Christina Goldman asked:


On January 15th, 2008, the United States Mint created the American Bald Eagle Commemorative coin. The coins were created to signify the importance of the Bald Eagles as the national symbol of the United States, to America’s lands, skies and waterways, the recovery and restoration of the eagle, and to mark the 35th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

These coins will help in the protection of the eagle because every coin that gets sold benefits the eagle through the American Eagle Foundation.

There are three American Bald Eagle coins that have been minted. They all feature both natural and historical Bald Eagle images and emblems. One of them is targeted at young collectors. This is the clad half dollar; one side will be a profile of the Bald Eagle (Challenger), on the other side are two baby eaglets snuggled in their nest.

A lot of children will have heard of Challenger, who is a 19-year-old non-releasable bird cared for by AEF and has appeared at sporting events and ceremonies, showing off a free flight spectacular show.

A lot of hard work and excitement working with United States Mint, their artists and engravers to create three fantastic and beautiful coins, all for the good cause of helping to protect a national treasure the bald eagle for the future generations to admire and keep the program going.

The U.S. Mint Bald Eagle Coins are collectible and include a 5 dollar gold coin, a silver dollar and the clad half dollar. They are available individually or come in three special sets. There is a surcharge collected from the sale of each coin, and each coin will be earmarked. This will help to create an American Eagle Fund endowment to be managed as not-for-profit AEF. It is predicted that there is the potential to raise over 10 million dollars for the bald eagle protection cause.

The U.S. Mint Bald Eagle Coins will have maximum mintages across all the product options. These limits are 100,000 for the 5 dollar gold coin, 500,000 for the silver dollar and 750,000 for the clad half dollar. The composition of the 5 dollar bald eagle coin is 90% gold, 10% alloy, the silver coin composition is 90% silver, 10% alloy and the half dollar is 8.33% nickel, with the balance copper.

To promote these beautiful Bald Eagle Coins, on April 10th, 2008, country and western singer Dolly Parton was given the honor of pulling the rope that released a 14 week eaglet into the wild. The release took place at Douglas Lake, Tennessee in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and was attended by Gloria Eskridge, who is the U.S. Mint’s Associate Director of Sales and Marketing along with Al Cecere, who is the president and founder of the American Eagle Foundation (AEF).

It is also possible for the public to see these very beautiful birds of prey at the Dollywood theme park, the park is situated at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and not only are there rides for the children, shows are put on daily with these amazing birds. The American Eagle Foundation (AEF) also has a center there to find more information regarding the U.S. Mint Bald Eagle Coin, and how the sale of these coins is helping to save this precious species.

A cause like this is probably the first time in the country’s history anything has been done like this before. For the now famous bald eagle to appear on legal tender United States coinage, it was through the tireless campaign from the AEF staff with Challenger on Capitol Hill who strove to assure that the U.S. Mint Bald Eagle Coin bill was passed.

Robin Calamaio asked:


So, where does the abortion argument begin? A decision is required about this … especially if one is intending on addressing the abortion issue in depth. And being one who had so decided, I soon found myself eyeball to eyeball with – the fertile egg. Even though a pro life advocate for years, I had never really stopped to closely peer at it. After all, I already knew what it was from my science classes … right? But, this “detour” soon arrested – and dominated – my attention. So, it is ….

For starters, the fertile egg is the result of a successful merging of an egg and sperm cell. And these two building blocks hold a deceptive power. The sperm cell, left to itself, it is incapable of growing into anything else. So also, the egg cell. As solitary cells, they soon expire. But, once merged, they burst into a phenomenally complex life form. And that complex life form is already genetically complete inside that single fertile egg. With nourishment and time, each fertile egg will become a unique adult – 100% of the time. It seems more than the sum of its parts.

Some have called the human fertile egg, “potential human life.” Scientifically, this is an untenable statement. It is not “potential human life” – it is human life. It is nothing else and it cannot become anything else. The fertile human egg is simply, and only, the earliest stage of human life.

But there is something even more basic about a fertile egg. It is living matter. This may sound like a stupid observation, but it is actually quite significant. Many things are not alive. Most of the matter on our planet is not alive. Indeed, the rest of the universe may have no living matter. If all living matter was weighed against the nonliving matter, it would not amount to a speck of dust on the cosmic weighing scale. A fertile egg is an exceedingly rare piece of living matter in a universe dominated by inorganic matter.

The “Life Element”

The human body is composed of twenty-eight elements. None are alive. Indeed, “life” is totally foreign to them all. Carbon is not alive. Iron is not alive. Lead is not alive. Calcium is not alive. Arsenic is not alive. None of the other twenty-three elements that make up our body are alive either. But, it is error to say these elements are dead – as that injects the thought that life is in some way connected with them. In fact, all the elements of Organic Chemistry are themselves – inorganic. Life, whatever it is, is alien to every element. How any combination of non-living elements is alive … is a total mystery. When present, the “life element” is obviously there – but, it continues to elude the scientist’s grasp.

If the fertile egg does not contain all of these twenty-eight elements, then this “life element” is all the more remarkable. It collects the missing elements in the right quantities – at the right time – and constructs the body. In a sense, inorganics are being ingested. But, too much lead, iron or arsenic will result in the “life element” vacating the matter in which it resides – as will too little of these elements. This is too astounding to comprehend.

But, is it “a person?”

With that question, we have now entered … the abortion argument. Is the fertile egg, “a person?” There are three perspectives from which to examine this question – Naturalism, Theism and Humanism. But, actually there is a fourth perspective. And I want to start there – now … with you. I want you to put yourself in the shoes … of a fertile egg. You are now a fertile egg.

The exact instant you became this fertile egg … a clock started. With time and nourishment, you will turn into a unique adult – 100% of the time. Come to think of it … that is exactly what you did. Now, at some point in your development, some adults decided to bestow upon you the title of “person” or “being.” Of course, the instant you were crowned as such, nothing physically changed. And, had this apposition been withheld, well, that would not have changed anything either. Actually, this title has no physical impact – one way or the other. So, what is this title? Well, it is … a word. It is a metaphysical, subjective concept based upon nothing but the thin air between the ears of the adult humans bestowing it. One proof that “being” is based upon nothing, lies in the fact that the credentialing adults do not agree on what it is, what it means … or when it starts. Arbitrary points are picked all along the life-line for this coronation. Some wait until air can be breathed – but others grant this mystical designation much earlier. “Being” is synonymous with another word – “opinion.” But rest assured, O fertile egg. Your physical march toward adulthood is separate from these opinions.

The Naturalist … and “Being”

For the Naturalist (atheistic evolutionist), the question of “being” is as ridiculous as it is irrelevant. It is a vain attempt to make humans – more than an animal. I know of no one who examines other species and wonders when they reach “dog-hood” or “cow-hood.” This “being” query is immediately, and forever, rejected.

Also, from the Naturalist’s viewpoint, deliberate interference in the progress of a fertile egg is the activity of fools. All life forms are in a continuous, ferocious struggle for survival. Since profitable mutations arise randomly, each fertile egg is Evolution’s jewel until it proves itself otherwise. Any one may contain the needed adaptation(s) for that life line to continue. Each fertile egg is the future of any species.

The Biblical Theist … and “Being”

For the Biblical Theist, this personhood concept is also irrelevant. Since God “Himself gives to all life” (Acts 17:25), if the “being” issue is of concern to Him – well, that will be resolved between Him and that life. Everyone else is outside the loop.

Also, from a Biblical viewpoint, assaulting a fertile egg is beyond being a fool. It is insanity. “The hearts of the sons of men are full of evil, and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives” (Eccl 9:3). God, “the Lord … makes alive” (1Sam 2:6), and the stronger among us are given a special charge for protecting the weaker. To attack “innocent” human life at any point on its life-line … well, you do the math.

The Humanist … and “Being”

For the Humanist, this personhood issue is of great importance. By withholding this designation, the “non-being” is relegated to a blob of protoplasm. It depends on which Humanist you are talking with as to when “being” arrives. For some, it is when the umbilical cord is cut. For others, being “wanted” by one or more of the parents, earns “personhood” – while still in the womb. Other Humanists talk in terms of trimesters – so, it depends upon which Humanist you are talking with as to what opinion you will hear on the “being” issue. But all Humanists do agree on one point. Before the moment when “being” is reached, anyone can do anything he/she wants with this subhuman blob of protoplasm.

A Word To – “Mom”

Mom, if you search every mountaintop, every ocean bottom, every cave on earth – and even scour the nest of every living thing – in all of nature, you will not find even one human egg. If you look into a clear night sky, that vast universe (of which you are seeing the tiniest fraction) does not have … one human egg. If humanity is valuable, there is only one place it originates – in you. Through you come all the world’s thinkers, inventors, artists and leaders … and no one knows who will come from any particular womb. Humble circumstances have often spawned the world’s most productive citizens. Your womb, and man’s future, are inextricably intertwined. You are humanity’s gatekeeper.

Conclusion

Each fertile egg is a one-of-a-kind entity in all of past reality, present reality, and future reality. Each is genetically complete, astoundingly unique and beyond replication. Also, it is an exceedingly rare piece of living matter. It contains genetic “triggers” that engage at the proper times so the correct elements, in proper proportions, are corralled for the construction that unique adult. The fertile egg of the human – is the most sophisticated physical entity in the known universe. No matter rivals it. From a scientific perspective, one fertile egg is filled with inexhaustible wonders. The abortion debate begins here. I now stand in awe of the fertile egg … and its Creator.

John Tarr asked:


Treasure hunts have proven to be an exciting opportunity for any corporate or retail team. Many corporations, restaurants, retail stores, and more have participated in these fun and educational events.

A treasure hunt game usually includes a variety of elements. For instance, clues may need to be deciphered in order to pinpoint a location. Another activity that may take place during a treasure hunt is that of answering some quiz or trivia questions. Right answers will score more points for any team.

Another activity that sometimes takes place during a treasure hunt is the completion of a photo assignment. This is one thing that will further help a team score points and solve the treasure mystery.

It may also be necessary for a team to decide what it needs to help them better complete the treasure hunt tasks set before them. Therefore, they will often need to complete a shopping list.

Treasure hunts are easy to plan and they can take place almost anywhere. In fact, some organizations may prefer just to have these events take place right on the premises (the employer’s property). Professional activity planners can help an employer set up this event.

Usually some of the items needed for a treasure hunt activity include a local survey map, instant camera, clues written out, and trivia questions. These can be made-up or they can be derived from any activity book or board game.

A typical day for a group participating in treasure hunts usually starts with an event briefing. This is during when the rules and regulations as well as game play instructions are given. Then, the treasure hunt would usually start.

There may then be a break for lunch. Sometimes prizes are given out before or during lunch to the winners of each completed treasure hunt mission-or to the team with the most points.

After lunch there may be an evening treasure hunt briefing if a new game is played. During this briefing may include tips on how to improve each team’s overall play. This will further help each team succeed.

The prizes for winning a treasure event do not have to be very extravagant. Sample prizes that could be given to a winning team (or individual winners) usually are a bottle of champagne, dinner gift certificates, or a small amount of cash.

Treasure hunt days are probably one of the most economical of all events to place, as well as the most versatile. Likewise, these games can be played by a group of any size. Also, these events generally do not cost that much money.

Treasure hunts are ideal for many corporate or employer occasions. For instance, they could take place during an employee picnic, Christmas party, or incentive trip. These particular activity days sometimes occur during motivational conferences for managers as well.

The purpose of treasure hunt games is to foster communication and togetherness amongst a group of employees. Furthermore, this type of game also helps draw out the strengths of individual employees. This will allow management of a particular place of employment to see who is the most organized, the most creative, the most articulate, and who is the best listener.