The Early Bird Gets the DTV Converter

OK, I am set for DTV in February! I was beginning to panic.

I had ordered and received my DTV coupons some months ago. But I put them in the "drawer". Finally, I heard an announcement about the government was running out of coupons. And that the coupons had an expiration date.

I checked my expiration date and it was January 14th. Not a problem, right? The three Walmart stores convenient to me was out of the converter. And they did not know when they were coming in again. OK, I was shocked. I had coupons but no converters were available.

This morning shortly after 8 am, I started calling all the Walmart stores in the Indianapolis area. At the fifth store, they had some converters in stock. I went across town immediately.

As I walked to the electronics section, I saw a lady with two converters on her way to the cashier. As I approached the shelf, I dashed in front of an older lady. Luckily she only wanted one converter because that's what I left on the shelf for her.

Thanks to God, I did not have to feel guilty all day!

Ebola Death Claims Another; Total now 12

Doctors without Borders (MSF) says 12 persons have died from the Ebola Outbreak near Mweka (Kasai Occidental Province) in central Congo.

Bloomberg.com: Africa:

"Ebola hemorrhagic fever, one of the most feared infectious diseases, may have killed 12 people and infected at least 26 others, in an area of the Democratic Republic of Congo where a deadly outbreak occurred 15 months ago, a medical aid organization said.


Ebola infections may be occurring in ``new pockets'' in the Mweka district of Western Kasai Province, said Medecins Sans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders. The current outbreak claimed its first life on Nov. 27, the Geneva-based group said in an e-mailed statement today."

It's Enroute, 27 days and counting?!

Did all your presents get delivered by Christmas? James did not get his Christmas present.

Actually, it was an emergency package containing dental glue. James' tooth cap came off. So he asked me to send him some dental glue.

It has not arrived, yet. The package left New York on December 3, 2008. (I'm using the year in case!) Here's the USPS Tracking information.

Enroute Departure, December 03, 2008, 4:57 pm, ISC NEW YORK NY(USPS)
International Dispatch, December 03, 2008, 4:57 pm, ISC CHICAGO IL (USPS)
Processed, December 01, 2008, 8:32 pm, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46251
Acceptance, December 01, 2008, 1:54 pm, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46236

Update on the "Express Mail" to Congo

I got a text message this morning from my friend. It's still not there! He asked for the tracking number. LOL!

It's funny. SLAP, straighten up!

from my HTC phone!

Woody M. Collins
President, Congo Helping Hands
"Strengthening the Heart of Africa"

website: http://www.CongoHelpingHands.org
blog: http://www.EndingExtremePoverty.org
facebook: http://profile.to/woodycollins

Celebrating Year End

My workweek revolves around Sunday. Today was last Sunday of the December. So, I am ready to start work in the New Year now. Not really but I can focus on the tax year now!

I ended the year with sermon at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church. It was good way to end the year!