Good News Tucson - A Family Values Publication

Send your letters for ‘Mailbag’ to: mailbag@goodnewstucson.com or
click on "Comment on this article" link near top of page.

July 2008

Dear Editor,
I thoroughly enjoy reading your publication (enough that I subscribe so as to guarantee receiving it at home each month). I especially like the new magazine type look.

One concern about this months issue though, the display of cleavage on a teenage girl on the cover. I have 2 teenage daughters that I am trying to stress Christian modesty in their dress. It was a big disappointment to see immodesty represented in a Christian publication.

All around though this is a great publication. Keep up the good work on representing Christ in our community.
Via email, Sandy S., Vail, AZ

Hello,
I just wanted to leave a message – I picked up an issue of the Good News at the Library with my children, I have four kids, and my nine-year-old, noticed, she went, “Oh my goodness, Mom,” and pointed to the girl on the front cover, who’s well, to put it not so... her chest is just kind of coming out of her shirt. And I’m just really surprised, because all of the other magazines we expect that from and as a family we just try to ignore those worldly things like that, but we’re really disappointed to see that in your magazine and I just wanted to make a formal complaint about that and I hope that you actually take it seriously and not just wave it off because I think that a lot of us are offended by it because then we have no where else to turn if we can’t go to a Christian publication.
Via phone, Anonymous

Editor’s Note: Thank you to our readers who expressed concern over the cover image on the June issue of Good News Tucson. While it is never our intention to offend, we also know that the image chosen is a fair representation of many of today’s teens. Our goal, as a family-values publication, is to reach as many people as possible with stories and issues that affect their daily lives. As the next letter shows, we believe we achieved our goal.

Good News Tucson,
My mom picked up your magazine and gave it to me after reading your story about MySpace. At the end of school, I was caught in a situation where several of my friends and I were saying not nice things about each other on our MySpace pages, just being stupid, but someone else read it and thought we were serious. It was an eye opener for me to be careful what I post on the internet. Thanks for talking about things that are important to people my age - I could totally see my friends and I sitting around the computer, just like your picture. That's how we spend a lot of our time. Now I'm being more careful. I hope other teens will be more careful, too.

Sincerely,
Dixie S. Age 15 (Via Email)

I was really surprised when I saw the May "Good News Tucson". It was in a good way. What a sharp, clean-looking, colorful, convenient-sized publication! I am really impressed with the new look.

If my memory serves me right (but I could be wrong about this) it was about a year or so ago that a suggestion was made to change the format of the paper by downsizing it. I thought at that time the change was planned to be a "soon to happen thing". It seemed like enough comments came in from readers protesting this and saying basically "don't change a good thing". From this I gathered that no changes were going to be made and life would go on in the same old way.

I don't recall hearing anything recently about a change coming (maybe there was and I just missed it). If you snuck this change in on us you "done" a good thing!

I congratulate you on the change.
Thor Moldrem

March 2008

GNT Endorsing Tattoos?

We've been watching the recent changes in Good News Tucson, and were surprised to see this past issue endorsing tattoos. Could you tell me your thought processes behind this article?

-Jan H. (submitted online)

Dear Jan,
Our intentions were not to endorse tattoos, but to explain the reasons why people get them. We always strive to present the facts from all perspectives while remaining non-judgmental. Our "thought processes"? Well, they are always about bringing families together -- as this next letter represents ...

Reader Copes with Challenge

My son got a tattoo of a cross with Jr. Sr. on it in memory of his dad. I was very upset about it. Your article may help me to cope with what he did to his body.

-Lillian E. (submitted online)

International Festival Great Success!

Dear Editor,
I would like to thank you, Jacqueline and the rest of your staff for the beautiful article that you wrote about our 1st Annual International Festival which we held on February 16.

Thank you again so much for your generosity in covering our event. The Festival was a great success, partly because of Good News Tucson.

Best wishes from Holy Resurrection Antiochian Orthodox Church

-Lucy Abdulnour, Holy Resurrection
Antiochian Orthodox Church

How Do I Subscribe?

Dear Good News Tucson,

How can I subscribe to you paper?

-Tracy G.

Dear Tracy,
You can subscribe via phone at (520) 792-6650, online (click here) or via US Mail to Media Solutions Group, Inc. 3755 E. 34th St #107 Tucson, AZ 85713. The cost for a one year subscription is $9 (to cover postage).

February 2008

Culinary Corner makes the Single Life a Little Tastier!

Dear Beth,
I am a single guy that currently lives alone. As a bachelor, I can admit that the microwave is my main kitchen tool these days. But around a month ago, I thought I would try something outside of my usual (and healthy) TV Dinner or canned food item, and thought I would dust off my stove and make some soup.

My Mom used to make soup all the time, so I thought "this will be an easy meal to fix up. Heck I can do it with my eyes closed even." As I would find out that day, cooking is not a skill that is inherited! Alas, I failed - miserably. In fact, it didn't even resemble soup, it looked more like... well, let's just say it was bad. I gave it to my dogs thinking surely they will eat it, but they wanted no part of it!

So here I was, watching my dogs cautiously sniff this plate of "Soup Gone Wrong" and thinking to myself: "God, if you know what's good for me, you had better lead me to a woman that can cook." A few weeks later I noticed your recipes in the January edition of Good News Tucson and thought I would dare to try again - with one of your recipes. I made your recipe for "Pronto Taco Soup" being sure to carefully follow the instructions this time. It turned out fantastic! I have since made it again, and the second time I even had company - and they loved it too! Thanks for the great recipes! I will make it a point to collect your column from here on out, so that if one day God ever leads me to a woman who can cook, I may even be able to impress her with my (your) cooking!

-Mike P (submitted online)

New Link for Submitting Community Events

In your last issue, I noticed that the event calendar is gone. We used it occasionally to publish our events. How can I get our information in your magazine?

Thanks!

-Sally B. (submitted online)

Sally,
Beginning with our January issue, we have modified the Community Events section of the magazine to feature upcoming community events. If you have an event that you would like to be considered for publication, go to the following link:
http://goodnewstucson.com/form/event.php. Fill out the form and you will be contacted by Good News Tucson regarding your event.

Editor's Note: In the January issue of Good News Tucson, the MixFM song of the month incorrectly featured a picture of Bobby from the "Good Clean Fun Morning Show." The song was chosen by Mrs. Grant. We apologize for this error.

December 2007

Diaper Bank “Thank You” Reminds Us Need Is Still Great

Dear Editor,
Thank you so much for the Diaper Bank article [Oct 2007]. Helping our seniors remain active, helping poverty level families gain independence and stay healthy, helping our citizens with disabilities contribute to our community is what it's all about for us. Diapers seem like a small thing but they are a basic need that isn't met by government programs. We need the generous Tucson community to help us meet this need. Your article will go a long way in doing that. Thank You!

-Lynda Hanna
Community Diaper Bank Board President

Discovered GNT Online, But Would Like A Physical Paper

Dear Editor,
I stumbled upon GoodNewsTucson.com, and was unaware that your wonderful paper exisits!
Where can I find the actual paper?

-Tina M.

Dear Tina,
GNT can be found in over 900 locations throughout the city -- search locations by zipcode at GoodNewsTucson.com (click on ‘Find GNT’) or order home delivery for $9 a year using the online form.

October 2007

Readers Respond With Thoughts On Prayer In School

Dear Editor,
I'm not really sure if there is a 'God', or not. However, I firmly believe that when prayer was a firm foundation in our schools, children were made aware of an 'all-knowing' higher power. This knowledge made them constantly aware of their conscience, and the difference between right and wrong.

Without this knowledge, children do not feel that they are constantly being watched and are more likely to act out negatively

-Vicki P.

Dear Editor,
As a Christian, I'm troubled when truth and reason aren't forefront in our analyses of the news of the day. In your editorial, you quote from a letter purportedly written to "God" asking why God didn't save schoolchildren in horrible acts of violence on school campuses. "God's" answer is "I am not allowed in schools."

This is dishonest and unreasonable; for starters, as Christians we believe in a God who is everywhere, and government-sponsored prayer is not necessary for the presence of God to be felt on public school campuses. But what's worse is the implication that God could have saved those children from violence if only God had been free to act in schools -- not true! God doesn't work that way, and the example of the Amish school shooting of 10/2/06 (conspicuously missing from the list) shows that even religious schools can be victimized by violence. Making a link between lack of forced prayer in school and increase in violence is unreasonable.

It's probably more reasonable to question our culture -- both secular and Christian -- which promotes violence and war as a way of solving problems of all kinds. If we promote peace at home and peace in the world, we are more likely to see peace in schools -- without forcing children to pray to our God.

-Kynn B.

Kynn,
Thank you for your letter. We were not implying that God could have saved those children from violence if there was prayer in schools - we were merely trying to invite dialogue regarding the connection, if any, to the seemingly growing lack of morals in our country and the growing trend to take God out of everything. I agree with what you say about our culture and how it promotes violence and war. My question is, why does our culture promote violence and war?

- Johnny J.

TNT’s Saving Grace: I Agree ... and Disagree

Dear Editor,
You keep saying 'HOLLYWOOD' as code for 'LIBERAL' but this show was made by FOX and shot largely in CANADA. I found it offensive as it seemed to present a trailer-park version of God that would undoubtedly appeal to a lot of conservatives.

-Wanda M.

Immodest Dress Concerns

Dear Editor,
I used to pick up the Good News paper at the local Fry's store. Some months back you set up a system of being able to have it delivered to homes so I requested it be delivered to my house at that time. I was/am very pleased about that. Thank you. I appreciate all the good information in the magazine and share things from the paper with family and friends.

In this last issue [August, 2007] I was very pleased about the article regarding Pure Fashion. That was/is needed in this day and time. I have grandchildren who are teenagers and so this is important for me to be able to have some influence on them in this area.

[I was, however] disappointed at a few pictures in the Good News paper, which rather contradicts your message of purity in dress... For instance on page 42 Martina McBride is in, what I feel, is an immodest dress. I don't think that dress would fit into the guidelines listed on page 29. I can say the staff does a super good job with this quality of information.

I am writing this to express my views and hope you will carefully consider what you [print] in the future.

Sincerely with good intentions,
Mary A.

Editors note: This letter has been edited for space.

September 2007

Modesty ‘Hits Home’ For Former Rebellious Teen, Now Mother

Dear Editor:
Thank you for the wonderful articles on helping girls stay modest but still be in fashion. Growing up in a conservative Christian home, I had to wear the ugliest clothes, because my parents thought that fashion and Christianity didn’t mix. A lot of kids made fun of me and I had very low self-esteem.

As I grew up, I didn’t want to live the way my parents did with all these “you can’t”s! I left home and the church. I’ve since discovered that my parents were trying to show me the importance of who I was on the inside. Still, I don’t want my kids to go through the same problems! I think we can be a better example to others if we care about our hearts and the way we present ourselves to them.

Our family especially appreciated the “Back to School on a Budget” article – it made our back-to-school shopping fun instead of a battle. I hope you continue to offer issues like this one!

-Priscilla M.

Dear Priscilla,
We enjoyed the topic, and working with the kids. We hope to follow-up with a similar piece in the coming months.

- GNT

45 Days Smoke Free, Now Looking To Share With Others

Dear Editor:
A couple of months ago your paper had an article about smoking and quitting smoking. I have now been smoke free for 45 days. I would like to get a copy to send to my parents who have been smoking since before I was born. Is it possible to get a copy? Thank you for helping me make this important life change!

-Jim H.

Dear Jim,
Congratulation -- keep up the good work!
You can view the article you mentioned, as well as all articles from the past year at GoodNewsTucson.com. From the home page, click on “Read The Paper,” and then select the cover image of the issue you would like to read -- you’ll head straight to the table of contents! If you have trouble finding the topic you’re looking for, try our Goggle search engine in the upper right.

You can also sign up for home delivery with the coupon on page 9 of this issue.

- GNT

Retraction

In the August 2007 Issue of Good News Tucson, Dress Rehearsal at 2840 E. Skyline was incorrectly listed in the editorial sidebar for "Back to School on a Budget" as a resale/consignment option. Dress Rehearsal is actually a Full Fashion Boutique with the most current fashions from around the world. We regret our error.

August 2007

Applause For New Youthlink!

Hi,
I just wanted to thank you for your recent issues of Good News Tucson. I really like the new Youthlink - it was cool because my daughter looked forward to picking up the new issue this past month. I also like that you are featuring upcoming Christian concerts - nobody else in town does this! Thank you and keep up the great work!

May God bless!
Jamie G.

Coupons For MyTucsonEvents.com

Dear GNT Staff,
Now that MyTucsonEvents.com offers the ‘Quick Form’ and the ability to place recurring events, I am very impressed with the new event calendar. However, I am having difficulty using my coupon code to offset the entire cost of all the recurring events. Can you please tell me what I’m doing wrong?

Joanne

Dear Joanne,
We are also very excited about the recent improvements to MyTucsonEvents.com! The ‘Quick Form’ is very easy to use, and the addition of the recurring events has been quite helpful to many of our regular calendar users. Your question, however, is one that has been asked by several of our regular users so we thought we should print our answer.

MyTucsonEvents has two types of listings, Standard and Featured; Featured events basically ‘own’ the day, and appear first on the date of the calendar. Standard events, list ‘behind’ the featured events and can be viewed by clicking on the pink ‘all this date’ box. Standard events can be listed free of charge on ANY calendar, by using the code “gnt” (without the quotation marks) for the next few months. Good News Tucson will email you a coupon code for a FEATURED event on the faith communities calendar only if you request them at www.goodnewstucson.com

GNT coupon codes work for only one listing (not recurring events), where-as the ‘gnt’ code can be used multiple times at checkout. So, use the ‘gnt’ code only for recurring events, and type ‘gnt’ into the coupon code box. Each time you do this, it will lower your balance by one event, until your balance is zero.

GNT

HPV Article Brings Yearly Exam Reminder

Dear Editor,
I was disappointed in your articles in the July 2007 issue on HPV vaccine.

Even if the HPV vaccine were perfect and available to all women it is not adequate protection. The writers should have reminded women to call their women’s health provider to schedule a Pap smear to detect possible cervical cancer. Yearly Pap smears of the cervix for women 21 and older are the single most important action women can take to protect themselves against dying from cervical cancer by identifying it in early stages when it can be treated successfully. Unfortunately your articles also omitted to include the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/default.htm#vaccine.

The cause of penile cancer, cervical cancer and genital warts are Human Paplloma Viruses (HPV). Merck has been campaigning aggressively to persuade State legislatures to mandate (and fund) administration of their vaccine, Gardasil, against Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV) to all 13 year old girls in order to reduce the rate of cervical cancer.

This vaccine protects against four common Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV). Gardasil vaccine has been demonstrated to protect women, aged 9 to 26, against four of the commonest “high-risk” types of HPV. It has been released by the FDA only for females between 9 and 26 years old.

Gardasil’s safety and effectiveness for women older than 26 is being tested currently and is not yet established. Its safety and effectiveness for boys and men is still being tested. Since men are the primary spreaders of these viruses it would seem wiser to vaccinate boys and men as well as girls and women against HPV.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that Gardasil, the Merck vaccine, must be given as a series of three shots over a period of six months. The second shot is given 2 months after the first; the last shot is given six months after the first.

The cost for women under 19 who are Medicaid eligible (AHCCCS), or American Indian or Alaska Native will be covered by VFC, Vaccines for Children. Some insurance plans may cover it. The retail cost is approximately $120 per shot, for a total of $360 for all three shots. (One shot is NOT enough.) Gardasil should not be given to pregnant women. Other vaccines from other drug houses are being developed and tested.

Women, have a pelvic examination yearly, including a Pap smear. HPV infection is frequently without symptoms in women and in men.

It is possible to have several HPV infections at the same time. It is also possible to have other sexually transmitted diseases at the same time. There is no substitute for yearly examinations and early detection of STDs and cervical and penile cancers and genital warts.

Patricia McKnight, R.N., M.S.N., M.P.H.
Health Educator, Tucson
Retired faculty, U of Hawaii/Manoa & UofAz.

Reader Disagrees With HPV Article

I read your article. I am a Christian, trying to raise two girls in the same world where sex is promoted everywhere.

I felt scared when I read your article, and pray not everyone feels like you - especially in the name of Christianity. Just because we are Christians, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t protect our kids.

Vaccinating them does not promote sex. Why do people take good advances in medicine and think of them as “promotions of sin?” I really don’t understand this type of thinking.

You are raising your daughters with morals and a belief system. This is wonderful! However, I warn you not to be naive in thinking that they won’t stray, as we all do, from it. Especially as teenagers and young adults. I am sure they will come back to it.

Please don’t think of vaccinations as promoting sin, and promote them as such! It would be a shame for good Christian women to come down with a preventable virus and not be able to bear any children in their future, because their dad thought the vaccination promoted sin.

When they marry, who is to say that their husband, whom I bet will be more “experienced” does not carry this virus and not even know at as a lot of men do? If your daughter is infected, you could risk her not being able to have children. That would be a shame.

I hope you accept this with an open heart. I am not trying to harshly criticize you. I am trying to warn you. This vaccine can help prevent a widespread and potentially deadly virus. Please don’t risk your girls health because you think it promotes sin. It doesn’t. People sin, not vaccines.

-Kim

PCH Offers More HPV Details

Dear Editor,
After reading your article I felt it important to respond to some of your statements.

1) “but with the parents in states where the vaccine has become mandatory.” As of the update July 11, 2007 Virginia is the only state with a school requirement for the vaccine. As with all vaccines required for schools or child cares, they can be exempted by their guardian for personal beliefs.

Arizona: S.B. 1385 would allocate $2.6 million from the 2007 – 2008 state general
funds to pay for the HPV vaccine for women 21 to 26 years of age. Also reports a federal funding match of $5.6 million. S.B. 1437 would appropriate $200,000 for outreach and education on numerous vaccines, including the HPV vaccine. S.B. 1502 would require insurance providers to cover the cost of the HPV vaccine. H.B. 2086 would require insurance coverage of the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screenings. Web site; www.ncsi.org/programs/health/HPVvaccine.htm.

2) “Unlike other mandatory vaccines (such as tuberculosis, etc.),” There is no vaccine for tuberculosis used in the United States. Web site; www.cdc.gov

3) “HPV is not a disease easily contracted,” Human Papillomavirus is easily contracted during sexual contact even without penetration. Web site; www.cdc.gov.

4) “and the current vaccines being tested are effective against, at most, four sub-types.” The current vaccine (Gardasil) not being tested, the testing is completed before the vaccine can be licensed, has types 6, 11, 16, & 18 with a 95 to 100% efficacy. Types 6 and 11 are responsible for >90% of genital warts, and types 16 and 18 are responsible for >70% of cervical cancers. Web site; www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/default.htm

5) “Whether or not a child gets the vaccine should be the parents’ decision, not the state’s,” says Clark” As said before the guardian always has the choice of exemption with all vaccines, but with some diseases there are stipulations in the event of an out break of the disease, which would not include HPV. Web site; www.azdhs.gov/phs/immun/

6) “lack of research that alarms others.” The United States has the strongest requirements for licensing vaccines in the world. Web site; www.cdc.gov

7) “’safe’ drug called Vioxx.” Vaccine vs. Drug, comparing apples to potatoes.

8) “so called ‘safe’ vaccine?” All vaccines have a potential for reactions, this fact is always disclosed. The reactions for the most part are localized. Web site; www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/default.htm

9) Cost – Pima County Health Department clinics provide HPV for girls from 11 to 18 years of age for an administration fee of 15 dollars per visit, but we do recommend that the child’s PCP be the one to provide the vaccine because even though we provide education we do not provide follow up health care, which we believe is as important as the vaccine. East office: 298-3888, South office: 889-9543, North office 293-4620, Green Valley office: 648-1626, & Ajo office: 1-520-387-7206.

Rodney Frable,
Communicable Disease Investigator; Vaccine Preventable Disease & Immunization Program;
Pima County Health Department

Dear Readers,
There are numerous opinions about the HPV vaccine; and significant information to be taken into consideration. We remind our readers that the GNT July article on HPV was meant only to encourage parents to remain informed on all health matters regarding their children.

The above professionals who took time to contribute to ‘Mailbag’ will certainly help further that goal.

GNT

July 2007

Hidden Ticket Was Hidden ... Well, Way Too Well!

Dear Good News Tucson,
I looked for the hidden ticket in last month’s [June] issue of Good News Tucson and could not find it anywhere! I even had my husband, and a friend, look for it as well -- can you please tell us where it was hidden because our curiosity is getting the best of us!

Sincerely,
Sylvia, James & Marcie

Dear Sylvia, James & Marcie,
I applaud your efforts in searching for the hidden ticket! Although we’ve heard from many of our readers over the years that there have been some ‘challenging months’ in actually locating the Hidden Ticket --this is only the second month where we actually received letters and phone calls asking for assistance.

Obviously, it would be unfair to give away the Hidden Ticket location during the actual contest -- but since we only notify the winners, and not everyone is always correct, we always post the correct answer to the hidden ticket location from the prior month, on the Hidden Ticket contest page @ GoodNewsTucson.com.

J. Johnson - Editor

EVAN Almighty Was GREAT!

Dear Good News Tucson,
I just wanted to say thanks for the movie last night [EVAN Almighty Pre-Screening}. It was quite a treat. I liked it much better than Bruce Almighty. Are family (and guest) extend our thanks.

Blessings,
L Joyce

Dear Good News Tucson,
I wanted to thank your staff for giving me the opportunity to go to the movie pre-view of Evan Almighty. It was great to see that when Hollywood wants to make a good movie, they can. I hope it does well so they will make more like it.

Sincerely,
W. Goodwin

Enjoying The ‘New Look’

Dear Good News Tucson,
I have been reading Good News Tucson for too many years to count. I have watched it go through several transformations, and adjustments to content. I thought it was time to write and thank you for the excellent job you are doing for our city.

Not only does the paper provide quality information that is useful to local families, but the recent change to your format and the addition of the MUSIC4life section, is quite appealing. Thanks for maintaining a great balance, that all readers can enjoy.

Sincerely,
M. Howard

June 2007

Readers Express Thanks

Dear Good News Tucson,
We picked up our mail rather late today, and we were pleasantly surprised to receive [our winnings from the GNT Hidden Ticket Contest] promotional DVD "Charlottes Web". We will view it tomorrow, and I know for certain we will enjoy watching it. We will also share it with friends.

You have made our week more enjoyable! Thank you so much!

Gratefully,
Elizabeth & Leonard

You Found Gramma's Recipe!

Dear Food Editor,
Thank You! Thank You! Thank you! You completely made my day!

When I was growing up, my grandmother used to make these incredible cinnamon sticky buns for breakfast, every time I went to spend the night at her house. I had totally forgotten about those wonderfully warm and sticky delights until I saw the recipe you had in Culinary Corner last month [May, 2007]. As soon as I saw the recipe, I realized that it was something I had to make up for my kids.

We had fun making them, I enjoyed the trip down memory lane, plus we created some memories of our own.

We love your paper -- thanks for putting it out there for our family.

Sincerely,
The Hicks Family

A Tribute to Dr. Jerry Falwell

August 11, 1933 - May 15, 2007

Good News Tucson Magazine joins the nation in remembering the passing of the Rev. Jerry Falwell. We applaud his quest to champion morality and family values as he organized individuals around this country to stand up for their rights.

In addition to his political and social endeavors, Dr. Falwell established the Thomas Road Baptist Church in 1956 where he pastored for more than 50 years. He founded Liberty University in 1971 and oversaw its rise to prominence as the largest evangelical University in America .