# 39, April 25, 2003

Low Sunday Is Coming, But to Help You Feel Better Shepson Gene Cox Is TV's Most Studly Anchor Man

A recent Style Weekly has announced that Shepson Gene was chosen as "the most studly anchor man in Richmond." The article has an amusing description of our Gene. It reads:

"Reporter Gene Cox is selected as "MOST STUDLY Male News Anchor."

To quote directly from a recent Style Weekly, "He's a grandfather, for Pete's sake. With bifocals and enough crevices to shame a Shar-Pei. He's gruff and opinionated and unimpressed by much. But Style voters insist that WWBT-TV 12's Gene Cox is the studliest anchorman in town, and they'll wager that his fondness for blue jeans beneath the news desk, his arid humor, his late night goof-ups and sly, smirking spirit are proof of studliness that defies the glamour-boy stereotypes. "Maybe they're mistaken the question for Studley up in Hanover County," Cox conjectures, "that I should be put out to pasture…." "There's a wonderful, intriguing mystery in the great unknown," Cox adds, "and in this particular category there's a lack of information, so I'm glad to come out ahead in a vacuum."

Just in case some of you are still a bit naive, the word "stud" is defined:

1a. A group of animals, especially horses, kept for breeding. b. A male animal, such as a stallion, that is kept for breeding. c. A stable or farm where these animals are kept. 2. Slang a. A man regarded as virile and sexually active. b. A man regarded as attractive. 3. Games Stud poker.

PH would assume that definition 2 is the one that is more appropriate. PH and Brenda were honored to receive a e-mail photo of the Cox family this past Christmas. PH has studied this photo more closely and Studly Gene is wearing blue jeans (in a family Christmas photo?) and there are some "crevices" noted on his countenance. If Gene is a studly anchor, what does that infer about Ellie? Perhaps PH should seek an in-depth interview with Ellie. In order for the reader to form his or her own opinions, attached to this PHA is a photo of the Cox family. Can you find the most studly anchor in this photo?

Genetically Connected Shepson Wannabe Gordon Thomson Visits Amsterdam During Holy Week

Last week PH was privileged to receive E-mail from Don Thomson's son Gordon. Gordon and family had spent a meaningful day in Amsterdam. He wrote the following to PH early on Easter morning.

"We made it back last night and some of us are up a little earlier than usual but know we'll be inspired by the service today.

As a matter of psychological profiling, we started that day in AMS with the Anne Frank House, a lovely breakfast at a nearby cafe, followed by a visit to an art gallery where the kids were introduced to Harry who explained his husband is fellow artist Maui (I'll explain more of that to Nathan later, though not much later), and then JC Superstar that night. So we started with persecution in the morning followed by persecution at night but with us all being saved and uplifted. Very Spectacular!

AMS is wide open to those with an open mind. Doesn't mean you have to agree but it seems to work somehow over there.

By the way, I did indirectly think of you at Anne Frank because it is a home that is in no way handicap accessible. I wondered what they would have done in the old days to accommodate a debilitated relative. The ground and first floor comprised the family business.

See you later!"

Gordon

PH notes that this fine letter includes so much in terms of history, family questions, persecution, repentance, different life styles, discrimination, and resurrection. For the record, Hitler went after the mentally defective, the physically and mentally handicapped and any others that did not improve his super race. In this case he was stopped to a large extent by a few brave souls in the Church and medical profession. Then Hitler turned his attention to the Jews and a very effective propaganda effort overcame what limited resistance existed. Anne Frank died in 1945 but her book lives on.

For more information on Hitler's elimination of the handicapped, PH refers the reader to: By Trust Betrayed: Patients, Physicians, and the License to Kill in the Third Reich by Hugh Gregory Gallagher.

The SSBSC Receives Thoughtful Thank You Notes:

Dear Class, Thank you all so very much for the beautiful Easter Lily! You never cease to amaze us with your love and generosity. Rick is about the same. He will begin speech therapy, OT and PT next week. Thank you for your continued prayers. Love, Rick and Linda

Dear Friends,

Thank you for all your many kindnesses. We appreciate so much the food you provided, for helping prepare and serve the luncheon, for ushering, for your beautiful cards and notes, and for your prayers. I've been overwhelmed by all your expressions of love.

Mel's happiest days at River Road Church, which he loved, began when he became a part of your class. He loved it.

Thank you again.

Love,

Shirley

Run, Don't Walk

The following medical article would indicate that vigorous exercise is more healthful than walking around Regency Mall.

"April 15, 2003 --
LONDON - A half-hour brisk walk every day may make you feel better, but it is not enough to ward off premature death from heart trouble, new research suggests.
     A study published this week in Heart, a British medical journal, found that only vigorous exercise - such as jogging, hiking, climbing stairs, racket sports and swimming - seems to help lower the risk of early death from heart disease.
     The study, conducted by scientists at Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, found that mild exercise - such as walking, bowling and sailing - as well as pursuits of moderate intensity - such as golfing, dancing and brisk walking - did not lower the risk of early death among 2,000 British men observed for a decade.
     "It's very compelling. It does kind of fly in the face of what we have been trying to tell people, and I think it will create a big stir," said Dr. Ron Sha, medical director of the Duke University Diet and Fitness Center in Durham, N.C." AP

PH Addendum: This article mentions such vigorous activities as jogging, hiking, stair climbing, racket sports and swimming. PH wonders if this list of vigorous activities is complete? Anchor Gene looks very fit in those jeans. There are also some rumors that "weak link" Dr. Rob works out.

Prayer Rounds

PH is not aware of any new prayer requests or concerns. Remember in your prayers the Torstrick family, Donna's friend Kim Dodson, Dot and Cecil Sherman, the Mears Family, Terry Marsh's parents, Chester's father, the Manor Bible Study Class, the Church Staff, the Pastor's Search Committee and those known only to you.

Spring Birthdays

Shepson Brenda Is Twenty-nine on Sunday and Shepson Doug Is Equally Young on May 2. Brenda was only twenty-two when PH married her. Our daughter Kathy is thirty-seven. Beautiful Mind Dick, please explain this mathematically?

Teacher Bob Is on a Roll

Teacher Bob does not read from ancient scrolls unless he has connections with Baghdad looters of ancient treasures, but he is reading from the NRSV Bible and is moving through chapter seven at a steady pace. This Sunday he will likely begin around verse forty and could actually complete chapter seven this Sunday. And do you Shepsons know what is coming next? PH always likes a little sex in the Bible. Here is a hint for what is coming, "Whichever one of you has committed no sin may throw the first stone at her."

Shepson Bill has suggested that we sing "O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee" (page 418). The SSBSC is imbedded with many piano players. PH can recall that Shepsons Doug Moyers, Julia Tyler, Brenda Holland, Anne James and Charlotte Simpson have laid hands on the keys when asked. Last Sunday Dr. "Dixie" Donna added her talents to our classical/gospel/traditional piano. What a friend Jesus has in these music makers!

Blest Be the Tie Is in the New Hymnbook

A rumor had spread that "Blest Be The Tie" was not in the new hymnbook. Could this be the work of the devil/serpent/Episcopalians/liberals? Last Wednesday night those present enjoyed an educational and talented program presented by Dr. Christopher Lindbloom. We learned a lot about the new hymnbook. While singing hymn number 437, several of us present noticed that hymn number 438 on the opposite page was "Blest Be The Tie." Thus, this familiar hymn may see a resurrection soon. Believe it or not there are two Fanny Crosby hymns in this hymnbook and we sang "To God Be the Glory," which everyone present seemed to know.

Do the People of War Torn Iraq Want Christian Proselytizers?

PH enjoys Texas Columnist Molly Ivins because she seems to have a blunt sense of humor. She recently wrote:

"Worst Idea of the Month: Fundamentalist Christian missionaries are now salivating over the prospect of going to Iraq to convert the hapless heathen. This is guaranteed to make America as popular as the clap (PH hint-Ask Drs. Carolyn or George about this pathology) in the region. The Southern Baptists are poised to deploy en masse, reminding us of Texas newspaperman William Brann's famous comment, "The trouble with our Texas Baptists is that we do not hold them under water long enough." The proselytizing fundamentalists plan to offer physical aid as well as spiritual enlightenment, which will make life difficult for traditional aid workers who do not proselytize."

Meanwhile in Wednesday's Richmond's Times Dispatch a story by Alberta Lindsey reported that six career Southern Baptist missionaries have refused to sign the revised Baptist Faith and Message and will likely resign or be fired. The article also reported that forty-two SBC missionaries have already resigned or plan to resign. One couple Rick and Nancy Dill have served for twenty-two years in Germany. They opposed the new Baptist Faith and Message and felt that their resignation would be inappropriate because they are "guilty of no misconduct or false teaching and have been accused of none." IMB president Jerry Rankin did say that if a missionary decides not to sign the Baptist Faith and Message "we regret that but appreciate the integrity of conscience it demonstrates." How would Jesus view all of this? Sign the creed or maintain integrity of conscience? PH

Poor Henry's Archives

April 18, 2003
April 11, 2003
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March 28, 2003
March 21, 2003
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March 6, 2003
February 27, 2003
February 20, 2003
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February 6, 2003
January 30, 2003
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