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

Joseph Story, 1812-1845

JOSEPH STORY was born on September 18, 1779, in Marblehead, Massachusetts. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1798. Story read law in the offices of two Marblehead attorneys and was admitted to the bar in 1801. He established a law practice in Salem, Massachusetts. In 1805, Story served one term in the Massachusetts Legislature, and in 1808 he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. After one term, he returned to the Massachusetts Lower House, and in 1811 he was elected Speaker. On November 18, 1811, President James Madison nominated Story to the Supreme Court of the United States. The Senate confirmed the appointment on February 3, 1812. At the age of thirty-two, Story was the youngest person ever appointed to the Supreme Court. While on the Supreme Court, Story served as a delegate to the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention of 1820 and was a Professor of Law at Harvard, where he wrote a series of nine commentaries on the law, each of which was published in several editions. Story served on the Supreme Court for thirty-three years. He died on September 10, 1845, at the age of sixty-five.

Ignition Interlock

Ignition interlock proposal wins unanimous approval from House

The House was successful Monday evening in passing landmark ignition interlock legislation through the State House of Representatives. House Bill 2768 will require certain DUI offenders to use an ignition interlock system, in which users must ‘blow’ below a certain blood alcohol content (BAC) level to turn on their vehicle. Lawmakers have carried some form of the legislation for several years, and worked particularly hard this year in securing passage.

Members contended that the legislation was needed to curb the number of repeat drunk drivers on Tennessee roads. Forty-eight other states have some form of ignition interlock, but Tennessee is only the fourteenth to impose mandatory use of the device on first time offenders.

Specifically, the bill requires anyone convicted of a DUI with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .15 or higher to use the ignition interlock device (IID). The sponsor also stated that the bill addresses a DUI from arrest to treatment to release.

Having already passed unanimously in the Senate, the bill is now headed to the Governor for his signature.

My Flight

I flew my plant into the sky
We floated, the plane and I
I thought the thoughts
Of peoople below
Of freedon and life
The living ones
The ones whose places are marked
By cold still stones
The ones not born
Their lives I thought
As we flew
My plane and I
Their paths in sand I saw
Their journey not complete
And then we landed
My plane and I
We'll fly again
To see I know
Where paths have lead
This plane you know?
By Tom Stanford (1972)

Elana Kagan

ABC News: Kagan “Is Considered One of the Finest Legal Scholars in the Country. “Kagan, 50, is considered one of the finest legal scholars in the country, dazzling both fellow liberal and conservative friends with her intellectual and analytical prowess but also her ability to find consensus among ideological opposites.” [ABCNews.com, 5/10/10]

Fox News Channel’s Shannon Bream: Kagan Will Garner Bipartisan Support in the Senate “Because She’s Had a Very Distinguished Career. No One Would Argue Anything But That She is a Brilliant Individual – She’s Got a Fantastic Resume. And She Is Known as Being a Consensus-Builder.” Fox News Channel’s Shannon Bream: “So I would think that this is the kind of nominee that will have [Sen. Reid’s] full backing, his full support, and that of many, many other top Democrats and even some Republicans in the Senate, because she’s had a very distinguished career. No one would argue anything but that she is a brilliant individual – she’s got a fantastic resume. And she is known as being a consensus-builder, I mean, something that’s been discussed with her before. When she was a dean at Harvard she brought together a lot of people, students and faculty, and was really seen as somebody who was a bridge builder.” [Fox News Channel
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FASTING

Mental Alertness
Due to fasting, the toxins are removed from the blood and the lymphatic system. Also, lesser intake of food, helps in conservation of energy. Because of these two reasons, the mind and the brain are able to think more and hence, remain alert.

Helps in Weight Loss
One of the benefits of fasting for a week is that it helps in weight loss. When solids and fats are eliminated from the diet for a while, the body responds by using the deposits of fats that are already present in the body, thus resulting in rapid loss of fat deposits and weight.

Prevents Health Disorders
Another of the health benefits of fasting is that it helps in preventing and treating many health disorders. Fasting regularly results in lower cholesterol levels, thus preventing heart problems and diseases in the process. Fasting makes a person's breathing much more fuller and deeper, thus preventing respiratory problems. Fasting gives a person full control over one's appetite and lifestyle, such a person is able to lead a more balanced life, and thus, is much more likely to remain disease free and healthy.

Mt 6:16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
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Odem not soliciting campaign contributions

Judicial candidate John Odem
Staff Reports • Sun, May 09, 2010
FLORENCE-- The Shoals Insider interviewed Lauderdale County District Judge Candidate John Odem on Friday. Odem had some very interesting things to say.

NAME: John S. Odem.
POSITION
SOUGHT: Lauderdale County District Judge
PARTY: Democrat
AGE: 30
OCCUPATION: Attorney
RESIDENCE: Killen, Alabama
BIOGRAPHICAL: Son of Attorney Dennis N. Odem and Carolyn Odem. Attended Mars Hill Bible School, Brooks High School and is a graduate of the University of Alabama and Miles Law School. At age 18 John was the youngest licensed commercial helicopter pilot in the United States.

FAVORITE INTERESTS: Law, Aviation, and Music.

SHOALS INSIDER-WHAT MAKES YOU THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE IN THIS RACE?

ODEM-.I am eager and humbled to serve the citizens of Lauderdale County. All the court clerks will be a part of my team and we will work well together making the court more efficient and less time consuming for everyone. I will work with the DA’s office, lawyers and the citizens of this county and will render nothing but fair and firm decisions from the bench.
There is no substitute for common sense and proper temperament. I will treat every party with fairness and impartiality according to the law. I will uphold the dignity of the court and continue bringing honor and justice to the courtroom.

SHOALS INSIDER-AT AGE 30 AREN’T YOU A LITTLE YOUNG FOR THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT JUDGE?

ODEM-Absolutely not! A new broom sweeps clean. In my private practice of law I have handled hundreds of cases as plaintiff’s attorney in District and Circuit court. I have been specially appointed as a Prosecutor for the District Attorney’s Office in Lauderdale County as well as the City of Tuscumbia. Between all these fields of practice I find myself in the District Court on a daily basis. I believe this experience makes me very qualified for the job. My friends Judge George Carpenter and Judge Ed Tease were 29 and 30 years old when elected to the bench. Debra Bell Pasuer was also elected at a very young age and the county benefited many years of her presiding on the District Judge bench. Decisions rendered by the court effect the lives of everyone concerned. I feel privileged to be in a position to continue the precedent of honor and dignity of the court set by previous Lauderdale County Judges.

SHOALS INSIDER-DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR IMPROVING THE COURT SYSTEM?

ODEM-I have several improvements in mind. Foremost, I will invite every classroom, teacher and student in Lauderdale County to both visit my courtroom and take a tour of our county jail. My motto will be “Look Before You Leap.”

Also I plan to run the court room efficiently, saving taxpayers’ money and citizens’ time. I want to utilize the State’s E-File system which will greatly reduce the amount of paper used and the necessity for constant expansion for file storage facilities.


SHOALS INSIDER-YOU HAVE STATED THAT YOU HAVE NOT ASKED FOR CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS. WHY IS THAT?

ODEM-I feel it is beneath the dignity of the court for a judicial candidate to ask for campaign contributions. A judge’s decision must be made fairly and without partiality. As judge I will not be influenced by campaign contributors that may later choose to remind me of their generosity.

I simply ask for the support of voters and offer nothing in exchange except a fair and impartial court, which the citizens of Lauderdale County can be proud.

SHOALS INSIDER-Thank you for your time.
Shoals Insider-Keeping You Informed

Positive Thinking

Positive thinking has to do with being able to control your focus regardless of what kind of challenges you are facing. This can be a tough challenge because when all you see is negativity or poor results, it is a lot easier to think negatively and focus on things like why bad things always happen to you or why you can never seem to achieve your goals. This can be a trap that can destroy your life in terms of preventing you from ever realizing your goals and dreams. In this article, I will discuss the importance of being able to think positively and will also offer you some tips on how you can use this to change your life.

So why is being able to look at things positively important? The main reason is because what you focus on will affect your actions. If you think about how the world is always against you because every time you set a goal you fail to achieve it, will that make you want to continue going for your goals with enthusiasm and passion? Probably not. When you think positively even though things aren't going your way, your mind will work towards finding a solution to make things work. Your actions will be different because your focus will be different.

The problem that many people have is that positive thinking is easier said than done. When you are in the middle of a challenge, it's not always easy to look on the bright side of things. So how do you have positive thoughts when there seems to be no evidence that you will achieve your goals or get pass your challenge? Faith. You have to have faith that you will be better off if you believe in yourself and keep fighting for your dreams. It's not something that everyone can do but it's something that you can develop.

You can start to create a more positive mindset by reading positive thinking books or listening to a positive thinking CD every day. One really great book is, "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman V. Peale. By constantly feeding your mind with positive material, you will get used to seeing the brighter side of things. You can also start to hang around positive and encouraging people as well since their attitudes can help change yours. Just thinking positive isn't enough to change your life though.

The best way is to go beyond positive thinking is to focus on taking action. Get in the habit of taking action even when it's hard. Let's say you failed to reach your financial goals. What do you do now? You take action. Do something about it. It's only when you take action that can you change your situation. Positive thinking is great but sometimes it can be hard to think of the right things but if you take action every time you fail, you will build momentum. The reason why negative thinking will cause you to fail is because it will cause you to not want to do anything.

If you combine positive thinking and the habit of taking action, you will have a much greater chance of achieving your goals. Will thinking positively all the time guarantee success? Of course not, but if you think negatively all the time, that's a guarantee that you will fail.
Bible reading is a great way to help.
This was not written by me--Tom Stanford

Mother's Day

Honor Your Mother

On Mother's Day

Mother's Love

Her love is like
an island in life's ocean,
vast and wide
A peaceful, quiet shelter
From the wind, the rain, the tide.
'Tis bound on the north by Hope,
By Patience on the West,
By tender Counsel on the South
And on the East by Rest.
Above it like a beacon light
Shine Faith, and Truth, and Prayer;
And thro' the changing scenes of life
I find a haven there.
Author Unknown

MOTHER'S DAY HISTORY
The 'Mother's Day' was first proclaimed in 1870 in the United States. And it was Julia Ward Howe who proclaimed the same in Boston. Howe also called for it to be observed each year at the national level in 1872. In fact the original idea behind Howe's "Mother's Day" was a call for Pacifism and disarmament by all the women. Women's peace groups mostly marked early "Mother's Day". At the early times it was a common activity to have the meeting of groups of mothers. And in such meetings those mothers were supposed to participate whose sons had fought or died on opposite sides of the American Civil War.

Later Anna Jarvis in Grafton, West Virginia, to commemorate the anniversary of her mother's death two years earlier on May 9, 1905, first celebrated Mother's Day in 1907 in a small private way. Jarvis's mother, whose name was also 'Anna Jarvis', was an active participant in the Mother's Day campaigns. These Mother's Day campaigns were usually held for the purpose of peace and workers' health and safety measures. Inspired with her mother's death and in order to pay tribute to her the younger Jarvis launched a quest to get wider recognition of Mother's Day.

For this purpose the younger Jarvis organized a grand celebration on May 10, 1908 at the Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton. This celebration involved around 407 children along with their mothers. This unique campaign in order to get recognition of Mother's Day was financed by a renowned clothing merchant named John Wanamaker.

Gradually in the course of time as the custom of Mother's Day celebration spread, its focus shifted from the pacifisms and reform movements to a general appreciation, admiration and honoring of mothers.

It was in 1910 by West Virginia that this holiday got first official recognition.

Later on May 14, 1914 the U.S. president Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation that designated the second Sunday in May as the Mother's Day.

There is an interesting tradition related to Mother's Day celebration, which calls for the wearing of carnations on this day. So on the Mother's Day people wear two types of carnations. And they separately represent the following…

Red - In case one's mother is alive.
White - In case one's mother is deceased.
This post is copied--Not written by me--Tom Stanford

Pine Trees Know When It’s Easter

Ever noticed the Pine tree crosses on Easter Sunday?

Pine trees start their new growth in the weeks before Easter –
if you look at the tops of the Pine trees two weeks before, you’ll see the yellow shoots.

As the days get close to Easter Sunday, the tallest shoot will branch off and form a cross.

By the time Easter Sunday comes around, you will see that most of the Pine trees
will have small yellow crosses on all of the tallest shoots.
This is interesting and certainly worth checking out. You decide if it is true.
This was not written by me--Tom Stanford

John S. Odem, 30, Killen

Candidate for Lauderdale County District Judge

Party: Democratic

Occupation: Attorney

Biographical: Son of attorney Dennis N. Odem and Carolyn Odem; attended Mars Hill Bible School and Brooks High School; graduate of the University of Alabama and Miles Law School.

Why do you seek this office and how will you make a difference? "I am eager to serve the citizens of Lauderdale County. All the court clerks will be a part of my team and we will work well together making the court more efficient and less time consuming for everyone. I will work with the DA's office, lawyers and the citizens and will render nothing but fair and firm decisions from the bench. There is no substitute for common sense and proper temperament. I will treat every party with fairness and impartiality according to the law. I will uphold the dignity of the court and continue bringing honor and justice to the courtroom."
"In God we trust"

God’s Blessings

Always be thankful for God's blessings. We have much more to be thankful for than we do to complain about. We have the fellowship of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we have the confidence of our salvation, and we have grace. Everything else is less important details. Why not stop right now and pray powerfully?
Author Unknown.