Why are hospitals so sensitive about suggestions on improving their decors and other matters of style?   During my recent holiday in a hospital, I felt compelled to offer suggestions on how the medical facility could look a little better, a little snappier, a little more stylish. Why are hospitals so sensitive about suggestions on improving their decors and other matters of style?   During my recent holiday in a hospital, I felt compelled to offer suggestions on how the medical facility could look a little better, a little snappier, a little more stylish.   To begin, I suggested hospital personnel put tropical fish in those IV bottles and plastic bags that hang from those iron poles. Left unadorned, those quart bottles just hang there, looking like one of those bottles tied to hats of sports fanatics with sipping tubes running down into the bearer’s mouth or, in the case of an IV, an arm. Quite frankly, they are boring, boring, boring.   Just think how much more designer they would be if tropical fish were swimming around in them, sort of like those tropical fish in those bowls with plants growing out of their tops. There could be an array of colors and shapes of … [Read more...]

For the week of November 7, 2002 Arizona foundation Officials have announced the filing of new charges of white-collar crime against five former officials of the Baptist Foundation of Arizona. A grand jury returned a 32-count indictment against William Pierre Crotts, the foundation’s former president, and four other leaders charged with fraud, racketeering and theft in the $570 million collapse of the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention agency in 1999. The men are accused of masterminding a scheme in which 11,000 people lost money after being led to believe their investments would be safe and would help promote Baptist work in the state. "We will not rest until the people responsible for these financial losses meet justice," Arizona Attorney General Janet Napalitano said in a statement announcing the charges. A judge threw out the original charges on a technicality. LC Wildcat Day Louisiana College has scheduled its Wildcat Day for Nov. 16 on the Pineville campus. Wildcat Day is designed to give students an overview of college life at Louisiana College. Students have the opportunity to meet current students and faculty, while parents are able to gather financial aid information. The event is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the … [Read more...]

Concerted disaster relief efforts in South Louisiana have ended after a multi-state response following a pair of storms that hit the state just days apart a few weeks ago.   In addition to Louisiana Baptists, 10 other Baptist state conventions responded during the recent efforts following Tropical Storm Isidore and Hurricane Lili. Teams of volunteers engaged in feeding and cleanup operations. Concerted disaster relief efforts in South Louisiana have ended after a multi-state response following a pair of storms that hit the state just days apart a few weeks ago.   In addition to Louisiana Baptists, 10 other Baptist state conventions responded during the recent efforts following Tropical Storm Isidore and Hurricane Lili. Teams of volunteers engaged in feeding and cleanup operations.   Specialized disaster relief units also offered showers and laundry services to persons impacted by the storms.   In addition, other Baptists made financial contributions to enable the work.   While the two recent storms did not hit Louisiana as hard as in the past, hundreds and hundreds of people were affected by wind and water damage. However, within hours after each storm, Southern … [Read more...]

There are some who go through life, moving from job to job, city to city. However, 85-year-old Mabel Smith is what she calls a "stay-putter."   "Some people are meant to stay around, and others are meant to stay put," says Smith, who recently retired from playing the organ at First Baptist Church of Tioga.   After 61 years, the Pineville native decided it was time to hand over the reins to someone else. There are some who go through life, moving from job to job, city to city. However, 85-year-old Mabel Smith is what she calls a "stay-putter."   "Some people are meant to stay around, and others are meant to stay put," says Smith, who recently retired from playing the organ at First Baptist Church of Tioga.   After 61 years, the Pineville native decided it was time to hand over the reins to someone else.   "Two weeks before my 84th birthday, I told my church that it was time," Smith says. "I wanted to retire while I still could cut it. I didn’t want them to come to me and say I couldn’t cut it."   First Baptist Church pastor David Cranford says Smith taught many of the church members music.   "She is the most influential member of the … [Read more...]

Next week at the Louisiana Baptist Convention in Bossier City, ministers and church search committee members will be able to see how the convention Web site could revolutionize ministry opportunities and placement.   Those individuals will have the chance to submit requests for openings and position placements at www.lbc.org through a new resume referral service for ministers and search committees. Next week at the Louisiana Baptist Convention in Bossier City, ministers and church search committee members will be able to see how the convention Web site could revolutionize ministry opportunities and placement.   Those individuals will have the chance to submit requests for openings and position placements at www.lbc.org through a new resume referral service for ministers and search committees.   LBC Church Minister Relations Director Alan Miller said his department will operate a booth at this year’s state convention. A computer will be located at the booth, where persons can view the state convention Web site and the resume page.   Also, a digital camera will be available to take ministers’ photographs. Those pictures will be submitted through the Web site program … [Read more...]